One of the fast grown trends in many restaurants is the Buffet System.

A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a common area where the diners generally serve themselves.

>> Buffet restaurants typically offer all-you-can-eat food for a set price.

Buffets make it possible to choose the item one likes, in the quantity one likes and to serve in the style or combination that one likes.

In our modern society, such a Buffet System, is however, extended beyond the taste buds..

>> The trend, today, is also to have a Buffet Style for our Souls…

Spirituality and religion is also, today, under the great influence of being enclosed in a buffet system!

Very often, religious aspects, spirituality, the Church and our Christian Faith are treated like a big buffet.

>> We take as much of what we like and want, but leave behind what we do not like.

>> We skip what’s too hard to swallow, what we disagree with, or what does not fit our personal opinions and beliefs.

The Gospel of the Day, however, warns against opting such a “Pick-n-Choose” Buffet System in our Spiritual Life.

The Passage begins with the verse, “Great crowds were travelling with Jesus and He turned and addressed them…” (Lk 15:25)

Crowds gather where there is something new and exciting happening…

The crowds looked at Jesus as a great wonder-worker.

>> Jesus was the new buffet for them…

>> Jesus had a great variety in His menu…

He offered healing for those in sicknesses and in distress…

>> He offered exorcisms for those in bondage and captivity…

>> He offered teaching to those lost in life and inspired a renewed zest for life…

He had bread for the hungry, wine for the saddened, freedom for the oppressed…

…new vision for the wayward, hope for the crushed ones and new energy for the lifeless!

Some followed Jesus for His mighty healing works…

>> Some for His power as a prophet and preacher…

>> Some for His bread-multiplying abilities and nature-arresting potentials…

>> Some for His power to arouse curiosity and generate excitement…

He had with Him, what they wanted.

>> And they gathered around, surrounded, and pressed on him.

But the Lord was clear in His intents…

>> He chose neither popularity nor quick fame nor cashed in on reputation and recognition…

He would not let the crowds to adopt a ‘Buffet Spirituality’ in following Him.

He would make sure that the crowds realized that such a spirituality would not win His approval.

And so, He clearly proclaims, “If anyone comes to me, without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

>> Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14: 26-27)

Jesus wants a clear priority from the part of His followers.

>> He demands a radical choice for Him.

This choice would mean a love and a priority for Jesus, which goes beyond one’s blood kindred, one’s emotional relations,  one’s attachments to various entities and even one’s own very self!

We need to have a hard look into ourselves…

We sacrifice many years to study and gain education…

>> We sacrifice many sleeps and many weekends to have a successful career…

>> We sacrifice desserts and tempting food to have a healthy and wholesome lifestyle…

>> We sacrifice much time, money and energy to gain many skills and improve talents…

These are all are great and important aspects of our life.

But what costs are willing to pay, to follow Jesus wholly?

>> What sacrifices are we willing to make, as the disciples of Jesus?

Very often, we are content with a Buffet Style of Spirituality…

We serve ourselves…

… a little bit of the Gospel values and teachings…

… a handful of prayers and devout practices…

… a tiny measure of occasional petitions and time with God in our needs…

… a few morsels of forwarding some Bible verses and messages…

>> And we feel that our Life as a Christian is “pretty tasty” with this Buffet Serving.

The Lord, is perhaps telling us…”It is not enough!“

>> Unless you take a few more steps in self-renunciation…

… you can’t be My disciple.

>> Unless you seek to give the first priority to Me in all aspects…

…. you can’t be my disciple.

>> Unless you involve yourself more deeply into spiritual matters…

… you can’t be My disciple.

The Buffet Meal is more cheap…

… but a Buffet Spirituality will certainly deprive us in becoming His authentic disciples.

Let us cease the “pick-n-choose” method in our spirituality.

>> Let’s instead…

… prioritize Jesus in all the dimensions of our life.

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

May the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, help us to deepen our love towards Her..

… and may we, holding Her Hands, walk in the path of God, more faithfully and strongly committed!

As Fulton J Sheen says:

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

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

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

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

>> We Love you, Dearest Mamma!

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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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!”

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The story goes of a large castle which lay abandoned for a large number of years.

>> Being considered haunted or jinxed, it failed to have buyers.

But a young man, without giving heed to any of those fears, purchased it.

The castle had a large attic, with a huge number of things being dumped in it.

>> The man decided to take up the task of cleaning this attic.

While cleaning, the man found, in the corner of the attic, a very old vase, fully covered with dust!

>> Taking it in his hands, as he began to wipe it with a cloth, the man discovered that it was a priceless item that he was holding on!

It was a Diamond Vase!

Unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered…

… the Diamond Vase, on being dusted, became a priceless “bonus” for that man.

How often in our lives, we too have many such “Diamond Vases” – unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered.

>> It’s highly essential that time and again, we dust off the “unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered” entities in life, to discover their preciousness!

One of such “Diamond Vases” are the precious and timeless truths that can be discovered from the Holy Bible.

Today we shall attempt to “wipe off” the dust from a precious teaching – the Sabbath  – to reveal its greater implications in our life and to discover its preciousness!

The Gospel of the day is another Sabbath controversy.

While going through the grain-fields, the disciples of Jesus plucked and ate some of the heads of grain (Lk 6: 1)

>> But this supposedly forbidden “act of work” was “caught” by the Law Policemen – the Pharisees.

Probably, the disciples had not thought of the fact that they were now enjoying the status of being “special celebrities” – since they were the close associates of the Rising mega-star – Jesus!

>> And mega-stars and special celebrities always get followed, isn’t it?

Each of their movement is followed… Each of their talk is taped!

Thus, Jesus and His disciples also found themselves being followed and observed, in all their actions and talks!

The point of contention was the Sabbath Rule – which as per the Pharisees…

… rendered the “work of the disciples” – plucking and eating the heads of grain – as being unlawful and therefore, culpable!

When we seek to trace the the original purpose of “Sabbath”, we could consider a couple of aspects:

1. The “Law” of Sabbath at Creation

If Sabbath can be considered as a “Law”, then it goes to say without doubt that the Law of Sabbath was a “principle of creation” itself.

Gen 2: 3: “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, He rested from all the work he had done in creation”

>> This “Law” of Sabbath therefore, even precedes the Mosaic Law!

It is very interesting to note the pattern of creation that is mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

The Creation is mentioned as happening on a 7-day format.

>> It can be observed that on all the 6 days, it is mentioned, “evening came and morning followed” (Gen 1:5b, 1: 8b, 1:13, 1: 19, 1: 23, 1: 21b)

>> The phrase or the usage, “Evening came and morning followed” refers to the completing of a day.

But the 7th day doesn’t have this mention!

What is this pointing towards…?

The 7th day is not complete… it is being continued.

>> It is unending… i.e. Everlasting!

Therefore, the 7th Day… the Day on which God “rested” is being continued…. into eternity!

>> So when God calls to “rest” on a Sabbath day, it could be a reference and a reminder to enter “a rest into eternity!”

That’s wonderful, isn’t it?

>> The Sabbath becomes a reminder that we are created to “enter into a rest with God” which is eternal and unending!

>> The Sabbath becomes a prefiguration of eternal life – the purpose of all our works and activities!

Can we cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….

… we express our willingness to God saying: ” Yes Lord, I am readying myself for the Eternal Rest that you are promising me”!

… we display our eagerness to God saying: “Yes Lord, I am constantly preparing myself to enjoy an Eternal bliss with You!”

2. The Law of Sabbath in the Mosaic Law

The Book of Deuteronomy explicates this Sabbath Law:

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labour and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God….

…You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” (Dt 5: 12-15)

The Sabbath Law in the Mosaic Law was a reminder that God was their Rescuer from the land of slavery and therefore, He was their God and they, His people.

Can we also cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….

… we are reminded that we were also once, slaves – to sin.

>> But our Blessed Lord, has rescued us from slavery and wishes that we deepen our love, commitment and faithfulness to Him, Our Saviour!

… we are exhorted that it is very much possible that we can become slaves again – maybe to sinful tendencies, to money, to power, to position, to various vices etc.

>> But with constant examination of oneself and a renewing of one’s dedication and pledge to God, we can remain as His own people.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we have sometimes failed to keep the Sabbath Law or perhaps, failed to attach any special importance to it…

The Sabbath Day, sometimes, becomes…

… just another “ordinary” day for us

… a day to indulge in laziness and lethargy

… a day to complete pending works and even ending up doing extra works!

But can we grow beyond such practices and seek to restore the original intents of the Sabbath.

>>  A faithful and dutiful keeping of the Sabbath Law is a vital expression of we, as Christians, being a distinct people – chosen to lead all others towards the Love of God!

May we seek the Grace to uncover many more “Diamond Vases” contained in the Holy Scripture, by wiping off the dusts of ignorance and indifference!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “In spite of the all-powerful strength of God’s merciful hand, which touches, enfolds and bends the souls with so many inspirations, calls and attractions…

… the human will remains perfectly free, unfettered, and exempt from every form of constraint and necessity.

>> Grace has a holy violence, not to violate our liberty but to make it full of love…

… it presses us, but does not oppress our freedom!”

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One of the most popular words that is increasingly becoming trendy and fashionable and in vogue…is the word…

… CHANGE!

“Race for the Change”… “Be the Change”… “I am the Change”… “Change begins with oneself”…

>> These are some of the widespread slogans that are all over the place…

The Webster’s Dictionary defines “Change… as making something radically different or make a shift from one to another.”

Change involves becoming different…

>> Change involves a transformation!

>> Change involves making an alteration!

The Gospel of the Day too presents Jesus with this Crucial and Central theme: CHANGE!

The Lord is a constant challenge to His followers to adopt a changed lifestyle…

… a lifestyle which is more Divine, a way of life which is more human and a living which is more joyful.

But He is also very much aware of the basic human tendency…

… to neglect and avoid and overlook any change!

That is why He very clearly at the end of today’s Gospel says, “No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘the old is good'” (Lk 5:39)

With age, wine increases its strength and flavour and the old is therefore preferable.

Take somebody who been drinking the same kind of wine for years and years and years and someone comes along and says, “Ah, I’ve got a brand new variety here for you.”

“Nah, no, I’ll stick with my old favourite.

>> It’s done me grand favours all through these years… I don’t want to…”

“Well the new one promises to be great…it’s got new aroma, a new flavour…a special zest”

“No, no, I’m happy with my old.”

We may either nod with this response…or look down with suspicion…or even just be least bothered…

But one thing is for sure…

>> Many of us, certainly do tend to answer in the same way, as this old-wine devotee was…

It’s really true, isn’t it?

We tend to mellow ourselves down to a comfortable and cozy way of life…

>> We cultivate a taste and a liking for our undisturbed mode of  timetable and schedules…

Like the old wine, many of our former ways and thoughts and style of living have become mellowed and settled by years of experience and have become so much a part of the fabric of our lives!

>> Don’t give me the new wine of change…

… I am happy with my old wine of comforts and calm

>> Don’t give me the new wine of spirituality…

… I am happy with my old wine of worldly existence

>> Don’t give me the new wine of holy things…

… I am happy with my old wine of living life in the way it pleases me

>> Don’t give me the new wine of the Church teachings…

… I am happy with my experimental philosophy and thoughts

But the Lord, the Best Wine Giver (Jn 2:10), is intent and keen and even is insistent that we abandon Our Old Wines and drink of Him, the New Wine!

You want the new wine of joy and happiness in your soul and consolation of mind and heart?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of Sin and impure life!

You want the new wine of Justice and Equality and Honesty and Truthfulness in society?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of corruption and discrimination and cheating!

You want the new wine of True Companionship and Faithful relationships and Genuine friendships?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old wine of company with Satan and give up envy and resentment and hatred!

Are we ready to abandon the Old Wine?

>> The best wine is being offered…

(P.S. – For all who are eager to be drunk more of this Best Wine… kindly prepare yourselves well and run to the nearest Church or Chapel… and participate in the Holy Mass.

>> The Master has prepared the best and most satisfying and sumptuous meal: His Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist!)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Faith is like a bright ray of sun light.

>> It enables us to see God in all things..

…as well as all things in God!”

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The following is a self-reflected story…

… An Autobiography…

This is written with the sole intention of giving Praise and Glory to God, the Creator…

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile!

This is a basic philosophy and an attitude which I have cultivated all through my life…and which I appreciate very much in others!

Well, you can call it being part of my genes and instilled into my basic structure…

… but, yeah, I do seek to live for others!

And I am excited when I see others also living out this my philosophy!

Life springs surprise!

>> And I guess, the Creator has meant life to be thus!

This is a lesson I have learnt many times…

His surprising Hand is indeed amazing and remarkable…

>> In the midst of the storms of life…

… I have encountered how He can steer me through to safety!

>> In the thick of dark clouds of life…

… I have experienced how He can flash His brightness home!

>> In the horror of pealing thunder and lightning…

… I have enjoyed His calm presence and soothing aura!

The Creator is indeed a great, BIG, surprising person!

You must be wondering what would have been my most wonderful surprise in life?!

Any guesses?

What more than seeing the Philosophy of my Life being actualized and lived in the best way possible!!

                                                                                            

Yeah, I am excited when I am able to share my life for the sake of others and in service of others!

>> But I am most delighted and thrilled and thankful when I see others also seeking to make the world a better place!

And, this was an all too super experience of seeing such an amazingly charismatic Personality…

> He had a comforting charm…

>> He had a relaxing resonance…

>>> He had an attracting appearance!

I dint know His name…

… He was yet a stranger to me

But the air echoed and reverberated with His name…”Yeshua…”…”Messiah…”…..”JESUS!!

And then came THE moment…

>> Call it THE best moment of my life…

>> Call it THE most envied instant of my life…

>> Call it THE most blessed time of my life….

That Great Figure….Yeshua…Jesus…came to me!

>> And chose to spend time with me!

He spoke to the great crowds of people who had gathered to listen to Him…

… but all the while, being with me!

>> Amazing Words of Life…

>> Beautiful words of Love…

>> Special words of Healing…

>> Dramatic words of Transformation!

And then it was time for me to witness an unforgettable scene…

That Great Charismatic Leader…

… surprised my master with a life-changing miracle and phenomenon…

My master was a simple fisherman.

>> He was a bit impulsive, yet straightforward and humble…a hardworking fella.

But the experience that he had and which I had, was just out of the world…

“At your command, I will let down the nets” was the simple expression of my master to the Great Master!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets…

… .when encountered with strange troubles and to trust in Him!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets….

… when met with total hopelessness and when life kicks them on their faces!

>> I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets….

… when disappointments & depression have become identical with their lives!

But for my simple master, it was just easy to let go off himself, his capacities, his knowledge…

… and just trust and believe!

And he did let down his nets….and what followed was a classic picture!!

Fish was caught in plenty

>> Joy was writ all over the faces

>> Faith had increased bountifully!!

Trust and Faith is rewarded when acted with simplicity, humility and openness!

And surprises followed…

That classic Personality, who was also called the Great Fisherman of Galilee, prophesied on my master and gave him a new vocation:

“From now on…you will be catching men!’

>> The angels would have rejoiced…

>> The heavens would have consented…

… but there was a heart-break in my heart!

The new vocation of my master would mean, I would be left abandoned…

… I would no longer be utilized!

But then, suddenly my conscience pricked me and I was reminded of My Philosophy of life: to live for others!

And lo… I had to follow suit….

… to let down my nets!

… to let down the net of my desires…

… and let my master be engaged in the service and help of humanity!

My master had to embrace a new way of life:

To follow the Greatest Catcher of People, the Great Fisherman of Galilee –  Jesus!

I knew my master would also attain great heights of fame and name and holiness and greatness…

>> All because he had been willing to let go off his nets

>> All because he had been ready to listen to the Great Master’s Word!

>> All because he had been disposed to give highest priority to the work of the Great Master!

… And in the process, I too have been touched and blessed!

>> Generations will remember my master…

>> Generations will be blessed by the Great Master…

>> Generations may never preach or wish to see me…

But Generations will hopefully think of me…

….think of me… that once upon a time….. I was touched and blessed..to be a Pulpit for the Word!”

– This reflection is taken From an extract of an imaginary autobiography titled, “The story of a Dramatic Surprise”

>>> It is the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE BOAT which was used by St Peter, the apostle who was called by the Great Master, Jesus!

September 5th is Teacher’s Day in India.

Teachers mould and shape a child to make him/her a beautiful person with a noble character!

>> Teachers inspire change.

>> Teachers motivate transformation.

>> Teachers stir up conversion!

Today the Greatest of all Teachers – Jesus – challenges and exhorts each one of us to adopt and adapt…

… a Transformed way of Living

… a Changed Lifestyle

… a Converted Life!

>> And allow Him to reign over every situation of our life!

Today is also the Feast day of Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata.

>> Let us seek her intercession…

… and be inspired by her love and life, that we may truly see – and like her –  bring the Powerful Presence of God in every situation of our society.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Holiness is found in a path opened to us in our daily lives…

… the duties of our daily lives are offered to us with unequal attractiveness!”

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Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in number of works…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.            

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of  “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives,  new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

He cures Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever and restores her to good health and wellbeing…(Lk 4:39)

>> Am I today in need of a touch of the Lord…

… which casts away forces that makes weak and fragile?

… which takes away the fever of tiredness and fatigue of spiritual life?

… which restores me back in serving and assisting others in my life?

At sunset, He laid His hands on many with sicknesses and diseases and cured them all… (Lk 4:40)

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…

…. Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?

>> In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Joy and Revitalization?

He also rebuked many demons and commanded them to let go of many possessed people… (Lk 4: 41)

>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?

… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage expresses His intentions of going to other towns to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God!

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing….

Do I imitate the Lord…

…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?

… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

The Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely and the depressed and the unwanted and the rejected and the discriminated with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

>>  It made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

>> It made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”

Let us grow in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Necessary employments, according to each one’s vocation, do not diminish devotion…

… but increase it!”

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Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose into prominence during the French Revolution.

In a short span of time, he had gained prominent control of the Continental Europe.

Once, while discussing and planning his strategies, with his staff officers, he spread a large map of the world on the table before him.

Then he put his finger on a kingdom which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole world!”

That red spot was the British Isles.

(The British Isles were identified with the colour ‘red’ derived from its prominence in their flag.

> They were the only force, which Napolean felt, was preventing his plans to capture the entire world)

Probably, in the similar manner, Satan, while discussing and planning his strategies, would spread the large map of the universe.

Then, He would put his finger on a place which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole universe!”

That red spot is the Blood of our Blessed Saviour, shed on the Cross at Calvary!

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this expression and dread of the evil one, who is unable to bear the presence of the Divine Saviour.

The Gospel Passage is the incident of the curing of the demoniac (Lk 4: 31-37).

The preceding passage (Lk 4: 1-30) described the dramatic inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus in His home-town, Nazareth.

… Initially, there was a lot of amazement, wonder and awe that was expressed by the people

… But when the Lord, began to explicate His Mission, especially of being a Saviour of all the nations, there was a change in attitude of the people

… The shift from a “goody-goody” expectation of the Messiah to a “challenging” presence, caused them discomfort, and they began to express their anger and infuriation, by seeking to even kill the Lord

But the Spirit-filled Jesus had no stopping…

Nothing could stop Him from continuing His Mission and the Duty entrusted to Him

And so, the Gospel says, “He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching on the Sabbath” (Lk 4: 31)

As the quote goes, “This is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

He was…

… determined in His dedication

… committed to His cause

… purposeful in His programme

Can we also imitate our Blessed Lord in this unswerving fidelity…

>> Oppositions may rock our life…

>> Crises may strangle our hopes…

But can I still continue to hold on to being Faithful to the Gospel and to the ways of the Lord?

This requires the tremendous infilling and a constant seeking and doing of God’s Will in our lives.

It was this purposiveness that enabled Jesus to be a person of authority and evoke astonishment and amazement from His hearers: “They were astonished at His teaching, for His Word was with authority” (Lk 31b-32)

Therefore, when the man who was possessed by the evil spirit, encountered Jesus, “he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” (Lk 4: 34)

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

As followers of our Blessed Lord, we too are called upon to become “people of authority and holiness”

> Can I seek to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord…

… so that my Spirit-filled presence will cause the demons of “filthiness, lust, corruption and injustice” to tremble and be cast away?

> Can I make efforts to co-operate still more with the Grace of the Lord…

… so that my life-in-Jesus, will cause the demons of “wickedness, indifference, hatred and pride” to shiver and be chased away?

There is a beautiful hymn, known to many of us, “Are you washed, in the blood of the Lamb?”

~~ When we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, we have the power to stand before the forces of evil

~~ When we are purified by the cleansing might of the blood of Christ, we have the grace to challenge the pressures of Satan

May our lives, washed in the Blood of our Blessed Lord, be a “red spot” which would distort every wicked plan of Satan to conquer this world…

… and may we shine forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be very quick to turn away from whatever leads or allurs to lewd conduct..

… for this evil, works without our knowing it and from small beginnings moves on to great difficulties.

>> Such things are always easier to avoid than to cure!”

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“Tear down this wall!”

– Words of Ronald Reagan, President of the USA at a challenging speech, for the reunification of East and West Germany.

November 1989.

>> A historic period in the Life of Germany.

For twenty-eight years, a wall had separated East and West Germany…

>> But finally on November 1989, the wall came down…THE BERLIN WALL!

It was a new beginning… a fresh start…a bright onset!

“Tear down the Walls”… is the cry that emerges from today’s Gospel as well!

>> A new beginning is sought… a fresh start is expected…a bright onset is welcomed!

The Liturgy of the Readings, from today, helps us to tread the path of Jesus with a new companion…

>> All these days, we were travelling the Way of Jesus, with St Matthew…

… today onwards, we travel with the Gospel of St Luke.

The Gospel of the Day from Luke 4:16-30 is a dramatic one….

>> With different actions and expressions of Jesus…

… and thus, some lessons, that we can take for our life.

1. The Entry of Jesus into the Synagogue.

Do I allow the Lord into my life and do I welcome Him?

2. The Rising of Jesus to read

Do I enthrone the Lord in my activities and allow Him to be in charge of my works and deeds?

3. The Unscrolling of the book

Do I open my heart to the Lord and be totally open to His Word in my life?

4. The Reading of the Passage

Do I listen to God’s words and be attentive to the various inspirations and insights He renders me?

5. The Rolling up of the Scroll

Do I preserve the Word of God deep in my heart and ponder over it, in the light of my life experiences?

6. The Announcement of Jesus

Do I let the Lord to govern in my life by the power of His revelation and give heed to His exhortations?

7. The Rejection of Jesus

Do I sometimes, fail to understand the Power of the Lord and instead reject and seek to eliminate Him from my life?

These dramatic and significant actions of the Lord left the people in the synagogue with a Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls!”

Tear down the walls…

… which failed to bring good news to the Poor and liberty to the captives!

… which were preventing to give freedom to the oppressed and sight to the blind!

… which blocked the passage to access to God’s Mercy and Redemption!

…which kept away the Gentiles from receiving the rights and privileges of the saved people!

The dramatic and significant actions of the Lord present before each one of us also with a Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls!”

Tear down the walls…

… of Sin: that divide the relationship between God and me!

… of Hatred: that divide the members of the society and of a community!

… of Unforgiveness: that divide the relationship between my fellow beings and me!

…of Discrimination: that divides human beings on the basis of colour, caste and race!

… of Immorality: that divides the interior being of a person and leaves one discontented!

… of Indifference: that divides the world with a sense of hopelessness and lack of emp… of Indifference: that divides the world with a sense of hopelessness and lack of empathy!

Building of walls is sometimes…

… a natural offshoot of our egoistic minds and sinful pride …

… a likely possibility of our individualistic tendencies…

>> But with the Grace of God combined with our efforts…

… we can pursue every attempt to “Tear down these Walls”!

We need a new beginning

… a fresh start

…a bright onset

Let us not Reject the Lord..

>> Rather let us permit Him to Enter… to Rise… to Unscroll… to Read… to Roll… and to Announce His Gospel in our Lives!

Let us allow the Lord to take possession of our lives…

… and in the process, “Tear Down many Walls”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The many troubles in your household will tend to your edification, if you strive to bear them all in gentleness, patience, and kindness.

>> Offer up all such occasions to Him, and if sometimes you are put out, and give way to impatience…

… do not be discouraged, but make haste to regain your lost composure!”

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Sir Isaac Newton is considered to be one of the greatest scientists of all time.

>> It was Newton who had discovered the Laws of Gravity which caused great advancements in the field of astronomical studies.

But there was another person, who had greatly helped Newton to climb this ladder of success…

… and of fame and popularity.

>> But he mostly remains unknown!

His name is Edmund Halley.

>> It was Halley who corrected some of the mathematical errors committed by Newton.

>> It was Halley who prepared geometrical figures to support his discoveries.

>> It was Halley who edited and supervised the publication of his great work, “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy”

>> It was also Halley who financed its printing even though Newton was wealthier and easily could have afforded the printing costs

These acts are considered to be among the most selfless ones in the history of science.

But, Halley hardly received any prominence or recognition.

He is, of course, known for the discovering a comet named the “Halley’s Comet”

… which appears briefly every 76 years.

>> But it was recognized only after his death!

Halley is stated to have said that he didn’t care who received credit for discoveries…

>> His single mission in life was to advance the cause of science…

… and he did it!

To do an act of goodness and charity, without…

>> Wanting appreciation…

>> Seeking recognition…

>> Desiring applauds…

… though, a mighty challenge, is at the same time, a Christian demand!

The Gospel of the Day is a call from Jesus to examine our attitude towards others…

… and grow in this tremendous dimension of the Virtue of Humility!

We are in the 14th Chapter of St Luke.

Jesus has been invited for a dinner to the house of a leading Pharisee on a Sabbath Day.

>> He has just cured a person with dropsy…

… a disease wherein water gets retained in the body

>> He also tried to cure persons with hypocrisy…

… a disease wherein duplicity gets retained in the mind!

And now He seeks to cure the attitude of the people who have a false understanding of giving.

Jesus says:

“When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives and wealthy neighbours. For surely they will invite you in return and you will be repaid” (Lk 14:12)

Much of our giving is based purely on the (hidden) aspect of receiving back…

>> Much of our sharing is based purely on an (unconscious) agenda of getting back…

>> We share our time with friends…

… often expecting that they too will accompany us in our times of hardships and difficulties!

>> We work hard for our families..

… often expecting that they too will be with us in our moments of struggle & not leave us lonely!

>> We render service to many people who are in need…

… often expecting that they too will render us assistance in our difficulties!

>> We pray to God & make a lot of sacrifices…

… often expecting that He’ll meet all our expectations, in the way & time, we want!

>> We love many saints…

… often expecting that they’ll make faster intercession on our behalf and get our works done quickly.

We have, perhaps, become very business oriented:

>> I give, and expect returns…

>> I share, and expect a bonus…

But the Lord, in today’s Gospel comes down heavily on such an attitude.

“When you give, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind…because they cannot repay you” (Lk 14:13)

>> We are exhorted to give to those…

… who may never be able to repay back.

>> We are challenged to help those…

… who may never have a chance to return back the favour.

The Lord who said these words, shows us an example in the highest manner possible….

>> In the Holy Eucharist!

The Holy Eucharist is the best example and model…of such kind of a giving..

>> A giving without expecting back!

>> A sharing without seeking back!

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the poor…

… we who are poor in our morals and purity

… we who are poor in our commitment and dedication

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the Crippled…

… crippled with our many sins and faults

… crippled with the guilt of many past failures

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the Lame…

… lame in our longing and thirst for the Divine

… lame in our acts of self-giving and self-sacrifice

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the Blind…

… blind to the cries of those around us

…blind to see our habits which needs repentance & improvement

Jesus, who gives Himself entirely in the Holy Eucharist today challenges us to do the same:

“I give myself to you as food and nourishment…

… even though many people fail to thank me!

>> Can you also give yourselves to nourish the lives of others…

… even if they fail to acknowledge?”

“I give myself to you in joy, happiness and peace…

… even though many despise and mock me!

>> Can you also become a source of joy to others…

… even if they back-bite and spread calumny?”

“I give myself to you as a healing for sin and guilt…

… even though many hate and desecrate me!

>> Can you also become a healing touch to the other…

… even if it means dying slowly to yourself slowly die in the process?”

Yes, as Christians, we have to grow in humility…

>> Our single mission in life ought to be, the advancement of the Kingdom of God…

… and we ought to pray and work for this virtue!

The onus is on us…

May we seek the grace and make the efforts…

… to do acts of goodness and charity, without…

>> Wanting appreciation…

>> Seeking recognition…

>> Desiring applauds…

… which, though, a mighty challenge, is at the same time, a Christian demand!

As we begin this new month of September, let’s offer ourselves just as we are, to the Safe and Providential Hands of our God, knowing for sure, that He will always take care and strengthen us.

We could perhaps, even use this month, to practice, in a very practical manner, the virtue of Humility, every day

Yes, shall we try to do…

… “The September Month Challenge?

>> One- small-act-of-humility-a-day-filled-with-God’s Love!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We do not very often come across opportunities for exercising strength, magnanimity, or magnificence…

… but gentleness, temperance, modesty, and humility, are graces which ought to colour everything we do.

>> There may be virtues of a more exalted mould…

… but these are the most continually called for in daily life!”

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A familiar story, in various versions goes thus….

A lady came up to a shop which had the name “Everything your heart desires, is available here”

The curious lady went to the shopkeeper and asked: “I want peace of mind and love and happiness and wisdom and freedom from fear”

The shopkeeper, in return, smiled and said: “Madam, thank you for expressing your desire. But please do note: I sell only seeds, not fruits!”

Such is the logic in our Christian Life as well.

God has gifted the “seeds” of good things to all of us….

But…

… do we “sow these seeds” to produce good fruits?

… do we “invest these seeds” in order to derive its potential blessings?

The Gospel of the Day – Mt 25:14-30 – presents before us a simple-to-understand and practical-to-follow Parable of the Lord: the Parable of the Talents!

One of the beauty of this Parable is that it is simple, clear and easy to understand.

>> And its lessons are hard to miss!!

This parable tells what to do while we live in this world and the need to be responsible and dutiful.

The Parable introduces the fact that the servants were judged by the way, they managed the master’s resources.

We learn a very crucial truth from this: All that we have belongs to God!

We need to underline and highlight the word “ALL”

>> All…

>> Fully…

>> Totally…

>> Everything…

>> Completely…

… Belongs to GOD!

>> We own nothing…

>> We hold no space…

>> We possess no one…

… All belongs to GOD!

He made them…

… He gave them to us

>> And one day… He will take them from us again.

Even our life itself is a gift from God!

If only our world and our generation were to grow more and more in this truth…!

>> How often we hold on to our possessions…

… and go bonkers in preserving and safeguarding them!

>> How often we seek twisted and distorted ways…

… to acquire more wealth and capture vital status and ranks!

>> How often we resort to disgraceful and shameful means…

… to win over positions and powers and authority!

>> How often we play dirty games and indulge in dreadful activities…

… to put down people and go up in dominance!

Another aspect that we find in the parable is the usage of the word “talents”.

Usually, when we hear the word “talents” in English, we tend to think of some natural abilities, like…

… playing the piano

… or being good at some sports

… or being skilled in painting or knowing how to handle computers etc….

In the time of Jesus, however…

… the ‘talent’ was referred to a huge amount of money.

One talent would represent approximately 16½ years of salary for a labourer.

>> To give a man two talents would equal around 33 years of salary….

>> To give a man five talents would be like giving him 80 years of salary to invest…

That’s indeed a huge amount, isn’t it?

>> Imagine, how rich would the Owner himself have been!

(This once again reminds us that the Owner – God – is the Source of ALL… everything in our life!)

What was the criteria in giving different people a particular amount of money?

>> Each one according to one’s ability

And who made this determination to allocate the amount of money?

>> The Master himself, according to His wish!

Here’s another truth: God is not obligated to treat us, like he treats anyone else.

>> He can give us more or He can give us less than others.

Some have more money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships than others.

>> Others have less money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships!

It’s not about being unlucky.

>> It’s not about our ill-fate.

The Master…

…has total sovereignty and freedom with what and how much HE wants to give to His people!

This leaves us with a choice:

1. We can either crib and complain, gripe and grumble about our situation and make excuses and just sit idle!

OR…

2. We can accept the given situation we are in – with gratitude – and start from where we are, and do what we can… to the best!

Yes…

>> The Dynamics of Comparison is useless…

… the Tactic of Hard Work is amazing!

>> The Strategy of Complaining is ineffective…

… the Scheme of Determination is superb!

>> The Policy of Grumpiness is futile…

… the Approach of Gratefulness is incredible!

The Parable of the Talents is a very Practical Parable that the Lord has offered us!

Yesterday is past…

… tomorrow is the Future.

>> But Today is a GIFT…

… that’s why, it is called as The PRESENT!

Let’s make this PRESENT, a PLEASENT GIFT to the GREAT GIVER…

… by seeking His Grace and combining it with our hard works and determination!

Let us make the best use of the “seeds” of good things given to all of us and …

… sow these seeds” to produce good fruits!

… “invest these seeds” in order to derive its potential blessings!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “I do not approve in any way that a person bound to some duty or occupation distracts himself by desiring a different kind of life than that which is befitting to his duty…

… or even practices inconsistent with his present state.

>> Indeed, this dissipates the heart and weakens it in carrying out necessary exercises.

Likewise, I would not even wish that we desire better talent and better judgment because these desires are silly.

>> They take the place of that desire which we should have to improve our own talent such as it is.

We are not to desire the means of serving God which we do not have.

>> Instead we are to use faithfully those which we have!”

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“Take time by the forelock” is a phrase that means ‘to act quickly and decisively” and “not let slip an opportunity”

(“Forelock” is the strand or cluster of hair, growing just above the forehead)

This phrase has an interesting origin…

A statue chiselled by Lysippus (one of the greatest sculptors of the Classical Greek Era in the 4th century BC) stood in one of the cities in Ancient Greece.

This statue…

… had wings

… a lock of hair on the forehead

… and was bald at the back of the head

Underneath this statue, was engraved the following conversation, in a question-answer format…

“Who made thee?”

“Lysippus made me.”

“What is thy name?”

“My name is Opportunity.”

“Why hast thou wings on thy feet?”

“That I may fly swiftly over the earth.”

“Why hast thou a forelock?”

“That men may seize me as I come.”

“Why art thou bald on the back of thy head?’?

“Because, when I am gone, none can lay hold of me.”

“Opportunity is like this bald-headed man with only a patch of hair right in front.

One has to grab that hair, grasp the opportunity while it’s being confronted…

… else, one will be grasping a slick bald head!”

Is my Christian Life characterized by an enthusiastic response to the many opportunities for blessings that God offers me…?

… or do I ‘doze off’ in lethargy and laziness, letting away many wonderful opportunities and squandering many chances of God’s abundant favours?

The Gospel of the Day presents the Parable of the Ten Virgins, with a strong warning to “make use of every opportunity that life offers” and “to be ever-prepared” in receiving the coming of the Lord.

The parable of the Ten Virgins has its setting in a Jewish Wedding.

In the time of our Blessed Lord, the wedding was probably one of the greatest events in a typical Palestinian village or an Israeli town.

This was a time of great social celebration!

All got together…

… friends, relatives, villagers..

It was a time of great festivity, abounding happiness and overflowing celebrations.

A Jewish marriage consisted of three parts or elements:

1. Engagement

>> It was sort of an official contract between the two fathers, who would be giving their son and daughter to each other.

2. Betrothal

>> This second element consisted of the friends and family members coming together and the couple making vows and promises that were binding.

This phase onwards, they would be officially considered as husband and wife.

3. Marriage

>> The time after Betrothal lasted up to a year, which was for the bridegroom to prepare a place for his bride – either an addition to his father’s house or to have his own

It was to be his concrete expression of showing his love to her – preparing a home for her and preparing his heart and life for her!

At the end of the time that he needed to get it prepared, he would go to take her and bring her to his place – and they would thereafter, live together.

This third phase, therefore was the fulfilment of the eager longing of the bridegroom and bride, in being together for the rest of their life!

The Wedding set-up that is mentioned in today’s Gospel is this scene of the third phase of the wedding.

>> This is the climax of the wedding festivity where the bridegroom goes to get his bride.

This was done in a grand procession through the village, so that all in the village could be part of this festivity.

The Ten Virgins (or bridesmaids) who are mentioned in the Gospel Passage, had the role of performing one of the acts of entertainment.

>> They would have to perform a wedding dance – “torch dance” around the bride and the groom, holding torches.

It would symbolize the light of their love, wishing them a luminous future.

>> Then the wedding party would go into the house, and the celebration would last for seven long days!

In the parable, it is mentioned that “since the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep” (Mt 25: 5)

It was only when the call that the Bridegroom had arrived was given, that Five of the Virgins realised, that “they brought no oil with them” (Mt 25: 3)

It’s so ironical that the wedding which was such a well-prepared and a long-awaited event, had these five virgins who were so unprepared and so unequipped for the grand moment!

The story of these five virgins who were unprepared (whom our Blessed Lord calls as ‘foolish”) could well be our own stories too…

How often are we too unprepared and unequipped…

… missing out on opportunities.

The Lord gives ample opportunities to get back our life on track, through various Biblical inspirations, talks, retreats, literatures etc.

… There are so many occasions that are provided for us to grow in our virtues, to learn deeper the mysteries of heaven and to illumine ourselves with holy knowledge

… We also get so many chances to build our relationship with one another, to grow in appreciation and praise of other and to discover and nurture the goodness in others

Do we make good use of all such opportunities or do we squander them away?

Let us pray and make efforts to always keep ready “our lamps” to shine bright for the Lord with the “oil of gladness and love”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “It is important to make a daily examination of conscience; it keeps the soul in a state of humility, and enables it to know itself.

>> It wins new graces from Heaven by gratitude for those already received.

>> It prevents vices from taking root in the soul.

>> It renders contrition easy by frequent acts of sorrow

In a word, it makes us more humble, more vigilant, more wise, more pure…

… and better prepared to meet death!”

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