“And behold He saw that everything was good”

This is a recurrent refrain that is observed in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, the Genesis. (Gen 1: 1-31)

God, after each days’ work of creation…

… looked around at the marvellous works and exclaimed with great exultation and thrill… “Everything is indeed good”

He made the light and separated it from darkness…

And God saw that it was good (Gen 1:4)

He made the waters and separated the dry land and called it earth…

And God saw that it was good (Gen 1:10)

He made all sorts of vegetation and every kind of plant and fruit…

And God saw that it was good (Gen 1:12)

He made the great lights and the stars to shed light in the day and the night…

And God saw that it was good (Gen 1: 18)

He made all the various living creatures – animals, birds, reptiles etc…

And God saw that it was good (Gen 1:25)

He finally crowned creation with His masterpiece- the human being….

And God saw that it was very good (Gen 1:31)

The process of creation was “something that was very good” indeed!

But sin came into the world, and brought about disharmony and disunity.

>> The original goodness was lost…

>> The fundamental equanimity had vanished.

But Jesus came into the world to re-establish goodness and integrity.

His ministry on the earth was a mission of restoration….

… to restore complete dignity and honour

… to restore holiness and wholeness

… to restore sanctity and completeness

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of Jesus restoring and renewing the Creation…

… through the healing of a person who had a hearing and speaking impediment.

And as in the creation process, so also, in this renewed act of creation by Jesus, the words are proclaimed, “Everything is indeed good”

>> “He has done all things well” (Mk 7:37)…

…. are the words of the people, exclaiming Jesus after His wondrous miracle of recreation and renewal of the deaf and dumb person.

Jesus is back to the district of the Decapolis.

>> It was in this region that Jesus had healed the man who was possessed by a legion of demons (Mk 5: 1-20)

When Jesus had performed the miracle then, the people had requested Him to leave the place.

“Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their district” (Mk 5:17)

But today’s Gospel says that these people, were begging Jesus to lay His hands on the deaf and dumb person! (Mk 7:32)

What had caused this dramatic change?

People who were begging Jesus to leave their place…

… were now begging Jesus to perform a miracle!

Probably, the great witness of the man who has delivered from the legion of demons had caused about this transformation! (Mk 5: 18-20)

>> He would have spread the good news about Jesus.

A real experience of the Lord can indeed be a source of many to believe in the Lord!

>> A true encounter with the Lord can indeed turn one to be a tremendous missionary!

Jesus, while healing this deaf and dumb person, has a very peculiar style of going about.

Jesus takes the person away from the crowd, put His fingers into the man’s ears, spitting, touched his tongue, lifted up His eyes to heaven, groaned and said “Ephphatha, Be Opened!” (Mk 7:33-34)

There is a very personal and intimate touch in this healing process!

It is interesting to note that in the book of Genesis, when God formed human beings…

… there was a very personal involvement from the part of God to create humans – the crown of creation.

>> “God formed man, out of the clay and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.” (Gen 2:7)

Jesus also does something similar in the healing of the deaf and dumb person….

>> He very personally involves Himself.

>> He uses His own touch to heal and recreate the person!

A New Creation indeed!

>> A renewal indeed!

Yes, Jesus is the Lord of the New Creation!

God created the world good…

… Human beings spoiled it through sin.

>> But Jesus restores and renews the goodness!

Our ears maybe closed very often to the voice of the Spirit of the Lord

>> Our mouth maybe often mute to speak the power of the Lord to others.

Our ears maybe closed very often to the cries of the poor and the needy,

>> Our mouth maybe often mute to speak for justice for the cause of others.

But the Lord is ready to touch us…

…and renew and recreate us.

Are we ready to receive this renewing and recreating touch from the Lord?

>> ” Ephphatha… Be Opened!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A highly contagious virus has affected human life, down through many centuries – societies, communities and families.

This contagion is not some strand of flu that affects the body

This contagion is not even a digital malware spreading from computer to computer.

This contagion is the virus named “blaming”.

This virus – “blaming” – is perhaps the easiest culprit for many of the problems that we face in our lives.

Whenever our plans fail… we “blame” other people.

>> Whenever things don’t go the way it is expected… we “blame” our luck or the stars

>> Whenever we face personal problems and crisis…we “blame” our situations and surroundings

Often…

… our problems find a scapegoat in this virus named “blaming”

… our defeats find a cause in this contagion named “blaming”

But the Gospel of the day presents an amazing personality who overcomes and overpowers this virus of “blaming” and wins for herself the favour of the Lord.

The Gospel passage is the incident of Jesus’ encounter with a Gentile woman who comes seeking for a cure for her daughter, from a demon.

“…a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit, heard about Jesus. She came and fell at His feet” (Mk 7:25)

This person who came to Jesus went through a string of ignominies and exploitations…

>> She had to face humiliations because she was a woman…

The Jewish society accorded a lowly and highly subjugated status to women

>> She had to face disgraces because she was a Greek…

The Greeks, who were considered pagans by the Jews, were treated with inferiority.

>> She had to face dishonour because she was a Syrophoenician…

A Syrophoenician denoted a mixed race – half Syrians and half Phoenician; thus denoting also a crisis in cultural and linguistic identity.

>> She had to face scandal because she had to approach Jesus who was a pure Jew…

Greeks and especially Greek woman had no interaction at all with Jewish men

>> She had to face crisis because her child was possessed with an unclean spirit…

A demon-possession in her beloved daughter would have chased away all her peace of mind.

>> She had to face challenge to her faith when the Lord addressed to her in an apparently disrespectful manner…

Being called as a “dog” would have put off the mind of a weak and frail person

Well.. this Syrophoenician Greek woman, had many things to complain in life…

She had a number of reasons to “blame” and get defeated in life.

She could have just “blamed”…

… the society for their inhuman attitudes

… the citizens for their class divisions

… the civilization for their cruel outlooks

… her stars and fate for what happened to her daughter…

… Jesus for His challenging and apparently resistant answer…

She could have just kept “blaming” anybody and anything….and get bogged down totally!

>> But this woman decides to overpower and overcome this “virus” of blaming.

She decides to close her eyes to all humiliations and yet stand strong with a bold face!

>> She decides to overlook all setbacks and defy the odds with her deep convictions and trust!

As a result, the Lord rewards her immensely and her daughter was delivered of the demon!

Are we people who get easily afflicted by the contagion of “blaming”?

>> Are we people who are easily paralysed by the virus of “blaming”?

The Syrophoenician woman…

… by her tremendous faith and bold trust is a challenge to us.

… by her amazing determination and resolve is an inspiration for us.

Our society, our families, our own individual selves are often under the grip and possession of this contagion of “blaming”.

Let us approach the Lord for a deliverance and liberation!

Let us seek the intercession of St Bakhita whose feast we celebrate today.

>> This saint from Sudan, was canonised in the year 2000, is a powerful symbol of love and forgiveness.

>> She rose above the “blaming” characters in her society and displayed the fruits of love and forgiveness.

Yes…

… let us join our Lord in opposing every bit of corruption and malice from our hearts!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the key issues that every society faces is that of “corruption”!

How many are the times when we hear comments as…
>> “We wish for a corruption-free society”
>> If corruption were to be rooted away, our country would sprint towards development”
>> “Corruption is the greatest menace that our society faces today”

Every good leader, therefore, seeks to do away with this menace of “corruption”

Yes…
… every corruption of power and authority warrant a strong opposition
… every failure and misuse of laws, traditions and customs gives rise to strong opposition.

The Gospel of the Day is a strong opposition by Jesus to the corrupt and at times, inhuman and oppressive authority of the leaders of His time – the Scribes and the Pharisees.

The Gospel begins with the statement, ” Jesus called to Him the people and said to them…” (Mk 7:14)

Jesus calls together the multitude to Himself to speak something…
>> Jesus brings aside the people to Himself to address to them something…

The background to this action of Jesus, is the context of the unfair remarks of the Pharisees and Scribes about Jesus and His disciples, in Mk 7: 1-14.

The scribes and the Pharisees had objected that Jesus’ disciples failed to keep up the tradition of the Elders to have the ritual washing before eating.

This exercise of ritual washing was more a ceremonial one.

They attached greater importance to external cleanliness over internal purity.
>> They accorded higher priority to hygiene outside than to transparency within.

They would not bother, hearts being corrupted…
… but they would not tolerate dirty hands!

They would despise unwashed hands, but they would bypass filthy hearts!

But Jesus is in prime opposition to all such deceitful and corrupt human practices.
>> He flays the Scribes and Pharisees for their misplaced priorities.
>> He slams the Scribes and Pharisees for their misleading interpretation of purity.

And so, Jesus summoned the crowd and explained what is the meaning of real cleanliness and purity:
“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile” (Mk 7: 16)

Indeed, a remarkable statement from Jesus, the Purest and the Holiest One!

The Pharisees and the Scribes for a long time, had enforced importance only to external purity and outside cleanliness.

Their authority was used to stamp the importance of rituals and traditions, which were meant to…
… only emphasize bodily cleaning, but avoiding transparency in life
… only highlight cleansing of external parts, but overlooking sanctity of heart and mind

But, Jesus comes in great opposition and places things in the right perspective.

It is not just our hands alone that matter; it is our hearts that matter most!
>> It is not just our medical hygiene that counts; it is our lives that needs consideration the most!

Shall we make a self-introspection….
>> I may be appearing to be clean outside…
… but is my heart pure and holy?

>> I may be appearing to be an angel to the world…
… but am I a barn of devilish actions within?

>> I may be appearing to be very good to all…
… but am I full of anger, jealousy and greed inside?

>> I may be appearing to be successful…
… but am I decaying interiorly with unchastity and deceit?

Is it not time to cleanse my heart and life, which is perhaps…
… defiled with sin?
…  impure with unhealthy thoughts?
… sullied with evil intentions?

Yes…
… let us join our Lord in opposing every bit of corruption and malice from our hearts!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye.

The basic microscope is an optical instrument that uses a lens or a combination of lenses to produce magnified images of small objects – especially of objects that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye.

• Microscopes are used in industrial processes, in investigation of living cells, in comparative studies of chemistry and geology, and in diagnostic medicine.

• Biologists and doctors use microscopes on cell samples, on small organisms, and on chemical structures, to classify and analyze them and their functions.

When we consider relationships, it won’t be wrong to say that there are many who use microscopes in their dealings and interactions.

• Microscopes to focus on the mistakes and negative aspects of others

• Microscopes to magnify and enlarge the faults and failures of others

Perhaps, some of us are also guilty of having such a “microscopic” view of the defects and imperfections of others.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus “focussing” His view on this very critical and crucial topic: of judging others and of pinpointing mistakes of others without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

>> Judging in the sense of “choosing” or “making a selection” or “taking a decision”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging”

Our judging…

… should not be rash

… should not a final opinion on a person or situation

… should not be a means to putting down other persons

… should not be an unfair ruling on someone’s external behaviours

Maybe a check-list could help us examine our areas of “judging”

Do I…

>> Enlarge the negatives of others—their faults, mistakes and petty ways?

>> Come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?

>> Get involved unnecessarily in situations where I should not?

>> Gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?

>> Have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?

>> Be overly harsh and even ruthless, even when speaking the truth?

>> Add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?

>> Set aside an unkind comment made by us, by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”

>> Speak something critical and then try to cover it up?

>> Be unkind and hurtful and then quickly change the subject, to impress the hurtful feeling?

>> Have pleasure in condemning others?

>> Report the truth in order to hurt and not to help?

>> Put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgment”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

1. How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action – be it a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc…

2. How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action…

Many of us may have perhaps, a tendency to use a “microscope” in finding the faults and failures of others.

>> We tend to focus ..

>> We tend to magnify…

>> We tend to relish looking closely!

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

• Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

May we focus the lens of our microscopes from looking at the “faults” of others…

… and instead shift to concentrate more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“All that glitters is not gold” is a popular expression…

It means that not everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is valuable.

>> It means that though something “appears” to be spectacular, it need not be so.

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow”.

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…

“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name ” Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.

>> This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

>> “One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

The fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis…

… that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land, there were still many who were badly ailing!

>> However fruitful the land, there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!

>> The choicest of fruits couldn’t guarantee them flawlessness in wellbeing and strength!

Yes…

… All that Glitters is not gold

Indeed, never judge a book by its cover

>> Indeed, the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…

… yet need to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

They had their resources…

… yet they ran in order to seek Jesus, the source of all supplies!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret…

>> Rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally etc

>> Fertile in many aspects – having great plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc

>> Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…

… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord

… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord

… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

>> Though their land had plenty, they did not fail to humble themselves…

>> Though their land was rich, they did not fail to realize their basic needs..

>> Though their land was famous, they did not fail to assume lowliness…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?

>> Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…

… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!

… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Today we celebrate the feast of St Agatha, a brave girl who suffered martyrdom in the 3rd century Roman persecution.

>> This fragile girl was able to challenge the domination of the might Roman Empire, only because, she made her little heart, “a Rich Garden of Virtues” and Jesus could reign there as King!

May our lives too, truly reflect such a ‘Paradise of God’s Reign’!

May our lives be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young boy went to his Uncle’s house for a few days of vacation.
His uncle was a scientist.

One day, the scientist-uncle told the boy, “Today we are going the method of obtaining petrol”

The boy was super-excited
>> He enjoyed fast cars and racing games.

And so, he was pretty curious to know how petrol was obtained.

They went to a place where oil was dug.

The boy looked in amazement at all the works being done – the digging into the earth, the huge pipes making their way into the depths, the extraction process!

After quite a while, the boy, pretty dejected approached his uncle and asked:
“I thought, you told me, we are going to see petrol being obtained.

But all that I find here, is that they are extracting oil!

Where is the petrol?”

At that time, the scientist-Uncle began to explain to the boy:
“Son! Remember, you never dig petrol!

You only dig for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!

Search not for petrol – which is a byproduct…
… Look rather for the oil, which is the essence!

Is our Christian life sometimes similar?
>> Are we looking often only for the material goods and products from the Lord…
… or do we seek primarily for Jesus and His Kingdom?

We need to check and examine : Have we discovered the “Real” Jesus in our life?

The Gospel of the Day presents before us this great challenge: To identify the real Jesus!

The Gospel reading is a description of the Lord’s ministry as per St Mark’s account.

Jesus is engaged in His proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
>> He is proving Himself to be a person who is of the supernatural and the extraordinary realm.

>> He teaches the Scriptures with deep authority and conviction…
… People hear God speaking in their lives!

>> He silences and expels the forces of evil and influences the nature…
… People experience the Divine force in their lives!

>> He infuses life into the dead and proclaims his great power…
… People come across the marvellous works of the Lord!

>> He exercises His healing over the sick and the suffering…
… People witness His glorious control and supremacy!

People are…
… swayed over His mighty works
… super-excited by His amazing wonders
… overwhelmed with His wonderful deeds
>> But such occasions are the times of great testing and trial for anyone..

The easiest moments of losing oneself is in the midst of immense success!
>> The most tempting times of losing one’s focus is when there are widespread victories!

The Lord was surrounded by immense recognition and successes.
>> The crowds were thronging around Him and His popularity ratings were soaring.

But, just as the tree of success must be deeply grounded & rooted in the soil of stability and firmness…
>> So also, the Lord was fully aware of His goals and mission.

And so the Gospel of St Mark would explicitly point out the actions of the Lord…
‘Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed’ (Mk 1: 35)
>> ‘He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose I have come”‘ (Mk 1: 38)

The Lord points out to the people and to His disciples the priorities of His Life – Being in communion with His Heavenly Father and Spreading the Kingdom of God!
>> He doesn’t get over-awed with success!
>> He doesn’t get carried away by reputations!

He reminds His disciples and His people to seek the “real” Jesus!
>> He brings to the notice of His disciples and His people to long for the “real” Jesus!

It’s a moment for us to check and examine our own lives: Am I following the “Real” Jesus?

>> Is Jesus merely a source of healings and remedies in my moments of physical sicknesses…
… or has He also become the true balm and consolation in my spiritual health and well-being?

>> Is Jesus only like a call-centre agent whom I seek in order to fix some problems of life…
… or Has He also become genuinely the treasure and the priceless fortune of my Life?

>> Is Jesus simply a solution and answer when crisis hits my life and things go badly…
… or has He also become authentically the greatest powerhouse and thrust of my Life?

Am I following the “Real” Jesus?
>> Or is it merely…
… a Jesus of quick-fix solutions?
… a Jesus who is a problem-solver?
… a Jesus who is remembered in times of trials alone?
… a Jesus who is expected to give all answers to my confusions?

The people and the disciples, as we see in the Gospel, seemed happy and satisfied to seek Jesus who performs wonders.

Surely, wonders and sensational deeds are good.
>> But they are not to be an end in itself….
>> They are not to be made the primary motto.

Miracles and  marvels ought to become a launching pad for a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Let us not reduce the greatness of Jesus to just miracles…
>> Let us not bring down the immensity of Jesus to just physical needs.

Let us rather, seek…
… the True and Living Lord for a wholesome & integral growth for eternity.
… the Compassionate and Powerful Lord to grow in holiness & sanctity.

Just like digging is done for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!
>> We need to search first for Jesus and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)
… and all other things – which are a byproduct – will be given to us

Yes, let’s not merely run after ‘byproducts’…
… Let us rather Seek for Jesus, Who is the Essence!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the statistics that can cause great alarms and pop our eyes, are those on hunger.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 815 million people of around 7.6 billion people in the world, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2016.
>> That is nearly one in every eight persons in the world!

This hunger is of course, about physical hunger.

But something, which does not, as such come under the framework of statistics, are people who are hungry in other areas of life…
Hungry for love…
>> Hungry of being wanted…
>> Hungry on emotional counts…
>> Hungry of the spiritual order…
     

These aspects of hunger may never have a scientific statistic
>> These dimensions of hunger may never flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically converted”.

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)
>> They had driven out many demons…
>> They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.
>> They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired
>> The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…
>> We may be doing a lot of things…
… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

>> We may be happy with what we are doing…
… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…
… to take some rest in Him
… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled
>> The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…
>> We may have witnessed God’s wonders…
… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

>> We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…
… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…
… with His Divine Word
… by His Compassionate Love

There is a indeed a great hunger in the world.

Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…
… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognize, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?
>> Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?
>> Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

May the prayer in Heb 13:20-21 be our personal prayer:
“May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His Will.

May He carry out, in you, what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the statistics that can cause great alarms and pop our eyes, are those on hunger.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 815 million people of around 7.6 billion people in the world, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2016.

>> That is nearly one in every eight persons in the world!

This hunger is of course, about physical hunger.

But something, which does not, as such come under the framework of statistics, are people who are hungry in other areas of life…

Hungry for love…

>> Hungry of being wanted…

>> Hungry on emotional counts…

>> Hungry of the spiritual order…

These aspects of hunger may never have a scientific statistic

>> These dimensions of hunger may never flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically converted”.

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)

>> They had driven out many demons…

>> They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.

>> They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired

>> The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

>> We may be doing a lot of things…

… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

>> We may be happy with what we are doing…

… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…

… to take some rest in Him

… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled

>> The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…

>> We may have witnessed God’s wonders…

… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

>> We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…

… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…

… with His Divine Word

… by His Compassionate Love

There is a indeed a great hunger in the world.

Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…

… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognize, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?

>> Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?

>> Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

May the prayer in Heb 13:20-21 be our personal prayer:

“May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His Will.

May He carry out, in you, what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the flowers which inherits and exhibits lot of meaning and symbolism is the Lotus.

>> This flower has been one of the most ancient and deepest symbols.

The Lotus flower has a number of unique properties….

… It grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty.

… At night, the flower closes and sinks underwater; while at dawn, it rises and opens again.

… It has a quality of self-cleaning and always remains free from dirty particles

… It’s leaves are such that they remain always dry

Untouched by the impurity, the Lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind.

>> The Lotus becomes a beautiful metaphor for a person Consecrated to the Lord.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…

>> On this day, we also celebrate the Consecrated Way of Life.

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

>> It is seeking to be pure, completely, in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.

“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…

“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…

>> If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….’ ” ( Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…

… represented fulfilling of God’s command..

… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…

… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

>> Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!

>> Jesus took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!

>> Jesus lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

At Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord

>> Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the Profession of Religious Vows

The meaning of this Consecration, also, derives from the Consecration of the Lord…

>> We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…

… yet the Lord exalts us, to live a pure and holy life.

>> We are “ordinary” by our human nature…

… yet the Lord wishes to join us, with His Divine nature

>> We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…

…. yet the Lord wants us, to be His Kingdom partners

Our Consecration is….

… a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life

… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

… is a binding and necessity in belonging to the Lord wholly and totally

This is a day of the Consecrated Life…

… a day to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord

… a day to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord

… a day to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord

… a day to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Each of us…whether single or in family life…whether a Priest or a Religious…

… belongs to the Lord and to Him alone!

>> We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

The Lotus represents beautifully this our consecration and offering to the Lord…

1. We may grow in the muddy waters of evil, scandals, violence, corruption etc…

>> Yet, can we rise above all this, and bloom in beauty, with God’s strength?

2. In the night of our life, we may sink and feel dejected, broken, sad, depressed, worried etc…

>> Yet, can we open up again, and blossom in loveliness, with God’s graces?

3. In our worldly interactions, we may get spoilt with dirty particles of sin, evil, bad habits etc…

>> Yet, can we free ourselves from all these, by the redeeming power of God’s love?

4. In our material affairs, we may get wet and drenched with desires for pleasures and luxury…

>> Yet, can we remain dry and unsullied, by the tremendous saving force of God’s holiness?

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

On this First Friday of February, let us renew our Love for the Lord…

… and dedicate ourselves – wholly – to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

In His Sacred Heart…

… we find strength for our Consecration

… we find joy for our Consecration

Yes, we belong to the Lord…

>> Let us live this Consecration!

>> Let us give witness to this Consecration!

Happy Feast of the Presentation of our Blessed Lord to all of us, His Consecrated People.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Ella Gunderson is an eleven-year-old Catholic girl from Seattle, USA

In 2004, she went into a Nordstrom’s ( an American fashion retailer) store to buy a pair of jeans.

>> However, none of the jeans were pleasing to her taste, lifestyle and liking…

Every style of jeans was either very loose that they would fall down…

… or so tight that she would have to wear them low and thus they would become provocative.

As a Christian, she knew that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God meant beauty to be pure, inspiring, and tasteful and not degrading and objectifying!

Instead of just whining about the situation, Ella decided to act…

She wrote a public letter of complaint to Nordstrom’s…

“Dear Nordstrom, I am an eleven-year-old girl who has tried shopping at your store for clothes (in particular jeans), but all of them ride way under my hips and the next size up, is too big and falls down.”

This experience of Ella Gunderson resonated with unvoiced concern of many teenagers and women across the country, who also believed it was possible to be ‘pretty, without being provocative’.

The letter caused a huge rage to be raised by the world of media…

The media firestorm motivated Nordstrom’s to create a new category of fashion wears for juniors called “Modern and Modest.”

A great Christian endevour was pursued and achieved – all because of the convictions of a Christian girl, who believed in being “pretty, without being provocative!”

To be a Christian in today’s world is a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation for each one of us to live as a True Christian, a True Missionary – just as the Twelve Apostles were sent by Jesus on the mission journey.

Jesus had become very popular by various deeds in His ministry…

… powerfully teaching the Word of God and authoritatively interpreting the Law

… mightily healing many of the sick and boldly accepting those rejected by the peoples

… intensely performing many wondrous actions and effectively transforming the society

A great band of people had also begun to follow Him…

…some from far, some closely

…. some with ulterior motives, some with genuine intentions.

In the midst of this rising popularity and increasing crowd-following, the Lord chose the Twelve – whom He named as Apostles (Mk 3:13)

• These Twelve were to be with Him and to be sent out

• These Twelve were to be an extension of His mission on the earth

To them, the Lord entrusts the great task of spreading His mission of the Kingdom of God.

“And He called to Him the Twelve, and began to send them out, two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7)

One of the key issues that the Lord addresses when He sends out His disciples is to be aware of the fact that there will be great possibilities that they would be “rejected”.

However, the Apostles were not to get disheartened by it; rather to be bold and firm to stand against anything that would oppose their mission.

Jesus says to them: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet….” (Mk 6: 11)

Jesus warns them that their life as His follower and as a missionary of the Kingdom, would surely meet a lot of opposition…

… many would reject their teachings

… many would even, perhaps persecute them

… many would seek to make them compromise their values

However, in all this, the Apostles were to remain bold, firm and courageous.

They had to fill their hearts with two basic virtues: Dependence on God’s Providence and Firm Perseverance in His ways.

The message of the Gospel is always opposed to the ways and values of the world!

>> It was so… in the time of Jesus

>> It was so… also in the time of the Apostles

>> And it is so… in our own times and situations

To be a Christian, a Missionary in today’s world is indeed a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

• There are many aspects in the world that go against Christian values…

• There are umpteen situations that challenge our Christian faith…

Christian virtues today are “rejected”, “trampled upon”, “compromised” and even “diluted”!

We can either…

…. give in to them

… or just complain about them

… or make efforts to change them

By virtue of our Baptism, we share…

… in the privilege of being called a follower of Christ

… also, in the responsibility and duty of being firm and faithful to our Christian values

Are we going to dilute, compromise, be lukewarm or adopt an ‘all-is-adjustable’ policy with respect to our Christian values?

• Or are we ready to grow and stand firm in our convictions and make efforts to live a True Christian life?

Is the world transforming me?

• Or am I, as a Christian, transforming the world?

Yes, as Christians, living in this modern world, let’s believe…

… that we can be “Modern and Modest!

… that we can be “pretty, without being provocative!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!