One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:
…getting to know His/Her name…
…getting to know His/Her occupations…
…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to ” know more” about John…
>> His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

>>> He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)
>>> He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)
>>> He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)
>> He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

>> A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.
>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

>> When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

>> When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

>> When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …
… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….
… plunge us into a deep struggle
… make us to fear life and people
…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…
… “What really is the purpose of my life??
… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”
… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

>> I am God’s Child….
… in this is my true identity.

>> I am the witness to the True Light…
… in this is my true role in life.

>> I am a Voice in the wilderness…
… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

>> I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…
… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
>> with faith and love
>> through the valleys and mountains
>> and wilderness and oasis
… through these days of the Season of Advent, preparing for the Coming of Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was December in the year 1903.

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

They were very much thrilled!

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

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

The sister was also super-excited.

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

The editor glanced at the message and said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… but often, we miss the point.

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

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

… but they missed the point..

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

God had promised that Prophet Elijah of old would return…

… but they missed the point…

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

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

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

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

The Gospel says that John the Baptist…

… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair

… had a leather belt around his waist

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

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

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

And thus John the Baptist came to be …

… rejected

… derided

… finally killed!

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

>> He gives His Beautiful Word to us…

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

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

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

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

… but we fail to derive the necessary fruits from Them

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

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

This is more true as we prepare for Christmas…

Jesus is the BIG POINT of the Christmas

>> Let us dare not “miss Him”!

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Children are an interesting lot!

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

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

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

The famous artist, Picasso, once said:

“All children are artists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is child-likeness?

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

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

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

But what is childishness?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can childishness in spirituality become a dangerous ploy?

Childishness in spirituality…

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

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

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

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

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

Our Blessed Lord says:

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

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

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

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

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

> And this irked the people…

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

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

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

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

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

> And this annoyed the leaders…

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

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

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

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is an interesting legend of how a mother was cleaning the house in preparation for Christmas.

Not a speck of dust was left and even all the spiders were banished from their cozy homes in the ceiling.

It was Christmas eve and the Christmas Tree and the Crib was also decorated.

But, at the farthest end of the attic, the spiders, after having been chased away and taken refuge in that corner, were feeling miserable.

>> They too wished to see the Christmas Tree and especially have an encounter with Baby Jesus.

>> But they were afraid, since the mother of the house would chase them away.

The oldest spider among them, however came up with a proposal, that they could perhaps peep across the side door and have a glimpse of Baby Jesus.

So, the spiders, silently crept out of the attic, down the stairs, across the floor and waited in the crack in the side door.

But suddenly the door opened was opened by someone, and the spiders, in fear, ran to the room.

But all them still desired to see the Christmas Tree from close.

>> So they decided to make a bold attempt…

… They quietly crept over the whole Christmas tree.. over every branch and twig, till their desire to see its beauty was fulfilled.

But to their dismay, each of them had left their webs behind.

When Child Jesus saw the Christmas Tree marred by the spider webs, He was in a dilemma.

On one side, he was impressed by the simple desire of the spiders…

… on the other side, he did not want the mother of the house to be offended.

So He touched the spider webs, and they all turned to sparkling and shimmering, silver and gold!

(This is probably the origin of hanging colourful tinsels on our Christmas Trees, and sometimes even including a spider!)

One of the important dimension seen in this legendary story is the intense desire of the spiders and their willingness to take the chance…

… to be bold in their attempts and even be ready to risk their lives to have their Divine longing fulfilled.

Such is to be the readiness of every Christian…

>> Having an intense desire

>> Being willing to take chances

>> Being bold

>> Ready to even risk their lives

…  in defence of faith and in growing to be a Disciple – in the likeness of Christ.

This is reflected in the words that Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent are taking it by force” (Mt 11: 12)

This verse is one of the most mysterious and thought-provoking in the entire Bible.

What was this violence that Jesus was referring to?

The Greek word for the word “violence” is “biazo”.

This word “biazo” is described as “using power to forcibly seize” i.e. “laying hold of something with a POSITIVE aggressiveness”.

In the context of the Kingdom of God, it refers to the fact that ” the share in the heavenly Kingdom is to be sought for, with the most ardent zeal and the most intent exertion”.

>> Historically, the “violence” refers to the manner in which the Kingdom was rejected by the Jews – the chosen race, and the Gentiles gained access.

>> In our own times, the “violence” refers to the manner in which the entry to the Kingdom causes the people to suffer, undergo hardships and even bear hostility.

That’s why Jesus would say in the Sermon of the Mount, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Mt 5: 10)

St Ambrose beautifully describes the meaning of this violence:

“We do violence to the Lord…

> not by compelling Him but by weeping before Him

> not by provoking by injuries, but by entreating with tears

> not by blaspheming through pride, but by sorrowing through humility.

We attack him, not with swords, nor staves, nor stones…

…  but with meekness, good works, chastity.

These are the weapons of our faith, by which we strive in our contest.

But in order that we may be able to make use of these arms in doing violence…

>> let us first use a certain violence to our own bodies

>> let us carry by storm the vices of our members

…that we may obtain the rewards of valour.

For to seize the Saviour’s Kingdom we must first reign in ourselves”

St Francis de Sales speaks of a similar “violence” when, filled with a deep zeal to conquer back Geneva from the clutches of Protestantism, he says:

“We will breach the walls of Geneva with our ardent prayers and storm the city with mutual charity”

This then is the zeal and the passion – the fire – that we need to carry in our hearts…

>> A powerful zeal that makes no compromise in the values of the Kingdom…

… and makes it willing to suffer any hardship or difficulty for the sake of the Lord!

>> An aggressive passion that is willing to let go of any attachment or sinful desire…

… that comes in the way of being worthy of the Kingdom!

>> A blazing fire that rages across every wicked and evil action..

… and seeks to restore holiness and sanctity of life!

Yes, Christian Life is a warfare…

… against the forces of evil

… against our own worldly desires!

That is why the Church on earth who are living – who struggle against sin and devil and “the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12) is called as the “Church Militant” (“Ecclesia Militans”)

May our Blessed Lord ignite our “often tired, dreary and weary” lives with a blazing passion and a fiery enthusiasm, so that we may energetically prepare for His coming into our lives!

The Lord will surely bless our every attempt and every desire to seek Him

This will cause us to leave behind…

… our webs of vain desires

… our webs of sinful pleasures

… our webs of undue attachments

But our Master will touch all those webs and turn them to sparkling and shimmering blessings and graces!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An old lady was sitting in the park – all alone and dejected.

A young boy – who was sitting on the opposite bench – and was doing some writing work, had been constantly watching this lady who was brooding over some worry.

Finally, after a while, he stopped writing and enquired:

“Madam, I have been observing you. From morning, you have been quite worried.

What’s the matter? Maybe there is some way I can help you

The old lady looked at him and replied: “You know, my son, in life, I have been worried about so many things in life… but most of them never happened!”

The young man was surprised to hear that – “troubled about things, that never really happened!”

So he asked again, “Then why are you troubled now?”

She replied, with a tinge of remorse: “I am worried as to why did I unnecessarily worry so much in my life!”

Funny, isn’t it?

But, are we sometimes like this old lady?

>> Too much worried and disturbed in life…

… sometimes (or perhaps, very often) even about things that have not happened in life?

The call of the Gospel is an invitation by Jesus to “cast all our worries and burdens” on Him.

We read in the Gospel today, the assuring words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11: 28)

Jesus came into the world, primarily as a Saviour!

>> He is in deep love with us!

“…You are precious in my eyes and I love You!” (Is 43:4).

The meaning of the name “Jesus” Itself is that…

… GOD SAVES!

As a Beloved Lover, He constantly tugs the strings of our hearts and beckons us to Himself – wanting us to experience His Saving Love!

>> He extends His cordial and warmest invitation to each one of us who are weary and heavy-burdened!

The Greek word for WEARY is “Kopiao”…

… which means to toil and become weary to the point of exhaustion! .

>> WEARY not only refers to the daily physical strains and struggles we undergo in life, but is also…

… the internal exhaustion caused by seeking Divine Truth through mere Human Wisdom.

… the external burden caused by futile peripheral efforts to seek the Divinity.

Many of us, very often, reach the point of exhaustion and fatigue by our everyday works and in our striving for salvation.

However, today, the Lord calls all of us – to experience His Resting Presence!

>> “Behold, I stand at the door and Knock! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me”” (Rev 3:20).

“Experiencing His Resting Presence” also means “to learn from Him”…

… especially learning to be Humble and Gentle like Him! (Mt 11: 29)

A proud heart robs the person of spiritual insights

>> It renders a person to look only to oneself; the dependence on the Lord is lost!

A harsh (violent/tough/annoyed/wrathful) heart steals the person of “being at peace”

>> It renders a person to look only at the negativities of life; the attitude of being grateful to God is lost!

Today, let us give heed to the call of the Lord…

… to “Rest in His Presence”

>> And thus to learn to be more “gentle and humble”

Many of us might question: How can I “Rest in His Presence”

>> Many of us might counter: Is it really possible to learn to be more “gentle and humble”?

“Rest in His Presence” can be…

… by making a time for the Lord, in prayer, every day of our life – an act, which we shall never compromise!

… by “becoming aware” of the Presence of the Lord in the activities that we engage in

… by recognizing the goodness in other people and situations of life, and thus being, consciously, grateful to God

Learning to be more “gentle and humble” can be…

… by picking up any of those virtues, and (purposely) doing an act towards growing in the virtue

… by daily examining the conscience, in the practice of that particular virtue, and making amends to try again, even if failed (Let’s remember the Lord Who always rose again, even when He fell many times, on the Way of the Cross!)

… by praying specially to the Holy Spirit for those virtues, and never being discouraged, even when faced with the opposite vice

… by being inspired by the many saints, who went through the phases of vices, but were ultimately able to conquer, and live the virtues

Tensions, worries and problems of life constantly disappoint us!

>> Even our striving to improve our spiritual lives (and the feeling of failure to do so) discourage us!

But the Lord constantly tells us…”Come to Me!”

>> “Never, ever get discouraged, My Child!”

As St Francis de Sales says, “The greatest thing that can befall a soul, beyond sin… is anxiety!”

Let not the anxieties of our life dishearten us…

>> Instead may the Invitation of the Lord – “to Rest in His Presence and to learn from Him”…

… help us to always be at peace in life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A mother took her three children to a fine restaurant for a dinner.

>> It was a crowded Sunday and they could only get separate seats.

As food was served, the youngest daughter – 6 year old Mary – who was seated at the far corner of the restaurant…

… loudly enquired from her mother: “Mother, don’t people say grace before meals in this place?”

A wave of silence wrapped the entire restaurant!

The mother did not know how to react.

But soon enough, the manager of the hotel, who was at the counter, said in an assuring voice to the child: “Yes we do. You may start!”

All the people bowed their head in silence

Little Mary closed her eyes, joined her hands and bowing her head…

… in a loud and crystal voice prayed: “Bless us O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are going to receive from your goodness, through Christ our Lord… Amen!”

The child found it strange to observe that none of the elders were praying…

… So she went “out of the way”

>> And did something that was very beautiful

>> And taught others an action to be imitated

A child “goes out of the way”…

… in expressing love and affection by trying to imitate the kind acts of the elders

… in trying to help others – giving a hand at the household chores, or doing little works

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by the Lord to re-discover this “forgotten” child-like dimension of our lives: “To go out of the way”!

Jesus, speaking of this worthwhile quality …

… presents to us the image of a Shepherd who goes “out of the way”, in search of the lost sheep.

Jesus says: ” If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray…

… will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills, and go in search of the stray?” (Mt 18: 12)

The shepherd loves all his hundred sheep…

… yet, when one gets strayed, he makes “an out-of-the-way effort” to get the lost one back.

He does not give up on the strayed.

>> He doesn’t desert the lost.

>> He doesn’t abandon the one, gone from his circle.

This attitude of going “out of the way”…

>> “taking an extra pain”

>> “dripping an extra sweat”

… would seem weird and strange to the calculative, pragmatic and business-minded head of ours, in this modern period!

We might question:

>> Is it not a waste of time to go after the “lost sheep”…

…  of an obsessed drug-addict or a habitual drunkard or a consistent smoker?

>> Is it just too futile to awaken a “lost sheep”…

… of a soul in slumber, where there is no focus on spiritual life, where there is slackness of prayer and sacraments and where worldliness and materialism have crept and conquered?

>> Is it of any use to go after the “lost sheep”…

… of a couple who are constantly bickering and a family which is broken up with regular fights and misunderstandings?

>> Is there any sense in trying to restore the “lost sheep”…

…  of a community whose members seem disinterested, who are lethargic, who have their own personal and hidden agenda and who always back-talk and back-bite?

>> Is it just not meaningless to revive the “lost sheep”…

… of a society or a nation where corruption has taken deep-roots in hearts of people and all sincere efforts of transformation often gets dumped into the bin?

The True Shepherd however, in all such situations, of the “lost sheep” …

… “goes out of the way”

>> The Good Shepherd makes an extra effort in getting them back!

This Good Shepherd today invites us to be partakers in restoring the lost ones.

A critical danger in the process of “growing- up” is the tendency to lose our “natural child-like” qualities.

>> As a child, we were free to express our emotions…

… but when we “grow up”, we tend to hold them up all within (only to burst out one day!)

>> As a child, we were easily dependant on those who cared for us…

… but when we “grow up”, we become arrogant towards them and seek ‘independence’

>> As a child, we were able to enjoy and relax in the present moment…

… but when we “grow up”, we get caught up in the snare of the past and shrink with  fear of the future.

The Lord invites us to get back the “lost” child-like faith and trust.

>> We need to realise that we are always little children to our Heavenly Father!

>> He loves to care for us… He longs that we depend on Him entirely!

Yes, children sometimes teach elders great lessons, isn’t it?

Let us be willing  to “go out of the way”…

>> And do things that are very beautiful

>> And teach others actions, that can be imitated!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is a popular quote in Hindi, which goes so:
” Bhagwaan jab deta hain, chappar phaad kar deta hain”

The meaning of the words are given below:
>> Bhagwaan (God)  jab (when) deta hain (gives), chappar (roof)  phaad (tear open)  kar deta hain (gives)!

Therefore, literally, in English, this quotation would get translated as:
“When God gives, He tear opens the roofs and gives!”

The Gospel of the Day gives a similar scene of “The roof being torn open!”

Our Blessed Lord is engaged in His ministry of teaching (Lk 5: 17)

This is something that we can all learn from!

The Lord…
… though quite popular as a miracle worker
… though very admired for his mighty deeds of healing
>> Always gave a great priority to the “ministry of teaching”

He would always make it a point to “teach” the people

Very often, in our lives (especially those engaged in various Church ministries)…
… we neglect the aspect of teaching
>> We tend to run after works and ministries that are more sensational, popular and “glamorous”!

This verse of the Gospel is a challenge for us to renew our commitment to the “ministry of teaching”…
… about the Kingdom of God
… about ways to lead a Holy Life by prioritizing God above all
… about understanding the true meaning of God’s commandments

As Jesus is engaged in this “ministry of teaching”…
… a great number of Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem (Lk 5:17)

>> The house was fully packed, with people cramming to hear the Lord..
>> The house was, brimming with persons seeking the healing of the Lord…

It was then that a group of people brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed (Lk 5: 18)

>> They came with much expectation to see the paralysed man, whole and well again.
>> They sought with an eager and earnest desire for the Lord of power and healings.

But as they approached the house… their hopes would have gone down!
>> The thick crowd of people would have slimmed their hopes!
>> The massive gathering at the door would have thinned their anticipations!

But when the chips are down, one is given a chance to find strength one never knew one had & put it toward the greater good.

>> They came seeking for blessings…
>> They came seeking for the God of blessings…
But it seemed, that the firmament was closed to shower down blessings!

But then they had a hope…similar to the words…” Bhagwaan jab deta hain, chappar phaad kar deta hain!”
>> Yes …”When God gives, He tear opens the roofs and gives!”

And so they decided to take on this same principle that God uses to shower His blessings:
“To tear open the roof!”

But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles* into the middle in front of Jesus. (Lk 5: 19)

“Opened up the roof” has other translations…
… “dug a hole through the roof”
…“removed part of the roof”
… “uncovered the roof”

We would perhaps think the roof was some primitive, thatched roof.

But most likely, that was not the case…

As per the architecture then, this roof was more than likely a mud clay roof with tiles

To lower the paralyzed man through the roof, they literally had to do a major demolition of the roof.

Well… picture this…

You’re in this packed house – people crammed to the max…trying to listen to Jesus.
>> All of a sudden you start to hear some banging on the roof.

These people would have literally tore the tiles off the roof, made a hole & lowered the paralyzed man by a rope into the house.
>> Then the roof materials begins to fall in on you!

Well… imagine also the people’s responses…

>> They would have been astonished, amazed and some even angered!
>> They were there to listen to Jesus….they had come early…they had won their spot…

They were perhaps hearing their life-transforming sermon!
>> It’s at this point, that the “roof starts tearing down!”

But Jesus, the God of blessings, is immensely pleased and edified by their faith and trust!
>> Their “tearing of the roof” was blessed by “pouring down of blessings”.
>> Their “tearing of the roof” was rewarded with a “cleansing of sins”.

                                                                                                                                               
Many of the times, we too face similar barriers and blockages in our experience for the Lord.

>> Are we willing to “break through the roof”…
… of discouragements, disappointments and distresses?

>> Are we willing to “break through the roof”…
… of ‘end-of-the-road’ feelings and ‘hopeless situations’?

>> Are we willing to “break through the roof”…
… of problems which seem impossible and unsolvable?

>> Difficulties and barriers will always be many in life…
>> Hardships and challenges will often stare on our face…

But let us have the grit and the guts to be ready to “break through the roof” of all such adversities!
>> Then, we will experience the God of blessings also pouring down Graces on us… “Chappar phaad ke!!” (breaking the roof)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the exciting things in life, which many of us have gone through, is learning a bicycle.

These days, bicycles come with a special set of training wheels that are attached to the back wheels.

>> The two little wheels attached to the back wheel are there to help provide balance and confidence to the rider.

But many of us, would have also learnt the bicycle in the old-fashioned way…the parent or a friend who ran alongside the one learning, until the rider got under way.

This person, who would be accompanying, would most often say three things, while learning this art of cycling…

1. Always keep the eye on the road…

…to keep the focus

2. Don’t lean to the left or the right side…

… to have proper balance

3. Remember, I am always there with you…

… to feel the confidence and trust

These three principles would help the person to learn quick this art of cycling.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve…to learn the Art of Mission…

Like the art of cycling…the Apostles are also given some basic principles…

…the principle to keep focus

… the principle to have a proper balance

… the principle of confidence and trust

The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.

>> There were crowds of people following Him…

>> There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

The Heart of the Lord is moved in empathy for these people.

>> The Gospel says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36)

The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.

> Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus

> Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus

> Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus

But as the saying goes… “Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”

Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…

… He remained courageous and determined.

And so, He chose the Twelve?

… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)

The Twelve were to be His extension – of His Teachings, of His Works

And so, He not only chooses the Twelve…but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…

…with an authority over unclean spirits

…to proclaim the Kingdom of God

… to preach repentance and peace

In this art of mission, the Lord gives a few instructions and principles…

… and “also gave authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness” (Mt 10:1)

The Twelve were to learn…

… to keep focus on the preaching of repentance and bringing healing to people

… to have a proper balance by not getting discouraged in the face of any sort of rejection

… to have confidence and trust in the Lord Who was with them to provide what they needed

Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…

>> Am I focussing on preaching only His Gospel and living only His life….

…or do I get distracted with other agenda and motives?

>> Am I having the proper balance in living the Christian life even though I face many pressures…

…or do I lose the balance and fall into the pits of lethargy, disappointments and laxity?

>> Am I having the confidence and the trust in the Lord and bank on Him at every turn of life…

… or do I experience perplexities of anxiety, despair and despondency?

The art of missions is exciting.

>> We may feel a little afraid at times…

>> We may sometimes even fall..

But we only need to follow some of the basic principles, coupled with His Grace…

… to be focussed on the Lord alone

… to be balanced in prayer and faithfulness

… to be trusting and being confident in His awesome power

And when we embark on this art of mission…

…Just like a caring parent, who is happy to see one’s child cycling confidently…

…our Heavenly Father will also look at us with much happiness and joy and be proud of us!

Are we ready to cycle our way, with our Heavenly Father, in this exciting art of Mission?

God Bless! Live Jesus!