What is common to a sports match… a theatre-act… a street-play… a television program… a cinema-show… a circus-extravaganza… a musical-concert… a dance-display…?

Any guesses…??

Yes… it’s the audience!

Audience are the onlookers who cheer and enjoy the performances.

>> But they themselves don’t participate.

Though they might seek to get involved emotionally, a little, they still remain mere watchers and spectators.

A similar attitude is perhaps strongly seen in our following of Christ.

We seem to have become a people who are mere spectators to the teachings of Christ.

>> We seem to have reduced ourselves to being mere onlookers of the Gospel values.

The Gospel of the Day calls us to examine our real attitude and position in being a follower of Christ.

The Lord declares today, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21)

The Lord is clear to tell that a mere lip-confession that Jesus is the Lord will not suffice in finding a place in the Kingdom…

How much do we really mean when we call Jesus as the Lord?

These days, “Jesus is Lord” and “Praise the Lord” are phrases that are very commonly used.

Sometimes we use them without being aware of it.

>> Sometimes we use them without actually meaning it.

The word, “Lord” – Kurios in Greek – means a possessor or the master of a thing or a sovereign prince or an emperor.

We call Jesus as our Lord and give praises to Him as the Lord…

>> But do we really consider Him as the possessor of all our thoughts and plans and aspirations?

Do we acknowledge Him as the Master of our broken past, our worrying present and our unknown future?

Do we enthrone Him as the Prince and Emperor to rule over all our desires and ambitions?

Very often, “Jesus is Lord” becomes a mere “profession” limited to the lips!

This aspect of “professing” but “failing to perform” is an aspect seen in various areas of our lives…

Politicians “profess” many promises and oaths…

…but many fail in their “profession” and indulge in unfair and corrupt practices.

Doctors “profess” an oath of being true to the service of the suffering humanity…

…but many fail in their “profession” and engage in cheating and swindling patients.

Lawyers “profess” to be honest and guardians of the truth and justice…

…but many fail in their “profession” and involve themselves in violating the law.

The religious circles are no exemption to this “cancerous” trend…

Religious “profess” to lead a life the consecrated vows and promises…

… but many fail in their “profession” and get busy with many worldly concerns and cares.

Priests “profess” to be committed to spreading the Gospel and the love of God to all…

…but many fail in their “profession” and lose track of the real focus and aim of priesthood.

Husbands and wives “profess” to be with each other in every situation and troubles of life…

…but many fail in their “profession” and break up in irreconcilable fights and disputes.

Christians “profess” to be the light of the world and salt to the earth at the Baptism…

….but many fail in their “profession” and often become scandals and anti-witnesses.

The Lord dishes out a challenging message today…

A “profession” without true faithfulness can be a dangerous one.

>> A “profession” without living up to its demands is highly destructive.

This is what the Lord reminds us through the parable of the two foundations (Mt 7: 24-27)

The house built on firm rock remains firm in every storm or calamity.

>> The house built on loose sand gets destroyed in any storm or calamity.

Is the “profession” that I make built on the firm rock of certainty and conviction?

>> Is the “profession” that I make built on the loose sand of uncertainty and confusion?

Christian calling is not a call to remain mere spectators or an onlooker.

A spectator enjoys the fun from far…

… a participant is fully involved in joy and satisfaction.

An onlooker appreciates a performance without being affected…

… a participant struggles hard for it.

Christianity is a call to get involved in the realities of life, with the power and love of the Lord.

Our “profession” to call Him as our Lord…

… ought to get translated into our day to day living.

… ought to result in a purposive choice to do God’s Will.

… ought to be a preferential option for God’s Word.

The Lord is worthy of the highest commitment…and of our complete involvement.

Let us build our lives on the firm foundation of certainty and conviction and declare Him, with passion, faithfulness and commitment, as the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Picnics are a time of great fun and enjoyment.

They enrich relationships, nurture relaxation and foster a spirit of joy and peace.

>> Most of us have been part of picnics…either from schools / parishes / as a family / as a community / as a group of friends.

A picnic becomes an occasion to share… to care…and to also dare to know each other more.

The Gospel of the Day is a lovely occasion of a Picnic…

… A picnic with Jesus.

A picnic basically has some essential elements…

1. A nice location

2. Joyful interactions

3. Good food

4. A sense of satisfaction and contentment

Our picnic with Jesus in today’s Gospel passage has all these elements.

Come…let’s join Jesus…

… in this wonderful time of a picnic

1. A nice location:

The mood of a picnic is very often regulated by the choice of the place we make.

It should be something exciting, something scenic and something to involve ourselves in.

The location that Jesus chooses for this picnic is a Mountain (Lk 15:29)

A mountain is certainly an exciting place…

… a scenic location and moves our hearts to get involved in its beauty.

The mountain was one of the favourite places of the Lord.

>> This high altitude place was where Jesus could strengthen His attitude towards His mission.

>> He would spend hours of the night in communion with His Father on the mountains.

And so, He invites us to join with Him on the mountains…

… To relax in His love and to experience the coolness of His presence.

… To raise our thoughts to higher levels and overcome the worldly concerns.

2. Joyful interactions:

Great crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute and many others. They placed them at His feet and He cured them (Mt 15:30)

The picnic with Jesus, on the mountain, becomes an occasion of cure and restoration.

On the mountain, Jesus becomes a fountain of healing and the source of joy.

3. Good food:

Food is one of the best parts of a picnic.

And the Lord lavishes abundant food to all those who were there with Him on the mountain.

Then, He took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves and gave them to His disciples, who in turn, gave them to the crowds (Mt 15:36)

It seemed to be a situation of starvation and hunger.

>> But the Lord converts this grim situation into an occasion of contentment and blessing.

His compassionate love overflows into a lavish multiplication of the loaves and the fish!

4. A sense of satisfaction and contentment:

Every picnic ideally should end on a note of great fulfillment and bliss.

The picnic with Jesus on the mountain, where He healed a lot of people, spoke His Life-giving words and blessed them with abundant food, becomes moments of happiness.

“They all ate and were satisfied…” (Lk 15:37)

It had been a lovely time for the people in this picnic with the Lord…

>> They had the picnic in a nice scenic location of the mountain

>> They had the picnic with many joyful interactions with Jesus, who healed and cured many.

>> They had the picnic with good food, in lavishness, provided by the Lord Himself.

>> They had the picnic with a great sense of satisfaction and deep fulfilment.

The Lord invites us to join with Him in a picnic with Him…

> To go to the mountain of prayer and intimacy with the Lord.

> To have joyful interactions with Him and receive His spiritual, emotional and physical healings.

> To be blessed with the good food of His Holy Eucharist and His nourishing Word.

> To have a great satisfaction in being filled with immense peace and serenity.

Let us enjoy the picnic with the Lord & make our lives a beautiful one…

… to share… to care..

>> And to also dare to know the Lord more and to help each other more.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A lady, who was known to be a devout Christian, was undergoing a long time of suffering.

As she was visited by some of her friends who came to console here, she was heard to be commenting:

“I have a beautiful robin that sings outside my window.

>> This bird strengthens me.”

Then with a bigger smile, she continued:

“I like him, because he sings in the rain!

When the storm has silenced almost, all other birds…

… the robin sings on!

And that’s how my life is!”

The lady – who herself was suffering and going through the storms of life – found great inspiration in the Robin…

… the one which sings, even in any storm or rain!

That’s the life of a Christian!

Anyone can sing, when its sunshine…

… but when the clouds of hardships pour out the rain, can we sing?

The Gospel of the Day, presents Jesus Who is rejoicing in the Spirit…

… “In the same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, ‘I thank you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth..’” (Lk 10: 21)

Jesus always displayed a great sense of joy and enthusiasm

>> He was a picture of calmness and serenity.

This was owing to His intimate relationship with His Father – His Abba!

He, of course, had His Own struggles…

… Rejection by His own people at Nazareth (Lk 4: 28-29)

… Very often facing the criticism of the people (Lk 5:30)

… Constantly being put under the scanner with questions (Lk 5:33)

… Facing the wrath of many religious leaders (Lk 6: 7, 11)

But none of these “storms” or “rains” prevented the Lord from singing the praises of His Father…

… and rejoicing in the Spirit

And He invites His disciples to also understand the great privilege they have received to experience the Love of the Father:

“Blessed are the eyes which see what you see…” (Lk 10: 23)

As followers of Jesus, we are also given the privilege to always be “people, who rejoice in the Spirit”…

… “people who can sing, even when it’s raining or in the midst of a storm!”

Are we often spending our days in sadness and complaint?

>> Or can we also become conscious of the many blessings, God showers on us… and thus rejoice!

Are we constantly looking for the negatives in our relationships?

>> Or can we also seek to treasure people, just for who they are, and begin to love them more!

>> Are we feeling that life is a burden and thus fail to have peace of mind and lightness of heart?

>> Or can we also begin to understand that as a Christian, we have the privilege to understand how God mightily works in our life, and is constantly showering His Love and Mercy on us!

Let us learn to imitate, Jesus, our Master, Who constantly “rejoiced in the Spirit”

… and thus make our Christian Life, a beautiful witness of God’s Love and Compassion.

Let’s listen to the words of St Mother Teresa of Kolkatta:

“Joy is a net of love by which we catch souls!”

Yes…

>> Anyone can sing, when its sunshine…

… but when the clouds of hardships pour out the rain, can we sing?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Legends are common and are important to a culture.

A legend is a semi-true story, which has been passed on from person-to-person and have important meanings or symbolism inherent in it.

It usually includes an element of truth, involve heroic characters or based on historic facts, but with ‘mythical qualities’.

One such famous legend is about King Nero.

In AD 64, a great fire consumed the city of Rome. For six days & seven nights, the Romans watched helplessly as their city burned…

This historical fact is accompanied by a legend which says that while the city of Rome was burning, its Emperor Nero was very casually busy, playing the fiddle!

It’s from this legend (true or not) that we get the English phrase “To play the fiddle while Rome burns”

It means to “do nothing or something trivial while knowing that something disastrous is happening”.

>> It means “to spend time enjoying oneself or doing things that are not important when one should be dealing with a serious problem”

The Gospel of the Day is a strong warning to examine whether we too, as in the legend of Nero, are engaging ourselves “in playing the fiddle, while Rome burns”.

We are on the first day of the Season of Advent.

In the Church, there are four different liturgical seasons…

1. The Season of Lent: Invites us to focus on the reality of sin and make repentance.

2. The Season of Easter: Invites us to focus on the mighty power of God through His Resurrection.

3. The Season of the Ordinary Times: Invites us to focus on daily life and teachings of Jesus and draw practical conclusions for our life.

4. The Season of Advent: Invites us to become aware of God’s deep faithfulness and prepare our hearts to receive Him more deeply into our lives.

Advent is a time to become more aware of the presence of the Lord in our lives.

>> Advent is a time to wake up from the slumber of sin to a life of grace and blessing.

>> Advent is a time to shake off the dust of sluggishness and become more zealous and fervent.

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”…

… which is a translation of the Greek word parousia

The central theme of reading of the Day is Jesus’ warning to each one of us to be alert, watchful and prepared because Christ’s Second Coming can occur at any time.

We are invited to examine ourselves in asking….

>> Am I casually wasting away my life, without giving enough attention to my spiritual life?

>> Am I spending my time enjoying in vain, without paying attention to the higher things of life?

>> Am I dozing off in lethargy and laziness and failing to carry out my Christian responsibilities?

The Gospel gives a call to be awake & alert in life by an illustration of a master entrusting great responsibility to his servants.

Wandering land-owners and wayfaring masters were a common thing in the time of Jesus.

Large land-property owners often lived elsewhere, leaving their servants in charge of caring for and carrying on the business as if the owners were still present.

This kind of a situation was a test for the servants who were made in-charge.

>> The absence of the master was a test of the faithfulness of the servant.

The real test of the honesty of the students happens when the teacher is absent in the exam hall.

>> The real test of the conduct of the children happens when the parents are away from the house.

>> The real test of the character of the employees happens when the boss is not observing or monitoring them.

The real test of the faithfulness and commitment of the servant happens when the master or the land-owner is away and is not in a position to keep an eye on them…

>> Would they be faithful daily, or would they wait until they heard the master was about to return & then quickly get things in order?

>> Would they engage in malpractices and dishonest activities or would they conduct themselves in truthfulness and sincerity?

The time of the return of the Master was unknown.

The moment of the coming back of the owner was unspecified.

And this called for alertness and watchfulness at all times.

Our whole life too, ought to be drenched in preparation and vigilance.

Often times, we tend to allow laxity and sloppiness to dominate our lives.

We tend to become people “who play the fiddle, while Rome burns…”

Though we sense the fire of sins and transgressions burning in our lives, we play the fiddle of making many excuses and postpone the need to repent.

Though we sense the fire of indifference and unconcern burning in our relationships, we play the fiddle of not taking the lead to improve our contacts and slip into more hatred.

Though we sense the fire of abuses and corruption burning in our society, we play the fiddle of passing the responsibility onto others and promote those evils by our apathy and lack of concern.

This Season of Advent is a wonderful time to renew our commitment and consecration to the Lord.

The Lord wishes to come into our hearts….

>> God will fulfill His promise of coming into us, when we do our part of being watchful and prepared…

As St. Thomas Aquinas: “Without God, I can’t. Without me, He won’t.”

Let us become…

… more watchful.

… more prayerful.

Let us stop “playing the fiddle while Rome burns”

>> Instead let us “be enthusiastic and responsible while (our heavenly) Home calls!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

All of us have had the experience of utilizing certain things or products which work quite fine for some time….but as time passes, becomes less effective or less efficient.

A ceiling fan/ table fan, after few months or years, tends to be less forceful…

>> A fast-processing computer/laptop after few months of years, tends to slow down…

>> Colourful clothes after a few washes or usage, tends to lose their initial glean and shine…

A similar aspect could be visible in our spiritual lives as well!

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder to examine this aspect in our lives and to make amends, in order to revitalise and revive our lives.

The Gospel begins with the verse “But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation…” (Lk 21:34)

Dissipation is strong word which could have several parallel understandings…

>> With respect to morality:

Dissipation refers to an overindulgence in sensual pleasures.

>> With respect to behaviour:

Dissipation refers to a conduct that shows one is interested only in pleasure, money, etc.

>> With respect to economics:

Dissipation refers to an act of using all or a lot of money, time, etc., in an imprudent way.

>> With respect to physics:

Dissipation refers to a physical process by which energy becomes not only unavailable but irrecoverable in any form.

Dissipation is a tendency…

… to squander away enthusiasm because of allowing monotony to creep into life.

… to lose vitality as a result of being indulged in continuous immoral behaviours

… to leak-out the energy and vigor in oneself, in small amounts and thus become lifeless

… to become disinterested and dispirited due to constant exposure to luxury and comforts

Dissipation is a terrible malady that had badly affected many people in the Bible…

>> The people during Noah’s time were dissipated with eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, although God had sent out a warning of their destruction through Noah.

>> The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah were dissipated with extremely immoral and corrupt practices, even though the people were given a forewarning of their possible.

>> The people of Israel were dissipated with frustration and dissatisfaction while travelling in the desert and failed to understand the providential hand of God.

>> The disciples of Jesus were dissipated with sadness, shattering of hopes and brokenness after the death of Jesus and failed to believe and trust in His great promises.

We have a call to examine our lives and check whether we too have fallen into a state of “dissipation”…

>> Maybe my prayer life is “dissipated” due to various distractions, excuses of lack of time, complaints of being tired or just simply a lack of interest…

>> Maybe my personal intimacy with God is “dissipated” since I don’t experience any joyful or experiential feelings or because some of my expectations of God are not met…

>> Maybe my relationships with people is “dissipated” due to some friction or misunderstanding or an indifference that has sneaked in without any particular reason.

Maybe my family/community life is “dissipated” because I feel disinterested or not so enthusiastic in going beyond some of my personal comforts or I feel lonely in not feeling accepted or loved.

Dissipation can be a tendency that can steal into our lives very stealthily and can drain away much of our energy, eagerness and passion.

In the book of Revelations, the Lord has this complaint, ” …I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first” (Rev 2:4-5)

Let us seek to renew our initial fervour and zeal.

>> Let us challenge ourselves to revive our zest and interest.

The Lord deserves not “dissipated” people..

… but “spirited” and “passionate” people!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Endurance” is the name of an American reality television program.

Contestants of Endurance live in a remote location and participate in various mental and physical challenges.

>> The outcome of the competitions determines which players are eliminated.

The winners receive an all-expenses paid vacation package to an exotic location as the prize.

Christian Life is also a test of Endurance!

Unlike a reality show, it is real life…

>> There are various mental, spiritual, emotional and physical challenges

Unlike an-all expenses paid vacation package as a prize…

… the Christian test of Endurance rewards Eternal Life.

Are we ready to rise to the challenge of this Christian Life of Endurance?

In this life of bravery and dare, we have the strength of an Enduring Factor – God’s Word!

>> “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will endure forever” (Lk 21: 33)

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation to being committed to the Christian Life of Endurance by trusting always in the Enduring Word of God!

Words have immense power and potential.

They can cut

>> They can hurt

>> They can heal

>> They can build

>> They can make

>> They can break

>> They can crush

>> They can console

And God’s Word has ultimate control and infinite power.

God’s Promises through His words are forever.

This is clearly manifested when we travel through the pages of the Bible…

Abraham was called to a distant and unknown land.

He was promised descendants as many as the stars of the sky and the sand on the shore.

>> But nothing worthwhile seemed to be happening…

… God’s word seemed barren and infertile.

Yet, the enduring faith and the enduring trust of Abraham prevailed at the opportune time…

God’s Word came to fulfilment and great completion

>> Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

Moses was called to become the liberator of a nation.

He was promised complete guidance and absolute direction from God.

>> But often during the journey of liberation, Moses had to face the ire of the people.

… God’s word seemed empty and betraying.

Yet, the enduring conviction and the enduring confidence of Moses got him through…

God’s Word displayed great glory and a mighty witness.

>> Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

Job was blessed with immense comforts and vast riches.

He was however permitted to be tested by Satan and lost much of his security and wellbeing.

>> Hopelessness and wrenching despair seemed to be his best companion…

… God’s Word seemed to be abandoning and deserting him.

Yet, the enduring tenacity and the enduring perseverance of Job prevailed to the end…

God’s Word showered him with great and marvellous riches.

>> Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

What is my faith and trust and hope in God’s Word?

In moments of life-crushing events and soul-hurting situations…

>> Do I endure and trust in the enduring and eternal power of God’s Word?

In times when the asteroids of bad luck crash against the surface of my life…

>> Do I endure and remain firm in the enduring and everlasting strength of God’s Word?

In times when my family, community and my world gets reduced to total splinters…

>> Do I endure and be positive in the enduring and emphatic might of God’s Word?

The Lord has promised each one of us, immense blessings and graces through His Word.

At times…

… there are delays in the fulfilment of God’s Word, as in the case of Abraham

… there are frustrations in the following of God’s Word, as in the case of Moses

… there are misunderstandings in the listening of God’s Word, as in the case of Job

>> But the Lord invites us to remain Faithful, Trusting and Patient!

Let us seek to win the Christian test of Endurance by throwing ourselves into the Enduring Power of God’s Word!

>> Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“I command you for the last time…make your sacrifice to our gods” yelled Aegeas, the pagan judge.

“Certainly no!” was the reply back, “I sacrifice daily to The Almighty God, the one and true God.

Not the flesh of oxen and the blood of goats do I offer, but the unspotted Lamb upon the altar.

All the faithful partake of His flesh, yet the Lamb remains unharmed and living!”

Exceedingly angered by that adamant refusal, the judge commanded the rebel to be thrown into prison.

The supporters of the rebel, who stood outside the judging quarters, raised an uproar to free him.

But the one who was punished, personally calmed the mob, and earnestly pleaded with them to desist, as he was hastening towards an ardently desired crown of martyrdom.

When he was led to the place of martyrdom, on beholding the cross from far, he cried out:

“O Good Cross… so long desired and now set up for my longing soul, I confidently, with rejoicing come to you!

>> Exultingly receive me, a disciple of Him who hung on you.”

>> Within a few moments, he was tied to the cross – an X-shaped Cross!

For two days, he hung there, alive…

…. unceasingly proclaiming the Teachings of Christ, until he passed on to Him, whose likeness in death, he so ardently desired!

This brave martyr of Christ was St Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today.

A few years back, this valiant martyr, St Andrew, had received the call of the Lord, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4: 19)

The name “Andrew” in Greek means “manly” or “a person of valour”.

St Andrew was from Bethsaida, in Galilee.

>> He was a fisherman, by trade and a former disciple of John the Baptist.

St Andrew is said to have been martyred at Patras in southern Greece on a cross which was in the shape of an “X”.

>>This type of cross has long been known as “St Andrew’s cross.”

>> This St Andrew’s Cross, is depicted, on the national flag of Scotland.

One of the wonderful things that we learn from St Andrew is his wonderful quality of being a “Introducer to Christ”, as seen in the various instances of the Gospel

1. It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ”, his brother Peter (Jn 1: 40-42)

>> “We have found the Messiah” (Jn 1:41) were the words with which he introduced Jesus to his brother

2. It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ”, the little boy with the five loaves and two fish, which would be later, multiplied for five thousand men! (Jn 6: 5-13)

>> “There is a little boy, who has five barley loaves and two fish?” (Jn 6:9) were the words with which he introduced Jesus to the little boy

3. It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ” the Greeks who had come up to worship at the feast, at the request of Philip (Jn 12: 20-23)

>> “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (Jn 12: 23) were the words with which Jesus reacted when he was introduced to the Greeks.

Thus, we see that St Andrew became an instrument and an active medium of “Introducing to Christ” many people.

As a Christian, this ought to be one great quality and duty that we ought to follow – “Introducing to Christ” many people, like St Andrew.

>> We are on the last day of the month of November, and as we enter into December…

… this can be one of the beautiful practical resolutions, that we can, do, all the 25 days of this Advent Season, in preparation for the Birth of Christ, into our hearts and life

>> “Introducing to Christ”

How can I take up this task of “Introducing to Christ”?

Many around us long to hear a word of encouragement in their brokenness, receive a word of consolation in their struggles and encounter a smile of hope in their helplessness

>> Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His love, to His message of hope, to His treasury of providence?

Many around us have immersed themselves into the murky waters of sin, immorality, injustice and insensitivity to people and nature

>> Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His ocean of mercy, to His fountain of justice and to His abundance of warmth?

Many around us have separated themselves and live in isolation – from people in relationships, from the Church and Her teachings, from the responsibilities and duties of their works and the society.

>> Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His dimension of wholeness in relations, to His Life-giving Sacraments and to His instruction of being faithful?

St Andrew heard the call of the Lord – “to follow Him”

>> He was touched by His love and was filled with a passion for His Master

>> He was zealous to bring many more to the Love of Jesus

>> He was even willing, to lay down his life, in imitation of his Master, for love of Him

We too, have heard the call of the Lord – “to follow Him”

>> Are we touched by His love and was filled with a passion for His Master

>> Are we zealous to bring many more to the Love of Jesus

>> Are we also, willing, to lay down our life, in imitation of our Master, for love of Him

May St Andrew intercede for us and inspire us, by his tremendous love for the Master…

… And may we too, like him, become people who “Introduce many to Christ”!

Happy Feast of St Andrew, the zealous Apostle who “Introduced many to Christ”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Every joy is accompanied by the companionship of some pain and suffering.

>> This is the reality of life.

Christian life is an affirmation of this reality.

>> The joy of being a Christian is accompanied by the cross of pain and suffering.

>> The delight in sharing Christ’s peace is escorted by the reality of some trials and tribulations.

The Gospel of the Day reminds us of this factor:

>> Experiencing the mighty power of God in the midst of weaknesses of life.

>> Experiencing the splendid joy of God in the thick of persecutions of life.

>> Experiencing the serene peace of God in the middle of terrors of life.

The Lord continues His discourse on the signs of the end times and the forthcoming persecutions that will be the lot of those who believe and follow Him.

Jesus doesn’t tone down in any measure in warning of the future calamities that will befall on His followers:

“They will seize and persecute you… They will hand you over to synagogues and prison…

They will lead you before kings and governors…

You will be handed over by your parents, brothers, relatives and friends…

You will be put to death… You will be hated by all…” (Lk 21: 12-18)

The list of persecutions is too long, right?

>> For those who consider Christianity as an easy stroll in the part, this is a shocker!

>> For those who consider following Christ as comfort on a bed of roses, this is a stunner!

Sometimes our faith in Christ remains merely a statement on paper.

As Baptized people – whether as infants or as adults – we’ve the duty to grow in the grace bestowed on us.

>> To follow Christ is a privilege granted to us.

>> To become His Disciples is a special opportunity conferred on us.

But we often squander away the blessings that the Lord gives us without realizing its worth.

As a Christian and a follower of Christ…

>> We love His blessings….

… but get depressed when pains or sufferings come our way.

>> We crave for joy…

… but get irritated when things don’t go in the way we wish.

>> We seek for a comfortable life…

… but get wild with Him when we lose some luxuries.

The Lord however, invites us to a life of deeper perseverance and courage: “By your perseverance, you will secure your lives” (Lk 21: 19)

For one who believes in Christ…

>> Every sickness, can be a moment to experience the Lord as a Healer.

>> Every financial crisis, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Provider.

>> Every spiritual struggle, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Saviour.

>> Every break in relationship, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Unifier.

>> Every encounter in failure, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Sovereign Lord

>> Every doubt of the future, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Supreme Master

All these affirmations will remain peripheral and theoretical, unless we trust in the Lord.

>> Many might say….I don’t believe in a God who allows calamities and persecutions.

>> Many might complain… I don’t want a relation with a God who permits suffering and pains.

But this is where challenge of our Baptismal Consecration comes to fruition…

> To be with the Lord, in total commitment, when the going gets tough.

> To remain united with the Lord, in complete faithfulness, when the road gets bumpy.

> To fix one’s eyes on the Lord, in absolute trust, when the skies are darkened.

In the words of Kahlil Gibran, the writer, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars”

>> Jesus has shown us the path in the Way of the Cross.

>> Jesus has broken Himself for us in the Holy Eucharist.

> In Him is True Life.

> In Him is Genuine Peace.

> In Him is Everlasting Happiness.

Let us hold firm to our Crucified Lord and persevere in faithfulness to our Persecuted Master.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“God himself cannot sink this ship!”

“The captain can, by simply moving an electric switch, instantly close all the doors, practically making the vessel unsinkable”

“We believe that the ship is unsinkable.”

These were some of the comments and claims that were made about Titanic – the largest ship in the first half of the 1900’s

But all these proud & arrogant assertions found a watery grave, with the sinking of the Titanic on the morning of 15th April, 1912 killing over one thousand five hundred people.

It was a massive tragedy of the loss of many lives.

But it was also a horrific lesson to humankind on the need to be aware of her limitations.

>> It was also a torrid warning to generations on the need to be on the guard, always.

“Being on the guard” is a necessity and a basic requirement in every sphere of human life!

The Gospel of the Day presents this message of being vigilant and alert in our lives.

Jesus is on the courtyard of the Jerusalem Temple and He hears “some people speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings” (Lk 21:5)

The Jerusalem Temple was a magnificent building and one of the wonders of those days.

The Temple had just been marvelously rebuilt by Herod the Great.

>> In all its beauty, the Jerusalem Temple was a vast glittering mass of white marble, touched here & there with gold and precious stones.

“Whosoever had not gazed on it”, said the old rabbis, “had not seen the perfection of beauty.”

>> Tacitus, the historian, called this spectacular edifice as “a temple of vast wealth“

Precious gifts such as crowns, shields, vessels of gold and silver were presented by princes and others who visited the holy house.

>> The Jerusalem Temple was indeed rich in these votive offerings.

With such a grand spectacle and gorgeous building in the background, Jesus makes a prophetic saying, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down” (Lk 21:6)

These words would have come as a big shocker and a tantalizing scandal to His listeners.

Who would have thought that the Titanic would ever sink?

>> Who would have thought that the Twin Towers in America could be in rubble?

>> Who would have thought the British Empire where “the sun never sets” would wane down?

To think of the Jerusalem Temple being totally destroyed was a case next to impossible.

The Jerusalem Temple was the holiest shrine of the Jews.

>> It was the pulse and the heartbeat of the Jewish Faith.

>> It was the greatest source of joy and pride for the Jews.

Any attack or any destruction of this Great Edifice of Faith was unimaginable and intolerable.

Yet, Jesus makes this powerful and daring prophecy.

What is the structure and edifice of joy and pride in our lives?

Is it just a structure of fat bank-balances and transient fame and popularity?

>> Is it just a structure of remarkable public positions and offices of high ranking?

>> Is it just a structure of enjoying life with temporary pleasures and passing addictions?

All too often we have heard people saying:

“I have enough money and I am happy with my life!

>> Just enjoy today to the max. Who knows what happens tomorrow?”

“The status that I am in today, is a result of my hard-work and labour.

>> Why should anyone interfere in my private life and prevent me from enjoying it in my own style?”

History teaches us that structures built without the power and grace of God is bound to fall.

The Tower of Babel is a classic example from the Bible. (Gen 11: 4-9)

>> Built on human pride and aspiration, it had a catastrophic collapse

The lives of many people are also a lesson for us…

… Samson… King Saul… King Solomon… Judas.

They had their moments of great glory and splendour.

>> But when pride and self-interest crept into their lives, they let go of the touch of God’s hand!

We may glory and shine in beauty for some time by just banking on our capabilities.

>> But unless, we remain in firm obedience and faithful commitment to the Lord, we are bound to fail!

None of us are, and can be unsinkable.

An obstinate stand that I can manage my life by myself is hazardous.

>> A proud feeling that no power in the world can shake me is dangerous.

>> An arrogant outlook that I am the sole master of my future and destiny is perilous.

Let God be God in our lives.

>> Let Him enthrone the highest place and the privileged position in our lives.

May Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords adorn the Temple of our lives.

>> With Him we can shine forever.

>> With Him we can stand forever.

>> With Him we can glory forever.

God Bless! Live Jesus!