The Mammoth Cave National Park, in central Kentucky, is a U.S. National Park.

>> It encompasses portions of the Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world.

 
In these caves, one can see enormous pillars which have been formed by the steady dropping of water from the roof of the cavern.

 

This masonry – formed of solid rock – made by the slow and silent process of nature, is a true marvel…

• A single drop of water, finds its way from the surface down through the roof of the cave, and deposits its sediment

• Another follows it and still another… each adding its imperceptible contribution, until the icicle of stone begins to grow, ultimately reaching the pillar which likewise has been forming on the bottom of the cave.

 

These become a massive pillar – brilliant and classic.

 

 

This process is so similar that which occurs in our hearts…

 

>> Each thought, that awakens for a moment, sinks into the soul – just as each little drop of water, with its limestone deposit, makes its contribution to the pillar in the cave.

 

>> Other thoughts follow and yet others…erecting within our hearts, pillars of purpose that form our character.

 

Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…
What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

 
 

The Gospel of the Day makes a dramatic presentation of two opposing characters – one of them holy and the other evil – John the Baptist and Herod the Tetrarch…

… which were formed as a result of the accumulation of contrasting deposits of thoughts and feelings.

 

 

The Gospel passage is a sort of a “flashback” passage which recounts the visually-disturbing incident of the ‘beheading of John the Baptist’.

 

 

The increasing popularity of Jesus caused Herod the Tetrarch, the ruler of the land, to come face-to-face with his guilty conscience.

 

 

Truth is always very powerful!

 

It can, silently, yet very authoritatively …

… challenge faulty lives

… prick guilty consciences

… confront culpable actions

 

 

Herod bore the guilt of having killed John the Baptist, who was the voice of the Truth.

>> He knew that he had done something extremely wicked and merciless

>> He knew that he had acted in opposition to truth, to honesty and to sincerity.

 

Therefore, the rising fame of the Lord – whom he misunderstood as John the Baptist – drove him to despair over that brutal act of the killing of the Baptist.

 

• The constant exposition to wicked thoughts and evil inclinations had caused his life to become a pillar of guilt-filled feelings!

 

>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…

 

 

On the other hand, was the righteous life of John the Baptist.

 

He was born with a sense of purpose – of being a voice to the Truth.

 

He maintained this goal by always living in sincerity – fearless and courageous.

>> To this end, he even valiantly shed his blood!

 

 

• The constant nurturing of holy purposes and sacred acts had caused his life to become a pillar of a purpose-filled existence!

 

>> Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

 

 

What is the thought-pattern that we nurture in our lives?

 

• Is my life a Pillar…

… of guilt-filled feelings – formed by deposits of wickedness, evil and sin?

 

OR

 

• Is my life a Pillar…

… of a purpose-filled existence – formed by deposits of holy determination and sanctified lives?

 

 

Today, which is also the First Saturday of the Month – when we specially honour and venerate the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary…

… we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Mary Major Basilica.
>> St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church (The other three being St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, and St. Paul’s Basilica, outside the Walls.)

Every Church building is an important symbol of Christianity…

>> from the grandest of basilicas, to the tiniest of chapels…

… they reflect the “Throne of God”, from which God administers his Love, Mercy, Compassion, Forgiveness, Healing and Blessings upon his Beloved People.

>> It also signifies the Unity of the People of God, as One Church.
St. Mary Major Basilica is also the First Marian shrine for pilgrims…

… which set a pattern for countless shrines where pilgrims gather to honor our Blessed Mother throughout the world.

Let us today specially seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, and consecrate ourselves to Her Immaculate Heart, as we pray…

… that we may be inspired and impelled to live a holy life – and thus our lives may become a “marvel edifice” and an “enormous pillar” of God’s graces.

 
 God Bless! Live Jesus!

St John Maria Vianney is the patron saint of priests.
As a model priest, he made it a point to help all the needy in his parish or in the region around him. 

Once, word was sent to him that a very sick man of his parish was seeking to make confession.

>> However, this man was pretty far off from the place where the church was. 
It was a time when vehicles were too sparse.

>> The climate was bitter cold and the rain storm was blowing in. 
But the zeal in the heart of the saintly priest was still greater. 

So, he picked up his cloak and started his walk to the sick man’s house.

>> The freezing cold pierced through his frail bones

>> The lashing winds wrenched his body in frosty pain
Yet, St John Vianney trekked on!

Finally he reached the house of the sick man. 
By the time he arrived, St Vianney himself was shivering and wobbly with high fever. 

>> He fell so ill, that he had to hear the confession, lying down, beside the sick man’s bed. 
Many in fact, even thought, that the priest was more sick than the penitent ill-man!

The determination and the willingness of the Saintly Priest made sure that the sick man would experience God’s immense mercy and forgiving love.
Rejection and dejection, are sure companions in the life of a Christian, who is uncompromising and unwavering in one’s faith.

>> Despite these aspects, are we ready to hold on to Doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Followers?

Our Blessed Lord Himself underwent rejection and dejection in life.

>> Yet He would cling on to Doing the Will of God!
The Gospel of the Day narrates this painful incident of “rejection and dejection” that our Blessed Lord encountered in His life, at the hands of His own country people (Mt 13: 54-58)

It is interesting to note, how the people of the hometown seek to justify their rejection of Jesus, by rationalizing their attitude…

>> Using 6 questions ( 6= A Biblical symbolic number which often stands for imperfection!)…

… the people of the hometown, reveal their blocked minds and closed hearts.

When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…

… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!
And so the Lord would declare: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country or his own house!” (Mt 13: 57)

Thus, Jesus becomes the “Sign of Contradiction!”

… the Prince of Peace, begins to be seen as a cause of division and despise

… the Healer of Souls, begins to be seen as a cause of disagreement and discord!

… the Comforter of Hearts, begins to be seen as a cause of disturbance and distress

Anyone who seeks to follow Jesus – the “Sign of Contradiction” – the Epitome of Truth and Honesty…

… is sure to face the same experience!

Every true Christian, because of one’s convictions in the Eternal Values of Uncompromising Truth and Desire to do the Will of God, is sure to face…

… rejection from the people, because one’s ways challenge the lethargic lifestyle of others!

… dejection from the society, because one’s way of living poses a threat the corruption around!
But despite this “rejection and dejection”, can we still continue to hold on the Lord, the “Sign of Contradiction!” ?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St John Maria Vianney, the patron saint of all the priests!

>> As a young son, he had to face “rejection and dejection” from his father, who was opposed to his being a priest, due to financial difficulties as well as the strained political climate of his time

>> As a young seminarian, he had to face “rejection and dejection” from the seminary, due to his difficulties in struggle

>> As a young priest, he e had to face “rejection and dejection” from the parish at Ars, where he was first appointed, due to the indifference and the secular lifestyle of the people in the village.

He experienced the great reality: “When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…

… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!”
But despite this harsh experience of “rejection and dejection”…

… he held on to “Doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Follower!”

St John Maria Vianney placed His entire trust in the Power of God

>> This would turn his “rejection and dejection” into a “celebration and jubilation!”

Today let us seek the Intercession of St John Maria Vianney…

… to remain “faithful and firm”, in moments of “dejection and rejection”

>> And thus, seek to imitate our Blessed Lord.

May his words inspire us: 

>> “You cannot please both God and the world at the same time, They are utterly opposed to each other in their thoughts, their desires, and their actions.”

>> “I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the cross than in serving the world and its pleasures.”

Let us also pray specially for Priests all over the world, that their Patron Saint – St John Maria Vianney – may intercede, to help all priests…

… to be more holy and faithful to their Noble Vocation

… to be more zealous in administering the Sacraments and giving His Word

… to be more passionate in Loving the Lord and bringing many more to His Love

Happy Feast to all the Priests!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was a physics class.
The professor noticed that one of the class students was not paying attention to the class.
So he suddenly asked this question, “Andy, will you tell me what is electricity?”
The boy, realized that he was caught unawares. 

>> In fact, he had not even heard the question properly!
But he tried to be appear to have understood.
And so he said: 

“Oh.. Sir.. Hmmm… Well, I am sorry.

>> I actually had it on the tip of my tongue, just a moment ago!
But it just escaped me right now!”

The whole class broke into laughter and the professor with a grin said: 

” Oh, what a pity!
Here is the only boy in the history of the world who has ever know what electricity is and had it even on the tip of his tongue.
But sadly, he’s forgotten already!!” 

Well… such is the case with many of us as well, probably.
>> There are many things we do not understand…

… but pretend that everything is known to us
>> There are many things not going on fine with us..

… but we still behave as if we are aware of everything.

We sometimes are people who affirm and consent… 

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality
>> Its a “lip” yes…

… but not a consent with the mind.
>> Its an external nodding…

… without a true affirmation from the heart.  

The Gospel of the Day presents such a classic case in the context of the disciples of Jesus saying a “Yes” to having understood the teachings of Jesus…

… To examine our lives and check whether….

>> We say only a “lip” yes without the consonance of the mind!

>> We give an external nodding without the affirmation of the heart!

The first 50 verses of the 13th Chapter from St Matthew is a quick montage of several parables… 

… Seven in all…
1. Parable of the Sower (vv. 1-9)
2. Parable of the Weeds among wheat (vv. 24-30)
3. Parable of the Mustard Seed (vv. 31-32)
4. Parable of the Yeast (v. 33)
5. Parable of the man finding the treasure (v. 44)
6. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (v. 45)
7. Parable of the Net thrown in the sea (vv. 47-50)

These 7 parables teach several great truths and virtues….
1. Preparing our hearts to receive the Generous Word of God….
2. Accepting the reality of evil in the world and being firm to be good…
3. Realizing the Divine Grace that blossoms our littleness into a shelter for many…
4. Recognizing the transforming effect of a committed faith…
5. Experiencing the joy of discovering the Lord as the Treasure of our lives….
6. The Willingness to give up everything to prioritize the Lord as the Pearl of Great Prize….
7. Living a life with the awareness of the judgment of good and evil at the end of our lives!

At the end of this quick, power-packed narration of the 7 parables, Jesus puts forward a question to His Disciples: 

“Do you understand all these things?”(Mt 13:51)
The Lord wished to know if His disciples were grasping these great truths of Christian Life… 

>> He wanted to know from His chosen ones, the level of their understanding.
The Gospel says the Disciples “answered, ‘Yes'”(Mt 13:51b).
Well, we are not fully sure whether the Disciples really understood and grasped everything…. 

>> We really cant say for certain whether their “Yes”,…

… was only a “lip” yes or one with the consonance of the mind

… was an external nodding or one with the affirmation of the heart
These are many occasions in the Gospels…

… when we see the Disciples “said something” but did not actually follow it or live it

… Or they really did not fully understand and grasp the person of Jesus and His teachings
>> At the Transfiguration, when Peter said, “Let us make three tents”, the Gospel says, “he did not know what he was saying!”(Lk 9:33b)
>> After the multiplication of the loaves, the Gospel says “they had not understood the incident of the loaves”(Mk 6:52)
>> After the calming of the storm at the sea, they said to one another “Who then is this Whom even wind and sea obey?”(Mk 4:41)
>> They failed to recognise and see the Father in Jesus and so Jesus chided them, saying, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?” (Jn 14:10)

We therefore do not really know the depth of the “Yes”of the Disciples… 

… Was it only an instinctual reply? 

… Was it just a spontaneous answer?
We cannot fully trace the intention of the Disciples.

But this incident is certainly a reminder and an invitation for us to examine…

… Do we seek to understand the Lord and His Teachings?

… Are we aware of the greatness and the worth of the many devout practices of our faith?
Let us examine…

>> Do we realise the Power of the Most Holy Mass and prepare ourselves accordingly for a worthy celebration…

… or has it become a regular routine of life, without the due preparation and a sense of reverence?
>> Do we read the Living Word of God daily, and seek to live in accordance with His Teachings… 

… or has the Bible merely become another “object” of the house, only to be kept in a place of seclusion, with an occasional glance?
>> Do our prayers and the reception of the other Sacraments become a God-experience and have a life-touching effect…

… or have they been rendered as casual or even compelled actions, with little effect on one’s life and activities? 

Yes, as Christians, we are sometimes people who affirm and consent…

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality.

Let us instead, give heed to the Lord, who invited His followers to be like the ” instructed scribe, who is like the house holder who brings from his storeroom, both the new and the old.” ( Mt 13:52)

God bless! Live Jesus

Jenny was a cheerful little seven-year old girl of a poor home.

Once, while out shopping with her mother, in the market…

… she came across a “fine white pearl” in a pink foil box.
Though it was an imitation pearl (not a real one), the girl was highly fascinated, and sought to buy it. 

>> After a lot of pestering, the mother – giving up some of her precious savings, to satisfy her daughter’s desire – bought the imitation pearl to her.
As soon the girl reached home, her uncle – whom she loved much and had returned from foreign – was waiting to see her. 
The excited girl ran to her loved uncle, and presented the imitation pearl, saying:

“Uncle, see how beautiful this pearl is! I am so excited to be possessing it!”

But the Uncle – who knew the child’s love for pearls – looked into her eyes and asked:

“Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”
“Oh no Uncle! I can’t give this pearl to you! 

I have got this bought from Mummy after a lot of insistence.

>> I will give you my favourite doll instead…but don’t ask me for this pearl.. please!”
But Uncle went on insisting: “No, if you really love me, give me that pearl!”

The child, by now had tears in her eyes… 

… little drops flowing down her tender cheeks, Jenny says:

“Uncle, I do love you very much.

Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love you, I will give you this pearl!”
>> And so saying, she handed over the pearl to her uncle.
As soon as Uncle received that pearl – which was an imitation…

… he reached out his hand inside his bag, and took out a box.
Handing over the box to the crying child, he told her: “Check what I have for you, in return for what you gave me”.
Jenny opened the box.

>> To her great surprise and delight, it was a Necklace of Real Pearls!
Her eyes glistened, as she held the Priceless Necklace of Pearls, in her little hands.

And as she kept admiring, her Uncle told her: 

“Remember my Child! So it is with life…

>> Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…

… you can never possess the real treasures of life!
Never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”

What about us?

>> Are we ready to hand over the “imitation” pearls to our Loving God, in order to be handed over the real “Pearl of Great Price!” 

The Gospel of the Day are the twin parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of God being compared to a “priceless fortune” being discovered. 

>> A man finding a treasure in a field (Mt 13: 44-45)

>> A merchant finding a pearl of great price (Mt 13:46)

One of the common thought-pattern exhibited in both these parables is the following factor:

” The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!” 

>> The man on finding the treasure in the field…

… takes the risk of selling everything, in order to buy the treasure, which was priceless
>> The merchant on finding the precious pearl…

… takes the risk of selling all that he had, in order to possess the pearl, which was priceless.
The pages of the Bible narrate this pattern: ” The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”…

… St Joseph risks listening to the voice of the Angel, and taking Mary as his wife – in order to provide a home for the Son of God – a priceless responsibility!

… St Peter risks giving up his boats and fishing nets – in order to follow Jesus – a priceless vocation!

… Zacheaus risks inviting Jesus into his home and doing away with his riches – in order to obtain salvation – a priceless reward!

… St Paul risks doing away with his former ways of persecuting Christianity and preaching to the Gentiles, instead – in order to win many souls- a priceless way of life!

“Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved playing it safe, and sticking to the familiarity of the known!”

Are we ready to take this risk…?

… risk doing away with our sinful ways, in order to live a new life in Christ?

… risk giving up some undue attachments, in order to allow the Lord to possess our hearts?

… risk removing some unwelcome addictions, in order to allow the Spirit of God to work in us?

Jesus, the Priceless Fortune deserves our best!
We, however, often cling on to the “imitation” pearls in our life.

… assuming that they can give us happiness – when in actuality, they are mere imitations!

Our Loving God constantly asks us: “Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”

>> Our human weakness and tendency may tell “Oh no! I can’t give this pearl to you! 
But let us not be afraid to “take the risk”…

… and tell the Lord:

 “Lord, I do love you very much.

Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love You, I will give You this pearl!”
Yes, this act of “taking a risk” will surely win for us “The Pearl of Great Price”!

Let us faith-life always remind us: 

” Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…

… you can never possess the real treasures of life!”

Yes, let us “never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is Priceless!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, once said:

” Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand!”
Among the many mysteries, that causes wonder, which we seek to understand (though more often, causes doubts!), is the Mystery of Evil. 

So often do we ask these questions of mystery…

>> “Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

>> “Can evil have any meaning; rather, is it not spoiling our existence on earth?”

>> “How long are the good to suffer with the presence of evil all around?”

Today our Blessed Lord opens His mind on this crucial Reality of our lives, by the explanation of the Parable of the Weeds. 

It’s noteworthy to know some interesting facts about this parable…

1. Sowing weeds in someone else’s field, was a way take revenge on the other and to express one’s hatred and anger!
Something similar to today, people…

… breaking the glass of the houses of those whom they don’t like

… disfiguring the walls of the house of the people whom they hate

2. The weeds that Jesus speaks of in the parable, were highly similar to the wheat that was sown.

>> It was almost impossible to distinguish the two, in their initial stages.
3. Seeking to pull up the weeds would definitely destroy the wheat plant

>> This was because, their roots would get inter-twined.
Any attempt to pull up the weeds, would also cause harm to the good plant.

It is in the light of these points, that our “doubt and perplexity” about the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds grows:

>> “Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

This is where the Lord challenges every Christian to understand…

… that some mysteries in life cannot be fully understood…

… but are to be boldly lived!

 

… that some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…

… but are to be bravely challenged!

 

…. that some problems in life cannot be completely solved…

but are to be fearlessly encountered!

As we take time to digest this fact, let us also spare a thought for the seed of wheat that was sown by the Sower.
 For the Sower, the Seed of Wheat was priceless… special…!

He had sown it with a lot of love, care and affection.

>> And so, He would do everything in His power, to make sure, that He loses nothing of it, in the attempt to get rid of the weeds.

The Sower is God.

>> And the Bible, throughout, speaks about how the seed that is sown – the wheat – is precious to God…

… the lost sheep is passionately sought until it is found (Lk 15: 1-7)

… the lost coin is ardently searched till it is found (Lk 15: 8-10)

… the leftover pieces of loaves are devoutly gathered up (Mt 14:20)

… the rejected short man, hiding on the tree, is assigned a new chapter in life (Lk 19: 1-10)

… the nearly-stoned woman, caught in the act of adultery, is given new life (Jn 8: 1-11)

… the impulsive fisherman, called as the rock, and who denied three times, is accepted back (Jn 21: 15-19)

 

We are the precious Wheat.
Jesus opens our hearts and minds to have a “realistic understanding” of life. 

>> We need to be patient with ourselves and with others…

… in dealing with sin and with evil tendencies
Of course, as humans, we do many times… 

… bite our teeth in anger glaring at the inhumanness in our society and the world

… lose our cool in finding ourselves to be imperfect and sinful even after years of trying

… go mad in encountering silly disputes and indifferences in our families & communities

… have our blood boiling seeing the various scandals and shameful incidents in the Church

 
But the Lord says.. “Hold On”….

 

Surely, we have our emotions and feelings when we come across unjust situations..

 

But the Lord says:

” Do your best…and leave the rest to Me!

 Aim for perfection….but give not into despair because of devastations!”

 

 

This certainly is no excuse for us to deny our duty and responsibility…

… and even the obligation to seek to avoid wickedness and dissuade evil practices.

 

But we may never find ourselves in PERFECT elimination of evil and sinful behaviours…

…either in our personal life, or societal life or even in the life of the Church.

 
The Lord, the Final and the Supreme Judge, will make sure, that “Good finally triumphs over the evil!”

>> “The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His Kingdom, all who cause others to sin and evildoers…

… the Righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of Their Father!” (Mt 13: 41, 43).
As the national motto of India says: “Satyam eva jayate” (Truth alone triumphs!”)

Let us have recourse to the Awesome and Ultimate Power of God, and be strengthened in our lives!

 
Today, let us seek the intercession of Great Saintly Doctor of the Church , St Alphonsus Liguori – the Patron Saint of Theologians – on his feast day.

>> His life was lived in purpose and clarity, seeking the Will of God, in the midst of the many confusing and deviant ways of the world

>> His being was filled with determination, despite the many heresies and anti-faith philosophies that cropped up in his time.

As we thank the Lord for another month in our lives, let us offer this new month of August into the Providential Hands of our God…

… knowing and trusting that He will ultimately cause “Everything for our good” (Rom 8:28)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jesus in the Gospels loves to use simple, tiny and insignificant objects, to project His message of the Kingdom! 
Today He uses the example of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven in describing the Might of the Kingdom!

>> Little Is Much When God is in It!

The mustard seed & leaven would’ve hardly received any attention in the normal sense…

>> But Jesus, the Master Artist paints these li’l objects into the Mighty Canvas of the Kingdom & delivers a powerful message…
>> The Kingdom of God has its humble beginnings…

… but it develops into a Powerful Force!
>> The Kingdom of God often starts very insignificantly…

… but it expands into a Huge Reality!
>> The Kingdom of God initiates in an unnoticed manner…

… but it enlarges into an Influential Entity!

Little Is Much when God is in It!

The mustard seed develops into a Tree, which renders shelter to the birds of the air (Mt 13: 31-32)…..

• The sinners find a solace in this Tree….

• The sick encounter support in this Tree..

• The rejected have a remedy in this Tree…

• The cast-outs meet consolation in this Tree….

• The prostitutes experience peace in this Tree…

The leaven which is little, makes the whole mass of dough to rise (Mt 13:33)…

• The rod in Moses’ hand – a shepherd’s ordinary crook – became a mighty symbol of God’s Power

• The jawbone with Samson – a decaying useless bone – became an instrument of killings thousands of enemies!

• The stone in David’s hand – an unnoticed stone – became the means of conquering the gigantic Goliath!
Little Is Much When God is in It!

>> We live in times when many things are explained or rejected in terms of science, psychology, post-modern modern philosophies and assorted spiritualities 
>> We live in times when Material values and worldly attitudes are corroding our lives.
>> We live in times when ethical Principles and traditional virtues often get kicked into the backyard!

Times are bad. 

>> Times are worsening. 

>> Times are sickening… 
Times, are even, sometimes seen hopeless and scary and terrifying!

>> But we also ought to realize that…many things, that cannot be discovered and understood through the microscope of science and modern theories can be discovered by looking through the eye of faith!

Massive things can be seen and achieved by looking through the miniscule eye of Faith!

>> Little Is Much When God is in It!!

Today we celebrate the Feast of a Great Saint – St Ignatius of Loyola…

… the founder of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuit Fathers.
He was a man with a lot of worldly ambitions and gripped with seeking vain glory.
But an incident, wherein, he was bed-ridden, as a result of a leg injury, brought a transformation in his life.

>> Not finding any other books to read, he was handed over the “Life of Saints”, which made him to prompt himself to ask a question: “Why am I using my life just for myself? These people did so much good during their time on earth. Why can’t I?”
St Ignatius was at the “bored and unexcited” phase of his life…

… yet the Lord would use “that” situation, to bring a transformation in his life.

Maybe, many of us are also going through a “bored and unexcited” phase of our life…

… feeling uncertain about the future

… experiencing worry about the past

… troubled by the anxieties of the present.
Yet, the Lord is with us…

… to transform us and to renew us!

What is needed is our self-giving…

… little and small as we are: let us offer our lives to the Lord

… broken and disturbed as we are: let us give ourselves to the Lord

>> Little is much, when God, is in it!

Yes, our efforts and attempts to spread God’s Kingdom may be just minor…

  … like the Mustard Seed and the Leaven.
But let us always realize and trust:

>> Little Is Much When God is in It!!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the common yet interesting legendary stories goes thus…
Archimedes was a Greek scientist – a young man of 22 years old – renowned for his work in mathematics, mechanics and physics.
One day Archimedes was summoned by the king Hiero of Syracusans to investigate if he had been cheated by a goldsmith. 

>> The king said he had given a goldsmith the exact amount of gold needed to make a crown. 
However, when the crown was ready the king suspected that the goldsmith cheated some silver into the crown, keeping some of the gold for himself.

>> The king then asked Archimedes to solve the problem. 
Struggling to find the answer to the problem, Archimedes decided to freshen himself with a bath.
With his clothes off, as Archimedes immersed himself into the bathtub.

>> And as he lowered himself, the water level in the bathtub rose and overflowed…
This phenomena, of the “water overflowing” caused Archimedes to realize: the amount of water displaced depended on how much of his body was immersed into the bathtub.

>> This simple observation helped him to get the solution to his problem.

This discovery excited him so much that he jumped out of the tub and ran through the streets naked…

… shouting ‘Eureka, Eureka!’ 

>> A word in Greek which means, ‘I have found it! I have found it!’.  
What about us?

>> Have we had a “Eureka – I have found It” experience?

A discovery transforms Life!

 Every age has its own discoveries and inventions which have transformed the lives of human beings.

 

These could be the discovery…

… of logical thought, of using stone tools, of fire…

… of domestication, of the wheel, of mathematics and other sciences…

… of metalworking, of language, of paper and the printing press…

… of many medicines…etc etc…

 

>> A discovery, indeed, transforms Life!

 

Discovering God, as the Supreme Treasure of One’s Life is the Greatest Transformation, one can ever have! 

>> Have I discovered God as The Most Important and Matchless Treasure of my Life?

 

 

The Gospel of the day presents three parables (Mt 13: 44-52)…

… which speak on the Kingdom of God and an Invitation to each one of us to discover Its Pristine value!
1. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure:

 The olden days had the practice of hiding one’s treasure like jewellery or money in the field…

… especially in contexts of wars or natural calamities or foreign invasions. 
Sometimes, this hidden treasure remained unclaimed or forgotten…

… and was discovered by some “lucky” persons! 

>> The Parable describes one such person who discovered a treasure.

 
According to the Palestinian laws of that time, the mere finding of a buried treasure did not entitle the finder to possess it, unless he also owned the property in which it was found.

>> The Discoverer of our Parable does that…

… Gives up everything, for the Matchless Treasure!

 

>> King Solomon gave up all offers of wealth, long life or vengeance on enemies…

… for the Treasure of the Wisdom of God! ( I Kg 3:9)

>> The Samaritan Woman, was “lucky” to meet the Thirsty Man by the well… 

… and she discovered Him to be the Treasure of her life! (Jn 4:29)

 

The parable dares to offer ourselves totally for the sake of the Discovery of the Kingdom!

 

 

2. The Parable of the one in search of Pearls

Pearls were the most costliest and the most sought-after.

>> The trader of our Parable is on a Mission…a clear-cut mission, to discover the Fine Pearls… He is single minded in His search… He is focused on what he wants, in his task.

 

He has an amazing passion and a dedication to discover the best!

 

>> Jacob of the Old Testament was resolute in receiving a Pearl of blessing from the Angel of God (Gen 32:27)

>> Mary Magdalene was persevering in her search for the Lord, the Pearl of her life ( Jn 20:11)

 

The Parable dares us to be totally dedicated and zealous in our Discovery of the Kingdom!

 3. The Parable of the Fishing Net

 This parable is an invitation to accept the hard and unpleasant realities in our life and to make the necessary changes and amendments.

>> Not everything is goody-goody when it comes to spiritual life…

>> Not all is well when we consider the life in the Church…

>> Not all is ok in our personal or family or societal life!

 

We need to strive to cast away the unwanted elements…

… and thus be willing to live a purified and sanctified life!

 

>> The People of Nineveh gave up their sinful life to embrace a life in God Yahweh (Jon 3:5)

>> Zacchaeus was boldly able to throw the unwanted aspects of his life after encountering Jesus (Lk 19:8)

 

The parable dares us to cast away the unbecoming aspects of our life, in our Discovery of the Kingdom!

 

 

These 3 parables when applied to our personal spiritual life, would also give us the 3 key Virtues, that forms the basis of a True Spirituality:

1. Renunciation: “The parable of the Hidden Treasure” is a call to renounce our everything in order to Possess the Kingdom. (Mt 19:21)

2. Longing: “The Parable of the one in search of the pearls” is a call to have an intense thirst and longing for Jesus and His Kingdom!

 3. Humility: “The Parable of the fishing net” is a call to humble ourselves and acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses so as to grow in perfection of the Kingdom!

 
 Let us discover…

>> A true Spirit of Renunciation…

>> A fervent heart of Longing…

>> A gentle mind of Humility…

 

Yes, a discovery can transform life!

>> King Solomon discovered the need to boldly choose the Wisdom of God over all other things (I Kg 3:9)

>> Paul discovered a great Trust in God’s Providence by saying, “all things in life happens for good! (Rom 8:28)

 

 Have I discovered God as The Most Important and Matchless Treasure of my Life?

Let us seek the Lord, more fervently and deeply…

… immersing ourselves into the waters of repentance and new life

>> And thus coming out of it, with an excited shout of discovery: 

“Eureka, Eureka! I have found It!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Hello…

>> Let’s check our phone please….
Do we have a Miss Call from Jesus?
The world is fast-paced. 

>> Some of us are always on the move

>> Some of us are always on our feet
From very early dawn to very late dusk… 

… we’re frenzied with activities & works & efforts & exertions.

Life gives us ample excuses to get busy, isn’t it?

Our cultures sometimes even measures our worth by how busy we are… 

….determines our significance by how much we accomplish… 

….assesses our importance by how well we meet the expectations of others!

We are often under the yoke of proving to be ‘Somebody’ by what “we do”…

…than by what “we are”!
In this busy dizzy frenzied life…

… The Lord calls our attention to Himself: “Check your phone please…. Do you have a Miss Call from ME?” 

We celebrate today the Feast of St Martha.

The moment St Martha is mentioned, our minds immediately paint a picture of a working lady, in the kitchen… 

>> Perhaps a little irritated and vexed, that she alone has to do the serving for Jesus, the Guest.
She is also considered, often, in low tones, in comparison to her sister, Mary.

But on this her feast, we shall try to look closer into the life of this Saint… 

… who sadly often remains touted only as an irritated and perplexed kitchen-lady…

>> And instead learn some important lessons from this Lovely Saint, for our Spiritual Life: 

1. The Hospitable Martha 

The first images of Martha is of one who loved to serve and attend to the needs of the Lord. 

>> Jesus found a home and a resting place in this house of Bethany (Lk 10:38)
2. The Complaining Martha

This popular image of Martha is a reality in this down-to-earth Saint. She is naturally worried, that she is left alone in serving the Divine Lord.
She even tends to demand the Lord to ask her sister, Mary to help her (Lk 10:40)
3. The Loved Martha

The Apostle of Love, St John, describes Martha as “the one who was loved by the Lord”(Jn 11:5)
4. The Sorrowful Martha

At the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha expresses deep sorrow and grief.
>> Her simple humanness comes to the light once again. (Jn 11:19)
5. The Trustful Martha

Though her brother died, the coming of Jesus to her home, was a great occasion for Martha to express her trust and confidence that the Lord can work wonders and great signs. (Jn 11:22)
6. The Believing Martha

Martha rose to the occasion when Jesus demands an expression of faith…
>> Parallel to Peter’s Faith Confession (Mt 16:16), Martha articulates her belief & conviction (Jn 11:27)
7. The Bold Martha

An often overlooked fact is that Jesus was often under the ire of the Pharisees and the Elders of the Law – some of them even plotting to kill this “emerging Reformer and Restorer” of the Law.
Jesus was at a constant risk to His life.

>> And yet, the Bold Martha is courageous and daring to accept the Lord into her home and to render him a shelter and a safe haven.

St Martha serves an inspiration to us, involved in much work and yet seeking to find a home in the heart of the Lord…
St Martha becomes a model to us…

>> Having human frailties and weakness…

… and yet wanting to tread the path of Holiness.

St Martha proves to be an example to us who gets discouraged by worries and brokenness in life…

… and yet wanting to honour to the Lord with a life of faith and strong belief.
The key is … “To Pay Attention To The Lord”
St Martha perhaps..

… had one Missed Call from the Lord: ” Martha Martha, you are anxious about many things” (Lk 10:41)….
>> But the next time onwards..she was ready to answer…!

Hello…

>> Let’s check our phone please….
Do we have a Miss Call from Jesus?

Happy Feast of St Martha!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 One of the most famous persons who had been greatly impressed and influenced by the Holy Bible was Mahatma Gandhi.

 

He once made a statement, which would make all of us…

… to examine deeply our level of love for the scriptures

… to make relevant changes in order to match our lives with the teachings of the Bible

 

 

This statement goes thus:

 “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet.

>> But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature!”

 

 

Now, that indeed is a mightily powerful statement isn’t it?

 

 

That’s an intense statement..

.. of, on one side, our Sacred Scripture being acknowledged…

>> as having tremendous power to transform

>> as having remarkable force to bring about changes

 

… and yet, on the other side, We, the caretakers and promoters of the Bible – the Christians – being people…

>> who give very minimal respect and reverence

>> who fail to find the worth of the treasure that is in possession!

 

 

Well, it is left to each one of us.. to examine, in the light of this statement, whether…

… the Holy Bible has become a constant and regular companion of my life

… the Sacred Scriptures have become a catalyst for effecting personal transformation

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful explanation, by Jesus, of the Parable of the Sower and through it, a reminder for us to revive our delight in and our dedication to, in living the Word of God.

 

 

The famous author Mark Twain once said:

“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture which they cannot understand;

>> But as for me, I have always noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most, are those which I do understand.”

 

 

The passage in consideration – the explanation of the Parable of the Sower ( Mt 13: 18-23) – is surely one which has come very often under our scanner of reflection and meditation.

 
We almost know each of its elements in detail:

• The Sower sows the seed

• Some fall on the wayside and birds devour them

• Some fall on the rock and after a quick sprouting, wither away

• Some fall among the thorns and fail to grow, suffocated by its choke

• Some fall on the good seed and yield – a thirty, a sixty and a hundred fold

 

We also have understood its applications in our life

 

Yet, very often, its implications fail to take root in us and we remain indifferent or casual regarding the Seed – the Precious Word of God!

 
Today, therefore, the Lord once again seeks to awaken our minds and shake our lethargic minds, in seeking to revive our love and enthusiasm for His Word.

 

 

Here are some of the practical pointers for self-introspection, towards this objective…

 
1. What is my reading habit with respect to the Bible – God’s Word…?

 

>> Have I read the Bible fully, atleast once?

 … If YES… why not make efforts to read “the beautiful expressions in God’s love-letters”, once again

 … If NO… why not make a bold step to try to read the Bible fully, at least once.

 

• One could perhaps, start with some of the easier books/sections of the Bible.. maybe, the New Testament, or the Psalms etc…

 

• Sometimes we might feel too bored or disinterested to pick up the pages of the Old Testament – some passages might seem even disturbing or distressing.

 

Yet, when we understand that those were some of the societal manners that existed back then, and Scriptures were written by human authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in concrete life-situations, we would be able to appreciate them much better
We also need to understand that the Old Testament has a “typology”…

… a way of reading Scripture, in which a person or event in the Old Testament foreshadows a greater person or event in the New Testament.
This way of a “typology” reading will help us to have a greater appreciation for the Old Testament, and also help us to understand the depth of the Biblical Truth.
 

>> Can I set apart, daily, at least a few minutes to read the Bible?

 

>> Can I make genuine efforts to memorize at least a few verses from the Bible?

• These verses can be invoked in our moments of prayer, in our moments of needing spiritual strength, in our moments of deepening the faith etc.

 

 

2. What is my effort and dedication in putting into practical effect, the Bible – God’s Word…?

 

>> Am I a person who only simply reads the Bible – without making efforts to understand it, or one who fails to try to put into practice what I learn from God’s Word?

 

>> Is my love for the Word of God only finding expression in forwarding ‘Daily Bible Verses’ through social media sites/apps, emails or sms’s or do I also try to apply and live those verses in my day-to-day activities?

 

>> These days, we have access to – especially through the internet and many magazines and books – an innumerable amount of Bible Study material, explanations on the Bible, sermons and reflections etc.

• Do these become a springboard for me to personally learn more and deepen my spiritual bond with the Lord of the Word; or do I only take these, without making any personal reflection and use it for giving sermons, talks etc.

 

>> Has the Word become a personal and intimate life-giver for me and do I have a deep thirst to know and grow more in the Word?

 

 

 

As Christians, we are privileged and prized – to possess the Precious Book of God’s Salvific acts – in the Holy Bible.

 

As it is said, “The BIBLE contains B(asic) I(nstructions) B(efore) L(eaving) E(arth)”

 

 

The Bible…

… is a treasury of immense love

… is a source of unmatched transformative power

.. is a supplier of unparalleled strength and grace towards salvation

 
Do I treat it just an ordinary piece of literature, a lifeless object to be just decorated (or in some cases, dusted and dirtied) and a book of sacredness but still untouched and unexplored…

 

…or can I discover It to be the mighty Source, containing the immensity of God’s Power and encountering the Lord Himself, “Who is the Word – that became flesh and dwells among us”?

May we seek the intercession of St Alphonsa, whose feast we celebrate today…

… and pray for the grace to grow in our understanding of our Faith and the love of the Lord!

Let us cease to treat the Holy Bible – God’s Word – as a mere piece of literature…

… rather, discover that it ‘contains enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet’.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Let’s begin our reflection today with one verse prior.. 

>> Jesus in Mt 13:9 says, “He who has ears, let him hear!”

Two ones are two. 

>> Two twos are four. 

>> Two threes are six. 

>> Two fours are eight, 

>> Two fives are ten….
Remember having learnt the multiplication table by constant, loud repeating until you knew them by heart?
When we hear what we say, it gets into our heart….

>> It’s vital to hear well, so that it gets drilled into our heart!

It is interesting to notice how the Bible often uses some part of the human body to make an important spiritual observation or illustrate an principal Biblical truth…

… as does this verse: “He who has ears, let him hear!”

“God has given us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we talk.”

The Bible talks in many places about this very practical and crucial habit of listening. 
Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence, reminds His listeners to become aware of the Importance of hearing…and hearing it fully and well!

Jesus lived in times when technological advancements were still a distant reality. 

>> Memory Chips, Recording Devices, Video Capturing Units were nowhere in use. 

To Communicate a message and instill it in the memory of the people was not an easy task…. 

>> But Jesus is the great illustrator..the Master Story Teller!

He loved to use common and practical examples to get His point through…

>> He would see the field…

… and proclaim the Parable of the Sower and related parables….
>> He would see the sheep…

… and enlighten with the Parable of the Good Shepherd…
>> He would see the vineyard…

… and impart the Parable of the Vineyard…
>> He would see the many day-to-day items…

… and convey the Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Salt, the Light, the Leaven, the Hidden Treasure, the Lost Coin….etc….

Jesus painted pictures in the minds of His listeners…….A classical artist indeed!

But why Parables?

Jesus says, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven has been granted to you, but not to them!” (Mt 13:11)…

… and quotes Isaiah, “they look but they do not see and hear but do not listen or understand!” (Mt 13:14)

Is Jesus wanting to keep the people away from believing? 

>> Certainly No!

Let us look to Prophet Isaiah to get clarity on this verse…
Prophet Isaiah was ridiculed and mocked by his listeners for being too plain and simple in his message!

>> His critics in fact, even accuses him of talking childish language.. “Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast??” ( Is 28:9)
And despite this simple and plain talk, his listeners failed to listen…

… they became hard-hearted!

And it is in answer to this cold response, that He encountered from people especially the Pharisees, that Jesus quotes prophet Isaiah, “You shall indeed hear but not understand.. you shall indeed look, but never see!”

>> What a pity…

… when we hear, and yet pretend not to have heard!
>> What a tragedy…

… when we see, and act as if we are blind!

It happens all too often in our lives too…

      • Smoking is dangerous to health… but people still puff up their lives in smoke!

      • Drinking is harmful to good living…but people melt away their lives down the drain!

      • Seat belts and helmets save lives… but people don’t use and risk their lives in accidents & disasters!

>> We know…

… yet we fail to act
>> We see…

… yet we are blind
>> We hear…

… yet we are deaf!

Our Conscience acts similar….

>> The first time we do something we know is wrong, we feel a stab, warning us…

>> The next time we do the same wrong thing, the stab becomes a little less intense….

>> But if we continue in this way, our conscience becomes deadened and we no longer feel any guilt at all…

As Jesus spoke Parables to unbelievers, they resisted His message and their hearts became more hardened!  

>> To those who are open to the truth and those who are spiritually eager…

… the Parables are a great teaching.

>> To those closed in their minds and inflated in pride… the Parables are mere kids stories to be discarded!

Jesus wants us to hear…and know..and discover Him!
Are I really hearing? 

>> Am I really seeing?

>> Am I really open to discover the Divine Truths?

God Bless! Live Jesus!