A devout woman, once bought a Bible in her native language.

 

She was very much afraid of her husband who was deadly against God and sent forth atheistic vibrations.

 

>> In fear, she would read the Bible in his absence, and would stealthily hide it away from his presence and sight.

 

 

One day, however, by mistake, she failed to hide the Holy Book, and her husband saw it on the table.

 

 

Without saying anything, the husband opened the pages of the Bible, scanned through some and read a few lines.

 

As the wife stood, a little away – stunned and trembling- not knowing what he would tell her, the husband said, “Hmmm.. This seems to be a good book!”

 

 

And it so happened, that every night, the man demanded for That Book when he returned back from office.

 

 

A few weeks later, the man suggested his wife that he wished to meet her parents, as for nearly 3 years, he had stayed away from them.

 

 

 

 A tremendous and miraculous wonder had taken place.

 

> A woman’s persistent faith had been rewarded…

> A man’s heart had been finely melted …

> A relationship had been restored…

 

 

That’s the power of the Word!

 

>> The Word can work in unexpected ways…

>> The Word can transform in unknown places…

>> The Word can bear fruits in unexplored areas…

 

 

Are we ready to Sow the Word, everywhere, any time?

>> Are we open to allow the Word to work, anywhere, any time?

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the classic presentation of the power of the Word through the Parable of the Sower and its explanation.

 

 

This is a parable that, probably we have read, reflected and meditated several times.

 

 

One of the striking messages of this Popular Parable is the “unknown, unexpected and unexplored” manner in which the Word is Sown.

 

 

 Going through the various places in which the Seed was sown would probably make one to say…

… “why was it that so much Seed was simply wasted – on the wayside, on the rock, among the thorns – places where there was hardly any possibility of growth?”

 

… “Why was it that the Sower was so unscientific, so lacking in common sense and so careless in simply broadcasting the precious seeds haphazardly?”

 

 

 

Probably, a logical answer and a reasonable explanation to these questions is to be found in the fact that the Seed has a tremendous power and potential.

 

>> And therefore, the Sower ‘takes the risk’ of broadcasting the Seed everywhere.

 

 

 

This then is the challenge that is thrown open to us also…

 

>> Can I be a person who is willing to “broadcast” the seed of God’s Word even in the most unfavourable or the most unexpected areas – to people who are hostile, arrogant or even closed ?

 

>> Can I be a person who does not count the fruits in advance or get discouraged and disappointed at the possible failures in the future; instead boldly sow the Seeds of goodness, kindness and service?

 

 

The Sower in the parable has a stand out quality…

… He is lavish in His generosity

… extravagant in His big-heartedness

… and sumptuous in His Kindness!

 

 

Though seasoned in His profession of sowing the Seeds, the Sower, bountifully, broadcasts the Seeds on all sorts of soil…

 

Look closer….

>> He doesn’t make an account of the number of seeds lost…

>> He doesn’t tally the wastage that will be incurred…

>> He doesn’t bill the produce that will result…

 

He just does one thing… HE SOWS!

 

 

How many of us can be like that?

 

>> Do we sow good deeds…

… when a loss is bound to happen as per human calculations?

 

>> Do we sow honesty and truthfulness…

… even if birds of injustice devour all our good intentions?

 

>> Do we sow good initiatives…

… even if there is no reward and all our endeavours are being choked?

 

>> Do we sow a kind word…

… even if we know that bad words will scorch our pure purpose?

 

>> Do we sow a loving action…

… even though the reaction is always tepid and cold and even adverse?

 

>> Do we sow help and co-operation…

… in spite of the fact that no one will appreciate our good works?

 

>> Do we sow a forgiving smile & a reconciling gesture…

… though we’re deeply hurt & even wounded?

 

>> Do we sow an attitude of deep trust & confidence…

… although things are totally topsy-turvy in life?

 

 

 

The Sower, in the Parable, however, continues to Sow…..

 

 

The Book of Isaiah 55: 11 says, “… My Word that goes out from My Mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 

 

We need to submit ourselves to this mysterious power and strength of God’s Power…

…and be willing to “sow them” generously…

… to all

… at all times!

 

 

May we grow in the experience of the Power of the Word…

… to work in unexpected ways

… to transform in unknown places

… and to bear fruits in unexplored areas

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A sunny day…
As the sun was casting its bright rays on the earth, a loud voice thundered – with might and power:

“Who gives a man speech and makes another deaf and dumb?

Or who gives sight to one and makes another blind?
Is it not, I….?

 
Go, then….

It is I who will assist you in speaking and will teach you what you are to say…”

 

 

Another sunny day…
As the sun was shining bright, the same loud voice thundered – yet again, with might and power:

“Say not, “I am too young…

To whomever I send, you shall go…

Whatever I command, you shall speak!

 

Have no fear… because I am with you, to deliver you!”

 

 

These two dialogues record two instances of “Great Assurances” that were offered to two Great People – Moses and Jeremiah – as seen in Ex 4: 11-12 and Jer 1: 7-8 – by the Great Yahweh!

 
These two persons – Moses and Jeremiah – one, the law-giver and the other a prophet – had some similarities…

..They were entrusted with great tasks…

… They both expressed their inability in speech…

… They both were, however, given assurances of strength and courage!

 
A task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing
 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful expression of this same assurance that Jesus offered to His Apostles and to each one of us, who are called to be a Missionaries and Proclaimers of the Kingdom of God.

 

The Lord sends His Apostles on the mission journey and gives them various instructions in this participation of the Divine Activity.

 

 

Jesus was a very practical and realistic person.

 

When He sends the Apostles on the mission journey…

… He doesn’t promise a comfortable and cosy time

… He doesn’t make fanciful securities and spectacular guarantees.

 

Instead…

… He presents the ground reality and the actual facts of the task.

 
He says that, “Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mt 10:16)

 

 

This imagery of the “sheep and the wolves” that the Lord used for the Apostles would have probably filled them with panic and fright.

 

They were well aware what was the condition of the sheep, when they encountered the wolves…

 

The wolf – the predator is an expert in stealth and is rarely noticed by the sheep.

 

As the sheep graze, predator’s strategy is simple -it attacks the young or weak that are on the outer-edge of the flock.

>> This causes a sudden panic in the whole flock!

 

The sheep would cry… but their cry would hardly be heard!

 

Their voices after a loud shriek, would begin to choke!

 

 
The Apostles, who were well-familiar and had witnessed the sheep-grazing patterns in their land, were aware of this aspect, when the Lord said, “I send you as sheep among wolves…”

 

And perhaps, a jolt of fear would have run down their spine….

 

• Just like Moses had felt a sense of difficulty in taking up the task that Yahweh had entrusted…
• Just like Jeremiah had experienced a wave of fear when Yahweh appointed him as a prophet…
So the disciples could have also felt a sense of worry or even apprehension…

 

 

But just like Yahweh had assured them of His strength and grace, the Lord also assures His apostles in this state of fear: 

” When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Mt 10: 19-20)

 

 

How often do we also find ourselves in situations of hardships and difficulties, in our task of being a True Christian…

• We feel fearful to open our mouths when we witness incidents of corruption..

• We fear to let ourselves be heard when values of Christ are compromised…

• We find ourselves shut to speak when we encounter acts of injustice…
 

But in all such situations, the Lord assures us that we need to bank on His strength and grace for courage!

 
What is needed from our part…

… is a total dependence and trust in His power

… is a communion with His Spirit and faith in His Father

… is a willingness to act according the Plans and Will of the Lord

 

The world today is growing to be menacingly fierce…

And as Christians, we are sometimes like “sheep among the wolves”

 
May we learn to be, with the grace of the Lord, “to be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Mt 10:16)

 
May we grow in our understanding that a task that is entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!

>> The larger the responsibility… the greater would be the grace!

>> The tougher the task.. the bigger would be the blessing!
 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story is told of a blind boy who was flying a kite.

 

He enjoyed this pastime along with others of his own age.

 

A passer-by, knowing him and wanting to mildly tease the blind-fellow, said:

‘Hey, boy! Do you know where is your kite?

You don’t know whether it is on the ground or up in the sky, do you?’

 

‘Oh yes,’ said the blind lad, ‘I do know! It is now quite a fair height up in the air.’

 

How do you know that?’ asked the passer-by, ‘you surely can’t see it.’

 

The boy replied, ‘I can’t see it, it is true, but I can feel the tug of the string!’

 

 

The ‘tug’ of the string help the boy to realize the presence of the kite and to sense its height in the air!

 

 

The awareness of the presence of the Divine power in our lives, is such…

… one may not be able to always see the presence of the Divine, but the believer can surely experience its power and strength!

 
This experience of “the Divine tug of the string” keeps the life of the believer moving forward and helps to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life.

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by Jesus to grow deeper in this “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in our life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

 

After having summoned, authorized and named His Twelve Apostles, Jesus sends them ahead of Him, to the places of mission.

 

 

The Gospel of the day begins with the phrase, “Preach, as you go…” ( Mt 10:7)

>> Some other translations would read as “As you go, make a proclamation…”

 

 

This is such wonderfully practical, and yet at the same time, a phrase that is often overlooked: “Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

 

Preaching or Proclamation in our times, is often picturised with a limited understanding…

 

Preaching or proclamation that takes place…

… only from the pulpit or during a service in Church

… only in the form of speaking and explaining the Word of God

 

 

But the words of the Lord are worth noting:

“Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

 

• Preach, as you go about doing your daily duties and activities

>> As you go about your responsibilities and works, make a proclamation

 

• Preach as you go around meeting different people by sharing His love and joy to all

>> As you go about engaging in numerous actions, make a proclamation by sharing His presence

 
The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement…

• Whatever we do, may it become an act of proclaiming God’s abundant blessings!

• Whatever work we take up, may it become a moment of preaching God’s amazing providence!

 

 

Such an act of Preaching and Proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows deeper in the “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in the life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

 

>> The act of proclamation needs the “awareness” that I am continuing the Great Mission work that has Jesus as the “Initiator”, the “Sustainer” and the “Finale”!

>> The act of preaching needs the “dependency” on the Lord to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

 

 

One needs to feel the “tug and the pull of the Divine Lord”…when one goes through

… hardships and difficulties in being a missionary of the Kingdom, in hostile situations

… problems and challenges as we seek to live a true Christian life in the modern world

… meaninglessness or emptiness as we go through the ‘deserts’ and ‘darkness’ in life

 

 

Yes, it is an experience of “the Divine tug of the string” that keeps the life of the believer moving forward and to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Check out my latest video
Preparation for the Holy Mass – Part II

The Liturgy of the Word and Offertory

https://youtu.be/BXmYz3vpQMA

The month of July in India began with the introduction of a new tax reform policy, called as the G.S.T. – Goods and Services Tax.
Time alone will tell the effects of G.S.T. on the Indian markets.

But when it comes to our Faith, we can be assured of the power of G.S.T. …

>> G.S.T. …

… God Surely Transforms!

The Gospel of the Day presents the wonderful process of transformation that is initiated by Jesus, in the calling of The Twelve Apostles…

>> The Twelve, who were simple and ordinary…

… would eventually become special and outstanding in spreading the Kingdom of God
Jesus is strange!

>> And he loves to do strange things!

 

“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life!

>> And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this ‘Daring to be Different’!

 

And this strange and daring Jesus – Who loves to do things differently –

…throws up a classic example for this, by choosing The Twelve…

>>Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

 

 

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve…
Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

>> Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited…

>> Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters…

>> Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right?

 

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

>> Is it True?

 

 

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…!

 

 

The Lord loves to transform and change…

>> He changed the water into wine…

>> He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands…

>> He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity…

>> He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour…

>> He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…

 

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

>> And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

 

 

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master: “To be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God”

>> To be with Him and to be sent out

>> To have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out

>> To cure every disease and illness and to preach!

 

These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

 

 

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom, in the place where we are, in the state of life, that we are in?

 

 

Let us not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses.

 

Yes, the Lord is strange…

… and He loves to do strange things

>> He is CRAZY over us!

 

The Lord also loves…

… to transform and to change

>> He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

 

The only thing that He needs from us.. is Our Consent.. Our Willingness…our Openness!

>> Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord…

 
>> The Kingdom of God is a vineyard…

… it needs labourers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a net…

… it needs fishermen!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a field…

… it needs sowers and reapers!

 

>> The Kingdom of God is a flock…

… it needs shepherds!

 

 

The Lord is calling… desiring… and wanting…

>> Are we hearing?

 

Let this Call, not remain a ‘Missed Call’!

>> Let’s pick up, and answer…

… and Co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different”!

 
 Yes, G.S.T. in Faith is a mighty reality….

… God Surely Transforms! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Avid book-readers will testify to the fact that when some books are read – especially interesting novels or epic stories or even some real-life or dramatic stories – there is a tendency to identify oneself with one of the characters in the book.

 

• Such character-identification can help one to examine one’s own personal life.

• Such character-identification can help one to chalk out strategies to live life better.
 

 The Bible is a brilliant book which offers many characters to help us to examine and evaluate our own lives.

 

 

Today’s Gospel offers us various groups of people and characters with whom we might have some identification.

 

 

We shall analyze and reflect on our lives in the light of these various characters and groups of people….

 

1. The demon-possessed mute man

This person is a demoniac who was unable to speak

 

His condition has been miserable

… kept away from the society and his family

… unable to have a normal social or emotional or spiritual life

 

His own family would have missed him so much… so would his relatives and friends.

 

How often is my condition similar?

>> Evil forces keep me away from having a healthy social, emotional or a spiritual life…

>> Rejected, depressed in life and finding no meaning to live…
 2. The people who brought this mute man to the Lord

 We have no idea what was the intention of the people who brought the person to Jesus.

 

Maybe, they were people…

… who were genuinely concerned for the well-being of the person

… who were fed up and disturbed by his threatening presence

 

But in either case.., they bring the person to the Lord: either in faith or in desperation.

 

Problems beset many people…

• Sometimes we feel compassion for them

• Sometimes we feel sorry for them

• Sometimes they become a disturbance for us

 

In either case, can we become an instrument of bringing the people – sick, suffering and in distress – to the Lord’s healing presence?

 

 

3. The Pharisees

The healing action of Jesus becomes another occasion for them to criticize Jesus and to speak ill of Him.

>> They said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9:34)

 

It was as if complain and criticism had almost been firmly casted into their character!

 

Am I also like these Pharisees…

>> Unable to appreciate and encourage the good that is done to people?

>> Constantly looking for faults and failures of people and harping on those negative to others?
4. The crowds

The crowds follow Jesus with a great desire and longing…

 

• Some to meet the Lord, to hear His teaching and experience His love

• Some to receive a cure and healing from the Lord

• Some just out of curiosity or because others are following Him
>> What is my motive and intention in following the Lord?

>> Is my Christian Life, just remaining part of the crowd, or do I also seek and make efforts to move closer to Him?
 5. The Disciples

They stand witness to the misery of the people, on the one side, and the power of the Lord, on the other.

 

They are now entrusted with a task and duty to “ask the Master of the harvest to send out labourers for His harvest” and also to imitate the Good Shepherd in caring for the lost sheep.

 

>> Do I hear the call of the Lord to be a labourer for the Kingdom of God and to imitate the Master Shepherd in bringing back lost sheep to His fold?
>> Am I willing to take up the challenge that the Lord places before us to be a ‘consolation for the miserable’, ‘food for the hungry’, ‘joy to those in sadness’ and ‘hope for those sinful and lost’?
 

 6. Jesus

Jesus is the Epitome of Compassion.

 

He goes about His mission and duty, by bringing healing to those in misery and displaying His treasury of compassion and love to the needy.

 

>> Can I imitate our Blessed Lord in seeking to be sensitive to the needs of the people around me, and showing forth His compassion?
>> Do I remain unafraid of “demoniac” and “mute” and “criticized” situations of life, trusting in the Great Power of the Lord and being unfazed by any sort of oppositions or hardships in being the messenger of His Kingdom?
 

 May the reflection on the characters of the Gospel help us to evaluate our own lives and form ourselves to be more and more worthy of our life as a Christian!

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

 Here is an excerpt from an autobiography…

 

 

“My world had come crashing down!

 

• The gush of tears would not stop despite the dams of consolation that were constructed for me…
• The flow of grief could not be stilled despite the walls of comfort that were built for me…
 

I lost the one whom I considered so precious in my life.

She was the treasure of my heart… She was the crown of my life!

 

>> Her tender laughter would fill my life with mirth
>> Her innocent talks would imbibe my heart with happiness
 

But life is sometimes so cruel… so unjust… so nasty even!

 

It snatched away from my hands my beloved princess

 
She was only twelve… small and tender.

>> She was just about to begin her life.

 
But why did she have to die so soon?

• Was it my mistake?
>> Did I care less for her?
>> Did I not provide the best facilities for her?
 
>> I look at life now… with my dead girl on the bed….and say:
‘I remained faithful in my duties and works, and this is the cruel way you are treating me!”

 

>> I look at the Divine now… with my sweet little child lifeless… and say:
‘I have sought to be honest, and this is the dreadful manner You deal with me!”

 

 
But then I heard of a person named Jesus, Who was near the town.

 

>> I have heard of He being a mighty prophet… a powerful healer!

 

I did not believe in His God…

…but I have heard, ‘His God is the God of all nations, of all peoples!’

 

 

And so I ran to Him and beseeched Him: 

‘My daughter has just died. But come, lay Your Hand on her, and she will live’.

 

 

I did not know how did I get the courage to say those bold words.

>> But I believe, it was the charisma of that Person, which made me to say those words of immense faith.

 

I believe there was already a miracle happening in me, by the fact, that I could have that much boldness to say that “God could infuse life to a dead and lifeless situation’!

 
Indeed, possessing faith and having trust in God is itself a precious miracle of the Lord!

 

 
As that Divine Person was on His way to my home, I encountered another miracle…

 

A woman who had been suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years was healed of her sickness by just touching the tassel of His cloak!

 

The words of the Master to that suffering woman was amazing, ‘Courage daughter, Your faith has saved you!’

 

This incident was another miracle for me.

 

I felt….

• If this woman who was suffering for twelve years could be healed, why not my daughter also who was twelve years…!
• If this woman could be cured by just touching the fringe of his garment, why not my daughter too, if this Great Man lays His hand on her…!
• If this woman could receive new life by placing her trust in Him, why not my daughter too, since I have also come with faith and hope in Him…!
 

 

Life, I found is sometimes too cruel… 

… But the more I was trusting this Man – Who now for me was showing the Compassionate Face of God – the greater I was feeling strengthened.

 
I was reminded of what some people had told me, about what this Man had once declared, ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are overburdened; and I will give you rest!’

 
I was now giving my burdens to Him… I was now giving my labours to Him…

>> And I was being more and more convinced, that He would take up my burden on Himself and make me light!

 

 
We proceeded on our way…. after that shower of consolation that I received on this path of suffering!

 
As we reached our house, my relatives and well-wishers raised up a mighty tumult….

Wailing for my daughter…. Crying and sharing in our deep grief.

 
But will I be a bit stupid if I say, that in those moments, though externally I was totally broken and shattered…

… within me, I could experience already, a certain sense of hope, that this Man – whose Charism was so much Godly and Divine – would bring my daughter back to life.

 
>> I was sad outside… but His Presence made me hopeful inside
>> I was crying externally…. but His Charm made me encouraged within
 

And my thoughts got a deeper confirming sign, when I heard Him say to all those were weeping and bitterly crying, “Go away! The girl is not dead but is sleeping!”

 
 

We stepped in the room…

 

The sight of my dead princess was too overwhelming for me!

• My grief once again overpowered me!
• My tears of sadness once again began to drown me!
 

But I again realized that I had to fix my gaze on that Divine Man in that moment of pain, to find courage and consolation.

 

• When I took of my eyes from Him, and stared at my situation of grief, I was shattered!
• But when I took off my eyes from the problem, and fixed my eyes on Him, I was consoled!
 

 

And then came that moment of absolute wonder and ecstasy…

The best moment of my life!

 

This Divine Man placed His hand on my precious daughter….

And up she arose!!

 
>> Life was restored to a dead situation!
>> Happiness was reinstated in a grieving circumstance!

My daughter was alive… once again!

 

• How great is the joy of those who place their trust entirely in this Divine Master!
• How immense is the blessing experienced by those who have faith in this Charismatic Man!
 
I wish and hope that all peoples of the world may come to experience the great healing presence of this Man…

 

>> I also wish and hope that all those who have encountered His Living and Miraculous Touch may become passionate proponents of this Man who alone can restore life in dead situations!”

 

 

…. This excerpt is taken from an imaginary autobiography titled, “He restores our life!” of the Official, seen in the Gospel of Mt 9: 18-26, whose girl was dead at the age of twelve and was restored back to life.

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story is told of a shabby old man who would go to the Church at noon every day.

>> He would just be inside the Church for a few minutes.

 
The sacristan of the Church was disturbed with this man’s daily presence..

… “What could he be doing?”

… “Why is the motive of this shabby man?”

>> After all, the Church also contained valuable furnishings.

 

“I go to pray,” the old man said in reply to the sacristan’s questioning.

 

“Oh, come on! Don’t lie”, the sacristan refuted, “you are never long enough in the church to pray.”

 

“Well, you see,’ the old man went on…

“I cannot make a long prayer.

But every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, “Jesus, it’s Jim.”

I wait for a minute and then come away.

>> It’s just a little prayer, but I guess He hears me.”

 
Some months back, Jim was injured and was taken to the hospital.

 

He had a wonderful influence in the hospital ward

>> Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would ring with laughter.

 
“Well, Jim,” said the nurse to him one day, “It’s so wonderful to see you happy always!”

 

“Hmm… yes, Sister, I can’t help being happy.

You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes me happy!”

 

“Your visitor?” asked the puzzled sister, for he was a lonely old man, with no relations, “Your visitor? But when does he come?’

 

“Every day,” Jim replied, with the twinkle in his eyes growing brighter.
“Every day at twelve o’clock He comes and stands at the foot of my bed.

 I see Him and He smiles and says, “Jim, it’s Jesus!”

 

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…

…. to come to His Presence

… and to rest in His Heart!

 

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28)

 
Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….

… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”

… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”

… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”

… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”

… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

 
Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…

… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

 
Perhaps….

>> You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?

>> You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?

>> You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?

>> You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

 
To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

 

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

 
The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…

… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”

… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

 
We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

 
 ‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…

… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

 

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

>> The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.

… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

 
The Yoke, helps the young one…

… to reduce its burden

… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one

… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

 

 

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…

… Yoke as a symbol of partnership

… Yoke as a symbol of control

… Yoke as a symbol of relief

… Yoke as a symbol of hope

 
When we take the “yoke” of Christ…

… He Strengthens us

… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over

… We find a meaning for our lives and we feel refreshed

… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

 
Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

 
It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

>> It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

 
We need to be in the presence of the Lord – growing more in prayer and trust in Him.

 

 

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…

… sinful addictions

… unpleasant habits

… unholy sources of pleasure

 
But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…

>> Especially in our moments of burden and hardships

… and receive strength and rest from Him!

 
When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

 

 

>> Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength

>> Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer everyday without fail

>> Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

 

 

Yes, Life may be playing a “joke” on us by straining us with burdens and hardships…

>> But let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy

… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, it’s Jesus!”

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 A little boy once came to his mother, saying, “Mummy, I am as tall as Goliath! I am nine feet high!”

 

“How do you say that?” asked his surprised mother.

 

“Well, I made a little ruler of my own and measured myself with it and I am just nine feet tall.”

 

 

The little fellow considered himself to be huge and tall…but by having a measuring scale that he himself had devised!

 

 

How often is our own styles of assessment and measure the same!

>> We make “our own” yardsticks to measure others actions, and to find a way of criticising others!

>> We make “our own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of other people, and thus find ways to put down other people!

 
The Gospel of the day is an invitation to examine this our tendency of assessing others’ manners and conduct based on “standards and measurements” that are set by we ourselves.

• Do I evaluate the action of another person based on my own “prejudiced” mindset… or do I measure it with the yardstick that God uses?

• Do I critically analyze other people’s attitudes from my own “biased” perspective… or do I gauge it with the benchmark that God proposes?
 
In the Gospel, we see the disciples of John who come to Jesus with a critical query:

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)

 

It is interesting the reason that the disciples of John use here, in order to ask put forward their question…

 

It would be something like this…

“We, the disciples of John… we follow our Master in leading an ascetic and hard life.

We fast often times during the week… we live a hard life.

 

Look at the Pharisees too… they fast twice a week, which is more than the stipulated requirement of the Law.

 

We engage ourselves in so much of fasting.

 

But look at your disciples…

They are only found to be enjoying life!

 

Who don’t they fast… like we do… ??”

 
>> They had perhaps made “their own” yardsticks to measure the actions of the disciples and found a way of criticizing them!

>> They had perhaps made “their own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of the disciples, and thus found ways to put them down!

 

But the Lord asks them to change this their “yardstick” and “measuring scale” of judging other people.

 

 

Jesus gives an example of the bridegroom and the context of a marriage.

 

Marriage is the time of joy and celebration… not of mourning or being sad.

>> It is a time of feasting… and not fasting!

… a time of feasting on God’s tremendous Providence and Grace!

… a time of feasting on the Love and Compassion shown by the Lord!

 

The Lord makes a challenge….

… consider and evaluate situations from the “eyes of God” – in the way that God sees.

… assess and measure people in the “manner of God” – with the approach that God takes.

 
It is said that when God measures a person, “He puts the tape around the heart, and not the head!”

 
May we also grow in our following of God… looking at people and situations in His style:

… a style that integrates compassion with sincerity

… a style that incorporates love with genuineness

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the easiest traps in our life, today, is to acquire Cheap Popularity!
‘Popularism’ is a bane which affects many areas of our life. 
People choose…

… to undermine values

… forsake principles

… abandon relations

… disown doctrine

… and even dilute ideologies

>> Just to gain some cheap and shoddy popularity!

But Jesus…came to the world, not seeking Cheap Popularity…

… rather, in quest of Precious Sinners!
He came not rendering Instant Glory…

… rather, in granting Everlasting Peace!
He came not to Please People…

… rather, to Honour God!
And Jesus is clear in His Mission: To seek the wayward, to find the lost, to grant peace to sinners!

This Mission of the Lord would make Him lose His popularity ratings & reputed recognitions…

>> But Jesus dared…

… to prioritize Principles over Popularity

… Choosing Reconciliation over Reputation!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse, “…Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me!” (Mt 9:9)

For the religious elite of the Society, this calling of Matthew, the Tax Collector was a shocking experience! 
Tax Collectors were among the most hated people in the Jewish Society. 

>> They were generally despised and tainted and stained on three different aspects:
a. National Traitors: A tax collector, “sold himself”, to the foreign Roman government, and was a betrayer of the Nation…one of the top-most nation-betrayers!
b. Morally Corrupt: Each tax collector had the right from the Roman government to gather taxes; and the more he gathered, the more he could keep….one of the top-most dishonest people!
c. Religiously Unclean: Their constant contacts with the Gentiles made them religiously suspicious….one of the top-most impure class!
And it is this Matthew, that Jesus invites to “Follow Him”! 

>> An unpopular approach indeed!
But the Lord is least bothered of human appreciation and public popularity!

>> He came to Seek the Lost….and gather the scattered ones!
And this offer of the Lord, was gladly welcomed by Matthew – opening himself to the Love of the Lord….

1. He opened His heart: Matthew became a new person. 

>> Accepting Jesus, meant turning away from his old-ways, rejecting some of his corrupt business people, forsaking a good deal of income…
2. He Opened His Home: Matthew was excited to share his New Found Love, with others too… >> The transformation in one person, became an opportunity, for many others, to experience God’s enterprising love and be challenged to undergo a change! 
3. He opened his hands: Matthew also opened his hands & worked for the Lord. 

>> “It could be (wittily) said, that when Jesus called Matthew, he left his job to follow Christ, but he took along with him, his pen!” 

>> And this would later help him to pen the Gospel…the Gospel according to St Matthew!!

The call of Matthew, was Jesus’ way of telling that things happen in the Kingdom of God, not for the Sake of Popularity…

… rather, The Kingdom is an Invitation and a Home to all who find themselves lost, least, broken, rejected, seeking, disturbed!

We all are in one way or the other, facing some of these problems or difficulties in life… 

Let these not discourage us…!

As the saying goes:

Never say, “GOD, I have a big problem!” 

>> Instead say, “Hey Problem, I have a big GOD”

The Lord is ever-ready to welcome us. 

>> He is least bothered of what others think or criticize!!

>> He values our lives much more than losing popularity! 
Yes, We are more precious to Him, than popularity! 

>> He Values Us! 

>> He Trusts us! 

>> He Loves us! 

All of us, can be assured of experiencing….

… Rest in His Heart

… Welcome in His Home

… Strength in His Hands!
Let us Follow Him, and like Mathew, let us…

… give our hearts, our homes and our hands to Him!
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says:

“If you follow the will of God, in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge…

… Go on, trusting, in the One Who loves you.” 

God Bless! Live Jesus!