“Trusting that the Lord is with us and hears our cry of deep anguish and fear!”

(Based on 1 John 4:11-18 and Mk 6:45-52 – Wednesday after Epiphany)

Played with li’l children?

When elders play some game, with little children, we usually change some rules of the game.

It could be a game of cricket, or football or just passing the ball etc…

We relax some of the rules to make it easy for the child to enjoy the game a little more.

Sometimes for fun, we even, play badly, so that the child may win…
Sometimes, we even make some adjustments and act as if we don’t know how to play well..
Sometimes, we even play, as if we are losing very badly so that the child may enjoy more…

We do a bit of “acting” to see the reaction of the children.

Well…
… for the Lord, we are li’l Children…

And no doubt, He too loves to play some tricks with us, His kids!

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how the Lord loves having “some fun” with us, His Little Kids…

The Lord has performed a stupendous multiplication of the five loaves & two fish among the five thousand men. (Mk 6: 34-44)

He then makes His disciples to get onto a boat, while He retires to enjoy His precious moments with His Abba Father on the mountains, to pray. (Mk 6: 45-46)

It’s at that time, the disciples, who are out in the sea, travelling on the boat, face a great storm.

As the disciples are struggling against the waves that hit them and the gushes of wind lashing against their boat, Jesus comes walking on the sea, towards them.

St Mark’s Gospel is very particular in mentioning a strangely overlooked statement: “He meant to pass them by” (Mk 6:48b)

Another translation of this sentence would read, “He intended to pass them by!”

Now, that’s strange, right?

The disciples are struggling for life and are in deep danger…

And does the Lord wish to just pass them by?

The boat is to capsize and it’s a terrible resistance against the forces of nature…

And does the Lord just want to pass them by?

Did He not see them?

Or does He not care?

Well… this is where we introduce the aspect of the Lord having some “fun” with His children!

On another occasion also, Jesus would do something similar…

On the road to Emmaus, with the two disciples, when they reach close to their destination, Jesus does a similar “prank”
“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus gave the impression that he was going on further” (Lk 24:28)

Yet, on both occasions…
… when Jesus is called up, He responds positively.

In the boat, when the disciples saw the Jesus intended to pass them by, they cried out in fear.

And this prayer… of fear and worry… was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

On the way to Emmaus, when the two saw that Jesus was going away, they requested his presence.

And this prayer… of earnestness and desire…was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

Similar situations here…

The Lord in a sort of a “prank”
… intends to pass by.

It seems that He is not so interested in their concerns…

Yet, when they call out to Him
… He responds!

Just like elders while playing with children, who “act” for some time….

Jesus’ “acting” of being disinterested or “not knowing what to do” pays off…

The disciples reach out to Him in earnest prayer…and a miracle is performed!

The Lord seems to pass by, not because He is not interested in us.

It is rather just His way of making us to also reach out to Him in prayer

Divine disposition does not do away with human actions….

Divine help does not rule out human initiatives.

We are not to sit back and wait in passivity for God’s help…

We are to call out on Him, in prayer, in faith, in love!

Our lives sometimes have to face the consequence of this “prank” or “acting” of the Lord.

We struggle in the boats of our life, against dreadful storms of problems…
We row hard with all our might, and sometimes feel that it’s going to be the end of our life…

We get frightened and are afraid that somehow the waves will have the better of ourselves…

And the Lord, just “seems” to pass by

But when we cry out in deep anguish and fear… the Lord hears!

Our anxiety and fears itself becomes a prayer in the Presence of the Lord!

Is our life passing through deadly storms of faithlessness and isolation?

Are the dreadful waves of hardships and miseries assaulting us?
Does it seem that the Lord is “just passing by”?

Lift up the sagging and weary spirits…

The Lord is very much with us!

Let’s open our hearts and lives to Him…and hear Him say, “Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!” (Mk 6:50)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Living in confidence, with a strong affirmation, ‘Why can’t I, with Christ!'”

(Based on 1 John 4:7-10 and Mk 6:34-44 – Tuesday after Epiphany)

A missionary priest – who had spent many years in the missions – while addressing a group of seminarians exhorted:

“Life often takes us through moments of questioning of our capabilities!

‘How can I… ?’ will be a question that will often haunt you!

But with my tough experience in the missions, I can confidently tell, that life becomes so much easier when we turn around the apprehensive question, ‘How can I…?’
… to a strong affirmation, “Why can’t I, with Christ!”

Yes… one of the easiest doubts that often crops up in our daily life is the “doubt in our abilities” – “How can I….?”

How can I do the job?
How can I be expected to study so much?
How can I ever succeed in such a situation?
… etc.

Such doubtings of our abilities can leave many of our plans and aspirations to be at a standstill…

The Gospel of the Day brings us face-to-face with such kind of a situation – a situation of “doubts in abilities.”

It was a late evening…

The Lord had finished preaching the Word of God to a large crowd of people.

The disciples sensed that it had got too late and requested the Lord to send the people away…
… so that they could fetch some food for themselves.

“This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” (Mk 6: 36)

But the Lord had different plans… as always!

The Lord loves to challenge us in our comforts

He tells the disciples, “You give them something to eat” (Mk 6: 37)

This statement came as a shocker for the disciples. “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” (Mk 6:37)

The disciples were not prepared to accept the challenge of the Lord

They perhaps thought from a financial point of view…

It would be too expensive to feed so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a sociological point of view…

It would be too impractical to handle so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a comfort point of view…

It would be a botheration for us to look after so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

Logic sometimes tells us that some things are too hard.

But the Lord invites them to look at the strength of their ability… which is He Himself!

When problems come, we often “doubt our abilities” because we look only into ourselves…

We fail to look to the Lord, Who is the solution to our problems.

When difficulties encompass us, we often “doubt our abilities” because we think that we are the master of everything…

We fall short of recognizing the power of God, which is, in fact, our true strength.

When crisis befalls us, we often “doubt our abilities,” because we get totally tensed and worried within ourselves…

We do not look up and see the hand of God, waiting to lead and guide us.

The disciples, who were “doubting their abilities”, finally let themselves into the ways of the Lord…

And then the miracle happened!

When we entrust everything into God’s hands, miracles occur

Before the Lord…
… logic can dissolve!
… reason can be floored!

Yes…
… Life will continue to challenge us with problems, wherein we “doubt our abilities.”
… Life will always ambush us with painful difficulties, wherein we “doubt our abilities.”

Let all those moments, be a chance for us to allow the Lord to multiply His blessings in us…
… to let the Lord increase His grace in us.

Let us make efforts to turn around the apprehensive question, ‘How can I…?’
…. to a strong affirmation, “Why can’t I, with Christ!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Maintaining the desire of God in our hearts, and allowing the Lord to outline His Plan to us, through the little things of life, so that we can have an Epiphany Experience!”

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

A Parish priest was taking a group of his catechism children to a church, which was known to be a pilgrimage centre.

The children were very much excited seeing the new church…
… which was particularly famous for its glass paintings.

As they kids moved around the church, little Peter – all of 6 years and the smallest one of the group – suddenly gazed at a large glass painting and shouted:
“Wow! There is the Cross of Christ!

Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.
But they could see nothing of the Cross!

To them, the glass painting resembled only a jumbled mass of confusion

It was a modernistic glass picture composed of a maze of colours and shapes – sophisticated and abstract

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

But Peter went on: “Can’t you see him? It’s Jesus hanging on the cross.”

The priest finally said: “Little Peter… maybe we are all blind.

Could you please… help us to see what you see?”

With all excitement, with his little finger, through the maze of shapes and colours…
… Peter outlined the Cross as he kept saying: “Do you see what I see?”

And then… like an Epiphany, they all saw JESUS…
… His Face
… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

As the image began to appear more clear!

And then with astonishment, the priest looking at little Peter and then the Cross of Christ, exclaimed: “This… is… Epiphany!”

When one longs with a great desire and looks with a clear intent, then we have the Epiphany of God!

Yes, the Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs – sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany,” means…
… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…
… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

(This was also in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising!” – Isa 60:3)

This single focus and dedication…
… Impelled them to move forward with determination
… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles
… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory…?
… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for our own glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions…?
… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focused on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!
(pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

Do we faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

Do we seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?
… Or do we get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?
   The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their precious gifts – fit and appropriate… (Mt 2:11b)

Gold for Jesus, the King
Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest
Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…
… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…
Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?
… or, has the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…
Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?
… take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian lives, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12: 1) – sinful, broken, wounded; just as we are…
… So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:
To examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

Let us seek the Lord deeper
Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place
Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

Like the modernistic glass pictures, we may often get lost in the maze of colours of uncertainty and shapes of difficulties – sophisticated and abstract!

But if we maintain the desire of God in our hearts, He will, through the little things of life…
… outline His Plan to us

And then…
… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!

May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Becoming a powerful witness of Jesus, the Light of the Nations!”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:22–4:6 and Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 – Monday after Epiphany)

One of the subtle, taken-for-granted, yet successful techniques in life, is “withdrawal.”

(This “withdrawal” is NOT in the psychological sense of alienating oneself or going into an isolated state of mind)

This technique of “withdrawal” is seen in many areas of life…

While playing chess, as part of a smart strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, to have better control over the game.

This withdrawal…
… is to alter the line of attavk
… is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic, one “withdraws” one’s vehicle for some time, by slowing down…

This withdrawal…
… is to allow a little more space ahead so that we can overtake faster
… by slowing down for few seconds, helps to find more empty spaces to go ahead faster

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not a sign of weakness or surrender

Rather, it’s a tactic to plan better and enhance organizing.

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not an indication of admitting defeat or submissiveness

Rather, it’s a method to make more progress and find better ways out.

The Gospel of the Day begins with a mention of ‘withdrawal’ by Jesus…
“When He heard that John had been arrested, [Jesus] withdrew to Galilee” (Mt 4:12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus was preaching about the message of repentance.

King Herod, in Jerusalem, had to also face the “naked truths” of the preaching of John.

Living in immorality, King Herod had been strongly condemned for his actions, by John
Practising adultery, King Herod had been angered greatly by the bold exhortation of John

And so, King Herod had John the Baptist arrested.
The “Voice” had been stifled!
The “Voice” was suppressed!

St Matthew, however, says, that on hearing of John’s arrest, “Jesus withdrew!”

Was it a withdrawal out of fear?
Was it a withdrawal because Jesus got intimidated by King Herod?

Surely No!

Why was it not an act of fear?

Because…
… Galilee, the place where Jesus withdrew, was equally a dangerous place since it was also under King Herod’s rule
… Jesus would display a far greater exhibition of courage, bravery and boldness than even John, by His ministry of Authentic Preaching and Awe-inspiring wondrous deeds.
… God in His Divine plan wanted Jesus to perform much of His ministry in the Gentile region of Galilee.

Galilee was certainly not the most obvious place for the Messiah to begin His ministry

Galilee was part of the Northern Kingdom of the nation, which was ruled by ungodly kings

The population was mixed in race and looked down upon by the Jews of Judah and Jerusalem.
The people of Galilee were considered to be somewhat pagan in their spiritual life.

Yet, as part of His Divine strategy, Jesus “withdraws” to this most improbable place of Galilee to launch His ministry of Spiritual Revolution of the world.

Life sometimes makes us to “withdraw”…

In a situation of trouble and crisis, we need to sometimes “withdraw” and find time with the Lord, in order to assess and evaluate our circumstances.

In our dealings with others, we need to sometimes “withdraw” some of our words, expressions and feelings, to preserve and strengthen our relationships.

In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give some time for ourselves and thus be able to perform better.

Life is not always rosy, and life is not always a cakewalk.

Difficulties and struggles are ready to very often pounce on us.
Crisis and situations of terror are waiting to grab us by the neck.

Just like our Dear Lord, who is the perfect strategist and the ideal planner…
… we too need to take control of our lives, by giving time for “ourselves” even if needed to “withdraw”

This withdrawal is not a retreat into depression…
… rather a time of preparation with the Lord.
This withdrawal is not falling into anxieties…
… rather a time of charging with the power of God

Let us become a powerful witness of Jesus, the Light of the nations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

This is because, in some places, the Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on Jan 6, Tuesday.

In some places, the Feast is celebrated on Jan 4, Sunday

Thank you. God Bless! 😊

“Maintaining the desire of God in our hearts, and allowing the Lord to outline His Plan to us, through the little things of life, so that we can have an Epiphany Experience!”

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

A Parish priest was taking a group of his catechism children to a church, which was known to be a pilgrimage centre.

The children were very much excited seeing the new church…
… which was particularly famous for its glass paintings.

As they kids moved around the church, little Peter – all of 6 years and the smallest one of the group – suddenly gazed at a large glass painting and shouted:
“Wow! There is the Cross of Christ!

Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.
But they could see nothing of the Cross!

To them, the glass painting resembled only a jumbled mass of confusion

It was a modernistic glass picture composed of a maze of colours and shapes – sophisticated and abstract

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

But Peter went on: “Can’t you see him? It’s Jesus hanging on the cross.”

The priest finally said: “Little Peter… maybe we are all blind.

Could you please… help us to see what you see?”

With all excitement, with his little finger, through the maze of shapes and colours…
… Peter outlined the Cross as he kept saying: “Do you see what I see?”

And then… like an Epiphany, they all saw JESUS…
… His Face
… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

As the image began to appear more clear!

And then with astonishment, the priest looking at little Peter and then the Cross of Christ, exclaimed: “This… is… Epiphany!”

When one longs with a great desire and looks with a clear intent, then we have the Epiphany of God!

Yes, the Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs – sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany,” means…
… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…
… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1) WHAT do we seek?
The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

(This was also in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising!” – Isa 60:3)

This single focus and dedication…
… Impelled them to move forward with determination
… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles
… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory…?
… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for our own glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions…?
… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2) WHERE do we seek?
The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focused on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!
(pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

Do we faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

Do we seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?
… Or do we get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3) WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?
The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their precious gifts – fit and appropriate… (Mt 2:11b)

Gold for Jesus, the King
Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest
Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…
… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…
Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?
… or, has the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…
Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?
… take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian lives, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12: 1) – sinful, broken, wounded; just as we are…
… So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:
To examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

Let us seek the Lord deeper
Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place
Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

Like many modern glass pictures, we may often get lost in the maze of colours of uncertainty and shapes of difficulties – sophisticated and abstract!

But if we maintain the desire of God in our hearts, He will, through the little things of life…
… outline His Plan to us

And then…
… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!

May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God Bless! Live Jesus!