“Responding to the invitation of Jesus to be child-like!”

(Based on Exo 3:1-6, 9-12 and Mt 11:25-27 – Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time)

Eight-year-old Keith was affected with brain cancer.

As part of his treatment, following a surgery, he underwent chemotherapy.

(Chemotherapy affects all cells – healthy as well as cancer cells.

As a result, hair fall is one of the commonly affecting side-effects)

When Charles’ hair began to fall out in large clumps, it was decided to shave his head completely.

A few days later, Charles went to school.

The class teacher explained to her little students about the situation of Charles and why his hairs had to be shaved off.

The following day, the teacher was in for a surprise…

She saw all the 38 boys of her class with bald heads!

On enquiring, the leader of the class stood up and said:
“We shaved off our heads, so that Charles doesn’t feel lonely!
This is our way to support and encourage him – being bald, so that he can be bold!”

The teacher had tears in her eyes…
… and with a great sense of honour for her kids, she wrote on the blackboard:
“Bald heads and Bold Hearts!”

Children have wonderful characteristics, isn’t it?

They sympathize and share
They are loving and loyal
They accept and admire
They forgive and forget
They try and trust

Is it any surprise that Jesus used children as an example to be imitated?

What is it that prevents us becoming child-like?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus thanking the Father for His gracious wisdom…
… and for His revelations to Little Children (to babes)! (Mt 10:25)

BIG things often come in small packages!

BIG innovations are made by those who lower themselves, to seek higher!!
BIG mysteries are experienced by those who make themselves little, to be in awe of them!!!

“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!

The Lord today His raises heart to the Father in praise:
“I give praise to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike” (Mt 11:25)

It is an unfortunate truth that those who THINK THEY KNOW, often FAIL TO LEARN
… those who assume to be Learned, often fall short of being taught
… those who presuppose to be Wise, mostly are unsuccessful in discovering newer truths.

Many of the Pharisees and the Scribes, during Jesus’ time, belonged to this category.

Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence came explaining the Truth and the Mystery of the Law..
The Wise and Learned of the Society failed to assimilate Him.

The simple and the open-hearted…the disciples and others…were able to accept Him!

“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!

For our Spiritual Life…
… Kids can teach us much
…. Little children can educate us to a great extent

1. A Sense of Total Dependence

Little children depend on the elders for their sustenance.

We need to depend on God, who is our Father and who loves to lavish His goodness on us.

This does not, of course mean, a lazy attitude to life…rather, a Holy Disposition, of realizing, that “Whatever Happens in my Life, I know, God will take care of me!”

Have I lost my Sense of Total Dependence on God?

It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big!

2. An attitude of Immense Enthusiasm

Little children are full of life, vigour and enthusiasm.

The story of many of our lives could be sadly declared as, “Died at 30, buried at 70!”

The modern day tension and worries of life take away the zing and dynamism from our lives…

We tend to become…
… “a people of routine”
… “an individual of listlessness”
…. “a society of apathy”
… and “an order of sluggishness”!

Life becomes boring

Life turns out to be lacklustre.

Have I lost the attitude of Immense Enthusiasm?

“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!

3. A Touch of Tenderness

Little children symbolize tenderness and warmth.

Our hustle-bustle lives, often, tend to be wrapped with…
… rude words
… tough looks
… angry gestures
… and impolite manners.

Our hearts lose tenderness.

Our eyes remain shut in callousness.

Have I lost the touch of Tenderness?

“It is only by being little that we ever discover anything big”!

Do we want to climb the ladder of sanctity?

Do we want to possess God?

Do we want to penetrate into the deeper mysteries of the kingdom of God?

There is one sure way: By being a Child in our heavenly Father’s arms.
… The more little we become, the more elevated we will be!

“The attitude of our life determines our altitude in life”!

Jesus invites and challenges us to be child-like:
With BALD HEADS (shaven of our pride!)
… and BOLD HEARTS (total dependence on the Father!)

Are we ready… to have “Bald Heads” and “Bold Hearts?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
JESUS AND ISRAEL

From the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, certain Pharisees and partisans of Herod together with priests and scribes agreed together to destroy him.
Many of Jesus’ deeds and words constituted a “sign of contradiction”, but more so for the religious authorities in Jerusalem
In the eyes of many in Israel, Jesus seems to be acting against essential institutions of the Chosen People: – submission to the whole of the Law in its written commandments and, for the Pharisees, in the interpretation of oral tradition; – the centrality of the Temple at Jerusalem as the holy place where God’s presence dwells in a special way; – faith in the one God whose glory no man can share. (Cf. CCC # 574-576)

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“Examining our lives and making necessary changes, in order to live a holier life!”

(Based on Exo 1:8-14, 22 and Mt 10:34-11:1 – Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time)

There is an incident in the life of Queen Victoria.

As a queen, she enjoyed many luxuries and comforts.

She too, however, had to go through many family problems, especially, concerns as a grandmother.

One of her grandsons was highly reckless in the usage and spending of money.

Once, as his birthday was approaching, the grandson wrote to his grandmother, Queen Victoria, reminding her of his approaching birthday.

He cleverly suggested that “money would be the best and the most acceptable birthday gift”.

In reply, the Queen Grandmother wrote back a “letter of advice”- in her own hand – sternly reproving the young boy for his life of extravagance and urging him on the practice of economy.

However, the young boy’s reply to this letter, staggered her:
“Dear Grandma,” said the letter, “thank you for your kind letter of advice.

I have just sold the same letter for five pounds!”

The young grandson spared no efforts to even “auction and sell” the prized ‘letter of advice’ of the Queen, and got for himself some extra money!!

The young fellow wasted away every chance that was offered to him, to live a good life.

Instead, the privileges that were offered to him were converted to opportunities for indulging in more and more occasions of sin!

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus condemning such an “unrepentant” and “arrogant” attitude of some cities, in amending their ways and in turning back to the Lord.

Jesus raises a cry of sigh, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done to you, had been in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long back” (Mt 11:21)

“And you, Capernaum! Will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (Mt 11: 23)

These three towns – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum – had a unique common feature.

These three were called as the “Orthodox Triangle”.

These towns consisted of “traditional” Jews – Jews who took the Law of Moses very seriously!
• They had a benefit of a “faith that was traditional and deep-rooted”

These towns also consisted of “privileged” people – people who had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.
• They had the privilege of a “faith that was encouraged and boosted by the wonderful deeds of Jesus”

In spite of these great opportunities and advantages that were offered to them, the people in these towns “failed” to live a life of repentance!

And this is what the Lord condemns them for…

They had the benefit of a traditional faith…
… but it did not move their lives to be lived in holiness!

They had the privilege of a faith that was nourished and encouraged…
… but it did not make them to purge their lives of sin and seek to live worthily in the presence of God!

The people of these towns wasted away every chance that was offered to them, to live a good life.

Instead, the privileges that were offered to them were converted to occasions for indulging in more and more opportunities for sin!

Is my life also resembling these three towns?

I may be a “traditional” Christian…
… having ‘inherited’ my faith in the Lord from my family and my background
… having heard and even practising many acts of faith and devotion

I may also be an “encouraged” Christian…
… having got many opportunities to hear and witness the powerful works of the Lord through many talks, retreats, miracles, sacraments etc
… having the privilege of constantly encountering the living presence of the Lord in the lives of many people.

But do these factors get “personalized” and make me “to live a life of holiness and repentance”?
• I may boast that I am a Christian by birth
• I may claim that I am doing many great works in the ministry of the Lord
• I may assert that I have experienced many miraculous Divine interventions in life

But do all these make me to “repent” of my sins and help me seek to “live a life of sanctity”?

The message of the Gospel is clear: “Repent, and believe, in the Lord!”

The faith-inputs that I receive, ought to, first and foremost, cause a transformation in my life – seeking God’s Will at all times and remaining firm to avoid any occasions of sin.

Through Prophet Isaiah, God offers His assurance of strength and grace to us:
‘Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint…” (Is 7:4)

The Lord through today’s Gospel is writing a “letter of advice to us” – to examine our lives and to make the necessary changes, in order to live a holier life.

Are we going to take serious heed to this “letter of advice” and make suitable changes?
… or are we going to “auction and sell off” this “letter of advice” and nullify the loving message of the Gospel?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
“JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED”

The Paschal mystery of Christ’s cross and Resurrection stands at the centre of the Good News that the apostles, and the Church following them, are to proclaim to the world. God’s saving plan was accomplished “once for all” by the redemptive death of his Son Jesus Christ.
The Church remains faithful to the interpretation of “all the Scriptures” that Jesus gave both before and after his Passover: “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
Jesus’ sufferings took their historical, concrete form from the fact that he was “rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes”, who handed “him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified”.
Faith can therefore try to examine the circumstances of Jesus’ death, faithfully handed on by the Gospels, and illuminated by other historical sources, the better to understand the meaning of the Redemption. (Cf. CCC # 557-558)

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“Being committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrating Christianity with conviction!”

(Based on Exo 1:8-14, 22 and Mt 10:34-11:1 – Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time)

“My song is love unknown, my Saviour’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake, my Lord should take, frail flesh and die?

Sometimes they strew His way, and His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day, Hosannas to their King.
Then ‘Crucify!’ is all their breath, and for His death, they thirst and cry.

They rise, and needs will have my dear Lord made away;
A murderer they save, the Prince of Life they slay.
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes, that He His foes from thence might free.”

• This beautiful hymn on the “Beauty of the Cross and the Crucified One” is found in the Divine Office
  (A hymn by Samuel Crossman, written in 1664, is usually sung on Good Friday)

The Cross forms part of the Basic Rule and Lifestyle of Christianity.

The ‘modern’ Christian however, is often afraid and oppose this dimension of Christianity: The Cross!

Bishop Fulton Sheen presents before us this mentality which is fast catching up in our world…

It is termed as Staurophobia… The Fear of the Cross!

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…
… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10: 38)

Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings..

He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…
… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…

Losers of oneself
Be carriers of the Cross
And then Follow Him!

Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…

“Not again the Cross”
“Enough of pain and suffering”
“We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
“Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions…even in our religious environs.

Staurophobia – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…

We like to be Saved…
… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

We like to receive Blessings…
… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

We like to live a peaceful life…
… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

We like to be prosperous…
… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

We like to be called good..
… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

We like to have joy…
… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God

Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…

But Christ – Crucified on the Cross – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…

They will find Life…
They will be rewarded…
They will find true joy and peace…
…says the Lord.

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

Then Let us Embrace the Cross..
Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross

Let Staurophobia ( Fear of the Cross) be willfully banished

Let Staurophilia (Love of the Cross) be willingly accepted!

St Camillus says, “Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in, has passed”.

Fulton Sheen says, “Love begins, when duty finishes!”

Let us be committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction…
… with our Crucified Lord Who ensured “Love to the loveless was shown, that we might lovely be!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
JESUS’ ASCENT TO JERUSALEM

“When the days drew near for Him to be taken up [Jesus] set His Face to go to Jerusalem.”
By this decision, He indicated that He was going up to Jerusalem prepared to die there.
Jesus recalls the martyrdom of the prophets who had been put to death in Jerusalem.
When Jerusalem comes into view, He weeps over her and expresses once again His Heart’s desire: “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes!” (Cf. CCC # 557-558)

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“Standing firm in our convictions and making efforts to live a True Christian life!”

(Based on Amos 7:12-15, Eph 1:3-14 and Mk 6:7-13 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Ella Gunderson is teenage Catholic girl from Seattle, USA

In 2004, she went into a Nordstrom’s (an American fashion retailer) store to buy a pair of jeans.

However, none of the jeans were pleasing to her taste, lifestyle and liking…

Every style of jeans was either very loose that they would fall down…
… or so tight that she would have to wear them low and thus they would become provocative.

As a Christian, she knew that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God meant beauty to be pure, inspiring, and tasteful and not degrading and objectifying!

Instead of just whining about the situation, Ella decided to act…

She wrote a public letter of complaint to Nordstrom’s…
“Dear Nordstrom, I am an eleven-year-old girl who has tried shopping at your store for clothes (in particular jeans), but all of them ride way under my hips and the next size up, is too big and falls down.”

This experience of Ella Gunderson resonated with unvoiced concern of many teenagers and women across the country, who also believed it was possible to be ‘pretty, without being provocative’.

The letter caused a huge rage to be raised by the world of media…

The media firestorm motivated Nordstrom’s to create a new category of fashion wears for juniors called “Modern and Modest.”

A great Christian endevour was pursued and achieved – all because of the convictions of a Christian girl, who believed in being “pretty, without being provocative!”

To be a Christian in today’s world is a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation for each one of us to live as a True Christian, a True Missionary – just as the Twelve Apostles were sent by Jesus on the mission journey.

Jesus had become very popular by various deeds in His ministry…
… powerfully teaching the Word of God and authoritatively interpreting the Law
… mightily healing many of the sick and boldly accepting those rejected by the peoples
… intensely performing many wondrous actions and effectively transforming the society

A great band of people had also begun to follow Him…
…some from far, some closely
…. some with ulterior motives, some with genuine intentions.

In the midst of this rising popularity and increasing crowd-following, the Lord chose the Twelve – whom He named as Apostles (Mk 3:13)

These Twelve were to be with Him and to be sent out
These Twelve were to be an extension of His mission on the earth

To them, the Lord entrusts the great task of spreading His mission of the Kingdom of God.
“And He called to Him the Twelve, and began to send them out, two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7)

One of the key issues that the Lord addresses when He sends out His disciples is to be aware of the fact that there will be great possibilities that they would be “rejected”.

However, the Apostles were not to get disheartened by it; rather to be bold and firm to stand against anything that would oppose their mission.

Jesus says to them: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet….” (Mk 6: 11)

Jesus warns them that their life as His follower and as a missionary of the Kingdom, would surely meet a lot of opposition…
… many would reject their teachings
… many would even, perhaps persecute them
… many would seek to make them compromise their values

However, in all this, the Apostles were to remain bold, firm and courageous.

They had to fill their hearts with two basic virtues: Dependence on God’s Providence and Firm Perseverance in His ways.

The message of the Gospel is always opposed to the ways and values of the world!

It was so… in the time of Jesus
It was so… also in the time of the Apostles
And it is so… in our own times and situations

To be a Christian, a Missionary in today’s world is indeed a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

There are many aspects in the world that go against Christian values…
There are umpteen situations that challenge our Christian faith…

Christian virtues today are “rejected”, “trampled upon”, “compromised” and even “diluted!”

We can either…
…. give in to them
… or just complain about them
… or make efforts to change them

By virtue of our Baptism, we share…
… in the privilege of being called a follower of Christ
… also, in the responsibility and duty of being firm and faithful to our Christian values

Are we going to dilute, compromise, be lukewarm or adopt an ‘all-is-adjustable’ policy with respect to our Christian values?

Or are we ready to grow and stand firm in our convictions and make efforts to live a True Christian life?

Is the world transforming me…
… or am I, as a Christian, transforming the world?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
A FORETASTE OF THE KINGDOM: THE TRANSFIGURATION

The mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John.
For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to “enter into his glory”
Moses and Elijah had seen God’s glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah’s sufferings.
Christ’s Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God’s servant
The cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. “The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud.”
On the threshold of the public life: the baptism; on the threshold of the Passover: the Transfiguration. Jesus’ baptism proclaimed “the mystery of the first regeneration”, namely, our Baptism; the Transfiguration “is the sacrament of the second regeneration”: our own Resurrection.
From now on we share in the Lord’s Resurrection through the Spirit who acts in the sacraments of the Body of Christ.
The Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of Christ’s glorious coming, when he “will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body.
“But it also recalls that “it is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God”(Cf. CCC # 554-556)

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“”Letting ‘fear’ to propel and boost our Christian Missionary lives!”

(Based on Gen 49:29-33,50:15-25 and Mt 10:24-33 – Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

Five-year old Jack was in the kitchen as his mother made supper.

She asked him to go into the store-room (the place where much of the provisions were stored) and get her a can of tomato soup.

But li’l Jack didn’t want to go in alone there.

“It’s dark in there and I’m scared, Mamma”

She asked again, and he persisted in his refusal.

Finally she said, “Jack, look… there is nothing to fear in going to that store-room. Jesus will be in there, with you…”

The constant request and this assurance made Jack to walk hesitantly to the door and slowly open it.

He peeked inside, saw it was dark, got all frightened and started to leave…
… when all at once an idea came, and he said:
“Jesus, if you’re in there, would you, please, hand me that can of tomato soup?!”

Well, this little anecdote highlights a common trend that is evident in many of our lives:

Fear takes an upper hand in many of our activities and renders us fragile…
Fear has a strong grip over our minds and hearts in many situations and makes us weak…

The Gospel of the Day is a clarion call by the Lord to ward off anxiety-causing fears and instead to be courageous in our life as a Christian.

Our Blessed Lord continues His instructions to His Apostles as they are being commissioned for the mission journey.

Today He touches upon one of the core emotions that can affect the Disciples in their mission endeavour: the emotion of Fear.

Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

Jesus seeks to cast off fear from His followers by showing them the preciousness and value of their lives…
… and how much of importance they are to Him.

For this, he presents the example of a sparrow.

Though quite strange, Jesus probably had a very pertinent reason for this choice of the common sparrow.

During the time of Jesus (unlike in many of our modern developed cities), sparrows were so common that they were practically worthless.

Two sparrows were sold for a ‘cent’

The word “cent” is the Greek word ‘assarion’.
• An assarion was worth only 1/16 of a denarius.
One denarius was the day’s wage for a rural worker.

So, by simple math, a single sparrow was worth only 1/32 of a day’s wage of a rural worker.

Our Blessed Lord uses this example of the sparrows to illustrate how much God values life.

He emphasizes that said that not even one sparrow is forgotten before God.
He takes immense interest even in an unappreciated bird!
Therefore, Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

When we have a firm conviction of precious we are to the Lord – who is all-powerful and all-mighty – our every fear will be banished away!

When we grow in our awareness that I am really very much worth to God – who is all-knowing and all-good – our every apprehension will be relaxed!

Fear is one of the core emotions that can affect our life as a Christian:

Fear takes an upper hand in many of our activities and renders us fragile…
Fear has a strong grip over our minds and hearts in many situations and makes us weak…

But the deeper we are convinced that I am precious and prized to the Lord, the lesser will be our fears!

“What need I fear, when thou art near, O King of night and day” is a refrain from a Christian hymn!

Yes…
Fear can either prevent or propel
… Prevent from moving forward, being afraid of what will happen
… Propel to have a stronger determination and rouse the enthusiasm levels

Fear can either be a barrier or a boost:
… Barrier that does not allow any initiative to be taken or any thought-process to progress
… Boost that accelerates the resolve and willpower and helps march towards the goal

Are we going to let “fear” to PREVENT and act as a BARRIER in our lives?
… or can we – convinced of the Lord’s mighty presence in our lives and our preciousness to Him – let “fear” to PROPEL AND BOOST our Christian Missionary lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:

Simon Peter holds the first place in the college of the Twelve

Jesus entrusted a unique mission to him. Our Lord declared to him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
Christ, the “living Stone”, thus assures His Church, built on Peter, of victory over the powers of death.
Because of the faith he confessed, Peter will remain the unshakeable rock of the Church. His mission will be to keep this faith from every lapse and to strengthen his brothers in it.
Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
The “power of the keys” designates authority to govern the house of God, which is the Church. >> Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed this mandate after his Resurrection: “Feed my sheep.”
The power to “bind and loose” connotes the authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgements, and to make disciplinary decisions in the Church.
Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the apostles…

… and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one to whom he specifically entrusted the keys of the kingdom. (Cf. CCC # 551)

“Growing in our understanding, that a task entrusted by the Lord is always blessed by Him, with His assurance of courage and strength!”

(Based on Gen 46:1-30 and Mt 10:16-23 – Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

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 cozy 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 of the condition of the sheep, when they encountered 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 to 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”

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

Let us grow in our understanding, that a task 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!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
“THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM”

From the beginning of His public life, Jesus chose certain men, twelve in number, to be with Him and to participate in his mission.
He gives the Twelve a share in His Authority and ‘sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.”
They remain associated for ever with Christ’s kingdom, for through them He directs the Church…

… as my Father appointed a kingdom for Me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel! (Cf. CCC # 551)

“Engaging in works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity in order to build beautiful lives!”

(Based on Gen 44:18-45:5 and Mt 10:7-15 – Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

A young girl watched her mother washing dishes.

Thinking of how many times she did them, along with all the other housework…
… she said, “Mother, don’t you ever get tired of washing dishes?”

The mother looking at the child with a contagious smile, replied, “Child, I’m not doing dishes…
… I’m building a home!”

When one is completely engaged in one’s works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity…
… one is engaged in mission work and building beautiful lives!

It is to such a life of “mission work at all times” that the Gospel of the Day invites all of us to.

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 pictured 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 preaching and proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows “deeper in dependence” on Jesus – in our 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!”

To be a missionary, one needs to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

It is when we totally depend on the Lord, that we are able to boldly face…
… 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

Through the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis, we are taught the beautiful lesson that God is in total control of our life…
… and like Joseph who acknowledged: “God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Gen 45:4)

We need to depend totally depend on the Providence of the Lord

God invites all of us to engage in mission work and to build beautiful lives

Let’s therefore completely engage in all our works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity…
… and thus do “mission work at all times!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Jesus accompanies His words with many “mighty works and wonders and signs”, which manifest that the kingdom is present in Him and attest that He was the promised Messiah.
The signs worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent Him. They invite belief in Him.
To those who turn to Him in faith, He grants what they ask. So miracles strengthen faith in the One Who does His Father’s works; they bear witness that He is the Son of God.
But his miracles can also be occasions for “offence”; they are not intended to satisfy people’s curiosity or desire for magic. Despite his evident miracles some people reject Jesus; he is even accused of acting by the power of demons.
By freeing some individuals from the earthly evils of hunger, injustice, illness and death, Jesus performed messianic signs. Nevertheless he did not come to abolish all evils here below, but to free men from the gravest slavery, sin, which thwarts them in their vocation as God’s sons and causes all forms of human bondage.
The coming of God’s kingdom means the defeat of Satan’s: “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Jesus’ exorcisms free some individuals from the domination of demons.
They anticipate Jesus’ great victory over “the ruler of this world”.

The kingdom of God will be definitively established through Christ’s cross: “God reigned from the wood.” (Cf. CCC # 547-550)

“Co-operating with our ‘Strange Master,’ Who calls us to ‘Dare to be Different!’”

(Based on Gen 41:55-57, 42:5-7a,17-24a and Mt 10:1-7 – Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

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, in today’s Gospel Reading, 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…

Like the Israelites in Hosea 10:1…
… Let us not boast on our prosperity or our richness
… Let our hearts not remain divided in our loyalty

Let us instead plough a new ground…seeking 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!

Yes, the Lord is calling… the Lord is desiring… the Lord is wanting…

Are we hearing?

Let this 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”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Everyone is called to enter the kingdom. This messianic kingdom is intended to accept people of all nations.
To enter it, one must first accept Jesus’ Word!
The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts. Jesus is sent to “preach good news to the poor”
Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross; He experiences hunger, thirst and privation.
Jesus identifies himself with the poor of every kind and makes active love toward them the condition for entering his kingdom.
Jesus invites sinners to the table of the kingdom: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
He invites them to that conversion without which one cannot enter the kingdom, but shows them in word and deed his Father’s boundless mercy for them and the vast “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”.
The supreme proof of his love will be the sacrifice of his own life “for the forgiveness of sins”.
Jesus’ invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching.
Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything.
Words are not enough, deeds are required.
The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word?

Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables. One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to “know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven”. For those who stay “outside”, everything remains enigmatic (Cf. CCC # 543-546)

(Based on Gen 32:22-32 and Mt 9:32-38 – Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

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 any 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 any 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 we imitate our Blessed Lord in seeking to be sensitive to the needs of the people around, 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!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the gospel.’”
“To carry out the will of the Father Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth.”
Now the Father’s will is “to raise up men to share in his own divine life”.
He does this by gathering men around his Son Jesus Christ. This gathering is the Church, “on earth the seed and beginning of that kingdoms”.
Christ stands at the heart of this gathering of men into the “family of God”.
By his word, through signs that manifest the reign of God, and by sending out his disciples, Jesus calls all people to come together around him. But above all in the great Paschal mystery – his death on the cross and his Resurrection – he would accomplish the coming of his kingdom.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” Into this union with Christ all men are called (Cf. CCC # 538-540)

“Encountering the Living and Miraculous Touch of the Lord and thus becoming passionate proponents of the One who alone can restore life in dead situations!”

(Based on Gen 28:10-22 and Mt 9:18-26 – Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time)

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 in 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 giving my burdens to Him… I was 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!

I also remembered about some of these people who believed in their Living God recounting about their forefather, Jacob – as written in a book called Genesis – who was promised by God:
“Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you!”

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 Charism 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 realised, 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 visualised autobiography titled, “He restores our life!” of the Official, seen in the Gospel of Mt 9: 18-22, whose girl was dead at the age of twelve and was restored back to life.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
JESUS’ TEMPTATIONS

The Gospels speak of a time of solitude for Jesus in the desert immediately after his baptism by John.
At the end of this time Satan tempts him three times, seeking to compromise his filial attitude toward God. Jesus rebuffs these attacks, which recapitulate the temptations of Adam in Paradise and of Israel in the desert, and the devil leaves him “until an opportune time”.
The evangelists indicate the salvific meaning of this mysterious event: Jesus is the new Adam who remained faithful just where the first Adam had given in to temptation.
Jesus fulfils Israel’s vocation perfectly: in contrast to those who had once provoked God during forty years in the desert, Christ reveals himself as God’s Servant, totally obedient to the divine will. In this, Jesus is the devil’s conqueror: he “binds the strong man” to take back his plunder.
Jesus’ victory over the tempter in the desert anticipates victory at the Passion, the supreme act of obedience of his filial love for the Father.
540 Jesus’ temptation reveals the way in which the Son of God is Messiah, contrary to the way Satan proposes to him and the way men wish to attribute to him.
This is why Christ vanquished the Tempter for us: “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sinning.”

By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert. (Cf. CCC # 538-540)