“Taking control of our lives, by giving time for ‘ourselves’ even if needed to ‘withdraw’ at certain times just like our Dear Lord, the perfect strategist and ideal planner!”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:22-4:6 and Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 – January 04, 2021)

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 clever strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, in order to have a better control over the game.

This withdrawal is in order to alter the line of attack…
This withdrawal is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic (especially through the Indian roads), 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…
This withdrawal, 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 had already begun 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 action 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 & 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” into our selves 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, in order to preserve and strengthen our relationships.

In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give sometime 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” at certain times.

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 the words of St John penetrate our lives: “Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for He Who is in you, is greater than he who is in the world!” (1 Jn 4:4)

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF CATECHESIS
Catechesis is the Church’s efforts to make disciples, to help people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so that believing they might have life in His Name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ.

Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life! (Cf. CCC #4,5)

“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 Isa 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3, 5-6 and Mt 2:1-12 – Solemnity of 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.

But 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!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism: THE DUTY OF PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST
Christ sent forth the apostles He had chosen, commissioning them to proclaim the Gospel.

Those who with God’s help have welcomed Christ’s call, and freely responded to it, are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world.
This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors.

All Christ’s faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer. (Cf. CCC #2,3)

“May St John the Baptist, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward in this New Year 2021”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:22-28 and Jn 1:19-28 – 2nd January)

One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:
…getting to know His/Her name…
…getting to know His/Her occupations…
…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to “know more” about John…

His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.
The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.
We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.
We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…
… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.
… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.
… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….
… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.
People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.
People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.
And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.
He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)
John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)
He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)
He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)

He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)
A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.
A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it…
… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …
… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….
… plunge us into a deep struggle
… make us to fear life and people
…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…
… “What really is the purpose of my life??
… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”
… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

I am God’s Child….
… in this is my true identity.

I am the witness to the True Light…
… in this is my true role in life.

I am a Voice in the wilderness…
… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…
… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis

Of the New Year 2021

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism: GOD’S LOVE CREATED US AND INVITES US FREELY SHARE A LIFE IN HIM: God, Infinitely Perfect and Blessed in Himself, in a plan of Sheer Goodness, freely created man to make him share in His Own Blessed Life.

For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to human beings. He calls them to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him with all his strength.

To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son as Redeemer and Saviour. >> In His Son and through Him, He invites all to become, in the Holy Spirit, His adopted children and thus heirs of His Blessed Life. (Cf. CCC#1)

Holding the hands of Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God and marching forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith & Love, in the New Year

(Based on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and New Year’s Day)

A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.

This device helps us to check the heat in the body…

When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.

When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we that have gone cold.

When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.

The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.

Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!

The heat levels however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies…

When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.

When we are cast down with problems and spirits are low, the thermometer shows a low level.
When we are lacklustre and just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.

What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time??

We are on the first day of the New Year…and on the 8th day after Christmas –  the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle & bustle of Christmas, the celebrations & merriment of the Festival are slowing waning down…

The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the stars which were brightly shining have faded away…

The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today…
The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, has slowly reduced…

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

This Octave Day of Christmas, fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a reminder to this fact…
… that Christmas is not a one day event; rather a celebration for life.
… that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow everyday

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and the devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually…

Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus

Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man

Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the fully God and fully Man.

And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge, and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare emphatically the divinity and humanity of Jesus.

Thus, the Title – Mary, Mother of God – is great proclamation of the our basic aspect of faith – Jesus is both God and Man!

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

1. We are assured of a Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord, when we face crises, problems and difficulties.
2. We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.
3. We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.
4. We are exhorted to totally committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year, the Lord invites us to check & examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer….

Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?

Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith & Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of  Blessed Mamma!

Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2021!

May we always Live Jesus! God Bless!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be what you are…

.. and be at its best!”

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God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India

“Ushering in the New Year by allowing Jesus, the Word to take complete flesh in us!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:18-21 and Jn 1:1-18 – 7th Day in the Christmas Octave)

Let’s play a game together.

(I know, it will be a bit impractical to play… yet, let’s give it a try
As they say, “there is no harm in trying to achieve something worthwhile in life!”)

The name of the game is “Guess the Word!”

Ok… Ready?

Here we go… All that you need to do is to “Guess which word I am thinking now…!”

Yeah, you read it right… Just guess the Word that I am thinking of… now!

Did I hear someone say “God?”

Well… You are wrong!

“New Year?”
… Wrong again!

Hmmm… “Resolution?”… “Cross?”… “Celebration?”… “Chocolate?”… “Christmas?”

Sorry… but they are wrong

Another try? … Ok

“Selfie?”… “Food”… “Suffering?”… “Mass?”… “Books?”… “Flower?”… “Sleeping?”
… or some other words?

Well… sad to say… all your guesses turned out to be wrong!

The right answer
… the word that I am thinking of now is “Keychain!”

Did anyone get it right?

I doubt…

If you ask me, why was I thinking of a “keychain”
… I will say, “Well, just simply! No reason”

It would have taken you a very long time to guess that word…
… and probably, you would even have never guessed that word!

Not that it was too difficult or something abstract…

But simply because there is almost no other way you can think the Word that I have in mind,
unless I myself tell it to you!

The point is… “The Word that was thought” will be known only if it is “revealed!”
… Is it not?

Now let’s take this concept of “Guessing the Word” to the Divine Realm…

Human Beings at every point of time in every civilization, every culture, have sought to know and establish a link and relationship with the Divine
… to know what is the mind of the Divine
… to guess what is the plan of the Almighty
… to discern what is the thought of the Supernatural

Some philosophers sought to crack this code by drawing out many theories
Some sages and prophets spent time in deep contemplation and wrote many literature
Some noble thinkers dedicated their entire lives to put forward doctrines and teachings

Some of these we call it as religions.

Some as way of life.

Some as philosophies of life.

But none of them were able to know and discern the Divine clearly.

It was just as we played the “guessing the word” game…

Many guesses were attempted… some were close… yet, none were fully right!

The Word in the mind of the Divine would be known only if it is revealed!

And that spectacular instant of revelation is what we call as Incarnation of the Word!

The Divine Historic Moment when the Almighty revealed His Word is called Incarnation!

We read in today’s Gospel reading… John 1: 14, “And the Word became flesh!”

The Word in the mind of God took human form in Jesus!

Jesus is the visible, the revealed and the manifested Word of God!

Jesus is the Son of God… Jesus is God, the Son!
Jesus is the Word made flesh… Jesus is God in human flesh!

What is the impact of this most unique and most spectacular event of history
… Incarnation?

Humanity which had strayed has found another chance to be re-united.
Human beings steeped in sin were provided with an opportunity to be redeemed.
Humanity is empowered not with abstract human teachings, but by the Divine Person

This is what makes Christianity different from all other ways of life or religions

This is what makes Christianity unique among all other philosophies of life

It is utter absurdity for philosophers, for the Infinite to become finite

It is purely mythical for the naturalist, for the Transcendent to be understood
It is totally unscientific for the rationalist, for Fullness to be reduced to limitedness

But This is The Truth.

This is the Reality.

In Incarnation, the God of Love was now wrapped in human flesh.
… the Almightiness of God moved in a human arm.
… the Love of God now beat in a human heart.
… the Wisdom of God now spoke from human lips.
… the Mercy of God reached forth from human hands.

You and I are the beneficiaries of knowing the answer of this game “Guessing the Word” which
humanity was engaged with the Divine, for centuries!

Jesus is that answer!

And Jesus can be the answer to all the problems and difficulties of our lives.

Have we allowed Him – Jesus, the Word – to take flesh in ourselves?

Have we permitted Him – Jesus the Word – to have an impact in our lifestyle?
Have we consented to Him – Jesus, the Word – to become the totality of our lives?

We are on the last day of the year
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year.

The Year 2020 which had a lot of promises… went through a lot of rough weather

At the same time, we look at the many protective moments of the Lord, and thank Him!

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments

Let us also realize that…
… There can be no spectacular resolve
… There can be no greater discovery
… There can be no better resolution
… There can be no higher decision
… than to allow Jesus, the Word to take firm and absolute control of our lives!

Are we ready to usher in the New Year, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us?

Yes, He is The Only Way… The Only Truth… The Only Life – JESUS, THE WORD REVEALED
AND MADE FLESH!

Thank You, Lord, for the Year that has gone by.

We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When God sends inspirations into a person’s heart…

… one of the first that is given is obedience!”

“Learning from Anna, the old lady, ‘young and vibrant at heart’ to pursue what we are to be and to discover ‘why I am born!’”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:12-17 and Lk 2:36-40 – 6th Day in Christmas Octave)

There is a quotation by William Barclay, a famous theologian:
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why!”

One of them is easier and simpler than the other.

One is just a date and a moment in history.

It could be something like the 19th of January or the 2nd of November or the 29th of December or the 17th of June or the 28th of November or 16th of January etc…

This was the day, we first made our appearance on this earth.
This day is special….

The other day is also special…
… but it’s not easy to discover it!

In fact, it is an arduous task and a patient undertaking.

That is day we figure out why we are on this Planet Earth.
That is the day we come to a greater realization of our Life.

The first day tells that I am here in this earth!

The second day would tell us “why” I am here on this earth!

To discover this meaning and purpose of life and seek to live it fully well, will make our lives satisfying and truly happy.

It could happen in one day!
It could happen over a period of some years!
It could happen over one’s whole lifetime!

Yet, the most important thing is to “keep seeking for it and be alert for its discovery”

Am I in this all-important process of discovering “Why I am born in this world?”

The Gospel of the Day will point out today to a person who discovered greatly this aspect of the purpose in life, and dedicated her whole life for it – Anna, the Prophetess.

We are still in the festive passages of Christmas – the Nativity of our Saviour.

Joseph and Mary have brought their Beloved Child, Jesus, to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

After the ritual purification rites and customs, the Holy Family of Nazareth is encountered by Simeon.

He who was docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit discovered the Glory of God.
He who was patient and constantly in quest, was blessed with the true meaning of his life.

At the same time, another woman was also eagerly waiting for the Messiah…in constant eagerness and longing… Anna!

‘Anna’ is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means, ‘Grace’

Like the Old Testament Hannah, this Anna is also characterized by prayer and fasting

She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Asher is considered to be one among ten of these tribes, which had strayed away from the path of the Lord, that were taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC, before the northern Kingdom fell.

However, “some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem” (2 Chr 30:11).

So, Anna belonged to that small remnant of the tribe of Asher that had humbled itself to seek protection and providence in the Lord.

Anna was, however, a widow

She was a widow for a very very long time…
… for over seven decades, she had been a widow.

It was a tremendous grief to live so long without the love of a husband.
It was a dreadful challenge to struggle for survival and existence as a widow.

Sorrow can cause two consequences to a believer….

It can make one hard, bitter, resentful and rebellious against God
or…
It can make one kinder and dependable on God!

Sorrow can cause our faith to be spoilt
or…
Sorrow can cause our faith to take deeper roots!

Anna, the widow, chose the better part!

She chose to reveal and revel in the Grace of God and live a Gracious Life!

And this process of her discovering “why she was born in the world” made her to…

1. Practice a life of purity: She lived in holiness and integrity.
2. Pray constantly: She lived in the temple continually and was incessantly fasting and praying
3. Persevere Patiently: She battled loneliness and depression and persevered successfully to meet the Lord.
4. Proclaim Boldly: She challenged others in their cozy life by proclaiming the Messiah and His promises!

Life is constantly calling and challenging us to discover “the day why I am born”

It’s easy to while away our time in comforts and pleasures of this world.

But that will certainly not serve the goal of our existence here on this earth.

Each of us have a specific task and responsibility entrusted by the Lord.

This role is proper to our own vocation as in family life or in a consecrated life.

In God’s precious eyes, there are no small or great responsibilities.

He values and treasures each and every duty -small or big- with equal measure.

Every task, when performed with immense love and dedication has its greatness.

Anna, the old lady, “Young and Vibrant at Heart” teaches us today…

To pursue what we are to be…to discover “why I am born”…to prevail in our aim!
… by Practicing a Life of Purity
… by Praying Constantly
… by Persevering Patiently
… by Proclaiming Boldly!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “No matter where we are…

… we must aspire to a perfect life!”

“Being on the watch to listen to the promptings of the Spirit just like the patient and ever-watchful Simeon!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:3-11 and Lk 2:22-35 – 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas)

Mobile phones come with an option of keeping it in the ‘silent mode’.

It often happens, that when a phone is kept in the silent mode, one fails to notice a call.

But if one has been eagerly and excitedly waiting for someone’s call, it will be received, even if the phone is kept in the silent mode..

Right?

Great blessings from God often come to us silently and quietly.

But the one who is waiting eagerly and patiently excited, receives these blessings even in the silent mode of events…

Such was the case when the Lord was born…

The Messiah was promised long back… centuries ago.

Yet, when we go through the accounts of the Bible, it seems that most people were not ready to receive Him…

The Scribes and Scholars of the time never seem to have expected…

The rich and the powerful people of Bethlehem failed to have any notice of Him…

Hardly anyone knew when and where the Saviour – the Little Babe was born!

It seemed like a call on the mobile phone that is kept in the silent mode!

Silently, the Precious Gift was delivered…
Without and fuss or fanfare, the Marvellous Treasure was presented…

But there was also a tiny group of people, who were waiting for this Blessed Fortune…

There were some who were waiting eagerly and patiently excited..

Among this tiny set of persons was Simeon!

In some dramas, we see some characters who appear on the stage just once…
… speak a few crucial dialogues or perform some significant deeds
… and they disappear
… never to be seen again!

Simeon is one such figure…

We know nothing about his background, his hometown, his education, or even his occupation.

We assume that he was an old man, but even that is not explicitly mentioned.

He simply appears on the stage of salvation drama for a few moments…

After his part is over, he fades from the scene, never to be heard from again!

We however, do know… that this Simeon was waiting eagerly for the Lord.

We could just imagine how Simeon would have gone through his days of waiting for the Saviour of the world…

Every time some couple walked in with child, Simeon would have asked, “Could this be the Promised Messiah?”…

Finally, when Mary and Joseph walked in with the child Jesus…
… Simeon sensed the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

However, looking at them, perhaps, a doubt would have arisen in his mind…

“Could the child of this simple and ordinary parents really be the Messiah?
The man seems to be some ordinary carpenter sort of…and the mother looks so ordinary a peasant girl.
Is it really possible that the Messiah, the Promised Saviour of the Universe, be having such simple and ordinary parents?”

And probably, the voice of the Holy Spirit would have boomed into the ears of Simeon…
“YES!
Truly… there is the Messiah… the One promised by God!

“Human beings seek external appearances….but God chooses by His own Divine standards.

Doubt not… but go and meet Him, Who was promised for ages!
Believe firmly…and encounter the One who is the Salvation of the world!”

What about us?

Do we seek and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

It could come through various formats?

Inspirations… Thoughts… Circumstances…Other people… Commandments of the Church.. Bible.. Challenges in Life…etc…

Are we in patient waiting and constant vigilance to hear this voice of the Lord?

Sometimes we cast away inspirations and feelings as trivial and minor…
Sometimes we discard some people as just insignificant and unimportant…
Sometimes we pass of situations and circumstances as ordinary and common…
Sometimes we reject commandments and teachings as outdated and obsolete…

But the Lord… through the patient and ever-watchful Simeon, today, invites us to always be on the watch to listen to the promptings of the Spirit…

We sometimes miss important calls when our phones are kept in silent mode…

Let it not happen so with the movements of the Spirit…

Let us always be observant and alert…

The Spirit is talking… the Spirit is moving…

Are we listening?
Are we aware?

Ting ting…
… Is there a missed call or a message?

Check check….

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart…

… even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others, and talk to God!”

“Understanding that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a ‘festival of fun or frolic’ but also should lead us to hear the many ‘cries of innocents’ today!”

(Based on the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents)

Christmas is one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

This Fest is – besides the spiritual nourishment – greatly celebrated…
… with a lot of joy and merriment
… with the aspect of renewing relationships through get-togethers
… with a great deal of decorations and festoons to amplify the exciting tone

But for a moment, when we think of the very First Christmas Night…
… we being to understand that such was not exactly the mood back then!

There were many elements on that First Christmas Night which were actually very ordinary and some even, sad and scandalizing!
… the long and arduous travel of the “expectant Mother with Child ”and the ‘uncertain father’ towards Bethlehem!
… the Holy Family failing to find a place in the inn (perhaps, refused to be given a place!)
… the birth of the Messiah, the Creator of the entire universe, in a manger – which was actually the place of feeding for the animals!
… the terrifying and indecisive flight into Egypt!

As the famous Carol goes, it was in all probability more of a “Silent Night…!”

Another importantly sad and scandalizing event was that of the “Killing of the Innocents” under the age of two, at the order of King Herod (Mt 2: 16-18)

On this fourth Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 28th, Holy Mother the Church commemorates The Holy Innocents.

The news that a new King of the Jews was born, caused great ordeal for King Herod (Mt 2: 3)

He became all the more furious, when he heard that the Magi had deceived him (Mt 2:16)

The easiest solution found was to kill all the males under the age of two.

To react negatively, in a situation of hardship, often seems to be the easiest way out.

But it is an extremely cheap and low way of going about

But Herod fell into this snare of “negative reaction” and had little babies killed.

These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love…
… became martyrs of Blood (Mt 2:16)

St Augustine says, “they are the first buds of the Church killed by the frost of persecution; they died not only for Christ, but in his stead!”

The number of children killed is uncertain.

There are a number of views on the actual number of children who were killed.

The Byzantine Liturgy (Greek) says that Herod killed 14, 000 boys
The Syrian Liturgy speaks of 64,000.
Another scholarly study suggests that Bethlehem was a very small town, at the time of Jesus, with a population of maybe 300. The number of children below the age of two could be very less – maybe six or seven.

But the fact remains, that it was a tragic gravely foul and grievously painful.

The death of the little children is a reminder that our earthly life is a pilgrimage…
… to be oriented for the eternal life in heaven

The dreadful massacre of the innocent children can easily cause a question to arise in us:

Why did God allow the helpless death of the children before their own parents?
Why did these little children have to be murdered, for saving the Divine Child?
Could not God have planned a noble way of saving Him?

Such questions can easily cause our faith to be disturbed or even be scandalized by the ways of God

But it brings home an important truth: Our earthly life is a pilgrimage.

No one knows how long we will live – some die in infancy, some in their old age; some die prepared, some suddenly and tragically.

This is the reality that we find in the world – we like it or not, we accept or not.

It therefore, is a call for us, to nurture life in the best way possible…

Our own lives by living in holiness and fidelity to the Will of God
Preserving, nurturing and enhancing the lives of others – including the little infants in the wombs.

This commemoration of the Holy Innocents is a reminder to open our eyes to see the tragedies of the world and become courageous torch-bearers of justice

This passage of King Herod and the Holy Innocents, might sometimes seem to be like…
… “the unwarranted bone” in the tasty meal of Christmas
… or the “jarring note” in the melodious music of Christ’s Nativity.

We often like to live in “cozy and comfortable” situations – even if it means, closing our eyes to the stark and tragic realities of life

But it is the obligation of every Christian to “get out of every comfort zone”…
… and enter into the “suffering sections” of the society, and give them hope, consolation and life.

The “cry of the mothers of the innocent children”… Mt 2:18 – “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation”…
… is also a “Carol”, that is heard every Christmas

Yes, may we deeply understand that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a “festival of fun or frolic”…
… but also should lead us to hear the many “cries of innocents” today – the oppressed and the abused, the voiceless and the helpless, the sinful and the lonely etc.

Christmas is surely, one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

But let not this Fest be drowned only in external celebrations and merriment

Rather, let it also be an occasion for all of us to renew our commitment to the cause of justice and peace in the world, and make this earthly pilgrimage more meaningful!

Salutations to the Holy Innocents and Glory to the Divine Babe, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Don’t get upset with your imperfections. Surrender to the Power of God’s Love…

… which is greater than our weakness.

“Building and moulding our families lovingly, inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth!”

(Based on the Feast of the Holy Family)

There goes a story about a family, in the US, that was struggling to survive during the Great Economic Depression in the 1940’s…

The father of the family had lost his job, and they moved to the city to find work.

They couldn’t afford to buy their own house, so they lived in the basement of someone else’s house, paying a large rent for the tiny space.

It was not the most comfortable or coziest situation…
… Mom, Dad, and Five Children cramped into a mouldy basement.

But they made the best of it by pouring as much love as they could into little things.

They kept the place neat and clean.
They had their small and sparse meals together every day.
They said their prayers each morning and each evening as a family.
They even pitched in to help other families who were in even more difficult situations.

One day, one of the children’s school teachers came by to visit the family.

She was shocked at the cramped quarters and the poverty of the family.

The next day at school the teacher took the little girl aside and tried to comfort her.

She said, “I am so sorry that you don’t even have a home to live in!”

But the little girl was surprised and answered:
“Oh no!

We have a wonderful “home”…
… it is just that we are still looking for a “house” to put it in!!”

The li’l girl did not have a proper house, but she had a wonderful home!

The family was constricted into a tiny space, but they had much space for each other in their hearts!

Yea, it’s the “little things in life” that can make the biggest difference.

Often times, we have a grand house but a very poor home…

We have many big things: a three-car garage, a home movie theatre, football-sized rooms, latest of communication & entertainment gadgets etc…

But very often, something essential is missing…

Is it true?

Are we living in a “House” or in a “Home”?

Today Holy Mother Church takes delight in celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

This was a home with much joy and peace, though it struggled to have even a proper house.

The Holy Family of Nazareth is often considered as the perfect and ideal family.

In which sense is it perfect and ideal?

Free from problems…
Lack of tensions…
Absence of worries and fears…
No tension of financial constraints…
Abundance of wealth…

Well… if these are the yardsticks to define a perfect and ideal family, the Holy Family of Nazareth would be too far from it…

This “ideal” and “perfect” family of Nazareth had to undergo many severe crises, as in any of our families…

The young Mary had to face an unplanned pregnancy…
… She was thrown between a choice to “face stoning for death” or “placing hope in God.”

The just man Joseph had the dilemma of accepting a lady who could be doubted by society…
… He faced the challenge of divorcing his to-be-wife or to accept her in faith and trust.

Joseph and Mary failed to find a proper place even to have the birth of their child…
… at the middle of the night, they had to abandon their only place of refuge and fly to Egypt…

As we have in the Gospel of the Day, at the age of twelve, Jesus gets lost and His words to them are not understood by the parents…
… a few years into boyhood, Jesus loses Joseph, his caring Father and the young Mary becomes a widow…

Are these “ideal” or “perfect” situations for a family?

Then, how do we say that the Holy Family of Nazareth is an “ideal” and “perfect” family?

We must understand that Idealness and Perfection…
… comes not as a result of absence of problems and difficulties.
… is attributed not because of being free from any risks or challenges.

Rather, Idealness and Perfection…
… is ascribed because They chose to trust and hope in God always!
… is credited because They sought to walk as per the Will of God always!

They were able to move beyond a “house” and build a “home”…
… because They had God as their Ultimate Refuge and They always sought and listened to what God wanted in Their lives!

What about our families?

Today, unlike any other time in the history of the world, a family or a community faces severe challenges…

Consumerism and materialism ruins the fabric of a family…
Individualism and self-priorities hampers the structure of a family…
Failure to understand and readiness to abandon each other becomes quick solutions…
Media and other “sources of knowledge” bombard minds with many alternative lifestyles…

As a family and a community, we today, stand before the Crib and gaze on the “Ideal” and “Perfect” family of Nazareth…

They had Their own issues and problems…
They had their own sets of difficulties.

We might argue, that their problems are nothing compared to what we are going through.

Yet, the method and style of handling and tackling the problems remains the same…

Seeking to do God’s Will…
Being the strength to each other in rough times…
Being steadfastly faithful to one another in every crisis…

The Holy Family…
… challenges us to place unity and love as the prominent concerns.
… exhorts us to trust God in all situations and have God as the highest priority
… invites us to understand and accept each other and love the other as they are

As we celebrate this Feast of the Holy Family today, let us seek to cultivate (or revive) some (or all) of the following good practices in our families…

1. Coming together for Family Prayer, everyday without fail – and reciting especially the Holy Rosary
2. Making Sunday a special family day – reading/studying a portion of the Bible together, keeping away the TV/mobile for some time at least and spending time specially together
3. Creating a sacred space in the house with holy images/icons – becoming an area of prayer
4. Children seeking blessings from parents before going out
5. Having a small font for Holy Water in the house and regularly blessing oneself
6. Practicing “one virtue a month” together as a family
7. Celebrating “one saint a week/month” – by having special prayers (and) (or) learning more about the Saint
8. Reading a small portion of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” during Family Prayers
9. Going out together as a family – once in a month/three months/ six months/whenever convenient – to reach out in service to someone in need
10. Reading the passages of the Bible (1st Reading, 2nd Reading and Gospel) before going for Mass on Sundays
11. Having meals together – and avoiding electronic gadgets, books during meals
12. Each member of the family making a small prayer- in one’s own personal words – during family prayer.
13. Holding the hands of each other with forgiveness and joy in the heart sometime during family prayer / giving a meaningful sign of peace and joy after the prayer
14. Reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet
15. Insisting on confession at least every month (or maximum once-in-two-months)
    … and many many more!

Yes…
… We need to build and mould our families lovingly, inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Let us move from being just “house-makers” to being “home-makers”…
Let us go beyond the fleeting concept of “houses” to build everlasting and loving “homes”…

Are we living in a House or in a Home?

Happy Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth to all our Families!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We shall steer safely through every storm…
… so long as our heart is right
… our intention fervent
… our courage steadfast

… and our trust fixed on God!”