“Installing the Lord as the Alpha and Omega of all our activities and of our life itself!”

(Based on Acts 5:27-33 and Jn 3:31-36)

A few days back we celebrated the Easter Vigil – even though, for this year 2020, it was an Online Vigil Service for most of us.

The Easter Vigil is called as the mother of all vigils.

In the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, a Paschal Candle is prepared.

The priest marks the candle, in the shape of the Cross, Alpha and Omega – the first and the last Greek letters and the present Year, 2020

He uses the following words:
… Christ yesterday and today (on the vertical arm of the cross)
… the Beginning and the End (horizontal arm of the cross)
… the Alpha (alpha above the cross)
… and the Omega (omega below the cross)
… All time belongs to him (numeral 2 in upper left corner of cross)
… and all the ages (numeral 0 in upper right corner of cross)
… To him be glory and power (numeral 2 in lower left corner)
… through every age and for ever. Amen (numeral 0 in lower right corner)

These words declare the Supreme authority and Heavenly glory of Jesus, the Son of God.

However, it can happen so, that at times, in our life…
… such fundamental factors of faith are taken for granted…
… such basic truths of our spiritual life are presumed as known…

Therefore, it is sometimes good take a pause in our spiritual life, and ask ourselves, this fundamental question,

“Am I really trusting and believing in Jesus, as the True Son of God, the One who is all-powerful and Holy”?

“Is my faith and spirituality truly built on the great foundation, that the Lord is the ultimate beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega) of everything?”

The Gospel of the day is an invitation to make this examination of the basics of our faith and spirituality and to renew our belief and trust in the Lord.

The Gospel passage begins with the verse, “The One who comes from heaven is above all” (Jn 3: 31)
This verse refers to the Divine origin of the Lord.

At the Annunciation, Angel Gabriel had announced to Mother Mary that Her child “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1: 32)

This Divinity of the Lord was affirmed by Him through the various works of wonders and great deeds…
… of healing many in afflictions and sicknesses
… of accepting many of the rejected and unwanted
… of strengthening many of the oppressed and the abused
… of preaching many on the need for repentance and striving to enter the Kingdom

His personality shone with Divinity….

His character radiated with Holiness…

He sought to become the Way-revealer, the Truth-instiller and the Life-giver.

He is the One “Whom the Father loves” and “to Whom the Father has given everything” (Jn 3:35)

Have we given our lives entirely to Him, who is above all things?

Have we entrusted ourselves entirely to Him, who has been entrusted everything by the Father?

When we totally surrender and entrust our loves to the Lord, we are filled with courage to be powerful witnesses of the Lord in the world – just as Early Christian Community.

Even when there were questioned and warned of not giving public witness, they had the courage to be fearless in their proclamation of Jesus and the Kingdom: “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority!’”

Doing God’s Will becomes the priority for the one who offers one’s life to the Lord!

At the Holy Mass, one of the most beautiful prayers is called as the “Doxology”.
In this, we render all the praise to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit.

“Through Him, With Him, In Him…. O God Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all Glory and Honour is Yours, forever and ever, Amen!”

It would be good, to make the words of this prayer of the Doxology, our own, in our works and activities.
• This could be a conscious way of acknowledging the Divinity of the Lord in all our activities.
• This could be a meaningful way of saying that the Lord reigns in all our works and deeds.

Let us revive our hearts to firmly install the Lord as the Alpha (the beginning) and the True Omega (the end) of all our activities
… and of our life itself!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Walk always near to God, for the gentleness of His Shadow…

… is more healthy than the brightness of the sun!”

“Living by the Power of the Cross knowing that God’s Immense Love protects us always and everywhere!”

(Based on Acts 5:17-26 and Jn 3:16-21)

In a particular place, in the medieval ages, there lived a certain monk.

This monk, once, announced that he would be preaching next Sunday evening on “The Love of God.”

It was Sunday evening…
The sun began to set…

As the shadows fell and the light slowly ceased to come in, through the glass-stained windows of that marvellous Church, the congregation gathered, were eagerly waiting…

Their eyes were fixed on the monk who was to preach to them….

In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix.

First of all, with the candle, he illumined the crown of thorns on the Crucifix..

Then, the two wounded hands…
Then the marks of the spear wound on His side…

Then, in the hush and silence that fell, the monk blew out the candle and left the Church.

There was nothing else to say!

A beautiful sermon on the “Love of God” had been preached!

The sacrifice of Jesus, on the Cross, reveals the depth of God’s Love.

The price that Jesus paid on the Cross, demonstrates the intensity of God’s Love.

It is this love of God that Jesus spells out, when He says to Nicodemus, in today’s Gospel, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but may have eternal life…” (Jn 3:16)

This verse, John 3:16 has some of the most unique credits….
… it is perhaps one of the most favourite verses of the entire Bible
… it is perhaps one of the most known verses of the entire Bible

In seven phrases, this verse, reveals the gist and the core of the entire Good News…
… For God: The Great Lord and the Creator of the entire universe
… so loved the world: The Great Purpose of God
… that He gave His only Son: The Great Sacrifice
.. that whoever: The Great Open Invitation
… believes in Him: The Great Condition
… should not perish: The Great Desire
… but may have eternal life: The Great Promise

Jesus was teaching Nicodemus that the heart of God’s love would be revealed in the sacrifice and death of His Beloved Son, on the Cross.

The Cross is not for condemnation…
The Cross is not for judgment…

The Cross is for salvation… the Cross is for hope!

To the one who believes and trusts in this power of the Cross, there is hope and salvation.

To the one who rejects and refuses this power of the Cross, judgment and condemnation is self-inflicted and self-imposed.

God doesn’t want to condemn
… He only wants to redeem.

God doesn’t desire to judge
… He only wants to save.

The disciples of Jesus, after the Resurrection and by the Power of the Holy Spirit, experienced the depth of God’s Love

And this experience of the Immensity of God’s Love impelled them to give witness to Jesus, even in the midst of harsh torture and suffering – so much so, that their persecutors marveled at their courage and conviction: “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” (Acts 5:25)

The Cross of the Lord invites us today…
… to be faithful to the salvation won by the Lord, always
… to seek the grace to live a life in the light, always
… to make efforts to walk the path of truth, always

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do everything for God, uniting yourself to Him in word and deed.

Walk very simply with the Cross of the Lord and be at peace with yourself!”

“Moving into the state of being ‘compatible in the spiritual realm’ in order to experience the joy and peace of the Risen Lord!”

(Based on Acts 4:32-5:1 and Jn 3:7-15)

“Compatibility” is a term that is increasingly becoming a common word in our everyday vocabulary, thanks to the widespread usage of computers and mobiles.

Compatibility refers to the state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict.

It is the capacity for two systems to work together, without having to be altered to do so.

Eg. A computer which has a Windows 98 Operating System (the very old version) will not be able to support many of the latest programs and softwares…

It is because of a “compatibility” issue.

Eg. A mobile, like the old Nokia 1100, without an Android-base, will not be able to have many of the new applications like WhatsApp or Viber etc…

It is because of a “compatibility” issue.

This compatibility issue can also appear in our spiritual life…

When we are not in proper terms with God, we fail to understand many of His plans for us.
When we are not in line with God’s Will, we lose out on grasping many of His aspirations for us

That is why the Lord will tell, in today’s Gospel, “If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” (Jn 3: 12)

The conversation between Nicodemus, in the darkness of the night and Jesus, the Light of the world continues…

The Lord speaks of the need “to be born anew” and of how the movement of the Spirit cannot be judged, but its effects can be perceived and felt (Jn 3:7)

But Nicodemus fails to understand these words of the Lord…
In his ignorance and unawareness, he puts forward a genuine doubt, “How can this be?” (Jn3:9)

Nicodemus was unable to grasp the meaning of the words of the Lord.

He looked lost.
He seemed confused.
He appeared bewildered.

His thoughts were not “compatible” with the thoughts of the Lord.

His understanding was not “compatible” with the wisdom spoken by the Lord.

And so Jesus says that one would fail to understand heavenly things, if one fails to even understand the earthly things.

How often is our life also, not “compatible” with the requirements of Jesus, and His Gospel!

Our thought-pattern often fails to be “compatible” with the teachings of the Church….
Our relationship with others, often fails to be “compatible” with the command of love of all…
Our personal following of Jesus, often fails to be “compatible” with our dual mind of seeking also the pleasures of this world….

We often experience a great deal of “incompatibility”, in the spiritual realm.

Let us seek to “update” our lives with the love and power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pledge to “upgrade” our lifestyles with the convictions and truths of the Holy Gospel.

When we move into this state of “compatibility” in the spiritual level, we experience the joy and peace of the Risen Lord, just as the early Christian community

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all!” (Acts 4:32-33)

Let us also move from a state of “How can this be?” to a state of “Indeed, it is so!” with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us thirst for Him.
Let us long for Him.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Hold your heart fully open before God…
… Let us go joyfully into His Presence.

He loves us, He cares for us, He is all ours!
Let us belong entirely to Him alone.

Let us love Him, cherish Him!”

“Being ready and willing to give ourselves entirely to the Lord – to the Spirit of God – and allow Him to ‘make us anew and renewed!’”

(Based on Acts 4:23-31 and Jn 3:1-8)

A businessman, once, wanted to sell his vast old castle along with his property.

The massive building had, however, been empty for months and needed many repairs.

Uninhabited for many years, and been prone to many thieves, vandals and natural calamities, there was a lot of damage to the building.

Doors had been damaged
Windows had been smashed
The interiors were badly damaged

As he showed a prospective buyer the building and the property, this businessman took pains to explain that he would replace the broken windows, bring in the engineering crew to correct any structural damage and clean out the garbage.

But the one who came to buy had other plans. “Forget about the repairs,” the buyer said without giving heed to what the businessman was saying.
“When I buy this place, I’m going to build something completely different. I am not interested in the building alone; I want the entire site!”

The businessman was worried about the many repairs he had to do before he undertook the deal. But the one who came to buy was interested more in the land – the site itself – than the building and the minor repair works.

Something similar happens when we seek to hand over the property of our lives to God.

We, get perplexed and worried over the many little aspects

But the Lord is interested in our entire life

He demands a total transformation.

He requires a complete conversion.

This is what the Gospel of the Day also points to – “No one can enter the Kingdom of God, without being born of the water and the spirit” (Jn 3:5)

Jesus is in conversation with Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews.

The Gospel is particular to point out that “he came to Jesus at night” (Jn 3:2)

Nicodemus finds three mentions in the Gospel of St John.

One, in this meeting with the Lord. (Jn 3: 1ff)
The second, in discussion with the chief priests and Pharisees who were discussing the origins of Jesus, the Messiah (Jn 7: 45-52)
The third, at the burial of Jesus, along with Joseph of Arimathea (Jn 19: 38-41)

In all these three occasions, we find an element of darkness that is associated

It was in the darkness of a night when Nicodemus first came to meet Jesus…
Second, Nicodemus was in a discussion of darkness that made plans to eliminate Jesus
Third, Nicodemus buries the body of Jesus in the darkness of nature and human folly

Darkness would seek to get associated with Nicodemus every time…

But Jesus, the light of the world, invited Nicodemus to move to the light
… “those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God” (Jn 3:21)

Jesus invites Nicodemus to experience and live the Truth…
… that one needs to be born from above to see the Kingdom of God
… that one needs to be born of the water and the spirit to enter the Kingdom of God

The same invitation is rendered to each one of us.

We too may often be finding ourselves in the “darkness”…

But Jesus, the Light of the world invites us to embrace Him wholly and to undergo a complete transformation.

What is needed is to let the Spirit of God work in ways that He wants

We need to have complete openness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit.
We need to have total docility to the promptings of the Holy Spirit…

We need to allow the Spirit of God, “the Wind [to] blow where it wills…’’ (Jn 3: 8)

When the early Church went through moments of persecution and hardships, they allowed themselves to be guided and led by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Offering their struggles, they prayed to the Lord; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit
“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness!” (Acts 4:29-31)

Yes, when we make a complete offering of our lives to the Lord…
… we are filled with Power and Courage!

The Lord seeks the complete property of our lives.

We may be worried about the complications in which a transformation is possible

We may be thinking, how can I, with so many complications in life, have a true conversion

But the One who comes to occupy our lives has other plans…
He says “When I occupy your life, I’m going to build something completely different.

I am not interested in the externals; I want the entire soul
… the whole life!”

Are we ready and willing to give ourselves entirely to the Lord – to the Spirit of God – and allow Him to “make us anew and renewed”?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The truly loving heart loves God’s good pleasure not in consolations only…

… but also in afflictions!”

“With love in our hearts, let us cry out, ‘My Lord and my God’ and with hope in the Mercy of God, let us sing, ‘Jesus, I trust in You!’”

(Based on Acts 2:42-47, 1 Pet 1:3-9 and Jn 20:19-31)

It was the winter of 1931, in the land of Poland.

It was the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

Sister Faustina was having another apparition of Jesus

And this was to be a very special day.

She saw Jesus dressed in a white garment. He held one hand raised in blessing, and the other hand touched his garment at the heart-level.

From that point in his garment, two bright rays of light emanated – one red and the other pale.

Jesus then spoke to her, “The two rays denote Blood and Water.

The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous.
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls.
These two rays issued forth, from the very depths of My tender mercy, when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.”

He then said to her, “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapter and then throughout the world.

I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.
I also promise victory over enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory”

These private revelations to Saint Faustina led to the spreading of the devotion of the Divine Mercy of Jesus.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy of Jesus – commemorating His deep love for us in His Passion, Death and Resurrection and celebrating His immense compassion and longing for each and every soul.

The Gospel of the Day is another Resurrection account of the Risen Lord to His Apostles.

Thomas was not with the group on the previous occasion that the Lord appeared to His chosen ones.

And so when the Lord makes His appearance, He especially calls out on Thomas, to experience and believe in His Risen Body: “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving but believe” (Jn 20:27)

Jesus came to the world to “seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10)

Thomas, the Apostle, was lost…
… was lost in doubts over the reports and talks about the Resurrection of the Lord
… was lost within himself on whether he could trust the words of his companions, who often had wavered, even in the past, over many matters
… was lost in missing out a chance to encounter His Master since he had stayed away from the community.

But the Good Shepherd now comes in search of this “lost” sheep. And this sheep submits to the mercy and compassion of the Shepherd…

“My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) were the confessing words of Thomas to Jesus, His Master.

The Lord displays His incredible mercy to Thomas, the “lost” sheep, who was willing to be found.
The Lord manifests His compassionate mercy, to Thomas, His “chosen” one, who was ready to humble himself before the Lord.

This then is the great lesson that we can learn: The Lord is willing to be found, by those who seek Him

The Lord is waiting to be experienced, by those who want Him
The Lord is wanting to be encountered, by those who long for Him

The early Christian community found much strength in seeking the Lord in “the breaking of Bread” and in their joyful communion with another – and this united witness was a great way of drawing many people to the Love of the Lord

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved!” (Acts 2:46-47)

St Peter invites us to remain firm and faithful to the Lord – even in moments of trials and struggles – because the Lord’s Mercy always accompanies us:
“In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Although you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls!” (1 Pet 1:6-9)

The Mercy Sunday is a wonderful invitation to plunge ourselves in the ocean of the Lord’s mercy and compassion.

Thomas sought to touch the Lord… but the Lord Himself touched his heart!

We seek the Lord…
… but the Lord seeks much more to come into our lives.

We long for the Lord…
… but the Lord longs much more strongly for our souls.

We search for the Lord…
… but the Lord searches much more to embrace us in love.

This Feast of the Mercy Sunday also is a beautiful reminder and invitation to experience the love and mercy of the Lord, in the two treasures that Holy Mother the Church constantly offers – the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Image of the Divine Mercy points to these two Sacraments…

The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous – The Sacrament of Reconciliation (along with the Sacrament of Baptism)
The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls – The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Mercy of the Lord waits on us…
… to receive Him more frequently
… to live Him more in our lives
… to honour Him more often

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Mercy of the Lord longs for us…
… to accept His offer of life and blessings
… to receive us back, with all our sins washed away
… to go back to His embrace of sanctity by living a holy life

The priests of the Lord are reminded, on this day, of the powerful duty and task that they need to faithfully ensure towards the celebration of the Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

These are the two powerful channels through which the mercy of the Lord flows, and the priests alone are chosen and entrusted to handle these Sacraments of grace and mercy!

It’s indeed the greatest privilege and the same time, the most sacred duty and function for a Priest.

Therefore…

Priests have a bounden responsibility, to be always ready for these sacraments
Priests have a bounden task, to be always willing to administer these sacraments
Priests have a bounden duty, to be always open to allow God’s mercy to flow through them

Divine Mercy Sunday 2020 however is different, as most of us – owing to the sickness around us – may be unable to go to the Church.

However, we can still very much receive the Graces and the Blessings of this Great Feast Day.

Let us seek to do three things on this Divine Mercy Sunday with the intention to turn away from our sins:

1. Make an Act of Contrition: Since we are unable to get to Confession, make an Act of Contrition, instead (in a family or a community, as far as possible, together – Make a Prayer of Reconciliation, Read a relevant Bible passage, Spend some time in Examining the Conscience and make the Prayer of Contrition)

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is ‘sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again'” (1451).
We will be completely forgiven of all sins, even “mortal sins, if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (Catechism, 1452).

2. Make a Spiritual Communion: Ask the Lord to come into our hearts as if we received Him sacramentally — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

We can pray: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You, Amen!”

Again, do this act of trust with the intent to return to the Sacrament of Holy Communion as soon as possible.

3. Pray for the Reception of the Grace of this Feast Day and engage in an Act of Mercy: This act of Mercy should make us to Offer God’s Mercy to a person in need
   (eg: Reconciling with someone with whom you are not very okay, reaching out in help to a needy person, praying for any particular intention/people etc.)

Yes, let this Feast of the Mercy Sunday be a day to re-consecrate ourselves to the Mercy of the Lord.
… Let this Feast of the Mercy Sunday be a day to re-commit ourselves in showing mercy and compassion to all the people in our lives.

Passion for God and Compassion for His people!

With love in our hearts, let us cry out, “My Lord and my God” and with hope in the mercies of God, let us sing, “Jesus, I trust in You!”

Let us seek to live as Missionaries of Mercy!

May our Blessed Mamma, the Compassionate Mother of Mercy, always intercede for us!

Happy Feast of the Mercy of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Our misery is the throne of God’s mercy!”

“Placing our hands in the Hands of the Lord, and taking up His task of being the Proclaimers and Witnesses of His Resurrection to the world with an assurance of the Lord: ‘…I will be with you
… and above all, I trust You!’”

(Based on Acts 4:13-21 and Mk 16: 9-15)

One of the familiar kids’ stories, known to many of us is that of Jesus, after His ascension, going back to the heavens. There was a lot of excitement in heaven, in having Jesus back to the heavenly realms.

The many little angels gathered around the Lord and asked His experience of being on the earth.

Then one of the angels put forward this question to Jesus, “Dear Lord, you have done such a lot of good on the earth. You have sown the seeds of your Kingdom in the hearts of so many people.

But I have a genuine doubt
… To continue this your excellent work, you have appointed only 12 persons.

And most of those 12 are not very skilled or very able-bodied.

How do you think, your mission will continue?
How do you think this minuscule number of personnel can to spread Your Word?”

The Lord looked at the angel, with a deep reflective look; then with a gentle and hopeful smile, He said, “Yes, I know that they are only a few. I know that they are not very talented or highly capable.

Yet, I will be with them…

And above all, I trust them!”

These words echoed in the heavens
… “I will be with them
… and above all, I trust them!

The Lord indeed trusts in His chosen ones to continue His mission on the earth.

The Gospel of the Day recounts the mandate given to the Apostles by Jesus, the Master, to spread His Gospel to the entire nations: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15)

We are on the last day of the Easter Octave – the eighth day.

Over the last seven days, we have meditated on the various Resurrection accounts from the various Gospel narratives.

The encounter by Mary Magdalene, being called by her name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter by Mary Magdalene, being called by her name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter by Mary of Magdalene calling her by name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter of the two disciples with the Risen Lord at the breaking of bread (Lk 24: 13-
35)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord in the closed room (Lk 24: 35-48)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord by the Sea of Tiberias (Jn 21: 1-14)

Today, in the Gospel of St Mark, we have a sort of summary of the many Resurrection narratives, closing with the mission mandate of the Lord, to “go into all the world” and reach out the saving Word of the Lord.

In all these various Resurrection narratives that are mentioned in today’s Gospel…
… one common element is seen: A mention of unbelief or uncertainty of the disciples.

When Mary Magdalene saw the Lord and reported this to the disciples…
… “but when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it” (Mk 16:11)

When the two disciples on the way to Emmaus spoke of the Risen Lord’s appearance to them, “they did not believe them” either (Mk 16: 13)
… but later the Lord appeared to the disciples themselves and “rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed…” (Mk 16: 14, NABRE)

The disciples found it hard to accept and believe in the Resurrection of the Lord.

They had been rebuked often by the Lord, during His earthly ministry.
Now they are again chided for their lack of faith, even after His Resurrection.

Despite this less intensity in their belief, the Risen Lord entrusts them with His mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

Despite this little strength in their faith, the Risen Lord, hands over to them His task of preaching the Word of God to all the nations.

That’s the trust of the Lord in His disciples.

That’s the faith of the Lord in His chosen ones

It’s His conviction that “I will be with them
… and above all, I trust them”!

Like the disciples, we too may and will have our moments of…
… variations in faith
… slackening in trust
… and slipping in hope

In all this, let us be assured that the Lord, Who has entrusted His task to us, will continue to trust in us, and assures His presence with us.

We are weak…
We are fragile…

The Lord knows these aspects in us, much better than we ourselves.

He knew all this, even of the Apostles.

Yet, He wholly trusted them.
And He wholly trusts us too….

The disciples would grow in the strength of this trust and would become courageous and powerful to give witness to the Risen Lord – even when put through trials and tribulations.

This bold witness even surprised many people, including the religious leaders:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus!” (Acts 4:13)

Their conviction would make them to profess the Lord in all what they did:
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge…
… for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard!” (Acts 4:19-20)

Let us place our hands in the hands of the Lord, and take up His task of being the Proclaimers and Witnesses of His Resurrection to the world…
… always being assured that the Lord’s promises, “I will be with you
… and above all, I trust You!”

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “A courageous spirit relies on faith, grows in courage amid difficulties, and knows quite well…

… that God loves, supports and helps those in need, when they confide and hope in Him!”

“Being aware that one’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall, let us put to effect all our abilities for His Kingdom by totally depending on Him and being focussed on our Crucified Risen Lord!”

(Based on Acts 4:1-12 and Jn 21:1-14)

Every person’s life consists of various strengths, talents, abilities and aptitudes.

These strengths and talents help a person to achieve triumphs in life.
These abilities and aptitudes push the person to climb up higher the ladder of success.

However, it is said that “one’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall!”

Sometimes strengths and abilities themselves can become….
… the reason for great depressions in life
… the gateway to a person to being tempted into false ways
… the entrance for a person to abandon one’s true calling and vocation of life

The Gospel of the Day is a strong picturisation of this aspect with the person of Peter, the prime Apostle of Jesus, in focus.

We are in the last chapter of the Gospel of St John – Chapter Twenty-One.

The chapter describes another post-resurrection account of the appearance of Jesus.

The disciples have been greatly disturbed and devastated by the death of their Master, Jesus.

Perhaps, all their hopes were crashed
… all their aspirations had sunk.

Then, Peter, perhaps filled with greater sorrow than others, makes an important statement, “I am going fishing” (Jn 21:3)

He would have been more sorrowful because the Lord had always accorded special attention to him.
He would have been more tearful than others because he was the one who had primarily and publicly denied his Master.

And so he takes another lead
… this time, however, away from the Lord
… “to go fishing.”

In Mt 4:19, we read that Peter had received the glorious vocation of following the Lord
…”Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

This was the vocation of Peter
… This was his calling
… to follow Jesus closely and personally and intimately
… to be a fisher of people, for the Kingdom of God.

But when faced with the greatest crisis of his life, he sought comfort and refuge, in what was probably, humanly speaking, his greatest strength – fishing!

All through his life, Peter was probably living close to the sea.

He knew the depths and the breadth of the waters.
They gave him a great deal of energy.
They filled him with a fresh dose of enthusiasm.

Fishing was his great strength.

Fishing was his way of life.

Fishing was his big asset.

However, at the call of the Lord, Peter had given up this “earthly” asset and strength to embark through “newer” waters of life with the “Great Fisherman of Galilee.”

The Lord had given him a “higher” vocation
… to become fishers of people.

But now Peter, dejected and depressed, “leaves” this Divine vocation and goes back to his earthly strength and livelihood – fishing.

His strength and ability of fishing had become
… the reason for great depressions in his spiritual life
… the gateway to being tempted into false ways, leaving the way of the Lord
… the entrance for him, to abandon his true vocation of life of being fishers of people

“One’s greatest strength can also be the reason for one’s greatest fall”!

But once again, the Lord comes to the rescue
… He had called Peter, for the first time, by the Sea of Galilee by a miraculous catch of fish (Lk 5: 1-11)

He now again calls Peter, by the Sea of Galilee – by a miraculous catch of fish.
… calls him to renew his commitment and love for the Lord
… calls him to go back to his vocation and give up his life for him
… calls him to leave his “earthly strength” of fishing, and to depend totally on the Lord!

The danger that Peter faced in his life can be a danger for us too

Our greatest strength can also be the reason for our greatest fall!

What is the greatest strength of our lives?
Money? Prestige? Talents? Abilities? Self-Confidence?

Sometimes we find, that the very talents and abilities, by which we do the works, of the Lord, may themselves, become great snares of temptations

We, therefore, need to be on the watch always… be on guard at all times!

Sure, that it is the Lord Himself who has blessed us with various talents.

But all our capabilities need to find its source, strength and continuity, in and by the Lord.

St Peter discovered the beauty and power of putting His whole trust in the Lord…
… and so He becomes a courageous and bold witness of the Resurrection of the Lord, even in the face of tremendous persecution.

In the presence of the mighty and dominant Jewish leaders – Rulers, Elders, and Scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family – Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit makes a valiant confession:
“Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed…
… let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead!

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4: 8-10, 12)

Many of us can find similarity to the Life of St Peter.

Like him, we too may have our own moments of struggles, failures and weaknesses.
Yet – trusting in the Power of the Risen Lord – let us allow the Lord to fill our hearts with His
Love and may we wholly trust in him!

Let us put to effect all the abilities that the good Lord has blessed us with, for His Kingdom
… and may we always be focussed on our Crucified Lord and be single-minded in our love for the Lord.

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us be what God wishes, since we are entirely devoted to Him, and would not wish to be anything contrary to His will…

… for were we the most exalted creatures under the heaven, of what use would it be to us, if we were not in accord with the will of God?”

“Growing in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord and seeking to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives!”

(Based on Acts 3:11-26 and Lk 24:35-48)

It is said that an encounter with a mystery can cause one of the two reactions

1. An intense fear leading to veneration and devotion
2. A nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The encounter with a mystery is always something overwhelming:

It causes either a transformation for the good or a change to run away from the truth.

Mysteries are indeed compelling and can be life-transforming!

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful dimension of the Apostles encountering the Mystery of the Resurrection, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lord, risen from the dead!

The Resurrection Day of the Lord was perhaps the most baffling, confusing and puzzling day in the lives of the Apostles

Just a few days back, they had witnessed the horrifying and painful death of their Beloved Master.

In their weakness and fear of life, they had abandoned their Master.

Yet, heart of heart, these disciples would have been tremendously affected, at the loss of the One who had brought new hopes and expectations to their lives.

But now, the strange and surprising reports of the tomb being empty and the Lord appearing to two on the way to Emmaus have confused the poor disciples.

It’s in this state of fear and confusion that Jesus comes in their midst and appears to them. “But they were startled and terrified and supposed that they saw a spirit” (Lk 24: 37)

The disciples were face to face with a Mystery – the mystery of Jesus Christ, Resurrected.

Every mystery can cause two reactions
… an intense fear leading to veneration and devotion
… or a nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The disciples were initially filled with a lot of fear and were startled deeply.

But as they slowly were in the presence of the Great Mystery, their hearts began to be filled with joy and holiness

We are also witnesses to the Great Mystery of the Resurrection

What is our reaction?

Are we filled with fear, and fail to live a life of true witnessing?
… Or are we filled with the calm and serenity that the Risen Lord promises?

There is a need to make an honest examination of our lives

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about joy and happiness
Do I radiate this joy to others…
… or do others come across angry faces, irritated behaviour and unpleasant conduct in me?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about trust and confidence
Do I display this faith and belief…
… especially when we face many problems and crisis in life, to stand firm in hope?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about the call to a new way of life
Am I courageous to embrace this new way of life in the Risen Lord…
… and be willing to do away with my sinful habits and tendencies to fall away from God’s presence?

In the book of the Act of the Apostles, St Peter displays tremendous courage and conviction in witnessing to the Mystery of the Lord’s Resurrection.

Acknowledging the mighty work of the Risen Lord, Peter boldly declares Jesus as the Lord and Messiah and invites people to experience life and healing in Him:
“You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant[b] Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate though he had decided to release him.
But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.
To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you!” (Acts 3:12-16)

The Risen Lord is in our midst, as He was with the Apostles…
… Especially in His Most Holy Eucharist
… Especially in His Holy Word of God.

Let us not be afraid of this Mystery…

Let us not have an aversion towards it…
… rather, let us grow in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord and seek to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives.

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We must fear God out of love…

… not love Him out of fear!”

“Overcoming our ‘lethargic and uninterested walk’ in spiritual life and instead, being filled with a robust enthusiasm to ‘run in His presence’ and announce the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!”

(Based on Acts 3:1-10 and Lk 24:13-35)

A common phrase that is often heard or read is…
“Most children walk to school…. but come back home running!”

Reasonably true, in most cases, right?

It takes a long walk to reach school
… as its often considered as “the not so interesting” part for a child
… to study, to be under various rules, to be restricted to a classroom etc

But it takes a very short run to reach back home
… as it is often considered as “the thrilling” part for a child – to play, to enjoy, to have fun etc.

Our interest influences our attitudes toward activities in life.

The greater the interest…
… the higher is the enthusiasm in an activity

The lower the interest…
… the lower will be the keenness for a particular work.

The Gospel of the Day presents two disciples who “walk away from home” in disinterest and dejection
… but later “who run towards home” with enthusiasm and passion!

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion
The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

The encounter of Jesus to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus is one of the classic Resurrection encounters.

This incident appears only in the Gospel of St Luke.

The unnamed disciples have been shaken up very badly over the incidents over the last week in Jerusalem.

Like the Apostles, these disciples also would have been severely affected

Their Master, Jesus, in whom they had trusted, and they had followed, underwent a shameful death – that of a criminal.

It was humiliating…
… to be called as followers of a Criminal

It was abasing…
… to be called to as followers of a Blasphemer

Added to that, the accounts of some women who had seen the Empty Tomb of the Lord, added to greater confusion.

Life seemed to be dealing harshly with them

Gloom had descended into their hearts
Grim had taken over their lives.

And so they “walked” disappointed and dejected
… away from “home” – Jerusalem – to a village named Emmaus.

But this “walk” in sadness and gloom, was soon to become a life-transforming event!

Moments of hardships often become moments to encounter the deep love of the Lord!
Situations of dejections often become situations to experience the immense mercy of God!

Jesus met them, explained the Scriptures to them and finally in the house, broke the bread
… “and their eyes were opened!” (Lk 24: 30-31)

Their gloom was taken away

Their mourning was converted
Their sadness was chased away

This experience “had to be shared”
… This experience “had to be recounted”

And so these disciples, who had “encountered” the Lord
… now “ran”!

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion

The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

How is our life?

Are we merely “walking” through activities and works in life, in dissipation
… or are we “running” through our duties and responsibilities filled with joy and hope?

Are we merely “walking” passively in our spiritual life and our Christian witnessing…
… or are we “running” boldly and enthusiastically, overflowing with happiness and love?

The Lord walks with us… on our every journey, in our every activity

But seldom do we see Him
… seldom do we “feel” His presence!

Those disciples realised this “feeling” of the Lord being with them at the Breaking of the Bread…

There lies the key
… there lies the open secret

The realization of the Presence of the Lord is guaranteed and facilitated by a meaningful participation in the Lord’s Body and Blood – at the Holy Eucharist!

The Lord in the Holy Eucharist, calls and invites us… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!

In the Acts of the Apostles, the lame man at the gate of the Temple experienced this transforming touch of the Lord through Peter and John.

Peter and John offered the gift of healing that was promised by the Lord to everyone who sought Him: “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
The lame man would be touched by the Lord and with strength and power, “jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God!” (Acts 3:8)

Yes, the Lord invites all of us…
… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!

May the Lord help us to overcome our “lethargic and uninterested walking” in spiritual life…
… and instead, help us to be filled with a robust enthusiasm to “run” in His presence and announcing the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!

Happy Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to God’s Will with absolute submission!”

“Being steadfast and drawing closer to the Lord, despite our tears and pains and sadness…and experiencing the Caring and Intimate Love of the One Who is ‘always with us!’”

(Based on Acts 2:36-41 and Jn 20:11-18)

One of the very beautiful verses in the Bible – not too known though – is from the book of the
Psalms.

Psalm 56: 8, “Thou hast kept count of my tossings; put thou my tears in thy bottle! Are they not in thy book?”

Another translation would read, “…. You have collected my tears in a wineskin.”

This verse speaks volumes of a God who is so intimately related to a person and expresses a very personal and close association.

God is a God Who…
… is especially close to His people in their moments of pain and suffering
… is particularly near to His people in their times of affliction and tribulations.

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful witness to this loving concern and tender affection of God, expressed by Jesus to Mary Magdalene.

We are still near the tomb of the Lord. Mary Magdalene, the soul who loved the Lord so profoundly, is still lingering around the tomb of the Lord.

She had experienced Divine Love in a significant manner.

Her heart could not fully accept that the Lord who had transformed her life was no more
Her mind could take in the fact that the One whom she loved so deeply had gone away.

And so she kept waiting.

True love always seeks…

True love always seeks to break boundaries, do away with hurdles and cast away any barriers

Finally, when she did encounter Him, her eyes were kept away from recognizing the Lord.

But the Lord did recognize her…
… not just her physical pains, rather also her mental agony and her spiritual longing!

And so He asks her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” (Jn 20:13)

Mary had been incessantly weeping over the loss of her Beloved
Mary had been continuously shedding tears for the Lover of her soul.

However, these tears were not in vain….
… these tears were not lost in futility.

Rather, the Lord was storing them up carefully in a vial… in a bottle… in a wineskin
“[O, Lord… You have] put my tears in your bottle” (Ps 56:8)

And these tears of affection, love and fondness was rewarded by the Lord, by calling her by name, “Mary!” (Jn 20:16)

The sweetness of that voice, calling out her name, wiped away every tear!

Her tears were turned to smiles
… her mourning to comfort
… her brokenness to immense joy!

Today, we are reminded the same…
We may be shedding many tears before the Lord

It could be due to many reasons…
… maybe some personal crisis in life
… maybe some brokenness in the family
… maybe some tragedy or calamity to our closed ones

All these may cause us to have tears – either externally or within the depth of our hearts

Some tears may be seen by others – most will go unnoticed, invisible

Yet, the One who loves us the most – the Lord – is storing up all our tears in His presence

Each one of our tears is precious to the Lord.

Just like Mary Magdalene, who continued to be faithful and longing for the Lord, let us also be steadfast to our God…
… despite our tears and pains and sadness.

This faithfulness to Him will surely win the reward for us
… the reward of our names being called out by the Lord!

St Peter, while addressing the people on Pentecost Day, invited them to experience the healing and merciful love of the Lord…
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Him.’” (Acts 2:38-39)

Let us draw closer to the Lord – in sincerity and repentance – and experience His Caring and Intimate Love of the Lord of Who is “always with us!”

Happy Easter to all of you!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “He who can preserve gentleness amid pains, and peace amid worrying multitude of affairs…

… is almost perfect!”