George Washington was the first president of the United States and one of the founding fathers of the US.

He was well admired for his strong leadership skills that saw him win the first two national elections unanimously.

Once at a banquet, given to some of the officers, a distinguished French Officer asked Washington’s mother, how she had managed to rear such a splendid son.

The mother replied, “I taught him to obey!”

Obedience was the school that he had been trained in, in order to achieve excellence of life!

In Christian life too, obedience ought to be the school in which we are trained, to be effective apostles of the Lord…

…Obedience to the Voice of the Lord

… Obedience to the Will of the Lord

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by God to hear the voice of the Lord, to listen to Him and to be obedient to Him.

The Second Sunday of the Season of Lent presents to us the “Transfiguration Event” from the Gospel of St Mark.

The scene of the Transfiguration is indeed a powerfully visual and authoritatively impactful incident.

Jesus takes three disciples – the core team among the Twelve – Peter, James and John – and led them up a high mountain. (Mk 9: 2)

Why were these three chosen…

… and not others?

Well…

We can only make some guess-works… because the bottom-line is:

“They were ‘chosen'”

(And, Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!)

Peter:

• Probably as the one who is the Leader

• The one to whom the Lord entrusts to be the rock on which He would build His Church (Mt 16:18)

John:

• Probably as the one who had an intimate bond with the Lord

• The one who is referred to as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23)

James:

• Probably as the one who warranted a special privilege, being the first apostle to be martyred.

• The one who would be the first among the apostles to literally lose his life for Jesus (Lk 9:24)

These three also had a privilege of some “firsts”…

• Peter was the “First” Pope of the Church…

• James was the “First” Martyr among the apostles…

• John was the “First” witness to the death of Christ…

The choosing of the three also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!

Moses had chosen seventy (two) elders.

>> But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Aaron, Nadab, and Abiu. (Exodus 24:1)

Jesus had chosen twelve apostles.

>> But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Peter, James and John (Lk 9:28)

Jesus is the New Moses…

….through whom the New Covenant will be established!

… through whom the New Law will be written on the tablets of the heart!

Up on the mountain, witnessing the glorious and magnificent Transfiguration, the disciples behold their Master, Jesus in dazzling white…joined by Elijah and Moses. (Lk 9:3-4)

And then, they heard a Voice, from the cloud…

“This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!” (Mk 9: 7)

“Listen to Him”…is the commandment that is exhorted!

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son, Jesus and grasp His teachings for life

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s commitment in the path of suffering.

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s trust in God’s Will at every moment

The same words are today echoed boldly and loudly to each one of us: “This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!”

• Life will take us through many deserts and desolations of difficulties.

• Life will put us through various storms and hurricanes of hardships.

>> But in all such moments, are we ready and open to listen to the Voice of the Lord?

Abraham in the Old Testament…the Father of Faith… went through such immensely agonizing and hard moments. (Gen 22: 1-3)

Asked to sacrifice “His Only Beloved Son” Isaac… His special one…

… Abraham was torn between listening to his own voice of affection for his child or to the voice of God

… Abraham was shredded between listening to his own reasonable mind or to the incomprehensible plan of God

• But Abraham chose to put his faith in the Lord…and to listen

• He chose to trust absolutely in the providence of God… and to be obedient

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we are still asked to be totally obedient to God.

>> When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the Voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…

… every crisis

… every desert

… every darkness

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

Let us grow in our efforts to be completely obedient to our Master!

>> Let us pray for His grace to be truly listening and following the voice of our Master!

Are we ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Obedience is a virtue of so excellent a nature…

… that Our Lord was pleased to mark its observance upon the whole course of His life; thus He often says, He did not come to do His Own will, but that of His Heavenly Father.

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FAILURE is a seven letter word…

… that has crippled many lives

… severed many families and communities

… and broken many generations!

Failure is something which we surely encounter very often in our lives!

>> We fail to stand up to ours and others expectations in our personal lives…

>> We fail to answer to the needs and demands of our family or community lives…

>> We fail to respond to the challenges and duties of our responsibilities in our societal lives…

Failure creates clouds of hopelessness.

>> Failure develops into pangs of anxieties!

But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities…

The context and immediate background of today’s Gospel is a very disturbing  one: the beheading of John the Baptist!

>> The Voice which heralded the Coming of the Saviour…

>> The Voice which had provided hope…

… had been brutally silenced!

Jesus, on hearing this news, withdrew to a lonely place.

The inhuman murder…

>> Of His Cousin

>> Of His companion in the Works of the Kingdom…

… was a moment of great pain to the Lord

… perhaps, even a great setback to Him!

Disappointment was apparently looming large…

>> The Mission hereafter was not going to be easy…

Failure was knocking at the doors…

But every Failure, can also be the Gateway to Venture into a Fresh Framework of Opportunities…

Though filled with pain and sorrow and grief…

… Jesus continues His ministry of preaching the Kingdom of God.

And thus we see our Blessed Lord multiplying the loaves and feeding the crowds (Mt 14: 15-21)

The Evil King Herod, had feasted on the vices of self-pleasure and debauchery

>> The Good King Jesus, would make a feast on the virtues of compassion and self-giving!

The Evil King Herod spread a party of lewdness, trudging on the death of an innocent man

>> The Good King Jesus would host a party of God’s Mercy and Tenderness, inviting to eternal life!

Jesus failed to get bogged down by failures…

>> He failed to be immersed in a sea of letdowns and disappointments.

He instead, made His Compassionate and God-trusting Heart to shine through the clouds of darkness!

Jesus also taught His Disciples to not get disappointed or disheartened by “apparent” signs of failures or lack or success.

When Jesus asked His disciples to provide food for the hungry crowd, the disciples said:

“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here” (Mt 14:17)

The disciples were expressing their possibility of ‘facing a failure’…

… “We have no resources, Lord!”

… “All what we have is just not good enough to be successful!”

But the Lord – Who had refused to be bogged down by failure – now teaches the Disciples to also imitate Him…

>> Not being disappointed with possibilities of failures…

… instead, entrusting whatever we are and however we are, to the Bountiful Care of the Father

>> Not getting discouraged by situations of lack of success…

… instead, giving praise to the Lord at all times, knowing that He works wonders and miracles – in His Time, In His Way!

The same resources which signified nothingness – five loaves and two fish:

… were now transformed by the Lord as food for thousands!

… were now symbols of God’s power and providence!

You and I …

… Are we facing failures at this moment?

… Is our spiritual life going downhill?

… Are we lost in the society- facing rejections and encountering disappointments in all areas of our life?

Do we feel that FAILURE become part and parcel of our existence?

Fear not… !

>> Give up not hope…!

Let us hold on to the Lord…

… the same Lord who was “face-to-face with failure” after the brutal murder of His Cousin

… the same Lord who worked a miracle for his disciples who were “face-to-face with failure” in ministry

Our modern world, makes it easy, for us, to “Feel” that we are a failure!

>> But Jesus  shows that there can be a HIGHER way of understanding “Success”

Success is…

… being  faithful, to do God’s works: However little they be – in the time & place, God wishes!

Success is…

… persevering, to hold on to God’s Will:  However painful they be – in the manner, God wishes!

Success is…

… resolute to being truthful to God’s Ways: However hard they be – in the way, God wishes!

Am I today being surrounded by a hazy atmosphere of failures and disappointments?

>> Look up to the Lord for inspiration…

… The Lord Who remained ever faithful to the Will of God and the Lord Who had to suffer on the Cross by virtue of His obedience and fidelity !

He shows what is true success.

>> He shows what is real achievement.

Yes, Faithfulness is more vital than success.

>>  Authenticity is more needed than victory

Today we also celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Mary Major Basilica.

>> St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church.

(The other three being St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, and St. Paul’s Basilica, outside the Walls.)

Every Church building is an important symbol of Christianity…

>> from the grandest of basilicas, to the tiniest of chapels…

… they reflect the “Throne of God”, from which God administers his Love, Mercy, Compassion, Forgiveness, Healing and Blessings upon his Beloved People.

>> It also signifies the Unity of the People of God, as One Church.

St. Mary Major Basilica is also the First Marian shrine for pilgrims…

… which set a pattern for countless shrines where pilgrims gather to honor our Blessed Mother throughout the world.

Let us today specially seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother…

… to remain ever-faithful to the Lord, even in the face of failures!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Always have the courage to pick yourself back up and begin again every day…

… for there is no better path to success in the spiritual life than always to begin again and never to think that you have done enough!”

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“My illness helped me to see that what was missing in me….

I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most…

… But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty!

>> What power wouldn’t I trade for a li’l more time with my family?

>> What price wouldn’t I pay for being with friends?

It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.

…the future leaders must speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumour of the soul”

These are the words taken from an article in the LIFE magazine….written by Lee Atwater, a former American Political Consultant.

(This person was mainly responsible for the election of George Bush as the American President. He was afflicted by a massive brain-tumour death at the age of 40!)

These words… of a man who acquired name & fame & wealth at a very young age, but suffered a tragic death, and came to a late realization – written back in the 90’s – …

… is a great and naked reality in our 21st century!

There is a great spiritual vacuum at the heart of our society: a tumour of the soul!

The Gospel of the Day presents this message very powerfully through the Parable of the Rich Fool.

It is heartening to see the statement made by this rich man…

… Lk 12: 17 says: “He asked himself, “What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?”

This man had a bountiful harvest (Lk 12: 16)…

… but found himself wanting for space to store them up.

He looked into his life and felt…

… I have worked hard, but I am still not satisfied

… I have achieved the results I expected, but I am still not contented

This statement is a great pointer to the experience of many of us…

… a great spiritual vacuum at the heart of our society!

>> There are many who have plenty of wealth…

… but extremely poor in peace of mind!

>> There are many who have honour and fame…

… but strangely lost in loneliness and despair!

>> There are many who have cashed in popularity and glam and glitz…

… but end up in depression and gloom!

>> There are many who have built bungalows and estates…

… but sadly abandoned in nursing animosity at home!

Our world is habitually sick…

>> Our society is often sad deep within…

>> Our families are frequently cracked & broken!

Very often, we have many things and many of the external requirements,

… yet there is a sense “lacking something”!

>> It’s like telling a Great Artist:”Your art is superb…but you still lack the quality in painting the nuances…”

>> It’s like telling a Great Speaker: “Your talks are classic…but you still lack the trait of modulation of tones…”

>> It’s like telling a Great singer: ”Your voice is amazing… but you still lack the punch in singing the high notes…”

>> It’s like telling a Great Writer: “Your writings are nice…but you still lack the feature of translating your thoughts…”

After doing and achieving many things, to sense that “We are lacking something” is hurting….

But that was the fact in the life of that rich man….

>> And that was the reason, for the Vacuum and the Void that was experienced!

The rich man thought he had gained everything…

>> He even boasted: “I shall say to myself: Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years; rest, east, drink and be merry” (Lk 12: 19)

But he still “lacked something”…

He lacked…

… the grace to have heaven as his greatest treasure and fortune

… the control to let go off money and mammon as the controlling factor of his life

… the charity to share his resources and his possessions to the needy and the wanted

… the generosity to set free his mind from being dominated by the cares and burdens of this world…

The man had gained much in life… but he still lacked what was most important…

A great vacuum had engulfed his soul….a great void had overpowered his life!

Is my life in resemblance with this person…who ‘thought’ he had everything right…yet lacking the Basics?

The Lord invites us…

… to give up the feeling that money and worldly riches can rule your life; rather we need to acquire spiritual treasures”

… to give up the notion that worldly success can satisfy you; rather we need to feed our lives with divine riches”

Let us fill the vacuum within us…with the Power and Grace of the Lord…with the Might of the Holy Spirit!

>> Our world needs it…our generation requires us… our families and communities call for it!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God;’ and if so, woe be to the rich in spirit, for theirs must be the bitterness of Hell.

>> By rich in spirit, I mean, him whose riches engross his mind, or whose mind is buried in his riches.

>> He is poor in spirit whose heart is not filled with the love of riches; whose mind is not set upon them!”

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An incident is narrated of a man who brought a package of supplies from a trading shop.

On reaching home, to his surprise, he found a silver coin inside the package.

>>Something troubled him.

He came back the next morning to the trader and handed him back the silver coin.

>> The trader was amused and surprised and asked him: “That’s interesting to see that you have returned back the silver coin!”

The customer replied: “Well, I got a good man and a bad man in my heart!

>> The good man said, `It is not yours’; the bad man said, ‘Nobody will know’.

>> The good man said, ‘Take it back’; the bad man said, `Never mind’.”

And so thinking, I went to bed…

… but the good man and the bad man talked the whole night and troubled me.”

The conscience of the man caused him disturbance because of the fault that he was supposedly in…

… and made him to yield to its goodness!

Each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…

>> Do we listen and give heed?

>> Or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?

The Gospel of the Day presents the intense ordeal faced by King Herod who failed to give consideration to the voice of conscience…

>> And instead had his mind rottened and his actions dirtied…

… by falling into the trap of guilt and shame.

King Herod had exercised his authority and sinfulness by beheading John the Baptist. (Mt 14:1-12).

>> The demon of guilt and shame of that inhuman murder kept bothering him.

In this scattered state of mind, King Herod hears about the deeds and wonders of another man, Jesus.

>> His guilt-filled and confused mind is unable to grasp the identity of this new man who works marvels and so he told: “This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him!” (Mt 14:2).

The king harassed by sin and shame failed to grapple the mystery of the Son of God, the King of kings!

The persona of Jesus surpasses great minds and cannot be arrested by hardened hearts!

>> The character of Jesus baffles proud mentalities and cannot be captured by cynical spirits!

King Herod was greatly disturbed with a guilty conscience and a sinful heart.

>> He felt greatly challenged and threatened by Jesus, Who was being considered as a King.

The sinful and corrupt Kingdom of Herod was faced with an opposition from…

… the pure and holy Kingdom of God!

The increasing popularity of Jesus caused Herod the Tetrarch, the ruler of the land, to come face-to-face with his guilty conscience.

Truth is always very powerful!

It can, silently, yet very authoritatively…

… challenge faulty lives

… prick guilty consciences

… confront culpable actions

Herod bore the guilt of having killed John the Baptist, who was the voice of the Truth.

>> He knew that he had done something extremely wicked and merciless

>> He knew that he had acted in opposition to truth, to honesty and to sincerity.

Therefore, the rising fame of the Lord – whom he misunderstood as John the Baptist – drove him to despair over that brutal act of the killing of the Baptist.

• The constant exposition to wicked thoughts and evil inclinations had caused his life to become a pillar of guilt-filled feelings!

>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…

On the other hand, was the righteous life of John the Baptist.

He was born with a sense of purpose – of being a voice to the Truth.

He maintained this goal by always living in sincerity – fearless and courageous.

>> To this end, he even valiantly shed his blood!

• The constant nurturing of holy purposes and sacred acts had caused his life to become a pillar of a purpose-filled existence!

>> Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…

We need to examine our lives and conscience and check…

>> Am I, like King Herod, filled with fear and doubts because of my sinful conscience and guilty mind?

OR…

>> Can I be like John the Baptist, filled with a sense of purpose and clarity in life?

>> Is my life a chest-box of guilt-filled feelings – formed by deposits of wickedness, evil and sin?

OR…

>> Can my life be a treasure of a purpose-filled existence – formed by deposits of holy determination and sanctified lives?

Yes, each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…

>> Do we listen and give heed?

… or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?

Purified by the Sacraments…

>> Strengthened by God’s Word…

>> Empowered in prayer…

… may we become persons who have our conscience always pure and always give heed to the voice of the Lord, “Be Holy, as I am Holy!”

Today is the First Saturday of the Month – when we specially honour and venerate the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary…

Let us today specially seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, and consecrate ourselves to Her Immaculate Heart, that we may be inspired and impelled to live a holy life.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “And when children begin to use their reason, fathers and mothers should take great pains to fill their hearts with the fear of God.

This the good Queen Blanche did most earnestly by St. Louis, her son: witness her oft-repeated words, “My son, I would sooner see you die than guilty of a mortal sin;” words which sank so deeply into the saintly monarch’s heart…

… that he himself said there was no day on which they did not recur to his mind, and strengthen him in treading God’s ways!”

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A young salesman became discouraged because he had been rejected by many of the customers that he approached.

He asked a more experienced salesman for some advice.

>> “Why is it that every time I make a call on someone I get rejected?”

“I just don’t understand that,” answered the older salesman…

… “I’ve been hit on the head, called dirty names, and thrown out the door, but I’ve never been rejected!

Remember, my son… Rejection isn’t what happens to us…

… but how we interpret what happens to us!”

How do we interpret the various situations of disappointments that we come across in life?

>> Do we get depressed and discouraged…

… or can we still be hopeful and know that “every rejection is one more step closer to true success!?”

Rejection and dejection, are sure companions in the life of a Christian, who is uncompromising and unwavering in one’s faith.

>> Despite these aspects, are we ready to hold on to doing the Will of God, and be His Faithful Followers?

Our Blessed Lord Himself underwent rejection and dejection in life.

>> Yet He would cling on to doing the Will of God!

The Gospel of the Day narrates this painful incident of “rejection and dejection” that our Blessed Lord encountered in His life, at the hands of His own country people (Mt 13: 54-58)

It is interesting to note, how the people of the hometown seek to justify their rejection of Jesus, by rationalizing their attitude…

>> Using 6 questions ( 6= A Biblical symbolic number which often stands for imperfection!)…

… the people of the hometown, reveal their blocked minds and closed hearts.

When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…

… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!

And so the Lord would declare: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country or his own house!” (Mt 13: 57)

Thus, Jesus becomes the “Sign of Contradiction!”

… the Prince of Peace, begins to be seen as a cause of division and despise

… the Healer of Souls, begins to be seen as a cause of disagreement and discord!

… the Comforter of Hearts, begins to be seen as a cause of disturbance and distress

Anyone who seeks to follow Jesus – the “Sign of Contradiction” – the Epitome of Truth and Honesty…

… is sure to face the same experience!

Every true Christian, because of one’s convictions in the Eternal Values of Uncompromising Truth and Desire to do the Will of God, is sure to face…

… rejection from the people, because one’s ways challenge the lethargic lifestyle of others!

… dejection from the society, because one’s way of living poses a threat the corruption around!

But despite this “rejection and dejection”, can we still continue to hold on the Lord, the “Sign of Contradiction!”?

Life often hurls the “bricks of rejection” at us…

>> We can either be hurt by them…

… or be strengthened and buckle ourselves up with greater courage

>> We can either blame all those situations and curse life…

… or we can be thankful for those moments, which provides us a chance for “more blessings!”

Yes, we need to remember always:

>> Rejection isn’t what happens to us…

… but how we interpret what happens to us!”

Let us not get depressed and discouraged by the various situations of disappointments that we come across in life…

… instead let us be hopeful, and know that “every rejection is one more step closer to true success!”

On this First Friday of the month of August, let us re-dedicate our love and commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus…

… and always pray for greater commitment and dedication to the Will of God, filled with immense peace and joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life…

… rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise.

>> God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things!

Be at peace…

… and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations!”

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One morning, the husband was at breakfast…

… his face hidden behind the morning paper.

The frightened maid tiptoed into the room and whispered something to the wife’s ears.

The wife – paled slightly – then squared her shoulders resolutely and said:

“Dear, for the last seventeen years, you have been eating oats porridge in the morning.

You will be very upset, isn’t it, if you don’t get it this morning?”

Expecting the worst reaction, the wife began to turn away.

The husband, hiding his naughty smile, however said: “Oh how sad!

Yes, I will miss my daily meal!

But hey! It’s also a nice chance to get something interesting to eat, without having to tell explicitly…

… how bored I am with my daily meal!”

The husband, without wanting to express that he wanted a change in his meal,

… hid behind a casual attitude of “saying yes” without really intending!

Well… such is the case with many of us as well, probably.

>> There are many things that we don’t really enjoy…

… yet, pretend that everything is fine.

>> There are many things not going on fine with us…

… but we still behave as if we are okay with everything.

We sometimes are people who affirm and consent…

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality

>> There is a “lip” yes…

… but not a consent with the mind.

>> There is an external nodding…

… without a true affirmation from the heart.

The Gospel of the Day presents such a classic case in the context of the disciples of Jesus saying a “Yes” to having understood the teachings of Jesus…

… and invites us to examine our lives and check whether:

>> We say only a “lip” yes, without the consonance of the mind!

>> We give an external nodding, without the affirmation of the heart!

The first 50 verses of the 13th Chapter from St Matthew is a quick montage of several parables…

… Seven in all…

1. Parable of the Sower (vv. 1-9)

2. Parable of the Weeds among wheat (vv. 24-30)

3. Parable of the Mustard Seed (vv. 31-32)

4. Parable of the Yeast (v. 33)

5. Parable of the man finding the treasure (v. 44)

6. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (v. 45)

7. Parable of the Net thrown in the sea (vv. 47-50)

These 7 parables teach several great truths and virtues….

1. Preparing our hearts to receive the Generous Word of God….

2. Accepting the reality of evil in the world and being firm to be good…

3. Realizing the Divine Grace that blossoms our littleness into a shelter for many…

4. Recognizing the transforming effect of a committed faith…

5. Experiencing the joy of discovering the Lord as the Treasure of our lives….

6. The Willingness to give up everything to prioritize the Lord as the Pearl of Great Prize….

7. Living a life with the awareness of the judgment of good and evil at the end of our lives!

At the end of this quick, power-packed narration of the 7 parables, Jesus puts forward a question to His Disciples:

“Do you understand all these things?”(Mt 13:51)

The Lord wished to know if His disciples were grasping these great truths of Christian Life…

>> He wanted to know from His chosen ones, the level of their understanding.

The Gospel says the Disciples “answered, ‘Yes'”(Mt 13:51b).

Well, we are not fully sure whether the Disciples really understood and grasped everything….

>> We really can’t say for certain whether their “Yes”…

… was only a “lip” yes or one with the consonance of the mind

… was an external nodding or one with the affirmation of the heart

There are many occasions in the Gospels…

… when we see the Disciples “said something” but did not actually follow it or live it

… Or they really did not fully understand and grasp the person of Jesus and His teachings

>> At the Transfiguration, when Peter said, “Let us make three tents”, the Gospel says, “he did not know what he was saying!”(Lk 9:33b)

>> After the multiplication of the loaves, the Gospel says “they had not understood the incident of the loaves”(Mk 6:52)

>> After the calming of the storm at the sea, they said to one another “Who then is this Whom even wind and sea obey?”(Mk 4:41)

>> They failed to recognize and see the Father in Jesus and so Jesus chided them, saying, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?” (Jn 14:10)

They asked Him Show us the Father.

We therefore do not really know the depth of the “Yes” of the Disciples…

… Was it only an instinctual reply?

… Was it just a spontaneous answer?

We cannot fully trace the intention of the Disciples.

But this incident is certainly a reminder and an invitation for us to examine…

… Do we seek to understand the Lord and His Teachings?

… Are we aware of the greatness and the worth of the many devout practices of our faith?

Let us examine…

>> Do we realize the Power of the Most Holy Mass and prepare ourselves accordingly for a worthy celebration…

… or has it become a regular routine of life, without the due preparation and a sense of reverence?

>> Do we read the Living Word of God daily, and seek to live in accordance with His Teachings…

… or has the Bible merely become another “object” of the house, only to be kept in a place of seclusion, with an occasional glance?

>> Do our prayers and the reception of the other Sacraments become a God-experience and have a life-touching effect…

… or have they been rendered as casual or even compelled actions, with little effect on one’s life and activities?

Yes, as Christians, we are sometimes people who affirm and consent…

… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality.

Today, let us seek the intercession of Great Saintly Doctor of the Church – St Alphonsus Liguori – the Patron Saint of Theologians – on his feast day.

>> His life was lived in purpose and clarity, seeking the Will of God, in the midst of the many confusing and deviant ways of the world

>> His being was filled with determination, despite the many heresies and anti-faith philosophies that cropped up in his time.

As we thank the Lord for another month in our lives, let us offer this new month of August into the Providential Hands of our God…

… by giving heed to the Lord, who invited His followers to be like the “instructed scribe, who is like the house holder who brings from his storeroom, both the new and the old.” (Mt 13:52).

God bless! Live Jesus

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – There are many who say to the Lord, “I give myself wholly to Thee, without any reserve.

>> But there are few who embrace the practice of this abandonment, which consists in receiving with a certain indifference every sort of event, as it happens in conformity with Divine Providence…

… as well afflictions as consolations

… contempt and reproaches as honour and glory!”

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Jenny was a cheerful little seven-year old girl of a poor home.

Once, while out shopping with her mother, in the market…

… she came across a “fine white pearl” in a pink foil box.

Though it was an imitation pearl (not a real one), the girl was highly fascinated, and sought to buy it.

>> After a lot of pestering, the mother – giving up some of her precious savings, to satisfy her daughter’s desire – bought the imitation pearl to her.

As soon the girl reached home, her uncle – whom she loved much and had returned from foreign – was waiting to see her.

The excited girl ran to her loved uncle, and presented the imitation pearl, saying:

“Uncle, see how beautiful this pearl is! I am so excited to be possessing it!”

But the Uncle – who knew the child’s love for pearls – looked into her eyes and asked:

“Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”

“Oh no Uncle! I can’t give this pearl to you!

I have got this bought from Mummy after a lot of insistence.

>> I will give you my favourite doll instead…but don’t ask me for this pearl… please!”

But Uncle went on insisting: “No, if you really love me, give me that pearl!”

The child, by now had tears in her eyes…

… little drops flowing down her tender cheeks, Jenny says:

“Uncle, I do love you very much.

Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love you, I will give you this pearl!”

>> And so saying, she handed over the pearl to her uncle.

As soon as Uncle received that pearl – which was an imitation…

… he reached out his hand inside his bag, and took out a box.

Handing over the box to the crying child, he told her: “Check what I have for you, in return for what you gave me”.

Jenny opened the box.

>> To her great surprise and delight, it was a Necklace of Real Pearls!

Her eyes glistened, as she held the Priceless Necklace of Pearls, in her little hands.

And as she kept admiring, her Uncle told her:

“Remember my Child! So it is with life…

>> Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…

… you can never possess the real treasures of life!

Never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”

What about us?

>> Are we ready to hand over the “imitation” pearls to our Loving God, in order to be handed over the real “Pearl of Great Price!”

The Gospel of the Day are the twin parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of God being compared to a “priceless fortune” being discovered.

>> A man finding a treasure in a field (Mt 13: 44-45)

>> A merchant finding a pearl of great price (Mt 13:46)

One of the common thought-pattern exhibited in both these parables is the following factor:

“The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”

>> The man on finding the treasure in the field…

… takes the risk of selling everything, in order to buy the treasure, which was priceless

>> The merchant on finding the precious pearl…

… takes the risk of selling all that he had, in order to possess the pearl, which was priceless.

The pages of the Bible narrate this pattern: “The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”…

… St Joseph risks listening to the voice of the Angel, and taking Mary as his wife – in order to provide a home for the Son of God – a priceless responsibility!

… St Peter risks giving up his boats and fishing nets – in order to follow Jesus – a priceless vocation!

… Zacheaus risks inviting Jesus into his home and doing away with his riches – in order to obtain salvation – a priceless reward!

… St Paul risks doing away with his former ways of persecuting Christianity and preaching to the Gentiles, instead – in order to win many souls- a priceless way of life!

“Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved playing it safe, and sticking to the familiarity of the known!”

Are we ready to take this risk…?

… risk doing away with our sinful ways, in order to live a new life in Christ?

… risk giving up some undue attachments, in order to allow the Lord to possess our hearts?

… risk removing some unwelcome addictions, in order to allow the Spirit of God to work in us?

Jesus, the Priceless Fortune deserves our best!

We, however, often cling on to the “imitation” pearls in our life.

… assuming that they can give us happiness – when in actuality, they are mere imitations!

Our Loving God constantly asks us: “Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”

>> Our human weakness and tendency may tell “Oh no! I can’t give this pearl to you!

But let us not be afraid to “take the risk”…

… and tell the Lord:

“Lord, I do love you very much.

Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love You, I will give You this pearl!”

Yes, this act of “taking a risk” will surely win for us “The Pearl of Great Price”!

Let us faith-life always remind us:

“Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…

… you can never possess the real treasures of life!”

Yes, let us “never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is Priceless!”

Today we celebrate the Feast of a Great Saint – St Ignatius of Loyola…

… the founder of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuit Fathers.

He was a man with a lot of worldly ambitions and gripped with seeking vain glory.

But an incident, wherein, he was bed-ridden, as a result of a leg injury, brought a transformation in his life.

>> Not finding any other books to read, he was handed over the “Life of Saints”, which made him to prompt himself to ask a question: “Why am I using my life just for myself? These people did so much good during their time on earth. Why can’t I?”

St Ignatius was at the “bored and unexcited” phase of his life…

… yet the Lord would use “that” situation, to bring a transformation in his life and helped him to discovered “the pearl of great price!”

Maybe, many of us are also going through a “bored and unexcited” phase of our life…

… feeling uncertain about the future

… experiencing worry about the past

… troubled by the anxieties of the present.

Yet, the Lord is with us…

… waiting to be discovered as the Greatest Treasure!

What is needed is our self-giving…

… little and small as we are: let us offer our lives to the Lord

… broken and disturbed as we are: let us give ourselves to the Lord

May his prayer echo in our hearts as well:

“O my God, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as I should…

… to give without counting the cost,

… to fight without fear of being wounded,

… to work without seeking rest,

…. to labour without expecting any reward,

… but the knowledge that I am doing your most holy will.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The beginning of good things is good, the progress is better…

… the end is the best!”

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An elderly man who was known to be extremely cheerful and hale hearted was once asked by a group of young boys in Church: “We have always seen you so happy and delighted! Don’t you ever feel sad or discouraged in life?”

The old man, with a gentle smile, looked at the youngsters and replied: “Well… I went through immense pain and tragedy from my childhood…starting with the loss of my parents… failure to get a good job in the initial years… tragic early death of my wife…

… but one day, as I passed by a Church, I came across a three-line poem, which became the strength for my life.”

The boys were curious for the poem and asked, “What is that poem?”

The man replied:

“I believe in the sun, even when it does not shine.

I believe in love, even when it is not given.

I believe in God, even when He is silent!”

The man could live a stronger life after being introduced by the poem, to the Power of God, silently working in life, even in the midst of tragedies!

We too so often ask these questions of mystery…

>> “Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

>> “Can evil have any meaning; rather, is it not spoiling our existence on earth?”

>> “How long are the good to suffer with the presence of evil all around?”

Today our Blessed Lord opens His mind on this crucial Reality of our lives, by the explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.

It’s noteworthy to know some interesting facts about this parable…

1. Sowing weeds in someone else’s field, was a way take revenge on the other and to express one’s hatred and anger!

Something similar to today, people…

… breaking the glass of the houses of those whom they don’t like

… disfiguring the walls of the house of the people whom they hate

2. The weeds that Jesus speaks of in the parable, were highly similar to the wheat that was sown.

>> It was almost impossible to distinguish the two, in their initial stages.

3. Seeking to pull up the weeds would definitely destroy the wheat plant

>> This was because, their roots would get inter-twined.

Any attempt to pull up the weeds, would also cause harm to the good plant.

It is in the light of these points, that our “doubt and perplexity” about the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds grows:

>> “Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

This is where the Lord challenges every Christian to understand…

… that some mysteries in life cannot be fully understood…

… but are to be boldly lived!

… that some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…

… but are to be bravely challenged!

…. that some problems in life cannot be completely solved…

but are to be fearlessly encountered!

As we take time to digest this fact, let us also spare a thought for the seed of wheat that was sown by the Sower.

For the Sower, the Seed of Wheat was priceless… special…!

He had sown it with a lot of love, care and affection.

>> And so, He would do everything in His power, to make sure, that He loses nothing of it, in the attempt to get rid of the weeds.

The Sower is God.

>> And the Bible, throughout, speaks about how the seed that is sown – the wheat – is precious to God…

… the lost sheep is passionately sought until it is found (Lk 15: 1-7)

… the lost coin is ardently searched till it is found (Lk 15: 8-10)

… the leftover pieces of loaves are devoutly gathered up (Mt 14:20)

… the rejected short man, hiding on the tree, is assigned a new chapter in life (Lk 19: 1-10)

… the nearly-stoned woman, caught in the act of adultery, is given new life (Jn 8: 1-11)

… the impulsive fisherman, called as the rock, and who denied three times, is accepted back (Jn 21: 15-19)

We are the precious Wheat.

Jesus opens our hearts and minds to have a “realistic understanding” of life.

>> We need to be patient with ourselves and with others…

… in dealing with sin and with evil tendencies

Of course, as humans, we do many times…

… bite our teeth in anger, glaring at the inhumanness in our society and the world

… lose our cool, in finding ourselves to be imperfect and sinful even after years of trying

… go mad, in encountering silly disputes and indifferences in our families & communities

… have our blood boiling, seeing the various scandals and shameful incidents in the Church

But the Lord says… “Hold On”….

Surely, we have our emotions and feelings when we come across unjust situations..

But the Lord says:

“Do your best…and leave the rest to Me!

>> Aim for perfection….but give not into despair because of devastations!”

This certainly is no excuse for us to deny our duty and responsibility…

… and even the obligation to seek to avoid wickedness and dissuade evil practices.

But we may never find ourselves in PERFECT elimination of evil and sinful behaviours…

…either in our personal life, or societal life or even in the life of the church.

The Lord, the Final and the Supreme Judge, will make sure, that “Good finally triumphs over the evil!”

>> “The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His Kingdom, all who cause others to sin and evildoers…

… the Righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of Their Father!” (Mt 13: 41, 43).

As the national motto of India says: “Satyam eva jayate” (Truth alone triumphs!”)

Let us have recourse to the Awesome and Ultimate Power of God, and be strengthened in our lives…

… knowing and trusting that He will ultimately cause “Everything for our good” (Rom 8:28)

>> Yes let us express our faith:

“I believe in the sun, even when it does not shine.

I believe in love, even when it is not given.

I believe in God, even when He is silent!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us practice that holy resignation and pure love of our Lord that is never as perfect as it is amid suffering.

>> We must pray for that holy resignation so that God can shape our hearts into a fitting place for him to dwell and reign in eternity.

Seek help, but with the resignation that should His Divine Majesty wish the illness to conquer you, you will accept it…

… and if he wishes you to be healed, you will bless Him!”

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Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I’ve no time to be

A saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee,

Or dreaming in the dawnlight, or storming heaven’s gates,

Make me a saint by getting meals, and washing up the plates.

**********

Although I must have Martha’s hands, I have a Mary mind;

And when I black the boots and shoes, Thy sandals, Lord, I find.

I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor;

Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven’t time for more.

**********

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace;

Forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.

Thou Who didst love to give men food, in room, or by the sea,

Accept this service that I do —- I do it unto Thee.

This poem called as “Prayer Hymn” by Cecily R Hallack is found on the preface page of a book entitled “Devotions for Women at Home” by Martha Meister Kiely, 1959.

(This poem is also called as “Kitchen Prayer” attributed to Klara Carlotta Munkres)

The world is fast-paced.

>> Some of us are always on the move

>> Some of us are always on our feet

From very early dawn to very late dusk…

… we’re frenzied with activities & works & efforts & exertions.

Life gives us ample excuses to get busy, isn’t it?

Our cultures sometimes even measures our worth by how busy we are…

….determines our significance by how much we accomplish…

….assesses our importance by how well we meet the expectations of others!

We are often under the yoke of proving to be ‘Somebody’ by what “we do”…

…than by what “we are”!

In this busy dizzy frenzied life…

… the Church today celebrates the Feast of St Martha and teaches us beautiful life examples to grow in holiness.

The moment St Martha is mentioned, our minds immediately paint a picture of a working lady, in the kitchen…

>> Perhaps a little irritated and vexed, that she alone has to do the serving for Jesus, the Guest.

She is also considered, often, in low tones, in comparison to her sister, Mary.

But on this her feast, we shall try to look closer into the life of this Saint…

… who sadly often remains touted only as an irritated and perplexed kitchen-lady…

>> And instead learn some important lessons from this Lovely Saint, for our Spiritual Life:

1. The Hospitable Martha

The first images of Martha is of one who loved to serve and attend to the needs of the Lord.

>> Jesus found a home and a resting place in this house of Bethany (Lk 10:38)

2. The Worried Martha

This popular image of Martha is a reality in this down-to-earth Saint. She is naturally worried, that she is left alone in serving the Divine Lord.

She even tends to demand the Lord to ask her sister, Mary to help her (Lk 10:40)

3. The Loved Martha

The Apostle of Love, St John, describes Martha as “the one who was loved by the Lord” (Jn 11:5)

4. The Sorrowful Martha

At the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha expresses deep sorrow and grief.

>> Her simple humanness comes to the light once again. (Jn 11:19)

5. The Trustful Martha

Though her brother died, the coming of Jesus to her home, was a great occasion for Martha to express her trust and confidence that the Lord can work wonders and great signs. (Jn 11:22)

6. The Believing Martha

Martha rose to the occasion when Jesus demands an expression of faith…

>> Parallel to Peter’s Faith Confession (Mt 16:16), Martha articulates her belief & conviction (Jn 11:27)

7. The Bold Martha

An often overlooked fact is that Jesus was often under the ire of the Pharisees and the Elders of the Law – some of them even plotting to kill this “emerging Reformer and Restorer” of the Law.

Jesus was at a constant risk to His life.

>> And yet, the Bold Martha is courageous and daring to accept the Lord into her home and to render him a shelter and a safe haven.

St Martha serves an inspiration to us, involved in much work and yet seeking to find a home in the heart of the Lord…

St Martha becomes a model to us…

>> Having human frailties and weakness…

… and yet wanting to tread the path of Holiness.

St Martha proves to be an example to us who gets discouraged by worries and brokenness in life…

… and yet wanting to honour to the Lord with a life of faith and strong belief.

The key is … “To Pay Attention to the Lord”

St Martha perhaps..

… had one Missed Call from the Lord: ” Martha Martha, you are anxious about many things” (Lk 10:41)….

>> But the next time onwards…she was ready to answer…!

As St Paul says, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)…

…let us glorify the Lord by our lives!

Happy Feast of St Martha!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Those who are burdened with Martha’s busy

anxieties, would not fail to enjoy in the very midst of their hearts, the deep peace of Mary’s better part…

… provided they carry all their cares to God.

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One day, a lady was giving some lessons to her little nephew.

He was generally a good, attentive child.

>> But on this occasion he could not fix his mind on the lessons.

The child had actually lost one of his favourite marbles and was disturbed by it.

So after a little while of distraction, the little boy suddenly said: “Aunty, may I kneel down and ask God to help me find my marble?”

His aunt gave her consent.

>> The little boy knelt by his chair, closed his eyes, and prayed silently.

Then he rose and went on with his lessons contentedly.

Next day, with fear that the child had not found his toy, and so might lose his simple faith, the lady gently asked him: “Well, dear, have you found your marble?”

“No, Aunty,” was the reply, “but God has made me not want to!”

What a beautiful reply, isn’t it?

God does not always answer our prayers in the way we wish or expect!

But if we are sincere in our prayers to Him…

>> “He will take from us the desire for what is contrary to His Will…

… and give us faith and hope to leave all to His Holy Will!”

What is our understanding of Prayer?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful invitation…

… To understand Prayer

… And to grow in being a Person of Prayer

The Gospel passage begins with Jesus “praying in a certain place” (Lk 11: 1a)…

… and His disciples asking Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11: 1b)

Here is an interesting notion that is observed even in our daily lives: EMULATION

EMULATION is a quality prevalent in many areas of our life…

>> A child emulates the styles and mannerisms of the parents

>> A student emulates the virtues of his/her teacher and forms an ideal

>> Lovers seek to emulate qualities in the other to be more and more like them

>> People emulate the style statements and lifestyles of their heroes (role models)

The disciples of every Jewish Rabbi also had a deep desire to emulate their Master.

>> This included how the Rabbi appeared, his eating styles, his Sabbath observational manners, what he liked and disliked, his mannerisms and his preferences.

>> The Rabbi would also teach and emphasize certain aspects of the prayers that he considered most important, depending on his outlook and approach to God.

Thus, we see the disciples of Jesus, the Rabbi also come to Him… to emulate Him

>> They had seen their Master often resorting to long hours of prayer

>> They had observed their Master interceding to the Father on important occasions

>> They had experienced their Master as One Who was in communion with the Father through prayer

And so, seeing their Master in prayer – wanting to emulate Him – they ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Lk 11: 1b)

Here is also an important lesson for us…

>> Do we want our children to pray?

… As parents, we must be rooted in prayer and children should see us praying

>> Do we want our parishes to be more vibrant and co-operative?

… The priests especially and the faithful should live as persons of prayer

>> Do we want our religious communities to be houses of peace and joy?

… The community members have a bounden duty to spend time in personal and community prayer

As Christians, we have a duty to be Persons of Prayer…

… being in communion with the Father

… seeking His Will at all times

… living joyfully, knowing that the Father cares for us

The relationship that Jesus emphasizes in prayer is that of God as a Father…

>> A Loving Father

… Who cares and loves us much!

>> A Merciful Father

… Who never abandons us and always wants us to be close to Him!

>> A Providential Father

… Who knows the needs of His children and provides the best for them, always!

>> A Concerned Father

… Who is more concerned of us than we ourselves and thus will always…always protect us!

What is therefore needed in prayer, “is a raising of one’s heart to the Father in love”

Jesus in the Gospel, further teaches on prayer, through a parable:

>> A friend who knocks at the door of his friend at an odd hour in the night, seeking for help (Lk 11: 5-8)

The man had an unforeseen guest, and so he went to his friend seeking for help

This man had the goodwill to serve his guest…

…but did not have the resources to help.

Very often, we ourselves land up into such situations, isn’t it?

We have “guests” coming in different forms….

>> People with problems and difficulties who approach us for help and assistance

>> Moments of uncertainty and insecurity that diverts our minds to it

>> Situations of sicknesses or crisis which seek our attention

In all those situations, we ask ourselves: “What can I do?”

But we need to realise and be convinced: “The best thing a Christian can do… is to pray!”

In all moments of hardships and difficulties…

… we need to rush to God, our Great Neighbour and cry out to Him, “A friend has come, and I have nothing to set before him.“

Such moments become occasions when we realise…

… Necessity for God and Dependence of God are two essential constituents of Prayer

We thus become Persons of Prayer…

… the more we sense the need for God in our life and the more we depend on Him

… the more we know that God is everything for us and the more we know He knows what’s best for us!

Of course, it does not mean that God, our Great neighbour, is sleeping and that He has to be awakened from his slumber…

… or that He has to be forced to render us help.

The point of the parable is that: When we realise we have a Friend Who is most needed for me and on Whom I can depend on…

… Whatever be the time of my life, I will go to Him

… Whatever be the situation I face in life, I present myself to Him

Thus prayer becomes…

… not simply an exercise or an obligation to be fulfilled

… not simply a remedial measure in our moments of struggle

But prayer becomes…

… a time of sharing and presenting ourselves, always, to the Lord seeking His Will

… a moment when we love the Lord more and perceive His plan for us in our life

… a time of self-introspection to weed away anything unbecoming of His Love

The Lord is a Loving Father, Who loves our prayer not because of hard-heartedness..

… but because He thirsts that we spend more time with Him, in His presence!

God’s Love for us… is and ought to become the greatest reason for us to pray!

And so Jesus says, “Ask, Seek and Knock” (Lk 11: 9)

>> Ask… to come to know that we depend on God for everything

>> Seek… to continually declare that we wish His Will to be done in our lives

>> Knock… to surrender ourselves to Him knowing that He is always available for us!

Prayer, is thus, always influential and transformative…

… making us to bend our wills to His Will

… causing us to amend our ways, to have our lives resonant with His Will

Yes, if we are sincere in our prayers to Him…

>> “He will take from us the desire for what is contrary to His Will…

… and give us Faith and Hope, to leave all to His Holy Will!”

Let us give to the words of St Teresa of Avila:

“Provided that we don’t give up, the Lord will guide everything for our benefit…!

There is no other remedy for this evil of giving up prayer than to begin again!”

May the Lord help us to grow in our understanding of prayer and to always be Persons of Prayer!

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!”

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