One of the most baffling and mysterious aspect in our world…

… is the active & dynamic presence of evil in this world.

Today the Lord Jesus ventures into opening His mind on this crucial Reality of our lives….

A couple of days back, we were with the Generous Sower, who was madly liberal in sowing on different types of soil and which had their corresponding results (Mt 13: 1-9).

Today, we are back to the field….

>> But our deliberation is not on the Sower or the Seeds…

… but on the presence of Weeds among the Wheat (Mt 13:24-30)

Let the botany in us, focus today on The Weeds…. the Irritable Weeds!

Botanically named “Lolium temulentum”, the weeds are also called Darnel or Tares.

>> These weeds have a characteristic of making one feel poisoned with drunkenness, when consumed.

They also have the deceptive characteristic of bearing a close resemblance to Wheat.

>> In fact, these weeds are also called as False Wheat!

So the enemy in the parable…is a Learned Deceiver!

He sows this deceptive and misleading weed among the innocent and harmless wheat!

But the Lord, the Ultimate Judge gives out a strong, yet strange command:

“Let the weeds not be pulled up, lest the wheat be uprooted with them; let them just grow together until harvest!” (Mt 13:29-30)

>> Some mysteries in life cannot  be fully understood…

… but is to be boldly lived!

>> Some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…

… but is to be bravely challenged!

>> Some problems in life cannot be completely solved…

… but is to be fearlessly encountered!

Here is another hard reality to be digested: “God uses the very wickedness and injustices of evildoers to perfect his Elect.”

The triumph and prosperity of the wicked are short-lived…

…whereas the reward of the Christian who suffers from their wickedness is everlasting.

That’s a hard and unpopular and even impractical statement, right?

>> But facts remain facts –  we consent or not!

This leads us to a vital aspect of our Practical Christian Living: To be Patient with ourselves and with others…

… in dealing with sin

… with evil tendencies

… with horrifying obsessions

… with unacceptable practices

… with unalterable addictions

… and with abominable disgraces.

Often…

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

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

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

… we 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 Ultimate Eliminator is the Lord Himself…

>> The Perfect Vanquisher is the Lord Himself!

>> The Supreme Conqueror is the Lord Himself!

Are all these too abstract, theoretical & impractical talks?

… NO!

St Paul gives an assurance in Romans 8:26-27:

“The Spirit comes to our aid in our weaknesses. He Himself will intercede for us, when we co-operate with Him.”

God, who is all-powerful shares His Omnipotence with us…

… in the Holy Sacraments, in Prayer, in the Bible and in the Church.

Let us have recourse to this power of God, and be strengthened in our lives!

Let us try to do our utmost…

… but let us also permit to encounter disappointments…!

Let us strive for the finest…

… but let us fret not too much over failures and frustrations…!

The Lord knows all

>> HE sees all

>> HE has the perfect solution to all.

St Faustina says: “Our sins and weaknesses and miseries are like little sticks, before the burning furnace of the Love of God”.

Let us throw our little sticks into this burning furnace…

>> Let God be God in our Lives – the Ultimate Judge and Defeater of all Evil!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be very quick to turn away from whatever leads or allures to lewd conduct…

… for this evil, works, without our knowing it and from small beginnings moves on to great difficulties.

>> Such things are always easier to avoid than to cure!”

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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step….

>> The construction of a magnificent building is initiated by the laying of a single brick or a stone…

>> The art of composing a lovely song starts with gathering of the first strains of melody & lyrics…

>> The discipline of writing a spectacular novel commences with penning down the first few words…

There is power in the first step.

>> There is magic in the first act.

And…

… there is much potential in the Sowing of a Little Seed!

We are once again encountering the familiar Parable of the Sower…

.. today with its explanation in the Gospel Reading.

The Master Sower is in the Field, broadcasting the Seeds

>> The Seed is the Word of God.

The Seed is little.

>> It is tiny.

>> It is small.

But it can become big.

>> It can become powerful.

>> It can become very influential.

The Word of God is powerful…

… but it is in the form of a Seed.

>> It however, contains within it, all the potentials of a new life and fruitfulness!

The Seed has a tremendous potential….

… the potential to be the Living Bread (Jn 6:51) – to sustain life, and to strengthen the weak and fragile.

… the potential to be a Bubbling Fountain (Prov 13:14) –  issuing forth pure water that refreshes, cleanses and purifies the dirt of sinfulness.

… the potential to be a Powerful Hammer (Jer 23:29) – building and reconstructing broken and shattered lives.

… the potential to be a Thick Golden Honey (Ps 19:11) –  sweet to the taste and satisfying the spirit in moments of distress and pain.

… the potential to be a Bright, Shining Lamp (Ps 119:105) –  exposing the darkness and releasing the light of His purity, holiness and righteousness upon humanity.

… the potential to be a Sharp Two-edged Sword (Heb 4:12) – helping to discern between the good & bad, the holy & the profane and the pure & polluted!

… the potential to be a Mirror ( Jam 1:23)  – challenging us to look into our interior and also reflecting the attributes of the Most High God in whose image we are created!

Yes, the Seed has a tremendous potential!

The Divine Sower, today, invites us to share in His Divine Work of broadcasting the Seed…

… and helping it realize its full potentials.

Today we gaze at the Family Photo of our Beloved Saviour…

… and specially recall and cherish the Blessings of God, bestowed on the privileged Grandparents of Jesus & the Parents of Blessed Mother Mary – St Anne and St Joachim…

… on their Feast Day.

Hardly anything is known about Saint Ann and Saint Joachim.

>> But one thing, we know with certainty:  The legacy of their daughter, Mary – the Woman entrusted by God the Father to become the Mother of God.

It was their teaching, upbringing and example that helped Mamma Mary…

… to say Her Fiat – Yes, to God.

… to stand firm in the midst of unforeseen events.

… to be strong in the face of immense pain and sufferings!

Yes, God chose two simple individuals – Anne & Joachim –  to help in His Plan for the Salvation of the world.

>> The little, the tiny and the small become mighty in the Hands of God!

A harvest of manifold blessings, begins with the little, the tiny and the small…

… even as simple as a single Seed!

Let us not be afraid to Sow the Seed in our own situations &  circumstances.

Happy Feast of Mamma’s parents to all.

>> May their Li’l Divine Prince bless us! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Bloom where you are planted!”

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A class of Standard Five students were being taught the value of friendship.

At the end of the class, the teacher, while revising, asked the children to give a short definition of friendship.

Little Jane lifted up her hand and replied: “A friend is someone who knows all about you…

… lavishes love on you, for being just as you are

… and yet, gently leads you, to become better than what you are!”

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful account of Jesus, the True Friend who lavishes His Love for His disciples…

… and yet, gently, leads them to become better disciples!

The Gospel narrative begins with the mother of Apostles James and John, requesting the Lord to grant her children a privileged place in the Kingdom.

>> In her tenderness and affection as a mother, she wished that her children be always close to the Lord…

But the Lord replied…. “You do not know what you are asking”! (Mt 20:22)

The Lord was inviting the mother… and the disciples… and each one of us to understand…

… “What it really means to be close to the Lord!”

Did they really know what it meant to be Close to the Lord?

>> Do I really know what it means to be close to the Lord?

St James had enjoyed a privileged place in the Band of the Apostles of Jesus.

He was in the Core Group – one of the Three – Peter and John being the other two- who had the opportunity to be with the Lord in some of His special and extraordinary moments.

>> Raising the dead daughter of Jairus…

>> Transfiguration on the mountain top….

>> Moments of praying and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane….

James was indeed physically close to the Lord…

But the Lord today invites…with much love and affection…

>> James and his brother John

>> Their mother

>> The disciples

… and each one of us

>> To really realize the meaning, of asking “to be closer to Him”

Being close to the Lord means: Making changes in our lifestyle and to be in accord with the Will of God!

>> Look at the lives of Mother Mary….St Joseph… St Paul… St Peter…St Matthew

Being close to the Lord means: To get out of comfort zones & taking risks in life, for Christ’s sake!

>> Look at the lives of the Good Samaritan…Nicodemus…Simon of Cyrene…

Being close to the Lord means: Giving up a sinful life and amending our ways to seek for holiness!

>> Look at the lives of Zacchaeus… the Woman caught in adultery… the Samaritan Woman,… the Good Thief…

Being close to the Lord means: Embracing sufferings that come our way, seeing the Providence of God!

>> Look at the lives of Mother Mary……St John the Baptist….St Stephen…. St Paul…

In asking to be close to the Lord, we also say that…

… Yes Lord, I will share in your cup of suffering.

… Yes Lord, I will join you on the way of the Cross

… Yes Lord, I will unite with your death on the Cross!

The mother of John and James realized this…

>> That’s why we find her….at the Foot of the Cross (Mt 27:56)

She understood.

>> She got close to Jesus.

>> She remained till the end.

>> She drank the Cup!

John also realized this…

>> That’s we find him, according to tradition…suffering during the Roman Persecution

He understood.

>> He got close to Jesus.

>> He remained till the end.

>> He drank the Cup!

James also realized this…

>> That’s why we find him, killed by the sword…in witness to Christ, His Master (Acts 12:2)

He understood.

>> He got close to Jesus.

>> He remained till the end.

>> He drank the Cup!

The Lord also promises…

>> He who shares my cup…also shares my Glory!

>> He who shares my cross…also shares my Rising!

The Apostle James, went close to the Lord, drank the Cup…

… and he shares in the Joy of the Lord

Today, he intercedes and invites and beckons us…

>> To come closer to the Lord…

… and share in the Lord’s Joy and Glory!

Are we willing to be close…really close…

… to Jesus, our Beloved Friend?

He is our Best Friend “Who knows all about us …

… lavishes His love on us, for being just as we are

… and yet, gently leads us, to become better than what we are!”

Feast Day greetings of the Apostle St James!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Friendship is completely founded upon communication and exchange…

… and cannot exist in practice, without sharing in the qualities and defects of the friend loved!”

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If variety is the spice of life…

… simplicity is the essence of life.

If humour is the flavour of life…

… simplicity is the base of life.

If cheerfulness is the seasoning in life…

… simplicity is the spirit of life!

Simple things, always go a long way in life…

… isn’t it?

Our God is the God of Simplicity.

>> He is the God of small things!

The Lord of Simplicity and Smallness loves to expound His beautiful and profound teaching of the Kingdom of God through the simple and small objects of life…..

In today’s Gospel, a Mighty Teaching is delivered through the medium of…

… the Tiny seed

… the insignificant soil

… and the unnoticed Sower!

Certain simple things of life remain in the background, until a strong gaze is fixed on them…

….to realize its worth and importance.

Is this not true even in our day to day lives?

>> The simple acts of sacrifice and love done by the members of the family

>> The unseen efforts of a number of workers ensuring cleanliness and safety in society

>> The quiet acts of service rendered by those working in our institutions and places of work

… all these simple aspects of life often remain forgotten and unrecognized, unless we consciously make an effort to remember and thank them!

And so today’s Gospel begins with the verse…” A Sower went out to sow and as he sowed….”

Full Stop!

We don’t hear of this Sower anymore in the Parable.

>> There is much written on the type of soil…

>> There in enough written on seeds that are broadcasted…

>> There is a fair mention also of the produce…

… But what about the Sower?

So, today, let’s focus the camera of our reflection today….on the generally unnoticed Sower…

This Sower has a stand out quality:

He is…

… lavish in His generosity

… extravagant in His big-heartedness

… and sumptuous in His Kindness!

Though seasoned in His profession of sowing the Seeds, the Sower, bountifully, broadcasts the Seeds on all sorts of soil…

Look closer….

>> He doesn’t make an account of the number of seeds lost…

>> He doesn’t tally the wastage that will be incurred…

>> He doesn’t bill the produce that will result…

He just does one thing… HE SOWS!

Is HE mad??

Seems so!

A Mad Sower….!

… A Sower Who is mad in being extremely generous, lavish and extravagant!

Who is this Sower?

>> God

The Sower is God, Who is Mad …

… Mad for His children, by sowing the seeds of Mercy and Love, generously!

… Mad for His people, by sowing the seeds of Forgiveness and Acceptance, lavishly!

… Mad for His loved ones, by sowing the seeds of His Grace and His Spirit, extravagantly!

Now, how many of us can be like that?

>> Do we sow…

… when a loss is bound to happen as per human calculations?

>> Do we sow honesty and truthfulness…

… even if birds of injustice devour all our good intentions?

>> Do we sow good initiatives…

… even if there is no reward and all our endeavours are being choked?

>> Do we sow a kind word…

… even if we know that bad words will scorch our pure purpose?

>> Do we sow a loving action…

… even though the reaction is always tepid and cold and even adverse?

>> Do we sow help and co-operation…

… in spite of the fact that no one will appreciate our good works?

>> Do we sow a forgiving smile & a reconciling gesture…

… though we are deeply hurt & even wounded?

>> Do we sow an attitude of deep trust & confidence…

… although things are totally topsy-turvy in life?

The Sower, in the Parable, however, continued to Sow…..

>> He knows… “As the rains and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return, till they have watered the earth………the Seed will not return idle, but will accomplish the purpose for which it has been sown!” (Cf. Is 55:10-11)

Truly…

… Sowing is not a very easy task

…Sowing is not a rewarding enterprise!

But today, the Divine Sower, who is madly generous, dares us to join Him in Sowing!

Yes, it’s a Simple Spirituality: “Simply Sow, so as to serve the society, with satisfaction and serenity!”

Are we willing to Simply Sow, with the Divine Sower, in his Mad Generosity?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “By making use of the little opportunities with pure and tender love, you will win the Lord’s Heart entirely and will make it your own.

>> These little daily acts of charity…

… this headache, this toothache, this swelling

… this whim of the husband or wife, this breaking of a glass, this contempt or this sulking;

… this loss of gloves, of a ring, of a handkerchief;

… this little inconvenience in going to bed early and in getting up early in the morning to pray, to receive communion;

… this little shame in performing acts of devotion publicly

>> In short, all these little sufferings accepted and embraced with love are extremely pleasing to the Divine Goodness

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We sometimes find advertisements, in newspapers or magazines that invite the readers to apply for a job or a task.

These ads…

… attract those who are interested by mentioning the various packages and privileges

… inform regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for that post or duty.

The Gospel of the Day presents such an open-invitation – in a bid…

…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God, by mentioning various packages and privileges

… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God

In the Gospel passage, we read that “The family of Jesus come to meet Him, while He was at ministry” (Mt 12: 46)

“Someone told Him, ‘Your Mother and Your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you” (Mt 12: 47)

But the Lord makes use of this context to put forward a very important truth:

• Spiritual bonding with God, the Father takes higher precedence over blood bonding.

• Spiritual relations are to be given a higher priority over the generational heritage and legacy.

A new and significant understanding is put forward by Jesus to define “His Family”

“… whoever does the Will of My Heavenly Father is My brother and sister and mother” (Mt 12: 50)

Thus, we see a wonderful ad that Jesus displays…

An ad…

…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God by mentioning various packages and privileges

… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God

Here are the main aspects of this great ad…

1. The Offer: Being a member of the Family of God

Jesus makes an open and loving invitation for all to be part of His Family.

We are given a privilege to be called the brothers and sisters of our Blessed Lord!

• What a great honour!

• What a wonderful favour!

2. The Qualification: Seeking and doing the Will of God

The most essential and basic qualification to possess the offer of being a member of the Family of God, is to seek and do the Will of God.

Jn 1:12 says, “… to those who accept Him, He gave power to become children of God”

3. The Privileges: Divine Peace and Happiness on the earth and promise of life eternal

The One who is part of the Divine Family, also is privileged to share in the life and happiness of the Divine Family!

Jn 6:40 declares, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

4. Who can apply: Anyone, who is daring to sacrifice one’s personal agenda

The one who can apply for this “offer” of being a member of God’s Will is to possess a dare and courage: to let go of one’s personal desires in life, and seek to embrace what God wants of him/her.

Mt 16: 24 says, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.

5. When should it be applied: At the earliest, in the first instance possible

The opportune time to take the initiative to participate in the Divine Family is “now”

In the parable of the ten virgins, in Mt 25: 1-13, the five virgins missed the opportunity to be part of the wedding feast, because of their delay and postponement.

>> 2 Pet 3:9 says, “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Our Blessed Lord would be delighted to have us as part of His Divine Family.

For this, He also gives out His ad…

… attracting us to the Kingdom of God

… informing us of the various factors and parameters

Are we willing to positively respond to this invitation of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “A person who has not the fever of self-will, is contented everywhere and in all things, provided God be glorified.

>> He cares not in what capacity God employs him…

… provided he can do therein His Divine Will!”

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A Dutch diamond collector was seeking for a very rare diamond.

A diamond dealer in New York heard of this inquiry and contacted him…

… letting him know that he believed he possessed the diamond he was looking for.

The diamond collector arrived…

… and the dealer had his salesman present the diamond.

The salesman described all the technical aspects of the diamond.

>> However within minutes, the diamond collector rose his hand and said: “I am sorry! This is not the diamond I am looking for”…

… and began to walk away.

Watching from a distance, the diamond dealer hurriedly intercepted him…

… and he asked him if he could present the diamond again.

Since he had travelled a long distance, the collector agreed to listen once again.

The dealer pulled out the same diamond and started describing his admiration for this particular diamond.

Within minutes they were signing papers, and the diamond was purchased.

As the gentleman was walking out, he asked, what just happened?

>> Why was it so easy for me to say no to your salesman a little while ago, while with you I purchased the diamond?

The dealer replied: “That salesman is the best in the business.

>> He knows more about diamonds than anyone, including myself, and I pay him a large salary for his knowledge and expertise.

But I would gladly pay him twice as much if I could put into him something I have which he lacks.

You see, he knows diamonds…

… but I love them!”

Love transforms everything!

>> Love adds passion in any activity we do.

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such person who deeply loved the Lord – St Mary Magdalene.

The Bible presents St Mary Magdalene as a woman who loved Jesus intensely and passionately.

She teaches us remarkable things for each one of us to Love the Lord deeper:

1. She Followed Him

Luke 8:2 presents Mary Magdalene as having been cured of seven demons.

Her experience of the Healing of the Lord, made her to Follow Jesus, in His ministry of preaching and healing.

>> Am I following the Lord?

All have us have, in our life, have experienced the power of the Lord.

>> But do I truly follow the Lord?

2. She was Persistent to seek Him

The Death of her Lord had rocked Mary Magdalene…

… and she seeks persistently, in the tomb where Jesus was laid.

Even though she witnessed an empty tomb, her heart longed to see the Saviour….” so she stayed outside the tomb weeping”(Jn 20:11).

>> Am I persistent to seek the Lord?

I have often had setbacks in my prayer life, work situations & aspirations.

>> But do I still persevere in looking for the Lord?

3. She was Single-hearted in her search for Him

In her search for Jesus, whom she misunderstood as a gardener, Mary Magdalene expresses her sincerity and frankness and single-mindedness – “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

>> She sought no empty phrases or consolations…but the Lord alone!

>> Nothing and none else could suffice her..but the Lord alone!

>> Am I single-hearted in my search for the Lord?

I am sometimes content with fleeting pleasures, transitory consolation and momentary comforts in my spiritual life.

>> Do I rather be single-hearted in my longing for the Lord?

4. She was enthusiastic about Him

Once she recognized the ordinary gardener as her Precious Master, Mary Magdalene is enthusiastic and fervent about Him.

Nothing could stop her from proclaiming Him.

In the words of St Bernard, “she became an apostle to the Apostles”.

>> Am I enthusiastic in my life?

As a Christian, I have in me the influencing, the powerful and the salvific good news of the Lord. >> Am I enthusiastic in sharing about the Lord to others?

Let us learn from St Mary Magdalene…

… her commitment in following of Jesus

… her persistence in waiting for Jesus, her single-heartedness in searching for Jesus, and her enthusiasm in telling others about Jesus.

St Mary Magdalene…

… is a beautiful model of being a Disciple

… is a wonderful example of being a Divine-Seeker

… is a classic illustration of being a Dispenser of the Good News

St. Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in the history of Jesus.

>> The One who rose from the grave of death, appeared first to her, who herself experienced a rising from the grave of sin!

>> She was the first (as per the Gospel accounts) to see Him alive and the first to hear His voice.

>> She became the first evangelist in Christian history.

She is the Mourner who turned into a Missionary!

Let us passionately love the Lord, like St Mary Magdalene,

… “’cos there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep…

… keep us away, away from His love!”

As Christians it is not enough that we “know about Christ”…

… it is more important “to know Christ” and to love Him!

May St Mary Magdalene help us to understand that “Love transforms everything!”

>> Love adds passion to any activity we do.

Happy Feast of St Mary Magdalene – the Disciple, the Divine-Seeker, the Dispenser of the Good News!

>> Happy Feast of Tender Love and Mercy to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Today I want to wish you one of the blessings accorded to Saint Mary Magdalene.

>> Not her ecstasies or extraordinary gifts…

… but imitating her by sitting at the feet of Jesus all the days of our life.

Above all, I hope you have the courage to overcome the difficulties that impede you from God.

Therefore, continually seek the Lord and do not give up until you have found Him.

>> Seek Him out during this mortal life, not risen and glorious, but crucified and dead.

Prepare your shoulders to carry the cross of the Crucified with love, and if the burden is heavy, console yourself…

… because courage and love will give you the strength!”

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Nine year old Bobby arrived late for the football match.

>> The game had already started.

The coach, obviously upset as Bobby was a key player, shouted at him: “Why are you so late?”

“I had to decide”, replied Bobby, ” Today is a Sunday. And I had to decide between going to Church and going for this football game”

“Then what did you do” asked the coach curiously

> > “I tossed a coin to decide” said Bobby.

“Tossed a coin?” asked the surprised coach, “But that shouldn’t have taken too long.

“Hmmm…” continued Bobby, “Well… I had to toss the coin 35 times!”

(Little Bobby kept on tossing the coin…till he got what he wanted – i.e. to go for the football match!!)

How often are we too like Li’l Bobby, when it comes to making choices and priorities, especially in our spiritual life…

We get confused in choosing the correct choices

>> We get puzzled in preferring the proper priorities

We sometimes even seek to justify our choices and argue to validate our priorities

>> We insist on having our way… mould situations to suit our needs!

>> As a result, we often end up….

… in complaining and cribbing

… in back biting and bickering

… in criticism and calumny

The Gospel of the Day is a lesson in making the proper priorities and the correct choices in life.

We have the familiar incident of Jesus as a guest in the house of Martha and Mary.

Jesus came to a village and was welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38)

Martha demonstrated great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home (Lk 10: 40)

>> She got busy with the tasks of serving their honoured Guest.

Mary, on the other side, displayed great devotion and love, by sitting at the feet of Jesus (Lk 10: 39)

>> She got immersed in spending time, with the revered Rabbi.

The character of Martha is vividly seen in this incident

Here is a lady…

… hospitable and welcoming

… engaging in works to make the stay of her Guest comfortable

… ready to struggle and do whatever she can, to bring happiness to the Other

Many of us could probably identify ourselves with Martha.

>> We are willing to let go of our self so that others may enjoy and feel contented

>> We engage ourselves into works so that the life of our loved ones are taken care

>> We are ready to struggle and do whatever we can, to bring joy and comfort to others

But despite doing all these hard works, like Martha, we often end up on the wrong side

When Martha complained to Jesus, ” Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” (Lk 10: 40)

… she was expressing her feelings of being over burdened

… she was giving vent to her emotions of not being acknowledged

But Jesus calms her, and chides her mildly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and anxious about many things…” (Lk 10: 41)

Something interesting is to be noted here…. “Martha, Martha!”

>> A double calling of the name!

The Scripture records only very few instances when such an occurrence took place – the name being called twice…

>> Abraham: (Gen 22:11): “But the angel of the Lord called to him out of heaven: ‘Abraham, Abraham.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Jacob (Gen 46:2): “In a vision at night God called to Israel, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Moses (Ex 3:4): “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to see, God called him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”

>> Samuel (1 Sam 3:10): “The Lord came and stood and spoke as at the other times: ‘Samuel, Samuel.’ and Samuel said, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.'”

>> Simon Peter (Lk 22:31) “Simon, Simon! Behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail.

>> Saul (Acts 9:4) “Falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

We also find another important instance: Jesus calling on God (Mt 27:46): “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani  – My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

What does the twice calling of the name in the Bible refer to?

1. Repeating a person’s name was a Hebrew expression of intimacy

2. In all the instances of the name being called twice, a major event/occasion/teaching was being referred to

Taking a cue from this…

…When Jesus calls “Martha, Martha” – the name being called twice:

>> Jesus is expressing a filial tenderness and love for Martha

>> Jesus is also referring to an important teaching:  “Giving importance to Jesus above all”

To each of us then, who find ourselves, struggling and complaining like Martha…

>> The Lord calls our name – “probably twice ” – and tells us:

“With much tenderness and love, I invite you my child, to give heed to an important teaching:

… Give priority to ME above all!”

Like Martha, maybe we are often distracted

Perhaps…

>> We tell the Lord that we wish to follow Him wholeheartedly…

… but are sometimes unwilling to let go of our sinful behaviours

>> We promise God that we would spend more time in prayer…

… but often excuses like lack of time prevent us from fulfilling our promises

>> We resolve that we will let go our sinful habits and tendencies…

… but often we cling on to those pleasures and fail to be more determined in rooting them out

Today, let us give heed to this invitation of the Lord: “To give priority to HIM above all!”

Surely, all of us do have…

… our own works and responsibilities

… our own cares and concerns of life

… our own distractions and troubles

But in the midst of all this…. beyond all these aspects: Let us give priority to the Lord!

>> Let His presence reign…in our work and responsibilities

>> Let His Providence be trusted… in our cares and concerns of life

>> Let His Power prevail… in our distractions and troubles

Let the incident of Martha and Mary inspire us, to make personal resolutions…

… of daily spending time with the Lord in personal prayer

… of daily reading the Word of God and listening to His Voice

… of daily making an examination of conscience and amending our lives

The Lord loves us much….

… let us love Him too

… let Him reign over our homes and our lives

… let us give Him full attention as The Guest of our hearts

Situations in life will often put to us dilemma in making a choice…in picking out our priorities

>> “Let us always give priority to the Lord”!

Are we going to toss a coin for this?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Have Jesus always for your patron, His Cross for a mast on which you must spread your resolutions as a sail.

>> Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him…

… and you shall sail prosperously!”

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The Bible is the Real Word of God…

… describing Real Situations of Human Beings and the World.

>> The Bible does not shy away from presenting the weaknesses & the vulnerability of people.

In fact, the Bible has a special concern and a likeness for persons who are…

… feeble & fragile

… weak & worn-out

… helpless and hopeless

… unprotected & unarmed

… demoralized & defenseless

The Bible presents an “Anawim God”!

>> The term “Anawim” in Hebrew means “The Poor who seek the Lord for deliverance.”

God has always taken the ones in the position of powerlessness…

… and placed them in the position of strength.

The idea of God’s people being poor and delivered by Him is found throughout the Scripture.

Jesus is the Face of this Anawim God.

>> Though He was God, He emptied Himself and became..

… poor & powerless, frail &feeble

…. like any of us!

Today’s Gospel presents two images quoting Isaiah, on how this Anawim Jesus cares for His people: “The bruised reed He will not crush…nor snuff out the smouldering wick”!

What are Bruised Reeds and Smouldering Wicks?

1. The Bruised Reed

A reed was a tall hollow blade of grass along the river bank.

>> But sometimes, a strong wind would blow, or people would stamp them down and they would become bowed and bent over…

Battered and shattered lives of people are Bruised Reeds…

… But Jesus does not crush them!

Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?

>> Crushed by a financial crisis…

>> Devastated by human calamites…

>> Suppressed by lack of spiritual solace…

>> Struck by an illness…

>> Hurt by a harsh word…

>> Disappointed by a death…

The world may want to cast these bruised reeds aside.

>> But Jesus reaches out in love and mercy!

The world did not see their pain and misery.

>> But Jesus gets in touch to comfort and relieve!

There are lot of Bruised Reeds in the Bible:

>> Zacchaeus…

>> Martha…

>> The Woman caught in adultery…

>> The Samaritan Woman…

>> The Man with a withered hand…

>> The widow who offered a mite etc…

Is my Life like a Bruised Reed?

2. The Smouldering Wick:

Jesus’ image here was based on wicks used in oil lamps.

When the oil supply became less, the flame begins to flicker.

As the wick burned out, smoke was emitted that smelled bad…

… the normal tendency is the put off this smouldering wick…

>> But Jesus does not snuff them out!

Is my life like a Smouldering Wick?

>> Saddened by trials and troubles, our flame of life often flickers…

>> Encountered by constant failures, our light of faith dies out…

>> Blown by winds of catastrophes, our glow of hope fades away…

>> Stumbled upon darkness of consolations, our flare of charity wanes away…

The world wants to snuff out these wicks.

>> But Jesus intervenes to renew the fire and the blaze!

The world feels it’s the end.

>> But Jesus jumpstarts and rejuvenates our lives!

There are a lot of Smouldering Wicks in the Bible…

>> Peter…

>> Mathew…

>> Bartimaeus…

>> Mary Magdalene…

>> The Crook on the Cross etc…

Is my life like a Smouldering Wick?

Am I an Anawim…a NObody?….

>> God wants to make me a SOMEbody!

The Bible tells stories after stories about nobodies; about those who never do well!

>> But God chose them.

God’s eyes search throughout the world, looking for ones whose stories ended before it began.

>> He looks for those who have no hope in this world – The Bruised Reeds and the Smouldering Wicks

Let’s be prepared to Rise Up in Hope and to Burn On in Love!

>> The Anawim are God’s Beloved!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The many troubles in your household will tend to your edification…

… if you strive to bear them all in gentleness, patience, and kindness.

>> Keep this ever before you, and remember constantly that God’s loving eyes are upon you amid all these little worries and vexations…

… watching whether you take them as He would desire

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The dial of a clock is a beautiful illustration of the way God deals with human life.

The hands on the dial of the clock are God’s Hands – passing over and over again…

… the short hand, being the Hand of God’s Discipline

… the long hand, being the Hand of God’s Mercy

• The short hand – the hand of Discipline…

… passes slowly, but surely

… strikes at each hour too

• But the long hand – the hand of Mercy…

… passes much faster and surely too

… showers down sixtyfold of blessing for each strike of discipline

And another interesting aspect….?

Both the hands are fastened to one firm and secure point – the Beautiful Heart of the God of Love!

God’s discipline in the form of trials is a surety in life…

• But much more abundant in life, are His mercies that are scattered regularly all through…

>> And both these dimensions – Discipline & Mercies – stem forth from the Immense Love of God!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of Jesus as the God of Love Who, though is a Disciplining God…

… displays His Heart of abundant mercy and invites His followers to become People of Merciful Love!

The Gospel passage begins the incident of the disciples being caught by the Pharisees plucking the heads of grain and eating them, on the Sabbath Day.

The Pharisees who were the strict proponents and protectors of the Law, found it a great offence when they found the disciples were doing an “illegal and unlawful” act, as per their Sabbath prescriptions.

Therefore they accuse, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (Mt 12:2)

But Jesus is quick to point out the folly that the Pharisees were falling into…

>> The folly of being crime-finders than being mercy-givers!

>> The folly of becoming petty-accusers than being generous-forgivers!

Jesus brings out two practical examples to show the “duplicity” and the “unkind” attitude of the Pharisees:

1. David’s ‘grave’ violation of the Sabbath was acceptable whereas the Disciples ‘minor’ act was condemned!

>> David unlawfully ate of the tabernacle showbread which was reserved only for the priests.

But this “not lawful” act of David was not condemned

>> The Disciples on the other, actually did not break the Law…

The Hebrew law had made provision for those in need to eat when they passed through a field of grain (Dt. 23:25; cf. Ruth 2:2-3)

But over the years, the tradition had evolved a series of ‘violations’ that were considered violations of the Sabbath Law.

One of these ‘violations’ was ‘ plucking and eating’ the grain – that the disciples did.

However, this act was most certainly not for commercial gain, as envisaged by the Law

Therefore, in reality, the Disciples had not really done anything “unlawful”

Yet, they were condemned!

2. The daily duty of the priests on the Sabbath was considered as being “normal” whereas the ‘exceptional’ act of the disciples to satisfy the basic human need of hunger was considered ‘aberrant’!

The work done by the Priests who served on the Sabbath Day, was acceptable.

However, the action done by the Disciples was considered violation of the Law!

Jesus makes another statement here, “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here” (Mt 12: 6)

What was Jesus, in fact, also saying?

>> “You permit the priests of human-made temples to work, but you do not allow the Disciples of the Living Temple to work?

Is that not showing your duplicity on one side, and your lack of knowledge of the Messiah on the other?!”

And therefore, Jesus makes that bold and firm statement, echoing the prophet Hosea (6:6):

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” (Mt 12: 7)

Jesus passed through a field where condemnation was scattered; but He sows the seeds of mercy all around!

Today, you and me, are invited to do the same…

… to become people who show mercy and compassion, rather than being “judgmental” and “overly-critical” people!

We are invited to be like the Lord, as illustrated in the ‘dial of a clock’:

>> Having a hand of discipline that passes only slowly…

>> But also having a hand of Mercy that traverses more often…

But both, being fastened tightly to a Heart, full of compassion and love!

We may live, passing through the fields of unjust condemnation and outright critics.

>> But like the Lord, may we become persons, who sow the seeds of Mercy and Compassion!

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!”

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A story is told of a shabby old man who would go to the Church at noon every day.

>> He would just be inside the Church for a few minutes.

The sacristan of the Church was disturbed with this man’s daily presence…

… “What could he be doing?”

… “Why is the motive of this shabby man?”

>> After all, the Church also contained valuable furnishings.

“I go to pray,” the old man said in reply to the sacristan’s questioning.

“Oh, come on! Don’t lie”, the sacristan refuted, “you are never long enough in the church to pray.”

“Well, you see,’ the old man went on…

“I cannot make a long prayer.

But every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, “Jesus, it’s Jim.”

I wait for a minute and then come away.

>> It’s just a little prayer, but I guess He hears me.”

Some months back, Jim was injured and was taken to the hospital.

He had a wonderful influence in the hospital ward

>> Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would ring with laughter.

“Well, Jim,” said the nurse to him one day, “It’s so wonderful to see you happy always!”

“Hmm… yes, Sister, I can’t help being happy.

You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes me happy!”

“Your visitor?” asked the puzzled sister, for he was a lonely old man, with no relations, “Your visitor? But when does he come?’

“Every day,” Jim replied, with the twinkle in his eyes growing brighter.

“Every day at twelve o’clock He comes and stands at the foot of my bed.

I see Him and He smiles and says, “Jim, it’s Jesus!”

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…

…. to come to His Presence

… and to rest in His Heart!

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28)

Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….

… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”

… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”

… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”

… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”

… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…

… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

Perhaps….

>> You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?

>> You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?

>> You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?

>> You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…

… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”

… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…

… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

>> The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.

… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

The Yoke, helps the young one…

… to reduce its burden

… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one

… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…

… Yoke as a symbol of partnership

… Yoke as a symbol of control

… Yoke as a symbol of relief

… Yoke as a symbol of hope

When we take the “yoke” of Christ…

… He strengthens us

… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over

… We find a meaning for our lives and we feel refreshed

… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

>> It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

We need to be in the presence of the Lord – growing more in prayer and trust in Him.

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…

… sinful addictions

… unpleasant habits

… unholy sources of pleasure

But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…

>> Especially in our moments of burden and hardships

… and receive strength and rest from Him!

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation

>> When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

>> Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength

>> Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer every day without fail

>> Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

Yes, Life may be playing a “joke” on us by straining us with burdens and hardships…

>> But let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy

… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, it’s Jesus!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “You are submerged by a flood of troubles that the size of your household places on your shoulders.

>> You must, then, call upon our Lord all the more and beg for his holy help…

… so that the work you must do will be agreeable to him and so that you will embrace it for his honor and glory!”

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