Arabian horses are made to go through painstaking and meticulous training in the dry deserts of the Middle East.

One of the most important aspects that the trainers expect from the horses is of “absolute obedience”.

>> This final test to assess their level of obedience is quite extreme…

The trainers compel the horses to be without water for many days.

A few days later, they turn the horses loose towards a pool of water…

>> The highly thirsty, parched and dehydrated horses, of course start running towards it.

But just as they get to the edge, ready to plunge in and drink, the trainer blows his whistle.

>> Screech….!

The horses are to stop mid-way…

The horses who have been completely trained and who have learned perfect obedience, stop!

>> They turn around and come pacing back to the trainer.

>> They stand there trembling, wanting water… but they wait in perfect obedience.

When the trainer is sure that he has their obedience, he gives them a signal to go back to drink.

>> Complete obedience  from the horses is a sign of their being completely trained.

Well.. this sure sounds hard and severe…

>> But perhaps, we need to learn an important aspect: the need for trustful obedience to our Master!.

·       When we are in the dry deserts of life, we got 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 Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by the Lord to listen to Him, to give heed to His Word and to be obedient to Him.

“Jesus appointed seventy (two), whom He sent ahead of Him, in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit” (Lk 10:1)

They were “chosen and appointed”.

>> Why were these chosen?

…and not others?

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

“They were ‘chosen'”

Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!

>> This gift cannot be demanded…. it is given by the Lord, out of His Will

Therefore, it demands a sense of “gratitude” and a spirit of “responsibility”!

The choosing of the seventy (two) also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!

Moses had chosen seventy elders.

>> We read this in the Book of Numbers:

“The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.” (Num 11:16)

The “seventy” were chosen from the elders of the tribes of Israel to assist Moses.

>> They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Moses, by Lord Yahweh

In the Gospels, the seventy (two) disciples are also called, by Jesus, for the similar task:

>> They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Jesus by the Heavenly Father.

In this task of “becoming an extension”, one of the most important essentials was that of “listening to the words of the Master”

>> Obedience to the Word is a necessary criteria to become a true extension of the Lord!

Jesus very specifically lays downs rules and regulations to be followed in their mission journey and task:

“Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road….” (Lk 10:4)

These exhortations by the Master would cause…

… a sense of insecurity for the disciples

… a feeling a being stranded in the problems that they could encounter.

Yet, the disciples were strongly urged to…

… Listen to His Exhortation

… to Trust in His Providence

… and to be obedient to His Word

·       The disciples were to listen to Jesus, the Beloved Son and grasp His teachings for life

·       The disciples were to listen to Jesus, Beloved Son’s commitment in the path of suffering

·       The disciples were to listen to the Beloved Son’s trust in God’s Will at every moment

Each one of us is called and chosen, as Christians, to be a disciple of Christ – “an extension of the Lord’s tasks in this world” …

… “You did not choose me, but I chose you; and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16)

·       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?

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we better 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!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The devil doesn’t fear austerity…

… but holy obedience!”

——————————–

A man, occupying an important and influential position in the society was often criticized for his honest and just way of dealing with things.

Once his friend enquired of him: “Why don’t you give fitting replies to your critics?”

To that the person replied:

“In my native town lives a widow who has a dog.

>> Whenever the moon shines, it goes outside and barks all night.”

The friend, confused on that example, asked: “ I didn’t get you…

… what is it about the dog and the moon?”

“Oh,” the man continued, “the moon went on shining — that’s all.”

Our lives our often marked by a number of criticisms and condemnations.

>> People often make “their own” yardsticks, to measure others actions, and to find a way of criticizing others!

People make “their own” measuring tapes, to determine the deeds of other people, and thus find ways to put down other people!

Are we also sometimes in the category of those who “criticize and condemn” others?

The Gospel of the day is an invitation to examine this common human tendency of assessing others’ manners and conduct based on “standards and measurements” that are set by ourselves.

·      Do I evaluate the action of another person based on my own “prejudiced” mindset… or do I measure it with the yardstick that God uses?

·      Do I critically analyse other people’s attitudes from my own “biased” perspective… or do I gauge it with the benchmark that God proposes?

In the Gospel, we see the disciples of John who come to Jesus with a critical query:

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)

It is interesting to note the reason that the disciples of John use here, in order to ask put forward their question…

It would be something like this…

“We, the disciples of John… we follow our Master in leading an ascetic and hard life.

>> We fast often times during the week… we live a hard life.

Look at the Pharisees too.. they fast twice a week, which is more than the stipulated requirement of the Law.

We engage ourselves in so much of fasting.

But look at your disciples…

They are only found to be enjoying life!

>> Why don’t they fast… like we do… ??”

>> They had perhaps made “their own” yardsticks to measure the actions of the disciples and found a way of criticising them!

>> They had perhaps made “their own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of the disciples, and thus found ways to put them down!

But the Lord asks them to change this their “yardstick” and “measuring scale” of judging other people.

Jesus gives an example of the bridegroom and the context of a marriage.

Marriage is the time of joy and celebration… not of mourning or being sad.

It is a time of feasting.. and not fasting!

>> A time of feasting on God’s tremendous Providence and Grace!

>> A time of feasting on the Love and Compassion shown by the Lord!

The Lord makes a challenge….

… consider and evaluate situations from the “eyes of God” – in the way that God sees.

… assess and measure people in the “manner of God” – with the approach that God takes.

It is said that when God measures a person, He puts the tape around the heart, and not the head!

The attitude of “criticizing and complaining” is a constant temptation.

We may perhaps, also be victims of the same.

>> But let us always remain “true to ourselves, and honest in what we do”

Let the Charity of God always radiate in us and thus know for sure…

… “the moon of God’s Love always goes on shining!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You’re a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist.

>> And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.

Unconditional self acceptance is the core of a peaceful mind!”

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One of the easiest traps in our life, today, is to acquire Cheap Popularity!

‘Popularism’ is a bane which affects many areas of our life.

People choose…

… to undermine values

… forsake principles

… abandon relations

… disown doctrine

… and even dilute ideologies

>> Just to gain some cheap and shoddy popularity!

But Jesus…came to the world, not seeking Cheap Popularity…

… rather, in quest of Precious Sinners!

He came not rendering instant glory…

… rather, in granting Everlasting Peace!

He came not to please people…

… rather, to Honour God!

And Jesus is clear in His Mission: To seek the wayward, to find the lost, to grant peace to sinners!

This Mission of the Lord would make Him lose His popularity ratings & reputed recognitions…

>> But Jesus dared…

… to prioritize Principles over Popularity

… choosing Reconciliation over Reputation!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse, “…Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me!” (Mt 9:9)

For the religious elite of the Society, this calling of Matthew, the Tax Collector was a shocking experience!

Tax Collectors were among the most hated people in the Jewish Society.

>> They were generally despised and tainted and stained on three different aspects:

a. National Traitors: A tax collector, “sold himself”, to the foreign Roman government, and was a betrayer of the Nation…one of the top-most nation-betrayers!

b. Morally Corrupt: Each tax collector had the right from the Roman government to gather taxes; and the more he gathered, the more he could keep….one of the top-most dishonest people!

c. Religiously Unclean: Their constant contacts with the Gentiles made them religiously suspicious….one of the top-most impure class!

And it is this Matthew, that Jesus invites to “Follow Him”!

>> An unpopular approach indeed!

But the Lord is least bothered of human appreciation and public popularity

>> He came to Seek the Lost….and gather the scattered ones.

And this offer of the Lord, was gladly welcomed by Matthew – opening himself to the Love of the Lord….

1. He opened His heart: Matthew became a new person.

>> Accepting Jesus, meant turning away from his old-ways, rejecting some of his corrupt business people, forsaking a good deal of income…

2. He Opened His Home: Matthew was excited to share his New Found Love, with others too… >> The transformation  in one person, became an opportunity, for many others, to experience God’s enterprising love and be challenged to undergo a  change!

3. He opened his hands: Matthew also opened his hands & worked for the Lord.

>> “It could be (wittily) said, that when Jesus called Matthew, he left his job to follow Christ, but he took along with him, his pen!”

>> And this would later help him to pen the Gospel…the Gospel according to St Matthew!!

The call of Matthew, was Jesus’ way of telling that things happen in the Kingdom of God, not for the Sake of Popularity…

… rather, The Kingdom is an Invitation and a Home to all who find themselves lost, least, broken, rejected, seeking, disturbed!

We all are in one way or the other, facing some of these problems or difficulties in life…

Let these not discourage us…!

As the saying goes:

Never say, “GOD, I have a big problem!”

>> Instead say, “Hey Problem, I have a big GOD”

The Lord is ever-ready to welcome us.

>> He is least bothered of what others think or criticize!!

>> He values our lives much more than losing popularity!

Yes, We are more precious to Him, than popularity!

>> He Values Us!

>> He Trusts us!

>> He Loves us!

All of us, can be assured of experiencing….

… Rest in His Heart

… Welcome in His Home

… Strength in His Hands!

On this First Friday of the month, consecrating ourselves to the Sacred Heart of the Lord…

>> Let us Follow Him, and like Mathew, let us…

… give our hearts, our homes and our hands to Him!

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says:

“If you follow the will of God, in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge…

… Go on, trusting, in the One Who loves you.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “We must never undervalue any person. >> The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence.

Now God is present everywhere…

… and every person is His work!”

——————————–

There is a funeral custom of a particular Austrian Royal Family.

>> This is in a church in which the Hapsburgs, the former ruling family of Austria are buried.

It is called the “Knocking Ceremony”

>> The custom takes place at the burial of every member of the Imperial Family before the entrance of the Capuchin cloister church.

When the coffin arrives at the entrance, the Grand Chamberlain knocks three times with a silver cane on the door of the Church which contains the Imperial crypt.

The guard inside asks: “Who is there?”

The Grand Chamberlain proclaims the name and titles of the deceased Hapsburg Emperor: “I am (Name) … Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia…..etc….”

>> On hearing this, the porter refuses to open the door and says:  “I do not know you.”

The Grand Chamberlain knocks on the door again and in answer to the porter’s question “Who is there?” gives, this time, just the name of the deceased Emperor: “I am (Name) … His Majesty, the Emperor and the King ”

>> The guard inside, again refuses admission: “I do not know you.”

For a third time, the Grand Chamberlain knocks on the door and the guard asks: “Who is there?”

This time, the Grand Chamberlain simply says:  “I am (Name)… a poor mortal and a sinner.”

>> To this, comes the response:  “Come in.”

The progression in the questions and answers shows a progression towards humility.

>> It is only the humble who can be admitted to the Presence of the Lord!

Where there is humility, there is forgiveness of sin and celebration of mercy

>> Where there is only pride, there is criticism of sinners and condemnation of generosity!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful incident of a contrast of experiences:

>> The humble being received into the forgiving love of God

>> The pride being reprimanded to acknowledge the mercy of God!

The Gospel is the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic, when Jesus comes to His own city (Mt 9:1)

Seeing the paralytic being brought on the stretcher, and admiring their faith, Jesus had said:

“Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9: 2)

However, some of the scribes got annoyed and commented:  “This man is blaspheming” (Mt 9:3)

But Jesus, who reads the hearts of all people said:

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He then said to the paralytic ,’Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home” (Mt 9:6)

Jesus was seeking to establish an important aspect…

>> Every sin has its evil consequences on a person

It is not that every sickness/evil/ill-happening is a result of sin…

…but the reverse is always true: That Sin always has a negative influence on a person!

The paralytic man was brought on a stretcher by the people (Mt 9:2) for a physical healing

But Jesus demonstrates to the man, his friends as well as to all around…

… that more than physical healing, one needs a spiritual cleansing

… that it is only a spiritual empowerment that can lead to integral material health

This spiritual empowerment…. This spiritual cleansing…

… needs the element of Humility!

Humility is expressed in this incident by the man who “was brought on the stretcher”

>> The paralytic lay in utter helplessness and misery

>> The paralytic was totally vulnerable and powerless

These elements constitute humility…

… acknowledging one’s helplessness and depending totally on the power of God

… accepting that one is vulnerable and weak and needs God’s strength to be empowered

The scribes who were criticizing Jesus failed to have these elements…

>> They instead swelled up in pride and false knowledge

Only where there is humility,  can there be forgiveness of sin and a celebration of mercy

>> Where there is only pride, there is criticism of sinners and condemnation of generosity!

Are we sick and paralysed today?

>> Maybe our family and community lives are paralysed by attitudes of indifference, uncaring attitude, arguments and financial difficulties

>> Maybe our personal lives are paralysed by uncertainties, lack of hope and shortage of inspiration and motivation

>> Maybe our societal lives are paralysed by rejection from others, misunderstandings and unhealthy experiences of corruption and injustice.

We need the healing touch of the Lord… We need an empowerment

>> This healing has to primarily begin from the spiritual dimension

>> This empowerment needs to start first from the spiritual perspective.

When we go to the Lord in humility, we will be touched from within

… a spiritual cleansing happens and a spiritual empowerment is kindled!

The Lord came into the world, primarily as a Saviour…

… to save us!

>> And He intends that all of us seek Him with this prime motive above all…

… spiritual graces above material blessings

… growth in holiness over prosperity of earthly riches

One of the most important means that the Lord provides this opportunity to receive His Mercy and Healing is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Just as Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health…

…  so too Jesus wants the Church, through the Holy Spirit, to continue his work of healing and salvation especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation

>> The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing!

We need to examine ourselves…

>> Has examination of conscience become part of our daily Christian lifestyle?

>> Do I frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often and thus receive forgiveness of sins and strength for our spiritual life?

>> Do I make sufficient preparation for the Sacrament, and also seek to hold on to the promises and resolutions made at the Confessional?

Every Confession is to become a life-changing experience!

>> Confession is not a license to do more sins

>> Confession is not a permit to living in sin, thinking that “God will anyway forgive!”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great privilege…

… It is also a Sacred Duty and places a moral obligation to seek to grow in holiness!

Yes, let us realize…

… that it is only the humble who can be admitted to the Presence of the Lord!

May we knock at the “Door of the Lord’s presence”, acknowledging in humility, that “we are mortals and sinners”…

… seeking to be healed of all the “paralysis” in our life…

>> And thus, hear the Saviour Lord telling us:

“Take heart, my child, your sins are forgiven!

Rise, take up your stretcher and go home!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us not lower our eyes without humiliating at the same time the heart.

>> Let not others think we want the last place…

… without truly desiring it!

——————————-

A young man joined the military service as a soldier.

One morning, he was ordered by the sergeant to report for duty at the canteen.

>> He, however refused.

The sergeant threatened to report him to the officer that day.

“All right,” said the young man, “go ahead. I did not enlist to be a bartender but a soldier, and I will not report at the canteen!”

His action of refusal was duly reported to the major who sent for him.

>> His companions taunted him as being “adamant” and “snobbish”

The young man went to the Major – with trembling knees but a steady heart – for he knew he was right.

The officer asked him, ‘Are you the young man who disobeyed orders this morning?’

>> “Yes, sir, I am.”

“Why did you do it?”

“Simply because I do not believe it is right to do what I was asked to do.

I enlisted to be a soldier and not a bartender.’

The officer arose quickly from his chair.

A trickle of fear went down the spine of the young man!

However, the officer extending his hand, said: “Young man, you are the kind of man we want.

I am glad to see a fellow who has the courage of his convictions.

You are not obliged to report at the canteen.

I am proud of your convictions!”

The young man was supposedly considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…

>> But the officer realized the worth of this young man – as having a courageous character of convictions!

True commitment and steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas – who is popularly (or rather infamously) called as the “Doubting Apostle”.

He was probably considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…

• It was his search for convictions in life that made him seek for a proof for the Lord’s appearance

• It was his desire for certainty in life that caused him to doubt at the words of his companions over the Lord’s Resurrection.

The Lord realized the worth of this young man- as having a courageous character of convictions!

When we go through the life of St Thomas as seen in the Gospels, we encounter a person constantly displaying courage, expressing commitment and seeking for convictions.

St Thomas indeed stands out among the other apostles…

1. It was probably St Thomas who first expressed his desire to give up his life for the Lord and His Kingdom…

“Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16)

>> St Thomas becomes a motivation for all those who follow Christ, to be bold and brave and even to give up one’s life for the Lord and His Kingdom

2. It was St Thomas who had the simplicity and the openness to ask Jesus when the Lord had declared that “Where I am going you know the way..” and the Lord had responded “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”…

“Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

>> St Thomas becomes a consolation to all those who face genuine uncertainties in spiritual life and encourages to remain like a child – in openness, simplicity and frankness.

3. It was St Thomas who refused the trust the words of his companions on the issue of the Jesus’ Resurrection.

>> He knew that many of his companions had impulsive reactions and therefore, could not be believed for their words. Therefore, he insisted that his belief in Christ’s Resurrection would depend only on His personal experience with the Lord

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25)

>> St Thomas becomes a refuge for all those who grapple with spiritual anxieties – lack of consolation in prayer life, deep longing to experience God and many confusions regarding spiritual teachings and faith experiences

In St Thomas we have a saint who is very human and with whom we – who are often prone to mistakes and frail in weaknesses – can easily connect.

• He was brave, but also had his moments of feeling lost

• He was courageous, but also had his moments of seeking answers for doubts

• He was enthusiastic, but also had his moments of staying away from the faith-community

St Thomas is a shining beacon of courage.

• He had his doubts.

>> But once cleared, he became a person of immense conviction.

This conviction made him to travel across many lands to give witness to Jesus, His Lord and Master… and even to give up His life, in martyrdom!

Yes, True commitment and Steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

May St Thomas help us, with his intercession and inspiration, to become Christians of Conviction and Certainty and to firmly cry out, in joyful acclamation, “My Lord and My God”

Happy Feast of St Thomas, the Convinced Disciple of Christ!

>> Happy Feast of Faith and Belief, Boldness and Courage to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “There is no need to doubt that we possess faith in God…

… simply because we find it difficult to keep clear of sin

… or find ourselves diffident

… or even fearing that we will not be able to resist occasions of temptation.

No!

>> Diffidence in our strength of will is not due to lack of resolve but is a true acknowledgement of our misery.

The fear of being able to resist temptations is better than considering ourselves strong and secure…

… because all that we do not expect from our own strength we hope to receive by means of God’s grace.

We must simply be on our guard and be humble so as not to fall victim to temptation!”

——————————–

We live in a world of wonders…

For example…

Salt is a wonder.

• It is composed of two dangerous substances – Sodium which is explosive when exposed to moisture and Chlorine which is poisonous.

But salt is so very stable!

Alnico magnets are a wonder.

• It is composed of three non-magnetic substances: aluminium, nickel and cobalt.

But it is the strongest magnet in the world!

Water is a wonder.

• Its chemical formula is H2O – Oxygen is flammable and hydrogen readily burns.

But unite them, to get water and we put out fires with it!

But above all these things of nature and the natural phenomena, we have the greatest wonder in the Lord and Creator of every “object and situation” of wonder, Himself – God!

>> How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

>> How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder and an eye-opener for us to realize the “wonderful” Person that we have in the “boat” of our lives – Jesus – and to be grateful for Him for His “wondrous” presence!

We are with the familiar passage of the calming of the storms.

The Gospel of Matthew reports the fact that when Jesus and His disciples got into the boat, there was sudden violent “storm”… (Mt 8:23)

The Greek word that is used for “storm” is “seismos”…

>> Seismos means a “shaking” or a “commotion” or a “tempest” or an “earthquake”

(It is from this word “seismos” that we get the word “seismic” which refers to earthquakes)

The disciples were right in the midst of something like a “sea-earthquake”

>> And it came on “suddenly”!

How often is our life too so similar…

We sail across calmly, enjoying the peace and serenity of life…

… when suddenly…… we are hit by a deadly storm…in the form of….

• a major crisis in the family or the community

• an unexpected sickness to us or to our loved one

• some unimaginable disaster arising in our work-place

• an inexpressible pain or an absolutely unforeseen problem

We find ourselves totally despairing in the thick of that “seismos”, that “storm”.

The waves hit the boat of our lives so badly and violently…

… that for a moment, our heart skips a beat and we think, “is it all going to be over?”

… that for a split-second, we let go of every hope and we feel, “is it really the end?”

But the Lord who was always with us, in our boat, relaxed and calm, “gets up, rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is great calm” (Mt 8: 26)

>> It is as if the whole world is His classroom, and the Master Teacher gets up and demonstrates His power to His students!

>> It is as if the waves and the winds are getting “too naughty” and Jesus, the Lord, gets up and “rebukes and chides” them!

And suddenly the disciples realized something spectacular…

>> All this while, in the midst of the storm, they were shocked and appalled at the “wonder” of the mighty wind and the raging tempest.

But now… right before them and with them… was a Person who was the Source, Creator and the Perfection of all Wonders – “Jesus”!

• The “wonder” of the Lord’s presence far outmatched those of the deadly side of nature!

• The “wonder” of the Mighty Creator greatly surpassed that of the crisis they faced!

The Gospel says that the disciples were “‘amazed’ and said “What sort of a man is this, whom even the winds and the seas obey?” (Mt 8:27)

>> How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

>> How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?

May we also, like the Disciples, learn to experience deeper and mingle with the “wonder” of the Lord – especially in the Most Holy Eucharist, where He is truly and really present…

… so that we can sail through the storms of our life, in faith and hope!

Problems of life, when faced individually, can be volatile and dangerous…

>> But when they are viewed with the Grace of God and from the Providence of the Lord…

… they become Great and Wondrous Moments of Blessings!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.”

——————————–

We are living in an age of an insistent inclination to the “Instant”….

We seek for…

>> Instant Coffees…

>> Instant Food…

>> Instant Juices…

>> Instant Pleasures…

>> Instant Solutions to problems…

>> Instant end to difficulties…

And sadly…even an inclination for Instant Christianity!

Christianity sometimes gets reduced to…

… Going to Church once in a while especially on a Sunday or a Feast day

… Saying a few prayers time to time

… Reading a few verses from the Bible.. etc…

>>> And then expecting Instant blessings and favours!

But is this all that Christ intended with Christianity?

>> What does it mean to be a Follower of Christ?

There are various categories or classifications in the job sector.

>> Some do a full time job

>> Some do it part time

>> Some do it on a contract basis

>> Some do it to achieve a target.

Am I a Christian, as a full timer…?

>> Or have I reduced it to a part time affair, or in terms of some contract or promises, or in order to achieve some wants and desires?

The Gospel of the Day is a call to re-look at some of the motives and intentions in our following of Christ.

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse:

Mt 8:18 – “When He saw the crowd press around Him, Jesus gave orders to cross to the other shore”

The preceding verses in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of St Matthew present Jesus performing many miracles and healings…

… and a “Crowd” being attracted to the Lord.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers….

But the Lord, wished to sift this Crowd.

>> He says, ” Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His Head” (Mt 8: 20)

Jesus does away with any promise of security and comfort

>> He discourages people from following Him for having a better material life!

It was not that He didn’t want many people…

… but He wished to purify their motives & make them authentic in their following Him!

He sifts and sieves and strains the “Crowd”…to get together the “Disciples”.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers…

>> But when there is an exhortation in being committed to that miraculous event…

… the crowd is filtered…and only the Disciples remain back!

The Lord is asking us today…

Are we just a part of the CROWD…?

… or are we ready to be filtered, and be a DISCIPLE?

It is easy to be part of a Crowd….

>> We can enjoy the occasional miracles

>> We can relish hearing the Word of God

But it is not easy to be a Disciple…

>> The experience of external miracles would be few

>> The Word of God would not just be heard, but also be expected to be lived and practised in life!

>> There would be no guarantee of any security in life

>> Many of the personal desires would have to be left behind…

To be a Disciple is hard…

… undoubtedly painful…and certainly, demanding

>> But to be a Disciple is also joyful…

… undoubtedly satisfying…and certainly, exciting!!

The Crowd is Casual…

… the Disciple is Dedicated!

The Crowd is Dichotomous…

… the Disciple is Committed!

What are we going to choose?

To be part of the “Crowd” ?…  an Instant and easy-going Christianity?

… or to be a “Disciple” – an Ever-faithful and committed Christianity?

Your answer please?…

… Instantly!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most holy…

… but those who have the greatest courage

… the greatest generosity

… the greatest love

… who make the boldest efforts to overcome themselves

… and are not immediately apprehensive about tripping!”

——————————–

Saints inspire us greatly.

>> Their example of bold courage and resolute faith, becomes a catalyst in our life of faith, too.

One such example is in the life of St Jane de Chantal.

>> She is the foundress of the Congregation of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary.

St Jane Francis de Chantal, had an extremely distressing difficulty to overcome, when she discovered that God was asking her to start a new religious congregation, together with St Francis de Sales.

Jane, a young French noble woman, had married the Baron of Chantal when she was 20 years old.

>> Deeply in love, they established an estate that was the envy of many people

>> Their enthusiastic marital joy was a product of their love for each other and their love for Christ.

However, she was widowed when she was only 28…

… losing her husband in a hunting accident.

From then on, she dedicated herself more and more to following Christ.

>> She had become indispensable to her elderly father and father-in-law.

But God was calling her to a different mission.

When she announced her departure, a storm broke.

>> Her friends and family wept and pleaded with her not to go.

>> Villagers lined the streets in tears.

When her last goodbye had been said, her fifteen-year-old son, whom she had provided for and was leaving in the care of his grandfather…

… threw himself around her neck and begged her to stay!

By her tears, Jane reminded him that it was God who was calling her…

… and she stepped towards the door.

Her son, however, rushed ahead and threw his body on the ground in the doorway, still begging her not to leave.

>> In fact, he told her: “Since I am too weak to stop you, you will have to step over your only son to abandon him!”

But Jane knew what God was asking of her.

>> The bishop had approved her plans

>> Her son was also well-provided for (she would also be visiting him regularly)

So, although with a deep pain, shedding tears, the courageous mother…

… stepped over her son and went out the door…

.. and went out of the threshold!

>> She would go on to found 65 new convents…

… and spark a spiritual revival all throughout Europe!

She made a bold decision, filled with conviction and faith!

A bold decision that has the elements of conviction and faith, is a necessity for a renewal and a revolution!

The Gospel of Day takes pride in presenting a determined Jesus, who has made a choice-for-life in moving towards the mission of His life.

“When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)

The Gospel of St Luke presents the whole ministry of Jesus as a linear journey…

… a movement from Galilee to Jerusalem.

>> All the events and actions of Jesus are oriented towards Jerusalem.

The verse – Luke 9:51 – signifies a mega shift in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Jesus leaves the northern area of Israel called as Galilee and moves ahead to the southern area of Israel called as Judea.

Just as the Israelites had the Exodus Event, which marked the beginning of their salvation as a nation…

… Jesus too will have the Exodus Event which culminates in Jerusalem, which will mark the beginning of the salvation of the whole world!

This verse – Luke 9:51 – marks the beginning of the Exodus Event in the life of Jesus.

The verse reads, “… He RESOLUTELY determined to journey to Jerusalem”

The Greek word used for “resolutely” is Sterizo.

“Sterizo” is a strong word…

… which means to strengthen and to establish

… which means to stand firm with one’s decision.

Jesus makes this strong resolution – “Sterizo”…

… to embrace the vision and plan of God.

… to be obedient to the Will of His Father.

Jerusalem was the place where Jesus was to suffer and die.

>> He was fully determined to go and would not be dissuaded

>> He went cheerfully and courageously though He knew the things that would befall Him.

The Road to Jerusalem was to be marched “resolutely” by Jesus!

All of us walk the Road to Jerusalem…

>> Life with its hard challenges and unexpected troubles is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its spiritual difficulties and luring temptations is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its doses of unforgiveness and bad temperaments is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its continual showers of unpleasantness and irritations is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its allurements to bad habits and hard-to-give up pleasures is a Road to Jerusalem

But unless we make a strong resolute decision to walk through this “Road to Jerusalem”, salvation and victory and happiness can never be ours!

When Jesus decided to go ahead with resoluteness in His decision, He met with rejection!

“…they would not welcome Him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk9:53)

The Jews and the Samaritans were much at loggerheads with each other.

>> As we see in Jn 4:20, the great controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the place of worship – whether it was Jerusalem or whether it was Mount Gerizim.

So bitter was the altercation between them that the Jews would have no dealings with the Samaritans, nor they with them (Jn. 4:9).

This is the reality of the world.

>> When one makes a determined decision for life, one is faced with many challenges.

>> When one makes a strong resolution for life, one is faced with many oppositions.

Like the disciples James and John, very often, the answer to this rejection is sought in the form of vengeance and violence and wrath.

>> It is the easier way.

>> It is the more simple way.

… But it is a destructive way!

Jesus answers this rejection with a better and a powerful weapon: self-sacrifice.

>> “The Son of Man came not to destroy, but to save”…

… with a call to repentance.

>> It is the hard way.

>> It is the tough way.

… But it is a saving way!

The answer to life’s problems is not in reacting, but in being pro-active!

Jesus in the Gospel today invites each one of us to have a resolute determination in walking the Road to Jerusalem.

It’s easy to pick up shortcuts and easy roads to find success in life.

>> But it takes a resolute decision to walk the hard way…

A bold decision that has the elements of conviction and faith, is a necessity for a renewal and a revolution!

>> The grace of God will strengthen and boost us in this hard path…

The Holy Bible is a witness to this great saga of great people who have walked this hard path…including Jesus.

>> Many of the saints have also strongly marched the hard and harsh way of the Cross…including St Jane de Chantal.

… May we seek to imitate them!

… May we be inspired by them!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “How foolish are those who waste time and thought in desiring to be martyred in the Indies…

… but do not apply themselves to the duties of their state in life.”

——————————–

Saints inspire us greatly.

>> Their example of bold courage and resolute faith, becomes a catalyst in our life of faith, too.

One such example is in the life of St Jane de Chantal.

>> She is the foundress of the Congregation of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary.

St Jane Francis de Chantal, had an extremely distressing difficulty to overcome, when she discovered that God was asking her to start a new religious congregation, together with St Francis de Sales.

Jane, a young French noble woman, had married the Baron of Chantal when she was 20 years old.

>> Deeply in love, they established an estate that was the envy of many people

>> Their enthusiastic marital joy was a product of their love for each other and their love for Christ.

However, she was widowed when she was only 28…

… losing her husband in a hunting accident.

From then on, she dedicated herself more and more to following Christ.

>> She had become indispensable to her elderly father and father-in-law.

But God was calling her to a different mission.

When she announced her departure, a storm broke.

>> Her friends and family wept and pleaded with her not to go.

>> Villagers lined the streets in tears.

When her last goodbye had been said, her fifteen-year-old son, whom she had provided for and was leaving in the care of his grandfather…

… threw himself around her neck and begged her to stay!

By her tears, Jane reminded him that it was God who was calling her…

… and she stepped towards the door.

Her son, however, rushed ahead and threw his body on the ground in the doorway, still begging her not to leave.

>> In fact, he told her: “Since I am too weak to stop you, you will have to step over your only son to abandon him!”

But Jane knew what God was asking of her.

>> The bishop had approved her plans

>> Her son was also well-provided for (she would also be visiting him regularly)

So, although with a deep pain, shedding tears, the courageous mother…

… stepped over her son and went out the door…

.. and went out of the threshold!

>> She would go on to found 65 new convents…

… and spark a spiritual revival all throughout Europe!

She made a bold decision, filled with conviction and faith!

A bold decision that has the elements of conviction and faith, is a necessity for a renewal and a revolution!

The Gospel of Day takes pride in presenting a determined Jesus, who has made a choice-for-life in moving towards the mission of His life.

“When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)

The Gospel of St Luke presents the whole ministry of Jesus as a linear journey…

… a movement from Galilee to Jerusalem.

>> All the events and actions of Jesus are oriented towards Jerusalem.

The verse – Luke 9:51 – signifies a mega shift in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Jesus leaves the northern area of Israel called as Galilee and moves ahead to the southern area of Israel called as Judea.

Just as the Israelites had the Exodus Event, which marked the beginning of their salvation as a nation…

… Jesus too will have the Exodus Event which culminates in Jerusalem, which will mark the beginning of the salvation of the whole world!

This verse – Luke 9:51 – marks the beginning of the Exodus Event in the life of Jesus.

The verse reads, “… He RESOLUTELY determined to journey to Jerusalem”

The Greek word used for “resolutely” is Sterizo.

“Sterizo” is a strong word…

… which means to strengthen and to establish

… which means to stand firm with one’s decision.

Jesus makes this strong resolution – “Sterizo”…

… to embrace the vision and plan of God.

… to be obedient to the Will of His Father.

Jerusalem was the place where Jesus was to suffer and die.

>> He was fully determined to go and would not be dissuaded

>> He went cheerfully and courageously though He knew the things that would befall Him.

The Road to Jerusalem was to be marched “resolutely” by Jesus!

All of us walk the Road to Jerusalem…

>> Life with its hard challenges and unexpected troubles is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its spiritual difficulties and luring temptations is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its doses of unforgiveness and bad temperaments is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its continual showers of unpleasantness and irritations is a Road to Jerusalem

>> Life with its allurements to bad habits and hard-to-give up pleasures is a Road to Jerusalem

But unless we make a strong resolute decision to walk through this “Road to Jerusalem”, salvation and victory and happiness can never be ours!

When Jesus decided to go ahead with resoluteness in His decision, He met with rejection!

“…they would not welcome Him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk9:53)

The Jews and the Samaritans were much at loggerheads with each other.

>> As we see in Jn 4:20, the great controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the place of worship – whether it was Jerusalem or whether it was Mount Gerizim.

So bitter was the altercation between them that the Jews would have no dealings with the Samaritans, nor they with them (Jn. 4:9).

This is the reality of the world.

>> When one makes a determined decision for life, one is faced with many challenges.

>> When one makes a strong resolution for life, one is faced with many oppositions.

Like the disciples James and John, very often, the answer to this rejection is sought in the form of vengeance and violence and wrath.

>> It is the easier way.

>> It is the more simple way.

… But it is a destructive way!

Jesus answers this rejection with a better and a powerful weapon: self-sacrifice.

>> “The Son of Man came not to destroy, but to save”…

… with a call to repentance.

>> It is the hard way.

>> It is the tough way.

… But it is a saving way!

The answer to life’s problems is not in reacting, but in being pro-active!

Jesus in the Gospel today invites each one of us to have a resolute determination in walking the Road to Jerusalem.

It’s easy to pick up shortcuts and easy roads to find success in life.

>> But it takes a resolute decision to walk the hard way…

A bold decision that has the elements of conviction and faith, is a necessity for a renewal and a revolution!

>> The grace of God will strengthen and boost us in this hard path…

The Holy Bible is a witness to this great saga of great people who have walked this hard path…including Jesus.

>> Many of the saints have also strongly marched the hard and harsh way of the Cross…including St Jane de Chantal.

… May we seek to imitate them!

… May we be inspired by them!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “How foolish are those who waste time and thought in desiring to be martyred in the Indies…

… but do not apply themselves to the duties of their state in life.”

——————————–

It is said that World History is a victorious story written by the winners, through the lives of proud emperors, famous rulers, triumphant troops…

… but Salvation History is written by God, through the lives of humble saints, repentant sinners and passionate lovers of the Lord!

God is an amazing script writer!

>> His Divine Wisdom, beautifully pens lives.

But often, we fail to understand this script >> Failures, disappointments, tragedies…

… are mostly, considered by us, as the end of our lives….

Today, Holy Mother, the Church invites our attention to Two Persons – St Peter and St Paul…

… who faced failures, disappointments and tragedies

>> But remarkably, through the Divine Plan, their lives were scripted to a classic story….

St Peter was overwhelmed by the Great Fishermen of Hearts

>> All through the life of Jesus, we see St Peter, varying between many emotions: over-zealous, impatient, bold, courageous, simple, daring

St Paul was overpowered by the tremendous power of the Risen Lord

>> All through his life, we see St Paul zealous and passionate, fervent and ardent, bold and courageous.

God, the Great Script writer, knew exactly well, these two personalities…

… Their life is a paradox.

Both had their moments of rejecting, persecuting, betraying and doubting the Lord…

Both had their moments of a “turning point” –  St Peter’s call to be a Fisher of People & the Lord  once again accepting him, in love, after Resurrection… St Paul on his way to Damascus, being prevailed over by the Majestic Power of the Risen Lord!

Both had their moments of being misunderstood and facing tough moments from the people, especially, the close people, with whom, they lived with, and to whom they ministered.

Both had their moments of sharing in the Cross of Christ, in His Chalice of Suffering and in the Baptism of a Holy Death!

Today, both are honoured & venerated as Stalwarts of our Faith & the Pillars of the Church.

Peter who had been Simon; Paul who had been Saul.

Peter the fisherman, the small-town Galilean Jew; Paul the Pharisee, the scholar of the Law.

Peter always conscious of the Faith’s Old Testament roots; Paul who found in Christ, “all things new.”

Peter who had lived and walked with Jesus; Paul who encountered the Risen Jesus.

Peter crucified on an inverted Cross; Paul martyred by the Sword.

>> Two very different persons.

>> Two different temperaments.

But ONE in their Zeal, Passion, Love, Mission, Enthusiasm, Fervour…All for the Lord!

These saints have much to teach us…and much to be imitated…

Is the story of our life, suffering from a bad-script, at the moment?

>> There is Hope….in the Lord!

Are there areas in our life, where there is persecution?

>> There is Salvation…in the Lord!

Are there moments in our life when we feel betrayed or cheated?

>> There is Love…in the Lord!

Are there situations of rejection and loneliness in our life?

>> There is Acceptance…in the Lord!

Are there times of doubt or tears or pain in the depth of our heart?

>>There is Healing…in the Lord!

The Lord, the Mighty Rock..promised and declared St Peter to be the Rock!

>> The Lord, the Good News…promised and declared St Paul to be the Evangelizer!

Today He invites us to imitate & follow the example of these Humble yet Great Saints of the Church.

Let us grow in Obedience, in Love and in Dependence….like St Peter

>> Let us grow in Passion, in Courage and in Openness….like St Paul!

Today we also thank the Lord for the Heart of our Blessed Mother… the Immaculate Heart of Mary

… the Mother of the Most Perfect Child in the world

… the Mother, Who herself was Immaculate and Stainless!

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, follows immediately after the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Love seeks unity…

… and Jesus and Mary – Son and Mother – were deeply united in love!

>> The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary…

… in their lives, they were One

… in their sorrow, they were One

… and in their love, they were One!

In celebrating the Immaculate (a word which means “unstained) Heart of Mother Mary, we focus our meditation on Her Single-heartedness.

In Mt 6:24, we read: “No one can serve two masters!”.

Sin divides our heart…we no longer remain immaculate….

>> But Mamma Mary, remained focused all through Her life, in doing God’s Will…and remained Immaculate!

The Immaculate Heart of Mary today invites us to have our minds and hearts, focused on God… “The One who has called you, is faithful”! (1 Thess 5:24)

Like our Immaculate Mother, let us also seek to proclaim:

“Fiat Lord- Let Thy will be done, Lord”…

…. in all moments and situations of our lives!

The last recorded words of Mamma Mary in the Bible are…”Do whatever He tells You!” (Jn 2: 5)

>> Our loving Mother, steaches us the Gospel in these 5 words

Let us give heed to Her… just as she pondered His Word and lived a Perfect Christian Life

>> Let us also strive to be Immaculate and Holy.

Happy Feast of St Peter and St Paul, the Pillars of the Church to all of us, the Seekers of their Intercession and Zeal!

>> Feastday wishes of the Beautifully Immaculate Heart of our Precious Mamma, united to the Sacred Heart of Her Divine Child….

… and to all of us, Her Little Children and Followers of Her Son!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Most Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, I (full name), most unworthy though I am to be thy servant, yet touched by Thy motherly care for me and longing to serve thee, do, in the presence of my Guardian Angel and all the court of Heaven, choose thee this day to be my queen, my advocate, and my mother, and I firmly purpose to serve Thee evermore myself and to do what I can that all may render faithful service to Thee.

Therefore, most devoted Mother, through the Precious Blood thy Son poured out for me, I beg thee and beseech Thee, deign to take me among thy clients and receive me as Thy servant forever.

Aid me in my every action, and beg for me the grace never, by word or deed or thought, to be displeasing in thy sight and that of thy most holy Son!”

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