Michelangelo has been one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen.

>> His notable works of “Pieta”, “David”, “Moses”, “The Last Judgment” have been unparalleled in their beauty and perfection.

Another of his fantastic work has been the Frescoes on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling (in the Vatican)

It is said that as this great artist painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel – lying on his back for endless hours to finish every detail with great care…

… A friend asked him why he took such pains with figures that would be viewed from a considerable distance.

>> “After all,” the friend said, “Who will notice whether it is perfect or not?”

The artist who was known for his perfection at all works replied…

… “I will!”

The motivation for perfection in all things, for Michelangelo, was not from outside…

… it was a based on his conviction that he should be “credible and authentic” in all what he does.

Our spiritual life also follows a similar principle: When credibility and authenticity are lacking in a spiritual endeavour, there is very less spiritual growth and nourishment!

>> It is credibility and authenticity that helps to gain spiritual progress and advancements!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of how true integrity and authority can work tremendous wonders, conversions of heart and transformations of life…

… and how it can also cause some people to “oppose credibility and authenticity” by engaging in calumny and character-assassination!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the statement that…

… “the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul and by the prince of demons , He casts out the demons” (Mk 3:22)

One of the reasons why the Scribes were irked by the personality of Jesus was because of the tremendous authority that was displayed by Jesus!

Yes, the amazing factor in the ministry of Jesus was His tremendous authority!

>> The wondrous aspect in the ministry of Jesus was His awesome integrity!

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Mark, we read…

>> The people “were astonished at his teaching, for He taught as one who had authority…” (Mk 1:22)

>> “… they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves…. ‘…with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” ( Mk 1: 27)

This authority and integrity came…

… through His deep union with His Heavenly Father.

… through His faithfulness to the commands of His heavenly Father

… through His undivided devotion to His Heavenly Father

How authentic, credible and integral are we in our life…

… as a Christian?

… in the family?

… as a consecrated person?

Authenticity does not mean arrogance…

>> Credibility does not mean over-confidence…

>>> Integrity does not mean super-importance…

Authenticity, credibility and integrity in the Lord means…

… filled with the power and strength of God’s Spirit

… imbued with a deep passion for the Lord and His Church

… living an honest lifestyle in accordance to God’s Will and teachings

The Gospel of the Day calls us to check and examine…

… is my prayer life and devotion truly authentic and credible?

… is my preaching and spreading of God’s Word filled with His Holy Spirit?

… is my reception of the Sacraments helping me to make an honest effort to be a true Christian?

Let our prayers become a true raising of hearts to God…

>> Let the receiving of the Sacraments become an honest transformation for life…

>>> Let the spreading of God’s Word become a credible witness to God’s Kingdom….

Jesus is our model and example to be true and honest in life!

>> Jesus is our ideal and standard to be faithful and committed to our mission!

Today we seek the intercession of the St Thomas Aquinas, the Great Saint and Doctor of the Church.

Let the motivation in seeking for perfection in all things, be based not from outside…

… rather let it be based on the conviction that we should be “credible and authentic” in all what we do!

May our spiritual life follows the principle: Only when credibility and authenticity are pursued, we can have true spiritual growth and nourishment!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ Do everything by love…

… and nothing by force!”

——————————–

Tear down this wall!
– These were the words of Ronald Reagan, President of the USA at a challenging speech, for the reunification of East and West Germany.

November 1989. A historic period in the Life of Germany.
>> For twenty-eight years, a wall had separated East and West Germany…

But finally on November 1989, the wall came down…THE BERLIN WALL!

It was a new beginning… a fresh start…a bright onset!

“Tear down the Walls”…
… is the cry that emerges from today’s Gospel as well!
>> A new beginning is sought… a fresh start is expected…a bright onset is welcomed!

The Gospel of the day is the inaugural Public Act of Jesus, in the Gospel of St Luke.

The Gospel of the Day from Luke 4:14-21 is a dramatic one…with different actions and expressions of Jesus.
>> These different actions also have its personal implications for us…

1. The Entry of Jesus into the Synagogue.
>> Do I allow the Lord into my life and do I welcome Him?

2. The Rising of Jesus to read
>> Do I enthrone the Lord in my activities and allow Him to be in charge of my works and deeds?

3. The Unscrolling of the book
>> Do I open my heart to the Lord and be totally open to His Word in my life?

4. The Reading of the Passage
>> Do I listen to God’s words and be attentive to the various inspirations and insights He renders me?

5. The Rolling up of the Scroll
>> Do I preserve the Word of God deep in my heart and ponder over it, in the light of my life experiences?

6. The Announcement of Jesus
>> Do I let the Lord to govern in my life by the power of His revelation and give heed to His exhortations?

These dramatic and significant actions of the Lord left the people in the synagogue with a Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls”!

>> Tear down the walls…
… which failed to bring good news to the Poor and liberty to the captives!

>>> Tear down the walls…
… which were preventing to give freedom to the oppressed and sight to the blind!

>>> Tear down the walls…
… which blocked the passage to access to God’s Mercy and Redemption!

>>> Tear down the walls…
… which kept away the Gentiles from receiving the rights and privileges of the saved people!

The dramatic and significant actions of the Lord present before each one of us also with this Great Challenge: “To tear down the walls”!
>> Tear down the walls… of Sin…
… that divide the relationship between God and me!

>>Tear down the walls…of Hatred…
… that divide the members of the society and of a community!

>> Tear down the walls…of Unforgiveness…
… that divide the relationship between my fellow beings and me!

>> Tear down the walls…of Discrimination…
… that divides human beings on the basis of colour, caste and race!

>> Tear down the walls… of Immorality…
… that divides the interior being of a person and leaves one discontented!

>> Tear down the walls…of Indifference…
… that divides the world with a sense of hopelessness and lack of empathy!

Building of walls and division is sometimes a natural offshoot of our egoistic minds and sinful pride …
>> Building of walls and partitions is sometimes a likely possibility of our individualistic tendencies…

But with the Grace of God combined with our efforts, we can pursue every attempt to Tear down these Walls!

We need a new beginning…
… a fresh start
… a bright onset

Let us not Reject the Lord..
>>> Rather let us permit Him to Enter… to Rise… to Unscroll… to Read… to Roll… and to Announce His Gospel in our Lives!

May we allow the Lord to take possession of our lives…
… and in the process, “Tear Down many Walls”!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ Let us not forget the maxims of the saints, who teach us to advance a little further, each day, on the road to perfection.
>> This thought should encourage us not to be surprised or to feel miserable whenever we have something to correct…
… Each day, we must begin again, with renewed courage!
——————————–

A familiar story goes such…

A man just got married and was returning home with his wife.

>> They were crossing a lake in a boat, when suddenly a great storm arose.

The man was a warrior, but the woman became very much afraid because it seemed almost hopeless:

The boat was small and the storm was really huge…

… and any moment they could be drowned.

But the man sat silently, calm and quiet, as if nothing was happening.

The woman was trembling, saying:

“Are you not afraid?”

>> This may be our last moment of life!

The man laughed and took the sword out of its sheath.

>> Then he brought the naked sword close to the woman’s neck, so close that just a small gap was there, it was almost touching her neck.

He said,” Are you afraid?”

She started to laugh and said:

” Why should I be afraid?

>> If the sword is in your hands, why I should be afraid? I know you love me.

The man put the sword back and said:

“This is my answer, as well!

>> I know God Loves me, and the storm is in His hands!”

The man was willing to trust in the Lord!

>> And thus, any passage through any storm, would be without any fear!

What about us…

>> Do we trust in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by the Lord to grow in the Virtue of Trust!

>> By listening to Him

>> By giving heed His Word

>> By being 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” – TRUSTING IN HIM

>> 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 storms and rough seas of difficulties.

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

But in all such moments, are we ready and open to Trust in the Lord?

The Lord will take us through…

… every storm

… every squall

… every tempest

>> Because, He loves us!

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

>> Let us grow in our efforts to trust in the Lord!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When we abandon all to Him, He takes a tender care of us…

… and His Providence for us is great and small, according to the measure of abandonment!”

——————————–

A little boy was returning home, with a jar of honey in his hand.

A gentleman, walking behind him, was constantly observing the boy…

… how very often, he would stick his finger inside the jar, and taste a little of the honey.

After noticing this quite a few times, he approached the boy and asked:

“Son, what do you have in that jar”

“Sweet Honey” said the boy

“Honey? Is it sweet?” enquired the man

>> “Yes Sir”

“How sweet is your honey?” asked the man again

>> “Very sweet Sir!”

“You are tasting this so often. So I want to know how much sweet is it?” the man enquired one more time

>> “Very sweet Sir!”

“Well, I don’t understand you!” continued the man, “I am asking you how sweet it is, and you are only saying, it is very sweet! I don’t understand you!”

Finally, the boy lost his patience, and sticking his finger into the honey, he said: “Taste and see for yourself!”

Quite true, isn’t it?

Any description of the sweetness of the honey would not suffice…

… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…

… unless one actually experiences it!

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such event of a person, who experienced the Sweetness of the Lord: The Conversion of St Paul.

When we look into the life of St Paul, there are several factors that we can meditate on, and learn from.

One of the very striking aspects is that of the Passion and Zeal of St Paul.

This passion was greatly reflected in all aspects of his life…

… in his preaching and his writings!

… in his dealing with the Gentiles and their cause of faith

… in his aggressiveness against anything that caused scandal and harm to the Church

… in his uncompromising attitude towards anything that endangered his relationship with the Lord!

Some of his writings in the letters reflect this aspect of Passion and Zeal:

>> “Woe to me, if I don’t preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)

>> “I count everything as a loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:8)

>> “For me to live is to Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)

>> “ My preaching… was a demonstration of the Spirit and power” ( 1 Cor 2:4)

We need to ask of ourselves:

>> Is my Christian life, filled with passion and zeal?

>> Do I burn with love for God and His Kingdom?

>> Does the Lord and His Will come first, in my life?

It’s easy to often remain on the “theoretical” dimension of Christian life!

>> We can very often have only discussions and deliberations about faith

… but not real prayer or living in the Spirit

>> We can many times have talks being heard or books being read on Christian life

… but not necessarily living the Christian life of virtues and a Sacramental Life

>> We can sometimes enter into doubts about Christianity, to “know more”…

… but not necessarily growing in our relationship with the Lord or loving Him more

The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul is a mighty reminder to all of us…

… to live our Christian lives “passionately and zealously!”

Yes, just as any description of the sweetness of honey would not suffice…

… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…

… unless one actually experiences it!

St Paul experienced the “sweetness of the Lord”…

… and he gave his life for the Lord – in passion and in zeal.

What about us?

>> Are we ready to stick our lives into the “jar of God’s honey of love?”

God bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ Fruits that are very delicate and decays easily like cherries, apricots and strawberries remain good for the whole year, if preserved in sugar or honey

>> So it is with our hearts – though frail and feeble – they are kept safe from the corruption of sin…

… when preserved in the sugar and honey of the incorruptible Flesh and Blood of God!”

——————————–

It was a tense afternoon in the September of the year 1594.

The Bishop of Geneva in France, had convoked a meeting of all his clergy.

>> There was an urgent need for priests to go to a place named Chablais.

Chablais was a territory in Geneva, which had been under political and religious siege.

>> Around fifty priests in this place had been banished.

>> Many churches had been burnt and devastated.

Chablais had become a place of terror for the Catholic Church.

>> It had become infamous for its terrible persecution of the Catholic Faith.

It’s in this horrifying situation, that the Bishop of the place had called for a meeting…

… to ask for volunteers to go to this place and renew the faith.

But none came forward…

>> None were willing to risk their lives…

It’s at this point, that there came a gentle yet firm voice – “My Lord, if you think that I am capable of it, command me, I am ready!”

The voice was of St Francis de Sales.

His own father considered this decision as “utter madness”

>> Perhaps, the other priests and clergy would have also felt this decision as a “crazy one”

The risk of being driven out, failing in his undertaking and of becoming a laughing stock of the world was great indeed.

>> But St Francis de Sales stood firm to His decision.

>> It was a decision which perhaps defied reasons…

>> It was a decision which perhaps seemed out of senses…

But this decision was to become the turning point of a spiritual revolution!

St Francis de Sales was convinced, that nothing is greater than “seeking and doing” the Will of God.

>> He would in fact, later in life, say:

“Do everything calmly and peacefully.

Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to His will joyously.

>> Do everything for God, uniting yourself to him in word and deed.”

What about our Christian Life?

>> Is it centered on seeking and doing the Will of God, at every moment, in every situation?

The Gospel of the Day is a narrative of Jesus displaying His conviction and commitment to the Kingdom of God…

… and his tremendous zeal and passion in doing His Father’s Will!

Jesus was in the thick of His ministry…

… and was attracting a large number of people.

St Mark beautifully presents this attractive power of the Lord through the words:

“A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.

>> Hearing what He was doing, a large number of people came to Him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan and from the neighbourhood of Tyre and Sidon” (Mk 3: 7-8)

The popularity of the Lord was spreading far and wide…

>> His power over sin had many to look up to Him…

>> His authoritative teaching was astonishing to many…

>> His dominance over evil spirits was awe-inspiring for many…

>> His amazing healing power had caused a stir among people…

Such fame also brought along with it…

… jealousy and hatred

… animosity among the leaders of the time

… divisions among His followers and His detesters

Yet…

… with all such external fame and popularity

… with all such outer dangers and threats

>> Jesus remained focus!

Jesus brings to focus the importance…

… to seek and do God’s Will

… to always say YES with respect to the works of the Kingdom!

What is our own attitude and mentality…

>> Am I concerned more with worldly affairs or do I engage myself more into spiritual realities?

>> Am I disturbed more by earthly concerns or do I share more the anxiety for spiritual growth?

>> Am I obsessed more with worldly gains or do I be zealous for spiritual graces and blessings?

Very often we lose our focus…

>> Very often we lose sight of the proper track…

The Lord, today, brings back the “spotlight” on the essentials of a Christian Life.

>>Christian life sometimes gets diluted with too many “social” concerns…

… at the expense of spiritual realities.

>> Christian life sometimes gets polluted with too many “interdisciplinary” matters…

… at the expense of true faith and teachings.

>> Christian life sometimes gets ruined with too many “compromising” practices…

… at the expense of Gospel values and standards.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Francis de Sales.

…. the Doctor of Love!

… the Gentleman Saint!

>> He, today, invites and encourages us to embrace this path of constantly seeking and doing the Will of God!

In His book – The Introduction to the Devout Life (a book recommended for all, especially those in family life) ….

>> He clearly enunciates simple and practical tips of how one can grow in devotion and holiness…

… by constantly remaining in the presence of God

… by continually doing the Will of God

Undoubtedly, in doing the Will of God, we will have to…

… we will have to face moments of loneliness, ‘cos we will find ourselves, swimming against the currents of the world

… we will have to encounter hardships and rejections, ‘cos we would become a subject of calumny and mockery, as others may oppose us

… we will have to go through situations of darkness, ‘cos we would find it hard to even have clarity in our life of faith

But in all such situations, the Lord assures us, with the 5 magical words: I WILL BE WITH YOU!

This was the conviction that led St Francis de Sales to become a Great Saint…

… treading confidently and optimistically in the Path of Holiness and Sanctity.

He would say:

“In all your affairs, rely wholly on God’s providence, through which alone you must look for success.

>> Nevertheless, strive quietly on your part to cooperate with its designs…

… Imitate little children who with one hand hold fast to their father while with the other they gather strawberries or blackberries from the hedges.”

May we seek the mighty intercession of the Gentleman Saint to “Seek and Do” God’s Will at all times and thus “soar in the skies of sanctity”

May the following words and quotes of St Francis de Sales inspire and strengthen us:

>> “Bloom where you are planted”

>> “Be what you are and be at its best”

>> “I have made a pact with my tongue… not to speak, when my heart is troubled!”

>> “A spoonful of honey attracts more bees than a barrel of vinegar”

>> “Be patient with all things; but first of all, with yourself!”

>> “Praying daily for half an hour is essential, except when you are busy… in those times, an hour!”

Wish you all a very Happy Feast of St Francis De Sales!

>> With joy and love, let us proclaim with him, “Vive Jesus…Live Jesus!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The best means of doing perfectly whatever we are doing…

… is to do it, with the thought of God’s Presence

>> Nothing we do will ever offend God, if we are constantly attentive to His Presence…

… and so long as we are conscious that His Eyes are always upon us!

——————————–

The Christian tradition has for a long time, associated the four evangelists (Gospel writers) with the four living creatures that surround God’s throne as described in the book of Revelation.

Rev 4:7, “The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf (ox), the third had a face like that of a human being and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight…”

These associations are made as follows:

>> Matthew – Human being/Angel;

>> Mark – Lion;

>> Luke – Ox (Calf);

>> John – Eagle.

The Gospel of the Day is a passage from the Gospel of St Mark.

>> And today the Lion, associated with Mark’s Gospel is set to “roar”!

Yes, Jesus, the Marcan Lion is out to “roar” in the Synagogue!!

It’s another Sabbath day…

>> And Jesus is in the synagogue where there is a man who has a withered hand.

St Mark is particular to mention that the Pharisees were watching him keenly, to observe what Jesus, the healer would do (Mk 3:2)

They did not look, to praise God…they observed in order to pinpoint faults!

>> They did not seek, to glorify God’s name…they scrutinized in order to defame the Lord!

What a pity when religious leaders become only harsh law-enforcing personnel and fail to administer compassion and love!

>> What a pity when protectors of the law become too rigid and stubborn to keep the rules that they become perpetuators of a perpetual hypocrisy!

As the Pharisees keep watching what He is going to do, Jesus throws the ball in their court.

The Lord knows the secrets of human hearts!

>> The Lord gauges the depths of human hypocrisy!

And so Jesus, the Marcan Lion roars and asks, ” Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” ( Mk 3:4)

A basic and a fundamental question was staring on the faces of the Pharisees…

They were people…

… who were staunch to uphold the laws and the rules.

… who would strive to maintain faithfulness to the minutest regulations

… who would raise their voice at any violation of God’s commandments.

Was it love that drove them to do God’s commandments?

>> Was it pure motives that made them to be zealous for God’s law?

>> Was it a striving for God’s glory that impelled them to be strict keepers of the rules?

Here was a moment for them to express their intention behind all these things…

>> Here was a chance to tell the world what was their aim in doing all the obligations…

“But they remained silent” (Mk 3:4b)

What an anti-climax it turned out to be!

>> They gave the worst possible reply to the life-convicting question: Silence!

It was a deafening silence that was brutally wounding and viciously hurting!

>> It was a booming silence of their cruel disapproval of Jesus’ healing ministry!

>> It was a crashing silence exposing their wickedness of heart and duplicity of minds!

And so Jesus, the Lion roars…

>> “Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of hearts…” (Mk 3:5)

The inhuman silence of the Pharisees provokes Jesus, the Lion to anger!

>> The hypocritical hush of the Pharisees instigates Jesus, the Lion to fury!

>> The dreadful stillness of the Pharisees wounds Jesus, the Lion to grief!

How many of us are similar to this attitude of the Pharisees….?!

We see people withered in misery and abjection…

>> And we assume a dignified silence of inaction and apathy!

We see others withered in sinful situations and evil circumstances…

>> And we take refuge in a silence of not doing anything to help them, come out of this condition!

We see families, societies and communities withering in disunity and discord…

>> And we maintain a “clean-image” of silence, instead of doing the unpleasant task of unifying!

We see ourselves withered in corrupt inclinations and errant behaviour…

>> And we uphold a silence of indifference and lethargy and avoid reformation and renewal!

But the Lord, the great Lion, roars in all such “unfair and debasing” moments of silence!

It angers Him…

>> It grieves Him…

>> It provokes Him…

>> It pains Him…

This same Jesus, who is the Lion of Judah, who “roars” fiercely, is also the Gentle Lamb who sacrificed His life for our transformation, renewal and reformation!

ROOARRR!!

The Lion of Judah is “roaring” for a positive and active response from us….

… for a change in our attitude and mentality!

… for a radical transformation in our misery of indifference!

Let the “roar” of Jesus, the Lion instil in us the urgency to take necessary actions in our life.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–

Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us be firm in our intentions, unwavering in our decisions.

>> Our very perseverance will prove that in good earnest desire, we have sacrificed ourselves to God and committed ourselves to the devout life!”

——————————–

A common story is told of a judge who had been frequently ridiculed by an arrogant lawyer.

When asked by a friend why he didn’t rebuke his assailant, the judge replied:

“In our town lives a widow who has a dog.

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

Having said that, the magistrate shifted the conversation to another subject.

After sometime, someone asked, “But Judge, you did not complete saying about the dog and the moon…

… What happened thereafter?”

“Oh,” the judge quipped, “the moon went on shining—that’s all.”

In life, we often face situations when criticisms are thrown at us…

… and we come under the scanner of “people’s unfair observations and judgments!”

What is our attitude to such situations of life?

Do we react negatively and thus lose our peace of mind…

… or do we remain firm and patient – trusting in God’s Protection – and being convinced of standing for the truth?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus and His disciples coming under the “observant scanner of the Pharisees and the Scribes”…

… and Jesus responding to the situation with conviction in the Truth!

Jesus and His disciples were walking through a field of grain on the Sabbath.

>> The disciples were hungry and decided to pluck some of the grain. (Mk 2: 23)

The OT law of keeping of the Sabbath in no way prohibited picking a handful of grain to satisfy one’s immediate hunger

In Dt 23:25, God makes a wonderful provision for travellers:

“When you enter your neighbour’s standing grain, then you may pluck the head with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle in your neighbour’s standing grain”

The traditional law however added many rules and regulations.

>> These traditions were rigid concerning Sabbath observance.

The Talmud – the book of Jewish traditions – has 24 chapters listing various Sabbath laws.

>> A rabbi would sometimes spend 21/2 years studying one chapter to figure out all the details.

On a Sabbath Day…

… no burden could be carried that weighed more than a dried fig, or half a fig carried two times.

… if you threw an object in the air and caught it with the other hand, it was a sin. If you caught it in the same hand, it wasn’t!

… a tailor couldn’t carry his needle…. The scribe couldn’t carry his pen… A pupil couldn’t carry his books.

… no clothing could be examined lest somehow you find a lice and inadvertently kill it.

Nothing could be…

… sold

… bought

… washed

>> Cold water could be poured on warm, but warm couldn’t be poured on cold.

>> You could not bathe for fear when the water fell off of you it might wash the floor.

>> If a candle was lit, you couldn’t put it out. If it wasn’t lit, you couldn’t light it.

>> Women couldn’t look in a glass or they might find a white hair and be tempted to pull it out.

>> Women couldn’t wear jewellery because jewellery weighs more than a dried fig!!

It goes on and on…!!

The system had become mercilessly oppressive, horribly ungodly and brutally unkind.

The safe guarders and protectors of these scrupulous laws were the Scribes and the Pharisees.

>> And today they are out, to catch hold of Jesus and His disciples.

Their detective eyes are keen to observe the mistakes committed by them.

>> Their probing eyes are on the look out to get hold of their Sabbath breakages!

Do I sometimes adopt this tendency of the Pharisees and the Scribes…

>> Being on the constant look out for mistakes of others…

>> Watching others behaviours to probe faults and failures in them…

It’s interesting that the Scribes and the Pharisees failed to see that they also broke the Sabbath Law!

The Pharisees were following Jesus and His disciples….

>> This meant walking beyond the stipulated steps prescribed by the Sabbath Law!

But, they conveniently avoid in mentioning this!

They self-justified themselves but accused others of guilt!

>> They self-approved themselves but blamed others of faults!

>> Am I a person prone to only find faults and negativity in situations and in others…

… or do I make constructive criticisms and also be a person who genuinely appreciates?

>> Am I a person constantly bickering about what is lacking and missing in my life…

… or do I rather be a person who is delightful and content with all what God has blessed me?

>> Am I person who magnifies the weaknesses of others and defames others character…

… or do I be a person who understands others and encourages them to be stronger?

It’s human to chance upon the weaknesses of others…

>> It’s Divine to accept, understand and encourage them to be better instead!

It’s human to always look into the negative dimensions in a person…

>> It’s Divine to have a magnanimous heart to look to positives in life!

Life and situations may often go on “barking criticisms” at us…

>> Let us continue to shine as the moon…

… drawing our light from Jesus, the Sun of our Life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “To get bogged down by some little troubles, problems and pitfalls…is a sign that our heart is still too tender and vulnerable and our devotion soft and spineless

>> Do not be afraid to fight tooth and nail against these silly, melancholic and senseless moods…

… till they are completely crushed and exterminated from your hearts!”

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There is a story of a poor farmer.

>> The only possession he had was a plantain grove.

Once, his only son fell seriously sick.

>> He did not have the required money to treat his son.

Desperation grew stronger, and hopes were getting diminished!

His wife advised him:

“Why don’t we try to approach our King and seek for his financial assistance?

Hopefully, he will help!”

“Hmm.. that is a good suggestion” said the farmer, “but what shall we present him, when we go to meet him? We surely can’t go empty-handed!”

They both went to their plantain grove.

>> Unfortunately, there were only three plantains!

“How can we give this cheap present to the King” sadly exclaimed the wife.

“He may even get angry with us”, commented the farmer.

Finally, faced with no choice, they thought about another idea – “they would meet the Queen-Mother of the King”

So they went, in fear, yet with hope, approaching the mother of the King.

>> They presented her the three plantains as a gift to the King and informed of their serious problem.

That night, the mother, placed the three plantains, in a golden plate, full of precious stones.

When the King saw the three plantains, that were placed in the midst of the fine jewels, he was impressed.

>> He enquired who gave it…

… and the one who informed, also told about the farmer and his sick child to the King.

The King called the farmer, and being pleased with him, gave him much wealth and land!

Similar is the work of our Blessed Mother, the Queen-Mother of our Blessed Lord.

>> She presents our problems and difficulties to the Lord, and provides consolation and strength in our moments of troubles.

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful intercessory role of our Blessed Mother, in the Wedding at Cana.

The Wedding at Cana is the first of the “signs” that is reported in the Gospel of St John.

Weddings were probably the high point of the Jewish Social life.

>> It was a time when there would be an abundance of celebration, extravagance of merriment and lavishness of fun.

Weddings were some of the very few occasions, when the common, working class people could take time off to celebrate and enjoy themselves.

>> As a result, most weddings would include five to seven days of festivities.

Wine was an integral part of this important social custom.

Therefore when the Gospel says, “they ran short of wine”…

… it was a moment of immense embarrassment for the family.

… it was a time of utter shame and humiliation for the hosts

But in this time of crisis and trouble, Mother Mary realized the potential disaster.

>> She took the initiative to do something about it – to help avoid the great embarrassment that would have crashed upon the family.

How often do we face such situations of “the wine running short” in our life!

The “wine”….

… of unity and fellowship, often, “runs short” in our family life….

… of unity and fellowship, often, “runs short” in our family life….

… of holiness and sanctity, often, “runs short” in our spiritual life….

… of faith and perseverance, often, “runs short” in our prayer life….

… of sensitiveness and responsiveness, often, “runs short” in our social life….

… of joy and commitment, often, “runs short” in our religious and priestly life….

In all such occasions of “the wine running short”, Blessed Mother Mary is our intercessor to help us receive the “abundance of the best wine” from Jesus.

But…

>> Have we invited Mother Mary in our life?

>> Have we given Her a place in our life?

She will take us to the Lord and help receive His blessings and graces!

Therefore, we also ought to follow Her words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2: 5)

>> Mother Mary not only helps us receive blessings from the Lord…

… She also directs us towards Him and exhorts us to follow Him closer!

>> Mother Mary not only takes our petitions, by Her intercessions to the Lord…

… She also shows us the way to Him and urges us to live a life of obedience to Him!

On tasting the water that was changed to wine, the headwaiter said:

“Everyone serves good wine first and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one.

But you have kept the good wine, until now” (Jn 2: 10)

Yes, there are often situations, when “we run short of wine” in our lives.

But, in all such moments of worry, despair and trouble, Mother Mary takes us closer to Jesus…

… Who longs to provide us with the “best wine” – the wine of true joy and eternal salvation!

Are we ready to feast, by seeking the intercession of our Queen-Mother Mary and being obedient to the commandments of the Lord?

The best wine is waiting…!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “When human spirit fails, then the Holy Spirit Fills!”

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There are a few things which are not understood in life…

(Well, don’t worry…. we are not getting too philosophical here…!)

One among these… which has perhaps, intrigued many, including me is… a physician’s (doctor’s) medicine prescription!

(Are physicians reading this more closely now??)

The physician usually is a busy person, with many patients to be attended to and many in distress seeking his/her advice.

In the midst of this heavy work, the medical prescription is often scribbled down.

>> Many times their handwriting goes for a toss!

>> Many times the legibility of this writing is hard to decipher!

This untidily written prescription of medicines is often not much understood by the patient.

This quickly scribbled medicine prescription is often criticized by the patient’s attendants…

>> “Why can’t they write neatly?”

>> “Who can understood this indecipherable paper?”

But the Physician is quite at ease with the prescription!

The poor writing doesn’t disturb….

>> The illegibility doesn’t come in the way.

>> The scribbled letters don’t prevent from suggesting the right medicine.

The physician’s prescription in the hands of people who do not understand and grasp, is a cause of irritation and criticism!

>> The physician’s prescription in the hands of person who understands them well, is a cause of life-giving medicines!

The script is the same…but…

… to the one who fails to understand, it becomes a basis of cribbing and complaining

… to the one who understands it well, it becomes the source of life and vitality

The Gospel of the Day is nice setup – a Physician, a chief patient, other patients & some complaining people! (Mk 2: 13-16)

>> The Physician is the Lord Himself…

>> The chief patient is Levi, the tax collector…

>> The few other patients are the other sinners and tax collectors…

>> The set of complaining people are the scribes and the Pharisees…

Jesus, the Great Physician is out on His regular rounds…

… of nursing the wounds of people with His soothing bandages

… of strengthening the brokenness in people with His powerful words

… of touching the miseries and sicknesses of people by His healing touches

On one such round, He comes across Levi, the tax collector.

He sees him busy at his desk, counting the money, exchanging coins…

>> Jesus sees in Levi, a man who perhaps has indulged in cheating…

>> Jesus sees in Levi, a man who has been looked down badly by the local people…

The physician Jesus, sees in Levi, a patient who is sick and in trouble.

>> And so, He scribbles down a prescription…”Follow Me” (Mk 2:17)

The patient, with this prescription is happy and relieved…

… because he realizes, the Physician has given him a prescription that will bring him life!

Levi must have not understood much of this prescription….

>> But he follows the great Physician!

However, the other people who watch and see this prescription…fail to understand it!

And they begin to complain and groan:

“Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mk 2:16)

Yes, the Physician’s prescription in the hands of people who do not understand & grasp, is a cause of irritation and criticism!

>> But, the Physician’s prescription in the hands of people who understands them well, is a cause of life-giving medicines!

But Jesus, the Great Physician of Galilee, knows well & is confident of the prescription that He has given to His patient.

>> And so He boldly proclaims, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mk 2: 17)

Is any of us sick among us?

>> Spiritually sick…

… .with crisis with God or difficulties in prayer life or a standstill in faith?

>> Emotionally sick…

… with hard feelings hitting our life or unable to handle various moods?

>> Physiologically sick…

… with painful diseases and ailments or troubling aches, hurts and ills?

>> Financially sick…

… with businesses and jobs going down the drain and no hopes seen ahead?

>> Socially sick…

… with ill-acceptance by others and painful rejection by those whom we love?

Then the Great Physician is out here…. to heal and touch us!

>> No matter whether the prescription is not understood by us…

>> No matter whether the prescription is criticized by other people…

It makes perfect sense to the One who has prescribed it!

>> It makes perfect sense to the One who is to give the medicines!

The Great Physician is on duty…

>> Come, let us go to Him…for His Healing and Life-Saving Prescription!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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*Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS)* – “ A good way of staying in God’s Presence, is if we are and ever wish to be, entirely at His disposal!”

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A wealthy man was once seen driving his Lamborghini car through the streets of a busy city.

As he stopped in a particular place for parking, a curious passer-by, remarked at the driver:

“Hey, it’s surprising! You’re driving such an expensive car… but didn’t you notice that your rear window glasses are broken!”

“There’s a reason for pursuing with the broken glasses…”, the man in the car replied, “the broken windows remind me of God’s Providential Love!”

“Huh?”, enquired the passer-by with greater curiosity, “How do ‘broken windows’ remind you of God’s Providential Love?”

“Well.. then, listen to my story,” said the man as he continued, ” I was once passing through the streets, zipping across in my luxurious car…

… when suddenly, a crashing sound was heard from the back!

>> I saw that a stone had been thrown at my car!

In great anger, I noticed that it was  a rag-picker boy, who had thrown the stone!

My blood boiled, in rage, as I stopped my vehicle and moved closer to him.

But then I saw him, joining his hands, as he pleaded to me in tears: “Sir, look at my younger brother…

>> I noticed to see, that a young boy who legs were paralyzed was lying down, with a heavy scars and bruises on his legs.

The boy continued: ‘I was crossing the road, helping my lame brother, when a fast-moving bike ran over him, to leave with a bleeding leg.

I called out to many people for help…but none cared!

Finally, out of my helplessness, I decided to throw a stone at the vehicle which would come next, in order to seek help!

The boy continued: ‘Sir, I am extremely sorry that your expensive car is damaged. But, trust me, this was the only way I could seek help for my injured brother!”

Tears filled my eyes, as I told the boy: “My car windows are surely broken! But they are also a reminder, that sometimes, we have to allow God to break certain things, to remind…

… that we need to stop and help!

… that we need to depend on God in all aspects of life!

>> Surely, these broken windows are a sign of God’s Providential Love!”

Are there “broken windows” in our life?

>> Broken windows…

… when tragedies and calamities have hit our life?

… when untimely incidents and unexpected twists have taken place in life?

>> Though difficult to comprehend, perhaps, a deeper reflection, will help us to realize that such “Broken Windows are a sign of God’s Providential Love!”

The Gospel of the Day is a story of how a “broken roof becomes a sign of God’s Providential Love!”

We are travelling very quickly with St Mark’s journey of the ministry of Jesus.

>> We were with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, where He called the first disciples (Mk 1: 16-20)

Then…

… we came to the synagogue, where Jesus cures a man with an unclean spirit (Mk: 1: 21-28)

… we reached Simon’s house, where Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law (Mk 1:29-31)

… we went to the mountains to pray with Jesus, who always remained focused (Mk 1: 35)

… we met a leper, unacceptable in the society, who was made clean by Jesus (Mk 1: 40-45)

The journey moves fast and immediately…

At Capernaum, a great crowd has gathered in a house, where Jesus is preaching (Mk 2:1-2)

>> The house is fully packed with people cramming to hear the Lord and seek His Healing..

Then comes a group of thick friends who have brought their paralytic friend to Jesus.

>> They came with much expectation to get their friend whole and well again.

But as they approached the house…

… their hopes went down!

The massive gathering at the door thinned their anticipations!

But when the chips are down…

… one is given a chance to find strength one never knew one had & put it toward the greater good.

They came seeking for blessings…

… but it seemed, that the firmament was closed to shower down blessings!

But then they had a hope: They realized that “Even a broken roof can be a sign of God’s Providential Love!”

>> And so they decided to plead God to shower His blessings: “by tear opening the roof!”

“Unable to get near Jesus, because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above Him” (Mk 1:4)

“Opened up the roof” has other translations:

>> “Dug a hole through the roof”

>> “Removed part of the roof”

>> “Uncovered the roof”

We would perhaps think the roof was some primitive, thatched roof.

>> But most likely, that was not the case…

As per the architecture then, this roof was more than likely a mud clay roof with tiles

>> To lower their paralyzed friend through the roof, they literally had to do a major demolition of the roof.

Well… picture this:

You’re in this packed house…trying to listen to Jesus.

>> All of a sudden you start to hear some banging on the roof.

These friends would have literally tore the tiles off the roof, made a hole & lowered the paralyzed man by a rope into the house.

>> Then the roof materials begins to fall in on you!

Well… picture the people’s responses:

>> They would have been astonished, amazed and some even angered!

They were there to listen to Jesus….they had come early…they had won their spot…

>> They were perhaps hearing their life-transforming sermon!

It’s at this point, that the “roof starts tearing down!”

>> But Jesus, the God of blessings, is immensely pleased and edified by their faith and trust!

Their “tearing of the roof”…

… is blessed by “pouring down of blessings” and a “cleansing of sins”.

Many of the times, we too face similar barriers and blockages in our experience for the Lord.

>> We need to plead to God to shower His blessings: “by tear opening the roof!”

>> When we have…

… ‘end-of-the-road’ feelings and hopeless situations

… problems which seem impossible and unsolvable

>> Are we willing to have our “roofs broken”…

… and thus realize God’s Providential Love?!

Difficulties and barriers will always be many in life…

Hardships and challenges will often stare on our face…

>> But let us have the grit and the guts to be ready to “have our roof broken” of all such adversities!

Yes, let us understand that even a “broken roof is a sign of God’s Providential Love!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ It is no great merit to serve one’s king during times of peace amid the delights of the court life.

>> To serve him during the hardships of war and amid troubles and persecutions…

… is a true mark of constancy and fidelity!”

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