Played with li’l children?

When elders play some game with little children, we usually change some rules of the game.

>> It could be a game of cricket, or football or just passing the ball etc…

We relax some of the rules to make it easy for the child to enjoy the game a little more.

>> Sometimes for fun, we even, play badly, so that the child may win…

>> Sometimes, we even make some adjustments and act as if we don’t know how to play well..

>> Sometimes, we even play, as if we are losing very badly so that the child may enjoy more…

We do a bit of “acting” and do some pretense, in order to see the reaction of the children.

Well…

.. for the Lord, we too are li’l Children…

>> And no doubt, He too loves to play some tricks with us, His kids!

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how the Lord loves having “some fun” with us, His little KIDS…

The Lord has performed a stupendous multiplication of the five loaves and two fish among the five thousand men. (Mk 6: 34-44)

He then makes His disciples to get onto a boat, while He retires to enjoy His precious moments with His Abba Father on the mountains, to pray. (Mk 6: 45-46)

>> It’s at that time, the disciples, who are out in the sea, travelling on the boat, face a great storm.

As the disciples are struggling against the waves that hit them and the gushes of wind lashing against their boat, Jesus comes walking on the sea, towards them.

St Mark’s Gospel is very particular in mentioning a strangely overlooked statement: “He meant to pass them by” (Mk 6: 48b)

>> Another translation of this sentence would read, “He intended to pass them by”!

Now, that’s strange, right?

The disciples are struggling for life and are in deep danger…

… And does the Lord wish to just pass them by?

The boat is to capsize and it’s a terrible resistance against the forces of nature…

… And does the Lord just want to pass them by?

Did He not see them?

>> Or does He not care?

Well…

… this is where we introduce the aspect of the Lord having some “fun” with His children!

On another occasion also, Jesus would do something similar…

On the road to Emmaus, with the two disciples, when they reach close to their destination, Jesus does a similar “prank”

>> “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus gave the impression that he was going on further” (Lk 24:28)

Yet, on both occasions…

… when Jesus is called up, He responds positively.

In the boat, when the disciples saw the Jesus intended to pass them by, they cried out in fear.

>> And this prayer… of fear and worry… was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

On the way to Emmaus, when the two saw that Jesus was going away, they requested his presence.

>> And this prayer… of earnestness and desire…was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

Similar situations here…

>> The Lord in a sort of a “prank”… intends to pass by.

It seems that He is apparently not so interested in their concerns…

>> Yet, when they call out to Him…

… He responds!

Just like elders while playing with children, who “act” for some time….

… Jesus’ “acting” of being disinterested or “not knowing what to do” pays off…

>> The disciples reach out to Him in earnest prayer…and a miracle is performed!

> The Lord seems to pass by, not because He is not interested in us.

> The Lord acts as if He is passing by, not because He does not care for us.

It is rather just His way of making us to also reach out to Him in prayer

>> Divine disposition does not do away with human actions….

>> Divine help does not rule out human initiatives.

We are not to sit back and wait in passivity for God’s help…

>> We are to call out on Him, in prayer, in faith, in love!

Our lives sometimes have to face the consequence of this “prank” or “acting” of the Lord.

>> We struggle in the boats of our life, against dreadful storms of problems…

>> We row hard with all our might, and sometimes feel that it’s going to be the end of our life…

>> We get frightened and are afraid that somehow the waves will have the better of ourselves…

And the Lord, just “seems” to pass by

>> But when we cry out in deep anguish and fear…

… the Lord hears!

Our anxiety and fears itself becomes a prayer in the Presence of the Lord!

Is our life passing through deadly storms of faithlessness and isolation?

>> Are the dreadful waves of hardships and miseries assaulting us?

Does it seem that the Lord is “just passing by”?

Lift up the sagging and weary spirits…

… The Lord is very much with us!

Let’s open our hearts and lives to Him…

… and hear Him say: “Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!” (Mk 6:50)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.

>> Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”

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One of the easiest doubts that crops up in our day to day experience is the “doubt in our abilities”.

>> How can I do the job?

>> How can I be expected to study so much?

>> How can I ever be able to succeed in such a situation? Etc… etc…

Such a doubting of our abilities can leave many of our plans and aspirations to be at a standstill…

The Gospel of the Day brings us face-to-face with such kind of a situation – a situation of “doubts in abilities”

It was a late evening…

The Lord had finished preaching the Word of God to a large crowd of people.

>> The disciples sensed that it had got too late and requested the Lord to send the people away, so that they could fetch some food for themselves.

“This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mk 6: 36)

But the Lord had different plans… as always!

>> The Lord loves to challenge us in our comforts…

>> The Lord loves to let loose our lethargic leanings…

>> The Lord loves to instigate our insipid inhibitions…

He tells the disciples, “Give them some food yourselves” (Mk 6: 37)

This statement came as a shocker for the disciples….

” Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” (Mk 6:37)

>> The disciples were not prepared to accept the challenge of the Lord…

They perhaps thought from a financial point of view… It would be too expensive to feed so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a sociological point of view… It would be too impractical to handle so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a comfort point of view… It would be a botheration for us to look after so many!

… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

>> Logic sometimes tells us that some things are too hard.

>> Reason sometimes prompts us that some situations are too bad.

>> Brain sometimes puts forward that some circumstances are beyond our control.

But the Lord invites them to look at the strength of their ability… which is He Himself!

>> When problems come, we often “doubt out abilities” because we look only into ourselves…

We fail to look to the Lord, who is the solution to our problems.

>> When difficulties encompass us, we often “doubt out abilities” because we think that we are the master of everything…

We fall short of recognizing the power of God, which is, in fact, our true strength

>> When crisis befalls us, we often “doubt out abilities”, because we get totally tensed and worried within ourselves…

We do not look up and see the hand of God, waiting to lead and guide us

The Disciples, who were “doubting their abilities”, finally let themselves into the ways of the Lord…

>> And then the miracle happened!!

>> When we entrust everything into God’s hands, miracles occur…

>> When we have faith in the mighty Providence of the Lord, wonders take place…

> Before the Lord… logic can dissolve!

> Before the Lord… reason can be floored!

> Before the Lord… brains can be put to shame!

Yes…

… Life will continue to challenge us with problems, wherein we “doubt our abilities”

… Life will always ambush us with painful difficulties, wherein we “doubt our abilities”

Let all those moments…

… be a chance for us to allow the Lord to multiply His blessings in us.

… be an opportunity for us to let the Lord to increase His grace in us.

As St Paul of the Cross tells us, ” Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of His goodness, where every failing will be cancelled and every anxiety turned into love.”

Let us throw ourselves entirely into the care of our Divine Compassionate Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.”

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One of the subtle, taken-for-granted, yet successful techniques in life, is “withdrawal”.

(This “withdrawal” is NOT in the psychological sense of alienating oneself or going into an isolated state of mind)

This technique of “withdrawal” is seen in many areas of life….

While playing chess, as part of a clever strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, in order to have a better control over the game.

>> This withdrawal is in order to alter the line of attack…

>> This withdrawal is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic (especially through the Indian roads), one “withdraws” one’s vehicle for some time, by slowing down…

>> This withdrawal is to allow a little more space ahead, so that we can overtake faster…

>> This withdrawal, by slowing down for few seconds, helps to find more empty spaces to go ahead faster…

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not a sign of weakness or surrender…

>> Rather, it’s a tactic to plan better and enhance organizing.

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not an indication of admitting defeat or submissiveness…

>> Rather, it’s a method to make more progress and find better ways out.

The Gospel of the Day begins with a mention of ‘withdrawal’ by Jesus…

“When He heard that John had been arrested, Jesus withdrew to Galilee” (Mt 4:12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus had already begun preaching about the message of repentance.

King Herod, in Jerusalem, had to also face the “naked truths” of the preaching of John.

>> Living in immorality, King Herod had been strongly condemned for his actions, by John

>> Practising adultery, King Herod had been angered greatly by the bold exhortation of John

And so, King Herod had John the Baptist arrested.

>> The “Voice” had been stifled!

>> The “Voice” was suppressed!

St Matthew, however, says, that on hearing of John’s arrest, “Jesus withdrew”.

>> Was it a withdrawal out of fear?

>> Was it a withdrawal because Jesus got intimidated by King Herod?

Surely No!!

Why was it not an action of fear?

Because….

… Galilee, the place where Jesus withdrew, was equally a dangerous place since it was also under King Herod?s rule

… Jesus would display a far greater exhibition of courage, bravery and boldness than even John, by His ministry of Authentic Preaching and Awe-inspiring wondrous deeds.

… God in His Divine plan wanted Jesus to perform much of His ministry in the Gentile region of Galilee.

>> Galilee was certainly not the most obvious place for the Messiah to begin His ministry.

>> Galilee was part of the Northern Kingdom of the nation, which was ruled by ungodly kings…

 

The population was mixed in race and looked down upon by the Jews of Judah & Jerusalem.

> The people of Galilee were considered to be somewhat pagan in their spiritual life.

Yet, as part of His Divine strategy, Jesus “withdraws” to this most improbable place of Galilee to launch His ministry of Spiritual Revolution of the world.

Life sometimes makes us to “withdraw”…

>> In a situation of trouble and crisis, we need to sometimes “withdraw” into our selves and find time with the Lord, in order to assess and evaluate our circumstances.

>> In our dealings with others, we need to sometimes “withdraw” some of our words, expressions and feelings, in order to preserve and strengthen our relationships.

>> In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give sometime for ourselves and thus be able to perform better.

Life is not always rosy and life is not always a cakewalk.

>> Difficulties and struggles are ready to very often pounce on us.

>> Crisis and situations of terror are waiting to grab us by the neck.

Just like our Dear Lord, who is the perfect strategist and the ideal planner, we too need to take control of our lives, by giving time for “ourselves” even if needed to “withdraw” at certain times.

>> This withdrawal is not a retreat into depression…

…  rather a time of preparation with the Lord.

>> This withdrawal is not falling into anxieties…

… rather a time of charging with the power of God

Let us become a powerful witness to Jesus, the Light of the Nations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS

Bengaluru, India

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

A well-known story goes of a holy monk, who was once visited by a young man.

The young person asked him, ” I want you to tell me how to find God”

>> The monk was a muscular person.

He told the man, “Do you really want to find God?”

The man said, “Oh Yes, I want to!”

So the monk took the man to the river.

When they reached the place, the monk grabbed the young man by the neck, and held his head down water.

At first the man thought, that this was a special ritual.

But even after a few minutes, the monk did not let go.

The young man began to struggle

>> But the monk would not leave him.

The young man try to fight harder to be released!

> But the monk would not release.

The young man struggled to breathe in some air…

… but the monk kept him in.

Finally, after a long time of struggle, the monk pulled out the young man from the waters and told him:

“When you desire God as much as you longed for the air, then you will have the Epiphany of God!”

The Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs, sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany”, means…

… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…

… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

This single focus and dedication…

… Impelled them to move forward with determination

… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles

… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory… ?

… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for one’s self glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions… ?

… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focussed on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

>> As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

>> But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!

>> (pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

Where do I seek the Lord?

>> Do I faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…

… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

>> Do I seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?

… Or do I get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?

The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their choicest gifts – fit and appropriate.. ( Mt 2:11b)

> Gold for Jesus, the King

> Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest

> Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…

… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

>> But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…

>> Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?

… or, is the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…

>> Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?

>> Take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian life, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

>> He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” ( Rom sinful, broken, wounded – just as we are…

.. So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us to…

… Examine, purify and strengthen…

… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

>> Let us seek the Lord deeper

>> Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place

>> Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

May we deeply desire for the Lord, and thus be worthy to enjoy the ecstasy of the Epiphany of God!

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – There are many who want me to tell them of secret ways of becoming perfect and I can only tell them that the sole secret is a hearty love of God, and the only way of attaining that love is by loving.

>> You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving!”

An incident is told about a famous agnostic ( = a person who believes that nothing is known/can be known of the existence or nature of God)…

… who was staying as a guest in the house of a Catholic Family.

When Sunday came around, all the members of the family got ready to go to Church.

But this agnostic was not willing to.

>> In fact, he approached the owner of the house and asked him to stay back, without going to Church.

“Why not avoid going to Church today,” he told the owner, “and instead stay back and tell me what does your Catholic Faith mean to you!”

The owner- a devout and staunch, yet simple Catholic – got perplexed: “You have the capability to destroy any argument and any opponent.

>> I am just an simple Catholic. I am not clever enough to argue with you.”

But the agnostic continued gently: “I don’t want to argue with you. I just want you

to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”

The man stayed at home and simply told him of his faith.

The incident goes on to say that, when he had finished…

… there were tears in the agnostic’s eyes.

Yes, it was not clever argument that touched the agnostic’s heart…

… but the simple story of a man’s faith!

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a beautiful experience…

… of a person who was made to go beyond the “influence of prejudice and rhetoric” and thus could “experience God’s Power and Grace”!

The Gospel narrates the incident of Philip, who has already had a “Come and See” Experience (Jn 1: 39).

After “experiencing” the Lord, Philip goes to his town Bethsaida, where he meets Nathanael. (Jn 1: 44-45)

Nathanael – a name which means, “God has given” is an interesting character.

When Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…” (Jn 1: 45)…

… Nathanael put forward a blunt question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Nathanael showed forth a cynical and doubtful mind…

… probably due to his prejudice and bias.

But…

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

And so, Philip invites Nathanael to have a first-hand experience of the Lord, by telling Him, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

Nathanael was relying more on the “the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument”

>> He depended more on his past experience and his ability to “put forth ideas”

But Philip is willing to show how the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument” can be easily won over by the Experience of God’s Love and Faith in Him!

Philip himself was told by Jesus, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 39)

>> He went and saw… and with an experience, had his life transformed!

He now invites Nathanael to do the same: “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

>> So that he too can go and see… and have an experience, to have his life transformed!

Here’s a big lesson to all of us:

>> Unless we have a first-hand experience of God’s Love and Providence…

… we will only remain in the level of “rhetoric and argument”

>> Unless we thirst to be filled with God’s Presence and Comfort…

… we will only be stuck with our “past experiences and prejudices”

Nathanael would “dare” to have the “Come and See” Experience…

… and that would result in his public confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

Are we willing to have the “Come and See” experience…

… like Philip?

… like Nathanael?

Let us realize that it is not arguments or rhetoric that would help us to grow in our faith…

… rather an “experience” of the Lord and His Love!

Many of us perhaps “know a lot about God”

>> But how many of us “know God a lot?”?

Many of us perhaps can regularly give “talks on God”

>> But how many of us, regularly, “talk to God?”

Let the “Come and See” Experience of Nathanael be an inspiration for all of us…

… to grow in our thirst for the Lord

Through…

… Regular prayer

… Reception of the Sacraments

… Reading of the Bible

… Recognizing the guidance of God in all what we do

… Recounting the many blessings of God

>> May we constantly grow in this “Come and See” Experience of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Do not become upset when difficulty comes your way. Laugh in its face and know that you are in the hands of God.”

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There was a field covered with freshly fallen snow.

>> A father and a son entered that field.

As they walk across the field, the father just went, as normally, walking…

… without paying any particular attention to where he was going.

But his son, on the other hand, followed his father directly behind…

… making a special effort to step in his father’s footprints.

After the two had crossed the field, the son looked behind and tugged his father to look behind.

“Look there Father”, said the boy, “there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

The father – who was known to be a very honest and gentle person – smiled and said:

“That’s so beautiful, my Child!

You have taken all the efforts to walk on my footprints!”

I wish and pray, that you also do that same, in life!”

The Father was inviting his son, to Walk his path of Honesty and Gentleness…

… in his footprints!

This is the Christian way, also, isn’t it?

>> Walking the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

The Gospel of the Day presents the familiar yet fascinating incident of the First Disciples of Jesus following Him…

>> And how this First Following would lead them to “Walk the Path of Christ”…

… in His Footprints!

The passage begins by stating that “John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples.

>> And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” (Jn 1: 35-37)

One of the very beautiful aspects that we find in this “call narrative”…

… is the fact of how the two disciples give heed to the word of John the Baptist.

And to further that call, they would give heed to the invitation of Jesus as well: “Come, and you will see.” (Jn 1: 39)…

… and they went and stayed with Him.

These two acts of obedience to the voice of John the Baptist and Jesus…

… would re-define their lives!

… would transform their future!

This act of obedience was a radical choice they made

>> Walking the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead

>> They were mostly uncertain, of what would be the implications of “following Christ closely”

But they made a choice

>> And that choice would change their lives for ever!

As Christians, we are also constantly given this invitation

>>To walk in the path of Christ..

… In His Footprints!

This requires trust in Him

>> This demands obedience to His Voice

Very often, the voice of the world makes us to stray our paths

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and remain firm in Him!

Very often, the comforts offered by the world, makes us lose our values

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and be faithful to be my witness!

Very often, the hardships of life, makes us to be discouraged

>> But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and being focused on me, always be encouraged and hopeful!

Life often takes us through the “fields of snow”…

… the snow of sufferings

… the snow of uncertainty

… the snow of discouragement

… the snow of painful experiences

But let’s take conscious and special efforts “to step in Christ’s Footprints”…

So that after crossing “such fields of snow” we can say: “Look Lord, there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

>> And we hearing the Lord, with much love, telling us: “That’s so beautiful, my Child!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – ” Begin each day with “the direction of intentions”: My God, I give you this day. I offer You, now all the good that I shall do and promise to accept, for love of You, all the difficulties that I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself this day in a manner pleasing to You!”

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The five fingers of the hand have their own functions and roles.

However, one among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…

That Finger is …

… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.

>> And the activity that it is often used for, is… Blaming!

The Index finger or also called as the Pointer Finger is often used…

…to point to others and accuse them

.. to point towards others and blame them

…to point towards others and lay a charge on them

This action is also called as Finger-Pointing – the act of casting the blame or assigning the blame for something, to someone else.

We have somehow, consciously or unconsciously, got into a habit of using our Index or the Forefinger to always blame and accuse others…

… and pass on the fault to other people.

The Gospel of the Day, is however, a welcome change to this “sickening” trend of finger-pointing!

We have St John the Baptist who utilizes this action of pointing, not for blaming or accusing…

… rather to point out the Saviour of the World!

He points out, in a majestic style, to Jesus… and declares emphatically, ” Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1: 29)

He points towards Jesus…

… to make known the One who is the long-awaited Messiah!

… and reveals to the world, the One who is to redeem humanity!

… to proclaim the One, who by His greatness, would grant salvation!

John the Baptist, becomes a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…

He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!

He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!

He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!

He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!

Our life is sometimes plagued by the “bad tendency” to point to others, only in a negative sense…

We point to others…

… to pass on judgement and condemnation

… to cast feelings of guilt and culpability

… to make public the faults of other people

It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism…

… or correcting others gently

… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.

But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….

… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation

… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence

… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others

Pointing to others, ought not to be a tool of painful criticism and discouragement…

… rather it must be an action of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Pointing to others, ought not to be a medium of accusationand denunciation…

… rather it must be a means of appreciation and admiration.

We celebrate today the Feast of St Chavara Elias Kuriakose, a popular Saint from India.

He became a symbol of great encouragement, acknowledgement & appreciation of others…

… Especially through the ministry of pastoral care and Catholic education and learning

In his own words, “Make it clear that your home is not a place for indulging in profane conversation or for speaking ill of others or slandering”

May we tread the path and example shown by St John the Baptist and St Chavara Kuriokose.

>> Let us become a people of true acknowledgement…

… and not wasteful blaming.

>> Let us become a people of honest encouragement…

… and not critical judgment.

>> Let us become a people of credible appreciation…

… and not distasteful denouncing.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “The business of finding fault is very easy;

the business of doing better, very difficult!”

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One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:

…getting to know His/Her name…

…getting to know His/Her occupations…

…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to ” know more” about John?

>> His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

>> We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.

>> We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.

>> We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…

… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.

… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.

… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….

… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

>> People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.

>> People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.

>> People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.

And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)

>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)

>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

>>> He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

>>> He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)

>>> He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)

>> He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

>> A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.

>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

>> When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …

… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….

… plunge us into a deep struggle

… make us to fear life and people

…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…

… “What really is the purpose of my life??

… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”

… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.

>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

>> I am God’s Child….

… in this is my true identity.

>> I am the witness to the True Light…

… in this is my true role in life.

>> I am a Voice in the wilderness…

… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

>> I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…

… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…

… with faith and love

… through the valleys and mountains

… and wilderness and oasis

.. of the Year 2019!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Be what you are and be at its best!”

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Two friends were discussing with each on the New Year resolutions that they had made in the past year.

One of them said: “You know, my friend, I have kept up all the 6 resolutions that I made last year!”

The other friend was quite surprised, knowing the character of his mate…

… “Really? How did you manage to do that?

>> I was not able to keep up even one resolution for the whole year!”

“Haha!” laughed the boy, “I knew I will be breaking all my resolutions!

>> So I wrote all the 6 resolutions on a sheet of paper…

… and kept up the paper, high on a cupboard!

So you see… all my 6 resolutions are KEPT UP!”

Well.. it’s that time of the year, when we are called forth to make some resolutions…

…as we enter into a New Year!

Are we ready to sincerely “keep up” our resolutions…

… or are we going to make it a mere customary practice and follow the crowd mentality: “Resolutions are made to break!”

We are on the first day of the New Year 2019…

… and on the 8th day after Christmas – the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle & bustle of Christmas, the celebrations & merriment of the Festival are slowing waning down…

>> The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the stars which were brightly shining have faded away…

>> The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today…

>> The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, seems to have reduced…

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

The Church reminds us that, “The glamour of Christmas may fade…

… but the Glory of Christ will always shine!”

This Octave Day of Christmas, fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a reminder to this fact…

…that Christmas is not a one day event; rather a celebration for life.

…that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow everyday

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and the devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually…

Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus

Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man

Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the fully God and fully Man.

And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

>> In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

>> In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare emphatically the divinity and humanity of Jesus.

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

>> We are assured of a Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord, when we face crises, problems and difficulties.

>> We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.

>> We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.

>> We are exhorted to totally committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year, the Lord invites us to check & examine our Spiritual Health with a spiritual thermometer….

>> Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?

>> Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?

>> Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

Let us take some practical resolution for this Year…

… and seek to sincerely “keep up” our resolutions…

>> Let our determination combined with God’s Grace overpower the notion that “resolutions are made to break!”

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith & Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of Blessed Mamma!

>> Wish you a Blessed New Year 2019!

May we always – all the days of this New Year and the days to come…

… Live Jesus! God Bless!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “Let us run to Mary, and as Her little children, cast ourselves into Her Arms with perfect confidence!”

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Let’s play a game together…

(I know, it will be a bit impractical to play… yet, let’s give it a try )

As they say, “there is no harm in trying something to achieve something worthwhile in life!”

The name of the game is ” Guess the Word!”

Ok.. Ready?

Here we go…

All that you need to do is to “Guess which word am I thinking now…!”

>> Yeah, you read it right… Simply guess the Word that I am thinking of… now!

Did I hear someone say “God”?

Well… You are wrong!

“New Year?”… Wrong again!

Hmmm… ” Resolution?” … ” Cross?”… “Celebration?” … “Chocolate?” … “Christmas?”

Sorry… but they are wrong…

Another try?.. Ok….

“Selfie?”…” Food” …”Suffering?” … ” Mass?” … “Books?”… “Flower?”… “Sleeping?”… or some other words?

Well.. sad to say… all your guesses turned out to be wrong!

The right answer…. the word that I am thinking of now is…

… is…” Pencil!”

Did anyone get it right?

>> I doubt…

If you ask me, why was I thinking of a “pencil”.. I will say, “Well, just simply! No reason”

It would have taken you a very long time to guess that word…

… and probably, you would even have never ever guessed that word!

Not that it was too difficult or something abstract…

But simply because there is almost no other way you can think the Word that I have in mind, unless I myself tell it to you!

The point is… “The Word that was thought” will be known clearly only if it is “revealed”!

.. Is it not?

Now let’s take this concept of “Guessing the Word” to the Divine Realm….

Human Beings at every point of time in every civilization, every culture, have sought to know and establish a link and relationship with the Divine

… to know what is the mind of the Divine…

… to guess what is the plan of the Almighty…

… to discern what is the thought of the Supernatural…

>> Some philosophers sought to crack this code by drawing out many theories…

>> Some sages and prophets spent time in deep contemplation and wrote many literatures…

>> Some noble thinkers dedicated their entire lives to put forward doctrines and teachings…

> Some of these we call it as religions.

>> Some as way of life.

>>> Some as philosophies of life.

But none of them were able to clearly know and discern the Divine.

It was just as we played the “guessing the word” game…

>> Many of the guesses were attempted.. some were close…yet, none were fully right!

The Word in the mind of the Divine, would be known clearly only if it is revealed!

And that spectacular instant of revelation is what we call as Incarnation of the Word!

>> The Divine Historic Moment when the Almighty revealed His Word is called Incarnation!

We read in today’s Gospel reading.. John 1: 14, “And the Word became flesh!”

>> The Word in the mind of God took human form in Jesus!

Jesus is the visible, the revealed and the manifested Word of God!

>> Jesus is the Son of God… Jesus is God, the Son!

>> Jesus is the Word made flesh… Jesus is God in human flesh!

What is the impact of this most unique and most spectacular event of history… Incarnation?

>> Humanity which had strayed away from God, now has found another chance to be re-united.

>> Human beings steeped in sin, were provided with an opportunity to be saved and redeemed.

>> Humanity is empowered not with abstract human teachings, but by the Divine Person Himself

>> This is what makes Christianity different from all other ways of life or religions…

>> This is what makes Christianity unique among all other philosophies of life…

> It is utter absurdity for philosophers, for the Infinite to become finite…

> It is purely mythical for the naturalist, for the Transcendent to be understood…

> It is totally unscientific for the rationalist, for Fullness to be reduced to limitedness…

But This is The Truth.

>> This is the Reality.

>> This is the Fact.

In Incarnation, the God of Love was now wrapped in human flesh.

… the Almightiness of God moved in a human arm.

… the Love of God now beat in a human heart.

… the Wisdom of God now spoke from human lips.

… the Mercy of God reached forth from human hands.

You & I are the beneficiaries of knowing the answer of this game “Guessing the Word” which humanity was engaged with the Divine, for centuries!

Jesus is that answer!

>> And Jesus can be the answer to all the problems and difficulties of our lives.

>> Have we allowed Him – Jesus, the Word – to take flesh in ourselves?

>> Have we permitted Him – Jesus the Word – to have an impact in our lifestyle?

>> Have we consented to Him – Jesus, the Word – to become the centre and totality of our lives?

We are on the last day of the year.. and at the threshold of yet another New Year…

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year 2018…

… with its ups and downs

… with its learnings and experiences

… with its joyful events and sad moments

Let us also realize that…

>> There can be no spectacular resolve

>> There can be no greater discovery

>> There can be no better resolution

>> There can be no higher decision

… than to allow Jesus, the Word to take firm and absolute control of our lives!

Are we ready to usher in the New Year- 2019, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us?

Yes, He is The Only Way… The Only Truth.. The Only Life – JESUS, THE WORD REVEALED AND MADE FLESH!

Thank You Lord for the Year 2018.

>> We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in 2019!

God bless! Live Jesus!