The Mirror is one of the most used objects in our day-to-day life.

We use the mirror to adorn and beautify ourselves and to make ourselves presentable in the society.

>> The Mirror reflects the features and descriptions of the person.

We also make use of chances to look at a mirror occasionally to make sure that we look okay or our hairstyle is fine or our faces or dressing styles are all well.

The Gospel of the day presents before us a person comes with a query on how to obtain eternal life…

… and to make sure that he is fine and ok in his life…

>> But ends up with an exhortation to look into himself and make alterations that will make his life look better!

Jesus becomes the Mirror of his life…

…. by which he is made to look into himself and obtain a clearer and a cleaner image of his interior life!

The person who came to ask Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25), is not merely “a common man” or a “passerby on the street” or just “a curious seeker”.

He is a Scholar of the Law…

… a learned person.

… one who knows the books.

>> But life and religion and spirituality for him, was perhaps reduced to mere papers and theories.

He knew the Law to love God with one’s heart…

>> But he perhaps fell short in expressing tenderness and affections to God with his whole heart!

He knew the law to love God with one’s being…

>> But he perhaps fell short in committing his works and deeds to God with his whole being!

He knew the law to love God with one’s strength…

>> But he perhaps fell short in dedicating his talents and abilities to God with his whole strength!

He knew the law to love God with one’s mind…

>> But he perhaps fell short in offering his knowledge and wisdom to God with his whole mind!

He also knew the law to love his neighbour as himself…

>> But he perhaps fell short in rendering service and giving help to the people who were in need!

He failed to translate his knowledge and his awareness into actual practices of life!

Does this not happen to us also…?

… we know many things “about” God, but often don’t “know” Him!

… we theoretically say that we have faith, but in actual life situations often fail to trust!

Jesus, the Mirror therefore prompts the Scholar of the Law (and us also) to introspect and examine life further, with a Parable: The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan describes the man who was travelling from Jordan to Jericho and attacked by a set of robbers and discarded on the wayside (Lk 10:30)

Possible helps came in the form of the Priest and the Levite…

… but none was actually obtained.

>> They saw, but did not see!

>> They felt, but did not act!

“Seeing, feeling and acting” are the three essential and mandatory aspects of giving mercy.

And then, an unexpected help was offered in the person of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus, the Mirror was slowly making that scholar of the Law to look and probe deeper into himself.

As he heard this Parable of the Good Samaritan, and as he looked into himself through the Mirror in Jesus..

… the scholar of the Law perhaps identified himself with the Man abandoned on the wayside.

>> (Is my life also identifiable with the man who was abandoned on the wayside?)

Just as the man was making a difficult journey, the scholar of the Law was also making a journey…

… Life was hard and arduous for them!

>> (Am I also not making a difficult journey through the rocks and valleys of life…?)

Just as the man was beaten up by some , the scholar of the Law had perhaps been affected by many situations and problems of life…

… Life was harsh and unfair to them!

>> (Am I also not beaten up and bruised by many unknown crisis and uncertainties of life?)

Just as the man failed to receive any help from the religious leaders of his time, the scholar of the Law perhaps had failed to obtain consolation and strength by knowledge of the law and his erudition of religion….

… Life was intensifying and aggravating their pain!

>> (Am I also not a victim of not receiving help and encouragements from the ones whom I expect and instead encounter more often scandals and pains and discouragements?)

Just as the man finally received attention and care from an unexpected quarter, the scholar of the Law perhaps also was finding true salvation and the genuine source of life from an unexpected quarter in Jesus…

… Life finds hope and real freedom only in God!

>> (Am I also not experiencing true help and salvation very often from people unexpected, from people who we least expect and from people who perhaps never appear in our list of “helping-people”?)

The Scholar of the Law was probably able to identify himself as the one who fell in the hands of oppression…

… and was able to recognize Jesus as the Good Samaritan.

The Good Samaritan, Jesus wants to help & save & give life…

…. to each one of us too, who are bruised & broken in the journey of life!

Like the Scholar of the Law who looked into Jesus, the Mirror and was able to see himself clearer…

… We too are invited today, to look into Jesus, the Mirror, and evaluate our interior lives.

>> I may be making a hard journey.

>> I may be beaten up on the way.

>> I may be oppressed by the unknown.

>> I may be denied justice from the authorities.

>> I may be rejected help from the expected.

… But the Good Samaritan, Jesus is there to strengthen and soothe us!

We are specially invited to experience Jesus, the Good Samaritan, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!

Let us examine…

… When was the last time I made my confession?

>> The Good Samaritan is ready to help and heal us!

… Do I prepare well, make a sincere repentance and live the resolutions of my confession?

>> The Good Samaritan consoles us and helps us to complete our journey of life

… Do I make a daily examination of my conscience?

>> The Good Samaritan cares for us in the Inn – The Church – and the many inspirations in His Holy Word

The Good Samaritan challenges us to understand the true meaning of Mercy and practise all its three dimensions:

1. Seeing

2. Feeling

3. Doing

Yes, let us not be afraid to look into Jesus, the Mirror and obtain healing & consolation from Jesus, the Good Samaritan.

>> And in turn, let us become a Good Samaritan to the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Mr George Crane was a popular newspaper columnist, psychologist and physician in the United States.

He speaks of an experience of a wife who came into his office, full of hatred toward her husband.

Seeking a divorce, she blurted out, “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has caused pain to me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an clever plan:

“Go home and do this…

>> Act as if you really love your husband.

Pretend and tell him how much he means to you.

Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible.

Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him!

And, after you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bombshell!

Tell him that you are getting a divorce.

That will really hurt him!

Hurt him to the core!”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Wonderful indeed! That is a superb way of settling scores with the one who hurt me the most!”

So off she went, doing what was told, with enthusiasm, acting “as if”

She showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing…

After two months, when she didn’t return, Dr Crane called. “So, are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

“Divorce?” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

>> Her actions had changed her feelings.

>> Her “affectionate” motions done with revenge, resulted in “loving” emotions with sincerity!

>> Her “acting” in actuality helped her to rediscover her lost love.

That’s the power of love!

Love is the best medicine for any sickness which cripples human life!

And the reason for this amazing power of love is simple:

>> True Love flows from the heart of the One who is Love… God!

>> Genuine Love gushes forth from the fount of the One who is Love Incarnate… Jesus!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful exposition of Jesus emphasizing on the importance of unity and faithfulness in the relationship of marriage.

The Church defines marriage as:

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring;

this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”

Marital love is patterned on the love that Christ has for each one of us….and the love with which we are to love the Lord.

We could understand this love, from three dimensions…

1. A Love that is obedient

Jesus says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (Jn 15: 10)

Jesus remained in the love of the Father, by doing His commandments.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Obedient Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also obeys…

>> The one who loves, also follows the commands…

Do I have a love that is obedient…?

… happy to undertake the various duties and responsibilities entrusted to me and fulfilling them to the best of my capabilities.

… willing to listen to each other’s needs and be sensitive to the concerns and wishes of the other

2. A Love that is sacrificial

Jesus says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15: 13)

Jesus showed the depth of His love by undertaking the highest sacrifice of His own life.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Sacrificial Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also offers to forego some luxuries and securities…

>> The one who loves, also gives up many of the comforts and personal desires…

Do I have a love that is sacrificial?

… willing to lay down one’s bias and prejudices, dying to one’s evil inclinations, putting to sword one’s bad habits that takes away from God and making adjustments of one’s self-desires to make way for God’s plans in life.

… allowing my ego or selfish desires to take a back seat and bring into focus what is true, right and just?

3. A Love that is fruitful

Jesus says, “.. I chose and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain… ” (Jn 15: 16)

Jesus showed the quality of His love by displaying the fruits of compassion, tender mercy, an accommodating heart, gentleness and generosity.

>> And he enjoins the same principle of Fruitful Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also bears fruits of patience, kindness, self-control and faithfulness…

>> The one who loves, also lives a life that radiates the fruits of joy, generosity and peace…

Do I have a love that is fruitful?

… bearing fruits that witness God’s love by promoting unity and harmony and attracting many to the tender mercy of the Lord by a life of passion and zeal.

… showering forth fruits that sweeten the hearts of our loved ones and causes greater affections of commitment and faithfulness.

The Lord has loved us tremendously… with a love that is obedient, sacrificial and fruitful.

>> Each of us is to possess this same treasure of love.

Love binds every brokenness..

>> Love joins every divorced situation…

>> Love unites every ruptured circumstance…

May the Lord enable us to be filled from His fountain of love and share His joy and peace to a world that is broken and seeks for consolation, comfort and calm!

May the Lord fill us with an awareness of the sanctity and supremacy of Marriage and help us to persevere in, to preserve, and to promote this Sacred Sacrament.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was a one-day convention on inner-healing.

The people who were participating were given helium-filled balloons, and told to release them, at some point during the prayer service, when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts.

>> Through the day, there were some balloons that ascended.

But by the end of the day, it was found that more than forty percent of the balloons were unreleased.

The reason: Those people were unable to let go off their inner bitterness and sorrows.

What about us…

… Are we in a position to let go of our balloons, in order to witness our joy in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to reflect on the theme of “Joy in the Lord”…

… with two instances of rejoicing:

>> The Disciples rejoicing after their successful mission experience

>> Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit and thanking His Father for His Infinite Wisdom

One of the essential hallmarks of a Christian is a ‘Life of Joy’.

This was the experience of the Disciples, when they returned back from the mission.

>> They had enjoyed success in their ministry…

>> They had a sense of satisfaction in the works that they had done…

They realized that it was the Power of the Lord that enabled them to taste success and relish triumph.

So they rejoiced greatly, saying: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your Name” (Lk 10: 17)

Do we also rejoice, by seeing the hand of the Lord in the success and achievements of our lives….?

… knowing that whatever we achieve, is ultimately not just due to our hard-work and efforts; rather, was the result of our co-operation to the grace of God!

… recognizing that all our talents and opportunities are gifted by God to exhibit His Glory and Honour!

Our Blessed Lord, however also tells the Disciples to go beyond the peripheral joys and happiness in life; instead to rejoice in the Spirit.

St Luke would testify this in the words: “At that very moment, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…'” (Lk 10: 21)

This then is what we too are expected to imitate from the Lord: Rejoicing in the Spirit.

St Paul would beautifully explicate this, when he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4: 4)

Our life is to be an inspiring exhibition of the Joy in the Lord and Rejoicing in the Spirit.

Do we radiate joy…

… in our encounter with one another, and spread the cheer of life?

… even in the midst of hardships, knowing that we have a God who is deeply caring for us?

… thanking the Lord for His blessing, above all, for the gift of Himself in the Word and the Sacraments?

There is, without doubt, many reasons for us to be grumpy, to complain and to feel resentment in life.

But can we allow the Power of the Lord to enamour us, and realise that beyond all these, we have a reason to celebrate and to rejoice…

… knowing that ‘God is with us’, to ensure success in our journey of life, with our wholehearted co-operation

… knowing that God is the greatest reason to be happy and the treasure of life Who deserves every glory

Can we let go our ‘balloons of sorrow and worry’ in order to display Christian joy and happiness in life?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

God is the Great Gift Giver!

>> He loves to lavish gifts on his creation…and especially on Human Beings, the Crown of His Creation!

Among the gifts that He has showered, one of the greatest gifts is…

… the Gift of Freedom!

God has bestowed this precious treasure of Freedom to each and every human being.

>> God regards the worth and value of this gift.

>> God respects our yes or no, to this gift!

The Gospel of the day presents to us a classic example of Freedom being lavished, but sadly being squandered away.

>> The towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were given the freedom and the choice to become part of the Kingdom of God…

… but they chose to reject and refused the Saving Message.

The Gift of Freedom is a double-edge entity:

The gift of freedom can be used….to obtain life!

>> The gift of freedom can be misused…to obtain death!

The gift of freedom can be abused well…to receive curses!

>> The gift of freedom can be utilized well…to receive blessings!

The gift of freedom can be exploited destructively…to acquire sadness!

>> The gift of freedom can be employed constructively…to acquire happiness!

The triple cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum failed to use, utilize and employ constructively their freedom…

… rather, they misused, abused and exploited destructively their opportunity to find peace and salvation.

And Jesus has harsh words reserved for such kind of an attitude – “WOE TO YOU!“

The word “woe” in Greek is “oh-hoo-aai” or “ouvai”!

The figure of speech is onomatopoeia – it means what it sounds like.

>> It is a word of pain!

>> It is the sound someone makes when they are hurt or are grieved.

When the Lord proclaims a WOE over these cities, there’s a great deal of anguish amplified with a sense of pain.

>> The Lord was pained that these cities received wonderful opportunity to hear God’s saving message…

… but failed to turn to God in repentance.

>> The Lord was pained that these cities received great chances to see God’s miraculous deeds and wonders…

… but failed to turn to God in penance.

>> The Lord was pained that these cities received exclusive occasions to receive God’s salvific graces…

… but failed to turn to God in humility.

The Lord today challenges us to make an examination of our lives:

God lavishes many graces on me through regular chances to hear God’s word through the Bible, retreats, recollections, talks, spiritual magazines etc…

>> Am I using these chances to grow in my spiritual life?

… Or am I wasting away many of such chances?

Is freedom used?

>> Or misused?

God showers many opportunities for me to avoid sin…

…. by giving me inspiring and holy thoughts

… by a constant urging to be good through my parents, superiors, family and community members and other people in my life…

>> Am I using these opportunities to foster my holiness?

Or am I frittering away much of such opportunities?

Is freedom used…?

… or misused?

God bestows many occasions to become a powerful witness to His love and His Gospel through different means like…

… preaching the Word

… celebrating or participating in the Eucharist and in the other Sacraments

… helping others in their needs and difficulties, praying for various people

… living a integral life in the society based on the Gospel values etc.

>> Am I using these occasions to strengthen my Christian life?

Or am I throwing away many of such occasions?

Is freedom used…?

… or Misused?

The example of the three cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum is before us and the condemnation of Jesus, because of their lackluster response is also before us.

>> Freedom is the great gift of God…

… and God totally respects the use or the misuse of this precious gift.

Are we going to use this Gift to gain life, blessings and happiness…?

… or are we going to misuse this Gift to receive death, curses and sadness?

Today let us seek the special intercession of St Maria Faustina- the Great Saint of Mercy – on her Feast Day.

Let us give heed to the words of our Blessed and Merciful Lord, as mentioned in her Diary:

>> “God never violates our free will.

>> It is up to us whether we want to receive God’s grace or not.

>> It is up to us whether we will co-operate with it or waste it”

May we always make the proper and responsible use of our freedom, and thus experience the Joy promised by the Lord in the diary of St Faustina…

>> “… when you are obedient I take away your weakness and replace it with My strength.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Some prayers are very popular.

>> Some of them remain very much fixed in our minds.

>> Some of them also awaken instant sentiments of faith, inspiration and love.

One such prayer, which many of us would agree meets the above conditions is:

The Prayer of Peace – “Make me a channel of our peace”

>> Popularly attributed to St Francis of Assisi.

Today we celebrate the Feast day of this peaceful and powerful saint – St Francis of Assisi.

St Francis of Assisi probably is one of the most popular saints in the entire world.

>> The name of this saint invokes so many pictures and words to our minds – nature, animals, poverty, renunciation, cross, stigmata, surrender, trust…

Another aspect of this Great Saint that is highlighted is the Deep JOY that he lived in his life.

We often live in a world “robbed” of true joy and cheerfulness…

>> People today aren’t very happy in life…

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of Jesus sending His Disciples on the mission journey.

The disciples were expected to be messengers of peace…

… “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house’” (Lk 10:5)

Being a ‘messenger of peace’ required that the disciples be joyful and cheerful people…

>> They were to preach the Good News primarily by their life…

…. And this life ought to have been a reflection of joy and peace!

We too are invited to be “messengers of peace”

>> And preach the Good News primarily by our life…

… making our life a reflection of joy and peace!

However, very often, we lose our sense of joy and plunge into disturbances, when encountered by the troubles of life.

Queries on why there is no joy or happiness will evoke some of the following replies:

>> “You don’t know the struggles what I’m going through.”

>> “How can you expect me to be cheerful when my marriage and family is falling apart?”

>> “God seems miles away from me, and you want me to cheer up?”

>> “My kids drive me nuts.”

>> “I’ve got cancer. How can I rejoice?”

>> “People have mistreated me and I’m not going to be happy until I get even.”

>> “If I had more money, I’d be happy.”

Do I identify myself with some of the above replies…..?

If yes, then the Saint of the day, St Francis of Assisi today challenges us to rise above these our concerns and to find the Treasure of True Joy and the Wealth of Genuine happiness in God!

We turn to an incident from his life for our reflection today…

One winter day St. Francis of Assisi with Brother Leo, and the bitter cold made them suffer keenly.

St. Francis called to Brother Leo, and he said:

“Brother Leo, even if we in every country give a great example of holiness and integrity and good edification, nevertheless… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“

And when he had walked on a bit, St. Francis called him again, saying:

“Brother Leo, even if we give sight to the blind, heal the paralyzed, drive out devils, give hearing to the deaf, make the lame walk, and restore speech to the dumb, and bring back to life a dead man…note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“

And going on a bit, St. Francis cried out again in a strong voice:

“Brother Leo, if we knew all languages and all sciences and Scripture, if also to prophesy and to reveal the secrets of the consciences of others… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And as they walked on, St. Francis called again forcefully: ”

“Brother Leo, even if we could speak with the voice of an angel, and knew all about the treasures in the earth, and knew the qualities of birds and fishes, animals, humans, roots, trees, rocks, and waters… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And going on a bit farther, St. Francis called again strongly:

“Brother Leo, even if we could preach so well that should convert all infidels to the faith of Christ…note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

Now when he had been talking this way for a distance, Brother Leo in great amazement asked him: “Father, I beg you in God’s name to tell me where perfect joy is.”

And St. Francis replied:

“When we, soaked by the rain and frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger, and we ring at the gate of our House, and the brother from inside comes and says angrily: ‘Who are you?’

And we say: ‘We are two of your brothers.’

And he contradicts us, saying: ‘You are not telling the truth. Rather you are two rascals who go around deceiving people and stealing what they give to the poor. Go away’

And he makes us stand outside in the snow and rain, cold and hungry, until night falls-then if we endure all those insults and cruel rebuffs patiently, without being troubled and without complaining, and if we reflect humility and charity…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!

‘And if we continue to knock, and the brother comes out in anger, and drives us away with curses and hard blows like bothersome scoundrels, saying; ‘Get away from here, you dirty thieves-go to the hospital! Who do you think you are? And if we bear it patiently and take the insults with joy and love in our hearts…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!”

And if later, we still cry loudly begging them to open for us and he grows still more angry and says: ‘I’ll give them what they deserve.’

And he comes out and beats us so much that he covers our bodies with wounds–if we endure all those evils and insults and blows with joy and patience, and bear the sufferings patiently for love of Christ…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!

‘And now hear the conclusion, Brother Leo.

>> Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ.

‘I will not glory save in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PERFECT JOY IS ONLY IN THE CROSS!

This incident of St Francis of Assisi, might sound too ideal for us…

And the approach and attitude of the Great Saint might seem too utopian for us…

>> Still, it is possible to grow in our understanding of True Joy and Peace in God alone..

… and making the Cross as the True Source of our Solace and Consolation!

Let us seek the Intercession of this Wonderful Saint in being an instrument of joy & peace

“Make me Lord, a channel of your peace…”

Happy Feast Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is a non-fictional self-help book by Napoleon Hill named ‘Think and grow rich’.

There is a lovely story in this book, which goes thus….

A long while ago, a great warrior faced a situation which made it necessary for him to make a decision which insured his success on the battlefield.

>> He was about to send his armies against a powerful foe, whose men outnumbered his own.

He loaded his soldiers into boats, sailed to the enemy’s country, unloaded soldiers and equipment…

… then gave the order to “burn the ships” that had carried them.

Addressing his men before the first battle, he said, “You see the boats going up in smoke! That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win!

>> We now have no choice – we win, or we perish!”

History says that they won the battle!

Any person who wishes to find success in any undertaking much be willing to “burn his ships” and to cut off all sources of turning back…

>> Only thus, can one be sure of maintaining a “burning desire” to win!

The Gospel of the Day highlights on this aspect of making a complete commitment to the cause of the Kingdom of God…

… and being prepared to face any challenges in being faithful to this dedication!

Jesus says, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62)

Our Blessed Lord speaks of three areas of “giving-up” in our Christian life…

1. The “Giving-Up” of personal security

The Lord says, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Lk 9: 58)

The life of Jesus was characterized by a lack of personal security.

>> It is to this life of “poverty” that our Blessed Lord invites each one of us too….

… in the sense of knowing that our Loving Father will provide for us, with our genuine co-operation

… in the sense of not being anxious or over-worried over the concerns of life

… in the sense of depending on the Lord for the necessities of life

2. The “Giving-Up” of personal gains

The Lord says, “Let the dead bury the dead” (Lk 9: 60)

This was in response to the man who said, “let me go first and bury my father”.

This statement was a common way of saying, “Let me wait until I receive my inheritance from my father!”

It was an excuse of “economics and finance” that the man was trying to furnish, to evade the Kingdom responsibility!

>> Jesus calls us to a life of “obedience” to his Will…

… in the sense of letting go of personal gains and profits for His sake

… in the sense of curbing our selfish wantings and cravings

3. The “Giving-Up” of personal relationships

The Lord says, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9: 62)

This was in response to the man who said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me say farewell to my home”

>> Jesus calls us to a life of being “chaste” to His Divine Love…

… in the sense of prioritizing Him above all other relations

… in the sense of giving the Lord the first place in life

We ought to have a “burning desire” as the missionaries of the Kingdom, to spread God’s Word and make Him loved more!

Martin Luther King Jr. said:

“Consider that people are like tea bags.

>> They don’t know their own strength until they get into hot water”

It is essential, therefore that we “burn our ships” of comfort and personal wishes…

… so that we can be better imitators of Him, Who demands that we be zealous in our journey towards perfection.

Let’s give heed to the words of St Jerome:

“Good, better, best.

Never let it rest.

‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

All of us love to have friends who make life more interesting and joyful by their presence.

>> The journey of life gets more easy and exciting with the presence of friends.

Our spiritual journey too follows this concept…

God, the author of life, in His all-powerful Wisdom, has blessed each of us with a friend.

A friend who accompanies us.

>> A friend who strengthens us.

>> A friend who helps us….

This friend is known as “The Guardian Angel“

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of “The Guardian Angel”

The Church in her teachings affirms and assures that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by watchful care and intercession of the angels. Beside each believer, stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 336)

From the first moments of our existence, the Guardian Angel has been with us…

At our birth, the Guardian Angel was elated at the dawn of a new life…

>> At our Baptism, the Guardian Angel was pleased to have us join God’s Family…

>> At our Confession, the Guardian Angel was delighted to have us back to God’s holiness…

>> At our Holy Communion, the Guardian Angel rejoiced in us, receiving the Loving Lord…

>> At our Confirmation, the Guardian Angel was joyful in us, being strengthened in the Spirit…

>> At our Marriage, Profession/Ordination, the Guardian Angel was happy with our way of life..

>> At every stage of our life, the Guardian Angel guides us with God’s Holy Inspirations…

>> In our final moments, the Guardian Angel will be with us to strengthen and console us…

At every step of our life, God has blessed us with this beautiful companion to “to guide and protect us through life and to lead us safely to our Eternal Home.”

The Lord wants each one of us to be walking in His presence and be safe from the snares of the Evil.

>> And for this purpose, He has blessed us with a the beautiful image of the Guardian Angel…

An Angel is a being, a person – one who has an intelligence and a free will.

>> An Angel thinks…but clearer than we do

>> An Angel loves… but dearly than we do

How does a Guardian Angel guard us?

>> Through gentle inspirations…

In the hard moments of doubts and confusion…

The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with words of clarity and understanding.

In the dark situations of hopelessness and resignations…

The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with the light of God’s hope and strength.

In the narrow tunnels of losing faith and giving up…

The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with comforting words and counsels.

In the unfaithful times of going away from doing God’s will through sin…

The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with strong urges to come back to God’s ways.

In the daily moments of facing a choice of doing good or bad…

The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with showing what is more beneficial and valuable.

The Guardian Angels do not force us. The Guardian Angels do respect our free wills.

But the Guardian Angels do long for us to always walk in God’s power and presence.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is an opportunity for us to increase in our devotion and fondness for this “friend” whom God has blessed each one of us with.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is also an opportunity for us to increase in our duty and responsibility of becoming a guardian, a friend and a guide to one another.

>> There are many whom we know who struggle with difficulties

… problems…faith-issues…financial difficulties

… mental problems… emotional breakdowns

The Feast is a reminder to each one of us, to become a Guardian to all…

Jesus, through the Gospel of the day on this Feast day says… “See that YOU DO NOT DESPISE one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Mt 18:10).

“Not despising” someone not only includes avoiding putting down or humiliating or causing scandal to others etc…

… but on a positive sense, means to encourage, promote and strengthen one another.

A true friend is the one who really cares…

… when the whole world despises.

We have a responsibility to be a True Guardian to each other in our life on the earth.

God has also blessed each one of us, with a True Friend, in our Guardian Angel.

>> Let us grow in reverence and love for our Dear Spiritual Friend.

Let us invoke the assistance of this friend in our works, on meeting people, while going to different places etc.

Let us grow in our awareness, as St John Vianney would say:

” When we are walking in the streets, let us fix our eyes on Our Lord bearing his Cross before us; on the Blessed Virgin who is looking at us; on our Guardian Angel who is by our side.“

Happy Feast to our Dear Friend, the Guardian Angel …and to each one of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Here is a creative invitation letter….

“Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and earth, Sovereign Ruler of the World…

… and the Most Glorious Virgin Mary, Queen and Princess of the heavenly Court…

… wish to invite you to the wedding of their Divine Son Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to Mademoiselle Therese Martin…

… now Lady and Princess of the kingdoms brought as dowry by her Divine Spouse, namely, the Childhood of Jesus and His Passion, of nobility being the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.

Monsieur Louis Martin, proprietor and owner of the domains of suffering and humiliation…

… and Madame Martin, princess and lady of honour of the heavenly court…

… wish to invite you to the wedding of their daughter Therese to Jesus, the Word of God, second person of the Blessed Trinity…

… who, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, became man and was born of the Virgin Mary!

Being unable to invite you to assist at the nuptial blessing which was bestowed on them on the mountain of Carmel (the heavenly court being alone admitted there)…

… they beg you, nonetheless…

… to be present at the return from the wedding which will take place tomorrow, on the day of Eternity…

… to which Jesus, the Son of God, will come on the clouds of Heaven to judge the living and the dead.

(The hour being still uncertain, you are invited to hold yourselves in readiness and to watch.)”

This was the letter written by St Theresa of Child Jesus, in the days of preparation of her Final Commitment to Jesus, in the consecrated life.

A letter…

… highly simply, yet deeply concentrated in mysticism and spirituality

… highly childlike, yet reverberating with immense love and passion for the Lord

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of this Amazingly Passionate lover of the Lord – St Therese of Child Jesus (St Therese of Liseux)

She is a saint…

… little in structure and deeds, but gigantic in her love of the Lord!

… unnoticed and unseen, but tremendously revered and loved for her way of love!

We live in an age that relishes and appreciates insights related to growth, maturity, accountability and responsibility.

>> There is a love to hear “high” theology…

>> There is a craze to talk “systematic” thoughts…

>> There is an interest to discuss “complex” spiritualities..

Not that these are bad or not to be promoted…but these “mature” talks ought not to take one away from the basic aim of true spirituality: Love God and Loving Neighbour!

There is a tendency that these “advanced” talks get jammed with only peripheral talks & fails to translate into true action & deeds.

>> It is here, that our Little Saint of the Day invites us to find a new freshness and sparkle in Spirituality.

> She is the Little Saint who dared to love the Big God!

> She is the Big Saint who presents to us the Little Way!

This Little Way of the Big Li’l Saint resonates with the Gospel of the Day when Jesus invites and declares that unless one becomes like a little child, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

For a child, everything is big!

>> The toys that one plays..the food that one eats..the houses that one sees…

>> Even the ones who take care… And especially, the ones closes to the child..probably, the parents….are very big too!

… They mean everything for the Child.

… They signify the ultimate for the Child.

This is the child-likeness to which The Little Flower grew.

> Her child-likeness has God as the Centre of her world…

>> God means everything for this Little Saint.

>> God signifies the ultimate for this Little Saint!

She saw herself as ‘a child’ but energized by God who directed her journey in faith.

> Her child-likeness does not promote childishness or immaturity or passivity.

>> Her child-likeness encourages deeper trust and maturity and enthusiasm.

This spirituality of the Little Way sounds too simple….and too little..

> But in fact and in practise, is a highly challenging one…

… Is God the centre of my world, when I get drunk with a sinful and immoral life?

… Is God the centre of my world, when I get over dependant on my material riches?

… Is God the centre of my world, when I bank upon my own wisdom in my works?

… Is God the centre of my world, when I insist on doing my will, over the Will of God?

Little Therese of Child Jesus, the Little Saint is also the Big Saint of Love!

The Little lover of God invites us…

… to adorn all our words with love

… to embrace all our actions with love

… to beautify all our thoughts with love

>> It could be speaking with friends…interacting with fellow workers…discussing some business matters..enjoying with family members..

>> It could be doing household works…handling massive finances…studying various subjects…performing some spiritual activites…

>> It could be thinking some philosophical views…reflecting about some people…considering about some situations…imagining some circumstances…dreaming some visions….

… Whatever be our words..or actions…or thoughts….let them be embellished in LOVE!

The Little Way… Sounds simple, but not so simple in practise, right?

Yet, there is much simplicity…cos God remains at the centre of every effort and attempt!

> There is much sentimentality, no doubt.

> There is much simplicity, no doubt.

But with or without all those feelings, the Little Way simply tells us to have God at the Centre of Everything…and do all in Love!

Love demands a fidelity in the countless mundane ‘little’ things of daily life

> The Little Way doesn’t eliminate Heroism, rather it’s brought within the reach of the poor.

The rains of love ought to shower every aspect of ordinary everyday life.

The Little Flower dares to throw “petals” at the Loving Lord…

> These petals even considered “worthless petals” by the world – a little sacrifice, a gentle smile, a kind word, an appreciative action!

Sometimes, these “worthless petals” are nothing more than a faithful effort.

But this fact of “having tried”, a good will “to do good”…. all these petals please the Lord!

Let us join the Little Saint to tread the Little Way.

>> She promised to “shower roses” on the way to those who dare…

As a child, let us hold the hands of this Li’l Big Saint to love deeper the Big Big God of Love…

… and be inspired by her words: “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.”

As we thank the Lord for the gift of all the blessings in the month of September, let us offer the new month of October into His Safe and Caring Hands…

… especially seeking the help of our Blessed Mother by praying the Rosary daily, in this Month of the Rosary – October!

Let’s ‘live Love to give Love’!

>> Let’s ‘live Jesus to give Jesus’!

Happy Feast of the Beautiful Little Flower!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is an extremely deceptive way, in which Eskimos in the North Pole kills an animal…

… especially a wolf

The Eskimo coats a very-sharp knife with animal blood & allows it to freeze.

>> Then he adds another layer of blood & another & another – until the blade is completely concealed by frozen blood.

Next, the hunter fixes this blood-coated knife in the ground with the enticing sharp edge of the blade upwards.

When a wolf follows his sensitive nose to the source of the scent, he begins to lick it, tasting the fresh, frozen blood.

>> Then he licks faster, more & more voraciously, lapping the blood until the knife edge is almost bare.

So great becomes his craving for blood that…

… the wolf is mysteriously unaware of the naked blade on his own tongue

… nor does he recognize the instant at which his thirst is being satisfied by its OWN warm blood.

Unknowingly, his life leaks away…as his craving for the tempting blood increases….!

The Result?

>> A Dead wolf!!

All from the suicidal blade -…..caused by the great and cunning technique of Deception!

Is not the effect of sin in our lives following a similar style?

>> Like the bear, we are attracted to Sin – something which “looks” pleasurable, which “appears” good and which “seems” nice

But the danger that lurks behind these “deceptive” looks are not taken into consideration.

We continue to take pleasure in the “blood” of sinful pleasures and tempting enticements.

But we fail to realize that “slowly getting used to sin and sinful ways”, our life is being drained out and we are inching towards our death.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus making a strong exhortation on the dangers posed by Sin and the intense need to overcome anything that comes on the way of holiness.

Jesus says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off…

If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off…

If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it off..” (Mk 9: 43-47)

These are very strong and powerful words of our Blessed Lord.

Our Lord came to the World as a Saviour – to redeem the world from sin.

>> It is sin that causes separation of human beings from God.

Therefore the Lord clearly asks to us make choices and radical decisions to let go of anything that can cause us to sin or move away from His Holy Will.

We need to examine our lives and check…

… My hands:

> Do I engage in activities which are uncharitable and which causes pains and hurts to others?

> Do I fail to extend my hand to those in need and those whose lives can be bettered by my helping hand?

… My feet:

> Do I stray away into paths of immorality, injustice and indifference?

> Do I fail to direct my ways on the path of righteous living, holy conduct and true worship?

… My eyes:

> Do I direct my eyes into things which are unbecoming of my way of life and with an intention to fulfil my sinful inner cravings?

> Do I move away from seeing the suffering and miseries in the world and become closed to discover the spark of Divinity in the other?

Jesus wishes that our Christian lives, not become a scandal or a stumbling block to the other…

… Rather, He desires that we be honest to our calling as a Christian..

… and walk firmly and with courage, in the path of perfection with Him and towards Him!

Let us be inspired by the words of Servant of God, Fr Peter Marie Mermier – the Founder of the MSFS Congregation (Missionaries of St Francis de Sales)

>> The most virtuous (people) avoid sin and great faults…

… but they are careless in the practice of virtue.

It is not enough to avoid evil but it is necessary to do good

… The love of God is efficacious.

>>There is nothing as strong and as active as love. It is a devouring fire!

And with respect to prayer…

“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!

… instead of enlightening, it blinds;

… instead of healing, it kills!

>> But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Let us seek to avoid the dangerous deception of sin…

…. And instead – armed with prayer – let us be virtuous in daily acts of love!

Happy Founder’s Day to all the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Church professes and proclaims Her faith in God which is encapsulated in the Nicene Creed.

The Nicene Creed begins with the proclamation, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE.”

The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)

In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.

The Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.

St. Michael

The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”

St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”

He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour.

St Michael makes an appearance in the Bible on four occasions:

In Dan 10:13and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.

In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.

In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.

What does St Michael teach us?

St Michael teaches us to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan

St Michael teaches us to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.

St Michael teaches us to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.

St Gabriel

The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”

St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”

He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.

St Gabriel makes an appearance three times in the Bible:

In Dan 8:15–26 and 9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions

In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God

St Gabriel invites us to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.

St Gabriel invites us to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.

St Gabriel invites us to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.

St Raphael

The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”

St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”

He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.

St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:

St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.

St Raphael inspires us to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.

St Raphael inspires us to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.

St Raphael inspires us to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.

Let the celebration of this Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael help us to grow in our love for our heavenly friends.

The Lord wants us to grow in holiness.

The Lord wants us to be protected in His care.

The Lord wants to be fearless in being His beloved Child.

May the Archangels help us in this our journey of life.

Happy Feast Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!