Nature teaches and inspires us!

One of the beautiful lessons we learn from nature is from one of the most amazing flowers – The Sunflower!

The Sunflowers literally ‘follows the sun’!

(Technically, it is called “heliotropism” i.e. ‘sun turning’)

They turn to the sun, following it all day…

… from its rising in the east to its setting in the west!

It is even found that on a cloudy day…

… if any glimpse of the sun appears, the sunflower finds and follows it!

The sunflower is a beautiful symbol of our spiritual journey…

>> Of how, we need to constantly ‘look to the Lord’, the Sun of our Life!

>> Of how, we need to always ‘follow the Lord’, the Sun of our existence!

This “looking to the Lord” and “following the Lord” finds its practical expression…

… in a life of prayer!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us with St Luke’s version of the familiar passage, of Jesus asking His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?”…

… beginning with “Jesus praying in solitude…” (Lk 9:18)

The Gospel of Luke is also known as the Gospel of Prayer.

He highlights the aspect of Jesus spending time in prayer….

>> At the time of His Baptism, Jesus prays (Lk 3:21)

>> At the time after a ministry of healing, Jesus goes to pray (Lk 5:16)

>> At the choosing of the Twelve, Jesus spends the night in prayer (Lk 6:12)

>> At the time of the Transfiguration on the mountain, Jesus was praying (Lk 9:28)

>> At the request of His disciples, Jesus teaches them the ideal and the model prayer (Lk 11:1)

>> At the garden of Gethsemane, before being led to His passion and sufferings, Jesus prayed (Lk 22:41)

>> At the final breath, in the agony and pain of His imminent death on the Cross, Jesus makes a prayer (Lk 23:46)

The ‘Praying Master’ through the ‘Gospel of Prayer’ exhorts us to some crucial and practical aspects of our life:

>> Do I spend special time in prayer…

… before important and critical times and decisions of our life?

>> Do I enjoy spending time in prayer…

… and seeking to grow in my relationship with God, our Father?

>> Do I cling to God in intense and deep prayer…

… in our time of suffering and pains?

>> Do I make prayer a way of life and rhythmic…

… with every moment of my day?

It is only when we build a strong rock-solid foundation of prayer that we can be bold in witnessing our faith!

The world may have varied responses to the question, “Who do people say that I am?”.

>> Many saw only the zeal and fiery exhortations on repentance…

… and identified Him with John the Baptist

>> Many saw only His mighty acts and deeds…

… and considered Him as Elijah

>> Many saw only His authoritative power in preaching…

…and considered Him a Prophet

But they failed to see Jesus truly as the One He really was – The SON OF GOD!

It is only when we are in prayer that we can know the Lord more…and deeper!

>> The understanding of the Real Jesus can be experienced only through our moments of prayer.

How is our life of prayer?

… Personal

… In the Family/Community

Personally, we must make it a point to spend at least sometime, daily, in prayer

>> As a family/community also, we must make a priority, daily, to come together in the presence of the Lord!

Personally, we will have a lot of activities and feelings to keep us away; but we must still be faithful to our time of prayer

>> As a family/community also, there would come many things to give us excuses; but we must still be insistent on having our time of prayer together!

The words of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina inspire us:

>> “Prayer is the best weapon we possess. It is the key that opens the heart of God.”

>> “Let us glance at the Divine Master who prayed in the Garden and we will discover the true ladder which unites the earth to Heaven…

… We will discover that humility, contrition and prayer make the distance between man and God disappear, and act in such a way that God descends to man, and man ascends to God, so that they end up understanding, loving and possessing one another.”

Yes, the Lord encounters each one of us today personally and puts forward the same question,

“Who do YOU say that I am?”

>> May we, “like the sunflower, that follows every movement of the sun”, turn towards the Lord and walk, with joy, looking to Him, and radiating his Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Fred Bock was one of the most renowned, recognized and respected Christian music composers, arrange, studio musician, organist, pianist, choral director and music publisher.

One of his famous write-ups (read and known to many of us) titled “One Solitary Life” goes thus…

“Born in an obscure village, He was the child of a peasant woman.

He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty years old, and then for three years He travelled around the county, stopping long enough to talk and to listen to people, and help where He could. He never wrote a book,

>> He never had a hit record, He never went to college

>> He never ran for public office

>> He never had a family or owned a house.

>> He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness.

>> He had no credentials but Himself.

But when He was only thirty-three years old, the tide of public opinion turned against Him, and His friends rejected Him.

> When He was arrested, very few wanted anything to do with Him.

After the trial, He was executed by the State along with admitted thieves.

> Only because a generous friend offered his own cemetery plot was there any place to bury Him.

This all happened nineteen centuries ago, and yet today He is the leading figure of the human race, and the ultimate example of love.

Now it is no exaggeration to say that all the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever set sail, all the rulers that have ever ruled, all the kings that have ever reigned on this earth, all put together have not affected the life of man on earth like One Solitary Life.”

Undoubtedly, we know on whom is this write- up on…… Jesus, of Nazareth!

A Man who was hidden in the shadows of ignorance… yet enjoys the title of being the Most Famous Person in the World!

>> A Man who sought fame from His works… yet enjoys the privilege of being the Most Impressive Person in the World!

Do we know Him?

Do we REALLY know Him?

Or do we, like King Herod, in the Gospel of the Day, end up asking, ” Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

When we scan through the pages of the Gospel of St Luke from Chapters 4-9, we find that Jesus was acquiring new heights of fame, popularity and public acclaim.

His words and teachings were…

… ringing in the bells of transformation

… challenging the integrity of the religious leaders and civil authorities

… providing a cushion of hope and encouragement to the lost and the marginalized

His acts of wonders and powers were…

… instilling excitement in the lives of people

… causing the people to have reminiscences of the great prophets of old

As a result the people began to discuss and to say, “John has been raised from the dead; Elijah has appeared; one of the ancient prophets has arisen” (Lk 9:8)

Such rumours, reports and recounts caused a lot of worry for King Herod.

>> The flames of anxiety were scorching his mind…

>> The waves of guilt were drowning his heart…

And therefore, with a highly guilty conscience, in fear and trembling, King Herod puts forward his theory on the Dilemma of this Mysterious Divine Person, ” John I beheaded. Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

> The enigmatic personality of Jesus was casting clouds of fear and guilt over King Herod!

> The charismatic work of our Blessed Lord was plunging King Herod into the ocean of haunting and forgettable memories!

Yet, King Herod failed to establish a relationship with our Blessed Lord.

> His mind failed to move beyond the realms of wonder and amazement, to wanting a bonding with the Messiah!

> His heart failed to cut across the barriers of doubts and anxiety, to forge a yearning to receive a touch of the Saviour!

Is our life also sadly moving along the same lines, as that of King Herod…?

>> Is our life of sin and our life of not wanting to take the risk of trusting Him, just like King Herod, causing us to miss out on cherishing a relationship with our Blessed Lord?

To King Herod….

… Jesus only remained a mysterious and stupefying character

… Jesus only remained a person who disturbed his conscience

King Herod was unable to…

… accept Jesus as His Saviour

… accept Jesus as the Lord of his life

We also have surely heard a lot about this wonderful Divine Person named Jesus.

… But has He been able to capture our minds and hearts and do we co-operate with Him to be possessed by His love?

We also have had ample opportunities to grow in our spiritual life and to be receiving a number of teachings on His Divine Word

… But has the Word of God truly become the rule and the guiding principle of our life?

It’s nice to be attracted to the power of God… to praise His wonders.. to be amazed at His awesome deeds.

But it’s just not enough to remain at this peripheral level.

Our Blessed Lord came…

…. not to simply amaze, but to attend to our sins and failures

… not to simply charm, but to challenge our lethargic lives

He wishes that we truly embrace Him…

… as the Lord of our lives

… as our Personal Saviour and Master

Jesus who lived a “Solitary Life” has made a great impact on the world

>> May our personal life also give testimony to this fact and may we truly radiate the Mighty Presence of Jesus in our lives!

Let us seek the intercession of St Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Catholic Charities, on his Feast Day…

… giving heed to his words: “If Christ is the centre of your lives, no words are necessary.

>> Your mere presence will touch hearts!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young man worked in an umbrella factory.

>> It was one of the largest umbrella factories in that area in terms of machinery and area.

One day, with a discouraged heart, he went to his Parish Priest and expressed:

“Father, I will have to hunt another job”

The priest was surprised, as he knew that the boy was good at his work.

He enquired, “What is the matter?

>> Do you have some issues with the company’s management?”

“No, it’s not that” came the reply.

“Does not your factory have enough orders to keep going all the time?” was the next query.

“No, it’s not that, Father” said the boy, “The factory actually has more orders than they can fill”

“Then what is the matter, my Son”, enquired the concerned priest.

“Well, they haven’t enough electricity to keep all the machines going at once.

>> And my machine has to remain idle for a greater part of the day, and I lose so much of time and pay.

The actual trouble with the factory is that…

… they have more machinery than power!”

>> The necessary equipments were available for production, but the required electricity was unavailable!

>> The needed machinery was at hand for manufacturing, but the mandatory power was unobtainable!

Does this sort of a tragedy hit our Christian lives as well?

… Am I possessing all the required resources to proclaim the Gospel message, but unfortunately failing to have the most essential aspect of God’s Power within me?

… Am I having all the necessary entities to give witness to Christ’s Teachings, but sadly, unable to be endowed with the most important element of God’s Spirit in me?

Is my Christian life being reduced to a state of “having more machinery, but less Power?”

The Gospel of Day is an exhortation by the Lord on the need to “be endowed with His authority and be filled with His power” in order to have a faithful and committed life as His disciple and His Missionary.

Jesus sends the Twelve on a Mission.

The Gospel of Luke narrates this procedure beautifully with a 2-step strategy..

1. He empowers them from within: “He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority…” (Lk 9:1)

2. He exhorts them to be free from outside: He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey…” (Lk 9: 3)

Jesus wishes and makes sure that His disciples are “empowered from within”

>> This is an authority that makes them to be true ambassadors of the Kingdom of God

>> This is a power that causes them to be filled with the divine gifts to conquer evil forces

Jesus also wants and strongly exhorts that His disciples are “to be from outside”

>> This is a detachment from worldly things and in turn, causes them to be truly dependent of God, the Highest Power

>> This is a freedom from possessions, attachments and links that makes one to be wearied, slackened in spirit and weighed down with anxieties

Each one of us, as Christians, are to be a disciple of the Lord and a Missionary of the Kingdom.

Can I also give heed to the words and message of the Lord…

… to be “empowered from within”

… “to be free from outside”

>> I can be “empowered from within”…

… by spending quality time with the Lord, regularly, and renewing my zeal and commitment to Him

… by seeking to listen to His voice addressed to us in various situations and people and following His Will … by being obedient to His teachings and following the commandments and requirements of the Commandment of Love

>> I can be “free from outside”…

… by letting go – gradually and radically – my self-centered interests and selfish desires

… by realizing my limits and growing in awareness of the majestic power of the Lord in my life

… by constantly reviewing my life to check whether I get entangled in worldly ways and unbecoming lifestyles

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Cosmas and St Damien, the twin-saints.

>> Strictly observing the command of the Lord: “Freely have you received, freely in turn give” (Mt. 10: 8), they came to be known as “anargyroi” – the silverless…

… and their witness of charity and generosity of spirit converted many to the Catholic Faith.

May we seek their intercession and be inspired by them, to constantly be on the watch…

… and to avoid our Christian lives in being reduced to a state of “having more machinery, but less Power!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Some scientific experiments are fairly simple and practical, yet quite interesting and exciting too.

One such experiment, which some of us would have tried or seen others doing…

… is producing fire with the help of a magnifying glass.

The magnifying glass is kept in front of a piece of paper with the sunlight falling on the magnifying glass, in such a way that a small bright dot appears on the paper.

>> In sometime, with a strong sunlight, one is able to observe that the paper has caught fire!

The magnifying glass acts as a medium, to let the sunlight pass through and converge, in order to generate fire!

>> The magnifying glass plays a significant role in transferring the heat of the sun to objects which are focused!

Our Life as a Christian ought to be similar…

In the Gospel of the Day, Jesus tells to His disciples, “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed; rather he puts it on a lamp stand, so that people coming in may see the light…” (Lk 8:16)

This passage in the Gospel of St. Luke is just preceded by the Parable of the Sower (Lk 8: 4-15).

>> The parable of the Sower beautifully illustrates the various modes of reception of the Word of God.

When the Word of God is welcomed and received with a open heart, one is able to bear fruit…fruit in abundance.

>> A person, who receives God’ Word with an open heart and a receptive mind is able to reflect it in one’s life.

And this is where, a Christian Life resembles a Magnifying Glass which allows God’s Word to pass through and kindles others with the fire of His love!

We need to be an open and active medium allowing God to permeate through us, in order to let others experience His Love!

Do I…

… allow God’s word to work in me, so that the depressed may experience God’s light of joy and happiness?

… sanction God’s power to direct me, so that the suffering humanity may experience God’s light of healing?

… permit the seed of God’s word to take root in me, so that the sinful may experience God’s light of mercy?

… agree to the authority of God to control me, so that the weak may experience God’s light of strength?

… let God’s commandments to guide me, so that the wayward may experience God’s light of acceptance?

Jesus says, ” No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed…”

Times have changed drastically however…

Earlier times, one used to be proud to call oneself as a Christian and witness boldly to be known as one.

>> Today, perhaps, many of us feel a tweak and go a bit uncomfortable when called publicly as a Christian!

What was a matter a pride some years has today possibly become a matter of awkwardness and uneasiness.

How well do I witness the Light of Christian Faith to the world outside?

There are many tiny yet significant gestures and practical actions by which we may be hiding the Christian Light in us, with a bowl, and not allowing it to shine forth…

>> Feeling ashamed to bow publicly before the Blessed Sacrament or as we enter a Church…

>> Feeling uneasy to make a sign of the cross or say prayers before meals when many are there…

>> Feeling embarrassed to be called a Christian or a Consecrated person in a secular surrounding…

>> Feeling disinterested to carry a Bible or wear a crucifix around the neck or hold on to a rosary etc…

>> Feeling strange to either wear or avoid certain dresses or habits, especially thinking what will others feel…

>> Feeling awkward to say about Jesus or the Gospel virtues to our friends, thinking that our thoughts are naive…

>> Feeling bored to participate in the Sacraments and show no interest in making extra efforts to prepare for them…

There are many more occasions wherein we may be losing out a chance to witness Christ and His Love!

The nature of the sun, is to shine upon and enliven the whole earth.

>> But if one puts a magnifying glass in the rays of the sun over a paper, this light of the sun will turn into fire.

The nature of God’s love is to shine upon and enliven the whole universe.

>> But if we act as a magnifying glass, united with Jesus, our Lord, this light of God’s Love will turn to fire!

Let us let the light of love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!

>> Shine, Jesus, Shine!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young American student, on a visit to the Beethoven museum in Bonn, became fascinated by the piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works.

(Beethoven is one of the most famous and influential music composers of all-time)

She asked the museum guard if she could play a few musical pieces on it.

She accompanied the request with a lavish tip (a gift/money)…

… and the guard agreed!

The girl, excitedly went to the piano and tinkled out the opening of the Moonlight Sonata (a famous musical composition of Beethoven).

She was greatly thrilled that she could play on the same piano as that of the music legend.

As she was leaving she said to the guard, with a great sense of exhilaration: “I suppose all the great pianists who come here, want to play on that piano.”

The guard shook his head.

Then he gave a reply which shocked the girl: “Padarewski [the famed Polish pianist] was here a few years ago…

… and he said he wasn’t worthy to touch it.”

The Great Polish pianist felt himself unworthy to play on the piano, which was played the Legendary Beethoven…

… whereas the girl (a novice in piano), took false pride and gratified her vanity!

Great people realize the significance and prominence of others…

… and in humility, lower themselves in rightful acknowledgement!

How many of us dare to humble ourselves, especially before the immensity of God?

>> How many of us choose to walk the path of humility, and be willing to follow the Ways of God?

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortatory teaching of Jesus on the importance of His Followers to be immersed into a life of humility.

Jesus was walking with His disciples, teaching them on the way….

>> He began to speak to them of how, He – the Son of Man “would be delivered into the hands of men, and they would kill Him…” (Mk 9:31)

Jesus was the epitome of self-emptiness and total self-giving

>> He expected His disciples to also learn from Him (Mt 11:29) and follow His lifestyle

St Paul in his letter to the Philippians speaks of this self-emptying (“kenosis”) of the Lord:

“He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave….He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2: 7-8)

And so Jesus tells His disciples of how He would be handed over to human hands and suffer death

He was teaching them…

… how He had to enter into the waters of Humility – in being handed over to human hands

.. how He had to pass through the valleys of Humbleness – in suffering death on the Cross

But, sadly, the disciples were able to give little heed to these “Acts of Humility” of the Lord

… They were busy discussing who would be the Greatest among them

… They were occupied in arguing who would be the First among them (Mk 9:34)

And so the Lord gives them the thumb rule to be His Follower: Humility of Heart

– “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35)

Humility…

… was to be the sole stepping-stone to greatness in the Kingdom of God

… was to be the lone way to be considered worthy in the Divine Way of Life

We need to examine our lives: Am I living a life of humility?

>> Do I try to always have it “my way” and insist solely on feeding my ego and my pride?

>> Am I willing to let go of my crave for position and fame, and embrace a life of service?

Ralph Emerson, an essayist and poet once said, “A great man is always willing to be little”

Every Christian is expected to Follow the Way of Humility – which was the Way of Christ!

>> He humbled Himself – and expects each of us to live in humilty

>> He came to serve, and not to be served – and challenges us too, to be so

>> He let go of His personal glory and self desires – and dares us to “let go” and “allow God”!

May we humble ourselves before the Immense Presence of God….like a Child…

… and entrusting our cares to the Lord, find Him supporting….strengthening…and lifting us up! (Cf. Ps 54:23)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Hello… Hello? Are you there?”

Most of us use mobile phones…

>> One of the most common troubles that many of us face in the usage of mobiles is the problem of range (network).

There are many a times, especially, when one happens to frequent rural areas, that a message pops up on the mobile screen…

…”Network not found!”

…”Out of Range!”

We feel ourselves so much lost and becoming impatient when such situations arise.

This level of anxiety increases all the more when we have an urgent call to be made or in an emergency!

Sometimes, one person keeps muttering and talking…

… but the other one, having lost range, fails to hear anything!

All that remains perhaps is: “Hello… Hello? Are you there?”

Well… there is so much of tension and stress suffered when we miss our range or our network…

Isn’t it?

But have we ever given a thought to what will happen if God goes out of range, in dealing with us?

>> Perhaps many of us, might not even become aware that sometimes we are in a “no-network” zone with God!

Through the Gospel of the Day, the Lord invite us to examine the level of life that I am, in my spiritual life.

The Parable of the Sower broadcasting an uncounted number of seeds is very much familiar to us.

A great number of seeds are sown…and they fall on varieties of soil…and the reactions of each one is varied too.

>> A great number of words are spoken by God…and they fall on varieties of ears…and the response of each one is varied too..

1. Seeds falling on the way – an Attitude of “Paying no mind” to God’s words.

The seeds that fell on the way were trampled upon….and the birds of the sky ate it up.

>> God’s words are often not given due consideration…

…we remain unaffected and unmoved by it.

>> God’s words are often not given due importance…

… we take for granted as being too common and familiar.

>> God’s words are often not given due respect…

… we fail to esteem the seriousness and gravity of the Word of God!

2. Seeds falling on the rocks – an Attitude of “Passing”

The seed that fell on the rocks, when it grew, withered for lack of moisture.

>> The Word of God sometimes makes us very thrilled…

… but we soon become slack and sagging and lethargic.

>> The Word of God sometimes finds quick response…

… but we soon die out in the commitment and dedication.

>> The Word of God sometimes makes us take radical decisions…

… but we soon fade in our enthusiasm and passion!

3. Seed falling among the thorns – an Attitude of “Preoccupation”

The seeds that fell among the thorns got choked by the thorns.

>> God’s words often gets strangled…

… in the midst of immoral living and corrupt practices.

… in the presence of many diluting and misleading spiritualities.

… with too many materialistic and worldly concerns and affairs.

4. Seed falling on the good soil – an Attitude of “Perception”

The seed that fell on the good soil gave fruits of various measures.

>> The Word of God when received properly brings true joy and happiness to life.

>> The Word of God when received properly helps us to share the love and joy of the Lord.

>> The Word of God when received properly makes our life a source of blessings for others

God goes on speaking… He goes on sharing His Word…

>> Am I paying no attention to Him?

>> Am I taking His words just for passing?

>> Am I being too much preoccupied with many things and fail to listen to Him? Or…

>> Am I perceiving and understanding His word clearly and able to produce fruits for the Kingdom of God?

Let us make sure that we are in the range and network of God..

>> He constantly keeps calling us and sends many SMSs.

Are we listening to Him?

“Hello… Hello? Are you there?”

God bless! Live Jesus!

An interesting story is said of a Christian Missionary woman who had been doing the work of evangelization among a native group of tribals.

After she had been with them for a while, and after the natives had experienced the Power of the Lord…

… they gave her a new name: “Aim-day-co”

The Chief of the Tribe, in explaining the name, said:

“In our tribe, when we see anyone taking a wrong route/road, we call out “Aim-day-co”

>> It means, “Turn this way!”

Our sister came from a far-away land and found us all on the wrong road.

>> She sensed that we were in great danger of losing our souls.

So she stood and said “Turn this Way”…

… and pointed to Jesus!

May God bless “Aim-day-co”!

Are we ready to be an “Aim-day-co” in the lives of people?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus Who became an “AIM DAY CO” in the life of St Mathew…

… and today, on the Feast day of St Mathew, we celebrate, how, in turn, this Great Saint has become an “Aim-day-co” to all of us, by his Gospel!

One of the important and essential dimensions of an encounter with our Blessed Lord is the “transformation effect” on the person.

If one has had a genuine encounter with Him…

… one cannot be passive

… one cannot just remain the same

>> Either one shakes off the dust of sin and slackness and follows Him in sincerity

… or one tries to cast Him off from life and adamantly remains in one’s own desires!

>> Either one takes radical decisions in life and orients one’s conduct in accordance with His Will

… or one seeks to do away with all Divine inspirations and obstinately sticks firm to one’s personal interests!

In any case, an “encounter with the Lord” causes an effect in life – either for the good or towards rejecting the impulses of Divine Goodness.

Do I respond positively and emphatically to the call of the Lord…

… or do I sink into an attitude of grumbling, complaining and disinterestedness?

On this feast day of St Matthew, the Apostle, the Gospel of the day presents these two “contrasting reactions” in the encounter with Jesus…

>> Matthew…. who hears the call of the Lord – “Follow Me” (Mt 9: 9)

>> The Pharisees… who observe the lavishness of God’s mercy and react with grumbling and complaining (Mt 9: 11)

Jesus very emphatically declares, ” Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12)

This verse is the key to understand and gauge the style of reaction, when we encounter the Lord…

>> The one who needs Him – will relish Him!

>> The one who feels no need of Him- will reject Him!

>> The one who acknowledges that one is sick, weak and in need of God’s grace and mercy – will find in Him a Saviour!

>> The one who vehemently says that one is all fine, self-motivated and strong willed – will fail to find any consolation in Him!

Here then is a wonderful check-meter to test my passion, my longing and my intensity of love for the Lord…

>> Have I discovered that by myself I cannot achieve everything that life demands of me….?

… and in the Lord alone, I have the answer to my problem and a solution to the puzzles of my life!

>> Do I realise that as a human person, I often fall into the snares of sin and can get easily caught up in evil traps… ?

… and in the Lord alone, I have the antidote to sin and a remedy to overcome the pitfalls of wickedness!

St Mathew presents a beautiful picture, of embracing the Lord fully into life because He realised and discovered the intimate need of the Lord in his life.

>> He experienced Jesus as an “Aim-day-co” – the One Who told him “Turn this Way”…

… away from the ways of sin and Turn towards the Way of Salvation!

… away from the ways of corruption and Turn towards the Way of Christ!

May we be inspired by him and seek his intercession and imitate his example in surrendering ourselves totally to the Sovereignty of our Blessed Lord…

>> And thus be an “Aim-day-co” – the one who tells “Turn this Way”…

… to many people in our lives!

Happy Feast of St Matthew!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One night, a little girl knelt for her bed-time prayer.

She was a good girl, who would do a lot of good deeds – helping her Mom in her works, keeping the newspapers tidy for her Dad, sharing her chocolates with her younger brother etc…

The mother went close to the child and suggested things to be thankful for.

The Mother also added, “Won’t you ask the Lord to help you love Him more?”

The child lifted up her large button-shaped eyes with a puzzled look.

“What is it, dear?” asked the mother.

“Did you tell me to ask Him to help me love Him more, Mamma?” said the little girl, innocently.

“Yes, my little dear”

“But how can I love Him more, Mamma?” replied the little child, ” I am just crazy about Him now!”

The little child had, very early on in life, grasped the meaning of “falling in love” with God!

Have I “fallen in love” with the Lord and remain faithful to the love-life in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents a wonderful expression of love towards Jesus and the subsequent acknowledgement of this gesture of love, by the Lord of Love!

The incident of sinner woman, washing the feet of Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee, ends with a statement, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” (Lk 7: 49)

The answer of this statement is probably what is expressed by the woman in her gesture of love.

Jesus was a guest in the house of Simon, the Pharisee.

It was probably one of those meals whereby a respected and wise host would invite several of the socially elite to dine with an important guest.

>> At this meal, they would recline along the table, laying down on their sides, to eat.

The meal would also involve a series of debates and discussions, over many crucial issues, centred around the special guest.

However, suddenly, out of nowhere, a lady enters in the scene.

It was one of those highly embarrassing and highly disgusting moments for the Host!

The lady was a known sinner…

… In the society, she had earned a notorious reputation

> Her very presence was causing terrible insult.

Her ensuing action..

> wiping the feet with the ointment from the alabaster jar

> wiping them with her hairs

> kissing them with tenderness

… caused still further damage to the reputation and honour of the host and his Guest!

However, what followed later, was like adding salt to the wounds of the host…

Jesus publicly recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates the action of the sinful woman.

He says, in solemn tones of approval of the action of the woman, “… She has shown great love! The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little” (Lk 7: 48)

Jesus had openly and publicly acknowledged the tremendous and daring love of the woman for Him!

And in doing so, she had given an answer to the question that would be put forth later, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

Her actions of love gave an answer…

… that He was the One worthy of receiving the highest and deepest love – one that counts no humiliation or hardships!

… that He was the One deserving the sweetest and the most priceless affections of our hearts – one that is limitless!

… that He was the One meritorious of every expression of endearment and fondness – one that is passionate and pure!

What is my level of love for the Lord?

>> Am I courageous to express my love for Him in actions that trespass humiliations or shame or guilt?

>> Am I bold to show that I truly love Him by living a life in accordance with the virtues of the Gospel?

>> Am I credible enough to say that I really love Him by extending His care to all those who are in need?

May we be inspired by the words of St Robert Bellarmine:

“The school of Christ is the school of love.

>> In the last day, when the general examination takes place…

… Love will be the whole syllabus”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The General Electric Company is a multinational conglomerate company, which caters to the needs of home appliances, financial services, medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceutical etc.

>> Every year, this company uses more than one and a half million sapphires (= transparent precious stone, usually blue in colour) for bearings in meters and other delicate apparatus.

However, it is highly necessary that there should be a detection to separate the synthetic gems from the natural ones.

Towards this end, a cathode ray tube has been developed by a team of researchers.

>> If, in a dark room, the rays from this tube are thrown for a few seconds on a tray of stones, they all glow.

>> However, when the rays are turned off, the artificial sapphires continue to glow and may be picked out of the tray, while the natural sapphires cannot be seen.

This is an easy way of picking up the artificial ones from those which are natural.

Is not something similar that happens to our Christian lives?

The authenticity of our life is exposed and revealed when the rays of Christ’s Teachings are made to fall on us!

> Some of us may be seen shining brightly and appearing to have dazzling lustre

> Some of us may be seen to be apparently very good and being seen to be externally righteous.

But when the rays of Christ’s teaching fall on us, will our hypocrisy and duplicity get exposed… ?

… or do I have the credibility and integrity, in my life, to be recognized as an authentic follower of God and an ardent missionary of the Kingdom?

The Gospel of the Day is an exposition on the attitudes of duplicity and being double-standard that can cram our Christian lives.

Jesus gives an illustration… of “children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, ‘We piped to you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not weep'” (Lk 7: 32)

It was a tragedy of that generation…

… that two of the great leaders – John and Jesus – though came with apparent contrast – found themselves rejected!

… that these two great messengers of the Kingdom, met with a tragic end – one beheaded, the other crucified!

>> And it shows an important philosophy that underlies many lives: an attitude of indifference to the truth and an attitude of rejection of those who challenge our lives!

This tragedy affects our generation too…

We often wrap ourselves often in the garment of hard-heartedness and arrogance…

… and fail to allow the message of the Truth to bring a transformation in our lives

We neatly hide ourselves in the dark shadows of indifference and apathy…

… and remain unconcerned with the workings of God’s power and grace in our hearts

But the Lord today renders a wake-up call to shake off the dusts of apathy, hypocrisy and indifference from our lives.

In the power of the rays of Christ’s teaching, our hypocrisy and duplicity will get exposed…

… But can I seek to mould my life to possess credibility and integrity, in order to be recognized as an authentic follower of God and an ardent missionary of the Kingdom?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Abide with me fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens, Lord, with me, abide

When other helpers fail and comforts flee; Help of the helpless, O abide with me!”

Hold thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

This hymn “Abide with me”, (found in ‘Night Prayers in The Divine Office’) is one of the very heart-touching hymns…

…sung especially in times of funerals.

They stir up feelings of mourning and the pain of loss…

…they also stir up a sense of hope and trust in the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection.

The Gospel of the Day presents before us…

… a funeral scene

… feelings of mourning and a pain of loss

… and the instilling of hope and trust by the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection!

The Gospel reading mentions that as Jesus was journeying to a city called Nain, “a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.” (Lk 7: 11-12).

Life can sometimes be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences, isn’t it?

This incident is a clear example of that…

>> A funeral in itself is an extremely sorrowful occurance

>> Add to it, it is that of the only son of a woman

(‘Only son’ meant…

… ceasing of the family generation

… termination of the family’s hopes and aspirations of the future)

>> To top it all, the woman is a widow

(‘Widow’ meant…

… there would be none to support her or to provide for her sustenance

… it was a double heart-break for a woman who had already suffered death once!)

This was a harshly unique situation:

As per the custom of the time, the bereaved mother walks in front of the bier

>> The dead son was being carried to the grave

…and the “dead” widow was walking towards her grave of utter hopelessness and inconsolable grief

A mother had to literally see her child from the “womb to the tomb!”

It was in this painful situation, that Jesus encountered the funeral procession!

The Lord, Who knows everything…

… seeing that tragic procession would have probably had a flash of what would be soon a reality in the future:

>> He Himself would be the “dead” Child…

… and His Beloved Mother, Mary would be the “dead” Widow!

This funeral procession of the “only son” of the “widow”, was a reflection of the scene on Calvary…

…. of Jesus, the “Only Son” of Mary, the “Widow”!

It is also heartening to note that this funeral procession took place in a city named “Nain” (or “Naim”)

This Hebrew name “Nain” has meanings such as…

… sweet, good, lovely, pleasant and delightful!

“Nain” is the word used to describe…

… the quality of Israelities as being the “favoured ones” (2 Sam 23: 1)

… the beauty of music especially the “sweet” sounding harp (Ps 81:2)

… the “pleasant” taste of bread (Prov 9:17)

… the “beauty” of the land (Gen 49:15)

The Psalmist also uses this word “Nain” and its derivatives, to describe…

… the beauty of the Lord (Ps 27:4)

… the favour of the Lord (Ps 90:17)

… the graciousness in worshipping the Lord (Ps 135:3)

It appeared to be a total contradiction that a city with such beautiful expressions and meanings…

… was facing the tragic situation of immense pain and loss and mourning

>> Sweetness and goodness seemed to have been replaced with pain and mourning!

>> Loveliness and pleasantness seemed to have been overtaken by misery and lament!

.

But Jesus, the Lord of Life and Resurrection…

… transforms the feelings of sadness and helplessness into sentiments of relief and hope!

The Gospel says that:

Jesus “was moved with pity for the woman and said to her, ‘Do not weep’…

… and touching the coffin, He said, “Young Man, I tell you, arise!” (Lk 7: 13-14)

>> Tears were halted…and life was restored!

>> Mourning was terminated…and life was celebrated!

Do we not face situations…

>> When life seems to be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences…?

… death and separations in the family and relations

… loss of hope at workplaces and areas of labour

… feelings to ‘quit and give up’ as life loses meaning

In all such “dead” situations, the Lord encounters us in our journey of life, and…

>> Comforts us: “Do not weep!”

>> Restores us: “I tell you, arise!”

We need to trust in Him

>> We need to be willing to encounter Him

>> We need to hold on to Him in our journey of life!

Our God is indeed the God of Life and Resurrection…

… and He seeks to instill hope and trust in Him!

May we always pray, “Lord, abide with me”…

>> And thus with hope and trust, even in the ‘dead’ situations of our life, cry out:

” Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away!

Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!”

God Bless! _Live Jesus!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

Bengaluru, India