A common story is told of two brothers who were well known around town for their crooked business dealings and underworld connections.

>> They were highly mean and cold-blooded in their dealings.

Eventually, one of the brothers died.

>> The surviving brother wanted to give his dead brother a funeral fit for a king.

He called the funeral home and made all the arrangements.

>> Then he called a famous minister of the town, and promised him a huge amount of money…

… On the condition that in his Funeral Speech, the minister would call his brother as a saint!

The minister agreed.

The whole town turned out for the funeral…

… and the minister began: “The man you see in the coffin was a vile and debauched individual.

>> He was a liar, a thief, a deceiver, a manipulator, a reprobate, and a hedonist.

>> He destroyed the fortunes, careers, and lives of countless people in this city, some of whom are here today.

>> This man did every dirty, rotten thing you can think of.

But… I must tell you one important thing as well…

>> Compared to his brother, he was a saint!”

The world today has many people who seek to only “put on a show from the outside”…

… To gain name and fame

… To earn a good repute in the society

>> But “within” are full of corruption and deceit!

Do I also carry this tendency of only putting on an “external show”…

… But fail to possess true and inner virtues?

The Gospel of the Day mentions people who had achieved a sort of perfection and expertise in the field of acting…

… and making people believe by their subtle behaviours

>> The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law… models of “Acting” and “Deception” and “Fraud”…

Jesus during His ministry on the earth worked always with one kind of a sinner or another.

And it’s amazing to see the way He treated them all..

Sinners were considered with respect and dignity….Prostitutes were given respect and worth…

Tax collectors were accorded value and importance…Lepers were offered acceptance and favour…

He often forgave people’s sins as He healed their broken and diseased bodies.

Jesus loved the sinners….he loved them so much that He wanted them to be always released from the clutches and slavery to Satan!…

But JESUS HATES SIN!!!…..

He hates sin with a great passion and rebuked it whenever He could!

One of the Sins to which He had the most hatred…

… was the Sin of Hypocrisy!

One of the Sins to which He reserved His best condemning words…

… was the Sin of Hypocrisy!

One of the Sins to which He lashed out and which gained His greatest abuses…

… was the Sin of Hypocrisy!

The English word, “hypocrite,” comes from the Greek word, “hypocresis” which is the Greek word for “actor.”

A good “hypocresis” is a good actor.

>> A good actor is good at playing a part, playing a role and a playing a character…

Jesus today vehemently and quite heatedly labels the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law as ‘Hypocrites’!

The sin of Hypocrisy is a deadly one….. Have I become a prey to this deadly and poisonous Sin?

>> I am hypocritical…when I profess to be a Christian…but don’t even seek to live the Gospel values in my life!

>> I am hypocritical… when I say I love God above all..but don’t find even few moments to be with Him in prayer!

>> I am hypocritical… when I say I love others…but constantly hurt with my words and fail to appreciate them!

>> I am hypocritical… when I receive the Eucharist…but fail to even try to give my life in service for others!

>> I am hypocritical… when I recite many prayers…but do not seek to listen or do God’s Will in my life!

>> I am hypocritical… when I, as a Priest/ Religious…have failed to even try to give God the first place in my life!

>> I am hypocritical… if as a Church member.. have failed to even try to follow her commands and regulations!

The habit of hypocrisy is a lethal one…Have I become a victim to this noxious and fatal Habit?

When we read this passage of the Gospel.. we must also keep in mind one basic principle…

>> Jesus is not making a blanket condemnation of the whole group of people…rather He criticizes and condemns the attitude and their mentality

• The Sin is hated….not the sinner! The Sin is to be thrown away…but the sinner is given a chance to repent! The Pharisee is not hated….but Pharisaism is condemned!

• The Lord is a tough task-master… He loves not to dilute His teachings and His policies.

Such condemning passages and harsh extracts may leave us with a feeling..

“All this demand of the Lord seems all too difficult for me… Who at all can live in perfection?

Is there any person who can claim not be living in duplicity?

I fail to find a good example in today’s world…and therefore, I think, this is neither practical nor feasible!”

But the Lord rushes to our rescue & tells …..”What’s impossible for humans is possible for God….What is needed is a genuine attempt at perfection…a true longing to be free from duplicity…a solid motivation to live a harmonious life”

We may be “acting” very well in the stage of life…maybe knowingly…maybe unknowingly…

But today, the Lord wants us to examine our lives…and set things right…

With deep love, He encourages and motivates us through St Paul and his companions, “…we constantly pray for you; may our God make you worthy of His calling. May He, by his power, fulfill your good purposes and your work prompted by faith!” (2 Thess 1:11-12)

Let us do away with the Habit of Hypocrisy…

.. and genuinely grow in Authenticity and Faithfulness!

Today we shall seek the intercession of St Monica, the saintly mother of St Augustine…

… whose prayer and intercession would lead to the conversion of the great Saint Augustine.

May we do away with the tendency of only putting on an “external show”…

… and instead seek to possess true and inner virtues!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Tom Brown’s School Days” is an 1857 novel by Thomas Hughes.

The story is set in the 1830s at Rugby School, a public school for boys.

>> Much of the novel is based on the author’s experiences in the school.

There is a fine passage in Tom Brown’s School Days which tells of a boy who had the courage to stand up against ridicule.

A new boy – a Christian – had come to the school.

>> On his first night, in a room where there were twelve beds and boys, he knelt down to say his prayers.

But the boy became the object of ridicule and fun…

…others began to make poking comments

…some others began to laugh and giggle, humiliating him and his faith.

Tom Brown had been observing all the while.

>> It was at that time, that Tom also saw a heavy slipper flying through the air toward the head of the kneeling boy.

But the boy remained unperturbed and finished his prayers.

When the lights went out a little later, Tom Brown thought of his own mother, and the prayers that she had taught him to say, but which he had never said since he came to Rugby.

>> Then and there he made a decision that the next time he went to bed, he, too, would say his prayers.

When that next night came, the other boys in the room, ready to laugh and scoff at this newcomer who said his prayers, were amazed to see Tom Brown, whom they all respected and feared, kneel down at the side of his bed and pray.

The courageous prayer of the boy, in spite of the ridicule, won the respect of all his companions!

Yes, Christianity demands…

>> And only the ones who are willing to respond to these demands are worthy of being the Followers of the Lord.

It pays to be a Christian!

>>> It costs much to be a Follower of Christ!

In the Gospel of the Day, the Lord is pretty straight-forward and candid in His challenging requirements and would even ask us, as He asks His disciples, “Do you also wish to go away?” (Jn 6: 67)

We are at the concluding portion of the 6th Chapter of the Gospel of St John – known as the chapter on the Discourse of the Bread of Life.

The hearers of Jesus, from the beginning of this Chapter have been taken through a very intriguing path…

>>> It began with the fragrance of compassion and mercy being radiated by the Lord in the multiplication of the loaves (Jn 6: 1-15)

>>> This fragrance developed into an aura of authority and power that was displayed in the incident of the walking on the water (Jn 6: 16-21)

>>> This aura began to radiate more gloriously through His teachings on He being the Bread of Life (Jn 6: 22-59)

>>> This glorious splendour was further revealed and explained when He declared Himself as the Son of Man who would ascend to where He was (Jn 6: 61-62)

The Chapter, as it’s nears the conclusion, finds many of the hearers abandoning Christ.

Therefore we read, “As a result of this, many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him” (Jn 6:66)

It seemed nice and wonderful to be the followers of Christ, when He provided food to their satisfaction

… But when there was a demand made by Christ, the “goody-goody” feelings disappeared and they began to reject Him!

Is this not the attitude that is prevalent among many of the Christians… including we, perhaps?!

As long as the ground of our lives, receives the continual showers of favours being granted and prayers being instantly heard, we feel nice with the Lord.

… But in the times when the ground has to experience the drought of delays in prayers and absence of the rains of consolation, we feel to do away with the ways of the Lord!

As long as the garden of my life, is blessed with the flowers of prosperity, security and comforts, we remain happy to be with the Lord

… But in the circumstances when the garden goes dry and the weeds of misery begin to crop up, we feel to abandon the presence of the Lord and tread our own wills!

And therefore the Lord asks us, “Do you also wish to go away?” (Jn 6: 67)

Faith in the Lord is no cheap thing!

>> It indeed costs to be faithful!

The History of the Bible is replete with examples for this fact…

>> It cost…

… Abraham in giving up Isaac, his beloved, in order to prove his faith in the Lord

… Moses to let go off his weaknesses and frailties, in order to become the leader of a vast multitude

… Daniel to be cast into the den of lions in being a faithful warrior of the Lord

… Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to pass through the ordeals of the fiery furnace in proving to be loyal to the Lord during the time of King Nebuchadnezzar

… Stephen a painful death by being stoned in order to witness his daring courage in the Lord

… cost Peter to be nailed upside down to stand firm as the rock of faithfulness and commitment

Yes, Christianity demands…

>> And only the ones who are willing to respond to these demands are worthy of being the Followers of the Lord.

What is it costing us to be faithful to our Lord and King?

Often times, our practice of Christian faith enters, tiptoed and slyly, into the halls of comfort and coziness…

> A Baptism received long ago…

>> Some Sacraments obtained now and then…

>>> A few Church obligations completed once in a way…

>>>> Some occasionally unavoidable practise of piety and devotion…

This is all that sometimes it “costs” us in being a Christian!

But the Lord today powerfully seeks to shake off the dusts of lethargy and casualness and confronts us, “Do you also wish to go away?”

Our remaining with the Lord, ought not to be in mere words, but also in deeds and actions

Being with the Lord demands…

… that we grow in our zeal and love for the Lord

… that we become an extension of Christ to the needy

… that we strive to be passionate proponents of His love and mercy

Yes, let us be fervent in the stipulations of being a Christian…

… and be willing to respond to those demands that make us worthy of being the Followers of the Lord.

May our Christian lives be encompassed by a deep love for the Lord and may we rise up to the challenge to remain loyal and faithful to the demands placed on us by Christ, our Powerful and Mighty King!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Maundy Thursday is associated with a customary practice that is followed in many of the Churches all around the world…

It consists of choosing of twelve persons from the Church – based on various parameters or criteria.

>> These twelve are given the “privilege” to have the feet washed by the Main Celebrant (usually the parish priest) during the Holy Mass.

This is a symbolic remembrance of the “washing of the feet” that Jesus had undertaken on the evening of the Last Supper.

Preaching on this custom, on a Holy Thursday, a priest once spoke the following in his sermon:

“There are twelve of us, who have been chosen from among us, whose feet will be washed this evening.

Perhaps, there were many others also who had a desire that their feet also be washed.

>> Probably, some of you, children, are dreaming of growing up faster in life, so that one day, you too may be chosen to have your feet washed.

But here is a point to be considered…

Most of us probably are thinking only about ‘having our feet washed’.

But I really do wonder, how many of us – be it those who have got a chance or those who have missed – think also of ‘being the one who washes the feet of others?’

We all probably are desiring and wishing only for the chair, to be seated, and have our feet washed.

>> But how many of us also wish and desire for the ‘towel’?”

It was his direct way of telling that there were very few who will to be the last, the least and the lowest in the Church, the Body of Christ.

Am I a person who is willing to lower myself in humility?

Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23: 12)

The 23rd Chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew begins with Jesus turning the attention of His disciples and of the crowds, towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.

Focusing on the religious leaders and on their practices, Jesus launches a volley of critically true statements, a string of their hypocritical misconduct and a barrage of their wicked misdeeds!

The chapter ends with the “Painful Lament” by Jesus over Jerusalem – the city of the Lord!

One of the highlights in this highly volatile and strongly-worded Chapter is the number of times Jesus mentions the two groups of people – “Scribes and Pharisees”

There is, in total, 7 occurrences of the phrase, “Scribes and Pharisees” – a biblical number for totality!

This Chapter is a therefore, a full-blown critique and condemnation of the ways of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Why is Jesus so outright in His condemnation, so merciless in His usage of words and so blatant in His attacks on the Scribes and Pharisees?

(Meanwhile, when we go through these critical attacks of our Blessed Lord on this group, one must always remember the words of Jesus Himself: “I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32)

>>> There was deep pain in the heart of the Lord, in seeing the way religion was being manhandled, misused and misinterpreted by the religious leaders of His time

>>> As the Son of His Beloved Father, it was hurting for the Son to see a section of people, trampling upon God’s precious and venerable truths, and twisting them for their own self-interests and self-agenda

>>> A strong form of condemnation was reserved only to those who were hardened in heart – as a means for them to repent and turn back their ways to the Lord. The method of ‘sharp condemnation’ was reserved only to the proud and the arrogant; never to the poor sinners!)

The reason for Jesus making a scathing attack on the religious authorities of His times, could be summarized into one crucial point: Glorification of one’s own self at the expense of the Glory of God and the Mercy deserving for His people!

Therefore, Jesus goes on to point out the many occasions and circumstances when the Self-Interest of the Pharisees and Scribes took extreme priority over God Himself!

It is this self-centred and self-glorifying act that makes Jesus to tell, “For they preach, but they do not practise!” (Mt 23: 3b)

How easily can this be our own state of affairs, in our life…!

We may be people…

… who “appear” to be very fine and kind – but perhaps, we are persons who find it too hard to let go of our pride, in reaching out to the needy, in humble service!

… who speak a lot on helping others and being generous – but perhaps, we go through grilling moments in lowering ourselves and adopting a lowly status to extend a helping hand!

… who desire happiness in communities and peace at homes – but perhaps, we discover

ourselves to be persons who are unwilling to let go of my ego and allow a listening ear to the views and opinions of others!

The call, today, therefore is…

… ” to work for a cause – not applause

… to live life to express – and not simply to impress!”

Following the Great example of Jesus, may we dare to pick up the “towels” of service and kindness and live a life “clothed in humility!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An elderly person sat under a mango tree in his garden in the noonday heat.

As he sat, he looked at the pumpkin vines that were growing nearby, and said to himself:

“How foolish God is!

>> Here he puts a big heavy pumpkin on to a weak vine branch? and so can’t do anything, but simply lie on the ground!

>> And then He hangs these small little mangoes on a huge tree which can actually hold very heavy objects!

If I were God, I think I could do better than that!”

Just then, a bit of breeze came up…

… and knocked a loose mango off the tree.

It fell right on the man’s head…

… causing a little bump on his head!

This made him sadder… but wiser, and he quipped:

“Oh! Suppose if that had been a pumpkin!

Gosh!!”

And he went on to say:

“Never again will I try to plan the world for God.

>> Instead I shall be thankful to Him, for He has done so well…

… He knows what’s best for me, every time!”

The knowledge and wisdom of God is indeed incomprehensible…

… In His Wisdom, He has created all things good

… By His Knowledge, He has fashioned all things for the best use

Are we ready to let go our life into the Hands of this Wise and Knowing God…

… the One who is aware of every moment of our life – our past, our present and our future?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Bartholomew…

… who experienced this great Knowledge and Wisdom of the Lord in his encounter with Jesus?

>>> And surrendered his life, to follow the Master, till the end – faithfully!

When we compare the Gospels, we notice something interesting…

1. Bartholomew is not mentioned in the Gospel of John – but Nathanael is!

>> Nathanael is not mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) – but Bartholomew is!

2. In the Gospel of John, Nathanael is mentioned in connection with Philip

>> In the Synoptic Gospels, Bartholomew is mentioned in connection with Philip

Thus, based on these aspects along with the ancient tradition of the Church, Bartholomew and Nathanael are identified as the same person.

Thus, the Gospel of the Day on this Feast Day is the call of Nathanael from the Gospel of St John.

The Gospel says that when Jesus saw Nathanael coming, He said of him:

“Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (Jn 1: 47)

On hearing this, Nathanael said to Jesus: “How do You know me?” (Jn 1: 48a)

This question – How do You know me?” – is indeed worth reflecting on.

>> From a peripheral look, we observe…

… This was probably the first time Jesus was meeting him, so Nathanael naturally was wondering how he was known.

… Nathanael also did not have a very high opinion regarding Nazareth, the place where Jesus came from and so would have wondered how a Person from there, knew him.

>> On a deeper level, we also observe…

… Nathanael was probably feeling within himself, “Does He really know who I am and what are the thoughts and desires of my heart?”

… He perhaps, was also wondering, “Would He also be knowing my past and perhaps even have an idea about my future?”

“How do You know me?” – the question by Nathanael to Jesus is a query asked by us too…

… perhaps in various forms..

1. “How do you know my past?”

>> Do you really know, O Lord, my past…

… the struggling times that I have gone through?

… the bad childhood, perhaps, or the disturbing experiences as I grew up in life?

… the hurts and the wounds and the injuries that I still carry in my heart and causes me pain?

2. “How do you know my present?”

>> Do you really know, O Lord, my present…

… the manner in which I am not accepted by others?

… the ways in which success evades me, despite the hard efforts I put in?

… the daily grinds of life to which I often have no solution and thus totally discouraged?

3. “How do you know my future?”

>> Do you really know, O Lord, my future…

… the anxieties of my unclear future and the fear of which direction I need to go ahead?

… the feeling of “I am lost” while taking decisions and unsure if I am walking the right path?

… the tension I go through on what will happen to me and my loved ones in the days to come?

But the Lord, Who answered Nathanael…

… had the knowledge of his past… his present… and his future

>> The Present: “Here IS a true Israelite. There IS no duplicity in him” (Jn 1: 47)

>> The Past: “Before Philip called you, I SAW you under the fig tree” (Jn 1: 48b)

>> The Future: “Amen, Amen, I say to you, you WILL see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jn 1: 51)

Turning His gaze on each one of us…

… with tenderness and love, the Lord tells us:

” I know you, My Child!

I know your past…your present… and your future”

Psalm 139 very beautifully speaks of how…

… the Lord intimately knows us!

… the Lord is clearly aware of all our thoughts and movements!

… the Lord is very personally with us in every situation of our life!

This Lord, Who knows our everything – beyond the borders of time – invites us…

… to trust in Him more

… to be aware of His Providence guiding us always!

… to give ourselves entirely to Him in love and obedience!

Many times, we might feel things are not okay with us…

… we might even complain against God and have an attitude: ” If I were God, I think I could do better than that!”

But those could be moments, when we are given a gentle reminder by the Lord…

… through perhaps, some difficulties or troubles in life…

>> Which ought to make us realize:

“Never again will I try to plan the world for God.

Instead I shall be thankful to Him, for He has done so well…

… He knows what’s best for me, every time!”

May St Bartholomew (St Nathanael) intercede and inspire us:

>> To let go our life into the Hands of this Wise and Knowing God…

… the One who is aware of every moment of our life – our past, our present and our future!

Happy Feast Day to you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A story goes of a King in the olden days and of his “clown” or “jester”

This jester would sometimes say very foolish things whereas sometimes he would make some wise utterances.

One day, it so happened, that this jester said something so foolish that the King handed him a staff and mocked at him saying, “Take this, and keep it.. till you find a bigger fool than yourself!”

Years later, the kind fell ill and was on his deathbed.

His favourite courtiers were summoned to him; his family and other friends were also around him.

The King, sick and pale, addressed them saying, “I am about to leave.

>> I am going on a very long journey and will never be returning to this place.

In deep sorrow, I wish all of you ‘goodbye'”

At that moment, the Jester stepped forward and said to the King, “Your Majesty, May I, please, ask a question?”

“When you journeyed abroad – visiting your people, or paying diplomatic visists to other Kingdoms, you have always made sure there is a great deal of preparation that is ensured.

May I kindly ask, what preparations has your Majesty made for this long journey that he is about to take?”

With tears and remorse and self-realization, the King replied, “Alas! I have made no preparation!”

‘Then,’ said the jester, here is this staff for you. For now I have found a bigger fool than myself.’

Is the state of the King – being unprepared for the journey towards heaven – finding resonance with our own lack of preparations, with respect to eternal life?

The Gospel of the Day presents the parable of the Wedding Feast with a mighty warning to “stay prepared” in our endevours to be part of the Banquet of Eternal Joy in Heaven.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast, broadly speaking, presents two dangerous attitudes that can overpower a Christian:

1. The arrogant attitude of rejecting God’s omnipotence

2. The lethargic attitude of taking for granted God’s graciousness

In the first part of the parable, we come across the group of people, who turn down the offer of the King for the Wedding Banquet (Mt 22: 5-6)

They made several excuses…

… some ignored the invitation and went away

… one to his farm

… another to his business

… the rest manhandled the King’s servants

On display was their highly casual and lethargic attitude towards the King.

> They were least bothered regarding the royal nature of the invitation

> They cared little for the feelings and the sentiments of the King who had called them with much expectations

In the second part of the Gospel, we come across the guest, who failed to wear to the appropriate wedding garment (Mt 22: 11-12)

It was a sheer lack of failure to follow the customs of the land and was a betrayal of the host’s generosity…

… It was customary for the hosts to provide the suitable wedding apparel

… The “speechless” silence of the man, showed his inability to produce any valid reason for this act of disobedience and non-compliance

On display was his highly diminishing and disrespectful attitude towards the King.

> He was overly adamant in keeping up the wedding protocols of his times

> He was exceedingly proud to acknowledge the generosity of the King and chose to purposely insult the King

These two extremes, then, are fearful plagues that a Christian needs to be wary of…

1. A devastating tendency to be arrogantly proud towards the Mercies and Favours of God

2. A dissipated tendency to be lethargic towards the Graces and Blessings of God

Do I put down the power of God…

… by failing to give any response to His constant calls and inspirations to lead a more holy life?

… by busying myself in my worldly activities and failing to give any heed to the works of the Kingdom?

… by engaging constantly only for self-centered glory and sideline anything that promotes the Glory of God?

Do I make a mockery of the Grace of God…

… by professing to be a Christian and yet failing to wear the garments of doing God’s Will and in living His Gospel Virtues?

… by wanting to be proudly seen as a follower of Christ and yet unwilling to follow His teachings and commandments in daily life?

… by enjoying all the comforts that comes alone with being a ‘Christian’ but shamelessly failing to perform the duties associated with it?

The foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet is seen in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration.

The seriousness in our preparation for the Holy Mass is a clear indicator of our seriousness in preparation for the Heavenly Banquet.

Do I approach the wonderful foretaste of Heaven – the Holy Eucharist – with greater devotion and preparation…

… or do I adopt an attitude of arrogant denial of its Holiness or an attitude of lethargy and “taking for granted”?

The Lord adopts a tone of seriousness and strictness, when it comes to our question of preparation for Eternal Life.

> There is only one life here on earth – and it deserves to be lived in its utmost fullness by responding to God’s Graces.

May we respond to this demanding call of the Lord – and make ourselves worthy of Life Eternal, to the best of our possibilities and capabilities.

“Many are invited and a few are chosen” (Mt 22:14)

Are we willing to respond to the invitation and follow the norms of Love, to be among the chosen ones?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

This was the chorus we sang in unison and love….The Holy Trinity, the Holy Angels and all people of faith on the earth…..just seven days back…

… on the 15th of August – the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

Today we are back to chanting the same chorus and the same refrain with a deeper enthusiasm and stronger gusto…

… as we celebrate with heaven, the Coronation of our Blessed Mamma as the Queen of Heaven and Earth!

This Feast of the Queenship of Mary was instituted by Pope Pius XII at the conclusion of the Marian Year in 1954.

It was not…

… or a new policy

… a new doctrine.

… or a new teaching

.. or even a new understanding!

This declaration was merely an affirmation of the age old faith that has been celebrated down through the ages!

St. Ephrem referred to Mother Mary as the “Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen.”

>> St. Gregory Nazianzen called her, “the Mother of the King of the Universe.”

On this Feast Day of the Queenship of Mary…

… we are presented with the Reading on the Annunciation.

Let us travel with Mary, our Mamma and Queen….through this Life Transforming Event of Her life…

This incident will highlight the journey of Grace and Mercy that God worked, to raise Her to a Glorious State

1. The Simple Mary

Mary was a simple and unnoticed girl of the unpopular town of Nazareth.

>> She was an ordinary person betrothed to a man named Joseph.

She had…

… her dreams

… her wishes for a family life

… her desires for a peaceful life!

>> But God had bigger dreams for Her…

… a dream which would make Her the Blessed among all…

>> God had higher wishes for Her…

… a wish which would make the Nazareth Family a model for all…

>> God had bigger desires for Her…

… a desire which would fill her with Peace amidst every pain…

2. The Troubled Mary

Mary was deeply troubled when she encountered Angel Gabriel.

>> The greeting of the Divine Being made Her simple heart to be filled with feelings of concern and disturbance.

She had…

… her concerns

… her share of uneasy feelings

… her moments of worry!

>> But God had greater cares for Her…

… a care which would make her a Mother to all those who have concerns…

>> God had finer feelings for Her…

… a feeling which would help her to Feel for those who go through life’s pains…

>> God had greater comforts for Her…

… a comfort which will lead Her to be a Comforter to the Uncomforted…

3. The confused Mary

It was a moment of great confusion and perhaps even total puzzlement as to how could the words of Angel Gabriel be believed.

>> There was great uncertainty as to how could a conception of this sort take place and what made Heaven to grant Her this choice of being the Mother of the Son of God!

She had…

… Her confusions

… Her perplexity

… Her moments of Inner Turmoil.

>> But God had a deeper solution to Her confusions…

… He assured Her of the Presence of His Mighty Spirit…

>> God had an enhanced way out of Her perplexity…

… He calmed Her by opening Her eyes to His great works…

>> God had a deeper answer to Her turmoil…

… He relieved Her by reminding Her that all things are possible for Him…

4. The willing Mary

The Fiat Moment – the time when Mary said the Big Yes to God’s Plan of Salvation!

>> It was a sacred time when Mary consented and became willing to allow God’s Script to work in Her unadorned Life!

She had…

… Her mysterious moments

… Her ‘what-next’ moments

… Her moments of indefiniteness!

>> But God had His superior light beyond all mysteries…

… She was to be the Woman of the Mystery of God’s Salvation …

>> God had His clear plan beyond all doubts…

… She was to be the Perfect Executor of Heaven’s Plans for humanity…

>> God had his superior design across all indefiniteness…

… She was to be the Refuge of all in Uncertainty…

Today, Is My Life…

… just too simple and ordinary?

… just too troubled?

… just too confused?

Then Mother Mary is a model to us…

… a perfect example

… a shining witness

… a great challenge to us!

In all our ordinariness, troubles and confusions. let us trust and have faith in God…

… just like Mother Mary

>> And seek to always say to God, ” Fiat – Yes, Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

Let us raise an Anthem of Thanksgiving, Love and Affection…

… to our Beloved Mamma, the Queen of the Heavens and the Earth… and of our

>> And in harmony & accord, with deep joy, acclaim Her to be –

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

Happy Feast of the Beloved Queen Mamma united with Her son, King Jesus, to all of us, Her little princes!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Pompeii was an ancient Roman town-city near the modern Naples, in the region of Campania in Italy.

This city was greatly devastated – destroyed and buried – by nearly 13- 20 feet of ash and pumice, in the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The dreadful eruption killed the inhabitants of the city and buried it under tons of ash.

During the excavation, plaster was made use to fill in the voids in the ash layers that once held dead bodies. This made way for one to see the exact position that the person was in, when he or she died.

Several years later, as the construction workers were laying a foundation for a building outside the city of Pompeii, they found something very strange…

They found a corpse of woman, who probably had been fleeing from the eruption, but had got caught in the shower of hot ashes!

The weird part was that the woman’s hands clutched jewels, which were preserved in a very good condition!

>> The jewels were all hers… but death had rendered them useless for her!

That perhaps, is the common bottom-line of many of our lives, isn’t it?

Treasures of this world are just not a wise investment…

… they can neither be taken with us at the end of life

… neither can they be enjoyed for, but a few years on the earth

These are the sentiments and the teachings that are transmitted by the Lord in today’s Gospel.

Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19: 23)

The Gospel goes on to say that, “when the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished…” (Mt 19: 25)

It is fairly understandable, that just like the disciples, we too find ourselves in a state of amazement, wonder or even shock, at the words of the Lord concerning richness.

>> Could Jesus “really” mean that the rich won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

>>Was Jesus meaning that all wealth is categorically bad and therefore to be dumped off?

One of the prevailing dominant notions with respect to riches, in the Old Testament was that, they were considered to be a sign of God’s special favour.

There are several references for the same…

>> In Gen 24: 35: “Abraham’s servant tells Laban, ‘The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy.’

>> In Job 42:12: “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.”

>> In Prov 10: 22: ” It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.”

But the Old Testament also very clearly points out that these material blessings ought to be undoubtedly accompanied by a concern and care for the poor…

In Ps 132: 15: “God will bless Zion with abundant provisions and satisfy her poor with food”

In Ps 37: 11: ” The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace”

Thus the teachings of the Scriptures point to a greater responsibility that is placed on the rich.

>> This responsibility finds it onus on discovering God as the greatest treasure and richness of one’s life.

The Prophet Habakkuk gives beautiful expression to this clarion call:

“Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls,

… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” (Hab 3: 17-18a)

This then is the spirit of “richness” that Jesus, the culmination of the Laws and the Prophets calls forth for.

• A “richness” that rests not on material wealth… but on God, the Source of all wealth and prosperity

• A “wealth” that doesn’t pride on external glory… but on the Lord, the giver and provider of every richness and gift

Our lives sometimes gets so pre-occupied and anxious with….

… garnering of material wealth

…planning on amassing greater resources

… harvesting mighty fields of glory and richness

>> that God gets pushed out of life and the Source and Sustainer of all goodness finds no place in our hearts and minds!

But Jesus makes us to realize that unless I discover, maintain and hold on to the Lord as the Supreme Treasure of our life and consider all other riches and wealth as flowing from His Mercy with a duty towards sharing it with the needy and the disadvantaged.

• Instead of clinging on to worldly wealth…. may we cling on the Lord, who alone can help us to find the true meaning of our lives!

• Instead of holding on to material glory… may we hold on to the Kingdom of Heaven, where alone can we find the perfect peace and happiness!

As goes a beautiful quote:

“A person is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, in order to gain what he cannot lose.”

May we give heed to the exhortation of the Lord to “give up” things that do not count and instead to “take up” the greater priorities of our Christian life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Here is an incident that has been reported in the newsletter named “Garabandal Journal” dated January/February 2007.

It was the year 1995 in the month of October.

Pope St John Paul II, on the evening of the last day of his visit to the United States, was scheduled to make a passing visit at St Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore.

The timetable of the day had been so tight and hectic that the plan was to simply greet the seminarians, as they stood outside the seminary, on the steps.

But on reaching the seminary, the Saintly Pope expressed an unplanned desire: to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in the Seminary Chapel.

This act of the Pope took all by surprise!

The security personnel quickly flew into action.
>>A quick sweeping of the securities in the building was done with extra attention paid to the Chapel where the Holy Father would be praying – to see if anything untoward was there or if any human presence was there.

For this purpose, highly trained dogs were engaged, which would detect any human presence.

These dogs had been trained to locate living people especially in crushed buildings after earthquakes and other disasters.

These clever and intelligent canines quickly made through their rounds in the various portions of the buildings – halls, offices, classrooms.

Finally, they were sent to the Chapel.

They went along the aisles and passed the pews and finally into the portion of the Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was reserved.

On reaching the tabernacle, the dogs sniffed and whined and growled loudly!

They refused to leave that place!
>> They seem convinced that they had discovered Someone there and remained firmly in that place, refusing to leave!

The dogs were indeed right, isn’t it?

Our Catholic Faith firmly tells us that in the Blessed Sacrament is the Living Person – Jesus Christ!

((There could be perhaps objections raised as to how could the dogs “sniff” the Living Presence when the Catholic Teaching is that the ‘accidents’ of bread i.e. the external aspects do not change, and only the ‘substance’ of the matter changes in the Eucharist.

But the fact that this incident occurred also needs to be explained!

>> Perhaps this needs to be considered as a “miraculous” event whereby the Real Presence of the Lord was also detected ‘physically’

>> Perhaps, the dogs, though lower in reason, were ‘miraculously’ blessed with the knowledge of their Creator and Maker

>> Perhaps, just as human beings need not always have an external sensory experience to know the presence of another human being, these dogs also, at that moment, had a sort of an ‘intuitive’ feeling of the Presence))

In the light of this incident – whether we believe it to be true or not, whether we consider it to be authentic or not – it is good to examine and ask ourselves:

What is the strength of our faith and the weight of our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist?

The Gospel of the Day beautifully presents the teachings of Jesus on He being the Bread of Life and makes a radical challenge to our faith and belief in His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you…
… For My Flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed” ( Jn 6: 53-54)

These were very powerful and shocking words from Jesus!

When we go through the “feelings dimension” in the words of Jesus in the 6th Chapter of Gospel of John, we find a progressive growth in the intensity.

· Jn 6: 1-15: In the multiplication of the loaves…
… Jesus has a tone of compassion, of glory and of gratitude
>> “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?”

· Jn 6: 16- 21: In the incident of the walking on water…
… Jesus has a tone of assurance and of authority
>> “It is I. Do not be afraid”

· Jn 6: 22-41: In the Introduction to the Bread of Life discourse…
… Jesus has a tone which evokes further thought and food for consideration
>> “I am the bread that came down from heaven”

· Jn 6: 42 – 52: In the further explanation of the Bread of Life discourse….
… Jesus has a tone of emphasis and slowly causes people to feel offensive and uncomfortable
>> “.. the bread that I will give is my flesh…”

· Jn 6: 52 – 58: In the clarification to His Words on the Bread of Life Discourse…
… Jesus has a tone that provokes shock and even induces disbelief and disapproval
>> “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood… For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink”

As the teaching on the Bread of Life progresses, the tone changes from a mild and serene nature to a shocking and challenging one!

We notice five progressive levels here:
1. A tone of compassion – that makes people to feel good

2. A tone of assurance – that makes people to feel more secure

3. A tone of introspection – that makes people to think deeper

4. A tone of discomfort – that makes people to be at the crossroads

5. A tone of shock – that makes people to make radical decisions

And this progression is what made the Jews to question in astonishment and bewilderment: “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” ( Jn 6:52)

Today, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist challenges us – a challenge to move progressively, through higher levels of faith and trust, in knowing Him

· In our faith-life, initially, we may be content to just have Him as the One who satisfies us
>> We feel good and encouraged

· Then, we are happy to be knowing Him and basking in the comfort of His graces
>> We feel secure and wish to remain in this contentment.

· A little later, we are made to reflect a little deeper on the perspectives of our life
>> We feel introspected and consider the level of our relationship

· As the relation progresses, we are made to feel discomforted since there arises some challenges to our way of thinking
>> We feel challenged and go deeper into finding the priorities of our life

· Finally, we are provoked into making radical decisions in life and called to have a commitment in life
>> We feel the need to make a radical choice and to remain firm and sturdy in that dedication.

At what level of faith and trust are we in?

· Can we let go of the factors – sinful acts, prejudiced mindsets, lethargic feelings – which prevents us from making a progression to the higher level?

Jesus – truly, really and substantially – present in the Holy Eucharist invites and challenges us to grow deeper in our faith in Him.

Shall we positively respond to this loving longing of the Lord?

May the words of St Angela of Foligno inspire us:
“If we but paused for a moment to consider attentively what takes place in this Sacrament…
… I am sure that the thought of Christ’s love for us would transform the coldness of our hearts into a fire of love and gratitude.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“ The right temperature at home is more surely maintained…

… by the warm hearts and cool heads of those who live there…

… than by electric thermostats”

This quote very rightly corresponds to the other popular quote:

“ A house is built with bricks and beams…

… A home is built with love and dreams!”

.

Family Life is an important component of every society.

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an occasion to dwell on a reflection on our families…

… and some of the basic essentials that needs to be part of every family (community included as well!)

The Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 19, has an interesting structure or a progression with respect to the topics discussed and the persons involved.

The chapter begins with a discussion on the institution of ‘Marriage’. (Mt 19: 2-10)

>> Jesus explains the importance of this sacred bond and a strong exhortation is given on the need to do away with divorce.

The chapter proceeds, as we see in today’s reading, with a discussion on ‘little children’. (Mt 19: 13-15)

This discussion is followed by an incident in which a ‘young man’ encounters Jesus ( Mt 19: 16-22)

The Chapter will finally end with an exhortation by Jesus to have maturity as an ‘adult’ is making choices for the Kingdom of God! ( Mt 19: 23-30)

>> Thus, the Chapter 19 of Matthew is a travel through a FAMILY context…

… starting from MARRIAGE…and the need to avoid DIVORCE…

… to little CHILDREN

… to the problems of a YOUTH

… and finally ending with the choices as an ADULT.

In today’s Gospel, we have the discussion on Little Children. (Mt 19: 13-15)

Though its a short passage, the Gospel gives us enough food for thought…

… especially in the context of a family or a community life.

We see four different groups or sets of people in today’s Gospel Passage, and we can learn some aspects from each of those sets…

>> Three of them give us a positive quality which is to be inculcated

>> One gives a negative quality which is to be avoided in life.

1. Firstly, the Gospel begins with the statement, ” Little children were brought to Jesus…” (Mt 19: 13a)

Probably the parents, the elder brothers/sisters or the guardians of the children would have brought them to Jesus.

>> So we see here, the First set of people… Parents, Guardians, Elders etc…. and they teach us the First Positive Quality – the Spirit of Responsibility!

They were Responsible in caring for the good and future of the children.

It was an ancient practice that children would be brought to Rabbis to be blessed and prayed over.

>> This first set of people teach us to be responsible for the growth of others in our family and in our communities.

2. The Second set of people are obviously the Little Children.

These little ones teach us the Second Positive Quality, needed in a family or a community – the Spirit of Receptivity!

Children display a great sense of receptivity and openness.

>> They are able to accept the affection, the care, the love and the blessings that are given to them.

>> They do not close themselves to the good things in life.

We too need to cultivate this Spirit of Receptivity, to be open to the actions, thoughts, views and feelings of others in our family and our community.

3. The Third Set of people display a negative attitude which we need to avoid.

>> When the children were brought to Jesus, the Disciples refuse to accept them and want to keep them away (Mt 19: 13b)

They show a Spirit of Rejection!

They perhaps felt that these children would be a nuisance to Jesus and His ministry.

>> They felt it as a waste of time and energy to entertain the children.

Little things in life were considered to be a useless and futile activity.

We need to avoid this Spirit of Rejection…

>> In our families or communities, we can have this attitude towards those who don’t do any work or fail to contribute anything.

We often fail to understand the importance…

… of little tokens of love

… tiny expressions of care by our family and community members

>> And we, instead, tend to reject and avoid them.

4. The fourth Set is represented by Jesus Himself…

… and he presents the Spirit of Restoration and Redemption.

He does not reject…

… rather, He accepts and seeks to redeem the little children.

He seeks to restore the little ones who are rejected…

… who are avoided and who are not given the due importance.

In our lives, we too need to be having a Spirit of Redemption and Restoration…

>> To redeem the ones who are at the periphery and who fail to get any attention

>> To Restore the ones who are broken and abused and are shunned!

Thus, the this powerful Gospel passage teaches us…

>> To avoid the Negative Quality of the Spirit of Rejection…

Rather…

>> To adopt the positive qualities of…

… The Spirit of Responsibility,

… The Spirit of Receptivity

… The Spirit of Redemption and Restoration!

Let us seek the Intercession of our Blessed Mother that we may avoid the tendency to Reject People…

>> And instead, we may be…

… Responsible towards others

… Receptive to others

… and Redeem and Restore the lives of others!

>> And thus build happy and loving homes!

Yes, let us always remember:

“It takes hands to build a house…

… But it takes hearts to build a home!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Henry Ford is the founder of the Ford Motor Company.

>> He manufactured the first automobile that was affordable even to the middle class – an object of expensive curiosity turned into a practical conveyance.

Ford had a happy married life with Clara Jane Bryant.

On their golden wedding anniversary, a reporter asked them:

“To what do you attribute your fifty years of successful married life?”

“The formula,” said Mr. Ford, “is the same formula I have always used in making cars – just stick to one model!”

Being faithful and loyal is undoubtedly the hallmarks of a successful relationship.

But we live in a world, where divorce is becoming an increasingly common term and phenomenon.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus engaged in a conversation with the Pharisees and clarifying and shedding light on the concept of faithfulness and fidelity in relationships.

When we hear the word Divorce, we primarily associate it…

…. with a man and woman, in marriage, seeking divorce.

But Divorce is not merely limited to spousal relations.

>> In fact, divorce is on the increase everywhere….

There is divorce…

… between the parents and the children

… between siblings and family relations…

… among the members of a religious community and congregation..

… among the members of the Church…

… within the society itself.

There is also a great divorce within one’s spiritual life…

… One is separated and torn apart between serving God and serving the World!

In all these cases of Divorce…

… the one basic factor that is lacking is that of Commitment and Faithfulness.

When there is a decrease in commitment and faithfulness, the gravity of divorce and separation, increases!

It could be…

… in the spousal relation

… in the family relation

… in the community relations

… in the societal relations

… or even in our personal spiritual relationship with God!

When we fail in faithfulness, we succeed in separation…

>> When we are complacent in commitment, we are in danger of divorce…!

Today, let us look into our personal spiritual relationship with God…and examine…

>> Are we separating ourselves from God?

>> Are we being divorced from God?

Apparently, we may feel that these questions are not for us…

>> But let’s go a little deeper into ourselves…

… Are we really serving God as our master? … as the Only Master?

… Or are there times, when we fail in our faithfulness, and become complacent in our commitment…?

We need to give the first place to God…

… in our personal lives , our family lives/ our religious and priestly consecration.

But are there occasions, when for some time at least, we keep God away…

… to satisfy our sinful pleasures?

… to answer our egoistic tendencies?

… to fulfill our worldly sinful desires?

… to gratify our evil personal agenda?

If the answer is yes…

… then we are not on God’s side!

The Lord demands a total commitment and dedication to Him.

>> God hates divorce!

In Baptism, we have entered into a covenant with Him.

>> Am I in danger of being divorced or separated from our Beloved Covenant Partner?

The little acts of unfaithfulness & infidelity are the ones that slowly shreds a relationship into pieces.

>> Lets tighten up our spiritual lives, and re-dedicate our commitment and faithfulness and consecration to the Lord.

He is a God who cares deeply for us

>> He is Loving parent who sees to all our needs

>> He is a lover who is intensely passionate about us

Shall we not remain in His loving affection by being more faithful and committed to Him and Him alone?!

Let faithfulness and loyalty be the hallmarks of our successful relationship with the Lord.

Let’s say…

>> Yeah to Jesus and His Kingdom…

… and Nay to Satan and the World!

God Bless! Live Jesus!