Life here on earth with our fellow human beings, is an Opportunity and a Challenge.

>> An Opportunity…

… for it gives the chance to learn from each other and to grow with each other.

>> A Challenge…

… for it dares us to live at peace with one another and to be in harmony with each other!

Living together sometimes is described in terms of the experience of “Porcupines on a cold winter’s night”.

>> The cold makes the porcupines to huddle together and get closer, to keep warm…

But as soon as they get close to another…

… they start jabbing and poking each other with their spines and that forces them to move apart;

Thus they are forever coming together and moving apart… in a kind of slow dance.

As the saying goes:

“To dwell above, with saints we love…Oh, that will be glory!

But to dwell below, with people we know…Well, that’s another story!!”

The Gospel of the Day deals with the aspect of Forgiveness…

… which is the key for a harmonious living together.

The Apostle Peter comes to Jesus with a question we have all sought to ask one time or the other….

A person had done wrong and Peter had forgiven him.

The same person had hurt him again and he had forgiven him.

>> He did it again, causing a deeper wound and Peter had forgiven him again.

>> He did it again and offended him harder and Peter forgave him again….but this time he was losing his patience!

Don’t I have a limit for myself to bear…?

>> Should I go on bearing hurts?

>> Don’t I have feelings which are sensitive?

So Peter comes to Jesus with a question we can all understand:

“Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother?” (Mt 18: 21a)

He wanted to know when do you quit turning the other cheek to the one who hits you on one cheek!

Peter must have thought what answer the Law provided: The Law suggested to forgive three times (Amos 1:3-13).

But Peter wanted to do more; he wanted to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and the Scribes…

>> So he says, “Is it enough to forgive seven times?!” (Mt 18: 21b)

Wow! That’s double the requirement plus one!

>> Seven – the Perfect number!

But the Lord, Who loves to keep challenging, instead of elevating Peter’s huge numbers…

… throws out an even bigger one.

He says, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Mat 18:22).

Literally it can refer to 490 times…..but it’s a mere expression to mean , “an unlimited number!”

Now is this demand of the Lord something really practical and viable?

Or is Jesus turning out to be “one of those many idealistic teachers who love to talk in the air…

… but nothing which is practical or really feasible and doable!?

The Lord has a solution and an insight…

… with the help of the Parable of the Unforgiving servant.

>> If God were to forgive us only a limited number of times…

… how many days would we have survived?

>> If God were to withdraw His Grace after an “x” number of times…

… how many situations would we have endured?

>> If God were to stop granting us pardon after a period of time…

… how many blessings would we have been denied?

>> If God were to keep an account of all our sins and transgressions…

… how many of us would have been alive today?

Forgiveness does not mean justifying the bad behaviours of people!

>> Forgiveness does not mean supporting the evil deeds of our fellow beings!

>> Forgiveness does not mean encouraging the faults or situations of wrongdoing or hurts!

>> Forgiveness does not mean not correcting and reproving the misdeeds and carrying out our duties of rectifying!

But Forgiveness does mean liberating the people from guilt and condemnation in our hearts!

>> Forgiveness does mean to have no ill feelings and grudging emotions against the ones who have hurt us!

>> Forgiveness does mean seeking to love them, praying for them and avoiding occasions of putting them down!

>> Forgiveness does mean to refuse to harbor their mistakes deep in our hearts, though we are wounded & hurt!

Life is an opportunity and a challenge….

>> An Opportunity to become more Divine…

… to become more forgiving…to become more Loving…!

>> A Challenge to let go of our ego…

… to cast away our hurtful and wounded feelings…to go beyond our aches!

Let us seek God’s Grace to Live Up to this Challenge and to Grab this opportunity!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Saare jahaan se acha!” (“Better than the entire world!”)

These were words, exclaimed by Rakesh Sharma – with a jubilant face and an excited voice – high up in the outer space.

>> The first man to go up to space from India, was replying to the query by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, as to ‘how the nation looked from the outer space’.

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

These were probably the Words, exclaimed by God – with a Radiant Face and a Splendid Voice – transcending the entire universe, looking at Blessed Mother Mary.

>> These triumphant words are proclaimed and repeated by the entire Church in unison and acclamation!

Rakesh Sharma stated India to be the Better than the Entire world!

>> God declared Blessed Mother Mary to be better than all in the Entire World!

Sentiments of Patriotism and Sentiments of God’s Abundant Grace and Mercy join hands on this day

>> The 15th of August…

… the Independence Day of India and the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

This day has much to teach us… much to thank the Lord… and much to exhort us!

>> This day has much to be nostalgic… much to be joyful… and much to be hopeful of!

The Solemnity of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary celebrates Jesus, the Son-King sharing His Glory with His Mother.

Human kingdoms have followed the tradition of the son who is the King of the Land, crowning his mother, as the Queen of the Kingdom.

The Old Testament bears witness to this fact:

>> King Solomon on assuming charge of the throne, after King David, raised his mother Bathsheba to his side, to be the royal queen (1 Kings 2: 19)

The Assumption of Mother Mary is one of the four Marian Dogmas that the Catholic Church pronounces.

A dogma is a doctrine that is solemnly proposed by the Church as formally revealed in Scripture or Tradition.

The four Marian Dogmas are:

1. Mary as the Mother of God

2. The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

3. The Immaculate Conception of Mary

4. The Assumption of Mary into heaven

The declaration of the Dogma of the Assumption of Mary is as follows:

“By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

This Dogma of the Assumption was proclaimed on November 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution “Munificentissimus Deus”

This proclamation was not defining something new in the Church…

… rather it was an official recognition of the centuries-old belief on Christians about the Assumption of their Heavenly Mother.

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feasts of our Lady.

The Assumption was the reward God granted to our Blessed Mother for the Right use of Her Freedom!

Freedom plays a vital role in the destiny…

… of a person

… of a family

… of a society

… of a nation

… of the world!

>> Mamma was invited to be the Mother of God by Angel Gabriel…

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma felt the need to be a Helper of the Needy by her cousin Elizabeth …

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was to be a model of Patience in difficulties at the birth of Jesus …

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was requested to be a Silent Contemplative during His boyhood …

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma sensed an urgency to be an Intercessor before God at Cana …

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Serene Bearer during the Passion of the Lord…

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Model of Prayer at the Upper Room…

… in true freedom, She said Yes!

A responsible use of freedom is a sign of true and authentic spirituality and is a pathway to greater glory!

>> Freedom is not simply doing what we want…

… Freedom is assuming responsibility for ours and others’ lives!

>> Freedom is not simply getting our pleasures fulfilled…

… Freedom is fulfilling our tasks in the best way possible!

The Assumption of Blessed Mother Mary is an invitation and a challenge for each one of us….

… To focus our attention on things of heaven & transcendence and not get fixated with cares of this world!

… To live a life of holiness and purity and seeking to do God’s will at all times and in every situation!

… To share with the pain and passion of the Lord and become partakers in the salvation of the world!

… To realize that to be Holy & a Saint is a call of every Christian & we need to prioritize our life on them!

We need to be reminded that Mary had exclaimed, “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38)

Mary was an ordinary human being.

>> She too had Her ordinary and humble beginnings.

>> She too went through common life’s struggles and strains.

But through these “ordinary” circumstances…

• God “raised” Her to the Heights

• God “assumed” Her into Glory

… simply because She “found favour with God” and lived a life worthy of that call

>> In total submission, humble obedience and loyally faithful!

This then is our call too…

>> As Baptized Christians, we have “found favour” with God.

We dwell in “ordinary” circumstances of life – with hardships and pains.

But if we also…

• seek and live the Will of the Lord at all times

• constantly submit to what He wants

• and dutifully bow to His mercy and grace

… the glory which Jesus has “won” for us at Resurrection, can be ours!

God’s plans are indeed wonderful…

>> In the “Story of the Fall” a mother (Eve) had been involved intimately with a man (Adam) and humanity fell into the sea of sin!

>> In the “Story of the Rise”, a Mother (Mary) was involved intimately with a Man (Jesus) and humanity is promised to “assume” to the skies of glory!

Are we ready to co-operate with God’s plans in our lives, just as Mother Mary did…

… and thus receive the “Privilege of Assumption into Glory” just as Mother Mary received?

Today is a BIG Day..

… a Day to thank the Lord for Mamma’s Holiness and Her exemplary Life of Responsible Freedom …

… a Day to thank the Lord for our nation’s freedom and her valiant freedom fighters!

Let us become mindful of our Loyalty & Obligation to our Nation…

… safeguard the Precious Gift of Freedom!

Let us become conscious of our Responsibility & Duty to the Lord…

… grow in the Prized Treasure of Holiness!

May Blessed Mamma intercede for our Beloved Nation India…

>> And may we hold Her loving hands…

… as we seek to grow in Holiness and making the best use of our freedom as Children of God!

>> A very Happy Time to Blessed Mamma reigning with Her Divine Princely Child…

… and a Happy Feast to all of us, Her little ones on the earth!

>> A Very Precious Future to Mother India, on her Independence Day…

… and a Precious Day to all of us, her beloved citizens!

God Bless! Jai India! Live Jesus!

A little boy once came to his Daddy, one night.

He confessed a mistake that he had done during the course of the day.

Then kneeling at Daddy’s feet, the child, with hands folded, prayed with tears:

“Dear God, make me a man – like Daddy – wise and strong.

I know You can!”

This innocent gesture touched the father very much.

>> He had a profound realization of his deep limitations and the child’s high expectations

Then when the child had slept, the father knelt beside his bed.

Confessing his sins, and praying with a low-bowed head, made this prayer:

“O God, make me a child – like my sweet child here – pure, guileless, trusting in You with a faith sincere.

I know You can!”

We all grow up in life – physically, socially, psychologically etc

But sometimes this “growing up” fails to preserve the “growth” that is already witnessed in little children – openness, sincerity, trust and spontaneity.

Can we dare, as adults, to “grow” into being a Child?

The Gospel of the Day is an elegant presentation by Jesus on the “necessary attitude” that is required for a valid entry into the Kingdom of Heaven: a child-like nature.

Jesus says, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18: 3)

One of the grave dangers in the process of “growing- up” is the tendency to lose our “natural child-like” traits.

A child is someone who is born with many inherent qualities.

But in the process of “becoming an adult”, we abandon many of those.

This ‘abandonment’ could be because…

… of the upbringing in the society or the culture we live

… or the various experiences that we go through as we grow up

As a child, we would be free to express our emotions

… but as we grow up, we tend to hold them up all within (only to burst out one day!)

As a child, we would trust and depend easily on those who care for us

.. but as we grow up, we become fearful or disbelieving towards those same persons

As a child, we would be eased to live in the present moment, enjoying and relaxing

… but as we grow up, we fall into the trap of the past and cringed with the fear of the future.

This “growth” process also affects our child-like faith and trust in God our Father.

Jesus presents the beautiful imagery of a Shepherd who goes behind the lost sheep.

>> The cry of that sheep which has been strayed pierces the heart of the shepherd

>> The dangers that the sheep which was lost is exposed to frightens the shepherd

Such is the deep longing and craving of our Heavenly Father towards us – we, who sometimes turn out to be the lost sheep by losing our child-like faith and confidence.

A popular song from the Hindi movie “Three Idiots” has the following line:

“… Give me another chance, I wanna grow up once again…”

The Lord invites us to have a “renewal of our minds” and to retrieve back the ‘lost’ child-like faith and trust.

It takes courage and dare to make efforts to let go of our “matured egoistic” tendencies in order to depend more on our Heavenly Father.

The process usually is encountered by resistance…

• Why should I depend on someone… I am mature enough to think for myself

• Why should I become humble… I have my own desires to be satisfied to

These could be some of the thought-patterns that one stumbles into, in giving heed to the call of the Lord to ” be like a child”.

Our Lord Himself is the greatest model and example in learning to have a “child-like” faith…

St Paul tells in his letter to the Philippians, ” ..though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, a thing to be grasped. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave…. becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2: 6-8)

As St Maximilian Kolbe says, “If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother!”

May we be privileged to be graced with the gift of being “like children” and thus be able to firmly trust and relax in the arms of our Caring and Loving Heavenly Father!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is an incident mentioned in the life of King Richard I, who ruled England in the late 12th century.

>> He was known as ‘Richard the Lion-Heart’ for being a great military warrior and leader.

However, once, while returning after the Third Crusade, he was captured by Leopold V, the Duke of Austria.

>> He was handed over to Henry VI, the Roman Emperor.

This king demanded a very huge amount for his release

The price of ransom was 1,50, 000 Marks…

… equivalent of nearly three tons of silver.

This was an enormous demand.

But the people of England spared no efforts in getting their king released.

>> Extra taxation was imposed

>> Huge contributions were obtained

Finally, after many months, the money was raised…

… and the king returned to England.

A huge “ransom” was paid to get the King released

( This is probably also the origin of the English phrase – “A king’s ransom” – which means “a large amount of money”)

Centuries ago, however, on the face of the earth, this act was reversed…

… One Man – The King of Kings – took upon Himself a “ransom” to save His people

>> He spared no efforts in getting His people released..

… by suffering on the Cross

… shedding His Blood

… giving up His life

… and rising from the dead

Have we fallen in love with this King Who gave Himself up for us?

>> Are we willing to live our life in obedience to His commands Who ransomed His life for us?

The Gospel of the Day presents an interesting, yet a ‘not-too-familiar’ passage of Jesus and His disciples being asked to pay the Temple tax.

“When Jesus and His disciples came to Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the Temple tax?” (Mt 17: 24)

What was this Temple tax?

The Temple tax was …

… a symbolic gesture in gratitude for what the people of Israel owed to God, for their redemption from slavery in the land of Egypt.

It was a Jewish tax with its origins seen in Ex 30: 12-16:

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel… The half-shekel shall be an offering to the LORD.”

This offering was to be an “atonement money”, which would be used for the service of the meeting tent (Ex 12: 16)

In later centuries, this half-shekel was adopted as the amount of the Temple Tax – the one that all Jews were supposed to pay once a year for the upkeep and maintenance of the Jerusalem Temple.

>> “We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God” (Neh 10:32)

The Temple Tax was thus an “atonement” money

>> It was a “ransom” money!

It is fascinating to note that the incident of this “ransom/atonement” money is mentioned immediately after Jesus spoke of His Passion and Death.

Jesus told His disciples in Mt 17:22-23:

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day”

The incident of the Temple tax, which is the atonement/ransom money, is mentioned…

… immediately after Jesus speaks of His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Is there any connection between these two incidents?

The Temple tax was in gratitude for the redemption of Israel from slavery

… Jesus would now free all people from the slavery of sin by His Death and Resurrection

The Temple Tax was paid as “ransom” money…

… The Blood of Jesus would now be the “ransom” that will be paid for redemption of humanity.

Jesus did not resist His disciples from paying the Temple Tax…

… as we would see in the incident of the miraculous catch of the fish with a coin in the mouth (Mt 17: 27)

But the perfect payment of the “tax”…

… would be done by Jesus Himself – by His Sufferings, Death and Resurrection!

Jesus would not just pay the tax…

… He would also give His Life completely, as a sacrifice!

Thus, He would becoming the “tax” – the ransom and the atonement money!

>> 1 Tim 2:6 says, “Jesus gave Himself as a ‘ransom’ for all”

>> Mk 10 45 says “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ‘ransom’ for many”

((The word “ransom” is to be seen from a positive perspective:

>> When a student has to get good marks, one has to “ransom” one’s free time, personal desires and work hard in order to achieve success

>> When a mother wants to take care of her sick child, she “ransoms” all her personal time, wishes and comforts and “offers the ransom” for the good health of her little one!”))

It is interesting to also note that this incident of the Temple Tax brings reminds us of the former occupation (trade) of two of the disciples of Jesus:

1. Matthew… who was a tax collector (Mt 9:9)

(Probably that explains why this incident is mentioned only in the Gospel of St Matthew)

2. Peter… who was a fisherman (Mt 4:18)

(That’s why Jesus asks Peter to “go to the sea, take the first fish that comes up, and open the mouth to find a coin…”)

Matthew and Peter could represent any of us…

>> Maybe we are collecting a lot of things in life…

… but still not finding peace in life!

>> Maybe we are fishing in the waters of life for contentment and satisfaction…

.. but fail to have a catch!

>> Maybe we are occupied with material dimensions at our “own tables”…

… or find ourselves at the receiving end of not being accepted and being looked down by others

>> Maybe we are putting in a lot of effort to fish for success, yet finding none…

… or find ourselves drowning in a sea of sin, hopelessness or despair

Whoever we are..

>> The Lord extends His loving invitation…

… to leave our “tables of collection” and follow Him!

… to cast away our “nets of fish” and follow Him!

He has become the “Ransom”…

… in Whom we can find the ‘collection’ of all joys and contentment of life!

… in Whom we can witness the ‘great catch’ of salvation and redemption!

By this great act, He gave the “Ransom”…

… for our freedom from captivity!

>> By His humbling sacrifice, He paid the “Atonement money”…

… for our salvation for eternal life!

Yes, let us fall in love with the Man Who gave Himself up for us!

>> Let us be willing to live our life in obedience to His commands Who ransomed His life for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Here is an interesting conversation …

… between two friends – Isa and John

Isa, an intelligent and faithful Muslim expressed an interest in understanding the faith of his Catholic friend John and asked him to take him for the Holy Mass.

After the Mass, John asked Isa what he thought of it.

Very slowly and thoughtfully, Isa said, “Do you Catholics really believe that thing, that small piece of bread , is not bread but Jesus Christ?”

“Yes, we do” said John

“Your Church teaches that God is really present there?”

“Yes”

“The priest at the Altar said, body and blood, soul and divinity. You really believe all that?” came the next curious query from Isa.

“Yes, we do” replied John, growing defensive.

Isa then made as if to say something, but refrained from saying it.

John assured him that he would not be offended.

Finally, hesitatingly, Isa said, “I don’t really understand your faith!”

With a relief, John calmly said, “I can understand how you feel. It sounds very shocking, I know”

“No, you don’t understand. That’s not what I mean. You will take it as an insult, but I don’t mean it to be”, explained Isa.

“I promise that I will not take it as an insult. But I really want to know what is on your mind.”, clarified John

“Well then. . . . I don’t think you really do believe that. I don’t mean to say you’re dishonest, but . . . .”

“Hmmm… I think I know what you mean. You can’t really understand anyone who believes something so shocking.

You don’t see how one could ever get down on one’s knees before that altar, right?”

“No” enlightened Isa, “I don’t see how I could ever get up.

If I believed that little thing that looks like an ordinary round of bread was really Allah Himself, I think I would just faint.

I would fall at His feet like a dead man!”

Those words hit John like a lightening.

Here was a man, not of his faith, but who seemed to truly understand the mighty power of the Little White Host – the Holy Eucharist!

• He had been a Catholic all his life.

• He had been receiving the Holy Communion for many years.

But never before had he ever thought that the Eucharist could actually be so powerful!

Is my Catholic Faith, in the Holy Eucharist, in the lines of John…

… believing yet not really passionate

… professing faith, but not fully convinced

… theoretically doubting and practically not living

The Gospel of the Day is a continued discourse by Jesus, on the Bread of Life and is a strong reminder to revive, refresh and renew our Faith in the Lord – especially in the Most Holy Eucharist.

The Gospel passage begins with the verse, “The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, ‘I am the bread which came down from heaven'” (Jn6:41)

We notice here a sharp change in attitude and approach of the people..

• At the start of the Chapter, when Jesus had multiplied the bread and the people had their satisfied fill, they were extremely excited, enthusiastic and energized with respect to Jesus. (Jn 6: 1-15)

>> They were overawed by His spectacular miracle

>> They were keen to crown this “Bread-Giver” as their King

• But as we progress through the Chapter, we observe that the people are antagonized and annoyed by the words of Jesus that ‘He is the Bread from Heaven

>> They were scandalized by His comparison to being greater than even Moses, whom alone they had considered to be the bread-giver in the wilderness

>> They were lethargic and disinterested in accepting the teaching of Jesus because they knew of his earthly origins and his family background

The result: Jesus, the Bread of Life failed to be understood and be accepted!

• Their hardheartedness and their supposition that “they knew Jesus” prevented them from accepting the Bread of Life!

• Their unwillingness to be open to the truth and their pride in failing to realise that Jesus was someone who transcended earthly ties, caused them to be blinded in receiving the power of the Bread of Life!

Do these factors prevent us also from understanding and accepting Jesus, the Bread of Life in the Most Holy Eucharist?

>> Am I being ignorant of the teachings of the Church and thus fail to realise the depth and the worth of the Holy Eucharist?

>> Do I feel that “I know a lot of things” and that the teachings concerning the Holy Eucharist are just “not reasonable” or “do not sound logical” or are “too childish”?

Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is the greatest treasure, the mightiest force and the most supreme source of love on the earth.

But how many of us really make efforts…

… to strengthen this faith?

… to grow in this awareness?

… to nurture this conviction?

St John Maria Vianney said, “If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy”

Every participation in the Holy Eucharist ought to make us die…

Perhaps, physically we are yet to attain that height of sanctity

But we ought to die…

… to our sinful ways of life

… to our pride and other vices that can cripple us

… to our selfish desires that denies giving the Lord the prime place in life

As Catholics, we profess and take pride that we have a Living God, “truly, really and substantially” present in the Holy Eucharist.

But…

>> Can we live a life worthy of this Blessed Presence?

>> Can we be truly zealous and passionate in our love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist?

St Francis de Sales says:

“When the bee has gathered the dew of heaven and the earth’s sweetest nectar from the flowers, it turns it into honey, then hastens to its hive.

In the same way, the priest, having taken from the altar, the Son of God (who is as the dew from heaven, and true son of Mary, flower of our humanity), gives him to you as delicious food.”

May Jesus, the Bread of Life, present in the Holy Eucharist inflame the sparks of our faith and may it blaze briskly, in devotion and service!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Two men were once seriously disputing the relative importance of faith and works…

… when they came to a ferry (boat) over a river.

As they started across they asked the ferryman his opinion on the subject.

>> Was faith alone enough in life?

… or was also works of faith important for a good Christian life?

In answer…

… the boatman, who was a strong believer in God, pointed to his two oars.

“One,” he said, “I will call faith, the other, works.

>> If I pull only on this one oar – the right oar – I get nowhere, but go round in a circle.

>> Just so if I pull only on the left oar.

But when I pull on both oars, then the ferry moves across the river.”

That was indeed a very sensible explanation, describing the relationship of faith and works.

The Gospel of the day is the incident of how the disciples fail to heal the boy and how Jesus intervenes to cure and teaches the importance of possessing strong faith.

These two incidents show contrasting dimensions…

On one side, immense glory being revealed and the Divine splendour being manifested

>> On the other, lack of faith being exposed and the failure in the Kingdom ministry

On one side, the three disciples basking in the light of heightened faith and devotion

>> On the other, the other disciples being lost in the darkness of inability to put the faith to effectiveness

And how often is this the experience of our own lives too…

There are some moments when we experience the loftiness of God’s glory and power

>> There are other moments when we fail miserably to evoke His presence and are unable to feel His

There are some times when faith makes us to feel that everything is so glorious and wonderful

>> There are other times when our faith hits rock-bottom and our spiritual life loses its sheen and all seems so miserable

This is the reality of our lives – contrasting experiences of glorious faith at some instants and miserable lack of trust at other

But the Gospel of the day ends with an encouraging exhortation by Jesus to have a strong and sturdy faith – the faith the size of a mustard seed

>> “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20)

When the disciples were unable to bring about a healing to the epileptic boy, the Lord sure did rebuke them for their “lack of faith”.

But after having healed the child, He does not linger with the reproaching or admonishing attitude…

…. instead as a loving friend and a caring master, gently but firmly encourages them to be stronger in their faith.

This is the approach that He has towards us too…

>> He knows that we have our weak moments and situations of disbelief and doubts

>> He knows that there are periods when our faith is merely on the lips and not really from the depths of our hearts

>> He knows that there are times when annoying circumstances encroach our faith-life and all our efforts in devotion meet with bitter conclusions

Yet, with firmness and fondness, Jesus invites us to keep seeking to grow in our trust in Him and have faith of the size of the mustard seed.

Let us pull on on “both the oars” of faith and works…

… so that the the ferry ‘of our lives’ may moves across the river!

God Bless! Live Jesus

The year 258 AD saw a massive killing campaign unleashed against the Christians by the Roman Emperor Valerian.

Popular lore has it that a young Deacon had been placed in charge of the Church’s riches.

>> These treasures included the Holy Grail which was supposed to be the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.

Emperor Valerian, who had just killed the Pope had set his eyes also on finishing off this young Deacon.

Having a good knowledge of the Church’s riches, the cruel Emperor commanded the Deacon to hand over all the “treasures of the Church” to him or that he too would suffer a dreadful death.

The deacon requested for a few days to collect together the vast amount of wealth.

Three days later, the Deacon, mustering immense courage, threw open the palace doors to deliver the “treasures”.

His hands were all empty – no silver nor gold nor any other precious ornaments.

>> Instead, flaunting behind him were the poor, the blind and the crippled of the town.

When he reached the throne, the Deacon daringly announced, “These are the true treasures of the Church”!

The Emperor was mightily enraged.

He sentenced the young fellow to a death by torturous grilling!

Literally, the executioners followed the command – barbecuing the Deacon to death on a gridiron.

However, the valour and the dare displayed by the faithful soldier of Christ was so great that, after a few minutes of being roasted, he said to his executioners, “This side is done… Turn me over on the other side!!”

That could be the height of boldness and courage, right?

And what’s more.. call it Divine humour, the Church has named this Deacon as the Patron Saint of comedians, butchers, chefs and roasters!

Classic one, isn’t it?

The name of the Deacon is St Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today.

His daring life goes on to prove…

… that a passionate love for Christ can overcome any pain and persecution – including death!

… that the worth of being a true disciple is total fidelity to the person of Christ and to His Kingdom, even if it means bearing hardships and difficulties

We are invited, as the Gospel of the day says, “to be the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies” ( Jn 12: 24-26)

Our Blessed Lord expounds one of the most basic principles in nature:

>> New life emerges only when there is a sacrifice

>> Transformation in life happens only when a sacrifice is involved.

The vegetables, before being served at table…

… needs to be pulled up from the heart of the earth

… and passed through the torment of fire in being cooked

The meat, that comes with its tasty appeal, at the food table..

… needs to be first submitted to the slaying by the knife

… and passed through the flaming ordeal, in being rendered edible

Sacrifice, therefore, is nature’s way of passage to experience new life!

The Lord takes an appeal to this basic principle in saying that “unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12: 24)

At the time of Jesus, farmers would drop one grain of wheat at a time, in its cultivation

• The soil would be ploughed and shallow trenches dug out to create the bed for the seeds.

• The wheat grains, one at a time, were dropped into the trench and covered with loosened soil

A little sneak into the wheat yielding statistics (roughly – since it varies from place to place, depending on the soil, seed variety and other factors) reveals the point that Jesus explicated about “a grain of wheat which dies, yields much fruit”

If we consider an acre of land…

>> Two bushels of grain would yield around 40 bushels of wheat

>> That translates to, around 150 kg of grain yielding around 3000 kg of wheat!

• Simplifying it, gives an equation (very roughly): 1 kg of grain sown would yield around 20 kg of wheat!

That’s enormous, isn’t it?

This is the power of sacrifice, that Jesus alludes to, with an example from nature.

As Christians, we are challenged to live a life of Sacrifice, in order to yield the harvest of God’s Kingdom.

Greater our sacrifice, greater would be the fruits that are yielded for the glory of God and His Kingdom!

The Gospel passage refers to two ways of making this sacrifice…

1. Dying to the world

“He who hates his love in this world, will keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12: 25)

2. Serving the Lord wholeheartedly by following Him

“If anyone serves me, the Father will honour me” (Jn 12: 26)

Can we personalize these two dimensions of sacrifice….?

• Dying to the worldly values which glorify the self – power, positions and honour- and instead seek to live in humility, self-discipline and selflessness!

• Constantly making efforts to serve the Lord in every aspect of our life – words, deeds, thoughts – and leading a life that brings glory to God and serving His people in every little way possible

• Giving up sins – both personal and social – and constantly rejecting alluring temptations to remain fixated by worldly standards; instead focussing on the transcendental dimensions of life

• Prioritising the Lord and His Kingdom in every aspect of our life and remaining focussed on Him alone – even amidst persecutions or hardships to give up the Gospel Lifestyle

The courageous and bold Deacon, St Lawrence is a powerful model for us to lead a life of Christian Sacrifice.

May our Crucified Lord, who is the greatest embodiment of Sacrifice, fill us with the grace and courage to live a committed Christian life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the greatest weaknesses that we face in our lives is that of “misunderstanding”.

>> Personal relationships can undergo crisis due to misunderstandings.

>> Business affairs can prove disastrous due to misunderstandings.

>> Societal interactions can go haywire due to misunderstandings.

>> Community dealings can go wrong due to misunderstandings.

And the opposite is also true…

… Understandings can become the one of the greatest strengths of our lives too!

>> Personal relations can bloom when we understand well.

>> Business affairs can strike gold when there is good understanding.

>> Societal dealings can be peaceful when there is an amicable understanding.

>> Community interactions can be heavenly when there is mutual understanding.

Understandings and Misunderstandings play a vital role in our daily life and existence!

The Gospel of the Day invites each one of us, to examine what is our perspective of the Lord:

Am I understanding Him well….and thus, is He a strength to me?

>> Or am I misunderstanding Him….and this, is He proving a stumbling block to me?

Understanding or Misunderstanding Jesus will play the pivotal role in our daily spiritual existence!

On reaching Caesarea Philippi (Mt 16:13), Jesus poses a dual question to His disciples…

Who do people say that He is …and Who do the Disciples say that He is.

This two-fold question of Christ…evokes two answers….

1. The Opinion of Jesus as being only Human

>> The people understand Jesus as John the Baptist, or Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Mt 16: 14)

2. The Opinion of Jesus as being only Divine

>> St Peter, as the Captain of the Group, with a heavenly revelation, declares Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God! (Mt 16: 16)

It’s interesting that after this question-answer session, the Lord Himself chooses to give an answer on who He is!

And this answer of the Lord is a key to our understanding or misunderstanding Jesus.

Jesus declares that He would be a suffering God….

He would be the Man to undergo many persecutions! (Mt 16: 21)

>> He is not only Human.

>> He is not only Divine.

… He is the Suffering God-Man!

Am I able to accept this reality dimension of Jesus?

He is amazing in His Human teachings… He is wonderful in His Divine Deeds.

>> But He is also the Afflicted, the Maltreated, the Victimized and the Wronged.

He is classic in His Human examples.. He is awesome in His Divine miracles.

>> But He is also the Suffering, the Persecuted, the Sacrificed and the Tortured.

>> He is not only Human.

>> He is not only Divine.

… He is the Suffering God-Man!

And like Peter, perhaps some of us shy away from accepting this Painful Reality of the Lord…

… “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt 16: 22)

We love to follow Him in His exhortations…

>> We love to be enamoured in His wondrous doings.

But we back off…at the mention of His pains, difficulties, persecutions and anguish.

>> We like a Sociable Christ…

… One Who gives equal status to all in the society and breaks sociological barriers

>> We like a political Christ…

… One Who is fearless to challenge the political corruption of the society

>> We like a Revolutionary Christ…

… One Who demands to go beyond the comfort zones of our life

But do we embrace the Suffering Christ?

>> Do we accept the “Saviour” Christ?

Do we consent to the Crucified Christ?

It’s easy to misunderstand Jesus as only a mere human hero.

>> It’s easy to misunderstand Jesus as only a awesome Divine entity.

But it’s not so to understand and accept Him as the Heroic and Awesome and Suffering God-Man!

Understanding or Misunderstanding Jesus will play the pivotal role in our daily spiritual existence!

Today, let us seek for the grace to accept and understand truly the Person and Divinity of Jesus.

Let us make Him the true strength of our lives.

>> Let us behold Him in the Eucharist.

>> Let us encounter Him in prayer.

>> Let us recognize Him in the Word!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Years back, in the late 1900’s, engineers were asked to give their opinions on a possible railroad through the Andes Mountains

(Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world; it passes through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina)

They concluded that the job would be an impossible one.

However, as a last resort, an engineer from Poland named Ernest Malinowski was called in.

Malinowski’s reputation as an engineer was famous, but he was in the aging sixtieth year of his life at that time.

The authorities feared to impose such a rigorous task on the old man.

Malinowski, however, assured the representatives that the job could be done.

The railway began to worm its way across the Andes from Peru with sixty-two tunnels and thirty bridges along its way.

• One tunnel ran up to 4,000 feet in length, 15,000 feet above the level of the sea.

• On two occasions, revolutions in some of the countries through which the railroad passed, held up construction.

• Once Malinowski had to even flee to Peru and remain in exile for a time

But nothing could prevent the old man in completing the engineering feat.

By 1880, work was completed on what, till recent times (2006), was the highest railroad in the world.

Malinowski had many barriers towards the achievement of this grand feat…

… The problems arising out of old age

… The challenging mountainous terrains

… The impossibility expressed by many other engineers

However, nothing of it could deter his determination in achieving what he wanted!

Life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful story of a mother who dared to “break through” the mountainous terrains of religious prejudices, social ignominy and personal misery to bridge blessings from God for her precious daughter.

Jesus had withdrawn to the district of Tyre and Sidon (Mt 15:21)

In the Old Testament times, this region was better known as the area of the tribes of the Canaanites.

• Over the years, the land had grown in paganism as well as corruption.

Their presence was a strong threat to the purity of Israel’s religion and morality.

Therefore, there was a long history of spiritual and military clashes between the Israelites and Canaanites.

It was in this place that Jesus meets one of them – a woman, whose daughter had been “severely possessed by a demon” (Mt 15:22b)

The presence of “that” woman, however, made the disciples of Jesus, to complain to their Master, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us” (Mt 15: 23b)

At this juncture, we hear two cries…

>> One – the cry of the woman

>> The other – the cry of the disciples

The woman cried out of helplessness and out of deep misery – for the “unclean” demon to be cast away from her daughter

>> The disciples cried out in wretchedness and disgust – for the “unclean” woman to be cast away from their presence

It’s interesting to note the wordplay in Greek, in the words of the disciples and those of the woman…

>> The disciples uttered, “APOLYSON – send her away”

>> The woman cried, “KYRIE ELEISON – have mercy, Lord”

These two similar-sounding yet contradicting choruses were ringing in the air – “Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison… Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison”

The Master then stepped in to say, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 24, 26)

Perhaps the addressing of Jesus as a “dog” would have come as no surprise to the Canaanite woman.

It was a reminder of the sharp distinction that existed, historically, between the Blessed Israelites and the Cursed Canaanites.

ü The Jews “were” considered as the “children” and the Canaanites (Gentiles) “were” considered as “dogs”

And in every house, the children get fed first… not the dogs!

But the figurative tone set forth by Jesus, found its amazing reply in the words of the Canaanite woman, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters” (Mt 15: 27)

Here was a glorious acknowledgement by the woman…

“Yes, I am a Canaanite, and considered to be a dog.

I do acknowledge that Israelites have a special privilege in the order of God’s grace.

But we too, deserve the Grace of God that is due to all people, in general!”

I demand not the privileged bread that is reserved to the mighty….

But, just the crumbs of Your grace will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!”

That was an amazing reply of persistent faith!

The mountainous terrains had been broken!

No religious prejudices, no social ignominy or no personal misery could prevent the bold faith of the woman to bridge the blessings of God’s healing!

Yes, life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

With immense pride, the Lord proclaimed, “O Woman, great is your faith” (Mt 15: 28)

Do we also seek to possess such kind of a tremendous faith and unperturbed persistence?

• Sometimes we hear – like the cries of the disciples – discouraging voices and refraining chants…

• Sometimes we have to encounter the agonizingly painful and silent response of the Lord…

• Sometimes we have to bear humiliating challenges to our prayers and even disturbing answers from the Divine..

Yet, like this wonderful mother, who was determined to break down every “mountain” of barrier, for the sake of a miracle for her daughter…

… do we remain courageous, firm and bold in our faith and trust in the Lord?

St Francis de Sales says, “when you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them; try to bend them with gentleness and time.”

May Our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples – bless us with a firmness in our faith, perseverance in our piety and courage in our convictions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction.

It is used to find the right direction to get one to where one wants to go.

• A compass helps to guide through unknown terrains.

• A compass helps to direct well, without being lost.

• A compass helps to keep right the focus.

A compass in life is a requirement in order to be constantly having the right target and aim.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, as a person, in perfect control of His life; as a result of being in union with His Father – the Compass of His life..

… and He, becomes the Compass in the life of His disciples – to guide and direct them to safety!

The Gospel is the incident of Jesus walking on the waters, as the disciples travel in the boat, caught up in the midst of a strong sea wind.

This incident follows the “miraculous” event of the multiplication of five loaves and two fish, to feed a “massive” number of people. (Mt 14: 13-21)

The people were greatly amazed and excited about this “super-miracle”.

• The people had seen an astonishing miracle.

• The people had witnessed Someone who was able to provide them food.

• The people had experienced Someone who could provide them security and strength.

But Jesus realized that all such excitement and exhilaration, would lead the people to make Him a King…

He knew that they would….

… be stuck to only material satisfaction and physical contentment

… not understand the heavenly and transcendental meaning of the miracle

And so Jesus would dismiss the crowds, and withdrew to the mountain by Himself to pray (Mt 14:23)…

… to be with His Heavenly Father, alone.

His Beloved Father was the “Compass” of His life – the One who led Him….

… to guide through unknown terrains

… to direct well, without being lost

… to keep right the focus.

United with His Father, Jesus reaches out as a “Compass” to His struggling disciples…

They were being tossed up by the mighty waves and their boats were lashed by the mighty winds. (Mt 14:24)

But Jesus enters this “chaotic” scene….and ensures His peace and calm.

• The disciples were lost…

• They had missed sight of their direction…

• They were disoriented in their focus and sight…

• Fear had seized them

• Anxiety was drowning them.

But the Lord, the “Compass” of Life restores back their calm and focus and direction.

• Nothing is lost, when we have the Lord as the compass of our lives.

• Nothing will be drowned, if we hold on to Jesus, as the compass of our lives.

The disciples realized this… and they experienced the calming effect in their lives.

Are we also ready to have God as the “Compass” of our lives?

In prayer… In faithfulness.. In trust…

… let us be ready and open, to be led by the True Guide of our lives!

God bless! Live Jesus!