The microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye.

The basic microscope is an optical instrument that uses a lens or a combination of lenses to produce magnified images of small objects – especially of objects that are too small to be seen by the unaided eye.

• Microscopes are used in industrial processes, in investigation of living cells, in comparative studies of chemistry and geology, and in diagnostic medicine.

• Biologists and doctors use microscopes on cell samples, on small organisms, and on chemical structures, to classify and analyze them and their functions.

When we consider relationships, it won’t be wrong to say that there are many who use microscopes in their dealings and interactions.

• Microscopes to focus on the mistakes and negative aspects of others

• Microscopes to magnify and enlarge the faults and failures of others

Perhaps, some of us are also guilty of having such a “microscopic” view of the defects and imperfections of others.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus “focussing” His view on this very critical and crucial topic: of judging others and of pinpointing mistakes of others without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

>> Judging in the sense of “choosing” or “making a selection” or “taking a decision”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging”

Our judging…

… should not be rash

… should not a final opinion on a person or situation

… should not be a means to putting down other persons

… should not be an unfair ruling on someone’s external behaviours

Maybe a check-list could help us examine our areas of “judging”

Do I…

>> Enlarge the negatives of others—their faults, mistakes and petty ways?

>> Come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?

>> Get involved unnecessarily in situations where I should not?

>> Gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?

>> Have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?

>> Be overly harsh and even ruthless, even when speaking the truth?

>> Add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?

>> Set aside an unkind comment made by us, by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”

>> Speak something critical and then try to cover it up?

>> Be unkind and hurtful and then quickly change the subject, to impress the hurtful feeling?

>> Have pleasure in condemning others?

>> Report the truth in order to hurt and not to help?

>> Put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgment”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

1. How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action – be it a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc…

2. How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action…

Many of us may have perhaps, a tendency to use a “microscope” in finding the faults and failures of others.

>> We tend to focus ..

>> We tend to magnify…

>> We tend to relish looking closely!

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

• Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

May we focus the lens of our microscopes from looking at the “faults” of others…

… and instead shift to concentrate more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“All that glitters is not gold” is a popular expression…

It means that not everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is valuable.

>> It means that though something “appears” to be spectacular, it need not be so.

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow”.

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…

“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name ” Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.

>> This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

>> “One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

The fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis…

… that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land, there were still many who were badly ailing!

>> However fruitful the land, there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!

>> The choicest of fruits couldn’t guarantee them flawlessness in wellbeing and strength!

Yes…

… All that Glitters is not gold

Indeed, never judge a book by its cover

>> Indeed, the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…

… yet need to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

They had their resources…

… yet they ran in order to seek Jesus, the source of all supplies!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret…

>> Rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally etc

>> Fertile in many aspects – having great plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc

>> Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…

… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord

… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord

… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

>> Though their land had plenty, they did not fail to humble themselves…

>> Though their land was rich, they did not fail to realize their basic needs..

>> Though their land was famous, they did not fail to assume lowliness…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?

>> Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…

… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!

… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Today we celebrate the feast of St Agatha, a brave girl who suffered martyrdom in the 3rd century Roman persecution.

>> This fragile girl was able to challenge the domination of the might Roman Empire, only because, she made her little heart, “a Rich Garden of Virtues” and Jesus could reign there as King!

May our lives too, truly reflect such a ‘Paradise of God’s Reign’!

May our lives be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young boy went to his Uncle’s house for a few days of vacation.
His uncle was a scientist.

One day, the scientist-uncle told the boy, “Today we are going the method of obtaining petrol”

The boy was super-excited
>> He enjoyed fast cars and racing games.

And so, he was pretty curious to know how petrol was obtained.

They went to a place where oil was dug.

The boy looked in amazement at all the works being done – the digging into the earth, the huge pipes making their way into the depths, the extraction process!

After quite a while, the boy, pretty dejected approached his uncle and asked:
“I thought, you told me, we are going to see petrol being obtained.

But all that I find here, is that they are extracting oil!

Where is the petrol?”

At that time, the scientist-Uncle began to explain to the boy:
“Son! Remember, you never dig petrol!

You only dig for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!

Search not for petrol – which is a byproduct…
… Look rather for the oil, which is the essence!

Is our Christian life sometimes similar?
>> Are we looking often only for the material goods and products from the Lord…
… or do we seek primarily for Jesus and His Kingdom?

We need to check and examine : Have we discovered the “Real” Jesus in our life?

The Gospel of the Day presents before us this great challenge: To identify the real Jesus!

The Gospel reading is a description of the Lord’s ministry as per St Mark’s account.

Jesus is engaged in His proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
>> He is proving Himself to be a person who is of the supernatural and the extraordinary realm.

>> He teaches the Scriptures with deep authority and conviction…
… People hear God speaking in their lives!

>> He silences and expels the forces of evil and influences the nature…
… People experience the Divine force in their lives!

>> He infuses life into the dead and proclaims his great power…
… People come across the marvellous works of the Lord!

>> He exercises His healing over the sick and the suffering…
… People witness His glorious control and supremacy!

People are…
… swayed over His mighty works
… super-excited by His amazing wonders
… overwhelmed with His wonderful deeds
>> But such occasions are the times of great testing and trial for anyone..

The easiest moments of losing oneself is in the midst of immense success!
>> The most tempting times of losing one’s focus is when there are widespread victories!

The Lord was surrounded by immense recognition and successes.
>> The crowds were thronging around Him and His popularity ratings were soaring.

But, just as the tree of success must be deeply grounded & rooted in the soil of stability and firmness…
>> So also, the Lord was fully aware of His goals and mission.

And so the Gospel of St Mark would explicitly point out the actions of the Lord…
‘Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed’ (Mk 1: 35)
>> ‘He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose I have come”‘ (Mk 1: 38)

The Lord points out to the people and to His disciples the priorities of His Life – Being in communion with His Heavenly Father and Spreading the Kingdom of God!
>> He doesn’t get over-awed with success!
>> He doesn’t get carried away by reputations!

He reminds His disciples and His people to seek the “real” Jesus!
>> He brings to the notice of His disciples and His people to long for the “real” Jesus!

It’s a moment for us to check and examine our own lives: Am I following the “Real” Jesus?

>> Is Jesus merely a source of healings and remedies in my moments of physical sicknesses…
… or has He also become the true balm and consolation in my spiritual health and well-being?

>> Is Jesus only like a call-centre agent whom I seek in order to fix some problems of life…
… or Has He also become genuinely the treasure and the priceless fortune of my Life?

>> Is Jesus simply a solution and answer when crisis hits my life and things go badly…
… or has He also become authentically the greatest powerhouse and thrust of my Life?

Am I following the “Real” Jesus?
>> Or is it merely…
… a Jesus of quick-fix solutions?
… a Jesus who is a problem-solver?
… a Jesus who is remembered in times of trials alone?
… a Jesus who is expected to give all answers to my confusions?

The people and the disciples, as we see in the Gospel, seemed happy and satisfied to seek Jesus who performs wonders.

Surely, wonders and sensational deeds are good.
>> But they are not to be an end in itself….
>> They are not to be made the primary motto.

Miracles and  marvels ought to become a launching pad for a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Let us not reduce the greatness of Jesus to just miracles…
>> Let us not bring down the immensity of Jesus to just physical needs.

Let us rather, seek…
… the True and Living Lord for a wholesome & integral growth for eternity.
… the Compassionate and Powerful Lord to grow in holiness & sanctity.

Just like digging is done for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!
>> We need to search first for Jesus and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)
… and all other things – which are a byproduct – will be given to us

Yes, let’s not merely run after ‘byproducts’…
… Let us rather Seek for Jesus, Who is the Essence!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the statistics that can cause great alarms and pop our eyes, are those on hunger.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 815 million people of around 7.6 billion people in the world, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2016.
>> That is nearly one in every eight persons in the world!

This hunger is of course, about physical hunger.

But something, which does not, as such come under the framework of statistics, are people who are hungry in other areas of life…
Hungry for love…
>> Hungry of being wanted…
>> Hungry on emotional counts…
>> Hungry of the spiritual order…
     

These aspects of hunger may never have a scientific statistic
>> These dimensions of hunger may never flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically converted”.

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)
>> They had driven out many demons…
>> They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.
>> They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired
>> The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…
>> We may be doing a lot of things…
… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

>> We may be happy with what we are doing…
… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…
… to take some rest in Him
… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled
>> The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…
>> We may have witnessed God’s wonders…
… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

>> We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…
… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…
… with His Divine Word
… by His Compassionate Love

There is a indeed a great hunger in the world.

Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…
>> Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…
… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognize, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?
>> Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?
>> Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

May the prayer in Heb 13:20-21 be our personal prayer:
“May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His Will.

May He carry out, in you, what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the statistics that can cause great alarms and pop our eyes, are those on hunger.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 815 million people of around 7.6 billion people in the world, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2016.

>> That is nearly one in every eight persons in the world!

This hunger is of course, about physical hunger.

But something, which does not, as such come under the framework of statistics, are people who are hungry in other areas of life…

Hungry for love…

>> Hungry of being wanted…

>> Hungry on emotional counts…

>> Hungry of the spiritual order…

These aspects of hunger may never have a scientific statistic

>> These dimensions of hunger may never flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically converted”.

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)

>> They had driven out many demons…

>> They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.

>> They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired

>> The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

>> We may be doing a lot of things…

… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

>> We may be happy with what we are doing…

… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…

… to take some rest in Him

… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled

>> The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…

>> We may have witnessed God’s wonders…

… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

>> We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…

… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…

… with His Divine Word

… by His Compassionate Love

There is a indeed a great hunger in the world.

Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…

>> Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…

… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognize, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?

>> Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?

>> Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

May the prayer in Heb 13:20-21 be our personal prayer:

“May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His Will.

May He carry out, in you, what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the flowers which inherits and exhibits lot of meaning and symbolism is the Lotus.

>> This flower has been one of the most ancient and deepest symbols.

The Lotus flower has a number of unique properties….

… It grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty.

… At night, the flower closes and sinks underwater; while at dawn, it rises and opens again.

… It has a quality of self-cleaning and always remains free from dirty particles

… It’s leaves are such that they remain always dry

Untouched by the impurity, the Lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind.

>> The Lotus becomes a beautiful metaphor for a person Consecrated to the Lord.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…

>> On this day, we also celebrate the Consecrated Way of Life.

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

>> It is seeking to be pure, completely, in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.

“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…

“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…

>> If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….’ ” ( Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…

… represented fulfilling of God’s command..

… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…

… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

>> Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!

>> Jesus took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!

>> Jesus lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

At Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord

>> Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the Profession of Religious Vows

The meaning of this Consecration, also, derives from the Consecration of the Lord…

>> We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…

… yet the Lord exalts us, to live a pure and holy life.

>> We are “ordinary” by our human nature…

… yet the Lord wishes to join us, with His Divine nature

>> We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…

…. yet the Lord wants us, to be His Kingdom partners

Our Consecration is….

… a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life

… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

… is a binding and necessity in belonging to the Lord wholly and totally

This is a day of the Consecrated Life…

… a day to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord

… a day to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord

… a day to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord

… a day to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Each of us…whether single or in family life…whether a Priest or a Religious…

… belongs to the Lord and to Him alone!

>> We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

The Lotus represents beautifully this our consecration and offering to the Lord…

1. We may grow in the muddy waters of evil, scandals, violence, corruption etc…

>> Yet, can we rise above all this, and bloom in beauty, with God’s strength?

2. In the night of our life, we may sink and feel dejected, broken, sad, depressed, worried etc…

>> Yet, can we open up again, and blossom in loveliness, with God’s graces?

3. In our worldly interactions, we may get spoilt with dirty particles of sin, evil, bad habits etc…

>> Yet, can we free ourselves from all these, by the redeeming power of God’s love?

4. In our material affairs, we may get wet and drenched with desires for pleasures and luxury…

>> Yet, can we remain dry and unsullied, by the tremendous saving force of God’s holiness?

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

On this First Friday of February, let us renew our Love for the Lord…

… and dedicate ourselves – wholly – to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

In His Sacred Heart…

… we find strength for our Consecration

… we find joy for our Consecration

Yes, we belong to the Lord…

>> Let us live this Consecration!

>> Let us give witness to this Consecration!

Happy Feast of the Presentation of our Blessed Lord to all of us, His Consecrated People.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Ella Gunderson is an eleven-year-old Catholic girl from Seattle, USA

In 2004, she went into a Nordstrom’s ( an American fashion retailer) store to buy a pair of jeans.

>> However, none of the jeans were pleasing to her taste, lifestyle and liking…

Every style of jeans was either very loose that they would fall down…

… or so tight that she would have to wear them low and thus they would become provocative.

As a Christian, she knew that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God meant beauty to be pure, inspiring, and tasteful and not degrading and objectifying!

Instead of just whining about the situation, Ella decided to act…

She wrote a public letter of complaint to Nordstrom’s…

“Dear Nordstrom, I am an eleven-year-old girl who has tried shopping at your store for clothes (in particular jeans), but all of them ride way under my hips and the next size up, is too big and falls down.”

This experience of Ella Gunderson resonated with unvoiced concern of many teenagers and women across the country, who also believed it was possible to be ‘pretty, without being provocative’.

The letter caused a huge rage to be raised by the world of media…

The media firestorm motivated Nordstrom’s to create a new category of fashion wears for juniors called “Modern and Modest.”

A great Christian endevour was pursued and achieved – all because of the convictions of a Christian girl, who believed in being “pretty, without being provocative!”

To be a Christian in today’s world is a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation for each one of us to live as a True Christian, a True Missionary – just as the Twelve Apostles were sent by Jesus on the mission journey.

Jesus had become very popular by various deeds in His ministry…

… powerfully teaching the Word of God and authoritatively interpreting the Law

… mightily healing many of the sick and boldly accepting those rejected by the peoples

… intensely performing many wondrous actions and effectively transforming the society

A great band of people had also begun to follow Him…

…some from far, some closely

…. some with ulterior motives, some with genuine intentions.

In the midst of this rising popularity and increasing crowd-following, the Lord chose the Twelve – whom He named as Apostles (Mk 3:13)

• These Twelve were to be with Him and to be sent out

• These Twelve were to be an extension of His mission on the earth

To them, the Lord entrusts the great task of spreading His mission of the Kingdom of God.

“And He called to Him the Twelve, and began to send them out, two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7)

One of the key issues that the Lord addresses when He sends out His disciples is to be aware of the fact that there will be great possibilities that they would be “rejected”.

However, the Apostles were not to get disheartened by it; rather to be bold and firm to stand against anything that would oppose their mission.

Jesus says to them: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet….” (Mk 6: 11)

Jesus warns them that their life as His follower and as a missionary of the Kingdom, would surely meet a lot of opposition…

… many would reject their teachings

… many would even, perhaps persecute them

… many would seek to make them compromise their values

However, in all this, the Apostles were to remain bold, firm and courageous.

They had to fill their hearts with two basic virtues: Dependence on God’s Providence and Firm Perseverance in His ways.

The message of the Gospel is always opposed to the ways and values of the world!

>> It was so… in the time of Jesus

>> It was so… also in the time of the Apostles

>> And it is so… in our own times and situations

To be a Christian, a Missionary in today’s world is indeed a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

• There are many aspects in the world that go against Christian values…

• There are umpteen situations that challenge our Christian faith…

Christian virtues today are “rejected”, “trampled upon”, “compromised” and even “diluted”!

We can either…

…. give in to them

… or just complain about them

… or make efforts to change them

By virtue of our Baptism, we share…

… in the privilege of being called a follower of Christ

… also, in the responsibility and duty of being firm and faithful to our Christian values

Are we going to dilute, compromise, be lukewarm or adopt an ‘all-is-adjustable’ policy with respect to our Christian values?

• Or are we ready to grow and stand firm in our convictions and make efforts to live a True Christian life?

Is the world transforming me?

• Or am I, as a Christian, transforming the world?

Yes, as Christians, living in this modern world, let’s believe…

… that we can be “Modern and Modest!

… that we can be “pretty, without being provocative!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A distinguished actor had a large photograph of William Wordsworth prominently displayed in his dressing-room.

(William Wordsworth was a major English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication ‘Lyrical Ballads’).

A friend, who came to see this actor and observing the picture remarked with some surprise…

“Hmmm… I see!

>> So you are an admirer of Wordsworth?”

“Wordsworth? Who’s that?” enquired back the actor.

“Why, that’s his picture,” was the answer, as the friend pointed towards the image “That’s William Wordsworth, the literary giant. This picture would surely have cost you a fortune!”

The actor looked at the photograph with a bemused gaze!

“Is that old guy, a famous poet?” he exclaimed in astonishment!

“Oh! Who bothers about these old guys! I just picked up that frame from my storehouse, to fill the empty space on my wall!!”

The picture that was hung on the wall failed to acquire its deserved status and recognition …

• due to the ignorance of the actor

• due to his contempt for and prejudice towards old guys

How often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…

… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!

The Gospel of the Day is presentation of this “rejection” experience of the Lord in His hometown.

The Lord arrives in His hometown.

On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.

The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:

“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)

But this feeling quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:

“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)

What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?

• It was simply because Jesus was “just one of them!”

• It was simply because Jesus was “too acquainted to them!”

Familiarity often breeds contempt!

• When one is too close to the Divine, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

• When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”

How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

• Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….

>> Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?

>> Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”… ?

Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…

• Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and Whatsapp and social networking tools…

>> Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?

>> Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent” … ?

The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.

However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced…

>> Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!

>> Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!

>> Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!

We are invited today to “open our eyes” and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us… personally… as a family… as a community… and as a Church, have been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.

• True that we have a lot of difficulties to face in our life…

• True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…

Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?

Can we accord the deserving status and recognition to the Lord’s presence in our lives?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Hands up” is a sign of surrender and submission.

When the police catches a thief, “hands up” is the word used to indicate giving up…

>> When a militant admits defeat, “hands up” is a sign of submitting.

The weak one, in the face of the stronger one, has “hands up” in surrender…

>> The fragile ones, before the mighty ones, have “hands up” in submission….

But in Divine Realms, it’s not just “hands up”….

… it’s also “falling at the feet”

>> Before the Divine power, “falling of the feet” is a still greater sign of submission

The Gospel of the Day recounts two incidents of this encounter with the Divine…

… and a “falling at the feet”

Sicknesses and diseases are sometimes, great interrupters in life!

>> They enter into the “house of life”, without knocking at the doors…

… they disrupt many plans and aspirations

… they reduce the hope for the future

The Gospel is a narration of two persons who encountered this interruption in life…

1. Jairus’ daughter on the death bed would have dashed many hopes of their family

2. The long suffering of the woman with hemorrhage would have crushed her aspirations

Both these two persons – Jairus and the Woman with the hemorrhage – underwent similar struggles….

One had tremendous mental agony as a result of worry for his beloved child…

>> The other had also tremendous physical agony along with her mental and social stigmas…

Both their sufferings had reached a saturation point of tolerance…

>> Both of them were struggling immensely to swim across the ocean of agony and pain…

But both these persons also displayed a similar sort of faith in the Lord….

” Seeing Jesus, Jairus fell at His feet and pleaded earnestly with Him…” ( Mk 5:22)

“…realizing what had happened to her, the woman approached Jesus in fear and trembling; fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth” (Mk 5: 33)

They both “fell at Jesus feet” in deep faith and trust…

They both “fell at Jesus feet” with much love and devotion…

They both “fell at Jesus feet” with great expectations and hopes…

The “falling at the feet” was a sign of total submission and surrender

Jairus surrendered himself to the power and mercy of the Lord…

>> The woman with haemorrhage submitted herself to the compassion and love of the Lord…

This made them to experience the power of the Lord.

When we submit ourselves to the mighty power and providence of God…

…we experience His Divine Strength and Courage

When we offer ourselves fully to the holy and precious Will of the Lord…

… we come in contact with His Divine Providence and Wonder

When we surrender ourselves to the dominion and sovereignty of God…

… we encounter His marvelous presence and guidance

Both – Jairus and the woman – experienced a helplessness and hopelessness, that went beyond reason!

>> Tragedy stared at their faces, hard and strong!

But, despite this hard situation…

… they allowed, the “faith in their hearts” to override the problem!

>> And this “faith in their hearts” was translated into “falling at the feet”

This is something, that we too ought to remember and imitate: Allowing the “faith in the heart” to be translated to “falling at the feet” of the Lord!

>> When things don’t seem to be going on fine in life…

… lets still allow the “simple faith within” to worship the Lord!

>> When people around us, don’t seem to be too understanding and nice…

… lets still allow the “flame of hope within” to praise God!

And such simple acts of allowing the “faith in the heart” to be translated to “falling at the feet” of the Lord…

… become occasions of healing and transformation for us!

Yes,

>> May we use our hands to surrender ourselves to the power of the Lord!

>> May we offer to fall at the feet of the Lord in humble submission to the Lord!

Are we ready to submit and surrender to God’s mighty power?

“Hands up”?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in His great ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to many…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

And today He enters a Gentile territory…

… They came to the other side of the sea to the territory of Gerasenes” (Mk 5: 1)

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

As He enters the territory of Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man “who came from the tombs with an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2)

St Mark describes the hard state that the man was in…

… dwelling among the tombs

… none could restrain him

… bound in chains

Sometimes, in life, we too find ourselves in such a situation…

… though not physically, but mentally, socially and spiritually!

In all such “possessed” situations of life…

… are we ready to encounter the presence of the Lord?

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…

…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the chained situations of emptiness in my spiritual life…

…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Freedom of Faith and Revival?

>> In the broken moments of frustrations and despair…

…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Restoration of Encouragement and Support?

St Mark goes on to describe the state of the demoniac…

… how he would hurt himself with stones (Mk 5: 5)

… how he cried out loudly to the Lord (Mk 5:7)

… how he pleaded the Lord to not chase away from that comfort zone (Mk 5:10)

We need to ask ourselves…

>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?

… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage declares His intentions of going to other towns (Mk 5:18) and also exhorts the demoniac who was healed to remain in his place, and to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mk 5: 19-20).

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing

>> And He also inspires and exhorts those who have been touched by Him, to become a witness to His Works and His Kingdom

Do I imitate the Lord…

…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?

… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

This Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

… to be willing to change our lives, go beyond our zones of comfort and help the needy with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

… which made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

… which made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!