An incident is told about St Katherine of Alexandria.

Katherine was a noble and learned young woman in this cultural hub of the ancient world of the 4th century. She had attained a lot of popularity in the town of Alexandria.

>> She was a Christian.

This was the time of the persecution of Christians by Emperor Maxentius.

Christians were given only two options:

>> Worshipping the emperor (which would violate the First Commandment)…

… or being put to death

In this context, the Governor of Alexandria also came up with another plan to humiliate and discourage the Christians.

He invited the famous Katherine to debate a group of fifteen (some say 50) of the best pagan philosophers and orators…

… Hoping that this dispute would refute all her pro-Christian arguments and thus morally discourage other Christians as well!

Katherine accepted the challenge.

>> They gathered in the governor’s palace and the discussion began.

But the plan backfired.

Instead of Katherine being converted, several members of the panel (some sources say all members) were actually converted!

>> They asked for baptism immediately, so as to receive God’s grace into their souls.

But the governor was furious and condemned them all to immediate death.

To that, Katherine with concern and care assured all the new-converts that since they so sincerely desired to receive the sacrament…

… their own blood would take the place of water, and their own martyrdoms would take the place of baptism.

Those men were willing to give up everything else, only in order to receive the friendship and grace and Jesus Christ.

That’s the power of God’s Love!

>> And that’s the Power of Witnessing to God’s Love!

The fire of God’s Love that was kindled in St Katherine of Alexandria, at Baptism…

… continued to blaze in her, setting many other souls on fire for love of God!

Does the Fire of Love, that had been kindled in us, at our Baptism…

… continue to blaze powerfully in us?

>> Or has the fire been diminished and lessened?

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus…

… and with an invitation: To “fan into flames” ( 2 Tim 1:6) the fire of God’s Love that has been kindled in us, at our Baptism!

The liturgical season of Christmas, celebrating the self-revelation of God through Jesus, comes to an end with the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.

This incident of the Baptism of Jesus is greatly significant and important….

>> It is one of the few passages that appears in all the four Gospels.

>> It was the first public revelation of the Three Persons of the Trinity

>> It was the first official declaration of Jesus as the Son of God to the world

For Jesus, it was…

… a moment of identification with us sinners.

… a moment of decision to begin His public ministry.

…a moment of approval when His Father called Him as His “beloved Son”.

Each one us, as Christians have been baptized in the Lord!

What does Baptism mean to us?

>> What has Baptism meant to us?

Baptism is a time when we call ourselves to have “put on” Christ…

… a time of conversion…from the old to the new!

For a moment, lets borrow the idea of how the Jewish conversion would be effected…

… so that we could have a better and a deeper understanding of our Christian Baptism

For a Gentile man to become a full-fledged Jew there was a basic three-step process:

1. The first was to offer a sacrifice

A heifer or a pair of turtledoves was brought to the priest and given as a burnt offering to God. This meant some expense involved.

It required hardship, forfeiting and sacrifice oneself to become a new person!

2. The second was circumcision – the cutting away of a piece of flesh from a man’s body.

For a Jewish boy, this was done when he was 8 days old, thus the pain wasn’t remembered.

>> But an adult male, who wanted to become a Jewish proselyte, had to undergo this procedure, regardless of his age.

It required deep pain, immense agony and even shedding of blood to become a new person!

3. The third was baptism.

The person stripped off all of his clothes.

>> He then went into the water naked before the Rabbis…

… dipped himself under water making sure to fully immerse his entire body!

It required a lot of humility and self-sacrifice to become a new person!

Christian Baptism doesn’t have these external signs and actions as that of the Jews.

>> But the internal aspects are much more strongly present…

… and even more valid!

To be a Baptized Person in Jesus – a passage from the Old to the New, requires….

1. Sacrifice of oneself

…. Willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the Lord, in the form of money, talents, time, energy etc…

>> He who wishes to follow me, must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me (Mt 16:24)

2. Undergoing pain and suffering

… Openness to share the agony and grief of life through various life situations and being patient and faithful in all trials …

>> “The Lord your God will circumcise your heart… to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” (Dt 30: 6)

3. Embracing a life of humility and dependence on God

… Readiness to overcome our pride, our selfish desires and interests and allow God’s grace and mercy to flow through us…

>> “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1Pet 5:6)

Most of us have been Baptized when we were too little…

We were not aware….

>> But those who loved us and cared for us, were aware.

Today very often, the Ceremony of Baptism gets reduced to a mere ritual with only celebrations and get-togethers

>> We need to instead, revive the primary aspect of Baptism: As a life-transforming process, with its intrinsic elements of pain and sacrifices!

Baptism was a beginning… an initiation…into a life of grace…

… a journey with the Lord!

The Spirit of the Lord is within us…

And the call from Deep within us is strong:

“Rise up from slumber, if you are sleeping…

As a Baptized Christian, you have a very noble vocation and an immense responsibility…

Christian Life is no joke

… it does not tolerate passivity

… it does not allow lethargy!

Look up..

Mother Church is waiting to embrace you in deep love with Her Sacraments…

>> Mother Mary and all the Saints and Angels are encouraging you to become a Saint…

Yes, You are a Baptized Child of God

… Consecrated to the Lord

… Holy to Him!

Be true…

>> Be Faithful…

>> Be Enthusiastic…

>> Be Proud… to be a Christian”

Yes, the fire of God’s Love that has been kindled in us at Baptism…

… ought to continue to blaze in us, setting many other souls on fire for love of God!

Let us re-kindle the fire and love of being a Christian….

>> Let’s renew our Baptismal vows!

>> Let’s live our Baptism!

Happy Feast to all of us, baptized with our Dearest Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A Parish priest was taking a group of his catechism children to a church, which was known to be a pilgrimage centre.

The children were very much excited seeing the new church, which was particularly famous for its glass paintings.

As they kids moved around the church, little Peter – all of 6 years and the smallest one of the group – suddenly gazed at a large glass painting and shouted:

“Wow! There is the Cross of Christ!

>> Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.

>> But they could see nothing of the Cross!

To them, the glass painting resembled only a jumbled mass of confusion

>> It was a modernistic glass picture composed of a maze of colors and shapes – sophisticated and abstract

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

But Peter went on: “Can’t you see him? It’s Jesus hanging on the cross.”

The priest finally said: “Little Peter.. maybe we are all blind.

>> But could you please… help us to see what you see?”

With all excitement, with his little finger, through the maze of shapes and colors…

… Peter outlined the Cross as he kept saying: “Do you see what I see?”

And then… like an Epiphany, they all saw JESUS…

… His Face

… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

>> As the image began to appear more clear!

And then with astonishment, the priest looking at little Peter and then the Cross of Christ, exclaimed: “This… is… Epiphany!”

When one longs with a great desire and looks with a clear intent, then we have the Epiphany of God!

>> Yes, the Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs – sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany”, means…

… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

>> It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…

… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

This single focus and dedication…

… Impelled them to move forward with determination

… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles

… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What about us?

>> What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory… ?

… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for our own glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions… ?

… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focused on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

>> As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

>> But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!

>> (pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

>> Where do we seek the Lord?

>> Do I faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…

… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

>> Do I seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?

… Or do I get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?

The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their precious gifts – fit and appropriate.. ( Mt 2:11b)

> Gold for Jesus, the King

> Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest

> Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…

… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

>> But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What about us?

>> What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…

>> Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?

… or, has the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…

>> Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?

>> Take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian lives, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

>> He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” ( Rom 12: 1) – sinful, broken, wounded; just as we are…

… So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:

>. To examine, purify and strengthen…

… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

>> Let us seek the Lord deeper

>> Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place

>> Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

>> Like the modernistic glass pictures, we may often get lost in the maze of colors of uncertainty and shapes of difficulties – sophisticated and abstract!

But if we maintain the desire of God in our hearts, He will, through the little things of life…

… outline His Plan to us

>> And then…

… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!

>> May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God bless! Live Jesus!

The Rosary is a beautiful prayer that takes us through the life of Jesus…

… holding the hands of Blessed Mother Mary.

It was on October 16, 2002 that Pope St. John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” proposed and recommended a new set of mysteries to be meditated on when praying the Rosary – The Mysteries of Light.

One reason for this addition of the “Luminous Mysteries” to the ancient prayer of the Rosary…

… was to encourage all Catholics to contemplate Jesus in the daily life of his public ministry.

Jesus was a not a person away from the people…

… rather He was very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of the people!

Therefore, the “Luminous Mysteries” remind that God is always “with His people and identifies with them”…

… starting with the Lord’s Baptism

… then the Wedding at Cana

… followed by His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion

… moving on to the Transfiguration Experience

… concludes with the Institution of the Holy Eucharist – His beautiful way of “being with His people” always!

Yes, God loves to “be with His people and identify with them”

The Gospel of the Day presents this beautiful incident of God Who identifies Himself with the sinful humanity through the event of the Baptism of Jesus (Mk 1: 6-11)

The passage begins with an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

>> Being clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist and feeding on locusts and wild honey (Mk 1: 6)…

… John the Baptist resembled Elijah (2 Kings 1:8)

He was the messenger, who would prepare the way for Christ, the King…

… just as “a messenger was sent by every king” in order to prepare the people for his reception!

A man filled with humility, John the Baptist declares of the coming of the Messiah and of His Greatness:

“I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen the thongs of His Sandals…

… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:8)

These are two dimensions we can greatly learn from John the Baptist:

1. Being a messenger of Christ

>> Do we also, in our own places of work and acquaintance, be a “Messenger for Christ” by radiating the Gospel Values – in conviction and without any compromise?

2. Growing in the virtue of humility

>> Do we also, practise acts of humility, so that all our words and actions, may render glory to God and His Kingdom?

As John the Baptist goes about baptizing people…

… he is encountered by Jesus Himself. (Mk 1: 9)

What follows is a beautiful act: The Son of God humbles Himself, before His messenger, “who himself had humbled before Him!”

This act of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus was the Lord’s way of showing forth His Mission: Identifying with the people and taking their place!

All His actions on the earth would show forth this aspect: Identifying with the people and taking their place!

… His Incarnation: Being born as a human – and dwelling among people

… His Preaching the Kingdom of God: Moving from one place to another – in touch with the realities of life

… His Passion and Death: Experiencing the pains and sufferings of life, especially death – the consequence of sin

Why was the Lord so insistent in “identifying with the people?”

It was His beautiful reminder to all of us: That He is always with us – loving us and being intimate to us!

He is not a God away from the people…

… rather He is very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of people!

This is the beautiful truth that all of us need to be convinced of, and live it in our day-to-day life: That God is always with us.

Even when we go through the struggles of life…

… financial crisis crashing our life

… relationships hitting rock bottom

… memories of the past scarring us

… uncertainties of the future haunting us

>> May we realize: That God identifies with us, and He is with us!

It is the conviction in this Truth that will help us to always be “joyful in life”!

Externally, things may not really go the way we want or wish…

… but the conviction that “God identifies with my situation” ought to be a huge boost for us to be firm in life!

Apparently, situations may be really harsh and we may feel really worried..

… but the fact that “God is with me at this present moment” should become the positive stroke for us to remain steadfast and hopeful!

Yes, the Lord “Who is the Light and in Whom there is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5)…

… constantly calls us live our “life in light” under His “Luminous Mysteries!”

May this Gospel Reflection on the “Baptism of Jesus” – wherein God shows that “He is with His people and identifies with them”…

… help us to constantly live our lives in hope and joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An incident is told about a famous agnostic ( = a person who believes that nothing is known/can be known of the existence or nature of God)…

… who was staying as a guest in the house of a Catholic Family.

When Sunday came around, all the members of the family got ready to go to Church.

But this agnostic was not willing to.

>> In fact, he approached the owner of the house and asked him to stay back, without going to Church.

“Why not avoid going to Church today,” he told the owner, “and instead stay back and tell me what does your Catholic Faith mean to you!”

The owner- a devout and staunch, yet simple Catholic – got perplexed: “You have the capability to destroy any argument and any opponent.

>> I am just an simple Catholic. I am not clever enough to argue with you.”

But the agnostic continued gently: “I don’t want to argue with you. I just want you

to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”

The man stayed at home and simply told him of his faith.

The incident goes on to say that, when he had finished…

… there were tears in the agnostic’s eyes.

Yes, it was not clever argument that touched the agnostic’s heart…

… but the simple story of a man’s faith!

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a beautiful experience…

… of a person who was made to go beyond the “influence of prejudice and rhetoric” and thus could “experience God’s Power and Grace”!

The Gospel narrates the incident of Philip, who has already had a “Come and See” Experience (Jn 1: 39).

After “experiencing” the Lord, Philip goes to his town Bethsaida, where he meets Nathanael. (Jn 1: 44-45)

Nathanael – a name which means, “God has given” is an interesting character.

When Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…” (Jn 1: 45)…

… Nathanael put forward a blunt question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Nathanael showed forth a cynical and doubtful mind…

… probably due to his prejudice and bias.

But…

>> Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…

… there faith and love always win!

>> Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…

… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

And so, Philip invites Nathanael to have a first-hand experience of the Lord, by telling Him, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

Nathanael was relying more on the “the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument”

>> He depended more on his past experience and his ability to “put forth ideas”

But Philip is willing to show how the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument” can be easily won over by the Experience of God’s Love and Faith in Him!

Philip himself was told by Jesus, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 39)

>> He went and saw… and with an experience, had his life transformed!

He now invites Nathanael to do the same: “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

>> So that he too can go and see… and have an experience, to have his life transformed!

Here’s a big lesson to all of us:

>> Unless we have a first-hand experience of God’s Love and Providence…

… we will only remain in the level of “rhetoric and argument”

>> Unless we thirst to be filled with God’s Presence and Comfort…

… we will only be stuck with our “past experiences and prejudices”

Nathanael would “dare” to have the “Come and See” Experience…

… and that would result in his public confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

Are we willing to have the “Come and See” experience…

… like Philip?

… like Nathanael?

Let us realize that it is not arguments or rhetoric that would help us to grow in our faith…

… rather an “experience” of the Lord and His Love!

Many of us perhaps “know a lot about God”

>> But how many of us “know God a lot?”?

Many of us perhaps can regularly give “talks on God”

>> But how many of us, regularly, “talk to God?”

Let the “Come and See” Experience of Nathanael be an inspiration for all of us…

… to grow in our thirst for the Lord

Through…

… Regular prayer

… Reception of the Sacraments

… Reading of the Bible

… Recognizing the guidance of God in all what we do

… Recounting the many blessings of God

>> May we constantly grow in this “Come and See” Experience of the Lord!

On this First Friday of the Month and of the New Year 2018…

… may we re-consecrate our hearts to the Sacred Heart of the Lord

>> And renew our commitment and love for the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A simple and commonly known story goes such…

A generous and a noble King once made a grand announcement to his subjects.

He declared that on a particular day, all the people could come into the King’s palace, and take for themselves from the palace hall, whatever they wished for!

An amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity indeed!

And so the day came… hundreds and thousands had gathered in the palace.

The people waited for the King’s signal to start picking up whatever they wanted in that hall.

The moment arrived…the King waved his royal hand to begin…

>> It was time to lay hands on whatever they wished to make their own possession.

The rush was maddening…

>> People ran helter-skelter, seeking for the most precious things…

… Golden vessels, silver goblets, jeweled showpieces, antique fancy items etc…

But in that crazy rush, there was one particular girl, a teenager, who thought differently.

She took this chance, to go and hug the Prince!

Bingo!!

>> That was the prized catch!

She now became not just the possessor of the love of her life…

… but also on the heir of the land!

She sought what was the most prized possession!

>> She went after, that which was the most treasured of them all!

What are we – you and I – seeking in life?

The Gospel of the Day has Jesus posing this fundamental question of our lives: “What do you seek” (Jn 1: 38)

The first chapter of St John has an account of two disciples of John the Baptist who are sent to follow Jesus by the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (Jn 1: 29)

John the Baptist is indeed an amazing person.

His life offers us immense qualities to imitate and follow.

1. He called people to a renewed way of life by turning to God in repentance

He teaches: The need to have a constant examination of our conscience…

2. He lived a life of intense asceticism and self-mortification

He reminds: Of the vanity of earthly glory and what things instead are of utmost importance…

3. He pointed out to Jesus as the Lamb of God and directs people towards Him

He teaches: The importance of focusing on Jesus in life and not on other people or things

4. He doesn’t feel jealous that all are following Jesus and confesses also of his unworthiness

He reminds: The power of humility and the joy of giving everything for God’s Kingdom

When Jesus sees them following, He turns…. (Jn 1: 38)

He turns around to see ‘a part of the humanity that is seeking Him’.

>> He turns around to look at a tiny generation of human beings in quest of Him

>> He turns around to witness a representative of people that is wanting to know Him

And then Jesus poses this soul-probing question…”What do you seek?”

We too have been following Jesus for quite some time…

>> Maybe we’ve heard from others & so we follow Him…

>> Maybe we’ve experienced His caring presence & so we follow Him.

But the Lord once again turns….and asks us, who are following Him : “What do you seek?”

It’s not an interrogation to just obtain some information…

>> It’s not an enquiry to just gather some data.

It is rather a question that is posed to determine what is the real focus and centre of our life.

Jesus probably knew why many people were beginning to follow Him:

>> There would be many seeking Him…

… for bread alone.

… for getting healings alone.

… out of mere curiosity alone.

… for theoretical arguments alone.

… for their own personal desires alone.

And so Jesus poses this heart-penetrating question…”What do you seek?”

The Lord, with His deeply penetrating eyes gazes into the depths of our soul…

… with His soul-arresting charm fixes His eyes into the castle of our heart asks:

>> “My Child, what do you seek?”

Are you seeking just to have some of your earthly desires fulfilled…

>> Or do you seek Me in order to treasure me completely and possess eternity?

Are you seeking spirituality just for namesake and out of a societal and religious obligation…

>> Or do you seek Me because you are convinced of finding in Me, the real Truth and Joy?

Are you seeking transcendence in order to just have a relief in your pains and difficulties…

>> Or do you seek Me to also have a share in my agony and anguish of the Cross?

The Psalmist would say: “God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God” (Ps 53:2)…

Can I be a real Seeker of God and of His Kingdom??

Embracing Jesus, the Prince of Life, would ensure the inheritance of eternity.

>> Possessing Jesus, the Prince of Joy, would ensure the inheritance of Divine Life.

Let us become a true seeker of the Lord with the right motives and the proper intentions.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The five fingers of the hand have their own functions and roles.

However, one finger among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…

That Finger is …

… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.

And the activity that it is often used for, is…

… Blaming!

The Index finger or also called as the Pointer Finger is often used

… to point to others and accuse them

… to point towards others and blame them

… to point towards others and lay a charge on them

This action is also called as ‘Finger-Pointing’ – the act of casting the blame or assigning the blame for something, to someone else.

We have somehow, consciously or unconsciously, got into a habit of using our Index or the Forefinger to always blame and accuse others and pass on the fault to other people.

The Gospel of the Day, is however, a welcome change to this “sickening” trend of finger-pointing!

We have St John the Baptist who utilizes this action of pointing, not for blaming or accusing… … but rather to point out the Saviour of the World!

He points out, in a majestic style, to Jesus…

… and declares emphatically, ” Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1: 29)

He points towards Jesus…

… to make known the One who is the long-awaited Messiah!

… and reveals to the world, the One who is to redeem humanity!

… to proclaim the One, who by His greatness, would grant salvation!

John the Baptist, becomes a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…

a. He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!

b. He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!

c. He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!

d. He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!

Our life is sometimes plagued by the “bad tendency” to point to others, only in a negative sense…

We point to others…

… to pass on judgment and condemnation

… to cast feelings of guilt and culpability

… to make public the faults of other people

It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism… or correcting others gently… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.

But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….

… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation

… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence

… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others

Pointing to others, ought not to be a tool of painful criticism and discouragement…

… rather it must be an action of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Pointing to others, ought not to be a medium of accusation and denunciation…

… rather it must be a means of appreciation and admiration.

We celebrate today the Feast of St Chavara Elias Kuriakose, the Saint from India (Kerala).

He became a symbol of great Encouragement, Acknowledgement & Appreciation of others.

In his own words, “Make it clear that your home is not a place for indulging in profane conversation or for speaking ill of others or slandering”

May we tread the path and example shown by St John the Baptist and St Chavara Kuriokose.

Let us become a people of true acknowledgement… and not wasteful blaming.

>> Let us become a people of honest encouragement…and not critical judgment.

>> Let us become a people of credible appreciation… and not distasteful denouncing.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Stage Fear” is a common phenomenon found among many.

This is the anxiety or fear aroused in an individual, when asked to perform in front of an audience.

One of the prominent reasons for this “Stage Fear”…

… is the lack of self-confidence.

This lack of self-confidence could be due to…

… a physiological factor; since the body is made to react to a stimulus

… or since the person of unsure of his/her presence before the audience

… or being unsure of the content (of the performance – song/speech etc) to be presented

However, if these factors could be overcome, and if one is filled with self-confidence…

… then “stage fear” would never be a problem!

As Christians, many of us face a “stage fear”…

… the fear of living in the world by practicing the Christian Virtues, and witnessing our life as a Christian!

St John the Baptist is a beautiful model, presented to us…

… a person who was filled with self-confidence, by knowing clearly His Mission in Life

>> And thus being a person, without an iota of “stage-fear”!

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to this personality person of John the Baptist…

>> An attempt is made to ” know more” about John…

… his name… his occupations… his interests and liking.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

>> He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)

>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)

>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

>>> He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

>>> He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)

>>> He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)

>> He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

>> A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.

>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep conviction in my Christian Life?

>> Or do we sometimes get affected by a “Stage Fear” in our Christian Living?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

>> When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…

… “Who are you?”

>> When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …

… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….

… plunge us into a deep struggle

… make us to fear life and people

…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may enter into a “Stage Fear” mode!

We may even tend to think…

… “What really is the purpose of my life??

… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”

… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.

>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

>> I am God’s Child….

… in this is my true identity.

>> I am the witness to the True Light…

… in this is my true role in life.

>> I am a Voice in the wilderness…

… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

>> I am dependent on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…

… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

As the words of the beautiful song goes…

>> “Who am I?…

… I am YOURS!”

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward in this New Year 2018…

>> with faith and love

>> through the valleys and mountains

>> and wilderness and oasis

… and thus filled with confidence, overcome any sort of “Stage Fear” in our Christian Living!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.
>> This device helps us to check the heat in the body…

When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.
>> When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we that have gone cold.

When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.

The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.

Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!

The heat levels however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies…

When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.
>> When we are cast down with problems and spirits are low, the thermometer shows a low level.
>> When we are lacklustre and just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.

What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time??

We are on the first day of the New Year…and on the 8th day after Christmas –  the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle & bustle of Christmas, the celebrations & merriment of the Festival are slowing waning down…

The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the stars which were brightly shining have faded away…
>> The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today…
>> The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, has slowly reduced…

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

This Octave Day of Christmas, fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a reminder to this fact…
…that Christmas is not a one day event; rather a celebration for life.
…that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow everyday

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and the devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually…

Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus

Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man

Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the fully God and fully Man.

And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge, and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare emphatically the divinity and humanity of Jesus.

Thus, the Title – Mary, Mother of God – is great proclamation of the our basic aspect of faith – Jesus is both God and Man!

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

1. We are assured of a Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord, when we face crises, problems and difficulties.

2. We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.

3. We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.

4. We are exhorted to totally committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year, the Lord invites us to check &examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer….

Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?
>> Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
>> Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith & Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of  Blessed Mamma!

Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2018!

May we always Live Jesus! God Bless!

Please note that Jan 1st 2018, falls on a Monday.

For those of us, going to participate in the New Year’s Vigil Mass, please note that It is the Mass of 1st Jan (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – New Year’s Day).

Please do not miss to attend the Sunday Morning/Saturday Evening Mass…

… thinking that it is enough to attend the New Year Vigil Mass.

Participating in the Vigil Mass on Sunday evening/night Mass will not fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.

Kindly spread this awareness to maintain the good Catholic Faith.

Let’s thank the Lord for all His Blessings through this year 2017!

God bless! Live Jesus!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

Bengaluru, India

There goes a story about a family, in the US, that was struggling to survive during the Great Economic Depression in the 1940’s…

The father of the family had lost his job, and they moved to the city to find work.

They couldn’t afford to buy their own house, so they lived in the basement of someone else’s house, paying a large rent for the tiny space.

It was not the most comfortable or cosiest situation …

… Mom, Dad, and five Children cramped into a mouldy basement.

But they made the best of it by pouring as much love as they could into little things.

>> They kept the place neat and clean.

>> They had their small and sparse meals together every day.

>> They said their prayers each morning and each evening as a family.

>> They even pitched in to help other families who were in even more difficult situations.

One day, one of the children’s school teachers came by to visit the family.

>> She was shocked at the cramped quarters and the poverty of the family.

The next day at school the teacher took the little girl aside and tried to comfort her.

She said, “I am so sorry that you don’t even have a home to live in!”

But the little girl was surprised and answered:

“Oh no!

We have a wonderful home; we’re just still looking for a house to put it in!!”

The li’l girl did not have a proper house, but she had a wonderful home!

>> The family was constricted into a tiny space, but they had much space for each other in their hearts!

Yes, it’s the little things in life that can make the biggest difference.

Often times, we have a grand house but a very poor home…

We have many big things: a three-car garage, a home movie theatre, football-sized rooms, latest of communication & entertainment gadgets etc…

But very often, something essential is missing…

Is it true?

>> Are we living in a “House” or in a “Home”?

Today Holy Mother Church takes delight in celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

>> This was a home with much joy and peace, though it struggled to have even a proper house.

The Gospel of the Day speaks of the Presentation of Child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2: 22-38) and the return to Nazareth, where the Child grows (Lk 2: 39-40)

The Holy Family of Nazareth is often considered as the perfect and ideal family.

In which sense is it perfect and ideal?

>> Lack of tensions…?

>> Free from problems…?

>> Abundance of wealth…?

>> Absence of worries and fears…?

>> No tension of financial constraints…?

Well…

… if these are the yardsticks to define a perfect and ideal family, the Holy Family of Nazareth would be too far from it…

This “ideal” and “perfect” family of Nazareth had to undergo many severe crises, as in any of our families…

1. The young Mary had to face an unplanned pregnancy…

>> She was thrown between a choice to face stoning for death or placing hope in God.

2. The just man Joseph had the dilemma of accepting a lady who could be doubted by society…

>> He faced the challenge of divorcing his to-be-wife or to accept her in faith and trust.

3. Joseph and Mary failed to find a proper place even to have the birth of their child…

4. At the middle of the night, they had to abandon their only place of refuge and fly to Egypt…

5. At the age of twelve, Jesus gets lost and His words to them are not understood by the parents…

6. A few years into boyhood, Jesus loses Joseph, his caring Father and the young Mary becomes a widow…

Are these “ideal” or “perfect” situations for a family?

Then, how do we say that the Holy Family of Nazareth is an “ideal” and “perfect” family?

Idealness and Perfection comes not as a result of absence of problems and difficulties.

>> Idealness and Perfection is attributed not because of being free from any risks or challenges.

They were able to move beyond a “house” and build a “home” because…

… They had God as their Ultimate Refuge

… and They always sought and listened to what God wanted in Their lives!

Idealness and Perfection is ascribed because They chose to trust and hope in God always!

>> >> Idealness and Perfection is credited because They sought to walk as per the Will of God always!

What about our families?

Today, unlike any other time in the history of the world, a family or a community faces severe challenges…

>> Consumerism and materialism ruins the fabric of a family…

>> Individualism and self-priorities hampers the structure of a family…

>> Failure to understand and readiness to abandon each other becomes quick solutions…

>> Media and other “knowledge sources” bombard minds with many alternative lifestyles…

As a family and a community, we today, stand before the Crib and gaze on the “Ideal” and “Perfect” family of Nazareth…

>> They had Their own issues and problems…

>> They had Their own sets of difficulties.

We might argue, that their problems are nothing compared to what we are going through.

Yet, the method and style of handling and tackling the problems remains the same…

>> Seeking to do God’s Will…

>> Being steadfastly faithful to one another in every crisis…

>> Being the strength to each other in rough times…

The Holy Family…

… challenges us to place unity and love as the prominent concerns.

… exhorts us to trust God in all situations and have God as the highest priority

… invites us to understand and accept each other and love the other as they are

We need to mould and build our families lovingly, inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Let us move from being just “house-makers” to being “home-makers”…

>> Let us go beyond the fleeting concept of “houses” to build everlasting and loving “homes”…

Are we living in a House or in a Home?

Happy Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth to all our Families!

God bless! Live Jesus!