The role of the actor or an actress in a movie or a drama or an enactment is highly essential and crucial.
Sometimes, when seeing their performance, an actor or actress is incredibly believable in their role. 

>> The actor or actress seems so authentic…genuine…& real…

…  that it’s hard to know that it’s all “make believe” & “just acting”
 

The Gospel of the Day has persons on the stage who have achieved a sort of perfection and expertise in the field of acting and making people believe by their subtle behaviours…

Lights….Camera.. Action….!!

Welcome to the Stage…
And presenting before you….the “Leading Lights” (or are they “Corrupt Deceivers”??)

>> The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law… models of “Acting” and “Deception” and “Fraud”…
And the Great Critic – Jesus – has a special name for them: “Hypocrites”!

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

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

 
Sinners were considered with respect and dignity…

>> Prostitutes were given respect and worth…

>> Tax collectors were accorded value and importance…

>> Lepers were offered acceptance and favour…
 

He often forgave people’s sins as He healed their broken and diseased bodies.
>> Jesus loved the sinners…

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

But JESUS HATES SIN!!!…..

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

This sin of Hypocrisy, was one  of the sins…

… to which He had the most hatred

… to which He reserved His best condemning words

… to which He lashed out and which gained His greatest abuses

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

>> A good “hypocresis” is a good actor.

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

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

The sin of Hypocrisy is a deadly one…

We need to ask ourselves: Have I become a prey to this deadly and poisonous Sin?

I am hypocritical…

>> When I profess to be a Christian…

… but don’t even seek to live the Gospel values in my life!
>> When I say I love God above all…

… but don’t find even few moments to be with Him in prayer!
>> When I say I love others…

… but constantly hurt with my words and fail to appreciate them!
>> When I receive the Eucharist…

… but fail to even try to give my life in service for others!
>> When I recite many prayers…

… but do not seek to listen or do God’s Will in my life!
>>When I am a Priest/ Religious…

… but have failed to even try to give God the first place in my life!
>> When I am a Church member…

… but have failed to even try to learn and follow the commands and regulations of the Church!
 

The habit of hypocrisy is a lethal one…

>> Have I become a victim to this noxious and fatal Habit?
 

When we read this passage of the Gospel.. we must also keep in mind one basic principle: Jesus is not making a blanket condemnation of the whole group of people…

… rather He criticizes and condemns the attitude and their mentality
>> The Sin is hated…

… not the sinner!
>> The Sin is to be thrown away…

… but the sinner is given a chance to repent!

The Pharisee is not hated…

… but Pharisaism is condemned!
 

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

Such critical passages and harsh extracts of the Gospel may leave us with a feeling: “All this demand of the Lord seems all too difficult for me…”

>> “Who at all can live in perfection?”

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

I fail to find a good example in today’s world…

… and therefore, I think, this is neither practical nor feasible!”
 

But the Lord rushes to our rescue & tells: “What’s impossible for humans is possible for God!”
>> What is needed is a genuine attempt at perfection…

… a true longing to be free from duplicity

… a solid motivation to live a harmonious life
 

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

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

With deep love, He encourages and motivates us through St Paul and his companions:
“…We constantly pray for you; may our God make you worthy of His calling.

May He, by his power, fulfill your good purposes and your work prompted by faith!” (2 Thess 1:11-12)

Let us do away with the Habit of Hypocrisy…

… and genuinely seek to grow in Authenticity, Genuineness and Faithfulness!

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Augustine, the great Doctor of the Church.

May this Great Doctor of the Church who said:
“What does love look like?

> It has the hands to help others.

> It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.

> It has eyes to see misery and want.

> It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.
That is what love looks like.”…

… intercede for us, to live our life in genuine and authentic service of God and our fellow beings!
 
God Bless! Live Jesus

An incident is said about a visitor, when he came to River Mississippi (the second longest river in North America).

>> He had to go across the river, but found that there was no bridge.
Fortunately, it was winter time, and the great river was completed sheeted over with ice.

>> But the visitor was afraid to walk over the ice, not knowing its thickness.

Finally, with immense caution and fear, he began to creep on his hands and knees…

… over the sheeted ice

… constantly fearing, whether, the ice would be able to hold him up or whether it would crack any time. 
 He managed to get half-way through, when suddenly, he heard singing from behind.

Cautiously, he turned around and was shocked to see the sight:

Another traveller – a native of the land – was coming behind him…

>> Driving a four-horse load of coal, over the ice…

… singing, with joy and mirth, as he went!

That was the difference between the two – the visitor and the native!

>> The visitor was in constant fear, not knowing when the ice would break away and he would be inside the waters!

>> The native was in complete bliss, fully knowing that the ice was strong enough to contain his weight, as well as the load of his materials!

Similar is our Faith-journey.

Going alone, without any idea of the Way, is always filled with risk and fear

>> But when we travel with those who are well-aware of the Way…

… the travel becomes a beautiful melody – filled with joy and mirth!

Our Good God in His Great Wisdom has entrusted each of us, in the care of The Body of People – Who are well-aware of the Way – and thus travelling along, will make our faith-life filled with joy and mirth

>> This Body of People is The Church!
Yes, the Church is the “pillar and foundation – the bulwark – of Truth” (1 Tim 3:15)

The Gospel of the Day presents before us the Faith Statement of Peter, the leader of the group of the Apostles…

…. and Jesus declaring to him: “…on this rock, I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it!” (Mt 16:18)

 

The Great Rock … entrusts to Peter, the rock and assures Him that the Church will always stay Rock-grounded!

Let’s get to some of the Basics of the Church.

 

The word “Church”, in Greek is… “Ekklesia”. 

>> Ekklesia can be split to two words… “ek” = out of + “kaleo” = to call

 

This gives us an important meaning of EKKLESIA – THE CHURCH…. TO BE CALLED OUT OF….

 

>> The Church is a Body….to be called out of the world…to be called out of materialistic and worldly gains…

… into being a Family in God!

… into being a sign of hope and salvation!

 

 

This gives us a clue to many aspects of the Church…and which will help our own understanding…

>> The Church is not a mere building… the Church is the People of God.

 

 

We often, reduce the Church in our everyday vocabulary, to a mere building made of stones and cement…

 

But, the Church is made of living stones (1 Pet 2:5)

>> And all of us need to contribute our mite in keeping alive this Church of God.

 

  

>> Do I give my share of talents and gifts to the Church is keeping it effective and relevant for our modern times?

 

>> Do I make sacrifices and offer prayers for the Church so that she may stand strong in the midst of struggles?

 

>> Do I promote and encourage the Teachings of the Church and find beauty and wisdom in them?

It is very interesting to note the parallel between today’s Gospel Passage and another passage of the Bible – Is 22:19-23 (the First Reading of the Day)

>> (This “typology” reading would give us a rock-solid Biblical Basis about the Church as well the Primacy of the Pope.)
1. In Is 22: 22a: Eliakim is entrusted with the “key” of the House of David

>> In Mt 16:19: Jesus says to Peter, “I will give you the ‘keys’ of the Kingdom of Heaven”
2. In Is 22: 22b: It is said about Eliakim: “when he opens, no one shall shut; when he shuts, no one shall open”

>> In Mt 16: 19b: Jesus says to Peter: “Whatever you bound on earth, shall be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven”
3. The name “Eliakim” means “God will place” or “God will establish”

>> The new name given to Simon – “Peter” means “rock” 
4. Eliakim would be the vicar of Hezekiah, who was the King of Israel 

>> Peter would be Vicar of Jesus, the King of the New Israel -the people who accept His Reign in their lives!

It is also noteworthy, to see that in the Old Testament, God is often referred to as the “Rock” (eg. Ps 18:2, Dt 32:4)

>> Now, Peter is called by this name “rock” to suggest, that the Church would the channel of “the functions of God, the Rock”
a. The Rock was the source of water in the wilderness (Dt 8:15)

>> The Church, is the channel of Living Waters of Grace, provided in the Sacraments
b. The Rock protected Moses and covered him and thus becomes a source of refuge (Ex 33:22)

>> The Church, is the refuge for the sinners and the home for those who are lost.
c. The Rock speaks of the nature of God – solid, strengthening and immutable

>> The Church, remains solid in her traditions, strong in her beliefs even in changing situations of the world, and infallible in her magisterial teachings.

  
These parallels show, how the Lord had established His Church on Peter – the rock – to be a constant “traveller” in our Faith-journey.

Today, let us firmly profess our Faith in the Lord, answering from the depth of our hearts to that very personal question of the Lord: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16: 15)…

>> And take firm refuge in the Church – the Body of People, Who are well-aware of the Way – as our “travelling Guide”…

… so that, our travel becomes a beautiful melody – filled with joy and mirth!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There is an incident mentioned in the life of St Francis de Sales.

 

A short time before his death, St Francis was asked by a nun from the Visitation Convent, to mention what virtue would he specially wish the sisters to cultivate.

 

The saint, being unable to converse, owing to his extreme sickness, asked for a piece of paper to write.

On this piece of paper, the Gentleman Saint wrote one word: “Humility”!

 
• This saint who lived this virtue, considered humility as the most essential virtue for a genuine Christian living.
• The saint who preached and practised love, exhorted humility as the primary virtue for growth in holiness.
 

The one who lacks humility begins to proclaim one’s own glory and draw attention to oneself.

 

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus highlighting this lack of humility among the religious leaders of His time…

… and putting forward a warning to be wary of the danger of falling into the dungeon of pride and conceit.

 
The Lord in all His teachings loves to get to the core of true human living and makes it a point to emphasize on all such inner values.

 
In the 23rd Chapter of St Matthew, Jesus makes a long condemnation of the “proud” actions and “conceited” devotions of the Pharisees and the Scribes.

 
Jesus says, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach, but do not practise” (Mt 23: 2-3)

 
Jesus lashes out strongly at the self-attention seeking attitude of these religious leaders.

• They would tie heavy burdens on others….but would themselves not move a finger to move them

• They would widen their phylacteries and even lengthen their tassels.

• They would love to be seated on places of honour in the synagogues and banquets.

• They would seek to be called with great salutations and titles in the public places.

• They would perform many works before others…but all to be seen by other people.

 
What were Phylacteries?

>> Phylacteries were small cube-shaped “leather cases” that was worn on foreheads and arms. In these cases, were the Scripture verses (Ex 13: 1-10, 11-16 and Dt 6: 4-9; 11: 13-21)

• The Exodus verses were about how God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt, and about the celebration of the Passover.
• The Deuteronomy verses were about loving God wholly – with one’s heart, mind, and spirit.
 

The tassels (fringes) on the robes were to be a constant reminder of God’s commandments (Num 15: 38-41).

>> Each time the one who wore noticed the tassel, he was to ask himself if he were sincerely living God’s law in the world.

 
However, by making their phylacteries and tassels extra-long, the Pharisees and the Scribes were putting on a show of great religiosity, of being spiritually more superior than others.

 
The purpose of these external signs were to be great reminders of the wonders of God Yahweh and their own commitment to the Lord.

>> But this purpose was lost.. and it was replaced with a self-show!

 

The one who lacks humility begins to proclaim one’s own glory and draw attention to oneself.

 
The Pharisees and Scribes were losing the virtue of humility…

… and instead were drowning in the murky waters of pride!

 

This danger can be reality for anyone of us too, in our lives…

 
And so the Lord cautions us…

 • Am I making my practise of Christianity as a mere tool for a higher social status and some cheap material benefits?
• Am I losing out on cultivating true and honest devotion and instead settling for a “showy” and “external” facade of pious practices?
 

The Lord invites us to grow in the virtue of Humility.

 
Let the words of St Augustine be a challenge as well as a reminder for us:

“It was pride that changed angels into devils;

It is humility that makes men as angels.”

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the important equipments aboard a ship is a boiler. 
This marine boiler is “a closed vessel, in which water or other liquid is heated and steam is generated. 

>> This steam is superheated, under pressure or vacuum, for use, external to itself.”
In an engine-room of the ship, it is highly difficult to look into the great boiler and see how much water it contains. 

But thankfully, beside this great boiler, is a tiny glass-tube.

>> This serves as the gauge ( = an instrument that measures and gives a visual display of the amount, level, or contents of something)

>> When the tube is full, the boiler is full.

>> When the tube is empty, the boiler is also empty

The level of water in the little tube is an indicator of the level of the water in the great boiler.

This illustration very practically demonstrates the kind of correspondence that exists between the one’s level of loving one’s neighbour and loving God.
The level of the love towards one’s neighbour is an indicator of the level of one’s love towards God.

>> Love of God and Love of neighbour are two sides of the same coin.

Such are the expressions, sentiments and teachings that are derived from the Gospel of the Day, when Jesus responds on the query, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Mt 22: 36)

The Gospel passage opens with the verse, “When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together” (Mt 22: 24)

Let us dwell on a couple of interesting viewpoints on this often overlooked, yet a “worth-reflecting” verse…

1. The verse says that the Sadducees had been silenced 
The Greek used for “silenced” is the word “Phimoo”.
>> “Phimoo” means a muzzle.

>> A muzzle is device or a guard, usually made with straps of wire, fitted over the mouth of an animal to prevent it from biting or eating or opening its mouth.

The Sadducees had approached Jesus, as we read in the previous verses (Mt 22: 22-33) to encounter Him on the subject of the Resurrection of the Dead. 

>> They had sought to grill Jesus…

>> They had desired to put Jesus to the shame…

But the tables had been overturned!
The Sadducees found themselves “silenced” – muzzled and gagged!

They were made silent not out of their choice…

>> They wished to talk, but somehow they were made to be quiet!

>> They wanted to fight out, but the answer of the Lord totally muted them!

They wanted to humiliate Jesus with their human wisdom…

… but Divine Wisdom, tracked their evil intentions, and they were made totally silent!

>>> Do we make the mistake to challenge God’s Wisdom and Will by trying to distort them by our own evil manipulations?
>>> Do we try to boast and be proud by taking offence at God’s Word and making attempts to rig and distort His Word?

The result will be that sooner or later, we would be pushed into silence…

… and made to realise that nothing can be greater than God and His Wisdom!

2. The verse also says that the Pharisees “came together”

The silencing of the Saduccees would have delighted the Pharisees.
These two groups were at loggerheads with each other, on some theological issues especially the Resurrection of the Dead, which the Saduccees did not approve.

However, on the other hand, the Pharisees would have also felt the rising presence of a greater Enemy – Jesus!

And so, with a wicked mentality, “they come together”…

>> not to seek a genuine clarification

>> not to grow more in Divine Wisdom

.. but with a clear ulterior motive – of testing Jesus by somehow trapping Him in His words and teachings!

In our lives, do we also engage ourselves in this “Pharisaic style of Coming together?”…

… to discuss plans and strategies on putting down other persons or scheming against them?

… to ‘examine the conscience of other persons’ and making them the subject of slander, mockery and enjoying vile pleasures?

It’s in this background that the Scholar of the Law approaches Jesus with this question to test Him, “Which commandment in the Law is the greatest?” (Mt 22: 36)

This man, who questioned Jesus was no ordinary man or any ignorant person. 
He was a Scholar of the Law.

>> Some translations would put it as “a Lawyer”.

He was an expert in the Mosaic Law.

… Like a Scribe, someone who studied the law, interpreted the law and taught the law!

Jesus, aware of all this background… 

… the wicked conspiracy that was brewing against Him

… the plot of testing that was hanging in the air

>> Responds with something immensely marvellous and spectacular:
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt 22: 37, 39)

Here was a gem of an answer…
>> The air was filled with “hateful” thoughts and “wicked plannings”

… but Jesus dares to answer with the sublime answer of “Love”!
>> The Lord was being targeted badly with stones of “hatred, jealousy, aversion and hostility”

… but He powerfully showers back the flowers of “love, tenderness and commitment”!

And that is the essence of the Greatest Commandment that Jesus put forth – Love of God and Love of Neighbour.

>> Life sometimes hits very hard at us – in the form of we not being accepted by others, in being ridiculed or criticized or slandered by others and in finding ourselves as the subject of hatred and injustice.

… Can we still dare to “love them”?
>> Life sometimes is very unfair to us, we feel – by not rewarding us with the prizes that we consider, we deserve, in answer to the hard-work we put in.. or by not allowing us to enjoy the joys of life and instead being bombarded with tensions and worries

… Can we still go out of the way and live a life “in love and for love”?

Love, as Jesus defines, is not simply about feelings and emotions, as is the popular and the ‘commercial’ understanding.

Love surely has, without any doubt, the dimensions of being ‘a tender feeling’ and ‘an expressive emotion’.
But beyond that…
Love is..

… a commitment

… a dedication

… and a decision

>> that one makes to be faithful – to a person or a duty or a situation!
“Agape” is the Love to which we are called… 

… a self-giving love

… a self-sacrificing love

… an other-centered love

It is when we assume this attitude of “loving others” that the measure of our Love for God is visibly seen.

The level of the love towards one’s neighbour is an indicator of the level of one’s love towards God!

Let us today seek the intercession of St Louis, a just and a righteous King who ruled France in the 13th century.
May we be inspired by his words:

>> “Fix your whole heart upon God, and love Him with all your strength, for without this no one can be saved or be of any worth.”

>> “Have a tender pitiful heart for the poor, and for all those whom you believe to be in misery of heart or body, and, according to your ability, comfort and aid them with some alms”

>> “Love all good, and hate all evil, in whomsoever it may be.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Human character and human behaviour is a complex identity.

>> It consists of various traits and characteristics – peculiar and unique to each human person.

These characteristics get associated with a person and becomes an integral part of one’s personality.

Today we celebrate the Feast of a Unique Apostle who stands out with some of his Unassuming yet Powerful character – St Bartholomew.

The Scriptures have very little to speak on St Bartholomew.

The three synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) lists Bartholomew among the names of the Twelve Apostles.

>> In all these three, he is linked in the company of Apostle Philip.
However, St John’s Gospel doesn’t mention him.
However, by a reading of St John, it can deciphered that Nathaneal is the name that is associated with Bartholomew.

Therefore, Holy Mother the Church, on the Feast of St Bartholomew presents before us the Gospel Reading which speaks of the encounter of Nathaneal (Bartholomew) with Jesus.( Jn 1: 45-51)

This passage is one of the most interesting “encounter” passages of the Bible.

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 Nazereth…” (Jn 1: 45)

However, Nathanael bluntly puts forward an obvious question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Here is the first presentation of his character…

>> A bluntness and boldness in speaking out what he felt.

>> A prejudice and bias due to knowledge of some known fact

Here are some aspects of his character, with which many of us can also, perhaps associate…

… We too sometimes speak out bluntly and openly, being straight-forward, without caring for people’s feelings or the circumstances

… We too sometimes tend to “have a bend” in our opinion and views regarding people or situations and they often create mental blocks in us

However, the meeting with Jesus brought about a massive transformation in Nathaneal.

It was the words of Jesus, “I saw you under the fig tree, before Philip called” (Jn 1: 48) that hit Nathanael like a lightening!

Perhaps, many of us who have read this passage have also wondered whats so special about this “being under the fig tree”
What’s so unique about it, that on hearing it, Nathanael makes one of the most powerful faith statements in the Gospel of John – “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)
What made Nathaneal to have this life-transforming and character-upgrading effect?

Perhaps, we need to shed some light on this aspect of “I saw you under the fig tree”

The fig tree had become a common place for prayer, especially for young students who were learning to be the Jewish Rabbis. 

The book of Zechariah mentions: “In that day, each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty.” (Zech 3:10)
The Prophet Micah also used the same image to “describe the state of man after the Kingdom has arrived” (Mic 4:5)

These imageries made many of the Faithful Israelites to sit under the fig tree, as a place of prayer, meditation and hope… hope for the Messiah!

So most probably Nathanel was also under the fig tree “praying”

But what was he probably praying?
A Jewish believer was taught that “he who, when he prays, does not pray for the coming of the Messiah, has not prayed at all!”

The coming of the Messiah was on the lips and minds of every Jew – a great hope of expectation!

>> Therefore, Nathanael under the fig tree was in all probability, “praying for the coming of the Messiah!”

Hence, when Jesus says, “I saw you under the fig tree”, the words caused a deep stirring in the heart of Young Nathanael!
He would have most probably considered, “There could be only one person Who knew and could have heard His prayer – the Messiah Himself!

Therefore, with deep joy, contrition and a transformed mind, Nathanael falls at the One for Whose coming He had been praying under the fig tree – the Messiah and declares, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

The sceptic was given the illumination to become a saint!
And here is the second presentation of his character…

>> An openness and willingness to bring a change in mindset on realising the facts

>> A humility and generosity to surrender oneself to the power of truth 

These then are some aspects of his character, with which many of us need to also, grow in to…

… Prejudices can sometimes plague our life and our activities; but can we dare to be open to the Spirit of God and allow the truth to take greater control of our lives?

… To grow towards changes for the good and to make transformations in life, can be a ego-crushing process; but can we do away with our pride and clothe ourselves in humility to also accept the many unknown realities and truths of life?

The character of St Bartholomew (Nathanael) is a powerful and unique one.
Each of us also have our own personal traits and characteristics.

>> But this saint of the Day, also makes an invitation and inspires us, to sometimes, allow for changes, be willing for transformations and let in newness to enter in, in areas which concern our Blessed Lord.
May we, challenge ourselves to bring about changes in life, so that the Mighty Power and Grace of the Lord many have complete dominion and control over us..

… and like St Bartholomew, we too may be touched and transformed to cry out, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel, the King of the world and the King of my heart!” 

Happy Feast of the St Bartholomew!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Grumbling and complaining had become a habit for old Mrs. Dolly.

>> She would find a point to be critical for anything and everything.

 

 

Finally, it so happened one day, that the parish priest felt he had found something about which she could make no complaint: the old lady had a very excellent produce in her vegetable garden – of the finest potatoes in that area.

 
“Oh, finally, I hope you must be well pleased” said the parish priest, with a gleaning smile, to Old Mrs Dolly, “Every one’s excitedly talking about how wonderful are the potatoes in your garden this year!”

 

 

However, with a frown, the old lady rumbled back, “Well, they are not so bad.

>> But where are the bad ones for the pigs???”

 

 

 

Well, the one who puts on the tinted spectacles of grumbling, invariably finds a reason to complain about anything in life, isn’t it?

 

 

As it is said, “it is usually not so much the greatness of our troubles as the littleness of our spirit that makes us complain.”

 

 

The Gospel of the Day presents a group of people who find their way into grumbling even about, perhaps the most undeserved subject of complaining: the Free Gift of the Grace of the Generous God!

 

 

Jesus presents the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard liking it to the Kingdom of Heaven. (Mt 20: 1)

 

 

“It’s not fair” is a common phrase that we raise in our day-to-day activities.

>> Children, while playing games with each other, invariably raise a “It’s not fair” slogan, especially when they feel some cheating is done by the umpires or the opposite team players
>> Students quote the “It’s not fair” phrase when sometimes they get lesser marks than expected, and blame the professor or the system
>> Employees in a company chant “It’s not fair” when they feel that somehow they have been given lesser pay or treated unfairly with respect to promotions etc.
>> Family members or friends shout “It’s not fair” when there are impartialities or favouritism or ignorance discovered in relationships

 
A sense of dissatisfaction reigns in many circumstances of our daily life.

 

 

Such was the displeasure expressed by those workers, who had toiled the whole day and received just one denarius, in the Parable of Jesus of the Workers in the Vineyard: “It’s not fair!”

 

 

These workers felt… “It was not fair”…

… that the landowner had equated the wages of those who came in last to them, who had toiled the whole day!
… that there had been no consideration to the immense toil in the blazing sun that they had put in!

 

… that the principle of justice and impartiality had been badly violated and trampled upon!

 

 

But the Master of the Vineyard was quick to point out to them their fallacy in such a thinking…

• He reminded them first of all, that the wages that they received, was something that they had already agreed upon

 

• He also brought to their notice that the wages given to the others were simply out of his generosity and good-will

 

 

 

How often do we also raise the cry of complains and ring in the growls of grumbling when we see others finding pleasure in greater favours and happiness of life…

 >> “I toil so much in life, and I don’t seem to be really growing prosperous or at least being freed from the pangs of daily life struggles…

… But someone else, has a relaxed and cosy life and still find themselves enjoying with the comforts and luxuries of life”

 

>> “I try my level best, with much hard-work and labour in order to excel in my talents and I don’t seem to reap its fruits…

… But someone else, maybe blessed by natural talents or sheer out of luck, seems to be doing much better and enjoying greater harvests of success”

 

 

The workers who grumbled did not complain because they did not get the “just” wage…

… but their complaint was because “they were made equal to the others”

 

>> It was a complaint arising out of…

… “unfair comparison”

… “jealousy in seeing others being rewarded more”

… “we being made small before others”
  

Perhaps, this is where we need to make a radical shift in our perspectives.

>> God’s grace comes to human persons in different levels and measures.

 

 

Grace is defined as “favour – the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to His call to become children of God…partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life”.

 

 Therefore to make bargains on Grace… to make it a “countable” entity…

… would be a clear violation of its very essential nature of being a “free gift”!

 

 
Hence, what is required is to make a shift in perspectives…

… from “complaining” to being “thankful”

… from “grumbling” to being “grateful”

.. from saying “It’s not fair!” to saying “It’s Your Grace”

 

 

Life constantly pushes us into corners which make us to have “grumpy” faces, “complaining” tongues and “grumbling” tones.
 

But, can we recognise and realise the immense wonders of God’s Grace at every step of our life…

… and lead a life with “joyful” faces, “grateful” tongues and “thankful” tones?

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Last week, we had sung a beautiful Anthem…

… praising God for His Wonderful Providence, as we thanked the Lord, for sharing “His Glory with Mother Mary” 

>> It was the chorus we sang in unison and love – The Holy Trinity, the Holy Angels and all people of faith on the earth – 

… Just seven days back.. on the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

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

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

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

>> It was not a new doctrine or a new teaching. 

>> It was not a new policy or a new understanding!
The declaration was merely an affirmation of the age old faith that has been celebrated down through the ages!
>> St. Ephrem referred to Mother Mary as the “Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen.” 

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

On this Feast Day of the Queenship of Mary… we are presented with the Reading on the Annunciation.

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

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

1. The Simple Mary

She was the simple and unnoticed girl of the unpopular town of Nazareth. She was an ordinary person betrothed to a man named Joseph.

>> She had her dreams… 

>> She had her wishes for a family life…

>> She had her desires for a peaceful life!
But…

>> God had bigger dreams for Her…

… a dream which would make Her the Blessed among all…
>> God had higher wishes for Her…

… a wish which would make the Nazareth Family a model for all…
>> God had bigger desires for Her…

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

2. The Troubled Mary

She was deeply troubled when she encountered Angel Gabriel. 

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

>> She had her share of uneasy feelings…

>> She had her moments of worry!
But…

>> God had greater cares for Her… 

… a care which would make her a Mother to all those who have concerns…
>> God had finer feelings for Her…

… a feeling which would help her to Feel for those who go through life’s pains…
>> God had greater comforts for Her…

… a comfort which will lead Her to be a Comforter to the Uncomforted…
3. The confused Mary

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

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

>> She had Her perplexity. 

>> She had Her moments of Inner Turmoil.
But…

>> God had a deeper solution to Her confusions… 

… He assured Her of the Presence of His Mighty Spirit…
>> God had an enhanced way out of Her perplexity…

… He calmed Her by opening Her eyes to His great works…
>> God had a deeper answer to Her turmoil…

… He relieved Her by reminding Her that all things are possible for Him
4. The willing Mary

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

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

>> She had Her ‘what-next’ moment. 

>> She had her moments of indefiniteness!

But…

>> God had His superior light beyond all mysteries… 

… She was to be the Woman of the Mystery of God’s Salvation …
>> God had His clear plan beyond all doubts…

… She was to be the Perfect Executor of Heaven’s Plans for humanity…
>> God had his superior design across all indefiniteness….She was to be the Refuge of all in Uncertainty…

Today, Is My Life…

… just too simple and ordinary? 

… just too troubled?

… just too confused?

… just too complex to be Willing to God?

 

Then Mother Mary is a model to us… a perfect example… a shining witness…a great challenge to us!

In all our ordinariness, troubles, confusions and unwillingness to God’s Will…

… let us trust and have faith in God… just like Mother Mary

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

Let us raise an Anthem of Thanksgiving, Love and Affection to our Beloved Mamma – the Queen of the Heavens and the Earth…

… and with deep joy and trust, pray that we too may always seek His Will, and one day, come to share in His Glory, like our Blessed Mother!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“My illness helped me to see that what was missing in me….
I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most…

… But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty!

>> What power wouldn’t I trade for a li’l more time with my family? 

>> What price wouldn’t I pay for being with friends?

It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.

…the future leaders must speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumour of the soul”

These are words from an article in the LIFE magazine….written by Lee Atwater, a former American Political Consultant…

(This person was mainly responsible for the election of George Bush as the American President. He was afflicted by a massive Brain Tumour Death at the age of 40!)

These words, of a man who acquired name & fame & wealth at a very young age but suffered a tragic death, and came to a late realization…written back in the 90’s

… is a greater and a naked reality in our 21st century: There is a great spiritual vacuum at the heart of our society… a tumour of the soul!
>> There are many who have plenty of wealth…

… but extremely poor in peace of mind
>> There are many who have honour and fame…

… but strangely lost in loneliness and despair
>> There are many who have cashed in popularity and glam and glitz…

… but end up in depression and gloom
>> There are many who have built bungalows and estates…

… but sadly abandoned in nursing animosity at home

Our world is habitually sick…

>> Our society is often sad deep within…

>> Our families are frequently cracked & broken!

The Gospel of the Day, brings on stage, one Person…

… who claimed he had everything right

… who claimed he did everything right

>> And yet….yet…”he lacked something”! 
A vacuum filled his soul!!

The Rich Young Man in today’s Gospel passage apparently looks as an Ideal Person…

… and some of us can even identify the pattern of our lives with his.
>> He seeks for Eternal Life…

… We too seek the spiritual treasures and religious riches
>> He addresses Jesus as the Master… 

… We too acknowledge the supremacy and authority of God in our lives…
>> He knows the laws…

… We too know the basics of our teachings and are informed of the doctrines
>> He practices the commandments… 

… We too do our bit in keeping the rules and regulation of religion

Despite all these aspects, he still lacked something….. 

>> DESPITE ALL THESE ASPECTS, ARE WE TOO LACKING SOMETHING?

To hear that statement was hard for that man…

… and it is hard for us too, to hear and digest that – “You are lacking something!”

>> It’s a statement which can belittle people!

>> It’s like telling a Great Artist…

… your art is superb, but you still lack the quality in painting the nuances
>> It’s like telling a Great Speaker…

… your talks are classic, but you still lack the trait of modulation of tones
>> It’s like telling a Great singer…

… your voice is amazing, but you still lack the punch in singing the high notes
>> It’s like telling a Great Writer…

… your writings are nice, but you still lack the feature of translating your thoughts

After doing and achieving many things, to hear that “You are lacking something” is hurting….

>> But that was the fact…. that was the Reality and the Reason, for the Vacuum and the Void that was experienced!

The Rich Young Man thought he had gained everything… He assumed he did everything right…

>> But he Still lacked something… What was that? 

He lacked the grace to have heaven as his greatest treasure and fortune…

>> He lacked the control to let go off money and mammon as the controlling factor of his life…

>> He lacked the charity to share his resources and his possessions to the needy and the wanted…

>> He lacked the generosity to set free his mind from being dominated by the cares and burdens of this world…

The Man had gained much in life… but he still lacked what was most important: A great vacuum had engulfed his soul….a great void had overpowered his life!

>> Is my life in resemblance with this person, who thought he had everything right….

… yet lacking the Basics?
>> Is my life similar to this person, who considered he was on the right track…

… but lacked the Right Direction?

The Lord invites us too, as He invited the Rich Young Man: 

>> “Go, sell what you have…give to the poor and follow Me“
>> “Give up the feeling that money and worldly riches can rule your life…

… rather acquire spiritual treasures”
>> “Give up the notion that worldly success can satisfy you… 

… rather feed your lives with divine riches”

Let us fill the vacuum within us, with the Power and Grace of the Lord… with the Might of the Holy Spirit!

>> Our world needs it…our generation requires us… our families and communities call for it!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There lived a good woman, who was well-known among her circle for her simple faith and her great calm and composed attitude, in the midst of many trials. 
Another woman, who came as her new neighbour, hearing of her, remarked:

“I must go and see that woman, and learn the secret of her calm, happy life.” 

She went, and, enquired of the woman: “Are you the woman with the great faith?” 
“I don’t know,” was the answer, “I don’t know if I am the woman with the great faith…

… but I do know that I am the woman with a little faith in the Great God!”

The Gospel of the Day in a similar way, presents before us a beautiful incident of faith…

… of a woman, with a faith, in the Great God!

“You are beautiful… pleasant… delightful… Your love is like honey… Your presence is charming!

>> You are wonderful in your splendour and spectacular in your majesty and glory!”
These are some of the endearing and appealing and fascinating words that are addressed to Jesus.

This is the Jesus who is sweet, cuddly, lovable, adorable, amiable, agreeable and friendly!

>> We yearn for this Jesus. 

>> We are happy with this Jesus. 
We get settled, often for a sentimental faith. 

>> We get fixated, often with a faith based on emotions and sweet words.
Perhaps, that’s how we also want our world to be – kind, caring, accommodating, considerate and gentle!

But we know..the reality is different. 

>> The world that we wish is very often not the world that we experience.

>> The world that we aspire is often in contrast with the world that we come in contact with.
>> We like a peaceful world… 

… but we often encounter a world with missiles and innocent lives snatched away!
>> We like an equal society… 

… but we often meet a society which discriminates and victimizes people!
>> We like a just culture…

… but we often run into a culture which is corrupt and degrading and inhuman!
>> We like a respectful civilization…

… but we bump into a civilization which is debasing and merciless!

The world of our actual experience is very different from the world that we hope and desire for…

>> In this context, we need a Faith that can carry us through this tough life. 
A faith based on mere sweet words, pious rituals and peripheral feelings doesn’t suffice… 

>> A mere sentimental faith leaves us paralyzed and crippled with the hard-hitting realities of life!
We need a Faith that’s strong….

… a Faith that’s valiant

… a Faith that can battle life’s odds..

The Canaanite Woman in today’s Gospel Reading is a Person who possessed this Challenging and Brave Faith!

>> She is a big misfit in approaching Jesus and to be a bearer of Faith…
1. She is a Canaanite: An unaccepted pagan….a denied heathen! 

2. She is a Woman: A degraded status… a humiliated class!

3. She has a possessed child: A helpless situation…a miserable condition!

>> Yet she dares… 

… to approach the Lord of the Universe: ” Lord, Son of David, have pity on me!!”
The First Reply from the Lord…?

>> Shhhh…. (the Word Perfect responds with a total hush…)
No answer from the Master…. the wait for the Woman increases…

>> It’s trying time!

>> It’s a testing moment!

The probably irritated-disciples seek to chase her away, disturbed by the shoutings and the wailings…

The Second Reply from the Lord…?

>> Hmmm… I am sent not for her category…I am sent only for the Chosen Race…
Agony from the Master… the hopes of the woman diminishes…

>> It’s a grilling time!

>> It’s a gruelling moment!

Yet she dares… to approach once more..kneeling before the Throne of Mercy…” Sir, help me!!”
The Third Reply from the Lord…?

>> Grrr… Children’s bread is not thrown to the dogs…
More anguish from the Master.. the expectations of the woman is crushed…

>> It’s a hard time!

>> It’s a harsh moment!

To hear being called a DOG…was humiliating and insulting and offensive… 
Was this the height of rudeness??

But, the woman of Faith noticed that Jesus had used the word “kunariois” – the word for household pets…

>> She noticed that He had not used the word kuon – the word for other ordinary dogs…

Ah..there was the opening.. there was the possibility…there was the occasion…

>> A person of Deep Faith is able to wait patiently for a sparkle of sunshine even in the midst of the darkest clouds!

The Woman of Faith sneaked a chance in that seemingly degrading word…

>> The Woman of Faith found her prospect in that apparently disgusting expression…

She was a kunariois – a household pet…. She immediately matches her wit, with the wit of Jesus.. 
Pets are not outsiders… they are insiders;

>> Pets are not out of the family…they are part of the family…
Pets are not to have a seat at the Master’s table…

… but they enjoy an intimacy at the Master’s feet!

So she replies: “Yes Lord! But even the little dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table”

>> It was a moment of Truth! 
The Fourth Reply from the Master…?

>> “Woman, how great is your faith!!”

The Woman of Faith had triumphed! 

>> The Lord of the Universe marvelled at her faith!
The God of Healings blessed the Woman of Faith with heart’s desire!

Life is definitely hard. 

>> We are challenged however to have a harder and a stronger faith!

The Canaanite Woman, who is proclaimed, through all the churches today, is a shining model!

>> She, who was called a DOG….(!!)…is today praised and glorified by GOD…(!!)!
Sentimental Faith and Sugary Words are needed. 

>> But it’s not enough!

We need to combine our Sweet Faith with a Tough Trust… 

… our Pious Devotion with a Faithful Dedication!

Let us be a Person of Faith with the Heart of a Dove and the Skin of a Rhinoceros!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“ The right temperature at home is more surely maintained…

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

… than by electric thermostats”

 

This quote very rightly corresponds to the other popular quote:

“ A house is built with bricks and beams…

… A home is built with love and dreams!”

 
Family Life is an important component of every society. 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

… to little CHILDREN

… to the problems of a YOUTH

… and finally ending with the choices as an ADULT. 

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Children display a great sense of receptivity and openness. 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

They show a Spirit of Rejection! 

 

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

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

 

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

 

We need to avoid this Spirit of Rejection… 

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

 

We often fail to understand the importance…

… of little tokens of love

… tiny expressions of care by our family and community members

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

 

 

4. The fourth Set is represented by Jesus Himself…

… and he presents the Spirit of Restoration and Redemption. 

 

He does not reject…

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

 

He seeks to restore the little ones who are rejected…

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

Thus, the this powerful Gospel passage teaches us…

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

 

Rather…

>> To adopt the positive qualities of…

… The Spirit of Responsibility, 

… The Spirit of Receptivity 

… The Spirit of Redemption and Restoration!

 

 

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

>> And instead, we may be…

… Responsible towards others

… Receptive to others 

… and Redeem and Restore the lives of others!

>> And thus build happy and loving homes!

 

 

Yes, let us always remember:

“It takes hands to build a house…

… But it takes hearts to build a home!”

 

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!