“Ten Fingers for God” is a biography on the life of Dr Paul W Brand, a noted leprosy expert. 

Dr. Brand was the first physician to appreciate that leprosy did not cause the rotting away of tissues, but that it was the loss of the sensation of pain which made sufferers susceptible to injury.

The biography, “Ten Fingers for God”, notes Dr Brand’s frightening experience one night, when he thought he had contracted leprosy…

Dr. Brand arrived in London one night after an exhausting trip.

He was getting ready for bed, had taken off his shoes, and as he pulled off a sock, discovered there was no feeling in his heel!

 >> The numbness in his heel terrified him!

He rose mechanically, found a pin, sat down again, and pricked the small area below his ankle.

>> He felt no pain!

He thrust the pin deeper, until a speck of blood showed… Still he felt nothing!

He supposed, like other workers with leprosy… he too had contracted the dreaded disease!

All that night the great orthopaedic surgeon tried to imagine his new life…

… as a leper, an outcast

… his medical staff’s shattered

… the forced separation from his family.

As night receded, “with steady fingers he bared the skin below his ankle, jabbed in the point….

… and behold…. He yelled!!”

Blessed was the sensation of pain!

He then realized that during the long train ride, sitting immobile, he had numbed a nerve.

>> And that had caused him a temporary numbness!

From then on, whenever Dr. Brand cut his finger, turned an ankle, or even suffered immense nauseating pain, he was to respond with fervent gratitude, ‘Thank God for pain!’

Pain was understood as being vital for the preservation of healthy tissue in anyone leading a normal life.

Pain is also to be understood as vital for the promotion, perseverance and progress of anyone wanting to lead a life, in deeper and closer union with the Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus declaring the reality of the presence of pain, suffering and sorrows in spiritual life, and yet those factors being pathways and passages to experience deep joy and bliss!

Not negating the actuality of the darker side of life, Jesus also mightily displays the large canvas of life which is enveloped in the light of happiness…

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16: 20)

Jesus was making His Apostles aware of the realities of His passion and death.

> He had came into the world to die!

>> Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

To the delicate and fragile minds of the Apostles, the Lord gives a very practical analogy: the pains and the bliss of motherhood…

“When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish, because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (Jn 16: 21)

This analogy of the Lord sheds light and hope for our sufferings and pains in life too.

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

To others, this pain, though not experienced, can be vaguely understood as being a very painful experience.

>> The pain is too excruciating…

>> The pain causes to think that everything within is being pulled out, with a piercing pain…

>> The pain sometimes makes the person to even cry out ‘I wish this never happened to me’ ….

Jesus says that the hardships, sufferings and trials that we undergo in life are such.

But the moment, the child is delivered and the mother sees the innocent face of her tender babe, the whole scenario of emotions changes…

>> The excruciating pain is replaced by a thrilling excitement and exhilaration!

>> The severe-anguishing sore is replaced by a delightful bliss and ecstasy!

>> The nerve-wracking ache is replaced by a heavenly joy and happiness!

And Jesus, such will be our joy too, if we are also faithful and loyal to the Lord, in pains and sufferings!

This is indeed a higher spirituality… a higher level of holiness…

>> To cherish joy, even in the midst of pain

>> To radiate happiness, even in the thick of sorrows.

It is to this elevated floor of sanctity that the Lord invites us.

>> He is with us to hold our hands to climb up to this floor.

>> He is wanting to embrace us in love, as He beckons us to come nearer to Him.

When life stings us with pain…

> When problems beset us into agony…

… With hope, trust, faith and strength,

>> Let us exclaim: ‘Thank God for pain!’

God Bless! Live Jesus!

 “Just a minute, honey, and I will be ready…”

… thus goes the words of the wife who is busy with her make-up, while her husband keeps waiting, impatiently looking at his watch.

>> He knows it’s getting late to go for the scheduled program.

>>He also knows that the phrase “just a minute” would last a much longer time!

“Oh, Yes, I will get the work done in the next ten minutes…”

… thus goes the words of the official when asked to speed up the pending paper work of the renewal of a contract by a perplexed client

>> But the client knows the work will take much longer to be completed

>> He knows that the phrase “in the next ten minutes” would last a much longer time!

“Yes, Mummy, I will clean up the room right now…”

… thus goes the words of kids, when asked to clean up their room, which is in a state of mess

>> But the Mother knows that this cleaning up would be further delayed and would need more reminders

>> She knows that the phrase, “right now” would last a much longer time!

These are some of our day-to-day experiences of not being able to come to terms with “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

> Such delays and uncertainties, often put us through tensions or anxiety or an “uncomfortable” state of mind!

In the Gospel of the day, the disciples also undergo this experience… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

Jesus tells His disciples, “A little while and you will see me no more; again a little while and you will see me” (Jn 16:16)

But these words of Jesus put the disciples into a state of dilemma

>> They failed to grasp the meaning of the words of Jesus and were confused!

They began to have a discussion on the phrase of Jesus – “a little while”

>> “What does he mean by ‘a little while'”? (Jn 16: 18)

>> How long was this “little while” going to be?

>> How does He define the phrase “a little while”?

If they knew exactly how long this “little while” would last…

…. then they would have been more courageous and patient

But now the disciples find themselves to be confused and in dilemma.

However, Jesus the Good Shepherd, knew the confusion of His little sheep

>> Jesus, the Master, knew the perplexity of His simple followers

But He doesn’t define the phrase “a little while”

>> He doesn’t say that it is a particular moment of time, that can be considered as a countdown!

>> He doesn’t refer to it as being an exact measure of time, to which one can count and gauge!

Instead, Jesus defines “a little while” in terms of an experience…

…an experience of weeping and lamenting turning into rejoicing

… an experience of sorrow turning into joy (Jn 16:20)

Is our life today in a state of crisis and confusion?

> Is our life today passing through waves of troubles and the deserts of anxiety?

>> Is our life today moving along the rough terrains of calamities and the valleys of brokenness?

Then the Lord assures us…

… “In a little while” and things will be fine!

… “In a little while” and the sunshine will appear again!

We might complain… How long is this “little while”!

We might argue…. this “little while” is being too agonising!

But the Lord invites and challenges us to look to Him, telling us…

“I too have had my painful and agonising moments… in My life and especially on the Cross

I too had My experience of feeling ‘how long is this little while going to last’…

But I stood firm and patient in trusting the Will of My Father…

… I held on the mighty Providence of my Father and knew that a bright morn awaited Me”

Yes, Jesus, through the Gospel wishes to encourage us and strengthen us…

… in sufferings, to love Him strongly!

… in hardships, to trust in Him deeper!

… in uncertainties, to depend on Him greater!

Surely, life will take us through many experiences… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

… We may tend to lose our patience!

… We may feel like giving up!

… We may want to quit!

But let us turn to the Lord for strength, grace and courage…

… and listen to Him whispering to us…

“Hold on my Child! I am with you….embracing you in my arms!

In Me, your weeping will be changed to rejoicing

In Me, your sorrow will be turned to joy!”

Let us seek earnestly for this gift of deeper trust and complete surrender to the Mighty Providence and Holy Will of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

William Lyon Phelps was an American author, critic and scholar who taught the first American university course on the modern novel.

He taught English literature at the Yale University for forty-one years until his retirement in 1933.

Once, while correcting an answer-paper, before Christmas one year, Phelps came across a note (like the kind, even these days, some children would do in an examination, to appease and please their teachers!) in the answer paper: “Only God knows the answer to this question. Merry Christmas.”

A bit amused, Phelps returned the paper with this note: “For that answer, God gets an A grade – outstanding. And you get an F – below satisfactory. Happy New Year!!”

This little humorous incident (without being too critical), when looked from a global spiritual perspective, points out a grand and complex reality:

There are many questions of life which will keep baffling humanity.

To some answers will be found.

>> To some, answers will be known.

But to many, there will be a mysterious silence.

Humanity does not have an answer to all questions in life.

Yet, life encourages us to walk ahead, with trust and hope.

As Christians, this trust and hope finds a greater meaning and strength, because we have the assurance and promise of the Lord that He is with us, and solutions for life’s problems will be revealed to us, in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel of the Day is this assurance of Jesus that even though many things are not understood in life, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us, in time and as needed, the mysteries of life and of our faith.

The Lord had been with the disciples for quite some time and had instructed them on many teachings.

Even at the final discourse, in the context of the Last Supper, Jesus teaches His chosen ones many things.

Yet, He still has many more things to tell and teach.

But like a loving parent, who knows the grasping power of the child….

>> Like an understanding teacher, who realises the comprehending capability of the student…

Jesus knows, that the disciples would not be able to understand still further His teachings.

And so He says, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn 16:12)

But He does not leave the Disciples in this state of hanging in mid-air…

>> He assures them of the Might Power that will follow His going away from the disciples.

>> He promises them that the Holy Spirit will descend on them and they would realise, gradually, the power and depth of His teachings!

“But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, He will guide you to all truth” (Jn 16: 13)

Our lives too remains a blank question-paper, with questions hurled at us, and answers found wanting!

Situations and circumstances put forward many uneasy, awkward and even unanswerable questions to us.

>> We look for answers.

>>We seek for solutions.

Sometimes we get.

>> But many times, we fail to obtain.

It may lead us to desperation.

>> It may even lead us to anxiety.

But the Lord assures us…

… that He has the answer to every question in the world

… that He has the solution to every problem of our life.

But not all will be told to us, or revealed to us, at once.

>> They will be conveyed to us, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate situation.

From our part, what is simply needed is…

… an openness to His Spirit

… a trust in His Divine Providence

… a constant seeking to know His Will

The underlying principle for this simple, yet, seemingly hard to practise philosophy of life, is the fact that “God Loves Us” immeasurably, and that every moment of our life, is taken care by Him.

>> His glory fills the heavens and the earth.

>> His knowledge permeates in every event of life.

Let us seek to grow in this faith and trust in the Lord.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Sports coaches assist athletes in developing their full potential.

They are responsible for training athletes in a sport by analyzing their performances, instructing them in their skills and by providing encouragement.

Sportspersons would vouch the important role played by their coaches in their formation to be excelling in their field of sports.

It is the role of the coach to help the sportspersons…

… to fine tune some of their skills and abilities

… to observe their weak zones and suggest ways to strengthen those areas

… to motivate and encourage them in moments of failures or lethargy or disappointments

In the game of life, only One Coach matters the most… Jesus!

The Gospel of the day presents this is encouraging and comforting “coaching” dimension of Jesus and an invitation to always derive motivation and strength from Jesus, the ‘Coach’!

It is the context of the Last Supper discourses – when Jesus speaks of His going away from the world.

The disciples are a frightened lot – confused, worried and uncertain of the future.

• The Lord promises the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• He also warns of the many impending persecutions that will befall on them.
 

But in this context of fear, worry, doubts and anxieties, Jesus assures them, ” I have told you this, that you may not fall away” (Jn 16:1)

Jesus knows His disciples very well.

He has lived with them for nearly three years.

Like a very good “coach”, He is aware of who the disciples are…

• He knows many of their instincts and tendencies – to doubt, to not understand many things, to waver in their trust, to be unclear of their goals in life…
• He also is aware of their sincerity and simplicity, their openness and obedience and their preciousness in personality…
 

Therefore, Jesus assures them that He would strengthen them so that “they don’t fall away”

Later, Jesus would repeat similar words particularly to Peter, the leader of the Apostles, “Simon, Simon… I have prayed that your own faith may not fail..” (Lk 22: 32)

Jesus, the Coach wanted all His disciples to not “fall in life”; rather to be faithful and committed.

And He invites and exhorts each one of us as well, to train under the guidance of His coaching and be on the winning side of life!

Jesus, the Coach assures us…

… that He would accompany us, by the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, who will help us to give testimony to Christ (Jn 15: 26)

… that He would remain with us, even when we have to face the hardships of being expelled as a result of the “improper and deformed” consciences of people (Jn 16: 2)

Each day makes us to play the game of life – filled with joys and thrills, and yet also of possibilities of disappointments, worries and disturbances.

Our best bet to come out with flying colours in this game of life is to take shelter with Jesus, the Coach.

He will help…

… to fine tune our skills and abilities with His grace, to be His zealous witnesses

… to observe our weak zones and help us purify those sinful and disturbing areas of life

… to motivate and encourage us in moments of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness

The Cross of Christ has opened the door to victory for us…

It is our turn to give our best in this game of life and share in the victory lap with the Lord.

Jesus, the Life Coach beckons us….

 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

A young man was to be sentenced to the prison for a serious offence.

The judge had known him from childhood, for he was well acquainted with his late father.

His father was a famous legal scholar and the author of an exhaustive study entitled, “The Law of Trusts.”

“Do you remember your father?” asked the magistrate.

“I remember him well, your honour,” came the reply.

Seeking to probe further, the judge said, “As you are about to be sentenced and as you think of your wonderful dad, what do you remember most clearly about him?”

There was a groaning pause.

Then the judge received an answer he had not expected.

“I remember when I went to him for advice.

He looked up at me from the book he was writing and said, ‘Run along, boy; I’m busy!’

>> When I went to him for companionship, he turned me away, saying “Run along, son; the writing of this book must be finished!’

Your honour, you remember him as a great lawyer.

>> But I remember him, only as a lost friend!”

The magistrate muttered to himself, “Alas! He finished the book, but lost the boy!”

The busyness of the father resulted in the boy failing to receive love, and thus ended up into bad ways of living.

· Every person longs for love…

· Every person longs to be cared for…

The father in this story, achieved great success in his worldly life, but failed miserably to love and care for his son.

However, in absolute contrast, we have our Heavenly Father, who is deeply in love with us, His children, and who never ceases to express His caring affection to us, at every moment.

>> Our Heavenly Father is also busy… but busy in loving His children, and expressing His constant care.

The Gospel of the Day is a testimony of Jesus affirming the assuring and loving presence of God, our Heavenly Father…

… Who would send the Holy Spirit amidst us, in order to always keep alive the presence of Jesus in our hearts.

Jesus assures: “And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Counsellor, to be with you, forever…” (Jn 14:16)

The context of this Gospel Passage is the talk with the disciples at The Last Supper.

>> This is the last discourse that the Lord has with His disciples, before His agonizing moments of the Passion.

He does not leave His chosen ones in desperation or dejection

>> Instead, He assures them…

… of His continual Presence

… of the Abiding Love of the Father

… of the Guiding assistance of the Holy Spirit

Later, in this discourse, the Lord will go on to declare: “… the Father Himself loves you…” (Jn 16: 27a)

>> These are beautiful words, which ought to be inscribed in golden shades, on the canvas of our hearts!

 This is indeed one of the mightiest and loftiest truth that we all need to know, experience, be convinced of, and live constantly in its assurance…

… the truth that “The Father Himself loves us!”

… the truth that the “Triune God is always with us!”

Every person longs for love and longs to be cared for…

Human love, however, sometimes fails to answer to this basic and essential need.

· Sometimes people around us get too busy, to even care for us…

· Sometimes, people from whom we expect love, fail to understand our need…

· Sometimes, people who ought to care for us, fall short of their responsibility….

 All this…

… could leave a feeling a hurt within us.

… could imprint a wound of sadness inside of us.

But in such moments of feeling lonely and desperation, Jesus assures and promises us that we are not abandoned or left lonely…

>> Instead Jesus emphatically proclaims that just as He was loved by His Father, we too are loved by our Heavenly Father – “He who loves me, will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (Jn 14:21)

It is confidence in this tremendous love of the Father…

… that will make us to be strong in weak moments, knowing that the Lord is always with us – “I will not leave you desolate” (Jn 14: 18)

· It is conviction in this unconditional love of the Father…

… that will make us to enjoy a deep sense of joy and bliss, knowing that in any situation of gloom or sadness or tension or worry, the Lord will take us through

Our Heavenly Father – our Abba – is in deep love with each one of us…

>> The Crucifix is the proof of this “mad love” of the Father.

May we, with His grace, deepen our love and conviction in the Amazing Love of the Father.

· He is busy.. but busy expressing His tender love to us.

· He is busy writing… writing His letters of His precious love to us.

May we be privileged to hear:

“Wow!! He finished his/her life, and gained eternal life!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Boxer Rebellion  or the  Boxer Uprising was an anti-imperialist uprising which took place in China towards the end of the 20th century.

It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan),known in English as the “Boxers,” and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and associated Christian missionary activity.

The well-trained, athletic young men were referred to as “Boxers,” because of the martial arts and physical exercises that they practiced.

On one such occasion, during this Boxer Rebellion, some insurgents captured a Christian mission school and blocked all the gates but one.

In front of that one gate, was placed a Cross – flat on the ground.

Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot.

Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free.

But the eighth student – a young girl – refused to commit the sacrilegious act.

Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad.

Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad!

The example of the one brave and faithful child inspired others to also be bold in their defence of faith.

These children, strong and courageous, laid down their lives, to be obedient to their faith.

>> Fear of death could not strangle their faith!
>> Fear of persecution could not suppress their conviction!

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation by Jesus to remain steadfast and bold even in the face of persecutions in defence for our faith in Him.

And this steadfastness is in imitation of Jesus, our Master, who Himself underwent a miserable series of pain, persecution , suffering and humiliation, and yet remain totally faithful to His Mission.

Jesus says, “If the world hates you, realise that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jn 15: 18, 20b)

The Lord is very clear in His teaching and preaching:
>> Friendship with Jesus would mean hostility from the world.
>> Non-compromise with Jesus’ teaching would result in antagonism from the world.

Our Lord Himself had to undergo this pain of rejection, persecution and opposition throughout His life…
>> At His birth, King Herod sought to terminate His life
>> After Baptism, Satan sought to tempt Him out of His mission.
>> During His ministry, the Pharisees and Scribes would misunderstand and misjudge Him

The Lord alerts His disciples that the same will be true in their lives too, if they too chose to remain faithful to their vocation.

As a follower of the Lord, we too need to be aware that sufferings and hardships on being Christian is sure to come our way.

What is our attitude and disposition to these trials that we face because of our faith in Christ?

Do we be bold and courageous…
… even when we are to face isolation or seclusion due to standing firm in our values and principles in the Lord?

Do we live our life in joy and calmness…
… even when we have to face misunderstandings and become an object of laughter, or called as “old-traditionalist” as a result of being staunch in following the Gospel values?

>> The world constantly ensnares us with temptations to abandon the Cross…
>> The evil one very often traps us with hardships to dilute our faith in the Lord…

Are we going to yield in to such temptations and enticements…
>> Or are we prepared to face any amount of difficulty, to uphold our Faith in the Lord?

Are we going to stamp the Cross of Christ and Faith in Him…
>> Or we bold and courageous to sustain our witnessing to Jesus in the world?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the wonderful SMS’s that has been read and circulated by many of us, perhaps, goes thus….

“Life is like having a cup of coffee…

You sit by the window, lift the cup, take a careless sip…
… and find no sugar!

Too lazy to go for the sugar, you somehow manage with that sugarless cup.
>> On finishing, you find undissolved sugar crystals, settled at the bottom!

That is life!
>> We don’t make any effort to value what is around or within us.

So look around… Maybe, the sweetness you are looking is much closer than you think!”

How often is our spiritual life also lived similarly…

>> We go through the rigours of spiritual practices…
… but they sometimes become mere routines

>> We perform many chores of religious exercises…
… but they sometimes turn out to be ritualistic.

Spiritual life becomes tasteless…
>> Spiritual life loses its fascination…

But Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day invites us to have a deeper excitement and happiness in life, by abiding in His love.
>> He tells us, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy maybe in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15: 11)

The Lord wishes each of His follower to live a life of immense joy and happiness.

Jesus, Himself lived a very joyful life.

What was the recipe of His happiness?

>> A life, that was lived in perfect communion with His Heavenly Father…
… seeking union with the Father through moments of solitude in prayer
… raising His Heart to the Father in gratitude and thanksgiving at every situation of life.

>> A life, that was lived in absolute obedience to the Will of His Father…
… willing to shed any personal comforts or desires to be faithful to the mission entrusted
… readiness to undergo any amount of pain and suffering, even death, to be totally committed

Jesus hands over this same recipe to us, to discover true joy and happiness in life.

When we seek to live in Communion with the Heavenly Father…
       … in intense moments of prayer
       … with a heart of thanksgiving

And we seek to being obedient to God’s Will…
       … even at the cost of some personal comforts
       … ready to bear sufferings to be faithful to Him
It is then…
… that we will experience real joy and happiness
… that we will treasure heavenly experiences in our hearts

Life grinds us through many tasteless moments and situations…
> We get upset easily…
>> We tend to get defensive…
>> We get into a mode of being lethargic…

But the Lord says… “Stir up your lives!”

“Stir up your lives” to savour the sweetness of joy, peace and serenity…
… to taste the joy that is guaranteed by obeying God’s commandments
… to taste the peace that is assured by letting our lives be symphony of service to others
… to taste the serenity that is promised by always abiding in the loving presence of the Lord

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Sphygmometer is the device that is used to measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the strength of the blood pushing against the sides of the blood vessels.
>> A increase in BP puts extra strain on the arteries and this may lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The use of Sphygmometers, are on the rise these days…
… with an increased number of people affected with high blood pressure.

One big reason of an increased blood pressure is the rising tension levels and anxiety factors.
>> We engage in works which trigger greater emotions.
>> We let ourselves get affected with situations that cause great panic
>> We react quicker to situations and bring upon unnecessary worries and fears

Such uncontrolled and unrestrained increase in anxieties and troubles can cause a great deal of harm to our health.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the heart-expert, warning us of this danger of increased anxiety levels and troubled moments and instead invites to lead a life of peace.
>> Jesus says in Jn 14: 27, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid”

The context of this statement of Jesus is the discourse at the Last Supper.

Jesus informs of his imminent going away from the disciples, which made them sad and anxious.
>> They had placed their hopes in Him.
>> They had offered their lives to Him.
But His announcement of departure caused worry and anxiety to the disciples.

But Jesus, who knows their hearts and gauges their emotions assures them, ” Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give it to you” (Jn 14:27)

The disciples entered into an anxiety-mode as their hearts got wearied with what was to come immediately.
>> But Jesus invites them to go beyond such peripheral worries, and be assured of a peace that comes as a result of trusting in Him, the Lord of all future!

>> When one is imprisoned in the immediate worries of life…
… one fails to enjoy the true freedom of peace and joy

>> When one is landlocked amidst the borders of impending fears and troubles of life…
… one is unable to move out to experience real inner tranquillity and serenity

Are we finding ourselves often in situations, when our “hearts are troubled” (Jn 14:27b) and as a result, our spiritual BP levels go high?

Then Jesus, the Master Doctor of hearts, needs to be immediately consulted…
>> He would give us the tablet of His peace which would subside our fears
>> He would give us the tonic of His soothing Word which would calm our troubles

Troubles will, without any doubt, always haunt us…
Problems will, for sure, often beset us…
>> But we need to grow in our understanding that in all this, Jesus, is in perfect control of our lives.
                        
The Sphygmometer levels may show a higher level of BP…
>> But can we allow our Trust levels in the Lord to have a greater increase?

The reading on the Sphygmometer may show a greater count of BP…
>> But can we let the reading on our Faith Meter to show a greater count?

To control our physical Blood Pressure, we usually recommend the following solutions…
… regular exercises
… intake of medicines
… nourishing and wholesome diet

We could take a cue from this, for regulating our Spiritual Life too…
… having regular and faithful exercises of prayer and pious devotions
… in-taking of the means of healing, offered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
… nourishing ourselves in the Heavenly Food provided in His Holy Word and The Holy Eucharist

Let Jesus, the Doctor of hearts, take complete charge of our lives
>> In Him, we shall experience fervent joy.
>> In Him, we shall live with true peace.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Illiteracy is a deep crisis that is affecting our global society.

Illiteracy has many undesirable consequences and results.

While the call and efforts to eradicate illiteracy, has gained momentum over the past few years, from the spiritual realm, we are faced with a similar crisis: Spiritual Illiteracy

Spiritual Illiteracy could be described as…

… the inability to know or understand the promptings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit

… the lack of keenness to know about the Lord, His Teachings and His Mission

… the failure to have any interest to know God and His infinite love and mercy

This spiritual illiteracy is on the increase, and as Christians, we need to trigger a revolution to eradicate this hollowness in experience and knowledge of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus revealing the spiritual illiteracy of His apostles, “Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know me…?” (Jn 14:9)

The context of this statement is the Last Supper Discourse that Jesus gives to His chosen disciples.

The disciples had been, probably with Jesus for nearly three years…

>> They had seen Him performing a number of miracles

>> They had heard Him speak of the glorious Kingdom of God.

>> They had experienced Him endowed with the special favour of God

>> They had touched Him and received powers and graces for the mission.

Yet, when Jesus speaks to them about the Father, the disciples express their ignorance.

Jesus, therefore, puts forward the question: “Have I been with you so long and yet you do not know me…?” (Jn 14:9)

Our lives can also resemble that of these disciples in being ignorant and unaware about the Lord.

We may remain “illiterate” spiritually, even though we have been admitted for a long time in the school of Jesus.

We may be “illiterate” in knowing…

… the vision of Jesus in building His Kingdom on the earth

… the feelings of the Lord in being passionately zealous to save all people

… the value of the sacrifice that Jesus has offered for us by His passion and death

… the depth of glory that is promised to us as a fruit of the Resurrection, if we follow Him

This spiritual “illiteracy” causes us…

.. to remain unaware of the power and workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives

… to become lethargic and uninterested to know more about the Lord and His Word

… to be lukewarm and indifferent to explore the Lord deeper, especially in His Sacraments.

The call of the Gospel is to rekindle the fire to know the Lord more intimately and closely.

The book of Hosea (Hos 4:6) places a warning if we are to continue in this “illiteracy”:

“My people perish for want of knowledge!  

Since you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from my priesthood!

Since you have ignored the law of your God, I will also ignore your sons”

A revolution is to be triggered so that “spiritual illiteracy” can be wiped away!

This is also a wonderful opportunity for us to examine the possible means of “knowing” the Lord and the many opportunities that we squander away in “knowing” Him deeper…

…Do I set apart, sometime atleast,  daily, reading the Bible – His Holy Word?

… Do I spend time, without any fail, in quiet prayerful moments with the Lord?

… Do I maximize my possibilities of meeting the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament?

… Do I pick up opportunities to listen to His Spirit in the various situations of my life?

… Do I ignite the sparks of desire to participate in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession?

Jesus desires that we know Him more…

… not just ‘about’  Him

… not just intellectual knowledge

… not just His teachings or wisdom

But Him!

He wants all to have an “experiential” and a “living” experience of Him!

Let us “learn Jesus” more and more, faithfully attending His School of Love and doing away with the “spiritual illiteracy” in our lives!

LEARN JESUS to LIVE JESUS to GIVE JESUS!

God Bless! Live Jesus!