Christmas is one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

This Fest is – besides the spiritual nourishment – greatly celebrated…

… with a lot of joy and merriment

… with the aspect of renewing relationships through get-togethers

… with a great deal of decorations and festoons to amplify the exciting tone

But for a moment, when we think of the very First Christmas Night…

… we being to understand that such was not exactly the mood back then!

There were many elements on that First Christmas Night which were actually very ordinary and some even, sad and scandalizing!

… the long and arduous travel of the “expectant Mother with Child ”and the ‘uncertain father’ towards Bethlehem

… the Holy Family failing to find a place in the inn (perhaps, refused to be given a place!)

… the birth of the Messiah, the Creator of the entire universe, in a manger – which was actually the place of feeding for the animals!

… the terrifying and indecisive flight into Egypt

As the famous Carol goes, it was in all probability more of a “Silent Night…”!

Another importantly sad and scandalizing event was that of the “Killing of the Innocents” under the of two, at the order of King Herod ( Mt 2: 16-18)

On this fourth Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 28th, Holy Mother the Church celebrates this Commemoration of The Holy Innocents.

The news that a new King of the Jews was born, caused great ordeal for King Herod (Mt 2: 3)

>> He became all the more furious, when he heard that the Magi had deceived him (Mt 2:16)

The easiest solution found was to kill all the males under the age of two.

To react negatively, in a situation of hardship, often seems to be the easiest way out.

>> But it is an extremely cheap and low way of going about

But Herod fell into this snare of “negative reaction” and had little babies killed.

>> These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love, became martyrs of Blood. (Mt 2:16)

St Augustine would say, “they are the first buds of the Church killed by the frost of persecution; they died not only for Christ, but in his stead!”

The number of children killed is uncertain.

There are a number of views on the actual number of children who were killed.

>> The Byzantine Liturgy (Greek) says that Herod killed 14, 000 boys

>> The Syrian Liturgy speaks of 64,000.

>> Another scholarly study suggests that Bethlehem was a very small town, at the time of Jesus, with a population of maybe 300. The number of children below the age of two could be very less – maybe six or seven.

But the fact remains, that it was a tragic gravely foul and grievously painful.

The death of the little children is a reminder that our earthly life is a pilgrimage…

… to be oriented for the eternal life in heaven

The dreadful massacre of the innocent children can easily cause a question to arise in us:

>> Why did God allow the helpless death of the children before their own parents?

>> Why did these little children have to be murdered, for saving the Divine Child?

>> Could not God have planned a noble way of saving Him?

Such questions can easily cause our faith to be disturbed or even be scandalized by the ways of God

But it brings home an important truth: Our earthly life is a pilgrimage.

>> No one knows how long we will live – some die in infancy, some in their old age; some die prepared, some suddenly and tragically.

This is the reality that we find in the world – we like it or not, we accept or not.

It therefore, is a call for us, to nurture life in the best way possible…

>>> Our own lives by living in holiness and fidelity to the Will of God

>>> Preserving, nurturing and enhancing the lives of others – including the little infants in the wombs.

This commemoration of the Holy Innocents is a reminder to open our eyes to see the tragedies of the world and become courageous torch-bearers of justice

This passage of King Herod and the Holy Innocents, might sometimes seem to be like…

… “the unwarranted bone” in the tasty meal of Christmas

… or the “jarring note” in the melodious music of Christ’s Nativity.

We often like to live in “cosy and comfortable” situations – even if it means, closing our eyes to the stark and tragic realities of life

But it is the obligation of every Christian to “get out of every comfort zone”?

… and enter into the “suffering sections” of the society, and give them hope, consolation and life.

The “cry of the mothers of the innocent children”…

… Mt 2:18 – “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation”…

is also a “Carol”, that is heard every Christmas

Yes, may we deeply understand that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a “festival of fun or frolic”…

… but also should lead us to hear the many “cries of innocents” today – the oppressed and the abused, the voiceless and the helpless, the sinful and the lonely etc.

Christmas is surely, one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

But let not this Fest be drowned only in external celebrations and merriment

>> Rather, let it also be an occasion for all of us to renew our commitment to the cause of justice and peace in the world, and make this earthly pilgrimage more meaningful!

Salutations to the Holy Innocents and Glory to the Divine Babe, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Christmas is a time of great celebration and festivities.

The time after Christmas is often a phase of getting through with many cakes, sweets, food…

The foodstuff prepared for the occasion often exceeds the required amount and thus, it needs a few more days to consume it fully….

Something similar also happens in the spiritual realm…

For many people, the spiritual significance of an event like Christmas cannot be absorbed and completed in a day.

It’s like trying to comprehend the grandeur of some magnificent places like…

… the St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican

… or the Taj Mahal in Agra

… or the Niagara Falls

… or other great and dazzling sites, in one walk-through.

It’s not too easy.

>> We have to return back to grasp greater the beauty and the splendour.

So it is with the spectacular event of the Nativity..

We need…

… more time to comprehend about the Christmas Night

… more time to understand the virgin birth

… more time to realise that God came down to earth as a tender Babe for our salvation etc…

As a result, the Church gives us seven additional days to contemplate these divine mysteries.

These extra days on the liturgical calendar, along with the feast day – eight in total – is called as The Christmas Octave.

Every day of the Christmas octave is filled with meaning that reflects back on the Nativity – not just the birth of Christ, but the impact, the reality and the consequence of that birth in the lives of different people.

It’s interesting to note that each of the three days following the Feast of Christmas, commemorates a different type of martyrdom…

Dec 26th – the Feast of St Stephen – the Martyrdom of the Will, Love and Blood:

>> By His powerful witness, St Stephen was stoned to death in act that was completely willed by him, totally offering his Love for Jesus & shedding his blood.

Dec 27th – the Feast of St John – the Martyrdom of the Will and Love:

>> By a life of immense faithfulness & total dedication, lived with a tremendous passion and fervour, St John suffered the martyrdom of the Will and of Love.

Dec 28th – the Feast of the Holy Innocents – the Martyrdom of Blood:

>> On coming to know of the birth of Jesus, King Herod ordered that males under the age of two should be executed. These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love, became martyrs of Blood. (Mt 2:16)

Their innocent blood came in defence of the blood of their Divine Contemporary – Baby Jesus, who would grant salvation to them by His Precious Blood!

On this third Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 27th, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of St John, the Evangelist – the Martyr of Will and Love!

St John, the Apostle and Evangelist is known as the Apostle of Love.

His Life defined Love.

>> His writings expressed Love.

>> His thoughts instilled Love.

The Gospel of St John is a witness that “this disciple who was loved by Jesus” received two unique places alongside Jesus, that none of the other apostles received.

1. Near the heart of Jesus – in the bosom of His Divine Lord! (Jn 12: 23)

Jesus bestowed this unique place, close to His heart, to John, His Beloved Disciple, at the Last Supper.

At the last supper, while Jesus announced that one of His disciples would be betray Him, John, leaning on Jesus’ bosom, asked Him, “Lord, who is it?” (Jn 13: 25)

While the synoptic Gospels testify to the fact, that when Jesus said, “One of you will betray me”, all other disciples, with a (perhaps) sense of guilt or doubt asked, “Is it I, Lord?”

>> But the Gospel of St John, clearly testifies to the fact, that when Jesus said, “One of you will betray me”, John with a clear conscience asked directly, “Lord, who is it?”

The innocent heart of John did not bear any guilt or doubt.

>> The love in John’s veins prompted him to not have any fear or panic.

>> The child-like trust in John prompted him to ask Jesus bluntly, “Who is it..?”

Love seeks to be close to the One who is loved.

>> Love wants to have the nearest place to access the One who is loved.

>> Love longs to be intimate to the heart of the One that is deeply loved.

St John, the Apostle of Love, was given this place to be closest to the Heart of Jesus!

2. Near the Cross – in the crucible of suffering of His Divine Lord (Jn 19:26)

Jesus bestowed this unique place, close to His Cross, to John, His Beloved Disciple.

While all other disciples had forsaken the Lord, John remained close to the Cross of Jesus.

The Apostle of Love remained faithful and committed to His Master.

>> The Apostle of Love was staunchly courageous in the face of extreme fear and danger.

Love…

… desires to be with the pain of the One who is loved.

… defies every hurdle to be joined to the suffering of the One who is loved.

… breaks itself completely to have a share in the anguish of the One who is loved.

St John, the Apostle of Love, was given this place to be closest to the Cross of Jesus!

It’s a point to be noted, that the only other person who was given this unique privilege of being closest, both, to the Heart and Cross of Jesus…

… was our Blessed Mamma Mary – the Supreme Apostle of Love!

… She was closest to the heart of Jesus, nurturing and nourishing Her tender Babe

… She was closest to the Cross of Jesus, sharing and suffering the pain of Her beloved Child.

YES… An Apostle of Love can be made and moulded only in these two unique places…

… Near the Heart of Jesus and near the Cross of Jesus.

Love longs to be close to the Heart…

>> Love drives every fear of the Cross.

Love seeks to kiss the Heart…

>> Love impels to embrace the Cross!

Blessed Mamma Mary and St John invite us, with much tenderness and affection:

>> “Come my Child.. Come my brother and sister… Be an Apostle of Love – close to the Heart and Cross of Jesus”

Happy Feast of the Apostle of Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

>> Stones were flying from different directions…

>> The atmosphere was very tense and highly apprehensive…

>> The people had become enraged and were very badly instigated…

St Stephen…. the man filled with the power and spirit of God, however, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God. (Acts 7: 54-56)

And then a surprising thing happened….

>> He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God!

Usually, we always read or say in our prayers that Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand…

>> But here, Jesus is seen standing!

Jesus is probably giving a standing ovation…. to St. Stephen, the one who became his brave witness.

>> The mighty display of faith by St Stephen was worthy of a standing ovation by the Son of God!

>> The Majestic King was tremendously proud of His Faithful and Committed Soldier!

We are on the first day after Christmas…

Yesterday, we celebrated child Jesus in the crib…

>> We sung the “silent night” and “joy to the world”…

>> We remembered the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to people of good will”…

>> We exchanged a lot of smiles and shared much fun…

But suddenly today, there is a shift…

>> The atmosphere of fun and frolic has turned sombre and serious…

>> The carols of mirth and joy are substituted by cries for death and vengeance…

>> The shining gold vestments at Holy Mass are replaced with blood-red vestments…

The peace and joy of Bethlehem is contrasted by the tragedy and heartbreak at Jerusalem…

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our eternal King.

>> Today we commemorate the triumphant suffering of His faithful soldier.

Yesterday our King left His place in the Virgin’s womb and was born in the world.

>> Today His soldier leaves the tabernacle of his body and goes triumphantly to heaven.

Yesterday a group of enthused and excited people visited and paid homage to our King.

>> Today, a group of proud and ferociously evil mob execute His soldier!

Why does the Church celebrate this tradition of commemorating the gruesome stoning to death of St Stephen, soon after the celebration of the tender Babe?

The Church’s long tradition of celebrating the memorial of St. Stephen soon after the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, does not serve to demote Christmas, but to continue & manifest more clearly an important meaning of the Christmas celebration.

Christmas essentially means becoming a true disciple of Christ…

>> And a true disciple ought to tread the way of the cross – “If any want to be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Lk 9: 23)

Christ the Master, Himself walked this path of trials and difficulties.

>> The signs of suffering and pain were foreshadowed very much already in the Crib of Christ…

>> The manger where the babe was laid, foreshadowed the Cross on which He was to be laid.

>> The swaddling clothes of the babe, foreshadowed the shroud which will cover Him in His tomb.

>> The lack of room in the inn, foreshadowed the lack of room for Him to be buried after His death.

Christmas is the celebration of Life that was pledged to be given up in death, in order to win back life – life in its fullness!

Christmas becomes a true reality when Jesus is born in our hearts…

When Jesus comes to dwell in our hearts, that heart cannot remain without effect.

>> There is a contagious enthusiasm.

>> There is a great transformation.

>> There is a tremendous zeal.

And this birth of Jesus took place in the heart of St Stephen.

>> He underwent a Real Christmas.

He experienced the joy of having Christ born in His life.

And this fact that Christ was born within, led Him to be a dynamic and bold soldier of His King!

>> Nothing could stop Him from being a witness…

>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to be a bold soldier.

>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to stand firm for the truth.

>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to bear the pain of stoning

>> The experience of Christmas in His life had made St Stephen to shed His blood for His Lord

>> Have we also experienced Christmas in a way that transforms and makes us authentic disciples?

>> Have we also celebrated Christmas which makes us to pledge every breath and cell of our life to the Lord?

>> Have we also enjoyed Christmas in order to find immense power and strength in being a true and authentic Christian?

The blood of St Stephen sings the beautiful carols of Jesus who was born in his life!

>> Are we ready to discover still further, the true and genuine meaning of Christmas in our life?

Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords gave a wonderful standing ovation seeing the spectacular display of faith and courage of His Beloved soldier, St Stephen.

Let us also be filled a deep passion and courage that comes from the New Born King and be His Dynamic and Enthusiastic Soldier for His Kingdom!

Happy Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr of the New Born King of kings!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Revolutions have changed the course of history and the world has witnessed many revolutions…

The French Revolution, The American Revolution, The Industrial Revolution, The Sexual Revolution, The Green Revolution etc…

>> Each of these revolutions have caused a stir in the society and a significant changes.

>> Each of these revolutions brought a change in the mentality and thought-pattern of peoples.

We live in revolutionary times…

… the world is seeing fast and rapid changes as never before… some horrible and dreadful…

Optimism is being replaced by pessimism…

>> Confidence with fear…

>> People who used to be excited of the future are filled with uncertainty…

In this dramatically disturbed world, we are set to celebrate the Greatest Revolutions of all time “Christmas – the Birth of Jesus, our Saviour – the only unchanging factor in this changing world”!

This revolution started in the most unlikely places of all…

…In an ordinary stable – outside a forgotten village called Bethlehem.

It involved three simple persons on earth – Jesus the babe, Mary the Virgin Mother and Joseph the Just Man – hardly glamorous, significantly unnoticeable and glaringly simple!

Yet… the revolution that began from this Stable has had the greatest effect on humanity.

His birth was to ring in…

… a Political Revolution – He being the King of the World!

… a Social Revolution – Unifying all classes and castes and races!

… an Economic Revolution – Bringing Hope to the poor and the oppressed!

… a Moral Revolution – Emphasizing on intentions of the heart and the mind!

… a Spiritual Revolution – Forgiveness and Salvation for all ready to receive Him!

We could look at some simple, yet significant aspects of this Revolution…

1. The beauty and the greatness of God’s Wisdom is to delight in insignificant things…

God loves to take simplicity in life, and decorate it with His Divine touch!

>> He feasts on ordinary situations and transforms them into amazing moments of Divine Experience!

>> He enjoys to descend into li’l hearts and converts them to glorious dwellings of His Divine Presence!

2. Joseph and Mary, went about place to place, inn to inn, looking for a birth place. (Lk 2:7)

It’s a Divine Paradox that the Creator of the entire Universe sought for a place to be born!

Am I ready to make my the “stable of my heart” ready to receive the Lord?

3. The Lord was born in a manger.

Wood was to escort Jesus, all through His Life…

>> The wooden manger would give Him shelter when He was born…

>> The wooden tools would accompany Him as He grew up as a carpenter…

>> The wooden boat will be His pulpit for preaching His Word on the Kingdom…

>> The wooden cross would be His instrument of Salvation and Redemption of the world…

The wooden manger is be a reminder to us that Christmas is the Season, not just of joy, but also of hardships and responsibilities in life!

4. Christmas is Christ + Mas(s) = the Mass of Christ…. the Sacrifice of Christ!

When we wish Happy Christmas, let’s also remember that the Crib & Cross are two sides of the great sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth.

In the Crib, Jesus descended from heaven and became weak and vulnerable.

>> On the Cross, Jesus embraced sinfulness of the earth and became helpless and miserable.

The Caravan from the Crib to the Cross is Celebrated and Commemorated at Christmas!

5. Carols will be sung in great festivity on this special day.

There were two types of Carols sung on Christmas Day when Jesus was born.

>> The Carols of Joy when the Angels sang in deep acclamation and mirth – “Glory to God”!

>> The Carols of Pain when the mothers cried in deep pain for their li’l babes who were executed!

There are two types of Carols song even today in our world…

>> The Carols of Joy – people uniting for social justice; hearts turning to the Lord in true contrition; people expressing care & love etc

>> The Carols of Pain – the number of terrorizing acts around the world; families, societies and even churches divided because of money, language, race, caste; increased sense of hopelessness and meaninglessness in life…etc.

Carols ought to remind us of these two aspects… Joy and Pain in life!

When carols of Joy and Pain in life, are sung with Confidence in the Lord, we will be blessed to sing the Carol of Celebration on the Day of Salvation!

6. Christmas is a great time of celebration.

It is the celebration of the Birth of a Baby Jesus who demands space in our Hearts!

Let us take utmost care that during this Christmas, Jesus, the Tiny and Tender Babe not get…

… drowned in the avalanche of cakes and sweets

… buried in the frenzy of shopping and decorations

… drunk in the dirt of revelry and partying

… lost in the celebrations with Santa Claus and exchanging of gifts

Rather, let us make sure that Jesus, the precious and beautiful infant…

… is held close to the heart and given a pledge of our life and love

… is lavished with kisses of our true promises and renewed consecration

… is showered with true smiles of our Love for Him, His Word, His Eucharist & His Church

Yes, Jesus is…and He alone is…and ought to be… the Reason for this Season!

>> May He be born, not just in the crib in houses or church, but in our Hearts and Lives!

Happy Birthday to our Dearest and Beloved Baby Jesus!

>> Congratulations to our Blessed Mamma for Her Yes and to Blessed Joseph for his care!

A Blessed and a Holy Christmas to all of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus….always!

“Will she?”

“Won’t she?”

“Psst… Did God make a mistake by endowing human beings with so much freedom, that they can even reject the Word of God in their lives?”

These were probably some of the conversations that were on among the angels.

One among them… an Archangel… had been sent by God to the earth, on a very crucial mission.

The name of the Archangel was Gabriel… whose name means God is my strength.

>> He was sent to a young girl named Mary… whose name probably means cherished or beloved.

The heavens were waiting with eagerness as to what would be the outcome of that mission.

>> The Archangel, had approached the woman with much devotion and reverence

With deep piety, the Angel asked, “Would you be the Mother of the Child of God?”

Heaven had taken a massive decision…

• A decision to seek the consent of a human person in the plan of salvation.

• A decision to respect the gift of freedom and involve human beings in the design of redemption

The angels were waiting with eagerness what would be the answer…

>> Perhaps even nature was still for a moment as it awaited the reply…

With gentleness and serenity, the young girl replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

And immediately, there were pleasant faces that lit up…

>> Nature also began to smile and brighten up further…

• Mary had said Yes to do the Will of God.

• Mary had consented to be the Mother of His Beloved Son.

• Mary had made responsible use of her freedom and chosen for Love.

The script had begun… the journey had started…

>> The history of salvation had begun to take human shape!

This announcement of the Good News of the beginning of salvation history, with the encounter of Blessed Virgin Mary with Angel Gabriel, is the Gospel presented to us, on this Eve of Christmas.

This Gospel of the Annunciation of Mary is a reminder to us on various counts…

1. Human Beings are to make a responsible use of the freedom, that is bestowed by God Almighty.

The first parents sinned in the Garden of Eden as a result of misusing the liberty.

They had a choice:

… to enjoy the holy presence of the Lord by being faithful and obedient…

… or to forfeit this glory by being disobedient.

They chose the one which made them lose their honour and splendour.

But Blessed Mary sets right this fault, by making a deliberate choice… in true freedom, for love and to express humankind’s desire to gel along with God’s Will, once again!

2. The Choice for God’s Will is an act of tremendous faith and hope.

When Mary said yes to the Will of God… though She was aware of the greatness of this call and the duty she was to undertake, all the implications of the future life, were still not clear to her.

Many things would get clear only when she begins living the Will of the Lord in Her life.

Yet, she took the bold step…towards responsibility, towards pain and suffering, towards sacrificing her comforts and personal wishes…. for the sake of the Lord. .. in faith and trust!

The Feast of the Annunciation is an invitation for us…

• To grow deeper into embracing the Will of God in our lives.

• To give consent to the inspirations of the Lord that comes constantly to us.

• To be open to march forward in faith and hope, in our life of faith in the Lord.

The Lord is wishing to find a place in a willing heart, even today…

Just as Mary, our Loving Mother, who said Yes to the Will of the Lord, let us also, say Yes to God’s Will.. and allow the Lord to find a place to be born, in our world today.

Let us continue to hold on to our Blessed Mamma

>> Let us continue to seek to grow in the Love of Her Beloved Son.

On this eve of Christmas, let us fervently prepare our hearts – in holiness and sanctity – to prepare a beautiful crib for our Blessed Lord, who comes as a Babe, in our hearts, in our lives and in our homes..

… and like Mother Mary, always say: “Behold… let it be done to me, according to Your Will!”

God bless! Live Jesus!

Ssshhhhhhh…………………..Silence!!

>> For some people, Silence causes an awkward feeling in this our noisy world.

>> For some people, Silence creates an uncomfortable feeling.

For some, not so much.

> For others, definitely yes.

>> For many of us, silence is rare.

And when silence is rare, silence can be uncomfortable.

>> A moment of silence when we listen to our favourite song causes a little irritation.

>> A pause of silence by an eloquent preacher causes people to focus back the attention.

Silence is sometimes much more louder than any noise or sound…

… Right?

The Gospel of the day takes us through a fascinating journey of Silence.

>> A God who breaks His silence by blessing His People with a Prophet.

>> A father whose silence is broken by his faithful response to an amazing Divine intervention.

>> A child who sets free the silence of a mother who had been shamed in society.

The Birth of John the Baptist is a beautiful drama through the medium of Silence.

1. A God who breaks His silence…

The Bible is a witness to many people feeling God taking a vow of silence.

>> In 1 Sam 3.1: “Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.”

>> In 1 Sam 28: “And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or Urim, or by prophets.”

>> In Amos 8.11: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.'”

The silence of the Lord was very much profound…

And then after Prophet Malachi, there was again a great silence…

>> For nearly 400 hundred years, there was no prophetic writing.

These are called “The Silent Years”…

But with John the Baptist, the silence of the Lord was broken…

This speaking of the Lord could be compared to a lover eagerly waiting for her partner to talk to her after a long time…

The silence was very long… the silence was a bit painful too..

>> But once the silence is broken, there is great thrill and happiness…

God, the Lover, renews His soothing & comforting talks with His People & ushers in the time to invite them to His love & affection

2. A father whose silence is broken

The birth of John the Baptist also lead to the breaking of the silence of his father, Zechariah.

When the angel Gabriel had appeared to Zechariah, he did not believe the message of the Angel of God and as a result, was rendered speechless (Lk 1: 20)

The silence of Zechariah could also be symbolic of the silence of God….

Just as John the Baptist signalled the breaking of God’s silence, Zechariah, his father too had “his tongue loosened and spoke, blessing God” (Lk 1: 64)

>> The silence was broken with a shower of praises and glorification of God.

>> The silence was banished with a shout of genuine worship and honour of God

3. A Child who sets free the silence of a Mother

The Birth of John the Baptist also led to people praising his mother, Elizabeth, who for long had been barren and had been in disgrace. (Lk 1: 25, 58)

>> She had suffered much disgrace in silence.

>> She had underwent much agony in silence.

>> She had gone through much humiliation in silence.

But now there was every reason to break the silence and rejoice with gladness!

>> Is my life going through a period of Silence with God?

>> Is my life in a silent mode because of many disturbing factors and

crippling issues?

>> Is my life passing through a desert of silence as a result of storms of troubles and nights of calamities?

> We are invited to look into the incident of the Birth of John the Baptist and find hope!

> We are invited to meditate on the Birth of John the Baptist and discover optimism!

The Lord speaks to us in the Silence of our Life.

>> There is much treasure hidden in the silent moments of our living.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn 1:1)

Through the breaking of His silence through John the Baptist, God is preparing us to receive His personal Word, His Son.

At times God is silent…

>> At times God withholds His Word.

But He is never distant.

He is never stagnant…

> He is near.

>> He is close.

>>> He is personal.

And He speaks through His Word made flesh – “Jesus”!

Ssshhhhhhh…………………..Silence!! Listen to Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the things that, some of us did as children, as we grew up, was to measure our height against a wall.

We know how this method works…

> We stand next to a wall and make a pencil mark of our height.

>> A few weeks or months later, we come back to this place and measure how much we have grown.

Why did we do this?

> In order to see how much we have grown…

>> In order to check how much more we would wish to grow…

>>> In order to know, “How big have we become!”

Today, we need to make a similar “height check” with respect to our God.

“How big is God in my life?”

The way we answer this question will determine how we live as a Christian.

The Gospel of the Day is a great expression of how Mother Mary considered the “height” of God in Her life.

> She realized the mighty presence of the Lord in Her lowly life.

> She understood the huge favour of the Lord bestowed in Her humble nature.

>> And so, with much acclaim and exclamation, Mary cries out, “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1: 46-47)

The Angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she been chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God.

>> The angel also declared that her cousin, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age.

In Her deep concern, humility and spirit of service, Mary makes a visit to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth called Mary as Blessed ‘for believing what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ (Lk 1: 45)

It’s in this context, that Mary exclaims the Magnificat.

The image of Mother Mary in this hymn of the Magnificat is that of a powerful and courageous lady.

And these are evident in Her words of the Magnificat…

>> He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

>> He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

>> He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.

>> He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for He has remembered His promise of mercy (Lk 1: 48-54)

These are not words of mere pious sentimentality or tender words of affection…

>> These are words which express immense bravery and courage!

The mighty works and wonders of the Lord had made Mother Mary to declare…

… Courage in a God who overpowers the proud and the haughty

… Faith in a God who takes decisive action on behalf of God’s people.

… Hope in a God who vindicates the righteous and condemns the wicked.

… Love in a God who liberates the oppressed, the powerless, the poor and hungry.

… Trust in a God who casts away the self-asserting rich and accept the dependable poor.

Mother Mary declared Her strong assertion and powerful claim in a MIGHTY God!

How Big and Mighty and Strong is God in our life?

>> Do we believe in the mighty strength of God even in seemingly impossible situations of life?

>> Do we trust in the awesome majesty of God even when the boat of our lives hits rock bottom?

>> Do we rely in the colossal power of God even when earthquakes of life wreck havoc in life?

The way we live is a direct consequence of the size of God in our lives!

>>> If we have a view of a Shrunken God, then we will live in constant anxiety of the world.

>>> If we have a view of an Insignificant God, then we will live in immorality and casualness

>>> If we have a view of a Tiny God, then we will live in lethargy, disinterest and indifference.

> When we make God small in our lives…

… we offer prayers without faith, worship without awe, service without joy and undergo suffering without hope.

> When we make God big in our lives…

… we live a life of daring faith, fearless obedience, zealous worship and passionate evangelization.

Let us measure the height and check the mark… “How Big is our God?”

With Mother Mary, let us also seek to joyfully proclaim the BIG GOD through the Magnificat – “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There was a little boy, who wanted to meet God.

He guessed that the trip would be very long, so he packed his bag with a lot of chocolates, cookies and his favorite mango juice as well.

He started his journey, and walked for a long time – even in the hot, blazing sun.

Finally, he got tired, and found a park to rest.

In the park, he met an old woman…

… sitting all by herself..

… just staring at some pigeons.

The boy, tired and famished, sat down next to her and opened his bag.

He was about to open his favorite drink, when he noticed that the old woman looked hungry.

>> So he offered her a cookie.

She gratefully accepted it, and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty, that the boy wanted to see it again.

>> So he offered her the mango juice as well.

Once again, she gratefully accepted it, and smiled at him.

The boy was delighted!

They sat there, the whole afternoon – eating and smiling – without saying a word.

Finally, as it grew dark, the boy realized he was too late, and had to rush back home.

As he got up to leave, and had taken a few steps, he turned …

…ran back and gave the woman a loving hug.

When the boy reached the house, his mother was surprised at the deep joy that the child radiated, and asked the reason for it.

The boy answered, ” I had lunch with God!”

Before the mother could say anything, the boy added:

“You know what?

She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old woman also filled with happiness, reached her house, and was asked by her son, on the reason for it.

The old woman answered, ” I had lunch with God”

Before the son could say anything, the woman added:

“You know what?

He’s much younger that I expected!”

“Sharing” became the wonderful platform, for the two of them, to experience joy, with the essence of Divinity.

Yes, “sharing” is a quality, which is a reflection of the Divine – Who, in Jesus, empties Himself, in “self-giving” and “self-emptying”

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful recounting of the “joy in sharing” – through the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth.

Mary, after having received the surprising and confounding message from Angel Gabriel, to be the Mother of the Son of God, doesn’t remain captivated or captured in heavenly bliss.

… Instead She sets out, “in haste” to the town of Judah? to the house of Her cousin, Elizabeth (Lk 1:39)

Heaven had revealed to Her the good news of Divine Favour…

… but, Mary doesn’t swell up in pride

>> Instead, She sets out, in service and humility

Divine Joy and Grace makes Mary to imitate the quality of the Child within Her: To share!

And this act of sharing by Mary, caused Elizabeth, Her cousin, to rejoice and the child, John, to “leap for joy”!

>> Elizabeth testifies to this fact when she exclaimed in a loud voice, “For at the moment the sound of Your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk 1: 44)

This is an essential dimension of Christian Life: Sharing.

Just as Christ shared…

… by emptying of His glory, and becoming one like us, in all things, except sin

… by being part of human experiences and being a model to live a perfect life

… by taking up pain and suffering to redeem humanity from the clutches of sin

… by giving Himself entirely, with love and deep affection, in the Holy Eucharist

Just as Mother Mary shared…

… by offering Herself in service to her cousin, Elizabeth in her need

… by becoming a model to us, by living a life in total obedience to God’s Will

… by offering Herself to God’s Providence and letting Herself be the Mother of all humanity

… we too are invited, exhorted and challenged to live a “Life of Sharing”!

Our Christian lives must…

… cause us to share our resources and abilities in the service of the family and community we are in

… make us to share our time with those in need – especially of encouragement and consolation

… cause us to share our knowledge and experience to bring more people to faith in Christ

… make us to share our little acts of charity and sharing in the redeeming act of Christ

>> When we share our life with the ones in need…

… we experience joy and satisfaction

>> When we share of our self – time, love, material things or anything – to those in want…

… we experience happiness and contentment.

The world today is much thirsty to receive love and extremely hungry to receive care.

>> Each Christian is expected and invited to imitate Christ and help others to experience Divine Love.

Mother Mary is our model towards this.

>> She made choices to grow in imitation of Her Son and helped others to experience Divine Joy

As the words of St Teresa of Avila…

” Christ has no body but yours,

>> No hands, no feet on earth but yours,

>> Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world,

>> Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,

>> Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world”

May we deepen our resolve to live a “life of sharing”, especially as we approach the Nativity of Christ, so that each of our action may become an expression of Divine Experience for the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little six-year-old boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer “Hail Mary.” >> He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day.

“Look, Mommy, what a beautiful prayer,” he said to his mother one day.

“Never again say it,” answered the mother who was against Catholic practices. “It is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who think Mary as a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. ”

From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily “Hail Mary” and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead.

One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady.

Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: “Mommy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.

‘ Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?”

On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary which said, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb”

This little boy, as he grew up…

…. made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism.

>> He found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles… going on to become a Priest!

Mother Mary is indeed the beautiful instrument chosen by God, to lead many more to His Love.

The Gospel of the Day presents the miraculous incident of the Annunciation of the Good News to Mother Mary.

Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience

>> Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.

>> When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

>> This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.

2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”

>> One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”

>> In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…

… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her

… even when unforeseen difficulties encountered Her during the birth of Jesus

… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her

… even when life surrounded her with agonising moments and heartbreaking instances

The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life

>> This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.

3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God

When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God

>> She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.

4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.

>> When in womb…

… Her sole attention was on Jesus

>> While in the manger…

… Her whole care was for Jesus

>> While in His ministry…

… Her thoughts were centred on Him

>> While on the Cross…

… Her entire self rested on Him

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives gets enshrined in Grace and Holiness

5. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)

>> The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)

>> In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)

>> The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!

As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour, which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One, She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!

May we embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…

… and be led to love the Lord more!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

>> Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.

Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

>> A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.

Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…

… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.

It means: “Forever Faithful”!

The pledge of “Semper Fi”…

… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!

… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!

Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…

>> “Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”

>> “Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”

Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

>> Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!

>> The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

>> We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…

… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

>> We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…

… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

>> We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…

… however, when we find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

>> Though life did not move the way they wished…

>> Though many of their honest longings were not fulfilled…

>> Though they had to go through occasions of shame and dishonour…

>> Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…

… they still kept the faith!

… they still remained true to the Lord!

… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)

Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” – Forever Faithful – to God!

And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

>> By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us

>> By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…

… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways

>> By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy

The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…

… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John ( = God is Gracious)

>> Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…

>> Our God is a God Who deeply loves His Own…

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…

… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!