Spending time along little streams can be a fascinating pastime.

 

When along these streams, one can observe tiny flies that come and bathe in it.

 

If one notices carefully, it can be seen that while they plunge their bodies, they keep their wings high out of the water and fly away, with their wings dry!

 >> The wings are kept safe from getting wet, so that there is no hindrance in flying again!

 

How beautiful a lesson is this for us Christians…

…. who live in the world, yet are called to be out of the world.

… who live amidst possibilities of wealth, yet are called to be detached from them.

… who live with the prospect of gaining immense power, yet are exhorted to not be attached

 

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus highlighting this essential element of Christian living : Being in the world, but living out of the world, with eyes firmly set on heavenly realms.

 

Jesus says, “Whoever seeks to gain his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life, will preserve it” (Lk 17:33)

Very often our lives get too attached to material riches and attachments.

 

>> We fall prey to seeking great honour and fame in being a Christian…

… but are unable to grasp the fact that ‘to be a Christian is to be living a life of simplicity’.

 

>> We yield to temptations of being obsessed to seek power and positions of futile vanity…

… and fail time and again to live up to the Christian virtues of humility and modesty

 

>> We often become victims of engaging in dirty politics and authority-grabbing games…

… and become an anti-witness to the Lord who ‘came to serve, rather than be served’

 

We need to give heed to the words of the Lord who prayed that “we are in the world, but do not belong to this world” (Jn 17: 15)

 

 

A Christian life ought to be hallmarked by detachment and separation…

… detachment from too much of worldly distractions and vain glory

… separation from sinful ways and evil tendencies

 

 

It ought to be radiated with total focus and complete dedication…

… total focus on the Lord who ‘walked the talk’ by giving up His life in service

… complete dedication to the Kingdom of God which calls for a humble way of life

 

The world today is being ‘gripped in sin’, “as it was in the days of Noah” (Lk 17:26)

>> We need to open our eyes to realise the warning given by the Lord and be ‘on the watch’ after the example of the destruction of the sinful city of Sodom.

Perhaps our own life… or our family… or our community… our society…

… is resembling the city of Sodom

>> There is much drunkenness in worldly pleasures!

>> There is much ‘eating and consumption’ of corrupt practices!

>> There is much neglect of honest ways and of truthful conduct!

>> There is much enjoyment of bad, inhuman and cruel behaviours!

Let us deepen…

… our faith in the Lord

… our love for the Kingdom

… and our detachment from riches

As St Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized a saint says:

” We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend on material success; nor on sciences that cloud the intellect.

>> Neither does it depend on arms and human industries, but on Jesus alone.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  India is witnessing some historic economic reforms…

… with a view to curb corruption and especially to root out “black” money!

>> Scrapping of all existing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes

(These are the highest denomination notes in the country and are extremely common)

 

Without taking any political stance or engaging in a debate to say what are the motives behind such a governmental policy, it is safe to say that the focus is being laid on having a society…

… that is free from corruption

… that seeks to value honesty and integrity

Such policies and steps are reminders for us Christians, to reflect and consider…

… If this is the focus laid on having a corrupt-free society, how much more should be our zeal to live sin-free lives!

…If these are the steps to ensure integrity and honesty in a system, how much more should be our eagerness to root out anything that hinders us from living a holy life!

Our Christian lives must be lived eagerly and enthusiastically to nurture and promote the Kingdom of God…

… and live as citizens, worthy of a King Who is all-holy and all-honest!

 

Are we ready to collaborate with Jesus, to infuse a greater spirit of the Kingdom of God in this world …

… and to promote the reach and spread of the Kingdom of God?

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is a teaching on the Kingdom of God.

 

The Pharisees ask “when” the kingdom will come (Lk 17:20)

>> Jesus however explains “how” the Kingdom will come (17:22-35)

 

Jesus does not give an answer to the question of the Pharisees.

>> Rather, He makes to realize what should be the proper question.

 

It’s the style and technique of the Lord to get right the priorities and focus in life!

 

The people searched for Jesus after the miracle of the multiplication of loaves…

> Jesus sets right their intentions by speaking of the need to hunger for the bread of life (Jn 6)

 

The disciples of John came to clarify whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah to come…

> Jesus sets right their focus by turning their attention to all His signs and deeds (Lk 7:19ff)

 

 

The two disciples, James and John, sought for privileged places in Jesus’ future reign…

> Jesus sets right their priorities by exhorting them to grow rather in humility and service (Mk 10: 35-45)

 

Nicodemus, in his encounter with Jesus, remained on peripheral questions and doubts…

> Jesus sets right his doubts by calling his attention on living a life in the Spirit and being born anew spiritually (Jn 3: 1-21)

 

 

 

The Lord loves to challenge our doubts, theories & even convictions…in order to be in harmony with the priorities of the Kingdom.

 

>> Am I willing to allow the Lord to work in me to change some of my thinking patterns, that would be in accord to His Will?

 

>> Am I flexible to let the Lord to mould and shape my lifestyle and thus be in tune with the focus of His Kingdom?

 

The “Kingdom of God” is an oft-repeated phrase in the New Testament and especially in the Gospels.

 

 

What is the Kingdom of God?

 

A kingdom normally brings to picture a geographical territory, with its clear-cut boundaries and its rulers and citizens.

 

The Kingdom of God, is however, quite different!

>> The Kingdom of God is not a geographical dominion like worldly kingdoms!

 

The Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality where God’s Will is done.

 

It is a person; it is He – Jesus!

 

“Jesus leads people to realize the overwhelming fact that in Him, God is present among them and that He is God’s presence…” (from the book, “Jesus of Nazareth – Part I” by Pope Benedict XVI)

 

The Pharisees who asked Jesus on “when” the Kingdom would come, were probably expecting an external sort of a Kingdom.

 >> They probably expected a Kingdom which would overturn and overthrow the Roman Government.

But Jesus clarifies the nature of this Kingdom…

 >> He speaks of a Kingdom which is much more internal & spiritual, and whose impact would be felt and experienced in the external world.

 

 

One experiences the Kingdom of Heaven first in one’s inner life…and this is manifested in one’s external lifestyles…

 

The Samaritan Woman experienced the power of the Kingdom of God within herself, when she spoke to Jesus, the fountain of life…

>> And this experience of the Kingdom led her to proclaim the name of Jesus to all her villagers & bring many to the saving fold of the Lord.

 

 

The Disciples experienced the power of the Kingdom of God within them, when the Holy Spirit descended on them…

>> And this experience of the Kingdom was manifested in their bold and powerful witnessing life!

 

St Paul experienced the force of the Kingdom of God within him, when he encountered the Risen Lord on the way to Damascus…

>> And this experience of the Kingdom was displayed by him through his passionate life of preaching and missionary works.

 

 

In the Prayer, the Our Father, we pray:

 “Thy Kingdom Come,

Thy Will be Done…”

 

>> The Kingdom of God is, where the Will of God is fulfilled.

The question arises before us:

Is the Kingdom of God here?

>> Or is the Kingdom yet to come?

 

This is where we speak of the concept of “Already and not yet”

 

The Kingdom of God is already here, but not yet!

>> The Kingdom of God already reigns now, but not yet, in its fullness!

 

As St Paul says in 1 Cor 13: 12, “At present, we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present, I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known”.

 

 

Do I experience the Kingdom of God in my life?

 

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17)

 

>> I need to experience the joy and the peace of the Lord in my life…

>> I need to place the priorities of God over all else in my life…

That’s the Kingdom of God.

>> That’s the Reign of God.

 

 

We are invited today “to radiate heaven on our faces”!

May our Christian lives be lived eagerly and enthusiastically to nurture and promote the Kingdom of God…

… and thus live as citizens, worthy of a King Who is all-holy and all-honest!

 May we become a “Kingdom People!!

 

*God Bless! _Live Jesus_!*

*- Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS*

*_Bengaluru, India_*

  “In Hoc Signo Vinces” (By this sign you shall conquer).

This was the motto…

… which propelled the Christian Faith

… which signalled the beginning of Christianity as the Official Religion

Constantine who had been converted to Christianity along with his mother Helen…

… had ascended to the throne of the Roman Empire.

The historian Eusebius tells that on the night of the major battle, Constantine saw a cross of light in the skies, with the words: “In Hoc Signo Vinces.”

As a gratitude for the many battles won in the name of “In Hoc Signo Vinces”,

… Constantine donated his personal property for the construction of one of the first Basilicas of the Church – St John Lateran Basilica.

Today we celebrate the Feast of this great Cathedral Church of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.

>> This Basilica is the oldest Christian church building in the world.

>> It is the first permanent, public place of worship for Christians in the world.

The Gospel of the Day vividly and dramatically displays the zeal and passion of the Lord, for the House of God through the incident of the Cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple.

 

Christianity, in its infancy, suffered a great deal at the hands of her persecutors.

>> The Roman Empire sought to extend its domination over the entire world.

>> The power and might of the Roman Empire was determined to utterly destroy the Christian religion.

 

Christians, with a staunch belief in Jesus Christ, refused to worship the Roman pagan gods.

>> This led the Christians to be labelled as the enemies of the state and thus were sought to be eliminated.

Christians were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and even cruelly executed!

>> This wave of violent persecution crashed against the Rock, the Church for three centuries!

It was only in 312, when the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity that these persecutions ceased.

In gratitude to Christ, the new Emperor Constantine sponsored the construction of Christian churches, the first of which was the Church of the Most Holy Saviour, known today as the Basilica of St John Lateran…or simply called as the Lateran Basilica.

 

On this Feast day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the call of the Gospel is towards examining our relationship with God in the Church.

 

In the Old Testament, we read that the Lord had established a covenant with His people, Israel.

>> This covenant had its physical symbol in the Temple of Jerusalem.

The majestic and glorious Jerusalem Temple was an external symbol of God’s love-relationship with His people.

 

Jesus cleansing this Jerusalem Temple, was a strong message to the people, that He had come to revive and revamp the strained relationship between God and His people.

>> It was also symbolic of the need of the people to realise that the Jerusalem Temple which was to be destroyed in a few decades, was only a temporary symbol.

Jesus, Himself is the real and everlasting Temple…

… the permanent symbol of God’s eternal covenant with His people.

And so, He showcases a tremendous zeal and passion, in cleansing the Temple, of all the corruption and filth and fraud!

 

The Commemoration of this Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica and the Cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple is a call for each of us, to examine our own lives…

 

Is my relationship with God corrupted by many evil tendencies and pleasurable sins?

>> My heart needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

 

Is my relationship with the other, who is also a Temple of the Holy Spirit, badly tainted with anger, jealousy, calumnious thoughts etc…

>> My relationships needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

 

Is my relationship with the Church, strained by negative feelings of her dogmas and teachings, and stained by angry-feelings due to many scandals by her responsible authorities?

>> My mentality towards the Church needs a cleansing drive by the Lord…

 

 

This Feast is a call to revive our zeal and passion for the Lord, His Mission and His Church.

The Lord’s ways are sometimes very hard to follow and difficult to tread in this highly materialistic and sensational world.

>> But the Lord promises to be with us, in all our trials and hardships.

 

The Mission of the Lord to spread His Kingdom is a very challenging one and at times, they seem too very impossible and our efforts meaningless.

>> But the Lord assures His ever-abiding presence and love to those committed and faithful.

The Church of the Lord is very often found to wrench in corrupt practices, discouraging scandals, heart-crushing and shameful incidents.

>> But the Lord assures that His might Spirit will guide the Church through any storms and will surely “write straight, with crooked lines.”

 

The invitation is strong…

>> To be filled with a deeper love and zeal for the Lord, His Mission and His Church!

The challenges are deep.

>> The trials are too discouraging.

Yet, with the grace of God, can we display immense pleasure and thrill in building the Kingdom of God?

 

Happy Feast Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Pope is the Head of the Universal Church.

He is recognized by many titles…

… Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church etc.

Another prominent title among these is: the Servant of the servants of God.

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation and reminder to this great aspect of our Christian Lives: Being a Servant.

The Lord narrates the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant.

>> In this parable, Jesus tells about a servant who works all day long out in the field, or out taking care of the flock.

And after he works all day long, he comes into the house…

>> Is he expected to sit down and rest and eat his own meal?

No

Rather, he is required to serve his master by providing him the meal first.

And after doing all that work – all day long – there’s no word of thanks, no gratitude.

Jesus closes out this parable by saying that the servant was unprofitable because he only did what he was told to do.

Is it something practical?

>> Is it something easy?

 

Our modern-day psychology would speak of the concept of a “positive stroke” that is to be given to those working or those who undertake some labour.

>> It’s important…

… that the employers in a company are given a “positive stroke” by appreciating their good works…

… that the servants in a house are given a “positive stroke” by encouraging with good words and a cheerful countenance…

… that the workers in a firm or factory are given a “positive stroke” by acknowledging their worth and constantly boosting their confidence level…

But the Gospel of the Day seems to be demanding much more from a Servant…

>> A servant who works whole day long ploughing in the field or tending the sheep…

>> A servant who delays his needs and instead prepares and serves meals for his master…

>> A servant, who after all his works, doesn’t expect words of gratitude…

The Parable is surely a tough one!

But, the One who preached this Parable is not a mere preacher, but is a ‘practiser’!

>> Jesus, the one who preached this Parable, practised perfectly, this life of being a servant.

>> He is the Servant, who works in the field ploughing…

…sowing the seed of the Word of God, ploughing the Gospel in the hearts of people and toiling in the hot sun of oppositions and mockery

>> He is the Servant, who tends the sheep in the field…

…providing pasture for His people, protecting them from the wolves of the evil and going after any of the sheep which are lost in the wilderness

>> He is the Servant, who prepares a meal and serves at table…

…nourishing those at table with His own body, strengthening them with His own blood and constantly reinforcing in the journey of life

How are we to be such a Servant of the Lord?

 

1. Having a mind of being a Servant of God:

The world of a servant centres not around himself, but around the Master.

>> Whatever pleases the Master, the servant does.

If we truly acknowledge God as our Master, then we too…

…will think and seek to do His Will

…will do the works which please Him

…will speak the words which are worthy of His grace

2. Being Committed in this task of being His servant

The world of a servant centres around total availability and openness to the needs of the Master.

If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too…

…will place His priorities over ours

…will give ourselves to Him totally at all times

…will avoid anything that blocks my complete service of Him

The Call is to be a Servant…who is dedicated and selfless.

>> Jesus is our model and example in being a Servant.

It’s a demand placed on us.

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

>> Let us seek for this grace of growing in the Service of the Lord.

Let us seek the intercession of Blessed John Duns Scotus, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow.

>> He is considered to be one of the most important philosopher-theologians of the Middle Ages…

… even being called as a “Marian Doctor” as he championed the defense of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mother Mary.

Let us give heed to his words:

“O Lord, our God, you have proclaimed yourself to be the first and last.

>> Teach your servant to show by reason what he holds with faith most certain…

… that you are the most eminent, the first efficient cause and the last end.”

 

*God Bless! _Live Jesus_!*

*- Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS*

*_Bengaluru, India_*

There is a famous incident associated with Thomas Alva Edison, the renowned scientist. 

Edison and his team had undertaken the tedious task of inventing the “light bulb”.

>> It took the team 24 hours to put one bulb together.

When it was ready, Edison gave the bulb to a young helper boy, to carry up to the steps.

>> Nervously, this young boy climbed the stairs…

… step by step, with extreme caution and fright – lest the priceless piece of work be dropped!

But the extremely anxious steps of the boy, caused the “unwanted” to happen…

… the bulb fell out of his hands..smashed to pieces!

Naturally, there was great disappointment and even annoyance at the boy.

The entire team worked for another 24 hours to make another bulb.

Finally it was ready… to be taken up the stairs..

Well, no points for guessing, to whom Edison gave this second bulb!

>> Yes, to the same boy, who had dropped and broken it the first time.

That’s true forgiveness, isn’t it?

The Gospel of the Day deals with the aspect of Forgiveness (Lk 17: 3-4)…

… which is the key for a harmonious living together.

Jesus says: “If your brother wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you, seven times saying, ‘I am sorry’, you should forgive him” (Lk 17: 4)

The example give by the Lord is an experience, which many of us, perhaps, have had in our personal lives….

A person does a wrong to me and I forgive him.

>> The same person hurts me once again and I forgive him

He does it again, causing a deeper wound to me and I forgive him again.

>> He does it again and offends me harder and I forgive him again….but this time I am losing my patience!

 

 

Don’t I have a limit for myself to bear?

>> Should I go on bearing hurts?

>> Don’t I have feelings which are sensitive?

So we perhaps ask this question to the Lord:

“Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother?”

We are eager to know when to quit turning the other cheek to the one who hits you on one cheek!

The Old Testament Law suggested to forgive three times (Amos 1:3-13).

But the Lord..who loves to keep challenging… throws out a bigger number.

Now is this demand of the Lord something really practical and viable?

>> Or is Jesus turning out to be “one of those many idealistic teachers who love to talk in the air….but nothing which is practical or really feasible and doable!”

The Lord invites us to look into the Aspect of God’s Forgiveness, to obtain a solution and an insight to this perennial question of “how often should I forgive my fellow brother?”…

… If God were to forgive us only a limited number of times, how many days would we have survived?

… If God were to withdraw His Grace after an “x” number of times, how many situations would we have endured?

… If God were to stop granting us pardon after a period of time, how many blessings would we have been denied?

… If God were to keep an account of all our sins and transgressions, how many of us would have been alive today?

Of course, Forgiveness does not mean…

… justifying the bad behaviours of people!

… supporting the evil deeds of our fellow beings!

… encouraging the faults or situations of wrongdoing or hurts!

… not correcting and reproving the misdeeds and carrying out our duties of rectifying!

But Forgiveness does mean…

… liberating the people from guilt and condemnation in our hearts!

… to have no ill feelings and grudging emotions against the ones who have hurt us!

… seeking to love them, praying for them and avoiding occasions of putting them down!

… to refuse to harbor their mistakes deep in our hearts, though we are wounded & hurt!

Life is an opportunity and a challenge….

An Opportunity to become more Divine…to become more forgiving…to become more Loving…!

>> A Challenge to let go of our ego…to cast away our hurtful and wounded feelings…to go beyond our aches!

Let us seek God’s Grace to Live Up to this Challenge and to Grab this opportunity!

The “light bulb” of God’s Grace has often been entrusted to us by the Lord

>> Many are the times when, have “dropped it” and broken it into pieces!

.. Yet, the Lord entrusts it, again and again – forgiving us, and trusting in us!

>> Are we ready to do the same with others?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Question: Who could be the called as the most ‘blessed’ people in the world?

Answer: Christians

The Reason: In Christ we have the possibility to receive great blessings, to have heavenly experiences on earth by living a faith-filled life and to enjoy the most intimate moments with God in the Most Holy Eucharist.

The Biblical Support: John 10:10, “I have come to give life, and life in abundance”

John 6:51, “I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever”

Question: Who could be the called as the most ‘pitied’ people in the world?

Answer: Christians

The Reason: A Christian who fails to believe & be convinced of a life in Christ after this earthly life & lives only for this world.

The Biblical Support: 1 Cor 15:19, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all”

Am I a Christian who can be called Blessed, because of my faith in Christ which is directed towards Eternal Life ?

>> Or am I a Christian who is to be Pitied, because of my belief in Christ which is only to satisfy my desires of this world?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to dwell on these aspects with the incident of the Question on the Resurrection.

This question on the Resurrection was put forward by the Sadducees.

The Sadducees were the priestly aristocracy among the Jews.

>> They tried to live in close contact with the Roman rulers so that they might as far as possible promote the secular interests of their people.

Consequently they took little interest in religious matters and in many respects clashed with the Pharisees, especially as regards the Pharisees’ attachment to the ‘traditions of the elders’.

 

Anything which was not taught by ‘the law of Moses’ (the first five books of the Old Testament) was rejected by the Sadducees as forbidden innovations.

Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in many aspects:

>> They didn’t believe…

… in angels.

… in heaven or hell.

… in life after death.

… in the immortality of the soul.

… in the resurrection of the dead.

Thus, the doubt on the Resurrection exposes the hypocrisy of the Sadducees.

>> They were asking Jesus about something they didn’t believe.

They sought to establish that belief in a resurrection from the dead was unscriptural and impractical by putting forward a highly hypothetical question.

But Jesus, the cleverest and smartest Master outwits their malicious plans.

Jesus establishes that eternal life would not be a mere extension of this presently life.

>> Rather, there would be a great transformation of all that is earthly.

The style and the method of this transformation is known only to God…

>> The manner and the mode of this transformation is known only to God…

But the Lord with logic & reason and a strong scriptural-support champions this Doctrine of the Resurrection from the Dead.

The passage ends with the statement, “And they no longer dared to ask him anything” (Lk 19:40)

The Sadducees who came to trap the Lord with their malicious doubts were put to silence.

>> Maybe a few of those Sadducees…

… would have second thoughts on it.

… got a bit confused between Jesus’ words and their own convictions

… felt angered at the convinced reply of Jesus & their unwillingness to let go of their position.

Maybe most of those Sadducees felt threatened by the confident reply of Jesus and their aversion to give up their opinions.

>> It’s a tragedy when one fails to convert oneself, even after knowing the truth.

>> It’s a pity when one fails to change oneself, even after becoming aware of the reality.

>> It’s a calamity when one fails to alter oneself, even after being conscious of the facts.

 

Are we a practical Sadducees in our lives?

>> Do I believe in the power of the Resurrection of the Dead? Do I believe that there is a life beyond our earthly existence?

It is not that enough to have a mere verbal belief.

>> This belief ought to be translated in our personal living.

We need to prepare ourselves for a glorious eternity by living a holy life.

>> We need to avoid any blocks and sins which can hamper my progress to eternal life.

The world is becoming more and more materialistic today.

 

The feeling that “after all we have only one life” and “let us enjoy to the maximum” is widespread.

Certainly, God has blessed us with this life…and we need to enjoy.

>> But enjoy it in the proper manner with a sense of responsibility and decorum.

Let us give up anything that reduces the value of enjoyment to mere sensual and bodily-pleasurable activities.

>> Instead, let us enjoy real freedom and happiness, by living a life of Grace and Love!

We are Christians…

>> Will my life be the most blessed? or Will my life be the most pitied?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian tenor   (Tenor is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is one of the highest)

Pavarotti gained worldwide fame for the quality of his tone, and eventually established himself as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century

He was trained under a professional tenor in his hometown in Italy.

>> Meanwhile, he had also enrolled in a teacher’s college.

On his graduation, he asked his father: “Shall I be a teacher or a singer?”

“Luciano”, said his father, “‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them.

For life, you must choose one chair!”

He followed his father’s advice…choosing the chair, to become a singer…

… and went on to be a successful one!

Pavarotti would later say: “I think whether it’s laying bricks, writing a book – whatever we choose – we should give ourselves to it.

>> Commitment, that’s the key.

Choose one chair.”

The Gospel of the Day presents this Call of the Lord to make a clear-cut and distinct choice in our Christian life…

.. “choosing just one chair!”

Jesus says: “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or, be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Lk 16: 13)

More than anytime before, the world faces this deep-rooted problem of a “divided heart”

There is a constant dialectic (tension) between serving God and serving mammon!

>> We say we obey God…

… but we fail to abide by His commandments and teachings in the Church!

>> We say we love God…

… but we fail to express this love in a faithful lifestyle of prayers and devotions.

>> We say we serve God…

 

… but we fail to extend His love and compassion to our people in need.

>> We say we honour God…

… but we fail to witness to His Gospel values and dilute them to serve our petty interests.

Let’s not be afraid to look at the naked face of reality staring at us today…

> Most people today serve something besides God…

… sin ?

… music?

… sports?

… money?

… themselves?

… power and positions?

… cravings of their bodies ?

 

Am I also serving something else instead of God?

In the Old Testament, one of the greatest accusations made against the people of Israel was: The Sin of Idolatry…

… abandoning the Living and True God and rendering worship and honour to some non-living thing as a god.

Though, as Christians, we may not be explicitly worshipping some idol or running after some gods or crazy over some tantras-mantras…

… it is not a bad idea to examine our conscience and check whether we really have formed some gods in our lives and thus entering into “practical” idolatry….

Maybe I am too much attached to my electronic gadgets like the phones, TV, music players, cameras…and use them way beyond my “need”!

>> The idol of gadgets?

Maybe I am too much obsessed with my looks, my styles, my clothing and food habits, my make-up styles…and “over-conscious” than the minimal requirements!

>> The Idol of the Self?

Maybe I am crazy about gaining over-popularity through an “n” number of picture displays and posts on many social networking sites…and “get totally upset” when I fail to receive the expected appreciations and “likes”!

>> The Idol of Attention-seeking?

Maybe I am too much occupied with my work, business and other undertakings, that I fail to give attention to my family, my community, the needs of my own spiritual self etc…and lose out on the little joys and happiness of life!

>> The Idol of Money and Work?

There could be many more idols in our life..

> The Idol of Laziness…

> The Idol of Bad Habits…

> The Idol of Power-obsession…

> The Idol of Immoral Lifestyles…

> The Idol of losing a Sense of Sin…

> The Idol of Criticizing and Judging…

The Gospel of the day places a great choice before us…

 

>> Choose to be with God or to follow other idols?

>> Choose to obey His laws and commandments or to stray away from His paths?

 

We cannot serve both God and other things…

>> One leads to life..the other to death.

Which side are we on?

Yes… Choose one chair!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was a Bible study class. 

The group was doing a study on the Book of Prophet Daniel.

As was the custom, one of the members would start the Bible study by reading the passage of the day, to the group, aloud.

The selected passage for the day was Chapter 6 of the Book of Daniel.

An elderly person, stood up to read.

>> He, however had some struggle with his sight and was finding it a bit difficult to read.

When he came to verse 3… (which actually says: “… an excellent spirit was in Daniel”)…

… adjusting his thick glasses, the man read: “… an excellent spine was in Daniel!”

(The word ‘spirit’ was mistakenly read as ‘spine’!)

Well…that was bad reading…

… but nevertheless, it was wonderful theology, because Prophet Daniel was indeed a man of excellent spine – a backbone that made him strong and courageous!

Are we Christians with an “excellent spine”?

The Gospel of the Day, with a worldly example placed before us – the Parable of the Unjust Steward – is a mighty challenge to us to examine whether we as Christians, are people…

… who really are bold and courageous to stand for the Gospel principles

… who really are zealous and prudent to preserve our holiness and sanctity!

The story of the Unjust Parable is an interesting as well as an eye-opener for us, in our spiritual and Christian life

>> This is also a parable that could be classified under the being “controversial” or “what-was-He-really-meaning” category!

The highlight of the parable would go thus…

>> A steward has been reported to the Master for squandering the property (Lk 16:1)

>> Dismissal is on the cards for the steward (Lk 16:2)

>> Taking stock of the possibilities for the future, he decides and acts on the principle: Manipulation is the best policy for a safer future (Lk 16:3-7)

>> The Master commends this unjust, yet prudent and craft act of the steward! (Lk 16: 8a)

The parable could cause some strange questions to crop up…

>> Why is Jesus – the Honest-Man-par-excellance – presenting this strangely negative example to His followers?

>> Does Jesus mean that we should follow the bad ways of the world, in order to win our salvation?

>> “Hook or Crook” – is that the policy that Jesus says for us Christians, to live in this world?

 

Well…

>> Without going deep into the theological debates of such questions…

… we shall look into the answer that Jesus Himself proposed for saying this parable:

“For the children of the world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation, than are the children of light” (Lk 16: 8b)

The purpose of Jesus to say this parable is put forth:

>> Children of the this world are often more shrewd to make sure a good future…

… whereas, the children of the light, tend to be extremely relaxed concerning their salvation!

>> People of this worldly kingdom are willing to go to any extend to secure themselves…

… whereas those who supposedly wish to belong to God’s Kingdom, leisure themselves in lethargy!

This is a technique of “comparative imperative” that is proposed by Jesus…

… by emphasising on the opposite, a challenge is put forth!

… by highlighting a negative dimension, the positive aspect is enforced!

Such “comparative imperatives” can easily be observed in our lives…

>> We would make every effort to be in time to catch a bus/train/flight, so as not to miss it…

… but don’t mind, being late for our prayers or spiritual activities, including the Holy Mass!

>> We would ensure every day we have our food and get a good rest, so that our bodies don’t get weak…

… but give no regard to feed and give rest to our souls, by spending time with the Lord in personal prayer and growing in relationship with Him!

>> We would feel a dreadful sense of disgust if we do not have our daily bath (shower) and cleanse our bodies…

… but have sometimes no awareness to realise our souls are dirty and we need to cleanse them through a daily examination of conscience, and regularly through the Sacramental Confession.

>> We don’t mind wagging our tongues to say a bad word or a dirty joke or nasty words of criticism and condemnation..

… but think often, when we need to say something positive or appreciate someone or to say an occasional prayer to recall the presence of the Lord!

 

This “comparative imperative” proposed by the Lord in this parable makes us to reflect deeper:

>> Am I more enthusiastic about the affairs of this world, which gives only transient joy…

… at the cost of avoiding my spiritual life, which alone can ensure me eternal happiness?

 

>> Am I only concerned more about my materialistic concerns and my temporal duties…

… and end up neglecting the solemn duties of our Christian life and being more spiritually rooted?

Our Blessed Lord is extremely serious…

… that we take our Christian lives and faith, on a more serious note!

>> Salvation is at stake… Eternal Life is at question!

The Lord is perhaps addressing us, and telling:

“For those who are working…

… you would try to make any efforts to make sure you get a better salary, isn’t it?

For those who are studying…

… you would try to put in extra hard work to ensure you get the extra marks, isn’t it?

For those who are at home…

… you would spare no efforts, to ensure peace and harmony and a happy time, isn’t it?

For those in institutes or companies or in-charge of some establishment…

… you would take the extra mile to be the best and co-ordinate to the max to give better performances, isn’t it?

Then why…

… Why sometimes, lethargy only spiritual life?

… Why sometimes, indifference, only with respect to a life of faith?”

Are we ready to be Christians with an “excellent spine”?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Festival of Diwali in India has just concluded.  >> This celebration of lights – Diwali – is characteristically marked by the bursting of a variety of crackers.

[NB: this reflection is not to discuss the pros and cons of bursting of crackers! :-)]

Crackers signify a mood of celebration and joy.

>> They are symbolic of a spirit of festivity and merriment.

The bursting and the sound of crackers surely spark off a message that some celebration is on & there is a mood of rejoicing and good cheer.

 

Today, we are in for some bursting of crackers….

But, Guess where?

Not in India…not anywhere on the earth…

>> But in Heaven!

Yes, we have crackers being burst in heaven!

Why?

>> There is much to celebrate and be glad!

The reason?? “There is much rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who need no repentance” (Lk 15: 7)

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to a life of discovering God’s love and living a life in repentance.

The Fifteenth Chapter of St Luke is an amazing revelation of God’s tremendous love, mercy and longing for each one of us.

We have the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.

In all the three parables…

… lost ones are found

… there is great celebration at the end.

… an emphasis is laid on hope for the lost.

 

This chapter is a contradiction of many Human thought-patterns and an affirmation of many Divine thought-patterns…

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of thinking of things in terms of monetary rate and financial gain.

>> There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of acknowledging the deeper value and worth of objects and people!

 

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of giving up on things that are lost and not being bothered about it.

>> There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of desperately going after the lost and being in painful agony until found!

We are invited to shed the selfish Human thought-pattern and embrace the selfless Divine thought-pattern.

For our Gospel reflection, today, we shall consider the first two parables:

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin.

A shepherd had a hundred sheep.

During the count as he gathers the sheep at day’s end, the shepherd notices that one is missing.

>> The sheep needs to be found; otherwise it may be permanently lost or attacked by hungry predators.

The Shepherd takes the risk of leaving the rest behind, and goes out in search of the lost one.

The second parable parallels the first….

Here a silver coin has been lost.

It’s probably a drachma, which equals a denarius–a day’s wage for the average worker.

>> The coin needs to be found; else a day’s wage would be lost and would to the already existing financial burden.

The woman takes the hard trouble and effort, to sweep the house, in search of the lost coin.

In both the cases…

>> The search yields successful results…the lost sheep and the lost coin is found.

>> The success leads to a great celebration… the shepherd and the woman rejoice and party

>> The cost of the celebration far exceeds the actual price of the thing lost!

 

Why such a sentimentality? Why so much of economic waste?

>> The only logic behind it is: the Experience of Joy.

The Shepherd feels tremendously happy in getting back his lost sheep.

The woman feels tremendously happy in getting back her lost coin.

>> And this spurs them to forget all economics, and mathematics and tally and calculations…

Joy surpasses them all.

>> Joy overcomes them all.

>> Joy overtakes them all!

Jesus compares this same joy in heaven at the repentance of a sinner!

Am I similar to a Lost Sheep?

>> Lost…

… in the thickets of materialistic living

… lost in the valleys of doubts and rejections and failures

… lost in the bushes of excessive pride, prestige and power

… lost in the wilderness of hopelessness and meaninglessness in life

Am I similar to a Lost Coin?

>> Lost…

… in the corners of abuses and misunderstandings and false judgments

…in the darkness of bad luck and unfair treatment by life

… in the dust of corruption and malicious situations

… in the shadows of addictions and bad habits

The Lord doesn’t abandon us…. The Lord comes in search of us.

>> We ought to…

… hear His voice and respond.

… allow ourselves to be found.

… let Him take us on His shoulders.

… permit Him to take us in His hands.

God comes looking for us.

>> We are the ones that God spends hours and hours, walking miles and probing all areas, in search.

>> We are the ones that God spends hours and hours on hands and knees sweeping and searching for.

And when God finds us…He calls together all the saints in heaven, saying to them:

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my beloved sheep, my precious coin that was once lost.”

Are we – You & I – ready to give heaven a reason to celebrate, by repenting of our sins & living a life, in accord with God’s Holy Will?!

Yes, the crackers in heaven are waiting to be burst…

>> Let us experience the saving power and presence of the Lord, by realizing our state of being lost…and allowing the Lord, to find us.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Festival of Diwali in India has just concluded.  >> This celebration of lights – Diwali – is characteristically marked by the bursting of a variety of crackers.

[NB: this reflection is not to discuss the pros and cons of bursting of crackers! :-)]

Crackers signify a mood of celebration and joy.

>> They are symbolic of a spirit of festivity and merriment.

The bursting and the sound of crackers surely spark off a message that some celebration is on & there is a mood of rejoicing and good cheer.

 

Today, we are in for some bursting of crackers….

But, Guess where?

Not in India…not anywhere on the earth…

>> But in Heaven!

Yes, we have crackers being burst in heaven!

Why?

>> There is much to celebrate and be glad!

The reason?? “There is much rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who need no repentance” (Lk 15: 7)

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to a life of discovering God’s love and living a life in repentance.

The Fifteenth Chapter of St Luke is an amazing revelation of God’s tremendous love, mercy and longing for each one of us.

We have the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.

In all the three parables…

… lost ones are found

… there is great celebration at the end.

… an emphasis is laid on hope for the lost.

 

This chapter is a contradiction of many Human thought-patterns and an affirmation of many Divine thought-patterns…

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of thinking of things in terms of monetary rate and financial gain.

>> There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of acknowledging the deeper value and worth of objects and people!

 

There is a contradiction of the Human thought-pattern of giving up on things that are lost and not being bothered about it.

>> There is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of desperately going after the lost and being in painful agony until found!

We are invited to shed the selfish Human thought-pattern and embrace the selfless Divine thought-pattern.

For our Gospel reflection, today, we shall consider the first two parables:

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin.

A shepherd had a hundred sheep.

During the count as he gathers the sheep at day’s end, the shepherd notices that one is missing.

>> The sheep needs to be found; otherwise it may be permanently lost or attacked by hungry predators.

The Shepherd takes the risk of leaving the rest behind, and goes out in search of the lost one.

The second parable parallels the first….

Here a silver coin has been lost.

It’s probably a drachma, which equals a denarius–a day’s wage for the average worker.

>> The coin needs to be found; else a day’s wage would be lost and would to the already existing financial burden.

The woman takes the hard trouble and effort, to sweep the house, in search of the lost coin.

In both the cases…

>> The search yields successful results…the lost sheep and the lost coin is found.

>> The success leads to a great celebration… the shepherd and the woman rejoice and party

>> The cost of the celebration far exceeds the actual price of the thing lost!

 

Why such a sentimentality? Why so much of economic waste?

>> The only logic behind it is: the Experience of Joy.

The Shepherd feels tremendously happy in getting back his lost sheep.

The woman feels tremendously happy in getting back her lost coin.

>> And this spurs them to forget all economics, and mathematics and tally and calculations…

Joy surpasses them all.

>> Joy overcomes them all.

>> Joy overtakes them all!

Jesus compares this same joy in heaven at the repentance of a sinner!

Am I similar to a Lost Sheep?

>> Lost…

… in the thickets of materialistic living

… lost in the valleys of doubts and rejections and failures

… lost in the bushes of excessive pride, prestige and power

… lost in the wilderness of hopelessness and meaninglessness in life

Am I similar to a Lost Coin?

>> Lost…

… in the corners of abuses and misunderstandings and false judgments

…in the darkness of bad luck and unfair treatment by life

… in the dust of corruption and malicious situations

… in the shadows of addictions and bad habits

The Lord doesn’t abandon us…. The Lord comes in search of us.

>> We ought to…

… hear His voice and respond.

… allow ourselves to be found.

… let Him take us on His shoulders.

… permit Him to take us in His hands.

God comes looking for us.

>> We are the ones that God spends hours and hours, walking miles and probing all areas, in search.

>> We are the ones that God spends hours and hours on hands and knees sweeping and searching for.

And when God finds us…He calls together all the saints in heaven, saying to them:

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my beloved sheep, my precious coin that was once lost.”

Are we – You & I – ready to give heaven a reason to celebrate, by repenting of our sins & living a life, in accord with God’s Holy Will?!

Yes, the crackers in heaven are waiting to be burst…

>> Let us experience the saving power and presence of the Lord, by realizing our state of being lost…and allowing the Lord, to find us.

God Bless! Live Jesus!