Some prayers are very popular. 

>> Some of them remain very much fixed in our minds. 

>> Some of them also awaken instant sentiments of faith, inspiration and love.
One such prayer, which many of us would agree meets the above conditions is:

The Prayer of Peace – “Make me a channel of our peace” 

>> Popularly attributed to St Francis of Assisi.

Today we celebrate the Feast day of this peaceful and powerful saint – St Francis of Assisi. 
St Francis of Assisi probably is one of the most popular saints in the entire world. 

>> The name of this saint invokes so many pictures and words to our minds –  nature, animals, poverty, renunciation, cross, stigmata, surrender, trust…
Another aspect of this Great Saint that is highlighted is the Deep JOY that he lived in his life.

We often live in a world “robbed” of true joy and cheerfulness… 

>> People today aren’t very happy in life…
We see something similar happening in the Gospel of the Day as well (Lk 10: 38-42)

>> Martha who gets irritated and disturbed, because her sister Mary is seated at the feet of the Master…

… while she herself is busy doing the household chores.
 Even though, Jesus, the Lord of joy was in her house…

… she was irritable and cribbing
Perhaps, we too often lose our sense of joy and plunge into disturbances, when encountered by the troubles of life. 
Queries on why there is no joy or happiness will evoke some of the following replies: 

>> “You don’t know the struggles what I’m going through.” 

>> “How can you expect me to be cheerful when my marriage and family is falling apart?” 

>> “God seems miles away from me, and you want me to cheer up?” 

>> “My kids drive me nuts.” 

>> “I’ve got cancer. How can I rejoice?” 

>> “People have mistreated me and I’m not going to be happy until I get even.” 

>> “If I had more money, I’d be happy.”
Do I identify myself with some of the above replies…..?

If yes, then the Saint of the day, St Francis of Assisi today challenges us to rise above these our concerns and to find the Treasure of True Joy and the Wealth of Genuine happiness in God!

We turn to an incident from his life for our reflection today…

 
One winter day St. Francis of Assisi with Brother Leo, and the bitter cold made them suffer keenly. 
St. Francis called to Brother Leo, and he said: 

“Brother Leo, even if we in every country give a great example of holiness and integrity and good edification, nevertheless… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“
And when he had walked on a bit, St. Francis called him again, saying: 

“Brother Leo, even if we give sight to the blind, heal the paralyzed, drive out devils, give hearing to the deaf, make the lame walk, and restore speech to the dumb, and bring back to life a dead man…note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“
And going on a bit, St. Francis cried out again in a strong voice: 

“Brother Leo, if we knew all languages and all sciences and Scripture, if also to prophesy and to reveal the secrets of the consciences of others… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.” 
And as they walked on, St. Francis called again forcefully: ”

“Brother Leo, even if we could speak with the voice of an angel, and knew all about the treasures in the earth, and knew the qualities of birds and fishes, animals, humans, roots, trees, rocks, and waters… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And going on a bit farther, St. Francis called again strongly:

 “Brother Leo, even if we could preach so well that should convert all infidels to the faith of Christ…note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”
Now when he had been talking this way for a distance, Brother Leo in great amazement asked him: “Father, I beg you in God’s name to tell me where perfect joy is.”

And St. Francis replied:

“When we, soaked by the rain and frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger, and we ring at the gate of our House, and the brother from inside comes and says angrily: ‘Who are you?’ 
And we say: ‘We are two of your brothers.’ 
And he contradicts us, saying: ‘You are not telling the truth. Rather you are two rascals who go around deceiving people and stealing what they give to the poor. Go away’ 
And he makes us stand outside in the snow and rain, cold and hungry, until night falls-then if we endure all those insults and cruel rebuffs patiently, without being troubled and without complaining, and if we reflect humility and charity…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!

 
‘And if we continue to knock, and the brother comes out in anger, and drives us away with curses and hard blows like bothersome scoundrels, saying; ‘Get away from here, you dirty thieves-go to the hospital! Who do you think you are? And if we bear it patiently and take the insults with joy and love in our hearts…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!”

And if later, we still cry loudly begging them to open for us and he grows still more angry and says: ‘I’ll give them what they deserve.’  

And he comes out and beats us so much that he covers our bodies with wounds–if we endure all those evils and insults and blows with joy and patience, and bear the sufferings patiently for love of Christ…

… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!

‘And now hear the conclusion, Brother Leo. 

>> Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ. 
‘I will not glory save in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PERFECT JOY IS ONLY IN THE CROSS!
This incident of St Francis of Assisi, might sound too ideal for us… 

And the approach and attitude of the Great Saint too utopian for us… 

>> Still, it is possible to grow in our understanding of True Joy and Peace in God alone!
Let us seek the Intercession of this Wonderful Saint in being an instrument of joy & peace 

“Make me Lord, a channel of your peace…”

Happy Feast Day! 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, who was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century was an American author and poet. 

She has written a beautiful poem, which goes thus:
It isn’t the thing you do; 

It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you a bit of heartache

At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten, The letter you did not write,

The flower you might have sent,  are your haunting ghosts tonight.
The stone you might have lifted, Out of a brother’s way,

The bit of heartsome counsel, You were harried too much to say.
The little acts of kindness, So easily out of mind;

Those chances to be helpful, Which everyone may find.
No, it’s not the things you do, 

It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you the bit of heartache

At the setting of the sun.

Our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…

… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.
The Gospel of the Day is a stark reminder for us, to consider our level of love for the Lord…

… especially through the perspective of the many chances we miss in doing good and serving Him!
A scholar of the law went up to Jesus with a motive to test Him. (Lk 10: 25)
Despite being given a clarification by the Lord, the Gospel says, that the scholar of the law went on to ask another question, “to justify himself” (Lk 10: 29)

 
This attitude to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…

… is a tendency, whose presence we ought to examine in ourselves

>> And if present, need to root out…
“Justifying oneself, even without any just cause”, could be pointing to the fact…

… that we are too proud to accept the view of the other, even when we know the truth

… that we are unwilling to let go of our ego, with a  fear of being defeated
To this trap of the scholar of the Law, who sought to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…

… Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
One of the vivid observations that we can have from this parable is the “sin of omission” from the part of the first two possible helpers – the Priest and the Levite. 
The man who was attacked, and lay in pain and anguish along the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho”…

… was in need of immediate attention

… was in need of aid and assistance 
But the parable says that both – the Priest and Levite – responsible and supposedly God-serving people – refused to extend help.
There could be several reasons proposed as to why they did not stop by, to help the one in need.
Maybe…

… they risked ritual and social impurity  – since they were at the Temple of the Lord and touching the man had a risk of defilement.

… they were short of time – wanting to make sure they would reach in time for their Temple duties

… they were afraid of the robbers – since this 17 mile stretch from Jerusalem to Jericho was robber-infested

… they were indifferent to the cause of the needy – only being concerned with cultic service of the Lord and not translating them into acts of mercy

… they had a past experience of having faced danger – and were unwilling to put themselves into risk once again

… they were unable to set their priorities in order – unable to distinguish and discern that, not just Temple service, but even helping a needy person forms part of a true spirituality

The reasons….

… could be varied

… could be speculated

… could be argued upon
But one thing is certain: They failed to help a person in need…

… and thus had a missed a chances in doing good and serving Him!
>> This “missing the chance in doing good” constitutes the “sin of omission”
Yes, our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…

… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.
Am in languishing with many “sins of omission”….?

>> Young persons who stray away from the honest and right paths of life – knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or purposely…

… demand our attention to pray for them and to find creative ways of bringing them back to the right path
>> Broken families which face crisis – either due to spousal misunderstandings or children’s worries or financial constraints or any other problems…

… cry out to us, to intervene in their lives by interceding for them and to become channels of peace, reconciliation and harmony. 

 
>> Lethargic Christians and persons with lapsed faith – either due to ignorance or indifference or deception…

… plead to us, to bring their cause before the Throne of God’s Mercy and to be cheerful instruments who “fan their faith into flames”
In all such causes and similar cases, we are challenged to be the “Good Samaritan”…

… being humble enough to get down to our knees 

… being daring and courageous to face humiliations in extending help

… being compassionate and caring to do follow-ups on our acts of mercy
It is only thus that we would be marching forward in our goodwill to firmly follow the commandments to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25):

 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind…

… and your neighbour as yourself!” (Lk 10: 27)
May our daily examination of the conscience, always remind us of the fact, that…

“It isn’t the thing you do; 

It’s the thing you leave undone, Which gives you a bit of heartache

At the setting of the sun.”

>> And thus spur us, to have compassionate hearts and be a true “Missionary of Mercy”!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was the time of World War II. 
There was an urgency for England to increase its coal production. 
The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill exhorted the labour leaders to extend their support towards this requirement.
At the end of his exhortation, he asked them to visualize (picture in their mind)…

… a victory parade that would be held at the end of the war.
He said that, first in the parade would come…

>>The sailors…who had managed the tensions at sea, with great courage.

>> Next would come the soldiers… who had proven their mettle by their bravery.

>> Then would come the pilots… who had displayed immense aerial skills.
All of these would be welcomed and acknowledged with great cheer and applause.

Last of all, would come along, the long line of…

… sweat-soaked and soot-smeared men in their miner’s caps.
Seeing them, someone from the crowd would ask, “Hey! Where were all of you, during the tense days of our struggle?”
And from the hoarse ten thousands of throats would come the answer: “We were deep in the earth, with our faces to the coal!”

The sailors, the soldiers and the pilots had glamour and glory attached to their work…

… but the miners, working deep in the coal mines, were always hidden and away from the limelight.
But very often, it is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…

… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!
As Christians, are we willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…

… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of the day, is this invitation to have our “faces to the coal”…

… by becoming “servants” in the service of the Kingdom!

 

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

>> employers in a company

>> servants in a house

>> workers in a firm or factory  

… are given a “positive stroke”…

>> by appreciating their good works

>> by encouraging with good words and a cheerful countenance

>> 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… 

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

… 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 do the works which please Him 

…will think and seek to do His Will 

…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.

>> Whatever is the Will of the Master, the servant is docile and alert. 
If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too… 

…will give ourselves to Him totally at all times

 …will place His priorities over ours 

…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. 
In working for the Kingdom of God, there are different roles which have glamour and glory attached to their work…

… but we always need to be willing to be like the ‘miners’ –  working deep in the mines – hidden and away from the limelight.
It is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…

… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, let us be willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…

… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Yes, I have discovered my vocation! In the heart of the Church, I will be love” 
 – From the “Story of  a Soul”   – the Autobiography of the Little Flower
These words of great joy and exhilaration exhibit the essence of a Grand Discovery. 

A Young Person had discovered her grand vocation!  

>> The Church had discovered a grand saint!
Grand was the life that was lived. 

>> Grand still more were the graces that followed… 
A grand saint enshrined in a quiet life but adorned with much love and affection… 

>> A saint who inspires many…

>> A saint who is loved by many…

>> A saint who induces much joy… 

… St Theresa of Child Jesus – popularly known as the Little Flower of Liseux. 

We live in an age that relishes and appreciates insights related to growth, maturity, accountability and responsibility. 

>> There is a love to hear “high” theology…. 

>> There is a craze to talk “systematic” thoughts… 

>> There is an interest to discuss “complex” spiritualities..
Not that these are bad or not to be promoted…but these “mature” talks ought not to take one away from the basic aim of true spirituality: Love God and Loving Neighbour! 
There is a tendency that these “advanced” talks get jammed with only peripheral talks…

… and fail to translate into true action & deeds. 

It is here, that our Little Saint of the Day invites us to find a new freshness and sparkle in Spirituality. 

>> She is the Little Saint who dared to love the Big God! She is the Big Saint who presents to us the Little Way!

 

This Little Way of the Big Li’l Saint resonates with the Gospel of the Day (Lk 10:17-24) when Jesus invites and declares that…

….”I give You praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth… you have revealed them to the childlike” (Lk 10: 21a)’

For a child, everything is big! 

>> The toys that one plays…

>> The food that one eats…

>> The houses that one sees… 
Even the ones who take care… And especially, the ones closes to the child..probably, the parents….are very big too!

>> They mean everything to the child. 

>> They signify the ultimate for the Child. 
This is the child-likeness to which ‘The Little Flower’ grew. 
Her child-likeness had God as the Centre of her world… 

>> God meant everything for this Little Saint. 

>> God signified the ultimate for this Little Saint!
She saw herself as ‘a child’ but energized by God who directed her journey in faith.
Her child-likeness does not promote childishness or immaturity or passivity. 

>> Her child-likeness, instead encourages deeper trust and maturity and enthusiasm.
This spirituality of the Little Way sounds too simple….and too little.. 

>> But in fact and in practise, is a highly challenging one!

This is the spirituality of ‘child-likeness’: To have at the Centre and as the Ultimate, the One who can provide everything – God!
Is God the centre of my world…

… when I get drunk with a sinful and immoral life? 

…when I get over dependant on my material riches? 

… when I bank upon my own wisdom in my works? 

…when I insist on doing my will, over the Will of God?
Little Therese of Child Jesus, the Little Saint is also the Big Saint of Love! 
After a period of great inner trial and turmoil, she discovered her vocation to be love!

>> All her actions were laced with love. 

>> All her words were filled with love.
The Little lover of God invites us…

…. to adorn all our words with love 

… to embrace all our actions with love

… to beautify all our thoughts with love…
It could be…

… speaking with friends

…interacting with fellow workers

…discussing some business matters

… enjoying with family members.. 

 
It could be…

… doing household works

… handling massive finances

… studying various subjects

… performing some spiritual activities 
It could be…

… thinking some philosophical views

… reflecting about some people

… considering about some situations

… imagining some circumstances

… dreaming some visions
Whatever..whatever! 

Whatever be our words..or actions…or thoughts….let them be embellished in LOVE!
The Little Way…  Sounds simple, but not so simple in practise, right?
Yet, there is much simplicity…

… ‘cos God remains at the centre of every effort and attempt! 
There is much sentimentality, no doubt. 

>> There is much simplicity, no doubt. 
But with or without all those feelings, the Little Way simply tells us to have God at the Centre of Everything…and do all in Love!

Love demands a fidelity in the countless mundane ‘little’ things of daily life 

>> The Little Way doesn’t eliminate Heroism, rather it’s brought within the reach of the poor. 
The rains of love showers every aspect of ordinary everyday life. 

>> The Little Flower dares to throw “petals” at the Loving Lord… 
These petals are even considered “worthless petals” by the world – a little sacrifice, a gentle smile, a kind word, an appreciative action! 

>> Sometimes, these “worthless petals” are nothing more than a faithful effort. 
But this fact of “having tried”, a good will “to do good”…. all these petals please the Lord!

Let us join the Little Saint to tread the Little Way. 

>> She promised to “shower roses” on the way to those who dare… 
As a child, let us hold the hands of this Li’l Big Saint to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!
Let us “live Love to give Love”! 

>> Let us “live Jesus to give Jesus”! 
Happy Feast of the Beautiful Little Flower! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

God is the Great Gift Giver! 

>> He loves to lavish gifts on his creation…and especially on Human Beings, the Crown of His Creation!
Among the gifts that He has showered, one of the greatest gifts is..the Gift of Freedom!
God has bestowed this precious treasure of Freedom to each and every human being. 

>> God regards the worth and value of this gift. 

>> God respects our yes or no, to this gift!

The Gospel of the day presents to us a classic example of Freedom being lavished, but sadly being squandered away. 

>> The towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were given the freedom and the choice to become part of the Kingdom of God…

… but they chose to reject and refused the Saving Message. 

The Gift of Freedom is a double-edge entity:

The gift of freedom can be used….to obtain life!

>> The gift of freedom can be misused…to obtain death!
The gift of freedom can be abused well…to receive curses!

>> The gift of freedom can be utilized well…to receive blessings!
The gift of freedom can be exploited destructively…to acquire sadness!

>> The gift of freedom can be employed constructively…to acquire happiness!

The triple cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum failed to use, utilize and employ constructively their freedom…

… rather, they misused, abused and exploited destructively their opportunity to find peace and salvation. 

 
And Jesus has harsh words reserved for such kind of an attitude – “WOE TO YOU!“

The word “woe” in Greek is “oh-hoo-aai” or “ouvai”!
The figure of speech is onomatopoeia – it means what it sounds like. 

>> It is a word of pain! 

>> It is the sound someone makes when they are hurt or are grieved.

When the Lord proclaims a WOE over these cities, there’s a great deal of anguish amplified with a sense of pain. 

>> The Lord was pained that these cities received wonderful opportunity to hear God’s saving message…

… but failed to turn to God in repentance.
>> The Lord was pained that these cities received great chances to see God’s miraculous deeds and wonders…

… but failed to turn to God in penance. 
>> The Lord was pained that these cities received exclusive occasions to receive God’s salvific graces…

… but failed to turn to God in humility. 

The Lord today challenges us to make an examination of our lives:

God lavishes many graces on me through regular chances to hear God’s word through the Bible, retreats, recollections, talks, spiritual magazines etc…

>> Am I using these chances to grow in my spiritual life? 

… Or am I wasting away many of such chances?
Is freedom used? 

>> Or misused? 

God showers many opportunities for me to avoid sin…

…. by giving me inspiring and holy thoughts

… by a constant urging to be good through my parents, superiors, family and community members and other people in my life…

>> Am I using these opportunities to foster my holiness? 

Or am I frittering away much of such opportunities?
Is freedom used…? 

… or misused?

 
God bestows many occasions to become a powerful witness to His love and His Gospel through different means like…

… preaching the Word

… celebrating or participating in the Eucharist and in the other Sacraments

… helping others in their needs and difficulties, praying for various people

… living a integral life in the society based on the Gospel values etc. 
>> Am I using these occasions to strengthen my Christian life? 

Or am I throwing away many of such occasions?
Is freedom used…?

… or Misused?

The example of the three cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum is before us and the condemnation of Jesus, because of their lackluster response is also before us.

>> Freedom is the great gift of God… 

… and God totally respects the use or the misuse of this precious gift. 
Are we going to use this Gift to gain life, blessings and happiness…? 

… or are we going to misuse this Gift to receive death, curses and sadness? 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

An elderly parish priest was walking in the portico of the Church, when he came across a couple of young boys.
They were standing in front of the mighty statue of St Michael.
As they stood admiring the majestic figure, the younger one said to his elder brother, “Hey look, what a might sword!

>> This is the sword, which Mummy told, with which this great saint would thrust into the devil isn’t it?”
The elder one nodded and exclaimed, “Yeah! And see how triumphantly he crushes the head of Satan! Wow!”

Seeing their excitement, the priest approached them and commended, “How wonderful to see these little boys who are well taught in the teachings of the Church! Blessed is this family!”
The story goes on to say that the priest took them in the Church and taught them the beautiful prayer to St Michael (which he asked them to recite after the Holy Mass):

“St. Michael the Archangel

Defend us in this day of battle!

Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray,

And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

By the Power of God, 

Cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits

Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls, Amen!”

Today, the Feast of the Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael- is a reminder by the Church to learn more about our Catholic Faith and to grow in celebrating and living this faith, in our daily living. 

 

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)
In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.
The Feast of the Three Archangels  – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.
1. St. Michael

The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”
St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”

>> He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour, crushing the head of Satan. 

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist” 
St Michael makes an appearance in the Bible on four occasions:

> In Dan 10:13 and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.

> In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.

> In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.
What does St Michael teach us?

… St Michael teaches us to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan

… St Michael teaches us to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.

… St Michael teaches us to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.

2. St Gabriel

The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”
St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”

>> He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Baptism” 
St Gabriel makes an appearance three times in the Bible:

> In Dan 8:15–26 and  9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions

> In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God
What does St Gabriel teach us?

… St Gabriel invites us to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.

… St Gabriel invites us to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.

… St Gabriel invites us to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.

 

3. St Raphael

The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”
St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”

>> He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.

>> He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Reconciliation” 
St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:

> St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.

What does St Raphael teach us?

… St Raphael inspires us to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.

… St Raphael inspires us to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.

… St Raphael inspires us to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.

Modern trends often seek to downplay some of the traditional Catholic beliefs… 

… the belief in the Angels, being one of them, perhaps!
But, this Feast is a great reminder for us to be reminded that the Catholic Teachings (like the teaching on Angels) are…

… Scripturally rooted

… Traditionally verified

… Logically reasonable

… and spiritually nourishing! 
May this Feast of the three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael –  help us to…

…  grow in our love for our heavenly friends…

>> And orient our lives more towards heaven! 

Happy Feast of the Heavenly Protectors!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

An very elderly priest was celebrating his platinum jubilee of his priestly ordination. 
The 90-year old priest, during the felicitation program was asked: 

“You have lived such an inspiring priestly life. 

What advice would you like to give to the younger generation of Christians and especially priests?”
With a  feeble yet firm voice, the nonagenarian replied:

” Just a simple formula…

Look to Jesus! Listen to Jesus! Learn of Jesus!”

What a lovely piece of advice, isn’t it?
>> Looking to Jesus…

>> Listening to Jesus…

>> Learning of Jesus….

… are simple yet effective means to follow the Lord, with deeper commitment and zeal.

The Gospel of the Day is this call of the Lord to follow Him more closely…

… and to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian

The Gospel passage presents three people who seek to follow the Lord.
These three, present before us…

… three aspects of hurdles/barriers in following the Lord.

 
These are:

1. Comforts

2. Convenience

3. Distractions

1. A “comfortable style” of following the Lord
The first person comes up to Jesus and says: “I will follow you wherever you go” (Lk 9: 57)

>> But Jesus reminds him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His Head” (Lk 9: 58a)
This man had probably heard or seen the Lord…

… as a mighty miracle-worker

… as a popular preacher

… as a laudable leader
These were “comforts” that would be assured in following Jesus

>> And so perhaps, the man chose this “comfortable style of following the Lord!”
But the Lord prohibits from seeking Him for the sake of comforts alone!
2. A “convenient style” of following the Lord
The second person is asked by the Lord to “Follow” Him (Lk 9: 59b)

>> But he replies, “Let me first go and bury my father” (Lk 9: 59b)
“Bury my father” was a Jewish (Arabic) way of saying….

… one must stay in one’s house till the death of the father and settle the inheritance of the property. 
The man was yielding into to conveniences in following the Lord…

… “when I am convenient in my family, I will follow You”

… “when I am convenient in my personal life, I will follow You”
3. A “distractive style” of following the Lord

 
The third person said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me say farewell to my home” (Lk 9:61)

>> But Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what is left behind, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9: 62)
This person had the goodwill to follow Jesus…

… but was distracted in his motivation.

We need to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian…
>> Is my following of the Lord of a “comfortable style” …

… looking for only the comforts of prosperity and material riches…?

… being close to the Lord only in times of comfort…?
>> Is my following of the Lord of a “convenient style” …

… seeking to be with the Lord only when I “feel like” 

… adjusting my relationship with God as per my needs and conveniences

>> Is my following of the Lord of a “distractive style” …

… easily straying away from the path with worldly attractions

… failing to do the Will of God owing to distractive habits and tendencies

The Lord longs to have us following Him…

… more sincerely and more passionately!
May we always….

… Look to Jesus!

… Listen to Jesus!

… Learn of Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A classic riddle, known to most of us, goes thus….
There were 5 frogs sitting on a fence, at the edge of the river.

3 of them, decided to jump. 

How many are left on the fence?

Well, the answer (without any twists or catch…) is simple…

…. 5
Why 5?
Simply, because,  of the 5 frogs, the 3 of them only DECIDED to jump!

>> It is not mentioned whether they actually jumped!

Every decision need not have to be actually materialised!

>> It is not necessary that every decision is really actualised!

This aspect is very true and often found in our lives, isn’t it?
>> Many of us at the start of the new year, would have “decided” many resolutions…

… How many of us are fulfilling them? (Hopefully, some of us, atleast remember what were they!)
>> At the end of a good retreat, perhaps many of us “decided” to cultivate some good spiritual practices…

… How many of are able to still say that, “yes, I am faithfully following them?”
>> Having made a meaningful confession, we would have “decided” to part ways with some sinful habits…

… How many of us are zealously resistant in yielding to those former ways?

We constantly find ourselves, at a loss in translating…

… our decisions into practise

… our determinations into realistic actions.

This is where, we need to look up to our Blessed Lord, Who not just “decided and was determined”…

… but also lived them – with zeal and passion!

 
The Gospel of the Day is this crucial moment in the life of Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Luke…

… when “he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9: 51)

Jerusalem is an important dimension in the theology of the Gospel of St Luke. 

>> All the events in the life of Jesus are oriented towards this city – the city of His ancestor David
The whole Gospel begins and ends in Jerusalem…

… begins in the Jerusalem Temple (Zechariah meeting Angel – Lk 1: 5ff)

… ends in the Jerusalem Temple (Apostles continually in the Temple – Lk 24:53)
The infancy story of Jesus in the Gospel, also begins and ends in Jerusalem…

… begins in the Jerusalem Temple (Zechariah meeting Angel – Lk 1: 5ff)

… ends with Joseph and Mary finding Jesus in the Temple ( Lk 2:42-52)
Further… 

>> The Temptations of Jesus in this Gospel (unlike in St Matthew) ends in Jerusalem (Lk 4: 9-13)
The whole public ministry of Jesus, in this Gospel, is a “journey towards Jerusalem”…

… culminating in His passion, death and resurrection!

Why is ‘Jerusalem’ so central to St Luke?

 One of the reasons, was because, this Gospel was primarily written for the Gentile Christians (non-Jews).

>> (Historically, it was a time of persecution, with the Jerusalem Temple being destroyed)
Jerusalem was the centre of the Jewish religion!

>> God had promised many blessings to the Jewish nation.

But now, even the centre of the religion – Jerusalem –  had been under persecution!
What message where the Gentile Christians drawing from this “unfortunate” incident of Jerusalem being captured?

>> Has God forgotten His promises to the people of Israel?

>> Were the people of Israel abandoned by the Lord Yahweh?

It is in this context, that St Luke places “Jerusalem” at the centre of his message.

>> And tells the people…

… that God has not abandoned His people

… that God’s ways though not understood, are always for our good!

 
And thus, we see Jesus marching, with “determination and decisiveness” towards Jerusalem!

His “determination and decisiveness” was not merely in words…

… instead, was lived out with zeal and passion!

The message of the Gospel is powerful and vivid before us….
Just like the city of “Jerusalem”, we may often find ourselves to feel…

… that my life is full of suffering and struggles

… that my life has no future or is hopeless

… that I am abandoned by everyone, even perhaps by God, in my difficult moments
But the Lord, invites and challenges us, to move…

… with “determination and decisiveness” towards this “Jerusalem” of our life!

Jesus did not shy away from the hard way of life…

… and He expects, all of us, His followers to also imitate Him!

It’s easy to take decisions….

… but we need to translate them into concrete expressions!

Let us seek to be the Followers of the Zealous and Passionate Lord….

… and be determined to have our every decision, in the spiritual realm, to be actually materialised!

God bless! Live Jesus!

“O Master, grant that I may never seek! 

>> So much to be consoled, as to console, 

>> To be understood, as to understand 

To be loved, as to love with all my soul…”

This chorus from the Hymn of Peace, “Make me a channel” is known to most of us.

However, in our daily life, the chorus we sing is perhaps quite the opposite… 
“O Master, help that I may always seek for more… 

>> So much to be comforted, but not to comfort others… 

>> To make sure that I am well understood, even if I misunderstand others… 

To receive an abundance of love, even if others are ignored in the process!”

Very much, true isn’t it?
>> We love to give…

… but expect to be returned back in equal or more terms. 
>> We love to donate…

… but expect to be acknowledged & given due consideration. 
>> We love to offer…

… but expect to get back something more in return.

The “I” factor often dominates many of our thoughts, our words and actions

>> We are people, who tend to have our self desires to be in the forefront!

Such a generally-found characteristic…

>> Desiring to be great

>> Wanting to have the first place 

… is on display in the Gospel of the Day.

This passage Lk 9:46-50 is the last glimpse of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.

>> From Lk 9: 51, Jesus would begin another journey: To Jerusalem – where He would be finally exalted!

The Gospel passage begins with the verse:

” An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.” (Lk 9: 46)

Just a couple of verses before, Jesus had instructed the disciples very strongly using the words:

“Let these words SINK into your ears…” (Lk 9:44)
Thus saying, Jesus had spoken of how He would be handed over to men.

>> It was the prediction of His Passion.

 

The words “sink into your ears” was a strong exhortation by the Lord…

… to understand that the way to be exalted is only by being humiliated on the Cross!

… to realise that the pathway to glory is always laid low in the valley of struggles and hardships! 

Humility is the key virtue to be a member of the Kingdom of God!

>> None can be a disciple of Christ without being humble

>> It would be impossible to call oneself a Christian if one is unwilling to let go of self-desires

But somehow, the disciples failed to grasp this fundamental truth.
The recounting of the Passion prediction by Jesus, probably brought in them thoughts…

… about how their Master would reign as the King!

… about how each of them would probably get an important ministerial berth!

It was this “building of castles in the air” that was the background for the Disciples to argue “who is the greatest among them” (Lk 9: 46)
>> Jesus’ message of the Cross was neatly avoided…

… and only the Crown was given prominence!
>> Jesus’ warnings about being ready for the Way of the Cross was sidelined…

… and only the dream of a ‘bed of roses’ was discussed!

Hence, the Lord uses the opportunity to remind His close ones on the need to “grow in humility”…

… with the example of a child (Lk 9: 47)

The Gospel says, “Jesus, realised the intention of their hearts…” (Lk 9: 47)

The Lord knows the hearts of all…

… He knows our hearts as well
>> And so, He looks deep into us, and invites to examine our motives and attitudes…

… Am I a person willing to humble myself?

… or am I a person, swelling in pride?

This aspect of pride could be perhaps manifested in us, subtly, in many ways…

… maybe in my words, the word “I” often appears – thus projecting myself more over others!

… maybe in my actions, I do things to show others – thus wanting self-attention and praise!

… maybe in my thoughts, I often think of my desires – thus disregarding the needs of others!

The tendency to self-project oneself is seen in many of us

>> But the Lord, who Himself lowered and humbled Himself…

… challenges us time and again, “He who wishes to follow me, must deny oneself, take up one’s cross and follow me!” (Lk 9:23)

 

The process of doing away with pride and growing in humility…

… is a slow and painful process!
The key to root out vices, is by building up virtues!

There is a need to grow in acts of humility…

… encouraging and appreciating others

… willing to do the “less flashy and glamorous” roles 

… realising that the source of all what I do and achieve, is ultimately the Lord

Let us give heed to the call of the Lord…

… seeking to grow, by humbling oneself!

May we truly pray and live…

… that we may never seek…

 >>To be consoled, as to console!

>> To be understood, as to understand!

>> To be loved, as to love with all our souls!

God Bless! Live Jesus!