The Church abounds in celebration of many feasts.

>> All of them focuses our attention on the joyful and happy aspects of life. 
But we know, that…

…. Life is not always a superhighway

>> Life is more a kuccha (temporary) road with many pits and rough areas!

The Church today celebrates one such feast of our Blessed Mother, which is a celebration for sure…

… but focuses our attention more on the darker realities of life – pain, suffering, tears and struggles: The Feast of the Mother of Compassion.
This feast is characterized by the commemoration of the Seven Sorrows of our Blessed Mother…

… seven major events, evoking compassion, in the life of “Mater Dolorosa” (Mother of Sorrows)
Let us journey with our Blessed Mamma through the Seven Mysteries of the Sorrows: 
1. The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon

The time was festive and the mood was joyous when Jesus was being presented in the Temple. 

>> It’s in this special time that Simeon comes forward to bless the Child Jesus. 
But it comes with a catch: Mother Mary was to be pierced by a sword – a sword of sorrow! 

>> The celebratory atmosphere suddenly turns a bit gloomy and overcast!
Many are the times when we enjoy joyful moments, when a sudden crisis hits our life. 

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes the Model for us : To be Patient and Trustful!

2. The Second Sorrow: The flight into Egypt

Mother Mary and Joseph took up the great duty in the safeguarding of their Little One, Jesus! 
They listened to God’s voice…

…. to come together as the parents of God’s Child 

… to share the difficulties during the Birth of the Child. 

>> And now, they listen to God’s voice to flee to Egypt and save the Saviour of the World!

 
To listen to the voice of the Lord, was a remarkable aspect of the success of their life as a couple!  
To listen to God’s voice through the Bible, through our authorities or through our life situations sometimes becomes difficult for us.

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes a model for us: To be attentive and Obedient to God’s voice. 

3. Third Sorrow: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

The picture of the Holy Family had also some shadowy spots.
They were not free…

… from troubles

… from doubts

… from conflicting situations
The Holy Family was very much a human family.  
But what made them Holy and a Model for families?

>> It was their willingness to let go of their personal mindsets and seek how God wanted them to live.
Often, we find our families or communities broken and unable to gel with each together.

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary, as the Mother of the Family, becomes a model for us: To adapt to God’s Will. 
4. The Fourth Sorrow: Mary meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary

The sight of the Mother and Child meeting on the Via Dolorous was a picture of total sadness!
Tears filled both their eyes… 

… the Divine Child and the Sorrowful Mother! 
 One with a Cross over the shoulders…

… the other a cross in Her heart! 
>> Both their lips, however, sang the same chorus –  Fiat, Thy Will be done Lord!
Life often puts us to situations of total hopelessness and darkness…

… the way ahead seems closed!

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary becomes a model for us: To remain faithful and loyal.

5. The Fifth Sorrow: Jesus dies on the Cross

>> At the Annunciation, when asked to give birth to a child, Mary had asked the Angel: “But how can this be since I am a virgin”. 
>> At Calvary, when seeing the death of the child, perhaps, Mary was asking the Lord, “But how can this be since I am a mother”
They were questions which expressed human limitations and the demand to let everything be resigned into the hands of God!
We ourselves have had many such mini-experiences of Dying – of loved ones, of relationships, of great dreams.. 

>> The Compassionate Mother Mary, becomes a model for us: To accept our human boundaries and give ourselves into God’s hand. 

6. The Sixth Sorrow: Mary receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her arms

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me”, was the cry of the Lord from the Cross. 
With Her Dead Child in Her arms, perhaps, the Mother of God would have also echoed the same question! 

>> No answer given. 
Yet, the tears that dropped from her lovely eyes, to the cheeks of her tender baby, carried the power of Hope and Trust and Faith!
We too sometimes encounter situations and times, when life crushes us

>> The Compassionate  Mother Mary becomes a Model for us: To remain resigned to God’s Providence and  be hopeful in faith!

7. The Seventh Sorrow: The Body of Jesus is placed in the Tomb

As the body of Jesus was placed inside the tomb, it seemed to be the end of the world for Mother Mary.
The life of the Old Testament Isaac was spared and Abraham had to joy of being reunited with his Son. 

>> The life of the New Testament Isaac was however not spared! 
Was it the end of her life too?

Circumstances often drags us to give up in life…and to abandon our call to be soldiers of God’s Kingdom!

>> The Compassionate  Mother Mary becomes the model for us: To reply to life’s harsh challenges with an even bolder face of courage!

Let the Commemoration of this Feast of the Mother of Sorrows…

… spur us  to live our Real Lives of Struggle and Hardships with Immense Faith, Hope and Love!
May Her Compassionate Love help us to imitate our Blessed Lord who was “meek and humble of heart”…

… and thus “be Merciful, like the Heavenly Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36)

Happy Feast of the Mother of Compassion! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Abide with me fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens, Lord, with me, abide

When other helpers fail and comforts flee; Help of the helpless, O abide with me!”
Hold thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

This hymn “Abide with me”, (found in ‘Night Prayers in The Divine Office’) is one of the very heart-touching hymns…

…sung especially in times of funerals.
They stir up feelings of mourning and the pain of loss…

…they also stir up a sense of hope and trust in the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection.

The Gospel of the Day presents before us…

… a funeral scene

… feelings of mourning and a pain of loss

… and the instilling of hope and trust by the Lord, the God of Life and Resurrection!

The Gospel reading mentions that as Jesus was journeying to a city called Nain, “a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.” (Lk 7: 11-12). 
Life can sometimes be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences, isn’t it?
This incident is a clear example of that…

>> A funeral in itself is an extremely sorrowful occurrence
>> Add to it, it is that of the only son of a woman

(‘Only son’ meant… 

… ceasing of the family generation

… termination of the family’s hopes and aspirations of the future)
>> To top it all, the woman is a widow

(‘Widow’ meant…

… there would be none to support her or to provide for her sustenance

… it was a double heart-break for a woman who had already suffered death once!)
This was a harshly unique situation:

As per the custom of the time, the bereaved mother walks in front of the bier
>> The dead son was being carried to the grave

…and the “dead” widow was walking towards her grave of utter hopelessness and inconsolable grief
A mother had to literally see her child from the “womb to the tomb!”

It was in this painful situation, that Jesus encountered the funeral procession!
The Lord, Who knows everything…

… seeing that tragic procession would have probably had a flash of what would be soon a reality in the future:

>> He Himself would be the “dead” Child…

… and His Beloved Mother, Mary would be the “dead” Widow!
This funeral procession of the “only son” of the “widow”, was a reflection of the scene on Calvary…

…. of Jesus, the “Only Son” of Mary, the “Widow”!

It is also heartening to note that this funeral procession took place in a city named “Nain” (or “Naim”)
This Hebrew name “Nain” has meanings such as…

… sweet, good, lovely, pleasant and delightful!

“Nain” is the word used to describe…

… the quality of Israelities as being the “favoured ones” (2 Sam 23: 1)

… the beauty of music especially the “sweet” sounding harp (Ps 81:2)

… the “pleasant” taste of bread (Prov 9:17)

… the “beauty” of the land (Gen 49:15)
The Psalmist also uses this word “Nain” and its derivatives, to describe…

… the beauty of the Lord (Ps 27:4)

… the favour of the Lord (Ps 90:17)

… the graciousness in worshipping the Lord (Ps 135:3)

It appeared to be a total contradiction that a city with such beautiful expressions and meanings…

… was facing the tragic situation of immense pain and loss and mourning
>> Sweetness and goodness seemed to have been replaced with pain and mourning!

>> Loveliness and pleasantness seemed to have been overtaken by misery and lament!
.

But Jesus, the Lord of Life and Resurrection…

… transforms the feelings of sadness and helplessness into sentiments of relief and hope!
The Gospel says that:

Jesus “was moved with pity for the woman and said to her, ‘Do not weep’…

… and touching the coffin, He said, “Young Man, I tell you, arise!” (Lk 7: 13-14)
>> Tears were halted…and life was restored!

>> Mourning was terminated…and life was celebrated!

Do we not face situations…

>> When life seems to be filled with extremely cruel feelings and blunt experiences…?

… death and separations in the family and relations

… loss of hope at workplaces and areas of labour

… feelings to ‘quit and give up’ as life loses meaning
In all such “dead” situations, the Lord encounters us in our journey of life, and…

>> Comforts  us: “Do not weep!”

>> Restores us: “I tell you, arise!”
We need to trust in Him

>> We need to be willing to encounter Him

>> We need to hold on to Him in our journey of life!

Our God is indeed the God of Life and Resurrection…

… and He seeks to instill hope and trust in Him! 
May we always pray, “Lord, abide with me”…

 
>> And thus with hope and trust, even in the ‘dead’ situations of our life, cry out:

” Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away!

Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!”
God Bless! Live Jesus!

A standing ovation is a form of applause where members of a seated audience stand up while applauding after extraordinary performances of particularly high acclaim.

Ovation comes from the Latin word “ovo”,  which means “I rejoice”.

When a certain accomplishment causes great rejoicing and happiness, it is often, responded with an ovation..
>> Sportstars receive this ovation after a stupendous performance of sporting skills…
>> Musicians are accorded this ovation after a special rendition of their musical piece…
>> Orators and speakers are given this ovation after a marvellous speech or a talk…

The Gospel of the Day is a similar account of Jesus expressing His ovation for a person who showed tremendous faith.

When the faith and trust becomes so intense, even Jesus gives a special sign of appreciation!

We have today the incident of the healing of the Centurion’s servant.

Jesus lavishes His appreciations and admirations for a wonderful display of faith.

Here is the story an unusual faith found in an unusual man who displayed his faith in an unusual way.
 
1. The Centurion was an unusual person…
As the name suggests, a Centurion was a person with a hundred soldiers.
>> They worked for the Roman Empire and were Gentiles.

This Centurion however, was unusual, because of the fact, that he was very much concerned of his slave.
This was rare indeed!

In the Roman Empire, slaves had no rights.
>> They could be mistreated and even put to death.

It was said that “when your animals are old, you throw them out to die. You do the same with your slaves.”

So this is the unusual thing about this unusual Centurion – He cared very much about his slave!

2. The centurion showed an unusual faith…
The Centurion came to Jesus asking and pleading for help.

But when Jesus said that He would come to his house and heal him, the centurion was quick to answer him, ” I am not worthy to have you under my roof” ( Mt 8:8)

The spirit of a military man is clearly exhibited by the centurion..

A soldier’s way of thinking is extremely logical and to the point: When an order is given, instant obedience is expected.
>> “My commanding power goes beyond the realms of space
My presence or absence is no excuse for my soldiers to disobey”

The Centurion fully believed that Jesus was a mighty commander with all powers subjected to Him.
>> And so a word was enough for the healing to take place…

An expression of approval was good enough for the miracle to happen…

3. The Centurion received an unusual response
This tremendous expression of faith was enough for Jesus to admire and appreciate Him.

Jesus was astonished by this wonderful demonstration of confidence and belief: ” Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel, have I found such faith” (Mt 8: 10)

We have seen many instances of people praising and appreciating the works and wonders of Jesus.
>> But, it’s one of those rare occasions, when Jesus publicly acknowledges and asserts the glorious faith of the one seeking for help.

The Lord gives a wonderful ovation and applause for this wonderful presentation of faith.

This Gospel is a wonderful challenge for each of us to examine our life of faith…

In a situation when we are surrounded by sicknesses of negativity and discouragement,
>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

In a situation when life-threatening moments of crushing-failures and despair encircle us,
>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

In a situation when we get depressed by the various day to day problems of life,
>> Can we also boldly say, ” Only say a word, Lord…and I will be healed!”

As a famous saying goes, “It is easy to praise the Lord… But it really is a challenge to receive praises from the Lord!”

>> When we stand firm in our faith in God, we receive ovations and appreciations from Him
>> When we have confidence in our love for God, we receive ovations and admiration from Him
>> When we remain strong in our Hope in God, we receive ovations and approval from Him.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, that when St Stephen was at the verge of death, after his powerful witness, he saw, “Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56)
>> The Courageous Faith of St Stephen was rewarded with a standing ovation by the Son of God!

The Trusting Confidence of the Centurion was blessed with a verbal ovation by the Saviour of the World!

Shall we also make our faith and our Christian, worthy of an ovation from the King of kings?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Little Nancy was a very happy child. 
She was happy going to the Church and saying her daily prayers.

>> She would often tell, “I am so happy because Jesus is with me and I want to share His love to many others.”
This 6 year old girl would also try to help others, in the little way, she could, whenever possible. 
Seeing her joyful student, the English teacher in school, once remarked about her:

“Joy in her,” she said, “is the flag that is flown from the castle of the heart, when the King is in residence there!”
The teacher recognized and acknowledged, that the joy in the little girl…

… was because of the presence of Jesus in her heart!
Joy abounds… in heaven and in one’s heart…

… when one is in closer communion with the Compassionate and Merciful Lord. 

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to a life of discovering God’s love and living a life in repentance and thus sharing in the joy that heaven celebrates! 

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

>>  In all the three parables, there is great celebration at the end. 

>> In all the three parables, 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
In both the cases…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!
Joy is the flag that is flown from the castle of the heart, when the King is in residence there!
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 judgements… 

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

>> Lost in the dust of corruption and malicious situations…

>> Lost in the shadows of addictions and bad habits…
The Lord doesn’t abandon us… 

>> He 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 called 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?! 
It is only this recognition and acknowledgement of the presence of Jesus in our hearts

… that makes us joyful! 
Yes, Joy abounds… in heaven and in one’s heart…

… when one is in closer communion with the Compassionate and Merciful Lord! 
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!

What is common to…

… a sports match, a theatre-act, a street-play, a cinema-show, a circus-extravaganza, a musical-concert, a dance-display’…? 
Any guesses…?? 
Yes… it’s the audience! 
Audience are the onlookers who cheer and enjoy the performances. 

>> But they themselves don’t participate. 
Though they might seek to get involved emotionally, a little…

…. they still remain mere watchers and spectators. 

A similar attitude is perhaps strongly seen in our following of Christ. 
>> We seem to have become a people who are mere spectators to the teachings of Christ. 

>> We seem to have reduced ourselves to being mere onlookers of the Gospel values. 
The Gospel of the Day calls us to examine our real attitude and position in being a follower of Christ. 
The Lord declares today, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’, but do not do what I command?” (Lk 6:46) 
The Lord is clear to tell that a mere lip-confession that Jesus is the Lord will not suffice in finding a place in the Kingdom.. 
How much do we really mean when we call Jesus as the Lord? 
These days,  “Jesus is Lord” and “Praise the Lord” are phrases that are very commonly used. 

>> Sometimes we use them without being aware of it. 

>> Sometimes we use them without actually meaning it. 

The word, “Lord” – Kurios in Greek – means a possessor or the master of a thing or a sovereign prince or an emperor. 
We call Jesus as our Lord and give praises to Him as the Lord… 

>> But do we really consider Him as the possessor of all our thoughts and plans and aspirations? 

>> Do we acknowledge Him as the Master of our broken past, our worrying present and our unknown future? 

>> Do we enthrone Him as the Prince and Emperor to rule over all our desires and ambitions? 

Very often, “Jesus is Lord” becomes a mere “profession” limited to the lips! 

This aspect of “professing” but “failing to perform” is an aspect seen in various areas of our lives… 
>> Politicians “profess” many promises and oaths… 

…but many fail in their “profession” and indulge in unfair and corrupt practices. 
>> Doctors “profess” an oath of being true to the service of the suffering humanity… 

…but many fail in their “profession” and engage in cheating and swindling patients. 
>> Lawyers “profess” to be honest and guardians of the truth and justice… 

…but many fail in their “profession” and involve themselves in violating the law. 
The religious circles are no exemption to this “cancerous” trend… 
>> Religious “profess” to lead a life the consecrated vows and promises… 

… but many fail in their “profession” and get busy with many worldly concerns and cares. 
>> Priests “profess” to be committed to spreading the Gospel and the love of God to all… 

…but many fail in their “profession” and lose track of the real focus and aim of priesthood. 
>> Husbands and wives “profess” to be with each other in every situation and troubles of life… 

…but many fail in their “profession” and break up in irreconcilable fights and disputes. 

 
>> Christians “profess” to be the light of the world and salt to the earth at the Baptism… 

….but many fail in their “profession” and often become scandals and anti-witnesses. 

The Lord dishes out a challenging message today… 

>> A “profession” without true faithfulness can be a dangerous one. 

>> A “profession” without living up to its demands is highly destructive. 

This is what the Lord reminds us through the parable of the two foundations (Lk 6: 46-49) 
The house built on firm rock remains firm in every storm or calamity. 

>> The house built on loose sand gets destroyed in any storm or calamity. 
Is the “profession” that I make, built…

… on the firm rock of certainty and conviction? 

… or on the loose sand of uncertainty and confusion? 

Christian calling is not a call to remain mere spectators or an onlooker. 

>> A spectator enjoys the fun from far… 

… a participant is fully involved in joy and satisfaction. 
>> An onlooker appreciates a performance without being affected…

… a participant struggles hard for it. 
Christianity is a call to get involved in the realities of life, with the power and love of the Lord. 
Our “profession” to call Him as our Lord…

… ought to get translated into our day to day living. 

… ought to make a purposive choice to do God’s Will. 

… ought to be a preferential option for God’s Word. 
Let us build our lives on the firm foundation of certainty and conviction and declare Him, with passion, faithfulness and commitment, as the Lord! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The eye is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body.

>> An eye surgery, therefore, becomes one of the most vulnerable surgeries of all.
It takes a compassionate hand and a delicate touch to do surgery in the eye. 
When there is an eye trouble, we need a doctor who knows what he/she is doing because even the slightest mistake can have catastrophic consequences.  

 
The Gospel of the Day focuses our attention on the EYE…

… and the need to have a clear and fine eye!

Jesus says, “Can a blind person, guide a blind person?” (Lk 6: 39)

The Lord has blessed us with the gift of the Eye…

>> We are to marvel at the treasure of creation and the beauty and marvel at the wonders in nature.

>> We are to see the many gifts and talents that we possess in ourselves. 

>> We are also to see the resources and assets in others and to grow in our love for our fellow beings.

This love for the others also, however, makes us…

… to encounter the weaknesses and shortcomings in others!

… to get impatient and irritated with others!

 
Christian love is not blind. 
Christ never says to, “ignore the faults of others.” 

>> But He surely does say, “Take care of your own faults first.” 

That’s why Jesus says, “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly, to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye” (Lk 6:42b)

Look in the mirror!

 Am I quick to see how arrogant people are…when I myself am often given into to anger and quick-temper?

 Am I quick to see how lethargic are people in their spiritual life…when I myself fail to be active and energetic?

 Am I quick to see how corrupt and dishonest people are…when I myself often resort to unhealthy lifestyles?

Sometimes we tend to have a microscopic view when we look at the faults of others…

>> A microscope magnifies an image and displays the view in a much enlarged and amplified manner.

Maybe the following check-list will help us to discern whether I am microscopic in my perception of others:

 Do I blow small things out of proportion and make mountains out of molehills, without realizing its drastic consequences? 

 Do I maximize the sins of others – their faults, their bad habits and their shortcomings, without understanding their contexts and backgrounds and situations?

 Do I come to quick, hasty or negative conclusions without seeking to garner the full truth & the complete information & details?

 Do I unnecessarily get involved in situations where we should not be involved and thus bring upon unnecessary tensions and worries upon ourselves?

 Do I pass along critical stories to others and fail to verify the authenticity of the rumours and even fail to stop a particular gossip from disseminating?

 Do I have a strong bias to find others guilty and often look at the other with eyes of suspicion and doubt and scepticism?

 Do I behave too harsh even when speaking the truth and fail to realize the emotions and the feelings that could cripple the person under guilt?

 Do I add aggravating remarks and sprinkle home-made masalas when re-telling a story about the life or event of another person and thus twist things in the way I want?

 Do I taking delight in condemning others and harping upon the misdeeds of others and thus enjoy a certain amount of pleasure and gratification through this process of character assassination?

Christian charity demands that we seek to correct others and help others in their growth and progress of spiritual health!
But in dealing with the fault of others, what is most needed is: A clear vision!

Psalm 139:23-24 would say: 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 

And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

The order or the sequence in which we go about this process is highly crucial and vital: 

>> First, we judge ourselves. 

>> First, we be hard on ourselves. 

>> First, we ask the Lord to show us our sins. 
Until we do that, the “speck” in our brother’s eye will look like a log to us…

… while the log in us will be invisible!

>> Only then are we ready to find the fault in others and help them to overcome the “spot” in their lives! 

 
This stage of our life will be characterized by the virtues of: 

>> Humility

>> Gentleness

>> Patience     

>> Discretion

Our sins will bother us more than the sins of others!

>> Our failures will disturb us more than the failures of others!

>> Our weaknesses will unsettle us more than the weaknesses of others!

The line is fine and thin: between correcting others and being charitable to others

The line is slender and slim: between helping others and being judgemental on others

Yes, the eye is highly sensitive and an eye surgery, is one of the most vulnerable surgeries of all.

>> It takes a compassionate hand and a delicate touch to do surgery in the eye!

Let us seek for this grace of being compassionate and charitable in dealing with the faults of others!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A legendary story is said of how God sent an angel down from heaven to find the most beautiful thing on earth and bring it back to heaven. 
When the angel observed the lovely flowers, he said, “These must be the most beautiful things on earth”

>> And gathered them up to take with him back to heaven. 
A little further, when he saw a child of wondrous beauty and golden hair and lovely smile, he said, “This must be the most wonderful thing on earth. Nothing could be sweeter than the smile of that innocent child.”

>> And he held the child with the smile, in the arms
But as he moved ahead, he reached a simple cottage…

… where a mother sat in the doorway with her little baby on her lap. 
As he watched her tender and beautiful care for the little babe, he said, “This must be the fairest thing on earth. I will take that mother’s love back with me to heaven.”
When he reached the portals of heaven…

… the flowers had faded and were dead

… the smile on the child’s face had changed into an angry frown

>> But the mother’s love remained unchanged!
Yes, a Mother’s Love is special! 

>> The Mother is precious! 

>> The Mother is truly worth much much love and affection! 

Today, we celebrate the Best, the Most Beloved and the most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mamma Mary! 

 
September 8th. 

>> The Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus, the Saviour of the World!
But why should we really be celebrating HER? 
“We like the list of qualities and roles of mothers…and truly, we agree that the role of a mothers is very special. 

But why should all that be applied to Mary?” 
>> “Are we not taking away the glory and the honour which is due only to God?” 
>> “Are we not attaching undue festivities and illogical devotions to…well…after all ‘a creature of God'”? 
>> “Are we not over-emphasizing and getting over-emotional and going overboard in magnifying Mary?”

How do we understand Mary and Her importance in our lives and the need to give Her a special honour?

As in the words of Fulton J Sheen, 

“We begin with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! 

>> The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her. 

>> The more we adore His divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood. 
The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her.” 
Mary receives and deserves and acquires honour and special respect, solely due to Her Divine Son, Jesus!

We may feel that our mothers and Mary as a mother are not too different… 
But the difference is their children!! 

>> We are just ordinary….but Jesus is not! 

Mother Mary is different and unique and exclusive and singled-out, because Her Child is Supremely Special! 

And this is what the Church teaches through the Readings of today’s Mass, especially the Genealogy that is presented in Mt 1:1-16.
Today’s Gospel has a dual outlook:

1. The Narration of the Birth of Jesus (Mt 1: 18-23) 

2. The Genealogy (Mt 1:1-16) 

The Genealogy with its too complex length and its tongue-twisting names is most of the time, “avoided” and “skipped”.

>> But those sixteen verses of the Genealogy in the Gospel of Mathew contains a treasure and mystery of the legacy of our faith!
The Genealogy is like Archaeology.
>> We look for buried cities…

… and we find crumbled walls
>> We look for ancient treasures…

… and we find dust
>> We look for timeless art…

… and instead find broken pottery! 
>> We look for holy people but we find cracked sinners

>> We look for valiant persons but we find ordinary folk

>> We look for the precious plan of God and instead find often the non co-operation of people!
And our lives are similar too… 
>> We look for peaceful lives…

… but we encounter constant troubles
>> We seek for happiness and success…

… but we meet failures
>> We expect the miraculous interventions of God…

… but often find life hitting hard at us!

But in the history of salvation…and in our own history…. 

>> The Lord of History guides with His Mighty Hand!
In all the ordinariness that is seen…

…. the Mighty God steers and pilots our lives through the thickets & valleys & plains & deserts!
And it is here, that the role of Mother Mary is brought out in full force and in true vigour: She Said YES! 
She said YES to the amazing plan of the God of History…

… and consented for God’s Unique style of saving the world!

>> And with this YES…began Her journey of greatness!
The “Yes” to allow Her body to become the sanctuary of Sanctuaries…

… was repeated at every moment of Her life! 

And it is this Her continual state of saying YES to God’s Will that makes Mamma Mary great and worthy of all respect and honour.

 
The moon does not take the brilliance away from the Sun! 

>> All its light is reflected from the Sun! 
Blessed Mamma Mary reflects Her Divine Child! 

>> With Him, She is the Mother of All!
The Mother is special! 

>> And Mother Mary is the most special among them all! 
Let’s rejoice with Her today. 

>> Let’s thank God for Her today. 

>> Let’s become more close to Her from today!

With Her…

… we will always have our lives secure in God! 

… we are sure to be safe in God’s embrace!

Happy Birthday Dearest Mamma! 

We Love You!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Dieticians and Nutritionists offer various advices and tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle 
For example, they point out diverse foods that can be either beneficial or be harmful for good health…

>> Too much of caffeine affects the body. 

>> Certain foods leads to cholesterol and may cause heart diseases. 

>> Fruits and vegetables with vitamins and other nutrients, anti-oxidants etc supply greater energy and vitality.

Many follow this routine and practice in their lifestyle… 

>> Some to reduce; some to maintain! 

>> Some to stay fit; some forced, due to their ill-health!

Whatever be the motive…there seems to be a principle behind this: “Your health is what you eat”
A similar principle can also be perhaps applied to the spiritual realm: “Your spiritual health is what you seek and feed your soul”

The Gospel of the Day says in Luke 6:21, “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”

We are given a challenge to inspect and  examine: 

>> How is my Spiritual Appetite? 

>> What is the craving that I have for God and His Kingdom? 

>> Am I really hungering for what matters most in my life and what should take highest precedence in my life? 

Perhaps, some of us have not known real hunger…

… or we have simply got used to getting our food!

 
Hunger to us may only mean…

… waiting for an extra ten-fifteen minutes for food to be served

… not getting the food that I like or not being served the taste that I wish

… missing the regular food-time and then gulping down a meal from a roadside hotel etc..
And because we don’t realize much the importance of the word HUNGER…

…. we perhaps fail to grasp the urgency and the importance when Jesus says: ” Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”!

As a result, probably, we tend to satisfy our hunger…

… through the food of amassing enormous wealth and money 

… through the food of acquiring many titles and positions and power 

…. through the food of many unhealthy practices and habits and addictions
But the Lord says, ” Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled”
Filled with what? 

>> Food? Money? Long life? Promotions? A perfect family? A trouble-free life? 

….No, no, no!

Mt 11:28 says, “Come to me…”!
It is in Jesus alone that all our hunger can be satisfied and all our cravings be fulfilled! 
>> If we are hungry…

… let us go and eat of the Bread of Life! 
>> If we are thirsty…

… let us go and drink of the Water of Life! 
>> If we are weary or heavy laden…

… let us go to His Heart and find rest! 
>> If we are guilty…

… let us go to Him, the Saviour and be forgiven! 
>> If we are far from God…

… let us go to Him and be reconciled in His arms!

Yes… in the Kingdom of God, everything begins with a hunger…

… a craving

… a search

… a seeking

This is what St Augustine said: “O God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you!”

Perhaps we need to reverse and turn upside the way we have been thinking and perceiving..
Maybe we have been thinking that riches and material prosperity is that which really matters in life… 

… but Jesus says, ” Blessed are the poor…the Kingdom of God is yours” 

>> Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who is the True Richness and the Authentic Treasure of our lives?
Maybe we have been thinking that we are totally satisfied with great food and our every taste is fulfilled…

… but Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are hungry…you will be filled” 

>> Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who can truly satisfy the hunger and thirst of our lives?
Maybe we have been thinking that we are quite happy in life and all our leisure and entertainments give us so much joy…

… but Jesus says, “Blessed are you who weep…you will laugh” 

>> Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who can bless us with true joy and genuine happiness in our lives?
Maybe we have been thinking that we are quite safe when all people praise and flatter us in life, especially when we gain popularity at the cost of some Gospel values or virtues of life…

… but Jesus says,” Blessed are you when people hate you because of Me…a great reward is kept for you” 

>> Have we discovered and experienced Him as the only One who is worth facing all difficulties and problems in order to be standing up for our Christian values and principles?

Our spiritual health depends very much on what we really seek for and what we feed our souls.

Jesus, the Dietician and the Nutritionist of our Lives, today, wants to make us fit and fine and agile in our spiritual life.

>> Come, let us make the necessary changes in our life so that we may enjoy better health and life…

… in the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!