In Lithuania, near the small industrial city called Siauliai (shoo-lay) with a very fascinating hill.

>> This hill is known as the “Hill of Crosses”…

… because it is adorned with literally hundreds of thousands of crosses.

(Estimates put around 100,000 crosses in 2006)
This city of Siauliai was founded in 1236

>> But soon after came under the captivity of a military order called the Teutonic Knights.
This was the time, when the tradition of putting crosses on the hill began

>> Each cross was a prayer to God for freedom!
Over the next many centuries, the city was occupied by many other invading nations…

>> But, during all those difficult decades,  a constant flow of pilgrims made their way to the “Hill of Crosses”…

…. to pray and to plant more crosses!
Three times, during 1961, 1973 and 1975, atheistic  authorities bulldozed the hill.

>> The thousands of crosses were burned or turned into scrap metal, and the area was covered with waste and sewage.
But every time, pilgrims kept coming back and raising more crosses.

 
It was only by 1985, that the ‘Hill of Crosses’ was finally left in peace!

The “Hill of Cross” is the great symbol…

… of the willingness to accept trials and trust in God!

… of the hope and expectation that prayers are always answered!

… of the readiness to face any adversity, knowing that the Lord cares!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us, Jesus, our Crucified Lord…

… reminding of the inevitability of the Cross in the life of a Christian

>> And the need to be persons who are Responsive and Responsible to this “Crucifying Challenge of Christianity!” 

It’s interesting to know that Christianity at its beginning never really had a symbol. 

The “Cross” as a symbol identifying Christ and His followers emerged by the second century…

… and by the time of Emperor Constantine, it was firmly established as The Sign of Christian Faith!
Christianity sometimes is really strange, when compared to other ways of life…
>> While other ways of life propose actualizing oneself and finding salvation through one’s own abilities; 

… Christianity suggests discovering the mystery of God deeper and find salvation in Him!
>> While other ways of life propose casting away all pains and difficulties and living a prosperous life; 

… Christianity suggests accepting sufferings and trials and detaching oneself from vain riches!
>> While other ways of life propose liberality and openness in identifying with the moral trends of the modern world; 

… Christianity suggests swimming against wrong trends and enjoying true love of all children of God!
>> While other ways of life propose easier and appealing techniques and signs which can attract masses of people; 

… Christianity suggests having the tough and the not-so-alluring Cross as a symbol which may even repel people!
Yeah, Christianity is strange..simply because it founder was strange! 
Jesus never demanded popularity. 

>> He never suggested easy paths or compromised His convictions!

 
And Jesus did die in a strange way…on a Cross!
The Cross was a hated symbol in the ancient world. 
Crucifixion must have the most brutal means of execution ever devised. 

>> Unlike modern methods of capital punishment that are designed to produce a quick death…

…. Crucifixion was meant to ensure that the person on the cross would die a slow, agonizing death!

What is the relation of the World and the Cross?
1. THE WORLD IS OFFENDED BY THE CROSS!

Christianity is sometimes referred to…

… as a “slaughterhouse religion” – a religion that worships a Man butchered on the Cross!

… as a “sadistic religion” – a religion that takes pride in announcing its members being washed clean by the BLOOD of a Man!

… as a “stupid religion” – a religion that glories in rendering homage to a God who is killed miserably! 
 It really seems a total offence..a perfect mockery of religion… 

>> The Cross is a Scandal and an Offence to the World!
2. THE WORLD IS JUDGED BY THE CROSS 

The world takes deep pride in being Proud! 

>> The world loves to show off its ability and power and to say that it is capable of being totally independent!
But the Cross shames this notion of the world!
The Cross proves that human beings by themselves can never redeem themselves…

… they have to come to God! 
The cross stands as a silent sentinel proclaiming that you have to come God’s way…

… or you won’t come at all.  
The cross stands in judgment over the sinful pride of the human race. 

3. THE WORLD IS SAVED BY THE CROSS 

In Num 21 we read how Moses made the bronze serpent…

… and how all who looked at it, were saved from God’s wrath! 

>> The very serpents which were symbolic of sin and death now symbolized life and redemption to them!
In Jn 3, we read how the Cross would be lifted up…

…. and all who looked at it, would be saved from God’s wrath! 

>> The very cross which was symbolic of oppression and misery now symbolized life and redemption to all!
Yes, the Cross is a symbol of shame to the world!  

>> But for Christians, it is a symbol of salvation!
The Cross is a symbol of absolute stupidity & absurdness to the world!

>> But for Christians, it’s a symbol of the majestic wisdom of God!
St John of the Cross would say:

 “The road is narrow. 

He who wishes to travel it more easily must cast off all things and use the Cross as his cane. 

>> In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.” 

  
Two thieves on either sides, died with Christ on the Cross:

>> One mocked Jesus…

… the other sought Jesus 
>> One took pride in himself…

… the other humbled himself 
>> One lost a golden opportunity…

… the other, won the Prized Paradise! 

The cross with Jesus hanging beckons to each one of one of us now 
We have a choice – like both the thieves… 

>> Are we going to lose a golden opportunity…

… or are we going to seek the Prized Paradise? 
The Choice is ours!
>> ESCAPE FROM THE CROSS…

… OR EMBRACE THE CROSS!!
>> EXIT THE CROSS…

… OR EXALT THE CROSS!!
May we seek the special intercession of Blessed Mother Teresa…

… who will be canonized today

>> That her exemplary life of taking up the Cross of ‘service in action’ may inspire us to also reach out to the poor and needy in our lives!
When we find ourselves struggling with the hardships and trials of life…

>> When we feel even the strong emptiness of God’s presence in our lives…

… We need to be like the pilgrims of the “Hill of Crosses”

>> Planting the crosses of our difficulties on the inner hill of our hearts…

… and thus finding peace, consolation and strength!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Society is governed by various laws and regulations. 
Every organization, every institution and every establishment has its own rules and legislations.
>> The world, however, also is a strange witness to weird and peculiar laws…

… some known

… many unknown

>> In Oklahoma State of the U.S. …

… you can be arrested for making ugly faces at a dog. 
>> In Vermont State of the U.S….

… a woman must get written permission from her husband to wear false teeth. 
>> In Turkey…

… it is illegal for a man above 80 yrs to become a pilot
>> In Samoa…

… it’s a crime to forget your own wife’s birthday. 

Creepy and unusual, isn’t it? 

>> Well.. each law has its own purpose and motive when it was framed and formulated.
But, when a rule fails to deliver its intended aim and gets devoid of all target, it becomes worthless! 

When a law loses its original flavour and objective, it gets reduced to merely a plain statement!

A similar situation is what is encountered in today’s Gospel passage from Luke 6:1-5.

Here is a law that is genuine and good and was commanded by God Himself… 

>> And all of us know this by heart, when we recite the Ten Commandments: “Keep the Sabbath Day Holy!”

The Sabbath day was initially the seventh day of the week. 

 
In the seven days of creation, it is the day on which God rested from His work. 

And so in Exodus 20, we learn that since God rested from his work on the Sabbath, He wanted His people to take a day of rest on the Sabbath as well. 
This is a great principle, right? 
It is certainly good to get some rest during the week! 
So the Sabbath Law was not a funny or a crazy law like some of the ones mentioned above. 

>> So far, so good!

>> So far, so nice!

But as time moved ahead and as generations passed on…

… Craziness began to find its way into this law!

The Jews were so intent at keeping this law that they began formulating practical guidelines on “how” to follow this law – what could be done and what could not be done. 

They came up with a list of 39 main tasks which could not be performed on the Sabbath. 

>> This list included sowing seed, ploughing, reaping, binding, threshing, winnowing, grinding, sifting, kneading etc etc… 

A Jewish scholar by the name of Yehoshua Neuwirth, mentions some instructions for the present day Jews, in his book titled “A Guide to the Practical Observance of the Sabbath”: 

(Please note: Don’t be amused too much!)

>> If the hot water tap is accidentally left on, it cannot be turned off on the Sabbath.
>> One cannot light a fire on the Sabbath, it is also wrong to turn on electric lights. 
>> If you need to turn on the lights, you can get an automatic timer which will do the job for you.
>> You cannot bathe with a bar of soap on the Sabbath, but you can use liquid soap.
>> A person is not allowed to simply take the item out of their pocket….

… In order to get it out, he has to reverse his pocket so the item falls out! 

… And after that, he has to ask a Gentile to pick up, ‘cos he himself is forbidden to do so!

Are you getting bored with these “excessives”? 

>> Are you getting irritated with these unnecessary “extremes”?

Well.. so too was Jesus! 
He was not just bored or irritated…

… but he was also zealous to restore back the Original Spirit of the Sabbath Law!

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath is clear to point out to the legalistic Pharisees: 

“You don’t have to teach me about Sabbath rules…

… It is I who have set up it in the first place!
 The Sabbath was supposed to be a day of rest…

… but you’ve made it a day of working hard to keep the law! 
If you have to work so hard to keep the Sabbath, then you’ve totally misunderstood the intention of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath is giving God the priority…

>> The Sabbath is giving one’s heart to the Lord!

>> The Sabbath is growing in relationship with Him!

>>The Sabbath is a day of taking rest, with the Lord!

>> The Sabbath is restoring our relationship with God!

>> The Sabbath is dedicating more of one’s resources to His Kingdom!

>> The Sabbath is strengthening ties with our family and fellow beings! 

Yes, the Law is important…

… but do I lose focus of its original purpose, like the Pharisees… 

>> Or do I, like Jesus, understand the true meaning and intention of the rules and guidelines in our lives?

Let us truly seek to throw away frivolous practices of any Laws & embrace the Lord of the Law and grow in His love!
>> Love the law…

>> Be zealous to keep the law…

… But not just for the sake of the law!
Rather, to grow in the Love of the Law-Giver Himself…the Lord of Law…JESUS!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

One of the most popular words that is increasingly becoming trendy and fashionable and in vogue, especially in the context of the Indian Society…is the word….. CHANGE!
Race for the Change…Be the Change… I am the Change…Change begins with oneself… 

>> These are some of the widespread slogans that are all over the place…
The Webster’s Dictionary defines “Change… as making something radically different or make a shift from one to another.”
Change involves becoming different…

>> Change involves a transformation!

>> Change involves making an alteration!

The Gospel of the Day too presents Jesus with this Crucial and Central theme: CHANGE! 

The Lord is a constant challenge to His followers to adopt a changed lifestyle…

… a lifestyle which is more Divine, a way of life which is more human and a living which is more joyful. 
But He is also very much aware of the basic human tendency…

… to neglect and avoid and overlook any change! 

That is why He very clearly at the end of today’s Gospel says, “No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘the old is good'” (Lk 5:39) 
With age, wine increases its strength and flavour and the old is therefore preferable. 

Take somebody who been drinking the same kind of wine for years and years and years and someone comes along and says, “Ah, I’ve got a brand new variety here for you.” 

 
“Nah, no, I’ll stick with my old favourite.

>> It’s done me grand favours all through these years… I don’t want to…” 
“Well the new one promises to be great…it’s got new aroma, a new flavour…a special zest” 
“No, no, I’m happy with my old.”

We may either nod with this response…or look down with suspicion…or even just be least bothered… 

But one thing is for sure… 

>> Many of us, certainly do tend to answer in the same way, as this old-wine devotee was…
It’s really true, isn’t it? 

We tend to mellow ourselves down to a comfortable and cozy way of life… 

>> We cultivate a taste and a liking for our undisturbed mode of  timetable and schedules…

Like the old wine, many of our former ways and thoughts and style of living have become mellowed and settled by years of experience and have become so much a part of the fabric of our lives! 
>> Don’t give me the new wine of change… 

… I am happy with my old wine of comforts and calm
>> Don’t give me the new wine of spirituality… 

… I am happy with my old wine of worldly existence
>> Don’t give me the new wine of holy things…

… I am happy with my old wine of living life in the way it pleases me
>> Don’t give me the new wine of the Church teachings…

… I am happy with my experimental philosophy and thoughts

But the Lord, the Best Wine Giver (Jn 2:10), is intent and keen and even is insistent that we abandon Our Old Wines and drink of Him, the New Wine!
You want the new wine of joy and happiness in your soul and consolation of mind and heart? 

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of Sin and impure life!
You want the new wine of Justice and Equality and Honesty and Truthfulness in society? 

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of corruption and discrimination and cheating!

You want the new wine of True Companionship and Faithful relationships and Genuine friendships? 

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old wine of company with Satan and give up envy and resentment and hatred!

Are we ready to abandon the Old Wine? 

>> The best wine is being offered… 
(P.S. – For all who are eager to be drunk more of this Best Wine… kindly prepare yourselves well and run to the nearest Church or Chapel… and participate in the Holy Mass. 

>> The Master has prepared the best and most satisfying and sumptuous meal: His Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist!)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Would you like to come along with me, for a short walk along the sea?

>> We could share some of our experiences of life… 

… that would probably help us to live better!”

These are the words of Simon Peter, the Apostle of Jesus.
Saying a “Yes” to this invitation…

… let us now stroll along with Simon Peter, as he recounts, in first person, his experiences…

“Ah, so there you, my friend!
I am so happy that you have accepted my invitation.
Uh… by the way, be careful, as we walk along the sea…

…. ‘cos there might be some rough stones and thorny bushes. 

>> Just mind your steps, as we walk along.
So, where shall I begin with?
Hmm.. I guess I shall begin with my beginning itself…

… my beginnings with the Lord!
Let me start by saying that nothing much about my life before I encountered the Lord, is known to others.

But that itself, I feel, is a point of great reflection…

>> That unless we come to the Lord, our life is mere existence…

… nothing noteworthy, nothing special, nothing significant!

 
>> Only when we are in the Lord…

… do we have a meaning and purpose in life!
>> Only when we are in the Lord…

… can we say that our lives have a destination and a goal!
How I wish that many more discover Jesus as the purpose and objective of one’s life!

>> How I pray that followers of Christ may have more zeal to bring many to the love of Christ!

So continuing with my story – of my beginnings in the Lord – …

>> How very fresh is the memory of that golden day in my life!

… The day the Lord came to me and called me to be His “fisher of men” (as we would read in the Gospel of my friend St Luke 5: 10)
My friend St Luke, told you in 4:38-39, that my mother-in-law was healed of a severe fever.
This incident had brought great joy and hope to our family. 
Somehow, ( I probably guess so.. though am not fully sure!), that miracle had also sparked a sense of interest and liking in me, towards that Great Rabbi, Jesus!

>> He was already moving across streets in villages and towns bringing much healing and hope

>> He was also revealing God as a Father… as One Who was much more closer and lovable and friendlier, than many of us traditional Jews had thought!

But the experience of that glorious day still lingers in my mind…

… so fresh… so gracious!
My Master had his large crowd of fans gathered around him. 
It was such a privilege that my boat was used by the Master to stand and preach to the crowds!

>> Yeah, my simple boat became His Great Instrument of Evangelization!

… You can call it as the story of “Pauper Peter’s Plank transformed into the Precious Preacher’s Pulpit!”

 
After the great round of boldly proclaiming the Word of God…

… it was time for the Word to touch me!
The Master, with His powerful words reached out to me, “Put out into the deeper water and lower your nets for a catch!”
But of course, all of you do know that I am a very instinctual and impulsive man!
The “expertise” in me protested and said, “We have worked the whole night and caught nothing!”
But this is where the Master “caught me”

>> That was the bait, by which I, the little fish, would be hooked by the Great Fisherman of Galilee!
I thought I knew everything about the seas… about fishing…!
But the Lord, the Creator of all…

… sliced through my inner being and exposed my weakness!
The miraculous catch of fish that followed was a lesson in humility and obedience!

>>  I thought I knew everything… only to realize, that “human knowledge is foolishness before God’s Wisdom”

>> I felt I was an expert in my area of activity… only to realize that “human minds have to always bend before the One Who has shaped and created this entire universe!”
And so I cried out…”Depart from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!”
That was the beginning…

… of the end of my pride

… of the end of wanting “my way”
For it was also the beginning…

… of a new way of life for me!
Yes, God’s Mercy had touched me!

… and His Mercy had sparked me in a new vocation – the vocation to be “fishers of men!”

 
>> His Mercy would continue to accompany me, all through my life…

…. in times when I would act impulsively as the leader of the group

… in times when I would go on to betray my Master

… in times, when I would once again be called to follow the Lord after His Resurrection

… in times, when I would be instilled with hope to continue as His Vicar on the earth! 
And so I strongly believe in this statement: “Mercy is the source and the strength of every vocation!” 

>> Be it any vocation: Family life…. Consecrated Life…. Priestly Life… Celibate life…
Have you discovered the meaning and depth of this statement?
>> Check into your lives and see…

… so many are the acts of mercy of God in your life

… so many are the ways in which the Mercy of God has led you through
Perhaps, many times, you are not aware… many times, you have taken it for granted!

>> But look deeper… and surely you will find: Your life is a living witness of God’s Mercy!
And so, become aware that “Mercy is the source and the strength of every vocation!” 

Hmmm…Are you still with me?
I guess, I do talk a lot, right?
Well, as you see, I do have tears in my eyes now… (tears of joy, of course!)

… and this would be the joy you too experience, when your life is touched by the Mercy of God

>> And you give yourself, entirely to Jesus, the Great Fisherman of Galilee…and my Hero!

Are you willing to leave everything and follow Him…

… just as I did?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. 

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.
It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in number of works…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of  “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives,  new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”
In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

He cures Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever and restores her to good health and wellbeing…(Lk 4:39)
>> Am I today in need of a touch of the Lord…

… which casts away forces that makes weak and fragile?

… which takes away the fever of tiredness and fatigue of spiritual life?

… which restores me back in serving and assisting others in my life?

 
At sunset, He laid His hands on many with sicknesses and diseases and cured them all… (Lk 4:40)
>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…

…. Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?
>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?
>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?
>> In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Joy and Revitalization?

He also rebuked many demons and commanded them to let go of many possessed people… (Lk 4: 41)
>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ? 

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver! 
>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…? 

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome! 
>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…? 

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate! 
>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…? 

… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage expresses His intentions of going to other towns to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God! 
The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing….

Do I imitate the Lord…

…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people? 

… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…
The Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely and the depressed and the unwanted and the rejected and the discriminated with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

>>  It made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others. 
Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

>> It made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”
Let us grow in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(Warning: Kindly read the following first few lines with caution…. the weak-hearted ones especially…) 

The Sedlec Ossuary is a small Catholic chapel, located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in the town of Sedlec, in the country of the Czech Republic. 
What’s so specially about this Chapel? 

>> Or rather, what’s so strange and weird about this Chapel? 
The Chapel is estimated to contain the skeletons of around 40,000 – 70,000 people, whose bones have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel!

The ossuary is among the most visited tourist attractions of the Czech, attracting over 200,000 visitors yearly.
Yeah, a Bone and Skeleton filled Chapel!! 
Bizarre, right?

But the wonderful thing about this horrific-looking and ghastly-appearing Chapel is that, in the midst of all these dead and lifeless bones, reigns the Cross of Christ, right at the middle of the Chapel!
The sight of the powerful Christ in the dead and gloomy atmosphere, is a tremendous sign of Faith and Hope!

Yes, God reigns in the midst of every terrorizing event, every bizarre place and every haunting situation!
It is this truth that is also boldly testified and witnessed in the Gospel Reading today. 

Jesus encounters a man possessed by an evil spirit and who was violent and vociferous in his shoutings! 
He yells and screams, ” You are the Holy One of God!”

But there is a strange reply from Jesus… 

>> With much authority, Jesus commands to the evil possessed person, ” Be Silent….!”

Why is it that the Lord of all Authority and Power silences the cry of the evil spirits?

They were actually saying the truth that Jesus is the Holy One of God! 

>> The demons were giving witness to who Jesus really was…

… and perhaps even acted as great advertisements to the people of the town. 

Were they not actually making Jesus more popular and making known his fame and power to all?

Then, why does Jesus forbid them so strongly and powerfully in their declaration about Him?

There could be several factors…

>> And these factors also teach us, how we need to be aware of the tricks and techniques of the evil one and seek to be wary of those misleading trades of Satan…

1. They were more of a distraction than an honest witness 
>> The evil spirit was creating a scene….

… and was taking away the attention of the people from the teachings of Jesus. 
>> The evil spirit was creating flutter and chaos in the gathering…

… to excite curiosity and fear and undue emotions. 

>> The evil spirit was moving the minds of the people from the truth…

… to something spectacular and showy.

Do I get trapped in the flashy and glitzy and astonishing aspects of religion and forsake instead the serene and sublime and gentle teachings and wisdom of the Lord?

2.  They were more into defrauding than rendering genuine witness

>> The evil spirit was seeking to dominate the senses of the man…

… and acquire total control of the human person. 
>> The evil spirit being allowed to speak would have meant…

… that Jesus gave approval to its possession of the man. 
>> The evil spirit wanted to prove and demonstrate its power…

… over the faculties and abilities of the person.

Do I allow my senses- my mouth, my eyes, my ears, my body, my thoughts – to be controlled and manipulated by the evil spirit…even evil spirits in the form of drugs, smoking, alcohol, sex, vices, money etc….?

3.  They were more into deception than giving a true witness

>> The evil spirit liked to present half-knowledge as the Truth…

… just like the Serpent did to Eve, in the Eden Garden. 
>> The evil spirit was a cheater who traps a person into his ways….

… with subtle styles of deceptiveness and falsity. 
>> The evil spirit was an expert in disguising himself in the form…

… of many alluring and tempting appearances.

Do I get trapped into deception of the Evil One, by being caught up in the baits of populist gospel preaching, attractive and easy-go-spiritualities and comfortable and glamorous ways of living? 

The Lord today wants to encounter the evil forces in our lives…our families…our communities…our world!
When we encounter the powerful Saviour, perhaps…

… We too yell

… Or resist

… Or say no

… Or say “I don’t need” etc…

But the Lord wants to overpower the Evil… 

>> He commands and orders, “Be Silent…”

Let us be open to receive the healing touch of the Lord. 

>> My Life may be filled with bizarre events…

>> My society or my world may be  tangled with a lot of filth and evil ….

>> My surroundings may be cluttered with many repulsive objects and events…
Yet, in the midst of all this…the Lord..the God of all Authority and Power, still reigns supreme!

>> Yes, God reigns in the midst of every terrorizing event, every bizarre place and every haunting situation!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Here’s the smell of the blood still…

All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. 

Oh, oh, oh!”
This is the infamous line uttered by Lady Macbeth, in Shakespeare’s famous work, “Macbeth”.
Having successfully plotted in killing King Duncan…

… Lady Macbeth, the main character of the play, undergoes a terrible and dreadful agony of the guilt and culpability of the murder.
The death of innocent blood haunts and torments her soul and plunges her into deep distress.
The consequence of a deadly sin can paralyze one’s mind and soul to deep ordeals of torture and anguish!

Today on this Memorial of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist, the Gospel of the Day presents one such character – King Herod…

…. who underwent an intense tribulation after having murdered John the Baptist, an innocent and holy man.

>> And invites us to make an honest examination of conscience in the light of this “murder most foul!”

King Herod had exercised his authority and sinfulness by beheading John the Baptist. (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-27). 
The demon of guilt and shame of a “murder most foul” kept haunting him.

In this dizzy and shaken state of mind, King Herod hears about the deeds and wonders of another man, Jesus. (Mk 6: 14-16)
His guilt-filled and confused mind is unable to grasp the identity of this new man who works marvels and so he asks:

“I had John beheaded; WHO IS THIS MAN about whom I hear such wonders?” (Mk 6:16)

The king hounded by sin and shame failed to grapple the mystery of the Son of God, the King of kings!

Herod’s question is perhaps, one the most important question ever asked or answered – “WHO IS THIS MAN?” 
Being confused about who Jesus is, is not new trend…

… this is especially seen in the Gospel of St Luke. 
>> In Lk 5:21 – At the healing of the paralytic, the Scribes and Pharisees begin to ask, “WHO IS THIS who speaks blasphemy?”

>> In Lk 7:19 – The disciples of John the Baptist question Him, “ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME, or should we look for another?”
>> In Lk 7:49 – After the pardon of the sinful woman who washed His feet, the others, who were invited for the meal commented, “WHO IS THIS who even forgives sins?” 
>> In Lk 8:25 – After witnessed the calming of the sea and the storms, the disciples inquire, “WHO then IS THIS, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey Him?“
>> In Lk 9:20 – Jesus Himself asks His disciples, “WHO do you say AM I?“
>> In Lk 20:2 – The chief priests and scribes question Jesus, “By what AUTHORITY ARE YOU doing these things? Or who is the one WHO GAVE YOU AUTHORITY?“
>> In Lk 22:70 – The council of elders and the chief priests and the scribes question Jesus, “ARE YOU then THE SON OF GOD?“

The persona of Jesus surpasses great minds and cannot be arrested by hardened hearts! 

>> The character of Jesus baffles proud mentalities and cannot be captured by cynical spirits!
Human explanations fail to encompass the mystery of Jesus.

>> Secular approaches fail to be fascinated by the glory of Jesus.

>> Philosophical interpretations fail to explain the depth of Jesus.

 
King Herod was greatly disturbed with a guilty conscience and a sinful heart.

>> He was threatened by the mighty deeds of Jesus, who was being considered a King.
The sinful and corrupt Kingdom of Herod was facing a challenge by the pure and holy Kingdom of God!

What is my approach to Jesus and His awesome Kingdom?
>> Am I, like King Herod…

…. filled with fear and doubts because of my sinful conscience and guilty mind?
>> Am I eager, like King Herod…

… to see some miracles of Jesus, just to satisfy my curiosity, but not for repentance?
>> Am I hesitant to encounter the Lord…

… because that could mean having a transformation and renewal of my life? 

Like Lady Macbeth or King Herod, the burden of our sins and weakness might plague us.. 

>> But the Lord promises His treasure of peace, tranquility and harmony if we seek Him in sincerity!

The consequence of a deadly sin can paralyze one’s mind and soul to deep ordeals of torture and anguish!
The perfumes of Arabia cannot cleanse us. 

>> The wealth of the world cannot satisfy us. 
But the Blood of Christ will purify us…

>> The Body of Christ will strengthen us

>> The Word of Christ will enliven us!

There is true salvation, genuine joy and true happiness…

…. if we approach the Lord with a repentant heart! 

May the mighty witness given by St John the Baptist, to remain firm and convinced in the values of the Kingdom…

… even in the face of martyrdom, be a big challenge to all us in this secular world! 

May St John the Baptist intercede for us, to live a life of commitment and conviction. 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jesus was a classic story-teller.
He loved telling stories and parables. 
The parables of Jesus are quite simple and often with humble imagery. 

>> Probably the most touching and best parable of Jesus? … The Parable of the Prodigal Son!
>> Probably the most challenging parable of Jesus for our society?…The Parable of the Good Samaritan!
>> Probably the most hopeful parable of Jesus for the lost ones?…The Parable of the Good Shepherd!
>> Probably the most comforting parable of Jesus for the helpless ones?…The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus!
>> Probably the most merciful and generous parable of Jesus?… The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard!
>> And, Probably the most practical and feasible parable of Jesus?…The Parable of the Talents!

Of course, we may have our own opinions and differences and overlappings with respect to this list. 
But many of us will surely agree that the Parable of the Talents is a very practical and do-able parable of Jesus…

>> And invites us to shake off our slumber and laziness…

… and awake to a life of responsibility and accountability!

The Gospel of the Day, Mt 25:14-30 presents before us this simple-to-understand and practical-to-follow Parable of the Lord:  the Parable of the Talents!

Readers are drawn to this Parable because it is simple, clear and easy to understand.

>> And its lessons are hard to miss!! 

This parable tells what to do while we live in this world and the need to be responsible and dutiful. 

The Parable introduces the fact that the servants were judged by the way, they managed the master’s resources.
 

We learn a very crucial truth from this: All that we have belongs to God! 
>> All… 

>> Fully…

>> Totally…

>> Everything… 

>> Completely…

… Belongs to GOD! 

>> We own nothing…

>> We hold no space…

>> We possess no one…

… All belongs to GOD! 

He made them…

… He gave them to us

>> And One Day… He will take them from us again. 
Even our life itself is a gift from God! 

If only our world and our generation were to grow more and more in this truth…! 
>> How often we hold on to our possessions…

… and go bonkers in preserving and safeguarding them! 
>> How often we seek twisted and distorted ways…

… to acquire more wealth and capture vital status and ranks! 
>> How often we resort to disgraceful and shameful means…

… to win over positions and powers and authority! 

>> How often we play dirty games and indulge in dreadful activities…

… to put down people and go up in dominance! 

Another aspect we see the word used in the parable – “talents”.
Usually, when we hear the word “talents” in English, we tend to think of some natural abilities, like…

… playing the piano

… or being good at some sports 

… or being skilled in painting or knowing how to handle computers etc….

In the time of Jesus, however…

… the ‘talent’ was referred to a huge amount of money. 

One talent would represent approximately 16½ years of salary for a labourer. 
>> To give a man two talents would equal around 33 years of salary….

>> To give a man five talents would be like giving him 80 years of salary to invest…  

That’s indeed a huge amount, isn’t it? 
Imagine, how rich would the Owner himself have been!

But what was the criteria in giving different people a particular amount of money? 

>> Each one according to one’s ability
And who made this determination to allocate the amount of money?

>> The Master himself, according to His wish!

Here’s another truth: God is not obligated to treat us, like he treats anyone else. 
He can give us more or He can give us less than others.

>> Some have more money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships than others. 
>> Others have less money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships!

It’s not about being unlucky. >> It’s not about our ill-fate. >> It’s not about being inauspicious!

The Master…has total sovereignty and freedom with what and how much HE wants to give to His people!

This leaves us with a choice: 

1. We can either crib and gripe and grumble and complain about our situation and make excuses and just sit idle! 
OR…
2. We can accept the given situation we are in and start from where we are and do what we can..to the best! 

>> The Dynamics of Comparison is useless…

… the Tactic of Hard Work is amazing! 
>> The Strategy of Complaining is ineffective…

… the Scheme of Determination is superb! 
>> The Policy of  Grumpiness is futile…

… the Approach of Gratefulness is incredible!

The Parable of the Talents is a very Practical Parable that the Lord has offered us!

Yesterday is past… 

… tomorrow is the Future.
>> But Today is a GIFT… 

… that’s why, it is called as The PRESENT! 

Lets make this PRESENT, a PLEASENT GIFT to the GREAT GIVER…

… by seeking His Grace and combining it with our hard works and determination! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!