Aug 26 (Mt 25:1-13)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

One of the common songs that many of us know is… 

“Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning… Keep me burning till the end of day…”
Every Christian is called to become a beacon of light in the darkness…

…. and to be a shining star in the ambience of every night.

The Gospel of the Day too shares this aspect and reminds the aspect of being watchful for the Coming of the Lord. 
The Lord presents the parable of the ten virgins…

… with five of them being wise in keeping the lamps ready, with sufficient oils

… and the other five being foolish, in failing to make any efforts to have the lamp lit `
The message of the Parable is to “Be ready, dressed for service, AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT…” (as we read in Lk 12: 35) 

>> To keep our lamps lit – is the reminder and challenge of the Gospel today. 

At our Baptism, we all have received the Light of Christ. 

>> This light, is not just to be preserved, but is to be nurtured and fostered daily. 
But we live in a world when there are many a winds seeking to put off this light in us. 

>> We live in a world, where there is a strong engulfing of the darkness trying to drown the light in us.

What are the different winds that are seeking to put off the Light of Christ in us?

>> We have a look at some of those factors, with examples from the Bible..
1.  The wind of “losing the focus from God”
>>  King David 

King David was a shining light to the people of his kingdom, as long as he followed the teachings and had his focus on God. 
But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned. 

>> He allowed himself to focus on the object of his pleasure by sinning with the wife of Uriah. 
The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him…. 

 

>> Samson

Samson was a shining light of power and might, as long as he was faithful to God and had his focus on God. 
But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned. 

>> He allowed himself to focus on the object of his delight by revealing the secret to Delilah 
The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him…. 

>> Peter

Peter was a shining light to his disciples as a person of faith, as long as he followed the instructions of his Master to walk on the waters. 
But when he allowed his focus to shift from the Lord, he began to sink. 

>> He allowed himself to focus on the object of his fear and self-panic. 
The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

2. The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” 
>>  Saul

Saul was adorned to be the first king of Israel; however, as his reign continued, his own selfish motives began to creep in his kingship. 
When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the approval of God. 
The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him… 
>> The Pharisees and Scribes 

The Pharisees and Scribes during the time of Jesus, insisted much on their selfish agenda in the imposition and following of the Laws. 
When they “began to be more self-centered”, they began to lose the favour of God. 
The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in them… 
>>  Judas 

Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve in the mission of the Lord; but as time grew, he continued to feed his greed for money and wealth 
When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the esteem of God. 
The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him…

 
3. The wind of “false principles and ideologies”
>> People of Israel 

The people of Israel had been blessed with the commandments of God. 
They, however, were dismayed at the delay of Moses on Mt Sinai, and instead got enamoured and attracted to false gods and especially to the deity of mammon and wealth. 
When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they angered God and brought upon themselves the wrath of the Lord. 
The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them… 
>> People of Galatians as seen in 1:6 

St Paul accuses the people of Galatia, that were abandoning the Gospel which they first heard, and instead were being attracted to the pleasurable and false teachings of the false prophets. 
When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they strayed away from the path of salvation. 
The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them… 

Let’s examine our own lives… 

Am I allowing the wind…

…  of “losing the focus from God”  to put off the light in us? 

… of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” to put off the light in us? 

… of “false principles and ideologies” to put off the light in us? 
As the saying goes, “We cant prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can certainly prevent them from laying a nest on our heads!” 
>> We cannot prevent these winds to rage and hit our lives…

… but we can certainly prevent them from blowing off the Light of Christ in us! 
This strength comes from our determination, perseverance & commitment…

>> But above all, being united with Jesus, the Source of Light…

…. in daily prayer

…. frequent sacraments, 

… constant nourishment with the Word of God

… and faithfulness to our daily duties of our vocation and life! 

May our lives, burning with the lamp of Christ, become a constant melody of “keep me burning till the end of day…” 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 25 (Mt 24:42-51)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

>> Sportspersons sweat it out and slog their bodies through a strict routine…

… to achieve the best! 
>> Army personnel undergo a hard grilling and a grinding through tough situations…

… to achieve the best! 
>> Musicians train their voices and are extremely cautious in avoiding bad food habits…

… to achieve the Best! 
>> Scientists meticulously chalk out their experiments and are very careful in minute aspects…

… to achieve the Best!
Any profession or activity, to achieve its goal in the best manner possible…

… requires a tough preparation, unabated determination, a constant movement and an unwavering vigilance!
We are all aware of these aspects with respect to professional disciplines and careers.
But why is it, that very often, such an attitude & such a principle not get applied to Spirituality or our Christian Life?!
>> There seems to be a tendency to take our Christian Life as a routine and for granted…. 

>> There seems to be a feeling to live our Spiritual Lives in relaxation and lethargy and sluggishness… 

>> There seems to be a trend to give least botheration to the aspects of God, Soul, Sin, Grace, Salvation etc…..

 

Why does Spirituality most often find the least place in our lives? 

>> Why do talks of God figure so little in our daily chats? 

>> Why do thoughts of Holiness be entertained least in our minds?

It’s time to wake up from our sleep… 

“Stay Awake”, says the Lord “…….and Be Alert! ” (Mt 24: 42-44)
The Gospel passage speaks of the Second Coming of the Son of Man…
No one knows the time or the hour. 

>> No one knows the context or situation. 
Therefore….we need to be alert and watchful at all times…

… Any time!

… Any Context!

In verse 44, the Lord says, “You must be prepared”… 

… or “You must be ready” 

… or “You must be alert”.

>> When Abraham was prepared to give up his Beloved Isaac… 

… he encountered the glory of God! 
>> When Moses was ready to follow God and trust Him completely…

… he encountered the power of God! 
>> When the Israelites were ready to cleanse themselves and prepare…

… they encountered the Majesty of God! 
>> When the Prophets were willing to let go and abandon fully to God’s hands…

… they encountered the Voice of God! 
>> When Mother Mary was consenting to God’s Will in Her life…

… She encountered the ‘Grace’fulness of God! 
>> When  the Apostles were eager to wait in humility and prayer…

… they encountered the Spirit of God! 

 

>> When we are willing to be prepared and be ready… 

…we will experience the mighty touch and presence of God! 

One of the biggest reasons why a Christian fails to take one’s faith seriously is because of Procrastination… 

>> We mould ourselves to thinking that there is time for all this later… 

>> We still have years ahead to repent and atone! 
Like St Augustine before his conversion, we too often say:

“Give me chastity and continence… but not yet!” 
And this certainly is one of Satan’s most successful strategies in today’s world: To show there is still time… 

Satan, perhaps, does not prevent us…

… From having thoughts of prayer… 

>> But he says: “Not now, do it a little later” 
… From having aspirations of fasting… 

>> But he says: “Not now, do it a little later” 
… From engaging in works of charity…

… but he says: “Not now, do it a little later” 

And we, busy with our daily schedules…like ignorant fools… find that suggestion practical and feasible! 

Today the Lord gets  serious in His tone…and warns us: “Watch! Be alert!” 
We give the best…

… in our workplaces

… in areas of sports and music

… in the armed fields and the scientific labs 

>> But are we slackening when it comes to our Faith and our Christian Life? 
We often, invest our time and money and energy, often only for materialistic and passing things of the world! 

>> But today, let us seek to invest of ourselves in service of the Kingdom and to prepare for the Lord’s coming 
Our souls are searching… 

Our bodies are agitated and distressed… 

>> Money, positions, power, sex, drugs, alcohol, pleasures, films, criticizing others…

… None of these will satisfy or gratify us! 

Yes, it’s time to wake up from our sleep… 
“… know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep.  

For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand.” (Rom 13: 11-12a)

>> These words which awoke St Augustine from his slumber of paganism, sexual immorality and loose living, into the freedom of Holiness and Sanctity… is addressed also to each one of us…. 

Let us seek and thirst for the One whom our souls are searching…. 

…and always be on the watch, realizing that: “You have made us for yourself, O God…. and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 23 (Mt 23: 23-26)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

One of the very commonly known humorous incident involving the fiction characters – Sherlock Holmes, the detective and Dr. Watson, his friend and assistant goes thus?
Once they decided to go on a camping trip.

After dinner, they lay down for the night, and go to sleep.

Some hours later, Holmes awoke and asked his friend: “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

Watson replied, “I see millions of stars.”

“What does that tell you?,” asked Holmes curiously.

Watson pondered for a minute and replied:
“>> Astronomically…
… it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
>> Astrologically…
… I observe that Saturn is in Leo
>> Horologically…
… I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three
>> Theologically…
… I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant
>> Meteorologically…
… I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.”

And then he continued? “What does it tell you, Holmes?”

Holmes was silent for a minute…
…and then spoke: “Watson, you idiot. Someone has stolen our tent!!”

Very often we too are such…
>> We highlight all the minute (and mostly unnecessary) details ?
? but we miss the most important aspects of life!
The Gospel of the day presents Jesus exhorting to become aware of such a tendency in our life…
… and to buckle ourselves up to doing the things that “really” matter in life.

The Great Master, Jesus, continues in the 23rd Chapter of St Matthew…
… with the condemnation of the Hypocritical and Insincere attitude of the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law.
The Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law were very proud of their observance of the law.
>> They were very particular in making sure that even the tiny details in the Law received attention and care.

Was Jesus against this zeal and passion of the Pharisees and the Teachers in being faithful to the Law?
>> Was Jesus advocating some kind of moderation and restraint in practice of the Law?

Sometimes some Christians…
… take shade in this pretext and lead an unenthusiastic life of faith!
… take refuge in this excuse and live a very lukewarm life of hope!
… take solace in this explanation and go forward with a very tepid life of love!

But Certainly No!
>> Jesus was not against being zealous and passionate and fervent of things what matter to God!

He was the One…
… Who said to take up one’s daily cross and follow Him!
… Who demanded to love Him above all attachments of people and things!
… Who asked to value to Him and His Kingdom above all other riches and honours!

He looks for people who are willing…
… to sell their everything in acquiring the Great Pearl of Life!
… to give up their life in order to acquire it for Eternity!
… let go off their egoistic attitudes and humble oneself as a Child!

So Jesus was certainly not against the Zealousness and the Ardour of the Pharisees and Teachers to keep the law!

But Jesus was against their SELECTIVE ZEALOUSNESS..
>> He was against their PARTICULAR FERVOURS!

>> They loved to stress on the minute aspects of the Law…
… but neatly avoided the most basic and fundamentals!

>> They loved to impose the tiny portions of the Law…
? but safely bypassed the ones most needed and important!

“You strain the gnat….but swallow a camel!” (Mt 23:24)
>> The Camels were perhaps the biggest animal and the Gnats the smallest?
? that were known to the Jews!
>> They gave importance to the gift on the altar and the gold in the temple…
.. but gave lesser worth to the Altar and the Temple itself! (Mt 23: 16-22)

>> They insisted on tithing of minor objects and things…
? but failed to accord any significance to the most needed aspects of justice, mercy and faith! (Mt 23: 23)
God has made both the little gnats and the big camels.
>> Likewise, He has given some “weighty” and “less-weighty” commandments.
None should be neglected!

But the person who gives all his attention to minor peripherals and externals in serving God…
… and ignores the major ones is like the man who finds both a gnat and a camel in his soup/wine!
>> He strains out the gnat…..but swallows the camel!!

Such a person Majors on the minors….
? and Minors on the majors!!

What are these major aspects?
>> What are these weightier commandments?
? JUSTICE and MERCY and FAITH! (Mt 23:23)

A Doctrine that cannot be translated into action is utterly useless!

We are no one to judge on what was the personal character of the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law.
>> But through the words of Jesus we do know of their attitude and mentality and frame of mind…

When they encountered Jesus…
? they were busy discussing the trees, but they missed the entire forest!
>> They Missed Jesus!

When they encountered Jesus?
…they were busy counting the stars, but they missed the entire sky!
>> They Missed Jesus!

When they encountered Jesus..they were busy gauging drops of water, but they missed the entire ocean!
>> They Missed Jesus!
Have I lost my focus??

Do I be busy with tiny and unimportant external actions…
? but miss out on doing the important actions of love and mercy?
>> Maybe… I am missing out on Jesus!

Do I be busy with picking and plucking out my tiny imperfections and faults…
? but miss out on removing major sins and faults?
>> Maybe… I am missing out on Jesus!

Do I be busy engaging myself on a number of talks and retreats and books…
? but miss out on the major aspect of growing in deeper and person relation with God?
>> Maybe… I am missing out on Jesus!
Let us seek the intercession of St Rose of Lima, whose feast we celebrate today.
>> She is the patroness of gardeners, florists and all the people who are ridiculed/misunderstood for their piety!

May her words, “Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.”
? and the exhortation from our Great Master Jesus?
? be a reminder and a challenge for us to get the “First Things First” in our spiritual life!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India

Aug 22 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

This was the chorus we sang in unison and love….The Holy Trinity, the Holy Angels and all people of faith on the earth…..just seven days back…

… on the 15th of August – the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

Today we are back to chanting the same chorus and the same refrain with a deeper enthusiasm and stronger gusto…

… as we celebrate with heaven, the Coronation of our Blessed Mamma as the Queen of Heaven and Earth!

This Feast of the Queenship of Mary was instituted by Pope Pius XII at the conclusion of the Marian Year in 1954.

It was not…

… a new doctrine.

… or a new teaching

… or a new policy

.. or even a new understanding!

This declaration was merely an affirmation of the age old faith that has been celebrated down through the ages!

St. Ephrem referred to Mother Mary as the “Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen.”

>> St. Gregory Nazianzen called her, “the Mother of the King of the Universe.”

On this Feast Day of the Queenship of Mary…

… we are presented with the Reading on the Annunciation.

Let us travel with Mary, our Mamma and Queen….through this Life Transforming Event of Her life….

This incident will highlight the journey of Grace and Mercy that God worked, to raise Her to a Glorious State!

  1. The Simple Mary

Mary was a simple and unnoticed girl of the unpopular town of Nazareth.

>> She was an ordinary person betrothed to a man named Joseph.

She had…

… her dreams

… her wishes for a family life

… her desires for a peaceful life!

>> But God had bigger dreams for Her…

… a dream which would make Her the Blessed among all…

>> God had higher wishes for Her…

… a wish which would make the Nazareth Family a model for all…

>> God had bigger desires for Her…

… a desire which would fill her with Peace amidst every pain…

 

  1. The Troubled Mary

Mary was deeply troubled when she encountered Angel Gabriel.

>> The greeting of the Divine Being made Her simple heart to be filled with feelings of concern and disturbance.

She had…

… her concerns

… her share of uneasy feelings

… her moments of worry!

>> But God had greater cares for Her…

… a care which would make her a Mother to all those who have concerns…

>> God had finer feelings for Her…

… a feeling which would help her to Feel for those who go through life’s pains…

>> God had greater comforts for Her…

… a comfort which will lead Her to be a Comforter to the Uncomforted…

  1. The confused Mary

It was a moment of great confusion and perhaps even total puzzlement as to how could the words of Angel Gabriel be believed.

>> There was great uncertainty as to how could a conception of this sort take place and what made Heaven to grant Her this choice of being the Mother of the Son of God!

She had…

… Her confusions

… Her perplexity

… Her moments of Inner Turmoil.

>> But God had a deeper solution to Her confusions…

… He assured Her of the Presence of His Mighty Spirit…

>> God had an enhanced way out of Her perplexity…

… He calmed Her by opening Her eyes to His great works…

>> God had a deeper answer to Her turmoil…

… He relieved Her by reminding Her that all things are possible for Him…

  1. The willing Mary

The Fiat Moment – the time when Mary said the Big Yes to God’s Plan of Salvation!

>> It was a sacred time when Mary consented and became willing to allow God’s Script to work in Her unadorned Life!

She had…

… Her mysterious moments

… Her ‘what-next’ moments

… Her moments of indefiniteness!

>> But God had His superior light beyond all mysteries…

… She was to be the Woman of the Mystery of God’s Salvation …

>> God had His clear plan beyond all doubts…

… She was to be the Perfect Executor of Heaven’s Plans for humanity…

>> God had his superior design across all indefiniteness…

… She was to be the Refuge of all in Uncertainty…

Today, Is My Life…

… just too simple and ordinary?

… just too troubled?

… just too confused?

Then Mother Mary is a model to us…

… a perfect example

… a shining witness

… a great challenge to us!

In all our ordinariness, troubles and confusions. let us trust and have faith in God…

… just like Mother Mary

>> And seek to always say to God, ” Fiat – Yes, Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

Let us raise an Anthem of Thanksgiving, Love and Affection…

… to our Beloved Mamma, the Queen of the Heavens and the Earth… and of our hearts…

>> And in harmony & accord, with deep joy, acclaim Her to be –

“Saare jahaan mein acha!” (“Better than all in the entire world!”)

Happy Feast of the Beloved Queen Mamma united with Her son, King Jesus, to all of us, Her little princes! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 21 (Lk 13: 22-30)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

It is said that Hercules, the Greek mythological figure constructed two pillars near the Straits of Gibraltar…
… to mark the edge of the then known world.

These pillars had a warning on them: “Ne plus ultra – No More Beyond”.

This was a warning to sailors and navigators to go no farther!

Till the 1400?s, this belief was so strong…
… that “Ne Plus ultra” was written on the edge of the maps
… that Spain even adopted that phrase as their national motto.

But in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail into the unfamiliar areas of the world…
>> Unknown waters were explored
>> New lands were discovered

After his death in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, a memorial was built in honour of Columbus.

A peculiar yet very interesting feature of this memorial is the statue of a lion, destroying one of those Latin words?
>> The word being torn away by the lion is “ne”

Thus, the motto is made to read: “Plus Ultra – More Beyond!”
And this indeed is the truth of human life: There certainly is “More Beyond”
>> “More Beyond” this present materialistic life
>> “More Beyond” the transitory nature of this earthly life
Human beings, by nature, are inquisitive and curious.
>> There is a tendency to seek to know many things.

One of the prime aspects among all such seeking are the questions concerning the life after this life.

>> What will happen after I die?
>> Where will I go after my death?
>> Is there such thing called as a heaven or hell?
>> Will God really punish or will He lavish the license of heaven to all?

Such eschatological questions often disturb our minds & we become a bit perplexed over an uncertain future.
The Gospel of the Day presents such an eschatological question being posed to Jesus:
“Lord, will only a few be saved?” (Lk 13:23)
Jesus, has a very unique way of dealing with questions and doubts.
When we scan through some of such incidents, wherein Jesus has been asked a question or a doubt, we often find that He either doesn’t give a straight answer or sometimes even doesn’t give any answer…

>> A lawyer comes to Jesus and asks, “Who is my neighbour?” (Lk 10:29)
… Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer; instead responds with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

>> Some people tell Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the sacrifices, and expected Jesus to make some comments (Lk 13:1)
… Jesus doesn’t explicit a clear teaching; instead responds with the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.
In today’s Gospel incident too, Jesus is asked about how many will be saved.

But Jesus chooses to respond with the Illustration of the Narrow Door.

Why does Jesus do so?
>> Why does He not respond directly to such questions, and instead answer in some other form?
One of the tendencies among many believers, including perhaps some of us, is that…
…we tend to miss the actual point, in the process of discussion.
…we fail to grasp the actual thing needed, in the course of many doubts.
We wonder about who all will be saved…
>> We wonder when this world will come to an end.
>> We wonder how many people will make to heaven
>> We wonder how many will get cast into hell.

These simple questions lead to complicated ones…
>> What about people who have never heard about God?
>> What about those souls in distant lands who never had a chance to know what is God?

These complicated questions further leads to some drastic  conclusions (sadly!)…
>> What kind of God sends people to hell?!
>> If the God of the Bible is so cruel, then I don’t want to believe in Him!
>> I would better not believe in any God and rather live my life the way I want!

Well… this is the sad part!
It’s not that questionings or doubts are bad…or not that they are not encouraged…
>> But sometimes, such interrogations make us to miss the main point.

We get so entangled with doubts of the future, that we fail to prepare for the future.
>> We get so busy asking about eternal life, that we fail to live a life worthy of it!

But Jesus brings home to point…

>> What is needed utmost is an upright life…
… in faith and in repentance.

>> What is most needed is to live a life pleasing to God…
… and in seeking to do His Will.

This is the narrow way.

To live a life of faith, in the midst of challenges and crises, is hard!
>> To live in total repentance and brushing aside sin at every point of life, is hard!
>> To live a life seeking to live in tune with God’s Will, even if it is demanding, is hard!

This is the narrow way, to which the Lord invites us.
Let us not get too much webbed in the questions and doubts, and lose focus of what’s most needed…
… Faith, Repentance and Doing His Will.
Yes, we don’t live in a world which has a motto “Ne plus ultra – No More Beyond!”

Instead, Jesus, the Lion of Judah destroys that word “ne”…
>> And invites us to experience life with Him, in eternity, saying: “Plus Ultra – More Beyond”
God Bless! Live Jesus

Aug 20 (Mt 23: 1-12)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

There is an interesting story that appears in the 12th Chapter of the 2nd Book of Kings.

Joash was the King of Judah.

He observed that Temple of the Lord was in need of repair.

So he raised a fund-raising program…
>> ” Jehoiada, the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid and put it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 12:10)

The amount thus realised, was given to the master workmen of the Temple.

>> These master workmen in turn…
… gave it to the carpenters and builders
… to the lumbermen and stone cutters
… and for the purchase of wood and hewn stone used for repairing
There is a fascinating verse that then appears…
… It says, “They did not require an accounting from the men, into whose hand they gave the money to pay to those who did the work, for they dealt FAITHFULLY.” (2 Kgs 12: 16)

Other translations read…
… they worked with INTEGRITY
… they acted with complete HONESTY
Faithfulness, integrity and honesty are qualities that are expected of everyone…
… who engage themselves in the works of the Lord
>> And naturally so, for all of us as Christians – the followers of Jesus, the Faithful, the Integral and the Honest One!
Do I live my Christian life in Faithfulness, Integrity and Honesty?
The Gospel of the Day presents a Challenging Jesus..
… who seeks to expose the duplicity in the life of the Teachers of the Law
… and exhorts, instead, to lead An Authentic way of Life!
Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Matthew is an extremely emotion filled and volatile passage.

The Great Master Jesus, is in a confronting mode and minces no words in exposing the duplicity of the Teachers of the Law.

Chapter 23 almost speaks of Jesus reaching a sort of boiling point…

Let’s think of a pan of water on the stove…
You turn the burner on high and slowly the water becomes warmer and warmer …
>> And then, there are a few bubbles in that water and those few bubbles come to the fore…
>>> And pretty soon the water in the pan is furious with bubbles because the water has come to its boiling point…!

The words of Jesus in Chapter 23 come to a boiling point!
>> (23: 1-12): Denunciation of the attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees
>> (23: 13-36): Pronouncement of 7 woes on the Scribes and Pharisees
>> (23: 37-39): Lamentation over the city of Jerusalem

Today’s Gospel Passage deals with some of the crucial areas of the Teachers of the Law…
… which very often have a similarity in our lives too

1: They preach, but do not practice! (Mt 23:3)

>> How often are we in the habit of telling virtues to others…
… but fail to practise them ourselves?

>> How often do we love to advise goodness to others…
… but fall short of trying to be good ourselves?

>> How often do we want the whole world to be changed…
… but reach nowhere in trying to improve our own selves?

2: They lay burdens on others..but lift not a finger to help (Mt 23: 4)

>> How often do we expect others to achieve perfection…
… but fail to do our own activities with zeal and passion?

>> How often do we want others to fulfil their duties well…
… but miserably unaware of our own obligations and tasks?

>> How often do we impose others to be good and holy..
… but indulge our selves in deeds of corruption and sin?

3: They Practice deeds of Religiosity to be seen by others (Mt 23: 5)

>> How often do we parade our acts of charity before others…
… in order to boost our index of popularity?

>> How often do we want our deeds of assistance be noticed by others…
… in order to win admiration and acclaim?

>> How often do we go vocal in boasting of our own achievements…
… in order to become great and famous?

4: They love places and titles of honour and respect (Mt 23: 6-7)

>> How often do we seek the best places in society and the Church…
… and try to make a peripheral show of our status?

>> How often do we grow attached to places and titles of glory…
… and develop an unconscious love for vain glory?

>> How often do we get disturbed and even troubled easily…
… when others fail to acknowledge our positions and repute?

 

The list of questions is too long…. the record of queries is too extensive…
>> But we need to make this check.. a reality check of our own lives!

It is not very difficult to live under the garb of a well-polished and neat looking title of a “Christian”.
>> It is not very hard to move forward with our Christian lives being peripherally good and “appearing” pious.

But we need to realise…
… In our life here, some day or the other, our hollowness will get exposed if were are not true to our inner selves.
>> A false life does not befit a person who seeks to follow the Authentic Christ.
Yes, on Judgment Day, none of our ‘external packing and wrapping’ will come to our rescue!
To live an authentic and true life is certainly hard…
… and is a treading through paths of difficulties.

But…
… in difficulties, grace abounds
… in hardships, blessings increase
… in adversities, mercy flourishes
Let us give heed to the words of St Bernard of Clairvaux (Doctor of the Church and promoter of the Marian Devotion especially through the prayer, “Memorare”), who says:
“>> There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge: that is curiosity
>> There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others: that is vanity
>> There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve: that is love!”
May we seek knowledge in order to serve, by growing in the virtues of faithfulness, integrity and honesty…
… and thus be true followers of Jesus, the Faithful, the Integral and the Honest One!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 19 (Mt 22: 34-40)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment
Among the twelve Apostles of Jesus, St John is known as the Apostle of Love.

His writings focus primarily on the theme of Love.

 

There is a legend handed down from the early church about this Apostle of Love.
 
Of the twelve original apostles, only St John is said to have lived to a ripe old age.
>> In his later years, not only his body but also his eyesight and his mind began to fail him.

St John’s mind had deteriorated to the point that he could only speak five words…
… one sentence which he would repeat over and over.
 
The legend says that every Sunday, St John would be carried into the midst of the congregation that had assembled for worship in the church at Ephesus, where he spent the last years of his life.

Total silence would fall over the congregation, even though they already knew what St John was going to say. 
 
Then the old man would speak the five words…
… “My children, love one another”

Over & over, he would repeat them until he grew tired from talking!
>> None yawned or gazed off absentmindedly. 

The Apostle of Love, fed & filled by a deep love of God preached his five-word sermon, over & over…
… “My children, love one another”

Love is the starting point, the end and the essence of a Christian Life!

The Gospel of the Day emphasizes and affirms this aspect of Love: Love of God and Love of neighbour.

The Pharisees come together to trap Jesus with a question from the Law:
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment of the Law?” (Mt 22: 36)

 
The Lord of Love is sought to be trapped in a web of malice!
>> This was a complicated question that was put forward to Jesus.

The Jewish Law of the Torah comprised 613 precepts.
>> It was certainly a challenge to condense these codes into a single commandment.

Probably Jesus would’ve looked into the eyes of the one who asked this question and thought, “Why do You seek to put me to the test??
 
There was malice and a corrupt intention in the one who questioned.
>> But the greatness of the Lord overwhelms the evil designs of humans.

Jesus answers the question which had an evil bent, with an answer filled with goodness…
… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind….. Love your neighbour as yourself”! (Mt 22: 37,39)

Bingo..! Two birds with one shot!

 
>> He not just answered His interrogators…
…  but He also proclaimed the summary of the Gospel.

>> He not just silenced His critics…
… but He also won many followers for the Good News.

 
The Pharisee came asking which is “the” greatest commandment.
>> He expected just one commandment. 

But Jesus answers with two…
… and showed that those two commandments are nothing but one!
 

The Love of God and the Love of Neighbour…are two dimensions of the same Love.
>> And this One Love, with two facets, formed the basis of all the other commandments of the Law!

However, the tragedy of our world and our spirituality very often, is the separation of these two dimensions…
>> One loves God…
… but fails to love one’s neighbour!
>> Another loves the neighbour…
… but fails to love God!
 
>> One loves to read and hear and understand God’s Word…
… but fails to apply it in real life.
>> Another loves to have a lot of social relations…
… but fails to build a strong spiritual basis.
 
>> One loves to preach powerfully about virtues of the Gospel…
… but fails to live them in actuality.
>> Another loves to be in friendship with all…
… but fails in closeness with God, the source of Love.
 
>> One loves the Church and her teachings…
… but falls short to serve the society and its peoples. 
>> Another serves people…
… but vehemently hates the Church, the ark of the Sacraments of love!

Christian love is not just…
…. about emotions

>> Christian love…
… is making a decision to serve, even if one does not feel so.

>> Christian love, is being faithful…
… even if one is rejected or even shown indifference.

>> Christian love, is being committed…
… even if one feels an aversion towards the other.

Easier said, than done….right?
 

This is where, we need to depend on God, the Source of Love itself!
>> This is where, we need to draw strength from the Sacraments that the Church offers!
>> This is where, we need to be filled with a Passionate love of God to share it with others!
 
 
>> Unless we are in Communion with the Lord…
… all this reading of these reflections remains merely a theory.

>> Unless we are joined to God, the Source of Love..
… all our meditations remain superficial.
 
We need to pray as the Psalmist: “I love you, Lord, my strength” (Ps 18: 2).

He is the strength for us to love our neighbour. 
>> He is the source for us to share our lives with our neighbour.
>> He is the supplier of hope for us to sustain in our difficulties to love. 

The world is thirsting for Love…
>> Each one of us is called to radiate this Love: Love of God and Love of Neighbour.

Yes, let us become an Apostle and Agent and Ambassador of Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 18 (Mt 22:1-14)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

We live in an environment where there is a long queue of Invitations….

>> The world of entertainment constantly invites…
… to immerse and take pleasure in its glamour and allurements.

>> The world of sports repeatedly invites…
… to enjoy the thrills and excitement of various sports and games.

>> The world of corruption often invites..
… to be attracted in its trap of being dishonest and deceitful.

>> The world of sin often invites…
… us to be enticed to its power and lose control over ourselves.

Invitations are constantly abuzz in the air….

The Gospel of the Day also speaks of An Invitation: The Invitation to the Wedding Feast by a King (Mt 22:1-14)

Today we shall take another approach to this Theme in the Gospel & focus on another Invitation…
… which all of us constantly receive in our lives
>> And let us analyze, how do we respond to this Invitation of the Lord…

The Invitation is:  An Invitation to the Holy Eucharist, the Greatest Banquet of all!

When we read the sequence of today’s Gospel Passage… we can mark out a few aspects:

1. Firstly there is An Invitation…
… laced with a lot of expectations and hope…

2. Secondly, there is a Rejection…
… filled with many excuses and defenses…

3. Thirdly, there is another Invitation…
… open to all those who were not considered in the first place…

4. Fourthly, there is a Condemnation…
… of a person who fails to come in with the proper requirements…

In our reflection on the Invitation to the Holy Eucharist…
… we shall highlight only on the First Two Aspects
>> And consider also the Feelings and Emotions of the King, Who Invited…
… but who got Rejected!

Firstly,  The King extends a great Invitation to the Feast: 
>> The Holy Eucharist is the Greatest Feast that takes place in this world.

Every Holy Eucharist is a Great Moment when Heaven and Earth unite in a Divine Exchange!

When Jesus joined His Disciples in celebrating the Last Supper, he spoke these words:
“Do this in memory of me”…
>> It was a great Invitation by the Lord to each one of us, to partake of Him, while here on earth!

In the Gospel Passage, the King was greatly enthusiastic in calling the Invitees…
>> It’s a moment of great joy and happiness for Him, to invite people for the Wedding of His Son…

There is excitement in Him.
>> There is joy in Him.
>> There is deep hope in Him.
>> There is much exhilaration in Him!

God is greatly thrilled about each and every Holy Eucharist…
>> He is excited…
… that all those who partake in the Eucharist can enjoy deep love and peace and serenity!

>> He is joyful…
… because all those who participate in the Eucharist can seek for greater Holiness and Sanctity!

>> He is hopeful…
… since all those who take part in the Eucharist can look for a deeper union and oneness with Him!

>> He is exhilarated…
… since all who share in the Eucharist can rejoice in being stronger against the evils in the world!

Do we strive to share in this happiness of the King, who invites us to partake in the Great Feast of the Eucharist?

Secondly, there is a Rejection on the part of the ones who are invited for the Feast…

In the Gospel passage, the ones who are invited make many excuses to avoid going for the Feast…

Some ignored.
>> Some got busy with works and businesses.
>> Some terminated the messengers of the Invite.

God is often badly rejected and discarded when He invites for the Holy Eucharist…
There is sadness in God.
>> There is brokenness in God.
>> There is pain for God.
>> There are many tears for God.

>> He is sad…
… because many ignore and turn a cold shoulder to the Miracle of the Eucharist!

>> He is broken…
… because many get busy with works and find no time nor need for the Bread of Life!

>> He is pained…
… because many get occupied with their worldly business and scorn the Treasure of Love!

>> He is in tears…
… because many terminate the innate desire for the Eternal and slay the yearn for the Eucharist!

Do I ignore or get busy or be occupied in different businesses or  even terminate the Precious Invite of the Lord to be active sharers in the Most Holy Eucharist?

The world engages in Inviting us to many things…
… entertainment, sports, corruption, sin etc

Some of them are for pure time-pass…
>> Some of them are ways to destruction and devastation and death…

But, God invites us to the Greatest Banquet on the Earth….the Supreme Treat in this Universe…
>> Saying Yes to this invite…
… will lead us to Blessings and Grace and Holiness and Eternal Life!

The invite to the Great Banquet of the Holy Eucharist is at our doorstep…

Are we going to Ignore?
>> Or get Busy?
>> Or get Engaged in some business?
>> OR??

The answer is left to us……..

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 17 (Mt 20: 1-16)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Grrrrr…….

Does that expression sound familiar?!!

>> Children create facial expressions and imitate some wild animals…
… and make that noise….grrrrr…!

>> Our tummies growl when we are starving and when we are hungry…
… and makes that noise…grrrrr…!
But in our day to day experience, has Grrrrr…. also become part of our frequent vocabulary?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get irritated seeing our plans not fulfilled the way we expect?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get upset observing other people thriving in life at our own expense?

>> Do we grrrrr…
… when we get mad in not receiving and acquiring benefits as per the big efforts we put into?

>> Do we grrrr…
… when we get disturbed in being unable to accept some surprising aspects of life, which hurt us?
Grrrr…refers to the aspect of Grumbling…
… of being Irritated…of being Complaining!

Am I a person tending towards Frequent Grumbling?
>> Am I person leaning towards Easy Irritation?
>> Am I person who easily gets grumpy with events in life and fail to view life from a Higher Perspective?
The Gospel of the Day presents to us the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16)

And we come across a group of people…
… who are in a grumbling mode!
The word “grumble” can be described as…
…”to make complaining remarks or noises under one?s breath”
… or “to murmur or mutter in discontent”
… or ” to show one?s unhappiness or critical attitude”.
The Bible is very familiar with persons who have been logged into a grumbling mode…
>> Adam got into being grrrr…
… when he blamed Eve for disobedience, in eating the forbidden fruit! (Gen 3:12)

>> Israelites got into being grrrr…
… when they accused Moses, in making them to starve in the desert (Num 14:2)

>> Job’s wife got into being grrrr…
… when she enticed Job, to curse God for his misfortunes and calamities (Job 2:9)

>> Elijah got into being grrrr…
… when he felt hurt in being persecuted despite his deep zeal for the Lord (1Kg 19:10)

>> Disciples got into being grrrr…
… when Jesus invited them to provide food for the massive hungry crowd (Mk 6:37)
In the Parable of the Workers…the workers who came first, got into being grrrr…
… in dissatisfaction! (Mt 20: 11)
The Parable proceeds progressively…
… with a landowner who seeks to hire labourers… (Mt 20: 1)
and finds different groups of working people at different hours of the day… (Mt 20: 2-7)
To the first group, he struck a deal…
… they agreed for a denarius – the daily wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 2)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Contract-level!

To the Second, Third and Fourth Group…
… he promised to pay what was just – they agreed for a reasonable wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 3-5)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Justice-level!

To the fifth group, he spoke of no payment…
… they probably agreed for a fair-wage – which is fair enough! (Mt 20: 6)
>> Their dealings with the Master was on a Faith-level!
But when it is payment time, there are surprises galore…

The ones who came last, got paid a denarius – the whole day’s wage!
>> Amazing pay for just an hour’s work!

He perhaps, pays the last group first, in order to reveal the hidden motives of those hired earlier in the day!
Those who came in the 1st hour, probably, got their calculators to work…
>> 1 hr work = 1 denarius; 12 hrs work = 12 denarii!!

But then comes the “GRRRR moment”…
… a moment of grumbling & complaint
>> And they felt rightly so to do it!

The ones who worked the most also are paid the same – just 1 denarius!

The crux of the matter was simple: “You have made them equal to us!” (Mt 20:12)
But the Lord raises our heart to see the root cause behind this grumbling and complaint:
>> We often overestimate our own importance…
… and we often underestimate the Grace of God!

>> We seek for the best in our lives…
… but fail to digest the Providence of God’s Goodness in other’s lives!

>> We expect great things for ourselves…
… but fail to understand the Benevolence of God’s Mercy for others!

We want the choicest things for us…
… but fail to accept the Intervention of God’s Power in the life of the other!
How do we go beyond this Grumbling Mode?
Let us take to heart three aspects which can help us to overcome the Grumbling Mode:
1. Thanking God for His Immense Blessings:
>> Lets open our eyes to see them..and thank the Lord in Gratitude!

2. Avoid judging God’s working in others:
>> Let’s open our minds to accept..and praise God in Goodness!

3. Seeking for faithfulness than success:
>> Let’s open our hearts to be faithful….and love God in Graciousness!

God’s ways of looking at us is different..
>> He looks at we being faithful and committed….not productive!

Yes….God is so just..that no one will be underpaid!
>> God is so generous..that everyone will be surprised!

Let us switch our mode: From a “Grrrr” mode to a “Hmmm” mode…
>> From a Grumbling Mode to a Appreciative mode!
>> From a Irritable Attitude to a Grateful Attitude!
>> From a Prickly Approach to an Admiring Approach!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 16 ( Mt 19: 23-30)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A distinguished man was lying on his death-bed.

As he lay, some of his precious ornaments, priceless stones and his fine collection of exquisite watches were brought to him.

Turning a cold glance on the treasure, which he would once have clutched with an eager grasp…
… he said with a sigh:
“Alas! this is a very fine thing in this country…
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”

The man, at his death-bed realised the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealth!
If only, he had realised it, when he had years to live…
… life would have been much peaceful and contented
… life would have been better utilised to prepare for eternal life
Well…
… all of us, do have time to realise – the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealthy..
>> Do we seek to make Christ as the greatest possession and treasure of our lives?
>> Do we mend our lives accordingly, and live in pursuit of heaven?
Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day gives a triple perspective on the aspect of riches?
1. The difficulties that attachments to riches pose, in entering the Kingdom of God
2. The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity
3. The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment
1. The difficulties that attachments to riches pose in entering the Kingdom of God
Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19: 23)

The reason why riches are given such a strong reprimand by the Lord is because:
>> Attachment to riches can easily take away one’s heart from the Lord…
… The Lord, Who stripped Himself of all glory and became poor is often given less priority!

>> Being obsessed with riches leaves us with little time and thought for things of eternity
… Our plannings, aspirations and projects often end up being only earthly in nature!

>> Having too many riches can pose a danger to feel proud and independent
… A sense of “I can manage all by myself” creeps in; in the process, keeping aside God from our lives!
Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen says:
“It is ever true that the richer the soul is on the inside, the less need it has of luxuries on the outside;
Excessive adornments and an inordinate love of comforts are proof of our inner nakedness!”

2. The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity
On hearing of the difficulty of the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, the disciples asked Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” (Mt 19:25)
>> Jesus replied, “For human beings, this is impossible; but for God all things are possible” (Mt 19: 26)

The demands of Christianity to live a life of detachment from riches, can sometimes cause undue anxieties..
>> And we begin to ask?
… Is it really possible for us to live as Jesus expected of us?
… Is it not beyond my capabilities to achieve what the Lord wishes of us?

Such kind of anxieties and worries, can often cause weariness our soul!
>> St Francis de Sales says:
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin!
Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself!”
The Lord tells us that even in our efforts to be detached…
… we need to depend on Him
… we need to know that His Grace will take us through

Therefore, to have detachment…
… we ought to come to the Lord in prayer, surrendering our lives
… we need to thank the Lord continually for all His blessings, acknowledging Him as the source
… we need to reach out to the Lord in the poor, the weak and the needy (Mt 25:40)
3. The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment
Jesus says: “Everyone who has given up”..will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life” (Mt 19:29)

A question of despair or hopelessness sometimes nags a Christian…
… What is the use of living an honest and virtuous life?
… Why is my life unrewarded, whereas many others thrive even by unjust means?

The Lord however, gives an answer…
… that none of such sacrifices will go unrewarded

He does promise His rewards – temporal as well as spiritual…
… but these are to be received in accordance to the Will of God.

Many times, the Will of God, is not taken into consideration…
… when we look for rewards in having made a sacrifice.
… when we seek for answers to our prayers
… when we expect fruits for our efforts

The Lord therefore invites and challenges us…
… to purify our motives when we make sacrifices
… to align our interests to God’s Will when we work for Him

That’s why Jesus would say: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…and all other things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6:33)
The words of Mother Angelica, the founder of EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) are a reminder to us:
“Have we lost sight of this world being a pilgrimage?
>> It’s a journey! You?re not home yet!
A Christian must never lose sight of this passing reality of life”
Yes, let us come to this realisation about attachments to riches:
“Alas! this is a very fine thing in this country?
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”
God bless! Live Jesus!