Aug 15 ( Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Mother Mary & Independence Day of India

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

“Saare jahaan se acha!” (“Better than the entire world!”)

High up in the outer space, with a jubilant face and an excited voice, exclaimed Rakesh Sharma, these words.

>> The first man to go up to space from India, was replying to the query by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, as to ‘how the nation looked from the outer space’.

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

Transcending the entire universe, with a radiant face and a splendid voice, looking at Blessed Mother Mary, exclaims God, these words.

>> These triumphant words are proclaimed and repeated by the entire Church in unison and acclamation!

Rakesh Sharma stated India to be the Better than the Entire world!
>> God declared Blessed Mother Mary to be better than all in the Entire World!

Sentiments of Patriotism and Sentiments of God’s Abundant Grace and Mercy join hands on this day
…the 15th of August… the Independence Day of India… & the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary!

This day has much to teach us..much to thank the Lord…and much to exhort us!
>> This day has much to be nostalgic…much to be joyful….and much to be hopeful of!

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feasts of our Lady.

The Dogma of the Assumption declares that when her earthly life was finished, Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where the Lord exalted her as Queen of Heaven.

The Assumption was the reward God granted to our Blessed Mother for the Right use of Her Freedom!

Freedom plays a vital role in the destiny…
… of a person
…of a family
…of a society
…of a nation
… of the world!

>> Mamma was invited to be the Mother of God by Angel Gabriel…
…  in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma felt the need to be a Helper of  the Needy by her cousin Elizabeth …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was to be a model of Patience in difficulties at the birth of Jesus …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was requested to be a Silent Contemplative during His boyhood …
…  in true freedom, She said Yes!

Mamma sensed an urgency to be an Intercessor before God at Cana …
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Serene Bearer during the Passion of the Lord…
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

>> Mamma was called to be a Model of Prayer at the Upper Room…
… in true freedom, She said Yes!

A responsible use of freedom is a sign of true and authentic spirituality and is a pathway to greater glory!

>> Freedom is not simply doing what we want…
… Freedom is assuming responsibility for ours and others’ lives!

>> Freedom is not simply getting our pleasures fulfilled…
… Freedom is fulfilling our tasks in the best way possible!

The Assumption of Blessed Mother Mary is an invitation and a challenge for each one of us….
… To focus our attention on things of heaven & transcendence and not get fixated with cares of this world!
… To live a life of holiness and purity and seeking to do God’s will at all times and in every situation!
…To share with the pain and passion of the Lord and become partakers in the salvation of the world!
…To realize that to be Holy & a Saint is a call of every Christian & we need to prioritize our life on them!

Today is a BIG Day..

… a Day to thank the Lord for Mamma’s Holiness and Her exemplary Life of Responsible Freedom …
…a Day to thank the Lord for our nation’s freedom and her valiant freedom fighters!

Let us become mindful of our Loyalty & Obligation to our Nation…
… safeguard the Precious Gift of Freedom!

Let us become conscious of our Responsibility & Duty to the Lord…
… grow in the Prized Treasure of Holiness!

May Blessed Mamma intercede for our Beloved Nation India…
>> And may we hold Her loving hands…
… as we seek to grow in Holiness and making the best use of our freedom as Children of God!

>> A very Happy Time to Blessed Mamma reigning with Her Divine Princely Child…
…and a Happy Feast to all of us, Her little ones on the earth!

>> A Very Precious Future to Mother India, on her Independence Day…
…and a Precious Day to all of us, her beloved citizens!

God Bless! Jai Hind! Live Jesus!

Aug 14 (Lk 12: 49-53)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

St Ignatius of Loyola is the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

There is an interesting incident narrated about a couple of tourists who visited the Jesuit headquarters in Rome.

There is a large statue of the St Ignatius majestically displayed in this house.
>> Underneath are also inscribed the words of the Saint to his friend St. Francis Xavier, when the latter was commissioned to spread the Gospel across the globe:
“Ite, Inflammate Omnia!”

When translated, the motto reads: “Go and set the world on fire!”

As, the two tourist friends admired at the words of the wonderful saint and were speaking about the greatness of the saint…
… One of them noticed a fire-extinguisher that was placed on the adjacent wall

(The red-coloured fire-extinguisher was of course, placed, in case of any emergency)

But seeing the motto of the Saint and this fire-extinguisher from the same view, the tourist made an interesting comment:
“Well! The Saint asked us to go and set the world on fire…
… but we Christians, probably seem more to be going around with a fire-extinguisher and putting it off!”

 

Every Christian is expected to set the world on fire!

But are we people “on fire”?
>> Or is the “fire” dying out and failing to have its intended effects?

Our Blessed Lord was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…
… and desires all His followers to share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of the Day begins with Jesus exclaiming:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing” (Lk 12: 49)

“Fire” in the Bible is an imagery of many aspects…
>> God’s judgment (Jdt 16:17; Is 66:16; Am 7:4; 2 Pt 3:7)
>> God’s protective presence (Ex 13: 21, 2 Kgs 6:17)
>> Purification (Nm 31:23; Ez 22:19-22, Zec 13: 9),
>> The Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11, Acts 2:3).
>> God’s Holiness (Dt 4:24)
>> God’s glory (Ez 1:4, 13)

Fire also has many characteristics:
>> It warms… refines… transforms… burns!

The Lord who was greatly zealous to “set the earth on fire”, invites us to examine:
>> Am I filled with zeal, to blaze the world “on fire”…
… the fire of God’s love?
… the fire of God’s purging mercy?
… the fire of God’s judgement with respect to sin and evil?

The following two verses of today?s Gospel passage comes in as a shock…
>> “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, division!” (Lk 12:51)

The Gospel of St. Mathew’s version of the same verse reads:
“Do not think I have come to bring peace. I have to come not to bring peace, but a sword?. (Mt 10: 34)

These verses become more surprising in the context of…
… The Sermon of the Mount where in Mt 5:9, it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”
… The description of the Messiah where in Is 9: 6 it says, “He (Messiah) will be called… Prince of Peace”

 

Why does St Mathew use the words “peace and sword”?
>> Why does St Luke use the words “peace and division”?

This could be a technique called “Juxtaposing”.

Juxtaposing simply means to place two things side-by-side or next to each other…
… especially to compare or to emphasize on the contrast.
This technique is used extensively in the Bible…

>> “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it will not give life” (Jn 12: 24)
>> “Light shines in the darkness” ( Jn 1:5)
>> “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit” (Mt 7:18)

Thus we see…
… life and death
… light and darkness
… good and bad

This “juxtaposition” we also observe in our daily life.

>> Any artist or a person with some aesthetic sense will vouch for the fact that, in order a highlight some light-coloured flowers in a bouquet…
… a darker background is preferred.

>> Even in our style of dressing, we prefer to wear dark-coloured trousers…
… along with light-coloured shirts.

The logic is simple: Juxtaposing two contrasting stuff emphasizes the meaning.

Peace, is generally defined as a situation where there is no violence or war.
>> Sword, on the other hand, signifies conflict, struggle and death.

Peace, is normally understood as a situation of calm and absence of conflicts
>> Division, on the other hand, points to disturbances, instability and turmoil.
What is the meaning of this usage of “juxtaposition” in today’s Gospel passage?

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy (Rom 14: 17)

To establish this peace or this Kingdom of God…
… sword is an inevitable reality!
… division is an inescapable consequence!
>> Disturbances, instability , turmoil, conflict, struggle and even death is a real possibility!

That’s why Jesus would go on to say:
“From now on a household of five will be divided? three against two and two against three..” (Lk 12: 52)

>> These verses are an import from Mic 7:6 which speaks of “division in the household”.

In the Jewish Society…
… the household was one of the strongest units of loyalty and binding.

However, Jesus shatters all these pre-conceived notions and demands:
“Loyalty of a disciple to Jesus is to be much higher than even to his own household!”

All intimate relations, even that within the family, are to be given subordinate status in our Love for
Jesus.

It is also interesting to note the order of people mentioned in Lk 12: 53:
>> Father vs Son, Daughter vs Mother, Daughter-in- law vs Mother in Law.

It is always the young vs the old.

What could be the meaning?

The Kingdom of God will cause a sword of division…
>> It will be a division of the Young vs Old!

Young and Old are not to be considered in the physical sense… but in the spiritual sense!

Young as being people who are “new”… those by giving up a life of sin, choosing to be part of the Kingdom of God.
>> Old as being those people who are “unrepentant”… those who cling on to sinful ways and oppose the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is always characterized by people who are willing to be “new” in the Spirit…
… young at heart and mind, full of dynamism and full of enthusiasm.
What are the implications of all what we have said today?
1. The establishment of peace in the Kingdom of God is always accompanied by the sword of division
>> Are we ready to face the struggles and difficulties that surely will come on our way, as we work for the Kingdom?

2. In this our mission of establishing the Kingdom, we are demanded to have a loyalty to Jesus that is higher than all other relationships.
>> Are we ready to sacrifice? Perhaps our relationships or our way of thinking or even our lifestyle? all for the sake of loyalty to Christ?

3. The Kingdom of God demands that we always be young – dynamic, enthusiastic, cheerful and energetic.
>> Are we ready to always remain Young at heart and in mind, for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

Jesus, Who was greatly filled with zeal to “set the earth on fire”…
… desires all His followers to also share in this passion for the Kingdom of God.

Yes, let us become Christians “who set the world on fire”!”
God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 13 (Mt 19:13-15)

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“ The right temperature at home is more surely maintained…
… by the warm hearts and cool heads of those who live there…
… than by electric thermostats”

This quote very rightly corresponds to the other popular quote:
“ A house is built with bricks and beams…
… A home is built with love and dreams!”

.
Family Life is an important component of every society.

The Gospel of the Day presents to us an occasion to dwell on a reflection on our families…
… and some of the basic essentials that needs to be part of every family (community included as well!)

The Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 19, has an interesting structure or a progression with respect to the topics discussed and the persons involved.

The chapter begins with a discussion on the institution of ‘Marriage’. (Mt 19: 2-10)
>> Jesus explains the importance of this sacred bond and a strong exhortation is given on the need to do away with divorce.

The chapter proceeds, as we see in today’s reading, with a discussion on ‘little children’. (Mt 19: 13-15)

This discussion is followed by an incident in which a ‘young man’ encounters Jesus ( Mt 19: 16-22)

The Chapter will finally end with an exhortation by Jesus to have maturity as an ‘adult’ is making choices for the Kingdom of God! ( Mt 19: 23-30)

>> Thus, the Chapter 19 of Matthew is a travel through a FAMILY context…
… starting from MARRIAGE…and the need to avoid DIVORCE…
… to little CHILDREN
… to the problems of a YOUTH
… and finally ending with the choices as an ADULT.

In today’s Gospel, we have the discussion on Little Children. (Mt 19: 13-15)

Though its a short passage, the Gospel gives us enough food for thought…
… especially in the context of a family or a community life.

We see four different groups or sets of people in today’s Gospel Passage, and we can learn some aspects from each of those sets…
>> Three of them give us a positive quality which is to be inculcated
>> One gives a negative quality which is to be avoided in life.

1. Firstly, the Gospel begins with the statement, ” Little children were brought to Jesus…” (Mt 19: 13a)

Probably the parents, the elder brothers/sisters or the guardians of the children would have brought them to Jesus.
>> So we see here, the First set of people… Parents, Guardians, Elders etc…. and they teach us the First Positive Quality – the Spirit of Responsibility!

They were Responsible in caring for the good and future of the children.

It was an ancient practice that children would be brought to Rabbis to be blessed and prayed over.
>> This first set of people teach us to be responsible for the growth of others in our family and in our communities.

2. The Second set of people are obviously the Little Children.
These little ones teach us the Second Positive Quality, needed in a family or a community – the Spirit of Receptivity!

Children display a great sense of receptivity and openness.
>> They are able to accept the affection, the care, the love and the blessings that are given to them.
>> They do not close themselves to the good things in life.

We too need to cultivate this Spirit of Receptivity, to be open to the actions, thoughts, views and feelings of others in our family and our community.

3. The Third Set of people display a negative attitude which we need to avoid.
>> When the children were brought to Jesus, the Disciples refuse to accept them and want to keep them away (Mt 19: 13b)

They show a Spirit of Rejection!

They perhaps felt that these children would be a nuisance to Jesus and His ministry.
>> They felt it as a waste of time and energy to entertain the children.

Little things in life were considered to be a useless and futile activity.

We need to avoid this Spirit of Rejection…
>> In our families or communities, we can have this attitude towards those who don’t do any work or fail to contribute anything.

We often fail to understand the importance…
… of little tokens of love
… tiny expressions of care by our family and community members
>> And we, instead, tend to reject and avoid them.

4. The fourth Set is represented by Jesus Himself…
… and he presents the Spirit of Restoration and Redemption.

He does not reject…
… rather, He accepts and seeks to redeem the little children.

He seeks to restore the little ones who are rejected…
… who are avoided and who are not given the due importance.

In our lives, we too need to be having a Spirit of Redemption and Restoration…
>> To redeem the ones who are at the periphery and who fail to get any attention
>> To Restore the ones who are broken and abused and are shunned!

Thus, the this powerful Gospel passage teaches us…
>> To avoid the Negative Quality of the Spirit of Rejection…

Rather…
>> To adopt the positive qualities of…
… The Spirit of Responsibility,
… The Spirit of Receptivity
… The Spirit of Redemption and Restoration!

Let us seek the Intercession of our Blessed Mother that we may avoid the tendency to Reject People…
>> And instead, we may be…
… Responsible towards others
… Receptive to others
… and Redeem and Restore the lives of others!
>> And thus build happy and loving homes!

Yes, let us always remember:
“It takes hands to build a house…
… But it takes hearts to build a home!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 12 ( Mt 19: 3-12)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Henry Ford is the founder of the Ford Motor Company.
>> He manufactured the first automobile that was affordable even to the middle class – an object of expensive curiosity turned into a practical conveyance.

Ford had a happy married life with Clara Jane Bryant.

On their golden wedding anniversary, a reporter asked them:
“To what do you attribute your fifty years of successful married life?”

“The formula,” said Mr. Ford, “is the same formula I have always used in making cars – just stick to one model!”

Being faithful and loyal is undoubtedly the hallmarks of a successful relationship.

But we live in a world, where divorce is becoming an increasingly common term and phenomenon.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus engaged in a conversation with the Pharisees and clarifying and shedding light on the concept of faithfulness and fidelity in relationships.

When we hear the word Divorce, we primarily associate it…
…. with a man and woman, in marriage, seeking divorce.

But Divorce is not merely limited to spousal relations.

In fact, divorce is on the increase everywhere….

There is divorce…
… between the parents and the children
… between siblings and family relations…
… among the members of a religious community and congregation..
… among the members of the Church…
… within the society itself.

There is also a great divorce within one’s spiritual life…
… One is separated and torn apart between serving God and serving the World!

In all these cases of Divorce…
… the one basic factor that is lacking is that of Commitment and Faithfulness.

When there is a decrease in commitment and faithfulness, the gravity of divorce and separation, increases!

It could be…
… in the spousal relation
… in the family relation
… in the community relations
… in the societal relations
… or even in our personal spiritual relationship with God!

When we fail in faithfulness, we succeed in separation…
>> When we are complacent in commitment, we are in danger of divorce…!

Today, let us look into our personal spiritual relationship with God…and examine…
>> Are we separating ourselves from God?
>> Are we being divorced from God?

Apparently, we may feel that these questions are not for us…
>> But lets go a little deeper into ourselves…
… Are we really serving God as our master? … as the Only Master?
… Or are there times, when we fail in our faithfulness, and become complacent in our commitment…?

We need to give the first place to God…
… in our personal lives , our family lives/ our religious and priestly consecration.

But are there occasions, when for sometime atleast, we keep God away…
… to satisfy our sinful pleasures?
… to answer our egoistic tendencies?
… to fulfill our worldly sinful desires?
…  to gratify our evil personal agenda?

If the answer is yes…
… then we are not on God’s side!

The Lord demands a total commitment and dedication to Him.
>> God hates divorce!

In Baptism, we have entered into a covenant with Him.
>> Am I in danger of being divorced or separated from our Beloved Covenant Partner?

It is little acts of unfaithfulness & infidelity, that slowly shreds a relationship into pieces.
>> Lets tighten up our spiritual lives, and re-dedicate our commitment and faithfulness and consecration to the Lord.

He is a God who cares deeply for us
>> He is Loving parent who sees to all our needs
>> He is a lover who is intensely passionate about us

Shall we not remain in His loving affection by being more faithful and committed to Him and Him alone?!

Let faithfulness and loyalty be the hallmarks of our successful relationship with the Lord.

Let’s say…
>> Yeah to Jesus and His Kingdom…
… and Nay to Satan and the World! 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 11 (Mt 18: 21-19:1)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment
Life here on earth with our fellow human beings, is an Opportunity and a Challenge.
 
>> An Opportunity…
… for it gives the chance to learn from each other and to grow with each other. 
 
>> A Challenge…
… for it dares us to live at peace with one another and to be in harmony with each other!
 
 
Living together sometimes is described in terms of the experience of  Porcupines on a cold winter’s night. 
 
>> The cold makes the porcupines to huddle together and get closer, to keep warm… 
But as soon as they get close to another… 
… they start jabbing and poking each other with their spines and that forces them to move apart; 
 
Thus they are forever coming together and moving apart… in a kind of slow dance. 
 
As the saying goes:
 “To dwell above,  with saints we love…Oh, that will be glory! 
   But to dwell below,  with people we know…Well, that’s another story!!”
 
 
The Gospel of the Day deals with the aspect of  Forgiveness…
… which is the key for a harmonious living together. 
 
 
The Apostle Peter comes to Jesus with a question we have all sought to ask one time or the other….
 
A person had done wrong and Peter had forgiven him. 
 
The same person had hurt him again and he had forgiven him. 
>> He did it again, causing a deeper wound and Peter had forgiven him again. 
>> He did it again and offended him harder and Peter forgave him again….but this time he was losing his patience!
 
Don’t I have a limit for myself to bear…? 
>> Should I go on bearing hurts? 
>> Don’t I have feelings which are sensitive?
 
 
 
So Peter comes to Jesus with a question we can all understand:
 “Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother?” (Mt 18: 21a)
 
He wanted to know when do you quit turning the other cheek to the one who hits you on one cheek!
 
 
Peter must have thought what answer the Law provided: The Law suggested to forgive three times (Amos 1:3-13).
 
But Peter wanted to do more; he wanted to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and the Scribes… 
>> So he says, “Is it enough to forgive seven times?!” (Mt 18: 21b)
 
Wow! That’s double the requirement plus one! 
>> Seven – the Perfect number! 
 
 
But the Lord, Who loves to keep challenging, instead of elevating Peter’s huge numbers…
… throws out an even bigger one. 
 
He says, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Mat 18:22). 
 
 
Literally it can refer to 490 times…..but it’s a mere expression to mean , “an unlimited number!”
 
 
Now is this demand of the Lord something really practical and viable? 
 
Or is Jesus turning out to be “one of those many idealistic teachers who love to talk in the air…
… but nothing which is practical or really feasible and doable!?
 
 
The Lord has a solution and an insight…
… with the help of the Parable of the Unforgiving servant.
 
 
>> If God were to forgive us only a limited number of times…
… how many days would we have survived? 
 
>> If God were to withdraw His Grace after an “x” number of times…
… how many situations would we have endured? 
 
>> If God were to stop granting us pardon after a period of time…
… how many blessings would we have been denied? 
 
>> If God were to keep an account of all our sins and transgressions…
… how many of us would have been alive today?
 
 
 
Forgiveness does not mean justifying the bad behaviours of people! 
>> Forgiveness does not mean supporting the evil deeds of our fellow beings! 
>> Forgiveness does not mean encouraging the faults or situations of wrongdoing or hurts! 
>> Forgiveness does not mean not correcting and reproving the misdeeds and carrying out our duties of rectifying!
 
But Forgiveness does mean liberating the people from guilt and condemnation in our hearts! 
>> Forgiveness does mean to have no ill feelings and grudging emotions against the ones who have hurt us! 
>> Forgiveness does mean seeking to love them, praying for them and avoiding occasions of putting them down! 
>> Forgiveness does mean to refuse to harbor their mistakes deep in our hearts, though we are wounded & hurt!
 
 
Life is an opportunity and a challenge….
>> An Opportunity to become more Divine…
… to become more forgiving…to become more Loving…!
 
>> A Challenge to let go of our ego…
… to cast away our hurtful and wounded feelings…to go beyond our aches!
 
 
Let us seek God’s Grace to Live Up to this Challenge and to Grab this opportunity!
 
God Bless! Live Jesus!

July 10 (Feast of St Lawrence – Jn 12: 24-26)

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The forests of northern Europe and Asia are home to  a little animal called the Ermine.

>> It is characterized by its snow-white fur

 

Some countries have the state robes of the judges lined with this fur…

… the white fur being a symbol of honour and purity.

 

The Ermine would do anything to protect and safeguard its fur.

 

Fur hunters however, take undue advantage of this weakness of the Ermine.

 

They don’t keep a snare to catch the ermine

>> Instead the smear filth on the entrance and the interior of its house – usually in a cleft of a rock, or the hollow of a tree.

 

The dogs are then left behind the ermine…

… Frightened, the ermine runs towards its home, the only place of refuge.

 

However, it finds the entrance dirty and unclean.

 

It is unwilling to spoil the pure white fur coat.

And so, the ermine makes a choice…

>> To give in to the hungry and fierce dogs…

… than to spoil the purity of the white fur!

 

A choice is made – to preserve purity, even at the cost of one’s life!

 

Every Christian is expected to do the same…

… preserve the purity of one’s holiness, even at the cost of one’s life.

 

 

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such Daring Christian – St Lawrence…

… who yielded his life than to lose his pledge to Christ

… who let go of his earthly desires, to win the prize of heavenly salvation

 

St Lawrence lived the words of Christ who exhorted:

“He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world, will keep it for eternal life!” (Jn 12: 25)

 

 

The Gospel Passage of the day is preceded by a very vital and crucial verse in the Gospel of St John…

>> Jesus says, ” The Hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (Jn 12: 25)

The life of Jesus, as seen in the Johannine Gospel is a journey towards this climax aspect – The Hour!

 

What is “The Hour”?

 

>> The Hour is the hour of glorification

… the hour of His task as a Messiah, which is to be completed by His “lifting up” on the Cross!

 

It was the Hour when the Lord will conquer death, by submitting Himself totally to the Will of the Father!

 

Jesus never shied away from this Hour

>> He came into this world for this Hour

… Death was the goal of His Life, the gold that He was seeking.

 

He invites His followers to also make this choice…

… to lose one’s life, in order to gain life in Him!

… to die to oneself, in order to bear much fruit!

 

What are the implication of losing our life, in order to gain life in Him?

 

>> Letting go a life of sinful habits and tendencies…

… and making holiness and sanctity as our lifestyle

 

>> Seeking to put an end to our tendencies to self-boast or feed our pride…

… and instead, engaging in acts of humility and giving space for God’s Mercy

 

>> Letting go of our stubborn nature in reconciling with others…

… and trying to foster relationships based on self-giving and self-sacrifice

 

>> Seeking to avoid occasions of sin…

… and instead, creating opportunities for being consciously in the presence of God

 

 

By our Baptism, we have been blessed with the white robe of holiness and purity

>>  Our Sacramental life keeps it unstained.

 

The world, on the other hand, constantly seeks to malign this pure robe…

… by its lures of impurity and filth

 

Like the ermine, we are faced to make a choice…

>> To die to the hungry and fierce world…

… than to spoil the purity of holiness!

 

 

Yes, we need to make a choice – constantly, at every moment…

>> A choice to preserve purity, even at the cost of one’s life!

 

Let us be inspired by the life and example of St Lawrence.

 

May his courage and valour help us also…

… to yield our life than to lose our pledge to Christ

… to let go of our earthly desires, to win the prize of heavenly salvation

 

 

Happy Feast of St Lawrence!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

July 9 (Mt 18: 1-5, 10,12-14)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A mother took her three children to a fine restaurant for a dinner.

>> It was a crowded Sunday and they could only get separate seats.

 

As food was served, the youngest daughter – 6 year old Mary – who was seated at the far corner of the restaurant…

… loudly enquired from her mother: “Mother, don’t people say grace before meals in this place?”

 

A wave of silence wrapped the entire restaurant!

 

The mother did not know how to react.

 

But soon enough, the manager of the hotel, who was at the counter, said in an assuring voice to the child: “Yes we do. You may start…”

 

All the people bowed their head in silence

 

Little Mary closed her eyes, joined her hands and bowing her head…

… in a loud and crystal voice prayed: “Bless us O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are going to receive from your goodness, through Christ our Lord… Amen!”

 

 

The child found it strange to observe that none of the elders were praying…

… So she went “out of the way”

>> And did something that was very beautiful

>> And taught others an action to be imitated

 

 

 

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by the Lord to re-discover this “forgotten” dimension of our lives: Having child-like qualities in our life of faith…

… especially to “go out of the way”!

 

 

The Gospel passage begins with disciples asking their Master: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” (Mt 18: 1)

 

Taking a child, Jesus exclaims: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18: 3)

 

One notable characteristic of a child is to do things “out of the way.”

 

A child “goes out of the way”…

… in expressing love and affection by trying to imitate the kind acts of the elders

… in trying to help others – giving a hand at the household chores, or doing little works

 

 

Jesus, speaking of this worthwhile quality of a child…

… presents to us the image of a Shepherd who goes “out of the way”, in search of the lost sheep.

 

Jesus says: ” If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray…

… will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills, and go in search of the stray?” (Mt 18: 12)

 

 

The shepherd loves all his hundred sheep…

… yet, when one gets strayed, he makes “an out-of-the-way effort” to get the lost one back.

 

He does not give up on the strayed.

>> He doesn’t desert the lost.

>> He doesn’t abandon the one, gone from his circle.

 

 

This attitude of going “out of the way”….

>> “taking an extra pain”

>> “dripping an extra sweat”

… would seem weird and strange to the calculative, pragmatic and business-minded head of ours, in this modern period!

 

 

We might question:

>> Is it not a waste of time to go after the “lost sheep”…

…  of an obsessed drug-addict or a habitual drunkard or a consistent smoker?

 

>> Is it just too futile to awaken a “lost sheep”…

… of a soul in slumber, where there is no focus on spiritual life, where there is slackness of prayer and sacraments and where worldliness and materialism have crept and conquered?

 

>> Is it of any use to go after the “lost sheep”…

… of a couple who are constantly bickering and a family which is broken up with regular fights and misunderstandings?

 

>> Is there any sense in trying to restore the “lost sheep”…

…  of a community whose members seem disinterested, who are lethargic, who have their own personal and hidden agenda and who always back-talk and back-bite?

 

>> Is it just not meaningless to revive the “lost sheep”…

… of a society or a nation where corruption has taken deep-roots in hearts of people and all sincere efforts of transformation often gets dumped into the bin?

 

 

The True Shepherd however, in all such situations, of the “lost sheep” …

… “goes out of the way”

 

>> The Good Shepherd makes an extra effort in getting them back!

 

 

This Good Shepherd today invites us to be partakers in restoring the lost ones…

… by having a child-like attitude.

 

 

A critical danger in the process of “growing- up” is the tendency to lose our “natural child-like” qualities.

 

>> As a child, we were free to express our emotions…
… but when we “grow up”, we tend to hold them up all within (only to burst out one day!)

 

>> As a child, we were easily dependant on those who cared for us…
… but when we “grow up”, we become arrogant towards them and seek ‘independence’

 

>> As a child, we were able to enjoy and relax in the present moment…

… but when we “grow up”, we get caught up in the snare of the past and shrink with  fear of the future.

 

 

The Lord invites us to get back the ‘lost’ child-like faith and trust.

>> We need to realise that we are always little children to our Heavenly Father!

>> He loves to care for us… He longs that we depend on Him entirely!

 

 

Yes, children sometimes teach elders great lessons, isn’t it?

 

Many times we forget the basics of life, which the children remind us…

>> Sharing… Being fair… Enjoying the present moment

>> Curiosity to learn… Willingness to let go hurts… Having a sense of wonder

 

Let us be willing  to “go out of the way”…

>> And do things that are very beautiful

>> And teach others actions, that can be imitated!

 

Let us seek the intercession of St Edith Stein, whose feast we celebrate today.

>> Known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, she was a German Jewish philosopher, who became a Catholic and died as a martyr in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942.

 

Let us give heed to her words:

“The deeper one is drawn into God, the more one must “go out of oneself”…

… i.e. one must go to the world in order to carry the divine life into it.”

 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 8 (Mt 17:22-27)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

There is an incident mentioned in the life of King Richard I, who ruled England in the late 12th century.

>> He was known as Richard the Lion Heart for being a great military warrior and leader. 
However, once, while returning after the Third Crusade, he was captured by Leopold V, the Duke of Austria.

>> He was handed over to Henry VI, the Roman Emperor. 
This king demanded a very huge amount for his release

The price of ransom was 1,50, 000 Marks…

… equivalent of nearly three tons of silver. 
This was an enormous demand.
But the people of England spared no efforts in getting their king released. 

>> Extra taxation was imposed

>> Huge contributions were obtained
Finally, after many months, the money was raised…

… and the king returned to England.
A huge “ransom” was paid to get the King released

( This is probably also the origin of the English phrase – “A king’s ransom” – which means “a large amount of money”)

Centuries ago, however, on the face of the earth, this act was reversed…

… One Man – The King of Kings – paid a “ransom” to save His people
>> He spared no efforts in getting His people released…

… by suffering on the Cross

… shedding His Blood

… giving up His life

… and rising from the dead

 

Have we fallen in love with this King Who gave Himself up for us?

>> Are we willing to live our life in obedience to His commands Who ransomed His life for us?

The Gospel of the Day presents an interesting, yet a ‘not-too-familiar’ passage of Jesus and His disciples being asked to pay the Temple tax.
“When Jesus and His disciples came to Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the Temple tax?” (Mt 17: 24)

What was this Temple tax?
The Temple tax was …

… a symbolic gesture in gratitude for what the people of Israel owed to God, for their redemption from slavery in the land of Egypt. 

It was a Jewish tax with its origins seen in Ex 30: 12-16:
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel… The half-shekel shall be an offering to the LORD.”

This offering was to be an “atonement money”, which would be used for the service of the meeting tent (Ex 12: 16)
In later centuries, this half-shekel was adopted as the amount of the Temple Tax – the one that all Jews were supposed to pay once a year for the upkeep and maintenance of the Jerusalem Temple.  

The Temple Tax was thus an “atonement” money

>> It was a “ransom” money!

It is fascinating to note that the incident of this “ransom/atonement” money  is mentioned immediately after Jesus spoke of His Passion and Death.
Jesus told His disciples in Mt 17:22-23:

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day”

The incident of the Temple tax, which is the atonement/ransom money, is mentioned…

… immediately after Jesus speaks of His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Is there any connection between these two incidents?

 

The Temple tax was in gratitude for the redemption of Israel from slavery

… Jesus would now free all people from the slavery of sin by His Death and Resurrection
The Temple Tax was paid as “ransom” money…

… The Blood of Jesus would now be the “ransom” that will be paid for redemption of humanity.

Jesus did not resist His disciples from paying the Temple Tax…

… as we would see in the incident of the miraculous catch of the fish with a coin in the mouth (Mt 17: 27)
But the perfect payment of the “tax”… 

… would be done by Jesus Himself – by His Sufferings, Death and Resurrection! 

Jesus would not just pay the tax…

… He would also give Himself in complete obedience to the Father
Thus, He would becoming the “tax” – the ransom and the atonement money! 
>> 1 Tim 2:6 says, “Jesus gave Himself as a ‘ransom’ for all” 

>> Mk 10 45 says “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ‘ransom’ for many”

It is interesting to also note that this incident of the Temple Tax brings reminds us of the former occupation (trade) of two of the disciples of Jesus:

1. Matthew… who was a tax collector (Mt 9:9)

(Probably that explains why this incident is mentioned only in the Gospel of St Matthew)
2. Peter… who was a fisherman (Mt 4:18)

(That’s why Jesus asks Peter to “go to the sea, take the first fish that comes up, and open the mouth to find a coin…”)

Matthew and Peter could represent any of us…
>> Maybe we are collecting a lot of things in life…

… but still not finding peace in life!
>> Maybe we are fishing in the waters of life for contentment and satisfaction…

.. but fail to have a catch!
>> Maybe we are occupied with material dimensions at our “own tables”…

… or find ourselves at the receiving end of not being accepted and being looked down by others
>> Maybe we are putting in a lot of effort to fish for success, yet finding none…

… or find ourselves drowning in a sea of sin, hopelessness or despair

Whoever we are.. 

>> The Lord extends His loving invitation…

… to leave our “tables of collection” and follow Him!

… to cast away our “nets of fish” and follow Him!

 

He has become the “Ransom”…

… in Whom we can find the ‘collection’ of all joys and contentment of life!

… in Whom we can witness the ‘great catch’ of salvation and redemption!

By this great act, He gave the “Ransom”…

… for our freedom from captivity!

>> By His humbling sacrifice, He paid the “Atonement money”… 

… for our salvation for eternal life!

Yes, let us fall in love with the Man Who gave Himself up for us!

>> Let us be willing to live our life in obedience to His commands Who ransomed His life for us!

Let us seek the intercession of St Dominic de Guzman, whose feast we celebrate today.
Let us give heed to his words:

” Arm yourself with prayer instead of a sword…

… be clothed with humility instead of fine raiment”
” I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything…

… even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 7 (Lk 12:32-48)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

One of the most modern trends that we find in an increasingly urbanizing culture is the importance placed on Fitness.
A lot of emphasis is placed on being health-conscious and maintaining oneself to be fit and fine.

>> This aspect of being healthy is to be extended beyond the physical body to also the spiritual dimension of our lives.

> One needs to be not just physically fit, but also be spiritually strong.

> One needs to be not just bodily healthy, but also be spiritually tough.
It is this spiritual strength & toughness that will help us to be always ready to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day gives an exhortation to be prepared and arm ourselves for the coming of the Lord: 

“You must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour, you do not expect” (Lk 12:40)

The Greek word used for the term “ready”  is “hetoimos”.. from a noun “heteos” which means to be fit….
>> It has a connotation of being prepared and seeking for fitness!

 


There are several factors which affect the Fitness of our Physical Bodies…

… and perhaps the similar factors could also be applied to the fitness for our spiritual lives.
1. Faulty Food affects the Fitness of our Physical Bodies

Proper food plays a vital role in having a healthy body. 

>> It is very important to regulate the intake of our food and to have a check on the type of food.
We need to apply this same principle to our spiritual lives as well…
What is the type of food that I am feeding for my spiritual life?

>>  Do I lavish myself on unhealthy thoughts of lust and desires, harmful words of indecency and lewdness and dangerous actions of immorality and wickedness?

>> Do I feed myself with the precious Word of God and nourish myself with His inspirations and wisdom?

>> Do I nourish myself with His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist?

2. Faulty lifestyle affects the Fitness of our Physical bodies.

It is important to have a disciplined and self-controlled lifestyle in order to maintain our fitness.

>>  A regular habit of exercises and workouts coupled with moments for relaxation and leisure from tension-filled works is important. 

>> One must also avoid various bad addictions which can hinder having a good physical shape.

We need to apply this same principle to our spiritual lives as well…
What is the type of lifestyle I am leading, with respect to my spiritual life?

>> Do I exercise myself with the daily and regular habits of prayer, Bible Reading, pious practises and devotions?

>> Do I spare time and energy to make some sacrifices and reparations for various causes, especially as a remorse for our sins?

>> Do I make constant efforts to give up on some of our bad cravings, obsessions or habits?

 

3. Faulty environment affects the Fitness of our Physical bodies.

It is also essential that one maintains a clean and good environment in order to prevent being affected by diseases or sicknesses. 

>> One must also seek to avoid any harmful situations or surroundings which can adversely affect the health.

We need to apply this same principle to our spiritual lives as well…
What is the type of environment that I am providing and surrounding my spiritual life?

>> Do I keep myself away from occasions of sin and shield myself away from harmful possibilities like bad books, friends, movies or songs, jokes and other cheap entertainments?

>> Do I  strengthen my spiritual life with the powerful grace that is bestowed in the Sacrament of the Confession by a regular acknowledgment of my sins?

>> Do I seek the company of good people, nurture spiritual friendships and also foster a childlike companionship with the holy saints and angels?

 

Christian Life is a battle and a warfare…against the forces of the Evil.
We need to arm our spiritual lives mightily with the power and strength from God.

>> It is easy to give up on fitness.

>> It is easy to live a relaxed life and take life too casually.
But such a careless life, will lead us to a tragic end as that of the Unfaithful Servant in the parable that the Lord tells in today’s Gospel (Lk 12: 45-46)

It has been recorded that a Greek commander, just before a coming battle is reported to have said: “The secret of victory is in getting a good ready.”

Let us seek for faithfulness in our Christian Life and as ‘ready soldiers’, let us be constantly “on the watch” 

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Aug 6 (Feast of Transfiguration of Jesus) 

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Artists depict beautifully because they are able to see deeply. 

>> Their eyes are transfigured! 
Poets describe amazingly because they are able to imagine deeply. 

>> Their minds are transfigured! 
Musicians perform soulfully because they are able to hear deeply. 

>> Their ears are transfigured!

Life has much more to offer. 

… Life has much more to hope for
>> Do I see, imagine and hear beyond the mere basic realities?
Our vision needs to be transfigured. 

>> Our imagination needs to be transfigured. 

>> Our hearing needs to be transfigured. 

The Lord underwent the Transfiguration. 

>> The Disciples shared in this joy. 
You and me are invited today…

Transfiguration, Fra Angelico, 1442, Convento di San Marco, Florence

The Scene of the Transfiguration is one of the most captivating and thrilling scenes of the Gospels. 
It’s interesting to see that this scene takes place on a high mountain. 
The Gospel Passage (Lk 9: 28-36), begins with the verse:

“Jesus took with Him Peter and John and James and went up to the MOUNTAIN to pray…” (Lk 9: 28)
 

Mountains play a key role, in the Bible and especially in the life of Jesus.
Mountains of course, dot the landscape of the Biblical regions. 

>> They are a great part of the physical reality of the Biblical world. 
They are a symbolic of “being closer to God”. 

 

The Gospel of St Matthew especially has a particular love for this “lofty symbol of God’s presence” 

  

>> Jesus underwent a temptation by Satan on the Mount  – the Mount of Temptations (Mt 4:8) 

>> Jesus delivers His Sermon and Teachings on a Mount – the Mount of the Sermon (Mt 5:1) 

>> Jesus performs many deeds of healings on a Mount – the Mount by the Sea of Galilee (Mt 15:29) 

>> Jesus is transfigured on a Mount – the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:1)

>> Jesus gives His final teaching and discourse on a Mount – the Mount of Olives (Mt 24:3) 

>> Jesus gives up His life on a Mount – the Mount of Calvary (Mt 27:33)

>> Jesus delivers His Final Mission mandate on a Mount – the Mount of Galilee (Mt 28:16) 

So in this Lofty and High Place of the Presence of God – a Mountain – Jesus undergoes His Transfiguration…

… and is joined by the presence of two other “Mountain” Figures – Moses and Elijah!
>> Moses is the Man of the “Mount of Sinai” and “Mount Nebo”…

… representing the Law of God! 
>> Elijah is the Man of the “Mount of Carmel”…

… representing the Prophets of God! 
Jesus is the “God and Man of all the Mountains” – the Fulfillment of all the Laws and the Prophets!
What is the purpose of the “many mountain settings” of the Transfiguration Scene? 
It is…

…to look further

… to imagine deeper

… to hear beyond 
To see the way God sees us. 

>> To imagine the way God perceives us. 

>> To hear the way God wants of us. 
We all need a Transfiguration Moment in our lives…

… a Transfiguration Experience in our lives.
>> Vision that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s representation!
>> Imagination that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s resemblance!

 

>> Hearing that needs to be transfigured…

… into God’s resonance! 

Let us take courage… and accompany the Lord:

>> Beyond the peripheral problems of life…away from the hardships and difficulties of our 

physical, mental, spiritual, emotional worries…

…to climb the Mountain of Spiritual Closeness and Presence of the Lord… 

>> And share in the joy of the Transfiguration!
Life has much more to offer.

>> Life has much more to hope for….
Let us… Be transfigured! Be transformed! Be transcending! 

Happy Feast of the Transfiguration! 
God Bless! Live Jesus!