“Double Negative” is a grammatical construction in which two negative words are used in the same clause, to produce a positive force, usually for some particular rhetorical effect”

Eg: “He did not say nothing”….means… He said something
“There is not nobody who will go”… means.. There is somebody who will go

Of course, in the English language, such usages are not common and also sounds a bit odd.
>> They are even considered as bad speech

But in the Greek language – the language of the New Testament –  the “double negatives” are used to add an extra emphasis

One important and notable scripture verse using this concept of “double negatives” is… Heb 13:5

The verse says:
” Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “NEVER will I LEAVE you, NEVER will I FORSAKE you.”

In the Greek translation of this verse, there are a total of 5 negatives that occurs in this sentence…
… 2 “double negatives” and 1 negative!

Literally translated, it would read, “The Lord will NEVER, NO, NOT EVER, NEVER leave NOR forsake us!”
>> It is one of the strongest negative ways that the Bible says that ” He will be with us forever!”
>> Five negatives with a very positive message!

This is the wonderful truth that God pronounces and promises to each one of us…
… that He is always with us
.. that He would always care for us
… that He would always provide for our sustenance

The Gospel of the Day is this beautiful invitation and reminder by the Lord…
1. To keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have
2. To know that God is with us, always, providing for our all our needs

Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life…” (Mt 6:25)

One of the immediate doubts that could raise in our minds would be:
Was Jesus saying that money is bad?
… Did He mean to say that we must not work hard to earn money, and make our lives comfortable?
… Did He say that it would be sinful if I plan and work for a good future – for me and my family?

Most certainly no!

The Lord is not against money…
… nor is He against working hard and earning money for one’s life
… nor is He opposed to plan for the good of our future and of the ones we care for

>> Laziness is condemned by the Lord… (Mt 25:26)
>> Unplanned ventures are not encouraged by the Lord… (Lk 14: 28)

But yes, the Lord is deadly against money, wealth and treasures taking possession of a person!
>> Jesus is opposed to riches, wealth and money…
… when they become the priorities more than God and His Kingdom
… when they became greater possessions than doing what God wants in life

Instead the Lord wants that we make Him as the Greatest Treasure and Wealth of our life!
>> “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all others things will be added unto you” (Mt 6: 33)

Jesus wants that He becomes our entire possession!
>> He longs that our entire lives be centred on Him!

Towards this endeavour, Jesus promises that “He will be with us”
>> He assures that His Care and His Providence will always take us through…
… Even the birds of the skies are fed
… Even the wild flowers are clothed in splendour
… Even the grass of the field are clothed so very well

It is towards this Trust in His Providence, that the Lord invites each of us.

There was a particular student of the Bible, who one day came excitedly to his old aunt.

He had learnt something new in his Bible class and came to share with her:
“Auntie, you know that verse in Hebrews – Heb 13: 5 – that you so often quote: `I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’
Well, I have found out today that there are five negatives in the Greek there in that verse, and it reads like something like this: `I will never, never, never, never, never leave thee.’ ”

“Oh, you Bible scholar” said the old lady amusingly,  “those five times may be needed for you!
For me, just one of them is enough!!”

The Lord keeps assuring and telling us always, “I am with you… I will care for you!”
>> Let us grow in our trust in Him…
… and seek to make Him as the Wealth, Possession and Treasure of our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558-1603.
>> She was probably England’s greatest and most controversial Queen.

As she lay on her death bed, the nation’s best doctors battled to save her life…
… but in vain!

When she was told that she was going to die, the unfortunate Queen began to weep.
>> She sobbed and said: “I will give millions for an inch of time!”

She had lived 70 years of pursuing wealth, fame and pleasure
>> She had servants to cater to every whim
>> It is said she had 10,000 dresses in her wardrobe with atleast 2000 pairs of gloves alone!
>> She was the queen of the kingdom which was considered to be “one on which the Sun would never set”

Yet, this apparently powerful and rich Queen of England, died – pleading for “An Inch of Time”

This is the reality of our earthly lives….
>> No matter how materially rich we are…
… none of these would count as being important, when death arrives!

>> No matter how popular and fame we acquire while on earth…
… all of it would be reduced to nothingness, when the end comes!

The only thing that would matter, would be…
… Have we made God as the ultimate treasure and meaning of our life and live by His Will?
… Are we humble enough to acknowledge and depend on the Providence of God?

>> The sooner we realise this, the more meaningful would our lives be…
>> The further we delay, the deeper would be the moments of anxieties in life!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful reminder by Jesus to have an examination of the “longings of our hearts” and to set right “first things first”!

Jesus says: ” Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth….” (Mt 6: 19)

Every human being has an innate longing and a craving to go beyond transitory, transient and peripheral aspects of life.
>> It is this dimension that is described in terms of…
… longing for eternal happiness
… desire for peace and serenity
… yearning for the Absolute
… deep thirst for God etc…

There is a search for the Eternal….. a pursuit for the Everlasting.. in every human being!

However, very often in this quest, human beings go astray and go off track, by falsely seeking for the Eternal, in mere peripheral objects.

>> These objects vary for different people…
… It could be wealth, power, prestige, sex, drugs, other addictions, worldly attachments etc.

We often build up for ourselves castles and mansions in this physical world…
… and remain under the false pretence, that my life is comfortable and everything is very good.

Our hearts & minds gets set on “things of this world“ and we remain deceived with peripheral joys and temporary happiness and tranquility!

But today, the Lord warns us: “Have we stored up treasures on the earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves can steal?!” (Mt 6:19)

Jesus points to the fact that one must not have treasures “that would not last”

In this reference, he points to three entities: moth, rust and thieves.

1. Why moth?
Rich and extravagant dresses and garments were often expressions of wealth.
>> And moths loved to treat on such “ornate” dresses and garments

Garments, in the Bible, also refer to the dignity of a person, a symbol of righteousness and the sign of salvation
>> Moths eating such garments, point to the loss in spiritual agility and vigour!

2. Why rust?
Grains were also considered as a sign of prosperity and thus they would be stored in storehouses (as the parable of the rich fool suggests – Lk 12: 18b)

The Greek word used for ‘rust’ is “brosis” which literally means “an eating”
>> This could refer to how rats, mice, worms, and insects could eat away at these storehouses of grain!

>> If the wealth consisted of jewellery, then this ‘eating away’ could refer to “rust” (= the product of a chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with water vapour to form the oxide of the metal).

3. Why thieves?
Gold, precious metals and other costly goods would be another sign of richness.

They would be hidden by keeping them safe in the houses etc.
>> The most common method that was done was to find a secret place in the field and in the dark of night, a hole would be dug and the treasure would be buried.

But thieves would lurk around at night and watch where people would bury their treasure…
… and then go and dig it up.

The phrase “where thieves break in” could be literally translated “where thieves dig in.”
>> The houses of those times were constructed of mud; so thieves would often dig through the walls and steal the treasures!

Thus, our Blessed Lord warns against having our riches that ‘would not last’…
… those which could be consumed by moths
… those which could easily be eaten up or be rusted
… those which could be stolen and plundered by thieves

Instead the Lord says: “Store up treasures for yourself in heaven” (Mt 6:20)

We need to ask ourselves:  Are we rich in what matters to God?

St Paul says, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but be transformed by a renewal of your minds..!” (Rom 12:2)

Time and again, we like to stroll along in life, thinking, that…
…  spiritual life, relation with God, Divine thoughts, holy practices, devout rituals are just not “happening” things!
>> We feel that  they are too boring
>> We feel that they are reserved for the older generation people
>> We feel that they are not meant for the 21st century generation!

But.. for a moment..we need to pause and think…

We may not be thinking too seriously about our spiritual lives…
… But Jesus was really quite serious….
>> That’s why He DIED on the Cross…!

His bleeding death was real….His agony and pain and sufferings, for the sake of our sins, was real!

HE WAS REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT OUR SALVATION…!

…But, AM I SERIOUS ABOUT THIS LIFE, THAT HE WON FOR ME?

How long are we going to fool ourselves…?
>> Falsely inflating our egos and satisfying our craving desires…
>> Being satisfied with worldly pleasures…
>> Seeking momentary happiness…

Where our heart is..there will be our treasure! (Mt 6:21)

Lets dwell deeper on the words of St Augustine:
“God, you have made us for yourself…. and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”

All our earthly and material wealth will never give us  “an extra inch of time”…
… but our spiritual longings and faithfulness, by God’s Mercy and Grace, will win for us “the reward of Eternity!”

Yes, let us soar like eagles, in our longings for God..
… .and not just be satisfied, like chickens, picking up tiny grains of worldly pleasures!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

A devoted and affectionate father came into the room of the hospital, where his eight-year-old son was at the dying phase of his life.
> The child was affected by an incurable disease.

The child, sensing that he was not going to get well asked his father: “Daddy, am I going to die?”

“Why, son…” asked the father “… are you afraid to die?”

The child looked up into the eyes of his father and replied: “Not…. if God is like you, Daddy!”

The child had a tremendous confidence and trust in his father…
… and was being initiated to experience God also as a Loving and Caring Father.

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful initiation by Jesus to help us to know, grow and deepen our understanding of God as being a Loving and Caring Father.

Today’s Gospel passage begins with Jesus issuing a warning on the danger of making prayer a mere “lip-service”
>> “In praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do….” (Mt 6:7)

What was Jesus meaning by the clause “heaping up empty phrases as the Gentiles…”?

One of the notable Gentile groups at the time of Jesus, were the Romans, under whose occupation the Jews were living.

It’s noteworthy to see some of the aspects of the ancient pagan Roman prayer:
1. All sacrifices and offerings required an accompanying prayer to be effective.
>> It was declared that “a sacrifice without prayer was thought to be useless and not a proper consultation of the gods.”

2. Prayer  – the spoken word was considered the single most potent religious action.
>> And knowledge of the correct verbal formulas were the key to efficacy.

3. An accurate naming was vital for tapping into the desired powers of the deity invoked.
>> Hence public religious ritual had to be enacted by specialists and professionals faultlessly…
… even a small a mistake would require that the action, or even the entire festival, be repeated all over!

( A historian named Livy reports of an occasion when the presiding magistrate at the Latin festival forgot to include the “Roman people” among the list of beneficiaries in his prayer…
…  the festival had to be started all over!)

The Greek word used for “empty phrases” is “battalagesete”.
>> It means to stammer, babble, talk gibberish, or to repeat the same things over and over mindlessly!

With this in background, Jesus emphatically declares that prayer is not about “heaping empty phrases”.

In this context, it also good to provide the Catholic understanding and logic of some of the prayers, which are perhaps considered as repetitive (eg: The Rosary, Novenas, Litanies.. etc)

Are all these standard prayers mere “heaping up of empty phrases…?”

>> No!

The Bible teaches us many examples of repetitive prayers…
>> The angels continually – day and night – sing “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev 4:8)
>> Psalm 136 repeats the words “for his steadfast love endures forever” nearly 26 times in 26 verses!
>>Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed in the “same words” three times (Mk 14: 32-39)
>> Jesus, in fact, also commends the fact of continually praying, through the example of the widow and the unjust judge (Lk 18: 1-14)

Thus, it is seen that the Bible has many examples of repetitive prayer.
>> Therefore, the repetitive Catholic Prayers like the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Novenas, Litanies etc… are scripturally well-supported

>> When prayed with honesty and devotion, they become means to allow the heart…
… to praise God and understand His mighty works
… to grow in His love and come to a deeper awareness of His Providence
… and pray with Mother Mary and the Saints and intercede to them for  our intentions

>> Prayer is not rattling off a few external words and feel satisfied in having done that…
… It is opening up, in dependence, the interiority of our hearts, to the One Who knows all!

>> Prayer is not going through a series of stipulated and organised system of words…
… It is allowing the heart to “mean what is said”, and to cause the lips express what the heart feels!

It is to this effect that Jesus says “Your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him” (Mt 6:8)…
… and teaches us the beautiful prayer – “The Our Father”!

Jesus presents the beautiful understanding of God being a Loving and Caring Father…
… The Father, in heaven, Whose Name we acknowledge to be most Holy and Worthy
… The Father, Whose Kingdom becomes the target to Which we ought to aspire
… The Father, Whose Will is to become the compass and blueprint of our life
… The Father, Whose providence nourishes us with daily bread for our sustenance and well-being
… The Father, Who extends His Immense Mercy to us, which we receive only if we forgive in turn
… The Father, Who strengthens us in our moments of trials and temptations
… The Father, Who rescues us from all evil by tenderly holding us in the palm of His Hand

Yes, Jesus wants us to understand and experience God as a Loving and Tender Father.
>> Let us cast away every fear and every anxiety!

May we throw ourselves into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father
>> May all our thoughts and deeds, be aimed to do His Will and give glory to His name!

God Bless! Live Jesus

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

A father and his little son were on a journey.

They stopped mid-way to have lunch in a restaurant.

The father sat down on one of the stools at the counter and lifted the boy up to the seat beside him.
>> They ordered lunch.

When the waiter brought the food, the father said, “Son, we’ll just have a silent prayer.”

Dad got through praying first and waited for the boy to finish his prayer…
… but the boy just sat with his head bowed and eyes closed for an unusually long time!

When he finally looked up, his father asked him:
“What in the world were you praying about all that time?”

With the innocence and honesty of a child, he replied:
“How do I know?
It was a silent prayer!”

Very often, prayer, for us, is associated with “words”!

But True Prayer goes beyond words…
… it is about a relationship!
… it is about being in communion with God!
.. it is about getting in grateful touch with the One Who knows all and cares much!

Such are the sentiments teachings that are reflected in today’s Gospel which presents Jesus’ teaching on Prayer.
Jesus begins today’s Gospel with a strong warning:
“Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them…” (Mt 6:1)

Prayer is one of the most common practices of piety that most of us undertake.
>> However, very often, it is seen that our prayers consist more of blabbering empty and meaningless words, than actually praying!

Our practise of praying could perhaps take different forms and structures, depending on our own experiences of life and the outlook towards life.
>> Let’s have a quick list of the some of the ways in which our prayer has perhaps, taken shape…
(without any offence to any group/persons/professions!)

1. Prayer as a politician
We bombard God with many empty promises, saying that if you fulfill my petitions, I will perform some deeds and good works for you.

Many times during elections campaigns, we hear many political speeches…
… laden with juicy words, stylish phrases, heart-rendering narrations and sensational emotions.
( It’s only time which can tell, to what extent, did these speeches actually have authenticity in them!)

>> Does my prayer tend to have such “political” overtones…?

2. Prayer as a Lawyer
Prayer is used mainly as means to achieve some intentions and we bring our good actions, as witnesses to win our case.

We tell God that we have performed so-and-so good things and try to argue and win the case against Him

3. Prayer as a Frustrated Critic
>>  We seek more to discuss things on why things don’t happen in life, and what are the demerits of wasting time in prayer, rather than seeing the goodness and blessings the Lord has showered in our lives.

Prayer time is spent more on questioning God and blaming Him…
… rather than praising Him for His Providential care

>> Is my prayer time merely “a time of complaint and criticism”?

4. Prayer as an Accountant
>>  We seek to tally our demands and claims, and discuss the accounts of our many works with the Lord, to achieve our desired targets and goals.

Prayer becomes a time of statistical brainstorming with discussions on “give and take” policies and devising plans to tap “the budget of God’s blessings”!

>> Is my prayer a “mere statistical interaction” with God?

5.  Prayer as a Programmer
>>  We bring before the Lord, neat sheets of a programmed life –  and expect the Lord to give the desired output, in response to my commands.

Like the computer which follows the software codes, with precision, we punch in our codes of “wants and demands” to the Lord and expect Him to follow it, like a foolproof software or program.

>> Is my prayer a “fixated coded-sheet” with only demands and wants?

6. Prayer as a Kidnapper
>>  We hold God at ransom, and threaten that ‘if You do not fulfill my aspirations, I will leave You and will even abandon Your Church and its practices, and bring to an end all the good works that You have begun in me’!

We take the upper hand in prayer and expect God to follow all what we say – in the way we want, in the time that we demand and in the manner we expect!

>> Does my prayer become a means “to kidnap” the goodness of the Lord?

We need to examine our lives and see, whether our prayers remain stuck to these (or even other similar) categories.

Surely, each  of these categories of prayers emerge out of one’s own life experiences
>> The Lord doesn’t judge us on the basis on it

But, the Lord Who seeks perfection in us… wishes, wants and demands…
… to have a higher and a more perfect understanding and practise of prayer.

Through today’s Gospel, Jesus points to the essence of Prayer..
>>  Prayer is lifting up of one’s heart and mind to God, with an intention to seek and do His Holy Will.

Prayer is not about “my feelings”….
…. It is about “His Feelings”

Prayer is not achieving something or fulfilling a task…
…It is about spending time with the One Who loves us most

As St. Bonaventure says, “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than proceedings from the mouth”

Today, let us examine, our prayer life…
>> Are my prayers mere lip-service
….or real expressions, emerging from the depth of our hearts?

St John Mary Vianney says,
” Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.”

May the Lord help us…
… to purify our prayer habits
… to give us a deeper taste to be in His Presence
… to realize that He is in complete charge of our lives
… and that our task is to always seek to conform to His Will!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
   Bengaluru, India

The Year 1989 saw the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Germany.
> This wall was the barrier that divided the nation from 1961 to 1989.

After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, there would have been, perhaps, no person in all of East Germany, who was more despised …
… than the former Communist dictator Erich Honecher.

>> Being the secretary of the Communist Party, Erich Honecher was the prime organiser of the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and, in this function, bore responsibility for the “order to fire” along the inner German border.

However, after the collapse of the wall, Honecher had been stripped of all his offices.

Kicked out of his villa, the new government refused him and his family, new housing.
>> The family of the Honechers were rendered homeless and destitute.

It was at this stage, Pastor Uwe Holmer, Director of a Christian Help Centre decided to take a bold step:
Feeling that it would be wrong to give them a room, in the Help Centre, which was meant for even needier people…
… Uwe Holmer decided to take the family of the Honechers into their own home!

Holmer’s children had suffered the wrath of the rule of the Honechars..
>> 8 of his children had been turned down for higher education, due to their discriminatory policies.

But now, Holmer – filled with God’s Mercy –  decided to care and accept their personal enemy – and perhaps one of the most hated men in Germany!
>> Many people turned against Holmer for his decision
>> Many felt angered in having given refuge to an enemy

But Holmer, the Christian, was convinced of what he was doing…

>> It was indeed an unnatural move…
>> It was undoubtedly an unconventional step…
.. But it was so much Christ-like!

He put into practise what Jesus had taught on the Sermon of the Mount, as we see in today’s Gospel:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:44)

It is said that some books/thoughts are to be just tasted…
>> Some are to be just swallowed…
>> While some others are to be chewed and digested!

Well… here is a teaching that is certainly not too easy to digest:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you!

Sometimes when we hear the word ENEMY…
>> Our thoughts go to some enemy of the nation or some social criminal…
>> Or perhaps, some of us, may think of some person who has harmed us deeply or cheated us, and has turned to be an enemy…

But if we analyze our lives closer… we may observe that we all have many enemies in our lives..

An ‘enemy’, is defined by the Oxford Dictionary, as “a person or thing, hostile or opposed to something; that harms or weakens someone/something”

A little closer look into our lives will probably make us to discover that…
>> Perhaps, many people fall into this definition of being an “enemy”…
… Many in our family or our community
… Many in our friends circle
… Many in our workplaces
… Many in the society

We get so easily offended when our egos our hurt..
>>  We feel a sense of resentment when we are not treated as we feel we ought to be…
>> We experience bitterness when other people do not fall in line with the way we think…
… there are often so many tussles and mental games…
… and we have so often grudges against all these people!

All these are our “enemies”!
>> This list of enemies in our life..though apparently unnoticed, is perhaps deeper….

But, today the Lord says: “Love those enemies..and pray for them”!

Humanly speaking, of course, it seems only a theoretical advice – seemingly impractical!
>> But the Lord wants us to be perfect!

We also know one thing…
… If this was not possible, the Lord would have never said it!

The Life of Jesus Himself was a proof for it…
… Lovingly inviting even all those who hated and detested Him, to experience His Love
… Constantly reaching out with the call of repentance, to those who wronged Him
… Giving His life for all of us, who offend and hurt Him

The call of the Gospel “to love our enemies” is a high demand…
>> It is indeed a huge challenge…

Yet, with the grace of the Lord…
… Lets pick up this challenge of the Lord…and seek towards perfection!

St John Paul II says, “Don’t fear to be the saints of the Third Millennia!”

Let’s not remain in idealistic talks and thoughts…
… rather, lets translate the words and challenges of the Lord, in our practical and daily life.

May we identify the “enemies” in our life…
… and seek Divine Assistance and the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints.

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, through the instrumentality of our lives,
>> May we dare to “receive into our homes” those who, though deserve to be punished, but still are worthy of the Mercy of the Lord!

“Misericordes Sicut Pater” –  “Be merciful, like the Heavenly Father” (Lk 6:36)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal msfs
  Bengaluru, India

The TIME magazine, in its declaration of Jesus, as the Man of the Millennium, proclaimed:
“The single most powerful figure – not merely in these two millenniums but in all human history – has been Jesus of Nazareth . . . a serious argument can be made that no one else’s life has proved remotely as powerful and enduring as that of Jesus.”

One of the reasons for this Massive Influence of Jesus, was His uncompromising and ever-bold attitude with respect to sin, evil and living a life of total love!

The Gospel of the Day presents this lofty teaching of Jesus on non-retaliation and the power of forgiving love.

One of the highly debatable and confusing teachings of Jesus is contained in today’s Gospel reading.

Jesus says, “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the one cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mt 5: 39)

This verse could easily raise a lot of doubts and questions…
>> Did Jesus mean that a Christian should be passive to evil?
>> Did Jesus teach that we should suffer unnecessarily in the face of social evils?
>> Did Jesus teach passivity and being lethargic when one encounters wickedness and evil?

The one direct answer to all such doubts is seen in the light of the life of Jesus Himself…
>> He was always actively against evil and sinful activities
>> He was a constant opponent to oppression, condemnation and human wickedness

Then what would have Jesus meant by those strong phrases of “resist evil.. and turning one’s cheeks?”

There could be, speaking in general terms, three responses to evil:
1. Opposing with violence
2. Bearing everything passively
3. A courageous non-violence

The first two responses are also popularly called as Fight or Flight
…either FIGHT against the evil… or take FLIGHT from the evil situations

>> FIGHT: oppose with evil and violence
>> FLIGHT: run away from the situation or passively be submissive

But the way of Jesus is a higher one… a much higher and bolder one: the way of ACTIVE NON-VIOLENCE.

The Greek word that is used by St Mathew, for “resist” is “antisthemi”

‘Antisthemi’ is not a passive or a weak term.
>> It was a classical Greek ‘military’ term.

It means…
… to take a stand against, to oppose or to resist
… to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously “holding one’s ground,”.
… It means refusing to be moved (” being pushed back”)

This clearly shows that “to resist evil” is not merely a passive act of submission, rather is a firm, courageous and bold action of holding onto one’s convictions of truth and opposing every reaction to subdue truth.

This is further illustrated in the example that Jesus gives, “of turning one’s cheek, when hit on the right cheek”

In the culture of Jesus, the left hand was commonly used for unclean tasks, and only the right hand was considered appropriate for such actions as striking another person.

Now, its common sense to note, that if one hits with the right hand, it would hit the other person only on the “left” cheek.

Therefore, if the person is hit on the “right” cheek, as in the example of Jesus, it simply means, that one was hit with a “back-hand”.

What is the significance of a back-handed slap?
>> A backhanded slap, had a greater message than merely hurting or causing pain…
Instead, it meant to be an act of “severe” humiliation… of “terrible” insult!

A backhand slap, in the time of Jesus, was the usual way of admonishing inferiors:
Masters backhanded slaves; husbands, wives; parents, children; men, women; Romans, Jews.

What is the response that Jesus suggests for such an act of dreadful humiliation?
>> Not Fight… Not Flight.
Rather, a strong and bravely opposing act of courage: “turn the other cheek as well!”

It is a calculated response intended to invite the aggressor to consider his or her actions.
>> This bold action of turning one’s cheek robs the oppressor of the power to humiliate.

It is as if the oppressed person is saying,
“Try again if you want, buddy!
Your first blow failed to achieve its intended effect.
I deny you any power to humiliate me!”

This was how our Blessed Lord who gave this supremely lofty teaching demonstrated in His life… by dying on the Cross!
>> The Cross was a powerful opposition to evil and sin.

The One who died on the Cross did not die a passive death…
>> Rather, He boldly preached against every act of oppression and mightily spoke against every form of discrimination!

As Christians, we need to be bold and courageous to “resist” every evil and sinful deed.
In Christ, we have a teaching that is not passive, but is “extremely” active and powerful.

To merely FIGHT or simply make a FLIGHT in the face of oppressions, is cheap and ordinary…
In fact, it is “no spirituality”.

But to “be bold in one’s convictions” and “to oppose” evil, even to the point of giving up one’s life, is a lofty, supreme and mighty spirituality.
>> Jesus embodied this spirituality.
>> Many great men and women in history have been inspired by it and lived it.

As Christians, the followers of the Bold Jesus, are we ready to embrace this “powerful” spirituality?
>> Let us become…. Agents and Ambassadors of true love…destroying evil forces with goodness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

All of us have been school kids…
And as students, one of the most dreaded, avoided and boring (or for the really good students…one of the most exciting, scoring and loved) topics in class was “Grammar”!

Grammar plays a vital function in every language!
And in grammar, “Tenses” play a key role…

(Does the word, “Tenses” bring some tension on our face??!)

Well, we are not to reflect on any boring (or exciting…either way we consider) lesson on Grammar!
>> But for our surprise….the Gospel of the Day, presents to us Jesus, the teacher!

And He is out to teach us …
… Well, you guessed it right: Grammar!

Welcome to the “Class on Grammar…by the renowned Teacher, Jesus”…! (Lk 7:36-8:3)

The class today is in a different setting… it is taking place in a house, around a dinner table (Lk 7:36)

The participants in this session are many…but the attention remains focused on three persons:

1. Simon, the Pharisee
Unlike other Pharisees, this man is much more open to receive Jesus into his home.
We don’t know whether he was a die-hard fan of Jesus…
… but he certainly seemed not so opposed to Him!

How do we describe him?
>> Social Person…? Diplomatic… ?Polished… ? Willing to be open…?or perhaps, a Villain in disguise?

2. Jesus, the Guest
The Lord seems to enjoy food…!
>> But more than food, He very certainly enjoys and values the people, He eats with!

He was happy to be a guest to Simon, the Pharisee…
>> He would have been happy to sup with the class of people who were highly critical of His ways of teaching!

How do we describe Jesus?
>> Friendly! Welcoming! Open-hearted! Compassionate! Gentle!

3. The Sinner Woman
She was a woman of the city, who was a sinner (Lk 7:37)

>> She was a victim of the people’s duplicity & discrimination – misused as a source of pleasure yet despised &categorized as the scum of the society!

She however, feels privileged to have been able to come near Jesus, in whom she places her hope of receiving true acceptance and genuine love.

How do we describe her? 
>> Penitent! Sorrowful! Hopeful! Courageous! Loving!

The story is familiar to us…

Simon, the Pharisee hosts the dinner for Jesus…
>> Meanwhile, the sinner woman approaches the Lord, and showers her love and affection:
“she stood behind Jesus at His feet, weeping and began to bathe His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with the ointment” (Lk 7: 38)

The host Simon gets irked by this gesture…and scandalized by his guest allowing her to do so!

What was Simon’s problem?

He thought he was better than the prostitute. 
>> He thought he was more righteous than the lady who sold her body!
>> He thought he was far more worthy than the woman who had no moral groundings!

And this is where, the Master Teacher…steps in…
… And teaches The Grammar of Life –  ” by changing Tenses”!

Simon said, “She IS a sinner.” … in the present tense!
>> But Jesus pointed out to say, “No, she WAS a sinner.”…in the past tense!
Jesus changed the tenses in her life!

>> People considered her to be woman with loose morals… (past tense)
… Jesus considers her to be a woman of deep love! (present tense)

>> People thought of her as a dirty and shameless creature… (past tense)
… Jesus thinks of her as a beautiful and precious child of God! (present tense)

How often do we fall into this grave mistake of mixing up “tenses” in the lives of people…

There is a Simon, perhaps, in all of us!

>> A person WOULD have been known for some misdeeds…
… but we think he/she WILL always remain to be so!

>> A person WOULD have done some wrongs in the past…
… but we think he/she WILL be always fixated in that!

>> A person WOULD have displayed some bad habits…
… but we think he/she WILL always have to be condemned!

We often think of ourselves as being “more righteous”, “more holy” and “more Christian” than others.

There is a sense of negative pride in us…
… a pride that causes us to out down others (forgetting that we ourselves were once “down and out”!)
… a pride that makes us to avoid extending God’s Mercy to others (forgetting that we ourselves are always “at the mercy of God”!)

>> We need to learn from the Master Teacher, that God can change the “tenses” in the life of people.
>> We need to be hopeful from the Master Teacher, that God can change the “tenses” in our own lives.

At the end of the incident, the Master Teacher blesses the sinner lady, again, in a grammatical style… (Lk 7: 48, 50)

Jesus says to the sinner lady,
>> “Your SINS are forgiven”:  The PAST is purified!
>> “Your faith has SAVED you”: The PRESENT is strengthened!
>> “GO in peace”: The FUTURE is blessed!

Simon, the Pharisee deserves our empathy.
>> Perhaps, most of us also, would have reacted in a similar way, if we were to be in his place.

Imagine having the presence of a famous prostitute barging in during some family occasion!
>> We too would have been very scandalized!
>> We too would have been ashamed!
>> We too would have felt offended!

But the Lord invites us to weed off… slowly atleast.. the little ‘SIMONness’ in us….
… the tendency to judge people based on their past life.
… the tendency to fail to give any room or chance for improvement
… the tendency to not able to see persons, however bad, as ultimately being children of God, our Merciful Father!

Jesus, the Master Teacher can “change tenses” in our lives and in the lives of others!

This Jubilee Year of Mercy is a mighty invitation to “learn these nuances of being merciful and compassionate”… just “as the Heavenly Father is…” (Lk 6:36)

Let us learn this “Grammar of Love and Mercy” from the School of Jesus…and earn accolades in the University of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal msfs
  Bengaluru, India

The Canadian author, Thomas Costain in his historical novel “The Three Edwards” speaks of the life of a 14th century Duke named Raynald Ill.
>> Raynald was extremely overweight and was commonly called by his Latin nickname “Crassus” which meant ‘fat’!

This Duke Raynald, after a violent quarrel, suffered defeat in a revolt by his younger brother Edward.

Edward captured Raynald, but did not kill him.

Instead he imprisoned Raynald in a room in the castle…
… and promised that he could regain his title and property, if he was able to escape from the room.

This task – to escape from the room – would have been pretty simple for most people, since the room had several windows and a door; none of which was locked!

But Raynald had a problem…. His size… His uncontrolled appetite!

Edward knew his elder brother…
… and He very well knew this weakness as well!

Each day, therefore, Edward send him a variety of delicious foods!
>> Instead of dieting his way out of the room, he began to relish on the grand food served to him…
… and Raynald grew fatter!!

When Edward was questioned by the people on his cruelty for having captured his elder brother, he would reply, without any qualms: 
“My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.”

The story goes on to say that Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle.
>> But by then his health was so ruined, that he died within a year!

Raynald died…
… as a prisoner of his own appetite!

How often is this a reality in our spiritual lives as well!

>> Sin sometimes captures our hearts so much…
.. that we are unwilling to let go, and thus wither in our sinful state

>> Immorality and transgressions take over our lives so much…
… that we become slaves, and remain much bound to them.

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful call by Jesus to make an honest examination of our state of life, and check whether we are imprisoned by sin…
… especially from the perspective of immorality and decadence in our ethical system.

Our modern society is often a rude and mute witness to many inhuman atrocities and abuses, especially against women.
>> The world seems to be more and more losing, the sense of sin!

In this context, it’s shocking to read the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading:
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery in his heart”! (Mt 5:28)

Jesus’ words pierces through the heart!
>> He gives no space for lame excuses and silly explanations…
… he hits straight at the target!

SIN consists not in some external actions alone…
…..but SIN is conceived and given birth in one’s heart!

When we consider the society in which we live in, we find that…
Immorality is on the rise….
>> We pass through cities and towns..
>> We look through newspapers and magazines…
>> We scan across websites, swanky apps and fancy shops…
.. and we find that…  Immorality is, indeed, on the rise!

Immoral pictures, sensual visuals, inhuman portrayal of persons, double-meaning talks have somehow become the order of the day!
>> We are very often surrounded by filth and lewdness in our society.

Just as the God, the Divine Sower sows the seeds of Word of God…
… so, Satan, the Father of Deception scatters the seeds of Immorality and Lust everywhere!

It’s here, that a Christian needs to be on the watch.
>> It is our duty as Christians, to preserve our hearts from this dangerous contagion.

The beatitudes tell us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God” (Mt 5: 8)

We have a duty…
… to preserve ourselves from Impurity!
… to protect others in their dignity and honour!
…to awaken the society which is often, deadened in immorality & perversion!

Let us examine our lives and check.. “Am I becoming a prisoner of my own appetite?”
… being a slave to lustful thoughts or immoral patterns of attitudes
… being indifferent to a society which strips itself of all dignity in the name of liberty and freedom

The Lord very powerfully challenges us to be totally intolerant to casting away sin and sinful tendencies from our life…
>> ” If your right eye causes you to sin… tear it out and throw it away” (Mt 5: 29)
>> ” If  your hand causes you to sin… cut it off and throw it away” (Mt 5: 30)

Sin has no place in a world of mercy and love!
>> Mercy places an obligation that all sin be rid off!
>> Love demands that all wrongdoing be cast away!

Let the words of St Antony of Padua be given heed to:
“Anyone, then, who desires to live chastely in Christ Jesus, must flee not only the mouse of lust, but even from its very scent.”

Let’s awake, Dear Christians…
…  Purify our World and live in Sanctity and Holiness…

Let us free ourselves from the “imprisonment of our appetites” and experience the “glorious liberty” of the Children of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal msfs
  Bengaluru, India

It is said that there are two extremely fatal phrases in the English language. 
>> They are
1. “What is the use?”
2. “Why should I?”

“What is the use?” is the fatal tendency…
… that causes people to look at the world from a purely pragmatic perspective

>> Such a tendency…
…  causes people to lose interest in things and people, if they don’t seem useful and beneficial
… causes people to  manipulate people, things and situations in a way that suits their self-interests

“Why should I?” is the fatal tendency…
… that causes people to look at the world from a resigned and indifferent perspective

>> Such a tendency…
… causes people to rot in lethargy and tepidity and lose the spice of life
… causes people to push the responsibility to other, and themselves slacken in comfort and ease

These two phrases were very much reflected in the “Pharisaic and the Scribal lifestyle” which Jesus, in today’s Gospel invites each us to surpass and overcome.

>> The “What is the use” lifestyle…
… which made them to only flaunt their external piety and lose sight of the unglamorous aspect of devotion

>> The “Why should I” lifestyle…
… which made them to reject any offer calling them to repentance or amend their ways and instead made them to be stuck to their own prejudices and adamant patterns of thought.

Jesus always keeps challenging us!
The Lord loathes laziness and lukewarmness…
>> He loves to keep raising the standard of our holiness and faith!

This challenge is reflected in today’s Gospel Reading.

Jesus says, ” Unless your righteousness exceeds that of Scribes & Pharisees, you can’t enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 20)

The righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees would consist…
… in a lifestyle which insisted only on the exact following of the ‘letter’ of the Law neglecting its spirit
… in a tendency to neglect the fundamental aspects of the Law and focus only on the peripheries

What could be some of the negative aspects of the Righteousness of Scribes and Pharisees, which Jesus condemns…and which perhaps, we need to overcome?

1. They liked to preach…but not practise

We live in a world where there are many people who are good in preaching, writing reflections and advising on spiritual matters.
>> But very often, a massive chasm appears between their preaching and their way of life.

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.

2. They liked to do things to “show-off”

A tragedy of religious practices can be, when things are done not to please God, but to win the approval and endorsement of people.
>> Religious piety and devotions very often become means to have self-gratification of one’s senses, and sadly, even platforms to boast and brag about one’s capacities and capabilities.

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.

3. They liked to make the Word of God, user-friendly, at the cost of God’s Will:

One of the trends in the modern world, is to have all products and gadgets “user-friendly”.

Sadly, this trend is also often applied to the Word of God.
>> The Word of God, its commandments and laws are twisted and condensed and expanded and interpreted and quoted and explained and elucidated – all to suit one’s own comfortable and pleasurable way of life!

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.

Am I in any of these category of peoples??

The Lord challenges us today.. to exceed this sort of a righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.

We need to be people…
… “who walk the talk”!
… “who practice our Faith to Please God and Him alone
… “who live a Gospel-oriented life”

The Gospel ought to mould and shape us – and not we changing the Word of God to suit and justify our secured and comfortable lives!
>> Gal 1:10, says,” If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.”

Our modern world strongly advocates the two fatal phrases of…
… “What is the use?” and “Why should I?”

As followers of Christ, it is our duty and task to go beyond such a “Pharisaic and Scribal Lifestyle”…
… and live as Jesus would want us to!

We need to counter these two fatal phrases, with inspirational mantras…
>> “What is the use?” is to be countered by “All to Thy Glory!”
>> “Why should I?” is to be countered by “To let Thy Will be done!”

Let all our actions and thoughts be directed only to God.
Let our Lives truly be a Good News!
>>  As St Francis of Assisi says, “Preach the Gospel always…use words, if necessary!“

God Bless us! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal msfs
  Bengaluru, India