Jan 6 (Mk 6:45-52)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Played with li’l children?

When elders play some game, with little children, we usually change some rules of the game.
>> It could be a game of cricket, or football or just passing the ball etc…

We relax some of the rules to make it easy for the child to enjoy the game a little more.

>> Sometimes for fun, we even, play badly, so that the child may win…

>> Sometimes, we even make some adjustments and act as if we don’t know how to play well..

>> Sometimes, we even play, as if we are losing very badly so that the child may enjoy more…

We do a bit of “acting” and do some pretence, in order to see the reaction of the children.

Well…. for the Lord, we too are li’l Children…
>> And no doubt, He too loves to play some tricks with us, His Kids!

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how the Lord loves having “some fun” with us, His Little Kids…

The Lord has performed a stupendous multiplication of the five loaves & two fish among the five thousand men. (Mk 6: 34-44)

He then makes His disciples to get onto a boat, while He retires to enjoy His precious moments with His Abba Father on the mountains, to pray. (Mk 6: 45-46)

>> It’s at that time, the disciples, who are out in the sea, travelling on the boat, face a great storm.

As the disciples are struggling against the waves that hit them and the gushes of wind lashing against their boat, Jesus comes walking on the sea, towards them.

Mark’s Gospel  is very particular in mentioning a strangely overlooked statement: “He meant to pass them by” (Mk 6: 48b)

>> Another translation of this sentence would read, “He intended to pass them by”!

Now, that’s strange, right?

The disciples are struggling for life and are in deep danger… And does the Lord wish to just pass them by?

The boat is to capsize and it’s a terrible resistance against the forces of nature…And does the Lord just want to pass them by?

Did He not see them?
>> Or does He not care?

Well.. this is where we introduce the aspect of the Lord having some “fun” with His children!

On another occasion also, Jesus would do something similar…

On the road to Emmaus, with the two disciples, when they reach close to their destination, Jesus does a similar “prank”

“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus gave the impression that he was going on further” (Lk 24:28)

Yet, on both occasions…when Jesus is called up, He responds positively.

In the boat, when the disciples saw the Jesus intended to pass them by, they cried out in fear.
>> And this prayer… of fear and worry… was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

On the way to Emmaus, when the two saw that Jesus was going away, they requested his presence.
>> And this prayer… of earnestness and desire…was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

Similar situations here…
>> The Lord in a sort of a “prank”… intends to pass by.

It seems that He is not so interested in their concerns…
>> Yet, when they call out to Him… He responds!

Just like elders while playing with children, who “act” for sometime….

Jesus’ “acting” of  being disinterested or “not knowing what to do” pays off…
>> The disciples reach out to Him in earnest prayer…and a miracle is performed!

> The Lord seems to pass by, not because He is not interested in us.
> The Lord acts as if He is passing by, not because He does not care for us.

It is rather just His way of making us to also reach out to Him in prayer

>> Divine disposition does not do away with human actions….
>> Divine help does not rule out human initiatives.

We are not to sit back and wait in passivity for God’s help…
>> We are to call out on Him, in prayer, in faith, in love!

image
Storm in the Lake of Galilee, Rembrandt, 1633

Our lives sometimes have to face the consequence of this “prank” or “acting” of the Lord.

>> We struggle in the boats of our life, against dreadful storms of problems…
>> We row hard with all our might, and sometimes feel that it’s going to be the end of our life…

We get frightened and are afraid that somehow the waves will have the better of ourselves…

And the Lord, just “seems” to pass by

But when we cry out in deep anguish and fear… the Lord hears!

Our anxiety and fears itself becomes a prayer in the Presence of the Lord!
                

Is our life passing through  deadly storms of faithlessness and isolation?

Are the dreadful waves of hardships and miseries assaulting us?

Does it seem that the Lord is “just passing by”?

Lift up the sagging and weary spirits…
The Lord is very much with us!

Lets open our hearts and lives to Him…and hear Him say, “Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!” (Mk 6:50)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jan 5 (Mk 6:34-44)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

 
One of the easiest doubts that crops up in our day to day experience is the “doubt in our abilities”.

>> How can I do the job?
>> How can I be expected to study so much?
>> How can I ever be able to succeed in such a situation? Etc… etc…

Such a doubting of our abilities can leave many of our plans and aspirations to be at a standstill…

The Gospel of the Day brings us face-to-face with such kind of a situation – a situation of “doubts in abilities”

It was a late evening…

The Lord had finished preaching the Word of God to a large crowd of people.

>> The disciples sensed that it had got too late and requested the Lord to send the people away, so that they could fetch some food for themselves.

“This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mk 6: 36)

But the Lord had different plans… as always!

>> The Lord loves to challenge us in our comforts…
>> The Lord loves to let loose our  lethargic leanings…
>> The Lord loves to instigate our insipid inhibitions…

He tells the disciples, “Give them some food yourselves” (Mk 6: 37)

This statement came as a shocker for the disciples….

” Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” (Mk 6:37)

>> The disciples were not prepared to accept the challenge of the Lord…

They perhaps thought from a financial point of view… It would be too expensive to feed so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought –  “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a sociological point of view… It would be too impractical to handle so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought –  “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a comfort point of view… It would be a botheration for us to look after so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought –  “How can it be possible?”

>> Logic sometimes tells us that some things are too hard.
>> Reason sometimes prompts us that some situations are too bad.
>> Brain sometimes puts forward that some circumstances are beyond our control.

But the Lord invites them to look at the strength of their ability… which is He Himself!

>> When problems come, we often “doubt out abilities” because we look only into ourselves…
We fail to look to the Lord, who is the solution to our problems.

>> When difficulties encompass us, we often “doubt out abilities” because we think that we are the master of everything…
We fall short of recognizing the power of God, which is, in fact, our true strength

>> When crisis befalls us, we often “doubt out abilities”, because we get totally tensed and worried within ourselves…
We do not look up and see the hand of God, waiting to lead and guide us
 

The Disciples, who were “doubting their abilities”, finally let themselves into the ways of the Lord…
>> And then the miracle happened!!

image
Mosaic of fish and loaves, 5th century, Tabgha

>> When we entrust everything into God’s hands, miracles occur…
>> When we have faith in the mighty Providence of the Lord, wonders take place…

> Before the Lord… logic can dissolve!

> Before the Lord… reason can be floored!

> Before the Lord… brains can be put to shame!

Yes…
… Life will continue to challenge us with problems, wherein we “doubt our abilities”
… Life will always ambush us with painful difficulties, wherein we “doubt our abilities”

>> Let all those moments, be a chance for us to allow the Lord to multiply His blessings in us.

>> Let all those occasions, be a opportunity for us to let the Lord to increase His grace in us.

As St Paul of the Cross tells us, ” Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of His goodness, where every failing will be cancelled and every anxiety turned into love.”

Let us throw ourselves entirely into the care of our Divine Compassionate Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jan 4 (Mt 4:12-17,23-25)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

One of the subtle, taken-for-granted, yet successful techniques in life, is “withdrawal”.

(This “withdrawal” is NOT in the psychological sense of alienating oneself or going into an isolated state of mind)

This technique of “withdrawal” is seen in many areas of life….

While playing chess, as part of a clever strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, in order to have a better control over the game.
>> This withdrawal is in order to alter the line of attack…
>> This withdrawal is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic (especially through the Indian roads), one “withdraws” one’s vehicle for some time, by slowing down…
>> This withdrawal is to allow a little more space ahead, so that we can overtake faster…
>> This withdrawal, by slowing down for few seconds, helps to find more empty spaces to go ahead faster…

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not a sign of weakness or surrender…
>> Rather, it’s a tactic to plan better and enhance organizing.

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not an indication of admitting defeat or submissiveness…
>> Rather, it’s a method to make more progress and find better ways out.

The Gospel of the Day begins with a mention of ‘withdrawal’ by Jesus…

“When He heard that John had been arrested, Jesus withdrew to Galilee” (Mt 4:12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus had already begun preaching about the message of repentance.

King Herod, in Jerusalem, had to also face the “naked truths” of the preaching of John.
>> Living in immorality, King Herod had been strongly condemned for his actions, by John
>> Practicing adultery, King Herod had been angered greatly by the bold exhortation of John

And so, King Herod had John the Baptist arrested.
>> The “Voice” had been stifled!
>> The “Voice” was suppressed!

St Matthew, however, says, that on hearing of John’s arrest, “Jesus withdrew”.

>> Was it a withdrawal out of fear?
>> Was it a withdrawal because Jesus got intimidated by King Herod?

Surely No!!

Why was it not an action of fear?

Because….

… Galilee, the place where Jesus withdrew, was equally a dangerous place since it was also under King Herod’s rule

… Jesus would display a far greater exhibition of courage, bravery and boldness than even John, by His ministry of Authentic Preaching and Awe-inspiring wondrous deeds.

… God in His Divine plan wanted Jesus to perform much of His ministry in the Gentile region of Galilee.

>> Galilee was certainly not the most obvious place for the Messiah to begin His ministry.
>> Galilee was part of the Northern Kingdom of the nation, which was ruled by ungodly kings…
 
The population was mixed in race and looked down upon by the Jews of Judah & Jerusalem.
> The people of Galilee were considered to be somewhat pagan in their spiritual life.

Yet, as part of His Divine strategy, Jesus “withdraws” to this most improbable place of Galilee to launch His ministry of Spiritual Revolution of the world.

Life sometimes makes us to “withdraw”…

>> In a situation of trouble and crisis, we need to sometimes “withdraw” into our selves and find time with the Lord, in order to assess and evaluate our circumstances.

>> In our dealings with others, we need to sometimes “withdraw” some of our words, expressions and feelings, in order to preserve and strengthen our relationships.

>> In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give sometime for ourselves and thus be able to perform better.

Life is not always rosy and life is not always a cakewalk.
>> Difficulties and struggles are ready to very often pounce on us.
>> Crisis and situations of terror are waiting to grab us by the neck.

Just like our Dear Lord, who is the perfect strategist and the ideal planner, we too need to take control of our lives, by giving time for “ourselves” even if needed to “withdraw” at certain times.

>> This withdrawal is not a retreat into depression…
…  rather a time of preparation with the Lord.

>> This withdrawal is not falling into anxieties…
… rather a time of charging with the power of God

Let us become a powerful witness to Jesus, the Light of the Nations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jan 3 (Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

A well known story goes of a holy monk, who was once visited by a young man.

The young person asked him, ” I want you to tell me how to find God”

The monk was a muscular person.

He told the man, “Do you really want to find God?”

The man said, “Oh Yes, I want to!”

So the monk took the man to the river.

When they reached the place, the monk grabbed the young man by the neck, and held his head down water.

At first the man thought, that this was a special ritual.

But even after a few minutes, the monk did not let go.

The young man began to struggle
>> But the monk would not leave him.

The young man try to fight harder to be released!

> But the monk would not release.

The young man struggled to breathe in some air…

.. but the monk kept him in.

Finally, after a long time of struggle, the monk pulled out the young man from the waters and told him:

” When you desire God as much as you longed for the air, then you will have the Epiphany of God!”

The Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs, sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany”, means…

>>  Appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…
… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

image
Adoration of the Magi, Luca Giordano

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

This single focus and dedication…
… Impelled them to move forward with determination
… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles
… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory… ?
… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for one’s self glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions… ?
… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focussed on the Star –  a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

>> As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace,  they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

>> But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!
>> (pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

Where do I seek the Lord?

>> Do I faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

>> Do I seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?
… Or do I get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?

The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their choiced gifts – fit and appropriate.. ( Mt 2:11b)

> Gold for Jesus, the King
> Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest
> Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…
… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain
>> But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…
>> Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?
… or, is the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…
>> Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?
>> Take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian life, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

>> He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” ( Rom  sinful, broken, wounded -just as we are…

..  So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation ( “Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us to…
… Examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…
>> Let us seek the Lord deeper
>> Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place
>> Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

May we deeply desire for the Lord, and thus be worthy to enjoy the ecstasy of the Epiphany of God!

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God bless! Live Jesus!

Jan 2 (Jn 1:19-28)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:
…getting to know His/Her name…
…getting to know His/Her occupations…
…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to ” know more” about John…
>> His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

>> We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.
>> We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.
>> We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…
… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.
… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.
… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….
… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

>> People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.
>> People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.
>> People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.
And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

>>> He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)
>>> He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)
>>> He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)
>> He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

>> A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.
>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

>> When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

>> When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

>> When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …
… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….
… plunge us into a deep struggle
… make us to fear life and people
…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…
… “What really is the purpose of my life?“
… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”
… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

>> I am God’s Child….
…  in this is my true identity.

>> I am the witness to the True Light…
… in this is my true role in life.

>> I am a Voice in the wilderness…
…  in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

>> I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…
… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

image
St John the Baptist in the wilderness, Guido Reni, 1625

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
..  of the Year 2016!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jan 1 (Solemnity of Mother of God & The New Year)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments
A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.
 
This device helps us to check the heat in the body…
 
>> When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.
 
>> When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we that have gone cold.
 
>> When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.
 
 
The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.
 
Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!
 
The heat levels however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies…
>> When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.
>> When we are cast down with problems and spirits are low, the thermometer shows a low level.
>> When we are bland and just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.
 
 
 
What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time??
 
 
 
We are on the first day of the New Year…and on the 8th day after Christmas –  the Octave Day.
 
 
We notice that the hustle & bustle of Christmas, the celebrations & merriment of the Festival are slowing waning down…
>> The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the stars which were brightly shining have faded away…
>> The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today…
>> The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, seems to have reduced…
 
 
Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?
 
But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.
 
 
This Octave Day of Christmas, fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a reminder to this fact…
 …that Christmas is not a one day event; rather a celebration for life.
…that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow everyday
 
 
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and the devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.
 
However, often there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.
 
 
But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually…
 
Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus
 
Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man
 
Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the fully God and fully Man.
 
And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!
 
 
>> In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.
>> In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare emphatically the divinity and humanity of Jesus.
 
 
 
The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…
 
>> We are assured of a Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord, when we face crises, problems and difficulties.
 
>> We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.
 
>> We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.
 
>> We are exhorted to totally committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.
 
 
On this first day of the New Year, the Lord invites us to check & examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer….
 
>> Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?
 
>> Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
 
>> Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?
 
 
Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith & Love.
 
 
Wish you a Very Happy Feast of  Blessed Mamma!
 
Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2016!
 
 
Yes, may we always Live Jesus!
God Bless!

Dec 31 (Jn 1: 1-18)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

Let’s play a game together…

(I know, it will be a bit impractical to play… yet, let’s give it a try )

As they say, “there is no harm in trying something to achieve something worthwhile in life!”

The name of the game is ” Guess the Word!”

Ok.. Ready?

Here we go…

All that you need to do is to “Guess which word am I thinking now…!”

>> Yeah, you read it right… Simply guess the Word that I am thinking of… now!

Did I hear someone say “God”?

Well… You are wrong!

“New Year?”… Wrong again!

Hmmm… ” Resolution?” … ” Cross?”… “Celebration?” … “Chocolate?” … “Christmas?”

Sorry… but they are wrong…

Another try?.. Ok….

“Selfie?”…” Food” …”Suffering?” … ” Mass?” … “Books?”… “Flower?”… “Sleeping?”… or some other words?

Well.. sad to say… all your guesses turned out to be wrong!

The right answer…. the word that I am thinking of now is… is…” Pencil!”

Did anyone get it right?
>> I doubt…

If you ask me, why was I thinking of a “pencil”.. I will say, “Well, just simply! No reason”

It would have taken you a very long time to guess that word?
? and probably, you would even have never ever guessed that word!

Not that it was too difficult or something abstract…

But simply because there is almost no other way you can think the Word that I have in mind, unless I myself tell it to you!

The point is?? “The Word that was thought” will be known clearly only if it is “revealed”!

.. Is it not?

Now let’s take this concept of “Guessing the Word” to the Divine Realm….

Human Beings at every point of time in every civilization., every culture, have sought to know and establish a link and relationship with the Divine

…. to know what is the mind of the Divine…
… to guess what is the plan of the Almighty…
…to discern what is the thought of the Supernatural…

>> Some philosophers sought to crack this code by drawing out many theories…
>> Some sages and prophets spent time in deep contemplation and wrote many literatures…
>> Some noble thinkers dedicated their entire lives to put forward doctrines and teachings…

> Some of these we call it as religions.
>> Some as way of life.
>>> Some as philosophies of life.

But none of them were able to clearly know and discern the Divine.

It was just as we played the “guessing the word” game…
>> Many of the guesses were attempted.. some were close…yet, none were fully right!

The Word in the mind of the Divine, would be known clearly only if it is revealed!

And that spectacular instant of revelation is what we call as Incarnation of the Word!
>> The Divine Historic Moment when the Almighty revealed His Word is called Incarnation!

We read in today’s Gospel reading.. John 1: 14, “And the Word became flesh!”
>> The Word in the mind of God took human form in Jesus!

Jesus is the visible, the revealed and the manifested Word of God!
>> Jesus is the Son of God… Jesus is God, the Son!
>> Jesus is the Word made flesh… Jesus is God in human flesh!

What is the impact of this most unique and most spectacular event of history… Incarnation?
>> Humanity which had strayed away from God, now has found another chance to be re-united.
>> Human beings steeped in sin, were provided with an opportunity to be saved and redeemed.
>> Humanity is empowered not with abstract human teachings, but by the Divine Person Himself

>>> This is what makes Christianity different from all other ways of life or religions…

>>> This is what makes Christianity unique among all other philosophies of life…

> It is utter absurdity for philosophers, for the Infinite to become finite…
> It is purely mythical for the naturalist, for the Transcendent to be understood…
> It is totally unscientific for the rationalist, for Fullness to be reduced to limitedness…

But This is The Truth.
>> This is the Reality.
>> This is the Fact.

In Incarnation? the God of Love was now wrapped in human flesh.

… the Almightiness of God moved in a human arm.

… the Love of God now beat in a human heart.

… the Wisdom of God now spoke from human lips.

… the Mercy of God reached forth from human hands.

You & I are the beneficiaries of knowing the answer of this game “Guessing the Word? which humanity was engaged with the Divine, for centuries!

Jesus is that answer!
>> And Jesus can be the answer to all the problems and difficulties of our lives.

>> Have we allowed Him – Jesus, the Word – to take flesh in ourselves?

>> Have we permitted Him – Jesus the Word – to have an impact in our lifestyle?

>> Have we consented to Him – Jesus, the Word – to become the centre and totality of our lives?

We are on the last day of the year.. and at the threshold of yet another New Year…

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year 2015…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments

Let us also realize that…
… There can be no spectacular resolve
… There can be no greater discovery
… There can be no better resolution
… There can be no higher decision
… than to allow Jesus, the Word to take firm and absolute control of our lives!

Are we ready to usher in the New Year- 2016, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us?

Yes, He is The Only Way… The Only Truth.. The Only Life – JESUS, THE WORD REVEALED AND MADE FLESH!

Thank You Lord for the Year 2015.
>> We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in 2016!
God bless! Live Jesus!

Dec 30 (Lk 2: 36-40)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS3 Comments

There is a quotation by William Barclay, a famous theologian:
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why!”

One of them is easier and simpler than the other.

One is just a date and a moment in history.
>> It could be something like the 28th of November or the 7th of March or the 14th of July etc…

This was the day, we first made our appearance on this earth.

This day is special….

The other day is also special…but it’s not easy to discover it!

In fact, it is an arduous task and a patient undertaking.

>> That is day we figure out why we are on this Planet Earth.
>> That is the day we come to a greater realization of our Life.

The first day tells that I am here in this earth!
>> The second day would tell us “why” I am here on this earth!

To discover this meaning and purpose of life and seek to live it fully well, will make our lives satisfying and truly happy.

>> It could happen in one day?
>> It could happen over a period of some years?
>> It could happen over one’s whole lifetime!

Yet, the most important thing is to “keep seeking for it and be alert for its discovery”
>> Am I in this all-important process of discovering “Why I am born in this world”?

The Gospel of the Day will point out today to a person who discovered greatly this aspect of the purpose in life, and dedicated her whole life for it – Anna, the Prophetess.

We are still in the festive passages of Christmas – the Nativity of our Saviour.

Joseph and Mary have brought their Beloved Child, Jesus, to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

After the ritual purification rites and customs, the Holy Family of Nazareth is encountered by Simeon.

>> He who was docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit discovered the Glory of God.
>> He who was patient and constantly in quest, was blessed with the true meaning of his life.

At the same time, another woman was also eagerly waiting for the Messiah…in constant eagerness and longing…Anna!

‘Anna’ is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means, ?grace.?
>> Like the Old Testament Hannah, this Anna is also characterized by prayer and fasting

She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
>> Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Asher is considered to be one among ten of these tribes, which had strayed away from the path of the Lord, that were taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC, before the northern Kingdom fell.

However, ?some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem? (2 Chr 30:11).

So, Anna belonged to that small remnant of the tribe of Asher, that had humbled itself to seek protection & providence in the Lord.

Anna was, however, a widow?
>> She was a widow for a very very long time…
? for over seven decades, she had been a widow.

>> It was a tremendous grief to live so long without the love of a husband.

>> It was a dreadful challenge to struggle for survival and existence as a widow.

Sorrow can cause two consequences to a believer….

>> It can make one hard, bitter, resentful and rebellious against God
or?
>> It can make one kinder and dependable on God!

>> Sorrow can cause our faith to be spoilt
or…
>> Sorrow can cause our faith to take deeper roots!

Anna, the widow, chose the better part!
>> She chose to reveal and revel in the Grace of God and live a Gracious Life!

And this process of her discovering “why she was born in the world” made her to…

1. Practice a life of purity: She lived in holiness and integrity.

2. Pray constantly: She lived in the temple continually and was incessantly fasting and praying

3. Persevere Patiently: She battled loneliness and depression and persevered successfully to meet the Lord.

4. Proclaim Boldly: She challenged others in their cozy life by proclaiming the Messiah and His promises!

Life is constantly calling and challenging us to discover “the day why I am born”

It’s easy to while away our time in comforts and pleasures of this world.
>> But that will certainly not serve the goal of our existence here on this earth.

Each of us have a specific task and responsibility entrusted by the Lord.
>> This role is proper to our own vocation as in family life or in a consecrated life.

In God’s precious eyes, there are no small or great responsibilities.
>> He values and treasures each and every duty -small or big- with equal measure.

Every task, when performed with immense love and dedication has its greatness.

Anna, the old lady, “Young and Vibrant at Heart” teaches us today…
? To pursue what we are to be…to discover “why I am born”…to prevail in our aim!

…by Practicing a Life of Purity
… by Praying Constantly
… by Persevering Patiently
…by Proclaiming Boldly!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Dec 29 (Lk 2: 22-35)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

Mobile phones come with this option of keeping it in the silent mode.

Usually in a silent mode, one fails to notice a call.

But if one has been eagerly and excitedly waiting for someone’s call, it will be received, even if the phone is kept in the silent mode..
>> Right?

Great blessings from God often come to us silently and quietly.

But the one who is waiting eagerly and patiently excited, receives these blessings even in the silent mode of events…

Such was the case when the Lord was born…

The Messiah was promised long back.. centuries ago.
>> Yet, when we go through the accounts of the Bible, it seems that most people were not ready to receive Him…

> King Herod never seemed to be ready for such a happening..
> The Scribes and Scholars of the time never seem to have expected…
> The rich and the powerful people of Bethlehem failed to have any notice of Him…

Hardly anyone knew when and where the Saviour – the Little Babe was born!

It seemed like a call on the mobile phone that is kept in the silent mode!

>> Silently, the precious gift was delivered…
>> Without and fuss or fanfare, the marvelous treasure was presented…

But there was also a slender group of people, who were waiting for this Blessed Fortune…
>> There were some who were waiting eagerly and patiently excited..

Among this tiny set of persons was Simeon!

In some dramas, we see some characters who appear on the stage just once… speak a few crucial dialogues or perform some significant deeds…and they disappear…never to be seen again…

Simeon is one such figure…

We know nothing about his background, his hometown, his education, or even his occupation.

We assume that he was an old man?but even that is not explicitly mentioned.

He simply appears on the stage of salvation drama for a few moments…
>> After his part is over, he fades from the scene, never to be heard from again!

We however, do know….that this Simeon was waiting eagerly for the Lord.

We could just imagine how Simeon would have gone through his days of waiting for the Saviour of the world…

>> Every time some couple walked in with child, Simeon would have asked, “Could this be the Promised Messiah?”…

Finally, when Mary and Joseph walked in with the child Jesus…Simeon sensed the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

However, looking at them, perhaps, a doubt would have arisen in his mind…
>> “Could the child of this simple and ordinary parents really be the Messiah?
>> The man seems to be some ordinary carpenter sort of…and the mother looks so ordinary a peasant girl.
>> Is it really possible that the Messiah, the Promised Saviour of the Universe, be having such simple and ordinary parents?”

And probably, the voice of the Holy Spirit would have boomed into the ears of Simeon…

“YES!
Truly.. .there is the Messiah.. the One promised by God!

“Human beings seek external appearances….but God chooses by His own Divine standards.
Doubt not… but go and meet Him, who was promised for ages!

Believe firmly…and encounter the One who is the Salvation of the world!”

Do I seek and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in my life?

It could come through various formats?
>> Inspirations… Thoughts… Circumstances…Other people… Commandments of the Church.. Bible.. Challenges in Life…etc…

Do I be in patient waiting and constant vigilance to hear this voice of the Lord?

>> Sometimes we cast away inspirations and feelings as trivial and minor…
>> Sometimes we discard some people as just insignificant and unimportant…
>> Sometimes we pass of situations and circumstances as ordinary and common…
>> Sometimes we reject commandments and teachings as outdated and obsolete…

But the Lord…through the patient and ever-watchful Simeon, today, invites us to always be on the watch to listen to the promptings of the Spirit…

We sometimes miss important calls when our phones are kept in silent mode…

Let it not happen so with the movements of the Spirit…
>> Let us always be observant and alert…

The Spirit is talking.. the Spirit is moving…
>> Are we listening?
>> Are we aware?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Dec 28 (Feast of the Holy Innocents)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS2 Comments

Christmas is a time of great celebration and festivities.

The time after Christmas is often a phase of getting through with many cakes, sweets, food…
>> The foodstuff prepared for the occasion often exceeds the required amount and thus, it needs a few more days to consume it fully….

Something similar also happens in the spiritual realm…

For many people, the spiritual significance of an event like Christmas cannot be absorbed and completed in a day.

It’s like trying to comprehend the grandeur of some magnificent places like the St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican or the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Niagara Falls or other greater and dazzling sites, in one walk-through.

It’s not too easy.
>>We have to return back to those experiences, in order to grasp greater, the beauty and the splendour.

So it is with the spectacular event of the Nativity..

We need more time to comprehend about the Christmas Night, more time to understand the Virgin Birth, more time to realise that God came down to earth as a tender Babe for our salvation etc…

As a result, the Church gives us seven additional days to contemplate these divine mysteries.

These extra days on the liturgical calendar, along with the feast day – eight in total – is called as The Christmas Octave.

Every day of the Christmas Octave is filled with meaning that reflects back on the Nativity – not just the birth of Christ, but the impact, the reality and the consequence of that birth in the lives of different people.

It’s interesting to note that each of the three days following the Feast of Christmas, commemorates a different type of martyrdom…

1) Dec 26th – the Feast of St Stephen – the Martyrdom of the Will, Love and Blood:
>> By His powerful witness, St Stephen was stoned to death in act that was completely willed by him, totally offering his Love for Jesus & shedding his blood.

2) Dec 27th – the Feast of St John – the Martyrdom of the Will and Love:
>> By a life of immense faithfulness & total dedication, lived with a tremendous passion and fervour, St John suffered the martyrdom of the Will and of Love.

3) Dec 28th – the Feast of the Holy Innocents – the Martyrdom of Blood:
>> On coming to know of the birth of Jesus, King Herod ordered that males under the age of two should be executed. These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love, became martyrs of Blood. (Mt 2:16)
>> Their innocent blood came in defence of the blood of their Divine Contemporary – Baby Jesus, who would grant salvation to them by His Precious Blood!

On this fourth Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 28th, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of The Holy Innocents – the martyrs of Blood

The news that a new King of the Jews was born, caused great ordeal for King Herod (Mt 2: 3)
>> He became all the more furious, when he heard that the Magi had deceived him (Mt 2:16)

The easiest solution found was to kill all the males under the age of two.

To react negatively, in a situation of hardship, often seems to be the easiest way out.
>> But it is an extremely cheap and low way of going about

But Herod fell into this snare of “negative reaction” and had little babies killed.
>> These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love, became martyrs of Blood. (Mt 2:16)

St Augustine would say, “they are the first buds of the Church killed by the frost of persecution; they died not only for Christ, but in his stead!”
The number of children killed is uncertain.

There are a number of views on the actual number of children who were killed.
>> The Byzantine Liturgy (Greek) says that Herod killed 14, 000 boys
>> The Syrian Liturgy speaks of 64,000.
>> Another scholarly study suggests that Bethlehem was a very small town, at the time of Jesus, with a population of maybe 300. The number of children below the age of two could be very less – maybe six or seven.

But the fact remains, that it was a tragic gravely foul and grievously painful.

The death of the little children is a reminder that our earthly life is a pilgrimage…
… to be oriented for the eternal life in heaven
The dreadful massacre of the innocent children can easily cause a question to arise in us:
>> Why did God allow the helpless death of the children before their own parents?
>> Why did these little children have to be murdered, for saving the Divine Child?
>> Could not God have planned a noble way of saving Him?

Such questions can easily cause our faith to be disturbed or even be scandalised by the ways of God
But it brings home an important truth: Our earthly life is a pilgrimage.
>> No one knows how long we will live – some die in infancy, some in their old age; some die prepared, some suddenly and tragically.

This is the reality that we find in the world – we like it or not, we accept or not.
It therefore, is a call for us, to nurture life in the best way possible …
>>> Our own lives by living in holiness and fidelity to the Will of God
>>> Preserving, nurturing and enhancing the lives of others – including the little infants in the wombs.
This commemoration of the Holy Innocents is a reminder to open our eyes to see the tragedies of the world and become courageous torchbearers of justice

This passage of King Herod and the Holy Innocents, might sometimes seem to be like…
… “the unwarranted bone” in the tasty meal of Christmas
… or the “jarring note” in the melodious music of Christ’s Nativity.

We often like to live in “cosy and comfortable” situations – even if it means, closing our eyes to the stark and tragic realities of life

But it is the obligation of every Christian to “get out of every comfort zone”…
… and enter into the “suffering sections” of the society, and give them hope, consolation and life.

The “cry of the mothers of the innocent children”…
… Mt 2:18 – “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation”…
is also a “Carol”, that is heard every Christmas

Yes, may we deeply understand that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a “festival of fun or frolic”…
… but also should lead us to hear the many “cries of innocents” today – the oppressed and the abused, the voiceless and the helpless, the sinful and the lonely etc.

Salutations to the Holy Innocents and Glory to the Divine Babe, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!