8 Sep (Based on Feast of Nativity of Blessed Mother Mary)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A teacher in her classroom of Second Standard students, once explained and gave a lesson on the ‘magnet’ and its functions and uses.

The next day, the teacher conducted a written test.

One of the questions in this test was:

“My full name has six letters.

My name begins with ‘M’

>> One of my functions is to pick up things.

>> Another function is to attract things towards me.

Who am I?”

When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to see the answer that was given to this question by over half the class.

Any guesses as to what answer did the children write?

Hmmm….

They wrote the word – “Mother”!

The little children, with their own personal experience had seen and witnessed a Mother being the person..

… who would pick up things ( and especially the children!)

… who would attract to herself (especially the children themselves!)

>> The name “mother” evokes a lot of feelings and emotions…

Love, affection, tenderness, self-giving, warmth, kind-heartedness etc…

>> The name “mother” also evokes a lot of characters and functions…

A life-giver, a care-giver, a consoler, a strength, a forgiver, a refuge…

>> The name “mother” also evokes a long list of works and tasks that she undertakes…(from a modern perspective!)

CEO of the Household, Chef, Cheerleader of a family, Housekeeper, Hair Stylist, Bed-wetting Patrol Squad, Keeper of Secrets, Food Tester, Family Therapist, Toddler Wrestling Coach, Laundry Machine, Teacher, Toy Repair Expert, Finance Manager, Art Director, Potty Trainer, Search and Rescue Manager, Champion Tickler,  Day-care Provider, Personal Assistant for the entire family, Wardrobe Stylist, Toothbrush Inspector, Birthday Events Director, Sleep Scientist, Dramatic Story Teller, Professional Singer, Kiss and Hugs Expert, Speech Specialist, Vacation Coordinator & Tour Guide, Mrs. Fix-It, Stain Removal Expert, Bodyguard, Pet Caretaker, Marketing Director….etc etc…..

Yes, the list is indeed long…very very long…and we can certainly think of many more perhaps!

A simple word – Mother – yet evokes so many powerful functions and feelings.

Today we celebrate the Birthday of the Most Beloved, the Most Loving and the Most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mother Mary!

Our world, in the modern trend, fluctuates between two contrasting approaches towards our Blessed Mother.

1. Minimal devotion to Mother Mary

On one side, there is a highly sad and deplorable ignoring of the honour and the status that is due to our Blessed Mother.

>> Many consider Her only as an “egg-shell”, whose role and relevance completely ceased, after having given birth to Jesus

>> Many consider Her as just any ordinary woman, who “happened” to be picked by God, so that He could “use” Her to fulfil His plan.

>> Many consider Her to be worthy of absolutely no extra honour and mock at Her only as causing a distraction, away from God

2. Exaggerated devotion to Mother Mary

On the other side, there is a “comfortable” and dangerous trend towards exalting Mother Mary to such an extent that She is sometimes accorded the worship of a Goddess or a Deity!

>> Many consider devotion to Her being much more important, much more satisfying and much more easier than to God Himself!

>> Many consider expressing their actions of piety and affection to such an extend that even God is sometimes neglected (especially God in the Blessed Sacrament or in the Holy Word)!

>> Many consider Her to be the source of every blessing, back-door to enter easily into heaven and catalyst to have our every prayer answered, in the way and in the time, I wish!

But both these extreme understandings and approaches towards Blessed Mother Mary need to have a refinement, a filtering and a restoration towards the right perspectives!

Towards this end, the name “Mary” could be expanded, in the following manner, to help in having a truer appreciation, a genuine devotion and a deeper love for Her: MARY  – a Model, an Apostle, a Revolutionary, a Yeast

1. Mary – is the Model for every Christian

Her life becomes a wonderful example to every person who wishes to follow our Blessed Lord.

>> She remains the perfect Model of being attentive to the voice of God, being actively response to His call and being faithfully committed to every task entrusted to Her

2. Mary is the Apostle-par-excellance

As an Apostle of Her Son and Saviour, She always remained in His presence – either physically or in Her thoughts or through Her constant longing for Him

>> She is the Beloved Apostle who had offered Her whole body, mind and soul to the glory of God and fulfilling His every plan

3. Mary is the Revolutionary who dared to do God’s Will

Her Yes to the Plan of God, at the Annunciation and Her continual Yes to His Will, even in the moments of the most extreme suffering had the tenacity and the passion of a True Revolutionary.

>> It is hard to follow God’s Will, especially in some moments of crisis; 

>> It requires extreme courage and unfailing commitment to be always walking in the path of God

She is the wonderful Revolutionary who dared to always seek and do God’s Will in Her life!

4. Mary is the Yeast who silently fulfilled Her role in the plan of salvation

In the Bible, the words of Mother Mary are fairly minimal; yet Her few words and above all, Her dedicated life speaks volumes of Her role in the Salvific Plan!

>> She is the unseen Yeast through whom the mighty Grace of God wonderfully worked to raise up the Author of Salvation!

Blessed Mother Mary is our wonderful and beautiful mother, who deserves our greatest affection and love, in a way that draws us more and more towards Her Son, Jesus.

May we be encouraged by the words of St Maximilian Kolbe: 

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

May the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, help us to deepen our love towards Her, and may we, holding Her Hands, walk in the path of God, more faithfully and strongly committed!

As Fulton J Sheen says:

“The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her. 

>> The more we adore His divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood.

>> The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her.”

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

We Love you, Dearest Mamma! 

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

May we deepen our love for Her Beloved Son and our Saviour, Jesus! 

God Bless! Live Jesus! 

7 Sep (Based on Lk 6:6-11)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A young priest was set for his first preaching.

He had chosen the theme, “Revival in Christian Life”.

Filled with enthusiasm and zeal, he began his sermon and breaking the Word of God.

Within a few moments, the young preacher was able to attract the appeal and attention of the audience.

The reason was not just his eloquence in preaching, his depth in reflection and his conviction in speaking…
… it was also a mispronouncing that was drawing the attention of the audience.

His theme was “Revival in Christian Life”.
But due to his slight speech impediment, it was heard as “Rebible in Christian Life”!

The audience did not mind that, as that was also a tremendous message being put across!

Yes, Revival in Christian Life emanates from having a “Rebible in Christian Life – “Re-Bible!”

>> How strong is my Christian Life centred around the Bible- God’s Word and its proper interpretation?

>> How interested am I in having a deeper understanding of His Word and applying it my daily living?

Or am I a person who gets stuck with my own interpretations and understanding of Scriptures, which fails to evoke any effects in my personal life?

The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with a group of people, who got stuck in their own “comfortable zones” of interpreting and understanding the Scriptures, failing to be open to the True Author of the Scriptures and thus failing to tread the path of mercy, compassion and charity.

The Gospel passage is another Sabbath day controversy.

Jesus is in the synagogue, teaching and proclaiming God’s Word.
>> His words would bring strength and courage to those in despair
>> His teaching would fill with hope those who were stranded on the peripheries of life
>> His preaching would invigorate those who were sapped of energy and felt themselves rejected.

Among those who heard Him in the synagogue, was a “a man whose right hand was withered” (Lk 6: 6)

It’s not mentioned how did he began to have a withered hand…
… maybe he was born so
… maybe he met with an accident
… maybe he had a sickness which made it so

But having a withered right hand had its own implications and difficulties to pose.

Right hand in the Bible, usually refers to..
… being the hand of blessing
… being the hand of strength
… being the hand of labour

So this man with the withered right hand is portrayed as being…
… disfigured in his purpose and goals of life
… pitiable in being rendered weak and sort of helpless

But more than this man with the physical disability, there were also some others, who had a “withered mentality” – the Pharisees

>> They had God, the source and origin of the Law, as their “right hand”
>> They had the privilege of learning and knowing the Scriptures, as their “right hand”

But, unfortunately, we find them with “withered”…
… Their focus on God, the purpose and goal of the Law was “withered”!
… Their opportunity to interpret and understand the Scriptures properly was “withered”!

To the man who had the physically withered right hand, Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Lk 6:10)

Probably these words were also directed or perhaps intended more for the Pharisees who were “withered” in their understanding and mentality regarding the Law and the Author of the Law Himself!

Jesus was asking them to “stretch out their hands” which were withered…
… because they failed to understand the basic purpose of God’s Law which was aimed at reflecting on God’s Goodness and to reflect the same in their lives
… because they were stuck to their own rigid and arrogant interpretation of God’s Word and failed to put into practise the real meaning of God’s Word which is to do good, show mercy and extend charity

Are those words, “stretch out your hand” being directed to us also?

… Are we failing to centre our lives on the Precious Gift that God has blessed us with – His Holy Word in the Holy Bible – and failing to make efforts to read, learn more and understand God’s Word properly and effectively
… Do we consciously cultivate practices which help us to set apart time (on a daily, regular basis) to read the Bible and reflect and shape our lives, in the light of the Holy Word of God?
… Do we remain rigid, obstinate and closed to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us, through different sermons, write-ups, talks etc. on the Word of God and allow transformations to happen in my life?
… Do we be zealous to learn God’s Word more deeply, to know Him more and to cultivate a personal taste to understand the Scriptures better with self-reflection?

Our Blessed Lord invites and exhorts us to have a “Revival in our Christian Lives”
>> And this experience of “Revival” should spring forth from a practice of “Re-Bible”!

May our Blessed Lord help us to have a “Re-Bible” in our Christian Lives and experience “the sweetness of honey” (Ps 119:103) in His Holy Word!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

6 Sep (Based on Mk 7:31-37)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

The world remembers and gratefully raises its heart to God on September 5th for the gift of Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkotta.

A frail woman in stature… but tall and mighty in caring for the needy.
A woman who earned the title of being the “Saint of the Gutters!”

There is a beautiful little anecdote on her life, probably, known to many of us.

As she was cleaning the wounds of a leper, a man observed her.
The sight of the leprous wounds and the horrible stench caused that man to exclaim with disgust, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars!”

In reply, the saintly mother replied:
“Neither would I!
But I would gladly do it for Jesus!”

Love for the Lord and imitation His descending love prompted Mother Teresa to reach out her hands, even to the worst sores and the filthiest wounds!

Divine Love manifests its great power and reveals its glorious splendour, when it descends to even touch the lowliest, the least and the lost!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of Jesus, who was willing to lower to an extent, even to “dirty Himself” in order to touch human lives!

This incident of healing the ‘man who was deaf and had a speech impediment’ is very unique in the fact of the manner in which the miracle was performed.

The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1) testifies to the fact that God created the entire world with His Word!

> God doesn’t need a particular or a fixed procedure to work a miracle or a wonder
> God doesn’t comply to human understandings of causing a divine phenomenon.

Perhaps, here is a reminder for us, in our prayer patterns…

>> In my prayers, do I also make my requests in such a way that I end up even commanding how and when God should answer the prayer?
>> In my intercessions to the Lord, do I act as “God” and even order God the style and manner in which He has to answer our prayers?

Keep in tune with this principle of “God as His own unique styles and patterns”, Jesus, the Word performs a strange pattern in bringing about the healing.

The Gospel says, “taking him (the man who was deaf and with impediment in speech) aside, from the multitude privately, Jesus put His fingers into His ears, and He spat and touched His tongue, and looking up to heaven, He sighed…”

Here is a highly “unclean and unhygienic” style of healing…
>> Putting fingers into the ears…
>> Spitting onto the hands or the finger..
>> Touching the tongue..

Well sounds quite disgusting, right?
(Even while reading this account, some of us might, perhaps, have a “yuck” feeling or a “Gosh! So horrible” feeling!)

But let’s be prepared to face this grand reality….
~~ This is our God!
~~ This is our Saviour Lord!

>> In Jesus, we celebrate a God who is willing to heal even our most painful wounds and cleanse our most sinful sores!

>> In Jesus, we cherish a God who lowers Himself even to the extent of dirtying His hands to purify and refine us!

Am I willing and ready to allow this Daring God, who would go to any extent..
> to win us back to Him
> to bring a wholesome healing in us
… to touch our hidden wounds, our shameful sores and our filthy sinful lives?

This is also a challenge and a call, to us Christians, to imitate our Blessed Lord in lowering ourselves…
… to reach out to the needy and the wanting
… to touch the hearts of the unclean and the corrupt

The beautiful quote of Blaise Pascal says, “The heart has its reason, which reasons know nothing”

Humanly speaking, it might be too unreasonable to enter into the portals of dirt and slimes in the lives of people.

But our Blessed Lord challenges us to imitate Him and offers His Heart of Love to be the “thumb rule” and the basic reason to reach out to all!

Are we prepared to “dirty” our lives in order to extend the charity and mercy of God to all…

…and thus, in the title of the book on Blessed Mother Teresa, make our lives, “Something beautiful for God”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

5 Sep ( Based on Lk 6: 1-5)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

The story goes of a large castle which lay abandoned for a large number of years.

Being considered haunted or jinxed, it failed to have buyers.

But a young man, without giving heed to any of those fears, purchased it.

The castle had a large attic, with a huge number of things being dumped in it.

The man decided to take up the task of cleaning this attic.

While cleaning, the man found, in the corner of the attic, a very old vase, fully covered with dust!

Taking it in his hands, as he began to wipe it with a cloth, the man discovered that it was a priceless item that he was holding on!

It was a Diamond Vase!

Unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered, the Diamond, on being dusted, became a priceless “bonus” for that man.

How often in our lives, we too have many such “Diamond Vases” – unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered.

It’s highly essential that time and again, we dust off the “unnoticed, uncared  and undiscovered” entities in life, to discover their preciousness!

One of such “Diamond Vases” are the precious and timeless truths that can be discovered from the Holy Bible.

Today we shall attempt to “wipe off” the dust from a precious teaching – the Sabbath  – to reveal its greater implications in our life and to discover its preciousness!

The Gospel of the day is another Sabbath controversy.

While going through the grain-fields, the disciples of Jesus plucked and ate some of the heads of grain (Lk 6: 1)

>> But this supposedly forbidden “act of work” was “caught” by the Law Policemen – the Pharisees.

Probably, the disciples had not thought of the fact that they were now enjoying the status of being “special celebrities” – since they were the close associates of the Rising mega-star – Jesus!

>> And mega-stars and special celebrities always get followed, isn’t it?
Each of their movement is followed… Each of their talk is taped!

Thus, Jesus and His disciples also found themselves being followed and observed, in all their actions and talks!

The point of contention was the Sabbath Rule – which as per the Pharisees, rendered the “work of the disciples” – plucking and eating the heads of grain – as being unlawful and therefore, culpable!

When we seek to trace the the original purpose of “Sabbath”, we could consider a couple of aspects:

1. The “Law” of Sabbath at Creation

If Sabbath can be considered as a “Law”, then it goes to say without doubt that the Law of Sabbath was a “principle of creation” itself.

Gen 2: 3: “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, He rested from all the work he had done in creation”

This “Law” of Sabbath therefore, even precedes the Mosaic Law!

It is very interesting to note the pattern of creation that is mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

The Creation is mentioned as happening on a 7-day format.

It can be observed that on all the 6 days, it is mentioned, “evening came and morning followed” (Gen 1:5b, 1: 8b, 1:13, 1: 19, 1: 23, 1: 21b)

>> The phrase or the usage, “Evening came and morning followed” refers to the completing of a day.

But the 7th day doesn’t have this mention!

What is this pointing towards…?

The 7th day is not complete… it is being continued.
It is unending… i.e. Eternal!

Therefore, the 7th Day… the Day on which God “rested” is being continued…. into eternity!

So when God calls to “rest” on a Sabbath day, it could be a reference and a reminder to enter “a rest into eternity!”

That’s wonderful, isn’t it?

>> The Sabbath becomes a reminder that we are created to “enter into a rest with God” which is eternal and unending!
>> The Sabbath becomes a prefiguration of eternal life – the purpose of all our works and activities!

Can we cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….
… we express our willingness to God saying: ” Yes Lord, I am readying myself for the Eternal Rest that you are promising me”!
… we display our eagerness to God saying: “Yes Lord, I am constantly preparing myself to enjoy an Eternal bliss with You!”

2. The Law of Sabbath in the Mosaic Law

The Book of Deuteronomy explicates this Sabbath Law:

”Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labour and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God….
…You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” (Dt 5: 12-15)

The Sabbath Law in the Mosaic Law was a reminder that God was their Rescuer from the land of slavery and therefore, He was their God and they, His people.

Can we also cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….
… we are reminded that we were also once, slaves – to sin.
But our Blessed Lord, has rescued us from slavery and wishes that we deepen our love, commitment and faithfulness to Him, Our Saviour!

… we are exhorted that it is very much possible that we can become slaves again – maybe to sinful tendencies, to money, to power, to position, to various vices etc.
But with constant examination of oneself and a renewing of one’s dedication and pledge to God, we can remain as His own people.

Jesus, by His Divine Wisdom, was able to silence the Pharisees in their arguments and also to tell them the true meaning of the Sabbath.

He declares Himself as “the Lord of the Sabbath” (Lk 6: 5)

Today, we too are reminded of the greatness and true purpose of the Sabbath Law.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we fail to keep the Sabbath Law or perhaps, fail to attach any special importance to it…

The Sabbath Day, sometimes, becomes…
… just another “ordinary” day for us
… a day to indulge in laziness and lethargy
… a day to complete pending works and even ending up doing extra works!

But can we grow beyond such practices and seek to restore the original intents of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath, as being…
… an expression of being willing and being eager to embrace Eternal Life that God promises us
… an expression of thanking the Lord for being our Saviour and growing deeper in Him, with acts of mercy and acts of piety
… an expression of examining one’s life and drawing up resolutions to live a better life of holiness – as an individual,  as a family, as a community and as members of the Church.

A faithful and dutiful keeping of the Sabbath Law is a vital expression of we, as Christians, being a distinct people – chosen to lead all others towards the Love of God!

May we seek the Grace to uncover many more “Diamond Vases” contained in the Holy Scripture, by wiping off the dusts of ignorance, lack of desire to know Him more and indifference!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

4 Sep (Based on Lk 5:33-39)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

John Wanamaker  was an American merchant and a religious and civic leader.
He is considered by some, to be the proponent of advertising and a “pioneer in marketing”.

Once, a neat and handsome young man, applied to John Wanamaker for a job.

This young fellow was told that there was no job for him.

But the young man persisted, “I am wiling to take up any work!”

With a view to get rid of him, Mr Wanamaker said, “The only job I have is the job of washing windows”

“Yes, I am willing” said the enthusiastic young man!

He washed those windows as they never had been.
>> He also showed a great sense of responsibility.

Within a short period, he became the manager of the store.

When this man died, after a splendid service of nearly two decades, Mr Wanamaker said:
“I am willing to pay as high as one hundred thousand dollars for a manager, who can fill the place of the one I lost!”

The young man’s willingness and his committed act of “washing the windows” brought about a change of mentality and won accolades galore!

Today, perhaps, the Church is in a great need for people who are willing to “wash the windows” for the sake of the Kingdom…
… windows which are sometimes dirtied with the dust of ritualism, legalism and relativism
… windows which are sometimes tainted with the stains of corruption, scandals and misconduct
… windows which are sometimes splattered with the blemishes of indifference, injustice and inactions

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus who courageously dares to “wash the windows”, in order to clear away the dust of legal fanaticism, religious rigidity and spiritual gloominess!

The passage in consideration (Lk 5: 33-39) begins with an interrogative complaint by the Pharisees and Scribes, on why His disciples ‘ate and drank’ whereas the disciples of John the Baptist as well as the Pharisees fasted often and offered prayers (Lk 5: 33)

The immediate context of this passage is the Call of Levi, the tax collector and the grand party hosted by him, in honour of Jesus (Lk 5: 27-32)

Jesus, later on, in His ministry would say, “There is more rejoicing over one sinner who repents and returns to God, than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7)

Levi, the tax-collector was called by Jesus to follow Him – an occasion of a “lost sheep” returning back to the arms of the Shepherd!

> It was a moment of great joy and happiness!
> It was a moment of leaving the old self behind and embracing  the newness of Christ!
> It was a moment of immersing oneself in the new life in Christ and being ‘drunk’ with His love!

In this context, when the religious leaders questioned Jesus on why were His disciples into “eating and drinking” unlike the disciples of John the Baptist and Pharisees, who were into rigorous fasting and prayer…
… Jesus gives a fitting reply using three imageries:

1. The imagery of the wedding guests feasting, when the Bridegroom is with them (Lk 5: 34-35)
>> it pointed to the “moments of great joy and happiness, that is experienced” when one recognises Jesus as the bridegroom – the True Love of one’s life and the Primary Purpose of one’s existence (Gal 2: 20)!

2. The imagery of the patched garments (Lk 5: 36)
>> It pointed to the “moments of leaving the old self behind and embracing the newness of Christ”, and putting on the New and Festal Garment of Christ (Gal 3: 27)

3. The imagery of the wine and wineskin (Lk 5: 37-39)
>> It pointed to the “moments of immersing oneself in the new life in Christ and being ‘drunk’ with His love”, and cherishing the experience of discovering the Lord as the true and only source and foundation of happiness in life (1 Cor 3: 11).

In short, our Blessed Lord was pointing to a renewed perspective in one’s relationship with God…

>> Doing away with “legal fanaticism” that cripples one’s life with mere external following of rituals and rubrics
… and instead to discover the real meaning and purpose of one’s actions of piety and religiosity!

>> Doing away with “religious rigidity” that steals away any spontaneity and openness in one’s life of faith…
.. and instead to unearth the freedom that often lies buried, and to relate without any inhibitions with one’s Loving Creator!

>> Doing away with “spiritual gloominess” that casts a dark and ugly veil on one’s practices of spirituality…
… and instead to unwrap the gifts of happiness, trust and genuine bliss that is constantly bestowed by God!

~ Our practise of faith and spirituality certainly is in a constant need of a “cleaning up”!
~ Our understanding and perspectives on religion is in ever need of “sprucing up”!

Else, it can very easily happen, that..
… religion turns out to be a farce
… practices of piety fail to touch and inspire lives
… acts of charity turn out to be hypocritical gestures

May we dare to imitate our Blessed Lord in “washing the windows”, in order to clear the view for a cleaner, fresher and brighter practising of our faith!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

3 Sep (Based on Lk 5:1-11)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

The town of Feldkirch, Austria in 1799 was faced with the prospects of being attacked by the armies of Napoleon.

It was an Easter Day and the sun shone brightly, letting the soldiers of the enemy being spotted.

The Town Council was called together, in haste, to consult what had to be done.
> It was a situation of tension.
> It was a time of immense distress.

After a long period of discussion, the dean of the Church made a proclamation:
“My brothers it is Easter Day!
We have been reckoning our own strength, and that fails.

Let us turn to God.

Ring the bells and have service as usual, and leave the matter in God’s hands.”

It was a hard and (humanly speaking) a risky decision, but they agreed to do as he said.

Thus from the Church towers of Feldkirch, rang the boisterous and joyous peals of the bells, in honour of the Resurrection of the Lord.
> The streets began to be filled with worshippers, hastening to the Church.

The enemy army, on hearing the sudden ringing of the bells, were taken aback with surprise and shock.

They came to a conclusion that the Austrian Army had arrived in order to relieve the place.

So they fled hastily!

The town of Feldkirch were saved from the possibilities of destruction and ruin!

Divine Providence had rescued a tiny town, who placed their trust in Him, from the deathly clutches of a mighty army!

Is my life of faith, characterised by a “Deep Trust in Divine Providence”?

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of the marvels that can be witnessed when one place’s one’s complete trust in the Lord and surrenders one’s life – in action and deeds – to the Providence of the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord is fully into His ministry of preaching and proclaiming God’s Word (Lk 5:1)

The Word was transforming people…
   … and in sometime, a wonderful transformation was to happen to a person, who would become a close.               follower of the Transforming Lord!

The crowds were thronging together, to hear the words of Jesus.
But, “standing by the lake, Jesus saw two boats by the lake” (Lk 5: 2)

The Gospel says that, “the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets” (Lk 5: 2b)

This verse, though little and appears insignificant carries a mighty message: the message of the Power of God’s Providence.

The fishermen, as we would later read, were Simon and James and John and others.
>> They had toiled the whole night… caught no fish, and were now, dejectedly, washing their nets.

The boat was empty – bereft of any fish!

But Divine Providence had a mighty plan in this “barrenness”

>> The emptiness of the boat allowed our Blessed Lord to enter it, and make it His Pulpit for preaching God’s Word!

>> The vacancy in the boat prompted our Blessed Lord to enthrone it, and make it His platform for calling His First Disciples!

Had there been fish in the boat…
  … in all probability, the fishermen would be in it, sorting and cleaning the fish..
  … and would have left no space for the Blessed Lord to preach from it

Had there been a mighty catch that night…
  … in all probability, the boat, filled with the fish, would not have been there
  … and the vehicle of “catching fish” would have missed the chance to be a “podium for proclaiming God’s Word”

Is my life, at this point, empty and barren… like this boat?

>> Maybe its been a long time I have been watching and expecting, patiently and faithfully, for my boat to be filled.

>> Maybe its being a horrible wait, sometimes even leading to frustration and hopelessness, for my boat to be filled

But can I trust Divine Providence, in having a purposive plan for this “emptiness and barrenness”?

Later on, Simon would be asked by our Lord to “put out into the deep and let the nets down for a catch” (Lk 5: 4)

~ It seemed illogical, pointless and hardly reasonable to Simon.

~ It seemed as a confronting questioning of Simon’s skills and abilities in his field of expertise

But Simon “let go” of his own prejudices, tiredness and (possible) humiliation…
   … and Trusted in the Mighty Providence of the One, who would be His Life and Master!

And this Trust did not fail him!

> The net was filled with fish…
>> His mind was filled with feelings of awe…
>>> His eyes were filled with tears of repentance…
>>>> His heart was filled with the joy of surrendering…

Here is a beautiful story of how..
A competent fisherman failed utterly in his field of competence…
.. but is initiated into being a competent fisher of people, for the Kingdom of God!

As Christians, we do claim to be people of faith and belief.

But does this “faith” translate itself into real “trust”?

>> When hardships come in life… I may proclaim my faith with my lips.. But do I “trust” Him to take me through?

>> When emptiness fills my life.. I may perform external works of faith..But do I “trust” Him to utilize my barrenness, in the way He wants?

>> When toils of life yield no results… I may persist in saying that I have faith… But do I “trust” Him to grant me the fruits of labour, in His own time and in His own measure?

And if I really “trust” in the Lord…

… I would be a person of joy, going about my works without anxieties and radiating serenity and calm…
   > even when walking through the valleys of sufferings
   > even when sinking in the deluge of pain  
   > even when surrounded by the clouds of uncertainty!

May the words of St Gregory the Great, whose feast we celebrate today:
“Don’t be anxious about what you have, but about what you are!”…

… remind us of the need to “let go” of our own fears, apprehensions, preconceptions and pride in order to “fully trust” in the mighty power of God’s Providence, and experience His Awesome and Amazing Care for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

2 Sep ( Based on Lk 4: 38-44)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

“Enthusiasm” is a very remarkable word.

This word, “enthusiasm” is derived from two Greek words:
~~ “en” meaning IN
~~ “theos” meaning GOD

So the word “enthusiasm” literally means, being IN GOD!

Therefore, technically speaking…
>> One who is “enthusiastic” is the one who is possessed by God and is passionate about His works
>> One who is “enthusiastic” is the one who is deeply involved in the concerns of God and is zealous for Him

The Gospel of the Day is a classic exhibition of our Blessed Lord who displays a lot of “enthusiasm” in His Mission and ministry.

The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4, verses 31 onwards is a description of the activities of a day in the life of Jesus.

This was a Sabbath day.
And it is being a very long day for the Lord…

The day began with Jesus teaching in the synagogue (Lk 4: 31-32)
>> Amazement and astonishment had filled all those who listened to Him

Then, He cured a man with a spirit of an unclean demon (Lk 4: 33-37)
>> Authority and Power was on display to all those who encountered this healing

Then, He goes to the house of Simon Peter and heals his mother-in-law (Lk 4: 38-39)
>> Personal affection and interest was extended to the chosen disciple of the Lord

Later, at sunset, He heals the various sick and suffering who are brobught to Him (Lk 4: 40-41)
>> Immense compassion and mercy is offered to those in need

Finally, at daybreak, He moves off to a deserted place and proceeds to preach in the other towns (Lk 4: 42-43)
>> Unmatched dedication and commitment for the mission is exhibited by the Lord

One of the outstanding features that is noticed in our Blessed Lord is His absolutely tremendous level of “enthusiasm”.

> Nothing seemed to tire the Lord.
> Nothing seemed to deter Him in His works
> Nothing seemed to fluctuate Him in His focus.

The reason for this was that He was Enthusiastic – “In God”

The Chapter 4 of St Luke had begun with Jesus affirming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Lk 4: 18)

It was this “being in the Spirit” that was the recipe to our Blessed Lord being constantly “on the move” – in Mission with Enthusiasm!

> His Presence brought about a wave of happiness and hope
> His Words helped people to find new meaning and purpose in life
> His Works enabled people to find acceptance and forgiveness in life

Is my life and the activities that I engage in, also “filled with enthusiasm?”

>> Am I able to live my life in joy and happiness, knowing that I have a God who is deeply in love with me, and takes care of my every need and knows my every movement?
>> Am I able to trust the Lord, especially in moments of crises and calamities, and be a beacon of hope in the darkness of tragedies and be an agent of encouragement in the thick of hopelessness?

Our Christian Faith gives us so many reasons to be joyful…to be thankful… and to be “enthusiastic”

When I am “in the Lord”…
… I can always radiate joy
… I can always share love
… I can always spread hope

May we, thus, imitate our “Enthusiastic”  Master, so that every moment of our day can become…
… an opportunity to share a joyful smile and a cheerful word to a sad and gloomy soul
.., an occasion to extend the healing hand of compassion and service to those who are in need
… an opening to spread the love of the Lord and to bring people closer to His Gentle and Merciful Heart

God Bless! Live Jesus!

1 Sep (Based on Lk 4:31-37)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose into prominence during the French Revolution.

In a short span of time, he had gained prominent control of the Continental Europe.

Once, while discussing and planning his strategies, with his staff officers, he spread a large map of the world on the table before him.

Then he put his finger on a kingdom which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole world!”

That red spot was the British Isles.

(The British Isles were identified with the colour ‘red’ derived from its prominence in their flag.

> They were the only force, which Napolean felt, was preventing his plans to capture the entire world)

Probably, in the similar manner, Satan, while discussing and planning his strategies, would spread the large map of the universe.

Then, He would put his finger on a place which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole universe!”

That red spot is the Blood of our Blessed Saviour, shed on the Cross at Calvary!

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.
>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!
>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this expression and dread of the evil one, who is unable to bear the presence of the Divine Saviour.

The Gospel Passage is the incident of the curing of the demoniac (Lk 4: 31-37).

The preceding passage (Lk 4: 1-30) described the dramatic inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus in His home-town, Nazareth.

… Initially, there was a lot of amazement, wonder and awe that was expressed by the people
… But when the Lord, began to explicate His Mission, especially of being a Saviour of all the nations, there was a change in attitude of the people
… The shift from a “goody-goody” expectation of the Messiah to a “challenging” presence, caused them discomfort, and they began to express their anger and infuriation, by seeking to even kill the Lord

But the Spirit-filled Jesus had no stopping…
Nothing could stop Him from continuing His Mission and the Duty entrusted to Him

And so, the Gospel says, “He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching on the Sabbath” (Lk 4: 31)

As the quote goes, “This is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

He was…
… determined in His dedication
… committed to His cause
… purposeful in His programme

Can we also imitate our Blessed Lord in this unswerving fidelity…
>> Oppositions may rock our life…
>> Crises may strangle our hopes…

But can I still continue to hold on to being Faithful to the Gospel and to the ways of the Lord?

This requires the tremendous infilling and a constant seeking and doing of God’s Will in our lives.

It was this purposiveness that enabled Jesus to be a person of authority and evoke astonishment and amazement from His hearers: “They were astonished at His teaching, for His Word was with authority” (Lk 31b-32)

Therefore, when the man who was possessed by the evil spirit, encountered Jesus, “he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” (Lk 4: 34)

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.
>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!
>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

As followers of our Blessed Lord, we too are called upon to become “people of authority and holiness”

> Can I seek to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord…
… so that my Spirit-filled presence will cause the demons of “filthiness, lust, corruption and injustice” to tremble and be cast away?

> Can I make efforts to co-operate still more with the Grace of the Lord…
… so that my life-in-Jesus, will cause the demons of “wickedness, indifference, hatred and pride” to shiver and be chased away?

There is a beautiful hymn, known to many of us, “Are you washed, in the blood of the Lamb?”

~~ When we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, we have the power to stand before the forces of evil
~~ When we are purified by the cleansing might of the blood of Christ, we have the grace to challenge the pressures of Satan

May our lives, washed in the Blood of our Blessed Lord, be a “red spot” which would distort every wicked plan of Satan to conquer this world, and may we shine forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

31 Aug (Based on Lk 4:16-30)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

The Dynamite was one of the most powerful invention known to humans at that time.

It was invented by Alfred Nobel.

When Nobel had invented it, he asked his friend – a Greek scholar-  for a word in Greek, for ‘explosive power’.

The Greek word that was given was ‘dunamis’ – an explosive power!

By itself, a dynamite is fairly stable.

But once combined with an ‘igniter’ it becomes extremely powerful.
(An igniter is something like a firecracker placed inside a stick of TNT to set it off)

It is interesting that the “Power” of the Holy Spirit also has the same Greek word, “dunamis”!

As Christians, at our Baptism and in the further Sacraments, we have received this “dunamis” – Power!
>> We all have the potential within us to be a “Dynamite” – of God’s Love, Mercy and Power!

But the question is…
Do I give witness to this mighty power of the Holy Spirit- ‘dunamis’ – in my life…?
… Or have I been rendered powerless and ineffective, lacking the force of an ‘igniter’?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful display of the Power of the Holy Spirit, by Jesus, as He inaugurates His public ministry at Nazareth.

The public ministry of our Blessed Lord begins with the reading and proclamation of the prophetic words:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Lk 4:18)

The Jewish world had been eagerly waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah.

But Divine Irony had it that when the Messiah did arrive, it was not with a mighty bang, but with a sweet gentleness and calm!

>> He came from a place, that was perhaps, least expected – Nazareth
>> He announced His coming to the public not with any grand show or spectacle – but by just declaring the Word of God with authority

But this humble beginning, that Divine Wisdom planned it so beautifully, would  slowly unleash its mighty power – its “dunamis”!

The mighty words and proclamation by Jesus caused an immediate stir and buzz among the people who listened to Him.

The Gospel would testify to this fact, in the words: “And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth”

However, as the Spirit of God continued to display its mighty power, in the Person of Jesus, there also arose the spirit of division and opposition.

The “all-hailing” and “all -praising” crowd, on realising the demands placed by the Word of God, was getting converted to “being enraged”  and “being infuriated”!

So much was the antagonism that had brewed up that “all in the synagogue were filled with wrath, and they rose to put Him out of the city…” (Lk 4: 28-29)

This then is the mighty dynamite of God’s Mighty Spirit:
>> A Power that arrests the attention of all and causes amazement and wonder…
>>> Yet, A Power that also mightily challenges and confronts!

Each of us, as Christians, possessing the Mighty Power of the Holy Spirit are called to a “Spiritual Dynamite”…
… One which arrests the attention of the people by our witnessing and faithful life
… One which causes people to make an introspection into their lives to turn towards God, even if it results in persecutions

Our Blessed Lord, with the mighty power of the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, became a life-transforming and a society-challenging Dynamite!

>> The unflinching focus and the faithful commitment was His Igniter
>> The deep desire to fulfil His Father’s Will was His Igniter
>> The intense love for His people was His Igniter.

Am I, as a Christian, somehow failing to be a powerful witness and give a mighty testimony to the Gospel?

Can I reinforce the ‘igniters’ of…
> being focussed and faithfully committed
> having a deep desire to seek and do God’s Will
> cultivating an intense love and compassion for His people
… so that my life can be a “powerful dynamite” of God’s Compassionate Love and Mercy?

May St  Raymond Nonnatus, whose feast we celebrate today, intercede for us (Nonnatus = ‘never born’).

He is the patron saint of expectant mothers, childbirth and infant babies.

May this Saint’s deep love for Blessed Mother Mary, help us to also hold our Blessed Mamma’s hands, as we walk with Her, to make our Christian lives, a “dynamite” of Christ’s love and mercy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

30 Aug ( Based on Mk 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

Here is a simple anecdote known to many of us (perhaps in different versions)…

There was soap manufacturer, who professed atheism.
He however had a wonderful friend who was a devout God-believing person – going around different places, preaching the Gospel.

Once, during an evening walk, the soap manufacturer said, “Look around at the evil and wickedness that is prevalent in our world today.

~ People killing each other, mercilessly.
~ Women and children subjected to horrific abuses.
~ Peace and harmony fearing to walk openly, afraid that they would be mangled and devoured by the forces of injustice!

The Gospel that you preach has just not done much good.
Wickedness is so much in the air and seems to be ever increasing!”

The God-fearing friend made no reply to these hard-hitting, yet factual comments until they passed by a little child, who was playing in the mud.
The child had dirtied himself badly.

Discovering his chance, the devout friend said, ” Look around at the dirt and the uncleanness that is prevalent everywhere.

The soap that you manufacture has just not done much good.
Dirt and uncleanliness is so much around and seems to be ever increasing!”

“Oh, but that’s not fair to say!” said the soap manufacturer, “soap is useful only when it is applied!”

“Exactly”, said the preacher-friend, “so it is with the Gospel that I preach!
It i’s effective, only when put to use!”

Has the Gospel of the Lord become effective and meaningful in our lives …?
… or is it remaining unused, and causing us to remain dirtied in sin and unclean in lifestyle?

The Gospel of the Day is a wake-up call to discover the Power of God’s Word to cleanse our lives and to abandon our mentality of ‘just being content’ in having the Gospel as a mere “decorative and ornamental” value in our lives.

The Gospel passage begins on a “complaint note” with the Pharisees and some Scribes, finding fault with the Disciples of Jesus, who ate with hands defiled. (Mk 7:2)

Firstly, isn’t  it pretty ironical, that the Pharisees and Scribes, who were judicious in their keeping of the Law, failed to recognise Jesus, the Author of the Law Himself?!

Jesus was growing in popularity as the Mighty Healer, the Great Preacher and a Powerful Transformative  Force.

But the Pharisees and the Scribes, somehow, failed to discover these Divine elements in Him.
>> Every time they saw Jesus, they would look for something to find fault in Him
>> Every time they heard Jesus, they would sneak a chance to find a loophole in His teachings
>> Every time, they encountered Jesus, they would fastidiously seek to put Him to the test and grill Him

This “Pharisaic and Scribal” tendency is not to be directly condemned or rashly judged…
… They were a group, trying to make sure that Jesus was not any of those false prophets (who were plenty in those days) and wanted to corrupt their pure religion
.. They were also wanting to test and prove the authenticity of “the one who came from Nazareth” and His claims to be the Messiah

However, beyond these “innocent intentions” of the Pharisees and Scribes, it is to be also noted, that this “law-protecting” and “law-fanatic” group of Scribes and Pharisees had also slipped into grave dangerous zones…

>> They were critical..
…but they also drenched themselves in total scepticism and gave no room for any openness to the truth or to God’s Spirit talking to them!

>> They were strict followers of the Law…
… but they had also failed to authenticate their zealous following, with a life of mercy, justice and love, which was the aim and goal of the Law!

>> They declared themselves as being faithful to God’s Law …
… but they had also precipitated this Divine Law into hundreds of man-made stipulations and cruelly insisted on its following, without being aware that God’s basic purposes for the Law were being abandoned and trampled upon!

And so our Blessed Lord, makes a scathing attack  and strongly exhorts them to move from a mere “decorative and ornamental” understanding of the Law towards a radically “transformative and life-changing” practice of the Law.

>> They insisted only on the strict ritualistic washing of vessels and cups and pots..
.,.. But Jesus exhorts them to first cleanse the sinful vessels of their mind and the adulterous pots of their hearts

>> They insisted only on the austere cleansing of their hands..
… But Jesus exhorts them to first wash the defiled fingers of their duplicity and the dirtied palms of their pride

The attack on the Pharisaic and Scribal attack is also a lesson and reminder for us to examine our attitudes in life and to make the necessary changes…

Have I adopted a “decorative and ornamental” understanding of being a Christian, and just be happy to be “called as a Christian”, enjoying some of the privileges and comforts that come along with it…
… or do I allow God’s Gospel to powerfully effect changes in me?

Am I just satisfied with “external cleanliness” – either in just being neat and tidy or in looking glamorous and fashionable or in being constantly bothered only with my external looks…
… or do I take steps to cleanse my heart of all sinful tendencies and to allow the rivers of God’s grace to wash away my inner defilements?

Sin is a deep reality of our lives…
… whether we like it or not… we accept it or not.

Do I be satisfied with just remaining a Christian and “appearing” to be a Follower of Christ, with some basic Church obligations fulfilled…
… or do I truly open my heart to allow God’s spirit to “heal me from within” of all my evil tendencies and social irresponsibilities?

May our Blessed Lord give us the blessing to “put His Gospel into true effect”, so that our lives may shine brightly, not just externally,  but more importantly, from His grace that flows from within.

God Bless! Live Jesus!