“Again, the kingdom of is like a net which was thrown into the sea ...”(Mt 13:47)

 “Again, the kingdom of is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.”(Mt 13:47)

This word of the Lord really encourages each and everyone, for it tells us that the kingdom of God is open to all, good and evil, weak and strong, rich and poor etc. It really gives the impression that everyone has a place in it. That is well and good! But, as we go reading ahead what we find is something different it seems. It reads, “When the net is full, they pull it to shore and sit down to divide the fish; the good ones to go into their buckets, the worthless ones are thrown away.” “What a cheating, it was!” I spoke to myself. Then, I asked Lord Jesus, why is it? Jesus explained to me like this, “I was very gracious to all, forgiving each and every one but they all didn’t abide in my love.” After a while I answered, yes, Lord, now I understand why on the mound of Calvary, your cross was adorned by two thieves, whom were later named one good and the other bad. Yes, Lord, now I understand why Peter was made the pastor and Judas lost himself forever. Yes, Lord, now I understand while all the invitees enjoyed the dinner, the one who was without marriage dress couldn’t.

Lord, let us understand and realize that though your call is a gratuitous gift, unless we respond to it faithfully, the kingdom of God will be lost forever. Lord, give us today the grace to respond to your call with repentance, love, faithfulness, and gratitude. Amen.

               

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“A man is looking for fine pearls, and when he finds one that is unusually fine,..." (Mt 13:45)

 “A man is looking for fine pearls, and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.”(Mt 13:45, 46)

Fine and excellent! What a sacrifice he does, or how zealous he is, everything very well! However, when I meditate on this word of the Lord, what comes to my mind is something different. This seems to me as the first part of the story. The story will be complete only when we know the second part. What Jesus says is very true that when compared to the value of the kingdom of God, whatever I have now is nothing. Now what happens to the man after possessing the pearl? Many people are very enthusiastic in finding out a new job, marrying a girl whom he loves, achieving a profession he longed for, constructing a house he dreamed of etc. And for that he goes certainly to any extent it demands.

In the second part, after achieving their goal, we find many are disinterested, desperate or even are against their own life, whether it is in the secular world or in the religious world. Jesus warns the Pharisees, “You hypocrites! You sail the seas and cross whole countries to win one convert; and when you succeed, you make him twice as deserving of going to hell as you yourself are!.. Do we have these scenes in our homes, in our institutions, or in our communities? Modern man in his pride thinks that he can buy anything and anyone he desires. He wants to get something valuable to exhibit before others, even his wife, his religion, and job etc. Not for him, but to keep up “the social status.” “My wife is a doctor” he is proud of. What is she doing? “She is a housewife.” What a pride! It is not in possessing something but living for it, with it, makes you really a man.               

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died!”(Mt 13:32)

“If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died!”(Mt 13:32)

Martha is just that; a simple woman. Whether in the gospel of Luke (Lk 10:38-42) or in the gospel of John (Jn 11:1-12:8) she is very plain and straight forward. Of course, she doesn’t know much of today’s artificial smiles or behavior. Still I like her character, personality very much. Whenever her friend Jesus was guest to her house she was a very busy happy host and servant, and whenever she was sad and sorrowful Jesus had to be her real consoler. Whenever felt left alone she was so much worried and wanted to be supported by her friends, especially of Jesus. Many relatives and friends were there to console her at Lazarus’ death. But as she heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. Because she believed he only could give her the real consolation. And today we celebrate with solemnity the feast of this simple, plain saint, Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary. On this feast day of Martha, let ask our Lord Jesus Christ for the special graces we need today to be simple in our lives and always depend on Jesus and love him sincerely.

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“Mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants...”(Mt 13:32)

“Mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches.”(Mt 13:32)

Today we celebrate with much pomp and enthusiasm the feast of St. Alphonsa, the first Indian saint. She lived a life of anguish and suffering within the four walls of Franciscan convent. And all these sufferings were offered to God the father with so much love for Jesus; a living and holy sacrifice. The word of the Lord today reminds us of a mustard seed, the smallest of all the seeds, which falls into the ground, dies and grows into a big tree. When it grows into a tree many birds come and make their nests in its branches. We are all happy to celebrate the feats of our saints with vigor and vitality. Many advertisements and programs are there as part of these celebrations. May the Lord help us to live the charisma of St. Alphonsa. Let us remember that when we are tested in faith through suffering and anguish nobody shall be with us, except our God who strengthens and consoles us. He is kind and steadfast in his love. Those moments of sufferings where we felt left alone in our life are really the moments of great joy before God. God makes those moments remembered for ever by all. The left alone bed of St. Alphonsa is the focal point of Alphonsa pilgrimage today. Yes Lord, “you have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record?”(Ps 56:8) St. Alphonsa pray for us! 

                                     

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“At the end of the age, the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good....”(Mt 13:49, 50)

“At the end of the age, the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good and will throw them into the fiery furnace, where they will cry and grind their teeth.”(Mt 13:49, 50)

In the creation account of the book of Genesis we read, “Then God saw the light was good; and God separated light from the darkness.” (Gen 1:4) God’s first act, then, was separating light from the darkness. When God chose a people for himself, i.e., Israel, he separated them from the other pagan people and made covenant with them. In today’s reading we hear, “at the end of the age, the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good.” (Mt 13:49). Both at the very beginning of creation and at the end of the age we find a message of separation and judgment. The light is separated from the darkness and the evil is separated from the good. That means judgment is definite and clear. We also share in this mission of God. We have to be aware of this and make others aware of this. This judgment may not be something we face only at the end of the age. St. John says, “This is how the judgment works; the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.”(Jn 3:19) In other words, whenever people fail to a make difference between good and evil, or whenever they like to live bad life though they know it is against God, they make themselves come under judgment. In the book of Hebrews we read, “It is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit…..”(Heb 6:4) Therefore, on this Lord’s Day, Sunday, let us keep ourselves pure, true, just, honest, faithful, kind etc., and be separated from all evils. Amen.                    

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“Do you want us to go and pull the weeds?”(Mt 13:28)

“Do you want us to go and pull the weeds?”(Mt 13:28)

See the sincerity of those workers! They really love their master and his hard work without fail. They do   believe that their master’s sorrow is their sorrow itself. I know for sure that you will have certainly memoirs of like minded these people in your olden days. They were really considered as the members of the family of the landowner. And they were also very happy to be considered like that. Of anything and everything they enjoyed a share in that house. Thank God!... On the other hand, contemporary people also may repeat the letters as in the gospel passage, but the spirit of those letters may not be the same. We don’t find nowadays a real relationship between the owner and the workers. Today people may seem to appear that they are very enthusiastic and worried about their master and others. And also they are ready to go to any extent to fight against evil, immorality, corruption, injustice etc., provided that they are properly treated. It may not be out of love for their master or his cause. The good relationship between the master and the servant, the employer and the employee, the teacher and the student has become mechanical or artificial, not genuine. Today let us pray in a special manner to God the father that we may grow in faithfulness and fidelity each day in our relationships and give genuine witness to you. Amen!

                 

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“If one of you wants to be first, he must be your slave – like the son of man,.....” (Mt 20:27, 28)

 “If one of you wants to be first, he must be your slave – like the son of man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mt 20:27, 28)

No mothers wish their children should go astray, be deviated, or become perverted. Rather they think all should grow in wisdom and stature like Jesus of Jesus Nazareth. Therefore, we find that children are often offered to God, dedicated to saints, are given names of saints by the parents. We also hear that mothers are very happy when their children very active in the church activities, pious associations, and catechetical programs. Hence, the request James’ mother cannot be considered something bad. Then why did Jesus react/respond to them like this? Mother’s request may be a harmless one, but if go to the previous chapter we find there disciples asking Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Mt 18:1) Therefore, the request is not a mere wish to be with the Lord, but an urge for power and position. Since the vocation/call itself is a blessing, then why so much crave for power and ambitions? The man, who was invited for a dinner, was advised to be in the last row that he may be invited to be in the front paddle and be honored before all the guests. Today, do we lose the conviction that our vocation itself is a gratuitous gift from the Lord? Compared to the priesthood I am in, all other positions, designations are nothing. Institutions, positions, authorities may make the religious and consecrated ones forget their real vocation. Let us also pray for those who are in positions that they may understand their power is only a gift from the Lord to serve their brethren.           

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….  

“For to him, who has will more, be given, and he will have abundance....” (Mt 13:12)

“For to him, who has will more, be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Mt 13:12)

Many a time, this word of the Lord had been a reminder in my life. When I go back to my younger days I find myself rather good at learning a new language. Some I could learn very fast, though of course, I didn’t have mastery over it, but still have with me, and some other languages however, ‘lost forever’!. In my minor seminary days I used to draw some pictures and it was not bad, but now, after some years, lost, when I had… and so on. The word of the Lord says, “But for him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Why is it? It comes to me like this, whatever I think that, this has been given to me, is really, not given to me rather through me to others. In other words, whatever that is not shared, is almost lost. Let us think for ourselves, how abundant I am, yet feel very poor. Satan may provide a thousand reason and justification not to give and share what I have with others, but God always is in search of a single moment to offer himself to me in abundance. Lord, let the prayer, make me a channel of your love, may come real and true in my life and in the life of my brethren.                 

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day…. 

“Some fell in good soil, and the plants produced corn....” (Mt 13: 8)

“Some fell in good soil, and the plants produced corn; some produced a hundred grains, others sixty, and still others thirty.” (Mt 13: 8)

We know from the parable what happened to those seeds fell on the edge of the path, fell on the rocky ground, and on the thorny bush.  They couldn’t produce anything. Surly that was a waste, people may say. And what did happen to those fell on the good soil? Even the good soil produced different crops. Then, is it because of the bad quality of the seeds? People may naturally suspect. But it smells something else for me. Each soil/person is unique. Even though you give equally to each and everyone everything, you can be sure only of the similarity or quantity or quality in inputs not in the outputs. It is because, each and every person responds to the input individually and differently according to the life conditions. Therefore, what does today the word of tell us? Whenever you give whatever you have, to others please keep in your mind what Jesus said, “You received without pay, give others without being paid.” In other words it is the Lord who gives the result. It is not our merit, His merit. What we are now, is the mercy of the Lord expressed through our parents, brothers, friends, relatives, teachers etc. Let us be always grateful of them.

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day…. 

“She turned towards him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (Jn 20:16)

“She turned towards him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (Jn 20:16)

It is very interesting! Mary Magdalene was there in front of the tomb asking everyone where Jesus is. She felt sad that she couldn’t find Jesus’ body in the tomb. Two angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” Again Jesus himself in the form of a gardener (as she mistook Jesus) asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it that you are looking for?” She has only one answer to all of them, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” She wants to see Jesus, Jesus only. It is for this she woke up early in the morning and came to the tomb. Because of the Sabbath she couldn’t do proper anointing before Jesus’ burial. Now she is here to do it. But everything was in vain. While she was feeling sad, Jesus calls her by name, “Mary!” She turns toward Jesus and responds, “Rabboni!” A few moments back she was seeing angels and gardener, heavenly and earthly, just as the blind man at Bethsaida, “Yes, I can see people, but they look trees walking about.” But for Mary Magdalene now everything is crystal clear. Whatever may become fading and fake, a real personal touch adds colors to them. Let us stand for this value….                      

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day…. 

“We wish to see you perform a miracle.” (Mt 12:38)

“We wish to see you perform a miracle.” (Mt 12:38)

The people who have heard of Jesus, the miracle performer asks him for a sign, to perform a miracle. This may appear to be a natural reaction from the people; a good singer may be asked to sing a song, an actor to act something, and magician to do some magic etc. But from the response of Jesus we understand this cannot be just taken as a natural reaction of the people. This clearly reminds us of the temptations of Jesus at very beginning of his public ministry. There Jesus was repeatedly asked to perform miracles to which he negatively responded and the Satan left him for a while. When we are asked to perform our talents and abilities make sure whether it is for the glory of God. If it aims only at my name and fame, there is more possibility of Satan’s deception. Jesus always performed miracles for the glory of his father and the greatest miracle was his own death on the cross. For him that was the final moment of the fulfillment of his duties entrusted to him by father while on earth. We may be at times tempted to project ourselves before people and authorities. Remember on those moments the prayer of Jesus, “Father, I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. Give me glory in your presence now.”(Jn 17:4,5)

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day…. 

“He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, and in him all peoples will put their hope.” (Mt 12:21)

“He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, and in him all peoples will put their hope.” (Mt 12:21)

We may be easily attracted and cheated by some silver-tongued people through their rhetoric.  They make us easily believe what we are taught. We go blindly after their promises and later only understand how we are easily fooled and cheated. We are living in a world apparently controlled by the corporate who always want to make the maximum in express term. It seems that they are more targets oriented. These corporate bodies sometimes may prove some initial success and achievements. Because of this same reason all our training programs nowadays are overcrowded with these types of resource persons. See how the institutions are well maintained rather than the inhabitants! Yes, certainly we should be target oriented without losing its moral values in its attempt to procure it. Today’s gospel passage envisions a time when people also will see into both the ways and the means to achieve goal. “He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, and in him all peoples will put their hope.” (Mt 12:21) Jesus too was target-oriented and achieved whatever he envisaged. It is very obvious from his teachings and passion predictions, the way he taught and trained his disciples. He was not bothered about the quantity but the quality without any compromise. From Abraham to Moses, Moses to David, David to Jesus, Jesus to the twelve, the twelve to the present day God kept the same quality. Let us be genuine instruments in his hands to witness to the gospel values.               

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….                          

“It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices. ” (Mt 12:29)

“It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.   ” (Mt 12:29)

Why this change? In the books of law/the Pentateuch we find the people of God are most of the time around the altar of God offerings different types of sacrifices. In the very beginning of the salvation history we find the sacrifice of Abel was accepted and Cain’s rejected. God asks Cain why he did not offer Him a genuine/proper sacrifice. Yes, “If you do well, will not be accepted?” (Gen 4:7)  We see the book of Leviticus, where the different laws and regulations are mentioned as to offer good sacrifice, is at the very center of the Pentateuch. It shows how important were sacrifices and religious offerings in their life. However, in today’s gospel passage we hear God rejecting the offerings and sacrifices. The background is very clear Jewish leaders questioning the actions of Jesus’ disciples on a Sabbath day and Jesus is answering them. There is a critical remark on the Jewish leaders from the part of Jesus. What was that remark? They failed to address properly the needs, difficulties and problems of the people. Today we are also asked the same question. If we are not able to address them properly in our life situations we also be criticized and judged by him. Lord, help me to discern what is more divine and human.

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….                          

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:23)

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:23)

Please do come and have some rest! Really a comforting message man can have especially when one is heavily loaded with many difficulties and problems. This call is not, of course, to get rid of all your burdens and difficulties of your life, rather invites you to have a rest for a while and wish you a safe and comfortable journey. In olden times one of the best places a carrier wanted to search for on the wayside was the subvention corners, Athani,  where he could unburden his loads and have some rest. He has to go miles with his load but in between some rest. This refreshes him both physically and mentally a lot and his load naturally becomes a little lighter, he really feels. Jesus says, the yoke I will give you is easy and the load I will put on you is light. He never overburdens anyone rather makes his burden light. He asks each one of us to carry our crosses and follow him. If we walk along with him carrying our crosses we don’t feel much overburdened. We always feel comforted and consoled. How does he make it lighter? It is not by taking away cross from you rather he teaches you the best way of carrying the cross, the right attitude in carrying the cross, the proper meaning of carrying the cross etc. He says, “Learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit.” (Mt 11:29)     

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….                          

“Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned.....” (Mt 11:25)

“Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and the learned.” (Mt 11:25)

Jesus gives thanks to God the father for revealing the eternal truth about salvation to the little ones. It is amazing. Who are these little ones? If we go through the gospel of Mathew, undoubtedly, we can say they are none other than his disciples! We read, “If anyone of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great mill stone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6), “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you in heaven their angels continually see the face of my father in heaven” (Mt 18:10), “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). We have received his name and believed in him. Therefore, Jesus is giving thanks to the father for the graces we received in our lives. Do we really give thanks to God for the graces our dear ones, friends, relatives etc., received?...

Have a nice and blissful day! 

“If the miracles, which were performed in you, had been performed in Sodom, it would still be in existence today!” (Mt 11:23)

“If the miracles, which were performed in you, had been performed in Sodom, it would still be in existence today!” (Mt 11:23)

 From the very beginning of salvation history we find God feeling sorry for what he had been to humankind. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made mankind on earth, and it grieved him to his heart.” (Gen 6:5,6) In today’s reading also we find that the same feeling Jesus is sharing with us.  He had worked many miracles in Bethsaida and Chorazin in view of their return to God. But no one turned unto him. Therefore, he feels sorry for them and thinks even that if those miracles were performed in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago and turned unto him. A feeling of utter desperation and extreme anxiety! O Lord we ask for pardon and forgiveness. A feeling many a person undergo when their hard work and money go fruitless and useless. Sometimes, we also have gone through the same feeling because of our brothers, children, students, friends etc. Therefore, let us today earnestly pray to Lord that the graces we received from him may never go fruitless and futile. May the eternal giver ever feel that I was the best person to receive that grace from him in this world! Let me be able to pray, “Lord, I will thank and praise you all through my life.”                                                 

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….        

“Whoever welcomes God’s messenger because he is God’s messenger, will share in his reward...” (Mt 13:12)

“Whoever welcomes God’s messenger because he is God’s messenger, will share in his reward. And whoever welcomes a good man because he is good, will share in his reward.” (Mt 13:12)

God today wants to remind us once more how a person can share in the evil or good of the other man. If you give respect to a good man, be assured that you do share in the good of that man. But, if do not give respect to a good man, you will not be able to share in the good of that man. Be it your parents, elders, teachers, priests, sisters… If you respect them you share in the good of those people. The book of Sirach tells us, “For a father’s blessing strengthens the house of the children, but a mother’ curse uproots their foundations. Do not glorify yourselves by dishonoring your father, for your father’s dishonor is no glory to you.”(3:9,10) Some students find it very difficult to pass some subjects. They spend a lot of time with those subjects, but all the more they become more complicated. One of the reasons will be, for sure, that they will not be in good terms with their teachers. These are some major blocks in our lives. It is because of this Jesus calls for reconciliation before our offering. It may also happen the other way. If you accept the evil man and feel happy to be with him, you will share in the evil of that man. Therefore, as Jesus says, “If some home or town will not welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place and shake the dust off your sheet.”(Mt 10:14) Let us be with him and be sent out as a perfume of Jesus Christ.                                   

Have a nice and blissful day….                          

                                                                             

“The person who has something will be given more..."(Mt 13:12)

“The person who has something will be given more, so that he will have more than enough; but the person who has nothing, even the little he has, will be taken away from him.” (Mt 13:12)

Different reactions are invited on today’s verse. We take only one aspect of it for today’s reflection. The first part of the verse is very clear and is well accepted. It seems to everyone, ‘it is something logical’ for God is gracious and steadfast in kindness. And it is man’s very nature, we know for sure that, he gets, gets, gets and forgets however God gives, gives, gives and forgives. This very nature of man makes him sometimes turn against God especially when he is denied something. Because of this nature of man, the second part of the verse of today’s meditation evokes some displeasure or dissatisfaction against God. If God doesn’t will, why should he take away even the little he has? A natural reaction! But in reality we know that it is not God who takes away from him even the little he has, rather he loses it by himself. Believe it or not, my brothers and sisters, this is a fact. St. John makes it pretty clear for us in his gospel, “This is how the judgment works; the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.” (Jn 3,19). We should not also forget that many a talent is lost, when it is not really shared or used. Lord Jesus Christ, give us the real courage to understand its meaning and make use of our various talents as a thanksgiving to you.                       

Have a nice and blissful Sunday….                          

“If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me.."(Mt 10:32)

“If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my father in heaven. But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my father in heaven.” (Mt 10:32,33)

That is my Lord! He doesn’t like to be prayed in public places, but to be witnessed. He says, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full…” (Mt 6:5ff). That means, prayer is something between God and you. Of course, we don’t neglect the meaning of community prayer. But witnessing has greater value and has to be done more in public. In our time we find also people praising their leaders publicly in front of them but in their close circles they criticize or even insult them. People, who are very active in praise and worship services in the faith community, engage in all kinds of immoralities outside. Jesus warns, “Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known”(Mt10:26). From the very beginning of Israel our life is a life of covenant. If he is our God w have to be his people. Receive and be received, reject and be rejected. Let ask for the special grace we need today to give witness to him in and around us.

              

Have a nice and blissful day.     

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 16:22)

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 16:22)

The favorite description of the God who drew up the old covenant was that he was “rich in kindness and fidelity.” Fidelity means God’s faithfulness to the promises he made to Israel in the covenant. We are called to this fidelity. Book of Revelation says, “Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize for victory”(2:10). This fidelity is not to someone, in some places or for some time, but to everyone, always and everywhere. Christian life is a challenging one. Hold out to the very end and there is the victory stand. May God bless us and our intentions today! Wish you all the best…

Have a nice day.         

“You have received without paying, so give without being paid.” (Mt 10:8)

“You have received without paying, so give without being paid.” (Mt 10:8)

You have received everything freely without paying even a single paisa. It is not any human being’s saying but God, the giver of everything, himself says. So let us be genuinely generous toward our brethren. Yes, of course, sometimes we find people who are very generous towards others that the public even may praise their magnanimity and generosity. This is very commonly found in festive occasions, celebrations and public functions. Seeing the preparations, decorations, food and other arrangements we congratulate the people behind it. But, be careful that our generosity should not be ever at the expense of others. Now and again we find generous people when it is paid from common fund or from others’ pocket. Remember, something is really gifted when it is at your own expense. Mother says, “Let your love be always until it hurts or pains you.” Today let us thank God for the various graces we have received from him and ask for the special grace we need to be thankful throughout our life. Let our talents, time and money be at the service of our brethren. May God bless us!

Have a nice day….                          

“Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits…” (Mt 10:1)

“Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits…” (Mt 10:1)

Our Lord Jesus called to him his twelve beloved disciples and gave them authority over evil spirits. It seems to me that this verse carries an incredible gift as well as a fantastic task. It is for sure an undeserving gift that man can receive from God. Almighty God really makes feeble man participant in his divinely power. Let us thank God for this wonderful gift. This verse reveals a double edged task. On the one side it makes man capable of driving out evil spirits from others, on the other side, it reminds him always to be away from sins and impurities. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they should pray and fast before they drive out demons. That means they should be completely in union with God by denying themselves, their bodily pleasures. Many people today suffer from evil spirits and habitual sins. They really want to get rid of those bad things. But they can’t, because, they are not totally united to God. St. Paul says, “When what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear.” (1 Cor 13:10) Let us be first filled with the love of God and be free from sins. Wish you all a nice day…                  

“The harvest is plentiful, but laborers are few" Mt9:37

“The harvest is plentiful, but laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Mt 9:37, 38)

What an unhappy situation it is! God of abundance has answered well to the prayer of man and see, there is plenty of harvest. But now God feels sorry that he has only very few laborers to gather them in. The same we find in the beginning of the salvation history, “God feels sorry that he had made mankind on earth” (Gen 6:6). Why? Because, they did not respond fruitfully and faithfully to God. However, God didn’t withdraw from his eternal promise and love to humankind. When it was time, ‘he sent his only son and gave on the cross to redeem the world’ (Jn 3:16). Today if we pray to God, even after Jesus’ coming to the world, to send more laborers to the fields that wouldn’t be a mere ingratitude! Therefore, let us pray to God the father that we are here ready to be sent out, send us to your harvest. We know that the fields are not far away. It is in and around us. You want us to lift up our eyes and see. Many a time we were contented with what we have and are not happy to share with anyone, anything. Lord, help us to review ourselves and prepare us to be your witnesses. Have a nice day to all of you!

“If only I touch his garment, I shall be healed” (Mt 9:21)

“If only I touch his garment, I shall be healed” (Mt 9:21)

Our Lord Jesus Christ was on his way to Jairus’ house. The people were crowding him from every side. Among them was a poor woman who only wanted to touch his cloak, for she believed that if she could touch his cloak she would be made well. Since people were all around him and were crowding in on him, it was very difficult for her to come to Jesus so closely and touch him. She kept on trying. While the crowd were busy with crying out ‘hosanna’s to him or showing the passer byes that they are closer to him, she was praying in her heart for a chance to touch his cloak. Finally, she could manage to touch and was made well. The most blessed one among the crowd! We are also at times like this crowd. The whole day we are with him in the church participating in the activities, prayers or sacraments and yet not blessed by him. Whereas we see, some people come and return with a lot of peace in their minds and god’s blessings. There is a call to follow him in faith and be blessed.

Have a nice day to all of you!        

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

It is always very pleasant and meaningful to hear this word of the Lord especially on Sundays. Lord’s Day is a day of rest and a day of being with the Lord. On this Sabbath day, our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be with him and take some rest. We were working hard for the whole week, day and night, and now tired and weak. Jesus knows us better than anyone else. Therefore, he calls us today in a special way to him. The book of revelation says, “He will wipe away all tears from our eyes” (21:4). Therefore, let us go to the church today with all our family members to have the real rest Jesus gives and thank him for the graces we received the last week both physical and spiritual. It is very enriching also to be with the Christian community, the body of Jesus Christ himself and share our faith experience. St. Paul reminds us, “Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving” (Col 2:6,7).  

 Have a nice and blissful Sunday to all of you.         

I thank you father, Lord of heaven and earth 06-07-2014

I thank you father, Lord of heaven and earth (Mt 11:25-30)

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, after reading today’s gospel passage we should feel a lot of comfort in our life. Jesus is speaking here on behalf of us, thanking God the father and giving us a great courage. However, If only we go into the background of this passage we will be able to know really its deep inner meaning and feel the greatness of the real Guru, our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Jesus gives thanks to God the father for revealing the eternal truth about salvation to the little ones. It is amazing.  Who are these little ones? If we go through the gospel of Mathew, undoubtedly, we can say they are none other than his disciples! We read, “If anyone of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great mill stone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6), “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you in heaven their angels continually see the face of my father in heaven” (Mt 18:10), “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).      

Let us come to the passage. Chapter 10 of Mathew speaks about the calling, instructing and sending of the 12 apostles with heavenly powers. Chapter 11 proclaims the great witness of John the Baptist. Gospel of St. John says,”to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” Then these little ones are of course, you and I who believe in him and received him as our Lord and God. Why should Jesus thank God the father for revealing this to the little ones? We know that he himself was instrument in God the father’s hand. Yes, it is here we find the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is on this point we meditate today.

Once I had a casual visit to a neighboring parish. An elderly priest was with me. As we entered the church compound some guys who were sitting and chatting near the office came to us and greeted Jay Jesu. I was noticing how these guys were happy to see that old priest and sharing their life to him. All of them were well employed it seemed. On our way back the elderly priest was sharing with me about those people, their early poor life situations and thanking God for his being instrumental for them. When they got a chance most of them studied well and got good jobs. May be a very simple thing it is. My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, many a time, remember, you and I were instrumental of God for our children, family members, students, friends, fellow beings etc. We have seen them growing, flourishing faster in their life. What was our attitude towards their growth? Are we comfortable with them? Could we give thanks to God of our own accord seeing their honest response to the grace they received? Or rather, are we calculating the days of their coming back and praising and flattering us?

Once, disciples of Jesus came around him explaining in great joy all those things that had happened during their mission work. In Luke we see Jesus filled with Holy Spirit thanking God the father and in Mark we find Jesus inviting them to a lonely place to be with him and to hear them sharing. Today in this Holy Eucharist let us ask for the grace we need to thank God for all the graces we received in and through us. Jesus has no hands today to help our brethren other than ours, he has no eyes today to see the tears of our brethren other than ours he has no ears today to hear the cries of our brethren other than ours. May God help us to be instrumental in his hands and lead always a grateful life! Amen.                                           

“Why is it that your disciples do not fast?” Mt 9:14-17

“Why is it that your disciples do not fast?” Mt 9:14-17

Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines. It is through fasting and prayer we enter into a good intimate relationship with triune God; where we experience the love of God the father, the grace of Jesus Christ through his sacrificial love on the cross and the communion of the Holy Spirit who transforms us and encourage us to lead a strong spiritual life. It is a powerful means that makes us capable of driving out the evil spirits. It is also as an act of penance for our debts and the debts of our brethren. Then, is it not right that Jesus’ disciples also should do the same and make good profit out of it? How can we blame the Pharisees and the disciples John the Baptist on asking this question? Yes, here, we find a hidden trap in spiritual our life. We are practicing a lot of things that are very useful in our spiritual life. But be careful, even in framing the above question itself, do we find the possibility of Satan’s entry into our life in many disguised forms? Yes, there are. Therefore, let us be humble enough to admit the apostle’s exhortation, “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall” (1 Cor 10:12). Have a nice day to all of you.                

I thank you father, Lord of heaven and earth (Mt 11:25-30)

I thank you father, Lord of heaven and earth (Mt 11:25-30)

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, after reading today’s gospel passage we should feel a lot of comfort in our life. Jesus is speaking here on behalf of us, thanking God the father and giving us a great courage. However, If only we go into the background of this passage we will be able to know really its deep inner meaning and feel the greatness of the real Guru, our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Jesus gives thanks to God the father for revealing the eternal truth about salvation to the little ones. It is amazing.  Who are these little ones? If we go through the gospel of Mathew, undoubtedly, we can say they are none other than his disciples! We read, “If anyone of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great mill stone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6), “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you in heaven their angels continually see the face of my father in heaven” (Mt 18:10), “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).      

Let us come to the passage. Chapter 10 of Mathew speaks about the calling, instructing and sending of the 12 apostles with heavenly powers. Chapter 11 proclaims the great witness of John the Baptist. Gospel of St. John says,”to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” Then these little ones are of course, you and I who believe in him and received him as our Lord and God. Why should Jesus thank God the father for revealing this to the little ones? We know that he himself was instrument in God the father’s hand. Yes, it is here we find the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is on this point we meditate today.

Once I had a casual visit to a neighboring parish. An elderly priest was with me. As we entered the church compound some guys who were sitting and chatting near the office came to us and greeted Jay Jesu. I was noticing how these guys were happy to see that old priest and sharing their life to him. All of them were well employed it seemed. On our way back the elderly priest was sharing with me about those people, their early poor life situations and thanking God for his being instrumental for them. When they got a chance most of them studied well and got good jobs. May be a very simple thing it is. My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, many a time, remember, you and I were instrumental of God for our children, family members, students, friends, fellow beings etc. We have seen them growing, flourishing faster in their life. What was our attitude towards their growth? Are we comfortable with them? Could we give thanks to God of our own accord seeing their honest response to the grace they received? Or rather, are we calculating the days of their coming back and praising and flattering us?

Once, disciples of Jesus came around him explaining in great joy all those things that had happened during their mission work. In Luke we see Jesus filled with Holy Spirit thanking God the father and in Mark we find Jesus inviting them to a lonely place to be with him and to hear them sharing. Today in this Holy Eucharist let us ask for the grace we need to thank God for all the graces we received in and through us. Jesus has no hands today to help our brethren other than ours, he has no eyes today to see the tears of our brethren other than ours he has no ears today to hear the cries of our brethren other than ours. May God help us to be instrumental in his hands and lead always a grateful life! Amen.                                           

He rose and followed him (Mt 9:9-13)

He rose and followed him (Mt 9:9-13)

A call and a response – Jesus one day calls Mathew, a tax collector and he follows Jesus at once. How could a man who is in a good position/office take such a quick decision? Tax collection brings a lot of money for one’s livelihood; we know it for sure from the life of Zacheus. Then why did he do that? Is it because that he saw the numerous miracles Jesus was doing? Is it because that he can easily get name and fame if he follows Jesus? I like to think the other way, he was thinking of following Jesus for quite a long time. But being tax collector, hated by the Jews he could not take a decision to follow Jesus publically. Now the time has come; Jesus himself calls him in front of the people. Why to wait then? he thought. In our daily life we fail to attend mass, prayers, retreats etc., for we don’t have someone to substitute our duties. “I am the only one, how can I go today?” may be our response. Mathew’s life teaches us that if you are ready to follow him and earnestly desire for it, then you will find the time. Let us ask today for the grace we need today to desire for God in our life more than anything else. Amen. Wish you a nice day. 

My Lord, My God Jn 24:29

My Lord, My God Jn 24:29

St.Thomas is a real mix of karma-jnana-bhakthi yogas. I love him very much. He is a true disciple. Dear, St.Thomas, I thank you for the courage and strength you give us through your example. In this world of sycophancy we single out your image and life. Even at a time of Emperor worship you dared to say that Jesus the crucified one is your Lord and God. How could you really discern between "the strength" of the emperor and "the weakness" of the crucified one? Anyway this should not be from "any human being, but God the father." Earlier from you only we have heard that you are ready even to die with him and for him. Dear St.Thomas helps us to become the real disciple of Jesus amidst many a worldly temptation even giving up our life for Jesus. Wish you happy feast and good day...
        

Send us away into the herd of swine Mt 8:28-34

Send us away into the herd of swine Mt 8:28-34

Jesus says, "the devil, from the very beginning, is a murderer and does not stand in the truth" (Jn 8:44). Here, the demon asks Jesus, "If you casts us out, send us into the herd of swine"(Mt 8:31). What does it mean? It just proves that "he is devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world" (Rev 12:9). He knows for sure that he is going to be driven out by Jesus now and he can't no more destroy the man. Therefore, he thinks that if at all he can't do anything to this man he will go to the herd of pigs and kill them. Satan is always like that he is a liar and murder. In the beginning he attracts people with a lot of worldly pleasures, but later only people realize that they are trapped. In the parable of good shepherd Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10). Let ask God for the grace we need today to hear the word of God and believe in God and follow him, the good shepherd. Amen. Wish you all a very nice day.            

He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea Mt 8:23-27

He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea Mt 8:23-27

Just as Yahweh heard the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, Jesus listens to the cries of his disciples. "Save us Lord, we are perishing, Save us Lord, we are perishing." The way Jesus answered to their cries is today's focus of meditation. It is written, "he rose rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm." Here Jesus becomes the real physician. Why the disciples are so much scared? because of the furious sea. Why the sea is so furious? because of the strong winds. Therefore, Jesus first rebukes the winds and then the sea. Now a days people are after immediate cure and results. They are not bothered about the real cause or the lasting solutions. They have forgotten the meaning of age old sayings. Could we make some changes in our lives? Let us ask for the grace we need today to see into the real problems of our life, our children, students etc and try to find the real solutions. It may need more time, commitment and faithfulness. Amen! Have a nice Day.