“Concentrating more on ‘affirmative’ areas of people and situations, and thus having joyful countenances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30 and Mk 7:1-13 – Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An elderly lady was known to always have a very pleasant countenance.

Anyone, who came in contact with her, would experience a sense of positivity.

They had never heard her criticizing or finding faults with people.

She was once asked by some of her neighbouring children on the secret of her joy.

She replied: “I have always believed in avoiding to talk negative about people.

We need to be always good with the good.
But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because…
… we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

Judging in the sense of “choosing” or “making a selection” or “taking a decision”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging.”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus “focussing” His view on this very critical and crucial topic: of judging others and of pinpointing mistakes of others, without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

The Gospel reading describes a group of Pharisees who criticize the disciples of Jesus for not following the “external traditions” and rituals.

They pinpointed the mistakes of the disciples…
… and exalted themselves

Jesus however reminds the Pharisees on an important aspect: Before judging and criticizing others…
… one ought to first examine one’s own behaviour and actions

Jesus reminded them that “true devotion consists not of mere external purity and rituals…
… rather is a way of life, with consistent and committed focos on the Spirit of laws, rules and regulations.

With this fundamental principle in mind, Jesus teaches us to avoid the tendency to “rashly judge and criticize others”

The Lord reminds us that our judging…
… should not be rash
… should not be a means to putting down other persons

Maybe a simple list could help us check our areas of “judging”

Do I…
… enlarge the negatives of others – their faults, mistakes and petty ways?
… come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?
… gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?
… have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?

Do I…
… tend to be harsh and even ruthless, when speaking the truth?
… add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?
… do away with an unkind comment by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”
… speak something critical and then try to cover it up?
… have pleasure in condemning others?
… recount the truth in order to hurt and not to help?
… put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgement”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

1) How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action
… it can be a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc

2) How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

Many of us may have perhaps have a tendency to find the faults and failures of others.

Let us make a conscious and consistent effort to avoid negative talk about people.

King Solomon stood in the majestic temple of the Lord and acknowledged the Mighty and Glorious Presence of God Yahweh (1 Kgs 8:22-23)

May we see the presence of the Lord in all the people and situations of our life as we seek to sing with the Psalmist: “How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Ps 84:1)

May we realise that “we need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…
Because, we can shape a diamond with diamond
But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

Through the intercession of St Scholastica, the brother of St Benedict and the the Patron Saint of the Benedictine Nuns…
… let us seek to concentrate more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations…

Let us always have joyful countances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Beautifying our lives, not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13 and Mk 6:53-56 – Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A pious religious traveller once found a precious stone…
… a precious jewel.

A short time later, this religious person met another traveller, who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions.

When the pious man opened his bag, the traveller saw the precious stone and, without much thought asked him if he could have it.

To his surprise, the man gave the traveller the stone.

The traveller departed quickly, overjoyed with his new possession.

However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the religious person.

He returned the stone to him and made a request:
“I request you to kindly give me something more valuable…
… more precious than this stone.

Please give me THAT which enabled you to give me this precious stone!”

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

What is needed in life, is not an external show…
… but rather, an internal glow!

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow.”

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…
“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name “Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.

This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

“One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

It is said, that the fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land…
… there were still many who were badly ailing!
However fruitful the land…
… there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!
The choicest of fruits couldn’t guarantee them flawlessness in wellbeing and strength!

Yes…
… All that Glitters is not gold

Indeed, we need to understand…
… a book should never be judged by its cover
… the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…
… yet they had to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret in some ways…

Rich in many aspects – talent wise, relationally, financially-stable etc
Fertile in many aspects – having great visions and plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc
Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…
… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord
… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord
… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

Though their land had plenty, they did not fail to humble themselves…
Though their land was rich, they did not fail to realize their basic needs..
Though their land was famous, they did not fail to assume lowliness…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord…
… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?
Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…
… in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…
… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of peace, joy and salvation!
… a Garden of the riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

May our lives…
… truly reflect the ‘Paradise of God’s Reign!’
… be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Being willing to rise up to be the ‘salt of the earth” and ‘light to the world’ so that our Christian values can be preserved”

(Based on Isa 58:7-10, 1 Cor 2:1-5 and Mt 5:13-16 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

There was a time when slavery was legal.
People were bought and sold like objects.

Most people accepted it.
Many benefited from it.
Very few questioned it.

But one particular man could not accept it.

His name was William Wilberforce.
He was a Christian and a member of Parliament.

Because of his faith in Jesus, he said that “this trade is evil. It is a sin before God,”

People, however, laughed. They told him:

“This is how the world works.”
“Don’t be idealistic.”
“You’re just one man.”

But Wilberforce believed something very powerful: That “one conscience, awake to God, can disturb an entire unjust system!”

For twenty long years, he was defeated again and again.

Bills failed. Supporters left. His health collapsed.
Yet he kept returning to Parliament with the same fire, the same words, the same faith.

Finally, in 1807, the British Parliament abolished the slave trade.

And in 1833, just days before Wilberforce died, slavery itself was abolished across the British Empire.

History agrees on this: His Christian faith was the spark for this mighty change!

One man became salt in a corrupt system.
One small light exposed a massive darkness.

This is the call of the Gospel of the Day.
Jesus says…

“You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13)
“You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14)

In ancient Greece, salt was considered so valuable it was called, “theon”, divine.

The Romans believed that nothing was of more value than salt except the Sun.

Roman soldiers were even paid in salt.
An ancient Near Eastern custom still practiced among some Arabs today is that a pact of friendship is sealed with a gift of salt.

This call of the Gospel has gained significant importance and urgency in our world today.

We live in times and generation when the need to be a “salt” and “light” has gained tremendous urgency…

The world is losing a taste for things of everlasting value and instead relishes more of transient materials.

Can I be a “salt” in such situations giving the taste of eternity and goodness, to revive lives and to orient them towards the real joys of life?

The world is fast degrading and losing values in various areas like moral life, social situations, cultural integrity and religious fervour.

Can I be a “light”, casting away the darkness of ignorance and shedding new illumination and radiance for the revival of sanctified lives?

The world today, is sadly deeply getting corrupted and there are strong strands of infection and contamination affecting various core dimensions.

Can I be a “salt” which rubs in consciousness for transformation and change and be a healing agent to prick the conscience of people to lead an integral life?

The world is often easy on closing the eye to the evils that are constantly rising, and fails to be a powerful voice for justice and peace

Can I be a “light” which casts its powerful rays on the dark shades of wickedness and expose the inhuman elements of the society, helping towards a harmonious and pleasant world?

Prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are all called to live in compassion. When we share our bread, care for the poor, and defend the oppressed…
…. then, God says, “your light shall rise in the darkness.” (Cf. Isa 58:7-10)

Holiness becomes visible when love becomes action.

St. Paul tells us that faith does not rest on clever words or human power.

It rests on God’s power working through humble witnesses.
When we trust God, even weakness can become a force that changes the world.

Let us be willing to rise up to the challenge of being the “salt of the earth” and “light to the world” even if it requires giving up many of our comfort areas of life…
… so that our Christian values can be preserved and the love of God may shine forth to the world!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Being filled with Wisdom, let us be a true shepherd – reaching out to the needs of others – according to the Heart of the Good Shepherd!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 3:4-13 and Mk 6:30-34 – Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There is a story of a village struck by a long drought.

After weeks of suffering, a large truck of charitable help, finally arrived…
… full of food aid.
People ran out of their homes.
Lines were formed.
Lists were checked.
Numbers were counted.
Everything was done efficiently.
Each family received exactly what was needed.

It seemed that the situation was managed well.

But as evening came, something disturbing appeared.
A volunteer noticed a few people – mostly the elderly…
…. sitting alone outside their huts.
The food packets were still unopened.

Curious, the volunteer asked one man,
“Why haven’t you eaten?”

The man looked up and said softly:
“They counted the number of people in my house…
… but no one asked how my heart was!”

The hunger of the stomach was counted.

The hunger of the heart was forgotten.

Hunger for love…
Hunger for being wanted…
Hunger on emotional counts…
Hunger of the spiritual order…

These aspects of hunger…
… may never have a scientific statistic
… may never have flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them
But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically counted”…
… with an invitation to always “hunger for God and to serve His people!”
“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6:7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)
They had driven out many demons…
They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

We may be doing a lot of things…
… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?
We may be happy with what we are doing…
… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…
… to take some rest in Him
… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like the people, many times this can be our case too…

We may have witnessed God’s wonders…
… but are we still spiritually found wanting?
We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…
… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…
… with His Divine Word
… by His Compassionate Love

There is indeed a great hunger in the world.

Saint Mother Teresa said: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…

Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who are “hungry”…
… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc

Do I recognise, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?
Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?

Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

Let’s pray like Solomon, who asked the Lord, not for “long life, or riches or the life of enemies” (Cf. 1 Kgs 3:11)…
… but for Wisdom!

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and everything else will be given to you!” (Mt 6:33)

Let us be filled with His Wisdom…
… and making our hearts “a rich garden of virtues,” let us be a true shepherd according to the Heart of the Good Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Daring to be the voice that stands for, and upholds the Truth!”

(Based on Sir 47:2-13 and Mk 6:14-29 – Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A particular prime minister of a country – outspoken and audacious – heavily denounced the policies and atrocities of his predecessor, who was a dictator.

Once during a public meeting, as he censured the former dictator with stringent words…
… he was interrupted by a shout from a heckler in the audience: “You were one of the colleagues of the former dictator, isn’t it?

Why didn’t you stop him then?”

“WHO SAID THAT?” roared the prime minister!

This thundering question bellowed and boomed…
… causing an agonizing and fearful silence to prevail among the audience.!

No body dared to move a muscle!

There was complete hush among them all

After a few moments of silence…
… the premier softly replied: “Now you know why!”

“I was also silent! I was afraid to have my voice heard… so that I could be safe!”

The prime minister confessed his fear in “being a voice that was heard” so that he could shield his life…
… and thus ‘played safe!’

The Gospel of the Day is however, in stark contrast to this trend – with the presentation of the bold and courageous voice of St John the Baptist…
… who “made his voice heard” – in standing and upholding the truth
… and who had to offer his life as a martyr for the Truth!

The Gospel presents before the Brutal Beheading of the Voice – St John the Baptist!
The voice was powerful.
The voice was a hope to many.
The voice, however, also disturbed a few… disturbed even to the point of revenge and vengeance.

And……slit…..! The voice was silenced!!

The Beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most brutal and visually-powerful incident in the entire Gospel.

John the Baptist was a Prophet.

And a True Prophet is a truth-teller!

As we read in today’s Gospel, this True Prophet, John, was the whistle-blower in crying “foul” over the illegitimate relationship between Kind Herod and his brother’s wife, Herodias.

Herodias hated John the Baptist.

Herodias hated him because he told the truth and she didn’t like the truth.

Herodias was determined to twist the truth into a lie and the lie into a truth.

Herodias, at her earliest opportunity, would seek to direct her revenge upon the truth teller!
Herodias wanted to get rid of that “crazy man” who was determined to put a moral mirror in front of her face.

Herodias, wanted this Voice to be silent!!

To silence the true voices of the society, is the bane of any generation….

How many voices-of-correction by the parents, is put to silence by disobedient children….
How many voices-of-moral lives by the Church, is put to silence, by modernists and liberalists…
How many voices-of-peace by innocent people, is put to silence, by fanatics and fundamentalists…
How many voices-of-indiscrimination by the citizens, is put to silence, by a negligent government…
How many voices-of-repentance by a spouse, is put to silence by a drunkard or an irresponsible partner…
How many a voices-of-holiness by the Lord, is put to silence, by superfluous spiritualities and comfy theologies..

The Voice of Truth cries…
… but how many of us, seek to silence it!

Yes, the lives of Conscience-movers and truth-tellers are always at a risk.

And this risk can even lead one to be a misfit in the society…
… to be “different from others”
… to even risk one’s life!

St John the Baptist had the courage to be the truth-teller and risk his life, even to be a martyr.

Martyrs get killed not just for having convictions…
… but for EXPRESSING & LIVING their convictions!

‘Play Safe’ is an ad-tag in which many Christians find refuge.
“Keep your mouth shut”…
“Don’t offend people around us”…
“It is better to be silent than sorry”…

These are some of the common phrases which we often adopt, in moments of injustice, corruption, inequality & unfairness!

But true Martyrs EXPRESSED and ARTICULATED and LIVED their faith!….

Martyrs don’t get swayed by popular opinions and cheap popularity

A true Martyr is a bold Witness!

St John the Baptist was not silent…
… he expressed and articulated and lived his convictions…
…. and he was martyred!

Today, You and I…. are invited to be a voice…
… in a voiceless
… in a voice-oppressed
… in a voice-drowned
… in a voice-killed…world!

St John the Baptist dared to be that VOICE – “I am the voice…!” (Jn 1:23)

Shall we too dare?

Let us today seek the intercession of St Gonzalo Garcia – the first Saint of Indian origin (from Vasai, India)- along with St Paul Miki and companions…
… and be inspired by the courage and conviction of these “Martyrs of Nagasaki!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!