LOVE NEVER FAILS
Taj Mahal is a major center of attraction to any tourist who visits India. The wonder of Taj Mahal lies not only in its immeasurable beauty but also in the unfathomable love behind its construction. Emperor Shah Jahan’s heart was broken at the death of his beloved wife Muntaz Mahal. His love towards her was so deep that he wanted to immortalize his love for her. He took 22 years and used 20,000 people to complete this epitome of love. Later, even after he was ousted and imprisoned, he celebrated his love for her, looking at Taj Mahal- the symbol of his love for her, through the prison windows. Such was the power of his love. Taj Mahal announces to the world the unfailing nature of love. Love never fails. “Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away” (Song of Solomon 8/7) St. Paul, today, talks about this eternal nature of the spirit of love.
LOVE FAILIURE!
There is an inner urge in every human person to love and to be loved. Everyone talks about the beauty and fruit of love. In spite of all this talk and excitement about love, everyone finds it difficult to stay in love. Where is the problem?
1. The problem lies in the fact that many of us are confused with the concepts of loving and liking. They are two different realities. Liking is the function of instincts of which we haven’t much control. It is an instinctual behavior. Anything that flows from an instinct is not premeditative. A human Instinct responds to whatever appeals to the senses. It can be the look of a person, the color of an object, the way she/he dresses, a certain manner of behavior, a particular quality of a person and so forth. We subconsciously fall in love with whatever is appealing to the senses. Very often we fall in love with people because of certain fascinations that have a quick impression on the senses. This sort of love ceases to exist as soon as these qualities disappear. Love based on liking alone is doomed to fail because the external appearances are transient.
On the other hand, love is a decision. It is an act of the will (Thomas Aquinas). Therefore even though we may not like someone, still we can choose to love him/her. In genuine love, likeability is only one aspect of many. Likeability definitely makes love easy; likeability makes a person more lovable. Even though, we may disagree with someone or do not like certain behavioral patterns of a person, still we can make a decision to love him/her. The decision to love someone helps us to look for the likeability in that person. That in turn changes our attitude towards him/her.
2. It is also important to know the difference between Eros love and agape love. Eros lies in the realm of sensuality and Agape on the other hand belong to the divine milieu. In the former case, we love a person because of the goodness in him/her. We love him/her as long as he/she serves my purposes. How often we hear people saying how the other disappointed them! Relationship based on Eros is destined to fail.
On the other hand, in agape love, our love is a reflection of the goodness within us. This love enriches the other rather than the lover. It enriches the receiver rather than the giver. This is the nature of God’s love. God’s love to the world does not add anything more to His Being. In agape, we love a person, not for what he is but for what he could be. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God. Every person is a potential saint. Every sinner has a future as every saint had a past. Our love is not based on his/her past but on his/her future possibilities.
NO LOVE, NO CHRISTIANITY
If there is no love, there is no Christianity. If we don’t abide in love, we don’t know anything about God because God is love. Love is not a quality of God. God is love. Jesus himself underscored this view when he said: ’By your love you will reveal that you are my disciples’ For example, the second reading (1John 4:7-10) starts with this advice: “Beloved, let us love one another, because God is love; everyone who loves is begotten by God”. Jesus repeats the same message in the Gospel: “As the Father loves me, so also I love you. Remain in my love” (John 15:9-17). Therefore, Christian vocation, as St. Therese of Lisieux put it rightly, is a call to love.
CRITERIA OF CHRISTIAN LOVE!
How do we know that we really love someone? What are the parameters of love? Christian love has three characteristics:
1. It is other oriented. The moment you start to think about others and their growth, you have begun to live Christian Love. If your life and activities do not bring happiness and growth to others, yours is not Christian love.
2. Christian Love is action oriented. Love is not an abstract thing. It should take on a concrete form. For example, we make available our time, talents, and treasures to the person we love. In genuine love there is always an exchange of words, an exchange of persons and an exchange of gifts. God so loved us by sending His own Son. Jesus loved us by giving His own Body and Blood. We must show our love through concrete actions.
3. Christian Love is expensive. There is no genuine love without a price or sacrifice. For example, to forgive someone who offended us or to defend somebody whom we don’t like…is really a sacrificial act. The amount of sacrifice that goes along with our concrete actions measures the real depth of our Christian Love!!
“The Crucifix is our Taj Mahal. It is our supreme parameter for love. Whenever you waver, look at Calvary. You will return home with hope and confidence.”
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The scriptures for today focus our attention on the importance and power of the Word of God and its challenge for us today. One Sunday, a man asked: “What is the importance of the Bible in the life of a Catholic?” It was a great question. You may have numerous answers. However, Psalms Chapter 119: verses 105 offers the best answer for us: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path”.
In today’s gospel, Luke presents Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth. It is the hometown of Jesus. There, Jesus makes a solemn declaration of his mission in the world. We can call it the Jesus Manifesto. People who initiate a revolution usually start off with a declaration of their manifesto. Karl Mark started by publishing the Communist Manifesto. Martin Luther started off with the publication of the 95 theses in Wittenberg. Jesus has come to start a revolution of mercy and love in the world. And here in today's Gospel reading, he publishes the Christian manifesto:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. (4:18-19)
To the great amazement and disbelief of his own townsmen, Jesus declared that Isaiah’s prophecy was being fulfilled in him at that very moment and his mission would be to give liberation to everyone who would listen to his “good news,” and accept it. Scripture helped Jesus to identify His mission.
Words reveal what is in one’s heart. The Word of God reveals God’s heart. In Jesus, the Word of God became Flesh. St. John’s chapter one says, in the beginning the word already existed, the word was with God and the word was God .The word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. So Jesus was the living word of God. He became the heart of God; the message of God. At the age of 12, Jesus said: “I must be about my Father’s business”. In the desert Jesus said: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”. On another occasion Jesus said to his disciples: “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work” (Jn 4:34). At Gethsemane Jesus said: “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). And finally, on the cross He said: “Father into your hands, I commend my spirit”. (Lk23:46). Jesus started his life taking the job of doing His Father’s business and He faithfully completed it on the cross. Jesus, not only turned to the Scripture for guidance, but also became Scripture, the Word of God itself. Hence Jesus said: Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; the Father and I are one” (Jn10/30, 14/9).Since the Word of God is incarnated in Jesus, He became the True Way to Life.
The Word of God is like the Lighthouse! The role of a light house is to show the correct way for someone lost in the sea during night. The Bible does the same to a lost soul. It removes the darkness. The first word uttered by God was: Let there be light. And the light removed the darkness. And Jesus is the light that removes the dark and shows the right way to life. He says, He is the way, the truth and the life . That’s what Peter said to Jesus, Lord where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! (Jn: 6:66, 20:31). Human doctors and medicines are the solution for physical sickness, but Jesus and his words are the answer and solutions for spiritual sickness. The Bible has the answer to all our problems.
The letter to the Hebrew chapter four says, the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrew 4:12) According to Isaiah, the word of God is just as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seeds to him who sows and bread to him who eats so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it (Is 55:10).
Friends, the Word of God transformed the life of many. St. Paul discovered his mission when he was confronted with the Words of Jesus (Acts 9:3ff). For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? This word from Mark’s gospel chapter 8: 36 changed the life of Francis Xavier. Francis of Assisi, Francis De Sales, Ignatius Loyola, Vincent De Paul, Mother Theresa, Gandhi and many others talk volume about the life transforming influence of the Word of God in their lives. They became the living Gospels!
Dear friends, if they can live like a living gospels, why can’t we? Living the gospels is a process of listening, meditating, assimilating and delivering. This is what Blessed Mary did. She listened to the Word of God, pondered over it, made it part of her being and delivered it to the world in the form of Jesus.
How do I and you approach the Word of God? How much hours we spent in front of our TV, watching different channels? Why can’t give five minutes to read Bible everyday with all the members of the family? That will make wonders in our life.
In today’s gospel, Luke presents Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth. It is the hometown of Jesus. There, Jesus makes a solemn declaration of his mission in the world. We can call it the Jesus Manifesto. People who initiate a revolution usually start off with a declaration of their manifesto. Karl Mark started by publishing the Communist Manifesto. Martin Luther started off with the publication of the 95 theses in Wittenberg. Jesus has come to start a revolution of mercy and love in the world. And here in today's Gospel reading, he publishes the Christian manifesto:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. (4:18-19)
To the great amazement and disbelief of his own townsmen, Jesus declared that Isaiah’s prophecy was being fulfilled in him at that very moment and his mission would be to give liberation to everyone who would listen to his “good news,” and accept it. Scripture helped Jesus to identify His mission.
Words reveal what is in one’s heart. The Word of God reveals God’s heart. In Jesus, the Word of God became Flesh. St. John’s chapter one says, in the beginning the word already existed, the word was with God and the word was God .The word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. So Jesus was the living word of God. He became the heart of God; the message of God. At the age of 12, Jesus said: “I must be about my Father’s business”. In the desert Jesus said: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”. On another occasion Jesus said to his disciples: “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work” (Jn 4:34). At Gethsemane Jesus said: “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). And finally, on the cross He said: “Father into your hands, I commend my spirit”. (Lk23:46). Jesus started his life taking the job of doing His Father’s business and He faithfully completed it on the cross. Jesus, not only turned to the Scripture for guidance, but also became Scripture, the Word of God itself. Hence Jesus said: Whoever has seen me has seen the Father; the Father and I are one” (Jn10/30, 14/9).Since the Word of God is incarnated in Jesus, He became the True Way to Life.
The Word of God is like the Lighthouse! The role of a light house is to show the correct way for someone lost in the sea during night. The Bible does the same to a lost soul. It removes the darkness. The first word uttered by God was: Let there be light. And the light removed the darkness. And Jesus is the light that removes the dark and shows the right way to life. He says, He is the way, the truth and the life . That’s what Peter said to Jesus, Lord where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! (Jn: 6:66, 20:31). Human doctors and medicines are the solution for physical sickness, but Jesus and his words are the answer and solutions for spiritual sickness. The Bible has the answer to all our problems.
The letter to the Hebrew chapter four says, the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrew 4:12) According to Isaiah, the word of God is just as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seeds to him who sows and bread to him who eats so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it (Is 55:10).
Friends, the Word of God transformed the life of many. St. Paul discovered his mission when he was confronted with the Words of Jesus (Acts 9:3ff). For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? This word from Mark’s gospel chapter 8: 36 changed the life of Francis Xavier. Francis of Assisi, Francis De Sales, Ignatius Loyola, Vincent De Paul, Mother Theresa, Gandhi and many others talk volume about the life transforming influence of the Word of God in their lives. They became the living Gospels!
Dear friends, if they can live like a living gospels, why can’t we? Living the gospels is a process of listening, meditating, assimilating and delivering. This is what Blessed Mary did. She listened to the Word of God, pondered over it, made it part of her being and delivered it to the world in the form of Jesus.
How do I and you approach the Word of God? How much hours we spent in front of our TV, watching different channels? Why can’t give five minutes to read Bible everyday with all the members of the family? That will make wonders in our life.
Friday, January 15, 2010
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ISAIAH 62: 1-5;: I COR 12: 4-11;Gosple: JOHN 2: 1-11
Two weeks ago we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of Jesus. The Scripture, however, recorded three Epiphanies; one in Bethlehem at the visit of the Magi, second at the time of His Baptism and the third at the Wedding Feast of Cana. In Bethlehem, the Magi discovered the identity of Jesus and revealed it to the world. On the day of His Baptism, the Father and the Holy Spirit together revealed Jesus’ identity to the world. At the Wedding Feast of Cana, Mary, his own mother took the initiative to reveal the identity of Jesus. Our Gospel reading, today, focuses on this particular aspect. Even though the focus is on the fist of the seven miracles of Jesus in John, this story also reveals the significance of Mary in the plan of salvation. From that perspective, the wedding feast of Cana also marks the Epiphany of Mary. This story reveals at least three aspects of Mary’s personality.
MARY IS THE GREAT MENTOR OF JESUS
Mentoring is important in any area of life. Consider any game or a sport. Behind any winning team, there always is a great Coach. People who reached the height of holiness had mentors or spiritual directors. The mentor behind the formation of Jesus was none other than his mother. No one knows a son better than his mother. The greatness of Mary was that she accompanied Jesus at every step of his growth and prepared him for his mission. At the age of twelve Jesus was lost in the temple. When Mary confronted Jesus, He said: “Why did you search for me? Don’t you know that I must be about my Father’s business?” According to the Jewish custom, a boy becomes legally an adult at the age of 12. Naturally, nobody could blame a boy if he makes an independent decision. Legal adulthood does not necessarily mean maturity. Mary convinced him of the importance of waiting for God’s time, and led him home. The Bible says Jesus grew in wisdom under the guidance of His parents. At Cana, Jesus was not sure about the timing of his mission. He said, “My time has not yet come.” Mary intervened again and helped him to see the signs of the time. She said to the servant, “Do whatever Jesus tells you”. Mary, thus, accompanied Jesus as a mentor and slowly prepared him for the mission for which he was sent by His Father. Jesus recognized the role His mother in His formation. So at Calvary, He entrusted the Church to her guidance. She faithfully accepted that responsibility and prepared the disciples for the day of Pentecost.
Do we have a mentor in our life? The help of a spiritual director is useful for discernment. Remember the story of Samuel. God called him three times. He did not recognize it. He thought that it was Eli. Finally, Eli helped him to recognize God’s voice. St. Paul says: To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. We all have gifts and talents. As Mary helped Jesus to manifest his gift, we need mentors to discern, discover and identify our gifts, talents and calling.
MARY IS THE GREAT BENEVOLENT
Things may not always happen as planned. Our calculations can go wrong. Unpredictability of the situation and miscalculation on our part can at times put us in a humiliating situation. How do we respond if we see such a situation happening to some of our friends or neighbors? Here Mary stands as a great model. The host of the wedding feast at Cana was running out of wine. It was a sign of disgrace. It could have brought shame on the whole family. Mary helped to solve the crisis in a professional manner. She did not make breaking-news out of it. She did not bring it to the attention of anyone who could do nothing to save the situation. She approached the right person and solved the crisis without incurring damage to anyone’s reputation. She did everything quietly, and remained behind the scene. What a great model of service!
MARY, THE GREAT INTERCESSOR
“Pray to the Mother of God. She will get our petition to Jesus. Jesus never denies her request. It is a true statement. A couple of times Jesus turned down the requests of His disciples, including Peter. Jesus, however, never rejected the request of his Mother. Even though Jesus thought that it was not the appropriate time for Him to start his public mission, He yielded to his Mom’s request. He performed the first miracle at his mother’s request. Approach Mary, she will intercede for us before her Son, Jesus.
“Invite Jesus and Mary to remain with us in our homes.” St. John Mary Vianney suggests this as the solution for many of our family problems. He used to encourage parents to create an atmosphere of prayer, Bible reading, mutual love and respect and sacrificial service at home so that the presence of Jesus and Mary might be perpetually enhanced and experienced in the family.
"Do whatever He tells you." This is the only piece of advice given by Mary recorded in the New Testament, and it is a prerequisite for miracles in our families. Let’s heed her advice and obey her Son who will fill our empty jars- our empty hearts- with joyful things to celebrate. And let’s ask “Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of hour death.”
Two weeks ago we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of Jesus. The Scripture, however, recorded three Epiphanies; one in Bethlehem at the visit of the Magi, second at the time of His Baptism and the third at the Wedding Feast of Cana. In Bethlehem, the Magi discovered the identity of Jesus and revealed it to the world. On the day of His Baptism, the Father and the Holy Spirit together revealed Jesus’ identity to the world. At the Wedding Feast of Cana, Mary, his own mother took the initiative to reveal the identity of Jesus. Our Gospel reading, today, focuses on this particular aspect. Even though the focus is on the fist of the seven miracles of Jesus in John, this story also reveals the significance of Mary in the plan of salvation. From that perspective, the wedding feast of Cana also marks the Epiphany of Mary. This story reveals at least three aspects of Mary’s personality.
MARY IS THE GREAT MENTOR OF JESUS
Mentoring is important in any area of life. Consider any game or a sport. Behind any winning team, there always is a great Coach. People who reached the height of holiness had mentors or spiritual directors. The mentor behind the formation of Jesus was none other than his mother. No one knows a son better than his mother. The greatness of Mary was that she accompanied Jesus at every step of his growth and prepared him for his mission. At the age of twelve Jesus was lost in the temple. When Mary confronted Jesus, He said: “Why did you search for me? Don’t you know that I must be about my Father’s business?” According to the Jewish custom, a boy becomes legally an adult at the age of 12. Naturally, nobody could blame a boy if he makes an independent decision. Legal adulthood does not necessarily mean maturity. Mary convinced him of the importance of waiting for God’s time, and led him home. The Bible says Jesus grew in wisdom under the guidance of His parents. At Cana, Jesus was not sure about the timing of his mission. He said, “My time has not yet come.” Mary intervened again and helped him to see the signs of the time. She said to the servant, “Do whatever Jesus tells you”. Mary, thus, accompanied Jesus as a mentor and slowly prepared him for the mission for which he was sent by His Father. Jesus recognized the role His mother in His formation. So at Calvary, He entrusted the Church to her guidance. She faithfully accepted that responsibility and prepared the disciples for the day of Pentecost.
Do we have a mentor in our life? The help of a spiritual director is useful for discernment. Remember the story of Samuel. God called him three times. He did not recognize it. He thought that it was Eli. Finally, Eli helped him to recognize God’s voice. St. Paul says: To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. We all have gifts and talents. As Mary helped Jesus to manifest his gift, we need mentors to discern, discover and identify our gifts, talents and calling.
MARY IS THE GREAT BENEVOLENT
Things may not always happen as planned. Our calculations can go wrong. Unpredictability of the situation and miscalculation on our part can at times put us in a humiliating situation. How do we respond if we see such a situation happening to some of our friends or neighbors? Here Mary stands as a great model. The host of the wedding feast at Cana was running out of wine. It was a sign of disgrace. It could have brought shame on the whole family. Mary helped to solve the crisis in a professional manner. She did not make breaking-news out of it. She did not bring it to the attention of anyone who could do nothing to save the situation. She approached the right person and solved the crisis without incurring damage to anyone’s reputation. She did everything quietly, and remained behind the scene. What a great model of service!
MARY, THE GREAT INTERCESSOR
“Pray to the Mother of God. She will get our petition to Jesus. Jesus never denies her request. It is a true statement. A couple of times Jesus turned down the requests of His disciples, including Peter. Jesus, however, never rejected the request of his Mother. Even though Jesus thought that it was not the appropriate time for Him to start his public mission, He yielded to his Mom’s request. He performed the first miracle at his mother’s request. Approach Mary, she will intercede for us before her Son, Jesus.
“Invite Jesus and Mary to remain with us in our homes.” St. John Mary Vianney suggests this as the solution for many of our family problems. He used to encourage parents to create an atmosphere of prayer, Bible reading, mutual love and respect and sacrificial service at home so that the presence of Jesus and Mary might be perpetually enhanced and experienced in the family.
"Do whatever He tells you." This is the only piece of advice given by Mary recorded in the New Testament, and it is a prerequisite for miracles in our families. Let’s heed her advice and obey her Son who will fill our empty jars- our empty hearts- with joyful things to celebrate. And let’s ask “Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of hour death.”
Friday, January 8, 2010
Saturday, JOHN 3:22-30
John’s gospel makes the ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist overlap, while Mark says (1:14) that it was only after John had been put in prison that Jesus began his own ministry. John’s gospel may have wanted to put them together in order to contrast them. John the Baptist must have been much more powerful and influential than we usually think. The gospel writers work hard to keep him in his place. Matthew includes a little dialogue in the baptism by the Jordan scene to underscore Jesus’ superiority over the Baptizer:
John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. (Matt 3:14-15).
And the Fourth Evangelist interrupts his poetic prologue to make sure his readers understand John’s proper place relative to Jesus: “He [i.e. John the Baptist] was not the light, but came to testify to the light” (John 1:8).
When Saint Paul first met a group of disciples in Ephesus, he discovered that they thought receiving John’s baptism made them Christian, and he had to set them straight: by baptizing them in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5).
These things help us appreciate the powerful figure he must have been, even years after his death, in the days of early Christianity. It seems that his disciples were disturbed by the growing influence and popularity of Jesus. They say to their master John, that everyone is going to him.” John the Baptist has to insist, “I am not the Messiah, but the one who was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
It interesting that what the Baptist says about his relationship to Jesus is much like the relationship that St. Paul says we should have to fellow Christians. Paul writes to the Philippians “Humbly regard others a more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but everyone for those of others” (Phi 2:3-4). Then Paul proceeds to present Jesus as the ultimate model of that mindset: Jesus, “who did not consider equality with God something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness . . .” This is Paul’s way of celebrating the mystery of the revelation we celebrate in Christmas and in the Epiphany. Our Lord and Savior models the life of service to which he calls us.
John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. (Matt 3:14-15).
And the Fourth Evangelist interrupts his poetic prologue to make sure his readers understand John’s proper place relative to Jesus: “He [i.e. John the Baptist] was not the light, but came to testify to the light” (John 1:8).
When Saint Paul first met a group of disciples in Ephesus, he discovered that they thought receiving John’s baptism made them Christian, and he had to set them straight: by baptizing them in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5).
These things help us appreciate the powerful figure he must have been, even years after his death, in the days of early Christianity. It seems that his disciples were disturbed by the growing influence and popularity of Jesus. They say to their master John, that everyone is going to him.” John the Baptist has to insist, “I am not the Messiah, but the one who was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
It interesting that what the Baptist says about his relationship to Jesus is much like the relationship that St. Paul says we should have to fellow Christians. Paul writes to the Philippians “Humbly regard others a more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but everyone for those of others” (Phi 2:3-4). Then Paul proceeds to present Jesus as the ultimate model of that mindset: Jesus, “who did not consider equality with God something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness . . .” This is Paul’s way of celebrating the mystery of the revelation we celebrate in Christmas and in the Epiphany. Our Lord and Savior models the life of service to which he calls us.
Tuesday, 1Jn 4:7-10,MARK 6:34-44
In today's first reading, St. John emphasizes that the initiative for love comes from God and not from us. God does not love us just because we love or obey him.
C.S. Lewis, once wrote a book called "The Four Loves". One of these is "agape", the form of love that John is talking about. "Agape" is: "a passionate desire for the well-being of the other". This is the love that God unconditionally extends to all his creatures without exception. It is the love that each of us must also extend to every one of our brothers and sisters again and again, without a single exception. It is an outreaching love; an unconditional love; it does not depend on mood, liking or disliking. It is based purely and simply on the need and on the good of the other.
The gospel tells the familiar story of the multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed the large crowd following him. He was moved with pity for them and then fed them. Jesus blessed the people and served them as he still does for us. Always because of our needs he has pity on us and helps us.
Of all the miracles Jesus did, this is the only one which is repeated in all four gospels. The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.
The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. We are called to pass on this love of God for us to everyone we meet.
C.S. Lewis, once wrote a book called "The Four Loves". One of these is "agape", the form of love that John is talking about. "Agape" is: "a passionate desire for the well-being of the other". This is the love that God unconditionally extends to all his creatures without exception. It is the love that each of us must also extend to every one of our brothers and sisters again and again, without a single exception. It is an outreaching love; an unconditional love; it does not depend on mood, liking or disliking. It is based purely and simply on the need and on the good of the other.
The gospel tells the familiar story of the multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed the large crowd following him. He was moved with pity for them and then fed them. Jesus blessed the people and served them as he still does for us. Always because of our needs he has pity on us and helps us.
Of all the miracles Jesus did, this is the only one which is repeated in all four gospels. The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.
The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. We are called to pass on this love of God for us to everyone we meet.
Baptism of the Lord
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Is 40:1-5, 9-11, TITUS 2:11-14, 3:4-7,Gosple: LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22
There is an old Hindu parable about a tiger cub raised by goats. The cub learned to bleat and nibble grass and behave like a goat. One night a tiger attacked the goats, which scattered for safety. But the tiger cub kept grazing and crying like a goat without getting frightened. The old tiger roared, "What are you doing here, living with these cowardly goats?" He grabbed the cub by the scruff, dragged him to a pond and said: "Look how our faces reflected in water? Now you know who you are and whose you are." The tiger took the cub home, taught him how to catch animals, eat their meat, roar and act like a tiger. The tiger cub thus discovered his true self. Today’s gospel seems to suggest that Jesus received from heaven a fresh flash of realization of who, and Whose, he really was (his identity) and what he was supposed to do (his mission),.
Christ began fulfilling his mission at the incarnation, and shifted into high gear when he began his public ministry thirty years later. This public ministry started with his baptism, when God the Father made a public announcement, so to speak, regarding his qualifications. This is why today's celebration marks the transition from the liturgical season of Christmas into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.
When Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized, John immediately recognized him. Matthew tells us that John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, telling it is he who needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus did not need baptism. The Sinless One had no need of forgiveness. Why then did Jesus choose to be baptized by John?
One answer we might give lies in the revelation of divine humility. The Son of God not only washed the feet of sinners, he allowed himself to be numbered with them. It is significant that here, at the beginning of Christ's ministry, the revelation of his divine sonship is also the revelation of the Father and the Holy Spirit. There is a gentle approval in the tender words of the Father and the presence of the Spirit in the form of a graceful dove, as the Son of God submits to baptism with a loving humility.
The meaning of Christ's baptism does not end there because by descending into the waters and re-emerging, Christ symbolically anticipates his coming death and resurrection. Baptism signifies the death of the old self. Before anything new can be born, the old has to pass away. Jesus takes our old life and dies with it and hands us new life.
French writer Henri Barbusse tells of a conversation overheard in a trench full of wounded men during the First World War. One of the men, who knew he only had minutes to live says to another man, "Listen, Dominic, you've led a very bad life. Everywhere you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear, so, here, take my wallet, take my papers, my identity, take my good name, my life and quickly, hand me your papers that I may carry all your crimes
away with me in death."
The Good News is that through Jesus, God makes a similar offer. Something wonderful happens to us when we are baptized. When we are baptized, we identify ourselves with Jesus. Our lives are changed. We see things and people differently than before. We are able to identify with Jesus because He was baptized. And we are able to love as he loved. Such identification is life changing. Because we are given the holy spirit to empower to live life guided by the spirit. The gospel says: The Spirit descends "like a dove." The Holy Spirit is not a bird. The dove is a metaphor for the Spirit's coming into our lives. It is a beautiful metaphor. Have you ever seen a dove descend and land? It is graceful, gentle, and quiet. That's the point being made. That is the way the Holy Spirit will enter into our lives. The Holy Spirit came to Jesus gently, quietly, and privately. The Holy Spirit descended upon him while he was by himself praying." In other words, it wasn't a public event. It was a personal and private experience. No one else saw it. No one else heard that voice from heaven. He came out of the water, went off by himself, and prayed. That is what happened. This is what should happen in our life too.
The "baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments" (CCC, 1213). The 13th century king of France, St. Louis IX (1226-70), insisted that the grand celebration of his birthday should be held on the day of his baptism, and not on his birthday proper. His argument was that baptism was the beginning of a life that would continue for eternity in the everlasting glory of heaven.
Most of us dipped the fingers into the holy water font and blessed ourselves when we came into church today. Why? This blessing is supposed to remind us of our baptism. And so when I bless myself with holy water, I should be thinking of the fact that I am a child of God; that I have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that I have been made a member of God’s family and that I have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the blood of the Lamb. We express these faiths by crossing ourselves with holy water. Faith is the essential element of baptism. An infant, though, doesn’t possess faith to receive baptism, is baptized by the faith of the parents. A paralytic was brought to Jesus by a few people, Jesus healed him looking at the faith of the people who brought him, not at the faith of the paralytic. This is what happens in infant baptism. That is why the church refuses to baptize infants whose parents don’t have faith or do not practice faith.
A drunk stumbles across a Pentecostal baptismal service on Sunday afternoon down by the river. He proceeds to walk down into the water and stand next to the Preacher. The minister turns and notices him and says, "Mister, are you ready to find Jesus?" The drunk looks back and says, "Yes, Preacher. I sure am." The minister then dunks the fellow under the water and pulls him right back up. "Have you found Jesus?" the preacher asked. "No, I didn't!" said the drunk. The preacher then dunks him under for quite a bit longer, brings him up and says, "Now, brother, have you found Jesus?” “No, I did not, Reverend." The preacher in disgust holds the man under for at least 30 seconds this time, brings him out of the water and says in a harsh tone, "My God, have you found Jesus yet?” The old drunk wipes his eyes and says to the preacher... "Are you sure this is where he fell in?" So if one receives baptism without faith he will not find Jesus.
That sacrament itself is loaded with symbolism showing us the wonder and power of God's saving love. "We were anointed with the oil of catechumens, the sign of Christ's gentle strength, to fight against evil. Blessed water was poured over us, an effective sign of interior purification through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We were then anointed with chrism to show that we were thus consecrated in the image of Jesus, the Father's Anointed One. The candle lighted from the paschal candle was a symbol of the light of faith which our parents and godparents must have continually safeguarded and nourished with the life-giving grace of the Spirit." The baptismal candle is a visible representation of the life of grace that God kindles in our soul at baptism, and of the fragility of that life, which can be extinguished by a mortal sin as easily as a strong wind will blow out a candle. Then there is the baptismal garment, the white garment that symbolizes purification from the stain of original sin.
This is also a day for us to renew our baptismal vows by consecrating ourselves to the Holy Trinity and "by rejecting Satan and all his empty promises," which our profane world is constantly offering us through its mass media of communication. Let us ask Our Lord today to make us faithful to our Baptismal promises. Let us thank Him for the privilege of being joined to His mission of preaching the ‘Good News’ by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness.
Today, as Jesus renews his commitment to us in this Mass, let's thank him for reuniting us with the Father, and ask for the grace to live as the children of God in thought, word and action so that our Heavenly Father may say to each one of us as He said to Jesus: "You are my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased"
Is 40:1-5, 9-11, TITUS 2:11-14, 3:4-7,Gosple: LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22
There is an old Hindu parable about a tiger cub raised by goats. The cub learned to bleat and nibble grass and behave like a goat. One night a tiger attacked the goats, which scattered for safety. But the tiger cub kept grazing and crying like a goat without getting frightened. The old tiger roared, "What are you doing here, living with these cowardly goats?" He grabbed the cub by the scruff, dragged him to a pond and said: "Look how our faces reflected in water? Now you know who you are and whose you are." The tiger took the cub home, taught him how to catch animals, eat their meat, roar and act like a tiger. The tiger cub thus discovered his true self. Today’s gospel seems to suggest that Jesus received from heaven a fresh flash of realization of who, and Whose, he really was (his identity) and what he was supposed to do (his mission),.
Christ began fulfilling his mission at the incarnation, and shifted into high gear when he began his public ministry thirty years later. This public ministry started with his baptism, when God the Father made a public announcement, so to speak, regarding his qualifications. This is why today's celebration marks the transition from the liturgical season of Christmas into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.
When Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized, John immediately recognized him. Matthew tells us that John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, telling it is he who needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus did not need baptism. The Sinless One had no need of forgiveness. Why then did Jesus choose to be baptized by John?
One answer we might give lies in the revelation of divine humility. The Son of God not only washed the feet of sinners, he allowed himself to be numbered with them. It is significant that here, at the beginning of Christ's ministry, the revelation of his divine sonship is also the revelation of the Father and the Holy Spirit. There is a gentle approval in the tender words of the Father and the presence of the Spirit in the form of a graceful dove, as the Son of God submits to baptism with a loving humility.
The meaning of Christ's baptism does not end there because by descending into the waters and re-emerging, Christ symbolically anticipates his coming death and resurrection. Baptism signifies the death of the old self. Before anything new can be born, the old has to pass away. Jesus takes our old life and dies with it and hands us new life.
French writer Henri Barbusse tells of a conversation overheard in a trench full of wounded men during the First World War. One of the men, who knew he only had minutes to live says to another man, "Listen, Dominic, you've led a very bad life. Everywhere you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear, so, here, take my wallet, take my papers, my identity, take my good name, my life and quickly, hand me your papers that I may carry all your crimes
away with me in death."
The Good News is that through Jesus, God makes a similar offer. Something wonderful happens to us when we are baptized. When we are baptized, we identify ourselves with Jesus. Our lives are changed. We see things and people differently than before. We are able to identify with Jesus because He was baptized. And we are able to love as he loved. Such identification is life changing. Because we are given the holy spirit to empower to live life guided by the spirit. The gospel says: The Spirit descends "like a dove." The Holy Spirit is not a bird. The dove is a metaphor for the Spirit's coming into our lives. It is a beautiful metaphor. Have you ever seen a dove descend and land? It is graceful, gentle, and quiet. That's the point being made. That is the way the Holy Spirit will enter into our lives. The Holy Spirit came to Jesus gently, quietly, and privately. The Holy Spirit descended upon him while he was by himself praying." In other words, it wasn't a public event. It was a personal and private experience. No one else saw it. No one else heard that voice from heaven. He came out of the water, went off by himself, and prayed. That is what happened. This is what should happen in our life too.
The "baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments" (CCC, 1213). The 13th century king of France, St. Louis IX (1226-70), insisted that the grand celebration of his birthday should be held on the day of his baptism, and not on his birthday proper. His argument was that baptism was the beginning of a life that would continue for eternity in the everlasting glory of heaven.
Most of us dipped the fingers into the holy water font and blessed ourselves when we came into church today. Why? This blessing is supposed to remind us of our baptism. And so when I bless myself with holy water, I should be thinking of the fact that I am a child of God; that I have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that I have been made a member of God’s family and that I have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the blood of the Lamb. We express these faiths by crossing ourselves with holy water. Faith is the essential element of baptism. An infant, though, doesn’t possess faith to receive baptism, is baptized by the faith of the parents. A paralytic was brought to Jesus by a few people, Jesus healed him looking at the faith of the people who brought him, not at the faith of the paralytic. This is what happens in infant baptism. That is why the church refuses to baptize infants whose parents don’t have faith or do not practice faith.
A drunk stumbles across a Pentecostal baptismal service on Sunday afternoon down by the river. He proceeds to walk down into the water and stand next to the Preacher. The minister turns and notices him and says, "Mister, are you ready to find Jesus?" The drunk looks back and says, "Yes, Preacher. I sure am." The minister then dunks the fellow under the water and pulls him right back up. "Have you found Jesus?" the preacher asked. "No, I didn't!" said the drunk. The preacher then dunks him under for quite a bit longer, brings him up and says, "Now, brother, have you found Jesus?” “No, I did not, Reverend." The preacher in disgust holds the man under for at least 30 seconds this time, brings him out of the water and says in a harsh tone, "My God, have you found Jesus yet?” The old drunk wipes his eyes and says to the preacher... "Are you sure this is where he fell in?" So if one receives baptism without faith he will not find Jesus.
That sacrament itself is loaded with symbolism showing us the wonder and power of God's saving love. "We were anointed with the oil of catechumens, the sign of Christ's gentle strength, to fight against evil. Blessed water was poured over us, an effective sign of interior purification through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We were then anointed with chrism to show that we were thus consecrated in the image of Jesus, the Father's Anointed One. The candle lighted from the paschal candle was a symbol of the light of faith which our parents and godparents must have continually safeguarded and nourished with the life-giving grace of the Spirit." The baptismal candle is a visible representation of the life of grace that God kindles in our soul at baptism, and of the fragility of that life, which can be extinguished by a mortal sin as easily as a strong wind will blow out a candle. Then there is the baptismal garment, the white garment that symbolizes purification from the stain of original sin.
This is also a day for us to renew our baptismal vows by consecrating ourselves to the Holy Trinity and "by rejecting Satan and all his empty promises," which our profane world is constantly offering us through its mass media of communication. Let us ask Our Lord today to make us faithful to our Baptismal promises. Let us thank Him for the privilege of being joined to His mission of preaching the ‘Good News’ by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness.
Today, as Jesus renews his commitment to us in this Mass, let's thank him for reuniting us with the Father, and ask for the grace to live as the children of God in thought, word and action so that our Heavenly Father may say to each one of us as He said to Jesus: "You are my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased"
Saturday, January 2, 2010
EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Is. 60:1-6,: Eph.3: 2-6,Gosple: Mt. 2: 1-12
Little Amy was looking through the family album and found a picture of a man sitting behind a cow. All that was visible was the man’s legs and feet. She took the picture to a photo shop and told the clerk, "This is the only picture of my grandfather that I have. So please remove the cow so I can see what he looked like." In today’s first reading, we are given the portion of the vision of Isaiah which presents the God of Israel as the Light Who removes darkness and clouds from the earth. Matthew, writing to his Jewish-Christian community, describes how the Magi as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, came to Jerusalem with their gifts, following a special star.
The word ‘magi’ is translated here as “wise men.” ‘Magus’ meant different things: a magus was a member of the Persian priestly caste; or one who possessed occult knowledge and power (this is the origin of our word ‘magic’). Tradition calls them “kings” – judging, probably, by the wealth of the gifts they brought.
According to the sixth century Italian tradition there were three Magi - Casper, Balthazar, and Melchior. It is based on the fact that three gifts are mentioned in Matthew’s gospel. The Orthodox Church holds that the Magi were twelve kings, corresponding in number to the twelve tribes of Israel. As for the star, commentary on the Torah by Jewish rabbis had suggested that a star appeared in the sky at the births of Abraham, Isaac and Moses. Likewise, in the Book of Numbers, the prophet Balaam spoke of "a star that shall come out of Jacob." Stars, then, were believed to be signs from God, announcing important events. Thus, the brightness of the light to which kings were drawn became the star in Matthew. Gold, frankincense and myrrh may be thought of as prophesying Jesus’ future. Gold was a gift for kings; frankincense (an ancient air purifier and perfume) was offered to God in Temple worship (Ex. 30:37); and myrrh (an oriental remedy for intestinal worms in infants) was used by the High Priest, both as an anointing oil (Ex. 30:23), and to prepare bodies for burial. These gifts were not only expensive but portable. Perhaps Joseph sold the gifts to finance the Holy Family’s trip to Egypt. The gifts may well have been God’s way of providing for the journey that lay ahead.
Herod was one of history’s greatest tyrants: he spared no one, not even his own family; to keep his grip on power he murdered his wife, three of his sons, his brother-in-law, an uncle, and his mother-in-law. He built the temple and as a Jew he kept the Jewish laws of purity, abstained from pork. And this made a Roman Emperor jokingly comment- I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son. His pig would be safe, that is what he meant. In fact, his whole life was a series of violent, horrible crimes. His tyrannical fear of losing control eventually made him universally hated, even by his closest collaborators. As he lay dying, he ordered a thousand of his best servants and ministers to be led into a stadium and slaughtered, because he wanted to be sure there was mourning and sadness in his kingdom upon his death.
He had been appointed “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate in 40 BC and he had already reigned for over thirty years. He was in no mind to hear of a new king, especially one who was no son of his. “He was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.” He was frightened to hear of a rival, and the people were frightened because they knew what he was capable of. But the chief priests and the scribes – the religious authorities of the day – were able to give him directions in locating this rival. They knew in detail about the expected arrival of “the anointed one.” But not any of the authorities went with Magi to search for the Child; it was the pagan astrologers who sought and found him.
Leaving Jerusalem the Magi found and followed their star and it led them to where the child was. They came to a cave or a stable where they found a poor family, with animals and perhaps a few shepherds. All the appearances would have told them they had made a ridiculous mistake, yet “falling to their knees, they did him homage.” Their reaction was different from Herod's: he was troubled, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
The feast of Epiphany invites us to see ourselves as images of the Magi, a people on a journey to Christ. The Magi offered gold, in recognition of Jesus as the king of the Jews; frankincense, in acknowledgment that He was God, and myrrh as a symbol of His human nature. Let us offer God our very selves, promising Him that we will use His blessings to do good to our fellow men. Herod and the Jewish leaders did not look for him or offer him anything because they lacked humility. Let’s be people of humble offering.
Just as the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, let us choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behavior.
Let us become the Star, leading others to Jesus, as the star led the Magi to Him. We can remove or lessen the darkness of the evil around us by being, if not like stars, at least like candles, radiating Jesus’ love by selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care. Like the Magi offering their gifts, we offer what we have, from the heart, in response to what that Child has given to us - himself.
It is the start of the New Year and as usual, we have our own expectations, resolutions, and plans for the year. We earnestly beg the Lord that such desires will be fulfilled. Yet, we are to prepare ourselves for the various ways and manifestations of the Lord. The Lord will indeed come up with many surprises. Yet, it will depend on our attitudes whether we will be able to see such events in the light of faith. For the Magi, there was a star that served as their guide towards meeting the much awaited Messiah. We just have to open our minds and hearts for these surprises that will surely indicate the presence of Jesus in our lives. Let’s ask the Lord to help us recognize the star and open our minds and hearts for the surprises.
Little Amy was looking through the family album and found a picture of a man sitting behind a cow. All that was visible was the man’s legs and feet. She took the picture to a photo shop and told the clerk, "This is the only picture of my grandfather that I have. So please remove the cow so I can see what he looked like." In today’s first reading, we are given the portion of the vision of Isaiah which presents the God of Israel as the Light Who removes darkness and clouds from the earth. Matthew, writing to his Jewish-Christian community, describes how the Magi as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, came to Jerusalem with their gifts, following a special star.
The word ‘magi’ is translated here as “wise men.” ‘Magus’ meant different things: a magus was a member of the Persian priestly caste; or one who possessed occult knowledge and power (this is the origin of our word ‘magic’). Tradition calls them “kings” – judging, probably, by the wealth of the gifts they brought.
According to the sixth century Italian tradition there were three Magi - Casper, Balthazar, and Melchior. It is based on the fact that three gifts are mentioned in Matthew’s gospel. The Orthodox Church holds that the Magi were twelve kings, corresponding in number to the twelve tribes of Israel. As for the star, commentary on the Torah by Jewish rabbis had suggested that a star appeared in the sky at the births of Abraham, Isaac and Moses. Likewise, in the Book of Numbers, the prophet Balaam spoke of "a star that shall come out of Jacob." Stars, then, were believed to be signs from God, announcing important events. Thus, the brightness of the light to which kings were drawn became the star in Matthew. Gold, frankincense and myrrh may be thought of as prophesying Jesus’ future. Gold was a gift for kings; frankincense (an ancient air purifier and perfume) was offered to God in Temple worship (Ex. 30:37); and myrrh (an oriental remedy for intestinal worms in infants) was used by the High Priest, both as an anointing oil (Ex. 30:23), and to prepare bodies for burial. These gifts were not only expensive but portable. Perhaps Joseph sold the gifts to finance the Holy Family’s trip to Egypt. The gifts may well have been God’s way of providing for the journey that lay ahead.
Herod was one of history’s greatest tyrants: he spared no one, not even his own family; to keep his grip on power he murdered his wife, three of his sons, his brother-in-law, an uncle, and his mother-in-law. He built the temple and as a Jew he kept the Jewish laws of purity, abstained from pork. And this made a Roman Emperor jokingly comment- I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son. His pig would be safe, that is what he meant. In fact, his whole life was a series of violent, horrible crimes. His tyrannical fear of losing control eventually made him universally hated, even by his closest collaborators. As he lay dying, he ordered a thousand of his best servants and ministers to be led into a stadium and slaughtered, because he wanted to be sure there was mourning and sadness in his kingdom upon his death.
He had been appointed “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate in 40 BC and he had already reigned for over thirty years. He was in no mind to hear of a new king, especially one who was no son of his. “He was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.” He was frightened to hear of a rival, and the people were frightened because they knew what he was capable of. But the chief priests and the scribes – the religious authorities of the day – were able to give him directions in locating this rival. They knew in detail about the expected arrival of “the anointed one.” But not any of the authorities went with Magi to search for the Child; it was the pagan astrologers who sought and found him.
Leaving Jerusalem the Magi found and followed their star and it led them to where the child was. They came to a cave or a stable where they found a poor family, with animals and perhaps a few shepherds. All the appearances would have told them they had made a ridiculous mistake, yet “falling to their knees, they did him homage.” Their reaction was different from Herod's: he was troubled, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
The feast of Epiphany invites us to see ourselves as images of the Magi, a people on a journey to Christ. The Magi offered gold, in recognition of Jesus as the king of the Jews; frankincense, in acknowledgment that He was God, and myrrh as a symbol of His human nature. Let us offer God our very selves, promising Him that we will use His blessings to do good to our fellow men. Herod and the Jewish leaders did not look for him or offer him anything because they lacked humility. Let’s be people of humble offering.
Just as the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, let us choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behavior.
Let us become the Star, leading others to Jesus, as the star led the Magi to Him. We can remove or lessen the darkness of the evil around us by being, if not like stars, at least like candles, radiating Jesus’ love by selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care. Like the Magi offering their gifts, we offer what we have, from the heart, in response to what that Child has given to us - himself.
It is the start of the New Year and as usual, we have our own expectations, resolutions, and plans for the year. We earnestly beg the Lord that such desires will be fulfilled. Yet, we are to prepare ourselves for the various ways and manifestations of the Lord. The Lord will indeed come up with many surprises. Yet, it will depend on our attitudes whether we will be able to see such events in the light of faith. For the Magi, there was a star that served as their guide towards meeting the much awaited Messiah. We just have to open our minds and hearts for these surprises that will surely indicate the presence of Jesus in our lives. Let’s ask the Lord to help us recognize the star and open our minds and hearts for the surprises.
Saturday, JOHN 1:19-28
When quizzed about his identity John answers all their questions in the negative, and then he identifies himself only as “a voice.” Later, Jesus would refer to him as “a lamp”: “He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light” (John 5:35).
A voice. A lamp. They don't call attention to themselves but to something else. The world says you have to call attention to yourself and become famous – a celebrity if possible. But in the spiritual life the ideal is to become invisible. The images that Jesus used, tell the same story: salt, yeast, grain, light…. He has had countless un-famous disciples, beginning even with some of the apostles: Simon,Jude, and Andrew. If the Master works in the invisible, so should the disciples, like John the Baptist.
John knew who he was in the scheme of things. He understood where he came from and what his mission was. Do we really know who we are? Do we behave as though we know? If someone came up to us and asked, would we be able to respond appropriately? I guess that for most of us the answer is "No." Or, at least, so our behavior would indicate.
Who am I? I am a beloved child of God. God loves each of us with an intensity we cannot imagine. He loves each of us as if we were His only, His precious son or daughter. We each have God's full attention for every moment of our lives.
Do we act in a way that shows this? If we lived acting in full knowledge of who we are, there could be no doubt as to the answer to all our questions. Open our hearts to become who we are in God -- a precious, well-loved child. A child loved with the fierce, devoted love of a parent who has only one. That is who we are -- son or daughter of the King. Let’s ask for the grace to fully recognize our identity and act accordingly witnessing to the nobility we inherit.
A voice. A lamp. They don't call attention to themselves but to something else. The world says you have to call attention to yourself and become famous – a celebrity if possible. But in the spiritual life the ideal is to become invisible. The images that Jesus used, tell the same story: salt, yeast, grain, light…. He has had countless un-famous disciples, beginning even with some of the apostles: Simon,Jude, and Andrew. If the Master works in the invisible, so should the disciples, like John the Baptist.
John knew who he was in the scheme of things. He understood where he came from and what his mission was. Do we really know who we are? Do we behave as though we know? If someone came up to us and asked, would we be able to respond appropriately? I guess that for most of us the answer is "No." Or, at least, so our behavior would indicate.
Who am I? I am a beloved child of God. God loves each of us with an intensity we cannot imagine. He loves each of us as if we were His only, His precious son or daughter. We each have God's full attention for every moment of our lives.
Do we act in a way that shows this? If we lived acting in full knowledge of who we are, there could be no doubt as to the answer to all our questions. Open our hearts to become who we are in God -- a precious, well-loved child. A child loved with the fierce, devoted love of a parent who has only one. That is who we are -- son or daughter of the King. Let’s ask for the grace to fully recognize our identity and act accordingly witnessing to the nobility we inherit.
NEW YEAR
FEAST OF B.V. MARY MOTHER OF GOD ,January 01
Numbers 6:22-27,: Galatians. 4:4-7,Gosple: Luke 2: 16-21
We just stepped into a new year. A new year is like a new baby: it has to be given a name, and today’s readings are about naming. The first reading says, “They shall put my name on the people” (v 27), and in the Gospel the child is named Jesus (v 21). We begin the year in God’s name, and in the name of God’s Son. We are the people who have been given the right to call God “Abba, Father” because of Jesus.
Mary’s presence marks the beginning of the year. It is appropriate to have a mother to accompany our first steps. January 1st is her feast- Mary Mother of God. Her title, ‘Mother of God, affirms equally the humanity and the divinity of Christ. The Nestorians –said that Christ was two persons: the man Jesus and the divine Son of God. This view was rejected at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), which insisted that Jesus was one person with two natures, divine and human. The most emphatic way they could say this was to affirm that Mary was not just the mother of the man Jesus, but that she was the mother of God. This was their way of saying that Christ was one person, not two. At the dawn of this year 2010 the church teaches us that we should approach Jesus through Mary.
New year is the time we make new resolutions. But What we need, of course, is not another resolution, but a revolution. We need a turning point in our lives. Without a revolution our resolutions might remain just resolutions without transferring into effect.
A boy asked a puzzle to his father, "Dad, if three frogs were sitting on a limb that hangs over a pool, and one frog decided to jump off into the pool, how many frogs would be left on the limb?" The dad replied, "Two." "No," the son replied. “Here is the question again: There are three frogs and one decides to jump, how many are left?" The dad said, "Oh, I get the point! If one decided to jump, the others would too. So there are none left." The boy said, "No dad, the answer is three. The frog only DECIDED to jump." Does that sound like our last year’s resolutions? Great inspiration and great resolutions, but often times we only decide, and months later we are still on the same limb of do-nothing.
Some years back a photo of Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, appeared on the front page of USA Today. An interviewer asked her if she had any advice for people. She said, "Yes! Each day, do a little more than you think you can." That's a good advice to consider at the beginning of the New year.:
Each day, love a little bit more than you think you can. Each day forgive a little more than you think you can. Each day be a little more patient than you think you can. Each day be a little bit kinder than you think you can. This would make everyday of the new year a better year in every respect.
We, Christians have good reason to be the happiest people in the world. Because Christmas announces us peace, joy and happiness. Our happiness is not based upon the condition of the world but upon the condition of the heart. We are happy because of God and not because of man.
If anybody should be happy, it is a Christian. But, many think the life of a Christian in terms of solemnity, seriousness, and severity. Some of us are like the country boy whose grandmother forbade him to engage in "worldly amusements" on Sunday.
Dejected and lonely, he walked down to the barn fence and while he was there a mule came up and put its head into the boy's hands. Patting the sad face of the mule, the boy commiserated, "Poor fellow, you must be a Christian, too."
Often we are like this country boy, thinking that living by Christian principles fully takes away the vigor and enjoyment from our life. We forget the fact that our happiness primarily lies in our attitude to life. If our attitude towards life is optimistic and hopeful our life would be happy. I remember a story I heard long ago when I was in elementary school. It is about the story of two boys- named Chaitran and Maitran. Their teacher wanted to test them and so gave both of them 10 bucks each and showed them two rooms and asked them to fill the rooms with anything they like. The rooms should be full any way. Chaitran thought of it how can I fill the room with things worth just $10 ? He approached the Muncipality scavangers / or garbage collector and paid him $10 and told him to fill the room with garbage, which doesn’t cost much. But Maitran thought in a different way. He bought two incense sticks and a couple of candles and a few fresh flowers and he lighted the incense sticks and the candles and kept the flowers in the room. When the teacher came to inspect the room he was pleased with Maitran’s view of filling the room with fragrance and light while Chaitran’s room could not even be approached by the teacher because of the filthy smell. Both had different perspectives and state of mind and they evinced that by their actions. Both were given same opportunities, circumstances, but both reacted to them differently. I think this story imparts some lessons how we should approach the new year.
Three ways to make the New Year meaningful: a) Something to dream, b) Something to do, and c) Someone to love. “I have a dream’” said Martin Luther King. We should all have a noble plan of action (dream a noble dream) for every day in the New Year. We need to remember the proverb:” Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, but live your today." It has been truly said that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. We must not be barren fig trees in God’s vineyard. We must be always engaged, doing good to others and loving our fellow men and women, who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. This becomes easy when we make God the center of our life and realize His presence in all the people around us. Let us light a candle instead of blaming the darkness around us. Just as the moon borrows the sun’s light to illuminate the earth, we must radiate the light of God shining within us.
Let me conclude by the priestly blessing prayer God instructed Aaron and his sons to use , from the first reading.The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace though out the New year.
Numbers 6:22-27,: Galatians. 4:4-7,Gosple: Luke 2: 16-21
We just stepped into a new year. A new year is like a new baby: it has to be given a name, and today’s readings are about naming. The first reading says, “They shall put my name on the people” (v 27), and in the Gospel the child is named Jesus (v 21). We begin the year in God’s name, and in the name of God’s Son. We are the people who have been given the right to call God “Abba, Father” because of Jesus.
Mary’s presence marks the beginning of the year. It is appropriate to have a mother to accompany our first steps. January 1st is her feast- Mary Mother of God. Her title, ‘Mother of God, affirms equally the humanity and the divinity of Christ. The Nestorians –said that Christ was two persons: the man Jesus and the divine Son of God. This view was rejected at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), which insisted that Jesus was one person with two natures, divine and human. The most emphatic way they could say this was to affirm that Mary was not just the mother of the man Jesus, but that she was the mother of God. This was their way of saying that Christ was one person, not two. At the dawn of this year 2010 the church teaches us that we should approach Jesus through Mary.
New year is the time we make new resolutions. But What we need, of course, is not another resolution, but a revolution. We need a turning point in our lives. Without a revolution our resolutions might remain just resolutions without transferring into effect.
A boy asked a puzzle to his father, "Dad, if three frogs were sitting on a limb that hangs over a pool, and one frog decided to jump off into the pool, how many frogs would be left on the limb?" The dad replied, "Two." "No," the son replied. “Here is the question again: There are three frogs and one decides to jump, how many are left?" The dad said, "Oh, I get the point! If one decided to jump, the others would too. So there are none left." The boy said, "No dad, the answer is three. The frog only DECIDED to jump." Does that sound like our last year’s resolutions? Great inspiration and great resolutions, but often times we only decide, and months later we are still on the same limb of do-nothing.
Some years back a photo of Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, appeared on the front page of USA Today. An interviewer asked her if she had any advice for people. She said, "Yes! Each day, do a little more than you think you can." That's a good advice to consider at the beginning of the New year.:
Each day, love a little bit more than you think you can. Each day forgive a little more than you think you can. Each day be a little more patient than you think you can. Each day be a little bit kinder than you think you can. This would make everyday of the new year a better year in every respect.
We, Christians have good reason to be the happiest people in the world. Because Christmas announces us peace, joy and happiness. Our happiness is not based upon the condition of the world but upon the condition of the heart. We are happy because of God and not because of man.
If anybody should be happy, it is a Christian. But, many think the life of a Christian in terms of solemnity, seriousness, and severity. Some of us are like the country boy whose grandmother forbade him to engage in "worldly amusements" on Sunday.
Dejected and lonely, he walked down to the barn fence and while he was there a mule came up and put its head into the boy's hands. Patting the sad face of the mule, the boy commiserated, "Poor fellow, you must be a Christian, too."
Often we are like this country boy, thinking that living by Christian principles fully takes away the vigor and enjoyment from our life. We forget the fact that our happiness primarily lies in our attitude to life. If our attitude towards life is optimistic and hopeful our life would be happy. I remember a story I heard long ago when I was in elementary school. It is about the story of two boys- named Chaitran and Maitran. Their teacher wanted to test them and so gave both of them 10 bucks each and showed them two rooms and asked them to fill the rooms with anything they like. The rooms should be full any way. Chaitran thought of it how can I fill the room with things worth just $10 ? He approached the Muncipality scavangers / or garbage collector and paid him $10 and told him to fill the room with garbage, which doesn’t cost much. But Maitran thought in a different way. He bought two incense sticks and a couple of candles and a few fresh flowers and he lighted the incense sticks and the candles and kept the flowers in the room. When the teacher came to inspect the room he was pleased with Maitran’s view of filling the room with fragrance and light while Chaitran’s room could not even be approached by the teacher because of the filthy smell. Both had different perspectives and state of mind and they evinced that by their actions. Both were given same opportunities, circumstances, but both reacted to them differently. I think this story imparts some lessons how we should approach the new year.
Three ways to make the New Year meaningful: a) Something to dream, b) Something to do, and c) Someone to love. “I have a dream’” said Martin Luther King. We should all have a noble plan of action (dream a noble dream) for every day in the New Year. We need to remember the proverb:” Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, but live your today." It has been truly said that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. We must not be barren fig trees in God’s vineyard. We must be always engaged, doing good to others and loving our fellow men and women, who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. This becomes easy when we make God the center of our life and realize His presence in all the people around us. Let us light a candle instead of blaming the darkness around us. Just as the moon borrows the sun’s light to illuminate the earth, we must radiate the light of God shining within us.
Let me conclude by the priestly blessing prayer God instructed Aaron and his sons to use , from the first reading.The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace though out the New year.
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