A sower went to sow

and most definitely the seeds feel on thorns, where the anxieties of daily life, attractions of this world and cravings for un-Godly things choke the life out the seedlings. Dear Lord, gentle sower, pluck me from the thorns and re-plant me, water me, shelter me so I can yield ten, twenty, hundred fold for you.

Ultimate Blasphemy

Speaking against the Spirit of God is a blasphemy for which there is no forgiveness, Christ says in today’s gospel reading. He forgives every grievous sin but the sin of speaking against the Spirit of God. Of course we as Christians would never say anything to discredit the Holy Spirit could we? If that was making us feel very secure, wait! Just came back from Monday’s novena mass and Fr. Robert had something very interesting to say. He said each and every person has the Spirit of God within him. How do we treat these people? Do we realize that when we hurt them, we hurt the Holy Spirit? Oh my! Now that has a different aspect to it doesn’t it? Now it is not only about saying sorry to your brother or neighbor seventy times seven, it is wondering if God will even consider forgiving us. Of course, I am taking the far extreme interpretation of the gospel but it just got me thinking. To strive to be like Jesus was never an easy task, was it?

Fisher of Men

Last night we watched a documentary about Pope John Paul II on EWTN. It was a powerful retelling of the Holy Father’s early life as a motherless child and later as a young man living in a country overrun by turmoil. The better part of the film portrays the journey of a man with strong convictions, ever cognizant of human injustices in a world gone mad, expressing his thoughts on paper with his poetry and theatre all while his spiritual life deepened. Those experiences surely refined him like gold purified in the fire. His leadership not only mended bridges and reconciled relationships with other faiths but his love for his church made his children love him with an unparalleled passion. I can still see him in my mind’s eye during the time he visited India while saying mass in front of thousands of people. He had started tiring after long standing spells but even in the distance, his gentle gaze was something to behold.

How appropriate today’s gospel reading is with regard to this wonderful man who left everything, followed Jesus and fished countless souls.

The hymn that comes to my mind definitely is Lord, when you came to the seashore. 

Weekend Blues

It’s cloudy, dreary and cold outside today. I really am getting tired of this winter weather, cannot wait until spring. I watched a few Indian TV programs this morning - today was the Indian Republic Day and they played a lot of patriotic songs and clips from movies. It brought so many wonderful memories and as always it makes me realize what a big part of myself I have left back there. Anyway, to all the Indians everywhere, a very happy republic day!!!!

Today we remember two special bishops Timothy and Titus. The gospel reading is very brief but disturbing in the way Jesus’ relatives (who we really don’t know much about) think he is crazy. Since he was such a radical person it is probably not very surprising that people were a little alarmed by his teachings. Sometimes, we too do not see the wisdom of God’s words – of course we don’t go to blasphemous levels to accuse him of insanity but the thought is still there. Teach me Lord to see beyond my narrow mind, to reach for the limitless wisdom that your Spirit provides!!

The Road to Damascus

Today we remember the conversion of Paul. As the first scripture reading describes, the Light is what shows us the true way. Paul after having committed crimes against the first Christians turned around and went on to become one of the greatest of the apostles. Today I remember in my prayers all those fearless evangelists, priests, nuns and bearers of the good news. Those who work in places of great tribulation. May the Lord stand by them as they spread the news as Jesus exhorted us all to do.

Son of God

Every time I’ve entered the Great Upper Church at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at Washington D.C. and gazed up at the magnificent mosaic of Christ, I’ve been left speechless. Apparently, the mosaic has been modeled in the Eastern Christian tradition of the Pantocrator which means Ruler of All, or Celestial Emperor. Now why did all this come to mind today? Well, in today’s gospel reading people are desperately reaching out to Jesus for cures. Cures from physical diseases, cures from demonic possessions and maybe even cures for desperate souls. Through this all the demons rush out, fall down at his feet and proclaim “You are the Son of God”. People milling all around this man, this healer, this prophet who in reality is someone in whose presence even the celestial beings in heaven fall down and worship. I cannot grasp the reality of it - when I finally see him that is how he will be – the Lion. The lamb in him is there but his majesty is beyond comprehension. How do we wrap our minds around the mystery? Like the MercyMe song “I can only imagine”. 

Taking on Goliath

Today’s 1st scripture reading is a familiar story no doubt told over and over in schools, churches and homes. It’s a lovely tale of an underdog winning against a bully. It is also a tale of how trust in God plays a big part in winning any battle. But when I read through the gospel reading something completely different caught my attention. I was struck by how Jesus grieved over the hardness of the heart of the Pharisees. He grieved. Each day my heart is hardened too. Just like Goliath the giant snares of this world surround me. And Jesus grieves when I do not turn to him. But wait! That is not how David’s story ends. David trusted in the Lord. In the deepest hours of darkness, I hope I can choose smooth stones of prayer, hold on to the slingshot of the Holy Spirit and then attack the destroyer of my soul. Will I win? Amen, through Jesus’ name, I will!

Song of the day: Casting Crowns – Voice of truth

Inner Beauty

Nothing much needs to be said about today’s reading from Samuel - the only worry I have is that I’m afraid that there is nothing attractive for God to repeat the following words for me. 

“Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature,
because I have rejected him.
Not as man sees does God see,
because he sees the appearance
but the LORD looks into the heart.”

I really want God to look into my heart and find only pleasing things there. Will he? I remember a song by Bethany Dillon called ”Beautiful” – it really speaks to me here.

Partying with the Bridegroom

Coming from Goa, a community in India where partying is a way of life, what does an eternal party sound like to me? Yippee! Unlimited music, dancing, drinks and food We know that the heavenly Father wants us to rejoice and have a festival in his name and of his Son. Jesus in today’s gospel (Mark 2:12)  wanted his disciples to celebrate and not fast because he was with them. We do not have Jesus with us in the flesh anymore so we fast, make reparations and strive to live our lives in a way that brings us closer to the goal. The goal being entry to the finest home in the universe where one day a mighty fine feast will be laid out. The guest list will be very impressive. The hosts of this feast will be surrounded by an audience that will ring out their pleasure in worship and song. Don’t know about anyone else but I’m ready to party with the bridegroom at the wedding feast.

With friends like these

It’s a sad fact but ever since I came to the US I really have not made a friend. Not to say I enjoy being with some people, really relate to a few women, sometimes even share a little bit with the acquaintances in my life. See, in the beginning life revolved around my husband, then the boys came and time seemed to fly by; I never took time to nurture friendships. Today’s gospel reading makes me almost envious. What a wonderful group of friends the paralytic man had. They wanted so much to help their friend get well. They believed, together, that if Jesus willed he could heal their friends illness. So much love for a friend. Jesus is my ultimate friend but sometimes I want to just be with someone I can talk to about silly things, cry on her shoulder, discuss scripture.