Life has its Way

Life is more powerful than its destroyer,
it might take thousands of years,
but it will emerge in new forms.

No field of knowledge, no religion has authority over life.
Both the greatness and helplessness of science,
and the depth and absurdities of religion are known to us now.

Life is to be set as the foundational truth, motive, purpose of every quest we have.

Breaking the bread in CoVid days

Gathering together at a suitable time (probably evening), feel the presence of God as one family.
In silence,
Thanking God for being with us,
Bring the whole day before God, even  the concerns for tomorrow...
moments of love, care, anger, disappointment, stress, confidence, accompaniment, hatred, temptations...
Offer them all to God, trusting in God, believe that they are accepted.

Encourage all to share some special experience of the day, or news heard or an image seen and the sentiments towards.. how you made it a prayer and experienced the presence of Christ.
It is as to experience, "Yes, Jesus is here."
Pray for all in need, all that you need to bring in prayer.

Read a portion of the Gospel. Listen once again in heart. Thank Jesus for bringing the Gospel in your life moments.

Breaking of bread (it will  have no sacramental nature but a prayerful remembrance)
- A portion of the meal prepared
Thank God for the gift of the earth and its produce, thank God for the many hands work day and night for the welfare of the society (emphasize some if a context is significant),
remember those who are hungry, those denied a place from the community,
encourage a sense of gratitude as the breaking signifies the sacrifices of many,
pray for those for whom our lives are offered in sacrifice
pray for the grace to sacrifice our life for those immediately present and others
pray for the grace to forget divisions and remain one as the bread is shared among the members.
pray for healing from pride, prejudices, false-pride, insecurities and suspicions...

Experience a time of peace, being filled with life from God
Spend a few moments inviting the grace to accompany in our journey specially in difficult moments.
Ask God to fill us with compassion, love, unity, good will and peace.
________________
I have in my mind three types of groups; ordinary family, family with sick or elderly, labourers' dormitory or hostel

If there are children make them understand what it is and encourage and help them to be reflective and attentive in this experience during the day. It only requires a sensitivity to see more and feel more about the goodness around, and the pain and struggles around. Let them learn to be sensitive and compassionate to humanity and nature. initiate them also to the dynamics of nature.

What is required is a sincere feeling, remembrance, and commitment. Letting a devotionalism within this may not produce what is intented. It is spontaneous and familial.

Of course it might be a matter of shyness initially, but it can offer a lot of depth not only in our personal lives, also in our knowledge of God.

Divine Mercy

Grant us and the whole world the grace to be merciful, that we may receive mercy. Lord we trust in you.
For any devotion to be fruitful, we need to have an earnest desire to have the virtue intented in the devotion.
Having war, competition, and hatred (even out of religious reasons) at heart, we cannot celebrate Divine Mercy.

Hunger @ post-CoVid-19

Hunger seems to be the new perspective through which the Gospel will be read and must be preached.
Hunger has always been there, but since it was 'their' hunger it was never really felt.
Though some of us may still have food, it will be under the eyes of millions who are hungry.
The bread we eat may be an extra privilege, and so does demand extra gratitude.
The felt hunger and gratitude must necessarily reflect in the breaking of the bread, because the bread becomes a privileged presence of life for many.
----------------
Amidst the struggle and sensed gratitude, the available food is always raised as a gift that in turn to be shared to others. Giving thanks, can families begin to have a ministry of 'breaking of bread.' Though it may not have a sacramental nature it can bring a great sense of givenness of resources and that of others. It might also connect the family with the millions elsewhere who have no food.

Gospel after CoVid-19

We seem to be stepping into a different world; different ways of education, interactions, social patterns, perhaps even religious behaviors.
- A world divided between business interests and the struggle
to survive
- A world of hunger, joblessness and homelessness,
- A world that would be shaped in small cluster patterns.

In the same world we see the Crucified and the Risen,
in common efforts, good will, cooperation, compassion, goodness and love.

He may be betrayed;
because both the cut-throat profit seeking in business
and the competing banners of religion are at work.

We need small groups of good will that can carry out the life-giving life of Jesus; a common consciousness of humanity towards abundance and flourishing of life.

Now is the time to saw the seed with the deepest desire and conviction,
thus to become agents, witnesses, and recipients of the Gospel.

Hear Your Name

There was a star when Jesus was born,
where is the star of the resurrection?

Brightness of the resurrection shines in our hearts,
new level of faith, hope, and deeds of goodness.
Mary stood at the tomb weeping,
she did not recognize Christ standing near.
He called her by name, "Mary"
Thomas was losing hope, puzzled, wandering,
He called him too by name, "Thomas"
That was enough for them to light up new life within them.

When you become empty and lonely, and darkness fills everywhere,
when you are afraid of death, death begins to overpower you,
You can hear Christ calling you by name,
a voice, tender and loving,
"I have called you by name, and you are mine."

Day is dawned

Day is dawned,
still dark, cold, and fearsome.

The dead, the dying, the weak... What next...
The Risen one said: "Peace be with you."
"We can't Lord."
"I know it is hard.
Come, see my wounds, keep your hands on my wounds."

"My Lord, and my God."

He Walks with Us

The empty tomb,
empty churches,
people confined to their houses...

They could not find him in the tomb, nor in the temple.
The angel said: "He is not here."
Magdalene went in search of him,
He himself walked with her,
Magdalene hears being called by her name.

Go to Galilee...
invisible but a presence of nearness, true and constant
walking once again, through the same path
in the boat and on the shore at Tiberius,
through the fields where they argued who was the greatest,
places where he healed the sick,
He is with us, and among us.
they saw him, knew him, and believed.
Though the doors were shut, if we can be one in heart,
we can hear again, " Peace be with you."

Emmanuel - God with us
But they came from Sanhedrin -
"What do you know who were born in sin?"
"Hear only what we say, and do that. only that is right."
With that sense of righteousness,they went again to the tomb in search of him.
Christ too walked with them to the tomb since he wanted to  be with them.
When they returned, he too walked
to their houses, working places, offices.
They spoke the things they learned, that was right for them,
He longed to listen from their hearts.

He is with us, the Risen one; at home, in the school, at the study desk, in hospitals, in fields, in rivers to swim, in the sea ...

She [the whole medical staff] Stood Outside the Tomb Weeping

...early in the morning they came to anoint the wounds of the healer, now laid lifeless.
She stood outside the tomb weeping.

At the time of a pandemic these days, there are Medical care staff anointing the pain and fear of the sick, the dying, and the abandoned with care, encouragement, compassion, and companionship. These healers themselves are turning lifeless, hungry, fatigued,and some dead. 

They stood by them, and outside the wards sobbing.

They do not have time to weep or to complain; they are not even permitted to do so. ... 

The powers that do not take their life into account are giving a free hand for silencing and killing life itself. What interests make them heartlessly blind? Which are those powers that keep life locked in the tomb? Lauds and cheers become a cruel joke at the risk that the medical staff take if their life and safety are not ensured.

The guards of the tomb threw into silent darkness the resurrection that they saw before their eyes, having received money and being submissive to powers.
How could they bear the burden of that silence?
Judas who sold his master,
the authorities and guards who dice the resurrection for money.

We are witnessing that money do keep control over life even today.

When the Word is Silent

The Word is silent;
a time for us
that we pray in patience and trust.
'Storming the heavens' may not calm the storm,
growing sense of belonging holds us in care.
Leave activism and performances,
stand still in trust and silence,
filled with his peace.

Hosanna

What are the signs that our lives are open towards life even in the midst of pain and anxiety due to the pandemic, deaths, sorrow...?

"The Kingdom of God is within you," he said. 

The signs of lives also will surely be within and among us,

even within those entering into the mystery of death.

Seeing Him dying, the one near to him saw paradise in Him,

and another the light of righteousness.

Time passes through gloom and fear of CoVid-19

Should there not some new tender sprouts during this transformation into a new person?

We must sing Hosanna raising those tender sprouts of new hope.

Hope is a sign that the life of God is really active in us. We are are being formed and transformed every moment in that life. Only then we can live as Christ, in his life, death, and resurrection.

It is a life-process to live and complete the life-giving mystery of Christ, as a person and as a community; to be human like Christ, to sacrifice life like Him, and lead many to life.

This week is a remembrance of self-emptying and sacrifice. May we be able to imitate the life-giving sacrifice of Christ, to live that life, prepare our minds and to plan as possible for these on going efforts. Our own surrounding is the Jerusalem and Calvary for us. Unless we bring the sacrificial moments to our everyday moments, we cannot live as Christ. Such attitudes of life-giving sacrifice  are more required than ritualistic abstinence. 

These were the mind of Christ,

It was not like a judge that he offered forgiveness,

it was not like a miracle worker that he offered healing;

he offered life by emptying himself,

extending comfort in sorrows, life in death.

To pass on comfort, life, and healing like Christ,

we need to be able to empty our selves, and fill ourselves with life.

A real sacrifice is to keep aside the boundaries that provide 'special'ness/ highness

redemption is to take others to one's own richness of life, and enable to live.

(it is liberative to reflect on the boundaries that Christ challenged and destroyed. We may be able to recognize those boundaries that have taken a place equal eve to God).

The simple deeds flowing from a vision of life-fullness in self emptying sacrifice are the signs of hope during these time of pain, the sincere sacrificial rituals of the way of Christ.

Hosanna (God saves)

Lord, we pray;

Grant us life and strength.

Let us take joyfully the fresh shoots of new branches,

hoping that they will flower, bear fruits,

with an attitude to sacrifice life, and fill many with lives.

Grace at Heart @ CoVid-19

1) Are you serving directly in this fight to save the humanity? 

You are, of course, engaged fully.

Just keep in your heart, “God, be in me, and be with us”

2) Are you locked down at home?

There is a long time to pass

Alone, away, constrained, concerned…

Pass over gracefully.

See well

The News, the updates, instructions, orders ...

The sick, the abandoned, the dying, the people in healthcare, the fleeing migrants,

Read their pain, fear, hunger, health, fatigue,

Our own people - spouse, parents, children, friends...

There are lots of things to read attentively in them,

Which we never gave attention;

their love, likes, desires, complaints, silence…

See well the world, society, the poor, caretakers, the police, the government...

Read attentively, the many cares that we took for granted.

See well the nature, the plants, the animals, the air, the water,

Read attentively the mysteries we desacralized

Feel them

Feel what is seen and read,

Imagine the path they walk, hold their pain, rejection, neglect, struggle, fatigue, fear …

Express

Express them in gestures, sighs, or even in words,

Your heart might whisper just a word, ‘O God.’

It is your sincere cry that involves your prayer for them, repentance for what is neglected, gratitude for what is seen as received.

Hear

Hear the voice of God, speaking to you and the whole of what you have seen, read felt and voiced.

Feel the consolation, comfort, and the presence of God for you and for the world,

in hospitals, in streets, with the sick and the dying, with the caretakers and the scientists, with the police and the governments.

Firmly believe the presence of God, not just for your protection and care, but all the more the presence with the sick and the dying.

You could see the presence of God as a guest and a host within the locked down house.
Since it is simple, it might be hard to practice.

Make an attempt trusting in grace

It might also fill you with compassion and courage.

__________________

Ref. Traditional pattern of Lectio Divina – Read, Meditate, Speak, Contemplate –  

Extreme Pietism vs Prudence @ Covid-19

All forms of 'Bannerism' must be avoided in calling for prayers, adorations, and other spiritual activities.

Prayer is not a doing, it is an attitude, a relationship, a confidence, and a sense of relying on to God.

Earnestly,we pray that the Lord may grant us peace; to guard our faith, and place our confidence in the efforts of social and medical agents.

Many inventions came out of intuitions; and it is not given as a revelation from outside but given for the working mind. So peace is something important for the intuition to be recognised. It is an effort of humanity for the sake of all the living.

Any form of extreme pietism can only bring counter effects, and it is not the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If it is advised to avoid crowding in any form, gathering for 'prayer' is not a prayer at all. Praying is important, but not the coming together in great number. We might seek the intercession of the saints, or use traditional prayers in the time of perils. But these are not to be considered as 'the formula' or a 'magical spell' that totally solve problems.

Peace at heart for a good Lent

Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness (James 3:18). In other words, Peace is the seed-ground for holiness.

We have at our heart the bitterness of jealousy, or a self-seeking ambition, competitions, intentional hatred, and quarrels; they are all against peace, both the inner peace and peace among people.  Often they are self-projections, or self-centered claims. At times we cover up truth with lies. we may not take notice of them because they may have become normal, and 'required' ways. They even take a noble face in the name of ministries and are well justified. Thus we have become 'good' pseudo-charismatic, pseudo-catholic, and pseudo-Christians. We are unfortunately very comfortable because, often, these are put into dialogue only in closed and like-minded community (nowadays most often in cyber-communities).

We are able to do every kind of thing, we may be possessing influential positions, we may have powerful voice, but only in peace we can have the right doing, right position, and right voice and deliberations, and thus come to the attitudes of Christ. Thus, peace is a challenge and testimony of the heart. To test holiness, we need to check how peaceful we are, and how peacefully we approach life and its events. Perhaps it reminds us of Martha 'worried of many things.' One thing is necessary, ie being faithful to the commitment that the Lord has entrusted at present. Peacefully listen to him in the same commitment and the journey that is ongoing. Sometime our restless attitude of doing many 'spiritual works' itself may be  taking away our peace. What must be done, and how they must be done... all are our worries. 

It is a confidence in the accompanying presence of God, where we can say that nothing will ever disturb, I will not be shaken (Ps 30; Ps 16: 8). It is not on our success and fast results, but a confidence in the work of the Lord, and our fidelity and trust on to him. If we truly knows that God lives our lives will be of calmness. he says " be still and know that I am God (Ps 46: 10). Our troubles begin when we take up a 'saviourship' for ourselves.

Even today the question of Jesus asks us to look at our becoming of His self: "How much longer must I be with you?" (Mt 17:17)

It is an invitation for a new birth for our own experience of ever continuing actions of God in our life (experiencing the kingdom of God), and also to invite others to this great banquet of the generously available actions of God in and through us (sharing the kingdom of God).

Preparation for Easter is a preparation for a new creation. We see the new waters, and the Light of Life rises as the first born of new creation.

Our Lenten fast often limits to a number of 'what to avoid.' Fasting should not end up in a material fasting. It has no value unless it helps us in a graceful self-emptying process. Fasting is not looking for some blessings-because-of-my-fasting. It is also not intended for a spiritual or physical 'fitness.' the time of fasting  is an effort to put on the virtues of Christ, and ultimately to put on Christ himself.   

Uninstallation of Apps or running away from situations is not a right way of fasting. A prudent disciplined way of growth is what is to be well learned  here. To pick up some (needed) virtues and make efforts to practice them would be a sincere path. It is really a hard work more than avoiding some liked-things. Imagine taking efforts to love, being kind, forgiving ... as possible everyday. It is a liberative growth process. Trusting onto grace it is an effort to chose to love, chose to forgive, chose to shed tears if they are held within and kept frozen. Grace will moisturize the dryness, melt anger and hatred, and guide jealousy and pride. It is the path of God to chose for peace. That is how the messenger of God brings the good tidings, and proclaims peace (Is 52:7). Then the world knows that the lord still acts.

Of course we might fail, but trusting onto the grace and walk through the struggle is the Way of the Cross. Christ never puts us into shame in case of failures. Not failing is not what Christ expects us to learn form the path of his cross. It is the lessons of trust that we must learn from Christ because he is with us. Let all my being bless his holy name, thus begins Psalm 103. God is praised because he has formed us from the soil of the earth (Ps 103:14). The accompanying presence offers us the path to peacefulness. How can we walk this path unless we do not have gratitude, acceptance, and joyful surrender. In fact it is in this process peace emerges which is offered as a gift. In peacefulness we are constantly encouraged, not led to despair and fear. So the season of Lent is a season of finding ourselves, and finding Christ in us. Christ also is born from the seed of the Word sown in peace, because peace is in the hearts of people of good will. "Peace signifies an abundant, or flourishing life" (Pope Francis).

______________________________

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, I cried to you for help

and you, my God, have healed me.

O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead,

restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him,

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts a moment; his favor all through life.

At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

I said to myself in my good fortune:

Nothing will ever disturb me.

Your favor had set me on a mountain fastness,

then you hid your face and I was put to confusion.

To you, Lord, I cried,

to my God I made appeal:

What profit would my death be, my going to the grave?

Can dust give you praise or proclaim your truth?

The Lord listened and had pity.

The Lord came to my help.

For me you have changed my mourning into dancing,

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

So my soul sings psalms to you unceasingly.

O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever. 

(Psalm 30)

__________________________ 

In Malayalam സമാധാനപാതേ ഒരു നോമ്പ് യാത്ര 

Catholicity of Jesus

The culture and religion of the time of Jesus would keep some as 'sinners' and enemies. The elite claimed higher holiness, more perfect ritual and moral correctness, and specially 'preferred' status. They kept themselves away from anything and anyone that was 'unclean.' Instead, Jesus welcomed them all, all who wished to  come to him. They were all the children of God. He could extend himself to them, or he could see them all in himself. Thus loving oneself and loving others became one and the same process. That was the catholicity Jesus showed.

Trust, and have no Fear

"My God, I trust in you, I will not fear"
My God I trust in you, You have found me deserving your trust...
An experience of God being merciful to me, compassionate and kind to me.

God showers graces and I find myself something worth.

In doubt and in fear,
we cannot trust, we cannot be confident,
we cannot trust others,
we cannot feel that we deserve the trust of others;
the danger of self-centered powers.
Parents to children and children to their parents,
Leader to one's flock, and flock to their leader.

"Your kingdom come" is a prayer in deep hope and trust.
Jesus places his trust in his disciples whom he called.
_____________________
Jonathan trusted in David, he was not threatened by the existence of his friend,
he understood that David deserved the throne.

David trusted his friend, trusted Saul as his own father, he spares Saul's life.

Saul lost his trust in God, David, and people, and he lost himself.

Followed, believed, worshiped @ Epiphany 2020

Wise men came to visit, "they saw the child with his mother and they worshiped him."
In their wisdom and power, they found the presence of the child worthy of honour, value, and life.

The divine presence made known to the whole world.

The revelation is not just for a moment, it is a spark towards its completion.
The Gospels speak to us the moments of miracles and healing,
the moments made us follow him, walk along, walk ahead.

The Gospels speak of the moments of recognition and realisation,
Mary and the disciples at Cana,
Nathaniel, Nicodemus, Samaritan woman, the paralytic,
the woman left free of judgement, Thomas..., and we
the moments that open us towards believing in him.

Immersing into the revelation and life-giving acts in creation, incarnation and redemption,
seeing how we are also part of these acts,
the experience of recognition and realisation,
recognising him around, realising him here - in me and in my realities

That revelation, the presence is worthy of trust, and belief,
worthy of acknowledging to be the author of power life, healing and strength.
before that presence we can offer our search for richness and depth, meaning and life, beauty and affection.
there is worship in truth and spirit.

A moment of true worship,
there will be a different way.

The wise men returned to their place through another way.
_________________
See രാജാക്കൾ തിരിച്ചു നടന്ന വഴി

...weeping for her children!

The Christmas message (2019) of Pope Francis begins like this: "From the womb of Mother Church, the incarnate Son of God is born anew this night."

Mother church not only celebrates the mystery of the incarnation as something external to her,

but as the living presence within her.
She also holds within herself the suffering of the witnesses to the Word made flesh.

The Holy innocents are remembered every year soon after the birth of Christ.
A cry and mourn is heard from the heart of the church for the victims of injustice and violence.
Who are the holy victims,
those helplessly lamenting,
those put to death,
those kept in fear and humiliation.

Power and insecurity will necessarily bring violence.
Political approach devoid of good will surely raise victims,

often women and children.

their men may have been already victims of war and humiliation.

From the heart of Mother Church, a voice is heard,
sobbing and loudly lamenting:
it was a weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted because they were no more.

New Life at the Manger

God in the Highest is among us here.
It was always his assurance: "I am with you."
God pitched his tent among his people,
he is not far from us.

Peace on earth to people of good will...
who are the people of good will?
Manger at Bethlehem is an example to see that.

There is a community of the universe,
welcoming one another with  surprise and joy.
Stars, animals, angels...
among the humans there are shepherds, parents, wise men/kings, baby...
Son of God is dependent on all others,
His parents are taking care with devotion,
shepherds are willing to help them as they can...


All care for one another,
wish good for all.
Then, there is peace on earth, the kingdom of God.

There is no foreigner or stranger, no rich or poor,
there are no boundaries, the other is our own people,
they can welcome one another with surprise and joy.

A saviour is born to us, ... a child is given  to us
You can be fresh and new once again,
offering forgiveness, and being forgiven, being loved;
never being lost, not letting anyone to be rejected, forgotten and lost.
In us reveal the face of God.

Emmanuel -- God is with us
We are never left alone,
God accepts us as his own...
God accompanies us on our journey.
having seen the radiance of his glory we can leave in peace

It is an embrace of God,
the grace, the love, the life of God that we receive in Christ,
in that we have forgiveness, healing, freedom, and new birth,
freshness of new life, growing into its fullness
that is eternal life,
not according to time, but according to the abundance of grace.

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
any one who believes in him may have eternal life.

Time of Patient Waiting

Once a year we joyfully remember the events at the manger in Bethlehem.

The Jews sang: “Let us go to God’s house” (Ps 121[122]:1)
There is a new model of the temple at the manger,
and the real face of God in the baby at the manger.

Look at the baby with love,
the baby who comes totally dependent on others,
baby who trusts in others without suspect and fear.
Animals, the poor, the pagans, those judged to be sinners ….
Many are there at the manger.
Can we take into account all of them to whom baby Christ became dependent?
Those came to the manger also were ready to wait,
were open to see reality beyond their own expectations and definitions.

It is possible only in a patient waiting!
Patience of child-bearing and pain of labour,
Which has its origin in true love.
“The virgin mother longed for him with love beyond all telling.” (Preface Advent II)

Then the time for patient waiting;
To be born, to walk, to speak, to know oneself … and to bid farewell.
Absence of this waiting can bring immature interventions from us. In hurried actions ‘to make Christ born’ we may be losing our peace.
Contemplation in love, prayerful waiting for the Christ-births we want to give, patience to accept new paths and learn to walk gently, waiting for inspired words that we could speak …

The revealing, incarnating, and the dependent Christ is there in every one.

Let us go to God’s house,
To the openness of the manger at Bethlehem,
Without hating, without separating, without judging.
In such encounters, being together,
we have nativity, proclamation of the Gospel, repentance and transformation.
In kindness, compassion and mercy, there are ways made straight,
there is born Christ unnamed, and lives.