Following in the Footsteps of Mary, the Mother of God

 The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God: January 01, 2023

Mass Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

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Today is the 1st day of the year 2023! On this special day of the year, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. It is a Catholic feast day that is celebrated on January 1st. This feast day honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her role as the mother of God. Mary is a central figure in Christianity and is revered as a woman of very special significance by Catholics and many other Christian denominations. The celebration of this feast day dates back to the 4th century and was established by Pope Julius I as a way to reaffirm the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ. The celebration of this feast day is a way for Catholics to honor Mary and recognize her important role in the life and ministry of Jesus. It is also a time to reflect on Mary's own faith and devotion to God, and to draw inspiration from her example.

1. Role of Mother Mary in the public ministry of Jesus

Mary played a powerful role in the public ministry of Jesus, although the accounts of her involvement in the Gospels are limited. According to the New Testament, Mary was present at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and present at the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. After this, there is little mention of Mary in the Gospels in relation to Jesus' public ministry. However, it is likely that Mary was an important source of support and encouragement for Jesus as he carried out his ministry and preached throughout Galilee and Judea. Mary was also present at the Crucifixion of Jesus, standing by his side as he died on the cross.

Christmas - Birthing of God in our Midst

Christmas 2022 - 25 December 2022 General Reflections on Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ

Readings: Isaiah 52:7–10; Psalms 98:1–6; Hebrews 1:1–6; John 1:1–18

Christmas Crib at St Joseph's CBSE, Bengaluru
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With great excitement, we celebrate Christmas, Jesus Christ’s humble birth in Bethlehem on a manger two thousand years ago. We commemorate this event of God becoming like one of us, of flesh and blood in a unique way by attending liturgy in our Churches and parishes. We gather together as a worshipping community to recall that event which is a once and for all in the history of humanity but with an eye on the future. A future, which has to be viewed from our eyes of faith that God continues to be born in us and live in us and with us in an extraordinary way through his graces, and the strength that he gives to live our Christian lives. 

1. When God wills, nobody can put constraints

Firstly, the liturgical readings on this day significantly clarify that God continues to love the world and its people. God loves to bring forth His plans of salvation through concrete people and through concrete actions. If we contemplate the mystery of the birth of Jesus, we are more than startled than relieved of this gripping story. Mary is conceived through the Holy Spirit; she was just engaged to Joseph, and when the days arrived to deliver her baby she had no place, moreover, people around her were not generous, and were not ready to give a place to her. What does it mean? 

Emmanuel: God with us

4th Sunday of Advent - December 18, 2022

Readings:  Isaiah 7:10–14; Psalm 24:1–6; Romans 1:1–7; Matthew 1:18–24

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The fourth Sunday of Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. As we near the end of the Advent season, we can take stock of how we have been preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. This may include examining our relationship with God and with others, and considering how we can be more open and receptive to the love and grace that Christ offers. It can also be a time to reflect on the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and to see how they have been fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we can also reflect on the significance of this event for our own lives, and consider how we can allow Christ to be born anew in us.

1. An act of faith translated into obedience 

Matthew 1:18-24 is the story of the virgin birth of Jesus. In this passage, we see that Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they could be married, she was found to be pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man, did not want to disgrace Mary publicly, so he planned to divorce her quietly. According to the laws and customs of the time, this would have brought disgrace upon Mary and Joseph. But instead of reacting in fear or anger, Joseph chose to trust in God and to follow the instructions given to him by the angel. But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel also told Joseph that the child would be named Jesus and would be the savior of his people, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

Advent: Rejoicing in the Lord Always

 3rd Sunday of Advent: November 11, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 35:1–6, 10; Psalm 146:6–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11

(St John the Baptist is visited by the two)
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Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. The word "gaudete" comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," and it is the first word of the entrance antiphon of the Mass: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). As we light the pink candle on our Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy and hope that comes with the birth of Jesus. In a world filled with darkness and despair, we have a reason to be joyful and hopeful. 

1. Be the people of joy

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday because it is a time for us to rejoice and be glad, for the coming of the Lord is near. We are now halfway through Advent, and the anticipation of Christmas is growing stronger. But Advent is also a time for us to reflect on our own lives and how we are preparing for the coming of Christ. Are we living lives that reflect His light and love? Are we sharing that light with others and bringing them closer to Him? This is a time when we reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of the coming of the Messiah and the hope and joy that he brings to all who believe in him.

Transforming into Fullness of Justice and Peace

 2nd Sunday in Advent: December 04, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 11:1–10; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17; Romans 15:4–9; Matthew 3:1–12

Preaching of John the Baptist, by Mattia Preti (1613 –1699)
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The month of December every year turns out to be the busiest month of the year. As the last month of the year, we would like to accomplish all those unfinished tasks, unmet resolutions, and unfulfilled dreams. For students, the anxiety of exams sets them into great academic rigor, and to those who work in various sectors of business, the targets need to be met. The liturgical readings on this Second Sunday of Advent set the tone for a deeper introspection of our lives and actions. 

1. The arrival of God in history transforms the humanity

Both the prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist herald a new era of Messiah, the Saviour. Their announcement of the birth of God's Son in our midst will transform everything, from the personal lives of the individual to the political spectrum of society. The coming of the Son of Man will change the destiny of people and nations. It will change things that have remained unchanged for ages and years. In fact, this new way of being will be, in fact, a revolutionary change. Even those who are ready for change will have a conversion of heart.

Show us Lord, your Love and Grant us Salvation

1st Sunday in Advent: November 27, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122:1–9; Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:37–44

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Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we begin a new liturgical year. Just like nature has its own seasons so too our liturgy incorporates various liturgical seasons to suit our spiritual and inner needs. This dynamic is very essential to take us away from the daily routines, and daily humdrum of life. Changes, differences, and plurality give us new life indeed. Unum et pluribus, "unity in plurality" is an often-heard phrase in our multicultural and diverse society and the Church. 

1. Called to be awakened people

Advent is a season that puts us right into that experience of the Christmas scene; the scene of a little baby in the manger, mother Mary and Joseph caring for this God’s Son in a special but uncosy way. The angels singing holy, holy, holy, and alleluia; shepherds in the countryside grazing their sheep coming down to see this baby are all part of this awesome Season. The Season of Advent, in others words adventus in Latin means coming, arrival, is, indeed, a time of preparation. 

Jesus the King, Leading by Example

 Solemnity of Christ the King, : November 20, 2022

Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1–3; Psalm 122:1–5; Colossians 1:12–20; Luke 23:35–43

A traditional depiction of Christ the King (Credit: Wiki commons.)
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We celebrate on this Sunday the Solemnity of Christ the King. This great feast of the Church brings to the culmination of the whole liturgical year. With this celebration, in fact, we end the liturgical year which we started with Advent a year ago. We have spent a whole year by dwelling on the mystery of the person of Jesus Christ in our lives, Church and society at large. Because Jesus is a God of history. He became one among us and then left behind a great legacy to imitate him in every way of our lives. Therefore, Jesus is regarded as the King of the Universe. The liturgical readings for this feast of Christ the King emphasize how this person of Jesus is truly our King and King of the Universe.

1. Minding our words when someone suffers

One of the disputable questions Pontius Pilate asked Jesus was "Are you the King?" The soldiers who listened to Pilate questioning Jesus and the subsequent answer of Jesus made them curious about his kingship. In the most vulnerable situation, the soldiers begin to taunt Jesus by ridiculing with the same question asked by Pilate, "are you the king?" "He saved others, let him save himself," and "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Perhaps the uncompassionate and unmerciful humiliating questions of soldiers does not deter Jesus to be mindful and focused on what he was trying to communicate even to the criminals hanging next to him. Through his excruciating suffering, Jesus teaches us that a King or leader is the one who suffers with his people. Moreover, Jesus leads others by example and especially to all those who occupy positions of power and responsibility.  

Perseverance Secures Redemption

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 23, 2022

Readings: Malachi 3:19–20; Psalm 98:5–9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12; Luke 21:5–19

[Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem by Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)]
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Often we are worried not about the present but about the future. Even though we are unsure about our future, we put too much emphasis on it than on the present. When things do not go according to our plans and projects, we begin to doubt not only on our abilities but also God with whom we might have placed our petition for the success of our plan. The liturgical readings on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a very fascinating but also grim ideas about the future to those who follow our Lord as his authentic disciples. 

1. God’s plans have a future 

“Coming things” as they are called in Christian theology are often absurd, cruel and crazy.  These "end-of-time things" are of such nature, they bring even shiver in our spines because of the world that we live in. We might call this world egoistic, selfish, wicked, and evil. However, the world is also good, kind, generous, and gentle. Moreover, the absurdity of wickedness is taking too much of our energy and the good that we try to accomplish. 

The Lord is Faithiful

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 06, 2022

Readings: 2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14; Psalm 17:1, 5–6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5; Luke 20:27–38

A byzantine icon of Jesus
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The month of November is very special to us as we commemorate the life and death of every baptized Christian. Eternity and temporality of our lives are celebrated very beautifully in this month. We recall that life has an end on this earth with eyes on the future, a future where God alone suffices. Hence, our earthly life is also precious. The merits of fruitful and holy life will find God in eternity. Even though it might look our earthly life tough and messy because of its chaos and confusion, sin and wickedness, yet there are people, our own ancestors who have lived their life to the full. We call them saints and blessed. They have set a standard or benchmark for our lives too. In this context the liturgical readings on this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, remind us that our earthly life is as precious as the heavenly life. In fact, we cannot cross into heaven unless we live our lives here on earth fully and faithfully. 

1. Life after an earthly journey is certain

The question about life after death is age-old. This existential question has been asked since the beginning of human history. What happens to our mortal bodies once it stops breathing? Only the human person has the capacity to think creatively, speak languages, imagine art, and get connected with people in unknown geographical locations. If such a thinking person dies where does he or she go? Is the life end at the death of the person? These and many more such questions are part of our daily struggle to live our lives with focus. Often a sense of nothingness, and meaninglessness comes into our minds. Such questions were asked to Jesus. Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection had many questions about life after death, especially the relationship between the husband and wife.

O LORD, and lover of souls!

 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 30, 2022

Readings: Wisdom 11:22–12:2; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11–2:2; Luke 19:1–10

(Jesus and Zaccheus)
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Often change does not happen by itself. We have to wait for that opportunity or an occasion, where something triggers and change takes place. What is constant is change. Therefore, there is nothing permanent in this world. However, if one is not ready for change, then it is difficult to notice the effects of change.  The liturgical readings on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, invite us to look for changes in life, especially when our lives are not attuned to the Will of God.

1. Curiosity wins

For any learning or improvement in one's quality of life, one has to develop a deep sense of curiosity. It is said that curiosity is the mother of all learning. The more one is curious, one learns or invents. If a person is disinterested or nothing bothers him about the happenings around him, such a person will lose the sense of purpose in life. To see and be seen, according to Brene Brown, is the greatest gift of love. Today’s gospel Luke 19:1–10 provides a powerful example of what this love looks like in action. Zaccheaus, the tax collector was an ardent curious person. He was not only short in physical stature but also in moral standing. He not only realized the importance of Jesus in and around Palestine but also in his life.

The Humbling Effect

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 23 October 2022

Readings: Sirach 35:12–14, 16–18; Psalm 34:2–3, 17–19, 23; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18; Luke 18:9–14

(The Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
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God has blessed us with a beautiful Mother Earth. As I write these few reflections, I am crisscrossing the beautiful, lush green landscape between Bangalore and Pune by an express train. I am heading towards Pune to preach a retreat. Having rained, the land looks majestic like a bride in this festive season of Divali. As the train runs between the paddy fields and forests, towns and villages, rivers and lakes, human and non-human habitats, I am nothing but thankful for all that God does for us without the slightest human effort to maintain such a massive, vast, vibrant and wonderful creation. It humbles us to see the enormous creativity of God, which makes our eyes sore with gladness and joy. Perhaps, the suggested readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us that finally, we should allow God to be God. Only the virtue of humility is the only way to attain the vision of God.

1. Being human means being humble 

Jesus narrates a story of two men with different backgrounds at prayer in a synagogue. A Pharisee who is known for his uprightness is standing and praying in the synagogue. Instead of being grateful, Pharisee congratulates himself and points at the fellow Jew who is also standing at a distance praying with all humility. He is a tax collector, therefore a sinner. The pharisee distinguishes himself from the "rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous - or even like this tax collector." He says, "I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income" (Luke 18:11-12). What matters most for Jesus’s succinct observation is the words that are uttered by the Pharisee: "I’m not like that tax collector." 

Never Give up!

 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 16, 2022

Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8

 (Image: Aaron and Hur standing on each side of Moses)
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Persistence, perseverance and patience are the three magical words that help us to do marvels in our lives. Life is tough but with our efforts and God’s help, we can make our life possible. A certain amount of energy and resilience, we must instill within us in spite of the odds and adversaries that we encounter in every day of our lives. To keep up with the phase of our lives, we must encourage ourselves. In a world of evil and jealousy, what must keep us going is our deep faith in the Lord and our own convictions and values that we hold dear to us. The liturgical readings on this 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to cultivate within us those qualities of faith, convictions, values, persistence, perseverance and patience to make our life fascinating, interesting and enjoyable one.

1. Don’t give up when others are unwilling

In the Gospel reading of today (Luke 18:1-8), the widow follows a simple procedure that is not to give up on her desire to get justice from the lazy and unjust judge - who neither feared God nor respected any human being. Probably the sense of pride must have overtaken him from being what he is supposed to be and doing. He seems to have believed in himself. Therefore "he cared for no one". In other words,  he had no fear of God or respect for humanity. Certainly, he was not a good man. In fact, he believed in his self-sufficiency and arrogance. He must have made enough wealth for himself and his family. Hence he had no need of anyone’s benevolence and kindness. Moreover, his intentions toward justice were distorted as a judge. A judge must deliver justice and especially for those poor and marginalized. Moreover, he must have special care and concern to them as they would not be able to fund a good lawyer to defend them.

Gratitude - the Attitude of joy of the Heart

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 09, 2022

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14–17; Psalm 98:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:8–13; Luke 17:11–19

(Healed Samaritan thanks, Jesus Luke 17:11–19)
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A grateful heart is closer to God. Often it is difficult to be grateful and be thankful to others.  All the blessings and beautiful things that happen in our life because of the intervention of others. Unfortunately, they are taken for granted. Being ungrateful or not recognizing the goodness, mercy and compassion of others in our lives is a sign of how evil we are. The liturgical readings on this 28th Sunday of the Ordinary Time, remind us that God's love, compassion, mercy and healing move beyond the barriers of any religion, culture and race. God's graciousness extends beyond our imagination. We, often, put boundaries for God, so that he does not intervene in our lives. We like to be in control of our own destinies and avoid being in debt to anyone. The God that the scriptures speak today is a larger one, a bigger one!

1. In illness and suffering, people are not divided

The Gospel writer St. Luke gives us a fascinating story of ten Lepers who were healed by Jesus while he was entering a village near Samaria and Galilee. During the time of Jesus, as a social norm Lepers were kept outside the village or city in order to prevent the disease from spreading because they thought that it was contagious and transmittable. They even considered leprosy as a curse by God. That is how Jesus encounters these 10 lepers while entering a village. This incident also says to us that these lepers were considered socially dead, and were not part of the societal life or anything that has to do with normal life in society – religious, economic, cultural or political. They were regarded as outcasts and ostracized from every public place including towns and villages. 

Lord, Increase our Faith

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 02, 2022

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14; Luke 17:5–10

(Photo courtesy: Jean-Marc Arakelian)
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Our life is full of questions and curiosities. Often we think that the world is controlled by God's enemies! The strife, misery and discord we face in our own lives can sometimes cause us to wonder, as the prophets of the Old Testament do, why God doesn’t seem to hear or intervene when we cry for help. These days, we have been reading from the book of Job at our Eucharist. Job had too many questions to God when he suffered disaster after disaster, suffering after suffering. When he got exhausted with his queries, God began to answer. Finally, Job accepted God's ways and doings in his life. The liturgical readings for this 27th Sunday in Ordinary time challenge us on how large is our faith. Moreover, they invite us to be part of the bigger picture of God. We can’t let our hearts be hardened by the trials we undergo.

1. Jesus challenges our faith

In the gospel of today (Luke 17:5–10) the disciples plead Jesus to increase their faith. And in response, Jesus asks them to have such faith that can move mountains. Faith is a dynamic process and it can grow but also it requires God’s help. In the Bible, we see Jesus’ references to this aspect of faith: the faith of a paralytic, the faith of a Centurion, the faith of a woman who had a hemorrhage, “Your faith has saved you”, great faith of a leper, Jesus calm’s the sea and asks his disciples where is your faith?  There are so many other instances where Jesus speaks about faith. Faith in God brings salvation. The book of Hebrews (11:1) says, "Now faith is the assurance of the things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Standing with Lazarus, (the God's Children)

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 25, 2022

Readings: Amos 6:1, 4–7; Psalm 146:7–10;  1 Timothy 6:11–16; Luke 16:19–31

(Poor Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:19–31)
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We live in contrasting times, situations and circumstances. Often we find it difficult to digest such moments and ask ourselves, why that is so. In fact, all of us are born in this world just like any other human being. However, the differences and contrasts that we develop around us often put us into deep existential questions which deal extensively with the purpose of our lives. The liturgical readings of this Sunday have a lot to say to us about the contrasting things and dichotomies that we experience every day of our lives. 

1. Rewards according to one's earthly life

Jesus begins today's discourse in the Gospel of Luke 16:19–31 with the following parable which is contrasting in many ways. "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. (Luke 16:19-20). A rich man is without a name whereas a poor man is with the name Lazarus (in Hebrew "Eleazar" which means "Yahweh is my help") making their living in close proximity. In spite of the glaring differences in their lifestyles, they were no strangers to each other. The story is full of contrasts, dichotomies and of differences. However, their common goal is one that is to live in this world. 

Serving Only One Master, the Lord

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 18, 2022

Readings: Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113:1–2, 4–6, 7–8; 1 Timothy 2:1–8; Luke 16:1–13

(The parable of the untrustworthy steward: Luke 16:1–13)
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The world that we live in is tricky. To sail through the world of peace and joy, pleasure and happiness, sin and suffering, in a worthy manner, we have to be careful and attentive. Even though we are born in the world as free human beings we tend to fall into the same trap of being controlled by the world, its ideas, whims and fancies. The political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) famously said “man is born free but everywhere is in chains.” Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), another philosopher says "the condition of man... is a condition of war of everyone against everyone." As we read through this Sunday's liturgical readings, the above-mentioned thoughts come to our minds. Whether it is the words of Prophet Amos or the parables of Jesus, all have a similar tone that the world in which we live is messy and complicated one.  

1. Small things matter

"The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones" (Luke 16:10). The powerful words of Jesus ring very true in our ears. We cannot trust someone if one is not careful and diligent in small matters. Nobody will give such a person a bigger responsibility if the person is unable to handle a smaller one. No one will give a person authority if the person is found insincere, dishonest and corrupt. These are part of the lokaniyama rules of the world. The welfare of the world loka kalyana is possible only by those who are persons of integrity and truth. When a person fulfills a small task is itself proof of his fitness or unfitness to be entrusted with a bigger task. We cannot advance to the higher office until one has shown proof of his honesty and ability to perform in a smaller position. 

Mercy - Reconciling the World to Himself in Christ

 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 11, 2022

Readings: Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14; Psalm 51:3–4, 12–13, 17, 19; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10

The icon of the prodigal son and his father. Photo courtesy: Google

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Often we label people. By doing so we find some amount of fulfillment. The word sinner which is quite often used in the Bible as well as in matters of spiritual things says something concretely to us. The liturgical readings of this 24th Sunday signify different understandings of sin and sinfulness. It means going astray, losing oneself, bringing back, finding it, turning away, worshipping the false gods, being in guilty, casting out from God's presence, blasphemer, persecutor, arrogant, acting out of ignorance in one's unbelief and so forth. Perhaps we can do some learning from today's readings to enhance our intimacy with God.

1. Looking at reality with new lenses

"Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain" (Luke 15:1). With these words, the Gospel reading of today begins. We can see here the situation in which Jesus was in. Jesus recognized the tax collectors and sinners before the merciful eye of God. Jesus welcomed to his fold those who were so-called marginalized or derecognized in society either because of their trade or simply because they could not be rightful in their dealings. When someone recognizes the goodness in a person then there are also those who simply cannot see the good in that person. Here there are Pharisees and scribes the perpetual grumblers trying to malign what Jesus has been doing. In other words, these critics go on finding fault in Jesus just because he walks and talks with those who are neglected by society. 

Disciple - a Watch of the Night with Wisdom of Heart

 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 04, 2022

Readings: Wisdom 9:13–18; Psalm 90:3–6, 12–17; Philemon 1:9–10, 12–17; Luke 14:25–33

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This week, our Hindu brothers and sisters celebrated the Ganesh Chaturthi, the birth of Lord Ganesh. Unlike in previous years, the celebration of religious feasts today turning out to be sectarian, communal and violent. The controversies surrounding public grounds in which Ganesh idols are to be installed have left even the Indian judiciary divided. Instead of celebrating the religious feasts in harmony and peace, they are turning out to be divisive, hatred mongers, "us" and "they" division destroying the very fabric of who we are. The beautiful prayer for peace - sarve jana sukhinah bhavantu, "that all sentient beings be at peace" seems to have been forgotten even by the religious leaders themselves. In this context, we have very remarkable liturgical readings, inviting us to be watchful and be persons with the wisdom of the heart. In fact, Jesus is making very profound statements challenging us on the cost of discipleship that is what it means to be a true disciple of his Gospel.

1. Jesus - A person with wisdom of the heart

"Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way..." reads the first sentence of today’s gospel Luke 14:25–33. It means to anyone, to whoever wishes to be his disciple. We should remember that when Jesus began his teaching ministry he was just 30 years old. He wasn’t a singer or dramatist; he wasn’t a politician or an army General, he wasn’t even a priest or a Rabbi. Where did his stardom come from? Jesus’ lifestyle was simple but clear. He had a capacity to attract the crowds, he knew how to talk to people, he had healing hands which cured the infirmed, lepers and the blind, he had great energy which could energize the people who were like sheep without a shepherd. His words spoke the truth and the truth was real.