“DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME” (Luke 22:19)

Rev.Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.

All of us want to be remembered for posterity. We evaluate our life by how well we would be remembered. Consciously and even unconsciously our choices, decisions, occupations, ways of talking and styles of living are moulded by the expectation of how we want to be remembered. The son of a famous boxer recounts how his dad told him that he should always remember his father as the most powerful man in the world as that memory would encourage him to pursue his father’s footsteps. A rich man who built the village chapel would always point it out to his children saying that they should always be proud of their father for this contribution of his.

“This Is My Body… Broken For You” (Luke 22:19)

The Lord Jesus asks us to remember Him as the One who offered His Body to be broken and His Blood to be shed for us. This was His parting wish expressed at the Last Supper. While blessing the bread, the Lord said to His companions “This is my body to be broken for you” and taking the chalice of wine and said to them - “This is my blood to be shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Jesus then told them “Do this in memory of me whenever you gather together in my name.” Jesus in His three years of ministry performed great miracles that left people wonder-struck. He taught authoritatively of the mysteries of the Divinity and his listeners were amazed. However it was not by His spectacular actions and remarkable teachings that He wanted to be remembered but by the self-offering He made for us that we may life and have it in abundance.

Often we tend to interpret the Passion and Death of Jesus as if He was the helpless victim of the circumstances. The Lord however makes it very clear to His disciples that it was His choice to lay down His life for the salvation of humankind was His priority. “No one snatches my life away but I willingly lay it down.” (John 10:18)  In fact that was the purpose the Father sent Him to the world for. As John records, “The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh… for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink” (John 6:51,55)  The gospel records that with this, many of His followers scandalized by the claim, walked away from the Master. The gospel also reveals that Jesus did not call them back. Neither did He take His promise back. Rather He turned to the twelve disciples and asked them - “Do you also wish to go away?” (John 6:67)

This stance of Jesus makes His life mission clear to us. He had come to give us the fullness of life by the ultimate expression of love of sacrificing Himself in order to become food for us. This is what we remember, celebrate and re-experience every time we gather at the altar. It is when we stand at the altar that we really understand who we are in terms of how precious we are to Jesus. He places such value on us that He even opts to forsake His life that we may live forever. In order that we may never forget this ultimate expression of love, He offered His Body and Blood for us to feed on.

“Do Not Remember the Former Things” (Isaiah 43:18)

It is very significant that Jesus inaugurated the Last Supper with this expression: “I have desired with a great desire to eat this Passover meal with you.” (Luke 22)  Every time we gather at the altar, we remember that the Lord waits for us. When we affirm our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, we settle for an intellectual acceptance of the doctrine that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharistic bread. However this truth should lead us further to understand and experience that He is present in the Eucharistic bread in order to be present to us. He said that even a strand of hair falling from our head is counted by Him (Matthew 10:30). Even the seeming trifles of our life do not escape the keen loving attention of the Lord. In our day to day life we are often hurt by the indifference of others. We are worried about the uncertainty of the future. We are insulted by the thoughtless arrogance of those we must interact with. We are haunted by the painful memories of the past. Such overwhelming negative experiences of our past could lead us to lonely depression where we are left wondering whether anyone cares for us. The antidote to every such moment is the invitation of the Lord from the Holy Eucharist, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)  Every negative experience of our life should lead us to turn our attention to the Heart of Jesus throbbing in the Eucharist to receive us and replace every burden of pain and sin with His satisfying love. 

All of us carry a heavy baggage of painful memories of the past – memories that hurt, tempt and depress us; memories that trigger anger and despair. These memories will continue to weigh us down till it pushes us to our downfall. We can wonder, “Is there any way out? The Eucharist presents the one way – that it is in Christ’s unquestioning unlimited saving love.

“See, I Am Making All Things New” (Revelations 21:5)

A young college student came for a retreat. He had grown up in the Gulf. He came to India to pursue studies in engineering. Cut away from home, parents and community, he clung on to his new-found friends and soon lost his orientations and fervour of faith. He was led astray into an unholy way of living. He hardly attended college and did not clear any of the papers in the first year. He was shocked but his friends advised him to laugh it off. He never told his parents anything and continued to follow the careless ways of his friends. Towards the end of the second year, his principal summoned him to inform him that he could continue in the college only if he completed the papers of both years together. This time, his friends had no answer for him. Reality struck him hard! He was so distressed. He sought the advice of his local guardian who sent him for the retreat.

He was very distressed and came to meet me at the very beginning of the retreat and share how bitter he felt. He told me that he had wasted all the money sent by his parents and the great opportunity he had for a excellent training in engineering. However the most painful fact was that he wasted the trust his parents had placed in him. “I have made a dirty mess of my life and there is definitely no way out of this,” he concluded. I encouraged him to put his trust in God and offer himself totally in the Hands of God believing in what Jesus said, “Nothing is impossible to God.” (Mark 10:27)

At the end of the retreat, he joyfully approached me to share his testimony. He recalled how on the third day, while he was participating in the Holy Mass, God spoke life to his heart once more. During the Offertory, all the unbearable memories of his sinful life surfaced piercing his heart. He then remembered that he was just told not to cling on to such haunting memories with regret - rather to offer every such memory with the piece of bread on the altar to the Lord. He faithfully did so. During the time of Consecration, while the priest was praying the words of Christ at the Last Supper, “This is my body broken for you”, the words resounded in his heart as though the Voice of Jesus was whispering it to him. It occurred to him that the piece of bread on the altar had become the symbol of his own sinful past which Jesus took in His Hands and held close to His Heart declaring “This is mine.” He felt love gushing into his heart when Jesus took as His own the dirty mess of his past. In the Heart of Jesus, the misery of his past was transformed in a flame of love! He could not hear anything anymore except the whisper of Jesus, “This is my body.” All the painful memories of his past vanished from his heart as it was now replaced by a new experience. When he opened his eyes it was time for the Holy Communion. He received the Body of Christ and he felt engulfed in a flame of love. He knew he was a new creation in the Eucharistic experience.

I met this young man three years later. I realized that everything was changed about him. It had become a daily habit for him to participate in the Holy Mass. Every time he was in the church by the side of the altar, the precious memory he had in the retreat centre invariably surfaced filling his heart with that warmth of Christ’s Love making him His own. He gained enough strength to say a definite goodbye to his old friends and old lifestyle. Even the memories of the sinful past had been washed off as a new memory had taken root in his heart. He passed out of the college as the first rank holder. He finally confided to me, “Father, whenever I have been faced with difficult and tense situations, the memory of my experience at the Eucharist gives me a confidence that carries me through the storms.” I was reminded of St. Paul who said, “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“The Old Has Gone, The New Is Here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

One can ask, “What’s in a memory?” Indeed. memories make or mar a human person. Psychologists today tell us that the memories we choose to hold on to will mould or distort our character. Though all of us are living in the present, our ways of thinking and styles of living are determined decisively by our understanding of the past events. If we cherish memories of being loved, appreciated and admired, we would have positive approaches in our relationships and be optimistic in our attitudes to life’s challenges. However if all the time we nurse in bitterness the negative memories of being rejected, sidelined and let down, fear and pessimism will color our expectations. Then we will not be able to trust anyone and we will become melancholic in temperament and judgmental in character.

We are not condemned to be stuck to our past forever. Our hurts were caused by the denial of love. Therefore our healing is made possible with a fresh flow of God’s Love that is unchanging and that will establish us through affirmation where we earlier were shattered because we were rejected and sidelined. For this crucial purpose of restoration, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. By offering to feed us with His Body and Blood, Jesus promises us that in order not to die, we need to eat of His Body and drink of His Blood.

Indeed we live in a culture of death because of the unhappy and unholy memories that weigh us down. When we come before the altar, we are reminded of how much we are loved and valued. This memory flashes a light on our soul that will diminish and vanquish the shadows of our painful past. The Holy Eucharist is given to us by the Lord in His Infinite Love towards our continued and complete healing.

We are living in a world that is negative and rude. We daily encounter persons and situations that can be demoralizing. It is precisely therefore that the daily Eucharist becomes relevant and crucial as a healing balm and a source of strength and will see us walk through the fire and come out unscathed.

Let Us Pray

Thank you Lord for opening Your Heart to us and offering Your Body and Blood for our daily sustenance. The tiring and burdening experiences of our life and the wounds of the past continue to haunt us, raising fears and questions. Your Love manifested in the Holy Eucharist is what reassures and strengthens us. Lead us by Your Grace to Your Altar daily and that we may be nourished by Your Life-giving Body and Blood.

 Let us never languish in the prison of the past for Your Love sets us free. Being liberated by the outpouring of Your Love, we will become channels of Your Love and Peace to everyone around us.

Amen.

“A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS” (Isaiah 49:6)

Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.

St. John declares that the joy of his heart was made complete when he shared the Good News of Jesus, the Word made flesh, with others. In the very first chapter of his gospel, he narrates how along with Andrew he went in pursuit of Jesus. The Rabbi turned to them and asked them what they were looking for. When they enquired where He was staying, they received the invitation "Come and see." This was what they were hoping for – to be accepted as His disciples and spend time at His feet, listening to His teachings and heralding God’s salvation for His people. They joyfully accepted this invitation and went with Jesus and stayed with Him. That bond of love grew strong over the next three years when he remained close with the Master as the beloved disciple. At the Last Supper, he leaned on the chest of the Master to feel His heartbeat. As John stood by the foot of the Cross he saw the Heart of Jesus pierced open and blood and water streaming out. He wrote - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3:16)

“Their Voice Has Gone Out To All The Earth, And Their Words To The Ends Of The World”  (Romans 10:18)

Inscribed deeply in the heart of this apostle was the commission Jesus gave to the disciples before His Ascension, "You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)  He recaptures all these divine experiences in his first letter and writes, "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life - for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it... what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you... so that our joy may be complete." (1 John 1:1-4)  The completeness of a joyous Christian commitment is in the proclamation of the Word. Jesus himself said a light is not lit to be put under a bushel (Mark 4:21). The Light of Jesus enlightens us that we might reflect the Glory of it to everyone around us.

From the time of the disciples the Church has been continuing this work of evangelization. Pope John Paul II declared clearly - "The Church exists in order to evangelize." Without this prophetic mission of the Church, Pope Francis warns us that it would degenerate into a stagnating clerical structure.

“Thy Word Is A Lamp To My Feet” (Psalm 119:105)

The Vincentian Congregation has always been at the vanguard of the Proclamation of the Word. Through the Popular Mission parish retreats and retreat centres around the world, the Vincentian Fathers have been in the service of the Church to spread God's Kingdom on this earth. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor" (Luke 4:18), is the motto our heavenly patron St. Vincent de Paul gave us. After his example, the Vincentian community has always been open to respond to the cries of the poor. The poor however are not only merely those who do not have sufficient financial means for sustenance but those who are convinced that their financial means are not sufficient for life and therefore reach out to God to fill their hearts.

  

Blessed Sacrament Church 2013

We have been preaching not only in our retreat centres but we have been responding to the call of the people to hear God's Word, wherever this call came from. One such response was the Divine Vision, the media wing of the Divine Retreat Centre producing and telecasting gospel programs through Goodness and Divine TV channels. In the UK and other European countries the Divine channel was welcomed with much eagerness. Every year the Vincentian Fathers held retreats organized by the regular viewers of this gospel channel. In every such retreat, there was a prayer expressed that there should be a Divine Retreat Center in Europe. Intercessory prayers were being raised up to God from all quarters. The Europeans felt a new surge of faith in their hearts through the preaching ministry of the Vincentian Fathers. At the same time, they expressed the deep pain of the vacuum felt in the absence of such inspired and powerful faith proclamation in their usual spiritual exercises. The migrants from India and other Asian countries who already had a taste of the Power of God's Word through the retreats at the Divine Retreat Centre longed for such an experience to be available in their new settings. The migrants from the African and South American countries were attracted to the vibrancy of worship and proclamation of God's Word that was effecting a transformation in their own lives. It was in this atmosphere of spiritual fervour that God responded to the longing of His people with the gift of a Divine Retreat Centre in the UK. The ancient heritage site of St. Augustine's Abbey was offered to us to start a spiritual renewal centre.

“The Glory Of The Lord Has Risen Upon You”   (Isaiah 60:1) 

St. Augustine's Abbey, Ramsgate, Kent - Divine Retreat Centre UK

St. Augustine's Abbey Ramsgate was blessed and inaugurated as Divine Retreat Centre UK on 16 March 2014. This was a Benedictine monastery built upon the mortal remains of St. Augustine of Canterbury in 1860. St. Augustine was commissioned by Pope Gregory the Great in 595 AD to preach the Good News of Salvation to the British people. He reached the shores of Canterbury along with a band of Benedictine monks and began the mission of evangelizing England. The King of Kent himself was converted to Christianity. Later, more Benedictine monks arrived and the monastery was established. In 1896 Pope Pius IX declared this monastery as St. Augustine's Abbey.

His Excellency Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Southwark, while blessing and inaugurating this spiritual renewal centre said, "With great joy I welcome the Vincentian Fathers of India to my diocese. I am sure the Vincentian Congregation which is committed to the Proclamation of the Word and to the charitable works for the poor will bring a new spiritual wave into my people.” He spoke in glowing terms about the Asian migrants who have come into the country bringing in the spiritual wealth of their religious fervour. Interpreting the gospel of the day which was the narrative of the Transfiguration of Jesus the Archbishop said, “Once again St Augustine’s Abbey should become a centre where Jesus brings his disciples to manifest His Glory and Power. St. Peter after having seen the glorious manifestation of the person of Jesus flanked by the great prophet Elijah and lawgiver Moses in delightful oblivion exclaimed that it was good to be there in Divine presence. Unfortunately, God has disappeared from the lives of the people today. Hence the delight of life has also vanished from their hearts. People are not able to relish the beauty of Christian faith and living. I wish that this new retreat centre will bring the presence of God and delight of living to them who come here.”

The blessing and inauguration event was preceded by a weekend retreat in which 200 people participated. The Abbey has 65 rooms which were cleaned up by the volunteers who came in large numbers to complete the great task in time. Certain sections of the Abbey were not occupied for a very long period time and so required renovation and cleaning up and this involved hard labour. As one enters this heritage structure which was planned by Augustus Pugin, the famous architect in 1860, one and a half centuries ago, one is impressed by the cross-shaped broad verandah flanked by majestic gothic arches. A large gathering of about 2000 people comprising the local Britons, the migrant Indian, Sri Lankan, African and Filipino communities participated in the event enthusiastically. An elderly couple living in Ramsgate near the house of the famous English literary figure Charles Dickens said to me, "We almost despaired that this ancient spiritual heritage would be lost to us. We thought it would be bought up and used for commercial purposes. That would have been a terrible blow to the spiritual heritage of the British nation. In fact the Indian Vincentian Fathers have come forward to give new life to this ancient spiritual tradition." Listening to our conversation was another British couple whose ancestor was working in India with the East India Company. They thanked me and the other Vincentian Fathers profusely saying "We are this day witnessing the true universal face of the Catholic Church. In the earlier centuries missionaries went from Europe to India and other Asian and African countries to evangelize. They established churches, seminaries and other ecclesiastical institutions. The church flourished because of their committed hard work. We are so happy that you are coming back to us as missionaries to give us a new vigor in our faith." I praised God with them for calling us to a Church which is holy and catholic, committed to everyone, beyond boundaries.

“All Nations Shall Stream Toward It” (Isaiah 2:2)

As part of the solemn event, the entire congregation proceeded to the seashore where St. Augustine of Canterbury first set foot in 597. We lit a candle there by the Cross set up there in memory of St. Augustine. Large framed pictures of St. Augustine and St. Vincent de Paul together with their relics were carried at the head of the procession. The candle was carried by a Benedictine monk to the altar and there it was handed over to the Archbishop who then passed it on to Very Rev. Fr. Paul Puthuva, the Provincial Superior of the Marymatha Province of the Vincentian Congregation. He pledged to the whole assembly that with great reverence he accepts this light - a symbol of the rich spiritual heritage of prayer and fasting of generations of Benedictine monks. "The Vincentian Fathers are committed to continue this spiritual tradition to be of service to the Catholic Church in England." He explained that the Catholic Church is enriched by the great spiritual traditions of St. Benedict and St. Vincent de Paul. The two spiritualities merge in this retreat centre for the renewal of God's people.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Edattu, the young and gifted Vincentian priest appointed to the Centre welcomed the august assembly to personally experience the graces of dwelling in the Presence of God.

Most Rev. Msgr. John Armitage, the Vicar General of Brentwood, the neighboring diocese recounted with the congregation his experience of the Vincentian ministry of renewal, "Though I have myself never been to the Divine Retreat Centre in India, I am deeply impressed by what the retreats have done over the years to the lives of the people. I was on a ship as the chaplain to the pilgrims sailing in this vessel. Most of the young people who were serving the pilgrims were from India. They were sharing with each other their spiritual experiences and praying together in small groups during their intervals. I was fascinated by their spiritual vibrancy and enquired out of curiosity how they cultivated such a faith. They explained to me that they had gone for retreats to the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala and these were intense spiritual experiences which transformed their lives thoroughly. My great hope is that this newly inaugurated Divine Retreat Centre may bring about the same spiritual quality to this country. In the increasing secularised milieu of Europe the renewal efforts of the Vincentian Fathers will bring the much awaited spiritual vibrance to the lives of the people."  Ms. Mary Dwyer, the Deputy Mayor, representing the civil authority of the land, expressed her great joy that a new life has come to this ancient spiritual heritage. She extended generously her cooperation to the Vincentian Fathers.

We knew it was the Hand of God that had opened the hearts of everyone ushering us into this mission. We rejoiced for we also knew “that the One who began a good work will bring it to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)

“It Shall Blossom Abundantly, And Rejoice With Joy And Singing” (Isaiah 35:2)

 

In Ramsgate on the shores of the sea of Dover, the beautiful season of spring had already set in. Before this solemn event, lovely pink flowers had blossomed on the cherry trees. There were many such trees in the compound of the St. Augustine's Abbey. Looking at those cherry blossoms announcing the advent of spring, Rev. Fr. Marcus Holden who was in charge of all the heritage buildings of the Diocese of Southwark made a prophetic declaration - “The first springtime of the salvation of Canterbury was when St. Augustine set foot on the shores of Kent and proclaimed the Good News of Salvation. The second springtime set in when in 1860 the Benedictine monastery was established and the monks took charge of the evangelization of the area." Then raising his voice he announced, "Now the third springtime has come in with the Vincentian Fathers taking up St. Augustine's Abbey to start the Proclamation of God's Word with the Divine Retreat Centre. It's a time for rejoicing for all of us." As the crowd gave a thunderous applause, hailing this prophetic announcement there was a prayer in the hearts of the Vincentian Fathers present that a thousand lovely flowers of faith must blossom here spreading the fragrance of the God experience throughout this continent.

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for giving us the joy of Your Word and a mission to share this great Good News with the whole world. Thank you for sending us to the ends of the earth that we may join hands with all of humanity as one family of faith.

We thank You for the gift of St. Augustine’s Abbey and this new mission for the renewal of Europe. We trust in You to strengthen your humble servants to fulfill your plan for the people You hold dear to Your Heart. May a thousand blossoms of faith flower here, that the fragrance of salvation may spread to the ends of the earth.

Amen. 

IN GOD'S SERVICE - Divine's Special Annual Retreats 2014

DIVINE'S ANNUAL RETREAT CUM FORMATION FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

For Priests, Religious & Lay Leaders in Ministry

27 JULY - 01 AUGUST 2014

DIVINE'S ANNUAL INNER HEALING RETREAT

For Priests & Religious

07 - 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

Is your vocation or ministry in need to once again fully experience the vibrant, precious and personal Love of Jesus for you? Is God's Call burning bright in your heart with zeal and joy? "If we wish to follow Christ closely, we cannot choose an easy, quiet life. It will be a demanding life, but full of joy." Pope Francis Listen to your heart and respond to God’s gentle invitation!    Come and be a part of... DIVINE’s RETREAT CUM FORMATION FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP For Priests, Religious & Lay Leaders in Ministry (in English) 27 July 2014, Sunday 6.00 p.m. to 01 August 2014, Friday 2.00 p.m. Directed by Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. Director – Divine Retreat Centre Inspirational homily "PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD OF GOD"  by   Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.  during Priests, Religious & Lay Leaders In Ministry 2013 Retreat, Prior registration is NOT required Please click on link below to read: 2013 RETREAT TESTIMONY OF MARIE EVA LEUNG, HONG KONG (Lay Ministry) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVINE’s ANNUAL INNER HEALING RETREAT For Priests & Religious (in English) 07 September 2014, Sunday 6.00 p.m. to 12 September 2014, Friday 2.00 p.m. Directed by         Rev. Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V.C. (Spearhead Divine-Potta Ministry) Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. Prior registration is NOT required We request your help to share these special Divine Annual Retreats information with your family, friends and ministry members who are serving the Lord.  For more details. please contact: Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE Muringoor P.O., Chalakudy, Kerala  – 680 309 Tel: (91) 480 2708098, (91) 480 2708193 Fax: (91) 480 2708097 E-mail: augustine.vallooran@yahoo.com

“WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM” (Romans 6:8)

Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.

Opposites rule our life. Failure and success, pleasure and pain, agony and ecstasy toss us around. Life often seems a struggle to maintain the balance between the pattern of sunny days and dark nights, bright hopes and lonely frustrations, sinful pressures and holy longings. Now the big question: Are we forever condemned to this dichotomous destiny? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

The gospel message is clear that it is through these oscillations that the Holy Spirit is working in us. Suffering has always been a part and parcel of our earthly sojourn. The difference however is that with the Calvary event all of us are brought to the saving shadow of the Cross. It is indeed the pattern of death and resurrection that is being played out in our lives. The great hope of this saving pattern is clearly manifested in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus. The three occasions Jesus predicted His imminent Passion and Death, He concluded that He will be raised up to glory. “Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Matthew 16:21)

St. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit is in control of this saving pattern in our own lives leading it all to the same glorious end. “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)  This is the basis of the Christian hope that should inspire and strengthen us at every moment of our struggle – a hope that will sustain us in patience for the Holy Spirit to complete His work in us. It is in this context that Pope Benedict XVI in his first Encyclical exhorted all those who believe in Jesus Christ to be patient with God.

“The One Who Endures To The End Will Be Saved” (Matthew 24:13)

  

Perhaps the one gospel account that highlights what patience with God requires is that of the Canaanite woman who seeks a healing for her daughter (Matthew 15:22-28). When Jesus was in the pagan territory of Tyre and Sidon, this non-Jewish woman came to Jesus pleading for mercy for her daughter who was sick. Jesus, we are told did, not even care to look at her or to respond to her. The disciples were amazed at the cold indifference of the Master in the face of human misery. They came recommending her case, requesting Jesus to have mercy on her. But Jesus responded by saying that He would have nothing to do with her for she was not a part of the select group of Israel that He was sent to minister to. This response again must have left the disciples bewildered for they had with their own eyes seen Jesus compassionate and ministering to even to the pagans. The woman refusing to be dissuaded persists in seeking mercy on her daughter. This time the reply of Jesus is most scandalizing as He speaks in what can be called rude language, saying, "It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs." (Matthew 15:26)  The word 'dogs' was a term of contempt that the Jews used on the non-Jews. The last thing the people would have expected to hear from the Lord was such objectionable language! Equally amazing was the fact was that the woman refused to give up on Jesus or take offence at His words. She persisted in her appeal - "Yet, Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table." (v. 27)  It is at this moment that this bewildering sequence of events fall in place and begins to make a salvific sense. Jesus turns to her saying, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." (v. 28)

This is the one place where Jesus commends a person’s faith as great. What is the greatness of the faith of this woman? Even when she met with apparent indifference and painful rejections, she refused to give up on the Lord. She had a deep trust in Jesus and His compassion. She was not so concerned about her feelings as she was about what God could do for her.

As we meditate on the incident, we realize the Lord is building up her faith step by step in order to make her an icon of faith for all generations to come that they may not lose heart in the tiresome patterns of life but may be held firm in faith and prayer. When we are preoccupied with our own responses to the situations of life, we tend to take offence at the apparent rejection and indifference of God. That is when we shout at God and even deny His existence.

We may claim to believe in God but the fact is we do not expect Him to intervene in those difficult moments. There is a human arrogance that makes us inward looking and controlling. When we are stuck at the dead ends of our life, we slip into despair as we realize that on our own ability it is impossible to find a way ahead. This practical atheism renders religion irrelevant for people. We complain about the silence of God. This in fact reveals that we have grown into an over-dependence of our own thinking and we have come to imagine that God should toe our line of reasoning. We are incapable of waiting on God or seeking His Will to be worked in our lives. It is only in a trusting relationship with a loving God that we will be able to gauge God's ways. It was this trust that made the faith of the Canaanite woman great - a faith that supported her all the way through to receive her blessing and become a blessing.

“Perfected Through Sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10)

Jesus asked us to pray for the Heavenly Father's Will to be done in our lives. In the Letter to the Hebrews, there is a very significant teaching that all the trials that come our way are to be looked at as the disciplining will of our Heavenly Father. "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by Him; for whom the Lord loves, He disciplines; He scourges every son He acknowledges." (Hebrews 12:5-6)  The words used are disciplining, reproving and scourging and each of these express in an intense way the trials and troubles we go through in life. However negative these experiences sound, the word of God exhorts us to look at them in the context of the warm relationship between a father and son. The father loves the son to such an extent that he is ready to run the risk of being misunderstood in order to ensure the son’s growth to maturity and excellence. One can almost say that traditionally God is represented as a punishing God who is so exacting as to inflict pain for every failing. We often complain at the face of sufferings that God is being vengeful in order to keep the moral order intact.

One thing is definite however - both punishment and discipline are equally painful. Nevertheless punishment is meted out with a deathly motive of repaying us for our evil past while disciplining has a noble and hopeful motive of preparing us for a grand future. Again punishment is taken grudgingly as it looks back to the mistake of the past. Discipline however looks forward to the crown waiting at the finishing line of the race. The Word of God emphatically teaches us "Endure your trials as discipline; God treats you as sons. For what son is there whom His father does not discipline." (Hebrews 12:7)  Let us not harbour the thought of a punishing God that can only depress our minds when we face trials. We must be grounded on the assurance that it is not a punishing God whom Jesus came to reveal to us; but a Father who has lavished love on us by giving His own Son to make sure that we should not perish - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

This revelation of hope in every shadow is strewn across the pages  of the New Testament. St. James tells us, "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-3)  He continues to say this is the wisdom of God and if anyone lacks this, he should ask for it and it will be given by God. Especially when storms toss us around we can question everything and lose sight of God and the meaning and goodness of life. It is here that we must wait on God to grant us His superior wisdom that we may persevere and receive the fruit of this trial.

“It Is Good For Me That I Was Afflicted” (Psalm 119:71)

The Word of God speaks about a disciplining process detailing that the trials of our life lead us to perseverance and such perseverance moulds us to perfection and completeness in our faith in God - a faith that see us triumphant in the trials that must come. St. Paul following this vein of thought, writes - "We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5:4-5)

The New Testament unveils the mysterious purpose of God behind every trial in our life. Jesus spoke of the Father as the vine dresser who comes to the vineyard with a sharp knife meant for cropping the branches that thrive (Gospel of John Chapter 15). It  is not an act aimed at destroying but to foster growth and life. The Father knows that the branch should not be growing wild for it will only be burdensome for the branch. It has to be pruned in order to bear fruit. Jesus wants us to understand every painful experience of our life as a pruning at the Hands of a God whose one concern is that we should attain the goal of life in all its fullness. Pruning is not for death but for growth. Every cut will yield another bunch of juicy fruits. Pain is the precondition for fruit-bearing.

Through the struggles and troubles of our life, the Holy Spirit of God is working to turn everything to our good. In every pain the seeds of joy are sown. In every failure, the seeds of victory are waiting to sprout out. The tender green offshoots of hope are already unfurling in the moments of our despair. Every cross opens the way to Resurrection. After the Cross of Christ was raised up on Calvary, no cross on our shoulders should lead us to despair. It is a matter of time before the Glory of the Resurrection will shine forth.

It is interesting that for a farmer, as great as the celebration of the harvest, is the day of sowing. The seeds when sown are lost in the slush of earth but that loss does not grieve the farmer. He sees the assurance of the golden harvest. It is a matter of time when the golden sheaves will spring out and dance with the wind! A person who perceives the mystery of the Cross and the Crown, of the Death and Resurrection unveiled by Jesus Christ, will be able to praise God even when his body burns in pain and his minds writhes in distress. Hence St. Paul congratulates the Philippians - "For you have been granted, for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for him." (Philippians 1:29)  Understanding this mystery to its full extent, Pope Benedict writes: “The newness of life brought by Easter, must be spread everywhere so that the thorns of sin, which wound the human heart, leave room for new shoots of Grace, of God's Presence and of His Love that triumph over sin and death."

“Crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20)

Since the rays of the Glory of Resurrection illumine the Way of the Cross, two comforting experiences are offered to us. Firstly, there is the assurance that every moment of suffering is a sharing in the Cross of Christ. St. Peter expressed this, "Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange is happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ so that when His glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly… If you are insulted for the name of Christ blessed are you for Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." (1 Peter 4:12-14)

The Word of God assures us that after the Resurrection of Christ, glory is not limited to the end of the tunnel but enlightens every step of the journey. The Light of the Holy Spirit brings warmth, strength and guidance to the heart. Therefore, those in pain and distress are able to feel the Comforting and Healing Presence of the Crucified and Risen Lord. The consoling thought that “I am not alone to bear the crushing burden of the cross, rather I am sharing in the Cross of the Crucified Lord floods our hearts with great comfort.” Loneliness at being abandoned even by God in the torturing moments of pain is the most unbearable despair. With God on our side every burden becomes light and worth bearing. Hence the invitation of Jesus, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)

A companion priest shared with me his experience of being comforted at a distressing moment in his life. He was a zealous missionary doing much good work and having unstinted support from all quarters. One fine day, everyone turned against him based on information that was unverified. Even his superiors came hard upon him. He was shattered. He could not pray any more or concentrate on his responsibilities. He lost his sleep. All the time the question piercing his heart was, "How could even my superiors who knew me so well do this to me?" He became a mental wreck. Unable to continue his pastoral work, he went to make a retreat. Even there he was unable to pray! At one moment of desperation, he took the Bible and opened it and the first verse that flashed before his eyes was this exhortation of the Lord, "Take my yoke upon you... And you will find rest for yourselves." (Matthew 11:29)  It dawned on him that he was indeed carrying a heavy yoke that was crushing him and he was not able to find any rest or relief. God is unquestionably true in His words but the promise was not fulfilled in his hour of need. He was crushed. He read the verse again and it struck him that rest is promised only to those who carry the yoke of Jesus: "Take my yoke upon you." It occurred to him that he was carrying a burden his superiors had placed on his shoulders. He was all the while questioning their motives and actions. That is why his heart was not open to the rest that Jesus offered. In repentance he accepted that yoke from the Hands of the Lord. The series of unfortunate happenings he understood was part of a pattern that was to lead him to a deeper experience of glory and salvation. Instantaneously his heart was flooded with heavenly comfort. He could forgive his superiors and felt free himself. He confided in me that this anointing of the Word of God moulded his entire attitude towards the sufferings of life.

 “In The Lord Your Labour Is Not In Vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The second comforting revelation of the Paschal Mystery is that as every suffering is our share in the Cross of Christ, we also get to inherit a share in the salvific effect of the Cross.  The Cross of Jesus was destined for Him by the Father for the salvation of humankind. When we are chosen to have a share in that Cross, we become co-saviours with the Lord for those who are to benefit from Christ’s salvific victory. St. Paul expressed this clearly when he wrote to the Colossians, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His body which is the Church." (Colossians 1:24)  When St. Paul says that there is something lacking in the sufferings of Jesus, he does not imply that Christ’s atoning death on the Cross was defective; rather he meant that the salvific effects of the Cross have not reached everyone. In the moments of his sufferings, Paul felt the call to be mystically united with Christ in order that the Father's Will that all men and women should be saved through Christ could be completed. Now it was not merely through his preaching and services but through his sufferings that he was ministering to the Colossians. This is a grand revelation that our sufferings are never wasted but have an eternal value. We can contribute our sufferings to the salvation of our fellow men when we offer our brokenness to the Cross of Christ.

St. Luke in the Resurrection narrative gives a detailed account of the journey of the two disciples, Cleopas and his companion, who were retreating from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). It was indeed a withdrawal in despair. They had come to Jerusalem to meet Jesus and had committed their lives to Him, with great expectations. "We had hoped that He would establish the kingdom", they said. They suddenly found themselves thrust in the dark valley of the shadow of the cross of Calvary. They had given up on their Master altogether. "Our chief priests and rulers both handed Him over to sentence of death and crucified Him...it is now the third day since this took place." The memories of the horrific death of the Master were fresh in their minds. They felt great angry and yet could only stand helpless before the unjust and cruel designs of men in power. They were venting their frustrations about their own inability to move even a little finger in defense of Him on whom they had placed all their hopes for the future. In short they had failed just as all around them had failed them!

This Gospel account typifying the Resurrection theme generates hope as it presents in their miserable situation the Risen Lord was Himself present to them listening to them patiently. "While they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them." Without condemning them He led them gently to a clear understanding of the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection. "Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" He later broke the bread and fed them with Himself in the Holy Eucharistic experience. Being rid of all the burden of their hearts, they rejoiced exceedingly and became powerful witnesses of the Glory of the Lord. This is the Promise of Easter to every one of the disciples of Jesus! His Glorious Presence will accompany us even in the most painful and distressing moments of life. Though we may imagine that we are helpless and are unable to comprehend the vicissitudes life, we can remain in the assurance that God has not lost sight of us. He walks with us! He is in control having defeated death and darkness.

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus, we glorify You for Your Death and Resurrection. You gave Your Life for love of us. There is nothing that You held back from us. Yet in the moments of pain and failure, we became desperate imagining that life had failed us and that You too had abandoned us. We rebelled that You should punish us. Today we look to You, Jesus, innocent You were, yet You took up the penalty meant for us that in all our trials we may be vindicated. We thank You for the crosses of our life that mould us into Your perfect image. You transform that very cross into a crown. By the cross, we know that You are closest to us and You will make our sufferings and our very life into a blessing. As we tread this difficult path, we pray may Your Spirit lead us to hear Your voice and see Your Face and our hearts will burn with joy.

Amen.