Folded hands vs Folded minds

In Kerala churches the tradition of long masses and standing for long hours maybe quite bewildering to the new generation.

 I am from the new gen and I am constantly shuttling between the tradition and the rebel in me that if you are not comfortable while praying then you cannot pray earnestly.

 At the same time I feel quite ashamed when I lazily bob up on the nearest chair while the 80 year old granny next to me stands the entire 2 hours or 3, and sings on top of her voice,by the 3rd chorus of which I guiltily stand up again.

Serving and worshipping God in one's own way is like a birthright. One cannot judge the other on whatever way they pray as long they pray. How frequently you go to the place of worship, how often you say your prayers should not be enquired too much just as you cannot judge a Sony phone user over an iphone user!

 I believe its more imp to have a good and open heart even long after you fold your mat and your legs and not just be pious for the duration of your mass or the night prayer. The bells of the temple and the church should ring in your kind words and not in empty minds.

God is not your debtor

Matthew 20 : 1-16

Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a household where some workers are hired first and some are hired later but all are paid the same wage irrespective of who worked more. The kingdom of God calls us all through prayers,sermons,deeds of other humans and our own conscience to be better humans and to walk in the way of God. And when we do so we cannot expect great rewards as a mandatory condition. We cannot expect God to pay us to be good. Its like saying going to church makes you a good christian. Even though someone may have sinned all their life they can be rewarded too if they repent sincerely.

Image courtesy - graphicblender

Less is more

No I am not commenting on the fashion trends of red carpet. I love fashion but here I am talking about today's gospel.

Matthew 19:23-30

Its difficult for rich people to understand God's teaching and to enter the kingdom of God. By rich I mean not just the wealthy but those who are more concerned about the materialistic part of life and do not understand spirituality in their daily life and moments. You can be poor and materialistic too. Its ok to love your possessions but not to the extent of being an unkind,selfish,greedy human who doesn't remember to thank God once in a while and who weighs human relations less than his corduroy pants. Are they in vogue now by the way?

Its more important to be content in what we have and that can inspire us to achieve more by God's grace and hard work.

The Assumption of Mary

Today is The Assumption of Mary to heaven. A very important obligatory day for churches. I am a big fan (you may say) of Mary. She symbolises patience,virtue and even elegance to me. I have prayed to her when I was in need and felt she has been my intermediary always. Thus keeping a lent prior to this day is always important to me.

Luke 1- 39-56

Mary visits Elisabeth when the latter was pregnant. As soon as Mary speaks,the baby in Elisabeth's womb (John) leaps. With this Elisabeth proclaims the uniqueness of Mary and blesses her and her forthcoming child. Mary is surprised and confused because she was not even engaged. But the angel of God calms her doubts by saying nothing is impossible with God. Thus God's glory is revealed to her and Mary's sings his praises. He is a God of mercy and power. He will not urn away from the weak but uplift them above others. Mary being a common person is chosen to give birth to the son of God. And thus she becomes a patron for generations of devotees.

Little ones of the Bible

Matthew 18- V 1-5,10,12-14

1-5

Jesus answers the question of the disciples as to who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 Jesus answers by first tellign the disciples that they have to convert. Convert their minds to the childlike innocence which can grasp a meaning in its purest and simplest form. Only then can they know who is the greatest. And that is a child or someone who thinks with the same innocence.

10 - The weak or underdogs have protectors or angels in heaven. Thus Jesus warns the disciples to not despise the weak/innocent ones.

12-14

Jesus also tells that God will protect his sheep/people even if one goes astray. He rejoices when the the sheep which went astray led by bad habits and a lost mind,because it mended its ways. God will not let even one perish.

Are we salt? Matthew 5: 13 - 19

Whenever I try a new dish,I add salt towards the end. This is to make sure blood pressure of elders is not affected. Sometimes though,I end up not adding enough and the dish becomes listless. The most important ingredient,thus,salt is indeed important. And so are we,to God. 
We are salt that have to retain its flavour every moment of our lives. Be it in our relationships,talks,acts and thoughts. And how do we do this?
By being true in our nature. Being honest to ourselves. By not being extreme in our emotions. We have to maintain a balance in the dish of life.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid."

We have to shine through our acts. As Christians we have to spread the good news and let the world know. If we live a true and wholesome life,its like our being is on top of the world. Thus it has to shien like an example to those below,yet to reach up. Through our actions and words we can inspire them to reach to God's plans. A good life can never be hidden.

Jesus did not come to how that his new laws and commandments were against the old laws. He did not come to show he is superior to them. He says no new law can replace the old until everything is fulfilled. Thus if he is no position to change anything nor can anyone do so and teach others to do so.
 

Incomparable shepherd - John 10:22-30

Jesus is repeatedly asked if he is the Messiah. What kind of people keep asking others of their importance or their identity? ones who are deaf by ear and deaf by faith. Are we the same? Do we really believe that Jesus is not just in a frame or statue but in the deep recesses of our soul which becomes apparent not during great calling of worship but in quiet moments at our worktime and reflective moments at a drive,with friends and alone.

Jesus only asks us to believe in him. In return he promises us the limitless love of him and the Father.

29	My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.