We all are born in the world, live in the world and die in the world, while living here on earth, we live as though we will live here forever. But the truth is, this world is only an illusion, a maya and will disappear from our life, when our end draws near. And that is why the word of God reminds us saying “Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world – the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches – comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever” (1 Jn 2:15-17)

Everyone here on earth has the joy of receiving from others. But when it comes to give, our hands are short. We expect  others to share their wealth and good things with us. But when we are asked to share, we think twice, isn’t it? We want God to bless us but after receiving, we forget God until another need arises. But dear brothers and sisters, in giving, we truly receive. St. Paul says “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). It is true that God truly loves a cheerful giver. That is why we read in the book of Malachi “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an over flowing blessing” (Malachi. 3:10). Two weeks ago, a brother named Basil Fernandes, shared his testimony. In the year 2007, when he attended my 5 days retreat, he realized that he should give his 1/10th tithe, without fail. He had only 2 branches, with hardly 10 people to work, he was staying in a rented house, he had to travel by public transport, he was into deep debts. But after 5 years, he is blessed with 160 branches, with more than 400 staff, he has his own 3 bedroom private apartment, brand new car, and he is freed from all his debts. All because he never failed to give what belongs to God. without fail he gives his 1/10th to God’s work and attends retreat every month with his family.

We are all living in the modern civilization. We see everyday changes taking place. The cultures have changed, traditions are disappearing. People have new ideology. Research in different fields have taken man to new heights of glory. The human societies all over the world are going through a drastic transition. Philosophies are ruling different countries. Man has lost many values that have been keeping families, communities and societies in harmony and peace. And therefore lot of fanatism and hypocracy is creping within the social mileu, and at this point, what brings true peace, harmony and social development and human dignity is only the life giving word of God. we read in St. Mark’s gospel, Jesus was asked by the scribes and Pharisees “why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of elders, but eat with the defiled hands?” (Mk. 7:5). Jesus answered them “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me teaching human precepts as doctrines, you abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition” (Mk. 7:6-8)