The Critique

The gospel according to Matthew offers us the peculiar yet popular parable of Jesus viz. the parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13). I believe this parable has wonderful insights to offer us as we enter the season of Advent. A Time for Stocktaking “…ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom”. The mention of a bridegroom presupposes an imminent marriage and Advent is a call to all of us (virgins), to prepare ourselves for the coming of that Bridegroom who will  soon be wedded to the humanity we all share (cf. Jn 1:14). The preparation of the physical space for the bridegroom is necessary and important but it must never substitute or overshadow a personal preparation of one’s heart and mind. All of us are susceptible of falling into the trap of conjuring up ostentatious celebrations which will demand elaborate preparation and involve much time. In a society awash with consumerism and materialism, it is possible that we will be tempted to adopt a flip

1. Life, Influences and Works: Simone de Beauvoir was born on 9 th January, 1908, in Paris , France . She received a Catholic education in her student years. While in college she met Jean-Paul Sartre, with whom she entered into a life-long intellectual and physical companionship. They never married and had no kids together. In the 1930’s, she studied the phenomenology of Husserl and Heidegger, along with the existential philosophy of Kierkegaard. During and after World War II, she developed an interest in the philosophies of Hegel and Marx. Her thought was largely influenced by Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, a contemporary and friend of hers. She was acknowledged as an inspiration to the Feminist Movement which sprung up in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She is better known as a novelist than as a philosopher. Some of her books are: Ethics of Ambiguity (1947), The Second Sex (1949)-which is considered to be one of the most influential books of the 20 th century. Two of her novels are:

Director: Anthony Russo and Jay Russo Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlette Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson Duration: 2 hrs 16 mins The superhero genre of film seems to be witnessing a revival with a spurt of releases in the last couple of years. This film is a must watch for fans of this genre. If you missed the prequel, you won’t be in the dark, for this one doesn’t pick up where the other left off. Captain America (Chris Evans) is quite settled in to ‘normal’ life when S.H.I.E.L.D director, Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) calls on his help along with the Black Widow (Scarlette Johansson), to rescue a hijacked S.H.I.E.L.D ship. On the successful completion of the mission, the ‘Cap’ is shown S.H.I.E.L.D’s latest production: helicarriers-basically, heavily armed airships, intended for security. They are programmed to eliminate potential threats to peace. Unfortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D gets compromised and a dastardly attempt is made on the life of Nick. From here on, the pulse of the fil

        The Holy Eucharist is a thanksgiving to God for all the blessings that he pours on his faithful. It is the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Chris which is made present in a non bloody manner. It is a memorial of Christ and his body. It is the memorial of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We carry out the command of Jesus when we celebrate the Eucharist. It was he himself who gave the command when he said, “Do this in memory of me.” We offer to the Father the gifts that he himself has given us: the bread and wine, which by the power of the Holy Spirit becomes the body and blood of Christ. Thus, Christ is truly and mysteriously made present. In the Eucharist, the church sings God’s glory in the name of creation. This is made possible only through Christ. Christ invites the faithful to offer praise to the Father through Him and with Him. The recalling (anamnesis) of this event is done during the mass. In the sense of Sacred Scripture, the memorial is not mere

Cries from the Heart , Johann Christoph Arnold, GLS publishing, Mumbai, 2002, ISBN 81-7820-067-8, Pp. 222, Rs. 110 St Cyril of Alexandria said, “Prayer is conversation with God.” Many use prayer as a last resort in times of distress. For others, prayer is a ‘luxury’ afforded by the ‘lazy’ or weak willed. Prayer is a powerful weapon for those who commit themselves to it with all their heart, mind and strength. This is the basic message the author is trying to get across. Cries from the heart offers an honest look into the lives of real men and women whose adversities were overcome through turning and listening to God- even if their problems worked our in the way they least expected. The book provides a feeling of comfort, by letting the reader know that no matter how big or hard your problems seem, there is an even bigger and stronger God out there who is willing to help you if only you surrender to him in prayer. The author has explored a variety of topics and situations that c

Someone approached me And asked me for something, The thought of parting with it, Hurt me within, I knew not how to politely refuse, So I ended up satisfying the request. The pain held on, my ego hurt; But on reflection I realized I did the humane thing. The void of selfishness and pain, Was soon replaced with the soothing balm  of contentment and serenity. Then, I realized that my uneasiness to give was obliterated by the generous deed.

                Dawn comes silently,                 The rising sun in tow;                 Darkness knows her time is up,                 She packs to leave and go. I’m unaware of his arrival, My slumber’ng pleasure reigns; Slowly my eyes behold his vision, My body fatigue feigns.                 The early rays of sunlight, Are difficult to behold;                 Remnants of sleep upon me heavy rest, But dawn undoes their hold. He’s the connection between night and day, His role seems unimportant and small; But without his coming the rooster, Would never crow at all.                 He gently urges me to rise,                 The new day before me to face;                 He only stays a little while,

A mystical personage, a beautiful maiden, Don Bosco encountered in his dream, Wondrously she stood upon the field, Pure glory was the scene. The wild beasts were changed to innocent lambs, Frisking and bumping one another; A command she gave, his mission was laid. “But what does it mean dear mother?” “Impossible things why do you ask of me?” “Faith, my child, have faith. You needn’t worry ‘bout the trials and failures For wood must be shaped with a lathe.” “Have faith in Jesus and Mary, And you’ll know what miracles are.” Don’t be too concerned ‘bout the cold, dark night Keep your eyes fixed on the star. Like Mary in humble and trusting obedience, Live the faith expressed in giving. Like Don Bosco practice, defend and uphold it, A faith that is shown in living.

When things around seem to sink, My world seems like its falling apart; Nothings left to hold on to, Reality hits me like a dart. I stumbled, I groped, I know not the way; Until a light pierced the darkness, Chasing the shadows away. What was that light? That savior who relieved, My pain and confusion My hopelessness deceived? T’was Faith the trump card, Which I had behind; A façade if steel strength And a beguiling mind. I need to trust Him, Whom I cannot see; To know and believe, That He’s there for me. In Faith if I cling to Him, In moments dreary and dark; His grace will lift me, And help me sing like a lark.

I dream of clear white clouds, A vast expanse of beauty undefinable. Where angels praise the One true God, His majesty indescribable.                 Virtue reigns and every stain,                 Of filthy sin is cleant.                 All denizens sing the glory of God,                 For whom all worship is meant. No lofty thoughts and eloquent words, Are fit to describe its wonder. God’s mercy falls like the raindrops, His praise sung like the thunder.                 It’s a reward for those who live,                 A virtuous life below,                 In heaven God awaits their souls,                 A crown on them to bestow.

Another day has come to pass, And night upon us is falling fast. God’s goodness through the day we praise, At night, his mercy we embrace.                 As the splendor of the day recedes, The calm of night our pain relieves. The fatigue of today’s work, Vanishes with tomorrow’s birth. Let us not get burdened with today’s sorrow, May night bring us courage to face the morrow. Let us thank the creator for another day, As we our head on the pillow lay.

I fail to understand, How a being so complex Could emerge from a fusion of two cells. How an act of love could give rise To someone capable of loving and being loved.                 Life is a gift, we must be grateful.                 For many never live to experience it.                 Many are blessed so much, yet they fail to acknowledge it.                 While there are so many others who would give anything, Just to be whole and normal. Life is a rollercoaster ride with high’s and lows. Sticking it out is what counts. It is not merely a commodity To use as one chooses. But a gift to be discovered, treasured and shared.                 When life’s road seems long and dark,                 Remember that after every night must dawn a new day.                 Make it a habit to turn your gaze heavenward every now and then                 And give thanks to the One Who gives life and takes away.

In a world of irony where things once considered taboo have come out in the light. Good works have become a rarity and courtesy is out of sight.                 There’s a rush in all that we do, there’s no time for ourselves,                 Internet is fast and accessible and books collect dust on the shelves. Work has taken precedence over maintaining relationships, We don’t have time to listen to religious instruction; we just want to know when the market dips.                 In the age where good is strangled and evil extends his hand,                 I dare to ask you, “What is your stand?”

By his word God created the earth, With living beings abound; Plants, animals and human beings, And water all around.                 To human beings He gave the charge,                 This world to sustain;                 But man was quick to disobey,                 And sought his personal gain. Now we see what greed has wrought, Resources waste away; Each of us is responsible, And have a part to play.                 Let’s fix the leaking tap,                 Switch of the burning light;                 Join our hands to give our kids,                 A future that is bright.

The other day, I came across a man, who was quite gay, It was for a moment that our eyes met, and I was on my way.                 The toothless smile and glint in his eyes made me wonder, God!                 With what he has he’s happy and look at me I’m bogged. That providential meeting taught me, a lesson I’ll never forget; That I ought to be thankful for all the graces I beget.                 And if O Lord, I ever forget, a single day to thank thee,                 Remind me then, of the day when, my eyes were open to see.

In every vocation, in every call, There is a voice which says give it your all. To be married or single or consecrated to him. Is a choice one must make and not merely a whim. To be loving and patient, generous and kind; Is not always easy, when you’ve got a lot on your mind. To live for the other and to be servant of all, Is precisely what God means when he gives his call.

Marian devotion is veneration and honour rendered to Mary, the Mother of God, celebrating her unique place in the redemption of mankind and beseeching her for favours. The famous Dominican theologian, Edward Schillebeeckx wrote, “Veneration of Mary is firmly embedded in the Christian religion, and its neglect inevitably leads to a disfigurement of Christian life.” Words like ‘adoration’, ‘worship’, ‘veneration’ and ‘devotion’ are often confused and used interchangeably. They do however differ, albeit in subtle ways. ‘Adoration’ and ‘worship’ are always and only directed to the triune God. ‘Veneration’ and ‘devotion’ are afforded to Mary and the saints. It is important to note that we do not pray to Mary in the same way we do to God. We ask her to pray ‘to God’ for us - we invoke her intercession on our behalf, whereas when we pray to God we ask directly for gifts and favours. Schillebeeckx points out that our life of prayer will gain intensity and effectiveness so long as it is un

The Legend of Hercules (2014) Dir: Renny Harlin Cast: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss Duration: 1 hr 38 mins A good number of us might already have heard of the legend of Hercules. What if anything sets this film apart? Well, honestly, nothing. It’s the same thing garbed differently, that’s all. For starters, the film lacks the feel of an ‘ancient’ time (apart from the sets and costumes) and the action (if I can call it that) lacked punch (literally). The movie opens with a war between two kingdoms. The Kings face-off and King Amphitryon(Scott Adkins) emerges victorious. It is into Amphitryon’s family that Hercules is born. He is a gift of Hera, a goddess to whom his mother, Alcmene (Roxanne McKee), was devoted and a Son of Zeus, who mysteriously impregnated her, to the king’s chagrin. He is named Alcides (Kellan Lutz) although Hera foretold he would be called Hercules and is the second son in the royal family. After his birth, we are transported 20 years in to the future.

Coping with ‘Different’ People Have you ever come across a person whose lifestyle does not agree with yours? Whose ways of talking and behaving are a far cry from your own? A person whose very sight or presence repulses you? How did you or do you respond to such a person? It is an important question, one we seldom ask? It requires us to go within ourselves, to confront our attitudes, to become aware of our prejudices and the trigger which causes us to behave in a particular way. It is difficult. I know. I have tried it. Most of the time, when I meet a person whose lifestyle and behaviour is radically different from my own, I generally keep a distance. I observe the person for a while (an opportunity to break or correct the prejudices I had about him/her). If the person turns out to be different from what I had judged him/her to be, then I would gradually approach the person and build a relationship from there. On the other hand, if it turned out to be otherwise, I would col

Sunday-cling One fine Sunday morning, a friend of mine asked me to accompany him on an errand to a place about 11 kilometers from home. The mode of transport: a cycle! Okay, okay, before you raise your eyebrows in a “what’s the big deal!” way, let me tell you what the deal is. I’m not a great fan of cycling. It’s not that I have anything against it- past fears etc. It’s just that, I don’t prefer using that mode of transport and if I can I would definitely avoid it. But anyway, despite all this I found myself acquiescing to this proposal. Thus, that fine morning had us hit the road on our cycles with nothing more than caps and a book, which my friend needed. My friend has the air of a villager, while I am a thorough bred city boy. He has the energy of an ox, whereas for me, well…. I’m not all that bad. His favourite mode of commuting is…. Guess?? A cycle!!! You guessed it!! Thankfully our transit was at a leisurely pace, thus allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Director: Jaum Collet-Serra Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Michelle Dockery This film is a thriler-drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat or cause you to sink deep into your seat, depending. Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) is an Air Marshall. He has never been the same since his daughter, Olivia, died of cancer. He is struggling with alcohol and psychological problems. The film is chiefly centred on the events aboard a flight on course to London from New York. Bill is onboard and starts receiving strange messages. The sender assures the death of one person every 20 minutes if 1.5 million dollars are not wired to a given account (which is in Bill’s name). Bill is helped by Jen (Julianne Moore) a fellow passenger and Nancy (Michelle Dockery) the flight attendant in his desperate search for the perpetrator. His discovery of a bomb aboard the flight, creates greater panic. He is framed as being a hijacker by the news and his superior.

Inspired by Jesus Inspiring Others , Aloysius Kattady TOR, St Pauls, Mumbai, 2013. ISBN 978-93-5015-169-3          Pp. 124          Rs. 80 Aloysius Kattady is a Franciscan of the Third Order Regular. He holds a MA degree from the Catholic University of America and has authored 12 books. He has exercised his priestly ministry in education, development, religious administration and spiritual assistance. The present work is the fruit of the author’s reflection of Jesus’ mandate: “Love one another as I have loved you” which he sees as including the duty of inspiring one another after drawing inspiration from Jesus. The book attempts to shed light on what inspiration entails and how it can be fulfilled. It consists of 4 chapters: Inspiration, Inspiration from Jesus, Inspiration in the Life of the People of God and Relevance of Inspiration. The chapters unfold systematically and are consistent with their message. The author begins by examining the nature of influence and its re

Director: Shashank Khaitan Cast: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt Is it true that love happens at first sight? Perhaps, perhaps not. But this film goes with the former. Rakesh Sharma (Varun Dhawan) a.k.a Humpty, is a numbskull who wears his heart on his sleeve. Coupled with his charm with the ladies, he’s a ‘college hero’ (or so he thinks). His best friends, Shonty and Poplu help him stay afloat in a world he does not fit in. His ‘papa’ runs a stationery shop in the campus and Humpty happily uses it to begin his flirtatious activities. He and his buds try to get a teacher to pass him in history. While in the act they are confronted by the teacher’s niece, Kavya (Alia Bhatt) who has just come up from Ambala to buy a designer gown for her marriage. Her suavity and feistyness immediately strike at Humpty’s heart and he gets his human ‘google’, Shonty, to get the low down on her. They get to know each other and Humpty and his pals help out one of Kavya’s friends, Gurpreet, to sav

Responding to Appearance The Gospels tell us little about the physical appearance of Jesus. The evangelists and early Christians had something much greater to talk and write about, namely, the person of Jesus Christ. After all, what does it matter how a person looks, whether s/he is tall or short, fat or thin, dark or fair? What really counts is the kind of person s/he is and the influence s/he has on me or another person. We, however, in today’s times are more inclined to be attracted to the external appearance of a person rather than to her/his personality, thanks to the cultural and media influence. For example, Movies which include dancing, action and steamy scenes involving famous actors and actresses are more likely to make a hit than movies with a powerful message involving less known actors and actresses. Isaiah in his prophecy of the suffering servant hints at the appearance of Jesus. He tells us that, “there was in Him no stately bearing to make us look at him n

“Your Faith has saved you.” This article is based on the ‘Anointing at Bethany’. The article will help acquire a deeper and better understanding of the biblical text and the context in which the incident occurred. The article aims at helping one live a better and faith-filled life. The incident begins with Simon’s invitation to Jesus, to have a meal with him. This was definitely a matter of pride for most people, that a well known social personality should visit the house. It must have been the same for Simon.  Let us get to know who this Simon was. Simon From the Gospels, we get some information about Simon. We are told he is a ‘leper’ and a ‘pharisee’(Mt 26:6; Lk 7:36). First of all, let us understand what ‘leprosy’ was for the Jews. Any skin disease was considered to be leprosy and a person suffering from leprosy was ostracized and treated as an outcast. Some commentators suggest that Simon may have been cured from leprosy or that he may have contracted leprosy later (befo

Director: Josh Boone Cast: Shaileen Woodley, Ansel Elgort Duration: 2 hr 14 mins What is the meaning of life? What is death? Is there something beyond? These metaphysical questions are not explicitly expressed in this film, but they form the underlying support on which this story is narrated. This is a story of two cancer stricken teens with very different approaches to life, who come together and find love and support with each other. Cancer is a killer even more so when it strikes buds. The movie revolves around Hazel (Shaileen Woodley) and Augustus (Ansel Elgort). They meet at a support group for youngsters with cancer and are intrigued by one another. Gus is very expressive, friendly and fun loving. He uses his charms on Hazel and brings out the positive side in her. He encourages her to come out of her self-induced depression and view life differently. It’s beautiful to see how the passion in young people if channelized well, can become a mutually enriching, growth

JESUS HIS LIFE AND MISSION , Clare Ukken fsp, Pauline Sisters Bombay Society, 2006, Pp. 184, ISBN 81-7176-444-4, Rs. 70 A simple and lucid biography of a simple yet magnificent life. A life that proved to be counter-cultural but yet influenced a great deal of people. The influence of that life did not merely end with death nor restrict itself to a geographical and cultural milieu or a particular epoch but extending to every corner of the globe and is effective even to this day. This life is that of a man called Jesus, the Christ. God could not bear to see man suffer-a suffering he had brought upon himself through disobedience. Time and again he tried to draw man back but man would not be won easily. At last, God felt the need to come himself. He sent his Son, Jesus, to be born of a human moter and to restore humankind to its original position and relationship with God. The author has nicely put together the story of Jesus, basing herself on the account given in the gospels besi