Joab

 BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL. 

JOAB/ JEHOVAH IS FATHER. 

Joab was the second son of the three sons of Zeruiah, the sister of David, the other two being Abishai and Asahel. 

Joab was captain of David's army when Abner, Saul's cousin and army commander led the army of Saul's son Ishbosheth. 

Asahel was killed when he pursued Abner. 

When Abner transferred his allegiance to David, Joab treacherously killed him for killing Asahel, although Abner had done so in self defense. 

Later, Joab was made commander of the armies of David, as a reward for gaining entry into the stronghold of Mount Zion which was controlled by the Jebusites. 

He achieved victory over the Ammonites. 

He obeyed David in getting Uriah killed at the forefront of battle and called for David to storm Rabbah, so that David could get credit for victory over the Ammonites. 

Joab helped Absalom to be restored to royal favour after banishment due to the murder of Amnon.

Joab remained loyal to David during Absalom's revolt and was responsible for killing Absalom. 

When David gave vent to extravagant grief at the death of Absalom, his son, Joab rebuked him. 

2 Samuel 19:7;

"Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. 

For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, no one will stay with you this night. 

And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth till now".

David pulled himself out of his sorrow of losing Absalom and was restored to kingship by the priests and the people. 

David made Amasa another nephew and cousin of Joab, who had been loyal to Absalom, as commander of his army and gave him the responsibility of summoning the men of Judah. 

Joab felt threatened by Amasa and stabbed him while pursuing Sheba the Benjamite. 

Much later, Joab was killed by Benaiah, the chief of the bodyguard of Solomon, as he supported Adonijah's claim to the throne of David. 

Joab for all his faults was a capable man of war and a valiant soldier on the battlefield. 

He has to be given credit for his loyalty to David for almost four decades. 

Some of his rash decisions and vengeful murders resulted in his sad end with no hope of finding clemency. 

Compiled by Shanti Jayanth, Madurai.

Absaloms

 *MODERN DAY ABSALOMS* 

 _(2 Samuel :15:1-7)_ 

 

1.AMBITIOUS

Young, charismatic and handsome Absalom wanted to be king. He was in a hurry. He was disgruntled with his father, David, and the way he had handled certain issues, especially regarding his sister, Tamar. And Absalom was convinced he was the right man for the job. A better choice.

2.CULTIVATES AN IMAGE

 Absalom got chariots, horses and footmen for himself to create for himself the grand image of the next better king. 

3.HARDWORKING

Absalom woke up early and went to meet people at the city gate. 

4. PEOPLE PERSON

Absalom tried to create an impression in people's minds that he was really interested in their personal affairs. But actually he was only aiming at carrying out his devious, cunning schemes.

5.DECEPTIVE 

The people got easily swayed by Absalom’s false narrative. A youthful dynamic leader would always be better for them in the long run. David was getting old. And Absalom said he would be a better man to judge their affairs, because the king  now had no one to hear them out. 

6.PEACE BREAKER

Absalom, in accusing the king indirectly of providing them no help, destroyed whatever peace they had. They became more troubled. 

7.INDIRECT

Absalom never said anything against his father directly. He tried to swerve people's opinions against David indirectly. He was cunning and very subtle in his ways. And so he stole the people's hearts.

There are so many ambitious, charismatic *modern day Absaloms* in our churches and homes, who are hurt and disgruntled sons or spiritual sons. They want prominence at any cost. So like Absalom, they create an imposing persona of themselves and try to woo church and family away from reigning boring ”oldies” and draw them after themselves. They happen to be divisive, work hard at achieving their nefarious schemes and win over people's hearts through flattery and deception. Satan uses them to bring in trouble wherever they go.

But their end will be as deadly as Absalom’s.

Credits :SJ, Pune, India

Roller Coaster

*"Bracing ourselves up for the _challenging, yet exciting ride with the Lord,_ as His disciple!"*

*(Based on Nah 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 and Mt 16:24-28 - _Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)_*

Some of us have been to amusement parks...

... filled with many jolly and amazing rides.

One of the common yet interesting rides in these parks are the Roller Coaster rides....

>>The ones, which are constructed at dizzying heights

>> The ones possessing several dangerous and heart-wrenching ups and dips

>> The sight of which fills many a weak-at-heart persons, to have giddy feelings!

To those, however, who take up this challenge...

... it's a sheer ecstatic and thrilling experience!

Welcome to Christianity....a Real-Time Roller Coaster Ride!

The ride is not easy...

>> But the Thrill of the Ride...

... is truly a genuine experience of Remarkable Joy and Peace and Happiness!

Chapter 16 of St Matthew's Gospel continues the Theme of True Discipleship.

After having revealed Himself as being the Heroic, Awesome and Suffering God-Man, Jesus spells out clearly the demands of being His True Disciple:

>> To deny oneself...to take up one's cross..to follow Him! (Mt 16: 24)

To follow Christ, we need to follow His terms!

We need to...

>> Lay down something...

>> Lift up something...

>> And then Follow the Lord

We need to...

>> Lay down our personal pleasures and comforts...

>> Lift up our daily duties...

>> And then Follow the Lord

The Lord demands.

>> The Lord expects.

Am I ready?

Am I a Christian who is zealous and devout and religious on a Sunday...

... but tepid and listless and impractical through the weekdays?

Am I a Christian who loves to wear religious articles around my body...

... but fail to adorn my actions and deeds with charitable and sanctifying works?

Am I a Christian who enjoys rattling off prayers and reciting many devout ejaculations...

... but fall short of translating those good words into a life of honesty and gentleness and humility?

Am I a Christian who takes the pleasure and benefit of being a member of the Church...

... but come to a sticky end in standing by the Church in Her moments of crisis and scandals?

Am I a Christian who relishes listening to Gospel Music, decorating houses with devout pictures and even spreading devotions to many saints...

... but not make the grade when it comes to living the Gospel values and morals?

Very often, our activities and works are centered only on acquiring the things of this world.

>> Surely, we have our own daily needs and wants

But beyond all these, a Christian ought to realize, that we are "pilgrims on this earth"

>> As St Paul says, "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil 3: 20)

>> As St Peter says, "... As aliens and sojourners... keep away from worldly desires" (1 Pet 2: 11)

Jesus says, "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" (Mt 16:26)

>> Sometimes we hoard up only material wealth and riches...

... failing to seek for the God who blesses us with the needs of our life!

>> Sometimes our prayers become only petitions for transient things...

... failing to raise a word of thanks to the Lord Who always sustains us!

The Lord invites us to take up the challenges of being a Christian.

As a Christian, our lives have to be qualitatively different from others!

>> Let those who see us - be it in our workplaces or in our friend's circle or any other place - make remarks such as...

... "Ah! Here is a person who displays a lot of trust and hope in a living God!"

... "Here is somebody who remains firm even in difficulties, because he/she knows there is a Loving Father caring and protecting always"

Yes, Christianity is indeed a Real-Time Roller Coaster Ride

>> To those who take up this challenge...

... it's a sheer ecstatic and thrilling experience!

At Baptism, we have signed a document...

... which entitles us to the Great Privilege of being the Child of God

But by Baptism, we also have agreed to many terms....

... which obliges us the Great Duties of being a Soldier of God!

Being a disciple and soldier of Christ is a demanding affair.

>> Let us brace ourselves up for this challenging, yet exciting ride with the Lord.

*God Bless! _Live Jesus!_*

*-- Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS*

Henry Ford

*(Based on Ezek 16:1-15, 60, 63 and Mt 19:3-12 - _Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)_*

Henry Ford is the founder of the Ford Motor Company.

>> He manufactured the first automobile that was affordable even to the middle class - an object of expensive curiosity turned into a practical conveyance.

Ford had a happy married life with Clara Jane Bryant.

On their golden wedding anniversary, a reporter asked them:

"To what do you attribute your fifty years of successful married life?”

“The formula,” said Mr. Ford, “is the same formula I have always used in making cars - just stick to one model!”

Being faithful and loyal is undoubtedly the hallmarks of a successful relationship.

>> But we live in a world, where divorce is becoming an increasingly common term and phenomenon.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus engaged in a conversation with the Pharisees...

... and clarifying and shedding light on the concept of faithfulness and fidelity in relationships.

When we hear the word Divorce, we primarily associate it…

…. with a man and woman, in marriage, seeking divorce.

But Divorce is not merely limited to spousal relations.

>> In fact, divorce is on the increase everywhere....

There is divorce…

… between the parents and the children

… between siblings and family relations

… among the members of a religious community and congregation

… among the members of the Church

… within the society itself

There is also a great divorce within one's spiritual life...

… One is separated and torn apart between serving God and serving the World!

In all these cases of Divorce…

… the one basic factor that is lacking is that of Commitment and Faithfulness.

When there is a decrease in commitment and faithfulness, the gravity of divorce and separation, increases!

It could be…

… in the spousal relation

… in the family relation

… in the community relations

… in the societal relations

... or even in our personal spiritual relationship with God!

When we fail in faithfulness, we succeed in separation...

>> When we are complacent in commitment, we are in danger of divorce...!

Today, let us look into our personal spiritual relationship with God...and examine...

>> Are we separating ourselves from God?

>> Are we being divorced from God?

Apparently, we may feel that these questions are not for us...

>> But let’s go a little deeper into ourselves...

… Are we really serving God as our master? … as the Only Master?

… Or are there times, when we fail in our faithfulness, and become complacent in our commitment...?

We need to give the first place to God…

… in our personal lives , our family lives/ our religious and priestly consecration.

But are there occasions, when for some time at least, we keep God away…

… to satisfy our sinful pleasures?

… to answer our egoistic tendencies?

… to fulfill our worldly sinful desires?

… to gratify our evil personal agenda?

If the answer is yes...

… then we are not on God's side!

The Lord demands a total commitment and dedication to Him.

>> God hates divorce!

In Baptism, we have entered into a covenant with Him.

>> Am I in danger of being divorced or separated from our Beloved Covenant Partner?

Little acts of unfaithfulness & infidelity are the ones that slowly shreds a relationship into pieces.

>> Lets tighten up our spiritual lives, and re-dedicate our commitment and faithfulness and consecration to the Lord.

He is a God who cares deeply for us

>> He is Loving parent who sees to all our needs

>> He is a Lover who is intensely passionate about us

Shall we not remain in His loving affection by being more faithful and committed to Him and Him alone?!

Let faithfulness and loyalty be the hallmarks of our successful relationship with the Lord.

Let's say…

>> Yeah to Jesus and His Kingdom...

… and Nay to Satan and the World!

*God Bless! _Live Jesus!_*

*-- Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS*

One Story, Two Perspectives

*One Story, Two Perspectives*

A famous book writer sat in his study. He took out his pen and began to write:

“Last year, I had surgery to remove gallstones. I was bedridden for a long time. 

In the same year, I turned 60 and was retired … quitting a company that I loved so much. I had to leave the job I've been doing for 35 years. 

That same year I was abandoned by my beloved mother who passed away. 

Then, still in the same year, my son failed his final medical exam because of a car accident.  Repair costs from the car damage marked the peak of bad luck last year.”

At the end he wrote:

“What, what a bad year!"

The writer's wife entered the room and found her husband who was sad and pensive. From behind, the wife saw the husband's writing. Slowly she backed away and left the room. 

15 minutes later she came back in and put down a piece of paper with the following words:

“Last year, my husband finally managed to get rid of his gallbladder which had been making his stomach hurt for years. 

That same year, I am grateful that my husband was able to retire in a healthy and happy state of mind & body. I thank God he was given the opportunity to work and earn for 35 years to support our family.

Now, my husband can spend more of his time writing, which has always been his hobby.

In the same year, my 95 year old mother-in-law, without any pain, returned to God in peace. 

And still in the same year, God protected our son from harm in a terrible car accident. Our car was seriously damaged by the accident, but my son survived without any serious injuries.”

                                  

In the last sentence his wife wrote:

“Last year was a year full of extraordinary blessings from God, and we spent it full of wonder and gratitude.”

                                       

The writer smiled with emotion, and warm tears flowed down his cheeks. He was grateful for a different point of view for every event he had gone through the past year. A different perspective of the same events now made him joyful. 

Friends, in this life we ​​must understand that it is not happiness or joy that makes us grateful. It is *gratitude that makes us happy/joyful*! Let’s practise seeing events from a positive point of view and keep envy away from our hearts.

_”We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”_ 

 *Abraham Lincoln*

12 Reasons Why Reading Books Should Be a Part of Your Life

 **12 Reasons Why Reading Books Should Be a Part of Your Life 📚**

1. **Knowledge Highway 🛣️**: Books are a treasure trove of information on any topic you can think of! Whether it’s history, science, or new hobbies, there's something for everyone to explore. 🌍

2. **Enhanced Vocabulary 🗣️**: The more you read, the more words you encounter. Expand your vocabulary and sharpen your communication skills effortlessly.

3. **Memory Boost 🧠**: Keep your mind sharp! Reading has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function, keeping your brain active and engaged. 💡

4. **Stress Reduction 🌿**: Need a mental escape? Curling up with a good book is the perfect way to unwind and relieve daily stresses. 

5. **Improved Focus and Concentration 🎯**: In our distraction-filled world, reading strengthens your ability to focus and concentrate for longer periods.

6. **Empathy and Perspective 🌎**: Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters helps you develop empathy and understand different viewpoints.

7. **Enhanced Creativity 🎨**: Books are a playground for your imagination! Exposure to new ideas can inspire your own creativity and problem-solving skills.

8. **Stronger Writing Skills ✍️**: By reading well-crafted prose, you can improve your writing style, sentence structure, and overall communication clarity.

9. **Improved Sleep Quality 😴**: Ditch the screens before bed and pick up a book instead. Reading can help you relax, making it easier to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

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**#ReadingBenefits #BookLovers #KnowledgeIsPower #StressRelief #BoostYourBrain #ImproveFocus #CreativeThinking #BetterSleep #ReadMoreBooks**

The Feast of Gods

 So many butthurt posts about blasphemy in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, so here's the real score: The tableau in the ceremony is not a reference to Da Vinci's Last Supper but to Jan Harkens van Bijlert's The Feast of the Gods (1635), with Apollo crowned at the center of the table (no, that isn't Jesus Christ) and Dionysus the god of wine and pleasure in the foreground. Why this reference? Because Apollo and Dionysus are Greek gods, and the Olympics are a Greek invention, a tribute to Zeus.

And, yes, there was a decapitated woman cradling her own head. That's a reference to Marie Antoinette, whose beheading (along with the rest of French royalty in 1793) was a turning point for France moving away from a Catholic monarchy into a republic.

When your only point of reference is your Christianity, anything resembling a tableau or anything including performers in drag or anything with even a hint of impropriety will scandalize you. Read mythology, read history, look at art, do a simple Google search. Don't let your intellectual horizons begin and end with the Bible. (Which, by the way, has scores of children being massacred not once, but twice! So I don't know why, as avowed Bible lovers, violence should bother you.) 

Not everything is about your faith. Especially in France, which is a multicultural and increasingly immigrant society. And because so many of my Catholic friends here on Facebook can afford to travel, please stop with the intellectual laziness and replace it with intellectual curiosity. The French will be French. They will do their thing. France has the grand trappings of its Catholic past, but if you display even a hint of your insular lack of exposure to the immigrant experience or your Catholicism-is-under-attack viewpoint, you will embarrass not only yourself, but the country.