It is said that “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.

Discipline, in general, ought to be based on four F’s:
> Firmness
> Fondness
> Frankness
> Fairness

The Book of Proverbs 13: 24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them”.

Disciplining a person, with the principles of firmness, fondness, frankness and fairness, is an act of charity and an expression of genuine love.

The Gospel of the Day presents a verse of disciplining by the Lord – the One Who deeply yearns that we always walk in the right path and in the ways of perfection.

Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?” (Lk 6: 46)

The test of true love consists in a faithful obedience to the one who is loved.
> The spouses may exchange gestures of love and affection…
… but do they also exhibit true love by caring for each other, respecting each others’ opinion and accepting one another as they are?

> Children may say that they truly love and care for their parents…
… but do they also exhibit it in action, by being obedient to them and taking practical heed of their advices?

> Students may express their concern and acknowledgement for their teachers…
… but do they also display it in their life, by faithful abiding to what is expected of them as students?

To say “I love you”, but failing to show it forth in actions of obedience, is mere farcical!

There is therefore, a great need to examine – in honesty and sincerity – when we say “I love you” to the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord raises a tone of pleading when He asks, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?”

It has tones similar to…
… a parent who tells the child, “Why do you say, you like me, when you constantly disobey me and fail to give heed to my words?”

… a teacher who tells the student, “Why do you say, I want to be a good student, when you fail to make efforts to learn and do your
works,in the proper time and in the right manner?”

… an elderly person who advises a young person, “Why do you say, I wish to lead a happy life, but still continue to walk in the paths of immorality, dishonesty and lethargy?”

The Lord is deeply interested in the well-being of our lives…
.. but somehow, we fail to understand this aspect, and continue to live a life, as per our own wishes and fancies!

And therefore, the Lord raises the rod of discipline, and makes it very clear – a stern warning – with the parable of the Two Foundations.

>> Unless you live a life, founded on the rock of obedience, the “house” of your life will not stand!

>> If you seek to base your life on the “sands” of disobedience, be assured, that soon it will have a tragic collapse!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy name of Mary, the Mother of God.

> Mother Mary always points us to God, reminding us of infinite goodness of God
> She helps us to open our hearts to the ways of God, wherever those may lead.

May we seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary to give heed to the “disciplining call” of the Lord, and reform our lives, so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!

God Bless! Live Jesus!