Month: February 2018

EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens! Day 04: “Deus Caritas Est”

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A. What is it?

>> “Deus Caritas Est” is an Encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI released on Jan 25, 2006 (Feast Day of St Paul).

>> The title “Deus Caritas Est” means “God is Love”. It is sub-titled “De Christiano Amore” (Of Christian Love)

>> The title is derived from the First Letter of St John: “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (I Jn 4:16).

B. What does it speak of?

>> The Encyclical can be seen as a progression with two major portions:

I. The first part presents a theological and philosophical reflection on the different dimensions of “love” – expressed in the Greek words for love: Eros, Philia, Agape. It explains some essential facts concerning God’s Love and the intrinsic connection of this Love with human love.

II. The second part speaks of the charitable activities of the Church as an expression of Love which draws its power from contemplative union with God. It also refers to the Church’s threefold responsibility: (1) Proclaiming the Word of GOD (Kerygma-Martyria) (2) Celebrating the Sacraments (Leitourgia) (3) Exercising the Ministry of Charity (Diakonia).

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. The deep meaning of “Love” is called to be reflected up

>> The term “Love”, one of the most used and abused words in today’s world.

>> Sometimes the term “Eros” is completely rejected as being negative, in favour of “Agape”

>>The Encyclical, however, says that “Eros” – Ascending Love – and “Agape” – Descending Love – can never be separated. The more the two find the correct equilibrium in their different dimensions, the more the true nature of love is realized.

>> Even if “Eros” is at first mainly desire, in drawing near to the other person it becomes less and less concerned with itself, increasingly seeks the happiness of the other, bestows itself and wants to “be there for” the other. It is then that the element of “Agape” enters into this love.

>> In Jesus Christ, the “Eros-Agape” reaches its most radical form and this is today to be experienced in the Holy Eucharist

>> If one wishes to give love, they must also be able to receive love. Yet to become such a source, one must constantly drink anew from the original source – Which is Jesus Christ – from whose pierced heart flows the love of God..

2. The Church must display the Love of God through charitable works

>> The Church is called to proclaim the Word of God, celebrate the Sacraments, and practice the Ministry of Charity – all of which are equally important.

>> For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity… but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being.”

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Deus Caritas Est” for this Season of Lent?

1. Deepen the conviction of one of the most fundamental truth of our life: God is Love and This Love is lavished upon us, at ALL times and in ALL situations of our life

2. All our actions – big or small, duties or volunteering – all should be done “with love and for love”

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Contemplating more on the powerful aspect that “God is Love and He Loves me just as I am”, so as to do away with a “fearful/punishing” image of God that we have often created in our lives.

2. In all the works that we do, consciously offer it to the Lord and say a simple prayer like: “Lord, I do this action for you, with Love. Let all glory be to you!”

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Feb 17 (Lk 5:27-32)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

Been to a general physician for a check-up?

>> Well, I guess, most of us have been.

One of the simple techniques that a physician employs, to assess whether the person is sick, is by checking the person’s tongue.

The colour of the tongue, its size and shape, the colour and thickness of its coating, locations of abnormalities and moistness/ dryness of the tongue…

… all these could give some indications of the overall health and any disharmonies.

St Francis de Sales, mentions about this aspect, in his book, ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’…

“Doctors get a good knowledge of the health or the illness of a man by examining his tongue.

>> Our words are signs of the qualities of our souls”

Yes, the state of the tongue reveals the state of the health of the person.

>> The condition of the tongue gives an indication of the well-being or illness in a person.

Similarly, the words, which the tongue speaks, reveal the state of our inner life.

>> Our speech, which the tongue utters, reveal the condition of our spiritual life.

The Gospel of the Day is an account of Jesus, the Great Physician of Galilee, in His rounds of healing sick patients…

… and who is encountered by some critical persons who reveal a dark side of human life by their “slanderous and harsh” tongues!

Levi, the tax-collector heeds the call of the Lord “to follow Him” ( Lk 5:27)

In his great happiness of being accepted and the joy of following his new-found love, Levi hosts a grand party.

>> This feast is a wonderful time of sharing for various other tax collectors as well.

But this time of joy and happiness, becomes an occasion for some people to “wag their tongues” in negative talks and remarks!

As the saying goes…where two or three are gathered with a vicious and malicious mind…

… there is the assassination of the character of few people!

The Pharisees and Scribes, seeing Jesus sharing the joyful companionship of the tax collectors, began to murmur and grumble:

>> “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Lk 5: 30)

Jesus clarifies His mission of coming to the world to heal the sick and to cure the ill. (Lk 5:31)

He is the Great Physician of Galilee.

This Great Physician, clearly examines the “tongues” of the Pharisees and the Scribes and identifies their sickness…

Ø Their tongues spoke ill of people who were being saved.

Ø Their tongues criticized the people who were given a redeeming status in the society.

Ø Their tongues lashed at out the Lord who came to bring acceptance and love to the outcast.

• The words that their tongues uttered revealed the low-state of their life.

• The words that their tongues spoke revealed the negativity that was widespread in their life.

The Great Physician today wishes to examine our own tongues: our words and our speech.

>> Are we also persons whose tongues lash out in harsh criticism and rash judgments?

>> Are we also persons whose tongues hit out in negative comments and unkind criticism?

The Great Physician is here to heal us…

… Our tongues easily reveal our sicknesses to Him.

This time of the Lent is a great opportunity for us, to improve in this area of our life.

The Great Physician has His prescriptions ready….

Ø His Holy Word, which can sweeten our tongues with patience and charity.

Ø His Holy Eucharist, which can cleanse our tongues in sanctity and holiness.

Let us be healed and cleansed by the Divine Touch of the Great Physician!

God bless! Live Jesus!

EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens! Day 03: “Evangelii Gaudium”

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A. What is it?

>> “Evangelii Gaudium” is an Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis in the year 2013

>> The name “Evangelii Gaudium” stands for “Joy of the Gospel” – the principal theme being the “need for a joyful proclamation of the Gospel to the entire world.”

>> This Exhortation was written in response to the Bishops Synod held in March 2013, with a focus on “New Evangelization”

B. What does it speak of?

>> The Exhortation is divided into 5 major chapters:

i. The Church’s Missionary Transformation: It calls for renewal and rethinking the way every person and every institution – from the Pope and the Roman Curia down to the parish and its parishioners – live their faith.

ii. Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment: Some challenges of today’s world are discussed: economic matters, modern culture, new religious movements and moral relativism. It also presents two errors commonly faced by Christians: (a) the “attraction of Gnosticism” – a faith, whose only interest is a certain set of ideas and bits of information (b) “self-absorbed promethean neo-pelagianism” – a feeling of being superior to others, with ‘a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism’, because they observe certain rules.

iii. The Proclamation of the Gospel: Christian life is to be based on knowing and experiencing God’s love, mercy and salvation offered to all through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The document also presents a long section about the importance of homilies at Holy Mass – an opportunity, given for priests, each week, to encourage Catholics to live the faith.

iv. The Social Dimension of Evangelization: “Evangelii Gaudium” says that the heart of the Christian moral message is love for one another, which must motivate Christians to share the Gospel, help the poor and work for social justice.

v. Spirit-filled Evangelizers: Spirit-filled Evangelizers are those who are “fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit” and who have “the courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness – in every time and place – even when it meets with opposition”. The Exhortation presents Mother Mary as the model of faith and fidelity, and also as a strong Woman and Mother who shared many of the joys and sorrows facing people today and, therefore, understands the challenges they face.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. A call is given for establishing and renewing a personal encounter with the Lord

>> Many times as “Cradle Catholics” we fail to nurture a “Personal Relationship” with the Lord. Our faith remains stuck to old-practices that we have been doing “from childhood”.

>> A personal relationship with God alone can help us to live in Joy and Peace

2. All Christians are called to be actively participating in Evangelization

>> The one who has experienced the Love of God, cannot but preach and evangelize. “A true missionary, who never ceases to be a disciple, knows that Jesus walks with him, speaks to him, breathes with him, works with him. Mother Mary is the Model Missionary “Who draws near to us and accompanies us throughout life, opening our hearts to faith by Her Maternal Love.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Evangelii Gaudium” for this Season of Lent?

1. The Virtue of Joy in our day-to-day Christian Living, by building a “Personal Relationship with God”

2. Willingness to be open to the Holy Spirit at all times like Mother Mary, and being a Missionary Disciple in any situation of our life

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Cultivating the spirit of “praise and thanks” in every situation – not only joyful – but also in depressing and threatening moments of life.

2. Seeking the help of Blessed Mother Mary and imitating her by “treasuring the Word of God in the heart” and thus bearing fruit.

May this Lent and the familiarity with “Evangelii Gaudium” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Feb 16 (Mk 9:14-15)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

Two wives were sharing their experiences about their husbands.

The first wife shared:

“My husband is a very good man.

>> But the only trouble is he does not understand my weaknesses.

He comes home every evening and bombards me with a barrage of questions:

>> ‘Did you do what I told you?’

>> ‘Did you waste any time today?’

>> ‘Did you complete all the works on your to-do-list?’

He always demands. He always expects.

>> As much as I try, I cannot satisfy him.

The worst thing is, he is always right!

I cannot meet his expectation, because I am not able to!”

The second wife shared:

“My husband is a very good man. And the advantage is, he understands my weaknesses.

He comes home very evening and engages in dialogue-questions with me:

>> ‘Hope you had a good day today’

>> ‘I wish that you got some rest today’

>> ‘I hope you did not strain yourself much, completing all the works’

He always understands. He always encourages.

>> As much as I put in the effort, he appreciates me.

The best thing is, he is always right!

I can meet his expectation, because he makes me able!”

Do we want to know the name of the two husbands?

Well…

The name of the first husband is….Mr Rigid!

>> And the name of the second is….Mr. Compassionate!

What about us?

How are we in our Christian lives…?

>> Mr Rigid?

OR

>> Mr Compassion?

The Gospel of the Day presents this contrasting attitude of human tendencies in the Person of Jesus and the Pharisees…

… over the stagnant practice of an important devotion: Fasting!

The disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus with an important query: “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” (Lk 9:14)

The Mosaic Law commanded only one day of fasting – the day of Atonement.

The Book of Leviticus prescribes this fast: “On the tenth day of the seventh month…you are to enter into a solemn fast and refrain from all work, because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. In the presence of God you will be made clean of all your sins. It is a Sabbath of all Sabbaths. You must fast. It is a perpetual ordinance” (Lev 16:29-31)

But it is to be noted that the Pharisees and apparently, the disciples of John had also adopted another tradition: that of fasting two days a week.

>> This was considered to be a very pious and pride action among this group.

In Luke 18:12, we find the Pharisee who boasts of fasting twice a week, as he makes his prayer, in contempt of the tax collector.

It is to this fasting, that the disciples of John refer to, when they counter Jesus with the question: “Why don’t your disciples fast?”

But Jesus opens their eyes to see the rigidity in their thought and practice.

>> The practice of fasting was…

… for atonement of one’s sins.

… a time of mourning in seeking for the restoration of Israel.

… a period of waiting for the Messiah who would redeem their nation.

But somehow all these basic aspects of fasting were forgotten and apparently, lost.

>> Their practice of fasting had grown stagnant.

>> Their mindset in skipping meals had become sluggish.

>> They failed to realize the reason and meaning for their fasting.

The Lord declares Himself as the Bridegroom, who has come to restore the glory of Israel. (Mt 9:15)

>> The time of mourning is over.

>> The period of fasting is no longer.

It’s time to rejoice with Him, who is the Bridegroom and Saviour – Jesus!

Yes, when one loses sight of the original purpose, the actions become mere lifeless customs.

>> When one fails to know the actual motive, the conduct becomes a mere obsolete ritual.

A custom, devoid of its purpose and real intention is dead and decayed.

>> A tradition, conducted without the true motivation is irrelevant and trivial.

>> A ritual, performed without knowledge of true meaning is an immaterial routine.

The Season of Lent calls for us to make extra sacrifices, especially through the form of fasting.

What is my attitude to fasting and penance?

Has it become rigid…

… devoid of its original purpose of sanctification and growing in closeness to God?

Has it become stagnant…

… becoming a mere yearly custom and tradition with no effect on one’s life?

Am I ready to undertake the powerful style of fasting as presented in Isaiah 58: 6-7:

A fasting…

… to lose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke

… to let the oppressed go free and to share the bread with the hungry

… to bring homeless poor into the house and to cover the naked

Our fasting, penances and sacrifices are to be a joyful one… because we have Jesus, the bridegroom with us.

>> His presence with us, is a matter of joy

… yet we fast and do penance, to share joyfully in His suffering and pain.

>> His presence with us, is an occasion of rejoicing…

… yet we make sacrifices and discipline ourselves, to find deeper meaning in His Cross.

>> His presence with us, is a period of celebration…

… yet we have self-control and abstain oneself, to be united closer to His redeeming action.

Let us not get “rigid”.

>>Instead, with “compassion”, let us open our eyes to the real purpose meaning of our fasting and our acts of penance.

Yes, let us examine:

How are we in our Christian lives…?

>> Mr Rigid?

OR

>> Mr Compassion?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens! 15th Feb, 2018 – Day 02: “Humanae Vitae”

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

A. What is it?

>> Humanae vitae is an encyclical issued by Pope Paul VI on July 25, 1968 (We are nearing the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of this Encyclical)

>> “Humanae Vitae” means “Of Human Life”

>> The Encyclical is subtitled as “Regulation of Birth”

>> In the wake of the sexual revolution of the 1960s, Humanae Vitae was presented to the world, and today it is considered as a “Prophetic Literature”.

>> This is especially in the light of how, over the next decades, there has been an increase in the sexualization of culture, increased legalized abortion, the growing tensions in marital relations, and thus has led to deep wounds to the concept of family life.

>> The Encyclical clearly affirms that the Church “does not… evade the duty imposed on her of proclaiming humbly but firmly the entire moral law, both natural and evangelical.” And so, like Christ, the Church “is destined to be a ‘sign of contradiction.'”

B. What does it speak of?

>> Pope Paul VI in Humanae Vitae re-affirmed the Church’s prohibition of artificial contraception, gave the approval on natural family-planning (NFP) methods, and upheld the Church’s teaching on conjugal love and responsible parenthood.

>> Drawing from Sacred Scripture and Holy Tradition, the Encyclical exhorts how God Himself has designed the nature of married love – it is “total, faithful and exclusive”. The marriage act has both unitive and procreative aspects- which cannot be separated (Thus, artificial contraception is immoral).

>> Every marriage act is a participation in the Divine Act of “giving life”. Hence, it belongs in the context of committed love (sealed by marriage) and openness to life.

>> The Encyclical very powerfully demonstrates that Human life came from God, belongs to God, and goes back to God (“You are not your own” – 1 Cor 6:19). This is in direct opposition to the modern-day dictum: “This is my life, my body, my choice!”

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. The Encyclical re-affirms the Church’s uncompromising stance with respect to morals and faith – upholding Sacred Scripture and Holy Tradition.

>> As a Christian, am I ready to be a “sign of contradiction” in standing for the Gospel Virtues, even if it means, facing isolation and rejection, unpopularity and being branded as “traditional and old-fashioned”?

2. Humanae Vitae stands in direct contradiction to the “easy and free” trends of looking at sex, marriage and family life.

>> Am I aware of the “Preciousness of my body” and how, all what I do with my body, ought to be “life-giving” and giving sole glory to God? Any contrary that I do, is a sin, and so I need to let go any “habits or tendencies” that is harmful to the body, which is “… a Temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 3:16),

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Humanae Vitae” for this Season of Lent?

1. Become aware that Life belongs to God and that Love is Sacred

2. Growing in the conviction that I need to be uncompromising to the Teachings of the Church, despite the “comfortable trends” around us

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Pray to be faithful to the Virtue of Chastity and to always do actions that “promote and nurture life”

2. Read Articles 2331-2400 from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) to get a better understanding of the Church’s position on sexuality.

May this Lent and the familiarity with “Humanae Vitae” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Feb 15 (Lk 9: 22-25)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A story is told of a young woman who wanted to join a particular college, with a reputed fame.

As she filled the application form, her heart sank, when she read the question that read: “Are you a leader?”

Sticking to her principle of being honest in life, she wrote “No”…

… and submitted her application…

… expecting the worst!

She knew, that this question would be the stumbling block for her admission to college.

But to her great surprise, she received the following letter from college:

“Dear Applicant,

A study of all our application forms this year reveals, that we will have 1, 547 new leaders in college.

So we are accepting you as our student, because we feel that it is necessary that all those ‘so-called leaders’, have at least one follower!”

Well, that pretty much sums up human tendencies isn’t it?

… a tendency whereby people would dilute their ideals for seeking a position or favour!

… a tendency whereby people would want to be only leaders, but fail to be a follower!

Is our Christian life also characterized by these tendencies…?

… to dilute Christian Values for the sake of one’s favour?

… to project our personal merits and crave to be a power-monger rather than a follower?

The Gospel of the Day presents the mighty challenge of Jesus, to those who wish to follow Him…

… being uncompromising in one’s commitment

… being willing to be a follower of Him, the Sole Leader!

Jesus says: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23)

One of the key aspects, when we analyze the ministry of Jesus is that Cross would be an integral aspect of His life and ministry.

The Lord never shied away from the Cross.

>> And the Lord never shied away from teaching about the Cross.

He doesn’t use attractive advertisements to allure more followers…

He doesn’t preach an easy life to gather in more disciples…

>> But He instead preaches and proclaims the Cross!

The Cross is a symbol…

… of total self-giving

… of total commitment

We are in the season of Lent.

It’s a time of getting back to the basics of our life…

… to re-dedicate our love and consecration to the Lord

… to review our life more closely in relation to our faith

The Lord sets before us choices continually in life.. (Deut 30:15)

… the choice of life and death

… the choice of good and evil

… the choice of blessings and curses

But all these promises of the Lord are valid, only if we are seeking and are eager to follow His commandments and to walk according to His paths.

Our Christian lives today are often found to be characterized by…

… Pragmatism: following Christ and His Ideals only for our personal gains and desires!

… Comfortability: following Christ and His Ideals only when it is easy and undemanding!

… Dilution: following Christ and His Ideals without sincerity and watering down as per convenience!

… power-mongerism: following Christ and His Ideals only to gain power and popularity!

The Cross comes as a huge blow to all such “easy philosophies!”

The Cross was the choice of the Lord…

… a result of deep obedience and total commitment.

The Cross needs to be our choice too…and this requires…

… deep obedience to the Will of the Lord.

… total commitment to our call and consecration as a Christian.

The Lord promises much happiness and joy…

… but these will be delivered only if we make the determination and resolution to follow Him closer and to live as per His commands!

Let us be bold and courageous to embrace a Life of the Cross…

… without pragmatism, without comfortability, without dilution, without power-mongerism!

>> And stick on to the Christian Principles…

… even it means, rejection from the world and its ways!

Yes, shall we be ready…

… to embrace this call and exhortation of the Lord?

… to get attracted to a life of the Cross – total discipline and deep dedication?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens! Day 01: “Catechism of the Catholic Church”

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

A. What is it?

>> The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (CCC) is a summary of the Doctrines of the Catholic Church.

>> It was promulgated by Pope St John Paul II in 1992.

>> In 1985, at a Synod (=assembly) of Bishops in Rome convened to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, a proposal to develop a Universal Catechism for the Catholic Church was accepted.

>> The outcome was the Catechism of the Catholic Church

>> There are 2865 articles in total in the CCC

B. What does it speak of?

>> The Catechism of the Catholic Church is arranged in four parts, also called as the “Four Pillars” of the Catechism:

1. The Creed (Profession of Faith)

2. The Sacraments (Celebration of the Christian Mystery in Sacred Liturgy)

3. The Commandments (Life in Christ in the Church)

4. The Prayers (with an emphasis on The Our Father)

>> The CCC conveys the essential and fundamental content of Catholic faith and morals in a summarized way.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. Do I seek to grow in my clarity and conviction of “what I believe”?

2. Do I make efforts to love the Church and be proud of this precious treasure of Faith that is gifted to me?

D. What virtue/point can we pick up from the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” for this Season of Lent?

1. Renewing our Faith

>> The CCC is, in the words of Pope St John Paul II, a “sure norm for teaching the faith”

>> The Catechism is an excellent resource for us to “know and grow” in our faith

2. Affirming our love for the Church

>> The CCC is a “a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion..”

>> The reading and studying of the Catechism is a sign of our love and loyalty to the Church – Who is our Mother, taking care of our Spiritual Life.

E. Tips to practice this virtue

1. Read articles in the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’, in order to “know and grow” in our faith in this Lenten Season

2. Say a short prayer for the Church and her leaders, to grow in the zeal for the missions and revival of faith

May this Lent help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens! INTRODUCTION

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

In 1867 on a farm in South Africa, 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs saw a stone – shining brightly in the sun.

The shining rock was reported to a neighbor, who wanted to buy it from the family.

>> Not knowing its value, Erasmus’ mother told the neighbor, “You can keep the stone, if you want it.”

Eventually, a mineralogist determined the stone to be a 21.25 carat diamond and worth a great sum.

>> It became known as the “Eureka Diamond.”

Soon the fields near the soared in value and led to led to the “Kimberley Diamond Rush”

>> This also marked the beginning of the Mineral Revolution.

Underneath the land was one of the richest diamond deposits ever discovered.

>> “Discovering the Diamonds” was a EUREKA experience.

EUREKA is a Greek Word for “I found it!”

Archimedes, the mathematician and philosopher, (c.250 BC) had his EUREKA moment in a bathtub, when he saw the solution to the question his king had raised…

… and ran into the street naked shouting “Eureka,” (“I have found it”)!

The Bible testifies to people having a “Eureka” Experience

>> Moses at the Burning Bush, Discovered God (EUREKA), and His life would thereafter be transformed!

>> Jeremiah would have his mouth touched and would Discover God (EUREKA) to be the strength of His life!

>> Peter would Discover God (EUREKA) by the Sea of Galilee, and he would be made a “fisher of men”!

>> Paul would be thrown down, to Discover God (EUREKA), for Whom he would passionately work, all his life!

God calls all of us to have a EUREKA experience – DISCOVERING GOD!

The Catholic Church has been a Mighty Treasury of such experiences of EUREKA – Discovering God!

These experiences have been particularly enshrined in the Catholic Literature…

… Apostolic Exhortations (Papal documents to define with respect to faith and morals)

… Encyclicals (= a ‘circular’ letter sent by the Pope to all the Faithful, with a pastoral concern on a topic)

… Classic writings and books by various saints and holy people

Such Catholic Literature has always been available…

… through the centuries

… across the ages

But we do find that many of us, have failed to “Discover” the existence and beauty of such a magnanimous Treasure.

Time and again we have lots of doubts of faith, of our existence etc…

>> We run helter-skelter, in panic and desperation and looking for answers

But we often fail to realize, that the answer and solution to many of our “existential problems and questions” are to be found in the Writings and Teachings of the Church!

>> We have only been ignorant to seek!

>> We have only… “failed to discover!”

This Season of Lent, we shall make an attempt to very briefly get introduced a selected set of such Priceless Treasure of Catholic Literature.

This series is titled as “EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens!”

Every day- over the next 40 days – till the start of the Holy Week – we shall briefly familiarize ourselves with one Catholic Literature…

… learn a little about its historical context

… outline the major thrusts of the content

… and pick up a couple of Lenten Learnings for practise

This little attempt is an endevour for each one of us to Discover the Priceless Treasure that is enshrined in the Catholic Church.

So, let’s offer this undertaking into the safe intercession of Blessed Mary, our Beloved Mother and St Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church, and seek the help of all the Angels and Saints…

… so that, this Season of Lent, we may more and more “Discover the Catholic Treasury” and thus Experiencing God, we may shout “EUREKA!”

Welcome to all of you to “EUREKA: Discovering Catholic Treasury – through a Lenten lens!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Feb 14 (Ash Wednesday, Mt 6:1-6, 16-18)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS1 Comment

2018 would be remembered, for date-lovers, as a year, when Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine’s Day…

… and further Easter Sunday coinciding with April’s Fools Day (April 1st)!

A common joke is doing the rounds these days on social media, goes thus:

Someone asked: “What is the specialty of Feb 14?”

Another guy asks back: “Are you having a wife or a girlfriend?”

“A wife”, comes the reply.

>> “Oh…

… then, its Ash Wednesday for you!”

Well… jokes apart, it’s interesting to reflect on this dimension of the two days – Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day – falling together.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, a day when a there is a “sudden” wave of expression of love and care and affections to the ones whom we love.

When taken in the right spirit and when celebrated in a meaningful way, this Day becomes a Day…

… of “specially” recognizing the worth of the one(s) we love

… of showing our love and affection to the one(s) dear to the our heart

But our modern society unfortunately and tragically, sometimes tends to “rob” this day to be celebrated in a meaningful.

>> “Love” is highly commercialized and “sold”

>> External affections are unduly given greater importance, forgetting the prime duties involved with love

>> Advertisers and commercialists rake in massive profits with a number of external objects portraying “love”

Whether this day truly becomes a day of “expressing genuine love and care”

>> Or whether it is more, a day of “externalities of ‘love-feelings’ taking the upper-hand…

… is a matter of debate, as well as a matter of one’s own personal choice and view.

But as a Christian, this day – Feb 14 – celebrated as Ash Wednesday…

… is a day for us to remind ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love

… is a day for us to revive our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another

… is a day for us to rediscover the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Today, with Ash Wednesday, we begin the Holy Season of Lent.

Ashes are an important element of this Ash Wednesday’s Liturgy.

The ashes are made from the Blessed Palms used at the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year…

… and blessed with Holy Water.

The priest says the words:

>> “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

>> (or) “Repent and believe in the Gospel”

These ashes remind us of…

… the littleness of our earthly life, and the need to give greater priority to our Spiritual Life

… the need to repent of our sins and express our willingness to live in holiness and sanctity

… the graciousness of God’s Mercy which is always available to those who turn towards Him

The Gospel of the Day emphasizes on the “Virtue of Humility” that needs to embellish the life of every Christian.

>> Ashes are an external form of “we being willing, to learn in the School of Humility!”

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18) is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of doing away with pride and instead, beautifying one’s life with sincere humility .

Jesus speaks of the three core practices that were essential pious practices of His time: ALMSGIVING, PRAYER and FASTING (PENANCE).

>> And how these ought to be done with sincere humility and not in pride!

1. With respect to almsgiving, Jesus says…

… “sound no trumpet” (Mt 6:2)

2. With respect to prayer, Jesus says…

… “shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6)

3. With respect to fasting, Jesus says…

…”anoint your head and wash your face” (Mt 6:17)

It is also interesting to note that these 3 practices also refers to the 3 dimensions of Love: towards God, towards others, towards oneself

1. Prayer: Reminding ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love

2. Almsgiving: Reviving our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another

3. Fasting (Penance): Rediscovering the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Yes, this Ash Wednesday is a Great Day for all of us, to begin this Season of Holiness, to Grow in Love…

… Love of God

… Responsibility and Care of others

… Respect and Reverence of our own life

A few practical tips could help us to make this Season of Lent, more meaningful:

1. It is said that habits – to make a new one or to break an old one – generally take around 21 days

>> These 40+ days of Lent are a chance for us to “double” our efforts towards…

… positively growing in a “good virtuous habit”

… negatively rooting out a “not-so-good vicious habit”

(A few examples:

… Reading a portion of the Bible daily

… Learn by heart, some verses of the Bible and make it a personal prayer

… Identify the “root vice” of life, and practice the opposite – “the root virtue”

… Try to frequent Holy Mass / spend time with the Eucharistic Lord, as much as possible

… 40 simple acts of kindness

… Abstain from something that is “dear” and offer it is a sacrifice for someone in need

… Revive personal/family prayer

… Reduce time spent on the internet/social media

… Visit a home of charity or those in our vicinity who needs a help

… Abstain from gossiping/back biting/ irritable words

… Bring a person(s) closer to Christ/Church)

Can we choose, on this day, a habit in our personal life, which we need to “make or break”…

… for these days of Lent?

2. The Season of Lent covers a period of 7 weeks

>> 7 – a number of fullness and completeness is a call for us to grow in the Virtue of Charity.

We could identify 7 people – corresponding to the 7 weeks of Lent, who need our help.

>> This help may be any of the following:

… spiritual help

… social acceptance

… materialistic needs

… emotional assistance

Let this 14th of February be a day for us, to re-discover Jesus, the True Lover Who displays the real meaning of love!

>> The Lord…holds our hands, and in deep love and affection asks us, “Will you be My valentine forever?”

Let’s not blush….let’s not be shy…

>> May this Season of Lent help us – in deep faith and true commitment – to pledge forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts!

Wish you all a Very Happy and Blessed Season of Lent.

>> May our Blessed Mother of Compassion lead us and may all the Saints intercede for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Feb 13 (Mk 8:14-21)

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

The onion is one of the most simple and commonly available vegetables.

>> It is widely used, especially in the preparation of a number of Indian dishes.

It’s interesting to notice the structure of an onion: it is formed as a result of several layers.

>> If one tries to peel off one layer after another, the result would be, that one would be left with nothing…

… just emptiness!

Our Christian life sometimes is represented by an onion…formed in layers.

>> Christ peels our life like an onion to make us realize our emptiness.

The Gospel of the Day presents this experience of the disciples, in the presence of Jesus, their Master…

… an experience of being peeled to find themselves in emptiness

…an experience of being unlayered to find themselves in blankness

Jesus is off on the boat again, with His disciples, to travel to the other shore (Mk 8:13)

>> The disciples had forgotten to bring bread along with them, and they had only one loaf with them. (Mk 8:14).

Jesus, meanwhile, began to make use of the time of journey, for rendering a teaching on True Discipleship.

Incidentally, He spoke on the need to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod…

… the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8)

… the leaven of deception and misleading (Gal 5:8-9)

The disciples, however, got it all wrong.

Their minds were still focused on the bread.

>> They were still figuring how out, how they missed to get bread.

>> They were still trying to see how they could all adjust, with one bread.

And so, when Jesus spoke of leaven, one of the main ingredients in bread, they thought that Jesus was chastising them, for not having taken bread.

But Jesus now shows the disciples what is to be the main focus…

He makes them realize what was more important and needed.

The disciples were more concerned with food and security.

The disciples were more interested in material needs and concerns.

But the Lord, now, begins to peel these layers, in the Disciples, as that in an onion!

… the layers of only material concerns

… the layers of only worldly needs

… the layers of only earthly apprehensions.

The disciples are concerned that they have only one bread…

But they fail to see that they have the One and Only Bread of Life!

The disciples are concerned that their food may not be sufficient…

>> But they failed to see that they have the One who multiplied bread for four thousands and five thousands!

They failed to understand!

>> They failed to look beyond!

In our life journey, we too sometimes fall short of material and earthly needs.

• Do we also get perplexed and anxious like the disciples?

• Do we also fail to see beyond and realize the more important needs of life?

• Do we also fail to understand that the presence of the Lord matters much more than any other earthly aspect?

We too need to be peeled of our layers of only material concerns.

>> We too need to be peeled of our layers of only worldly matters.

Let us fill the emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord.

>> Let us fill the vacuum within us, with the Peace and Passion for the Lord.

God bless! Live Jesus!