A. What is it?

>> “Spe Salvi” is an Encyclical by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI promulgated on November 30, 2007, >> “Spe Salvi” is a Latin title which means “Saved in Hope” and is the second Encyclical by the Pope Emeritus.

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Spe Salvi” speaks about the Theological Virtue of Hope.

>> The central thesis of this Encyclical is that Christian hope utterly transforms human life.

>> The Pope reminds us that we can have hope because we have a great goal: our salvation.

>> We can’t take our salvation for granted because it depends on our cooperation with grace.

>> “Spe Salvi” is divided in 8 sections:

(i) Faith is Hope: The solid basis for our Hope is our “Faith in God”.

>> Because we know God, we can have hope and rest secure in the knowledge that as Christians, we “have a future.”

(ii) The concept of faith-based hope in the New Testament and the early Church: Mentions that the encounter with Christ is not something abstract, but can change our lives. That is what attracted people to it in the beginning of the Church.

(iii) Eternal life – what is it? : “Eternal life” is the ultimate goal, what gives sense to our whole life.

(iv) Is Christian hope individualistic? : The role of Hope is vital, for Faith can be interpreted (wrongly) in a merely “informative sense”, whereas genuine Hope always goes beyond the “informative to the performative”.

(v) The transformation of Christian faith-hope in the modern age: Faith…enables us to experience the reality of God’s Kingdom in this present life.

>> This experience in turn becomes the final proof to us that what we hope for is real and true.

(vi) The true shape of Christian hope: Man’s great, true hope that holds firm in spite of all disappointments can only be God—God Who has loved us and Who continues to love us ‘to the end,’ until all ‘is accomplished.’ ”

(vii) ‘Settings’ for learning and practicing hope: The pope identifies four “settings” for learning and practicing hope. (a) Prayer (b) Deeds of Service (c) Suffering (d) Judgment of God

(viii) Mary, Star of Hope: This is a long prayer to our Lady, invoking her intercession.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Spe Salvi” is a reminder of the Great Virtue of Hope

>> The Three Theological virtues are Faith, Love and Hope

>> Of these, often, Hope is often given a “backseat” and sometimes, even taken for granted

>> This Encyclical calls us to consciously grow in this Theological Virtue especially in this world, which is often “tending towards hopelessness and fatalism”

2. “Spe Salvi” demonstrates a variety of examples and illustrations from other Christian authors, books and other philosophical thinkers/writers

>> Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI displays his class by referencing to a number of authors and books – including a funeral oration by St. Ambrose, theologians like Henri de Lubac, mystics as Augustine of Hippo, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Benedict of Nursia, philosophers such as Francis Bacon, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx, Max Horkheimer, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Plato along with other authors and thinkers like Vladimir Lenin, Theodor W. Adorno, Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan.

>> This reminds all Christians of that famous quote: “Every Christian must have a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.”

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Spe Salvi” for this Season of Lent?

1. Being a person of hope

2. Having a deeper thirst for knowledge

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Being optimist and cheerful in all the situations of life – and especially when things go wrong, to have “hope” that God is always doing everything for our good. (Rom 8:28)

2. Keeping ourselves updated on the happenings of the world, and seeking to find “Christian solutions” to these day-to-day challenges

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

The Full Text of “Spe Salvi” can be found at:

http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html

God Bless! Live Jesus!

All great things and great situations have humble beginnings.

The Great Mystery of Salvation that was to be culminated in the Person of Christ…

… had Its Humble Beginnings in the scene of the “Annunciation!”

A great mission had been launched by Heaven…

… and all the heavens – with the angels – had their eyes gazed on Mary and Her Response.

>> “Will she?”

>> “Won’t she?”

>> “Psst… Did God make a mistake by endowing human beings with so much freedom, that they can even reject the Word of God in their lives?”

These were probably some of the conversations that were on among the angels.

One among them.. an Archangel… had been sent by God to the earth, on a very crucial mission.

The name of the Archangel was Gabriel… whose name means God is my strength.

>> He was sent to a young girl named Mary.. whose name probably means cherished or beloved.

The heavens were waiting with eagerness as to what would be the outcome of that mission.

>> The Archangel, had approached the woman with much devotion and reverence

With deep piety, the Angel asked, “Would you be the Mother of the Child of God?”

Heaven had taken a massive decision…

>> A decision to seek the consent of a human person in the plan of salvation.

>> A decision to respect the gift of freedom and involve human beings in the design of redemption

The angels were waiting with eagerness what would be the answer…

>> Perhaps even nature was still for a moment as it awaited the reply…

With gentleness and serenity, the young girl replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

And immediately, there were pleasant faces that lit up…

>> Nature also began to smile and brighten up further…

Mary…

… had said Yes to do the Will of God.

… had consented to be the Mother of His Beloved Son.

… had made a responsible use of her freedom and chosen for Love.

The script had begun… the journey had started…

>> The history of salvation had begun to take human shape!

This announcement of the Good News of the beginning of salvation history, with the encounter of Blessed Virgin Mary with Angel Gabriel, is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.

This Feast of the Annunciation is a reminder to us on various counts…

1. Human Beings are to make a responsible use of the freedom, that is bestowed by God Almighty.

The first parents sinned in the Garden of Eden as a result of misusing the liberty.

They had a choice:

… to enjoy the holy presence of the Lord by being faithful and obedient…

… or to forfeit this glory by being disobedient.

They chose the one which made them lose their honour and splendour.

But Blessed Mary sets right this fault, by making a deliberate choice…in true freedom, for love and to express humankind’s desire to gel along with God’s Will, once again!

2. The Choice for God’s Will is an act of tremendous faith and hope.

When Mary said yes to the Will of God… though She was aware of the greatness of this call and the duty she was to undertake, all the implications of the future life, were still not clear to her.

Many things would get clear only when she begins living the Will of the Lord in Her life.

Yet, she took the bold step…towards responsibility, towards pain and suffering, towards sacrificing her comforts and personal wishes…. for the sake of the Lord. .. in faith and trust!

The Feast of the Annunciation is an invitation for us…

>> To grow deeper into embracing the Will of God in our lives.

>> To give consent to the inspirations of the Lord that comes constantly to us.

>> To be open to march forward in faith and hope, in our life of faith in the Lord.

The Lord is wishing to find a place in a willing heart, even today…

>> Just as Mary, our Loving Mother, who said Yes to the Will of the Lord, let us also, say Yes to God’s Will…

… and allow the Lord to find a place to be born, in our world today.

Happy Feast of the Annunciation.

>> Let us continue to hold on to our Blessed Mamma

>> Let us continue to seek to grow in the Love of Her Beloved Son.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “

“At the Annunciation, Mary made the greatest act of humility that was ever made or ever will be made by a pure creature.

>> For seeing herself exalted by the angel who saluted her, saying she was full of grace and that she would conceive a Son who would be both God and Man…

… Our Lady, being reassured by the angel and having learned what God willed to do with her and in her, made this supreme act of humility, saying: ‘I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say!’”

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A. What is it?

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is an Encyclical by Pope St John Paul II

>> It was published on April 17, 2003

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is a Latin phrase for “The Church from the Eucharist”

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” offers a deeper reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist in its relationship with the Church.

>> The goal of this encyclical was to “rekindle”, at the beginning of the Third Millennium, our “amazement” at the mystery that is the Eucharist

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is divided into 5 Chapters:

(i) The Mystery of Faith: It explains the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist which, through the ministry of the priest, makes sacramentally present at each Mass the body “given up” and the blood “poured out” by Christ for the world’s salvation.

>> The celebration of the Eucharist is not a repetition of Christ’s Passover. It is the one sacrifice of the Cross, which is re-presented until the end of time.

(ii) “The Eucharist Builds the Church”: When the faithful approach the sacred banquet, not only do they receive Christ, but they in turn are received by Him.

>> The Church is united to Her Lord Who, veiled by the Eucharistic species, dwells within Her and builds Her up.

(iii) “The Apostolicity of the Eucharist and of the Church”: ust as the full reality of Church does not exist without apostolic succession, so there is no true Eucharist without the Bishop. The priest who celebrates the Eucharist acts in the person of Christ the Head.

(iv) “The Eucharist and Ecclesial Communion”: Faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, united in the discipline of the sacraments, she must also manifest in a visible manner her invisible unity.

(v) “The Dignity of the Eucharistic Celebration”: The celebration of the Holy Mass is marked by outward signs aimed at emphasizing the joy which assembles the community around the Incomparable Gift of the Eucharist.

(vi) “At the School of Mary, ‘Woman of the Eucharist’”: Reflects on the analogy between the Mother of God, who by bearing the Body of Jesus in Her Womb became the first “tabernacle”, and the Church who in Her heart, preserves and offers to the world, Christ’s Body and Blood.

>> The Eucharist is given to believers so that their life may become a continuous Magnificat in honor of the Most Holy Trinity.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” strongly promotes Eucharistic devotion outside of the Mass as a Source of Grace for deepening our own Faith as well as increasing Communion within the Universal Church

>> “The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass, we are enabled to make contact with the very Wellspring of Grace.

>> A Christian community desirous of contemplating the Face of Christ… cannot fail also to develop this aspect of Eucharistic worship, which prolongs and increases the fruits of our Communion in the Body and Blood of the Lord

2. The Encyclical clarifies and sheds light on the allegation that the Catholic Church is attempting to “re-crucify Jesus” every time Mass is celebrated.

>> The Mass makes present the Sacrifice of the Cross; it does not add to that sacrifice nor does it multiply it.

>> What is repeated is its memorial celebration, its “commemorative representation” (memorialis demonstratio), which makes Christ’s One, Definitive Redemptive Sacrifice always present in time.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” for this Season of Lent?

1. Trying to spend more time in Eucharistic Adoration

2. Learning more about the Teaching on the Holy Eucharist, and trying to explain to those who don’t understand/misunderstand the Holy Mass

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Set apart a fixed day/time (depending on the situation and context of one’s life – either once a day/ once a week/once a month)…

… to spend time with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

>> If possible, do so, along with the entire family/community

2. Read at least the First Chapter of “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” (From articles 1-20)…

… in order, to get more clarity on the Church’s understanding of the Holy Eucharist

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

(The Full Text of “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A. What is it?

>> “Dignitatis Humanae” is the Declaration of the Second Vatican Council on the Declaration on Religious Freedom.

>> “Dignitatis Humanae” – the Latin title – means “the Dignity of the Human Person”

>> This declaration was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on December 7, 1965.

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Dignitatis Humanae” speaks of the Church’s support for the protection of religious liberty.

>> The main aspects of “Dignitatis Humanae” are:

(i) The fundamental right to religious liberty: All persons have a right to religious liberty, a right with its foundation in the essential dignity of each human being.

>> All persons must be free to seek the truth without coercion, but are also morally obligated to embrace the Truth of the Catholic faith once they recognize it.

(ii) The responsibility of the state: The government is to protect the rights and equality of all citizens as part of its essential role in promoting the public good

(iii) Religious freedom and Christianity: Christians are called to an even more conscientious respect for religious freedom. Man’s response to God in faith must be free – no person is to be forced to embrace Christianity.

>> God’s own call to serve him binds persons in conscience but is not compulsion.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Dignitatis Humanae” affirms that “the one true religion subsists in the Catholic and Apostolic Church

>> This statement is also bound to the fact that “all men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his Church, and to embrace the truth they come to know, and to hold fast to it.”

2. Human dignity has only one source and only one guarantee – We are made in the Image and Likeness of God.

>> The Declaration states that it was Christianity that led to the developing and uniquely stressing the idea of the individual person with an eternal destiny.

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

1. Deepening our love for the Church and drawing more people to the True Faith

2. Growing in our understanding of our own self – that we are in the glorious Image and Likeness of God – and so, each one of us are very good

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Live the teachings of the Church in day-to-day life, and especially practise the basics of Catholic Living – Regular Holy Mass, Confessions, Bible Reading, Examination of Conscience, Recitation of the Holy Rosary, and Praying together in the Family

2. Identify one’s strengths and blessings that God has given, and spend every day at least 10 minutes, to thank the Lord!

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

(The Full Text of “Dignitatis Humanae” can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Six-year old Johny planned to secretly give a surprise to his father, on his birthday.

He decided that he would secretly bake a cake for his father and that would turn out to be a beautiful gift.

>> He was aware that that his father had told him not to put on the oven without his permission

>> He was also not really sure how a cake is to be baked

Yet, he decided to give it a try…

So on the previous night, after he made sure, his father had slept, Johny quietly crept into the kitchen.

>> He had a manual with him which would guide him to bake the cake.

He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour can, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor.

>> Meanwhile, his kitten, had joined him, and was busy enjoying the bits and pieces fallen on the ground.

Johny, was all covered with flour and he was also getting a bit frustrated as the mixing was taking much longer than expected.

But he wanted to do something for his Dad!

He didn’t know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn’t know how the oven worked)!

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of the cake dough.

>> He tried to push her away.

But in the frantic act, he knocked the egg-tray on to the floor.

In desperation, he tried to clean the floor..

… but unfortunately he slipped!

Just then, he raised his eyes and saw his gigantic Daddy standing before him.

He just remained on the floor….

…. All messed up and dirty…

Large tears swelled up in his little eyes!

The father kept watching him.

>> Johny was sure that he was going to receive a big spanking and a scolding was on the way.

But to his surprise, making his way through the mess, Daddy reached out to him.

>> He picked up his crying son hugged him…. And loved him!

In the process, Daddy also dirtied his clothes!

But here was a beautiful picture of a Father who displayed a tremendous love and acceptance…

.. even if it meant to dirty himself!

True love knows no bounds!

The Gospel of the Day – the Parable of the Prodigal Son – is the beautiful exposition of the Unconditionally True Love of the Heavenly Father to each of His beloved children!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is surely one of the most popular, the most loved and the most touching parables of Jesus.

This parable has three main characters and we could view any of them as playing the main role in the story:

1. The Prodigal Son

>> He went away from the love of his father

Inheritance was given to children only after the death of the father

>> In asking the inheritance, therefore, alluded to the fact that the Prodigal son considered his father to be dead!

But having spent his life in useless living, he realised the emptiness and vacuum that filled his heart.

And so he decided to turn back.. and go to his father

2. The Elder Son

>> He remained the faithful “servant” of the house

But when he saw, that his brother – who had wasted away the inheritance, was received with so much warmth, his temper rose!

He couldn’t digest the fact that his brother who lived a “wasted life” was honoured….

… whereas he was never given the chance to “enjoy with his friends”

The context of the parable is Jesus speaking to the “Pharisees and scribes” who were “complaining that Jesus always accepted sinners” (Lk 15: 1-2)

>> In this context, the character of the Elder Son portrayed the attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes.

But beyond these two characters towers high the Image of the Father – the Father who loved and accepted his lost son!

>> He suffered a deep pain when his younger son went away

>> He underwent immense pain waiting for the son to come back

>> He went through moments of dilemma when his elder son was opposing the welcome of the younger one

Yet through all this, the Character of the Father towers high!

>> He is the Father of Mercies – Who accepts all, just as they are

>> He is the Father of Love – Who loves everyone, unconditionally

>> He is the Father of Compassion – Who receives all to His loving embrace

In our life, often as children – like the Prodigal Son – we go away.

We try to do something good…

… but our life turns into a mess!

>> Our student life gets messed up with lack of commitment and failures

>> Our marriage hits the rocks with misunderstandings and lack of acceptance

>> Our family life gets into a crisis with lack of unity and peace of mind

We feel our life is all in a mess…

>> We find ourselves lost, frustrated and upset!

But in all such situations, we need to look up…

… and see how the Loving Father is waiting to embrace us…. And love us!

Yes, the Merciful Father is waiting for each one of us…

… Whatever be the mess, that my life may be in!

Let us run into His embrace of Love… with a sincere repentance and contrition of heart…

>> And pledge to live for Him, and with Him…

…forever!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – ““Stretch out your hand to Him like a little child to his father…

… so that He may lead you on!”

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A. What is it?

>> “Laudato Si” is an Encyclical by Pope Francis, released on June 18, 2015.

>> “Laudato Si” which means “Praise be to You” is the 2nd Encyclical of Pope Francis

>> The title is inspired from St Francis of Assisi’s 13th-century “Canticle of the Sun” (also called the Canticle of the Creatures), a poem and prayer.

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Laudato Si” is addressed to “every person living on this planet” with the hope of entering “into dialogue with all people about the Earth – our common home.”

>> 6 Chapters make up “Laudato Si”

(i) “What is happening to our Common Home”: Looks at the various symptoms of environmental degradation. The encyclical postulates that a truly ecological approach is also inherently social – an approach that simultaneously hears the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

(ii) “The Gospel of Creation”: Considers the world the way that God intended it. The chapter surveys the rich scriptural traditions to show that there is no Biblical justification for “a tyrannical anthropocentrism unconcerned for other creatures.” A person who is truly concerned about the trafficking of endangered species is automatically concerned with the trafficking of humans.

(iii) “The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis”: Examines the twin notions of “technocratic paradigm” and a “modern anthropocentrism”.

>> These views see nature as devoid of any spiritual or transcendental value.

>> This has led to the misplaced ideas that the earth’s resources are infinite and that economic growth and technology alone can solve global hunger and poverty.

(iv) “Integral Ecology”: It charts a path to recapture awareness of the interconnectedness of creation. It is essential to appreciate the impact of environmental degradation on “cultural ecology”. The experience of indigenous peoples is specifically referred to in this regard.

(v) “Lines of Approach and Action”: This Chapter sets out various international collective actions needed.

(vi) “Ecological Education and Spirituality”: It shifts attention to the individual believer, families and communities, and invites them to make a difference in small but tangible ways.

>> Consumer choices, the cultivation of ecological virtues such as reducing wastefulness, and environmental education for the young are explained as practical steps leading to a deeper, spiritual “ecological conversion” through which the follower of Christ recognizes the true worth of all created entities.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?”

>> This question is at the heart of “Laudato Si’

>> We have forgotten that “we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.”

>> The Encyclical encourages all to have an “ecological conversion”

2. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.

>> This “corrected lifestyle” it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Laudato Si” for this Season of Lent?

1. Cultivate greater sensitivity to nature

2. Deepen and thank God as the Creator

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Make a list, and practise, a few but very practical steps to protect the nature

2. Raise a prayer of Thanks to the Lord, for all the things we see around

>> Let nature, become a time of meditation with the Lord

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

(The Full Text of “Laudato Si” can be found at:

Click to access papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si_en.pdf

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A. What is it?

>> “Story of a Soul” is the autobiography of St Thérèse of Lisieux- also called as The Little Flower.

>> It was first published on September 30, 1898 – one year after her death at the age of 24.

>> This book outlines the spirituality that was lived and exhorted by the St Therese – “The Little Way”

B. What does it speak of?

>> The ‘Story of a Soul’ is St. Therese’s autobiography.

>> The book is divided into 11 chapters:

… Beginning with her first memory, it traces her life, ending with her blissful death in the convent.

>> “Story of a Soul” tells of how the Way to Holiness was not great and noble deeds but the fulfillment of the smallest duties with great love and complete reliance upon God.

>> Desiring the lowest place in all things and fulfilling all the duties of the state in life, the Little Flower describes of how she offered many penances for the conversion of sinners, especially during her final illness and the dark night of the soul she suffered at that time.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. Focuses on the “Little Way” of Holiness

>> It is a challenge to break the notion that “spirituality and holiness” consists primarily in heavy austerity and hard penances alone

>> It shows of the most important element needed towards holiness – perfect trust and holy love

2. Presents the method of “offering to God” all what we do in life

>> Every action of ours can become an “offering to God” and thus “an act of saving” others

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

1. Doing everything with love

2. The virtue of Trusting in God

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Consciously make a prayer (or at least, become aware) – “I am doing this work/activity, for the Love of God and only for His Glory!”

2. Love God and give Him the First Priority and Place in life

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Classical Book of Spirituality “Story of a Soul” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

(The Full Text of “Story of a Soul” can be found at:

http://www.catholicbible101.com/St.%20Therese%20Story%20of%20a%20soul.pdf)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

We live in a world of contrasts.

Contrasts are encountered at every sphere of our life.

>> Socially, we find contrasts among the various classes…

… the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots, the caste distinctions, the racial and language divides…

>> Emotionally, we find contrasts in our experiences…

… joyful situations sandwiched between tragic moments, moods varying between situations and people, temperaments changing from person to person…

The Gospel of day presents some of these contrasts in a vivid manner…and could be termed as a “parable of contrasts” – the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

This parable is set out as a play… a two-act play.

The plays takes place on two stages…

… the stage of this world

… and the stage of the other-world.

The contrasts are plenty:

In the First Act….

>> A rich man – a poor man

>> The man is rich but unnamed – the man is poor but is named, Lazarus (meaning ‘God Helps’)

>> The rich man clothed in purple – Lazarus clothed fully with sores

>> The rich man caressed with fine linen – Lazarus licked by the dogs

>> The rich man feasted sumptuously – Lazarus desired to be fed by what fell from the table.

>> The rich man died and was buried – Lazarus died but was carried by the angels.

In the Second Act…

>> Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom – the rich man is in Hades.

>> Lazarus receives good things – the rich man was in torment.

>> Lazarus was comforted – the rich man was in anguish

This “parable of contrasts” is also …

… a “parable of comfort and consolation”

… a “parable of challenge and confrontation”

>> It’s a “parable of comfort and consolation” because….

… Lazarus, who had undergone great misery and suffering was blessed with the presence of joy of the Lord.

It’s gives comfort and consolation to us, who need to be strengthened in our moments of trials and hardships, knowing that the Lord will surely look with mercy on His needy ones.

>> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 3)

>> It’s a “parable of challenge and confrontation” because…

… the rich man, who had a luxurious life, was condemned to torments, and had to endure the flames of suffering.

It’s a great challenge and a confrontation before us, who need to realise that indifference and an attitude of closing one’s eyes to the pain and misery of the other can be disastrous and punishable

>> “He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.” (Prov. 21:13)

The world of contrasts needs a Gospel of Comfort and Consolation, and towards this, we are challenged and confronted…

>> Challenged to get rid of our attitudes of indifference and lethargy to help the needy ones.

>> Confronted to overcome our tendencies to remain satisfied in our comforts and close our eyes conveniently to the necessities of the other.

Let us make our life a Good News of Comfort and Consolation.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ The virtues that grow in the midst of prosperities are usually weak and without much backbone.

>> But those which take birth amid afflications are hardy are vigorous…

… just as it is said that the best vines grow amid stones!”

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