“Overcoming our ‘pet sins’ that have perhaps, become ‘beasts’ today, by having recourse to the power of the Holy Spirit!”

(Based on Gen 9:8-15, 1 Pet 3:18-22 and Mk 1:12-15 – 1st Sunday of Lent)

A Christian counsellor, who was also a poet, was visiting the home of a family.

He was there to speak to the couple – who had strained their relationships – primarily because they had misplaced their priorities of family life…
… and both of them, were engaging in “trifles that were outside their spousal life”

The child in the family – all of 3 years – was however, quite excited to show the guest his toys.

In doing so, the child started arranging all his toys…
… placing them one beside the other.

As the poet, was amusingly observing, he noticed that the child had placed…
… a cute white teddy bear and a rather-fierce looking black bear next to each other.

Seeing these two (the white teddy and the dark bear) side-by-side, the counsellor, a poet, looked at the couple and said:
“Stop making sin your pet!
Else the pet will, give it a bet
One day turn to be a beast
A beast that will devour you and have a feast!”

(The couple was being reminded to take their spousal life more seriously…
… being told that the “unholy trifles that they both were engaging in” like a pet teddy bear
… would soon resemble a “fierce looking black bear” devouring their family life!)

Have we been playing with sin as a “pet”…
… but perhaps, today, grappling with it as a “beast?”

On this First Sunday of the Season of Lent, we are made aware of the “beastly power” of sin…
… and the need to, remain in the Holy Spirit, so as to overcome sin
… and become a powerful witness to the Kingdom of God

St Mark states in His Gospel recounting the incident of the temptations of Jesus, as: “He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on Him.” (Mk 1:13)

St Mark beautifully in one line… illustrates the reality of the Person of Jesus Christ: Fully Man and Fully God

Jesus “was with the wild beasts”…
… to tell that He was fully Man!
Jesus had, “the angels [who] waited on him”
… to tell that He was fully God!

(In order to understand why Jesus had to undergo a temptation, a simple analogy will help:

A newly formed bridge is tested, by having made to bear a load, that is much more than the average/normal load
This is done, not to see if the bridge will break…
… rather, to prove, that the bridge will not break!

Similarly, the temptations of Jesus were not to see if He would sin…
… but to prove, He couldn’t!

He is indeed the Sinless One, Who underwent temptations in order to identify Himself with all sinners!)

Yes… in Jesus, we have God…
… Who understands all our struggles and sufferings, because He Himself went through hardships!
… Who empathizes with us in all our temptations and trials, because He Himself was tempted!

And so we are given this great news…
… that even though I am tempted, and struggle to overcome my sinful habits
… that even though I go through much agony, in order to rectify my faults and bad actions
… that even though, I am sometimes, lukewarm and tepid about my spiritual life

I have a God Who is greatly with me – strengthening me, with His Grace to empower me to overcome every sin, and live a life of enthusiastic holiness!

This verse about the temptations of Jesus, also gives us another hopeful message:

When you are surrounded by the “beasts of temptations…”
… have recourse to the angels of holiness to overcome them
When you are pounced upon by the “beasts of enticements and allurements…”
… seek the intercession and help of the angels to conquer and overpower them!

The Season of Lent is given to all of us as a time to seriously consider in overcoming our sins, our faults, our bad actions, our wrong relationships…
… and cooperate with the Grace of God
… in order to grow in holiness!

The presence of sin is serious…
… and our Blessed Lord is strongly exhorting all of us to say…
… a “FIRM NO TO SIN”
… and a “FAITHFUL YES TO JESUS!”

For those of us, who are living lukewarm and tepid lives…
… it’s high time that we take our spiritual life seriously

For those of us, who are struggling to overcome some of our habitual sins and wrong actions…
… it’s a good news given to us, that the Lord is encouraging us to take one step at a time, to rectify our faults!

For those of us, who are wanting much to grow in our spiritual life…
… it’s a reminder to choose virtues that are suiting and best needed for our way of life, and to daily cultivate and practise them!

Yes, very often it can be that unholy trifles find amusement in our life with the innocent resemblance of a “cute teddy bear”

But if we continue to play with it as a pet, we could be in for a torrid time with the fierce reality of sin!

Let us gravely give heed to the words:
“Stop making sin your pet!
Else the pet will, give it a bet
One day turn to be a beast
A beast that will devour you and have a feast!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture.
Its books are Divinely inspired and retain a permanent value…
… for the Old Covenant has never been revoked.
Indeed, “the economy of the Old Testament was deliberately so oriented, that it should prepare for and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ, redeemer of all men.
Even though they contain matters imperfect and provisional, the books of the Old Testament bear witness to the whole divine pedagogy of God’s saving love
These writings are…
… a storehouse of sublime teaching on God and of sound wisdom on human life
… as well as a wonderful treasury of prayers;
… in them, too, the mystery of our salvation is present in a hidden way.
Christians venerate the Old Testament as the true Word of God.
The Church has always vigorously opposed the idea of rejecting the Old Testament under the pretext that the New has rendered it void (Marcionism) (CCC 121-123)

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“Encountering Jesus so that the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!”

(Based on Isa 58:9b-14 and Lk 5:27-32 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday)

One of the fruits that is growing in popularity is the “miracle fruit!”

Native to Africa’s Gold Coast, this miracle berry (scientific name: Synsepalum dulcificum) has been an integral part of the daily menu of the tribes in Ghana and Nigeria
This fruit is now getting available in many parts of the world.

What is the speciality of this fruit?

Why is it called as Miracle Fruit?

When this fruit is eaten…
… it causes sour foods that are consumed consequently to taste sweet
(The fruit consists of a taste modifier called miraculin, which binds to the taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet)

So…
… a juicy, tangy lime will taste sweet!
… a succulent, sour gooseberry will be felt as sweetened!

Interesting, isn’t it?

Well…

When we encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!

The Gospel of the Day presents an encounter…

Of Levi… who was willing to have an experience of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit” and thus experience sweetness in life
Of Pharisees and Scribes… who refused to partake of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit and thus remain sour in their attitudes

As Jesus went out, He met a person named Levi, who was sitting at the tax booth.

Levi, a tax collector – collected taxes for customs or tolls on imports, exports, and merchants who came to buy or sell in Israel.

These Jewish tax collectors were disdained by the Jews. They were considered traitors because they worked for the despised Roman rulers.
It is this “despised” person that Jesus calls: “Follow me.” (Lk 5:27)

The name “Levi” means “joined”

True to his name, Levi “joined” the ministry of Jesus… and became His disciple
True to his name, Levi “joined” Himself to following Christ… leaving his former ways!

Subsequently, in the great banquet hosted at his house, Jesus was joined by a “large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table” (Lk 5:29)

The sight of Jesus – supposedly a Teacher and Prophet – irked the Pharisees and their Scribes, making them to ask: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Lk 5:30)

The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to accept the “welcoming and merciful” embrace of the Lord

They chose to close themselves to the “saving and redeeming” works of the Lord

As a result, they failed to experience the “Sweetness of the Lord!”

Levi, was willing to have a taste of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, his life was filled with sweetness and pleasantness!

The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to experience “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, they continued to remain sour and tangy – as expressed in their words and actions!

There are many times…
… when we remain sour in our words – hurting people by our unjust criticism and judgmental comments

We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the sweetness of acceptance and appreciation!

There are often occasions …
… when we remain tangy in our actions and deeds – refusing to reach out in help and being stagnant in our selfishness

We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the pleasantness of charity and care!

The effect of the miracle fruit lasts only for an hour

The effect of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” however is much lasting
… and in fact, can be everlasting, if we remain faithful and sincere in following the Lord!

Let us encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… so that, like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!

Like Levi, let us “join” ourselves to the Will of the Lord, by following Him, faithfully!

Ready to taste the “Miracle Fruit?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

It was by the apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings are to be included…
… in the list of the sacred books.
This complete list is called the canon of Scripture.
It includes 46 books for the Old Testament (45 if we count Jeremiah and Lamentations as one)…
… and 27 for the New(CCC 118-119)

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“Encountering Jesus so that the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!”

(Based on Isa 58:9b-14 and Lk 5:27-32 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday)

One of the fruits that is growing in popularity is the “miracle fruit!”
>> Native to Africa’s Gold Coast, this miracle berry (scientific name: Synsepalum dulcificum) has been an integral part of the daily menu of the tribes in Ghana and Nigeria
>> This fruit is now getting available in many parts of the world.

What is the speciality of this fruit?
>> Why is it called as Miracle Fruit?

When this fruit is eaten…
… it causes sour foods that are consumed consequently to taste sweet
(The fruit consists of a taste modifier called miraculin, which binds to the taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet)

So…
… a juicy, tangy lime will taste sweet!
… a succulent, sour gooseberry will be felt as sweetened!

Interesting, isn’t it?


Well…
>> When we encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!


The Gospel of the Day presents an encounter…
>> Of Levi… who was willing to have an experience of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit” and thus experience sweetness in life
>> Of Pharisees and Scribes… who refused to partake of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit and thus remain sour in their attitudes


As Jesus went out, He met a person named Levi, who was sitting at the tax booth.

Levi, a tax collector – collected taxes for customs or tolls on imports, exports, and merchants who came to buy or sell in Israel.
>> These Jewish tax collectors were disdained by the Jews. They were considered traitors because they worked for the despised Roman rulers.
It is this “despised” person that Jesus calls: “Follow me.” (Lk 5:27)


The name “Levi” means “joined”
>> True to his name, Levi “joined” the ministry of Jesus… and became His disciple
>> True to his name, Levi “joined” Himself to following Christ… leaving his former ways!


Subsequently, in the great banquet hosted at his house, Jesus was joined by a “large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table” (Lk 5:29)


The sight of Jesus – supposedly a Teacher and Prophet – irked the Pharisees and their Scribes, making them to ask: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Lk 5:30)


The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to accept the “welcoming and merciful” embrace of the Lord
>> They chose to close themselves to the “saving and redeeming” works of the Lord

As a result, they failed to experience the “Sweetness of the Lord!”


Levi, was willing to have a taste of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, his life was filled with sweetness and pleasantness!
>> The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to experience “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, they continued to remain sour and tangy – as expressed in their words and actions!


There are many times…
… when we remain sour in our words – hurting people by our unjust criticism and judgmental comments
>> We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the sweetness of acceptance and appreciation!

There are often occasions …
… when we remain tangy in our actions and deeds – refusing to reach out in help and being stagnant in our selfishness
>> We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the pleasantness of charity and care!


The effect of the miracle fruit lasts only for an hour
>> The effect of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” however is much lasting
… and in fact, can be everlasting, if we remain faithful and sincere in following the Lord!


Let us encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… so that, like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!
>> Like Levi, let us “join” ourselves to the Will of the Lord, by following Him, faithfully!


Ready to taste the “Miracle Fruit?”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
>> It was by the apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings are to be included…
… in the list of the sacred books.
>> This complete list is called the canon of Scripture.
>> It includes 46 books for the Old Testament (45 if we count Jeremiah and Lamentations as one)…
… and 27 for the New(CCC 118-119)
——————————–

“Overcoming stagnancy and, instead, opening our eyes to the real purpose and meaning of our fasting and our acts of penance!”

(Based on Isa 58:1-9a, Mt 9:14-15 – Friday after Ash Wednesday)

Dengue and malaria are fatal sicknesses that have affected a large number of people, all over the world.

These dreaded sicknesses, are mosquito-borne infections that can cause severe-flu like illness.

One of the causes of steep rise of mosquitoes is the accumulation of stagnant water.
Stagnant water is a favourite breeding-ground for mosquito larvae, which leads to the spread of dengue.

When there is stagnancy, there is a greater chance of sicknesses to spread!

This simple aspect can be very well applied to human minds and human actions as well…

A stagnant mind becomes the breeding ground for laziness, obstinacy and lethargy!
A stagnant action becomes the breeding ground for lukewarmness and listlessness!

There is no vitality in stagnancy…

There is no vivacity in sluggishness…
There is no exuberance in dormancy…

The Gospel of the Day presents this attitude of lifelessness and inertness due to the stagnant practice of an important devotion, namely fasting!

The Gospel passage begins with a note of complaint…
… the disciples of John raising the voice of complaint

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)

The Law of Moses declared 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, the disciples of John also practised another tradition: fasting two days a week.

This was considered to be a very pious act among this group.

And so they raised question: “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

Here is an important human tendency that is highlighted:

Comparison with others to justify one’s actions
Self-righteous feelings to put down others

This group was probably comparing their actions with the disciples…
… in order to show themselves as being superior

This group was probably having “an air of self-righteousness”…
… in order to show the disciples of Jesus to be inferior and lower

But the Lord draws attention…
… to the stagnancy in their practise
… to the fact of the real purpose of fasting

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 all these fundamental dimensions of fasting were quite neglected!

Their practise of fasting had grown stagnant.
Their mindset in skipping meals had become sluggish.
They failed to realise the reason and meaning for their fasting.

This same danger is very much possible for us too…

As we engage ourselves – especially in this season of Lent – in the pious practices of fasting and penance, we need to ask…
Is my fasting helping me to realise the need to offer my life more and more to Jesus, my Messiah?

Are my acts of penances nurturing me to grow in my relationship and care for one another?

Is my fasting helping me to “give” – give my love, care, time, money etc- rather than just “give up”

Are my acts of penances nurturing me to cultivate a greater concern and sensitivity to others?

Jesus intends that our fasting and our acts of penance…
… help us to grow, and deepen our love for Him and to realise His Greater Presence in our life
… nurture in us good actions, to reach out in humble service to one another!

Prophet Isaiah strongly presents to us the intention of God in our acts of fasting and penance: Isaiah 58: 6-7…
… to loose the bonds of injustice
… to undo the thongs of the yoke
… to let the oppressed go free
… to break every yoke
… to share your bread with the hungry
… to bring the homeless poor into your house
… to cover the naked

Our fasting, penances and sacrifices are to help us become more joyful…
… because we have Jesus, the bridegroom with us.
… because we have Jesus, the One for Whom we are fasting, is 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 stagnant.

Let us, instead, open our eyes to the real purpose and meaning of our fasting and our acts of penance.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
UNDERSTANDING, INTERPRETING AND EXPLAINING THE SCRIPTURES

A medieval couplet summarizes the significance of the four senses of the Scripture:
The Letter speaks of deeds; Allegory to faith;
The Moral how to act; Anagogy our destiny.
It is the task of exegetes to work, according to these rules, towards a better understanding and explanation of the meaning of Sacred Scripture…
… in order that their research may help the Church to form a firmer judgement.
The interpreting of Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgement of the Church…
… which exercises the divinely conferred commission and ministry of watching over and interpreting the Word of God (CCC 118-119)

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“Being ready to a life of the Cross – in total discipline and deep dedication!”

(Based on Deut 30:15-20 and Lk 9:22-25 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday)

One of the greatest success technique of marketing a new product is the advertising tactic.

Companies make use of all sorts of popular gimmicks and innovative attractions.

These advertisements seek to…
… maximize users
… make sure all like the product
… give sensational information to attract more people to use

Advertisements become allurements to allow for abundant attractions and appeals!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus’ exhortation to people who wish to follow Him.

However, the only advertisement that Jesus presents is that of the Cross!
“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 clear preposition in the Mind of the Lord is: “Making a clear and convinced choice – for Him or against Him!”

In the first book of Deuteronomy, we read how the Lord clearly exhorts the people to make a definitive choice: “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity” (Dt 30:15)

It also proceeds to tell what is the expected choice in the mind of God: “Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…” (Dt 30:19)

Our God wants all of us to make a choice for Him…
… and to remain fervent and faithful in this choice.

This is what Jesus – with much love and expectation – tells His Disciples: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” (Lk 9:23)

As we have entered the Season of Lent, the Church invites us to define and refine our choices and priorities…
… Is the Lord the most important person of my life?
… Do I choose to do actions and live a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord?
… Do I engage myself in activities that display the Love of God to the people in my life?

Making this choice definitely is not an easy one…
… But the Lord promises His Grace and Strength in holding on to this choice

Unlike modern day ads, Jesus doesn’t make fake or phoney promises.

He presents the truth to us – and expects us to make a conscious decision to live in Him!

Yes, advertisements of modern-day companies promise great things for happiness.

However, these happiness seldom last long!

The Lord promises much greater and lasting happiness and joy…
… those which last for eternity

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

Shall we be ready to embrace this call and exhortation of the Lord?

Shall we be ready to get attracted to a life of the Cross – total discipline and deep dedication?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
One can distinguish between two senses of Scripture: the literal and the spiritual…
… the latter being subdivided into the allegorical, moral and anagogical sense.

The profound concordance of the four senses guarantees all its richness to the living reading of Scripture in the Church.
The literal sense is the meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture and discovered by exegesis, following the rules of sound interpretation.
The spiritual sense. Thanks to the unity of God’s plan, not only the text of Scripture but also the realities and events about which it speaks can be signs.
… the allegorical sense. We can acquire a more profound understanding of events by recognizing their significance in Christ; thus the crossing of the Red Sea is a sign or type of Christ’s victory and also of Christian Baptism.
… the moral sense. the events reported in Scripture ought to lead us to act justly. As St. Paul says, they were written “for our instruction”
… the anagogical sense (Greek: anagoge, “leading”). We can view realities and events in terms of their eternal significance, leading us toward our true homeland: thus the Church on earth is a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem (CCC 115-117)

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“Ready to recharge ourselves in this Holy and Blessed Season of Lent!”

(Based on Joel 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 – Ash Wednesday)

An Italian newspaper carried a news story about a young couple in Milan who seemed particularly devoted in their worship.

The priest at a Cathedral reported that the pair spent an hour or more on a regular basis…
… sitting before a statue of the Virgin Mary.

But shockingly…
… it turned out, that they were not really praying!

This young couple was recharging their cell phone!

They had noticed a stray electric cable sticking out of the wall…
… behind the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Whenever their phone’s power supply dwindled, the young couple came to the church and re-charged it!

Well…
What looked like an act of piety, was actually a self-serving ploy!

Maybe, we are much shocked by this act…

But how about us? Do we indulge ourselves into similar acts?
… claiming to be praying – but without true devotion or only for “transient gains and desires”
… claiming to be abstaining – but without a sense of joy and reducing it to “an annual observance of an unconvinced pious act”
… claiming to be doing acts of piety – but perhaps, with selfish motives or as “popularity stunts”

Are we really re-charging ourselves?
… or the many “gadgets” of our self-will?

The Gospel of the Day is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of restoring the “true intention in the acts of praying, fasting and almsgiving”…
… with a need to put on the vestment of humility and sincerity!

The Gospel Passage – Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 – presents to us Jesus speaking of the three core practices that were essential pious practices of His time: ALMSGIVING, PRAYER and FASTING (PENANCE).

And how these ought to be performed with a “holy and sincere devotion”

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 interesting to note that these 3 practices refers to 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

The Ash Wednesday is a Great Day for all of us – to begin a Season of Holiness in our lives… 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)
… Having an “off time” or a “off day for social media

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

Lethargy, Duplicity and Hollowness…
… have very much characterised many of our Christian living.

This Season of Lent is a wonderful opportunity for all of us, to give greater attention to “return to the basics”…
… restoring the “true intention in all our activities!”

Can we stop making our acts of piety as merely self-serving ploys?

Shall we do away with the “gadgets of our self-wills”
… and begin to really re-charge ourselves?”

Wish you a Holy and Blessed Season of Lent!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:

Be especially attentive “to the content and unity of the whole Scripture”.
Scripture is a unity by reason of the unity of God’s plan, of which Christ Jesus is the centre and heart, open since his Passover.
Read the Scripture within “the living Tradition of the whole Church”.
Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition…
… the living memorial of God’s Word
… and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture
Be attentive to the analogy of faith – the coherence of the truths of faith among themselves and within the whole plan of Revelation. (CCC 112-114)

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Watch Fr Jijo Jose discuss and explain the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He also answers a few questions posted by viewers.

Click on the link

https://youtu.be/sl_hkmnuELc

“Coming to realise that even in ‘unfamiliar situations’ and ‘moments of discomforts,’ God is near me!”

(Based on Gen 6:5-8, 7:1-5,10 and Mk 8:14-21 – Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A little boy – staying in the city – was to go with his family to his native village with his family.

On the night before leaving, he made a prayer to God:
“Good bye, Dear God!

We are going to the village tomorrow.
See you after 5 days! Take care!”

Though this prayer expresses a lovely dimension of prayer…
… and the innocence of a child’s immense love for God

This prayer is also a reflection of many of us “elders” who feel that when we move away from our familiar places/situations…
… we are out of the sight of God!

Is my life of faith only dependant on “familiar situations” and “moments of comfort”…
… to feel that God is near me?

Do I feel very uncomfortable and lost spiritually, when things seem too alien or situations seem to be too unfamiliar?

The Gospel of the Day presents an experience of the disciples…
… an experience of not “feeling the closeness of the Power of Jesus,” despite the fact that He was with them
… an experience of “feeling lost and uncomfortable” on facing an unfamiliar situation.

The disciples had embarked on a journey with the Lord.

They had forgotten to take bread and had only one loaf.

During the journey, the Lord cautioned them on the “yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod…” (Mk 8:15)

This was in reference to the “insincere and phoney” attitude that the Pharisees and Herodians were exhibiting to Jesus and His ministry.

The disciples, however totally misunderstood these words of the Lord. They thought that the Lord was scolding them for taking less bread on the way.

The reference to the “yeast” in the context of the “lack of bread during the journey”…
… made the disciples to conclude this way: “They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’” (Mk 8:16)

But the Lord strongly reminds them to become aware of “His Presence” with them!

He chided the disciples – asking them to make a shift from temporal aspects to the eternal dimensions of life!
He strongly urged them to recognise His Divine Presence – especially through the manifestations of glory that He had displayed in the many great works!

The Gospel passage ends with a very pertinent question: “Do you not yet understand?” (Mk 8:21)

The disciples…
… had heard a good number of Divine exhortations and sermons
… had seen many people having a transformative experience
… had witnessed a great number of miraculous deeds

Yet, their eyes were closed… and they failed to recognise the Mighty Presence of the Lord with them..
… being occupied only by the “lack of bread”

All of us, like the disciples, travelling in the boat of our lives are put forth this question: “Are you only focussing yourselves on the lack of earthly bread…
… or do you recognize and understand that the Bread of Life Himself – the Source of all Goodness – is with you in the boat of your life?”

Do I seek JESUS ABOVE ALL?

Is my life of faith only dependant on “familiar situations” and “moments of comfort”…
… to feel that God is near me?

Do I feel very uncomfortable and lost spiritually, when things seem too alien or situations seem to be too unfamiliar?

Let us realise and understand that even when things seem too alien or situations seem to be too unfamiliar…
… God with His Power, is close to me!

We might sometimes feel that when we move away from familiar places/situations…
… we are out of the sight of God.

But let us come to realise that even in “unfamiliar situations” and “moments of discomfort”…
… God is near me!

Let us fill…
… the apparent emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord.
… the seeming vacuum within us, with the Peace and Passion for the Lord.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:

In Sacred Scripture, God speaks to man in a human way.
To interpret Scripture correctly, the reader must be attentive to what the human authors truly wanted to affirm…
… and to what God wanted to reveal to us by their words.
In order to discover the sacred authors’ intention, the reader must take into account
… the conditions of their time and culture
… the literary genres in use at that time
… and the modes of feeling, speaking and narrating.
But since Sacred Scripture is inspired, there is another and no less important principle of correct interpretation, without which Scripture would remain a dead letter: “Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by Whom it was written!” (CCC 109-111)

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“Relying solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted – God Himself – and allowing His Word to give us the direction we need in life!”

(Based on Gen 4:1-15, 25 and Mk 8:11-13 – Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A television program preceding the 1988 Winter Olympics featured blind skiers being trained for slalom skiing…
… impossible as that sounds.

(Slalom Skiing is a snow-mountain skiing between poles or gates.

The poles used here, are spaced more closely than those in other types of skiing
… and therefore requires quicker and shorter turns.)

Paired with sighted skiers, the blind skiers were taught first, how to make right and left turns.

When that was mastered, they were taken to the slalom slope, where their sighted partners skied beside them shouting, “Left” and “Right”

As they obeyed the commands, they were able to negotiate the course and cross the finish line, depending solely on the sighted skiers’ word.

It was either complete trust or catastrophe!

This is a vivid picture of the Christian life!

In this world, we must rely solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted–God Himself.
His Word gives us the direction we need to finish the course.

This requires immense faith

This requires hopeful belief

However, if we become resistant and stubborn…
… faith and belief fails to be lived in life!

The Gospel of the Day, presents to us a group a people who remained stubborn and resistant…
… to the ways of the Lord
… to the workings of the Lord

The Gospel passage begins with the statement: “The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him.” (Mk 8:11)

This single statement presents to us the repulsive attitude of the Pharisees towards Jesus and His ministry.

The statement tells us…

1. Their method of dealing with Jesus: “to argue with Him”

They sought to pick up and interpret the deeds of the Lord only from a negative dimension
They tended to destructively magnify, minute peripheral “apparent changes” that the Lord introduced

2. Their demand with Jesus: “asking him for a sign from heaven”

They failed to see the glorious signs that were offered by the Lord in healing and touching the lives of many people
They rejected the magnanimous sign that was presented by Jesus, in the multiplication of the loaves for thousands of people

3. Their purpose to check with Jesus: “to test Him”

They showed a great lack of “sincerity to learn” and put forth interrogations without any intent of openness to the truth
They remained totally closed to the Lord and came up with questions only to condemn and find faults with the Lord!

Resistance and lack of docility to the Will of God, along with stubbornness to their own way of thinking, made them not to experience the Transformative and Wonderful Presence of the Lord

And this is so true in our lives…

So often we miss the providential signs of the Lord
So often we fail to perceive the miracles that God works in our lives
So often we remain unenthusiastic in life because we don’t see His hand at work in us
… all this because, we fail to be open to the Will of God and remain stuck with our mentalities.

The Gospel of the Day makes a challenge to us: Begin to rely solely on the Lord…
… though not easy, it can bring forth much fruits in our lives!

Yes, our Christian life requires us to rely solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted–God Himself.

His Word gives us the direction we need to finish the course.

This requires immense faith
This requires hopeful belief

Let us be open and docile to Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
INSPIRATION AND TRUTH OF SACRED SCRIPTURE

God inspired the human authors of the Sacred Books.
To compose the sacred books, God chose certain people, who, all the while he employed them in this task…
… made full use of their own faculties and powers so that, though He acted in them and by them, it was as true authors that they consigned to writing whatever He wanted written, and no more.

The inspired books teach the truth – the books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures.
Still, the Christian faith is not a “religion of the book”. Christianity is the religion of the “Word” of God, “not a written and mute word, but incarnate and living”
If the Scriptures are not to remain a dead letter, Christ, the eternal Word of the living God, must, through the Holy Spirit, “open (our) minds to understand the Scriptures.” (CCC 106-108)

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“Being ready to act and respond to the Lord and ‘recharging’ ourselves, by dwelling with the Source of our life!”

(Based on Lev 13:1-2, 45-46, 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 and Mk 1:40-45 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

“Beep, beep” came the sound of the mobile phone
The beeping sound indicated a very low level of the battery.

After a couple of minutes, another clicking sound came…
… with a message, “Your phone is going to shut down because the battery is over!”

The mobile had stayed away from the charger for too long!

It lost its ability to function the way it was created and designed…
… because it stayed away from its source of power for too long!

Christian life is so much more similar

“We lose the charge and power when we stay away from God, the Source of our Strength!”

We cannot keep pushing our life too long on a “low battery mode”…
… and also thus wonder, why are things not going on well in my life?

Am in danger of “being shut down” due to “low-battery life?”

Is my life today in need of “recharging” by dwelling with the Source of our life?

St Mark, offers to us the “Gospel of action” by presenting Jesus Who is “fast-paced” and “accelerated”…
… inviting us to take decisions – without any delay – to receive His touch of Healing and Grace!

The Gospel of St Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and probably the earliest.

This Gospel was primarily intended to the group of persecuted Christians.

It was most likely intended to be read aloud in the Christian assembly, rather than a private reading.

A Gospel for the ear more than the eye!

And so we would have in the Gospel of Mark, the use of constant repetitions, summaries, recapitulations and variations on a theme.

One of such word that is an oft-repeated one…
… is the word “Immediately”

The Greek usage of this word is Eutheos,” which is variously translated “straight away, immediately, at once, soon” etc.

St Mark would use this word “Eutheos” an astounding 40+ times in his Gospel which is only 16 chapters long!

Here are some examples:

Immediately, the Spirit drove Him to the desert (Mk 1: 12)
And they immediately left their nets and followed Him (Mk 1: 18)
Jesus immediately knew in His mind what they were thinking (Mk 2: 8)
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel against Him (Mk 3:6)
The seed sprang up immediately because the soil was not deep (Mk 4: 5)

Even the Gospel of the Day uses this word “immediately”…

The leprosy left him immediately and he was made clean (Mk 1:42)
Then warning him sternly, he dismissed him immediately (Mk 1:43)

No other Gospel or New Testament writer uses this word “immediately” to the extent that Mark does in his Gospel.

What’s happening?

Why is St Mark so gripped with this word “immediately”?

Perhaps the foremost word to describe the Gospel of Mark is ACTION.

No effort is wasted.

No time is spent on the frivolous.

The pace is fast.
The language vivid.

St Mark’s purpose was to immediately confront readers with the need to respond to the Lord.

In the Gospel of the Day, the leper who had undergone immense pain, struggle…
… encounters Jesus – the One Who could heal him and make him whole!

The ancient times had leprosy as one of the most feared diseases.

The book of Leviticus required that all those found unclean with leprosy “shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp” (Lev 13:46)

The man was facing …
… the possibility of being transformed
… the possibility of living a life anew!

And he had to make a decision… a decision to approach the Lord!

And so, without any delay, he approaches the Lord with a request: “If you wish, you can make me clean” (Mk 1: 40)

And Jesus – the Lord Who is ever enthusiastic and keen – to have His people experience wholeness touches the leper…and brings about healing!

“Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him and said to him, ‘ I do will it. Be made clean'” (Mk 1:41)

The presentation of Jesus by St Mark as being “fast paced” and “immediate into action” has a strong message for us: The need to “respond to the Lord” without any delay!

When we are called by the Lord…
… we are to follow Him immediately.

When we are touched by the Lord…
… we are to respond immediately.

There is to be no “delay,” but a need to “immediately” perform.

There is to be promptitude in His service and the urgency for His mission.
There is to be no holding back, no reluctance, no slackness, but a blessed “immediateness”.

As Christians, we have perhaps allowed ourselves to get into a “delay” syndrome…

We no longer feel the pinch to react when there is immense injustice and corruption around
We take it so lightly when we hear reports of tragic deaths and heart breaking calamities.
We are not much moved when people around us suffer and undergo deep pain.

We have many who “talk” in defence and importance of faith…

But very few who really live and profess this faith.

We have many who raise protests when false accusations and persecutions of faith are made

But very few who actually live a life of prayer and holiness.

We are often no longer on the cutting edge of relevancy…

We seem to be more comfortable!

Are we “delaying”…
… to help the suffering people?
… to reinvigorate our Christian lives?
… to take our faith and spiritual life seriously?
… to stand up in defence of Christ and His Church?
… to mould and shape our lives according to God’s Will?

In all these “delay” syndromes, the ‘Gospel of Immediacy and Action’ challenges and confronts us!

St Paul reminds us: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ!” (1 Cor 11:1)

Come, let us be ready to act…
Come, let us be ready to respond…
…Yes…. immediately!

Beep… Beep…

14th February is popularly celebrated as Valentine’s Day.

Jesus, the True Lover illustrates the real meaning of love…
… by leading us out of ignorance to true knowledge
… by inviting us to move from earthly riches to truly heavenly treasures

This is real and true love…
… a heart that makes one to move out of ignorance
…a heart that prompts in action to reach out to those in need of God’s true Word

Jesus, our True Lover… invites and challenges us to grow in this love!

Yea, 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…

Instead in deep faith and true commitment, pledge forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts!
… Immediately!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
God is the author of Sacred Scripture.

The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Mother Church, relying on the faith of the apostolic age, accepts as sacred and canonical the books of the Old and the New Testaments, whole and entire, with all their parts…
… on the grounds that, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have God as their author, and have been handed on as such to the Church herself. (CCC 105-106)

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