“Approaching the Throne of God’s Mercy and allowing His Light to shine through our life!”

(Based on Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19 and Lk 12:35-38 – Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time)

Little Jane heard a sermon in church on “Let your light shine!”

She remembered the verse; however, did not understand the text much, until her mother explained: “It means, to be good, obedient and cheerful”

That evening, after coming back from playing with her friends – where she had been a little naughty and mischievous – Jane came back to her mother and said:
“Ma, sorry I have blown myself out!

Can you light me again?”

Every Christian is called to become a beacon of light in the darkness and to be a shining star in the ambience of every night.

Is the Light of Christ shining in me?

The Gospel of the Day too shares this aspect and reminds the aspect of being watchful for the Coming of the Lord, by keeping the Light of Christ alight!

Jesus said to His disciples, “Be ready, dressed for service, AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT…” (Lk 12: 35)

To keep our lamps lit – is the reminder and challenge of the Gospel today.

At our Baptism, we all have received the Light of Christ.

This light, is not just to be preserved…
… but is to be nurtured and fostered daily.

But we live in a world when there are many a winds seeking to put off this light in us.
… we live in a world, where there is a strong engulfing of the darkness, trying to devour the light in us.

What are the different winds that are seeking to put off the Light of Christ in us?

A. The wind of “losing the focus from God”
i. King David
King David was a shining light to the people of his kingdom, as long as he followed the teachings and had his focus on God.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned.
He allowed himself to focus on the object of his pleasure by sinning with the wife of Uriah.

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

ii. Samson
Samson was a shining light of power and might, as long as he was faithful to God and had his focus on God.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from God, he sinned.
He allowed himself to focus on the object of his delight by revealing the secret to Delilah

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

iii. Peter
Peter was a shining light to his disciples as a person of faith, as long as he followed the instructions of his Master to walk on the waters.

But when he allowed his focus to shift from the Lord, he began to sink.
He allowed himself to focus on the object of his fear and self-panic.

The wind of “losing the focus from God” blew strong to put off the light in him….

B. The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests”
i. Saul
Saul was adorned to be the first king of Israel; however, as his reign continued, his own selfish motives began to creep in his kingship.

When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the approval of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him?

ii. The Pharisees and Scribes
The Pharisees and Scribes during the time of Jesus, insisted much on their selfish agenda in the imposition and following of the Laws.

When they “began to be more self-centered”, they began to lose the favour of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in them…

iii. Judas
Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve in the mission of the Lord; but as time grew, he continued to feed his greed for money and wealth

When he “began to be more self-centered”, he began to lose the esteem of God.

The wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” blew strong to put off the light in him…

3. The wind of “false principles and ideologies”
   i. People of Israel
   The people of Israel had been blessed with the commandments of God. They, however, were dismayed at the delay of Moses on Mt Sinai, and instead got enamoured and attracted to false gods and especially to the deity of mammon and wealth.

When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they angered God and brought upon themselves the wrath of the Lord.

The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them…

ii. People of Galatians 1:6
St Paul accuses the people of Galatia, that were abandoning the Gospel which they first heard, and instead were being attracted to the pleasurable and false teachings of the false prophets.

When they “began to abandon the True Teaching and attached themselves to false beliefs”, they strayed away from the path of salvation.

The wind of “false principles and ideologies” blew strong to put off the light in them…

Let’s examine our lives…

Am I allowing the wind of “losing the focus from God” to put off the light in us?
Am I allowing the wind of “being focused on one’s own selfish interests” to put off the light in us?
Am I allowing the wind of “false principles and ideologies” to put off the light in us?

As the saying goes, “We can’t prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can certainly prevent them from laying a nest on our heads!”

We cannot prevent these winds to rage and hit our lives…
… but we can certainly prevent them from blowing off the Light of Christ in us!

This strength comes from our determination, perseverance & commitment…

And above all, being united with Jesus, the Source of Light…
… in daily prayer
… frequent Sacraments
… constant nourishment with the Word
… and faithfulness to our daily duties of our vocation and life!

In our moments of failure and weaknesses, let us also have the courage to approach the Throne of God’s Mercy saying:
“Lord, sorry I have blown myself out!

Can you light me again?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CHURCH – THE UNIVERSAL SACRAMENT OF SALVATION

The Greek word ‘mysterion’ was translated into Latin by two terms: “mystenum and sacramentum.”
In later usage, the term sacramentum emphasizes the visible sign of the hidden reality of salvation which was indicated by the term “mystenum.”
In this sense, Christ himself is the mystery of salvation: “For there is no other mystery of God, except Christ.”
The saving work of his holy and sanctifying humanity is the sacrament of salvation, which is revealed and active in the Church’s sacraments (which the Eastern Churches also call “the holy mysteries”).
The seven sacraments are the signs and instruments by which the Holy Spirit spreads the grace of Christ the head throughout the Church which is his Body.

The Church, then, both contains and communicates the invisible grace she signifies. It is in this analogical sense, that the Church is called a “sacrament.” (Cf. CCC # 770-771)

“Growing in our love for the Word, by reading and reflecting daily and living the Word, in all our daily activities of life!”

(Based on the Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist)

A poor woman had lost her husband and was going through a great deal of agony and distress.

One day, her neighbour brought her a small, worn-out pamphlet.

She gave it to the sorrowful woman and told her:
“I found this lying on the street. Somebody must have dropped it.
I read it.

There is a wonderful story of a Man Who helps those who are unhappy.
I thought of you. It might do you help!”

The sorrowful woman took it.

She not only read it, but also had her life transformed by it!

The pamphlet was a copy of the Gospel of St Luke!

This Gospel with its powerful themes of consolation and comfort had brought peace and relief to the woman in sorrow.

Today, on this Feast day of the Evangelist St Luke, let us meditate on this beautiful gift which he has penned – the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St Luke.

St Jerome was of the opinion that, “among all the evangelists, St Luke was the most skilled writer of Greek.”

It is to St Luke that we owe some of the finest Gospel portraits…

The nostalgic infancy narratives of Jesus
… The Annunciation of Jesus (1: 26-38)
… The Birth of John the Baptist (1: 57-66)
… The visit of the shepherds at the Birth of Jesus (2: 15-20)
… The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (2: 22-38)
… The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (2: 41-52)

The distinguished and daring ministries of Jesus
… The Programmatic Speech in Nazareth, His hometown (4: 16-30)
… The raising of widow’s son at Nain (7: 11-17)
… The story of Martha and Mary of Bethany (10: 38-42)
… The Samaritan Leper (17: 11-19)
… The transformation of Zacchaeus (19: 1-10)
… The conversion of the good thief (23: 39-43)
… The encounter with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (24: 13-35)

The illustrious and much-loved parables
… The Good Samaritan (10: 29-37)
… The Prodigal Son (15: 11-32)
… Rich Man and Lazarus (16: 19-31)
… The Persevering Widow (18: 1-8)
… The Publican and the Tax Collector (18: 9-14)

The marvellous brush of the Physician St Luke has some unique thrusts as well…
… which are also great reminders to us, in our spiritual lifestyle.

1. A Gospel of Inclusive

St Luke’s Gospel has distinctive stories and incidents on how Jesus accepted and recognized the dignity of those, who were otherwise, left out in the society…
… the Samaritans
… the tax-collectors
… the public sinners
… the women

Am I a person who is willing to accept those who are rejected, abandoned and pushed-out of the society?
Do I exhibit “exclusivist” mentality by sticking on to only “my” culture, language, race, class etc and fail to celebrate differences?

2. A Gospel of Prayer

St Luke’s Gospel presents greatly the aspect of the prayer, by presenting many instances…
… of Jesus praying
… of Jesus exhorting on prayer
… of many Temple scenes

Am I a person who enjoys the taste of prayer?
Do I fail to have a regular and consistent time to spend with the Lord and discover and implement the Father’s Will in my life?

3. A Gospel of the Poor
   St Luke displays his special love for the poor…
   … through his many parables on the poor
   … and the denouncement of riches…

And thus exalts them as the “favoured ones of God” and restoring their dignity and honour

Do I make radical choices to grow in my “poverty” i.e. my total dependence on the Providence of God?
Do I share my gifts, my talents and my riches, with those in need and find joy in this sharing?

4. A Gospel of the meal
   St Luke’s Gospel has an interesting presentation of Jesus as most of the time being “at meal or on the way to a meal”

There are nearly 19 references to food, with 13 of them being exclusive to this Gospel.

The meal is a reference to the communitarian dimension in spirituality!

Am I a person who cherishes the presence of the other and be willing to celebrate life?
Do I also become aware that the Lord constantly calls us to share in His Meal – the Holy Eucharist and make my life, in turn, a Eucharist to the other?

The Gospel of St Luke, along with many more themes is a wonderful reminder of the Love and Mercy of God…
… calling us to live in joy and service.

May this Feast Day of this Great Evangelist…
… help us to grow in our love for the Word, by reading and reflecting daily
… and challenge us to live the Word, in all our daily activities of life!

Happy Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – MYSTERY OF MEN’S UNION WITH GOD

In the Church this communion of men with God, in the “love [that] never ends,” is the purpose which governs everything in her that is a sacramental means, tied to this passing world.
“[The Church’s] structure is totally ordered to the holiness of Christ’s members.
And holiness is measured according to the ‘great mystery’ in which the Bride responds with the gift of love to the gift of the Bridegroom.”
Mary goes before us all in the holiness that is the Church’s mystery as “the bride without spot or wrinkle.”

This is why the “Marian” dimension of the Church precedes the “Petrine” (Cf. CCC # 773)

“Refining our Image of Christ, and with boldness and courage, singing from the depths of our hearts:
‘I have decided to follow Jesus!’”

(Based on Isa 53:10-11, Heb 4:14-16 and Mk 10:35-45 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

“I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS”

This is a popular Christian hymn.

This hymn has its origin from North East India – the lyrics based on the last words of a man in Garo, Assam.

It is said that a group of missionaries in this region were spreading the message of love, peace and hope in Jesus Christ.

Naturally, they were not welcomed, and encountered much opposition.

One particular family – consisting of a man, his wife, and two children – were greatly passionate in their following of Christ…
… and their faith proved contagious, as many villagers began to follow Christ.

With much enrage, the village chief summoned all the villagers.

He then called this particular family to renounce their faith in public or face execution.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man said: “I have decided to follow Jesus.”

Infuriated at the refusal of the man, the chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children.

As both boys lay twitching on the floor, the chief asked:
“Will you deny your faith? You have lost both your children. You will lose your wife too.”

But the man replied: “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.”

It’s these bold and courageous words that would later be harmonized to a hymn:
I have decided to follow Jesus (3), No turning back, no turning back.
Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow (3), No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus (3), No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me (3), No turning back, no turning back.

How about us?

Do we have the courage and the boldness to witness Christ…
… and are we ready to “follow Him, though none be with us?”

The Gospel of the Day presents two of the members of the Group of Jesus, who, having a lower understanding of the Person of Christ, fail to “Follow Christ”…
… and are exhorted by the Lord to refine their thought-pattern and encouraged to “Follow Him” with greater clarity and deeper passion.

The passage begins with James and John, the sons of Zebedee – two among the twelve chosen ones – placing this request to Jesus: “Teacher, we want you to do for us, whatever we ask” (Mk 10: 35)

This question gives us a glimpse of what was the Image of Jesus that was being perceived by the Disciples.
… Seeing the many miracles and wonders being performed by the Lord made them feel that Jesus, being a powerful person, could grant any of their heart’s desire
… Seeing the bold and uncompromising preaching and attitude of the Lord made them feel that Jesus, was to be a great Political Messiah
… seeing the challenging and clear-cut understanding of the Lord with respect to the Law and practices of the religion, made them feel that Jesus was a Great Religious Leader.

This was the case not only with James and John, but also the other disciples.

That is the reason, after this incident, though the other ten felt indignant at the two (Mk 10:41), Jesus would address this issue commonly to all

Even other times, the disciples themselves had been involved in talks of discussing about “who is the greatest among them” (Lk 22:24, Lk 9:46)

Jesus, however, makes it very clear to them, that they had still not been clear in their understanding of Who He was…
… Jesus said to them: “You do not know what you are asking!” (Mk 10:38a)

The Lord drives home the point directly:
If you are looking at me as Someone Who only fulfils your material and earthly desires…
… then you need to elevate your thought pattern

“Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and everything else will be given unto you!” (Mt 6:33)

If you are expecting me as Someone Who wants to establish a political kingdom and bringing only social changes…
…then you need to realize that My Mission is greater

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to bring glad tidings to the poor…” (Lk 4:18)

If you are feeling that I am Someone Who only wants to clear up the religious clogs that have been burdening the people…
… then you need to understand that I have a Bigger Duty

“I have come down from Heaven, not to do My Own Will, but the Will of the One Who sent Me…
… For this is the Will of Father that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him, may have Eternal Life” (Jn 6:38, 40)

Jesus makes His Image very clear to the disciples: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to Serve and to give His Life as a Ransom for many” (Mk 10:45)

This ‘key-verse’, presents the Four Dominant Images of Jesus in the Gospel of St Mark:
… Son of Man (Jesus – the SON)
… but to Serve (Jesus – the SERVANT)
… give His Live (Jesus – the SACRIFICE)
… as a Ransom for many (Jesus – the SAVIOUR)

Prophet Isaiah prophesied this Image of Christ in his writings:
“He grew up like a sapling before Him (SON)… through His Suffering (SACRIFICE), my servant shall justify many (SERVANT), and their guilt He shall bear (SAVIOUR)” (Is 53: 2,11b)

What about us?

What is our Image of Jesus…
… and what are the requests with which we approach Jesus?

Are they merely materialistic and earthly desires?

Many times, like the disciples…
… we tend to be self-seeking and world-bound in our desires
… we look for gains and prominence, as a reward for being a Christian

If so, then the Lord says, we need to…
… elevate our thought patterns
… realize that His Mission in us, is greater
… and understand that He has a Bigger Duty in our life.

He knows that we are sometimes selfish… jealous… power-seekers

But let’s realize and take hope in the fact, that it’s for all of us, who are with these weaknesses, that Jesus primarily came to the world:
“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners!” (Mk 2:17)

The disciples asked for position and power…
… Jesus said: “I will give you much higher – MY SERVICE”

The disciples asked for prominence and greatness …
… Jesus said: “I will give you much bigger – MY LIFE”

Let us refine our Image of Christ, and with boldness and courage, sing from the depths of our hearts:
“I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back!
Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow, No turning back, no turning back!
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus, No turning back, no turning back!
The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back!”

October 17 is also celebrated as the International Day of Eradication of Poverty.

As followers of Christ, let us…
… renew our commitment for the poor
… share our resources with the needy
… support the cause for equal opportunities for all
… and fight for social justice

Let our “praying lips” strengthen us to also have “healing hearts and helping hands!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – MYSTERY OF MEN’S UNION WITH GOD

It is in the Church that Christ fulfils and reveals his own mystery as the purpose of God’s plan: “to unite all things in him.”
St. Paul calls the nuptial union of Christ and the Church “a great mystery.”
Because she is united to Christ as to her bridegroom, she becomes a mystery in her turn.

Contemplating this mystery in her, Paul exclaims: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (CCC #772)

“Joyfully and courageously proclaiming the Lord to others and bringing many more to experience the Love of Christ!

(Based on Rom 4:13, 16-18 and Lk 12:8-12 – Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

One day as a woman was crossing a street in a busy city railway station, an old man stopped her and said, “Excuse me, Ma’am, but I want to thank you.”

“Thank me?” she exclaimed.

“Yes’m. I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever you went by, you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good morning.

I knew that smile must have come from inside somewhere.”

He continued: “Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand.
I realised the source of your joy!

And so I bought one too…
… and I found Jesus!”

The joyful witness of the woman, brought about a conversion in the life of that ticket collector.

What about us?

Are we also joyful and courageous, in giving witness to Christ and His Gospel Values in our modern society?

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by our Blessed Lord with a challenging tone, to be powerful and bold, in acknowledging His Presence.

Jesus says: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God;
But he who denies me before men, will be denied before the angels of God” (Lk 12: 8-9)

Christian Life is a life seeking to profess and proclaim the Lord…
… by word and deed
… with lips and actions
… through happy moments and struggles of life!

Do we do that?

Or are we sometimes…
… shy?
… afraid?
… reluctant?
… uncertain?
… or even negated?

We could reflect on some aspects of our life, whereby we examine, how much we acknowledge the Lord in our life

1. The Blessings of the Lord
   God has gifted each one of us with immense Graces and Blessings.

Do we acknowledge ‘the Blessings of the Lord’ in our Life?
… with a word of thanks and gratitude, everyday?
… by seeking to be, in turn, a blessing to others, by a life of service?

2. The Providence of the Lord
   Providence refers to the Protective care of the Lord, at all times, in every situation.

When we look back into our life, we see how beautifully, God constantly leads us.

True, there are times when we have felt the “absence” of God or the Lord being “at a distance” from us, especially in situations of struggles and suffering

But, when look back later… we do find… “God had been joining all those ‘dots of loneliness’ and making a beautiful picture!”

Do we acknowledge ‘the Providence of the Lord’ in our life…
… by being more optimistic, knowing that our God will surely have His way, and make “rivers to flow, even in the deserts”?
… by not falling into anxiety or extreme worry; instead allowing ourselves to rest on His Caring Heart, knowing, that He is holding us tenderly in His Arms, as a Shepherd holds the tender lamb?

3. The Love and Mercy of the Lord
   Each of our life is a beautiful saga of God’s Love and Mercy

We have been created in love… we have been initiated to Salvation in His Mercy

We have been constantly encouraged by His Love… we have been continually lifted by, by His Mercy

Do we acknowledge ‘the Love and Mercy of the Lord’ in our life…
… by seeking to always do His Will in our Life and letting go of our own ego and selfish desires?
… by turning to Him in repentance, when we go away from His Love?
… by infusing more love into every action that we do, and thus witnessing His Face of Mercy to all around us?

4. The Authority of the Lord
   The Lord is the Supreme Authority of this entire universe.

It is His Power and Wisdom that sustains everything.

The presence of evil and sufferings around us, may sometimes, make us question His Power and Glory.

Sometimes, the presence of pains and miseries in our life, may also make us doubt His Power and Authority

But can we recognize, that God, in His infinite Goodness and Wisdom, works out everything for our good (Rom 8:28)

Do we acknowledge ‘the Authority of the Lord’ in our life…
… by offering our lives to His Supreme Wisdom, and marching forward with Hope, knowing that “the One Who has begun His Good Work in us, will bring it to completion” (Phil 1:6)
… by seeking His Permission in all the activities that we engage in, so that His Grace will inform us, in the best and right path?

5. The Presence of the Lord
   The Presence of the Lord surrounds and encompasses us at every moment… at every step of our life.

This Presence is especially cherished and celebrated in the Sacraments, that the Church offers.

Do we acknowledge ‘the Presence of the Lord” in our life…
… by turning our hearts, in conscious awareness, to the Presence of the Lord, in the midst of our work and activities?
… by longing for and meaningfully celebrating the Sacraments that the Church offers?

As a Christian, surely, it is not easy to profess and proclaim.

But the Lord invites each one of us, gently and tenderly, to acknowledge Him in our lives.

It is when we grow in these “areas of acknowledgement” that we can joyfully and courageously proclaim the Lord to others…
… and thus bring many more to experience the Love of Christ!

Today is the Feast day of St Margaret Mary, the champion promoter of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Through her intercession, let us entrust ourselves wholly to the Love and Mercy of the Sacred Heart!

We also specially seek the intercession of Blessed Augustine Thevarparambil (popularly known as Kunjachan – ‘little priest’ in Malayalam) on his feast day.

May his deep zeal and commitment to missions, especially among the lower sections of the society…
… be a strong antidote and inspiration for us to live an authentic and sincere Christian life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH

The Church is in history, but at the same time she transcends it.
It is only “with the eyes of faith” that one can see her in her visible reality and at the same time in her spiritual reality as bearer of Divine Life.
“The one mediator, Christ, established and ever sustains here on earth His Holy Church, the community of faith, hope, and charity, as a visible organization through which he communicates truth and grace to all men.”
The Church is at the same time:

• a “society structured with hierarchical organs and the mystical body of Christ
• the visible society and the spiritual community
• the earthly Church and the Church endowed with heavenly riches.”
  These dimensions together constitute “one complex reality which comes together from a human and a Divine element”

The Church is essentially both human and divine, visible but endowed with invisible realities, zealous in action and dedicated to contemplation, present in the world, but as a pilgrim. (Cf. CCC # 770-771)

“Ensuring that we set our interior right so that our externals display the truth!”

(Based on Rom 4:1-8 and Lk 12:1-7 – Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

A group of people visiting a magnificent church, came across a large clock in the sacristy.

What attracted the visitors, more than the clock, was the caption written beneath the large clock!

It seems that the clock was habitually too fast or too slow.

And so, a good old-sacristan realising that it was beyond repair, decided to write a caption on the placard.

The caption read:
“Neither believe nor blame what my hands show!

The trouble lies deeper!
Therefore, even in life, ensure that you set your interior right, so that your externals display the truth!”

The hands of the clock displayed wrong timings…
… because the interior parts had some trouble!

So often are our external actions such in life!

We seem to be putting on a show outside…
… but the truth of the action can be known, only if the interior intention is true!
We seem to be good at displaying a clean image…
… but the sincerity of our deeds will be known, if we truly ensure purity from within!

We are into a reflection of this aspect of Hypocrisy yet again with Jesus’ insists on this evil tendency with a greater force & urgency.

Hypocrisy is a vice which is much hated by Jesus.

Hypocrisy is a vice which Jesus constantly asks to weed out.
Hypocrisy is a vice which often lurks its head in our lives, knowingly or unknowingly.

Hypocrisy is duplicity.

Hypocrisy is pretence.

It is trying to be someone, that one is not.

It is deceiving others by presenting a false self.
It is masking one’s real identity to show one to be someone else.

The word “hypocrisy” is a composite word in the Greek. It comes from the joining of two words:

Hupo is the Greek word for “under.” … Krino, is the Greek “to separate or judge.”
So Hupo + Krino = Hypocrisy means to “be under or stay under and separate or judge”!

This word was mainly used in Greek theatres and plays to describe those “actors who would speak their parts, behind a mask!”

Hypocrites in real life, extend this “acting” to their everyday life…

People who try to impress others, in order to hide their real lives!
People who act more spiritual and holy than they actually are!
People who behave to be too good before others, but a sham within!

Do I have any of such “hypocritic… acting” aspects in my life?

Our Lord calls this vice of hypocrisy as a Yeast…

Jesus speaks to His disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy” (Lk 12: 1b)

Why Yeast?
Yeast or Leaven is something that is used in baking.

Yeast has the great property of Influence…

A little amount of yeast is enough to raise the dough or to leaven the batter.
It has a great characteristic of exercising a great amount of influence, though little in quantity!

Hypocrisy is such… though a little amount, it is highly influential, like the yeast…

Hypocritical people are able…
… to boast much about themselves and exert harmful controls!
… to make other people highly pessimistic and negative!
… to drain out the spirit and the enthusiasm in others!

Yeast starts slow, but grows very quickly…

It has the great characteristic of exercising its great influence in a timid manner, but rises very fast and swiftly.

Hypocrisy is such… though it starts slow, it spreads its influence speedily, like the yeast…
Hypocritical people appear subtle initially, but later it becomes almost a part of their nature!

How does Hypocrisy usually originate?

Usually from a Fear…

Fear of the people makes one to adopt a totally different disposition and character.
Fear of the situations makes one to adjust with a duplicate personality and behaviour.
Fear of one’s weaknesses makes one to alter the style of life and tamper with one’;s nature.

That’s why the Lord, in today’s Gospel would strongly exhort, “Fear Not!”

When we banish the fear of many factors, we are able to be our real self.

When we cast away the fear of our material worries, we are able to live our true identity.

God is our Loving Father… a Caring Person… He wants us to grow in Holiness and Sanctity.

But He also knows that our double standards in life and our pretence in many areas of our life…
… is a block to His Grace in us.

We all wear masks, and the time sometimes comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.

The Lord today invites us to peel away our mask of hypocrisy by casting away our fears, by throwing ourselves into the care of our Loving God, our Beloved Father in Heaven!

Let us “ensure that we set our interior right…
… so that our externals display the truth!”

Let the prayer of St Teresa of Avila, whose feast we celebrate today, become our own:
“Christ has no body now on earth but yours!
No hands but yours!
No feet but yours!

Yours are the eyes through which to look out Christ’s compassion to the world
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good;
Yours are the hands with which He is to bless men now!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – PERFECTED IN GLORY

“The Church will receive its perfection only in the glory of heaven,” at the time of Christ’s glorious return.
Until that day, “the Church progresses on her pilgrimage amidst this world’s persecutions and God’s consolations.”
Here below she knows that she is in exile far from the Lord…
… and longs for the full coming of the Kingdom, when she will “be united in glory with her king.”
The Church, and through her the world, will not be perfected in glory without great trials.

Only then will “all the just from the time of Adam, ‘from Abel, the just one, to the last of the elect,’ … be gathered together in the universal Church in the Father’s presence! (Cf. CCC # 769)

“Avoiding a cosmetic-culture, and instead to have beauty in life to spring forth from an integrated life of faith!”

(Based on Rom 3:21-30 and Lk 11:47-54 – Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

A quotation by a modern-day American politician goes thus:
“If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union…
… you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats…
… but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse!”

This failure to manifest values and ideals could be traced to a growing “cosmetic culture!”

Cosmetic-Culture could be described as a “tendency to project entities/things with an external beauty and with a greater visual appeal, without necessarily ensuring the actual quality from within!”

This Cosmetic-Culture is not merely to be considered in connection to the cosmetics or items of make-up.

It is in fact an increasing trend that seeks to make inroads into every aspect of our life… social, political, economic… or even religious…!

The presence of Cosmetic-Culture can be seen in various strands of our living…

Socially (in communities, families, nations etc), there is a lot of discrimination on the basis of colour, language, caste etc…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” presents the society in such a way, that everything seems to be fine and all are living in unity and happiness!

Politically, there is a great deal of hidden agenda, back-biting and differences in ideologies among the political parties or groups…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” covers-up the ‘evil intents’, causing many of such “opposing” parties to join hands and to be seen as being united, for their own selfish interests!

Economically, there are enormous cases of poverty on the rise, in different parts of the world and people missing out on even the basic essentials etc…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” puts a mask on all such “stark realities” and gives an impression as if there is only growth, development and prosperity!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sharply lashing out at the “Cosmetic-Culture” existing in our religious practices…
… with a clarion call to do away with such “hypocritical” trends and tendencies!

In His continued attacks on the hypocrisy and duplicity of the Pharisees, Jesus condemns them for building memorials of the Prophets who were killed and murdered by their ancestors.

The Prophets of the old, lived as the true men of God and constantly called the people to a life of repentance and being faithful to God Yawheh.

But these prophets were very often persecuted, attacked and even killed.

The Prophets, who were the voice of God, while living, had their voices silenced and drowned by the wicked people…

But after their death, they used to be quoted and cited in many scholarly and erudite circles.

The Prophets, who called the people to live as per their true conscience, had their lives terminated and ended by the wicked people…

But after their death, they had fine memorials and beautiful tombs built in their name

The Prophets, who became the champion of justice and truth, had their efforts ceased and their labours aborted by the wicked people…

But after their death, they had many oratories and exquisite lectures in their name.

Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their deception, as they too become sharers of the blood of the True Prophets and the Men of God!

They had probably mastered the art of being “Cosmetically-Cultured” – projecting themselves with an external beauty and with a greater visual appeal…
… but without ensuring the actual quality from within!

This then is the danger to which we are exposed to: Is my spiritual and religious life also “Cosmetically-Cultured?”

I may be known to be exemplary in my prayers and a role-model in my strict following of Christian practices…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to hide my inner vices and to cover-up my sinful tendencies?

I may be appearing to be a very a charitable person in extending a lot of material help in many causes…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to conceal my hidden agenda or a means to boost my ego and inflate my pride?

I may be considered as a very social person – always jovial, cracking “many” jokes and being a “happening” person…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to mask my inner-wounds and pains, to veil my own complexes or to trigger opportunities to gratify some of my desires?

Our generation is gravely exposed to this “Cosmetic-Culture” and perhaps many of us, knowingly or unknowingly, become proponents of the same.

A generation which focusses only on the peripherals of life and fails to give consideration to the core and inner dimensions is bound to doom!

It requires the power, grace and strength in the Lord to become counter-witnesses to this “Cosmetic-Culture”

The deeper that one is united with Christ…
… the lesser will be the dependence on “external shows” and greater will be the harmony and attractiveness of one’s life!

The stronger that one is in the faith in the Lord…
… the lesser will be the wanting to be “flashy on the outside” and greater will be the level of true charm and pleasantness!

May our Blessed Lord, help us as Christians to deepen our understanding that “our beauty in life ought to spring forth from an integrated life of faith!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – REVEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

“When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church.”
Then “the Church was openly displayed to the crowds and the spread of the Gospel among the nations, through preaching, was begun.”
As the “convocation” of all men for salvation, the Church in her very nature is missionary, sent by Christ to all the nations to make disciples of them.
So that she can fulfil her mission, the Holy Spirit “bestows upon [the Church] varied hierarchic and charismatic gifts, and in this way directs her.”

“Henceforward the Church, endowed with the gifts of her Founder and faithfully observing His precepts of charity, humility and self-denial, receives the mission of proclaiming and establishing among all peoples the Kingdom of Christ and of God, and she is on earth the seed and the beginning of that kingdom (CCC # 767-768)

“Clothing ourselves in genuineness and truthfulness by appreciating and realizing the value and worth of people in our lives!”

(Based on Rom 2:1-11 and Lk 11:42-46 – Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

It is said about a famous writer who would climb a ladder to his attic, where he worked until dark.

His devoted wife was left alone in the room below.

One evening at dinner, the wife asked why he had never expressed appreciation for the food she lovingly prepared for him.

“Woman,” the writer-husband retorted, “must you be paid for everything you do?”

With that, he stamped off to his attic workshop.

Years later, when his wife died, the man found her diary.

On tear-stained pages, he read this recurring refrain:
“Oh, I wish you would say a kind word or give me a compliment now and then…
… about the things I try to do to make you happy!”

So many times it happens thus in life…

We render assistance in many ways to people…
… but they fall short of being grateful to us
We sometimes even hear them being negatively critical about us, and defaming us.

But perhaps, after our death, these people might acclaim how wonderful a person he/she was!

We often become a people who fail to appreciate when a person is alive…
… but shower praises after his/her death!

Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day speaks of a similar attitude and tendency among the Pharisees.

In His continued attacks on the hypocrisy and duplicity of the Pharisees, Jesus condemns them for building memorials of the Prophets who were killed and murdered by their ancestors.

The Prophets of the old, lived as the true men of God and constantly called the people to a life of repentance and being faithful to God Yawheh.

But these prophets were very often persecuted, attacked and even killed.

The Prophets, who were the voice of God, while living, had their voices were silenced and drowned by the wicked people…

But after their death, they used to be quoted and cited in many scholarly and erudite circles.

An attitude of ungratefulness while living…
… but false appreciation after death!

The Prophets, who called the people to live as per their true conscience, had their lives terminated and ended by the wicked people…

But after their death, they had fine memorials and beautiful tombs built in their name

A tendency of indifference while living…
… but vain glorification after death!

The Prophets, who became the champion of justice and truth, had their efforts ceased and their labours aborted by the wicked people…

But after their death, they had many oratories and exquisite lectures in their name.

An approach of passivity while living…
… but fake interest after death!

Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their deception, as they too become sharers of the blood of the True Prophets and the Men of God!

Jesus’ attacks on this Pharisaic attitude is a strong reminder and warning to each one of us too…

To realize the worth and value of people, while they are alive…
… and not just heap up empty words of praise, after their death!

To realize the importance of recognizing the true spirit and teachings of people around us…
… and not become too late in realizing their significance!

Life is too short to miss appreciating people for their genuine efforts and contributions.

Life is too short to not give people the worth for all what they are in our lives.

A fresh flower given when alive is far worth and appreciable than a bouquet given at the grave!

Appreciate people when they are around…

Enthuse people when situations are favourable…
Encourage people when time and space permit us…

Let us shake off the Pharisaic tendency of duplicity and dishonesty

Instead clothe ourselves in genuineness and truthfulness…
… by appreciating and realizing the value and worth of people in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

The Lord Jesus endowed His community with a structure that will remain until the Kingdom is fully achieved.
Before all else there is the choice of the Twelve with Peter as their head.
Representing the twelve tribes of Israel, they are the foundation stones of the new Jerusalem.
The Twelve and the other disciples share in Christ’s mission and His power, but also in His lot.
By all His actions, Christ prepares and builds His Church.
The Church is born primarily of Christ’s total self-giving for our salvation, anticipated in the institution of the Eucharist and fulfilled on the cross.
“The origin and growth of the Church are symbolized by the blood and water which flowed from the open side of the crucified Jesus.”

“For it was from the side of Christ as He slept the sleep of death upon the Cross, that there came forth the ‘wondrous sacrament of the whole Church.’” As Eve was formed from the sleeping Adam’s side, so the Church was born from the pierced heart of Christ hanging dead on the cross (Cf. CCC # 765-766)

“Ready to wipe away the stains of hypocrisy and corruption from the windows of our lives!”

(Based on Rom 1:16-25 and Lk 11:37-41 – Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood.

The next morning while they were having their breakfast, the woman saw her neighbour hanging some clothes to dry.

“That laundry is not very clean,” she said. “She doesn’t know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.”

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbour hung clothes to dry, the young woman repeated her observations about the dirty laundry.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: “Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”

The husband said:
“I got up early this morning…
… and cleaned our windows!”

All the while, the woman had been making critical and disparaging remarks…
… while her own windows had “the stains of hypocrisy and corruption!”

So often we too are extra vigilant and watchful when it comes to judging others…
… while we allow excuses and justifications to all our misdeeds and wrongdoings

“Are we ready to wipe away the stains of hypocrisy and corruption from the windows of our lives?”

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful lesson to have the courage to challenge the ways of insincerity and corruption…
… and to live in genuineness.

A Pharisee invited Jesus to have a meal in his house.

We are unsure of the motives or the reason for this Pharisee to invite Jesus for the table sharing…

Maybe he just wanted to grow in his friendship with Jesus…
Maybe he wanted to check how this great preacher would conduct himself in his house…
Maybe he wanted to show off to his friends of having invited a great Rabbi to his house…
Maybe he wanted to break the ministry of Jesus and trap Him in doing some aberrations…

In any case, the Pharisee certainly expected Jesus to follow the rules and customs of the traditional Jewish meal.

But he notices that Jesus has failed to wash his hands before dinner.

This washing of the hands was a ritual purification process.

The insistence on this act was not for the sake of hygiene, but for ritual purity!

This omission of the sacred tradition came as a big shocker for the host Pharisee.
He would have thought about Jesus:
“This Rabbi is doing it all wrong!

Why can’t He follow our age-old customs?

He is insulting me before my other guests!
How dare He behaves so, in my own house!?”

But this is where Jesus, in His unique style of courage & conviction comes into confrontation with the attitude of the Pharisee…

The Pharisee was surely His host…
… yet Jesus dares ‘to have the courage to challenge the ways of insincerity and corruption…’

Standing up for convictions and principles was a value that Jesus always upheld.

Being bold to always promote and defend goodness was a virtue that Jesus always supported.

Jesus lashes out with a righteous anger, “So then, you Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside yourselves, you are full of greed and evil. Fools…!” (Lk 11: 39)

The Pharisee got offended because Jesus failed to wash his hands before meal.

But Jesus got offended because they failed to have a true cleansing of their hearts.

The Pharisee got upset because Jesus failed to uphold the sacred tradition.

But Jesus got upset because they failed to uphold the values of inner purity and holiness.

The Pharisee felt insulted because Jesus failed to honour their customs and practices.

But Jesus felt insulted because the table-meal failed to reflect true love and sharing.

Jesus was not afraid to encounter the Pharisee in his wrong thinking.

And today He encounters us and challenges us to ‘live in genuineness’

Maybe we are bold in being relaxed in some of our comfort and pleasure zones..

But Jesus exhorts us to renew our lives with a life of holiness and purity.

Maybe we are quite okay with aspiring for many gadgets and objects of passing joys and desires

But Jesus urges us to focus on the real necessities of a good life.

Maybe we are satisfied to beautify our external life, even if it means being greedy and selfish

But Jesus spurs us to repent by living a self-sacrificing and a self-controlling life.

The ‘lion of Pharisaism’ is deep rooted in many of our personal lives, our family lives and in our community lives…

Having the focus only on external factors… but neglecting the inner dimensions…
Giving importance to only outer shows… but totally forgetting the internal aspects…
Being obsessed with doing many things… but totally ignoring the necessity of being holy…

The Lord today reminds us that often we are extra vigilant and watchful when it comes to judging others…
… while we allow excuses and justifications to all our misdeeds and wrongdoings

“Are we ready to wipe away the stains of hypocrisy and corruption from the windows of our lives?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – INSTITUTED BY CHRIST JESUS

It was the Son’s task to accomplish the Father’s plan of salvation in the fullness of time. Its accomplishment was the reason for his being sent.
“The Lord Jesus inaugurated his Church by preaching the Good News, that is, the coming of the Reign of God, promised over the ages in the scriptures.”
To fulfil the Father’s Will, Christ ushered in the Kingdom of heaven on earth.
The Church “is the Reign of Christ already present in mystery.”
“This Kingdom shines out before men in the word, in the works and in the presence of Christ.”
To welcome Jesus’ Word is to welcome “the Kingdom itself.”
The seed and beginning of the Kingdom are the “little flock” of those whom Jesus came to gather around him, the flock whose shepherd He is. They form Jesus’ true family.

To those whom He thus gathered around Him, He taught a new “way of acting” and a prayer of their own” (CCC #763-764)

“Relying solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted – God Himself!”

(Based on Rom 1:1-7 and Lk 11:29-32 – Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

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 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

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how we become resistant and stubborn in refusing to have this faith and belief.

This is reflected by the sighing words of Jesus: “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah!” (Lk 11:29)

What made Jesus to respond so strongly?

Is Jesus against asking signs?

Is Jesus against lack of faith?
Is Jesus against having doubts?

The answer to perhaps all the three questions above is…
… not in the affirmative!

Jesus is NOT necessarily against asking signs…

The Bible is a witness to many people asking for signs from God…
• Gideon asked for a sign from God (Judg 6:17)
• Moses asked God what sign would prove to Pharaoh that he was sent by God (Ex 4:1)
• Elijah promises what Elisha had asked for, on the condition of a sign (2 Kg 2:10)
Jesus is NOT out rightly against lack of belief or unbelief…
• The unbelieving Thomas, was chided, but not condemned by Jesus, after His resurrection (Jn 20:27-28)
• The lack of faith of the disciples is saddening for Jesus, but He does not reject them (Mk 4:40)
• The father, whose boy was possessed with a demon was blessed with a healing, on his acknowledgment of littleness in faith (Mk 9:24)
• The emotionally unsettled and wavering Peter is given another chance to prove his loyalty despite his rejection and denial of faith in Jesus (Jn 21:15-17)

Then what is Jesus against?
Jesus is against those people…
… who reject faith, despite many signs and wonders that are plainly presented
… who demand for greater miracles for merely curiosity and excitement
… who make use of the powers of God for personal satisfaction and gratification
… who remain stone-hearted, unmoved and indifferent despite clear indications and signals from God.

Am I also a person who constantly rejects signs and wonders from the Lord, and fail to grow in faith?

Am I also a person who remains obstinate and indifferent to God’s powers, and fail to be open to God’s movements in my life?

The Lord is constantly speaking to us through various miracles.

The Lord is constantly moving our hearts through many blessings.
The Lord is constantly inspiring our lives through immense wonders.

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!

Today we seek the intercession of Pope St John XXIII – one of the most popular Popes of the 20th century – on this feast day.

He was the one who convoked the historical ‘Vatican Council II’, which paved the way for “throwing open the windows of the church, to let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.”

Let us give heed to his words: “Prayer is the raising of the mind to God.

We must always remember this. The actual words matter less.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – PREPARED FOR IN THE OLD COVENANT

The gathering together of the People of God began at the moment when sin destroyed the communion of men with God, and that of men among themselves.
The gathering together of the Church is, as it were, God’s reaction to the chaos provoked by sin. This reunification is achieved secretly in the heart of all peoples: “In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable” to God.
The remote preparation for this gathering together of the People of God begins when he calls Abraham and promises that he will become the father of a great people.
Its immediate preparation begins with Israel’s election as the People of God.
By this election, Israel is to be the sign of the future gathering of all nations.

But the prophets accuse Israel of breaking the covenant and behaving like a prostitute. They announce a new and eternal covenant. “Christ instituted this New Covenant” (CCC #761-762)

“Giving heed to the words of the Lord and confidently moving across the deserts of life!”

(Based on Wis 7:7-11, Heb 4:12-13 and Mk 10:17-30 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

A river wanted to flow to the sea, through a vast desert.

But seeing the vast dry sand, it got afraid.

Fearful thoughts crept into its mind:
“The desert may gulp up all my water…
… the hot breath of the sun will surely dry me up…
… and I will be reduced to a mere stinking swamp!”

Then it heard a mysterious voice, “Trust the Desert”

But the river retorted, “But then, will I ever be the same?

Will I not lose my identity?”

The voice once again thundered, “There is no way to remain the same!”

So the river, with trust in the desert, began to flow through it.

The simmering heat of the sun turned her into vapour.
The wind carried her over, as clouds, over the hot expanse of the desert.
She was formed into rain!

And out of the clouds, came down a newer, fresher and much more splendid river, on the other side of the desert.

The river was delighted and exclaimed, “Now, I am truly my Real Self!”

Immense trust and making the radical decision to pass through the desert, helped the river to experience newness in life and to enjoy the delight of a transformed and renewed life!

Is life calling us to have a deeper trust and cross through deserts, in order to experience freshness in life?

Or are we afraid to take that risk of losing many of the ‘things’ we hold precious to ourselves?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exhorting us to trust in Him, and to cross the deserts of life, “letting go of riches, in order to experience true joy in Him and eternal life with Him!

The incident of the person asking Jesus, “’Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” (Mk 10:17) finds resonance with many of our inner desires and longings.

We too have a lot of questions, like the man who asked, “What must I do to have eternal life…”

How can I really have peace of mind and happiness at home and in my life…?
How is it that I may be able to experience joy in life, despite the many poundings and grindings that life renders me…?
How is it that I can be assured of the treasures of heaven and the bliss of life eternity…?

The man who enquired Jesus assured that he had been keeping all the prescribed rules and regulations from his younger days:

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

We too have something similar to say…

I keep on working hard, putting in constant efforts in my daily duties and the various responsibilities entrusted to me…
I toil very much in meeting life’s ends and gathering together my resources in making sure that things go on well in life…

But like He told to the man, the Lord “looks at us, loves us” and tells us: “One thing you lack”

And goes on to tell: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mk 10:21)

The man was attached to his possessions, even though he performed many acts of God’s commandments.

The man found it hard to leave his riches, and his following of the laws of God made little impact on him, to make renunciations.

Therefore, the Lord diagnosed his problem as his inability to “let go” of his attachments.

“Unnecessary accessories” of life can be a burden in our smooth travelling on the path of eternity!

Are we also faced with the same diagnosis?

Do I find it hard to “let go”…
… of my selfish lifestyle and my own personal comforts… even though I seek to render service or engage in different works?
… of my egoistic tendencies and self-centred inclinations… in my relationships and in interacting with the people in my life?
… of my individual agenda and self-interested plans… and fail to base my life as per the Plan of God and walk according to His Will in my life?

As Christians, we are all called to perfection (Mt 5:48)

This ‘challenge to perfection’ demands that we have to pass through the “deserts”…
… deserts of renunciation
… deserts of seeking only God’s Will
… deserts of altering our personal choices and prioritizing the values of the Lord

This will help us to experience newness in life and to enjoy the delight of a transformed and renewed life!

May we heed to the call of the Lord today…
… to make such radical choices and decisions in life, so that we can truly experience the joy of heaven in our day-to-day lives and one day, be blessed, with the fullness of life eternal!

When faced with the deserts of life…
… let us, with confidence, give heed to the words of the Lord assuring us: “Trust the desert”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH – FORESHADOWED FROM THE WORLD’S BEGINNING

Christians of the first centuries said, “The world was created for the sake of the Church.”
God created the world for the sake of communion with His Divine Life, a communion brought about by the “convocation” of men in Christ, and this “convocation” is the Church.
The Church is the goal of all things, and God permitted such painful upheavals as the angels’ fall and man’s sin only as occasions and means for displaying all the power of His arm and the whole measure of the love He wanted to give the world:

Just as God’s Will is creation and is called “the world,” so His intention is the salvation of men, and it is called “the Church.” (CCC #760)