“Making our lives a Paradise of God’s Reign!”

(Based on Gen 1:1-19 and Mk 6:53-56 – Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A pious religious traveller once found a precious stone…
… a precious jewel.

A short time later, this religious person met another traveller, who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions.

When the pious man opened his bag, the traveller saw the precious stone and, without much thought asked him if he could have it.

To his surprise, the man gave the traveller the expensive stone.

The traveller departed quickly, overjoyed with his new possession.

However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the religious person.

He returned the stone to him and made a request:
“I request you to kindly give me something more valuable…
… more precious than this stone.

Please give me THAT which enabled you to give me this precious stone!”

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

What is needed in life, is not an external show…
… but rather, an internal glow!

The Gospel of the Day presents the importance of humbling oneself…
… in order to discover the true riches of life.

St Mark tells us that Jesus came to a place named Gennesaret…

“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

“Gennesaret” meaning a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”…
… was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.

It was an area where the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

The land was known for its riches and prosperity.

Yet, with all its riches and glory, Gennesaret, had also many struggles and sufferings

Though the people of Gennesaret had many riches, there were still many who were “in need” and “suffering and struggling”

And so, as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

The people of Gennesaret
… rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally
… fertile in many aspects – having great visions and plans for future, systematic, disciplined
… fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame
Yet, recognised their “lack of many things”

And sought the help and touch of Jesus – the One Who alone could bring true contentment and joy.

Each of us need to look into our own lives and examine…

There are times when apparently things may be going on well
There are times when externally we engage in many happy and frolic moments
But…
… deep within, perhaps, there is a void and vacuum that we feel
… deep within, perhaps, we don’t feel much peace of mind and joy at heart

The people of Gennesaret teach us today on the need to “humble ourselves and replenish ourselves” in the Presence of the Lord – Who alone can bring us true joy and lasting peace!

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…
… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!
… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

May our lives…
… truly reflect the Paradise of God’s Reign!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE HERITAGE OF FAITH IS HANDED TO THE WHOLE CHURCH
The apostles entrusted the “Sacred deposit” of the faith (the depositum fidei), contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition…
… to the whole of the Church.

By adhering to [this heritage] the entire holy people, united to its pastors, remains always faithful…
… to the teaching of the apostles
… to the brotherhood
… to the breaking of bread
… and the prayers.

In maintaining, practicing and professing the faith that has been handed on, there should be a remarkable harmony between the bishops and the faithful. (Cf. CCC #84 )

“Discovering and being convinced of Jesus, to be the greatest in our lives, so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually!”

(Based on Job 7:1-4,6-7, 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 and Mk 1:29-39 – 5th Sunday of the Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

It was the 19th century British essayist Mr. Charles Lamb and his wife Mary who moved the 17th century playwright William Shakespeare from his undeserved obscurity to the limelight of fame.

The two selected 20 of Shakespeare’s best-known plays and set out to make them accessible to children and to pay enthusiastic homage to the original works.

Together the Lambs distilled the powerful themes and unforgettable characterizations of Shakespeare’s plays into elegant narratives–classic tales in their own right.

All of the Lambs’ stories–with their clear, supple, and rhythmic prose–reward any reader, whether encountering Shakespeare for the first time or revisiting his work.

This Charles Lamb was once involved in a discussion of the question, “Who is the greatest literary genius of all time?”

Two names finally emerged: William Shakespeare and Jesus of Nazareth.

Charles Lamb put an end to the debate when he said: “I’ll tell you the difference between these two men.

If Shakespeare walked into this room right now, we would all rise to greet him…

But if Jesus Christ came in, we would all fall down and worship Him!”

The greatness of men may make us rise in respect…

The greatness of Jesus would compel us to kneel in worship and adoration!

“Let’s talk about Jesus” is a popular English hymn.

Today, for our reflection, let us talk about Jesus…
… the most influential person ever, in history!

H. G. Wells, a prolific English writer, summed up this difference…
“Christ,” he wrote, “is the most unique person of history.

No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.

From poverty and obscurity to teacher to death on the cross, to ascended Lord – Jesus Christ is the growing figure of history.

He is unique – for while all others decrease, he increases!”

The Gospel of the day reveals the immensely charismatic personality of Jesus.

He heals the mother-in-law of Simon Peter.

He healed many others who were with various sicknesses and diseases.
He cast out demons from many who were possessed and under bondages.

He became a sought-after person!

He became an attraction for many many people!

Jesus’ tremendous passion for the missions is admiring…

Jesus’ spectacular urge to preach the Kingdom of God is amazing…
Jesus’ unfazed commitment to the mission entrusted to Him is astounding…

We have said “Yes” to follow ‘this’ Jesus…
… Jesus who wants us to follow Him in healing the world
… Jesus who wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and unclean spirits
… Jesus who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to all people anywhere

To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works… but above all in His Being!
… Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35)
… Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33)
… Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38)

Do I have my prayer life and communion with the Lord as the greatest thrust and push in all my activities, undertakings and ministries?

Do I have a deep desire and commitment to bring God’s love to all people and be passionate to share Him to all others?

Do I remain undistracted in the midst of all worldly attractions and forego personal pleasures by remaining focused on His Kingdom alone?

The world certainly faces a lot of darkness, pain and sufferings. (Job 7:1-4)

Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc

The world outside may be filled with terrible injustices, lacuna of peace, horrifying terrors etc

But the Lord assures that “He is the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1)

Let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16)

May we discover and be convinced of Jesus, to be the greatest in our lives.

Shall we therefore, fall in deep adoration, ardent worship and fervent submission to Him…
… so that we can become agents of Him, who transforms the world continually?

Let us not have the woe of not preaching the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:16)

Let us share the blessings of the Gospel! (1 Cor 9:23)
Let us become all things to all! (1 Cor 9:22)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
APOSTOLIC TRADITION AND ECCLESIAL (CHURCH) TRADITIONS
Tradition comes from the apostles…
… and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example
… and what they learned from the Holy Spirit.

The first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament…
… and the New Testament itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition.
Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical or devotional traditions, born in the local churches over time.
These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed.

In the light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium. (Cf. CCC #83)

“Receiving consolation and comfort from Jesus, our Master, and in turn, being a good shepherd to one another!”

(Based on Heb 13:15-21 and Mk 6:30-34 – Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The French have a proverb, which states: “A good meal ought to begin with hunger.”

It is usually pretty hard to enjoy a meal when one is not yet hungry.

But, when one is hungry…
… anything tastes good.

This hunger is of course, not only about physical hunger.
There are many other areas of life where we experience hunger…

Hunger for love…
Hunger for being wanted…
Hunger on emotional counts…
Hunger of the spiritual order…

These aspects of hunger…
… may never have a scientific statistic
… may never have flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically counted”…
… with an invitation to always “hunger for God and to serve His people!”

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)

They had driven out many demons…
They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.

They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired

The Apostles were happy with their ministry, but Jesus sensed that they were hungry.

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

We may be doing a lot of things…
… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

We may be happy with what we are doing…
… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…
… to take some rest in Him
… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…
The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled
The people had witnessed many wonders, but Jesus sensed that they were still lost and unguided.

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…

We may have witnessed God’s wonders…
… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…
… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…
… with His Divine Word
… by His Compassionate Love

There is indeed a great hunger in the world.

Saint Mother Teresa said: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be people who hunger for love and acceptance…

Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be people dejected and depressed in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be people feeling unlucky and ill-fated in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…
…for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Do I recognise, in the first place, such requirements of needy people?

Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?
Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

May the prayer in Heb 13:20-21 (1st Reading) be our personal prayer: “May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His Will.

May He carry out, in you, what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF SACRED SCRIPTURE AND HOLY TRADITION

Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit.
[Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles…
… so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching.
As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the Holy Scriptures alone…

… both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence! (Cf. CCC #81-82)

“Daring to be the voice that stands for, and upholds the Truth!”

(Based on Heb 13:1-8 and Mk 6:14-29 – Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A particular prime minister of a country – outspoken and audacious – heavily denounced the policies and atrocities of his predecessor, who was a dictator.

Once during a public meeting, as he censured the former dictator with stringent words, he was interrupted by a shout from a heckler in the audience: “You were one of the colleagues of the former dictator, isn’t it? Why didn’t you stop him then?”

“WHO SAID THAT?” roared the prime minister!

This thundering question bellowed and boomed…
… causing an agonizing and fearful silence to prevail among the audience.!

No body dared to move a muscle!
There was complete hush among them all

After a few moments of silence…
… the premier softly replied: “Now you know why!”

“I was afraid to have my voice heard… so that I could be safe!”

The prime minister confessed his fear in “being a voice that was heard” so that he could shield his life…
… and thus ‘played safe!’

The Gospel of the Day is however, in stark contrast to this trend – with the presentation of the Bold and Courageous Voice of St John the Baptist…
… who “made his voice heard” – in standing and upholding the truth
… and who had to offer his life as a martyr for the Truth!

The Gospel presents before the Brutal Beheading of the Voice – St John the Baptist!

The voice was powerful.
The voice was a hope to many.
The voice, however, also disturbed a few… disturbed even to the point of revenge and vengeance.
And……slit…..! The voice was silenced!!

The Beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most brutal and visually-powerful incident in the entire Gospels.

John the Baptist was a Prophet.

And a True Prophet is a truth-teller!

As we read in today’s Gospel, this True Prophet, John, was the whistle-blower in crying “foul” over the illegitimate relationship between Kind Herod and his brother’s wife, Herodias.

Herodias hated John the Baptist.

Herodias hated him because he told the truth & she didn’t like the truth.
Herodias was determined to twist the truth into a lie and the lie into a truth.
Herodias, at her earliest opportunity, would seek to direct her revenge upon the truth teller!
Herodias wanted to get rid of that “crazy man” who was determined to put a moral mirror in front of her face.

Herodias, wanted this Voice to be silent!!

To silence the true voices of the society, is the bane of any generation….

How many a voice-of-correction by the parents, is put to silence by disobedient children….
How many a voice-of-moral lives by the Church, is put to silence, by modernists and liberalists…
How many a voice-of-peace by innocent people, is put to silence, by fanatics and fundamentalists…
How many a voice-of-indiscrimination by the citizens, is put to silence, by a negligent government…
How many a voice-of-repentance by a spouse, is put to silence by a drunkard or an irresponsible partner…
How many a voice-of-holiness by the Lord, is put to silence, by superfluous spiritualities and comfy theologies..

The Voice of Truth cries…..but how many of us, seek to silence it!

Yes, the lives of Conscience-movers and truth-tellers are always at a risk.

And this risk can even lead one to be a misfit in the society…
… to be “different from others”
… to even risk one’s life!

St John the Baptist had the courage to be the truth-teller and risk his life, even to be a martyr.

What are the characteristics of a True Martyr?

1. Martyrs get killed not just for their convictions….but for EXPRESSING their convictions:
   ‘Play Safe’ is an ad-tag in which many Christians find refuge.
   “Keep your mouth shut”…
   “Don’t offend people around us”…
   “It is better to be silent than sorry”…

These are some of the common phrases which we Christians adopt, in moments of injustice, corruption, inequality & unfairness!

But true Martyrs EXPRESSED and ARTICULATED and DISPLAYED and UTTERED their faith!….

Yes, they WITNESSED their FAITH as a true MARTYR!

A true Martyr is a bold Witness!

St John the Baptist was not silent…he expressed and articulated the mistakes…and he was martyred!

2. Martyrs don’t get swayed by popular opinions and cheap popularity
   A true martyr is not one who checks the pulse of public opinion & makes a statement to please and satisfy people.

He has the guts…
… to go against an oppressive and discrimination culture
… to voice out against an unjust and demeaning authority
… to stand firm in the midst of rippled spiritualities and patterns!

St John the Baptist was unfazed and unmoved before the Royal immoral powers….and he was martyred!

3. Martyrs are willing and prepared to lay down their lives.
   Martyrs are not sadists or escapists… who want to die for some pleasure / even to run away from the grinds of life!

Rather, they are people who are wholly prepared & enthusiastically willing to die, for the sake of their convictions!

They are passionate and intensely in love with their faith and their convictions!

They are unaffected and impassive to the dangers and risks that are involved!

St John the Baptist knew that he was walking precariously on the rope of risks…
… and he was always ready for it!

Today, You and I….are invited to be a voice…
… in a voiceless
… in a voice-oppressed
… in a voice-drowned
… in a voice-killed…world!

St John the Baptist dared to be that VOICE – “I am the voice…!” (Jn 1:23)

Shall we too dare?

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
THE IMPORTANCE OF SACRED SCRIPTURE AND SACRED TRADITION
Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, are bound closely together…
… and communicate one with the other.

For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing…
… and move towards the same goal.
Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the Mystery of Christ…

… Who promised to remain with his own “always, to the close of the age!” (Cf. CCC #80)

“Readying to shape our destiny as per God’s Holy and Perfect Will!”

(Based on 1 Cor 9:19-27 and Jn 12:22-32 – Feast of St John de Britto)

Destiny is shaped by moments of decision!

It was the year 1673 in Portugal.

A young man of 26 was on the verge of taking a strong and serious decision.

He was just a little over a decade, as member, in the Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

His superiors deemed it right to send this vibrant and dynamic person to the missions in India

It was a dangerous mission…
… It was a difficult mission

A destiny was to be shaped
A decision had to be made

The mother of this young and fervent person, feared the life of her beloved son.

Years back, she had experienced the mighty healing touch of the Lord, in the recovery of her son, from the point of death.

She had then, vested her son for a year, in a dress worn by the Jesuit fathers.

But now, she was afraid of losing her son again…

She knew mission to India meant death…
She knew mission away from the native was fatal…

She tried her best to persuade and influence to prevent him from going to the land of death…

But her son was determined….

He had decided to give up His life entirely for the Lord – body, mind and spirit

With deep courage and conviction, he answered:
“God, who called me from the world into religious life, now calls me from Portugal to India”

He had set His eyes on the Kingdom of heaven…
… and not limited by earthly life…

He had set His heart on the designs of God’s Will…
… and not restricted by human desires…

He had made a decision…
…a decision to shape destiny…according to God’s Will!

Just two decades later, on 4th February, 1693, this brave and committed person was executed for the sake of Christ.

The name of the person is St John de Britto, whose feast we celebrate today.

He followed the footsteps of his Beloved Master who had echoed the words:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it only remains a seed; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24)

To be a witness for the Kingdom of God is the call and duty of every Christian.

It is a decision to be made

It is a decision to be lived

It is a decision to be nurtured

Christ made this decision of being entirely and wholly dedicated to His mission

And He invites His disciples – His followers – to also commit themselves to the mission

Jesus had many occasions and chances to escape from this dedication…

He could have chosen to enjoy popularity and fame arising out of His mighty deeds…

But He made a “decision” to not compromise on the truths and convictions

He could have chosen to dilute some of His teachings and make life more “cosier”…

But He made a “decision” to remain firm and grounded on the fundamentals of eternity

He could have chosen to forego some of His values and have some “adjustments”…

But He made a “decision” to be faithful and loyal to the mission and duties entrusted to Him

Our life as a witness for Christ and His Kingdom is sometimes greatly influenced and prejudiced…

We sometimes don’t mind…
… being a little relaxing on some Church teachings…
… making some adjustments to remain popular and not have a bad name…
… diluting some values in order to appear as secular and sociable…

The Church is often under tremendous pressure to change some of Her moral teachings

The Church is often under blatant attacks to alter some of Her time-and-tested values

Most often, the motive behind all such attacks are a ‘life of ease’, a ‘life of comfort’, a ‘life of personal satisfaction’ etc…

Christ today, however, needs witnesses who are willing to undergo pains and persecutions…

The Martyr St John de Britto gave up…
… His native land
… His personal desires
… His family ties
… His very life itself…

All for the sake of Christ and His Love
All for the sake of the Kingdom and its values
All for the sake of His Church and Her teachings

In his words, “Not to answer the vocation as I ought, would be to provoke the justice of God”

Let us be true and faithful to the vocation we have received and the way of life we have chosen…
Christ needs martyrs who are willing to…
… live His teachings
… teach His teachings

Christ needs martyrs who are willing to give up their…
… physical life in the face of being persecuted for Him
… economic life and depend on Him as the true treasure
… social life to bear insults and humiliations to live His values

Yes, Destiny is shaped by moments of decision!

Are we – you and I – ready to shape our destiny as per God’s Holy and Perfect Will?

What is our decision?

Happy Feast of St John de Britto!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:

In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church, the apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them their own position of teaching authority.
This living transmission, accomplished in the Holy Spirit, is called Tradition, since it is distinct from Sacred Scripture, though closely connected to it.
Through Tradition, “the Church, in Her doctrine, life and worship, perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that She herself is, all that She believes.
The sayings of the holy Fathers are a witness to the life-giving presence of this Tradition…
… showing how its riches are poured out in the practice and life of the Church, in Her belief and Her prayer

The Father’s self-communication made through his Word in the Holy Spirit, remains present and active in the Church. (Cf. CCC #77-79)

“Readying for a genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God, in order to allow it’s great impact on our lives!”

(Based on Heb 12:4-7, 11-15 and Mk 6:1-6 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

When the first missionaries went to Japan, a young Japanese boy wanted to learn English.

The missionaries handed him a copy of the Gospels and asked him to translate into his native language.
(The boy – an avid reader – had never heard about Jesus and considered the book as being just one of the “many books that he had read”)

After a few pages of translation, the boy became very agitated and restless.

Approaching the missionaries, he said to them: “Who is this Man about Whom I have been reading in this book? This Jesus!

You call Him a Man… but to me, he appears as a God!”

The boy was under the impression that he was reading a book about a famous Man…
… only to discover that he was actually encountering The Great God in the Book!

Yes, a genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…
Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

The Gospel of the Day presents this dual-reaction to Jesus, the Word of God…
… an initial sense of rejoicing and enthrallment
… and later, a purposeful rejection of the Divine Ways and Will

The immensely charismatic personality of Jesus is revealed in the Gospel today.

Jesus came to His own country (Mk 6:1).
On the Sabbath Day, Jesus began to teach in the synagogue…
….and many who heard Him were astonished! (Mk 6:2a)

The popularity and the fame of Jesus was on the rise…

He had healed many who were with various sicknesses and diseases.
He had cast out demons from many who were possessed and under bondages.

Jesus became a sought-after person…
… an attraction for many people!

His tremendous passion for the missions was admiring…
His spectacular urge to preach the Kingdom of God was amazing…

This unfazed commitment to the mission, caused feelings of astonishment!

And so the people began to question…
“Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given Him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by His Hand?” (Mk 6:2b)

The mighty charismatic personality of Jesus caused a dual effect…
… one positive and one negative
… one supportive and one obstructive

We need to examine our life and check:
“What is the effect that Jesus has on our life?”

Are we persons who are supportive of the plans of God in our life…
… or do we obstruct the workings of the Lord, especially when we don’t understand His ways?

Are we persons who are grateful to the Lord for His mighty works in us…
… or are we able to see only at the negativities of life and end up criticizing God?

As Christians, we are people who have said “Yes” to follow ‘this’ Jesus…
… He who wants us to follow Him in healing the world
… He wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and unclean spirits
… He who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to all people anywhere

To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works… but above all in His Being!
… Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35)
… Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33)
… Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38)

Do I have my prayer life and communion with the Lord as the greatest thrust and push in all my activities, undertakings and ministries?
Do I have a deep desire and commitment to bring God’s love to all people and be passionate to share Him to all others?
Do I remain undistracted in the midst of all worldly attractions and forego personal pleasures by remaining focused on His Kingdom alone?

Jesus, while in this world….
… was misunderstood
… was contradicted
… was criticized

While in the world, as Christians, we will also have to face a lot of oppositions, criticism and even persecutions…
…. Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc

But the Lord assures that I AM “the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1)

Let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16)

A genuine and honest encounter with the Word of God always causes a great impact on people…

Some either feel greatly drawn by the Divine…
Some however, also feel a great sense of denial and refusal of God’s Ways

What is our Reaction and Response to Jesus, the Word of God?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
TRANMISSION OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE BY THE APOSTLES
In keeping with the Lord’s command, the Gospel was handed on in two ways:

Orally “by the apostles who handed on…
… by the spoken word of their preaching
… by the example they gave
… by the institutions they established, what they themselves had received

Whether from the lips of Christ, from his way of life and his works,
Or whether they had learned it at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

In writing “by those apostles and other men associated with the apostles who, under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit…

… committed the message of salvation to writing” (CCC #76)

“Growing in our conviction of our ‘belongingness’ to the Lord and being fearless and courageous in giving ‘external expression to our Faith!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Day of Consecrated Life)

In a session, for a gathering of priests and religious – as part of the Day of Consecrated Life – the speaker asked: “Can anyone please tell me in a word, what your idea of consecration is?”

An elderly sister, sitting right on the first row, stood up…

The speaker motioned to her… to answer

The sister – who had much experience in life working in mission areas- held out a blank sheet of paper…

And replied: “Consecration is nothing but to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet of paper…
… and let God fill it in, as He will
… and be joyful and at peace!”

That is indeed a beautiful way of understanding Consecration, isn’t it?

A total surrender to God’s Will and being joyful
A complete submission to God’s Ways and remaining at peace!

Today on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…

As Christians, we are reminded to grow in our “conviction of belonging to the Lord”…
… and to be fearless and courageous in allowing God to take complete control of our lives!

Today is also a day when we celebrate the ‘Consecrated Way of Life.’

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

Consecration is seeking to be pure – completely – in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.

“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…
“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…
If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….'” (Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…
… represented fulfilling of God’s command..
… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…
… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!
Jesus took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!
Jesus lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

By Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord…

Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the profession of vows…

The meaning of this consecration, also, derives from the consecration of the Lord…

We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…
… yet the Lord exalts us to live a pure and holy life.

We are “ordinary” by our human nature…
… yet the Lord wishes to join with His Divine nature

We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…
… yet the Lord wants to be His Kingdom partners

Our consecration…
… is a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life
… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

Each of us – whether single or in family life, whether a priest or a religious –
… ought to BELONG TO THE LORD AND TO HIM ALONE!

We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

This is a day…
… to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord
… to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord
… to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord
… to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Life will constantly take us to situations where we will face tough and hard moments.

Can we allow the Lord to fill the “papers of our life” – the canvas of our life – the way He wishes…
… and bowing before His Holy Will – say Yes to Him – and live in joy and peace?

May we grow in our conviction of our “belongingness” to the Lord…
… and be fearless and courageous in giving “external expression to our Faith!”

Yes, let us pray: “Lord, I belong to You and to You alone, Amen!”

Happy Feast to all us, who are consecrated to the Lord, by our Baptism…
… specially to the Consecrated, by virtue of the evangelical vows!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO ALL
Christ the Lord, in whom the entire Revelation of the Most High God is summed up…
… commanded the Apostles to preach the Gospel
… which had been promised beforehand by the prophets
… and which He fulfilled in His Own Person and promulgated with His Own Lips.

In preaching the Gospel, they were to communicate the gifts of God to all.

This Gospel was to be the source of all saving truth and moral discipline! (CCC #75)

“Understanding that true integrity and authority can work tremendous wonders, conversions of heart and transformations of life!”

(Based on Heb 11:32-40 and Mk 5:1-20 – Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

It was a healing and deliverance session in a praise and worship music concert.

The music was in full blow…

The praises were ringing high…

The atmosphere was electrified….

In that high and spirited ambience, the choir began to sing the hymn,
“In the name of Jesus, In the name of Jesus, we have the victory….
In the name of Jesus, In the name of Jesus, demons will have to flee…”

As this hymn of mighty power and deliverance was being sung…
… some of the people who were standing in front, and were reportedly demon-possessed, also began to sing and dance joyfully!

Now that was something surprising and shocking for the people who were singing on the stage…

It was a song for deliverance…
… but instead, these possessed people were also enjoying…

It was a song for liberation…
… but instead, these possessed people were also rejoicing…

On asking them as to how could they be also happy and rejoicing, these people answered:
“Well, although most of you are singing, ‘In the name of Jesus, demons will flee’, none of you seem to be singing it with any conviction or belief.

You seem to be enjoying the music more..
… and so therefore, we too are happy to enjoy the music and sing along!”

The hymn lost its power and value…
… because it was sung merely as a fast number!

The prayer lost its sanctity and sacredness…
… because it was sung merely as a jumping song!

There was no authority in the singing.

There was no credibility in the prayer.

There was no sincerity in the faith.

When authority and integrity are lacking in a spiritual endeavour, there is very less spiritual growth and nourishment!

When authority and integrity are present in a spiritual endeavour, there is much spiritual progress and advancements!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of how true integrity and authority can work tremendous wonders, conversions of heart and transformations of life!

Jesus had come to the other side of the sea, to the country of Gerasenes.

When He came to this place, Jesus encountered the man with an unclean spirit…
…. powerful and strong
… commanding and terrifying

But the Majestic Presence of the Lord, overwhelmed this spirit-possessed person.

The Gospel says, “And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshipped Him…” (Mk 5:6)

The amazing factor in the ministry of Jesus was His tremendous authority!

The wondrous aspect in the ministry of Jesus was His awesome integrity!

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Mark, we read…

The people “were astonished at his teaching, for He taught as one who had authority…” (Mk 1:22)

“… they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves…
… with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” ( Mk 1: 27)

This authority and integrity came…
… through His deep union with His Heavenly Father.
… through His faithfulness to the commands of His heavenly Father
… through His undivided devotion to His Heavenly Father

How authoritative, credible and integral are we in our life…
… as a Christian?
… in the family?
… as a consecrated person?

Authoritative does not mean arrogance…

Credibility does not mean over-confidence…

Integrity does not mean super-importance…

Authority, credibility and integrity in the Lord means…
… filled with the power and strength of God’s Spirit
… imbued with a deep passion for the Lord and His Church
… living an honest lifestyle in accordance to God’s Will and teachings

The Gospel of the Day calls us to check and examine…
… is my prayer life and devotion truly authentic and credible?
… is my preaching and spreading of God’s Word filled with His Holy Spirit?
… is my reception of the Sacraments helping me to make an honest effort to be a true Christian?

As we enter into this new month of February and as we offer our lives to the Providence of the Lord, let us seek to ensure, that:

Our prayers become a true raising of hearts to God…
Our reception of the Sacraments become an honest transformation for life…
Our spreading of God’s Word become a credible witness to God’s Kingdom….

Jesus is our model and example to be true and honest in life!

Jesus is our ideal and standard to be faithful and committed to our mission!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
TRANSMISSION OF DIVINE REVELATION

God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” – that is, of Christ Jesus.
Christ must be proclaimed to all nations and individuals, so that this Revelation may reach to the ends of the earth
God graciously arranged that the things He had once revealed for the salvation of all peoples…

… should remain in their entirety, throughout the ages, and be transmitted to all generations! (CCC #74)

“Holding on to the Lord and trusting that victory will be ours, by being faithful to the Powerful and Awe-Inspiring Lord, Who always assures His Presence with us!”

(Based on Deut 18:15-20, 1 Cor 7:32-35 and Mk 1:21-28 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

One of the very beautiful descriptions of a “Prophet” goes thus:

A prophet is someone…
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

This description finds its expression in the lives of Prophets in the Bible

They were people…
… who offered great comfort and consolation to those in difficulty and distress
… who reached out to the ones who needed a word of hope and happiness

At the same time, they were people…
… who out rightly condemned those who led a comfortable life – away from God and His Commandments
… who vehemently opposed the ways of those who oppressed the poor and constantly disrupted the lethargic lives of people.

Jesus is the “Prophet of all prophets!”

The perfection and the fullness of all prophets!

As God spoke in the book of Deuteronomy, through Prophet Moses: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people…
… you shall heed such a prophet.” (Deut 18:15)

And so, undoubtedly, Jesus, by His Prophetic Ministry also greatly upheld the principle of being the One…
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

The Gospel of the Day presents such an action of encounter…

On one side a group of people, who listen to Jesus, and are comforted
… while on the other side, some who are extremely disturbed by the Prophetic Presence of Jesus!

Between the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God
… between the shackles of captivity and bondage and the power of release and liberation

Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and addressing the people. (Mk 1:21)

His prophetic teaching is full of power and conviction…

His prophetic teaching is filled with passion and fervour…

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions

When one is highly passionate about one’s faith, it overwhelms one’s deeds and life.

As He taught the people, Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” (Mk 1: 24)

Where there is light, darkness cannot stand too long…

Where there is immense holiness, filth cannot remain for long…
When there is the Word of God being proclaimed, the powers of Satan begin to tremble…

Imagine this situation…

Jesus had been preaching for a while in the synagogue.

All people were in rapt attention & awe, listening to His gracious words.

But in the midst of them…
… was this man, with an unclean spirit.

He also was patiently hearing…

But as the bold words flowed from Jesus, the spirit within this man began to disturb.

The Lord’s Voice…
… began to reverberate his heart and mind…
… began to pierce into the depths of his soul…

He began to get agitated.

He began to get restless.
He began to get frantic.

And finally, he could no longer tolerate and with a massive and shrieking voice, he cried, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?!”

The cry of the man is not something in isolation….

The cry of the man is not something which is unique….

This cry is often repeated by all of us too…

“What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are living a life of coziness and comforts…

And we are encountered with situations of misery and helpless of other people..
We hear the words of the Lord to reach out to them in compassion and love.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are living a life in sin, bad habits and without even a sense of guilt…

And we are encountered by caring people who remind us of our need to give up such things…
We hear the words of the Lord to renew and mend our lives in purity and holiness.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are going through our life without proper sacraments and religious practices…

And we are encountered by constant exhortations to deepen our spiritual life…
We hear the words of the Lord to return to Him in humility and repentance.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

Often, we are happy to remain with the spirit of luxury, the spirit of casualness, the spirit of indifference, the spirit of lukewarmness, the spirit of pleasures etc…

We don’t like being disturbed.

We don’t like being questioned.
We don’t like being shaken up.

If we are, we get agitated and irritated… we resist and we get wild.

We even shout out: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

But, in all such situations, the Lord wants to empower us with His powerful & bold words, “QUIET! Come out of him” (Mk 1: 25)

Yes, Jesus the Prophet, mightily challenges all of us!

He is the Great Prophet
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

Our life is a constant warfare with the forces of the evil and the spirit of darkness.

It’s a battle that rages strongly…

It’s a combat that is highly engrossing.

But let us not be afraid…
The Powerful and Awe-Inspiring Lord is on our side!

Let us hold on to Him… and victory will be ours!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
IN CHRIST, DIVINE REVELATION IS COMPLETE

The Christian economy – the new and definitive Covenant – will never pass away…
… and no new public revelation is to be expected before the glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet even if Revelation is already complete, it has not been made completely explicit; it remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries.
Throughout the ages, there have been so-called “private” revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church.
They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith.
… it is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history.
Guided by the Magisterium of the Church, the ‘sensus fidelium’ knows how to discern and welcome in these revelations…
… whatever constitutes an authentic Call of Christ or His saints to the Church.
Christian faith cannot accept “revelations” that claim to surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfilment…

… as is the case in certain non-Christian religions and also in certain recent sects which base themselves on such “revelations” (CCC #66,67)

“Resigning ourselves to the complete Power and Providence of the Lord!”

(Based on Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 and Mk 4:35-41 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A visitor was once walking along a high part of the shore of the Dead Sea.

As he casually was strolling across and relaxingly enjoying, he lost his balance and fell into the water.

Swimming was an activity he had never learnt!
Desperation was a weakness that hastened to him quickly!

He could not swim and, in extreme anxiety, lest he should sink and be drowned, he began to fling his arms about frantically!

Was his life going to be terminated?

Was his enjoyable walk awaiting an anti-climax end?

At last, exhausted by wildly moving his arms for help, he felt he could do no more.

Then he found something strange happening…

The waters bore him up!

The water of the Dead Sea is so heavy with salt and other minerals that when he lay still in it he found he floated on the surface!

When he frantically moved his arms, in despair, there was immense fear of drowning..

But when he became still, he experienced the calm of support and strength!

Drowning was an impossibility so long as he resigned himself to the power of the deep!

The Gospel of the Day is this powerful lesson to trust deeper in the power of the Lord, when we encounter the storms of life!

The Gospel narrates the incident of Jesus and His disciples travelling in the boat, encountering the fierce storms and how the Lord brings in calm and serenity in that situation of turmoil and turbulence.

All the three synoptic Gospels – Mathew, Mark and Luke – not only report this incident of Jesus calming the boat, but also mention a simple yet significant detail – “Jesus slept!”

St Matthew says, “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” (Mt 8:24)
St Luke says “As they sailed, he fell asleep.” (Lk 8:23)
St Mark says, “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.” (Mk 4:38)

It’s amazing to imagine this situation:
The storms are raging high…

The waters are probably hitting hard on the boat…
The disciples are anxiously rowing, struggling to balance…
There is terror around… there is a sense of fear… there is growing apprehension.

Yet, in the midst of all this, the Gospels say that “the Lord is sleeping!”

Wow!

That really must be a good and sound sleep, isn’t it?

The Psalmist says, “I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8)

To be able to sleep in the midst of severe storms, is a sign of tremendous peace of mind!

Isaiah 43:2 promises: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown”

The One who has immense faith and trust in God has absolutely nothing to worry…even in the midst of any storm or squall

The One who has great confidence and belief in Divine Providence has just nothing to fear…even in the midst of any horror or terror.

Jesus was in communion with His Father.

This bonding made Him to be assured of every protection and care!
This union made Him to be rest assured of every safety and security!

Here is an important spiritual principle that Jesus teaches us:

The greater one is in communion with God, the greater and easier is one’s trust in Divine Providence.
The higher one is in union with God, the lesser will be the anxiety and worry factor in life.

Even when Jesus faced the greatest storm of His life – His passion and death – He was able to go through the crisis in peace and serenity.

In fact, before being arrested and taken for being crucified, Jesus assures peace and joy even for his disciples:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14: 27)

The Lord today invites us to have this same kind of a faith and trust in Him and His Divine Providence.

Life will, undoubtedly, bring with it many storms and tempests in life.

We may experience lots of fear…
We may feel the end is near…

But the one who trusts in Him, is assured of safety and security!

The more we are close to the Lord, the deeper would be this faith and confidence!

Drowning in life is an impossibility…
… when we resign ourselves to the complete power and providence of the Lord.

The power of the Lord is with us and beneath us…
… waiting to bear us up!

Do we trust?

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets…
… but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.”

Christ, the Son of God made Man, is the Father’s one, Perfect and Unsurpassable Word.
In Him, He has said everything; there will be no other Word than this One.
St. John of the Cross says: “Any person questioning God or desiring some vision or revelation would be guilty not only of foolish behaviour…

… but also of offending him, by not fixing his eyes entirely upon Christ and by living with the desire for some other novelty!