“Nurturing and growing in the task that is entrusted to us – in the little or big way that God graces us – and thus bring glory and honour to our Supremely Glorious and Omnipotent God!”

(Based on Heb 10:32-39 and Mk 4:26-34 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The Indian folklores of Akbar-Birbal are popular.

Here is one…

Once King Akbar asked his prime minister, Birbal, “Who is greater, me or God?”

This minister Birbal was very clever and prudent person.

Without hesitation, he answered, “You are, Your Majesty.”

Though the king was flattered, he asked, “How can that be?”

“Well, you see, Your Majesty”, replied the smart minister, “If you do not like someone, you can banish him from your kingdom very easily.

However, how can God banish anyone from His Kingdom?

Where can He send him?
The whole universe is God’s Kingdom!”

With one answer, the minister had apparently achieved two goals:

Pleased his King – by affirming his greatness by telling of the ‘power’ to banish
Told the truth – by acknowledging God’s total sovereignty

This little incident speaks to us of the supreme Glory and Omnipotence of God and His Kingdom.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus teaching to us on the nature and characteristics of the Kingdom of God, with the help of parables.

One aspect that we need to note here is the usage of parables in the teaching ministry of Jesus.

It could be said that if Jesus had a grammar teacher, then, probably the teacher would have been extremely proud of this Student!

Jesus used a lot of metaphors, similes, illustrations and parables in His teachings.

Therefore we need to be aware and careful when we read and understand this ‘technique’ of the Lord:

Such parables and examples were not to be taken in the literal sense, but in its figurative sense
Such metaphors were presented by Jesus to emphasise on a particular aspect of a teaching
Such illustrations were not meant to be closed-reflections; rather, they were to be means of allowing a person to explore and delve deeper into the mystery that was being explained.

The teachings connected to God and His Kingdom are mysteries…. divine and lofty.

Metaphors and parables are the meaningful expressions of these mysteries.
They are never complete by themselves… Yet, they are rich and meaningful.

They induce emotions.
They help to situate culturally.
They unite people together in a common search.

And this is the essence of true religiosity: fostering one’s search and longing for the Divine.

By presenting the parables, Jesus triggers our minds to open up to the vastness of the reality of God and to foster our desire to seek Him more, in our everyday living and circumstances.

For a true seeker of God, every situation of life becomes a parable from God, revealing His Supreme Providence.

For a genuine searcher of the Divine, every circumstance and person in life, becomes an illustration from the Lord, to know His Presence and Will

Do I consider my life as a “beautiful parable” from God, and seek to find the Divine elements in it?

Do I reflect on the circumstances of my life – joyful, painful, sorrowful, sinful – as a “wonderful illustration” from the Lord, inviting me to see His Presence and fostering my own relationship with Him?

The two parables of the Day present to us, figuratively, some aspects of the Kingdom of God:

1. The Parable of the Kingdom of God as the seed that is sown, sprouted and giving a rich harvest, without being in the grasp of the awareness of the one who sows

What does this parable teach?

a. The duty of the one who sows, even if one is unaware how the growth-process happens

Am I active and energetic in being an agent of the Kingdom of God – by speaking of Christ, by living His Gospel values, by freeing our lives from sin – even if I fail to understand ‘how’ would this help in the growth process of the Kingdom?

b. The glory of the growth of the seed, taking its own time and conveying the message of patience and persistence

Do I be patient when success doesn’t come to me immediately and do I continue to be persevering in my efforts – of prayer, of duty, of my responsibilities – even if it takes a longer time than I expect?

c. The assurance that the growth of the seed, fostered by earthly elements, nevertheless, given by the power and grace of God.

Do I be faithful to the duties that I need to do and then totally depend on the mighty hand of God in order to experience success and see the fruits of my labour? As the Psalmist says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain, who build” (Ps 127: 1)

2. The Parable of the mustard Seed as the Seed that is the smallest when sown, yet grows on to be the greatest of all shrubs, and becomes a shelter for the birds of the air

What does this parable teach?

a. The little things of life also have the potency to develop to give the greatest results, since God is the Author of such successes and accomplishments

Am I convinced that even if my resources – be it talents or time or income or personnel or anything else – are too small or insignificant, they can still become powerful means for the growth of God’s Kingdom, if we are faithful and depend totally on His grace?

b. The external growth and triumphs that are achieved, in turn, ought to become a source of help and solace for the others (as the birds of the air take nest in the huge mustard shrubs)

Do the achievements of my life – small or big- help me to become a person who reaches out in support and solace, to the needy ones?

c. An element of surprise and wonder is present in every act of nature – the little mustard seed, which would otherwise have been trampled upon as something too ordinary, amazes by its extraordinary growth

Am I able to trust in the “surprising and astonishing” wonders that the Lord can perform in ‘any’ situation of my life?

All of us are part of the Project ‘Kingdom of God’.

May we nurture and grow in this task that is entrusted to us, in the little or big way that God graces us, and thus bring glory and honour to our Supremely Glorious and Omnipotent God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
GOD FORMS HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL
After the patriarchs, God formed Israel as his people by freeing them from slavery in Egypt.

He established with them the covenant of Mount Sinai and, through Moses, gave them His law…
… so that they would recognize Him and serve Him as the One Living and True God, the Provident Father and Just Judge, and so that they would look for the Promised Saviour.
Israel is the priestly people of God, “called by the name of the LORD,” and “the first to hear the word of God.”
Through the prophets, God formed His people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts.
The prophets proclaimed a radical redemption of the People of God, purification from all their infidelities – a salvation which will include all the nations.

Above all, the poor and humble of the Lord will bear this hope. Such holy women as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Judith and Esther kept alive the hope of Israel’s salvation. The purest figure among them is Mary (Cf. CCC #62,63,64)

“Letting the ‘light of God’s Love’ shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!”

(Based on Heb 10:19-25 and Mk 4:21-25 –Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1 – Feast of St Thomas Aquinas)

An incident is narrated in the life of St Thomas Aquinas.

One day when St Thomas Aquinas was preaching to the local people on the love of God, he observed an old woman listening attentively to his every word.

The old woman impressed the great saint by her simplicity, attentiveness and keenness.

Inspired by her eagerness to learn more about God whom she loved so dearly, he said to the people:
“It is better to be this unlearned woman, loving God with all her heart…
… than the most learned theologian lacking love!”

The lady was able to let the “light of God’s Love” shine through her life of simplicity and passionate tenderness.

We are all invited to lead a saintly life – filled with love – and allow others to experience the Light of God’s love!

Our Christian life exhorts us to be glowing with a holy life, to let others to see the Radiance of God’s Peace!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation and a reminder by Jesus to become a “light to the other”

Jesus presents a simple parable, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not on a stand?” (Mk 4: 21)

In the ancient world, people did not have electricity like we have today.

Most homes would contain several oil lamps because olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.

Oil lamps were the main source of light in every home.

These ancient lamps were usually oval shaped, and flat on top.
They were normally made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronze and sometimes even of gold.
Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

The Lord presents this common example of the Lamp to highlight…
… that Christian lives also ought to shine and glow
… that Gospel values cannot remain hidden and concealed
… that the power of light, however, little, can dispel the gloominess of darkness

The world we live in is often in darkness and in obscurity.

As Christians, we have a duty and an obligation to hold alight the lamp.

The world often runs into the darkness of sin and evil practices…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my holy and sanctified life?

Many people are often forced to remain in the shadows of guilt, shame and abuse…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my prayers, sacrifices and good works?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas – the great Doctor and Theologian…
… let us learn to humble ourselves before the Almighty Power of God

Towards the end of his life – this great learned person who had written much on the Lord – during prayer, Christ is said to have told him, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labour?” Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.”

He humbled himself before the Great God to allow God’s Light to always shine through!

When we humble ourselves before the mighty power of God, we allow His light to shine through us.

Our lives become “a glowing and fragrant lamp of God’s Light” when we acknowledge His Great Presence in our lives and allow ourselves to be totally dependent on Him!

The Lord invites us…
…. to let His light to pass through our actions, deeds and activities.
… to let His light illumine our thoughts, visions and mentalities.

Let us understand that, “it is better to be an unlearned person, loving God with all her heart…
… than to be the most learned theologian lacking love!”

And thus, may we let the “light of God’s Love” shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
GOD CHOOSES ABRAHAM

In order to gather together scattered humanity God called Abram from his country, his kindred and his father’s house, and made him Abraham – “the father of a multitude of nations”.
The people descended from Abraham would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people…
… called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church.
They would be the root on to which the Gentiles would be grafted, once they came to believe.19
The patriarchs, prophets and certain other Old Testament figures have been…

… and always will be honoured as saints in all the Church’s liturgical traditions! (CCC #59-61)

“Making our lives to be a ‘museum, showcasing God’s Graces’ and thus always following the motto of: ‘Following Christ. Faithfulness to Christ. Fruitfulness in Christ!’”

(Based on Heb 10:11-18 and Mk 4:1-20 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

In a Bible museum, there were various artefacts that were displayed…
… depicting various themes and incidents of the Bible.

In the tableau that displayed the Parable of the Sower, was written a caption, which read:
“The Parable of the Sower: Following Christ. Faithfulness to Christ. Fruitfulness in Christ

FOLLOW Christ fully
Be FAITHFUL to Christ
Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ!”

This indeed gives a quick summary of the Parable of the Sower…
… expounded by Jesus in the Gospel of the Day

The Gospel begins with St Mark mentioning that “a very large crowd gathered around him…” (Mk 4:1)

The people were growing in excitement to know and experience the person of Jesus
… His miraculous works and welcoming attitude had generated much hope and expectation

The Lord however, doesn’t allow Himself to be captivated by mere peripheral knowledge and trifle expectations!

He sows the “seeds of truth” and invites them to purify their intentions in being His follower!

And so, with the crowds swelling around, He exhorts his “large followers” with a pertinent term: “LISTEN!” (Cf Mk 4:3)

LISTEN to the voice of the Lord and examine what type of a follower are you…

Are you someone who only casually listens to the Word – like the seed that fell on the path
… failing to give any space for the Lord to work in your life or allowing the birds of the evil one to devour the graces of the Lord?

Are you someone who is only emotionally attracted to the Word – like the seed that fell on rocky ground…
… failing to allow the Word to take deeper roots in life or getting scorched when the sun of struggles and difficulties blaze brightly?

Are you someone who fails to give priority to the Word – like the seed that fell among the thorns…
… failing to give the first place to the Kingdom of God and allowing the thorny desires and fleeting pleasures of the world to take control of life?

OR
Can we be the one who receives the Word with much devotion and preparation – like the seed that fell into good soil…
… and allowing His Word to take total possession of life and allowing His Word to bear much fruit?

Yes, each one of us needs to…
… FOLLOW Christ fully: Giving Him the highest and greatest priority in one’s life
… Be FAITHFUL to Christ: Holding on to the Lord, despite the various struggles that may come across
… Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ! Bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit and being open to His Grace

May the Word of God always have a transformative effect in our lives…
… and may our lives truly be a “museum, showcasing God’s Graces” and thus always follow the motto of: Following Christ. Faithfulness to Christ. Fruitfulness in Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
GOD’S COVENANT WITH NOAH
After the unity of the human race was shattered by sin, God at once sought to save humanity part by part.

The covenant with Noah after the flood gives expression to the principle of the divine economy toward the “nations”
This state of division into many nations is at once cosmic, social and religious. It is intended to limit the pride of fallen humanity, united only in its perverse ambition to forge its own unity as at Babel.
But, because of sin, both polytheism and the idolatry of the nation and of its rulers constantly threaten this provisional economy with the perversion of paganism.
The Bible venerates several great figures among the Gentiles: Abel the just, the king-priest Melchizedek – a figure of Christ – and the upright “Noah, Daniel, and Job”…

… Scripture thus expresses the heights of sanctity that can be reached by those who live according to the covenant of Noah, waiting for Christ to “gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (Cf. CCC #56, 57,58)

“Avoiding all ‘lame’ excuses and wholeheartedly accepting the Mission Mandate of the Lord, inspired by the example of St Timothy and St Titus!”

(Based on 2 Tim 1:1-8 and Lk 10:1-9 – Feast of St Timothy and St Titus)

A lady – affected much with polio – and able to walk with just one leg approached a visa desk to go to the missions in the land of Africa.

She had been greatly influenced by the call of the Lord in the Gospels, to “be a missionary” and so decided to give her life totally for the missions.

The visa officer – himself a Christian – after reviewing and verifying her documents, had one last question to be ask, before giving the approval: “Can you give me a convincing answer as to why, with just one leg, you are taking up this risky mission journey?”

The lady, with a grin replied: “Well, I don’t find those with two legs going!”

The visa request was immediately granted!

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is a task entrusted to every Christian.

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St Timothy and St Titus…
… Bishops in the early Church and close companions of St Paul

St Timothy…
… (came from Lystra in present-day Turkey) was the son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father

After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.
St Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.
Later, they came together in Corinth, and Timothy accompanied Paul on many of his missionary travels.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.

In the year 93 AD, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

St. John retreated to Ephesus before eventually dying on the island of Patmos, and that the Virgin Mary followed John to Ephesus, living in a house above the town.

It is also quite possible, that St. Timothy – being the Bishop of Ephesus – also had interactions with Mother Mary and St John, who had (as many scholars say and many writings testify) spent their last years in Ephesus.

St Timothy therefore would have drunk from the deepest wells of the Christian tradition – hearing about the life of Christ from the lips of the most important witnesses of His Life and Death!

St Titus…
… was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years. >> He pursued a life of virtue, and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.

According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth….
… only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

St Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51, and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.
After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete…
… He is credited with leading the Church of Crete, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.

These two great saints teach us important lessons on living as a follower of Christ…
… Christ reminds and exhorts every one of us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” (Lk 10:2-3)

1. Being ready to face any challenge or opposition in being a witness to the Gospel

St Timothy and St Titus had to face innumerable opposition – from within community, from the persecutors around, in their mission journeys etc
… yet to remained firm and faithful to their mission mandate

Are we ready to brave every challenge to be a Courageous witness of the Gospel in our own life situations?

2. Readiness to depend on the Lord for everything

Giving heed to the words of the Lord to his missionary apostles, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.” (Lk 10:4)…
… we are reminded on the need to avoid reliance on material dimensions of life; instead to have our dependence totally on the Lord!
St Timothy and St Titus experienced the fruits of this “total dependence” in their ministries!

Can we let go of our various attachments and trust deeper in the Providence of the Lord?

3. Untiring zeal and passion for the Kingdom

St Timothy and St Titus accompanied St Paul in his missionary journeys…
… and learnt the “art of passionate zeal for missions” in imitation of Christ

Are we ready to be enrolled into the school of Jesus, the Greatest Missionary and learn from him the “art of passionate zeal for missions?”

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is indeed a task entrusted to every Christian.

God has blessed us immensely with many good things…
… and it is our duty to put all these blessings and graces for the Glory of the Lord

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

May the missionary zeal of St Timothy and St Titus inspire us…
… and help us to “rekindle the gift of God that is within…” (Cf. 2 Tim 1:6)

Happy Feast of St Timothy and St Titus!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
GOD’S GRADUAL REVELATION – CALLING TO COMMUNION WITH HIM
God, Who creates and conserves all things by his Word, provides men with constant evidence of himself in created realities.

Wishing to open up the way to heavenly salvation – He manifested himself to our first parents from the very beginning.”
He invited them to intimate communion with Himself and clothed them with resplendent grace and justice.
“After the fall, [God] buoyed them up with the hope of salvation, by promising redemption; and He has never ceased to show his solicitude for the human race…
… for he wishes to give eternal life to all those who seek salvation by patience in well-doing!”

(Cf. CCC #54, 55)

“Avoiding all ‘lame’ excuses and wholeheartedly accepting the Mission Mandate of the Lord, inspired by the example of St Timothy and St Titus!”

(Based on 2 Tim 1:1-8 and Lk 10:1-9 – Feast of St Timothy and St Titus)

A lady – affected much with polio – and able to walk with just one leg approached a visa desk to go to the missions in the land of Africa.

She had been greatly influenced by the call of the Lord in the Gospels, to “be a missionary” and so decided to give her life totally for the missions.

The visa officer – himself a Christian – after reviewing and verifying her documents, had one last question to be ask, before giving the approval: “Can you give me a convincing answer as to why, with just one leg, you are taking up this risky mission journey?”


The lady, with a grin replied: “Well, I don’t find those with two legs going!”


The visa request was immediately granted!


Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is a task entrusted to every Christian.


Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?


Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St Timothy and St Titus…
… Bishops in the early Church and close companions of St Paul


St Timothy…
… (came from Lystra in present-day Turkey) was the son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father
>> After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.
>> St Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.
>> Later, they came together in Corinth, and Timothy accompanied Paul on many of his missionary travels.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.
>> In the year 93 AD, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

St. John retreated to Ephesus before eventually dying on the island of Patmos, and that the Virgin Mary followed John to Ephesus, living in a house above the town.

It is also quite possible, that St. Timothy – being the Bishop of Ephesus – also had interactions with Mother Mary and St John, who had (as many scholars say and many writings testify) spent their last years in Ephesus.
>> St Timothy therefore would have drunk from the deepest wells of the Christian tradition – hearing about the life of Christ from the lips of the most important witnesses of His Life and Death!


St Titus…
… was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years. >> He pursued a life of virtue, and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.
>> According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth….
… only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

>> St Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51, and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.
>> After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete…
… He is credited with leading the Church of Crete, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.


These two great saints teach us important lessons on living as a follower of Christ…
… Christ reminds and exhorts every one of us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” (Lk 10:2-3)

1. Being ready to face any challenge or opposition in being a witness to the Gospel
>> St Timothy and St Titus had to face innumerable opposition – from within community, from the persecutors around, in their mission journeys etc
… yet to remained firm and faithful to their mission mandate

Are we ready to brave every challenge to be a Courageous witness of the Gospel in our own life situations?


2. Readiness to depend on the Lord for everything
>> Giving heed to the words of the Lord to his missionary apostles, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.” (Lk 10:4)…
… we are reminded on the need to avoid reliance on material dimensions of life; instead to have our dependence totally on the Lord!
>> St Timothy and St Titus experienced the fruits of this “total dependence” in their ministries!

Can we let go of our various attachments and trust deeper in the Providence of the Lord?


3. Untiring zeal and passion for the Kingdom
>> St Timothy and St Titus accompanied St Paul in his missionary journeys…
… and learnt the “art of passionate zeal for missions” in imitation of Christ

Are we ready to be enrolled into the school of Jesus, the Greatest Missionary and learn from him the “art of passionate zeal for missions?”


Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is indeed a task entrusted to every Christian.

God has blessed us immensely with many good things…
… and it is our duty to put all these blessings and graces for the Glory of the Lord
>> Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?


May the missionary zeal of St Timothy and St Titus inspire us…
… and help us to “rekindle the gift of God that is within…” (Cf. 2 Tim 1:6)


Happy Feast of St Timothy and St Titus!
God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
GOD’S GRADUAL REVELATION – CALLING TO COMMUNION WITH HIM
God, Who creates and conserves all things by his Word, provides men with constant evidence of himself in created realities.
>> Wishing to open up the way to heavenly salvation – He manifested himself to our first parents from the very beginning.”
>> He invited them to intimate communion with Himself and clothed them with resplendent grace and justice.
>> “After the fall, [God] buoyed them up with the hope of salvation, by promising redemption; and He has never ceased to show his solicitude for the human race…
… for he wishes to give eternal life to all those who seek salvation by patience in well-doing!”
(Cf. CCC #54, 55)
——————————–

“May the zeal and passion of St Paul inspire all of us to live in total dependency on the Lord!”

(Based on the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul)

A 7 year old boy came to his grandfather after his catechism classes and asked him:
“Grandpa, today our teacher taught us about St Paul. Let me therefore ask you a question…

From which animal did St Paul fall down on the way to Damascus? I will give you 3 options: Camel or Donkey or Horse?”

The grandfather, looked at the boy: “Oh my boy! I am not sure which animal he fell from, because I doubt if the Bible says that.

But in my opinion he fell from the ‘height of self-righteousness!’”

Quite true, isn’t it?

St Paul indeed had a fall…
… a fall from his “self-righteous” attitude…
… and rose up to a new lifestyle: “Total dependence on the Lord!”

This is the beautiful story of the conversion of St Paul…
… arguably one of the greatest missionaries of the Church!

[[The Bible, in fact, doesn’t mention any animal. The incident, however does highlight that it was noon time.

Catholic author Dr. Taylor Marshall refers in his book: “The Catholic Perspective on Paul” on the view that every day at noon, pious Jewish men recited prayers while standing on their feet and facing toward Jerusalem (cf. Dan. 6:10-11). It could be possible that Saul, the zealous Pharisee that he was, observed midday prayer on that day as he travelled along the road to Damascus. This would have meant that he was likely standing erect and facing south to Jerusalem when he was blinded by the light of Christ and fell to the ground!)]]

On this Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, there are several factors that we can meditate on, and learn from.

One of the very striking aspects is that of the Passion and Zeal of St Paul.

This passion was greatly reflected in all aspects of his life…
… in his preaching and his writings!
… in his dealing with the Gentiles and their cause of faith
… in his aggressiveness against anything that caused scandal and harm to the Church
… in his uncompromising attitude towards anything that endangered his relationship with the Lord!

Some of his writings in the letters reflect this aspect of Passion and Zeal:

“Woe to me, if I don’t preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)
“I count everything as a loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:8)
“My preaching… was a demonstration of the Spirit and power” (1 Cor 2:4)

We need to ask of ourselves:

Is my Christian life, filled with passion and zeal?
Do I burn with love for God and His Kingdom?
Does the Lord and His Will come first, in my life?

It’s easy to often remain on the “theoretical” dimension of Christian life!

Many times we have many discussions and deliberations about faith
… but don’t involve ourselves in spending time in prayer daily or living a life in the Holy Spirit and being guided by His Presence

Many times we hear many Christian talks or read many books on Christian life
… but hardly make efforts to grow in the Christian virtues or to improve our Sacramental Life

Many times we nurture doubts about Christianity, to “know more”…
… but fail to humble ourselves, to grow in our relationship with the Lord and loving Him more

The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul is a mighty reminder to all of us…
… to live our Christian lives “passionately and zealously!”

And this passion and zeal can come only if we allow ourselves, to be thrown down from the ‘height of self-righteousness’

St Paul had to experience this “falling down”

His self-righteousness had caused him…
… to persecute everyone who professed Christ and to eliminate them!
… to be blinded to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Therefore, “a fall from the height of self-righteousness” was necessary…
… so that he could rise to a new lifestyle: “Total dependence on the Lord!”

And so, with much confidence, he would declare later in his life: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)

In our lives, we also will experience many moments of “falls”…
… troubles, hardships, rejection, misunderstandings, humiliations

But let us not be discouraged
… Rather, “rise up” in all such situations to “totally depend on the Lord!”

May the zeal and passion of St Paul inspire all of us to live in total dependency on the Lord.

May we give deeper heed to his words of exhortation to each one of us:
“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy…
… make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. >> Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus!” (Phil 2:1-5)

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism:
JESUS CHRIST AS THE CULMINATION OF THE DIVINE PEDAGOGY OF REVELATION
The divine plan of Revelation is realized simultaneously “by deeds and words which are intrinsically bound up with each other” and shed light on each another.

It involves a specific divine pedagogy: God communicates himself to man gradually.
He prepares him to welcome by stages the supernatural Revelation…

… that is to culminate in the person and mission of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ!” (CCC #53)

“As a disciple of Christ – like St Francis de Sales – to ‘resolutely respond to the charismatic call of the Lord!’”

(Based on Jon 3:1-5, 10, 1 Cor 7:29-31 and Mk 1:14-20 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

Three different incidents are a told of a person, who was known to struggle with impatience, anger and exasperation…
… yet would deal with it, with a lot of maturity and patience.

1. The first incident is of stray man who walked through the streets, and was trying to ‘do him in’ – trying to harm the person.
   This person however, would tell him:
   “I am told you wish me harm. I can promise you that even if you had put out one of my eyes, I would still look kindly upon you with the other!”
2. The second incident is when he would be insulted by a certain high official and he was asked, why he did not lose his temper. He would admit and say:
   “At that time and many other times, I was seething with anger like water in a pot, boiling over the fire; but that by the Grace of God, even if the violent efforts to resist such passion endangered my life…
   … I would not let myself go!”
3. The third incident would be when the person would be instigated to lose temper and to speak badly to a young man. This would be his reaction to the same:
   “What did you want me to do in the matter?
   … I did what I could to arm myself with an anger that was not sinful. I took my heart in my two hands, but I did not have the courage to dress him down.

To tell you the truth, I was afraid of losing in a quarter of an hour this little bit of liquid of gentleness…
… which I have attempted to gather for twenty-two years, drop by drop like dew in the vessel of my puny heart!”

All these three incidents would be occasions when a person – like any of us – in the normal circumstance would have got angry and lost patience.

However, this person, with the Grace of God remained calm and composed.

He was willing to “resolutely respond to the charismatic call of the Lord”…
… inviting him to live in holiness and sanctity!

This person is St Francis de Sales – known as the Gentleman Saint…
… whose feast is celebrated on January 24th.

His life is a great inspiration to all of us…
… as he would allow himself to be moulded by the Grace of God
… and with honest efforts, would grow in virtue and holiness.

He allowed the Mighty Presence of the Lord to “take possession of his heart” and was willing to “let go of everything” that prevented him from being a disciple of Christ!

The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful incident of the call of the first disciples – Simon, Andrew, James and John – by the Sea of Galilee.

This call narrative is a mighty reminder of two important aspects of our Christian life and vocation: The charismatic call of the Lord and the resolute response needed from us!

1. Jesus is constantly seeking us (The charismatic call of the Lord)

Very often, we only consider the aspect of “we seeking the Lord”

But this Gospel beautifully reminds us: God searches and seeks for us…
… much much more, than we do!
“And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw…” (Mk 1:16)

The eyes of the Lord are constantly
… searching for us
… striving for us
… seeking for us

2. His call requires a free response from us (The resolute response needed from us)
   At the words of the Lord, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mk 1:17)…
   … Simon and Andrew, “immediately [they] left their nets and followed Him!” (Mk 1:18)

“And immediately he called them [John and James]; and they left their father Zeb′edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed Him” (Mk 1:20)

The disciples – drawn to the Charismatic Call of the Lord….
… with a free will, chose to follow the Lord

They had risks… They had uncertainties…. They had possibilities of failures before them!
Yet…
… yet, they “trusted in the Divine Call” and followed the Lord

Yes, the life of being a Disciple of Christ requires us to “resolutely respond to the charismatic call of the Lord”…
… and allow the Mighty Presence of the Lord to “take possession of our hearts”
… and be willing to “let go of everything” that prevents us from being a disciple of Christ!

Let this beautiful Gospel inspire and help all of us – like St Francis de Sales – to become “His Missionaries of Mercy and Compassion” in the world…
… by living the simple virtues of gentleness, patience and simplicity!

On this Feast Day, may the following popular quotes of the Gentleman Saint – St Francis de Sales (SFS) – inspire and strengthen us:

“Bloom where you are planted”
“Be what you are and be at its best”
“I have made a pact with my tongue… not to speak, when my heart is troubled!”
“A spoonful of honey attracts more bees than a barrel of vinegar”
“Be patient with all things; but first of all, with yourself!”
“Praying daily for half an hour is essential, except when you are busy… in those times, an hour!”

Wish you all a very Happy Feast of St Francis De Sales!

With joy and love, let us proclaim with him: “VIVE JESUS… Live Jesus!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
GOD REVEALS HIS “PLAN OF LOVING GOODNESS”

It pleased God, in His goodness and wisdom, to reveal Himself and to make known the mystery of his will.
His will is that men should have access to the Father, through Christ – the Word made flesh – in the Holy Spirit, and thus become sharers in the divine nature.
God, who “dwells in unapproachable light,” wants to communicate His Own Divine Life to the men He freely created…
… in order to adopt them as his sons in his only-begotten Son.
By revealing Himself, God wishes to make them capable of responding to Him…

… and of knowing Him and of loving Him far beyond their own natural capacity! (CCC #51,52)

“Be people who are filled with ‘enthusiasm’ – being IN GOD!”

(Based on Heb 9:2-3,11-14 and Mk 3:20-21 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“Enthusiasm” is a word that is very commonly used.

It is interesting to know the root meaning of this word.

“Enthusiasm” is derived from two Greek words – “en” and “theos”

“En” means IN
“Theos” means GOD

“En-theos” means being “In God”

Enthusiasm therefore points to the fact of…
… someone being “possessed by God”
… someone who is mad with the works of God

The Gospel of the Day is a narrative of a Man Who is deeply enthusiastic… IN GOD…
… the “Mad and Insane” Jesus!

St Mark’s Gospel is pretty straightforward – to the point and blunt in its nature.

The Lord was out to preach and proclaim the Kingdom of Love and Mercy…

· Broken lives were mended by the balm of His Holiness

· Ruined minds were revived by the power of His teachings

· Shattered destinies were made whole by the cure of His touch

· Hardened hearts were touched by the softness of His presence

· Ruptured consciences were restored by the gentleness of His love

The crowd following had increased…the popularity ratings had soared!

This however causes a great disturbance and distress in the family of Jesus…
“Again the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them, even to eat.
When His relatives heard of this, they set out to seize Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind'” (Mk 3: 20-21)

Jesus was labelled as being “out of mind!”

Jesus was tagged as being “insane and mad”

Jesus was branded as being “crazy and odd”

The one who is filled with God’s love is indeed an obsessed person!

The one who has eyes fixed on one’s goals is indeed a mad person!
… Obsessed in love…
… Mad for one’s aim…
… Passionate about one’s goals!

And Jesus was indeed passionate and highly zealous for His mission…

So much so, that even His own relatives misunderstood and mistook Him.

The Bible and the Church is a gigantic collection of deeds and acts of such people who were “mad” and who took “crazy” decisions in life…

Abraham was “crazy” to have faith in God, to have children, even at the ripe old age of hundred!

Moses was “mad” to trust God to lead a tiny nation from the clutches of the imposing Egyptian empire!

Mother Mary was “crazy” to give up her promising life and instead consent to an Angel to become the Mother of God!

St Peter was “mad” to abandon his career and family to follow Jesus for a ministry of unknown and uncertain future!

St Paul was “crazy” to undergo tremendous sufferings and agonizing troubles for the sake of the spread of the Gospel!

When one is really passionate towards one’s mission, there is an element of “craziness”!

When one is really zealous about one’s purposes, there is an element of “madness”!

Do I have and reflect this “mad” passion and zeal for God’s love?
… by seeking Him in all our works, activities and plans
… by reaching out His love to the needy and the disadvantaged
… by spreading hope, courage and optimism in this broken world

Let us dare to walk and live the path of the Crucified Lord…
… the One who was called mad and insane
… the One who was misunderstood and unaccepted

Because He chose to live and die for His convictions of Love!

Let us not be worried… let us not be anxious…but trust in our Loving God!

In the words of St Francis De Sales:
“God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you.

Why do you worry?”

Yes, let us be people filled with “enthusiasm”… being IN GOD….
… someone being “possessed by God”
… someone who is mad with the works of God

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
GOD REVEALS HIMSELF

It pleased God, in his goodness and wisdom, to reveal himself and to make known the mystery of his will.
His will was that men should have access to the Father, through Christ, the Word made flesh, in the Holy Spirit…

… and thus become sharers in the divine nature!”

“Allowing ourselves to be in the Hands of The Great Artist, so that He can ornament our life with His Golden Graces!”

(Based on Heb 8:6-13 and Mk 3:13-19 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A beautiful story is told about a village that was known for it fragile, expensive porcelain – especially it’s urns (= tall, rounded vases).

It is said that when each ern was finished, there would be one last step…
… the artist would deliberately break the urn
… and put it back

But there was something special in this putting back…
… The artist would put it back using gold filigree (= delicate ornamental work).

Thus, the urn – which would have been else ordinary – was transformed to a precious and priceless work of art!

Yes… What was considered as finished, wasn’t…
… until it was broken!

Is there brokenness in your life today?

Do you feel you are just “ordinary?”

Then allow yourself to be in the Hands of The Great Artist…
… And He will ornament your life with His Golden Graces!

What seems “ordinary” becomes special in the presence of the Lord!

Yes, God’s ways are truly far different from the way of human beings!

The Gospel of the Day is a testimony to this beautiful fact, when Jesus makes a choice of His disciples.

“Jesus went up to the mountain, and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him” (Mk 3:13)

Another translation would read, “…and summoned to Him those whom He wanted…”

The disciples were called because Jesus desired them!

The disciples were summoned because Jesus wanted them!

This style of choice is indeed strange and queer, isn’t it?

Here is Project Kingdom at hand…
… and Jesus chooses not the best, but the ordinary!

Jesus is out to usher in a Kingdom of healing and many divine works…

But Jesus chooses some mundane fishermen for this task!

Jesus is out to usher in a Kingdom of love and detachment…

But Jesus chooses some doubtful personalities like tax collectors and lover of money!

Jesus is out to usher in a Kingdom of Divine love and peace…

But Jesus chooses some nationalists and zealots!

Yes, God’s ways are truly far different from the way of human beings!

God’s style is exceedingly distinct from the style of human beings!

God makes His choice on the Single Principle of Love!

God makes His choice on the Sole Rule of Love!

You and Me – as Christians – followers of Christ – are also called and chosen!

What was the reason for it?

What was the criteria for God choosing us?

Nothing exceptional in us…

Nothing spectacular in us…

But simply and purely, His exceptional and spectacular love has chosen us!

He chose us simply because He wanted to choose us!

He selected us simply because He wanted to select us!

Sounds crazy? Sounds weird?

Well… God’s love and choices are indeed crazy and weird!

But they are also full of wisdom and Divine Providence!

Yes, we are called into existence in love, by the One who loves us deeply!

This sole factor can and should be the impelling and encouraging force in our lives!

In moments, when we feel that we are unwanted and unloved…

Know and realise, that God has chosen us…in love!

In moments when we feel unequipped and disarmed to undertake some duties and tasks…

Know and realise, that God has chosen us…in love!

In moments, when we are broken into despair and rejected into helplessness and loneliness…

Know and realise, that God has chosen us…in love!

In moments, when meaning to life is found missing and the future looks too hazy and clouded…

Know and realise, that God has chosen us…in love!

It may be easy for me to write reflections on God’s love…

It may be not too hard a task for me to preach on God’s love…

But deep within… can we know and experience, for sure.. that God’s Love encompasses us!

He simply loves us!

He simply loves to lavish His affections on us!

There can be no greater personal revelation for me than to know and experience that I am loved and chosen by God!

There can be no greater personal satisfaction and happiness for me, than to live and be passionate about this deep, personal and intimate love and choice of God!

Today, let us renew our commitment and zeal to this Love of the Lord!

He is calling us once again… in love..
… to be His disciples
… to be close to Him
… to be part of His Project Kingdom
… to be partakers of His mission in this world

There will be moments when we feel…
… broken and wounded
… ordinary and neglected
… not useful and rejected

But like the urn – in the hand of the artist…
… let’s realise that we would put back using gold filigree!

Ordinary as we are…
… we can be transformed to being precious and priceless!

Yes… What is considered as finished, isn’t…
… until it is broken!

Let us allow yourselves to be in the Hands of The Great Artist…
… and He will ornament our life with His Golden Graces!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

By natural reason man can know God with certainty, on the basis of his works.
But there is another order of knowledge, which man cannot possibly arrive at by his own powers: the order of Divine Revelation.
Through an utterly free decision, God has revealed Himself and given Himself to man.
This he does by revealing the mystery, His plan of loving goodness…
…. formed from all eternity in Christ, for the benefit of all men.

God has fully revealed this plan by sending us His Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. (CCC #50)