“Asking the Lord to grant us the Grace to always live and stand firmly for ‘Christian Convictions!’”

(Based on Wis 2:1a, 12-22 and Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 – Friday of the 4th Week in Lent)

An incident is told about a great Christian missionary who had pioneered the Christian work in a far-off island.

A group of well-wishers – some of them who wished to join this Missionary in his work – wrote a letter to him, asking:
“Have you found a good road to where you are?

If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you.”

The Christian missionary however replied back:
“If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them.

I want men who will come if there is no road at all!”

The beauty of life is enhanced, when people are willing to take the “road less travelled!”

And this can happen, only “when one’s life is guided by convictions!”

It is convictions in life…
… that will help to experience true serenity and happiness.
… that will help to tide across the various storms encountered.

Am I living a life of deep convictions in faith, which makes people to take notice of the Lord and help them come closer to Him?

Am I filled with a deep passion for the Lord, which makes others to be attracted and fascinated to the Kingdom of the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, boldly facing and withstanding the various storms of difficulties, and thus emerging as an Epitome of passion and conviction.

Jesus is progressing in His ministry.

On one side, there has been a increase in His popularity ratings…
… many sick being healed, many oppressed finding solace, many rejected finding consolation.
On the other side, however, there has also been an augmentation in opposition to Him…
… many being offended by His radical call of transformation, many finding Him blaspheming, many snubbed at His uncompromising authority.

But Jesus remains unperturbed!

He continues to preach the Word of God…
He continues to openly declare His relation with the Father…
He continues to publicly affirm His mission and purpose on the earth…

Jesus is the Epitome of convictions and passion!
Nothing could make Him to compromise His convictions…
Nothing could make Him to lay down His principles of life…

Neither threats, nor adulations… neither opposition, nor exaltation!

The Book of Wisdom prophesied the Person of Jesus Christ and His convictions that would amaze even His opponents:
“He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls Himself a Child of the Lord.

He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because His manner of life is unlike that of others, and His ways are strange.
We are considered by Him as something base, and He avoids our ways as unclean; He calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is His Father!” (Wis 2:13-16)

Can I also seek to grow in my life of conviction in my faith?

Can I also try to deepen my passion for the Lord and His Kingdom?

One of the very popular and yet, good-to-remind quote is:
“My life may be the only Gospel…
… that people may encounter
…that people may read
…that people may experience”

Let our lives powerfully and convincingly radiate the message of the Gospel!

The beauty of Christian life is enhanced, only when we are willing to take the “road less travelled!”

And this can happen, only “when one’s life is guided by convictions!”

As we enter into the new month of April – offering our lives to the safe Hands of our God…
… may our Blessed Lord grant us the Grace to always live and stand firmly for “Christian Convictions!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father-Source and Goal of the Liturgy

Divine Blessings were made manifest in astonishing and saving events: the birth of Isaac, the escape from Egypt (Passover and Exodus), the gift of the promised land, the election of David, the presence of God in the Temple, the purifying exile, and return of a “small remnant.”
The Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, interwoven in the liturgy of the Chosen People, recall these divine blessings and at the same time respond to them with blessings of praise and thanksgiving.
In the Church’s Liturgy, the Divine Blessing is fully revealed and communicated.
The Father is acknowledged and adored as the source and the end of all the blessings of creation and salvation.
In his Word Who became incarnate, died, and rose for us, He fills us with His blessings.

Through His Word, He pours into our hearts the Gift that contains all gifts, the Holy Spirit. (CCC # 1081-1082)

“Being true and faithful, rather than trying to be popular!”

(Based on Exod 32:7-14 and Jn 5:31-47 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Lent)

Written on the stone pavements of a street in a remote village are the following words:
“One of the evils of this modern day, is the scarcity of men and women in places of leadership who are willing to speak their convictions…
… at the risk of popularity!”

Christian life is a constant challenge between two aspects: Being Popular or being Right!

There is a constant challenge to stand against prospects of gaining false fame and phony popularity, by compromising on one’s Christian ideologies and values.

Can we be Christians…
… who value one’s integrity for Christ’s sake, than to compromise one’s principles and turn popular?
… who give priority to being honest for the Lord’s honour, than to dilute one’s ethics and gain cheap fame?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who stood firm and rock-solid, in his mission commitment, even in the face of opposition, indifference and apathy from the Jews.

The context of today’s Gospel Passage – Jn 5:31-47 – is the aftermath of the Healing of the Crippled Man by the pool of Bethesda, on the Sabbath Day (Jn 5:1-18)

This incident had sparked a rage of opposition against Jesus…

He was persecuted because the act of healing was done on the Sabbath (Jn 5: 16)
His defense caused the Jews to kill Him, because Jesus equated Himself with God (Jn 5:18)

There was a strong wave of antagonism and hostility, against Jesus…
… that was pressurizing Him to compromise His teachings
….that was coercing Him to dilute His principles

But Jesus stood firm and rock-solid, in his mission commitment, even in the face of opposition, indifference and apathy from the Jews.

He therefore presents before the Jews, witnesses which would testify to Him, to His Divinity.
He uses the language of a courtroom – “witnesses” – to prove His credibility as the Divine Person

Our Christian Life is a constant challenge…
… to let go of our values and principles
… to compromise on our efforts and mission works

We find in the Book of Exodus, how the people of Israel abandoned the ways of the Lord and “made for themselves a molten calf… worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” (Cf. Exod 32:8)

So often, we also create “molten calves” of money, power, position, sinfulness…
… and worship and give our priority to them!

We are quick in forgetting the many blessings and mercies of God…
… and turn away from the commandments of God!

We need to be inspired and imitate our Blessed Lord…
… Who was unwilling to let go of His Commitment and Dedication to the Mission

As we thank the Lord for all His Blessings in this month of March, let us seek the Grace to remain ever uncompromising in our Christian Life.
… to stand for God and His Kingdom
… to live to share His Love and Mercy

Yes…
…. “one of the evils of this modern day, is the scarcity of men and women in places of leadership who are willing to speak their convictions…
… at the risk of popularity!”

Let us dare to show this “spirit of leadership” like Jesus our Master…
… by seeking to be true and faithful, rather than just be popular!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father-Source and Goal of the Liturgy

From the beginning until the end of time, the whole of God’s work is a blessing.
From the liturgical poem of the first creation to the canticles of the heavenly Jerusalem, the inspired authors proclaim the plan of salvation as one vast divine blessing.
From the very beginning, God blessed all living beings, especially man and woman.
The covenant with Noah and with all living things renewed this blessing of fruitfulness despite man’s sin which had brought a curse on the ground.
But with Abraham, the Divine Blessing entered into human history which was moving toward death, to redirect it toward life, toward its source.

By the faith of “the father of all believers,” who embraced the blessing, the history of salvation is inaugurated. (CCC # 1079-1080)

“Creating ‘beautiful paintings’ of God’s Love and Mercy in this world, by the Power of the Master!”

(Based on Isa 49:8-15 and Jn 5:17-30 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Lent)

After the death of a great painter a young Italian boy went to the painting studio and asked for the great artist’s brush.

The boy tried the brush…
but found he could not paint any better with it than with his own.

It was then he realized…
… the power of painting, was not in the brush

It was in the Master!

The boy lacked the master’s power.

It was the Power of the Master that created the beautiful paintings.

Jesus, displayed immense strength and courage…
… as a result of His Powerful Union with His Father!

This Power led Him to create “beautiful paintings” of Mercy and Love in the world.

The Gospel of the Day is an amazing revelation by Jesus on His relationship with the Father.

This passage has its background in the healing that Jesus performed on a Sabbath day, of a man who had been ill for a very long time – thirty-eight years (Jn 5: 1-16).

When the Jews found out from the healed person, that it was Jesus who had done this work, they were extremely furious.

Their objection was that…
… Jesus had done this miracle on a Sabbath
… Jesus had made the person to perform a work – of carrying the mat – on the Sabbath day.

They, therefore, began to persecute Jesus (Jn 5: 16).

But Jesus brought out a fair logic in defending Himself, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work” (Jn 5:17)
• Jesus equates Himself to the Father….
• Jesus establishes Himself as the Son of God…

And He draws the point, that just as, on the Sabbath Day, His Father….
… creates and sustains, so is He renewing and bringing life to the world!
… supplies life and maintains, so is He nourishing and refreshing the world!

• Jesus, as the Son has every right and privilege to engage in life-saving works, just as His Father
• Jesus, as the Son has every justification and claim to do life-redeeming works, just as His Father

As followers of Jesus, we are to be the extension of His life-saving and redeeming works in the world…
… Am I willing to become a person, filled the power of the Lord, in order to bring healing to the world, by my deeds of kindness and goodness?
… Am I willing to become an extension of the Lord, imbued with His spirit, in order to spread His love and mercy to our broken and struggling world?

As followers of Jesus, we need to have the proper and true understanding of the Sabbath…
• The Sabbath is a day of solemn rest, holy to the Lord…
… Do I give it to the Lord, entirely, engaging only in deeds that help me come closer to Him?

• The Sabbath is a memorial of Israel’s liberation from bondage in Egypt
… Do I remind myself of being a person to be liberated from the bondage of sin, and seeking to grow in holiness?

• The Sabbath is sign of the irrevocable covenant between God and human beings…
… Do I renew the spirit of this pledge and promise to the Lord with salvific deeds of love?

Let us deepen our relationship and grow in our efforts to be more in union with the Lord…
… the One who guides the world, the One who sustains each of us and the One who fills life in all!

Jesus, displayed immense strength and courage…
… as a result of His Powerful Union with His Father!

This Power led Him to create “beautiful paintings” of Mercy and Love in the world.

Let us also realize that it is only by “the Power of the Master that we can create the ‘beautiful paintings’ of God’s Love and Mercy in this world”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father-Source and Goal of the Liturgy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. He destined us before Him in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His Will, to the praise of His glorious grace which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”
Blessing is a divine and life-giving action, the source of which is the Father; His blessing is both word and gift.

When applied to man, the word “blessing” means adoration and surrender to His Creator in thanksgiving. (CCC # 1077-1078)

“Rising… taking up our mats… and walking!”

(Based on Ezek 47:1-9, 12 and Jn 5:1-3, 5-16 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Lent)

“The seven habits of highly effective people” by Stephen Covey is one of the most popular best-selling book in the world.

The book speaks of seven prime qualities to tap success in life and to achieve one’s objectives and aims.

The first among these seven habits of highly effective people is “to be proactive” in life.

Problems beset every person in this world.
Difficulties surround all of us, in every society.

But, the one who is “proactive” in life, is able to get over these “paralyzing” factors of life.

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of this aspect: On how to have our heads raised up, in hope and trust, despite many crushing and crippling causes in life.

Jesus is in Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.

As he passed through the town, he came near a pool, named Bethzatha.

Jesus encounters a person there, who has been ill for a very long period… thirty eight years! (Jn 5:5)

We are not exactly told what illness was it…

Probably a paralyzing illness… a cripple of the legs… or even a combination of many other sicknesses.

But one thing is known: this sickness made the person to not walk!

The sickness had immobilized him.
But more than his physical body, it seems, that the sickness had crippled also his mind:

His way of thinking seemed jammed in having hope in life…
His outlook to life seemed blurred to see optimism and hope…
His perspective of people seemed to distort his confidence and trust…

When Jesus questions the man, “Do you want to be well?” the man answers not with a positive affirmation or an optimistic assertion.

Instead he begins to get into a complaining and a pitiable mode, “Sir, I have no one… ” (Jn 5: 7)

A ray of hope was offered to him…
… but instead the man continued to see only the dark clouds.

A glimpse of joy was revealed to him…
… but instead the man persisted on the sad aspects alone.

The long period of sickness had blotted his vision and faded his hopes.

But the Lord – the ever-challenging God – does not allow the man to remain in this unfortunate and “look-on-me-with-sympathy-please” mode…

Instead, Jesus charges him, “Rise, take up your mat and walk” (Jn 5:8)

And immediately the man became well, took up his mat and walked!

The presence of the Lord vanished away the man’s doubts and lame excuses…

The man became proactive…
… casting away his attitude of complaining to become a person of courage
… dropping off his crippling attitude of “none-to-help” and picking up the mat of power and grace

Problems beset each of us in this world.
Difficulties surround all of us, at various times and situations

But, the one who is “proactive” in life, is able to get over these “paralyzing” factors of life!

Jesus gives us this courage and the hope to be “proactive” in life, with His grace and mercy.

Pro-activity is not a mere human attitude of determination…
… it is an action spurred by the mighty love and mercy of the Lord.

Pro-activity is not a mere individual display of willpower and resolve…
… it is an approach, impelled by a tremendous faith and hope in the Lord.

You and I, very often may find ourselves in crippling situations of life.

We may keep on lying down…
We may keep on being a “complaint-box”
We may keep on blaming people and situations…

Or…

We can raise up our heads to see the Lord challenging us to walk…
We can garner strength and courage and be bold to pick up our mats of suffering…

Shall we be ready, “to rise, take up our mats, and walk?”

The choice is ours…

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father-Source and Goal of the Liturgy

In the Church’s liturgy the divine blessing is fully revealed and communicated.
The Father is acknowledged and adored as the source and the end of all the blessings of creation and salvation. In His Word Who became incarnate, died, and rose for us, He fills us with his blessings. Through his Word, he pours into our hearts the Gift that contains all gifts, the Holy Spirit.
The dual dimension of the Christian liturgy as a response of faith and love to the spiritual blessings the Father bestows on us is thus evident.
On the one hand, the Church, united with Her Lord and “in the Holy Spirit,” blesses the Father “for His inexpressible gift in Her adoration, praise, and thanksgiving.
On the other hand, until the consummation of God’s plan, the Church never ceases to present to the Father the offering of his own gifts and to beg him to send the Holy Spirit upon that offering, upon herself, upon the faithful, and upon the whole world…

… so that through communion in the death and resurrection of Christ the Priest, and by the power of the Spirit, these divine blessings will bring forth the fruits of life “to the praise of his glorious grace!” (CCC # 1082-83)

“Staying calm and happy by having ‘a simple and a little faith,’ in the Great and Big God!”

(Based on Isa 65:17-21 and Jn 4:43-53 – Monday of the 4th Week in Lent)

There was once a good woman who was well-known among her circle for her simple faith and her great calmness in the midst of many trials.

Another woman, living across the street, hearing of her, said, “I must go and see that woman, and learn the secret of her calm, happy life.”

She went, and, enquired the woman: “Are you the woman with the great faith?”

“No,” was the answer!

“I am not the woman with the great faith, but I am the woman with a little faith in the great God,” came the rest of the answer!

Yes, the secret of “staying calm and happy” is about having “a simple and a little faith, in the Great and Big God!”

The Gospel of the Day presents an incident of a “person who stayed calm and happy” by having “a simple and a little faith, in the Great and Big God!”

Jesus is in the land of Galilee… away from his hometown. (Jn 4:43)

In this Gentile land, a royal official whose son was ill – nearing death – approached Jesus, seeking for a healing.

He travelled a far distance – nearly 25 miles, from Capernaum to Galilee – and coming to Jesus, he asked, “Sir, come down, before my child dies” (Jn 4: 49)

This royal official had a mixed bag of faith…

He had faith in Jesus, which made him to come a long distance to meet Jesus.
… his faith was however, mostly prompted only because of a need for a healing.

Often our faith resembles this royal official…
… turning to the Lord only in times of afflictions and troubles
… having our own doubts on whether the Lord can really work miracle in the way I want

But we must also remember…
… hard and difficult situations, are willed by God, to allow for miracles and healings, which ought to become the springboard for a deeper and committed life of faith!
… the Lord has His own ways and means of working powerfully in our lives, and we need to have the openness and humility to receive them in His way and in His time!

When the Lord gave His word, “You may go; your son will live” (Jn 4:50), this royal official, with a mixed bag of faith…
… began to understand the secret of “staying calm and happy” by having “a simple and a little faith, in the Great and Big God!”

The Gospel says, “… the man believed what Jesus said to him and left” (Jn 4: 50b)

Moments of immense difficulties and crisis often cripple us.
Times of tremendous hardships and pains often cause worries to us.
But, the Lord constantly invites us “to stay calm and happy” by having “a simple and a little faith, in the Great and Big God!”

It’s His grace that strengthens us.
It’s His mercy that empowers us.

Shall we also adopt and personalize this great secret…
… of “staying calm and happy” by having “a simple and a little faith, in the Great and Big God!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father-Source and Goal of the Liturgy

From the beginning until the end of time the whole of God’s work is a blessing.
From the liturgical poem of the first creation to the canticles of the heavenly Jerusalem, the inspired authors proclaim the plan of salvation as one vast divine blessing.
From the very beginning God blessed all living beings, especially man and woman.
The covenant with Noah and with all living things renewed this blessing of fruitfulness despite man’s sin which had brought a curse on the ground.
But with Abraham, the divine blessing entered into human history which was moving toward death, to redirect it toward life, toward its source.
By the faith of “the father of all believers,” who embraced the blessing, the history of salvation is inaugurated.
The divine blessings were made manifest in astonishing and saving events: the birth of Isaac, the escape from Egypt (Passover and Exodus), the gift of the promised land, the election of David, the presence of God in the Temple, the purifying exile, and return of a “small remnant.”

The Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, interwoven in the liturgy of the Chosen People, recall these divine blessings and at the same time respond to them with blessings of praise and thanksgiving. (CCC # 1072)

“Running into the embrace of God’s Love – with sincere repentance and contrition of heart – and pledging to live for Him, and with Him… forever!””

(Based on Josh 5:9-12, 2 Cor 5:17-21 and Lk 15:1-3, 11b-32 – 4th Sunday of Lent, Cycle C)

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

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

He was aware that that his father had told him not to put on the oven without his permission
He was also not really sure how a cake is to be baked

Yet, he decided to give it a try…

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

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

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

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

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

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

But he wanted to do something for his Dad!

He didn’t know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn’t know how the oven worked)!
Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of the cake dough.

He tried to push her away.

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

In desperation, he tried to clean the floor..
… but unfortunately he slipped!

Just then, he raised his eyes and saw his gigantic Daddy standing before him.
He just remained on the floor….
…. All messed up and dirty…

Large tears swelled up in his little eyes!

The father kept watching him.

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

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

He picked up his crying son hugged him…. And loved him!
In the process, Daddy also dirtied his clothes!

But here was a beautiful picture of a Father who displayed a tremendous love and acceptance…
… even if it meant to dirty himself!

True love knows no bounds!

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

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

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

1. The Prodigal Son

He went away from the love of his father

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

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

But having spent his life in useless living, he realised the emptiness and vacuum that filled his heart.
And so he decided to turn back, and go to his father

2. The Elder Son

He remained the faithful “servant” of the house

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

He couldn’t digest the fact that his brother who lived a “wasted life” was honoured….
… whereas he was never given the chance to “enjoy with his friends”

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

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

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

He suffered a deep pain when his younger son went away
He underwent immense pain waiting for the son to come back
He went through moments of dilemma when his elder son was opposing the welcome of the younger one

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

He is the Father of Mercies – Who accepts all, just as they are
He is the Father of Love – Who loves everyone, unconditionally
He is the Father of Compassion – Who receives all to His loving embrace

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

We try to do something good…
… but our life turns into a mess!

Our student life gets messed up with lack of commitment and failures
Our marriage hits the rocks with misunderstandings and lack of acceptance
Our family life gets into a crisis with lack of unity and peace of mind

We feel our life is all in a mess…

We find ourselves lost, frustrated and upset!

But in all such situations, we need to look up…
… and see how the Loving Father is waiting to embrace us…. And love us!

Yes, the Merciful Father is waiting for each one of us…
… Whatever be the mess, that my life may be in!

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

And pledge to live for Him, and with Him…
… forever!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGY – WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY – The Father – Source and Goal of the Liturgy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places!
Blessing is a divine and life-giving action, the source of which is the Father; His blessing is both word and gift.

When applied to man, the word “blessing” means adoration and surrender to His Creator in thanksgiving. (CCC # 1077-1078)

“’Laying ourselves low’ in humility and not be ‘standing up’ in pride!”

(Based on Hos 6:1-6 and Lk 18:9-14 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

A family had shifted to a new house, and the little girl of the house was given her own little room.

On her bedroom wall, just over the head of the bed on which she slept…
… was a picture of Jesus.

This picture was reflected in the large mirror of the dressing table…
… which was directly on the other side.

Thus, when the little girl woke up on the first morning in the new house…
… she could see the picture of Jesus (which was reflected on the mirror)

As she lay on bed, with her eyes opened, she exclaimed:
“Oh Mummy… I can see Jesus through the mirror!”

To have a better look, the little girl, quickly stood up, to have a better look.

But in so doing, she brought her own body between the picture and the mirror!

As a result, instead of seeing Jesus, she now saw herself!

So she lay again, and saw the picture of Jesus once more.

She did this quite a few times over and over…
… seeing the image of Jesus as she lay down, and seeing her own image as she stood up on bed!

Finally, she said:
“Mummy, when I can’t see myself, I can see Jesus!

But every time I see myself, I don’t see Him!”

How true it is this isn’t it…?

When our own self fills our vision, it clouds the view of Jesus!

Perhaps, very often, we are so full of ourselves, that we cannot see or recognise Christ!

The Gospel of the Day exhorts a strong message on this deadly vice of “being full of ourselves”
… in a single word – “Pride”.

Chapter 18 of the Gospel of St Luke begins with two parables, that teach on the aspect of Prayer.

The parable of the Widow who was persistent (Lk 18: 1-8)
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18: 9-14)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector have interesting comparisons with respect to the various gestures and actions that they take:

Both go up to the Temple area to pray…

The Pharisee took up his position… the tax collector stood off at a distance
The Pharisee spoke the prayer to himself… the tax collector would not even raise his eyes to heaven
The Pharisee spoke of his personal glories… the tax collector acknowledged being a sinner, in need of mercy.

Though the Gospel doesn’t speak of it, it seems that both, the Pharisee and the tax collector had taken a mirror with themselves, when they went to pray….
A mirror… yeah!

But, the strange fact is that, both of them used the mirror in contrasting manners!

The Pharisee used the mirror and saw his many achievements and accomplishments…
… being unlike the rest of the sinful humanity like the greedy, dishonest or adulterous
… fasting twice a week
… pay tithes on his whole income

The tax collector, also used a mirror…but saw in it, his many failures and shortcomings…
… the moments when he had cheated others to have greater financial gains
… the times he had subjected himself to be a traitor by working against his own people
… the need to seek for God’s mercy acknowledging his sinfulness

Prayer is like a mirror…but it depends on one’s attitude and disposition what one sees…

If one is filled with pride and self-conceit, one sees only one’s accomplishments…
… and thus pushes out God and replaces oneself as the source of all good works!

If one is truly humble and modest, one sees one’s weaknesses and limitations…
… and thus acknowledge the dependence on God and on His grace in life!

Prayer could be made into a time of reciting the litany of one’s great achievements…
…or prayer could be made into a moment of seeking God’s mercy and compassion.

Prayer could be made into an occasion to boast of oneself and put down others…
… or prayer could be made into a moment to see the glittering light of God guiding us.

What is our attitude and disposition?

Am I afflicted with the sickness of pride which makes me to flaunt only myself at the expense of the other?
Am I distressed with the disease of arrogance which makes me to see myself as the greatest person in the world, casting aside all people and even God?

There is something of “this” Pharisee, perhaps, in all of us which needs to be shun…

There is something of “this” tax collector, which needs to be cultivated…

This “this”…
… is the need to cast away pride and the need to embrace humility and dependence on God!

Let us “lay ourselves low” in humility…and not be “standing up” in pride…
… and thus realise:
“When I can’t see myself, I can see Jesus!

But every time I see myself, I don’t see Him!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTAL ECONOMY

The Church was made manifest to the world on the day of Pentecost by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of the Spirit ushers in a new era in the “dispensation of the mystery” the age of the Church, during which Christ manifests, makes present, and communicates his work of salvation through the liturgy of his Church, “until he comes.”

In this age of the Church Christ now lives and acts in and with his Church, in a new way appropriate to this new age. He acts through the sacraments in what the common Tradition of the East and the West calls “the sacramental economy”; this is the communication (or “dispensation”) of the fruits of Christ’s Paschal mystery in the celebration of the Church’s “sacramental” liturgy. (CCC # 1076)

“Allowing our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary with St Joseph, to enter into the ‘train of our life’ and to have a journey of ‘joy and mirth!'”

(Based on the Annunciation of the Lord)

This simple and beautiful little story is told about a long, tedious train journey, made by some elderly residents of a nursing home who were on their way to a vacation spot.

At one station, a young mother with a small child entered the train.

The child smiled at all the grim faces around him and began moving from one lap to another…
… talking, shouting with joy and chatting with everyone.

Instantly, the grim and silent atmosphere in the train was changed to one of joy and happiness.

Today is the celebration of the day when our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary entered into the “train of human life” to begin a journey of “joy and mirth!”

On this Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we remember with joy and gratitude how Mary said “Yes to the Divine Plan”….
… to pave the way for Her Divine Son Jesus to transform a hopeless, joyless and sinful world into a place of joy and happiness!

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

Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience
   Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.

When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.

2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”
   One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”

In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…
… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her
… even when unforeseen difficulties encountered Her during the birth of Jesus
… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her
… even when life surrounded her with agonising moments and heartbreaking instances

The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life

This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.

3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God
   When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God

She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.

Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.

When in the womb…
… Her sole attention was on Jesus

While in the manger…
… Her whole care was for Jesus

While in His ministry…
… Her thoughts were centred on Him

While on the Cross…
… Her entire self rested on Him

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives gets enshrined in Grace and Holiness

4. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)

The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)

In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)

The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!

As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour, which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One, She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!

Let us embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…
… and be led to love the Lord more!

The Feast of the Annunciation is an invitation for us…

To grow deeper into embracing the Will of God in our lives.
To give consent to the inspirations of the Lord that comes constantly to us.
To be open to march forward in faith and hope, in our life of faith in the Lord.

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

Just as Mary, our Loving Mother, who said Yes to the Will of the Lord, let us also, say Yes to God’s Will…
… and allow our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary with St Joseph, to enter into the “train of our life” and to have a journey of “joy and mirth!”

Happy Feast of the Annunciation.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CATECHESIS AND LITURGY

Liturgical catechesis aims to initiate people into the mystery of Christ (It is “mystagogy.”) by proceeding from the visible to the invisible, from the sign to the thing signified, from the “sacraments” to the “mysteries.”
Such catechesis is to be presented by local and regional catechisms.
This Catechism, which aims to serve the whole Church in all the diversity of her rites and cultures…

.. will present what is fundamental and common to the whole Church in the liturgy as mystery and as celebration, and then the seven sacraments and the sacramentals (CCC # 1075)

“Being on the side of God!”

(Based on Jer 7:23-28 and Lk 11:14-23 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

One of the interesting sports that is played across many places and in many cultures is the “tug-of-war”.

The “Tug-of-war” is a sport that directly puts two or more teams against each other in a test of strength: teams pull on opposite ends of a rope…
… with the goal being to bring the rope a certain distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team’s pull.

The phrase “tug of war” originally meant “the decisive contest; the real struggle or tussle; a severe contest for supremacy”.

Such a “tug-of-war” is seen not just seen or played on the sports field…
… it is also often witnessed in life.

Our Christian especially witnesses this “tug-of-war”

A constant struggle between the forces of evil and the power of goodness
A relentless warfare between the coercion of sin and the strength of holiness

The Gospel of the Day presents a “tug-of-war” between…
… Jesus and the Pharisees
… the Holy One and the evil forces
… the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of Satan

The Lord came to the world to usher in the Kingdom of God.

Bringing to forefront the Kingdom of Power and Holiness, the Lord casts out a demon from a person who is dumb. (Lk 11: 14)

This mighty action of healing and deliverance had a tremendous effect…
… the dumb man spoke
… and the people marvelled.

But, this wondrous act of power and authority also triggered a volley of struggles…
… a struggle of words between the Pharisees and Jesus
… a teaching on the struggle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of evil

The Lord lashes out in authority and conviction, on being accused of siding with evil powers to cast out demons: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and a divided household falls” ( Lk 11: 17)

Jesus makes it clear that one cannot be siding with negative forces in order to perform deeds of goodness and salvation!
Jesus makes it clear that one cannot be on the side of evil and sin and yet be authentic and genuine in doing works of true deliverance and righteousness!

This brings us to an important dimension that needs our honest and critical consideration:

Am I a person truly on the side of God when I engage in works and ministries of the Lord…
… but still continuing to be on the side of the Evil One by living a life of sin?

Am I a person imbued with the Spirit of the Holy Lord in professing to be a Christian…
… or am I living a dual-life by failing to give up immoral tendencies and obliging the evil spirit?

Am I a person who may be performing a lot of good works in the name of God…
… but failing to have an intimate relationship and union with the God of all power and glory?

Venerable Fr Peter Marie Mermier, the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales puts it beautifully:
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!

Instead of enlightening, it blinds; instead of healing, it kills!
But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Christian life is not to be just defined by external works of piety and works…
…but is to be a reflection of the inner intimacy and relation with the Lord.

Christian Life is not to be merely characterised by many deeds of charity and devotion…
… but is to be a manifestation of one’s true faith and closeness to the Divine Master.

A true inner disposition and authority is a must to be effective and credible in our life.

A proper grounding is an absolute requirement to be engaged in the works of the Lord.

I may find myself often in the “tug-of-war” of faith and unbelief…

But am I clear in taking the side of the Lord and Him alone?

I may find myself often in the “tug-of-war” of actions of goodness and temptations of the evil…

But am I convinced of taking the side of the Kingdom of God alone?

Christian Life will be a constant “tug-of-war”
… between the evil and good
… between the Devil and Jesus
… between the Kingdom of God and the powers of wickedness

Which side are we on?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CATECHESIS AND LITURGY

“The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the font from which all her power flows.”
It is therefore the privileged place for catechizing the People of God.
“Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity, for it is in the sacraments…

… especially in the Eucharist, that Christ Jesus works in fullness for the transformation of men (CCC # 1074)

“Making efforts to growing into Convinced and Certain and Confident Christians!”

(Based on Deut 4:1, 5-9 and Mt 5:17-19 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

A university student was seen with a large “K” printed on his T- shirt.

When someone asked him what the “K” stood for, he said, “Confused.”
“But,” the questioner replied, “you don’t spell “confused” with a “K!”

The student answered, “Well, you don’t know how confused I am!”

The confused state of mind led to be boy to display a totally confused and puzzled look!

How often is this true in our own lives as a Christian…

We fail to have certain convictions in our faith…
… and the resultant life that is displayed outside, is one of confusion or uncertainty.
We fail to be sure of what our life of faith is…
… and as a result, we fail to bring people to experience God’s love and instead, sometimes even lead others astray.

The Gospel of the Day is a peek into the conviction that Jesus had in His life of preaching and mission…
… and a challenge for us to become persons who become fervent and convinced in teaching the commandments of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” (Mt 5: 17)

One of the distinguishing features in the preaching and teaching ministry of Jesus was His deep conviction and certainty.

Jesus did not speak as if He was blabbering on some unknown topic.

Jesus did not mutter words as if He was whiling away time to talk on a strange issue.

Instead, Jesus was thoroughly convinced of what He spoke and taught.

It was this deep-seated conviction that made Him to say that He had “come not to abolish the law or the prophets”.

The message of Jesus contained newness and freshness.

However, it was not a preaching that was entirely new

It was a teaching that was born in deep certainty and delivered with utmost conviction.

He was the fullness of the teachings of all the Law.

He was the fulfilment of the prophecies of all the Prophets.

This gave it a fresh crispiness.
This gave it a refreshing perspective.

Do we also possess a similar conviction and certainty in our Life of Faith, just as Jesus displayed?

The Lord demands such a requirement.

Hence, He would say, that “whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5: 19)

Our Christian lives are sometimes marked by an unwanted uncertainty and confusing convictions.

We know a little bit about our faith…
… but not deep enough.
We know a little bit concerning our teachings…
… but not in its depth.
We know a little bit about the virtues we are to live…
… but not fully convinced of it.

As a result of this ‘unsure’ attitude and ‘confused’ mentality, we are unable to
… (1) live a true and honest Christian lives
… (2) witness and teach others our genuine faith

Let us not remain confused Christians; rather experience the love and mercy of the Lord…
… and make efforts to growing into Convinced and Certain and Confident Christians!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
PRAYER AND LITURGY

The liturgy is also a participation in Christ’s own prayer addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit.
In the liturgy, all Christian prayer finds its source and goal.
Through the liturgy the inner man is rooted and grounded in “the great love with which [the Father] loved us” in his beloved Son.

It is the same “marvelous work of God” that is lived and internalized by all prayer, “at all times in the Spirit” (CCC # 1073)