“Casting away mathematical limitations in forgiving, and extending the Mercy of the Lord to others!”

(Based on Dan 3:25, 34-43 and Mt 18:21-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

An incident is said of a worker named Richard Weaver (He would later on become a popular preacher of the Word) who was working in a mine.

During the course of the work, unintentionally, he hit a fellow-miner.
>> The fellow-miner, however lost his cool and retorted: “I feel like giving you a hard smack on your face!”

“Very well”, said Weaver, “If that will do any good, you may do it.”
>> The man struck him.

Weaver turned to him the other cheek.
>> The man struck again.


This was repeated five times; and when Weaver presented his cheek for the sixth time, the man turned away, cursing.
>> Weaver cried after him: “The Lord forgive you, for I do; and the Lord save you!”

The following morning, as work started, this man was the first person that Richard Weaver met.
As Weaver approached him, he burst into tears.
>> “Oh Richard” he cried as he knelt before him, “do you really forgive me?”

Richard Weaver helped him get up…
>> As he rose… a changed and transformed man!


That’s the Power of Forgiveness!


The Gospel of the Day presents this Mighty and Power Message of Forgiveness…
… Forgiveness that goes beyond the rules of mathematics!


The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of this aspect of the Lord going beyond mathematical boundaries in dealing with the beautiful virtue of forgiveness.

The passage begins with the Lord’s chief and one-of-the-first apostles Peter, raising a query to his Master, ” Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt 18:21)

It was probably a genuine doubt of Peter, which arose from his own personal experiences.
He must have had some difficulties in forgiving, out of his wavering temperament, perhaps!
>> But he now puts forward to Jesus a doubt as to what should be the limit of one’s forgiveness.

Peter sought to know what are the exact boundaries that one must limit oneself, while forgiving.
>> He wanted clear-cut rules to define the maximum threshold and frontiers of generosity in pardoning.


But the Lord replies firmly, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy seven times” (Mt 18:22)

The Lord does away with the mathematical rules in forgiveness!
>> The Lord does not confine to the mathematical stipulations in forgiveness!


“Seventy seven times” would refer a number, unlimited and uncountable!
>> The frontiers for how many times to forgive are done away with…
>> The boundaries for how many times to forgive do not hold good…


As the Lord spoke these words to Peter, the apostle would himself have recalled…
“Once beside the sea of Galilee, when I encountered the Holy Master, I realized that I was drowning in the waters of sin… and I had asked pardon from the Lord.
Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man (Lk 5:8)”

These words of the Lord would have again echoed in the ears of Peter, later on, after the resurrection of Jesus….
>> Once again, beside a Sea… this time, the Sea of Tiberius, Peter experienced the forgiving power of the Lord in accepting back, though he had betrayed Him three times (Jn 21: 15-18)

Many times he had sinned against the Lord…
>> Many times he had caused pain and ache to the Lord…
>> Many times he had abandoned and betrayed the Lord…
But every time, the Lord forgave, wholeheartedly!

The Lord was truly the Master, “who practised what He preached”
>> The Lord was truly the Master, “who forgave unconditionally and without any limits”


This Lord, today seeks to impress on us too, this same attitude of forgiveness.


The teaching on forgiveness, is most certainly easy said than done!
>> To forgive….especially to forgive repeatedly, is certainly no easy task…

But it would require a deeper experience of the Unconditional Love of the Lord and our own determination, along with His grace, to reach out in forgiveness and pardon to our constantly erring brothers and sisters!


Azariah, in the Old Testament, prayed earnestly to God – pleading for His Mercy and Compassion:
“Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord!” (Dan 3:42-43)

Are we ready to cast away mathematical limitations in forgiving, and extend the Mercy of the Lord to
others?
>> Are we ready to do away with mathematical countings in pardoning others, knowing that we ourselves have received this favour from the Lord?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
>> Sacred Liturgy does not exhaust the entire activity of the Church
>> It must be preceded by evangelization, faith, and conversion.
>> It can then produce its fruits in the lives of the faithful…
… new life in the Spirit, involvement in the mission of the Church, and service to her unity. (CCC # 1072)
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“Learning from the Gentle and Humble ways of the Lord, and being open to the workings of the Holy Spirit!”

(Based on 2 Kgs 5:1-15 and Lk 4:24-30– Monday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

An incident is told of a popular boxer who was infamous for bragging about himself.

Once, before the take-off on an airline flight, the stewardess reminded the boxer to fasten his seatbelt.

“Superman don’t need no seatbelt,” he told her with pride.


The stewardess was unwilling to compromise…
>> So she retorted, “Superman don’t need no airplane, either.”

The man was discomfited in his pride.
>> In shame, he fastened his seatbelt without saying an extra word.


Pride can block a person from being open to the views, trends and wavelengths of other people and situations.


This is much more true, when it comes to spiritual matters

A proud mind…
… rejects the plans and workings of God in one’s life…
>> And makes one to say, “I can manage my life by myself!”


A haughty spirit…
… opposes any movements that causes one to get out of one’s comfort zones…
>> And makes one to say, “I know what’s best for me! None need to teach me!”

An arrogant heart…
… rejects any good inspirations or constructive feedbacks…
>> And makes one to say, “I don’t need anyone’s advices. Only I can advise myself!”


The Gospel of the Day presents the rejection of Jesus, in the Synagogue at Nazareth, by the people…
… who displayed a proud mentality, a haughty spirit and an arrogant heart.


Jesus, is in His hometown.
>> He entered the synagogue and began to teach.

Though initially, there was a wave of excitement…
… the words of Jesus caused a major setback to the people.

This caused the people to reject Jesus…
… they even try to kill Him ( Lk 4: 29-30)


St Luke uses a very strong word to describe the feelings of the people…
“When the people in the synagogue heard, they were all FILLED WITH FURY”

Or another translation… “… they were all FILLED WITH WRATH”


When one’s pride is hurt…
…. One tends to become angry and hurt

When one is made to get out of one’s comfort zones…
… one tends to become restless and agitated.


This is what happened to the people in the Synagogue.

Their pride was hurt..
… because Jesus spoke to them on the need to be humble, and accept the “all-embracing” love of the Lord!

They were made to get out of the comfortable zones…
… because Jesus spoke to them on the need to change their closed ways of thought-pattern, and to accept the “all-merciful” invitation to the Kingdom of God!


This “instigation” can happen in our life too…

When we are challenged to move out of our “traditional” style of thinking…
….and accept instead, the merciful and compassionate ways of God

When we are forced to change our crippling attitudes of rejecting people on the basis of caste, creed, colour, language etc…
… and accept instead, the “all-welcoming” style of the Kingdom of God


Human tendency it is, to sometimes “get used to” comfortable situations…
… even if they are fruitless or unproductive and useless

Human tendency it is, to sometimes “remain fixated” in crippling mentalities…
…even if they cause harm to the other and are no longer effective.


In the 2nd Book of the Kings, Naaman had to overcome his “fixated mentality” and listen to the Word of the Lord that came through Prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:1-15)

He would understand the importance of humbling himself before the Power of the Lord and experience the Lord’s Healing!


The Lord today, invites and challenges us in our proud mentality, a haughty spirit and an arrogant heart.

This is the constant invitation by Jesus:
“Learn from Me.. for I am gentle and humble in heart”

Let us learn from the Gentle and Humble ways of the Lord, and become persons, who are open to the workings of the Holy Spirit.


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LITURGY AS SOURCE OF LIFE
>> As the work of Christ, Liturgy is also an action of his Church.
>> It makes the Church present and manifests her as the visible sign of the communion in Christ between God and men.
>> It engages the faithful in the new life of the community and involves the “conscious, active, and fruitful participation” of everyone. (CCC # 1071)
——————————–

“In moments of the ‘stirring of our nest in life,’ let’s not panic or be disturbed; rather, in Faith and Love, let’s trust that the Lord”

(Based on Exo 3:1-8, 13-15, 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 and Lk 13:1-9 – 3rd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C)

It’s interesting to know the making of an Eagle’s nest!

When a mother eagle builds her nest, she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items that seem entirely unsuitable for the house.

But then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool, feathers, and fur from animals she has killed, making it soft and comfortable for the eggs.

By the time the growing birds reach flying age, the comfort of the nest and the luxury of free meals make them quite reluctant to leave.

That’s when the mother eagle begins “stirring up the nest.”

With her strong talons, she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface.

As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes more uncomfortable for the young eagles.

Eventually, this and other urgings prompt the growing eagles to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to more mature behaviour.

Our life is often such!

We take for granted comfortable situations, merciful acts and providential events.

But when something unpleasant happens, we are unable to digest them

When something “bad” happens, we look for people to be blamed and scapegoats to be accused!

And most of the time, the Scapegoat turns out to be “God!”

God is blamed…
… for all negative situations that come up suddenly
… for all uneventful happenings and calamities
… for all tragic moments in personal and societal life

This time of the pandemic and oft-recent, the war situation, has been in particular, a time of many such questions and doubts arising in our hearts.

The Gospel of the Day opens our eyes to consider the “Jesus” way of looking and understanding such “uneventful” mishaps and “tragic” calamities.

Humanity is a daily witness to calamities, catastrophes, adversities and disasters.

Tragedies occur in the life of every human being.

Every now and then, we hear of many reports of unpredictable or unimaginable misfortunes occurring in the lives of people….tsunamis, floods, earthquakes….or bomb blasts, mass killings, wars etc… In our own personal lives too, we experience a lot of painful moments…
…. very often, unexpectedly.

In the face of all these horrors… we are faced with many doubts and questions….

Why do these things happen to the innocent?
Why doesn’t the Good and Loving God do anything about all this?

Sometimes, we even take on a critical and judgmental attitude and say, “Probably, God is punishing all these people for their sins or their misdeeds”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus also is presented with a couple of human tragedies and made to react on them.

The first tragedy is about the Galileans who suffered at the hands of Pilate (Lk 13: 1-3)
The second is about the people who dies when the tower of Siloam fell on them (Lk 13: 4)

The first one is about a disaster brought about because of the cruel deeds of human beings

The second because of the misfortunes in nature.

In both these cases, however, the people who died, were mere subjects to death…

They had an unfortunate death, without perhaps really being guilty.

And so the natural reaction of the people of the times was that, the people who died would have been greater sins, and they are being punished by God.”

“These people deserved death because of their sins” was the popular slogan of those times.

Perhaps, when faced with calamities, we too often take upon this judgmental attitude,

But here Jesus points out the great reality…
These calamities and disasters are not to be another occasion for us to pass judgments

Rather, they become golden opportunities for us to make a self-reflection on our lives.

Like the tree which is given one more year – to be dug around, to be given manure and to produce… these tragedies and events in life, present us with more time to examine, how do we live our lives.

Do we take our lives for granted?

Perhaps, we have a tendency to often think there is plenty of time in life.

And complacency creeps into our life.

But these tragedies point to us the fact, that after all human life is very short.

And in this short-lived life, we need to make the best use of God’s graces to repent and to lead a Holy life.

In Rev 22.7, Jesus says “Behold, I am coming soon”
As Christians, we believe in the Coming of the Lord.

No one knows the hour
No one knows the day

But, being prepared, being vigilant always, is a must, is a necessity.

St Paul tells us: “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” (Eph 4:15)

Human tragedies and personal misfortunes are to be understood as God’s manifestations of Love for us, to have our lives set clearly on our priorities for God and His Kingdom

They are not to evoke fear or elements of judging

Rather, should prompt us to take life more seriously, and to make Real Repentance and live a Holier lives.

Through the call narrative of Moses, God reminds all of us, that He is aware of our struggles, and He seeks to always save us:
“I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry…
… I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them…” (Cf. Exod 3:7-8)

To grow in our love and trust in the Lord, one of the practical tip that we all need to practice is the Daily Examination of Conscience.

When we daily examine our conscience, and make efforts to amend our lives with true repentance, we are able to live the graces that are showered on us.

Also, a meaningful Regular Confession helps us not only to be forgiven of our sins, but also gives grace to lead a more holy and unblemished life.

The Lord invites us today, to wake up from our slumber of taking life easy and cool

He disturbs us in our comfortable and cosy life…
… and challenges us to make real repentance and lead a genuinely holy life.

Disasters, tragedies and misfortunes will keep happening.

But they are also a reminder for us to be eternally vigilant and keep guard over the sanctity of our lives.

In moments of the “stirring of our nest” in life, let’s not panic or be disturbed…

Rather, in Faith and Love, let’s trust that the Lord – Our Mother Eagle – will always care for us…
… and wants us to seek Him… to Be His, forever!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘LITURGY’ MEAN?

In the New Testament the word “liturgy” refers not only to the celebration of Divine Worship but also to the proclamation of the Gospel and to active charity.
In all of these situations, it is a question of the service of God and neighbour.
In a liturgical celebration, the Church is servant in the image of her Lord, the one “leitourgos”; she shares in Christ’s priesthood (worship), which is both prophetic (proclamation) and kingly (service of charity):
The liturgy then is rightly seen as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ.
It involves the presentation of man’s sanctification under the guise of signs perceptible by the senses and its accomplishment in ways appropriate to each of these signs.
In it full public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and his members.
From this it follows, that every liturgical celebration, because it is an action of Christ the priest and of his Body which is the Church, is a sacred action surpassing all others.

No other action of the Church can equal its efficacy by the same title and to the same degree (CCC # 1070)

“Being inspired by St Joseph, the model of obedience, and choosing ‘obedientia et pax – obedience and peace’ as a motto for our lives!”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Joseph)

St Pope John XXIII is one of the most popular Pope of the 20th century.

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

When he was chosen as pope, John XXIII announced that his motto would be “obedientia et pax,” which is Latin for “obedience and peace.”

This was because St Joseph was his favourite saint.

The new Pope sought to follow the path of St Joseph, a model of obedience, because he believed…
… that “obedience to God, to His commandments, His will, and His inspirations, is the highway to true interior peace.”

Today we celebrate the Feast of this Great Model of Obedience – St Joseph.

What lessons does St Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church teach us?

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God
   One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God

He listened to the Angel…
… in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24)
… in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)
… in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)

St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.

St Joseph teaches us that “holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants.”

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary
   Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed unflinching commitment and love to Jesus and Mary

He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…
… to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage
… to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn
… to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them. He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary.

St Joseph invites us to also have “Jesus and Mary close to our hearts.”

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph
   St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments

Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame.

Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me”!

St Joseph teaches us that “there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty.”

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation
   St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.

He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

St Joseph exhorts us to become “a yeast, that works silent wonders, in the history of salvation.”

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity
   Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

That is why, St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness

Chastity is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.

In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life
In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married
In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.

St Joseph teaches us to “preserve the purity of life, and thus be a witness of the Kingdom of God.”

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament
   In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)

In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)

St Joseph shows us the way “to be a protector and safeguard to the needy and the distressed.”

7. St Joseph is a model leader

True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life
Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation
Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child
Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need.

St Joseph teaches us “to shoulder up responsibilities, depending solely on the Power and Grace of God”

The solemnity of St Joseph comes us a reminder to us to learn many things from the life of this Great Saint.

Let us constantly seek the help of St Joseph, and recognize his loving and fatherly protection in our lives.

May St Joseph, the model of obedience, help us to choose “obedientia et pax – obedience and peace” as a motto for our lives, so that we may realise…
… that “obedience to God, to His commandments, His will, and His inspirations, is the highway to true interior peace.”

Happy Feast of St Joseph!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘LITURGY’ MEAN?

The word “liturgy” originally meant a “public work” or a “service in the name of/on behalf of the people.”
In Christian tradition, it means the participation of the People of God in “the work of God.”

Through the liturgy, Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church. (CCC # 1069)

“Making Jesus as the ‘cornerstone’ of our life and faith!”

(Based on Gen 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a and Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

An enigma is a considered as a person or a thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
>> The word has its Greek and Latin roots, in words which mean “a riddle” or “a puzzle”.

An enigma has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.
>> An enigma has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.


When we analyze history and personalities down through the centuries, one can definitely come to a conclusion…
… that there has been no person who deserves a greater merit to being an “Enigma” than Jesus Christ.


The life of Jesus, historically speaking, was a journey from being a semi-skilled Jewish carpenter in a tiny village in northern Palestine…
… to an itinerant prophet, a wonder worker and a social revolutionary!
>> One who confronted the religious and social institutions of His times so radically that He was put to death for it.


The Gospel of the Day presents this “Enigmatic” Jesus confronting closed minds and blocked hearts, in recognizing Him as the Messiah and Saviour…
… and an invitation to make a radical choice for Him!


Jesus puts forward the parable of the tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.
>> They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.


The Master places a lot of trust in the servants.

He gives the freedom… a responsible freedom…
…which could be meaningfully used and nurtured
…or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.


However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely, probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.
>> Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.
>> Their selfish agenda gained the upper hand over the faithfulness to the Master.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.
>> This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!


This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!
>> A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!
>> A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!
>> A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!


Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?


The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…
… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mt 21:42)


In ancient practices of building, the cornerstone was the principal stone.
>> It was placed at the corner of the edifice or the building.

The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the whole building structure.
>> A cornerstone gives direction to the rest of the foundation.
>> It also is the support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability.


Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation… of the Church… of His People!
>> At the same time, Jesus can also be “a stumbling block”


As it is written in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”

>> To those who believe, Jesus is the cornerstone of their faith and their life.
>> To those who do not believe, Jesus is the stumbling block in their faith!


Who is Jesus in our life?
>> The cornerstone? Or a stumbling block?

The cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness…
… or a stumbling block which causes us to be proud in our own merits and not depend on Him?

The cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life…
… or a stumbling block which makes us uncertain, hesitant and cause a collapse in life?


Jesus is indeed the greatest “enigma”
>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.
>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.

Jesus can remain the “enigma” who will be forever misunderstood or mysterious…
… or He can be the “Enigma” Who becomes the guiding force for fullness in life!


Let us make Jesus the “cornerstone” of our life and faith!


Live Jesus! God Bless!

——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – Why the liturgy?
>> It is this mystery of Christ that the Church proclaims and celebrates in her liturgy so that the faithful may live from it and bear witness to it in the world:
>> For it is in the liturgy, especially in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, that “the work of our redemption is accomplished,” and it is through the liturgy especially that the faithful are enabled to express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church (CCC # 1068)
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“Making our life a Good News of Comfort and Consolation!”

(Based on Jer 17:5-10 and Lk 16:19-31 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

We live in a world of contrasts.

Contrasts are encountered at every sphere of our life.

Socially, we find contrasts among the various classes…
… the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots, the caste distinctions, the racial and language divides…

Emotionally, we find contrasts in our experiences…
… joyful situations sandwiched between tragic moments, moods varying between situations and people, temperaments changing from person to person…

The Gospel of day presents some of these contrasts in a vivid manner…and could be termed as a “parable of contrasts” – the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

This parable is set out as a play… a two-act play.

The plays takes place on two stages…
… the stage of this world
… and the stage of the other-world.

The contrasts are plenty:

In the First Act….

A rich man – a poor man
The man is rich but unnamed – the man is poor but is named, Lazarus (meaning ‘God Helps’)
The rich man clothed in purple – Lazarus clothed fully with sores
The rich man caressed with fine linen – Lazarus licked by the dogs
The rich man feasted sumptuously – Lazarus desired to be fed by what fell from the table.
The rich man died and was buried – Lazarus died but was carried by the angels.

In the Second Act…

Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom – the rich man is in Hades.
Lazarus receives good things – the rich man was in torment.
Lazarus was comforted – the rich man was in anguish

This “parable of contrasts” is also …
… a “parable of comfort and consolation”
… a “parable of challenge and confrontation”

It’s a “parable of comfort and consolation” because….
… Lazarus, who had undergone great misery and suffering was blessed with the presence of joy of the Lord.

It gives comfort and consolation to us, who need to be strengthened in our moments of trials and hardships, knowing that the Lord will surely look with mercy on His needy ones.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 3)

It’s a “parable of challenge and confrontation” because…
… the rich man, who had a luxurious life, was condemned to torments, and had to endure the flames of suffering.

It’s a great challenge and a confrontation before us, who need to realise that indifference and an attitude of closing one’s eyes to the pain and misery of the other can be disastrous and punishable

“He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.” (Prov. 21:13)

The world of contrasts needs a Gospel of Comfort and Consolation, and towards this, we are challenged and confronted…

Challenged to get rid of our attitudes of indifference and lethargy to help the needy ones.
Confronted to overcome our tendencies to remain satisfied in our comforts and close our eyes conveniently to the necessities of the other.

Let us make our life a Good News of Comfort and Consolation.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – Why the liturgy?

The wonderful works of God among the people of the Old Testament were but a prelude to the work of Christ the Lord in redeeming mankind and giving perfect glory to God.
He accomplished this work principally by the Paschal mystery of his blessed Passion, Resurrection from the dead, and glorious Ascension, whereby ‘dying he destroyed our death, rising he restored our life.’

For it was from the side of Christ as he slept the sleep of death upon the cross that there came forth ‘the wondrous sacrament of the whole Church (CCC # 1067)

“Daring to follow the path of humility and making the right priorities in life!”

(Based on Jer 18:18-20 and Mt 20:17-28 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A rich businessman had grown greatly in his endeavours.

He became greatly possessed with acquiring more wealth and seeking for greater power.

His sole intention in life was to find ways and means to gain more wealth (by hook or crook; by honest or corrupt ways!) and capture more positions of power.

Though a Christian…
… he cared hardly for his family
… he bothered least about his faith

One day, while sitting in his posh office, pondering on ways to augment his wealth and prestige in the society…
… his eyes went towards the Crucifix that was placed on his table.

Looking from the place where he was sitting, he could see…
… The Crucifix and a Chair that was placed opposite him.

And suddenly a thought came across his mind:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This thought stuck him badly.

Being greatly disturbed… he sought to ward off that idea from his mind.
But it kept disturbing him…. “Cross or Chair… Cross or Chair!”

Well, it’s not known whether that incident changed his life.

But this question is placed before each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee aspiring to obtain a place of honour for her children…
… through which, Jesus poses this question of supreme importance to us as well:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This incident is sandwiched between two important instructions by Jesus…

His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection
His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility
His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection
Jesus predicts about His sufferings to His disciples (Mt 20: 17-19)

It was clearly His way of telling His chosen ones, that His Kingdom is not to be one that accords prime importance to power and position…
… instead it was about obedience and self-giving.

His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility
Jesus further teaches His disciples that the key to enter the Kingdom is the way of humility (Mt 20: 26-28)

It was clearly a reminder as well as a warning, that His Kingdom is not reserved for the powerful or the mighty…
… instead it is to be given to those of meek heart and lowly self.

It’s in between these two powerful “Kingdom” teachings, that we have the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee seeking for a place of honour for her children (Mt 20: 20-24)

The incident showed that they had quite badly misunderstood Jesus…

They mistook His master plan of establishing the Kingdom as being “through force and power and might!”

They mistook His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom as being “the way of Supremacy!”

But Jesus shatters this misconception by posing a master question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22)

“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Plan of His Passion, Death and Resurrection
“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Technique of the way of Humility

This incident is a reminder and warning for each of us as well:

Are we willing to be in accord with the Lord’s master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection?
Are we ready to practise the Lord’s master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility?

Jesus clearly poses this question of supreme importance:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

Very often we settle down to sit on the “Chair”…
… the ‘chair’ of comfort and relaxation
… the ‘chair’ of lethargy and indifference
… the ‘chair’ of materialism and individualism

But the Lord challenges us to carry the “Cross”…
… the ‘Cross’ of responsibility and commitment
… the ‘Cross’ of witnessing to the Lord and trusting in Him
… the ‘Cross’ of serving the deprived and being sensitive to the need of the other

The way of the Christian is none but the Way of the Cross.

The path of the Christian can be none but the Path of Humility.

Let us give heed to the words of St Louise de Marillac (the patroness of the parentless and of social workers – whose feast we celebrated on March 15):
“If humility, simplicity and charity which produce support, are well established in you…
… your community will be made up of as many saints as there are persons!”

Yes, let us dare to follow the path of humility…
… and seek to positively answer to the question that Jesus poses to each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – Why the liturgy?

In the Symbol of the faith the Church confesses the mystery of the Holy Trinity and of the plan of God’s “good pleasure” for all creation: the Father accomplishes the “mystery of his will” by giving his beloved Son and his Holy Spirit for the salvation of the world and for the glory of his name.

Such is the mystery of Christ, revealed and fulfilled in history according to the wisely ordered plan that St. Paul calls the “plan of the mystery” and the patristic tradition will call the “economy of the Word incarnate” or the “economy of salvation.” (CCC # 1066)

“Growing in the virtue of Humility!”

(Based on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 and Mt 23:1-12 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

There is an incident mentioned in the life of St Francis de Sales.

A short time before his death, St Francis was asked by a nun from the Visitation Convent, to mention what virtue he would specially wish the sisters to cultivate.

The saint, being unable to converse, owing to his extreme sickness, asked for a piece of paper to write.

On this piece of paper, the Gentleman Saint wrote one word: “Humility”!

This saint who lived this virtue – the one who preached and practised love – considered humility as the most essential virtue for a genuine Christian living.

The one who lacks humility begins to proclaim one’s own glory and draw attention to oneself.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus highlighting this lack of humility among the religious leaders of His time…
… and putting forward a warning to be wary of the danger of falling into the dungeon of pride and conceit.

The Lord in all His teachings loves to get to the core of true human living and makes it a point to emphasize on all such inner values.

In the 23rd Chapter of St Matthew, Jesus makes a long condemnation of the “proud” actions and “conceited” devotions of the Pharisees and the Scribes.

Jesus says, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach, but do not practise” (Mt 23: 2-3)

Jesus lashes out strongly at the self-attention seeking attitude of these religious leaders.

They would tie heavy burdens on others… but would themselves not move a finger to move them
They would widen their phylacteries and even lengthen their tassels.
They would love to be seated on places of honour in the synagogues and banquets.
They would seek to be called with great salutations and titles in the public places.
They would perform many works before others… but all to be seen by other people.

What were Phylacteries?

Phylacteries were small cube-shaped “leather cases” that was worn on foreheads and arms. In these cases, were the Scripture verses (Ex 13: 1-10, 11-16 and Dt 6: 4-9; 11: 13-21)

The Exodus verses were about how God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt, and about the celebration of the Passover.

The Deuteronomy verses were about loving God wholly – with one’s heart, mind, and spirit.

The tassels (fringes) on the robes were to be a constant reminder of God’s commandments (Num 15: 38-41).

Each time the one who wore noticed the tassel, he was to ask himself if he were sincerely living God’s law in the world.

However, by making their phylacteries and tassels extra-long, the Pharisees and the Scribes were putting on a show of great religiosity, of being spiritually more superior to others.

The purpose of these external signs were to be great reminders of the wonders of God Yahweh and their own commitment to the Lord.

But this purpose was lost…
… and it was replaced with a self-show!

The one who lacks humility begins to proclaim one’s own glory and draw attention to oneself.

The Pharisees and Scribes were losing the virtue of humility…
… and instead were drowning in the murky waters of pride!

This danger can be reality for anyone of us too, in our lives…

And so the Lord cautions us…

Am I making my practise of Christianity as a mere tool for a higher social status and some cheap material benefits?
Am I losing out on cultivating true and honest devotion and instead settling for a “showy” and “external” facade of pious practices?

The Lord invites us to grow in the virtue of Humility.

Let the words of St Augustine be a challenge as well as a reminder for us:
“It was pride that changed angels into devils;
It is humility that makes men as angels.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
“AMEN”

In the book of the prophet Isaiah, we find the expression “God of truth” (literally “God of the Amen”), that is, the God who is faithful to his promises:
“He who blesses himself in the land shall bless himself by the God of truth [amen].”
Our Lord often used the word “Amen,” sometimes repeated, to emphasize the trustworthiness of His teaching, His authority founded on God’s truth.
Thus the Creed’s final “Amen” repeats and confirms its first words: “I believe.”
To believe is to say “Amen” to God’s words, promises and commandments; to entrust oneself completely to Him who is the “Amen” of infinite love and perfect faithfulness.
The Christian’s everyday life will then be the “Amen” to the “I believe” of our baptismal profession of faith: May your Creed be for you as a mirror. Look at yourself in it, to see if you believe everything you say you believe…
… and rejoice in your faith each day.
Jesus Christ Himself is the “Amen.”
He is the definitive “Amen” of the Father’s love for us.
He takes up and completes our “Amen” to the Father: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.
That is why we utter the Amen through Him, to the glory of God: “Through Him, with Him, in Him,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is Yours, Almighty Father, God, for ever and ever, AMEN!” (CCC # 1063-1065)

“Giving ourselves entirely to the Lord!”

(Based on Dan 9:4-10 and Lk 6:36-38 – Monday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A little boy started to Sunday-school with two five-rupee coins – one for the Lord, and one for himself.

On the way to church, he lost one of them – as it went inside a drain, on the way
“There goes the Lord’s coin!” he said.

What the boy uttered concerning his loss…
… is a reflection of the mind of many grown-ups

It is always the Lord’s money that is lost.

We tend to be extremely “rigid/scrupulous” when it comes to giving to God or others!

The Gospel of the Day calls for an open mind and generosity in heart, by…

Giving to God and obtaining His graces and favours.
Offering to God and receiving His blessings and mercy.

The Lord, continuing His teachings on a practical Christian life, exhorts, “… give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Jesus brings a very concrete example from the market scene, to drive home his point of generously giving.

The context of Jesus is the market in Israel, the middle-east part of the world.

As in many places today, this area witnessed markets that had buyers and sellers engaged in bargaining and negotiating over prices, quality and the amount of things and goods.

There would be many open-air markets, where the farmers would bring their grain—wheat, corn, barley – and spread it on a mat on the ground. Potential customers would examine the grain, make an offer, and the bargaining would start…

When a price was finally set, the customer would offer his container—usually a large bowl or pot or an open vessel—and the seller would use a scoop (measuring spoon) to fill the container.

There would be some interesting steps in this process of measuring the grain for a customer and which Jesus quotes in His approach to giving:

First, the seller would fill the container to the top.
Secondly, he would press the grain down and fill some more.
Thirdly, he would shake the container so the grain would settle and then fill in some more.
Finally, he would fill the container until it overflowed!

The contents of this overflowing container would then be transferred to a pouch or a bag so that the buyer could bring home the contents from the market.

Well, this process could sound a bit strange and weird to us in the modern world.

We live in times when contents are sold by the weight, and not the volume.
We live in times when manipulations are done to give as less as possible.

But this is where, Jesus, bringing in the example of the market, invites generosity in giving

Our giving ought to be measured not by weight, but by volume… and that refers to a far greater amount of giving!
Our giving ought to, not be curtailed down by clever manipulations… instead, is to be done very generously and lavishly!

St Paul in 2 Cor 9:6 would say, “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

Our giving ought not to be a calculated effort… rather should be an overflow from the heart!

When we engage in such a lavish and generous giving, God too will shower His abundance, in a similar and much better fashion!
“For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Of course, that is not to say that we are limiting God’s power of giving
God surely showers His gifts lavishly!

God surely pours His blessings overwhelmingly!

But the Lord invites us to be less “rigid/scrupulous” when it comes to giving to God or others!

Give to God, Who deserves all, so that we may be worthy to receive His blessings.
Give to God, Who is worthy of all, so that we may be blessed to receive His graces.

In the Divine methodology of exchange, the advantage is that we get much more than what we give… we obtain far greater than what we offer!

God’s giving is not to be seen just from material or physical aspects…
In fact, that would be a minimal and low level of understanding.

God’s gifts are to be understood more from a spiritual perspective:
… Gift of His mercy to live a life in union with Him.
… Gift of His grace to be faithful and more committed.
… Gift of His love to be better human beings and be more charitable.
… Gift of His salvation to enjoy eternal bliss and happiness with Him.

All these gifts will be surely lavished and given
… “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into our lap!”

This greatest exchange is seen and experienced in the Holy Eucharist
… at every Holy Mass.

Let us give ourselves entirely to the Lord, especially at Holy Mass…
… and through the Mass, at all times of the day, to all persons in our life.

Then, in the words of Fulton Sheen, we will be graced to hear the words of the Divine Lord.

You give Me your humanity, and I will give you my Divinity!
You give Me your time, and I will give you My eternity!
You give Me your broken heart, and I will give you Love!
You give Me your nothingness, and I will give you My all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
“AMEN”

The Creed, like the last book of the Bible, ends with the Hebrew word amen.
This word frequently concludes prayers in the New Testament.
The Church likewise ends her prayers with “Amen.”
In Hebrew, ‘Amen’ comes from the same root as the word “believe.”
This root expresses solidity, trustworthiness, faithfulness.

And so we can understand why “Amen” may express both God’s faithfulness towards us and our trust in Him. (CCC # 1061-1062)

“Being ready to listen and obey the Voice of the Lord!”

(Based on Gen 15:5-12, 17-18, Phil 3:17-4:1 and Lk 9:28b-36 – 2nd Sunday of Lent, Cycle C)

A story is told of a tribal man, who was visiting a busy town along with a group of tourists.

It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people.

Cars were honking… taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening.

Suddenly, the tribal said, “I hear a cricket.”
(Cricket is an insect, and makes a loud, persistent, chirping sound)

One of the tourists said, “What? You must be crazy. You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!”

“No, I’m sure of it,” the man said. “I heard a cricket.”

“That’s crazy,” said the other tourist.

The tribal man listened carefully for a moment…
… and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing.

He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches…
… and sure enough, he located a small cricket!

The group of tourists were utterly amazed.

“That’s incredible,” said one of them, “You must have super-human ears!”

“No,” said the tribal. “My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you’re listening for.”

“But that can’t be!” said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.”

“Yes, it’s true,” came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you.”

So saying, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk.

And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears…
… they noticed every head within twenty feet turn
… and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

“See what I mean?” asked the tribal man, “It all depends on what’s important to you!”

As Christians, is the Voice of the Lord important to us?

If yes, then we will surely give heed to His Voice…
… pay attention and be obedient!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by God to hear the voice of the Lord, to listen to Him and to be obedient to Him.

The second Sunday of the Season of Lent presents to us the “Transfiguration Event” from the Gospel of St Luke.

The scene of the Transfiguration is indeed a powerfully visual and authoritatively impactful incident.

Jesus takes three disciples – the core team among the Twelve – Peter, James and John – and led them up a high mountain. (Lk 9: 28)

Why were these three chosen?
…and not others?

Well… we can only make some guess-works… because the bottom-line is:
“They were ‘chosen'”
(Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!)

Peter:
• Probably as the one who is the Leader
• The one to whom the Lord entrusts to be the rock on which He would build His Church (Mt 16:18)

John:
• Probably as the one who had a intimate bond with the Lord
• The one who is referred to as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23)

James:
• Probably as the one who warranted a special privilege, being the first apostle to be martyred.
• The one who would be the first among the apostles to literally lose his life for Jesus (Lk 9:24)

These three also had a privilege of some “firsts”…
• Peter was the “First” Pope…
• James was the “First” Martyr among the apostles…
• John was the “First” witness to the death of Christ…

The choosing of the three also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!
Moses had chosen seventy (two) elders.
But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Aaron, Nadab, and Abiu. (Exodus 24:1)

Jesus had chosen twelve apostles.
But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Peter, James and John (Lk 9:28)

Jesus is the New Moses…
….through whom the New Covenant will be established!
… through whom the New Law will be written on the tablets of the heart!

Up on the mountain, witnessing the glorious and magnificent Transfiguration, the disciples behold their Master, Jesus in dazzling white… joined by Elijah and Moses. (Lk 9:30)

And then, they hear a voice, from the cloud…
“This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!” (Lk 9:35)

“Listen to Him”…is the commandment that is exhorted!
• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son, Jesus and grasp His teachings for life
• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s commitment in the path of suffering.
• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s trust in God’s Will at every moment

The same words are today echoed boldly and loudly to each one of us: “This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!”
• Life will take us through many deserts and desolations of difficulties.
• Life will put us through various storms and hurricanes of hardships.

But in all such moments, are we ready and open to listen to the Voice of the Lord?

Abraham in the Old Testament…the Father of Faith… went through such immensely agonizing and hard moments. (Gen 22: 1-3)

Asked to sacrifice His beloved Isaac… His special one…
… Abraham was torn between listening to his own voice of affection for his child or to the voice of God
… Abraham was shredded between listening to his own reasonable mind or to the incomprehensible plan of God

• But Abraham chose to put his faith in the Lord… and to listen
• He chose to trust absolutely in the providence of God… and to be obedient

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we better be totally obedient to God.

When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…
… every crisis
… every desert
… every darkness
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

Let us grow in our efforts to be completely obedient to our Master!
Let us pray for His grace to be truly listening and following the voice of our Master!

When the Voice of the Lord becomes important to us…
… then we will surely give heed to His Voice, pay attention and be obedient!

Are we ready to listen and obey the Voice of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE HOPE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

Every man receives his eternal recompense in his immortal soul from the moment of his death in a particular judgment by Christ, the judge of the living and the dead.
We believe that the souls of all who die in Christ’s grace… are the People of God beyond death.

On the day of resurrection, death will be definitively conquered, when these souls will be reunited with their bodies. (CCC #1051-1052)