“Becoming a person who tells ‘Turn this Way’ to many people in our lives!”

(Based on Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 and Mt 9:9-13 – Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An interesting story is said of a Christian Missionary woman who had been doing the work of evangelization among a native group of tribals.

After she had been with them for a while, and after the natives had experienced the Power of the Lord…
… they gave her a new name: “Aim-day-co”

The Chief of the Tribe, in explaining the name, said: “In our tribe, when we see anyone taking a wrong route/road, we call out “Aim-day-co”

It means, “Turn this way!”

Our sister came from a far-away land and found us all on the wrong road.
She sensed that we were in great danger of losing our souls.

So she stood and said “Turn this Way”…
… and pointed to Jesus!

May God bless “Aim-day-co!”

Are we ready to be an “Aim-day-co” in the lives of people?

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 9:9-13) presents Jesus Who became an “AIM DAY CO” in the life of St Mathew…
… and today, we celebrate, how, in turn, this Great Saint has become an “Aim-day-co” to all of us, by his Gospel!

One of the important and essential dimensions of an encounter with our Blessed Lord is the “transformation effect” on the person.

If one has had a genuine encounter with Him…
… one cannot be passive
… one cannot just remain the same

Either one shakes off the dust of sin and slackness and follows Him in sincerity
… or one tries to cast Him off from life and adamantly remains in one’s own desires!

Either one takes radical decisions in life and orients one’s conduct in accordance with His Will
… or one seeks to do away with all Divine inspirations and obstinately sticks firm to one’s personal interests!

In any case, an “encounter with the Lord” causes an effect in life – either for the good or towards rejecting the impulses of Divine Goodness.

Do I respond positively and emphatically to the call of the Lord…
… or do I sink into an attitude of grumbling, complaining and disinterestedness?

The Gospel of the day presents these two “contrasting reactions” in the encounter with Jesus…

Matthew…. who hears the call of the Lord – “Follow Me” (Mt 9: 9)

The Pharisees… who observe the lavishness of God’s mercy and react with grumbling and complaining (Mt 9: 11)

Jesus very emphatically declares, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12)

This verse is the key to understand and gauge the style of reaction, when we encounter the Lord…

The one who needs Him – will relish Him!
The one who feels no need of Him- will reject Him!

The one who acknowledges that one is sick, weak and in need of God’s grace and mercy – will find in Him a Saviour!
The one who vehemently says that one is all fine, self-motivated and strong willed – will fail to find any consolation in Him!

Here then is a wonderful check-meter to test my passion, my longing and my intensity of love for the Lord…

Have I discovered that by myself I cannot achieve everything that life demands of me….?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the answer to my problem and a solution to the puzzles of my life!

Do I realise that as a human person, I often fall into the snares of sin and can get easily caught up in evil traps…?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the antidote to sin and a remedy to overcome the pitfalls of wickedness!

St Mathew presents a beautiful picture, of embracing the Lord fully into life because He realised and discovered the intimate need of the Lord in his life.

He experienced Jesus as an “Aim-day-co” – the One Who told him “Turn this Way”…
… away from the ways of sin and Turn towards the Way of Salvation!
… away from the ways of corruption and Turn towards the Way of Christ!

On this First Friday of the Month, as we offer ourselves to the Sacred Heart of our Blessed Lord…
… let us be inspired by St Mathew and imitate his example, in surrendering ourselves totally to the Lord’s Sovereignty…
… and thus be an “Aim-day-co” – the one who tells “Turn this Way” to many people in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS

“Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.”
Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new.
The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place.

This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (CCC # 1246-1247)

“Avoiding any harbouring of evil in our hearts; instead, enthroning the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts!”

(Based on Amos 7:10-17 and Mt 9:1-8 – Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Harbour” is a place on the coast, where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

The word “harbour” is also used to speak about a keep a thought or feeling, (typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly

The Gospel of the Day is an expose by Jesus, on how a group of people “harbour” wrong thoughts in the mind.

It is an exposition of this evil side of life that often empowers human hearts, and pops its head up, especially when encountered by goodness and holiness.

The Gospel is the healing of the paralytic, when Jesus comes into His own town.

Seeing the paralytic being brought on the stretcher, and admiring their faith, Jesus had said, “Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9: 2)

However, some of the scribes got irked hearing these words and said, “This man is blaspheming”

Jesus, who knows the hearts of people…. who reads the thoughts of all… said:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9: 4)

Another translation of this verse would read:
“Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”

The Lord exposes the evil intention of the Scribes in questioning His action of cleansing the paralytic.

For the paralytic, it was a great occasion…
… of being cleansed from sin, and being restored to holiness
… of having a very personal encounter of the Saviour and receiving wholeness

It was a sacred time… a holy moment!

But where there is the presence of Holiness, evil finds itself disturbed and distances itself!

Evil cannot exist beside the Sacred!

Human life often finds itself engaged and engrossed with evil things…

The pull to be bad constantly lurks in human minds…
The urge to be sinful often prowls in human hearts…

Therefore, when the paralytic was encountering goodness and holiness, the evil side in the scribes popped its head up, and questioned and quizzed our Blessed Lord.

The same question that Jesus asked the scribes is now thrown to us:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” or “Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”

Am I a person who is unable to tolerate the good things happening in other people’s life?
Am I someone who gets irked and irritated when the other person prospers in happiness?

We sometimes adorn the walls of our hearts with many filthy stuff – uncharitable thoughts, indecent words and jokes, hurtful views of people or crude perspectives of situations.

The Lord feels hurt and sad by this our “harbouring of evil in our hearts”

Are we ready to throw of all those unbecoming stuff from our hearts, and enthrone the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted “to the marriage supper of the Lamb” and receives the Food of the new life, the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord’s words: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.”
The Latin Church, which reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
The solemn blessing concludes the celebration of Baptism.

At the Baptism of new-borns, the blessing of the mother occupies a special place. (CCC #1244-1245)

“Avoiding any harbouring of evil in our hearts; instead, enthroning the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts!”

(Based on Amos 7:10-17 and Mt 9:1-8 – Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Harbour” is a place on the coast, where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

The word “harbour” is also used to speak about a keep a thought or feeling, (typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly


The Gospel of the Day is an expose by Jesus, on how a group of people “harbour” wrong thoughts in the mind.
>> It is an exposition of this evil side of life that often empowers human hearts, and pops its head up, especially when encountered by goodness and holiness.


The Gospel is the healing of the paralytic, when Jesus comes into His own town.

Seeing the paralytic being brought on the stretcher, and admiring their faith, Jesus had said, “Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9: 2)
>> However, some of the scribes got irked hearing these words and said, “This man is blaspheming”


Jesus, who knows the hearts of people…. who reads the thoughts of all… said:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9: 4)

Another translation of this verse would read:
“Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”


The Lord exposes the evil intention of the Scribes in questioning His action of cleansing the paralytic.

For the paralytic, it was a great occasion…
… of being cleansed from sin, and being restored to holiness
… of having a very personal encounter of the Saviour and receiving wholeness
>> It was a sacred time… a holy moment!


But where there is the presence of Holiness, evil finds itself disturbed and distances itself!
>> Evil cannot exist beside the Sacred!


Human life often finds itself engaged and engrossed with evil things…
>> The pull to be bad constantly lurks in human minds…
>> The urge to be sinful often prowls in human hearts…

Therefore, when the paralytic was encountering goodness and holiness, the evil side in the scribes popped its head up, and questioned and quizzed our Blessed Lord.


The same question that Jesus asked the scribes is now thrown to us:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” or “Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”

>> Am I a person who is unable to tolerate the good things happening in other people’s life?
>> Am I someone who gets irked and irritated when the other person prospers in happiness?


We sometimes adorn the walls of our hearts with many filthy stuff – uncharitable thoughts, indecent words and jokes, hurtful views of people or crude perspectives of situations.
>> The Lord feels hurt and sad by this our “harbouring of evil in our hearts”


Are we ready to throw of all those unbecoming stuff from our hearts, and enthrone the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————————————-
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
>> Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted “to the marriage supper of the Lamb” and receives the Food of the new life, the Body and Blood of Christ.
> The Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord’s words: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.”
>> The Latin Church, which reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
>> The solemn blessing concludes the celebration of Baptism.
>> At the Baptism of new-borns, the blessing of the mother occupies a special place. (CCC #1244-1245)
—————————————————-

“Entrusting our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer!”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul)

It is said that World History is a victorious story written by the winners…
… through the lives of proud emperors, famous rulers, triumphant troops

But Salvation History is written by God…
… through the lives of humble saints, repentant sinners and passionate lovers of the Lord!

God is an amazing script writer!

His Divine Wisdom, beautifully pens lives…

But often, we fail to understand this script.

Failures, disappointments, tragedies…are mostly, considered by us, as the end of our lives.

Today, Holy Mother, the Church invites our attention to two persons: St Peter and St Paul…
… who faced failures, disappointments and tragedies…

But remarkably, through the Divine Plan, their lives were scripted to a classic story….!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the two Great Saints of the Church – St Peter and St Paul.

St Peter was overwhelmed by the Great Fishermen of Hearts!

All through his life, we see St Peter, varying between many emotions – over-zealous, impatient, bold, courageous, simple, daring etc

St Paul was overpowered by the tremendous power of the Risen Lord!

All through his life, we see St Paul, displaying many characteristics – zealous and passionate, fervent and ardent, bold and courageous.

God, the Great Script Writer, knew exactly well, these two personalities!

Their life is a paradox.

Both had their moments of rejecting, persecuting, betraying and doubting the Lord…
Both had their moments of a “turning point”…
… St Peter’s call to be a Fisher of People & the Lord once again accepting him, in love, after Resurrection
… St Paul on his way to Damascus, being prevailed over by the Majestic Power of the Risen Lord!

Both had their moments of being misunderstood and facing tough moments from the people, especially, the close people, with whom, they lived with, and to whom they ministered.
Both had their moments of sharing in the Cross of Christ, in His Chalice of Suffering and in the Baptism of a Holy Death!

Today, both are honoured & venerated as Stalwarts of our Faith & the Pillars of the Church.

Peter was also known as Simon…
… Paul was also known as Saul.

Peter was the fisherman, the small-town Galilean Jew…
… Paul was the Pharisee, the scholar of the Law.

Peter was conscious of the Faith’s Old Testament roots…
… Paul had found in Christ, “all things new.”

Peter had lived and walked with Jesus…
… Paul had encountered the Risen Jesus.

Peter was crucified on an inverted cross…
… Paul was martyred by the sword.

Two very different persons… Two different temperaments.

But ONE in their Zeal, Passion, Love, Mission, Enthusiasm, Fervour…
… All for the Lord!

These saints have much to teach us…and much to be imitated…!

Is the story of our life, suffering from a bad-script, at the moment?

There is Hope….in the Lord!

Are there areas in our life, where there is persecution?

There is Salvation…in the Lord!

Are there moments in our life when we feel betrayed or cheated?

There is Love…in the Lord!

Are there situations of rejection and loneliness in our life?

There is Acceptance…in the Lord!

Are there times of doubt or tears or pain in the depth of our heart?

There is Healing…in the Lord!

The Lord, the Mighty Rock… declared St Peter to be the Rock!

The Lord, the Good News… declared St Paul to be the Evangelizer!
Today He invites us to imitate & follow the example of these Humble yet Great Saints of the Church.

Like St Peter, may we grow in faith, to declare, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16)

Like St Paul, may we advance in holiness, to declare, “I now no longer live; Christ lives in me!” (Gal 2:20)

Let us grow in Obedience, in Love and in Dependence… like St Peter

Let us grow in Passion, in Courage and in Openness… like St Paul!

Let us entrust our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer…
… The One Who can draw straight, with crooked lines!

Happy Feast to the Pillars of the Church….
… and to us, the Seekers of their Intercession and Zeal!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has “put on Christ,” has risen with Christ.
The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte.
In Him, the baptized are “the light of the world.”

The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: “Our Father.” (CCC #1243)

“Entrusting our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer!”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul)

It is said that World History is a victorious story written by the winners…
… through the lives of proud emperors, famous rulers, triumphant troops
>> But Salvation History is written by God…
… through the lives of humble saints, repentant sinners and passionate lovers of the Lord!

God is an amazing script writer!
>> His Divine Wisdom, beautifully pens lives…

But often, we fail to understand this script.
>> Failures, disappointments, tragedies…are mostly, considered by us, as the end of our lives.


Today, Holy Mother, the Church invites our attention to two persons: St Peter and St Paul…
… who faced failures, disappointments and tragedies…
>> But remarkably, through the Divine Plan, their lives were scripted to a classic story….!


Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the two Great Saints of the Church – St Peter and St Paul.

St Peter was overwhelmed by the Great Fishermen of Hearts!
>> All through his life, we see St Peter, varying between many emotions – over-zealous, impatient, bold, courageous, simple, daring etc

St Paul was overpowered by the tremendous power of the Risen Lord!
>> All through his life, we see St Paul, displaying many characteristics – zealous and passionate, fervent and ardent, bold and courageous.


God, the Great Script Writer, knew exactly well, these two personalities!

Their life is a paradox.
>> Both had their moments of rejecting, persecuting, betraying and doubting the Lord…
>> Both had their moments of a “turning point”…
… St Peter’s call to be a Fisher of People & the Lord once again accepting him, in love, after Resurrection
… St Paul on his way to Damascus, being prevailed over by the Majestic Power of the Risen Lord!

>> Both had their moments of being misunderstood and facing tough moments from the people, especially, the close people, with whom, they lived with, and to whom they ministered.
>> Both had their moments of sharing in the Cross of Christ, in His Chalice of Suffering and in the Baptism of a Holy Death!

Today, both are honoured & venerated as Stalwarts of our Faith & the Pillars of the Church.
>> Peter was also known as Simon…
… Paul was also known as Saul.

>> Peter was the fisherman, the small-town Galilean Jew…
… Paul was the Pharisee, the scholar of the Law.

>> Peter was conscious of the Faith’s Old Testament roots…
… Paul had found in Christ, “all things new.”

>> Peter had lived and walked with Jesus…
… Paul had encountered the Risen Jesus.

>> Peter was crucified on an inverted cross…
… Paul was martyred by the sword.

Two very different persons… Two different temperaments.
>> But ONE in their Zeal, Passion, Love, Mission, Enthusiasm, Fervour…
… All for the Lord!

These saints have much to teach us…and much to be imitated…!


Is the story of our life, suffering from a bad-script, at the moment?
>> There is Hope….in the Lord!

Are there areas in our life, where there is persecution?
>> There is Salvation…in the Lord!

Are there moments in our life when we feel betrayed or cheated?
>> There is Love…in the Lord!

Are there situations of rejection and loneliness in our life?
>> There is Acceptance…in the Lord!

Are there times of doubt or tears or pain in the depth of our heart?
>> There is Healing…in the Lord!


The Lord, the Mighty Rock… declared St Peter to be the Rock!
>> The Lord, the Good News… declared St Paul to be the Evangelizer!
Today He invites us to imitate & follow the example of these Humble yet Great Saints of the Church.


Like St Peter, may we grow in faith, to declare, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16)
>> Like St Paul, may we advance in holiness, to declare, “I now no longer live; Christ lives in me!” (Gal 2:20)


Let us grow in Obedience, in Love and in Dependence… like St Peter
>> Let us grow in Passion, in Courage and in Openness… like St Paul!

Let us entrust our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer…
… The One Who can draw straight, with crooked lines!


Happy Feast to the Pillars of the Church….
… and to us, the Seekers of their Intercession and Zeal!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————————————-
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
>> The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has “put on Christ,” has risen with Christ.
>> The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte.
In Him, the baptized are “the light of the world.”
>> The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: “Our Father.” (CCC #1243)
—————————————————-

“Understanding that problems of life, when viewed with the Grace of God and by the Providence of the Lord, become great and wondrous moments of Blessings!

(Based on Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12 and Mt 8:23-27 – Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

We live in a world of wonders…

For example…

Salt is a wonder.
• It is composed of two dangerous substances – Sodium which is explosive when exposed to moisture and Chlorine which is poisonous.

But salt is so very stable!

Alnico magnets are a wonder.
• It is composed of three non-magnetic substances: aluminium, nickel and cobalt.

But it is the strongest magnet in the world!

Water is a wonder.
• Its chemical formula is H2O – Oxygen is flammable and hydrogen readily burns.

But unite them, to get water and we put out fires with it!

But above all these things of nature and the natural phenomena, we have the greatest wonder in the Lord and Creator of every “object and situation” of wonder, Himself – God!

How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder and an eye-opener for us to realize the “wonderful” Person that we have in the “boat” of our lives – Jesus – and to be grateful for Him for His “wondrous” presence!

We are with the familiar passage of the calming of the storms.

The Gospel of Matthew reports the fact that when Jesus and His disciples got into the boat, there was sudden violent “storm”… (Mt 8:23)

The Greek word that is used for “storm” is “seismos”…

Seismos means a “shaking” or a “commotion” or a “tempest” or an “earthquake”
(It is from this word “seismos” that we get the word “seismic” which refers to earthquakes)

The disciples were right in the midst of something like a “sea-earthquake”

And it came on “suddenly!”

How often is our life too so similar…

We sail across calmly, enjoying the peace and serenity of life…
… when suddenly, we are hit by a deadly storm, in the form of…
… a major crisis in the family or the community
… an unexpected sickness to us or to our loved one
… some unimaginable disaster arising in our work-place
… an inexpressible pain or an absolutely unforeseen problem

We find ourselves totally despairing in the thick of that “seismos,” that “storm”.

The waves hit the boat of our lives so badly and violently…
… that for a moment, our heart skips a beat and we think, “is it all going to be over?”
… that for a split-second, we let go of every hope and we feel, “is it really the end?”

But the Lord who was always with us, in our boat, relaxed and calm, “gets up, rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is great calm” (Mt 8: 26)

It is as if the whole world is His classroom, and the Master Teacher gets up and demonstrates His power to His students!

It is as if the waves and the winds are getting “too naughty” and Jesus, the Lord, gets up and “rebukes and chides” them!

And suddenly the disciples realized something spectacular…

All this while, in the midst of the storm, they were shocked and appalled at the “wonder” of the mighty wind and the raging tempest.

But now… right before them and with them… was a Person who was the Source, Creator and the Perfection of all Wonders – “Jesus!”
• The “wonder” of the Lord’s presence far outmatched those of the deadly side of nature!
• The “wonder” of the Mighty Creator greatly surpassed that of the crisis they faced!

The Gospel says that the disciples were “‘amazed’ and said “What sort of a man is this, whom even the winds and the seas obey?” (Mt 8:27)

How often do we realize the wonder of His Being?

How often do we be thankful for the wonders He does in our lives?

Let us also, like the Disciples, learn to experience deeper and mingle with the “wonder” of the Lord – especially in the Most Holy Eucharist, where He is truly and really present…
… so that we can sail through the storms of our life, in faith and hope!

Problems of life, when faced individually, can be volatile and dangerous…

But when they are viewed with the Grace of God and by the Providence of the Lord…
… they become great and wondrous moments of blessings!

Today let us specially seek the intercession of St Irenaeus, the 2nd century Church Father and Apologist.

Let us give great heed to his words of warning, and thus seek to Love Christ and His Church more fervently and faithfully…
… “Error, indeed is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected.
But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced more true than truth itself!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

In the liturgy of the Eastern Churches, the post-baptismal anointing is the sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation).

In the Roman liturgy the post-baptismal anointing announces a second anointing with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the bishop Confirmation, which will as it were “confirm” and complete the baptismal anointing. (CCC # 1242)

“Making a choice to be a Disciple of Christ – and to be ever-faithful and a committed Christian!”

(Based on Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 and Mt 8:18-22 – Monday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A motivational speaker was addressing a group of youngsters…
… and was insisting on the importance of “making the right choices in life”

She quoted Ann Voskamp, a Canadian Author and said:
“Remember…
Busy is a choice!
Stress is a choice!
Joy is a choice!
Choose well….!”

Our choices go a long way, in determining the quality of our life!

Christianity requires us to make choices…
… choices for the Kingdom
… choices of Kingdom virtues over worldly ways

In a world where there is an insistent inclination to the “Instant”….

Instant Coffees…
Instant Food…
Instant Juices…
Instant Pleasures…
Instant Solutions to problems…
Instant end to difficulties…
And sadly… even an inclination for Instant Christianity!
… we are called forth to make choices that enhance our commitment to the Kingdom.

The Gospel of the Day is a call to re-look at some of the motives and intentions in our following of Christ…
… and to make the right choices.

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse:
Mt 8:18 – “When He saw the crowd press around Him, Jesus gave orders to cross to the other shore”

The preceding verses in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of St Matthew present Jesus performing many miracles and healings…
… and a “Crowd” being attracted to the Lord.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers….
But the Lord, wished to sift this Crowd.

He says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His Head” (Mt 8: 20)

Jesus does away with any promise of security and comfort

He discourages people from following Him for having a better material life!

It was not that He didn’t want many people…
… but He wished to purify their motives & make them authentic in their following Him!

He sifts and sieves and strains the “Crowd”…to get together the “Disciples”.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers…

But when there is an exhortation in being committed to that miraculous event…
… the crowd is filtered…and only the Disciples remain back!

The Lord is asking us today…
Are we just a part of the CROWD…?
… or are we ready to be filtered, and be a DISCIPLE?

Christianity sometimes gets reduced to…
… Going to Church once in a while especially on a Sunday or a Feast day
… Saying a few prayers time to time
… Reading a few verses from the Bible.. etc…

And then expecting Instant blessings and favours!

But is this all that Christ intended with Christianity?

We are exhorted to move from the tendency reduce Christianity as just a part time affair, or in terms of some contract or promises, or in order to achieve some wants and desires…
… and instead to be Christian as a full timer!

It is easy to be part of a Crowd….

We can enjoy the occasional miracles
We can relish hearing the Word of God

But it is not easy to be a Disciple…

The experience of external miracles would be few
The Word of God would not just be heard, but also be expected to be lived and practised in life!
There would be no guarantee of any security in life
Many of the personal desires would have to be left behind…

To be a Disciple is hard…
… undoubtedly painful…and certainly, demanding

But to be a Disciple is also joyful…
… undoubtedly satisfying…and certainly, exciting!!

The Crowd is Casual…
… the Disciple is Dedicated!

The Crowd is Dichotomous…
… the Disciple is Committed!

What are we going to choose?
To be part of the “Crowd”- as an easy-going Christian?
… or to be a “Disciple” – as an ever-faithful and committed Christian?

Your answer please?…
… Instantly!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

In the Latin Church this triple infusion is accompanied by the minister’s words: “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
In the Eastern liturgies the catechumen turns toward the East and the priest says: “The servant of God, N., is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
At the invocation of each person of the Most Holy Trinity, the priest immerses the candidate in the water and raises him up again.
The anointing with sacred chrism, perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop, signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptize…

… who has become a Christian, that is, one “anointed” by the Holy Spirit, incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest, prophet, and king (CCC #1240-1241)

“Making a choice to be a Disciple of Christ – and to be ever-faithful and a committed Christian!”

(Based on Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 and Mt 8:18-22 – Monday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A motivational speaker was addressing a group of youngsters…
… and was insisting on the importance of “making the right choices in life”

She quoted Ann Voskamp, a Canadian Author and said:
“Remember…
Busy is a choice!
Stress is a choice!
Joy is a choice!
Choose well….!”


Our choices go a long way, in determining the quality of our life!

Christianity requires us to make choices…
… choices for the Kingdom
… choices of Kingdom virtues over worldly ways


In a world where there is an insistent inclination to the “Instant”….
>> Instant Coffees…
>> Instant Food…
>> Instant Juices…
>> Instant Pleasures…
>> Instant Solutions to problems…
>> Instant end to difficulties…
And sadly… even an inclination for Instant Christianity!
… we are called forth to make choices that enhance our commitment to the Kingdom.


The Gospel of the Day is a call to re-look at some of the motives and intentions in our following of Christ…
… and to make the right choices.


The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse:
Mt 8:18 – “When He saw the crowd press around Him, Jesus gave orders to cross to the other shore”


The preceding verses in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of St Matthew present Jesus performing many miracles and healings…
… and a “Crowd” being attracted to the Lord.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers….
But the Lord, wished to sift this Crowd.
>> He says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His Head” (Mt 8: 20)


Jesus does away with any promise of security and comfort
>> He discourages people from following Him for having a better material life!

It was not that He didn’t want many people…
… but He wished to purify their motives & make them authentic in their following Him!

He sifts and sieves and strains the “Crowd”…to get together the “Disciples”.

Where there is a miraculous event, a crowd gathers…
>> But when there is an exhortation in being committed to that miraculous event…
… the crowd is filtered…and only the Disciples remain back!


The Lord is asking us today…
Are we just a part of the CROWD…?
… or are we ready to be filtered, and be a DISCIPLE?


Christianity sometimes gets reduced to…
… Going to Church once in a while especially on a Sunday or a Feast day
… Saying a few prayers time to time
… Reading a few verses from the Bible.. etc…
>> And then expecting Instant blessings and favours!

But is this all that Christ intended with Christianity?

We are exhorted to move from the tendency reduce Christianity as just a part time affair, or in terms of some contract or promises, or in order to achieve some wants and desires…
… and instead to be Christian as a full timer!


It is easy to be part of a Crowd….
>> We can enjoy the occasional miracles
>> We can relish hearing the Word of God

But it is not easy to be a Disciple…
>> The experience of external miracles would be few
>> The Word of God would not just be heard, but also be expected to be lived and practised in life!
>> There would be no guarantee of any security in life
>> Many of the personal desires would have to be left behind…

To be a Disciple is hard…
… undoubtedly painful…and certainly, demanding
>> But to be a Disciple is also joyful…
… undoubtedly satisfying…and certainly, exciting!!


The Crowd is Casual…
… the Disciple is Dedicated!

The Crowd is Dichotomous…
… the Disciple is Committed!


What are we going to choose?
To be part of the “Crowd”- as an easy-going Christian?
… or to be a “Disciple” – as an ever-faithful and committed Christian?

Your answer please?…
… Instantly!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
>> In the Latin Church this triple infusion is accompanied by the minister’s words: “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
>> In the Eastern liturgies the catechumen turns toward the East and the priest says: “The servant of God, N., is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
>> At the invocation of each person of the Most Holy Trinity, the priest immerses the candidate in the water and raises him up again.
>> The anointing with sacred chrism, perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop, signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptize…
… who has become a Christian, that is, one “anointed” by the Holy Spirit, incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest, prophet, and king (CCC #1240-1241)
—————————————————-

“Taking the resolute decision to walk the hard way!”

(Based on 1 Kings 19:16-21, Gal 5:1, 13-18 and Lk 9:51-62 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I?
I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

These well-acclaimed and much-celebrated lyrical words…
… from the poem “The Road not taken” by Robert Frost highlight the importance of making critical choices in life.

It is our choices that show who we are, far more than our abilities.

It is our choices that determines our success in life, far more than our talents.
The attitude of our life determines the altitude of our life!

The Gospel of Day takes pride in presenting a determined Jesus, who has made a choice-for-life in moving towards the mission of His life.
“When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)

The Gospel of St Luke presents the whole ministry of Jesus as a linear journey…
… a movement from Galilee to Jerusalem.

All the events and actions of Jesus are oriented towards Jerusalem.

This verse – Luke 9:51 – signifies a mega shift in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Jesus leaves the northern area of Israel called as Galilee and moves ahead to the southern area of Israel called as Judea.

Just as the Israelites had the Exodus Event, which marked the beginning of their salvation as a nation…
… Jesus too will have the Exodus Event which culminates in Jerusalem, which will mark the beginning of the salvation of the whole world!

This verse – Luke 9:51 – marks the beginning of the Exodus Event in the life of Jesus.

The verse reads, “… He RESOLUTELY determined to journey to Jerusalem”

The Greek word used for “resolutely” is Sterizo.

Sterizo is a strong word, which means…
… to strengthen and to establish
… to stand firm with one’s decision.

Jesus makes this strong resolution – Sterizo – To embrace the vision and plan of God.
Jesus makes this strong resolution – Sterizo – To be obedient to the Will of His Father.

Jerusalem was the place where he was to suffer and die.

He was fully determined to go and would not be dissuaded;
He went cheerfully and courageously though He knew the things that should befall Him.

The Road to Jerusalem was to be marched resolutely by Jesus!

All of us walk the Road to Jerusalem…

Life…
… with its hard challenges and unexpected troubles
… with its spiritual difficulties and luring temptations
… with its doses of unforgiveness and bad temperaments
… with its continual showers of unpleasantness and irritations
… with its allurements to bad habits and hard-to-give up pleasures

Is indeed a Road to Jerusalem!

But unless we make a strong resolute decision to walk through this Jerusalem Road, salvation and victory and happiness can never be ours!

When Jesus decided to go ahead with resoluteness in His decision, He met with rejection!
“…they would not welcome Him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk 9:53)

The Jews and the Samaritans were much at loggerheads with each other.

As we see in Jn 4:20, the great controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the place of worship – whether it was Jerusalem or whether it was Mount Gerizim.

So bitter was the altercation between them that the Jews would have no dealings with the Samaritans, nor they with them (Jn. 4:9).

This is the reality of the world.

When one makes a determined decision for life, one is faced with many challenges.
When one makes a strong resolution for life, one is faced with many oppositions.

Like the disciples, James and John, very often, the answer to this rejection is sought in the form of vengeance and violence and wrath.

It is the easier way.
It is the more simpler way.
… but it is a destructive way!

Jesus answers this rejection with a better and a powerful weapon: self-sacrifice.

The Son of Man came not to destroy, but to save through a call to repentance.

It is the hard way.
It is a the more tough way.
… but it is a saving way!

The answer to life’s problems is not in reacting, but in being pro-active!

Jesus in the Gospel today invites each one of us to have a resolute determination in walking the Road to Jerusalem.

It’s easy to pick up shortcuts and easy roads to find success in life.

But it takes a resolute decision to walk the hard way…

The Grace of God will strengthen and boost us in this hard path…

As the Psalmist says, “It is You, O Lord, Who are my portion!” (Cf. Ps 16:5)

The Holy Bible is a witness to this great saga of great people who have walked this hard path…
… including Jesus.

Two roads diverge at every moment in our life

A road of the easy…and the road of the hard…

Which one shall we travel by?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

Baptism signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ.
Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water.

However, from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring the water three times over the candidate’s head. (CCC #1239)

“Consecrating our lives to the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary and finding consolation and comfort in Her Immaculate Heart!”

(Based on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother)

There is a well-known incident in the life of St Francis de Sales…

During the period from December 1586 to January 1587, St Francis underwent a terrible crisis, a temptation, a trial.

There were several causes:

His natural tendency to anxiety
The problem of predestination (a Calvinist position which says that God has determined the eternal destiny of every human being. He has chosen some to eternal life and foreordained others to everlasting punishment) keenly discussed in theological circles in those days.
A mystical dimension to the trial: an unselfish, pure love of God and total surrender to Him, in which lay the answer to his problems as he was being tempted to despair of his salvation.

One day in January 1587, St Francis went into the church of St. Etienne des Grès.

He went to the chapel of our Lady and knelt down in front of the statue.

He was inspired to make an unconditional surrender of his salvation to God, using the words:
“O God, Just Judge and Merciful Father, at least in this life will I love You, if it is not given to me to love You in life everlasting”.

Then he saw there a card with the prayer – The Memorare: “Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary…”

He took it and earnestly prayed it.

He was instantly healed.

The temptation vanished.

Strength and confidence returned to him.

He consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and decided to dedicate his life to God with a vow of chastity.

The Gentleman Saint, St Francis de Sales found consolation and encouragement by dwelling on the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother Mary, and consecrated himself to Her maternal care.

Today, on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we too are invited to admire and venerate the deep love and affection of our Blessed Mother…
… and to seek Her help and intercession to lead a life in closer union with the Lord.

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Blessed Mary is celebrated on the following day of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of the Lord.

Jesus in a vision to Lucia (one of the Fatima visionaries) said: “I want My Church to…put the devotion to this Immaculate Heart beside the devotion to My Sacred Heart.”

Lucia would also say: ““The work of our redemption began at the moment when the Word descended from Heaven in order to assume a human body in the womb of Mary.

From that moment, and for the next nine months, the Blood of Christ was the Blood of Mary, taken from Her Immaculate Heart; the Heart of Christ was beating in unison with the Heart of Mary!”

Both these devotions are intricately linked.

The Catechism of the Church says:
“Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it.” (CCC # 964)

“This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ’s virginal conception up to his death”. (CCC #1172)

Saint Alphonsus Ligouri tells us, “After the love which we Jesus Christ, we must give the chief place in our heart to the love of His Mother Mary.”

It was in 1942, in the context of the devastating Second World War, that Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

St Luke gives a glimpse into this Blessed Heart of our Mother, when he testifies that “… Jesus’ Mother kept all these things in Her Heart” (Lk 2: 51b)

1. What does the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother teach us?

The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that “everything in life is not understood”.
Mother Mary had to face a lot of hardships and struggles in life

Right from the moment of the Annunciation
… to the misunderstandings about her marital life
… the hardships at the time of the birth of Her Child
… the grievances and tribulations in the events post-birth and care of the Child
… the loss of Her Spouse, Joseph
… the misunderstandings that Her Little Babe had to face in His ministry
… the cruel death meted out to Her Beloved Child

With all these great troubles of life, we still find that Mother Mary remained trustful and obedient.

2. The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that “sorrow and pain are an integral part of everyone’s life”

The Heart of our Blessed Mother faced a lot of pain and agonies…
… sacrificing of a promising life ahead, for the sake of giving birth to God’s Child
… facing crisis in the family and possibilities of misunderstanding with her to-be-husband Joseph
… uncertainty during and after the birth of the Child
… living life as a widow and alone with Her Son away in a risky mission
… undergoing the deepest pain of seeing One’s Own Child facing a harrowing death

3. The Immaculate Heart of Mary teaches us that “being focused on doing God’s Will brings the greatest joy and happiness”
   The Heart of our Blessed Mother was ever focused on doing God’s Will.

Just as Her Son would tell later on in life, “My food is to do the Will of the One who sent me” (Jn 4:34), Mary also would sustain Her life on doing the Will of the Father at all times.

This would therefore turn out to be the source of strength and joy, even in the midst of the deep pain that Her Heart underwent.

The Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother is a model and example and inspiration for all of us too….

Do I realise that “not everything in life can be understood”; yet life is still worth living and making it beautiful for others and for God?

Do I accept that “pains and problems” are part and parcel of life; yet, holding on to the Father’s Hands will assure us of a spiritual joy and heavenly peace?

Do I seek to constantly seek and do God’s Will in my life, and be committed and faithful to the tasks that are entrusted to me, as part of my vocation?

Saint Louis de Montfort beautifully reminds us: “If you put all the love of the mothers into one heart it still would not equal the love of the Heart of Mary for her children.” –

Let us consecrate our lives to the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary and find consolation and comfort in Her Immaculate Heart!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, may we rest in You!

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mamma!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION

The baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer of epiclesis (either at this moment or at the Easter Vigil).
The Church asks God that through his Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water…

… so that those who will be baptized in it may be “born of water and the Spirit” (CCC #1238)