“Praying, LEAD KINDLY LIGHT, and overcoming every failure by the Grace of God!”

(Based on Jer 28:1-17 and Mt 14:13-21 – Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A brave missionary – known to have pioneered many missions – was sharing his experiences with a group of novices (group of brothers, before taking the evangelical vows, in a religious order/congregation)

In his interaction with the young and aspiring novices…
… he recounted the many moments of struggles and “apparent failures” that he had to face in the missions.


Yet with much joy in his heart and a special sparkle in the eyes, he exhorted:
“My dear novices… the words of one of the beautiful hymns that we often sing, as part of our Night Prayer (Compline – Divine Office) gave me a lot of strength, at the end of every day.

‘Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
>> Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
>> Lead Thou me on!

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.’”


The great missionary did encounter moments of failures in life…
… but what kept him going, was the hope and conviction to see the Hand of the Lord, leading and guiding Him!


Yes, failure is something which we surely encounter very often in our lives!
>> We fail to stand up to ours and others’ expectations in our personal lives…
>> We fail to answer to the needs and demands of our family or community lives…
>> We fail to respond to the challenges and duties of our responsibilities in our societal lives…

Failure creates clouds of hopelessness.
>> Failure causes pangs of anxieties!

But every failure, can also be the gateway to venture into a fresh framework of opportunities…


The background of today’s Gospel is a very disturbing one: the beheading of John the Baptist!

The Voice which heralded the Coming of the Saviour…
>> The Voice which had provided hope…
… had been brutally silenced!


Jesus, on hearing this news, withdrew to a lonely place.


The inhuman murder…
Of His Cousin
Of His companion in the Works of the Kingdom…
… was a Moment of Great Pain to the Lord
… perhaps, even a Great Setback to Him!

Disappointment was apparently looming large…
>> The Mission hereafter was not going to be easy…
Failure was knocking at the doors…

But every failure, can also be the gateway to venture into a fresh framework of opportunities…


Though filled with pain and sorrow and grief…
… Jesus continues His ministry of preaching the Kingdom of God.

And thus we see our Blessed Lord multiplying the loaves and feeding the crowds (Mt 14: 15-21)


The Evil King Herod, had feasted on the vices of self-pleasure and debauchery
>> The Good King Jesus, would make a feast on the virtues of compassion and self-giving!

The Evil King Herod spread a party of lewdness, trudging on the death of an innocent man
>> The Good King Jesus would host a party of God’s Mercy and Tenderness, inviting to eternal life!


Jesus failed to get bogged down by failures…
>> He did not allow Himself to be immersed in a sea of let-downs and disappointments.

Instead, He made His Compassionate and God-trusting Heart to shine through the clouds of darkness!


Jesus also taught His Disciples to not get disappointed or disheartened by “apparent” signs of failures or lack or success.


When Jesus asked His disciples to provide food for the hungry crowd, the disciples said:
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here” (Mt 14:17)

The disciples were expressing their possibility of ‘facing a failure’…
… “We have no resources, Lord!”
… “All what we have is just not good enough to be successful!”


But the Lord – Who had refused to be bogged down by failure – now teaches the Disciples to also imitate Him…
>> Not being disappointed with possibilities of failures…
… instead, entrusting whatever we are and however we are, to the Bountiful Care of the Father

>> Not getting discouraged by situations of lack of success…
… instead, giving praise to the Lord at all times, knowing that He works wonders and miracles – in His Time, In His Way!


The same resources which signified nothingness – five loaves and two fish:
… were now transformed by the Lord as food for thousands!
… were now symbols of God’s power and providence!

You and I…
… Are we facing failures at this moment?
… Is our spiritual life going downhill?
… Are we lost in the society- facing rejections and encountering disappointments in all areas of our life?


Do we feel that FAILURE become part and parcel of our existence?

Fear not…!
Give up not hope…!
>> Let us hold on to the Lord…
… the same Lord who was “face-to-face with failure” after the brutal murder of His Cousin
… the same Lord who worked a miracle for his disciples who were “face-to-face with failure” in ministry


Success is…
… being faithful, to do God’s works: however little they be – in the time & place, God wishes!

Success is…
… persevering and holding on to God’s Will: however painful they be – in the manner, God wishes!

Success is…
… resolutely being truthful to God’s Ways: however hard they be – in the way, God wishes!


Am I today being surrounded by a hazy atmosphere of failures and disappointments?

Look up to the Lord for inspiration…
… The Lord Who remained ever faithful to the Will of God and the Lord Who had to suffer on the Cross by virtue of His obedience and fidelity!
>> He shows what is true success!
>> He shows what is real achievement!


Yes, Faithfulness is more vital than success.
>> Authenticity is more needed than victory


Today we celebrate the Feast of a Great Saintly Doctor of the Church – St Alphonsus Liguori, the Patron Saint of Theologians – the Founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists)

Let us give heed to his words:
“The more a person loves God, the more reason he has to hope in Him.
>> This hope produces in the Saints an unutterable peace, which they preserve even in adversity, because as they love God…
… and know how beautiful He is to those who love Him, they place all their confidence and find all their repose in Him alone”


As we begin a new month, with faith and hope, let’s pray: “LEAD KINDLY LIGHT…”


God Bless! Live Jesus!
——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION – THE EFFECTS OF CONFIRMATION
>> It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit…
… as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. (CCC # 1301)
——————————–

“Living with the conviction that all our works and activities ought to be always oriented solely towards the Glory of God’s Greatness – Ad majorem Dei gloriam!”

(Based on Eccles 1:2, 2:21-23, Col 3:1-5, 9-11 and Lk 12:13-21 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

King Louis IV was, from 1643-1715, the King of France – 72 years – which is the longest in modern European history.
>> He boasted himself as “The Great” and even took great pride in calling himself “I am the state”.

The “Great” king had even planned his own funeral to be just as spectacular.

He had instructed Bishop Massillon that upon his death…
>> He was to be laid in a golden coffin at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.
>> At his funeral service the entire cathedral was to be completely dark…
… lit dimly by only one candle positioned above the coffin.

This was to be done so that all would be awed by the “Great” king’s presence, even in death.


When he died, Bishop Massillon did exactly as the King had instructed.

At the funeral, thousands of people gazed at the exquisite casket that had the mortal remains of their monarch…
… illuminated by a single flickering candle.


However, as the funeral service began, the Bishop slowly bent down…
>> And to the surprise of all…
… he blew out the candle which represented the late king’s greatness!

Then in the darkness, the Bishop proclaimed to all: ” “Dieu seul est grand – Only God is Great!”


It was a rebellious cry to both – the late king and to those who were attending the funeral who had called him “Louis XIV the Great!”


The world very often considers richness in terms of wealth, power and position, isn’t it?
>> But not God!


The world very often greatness in terms of worldly success and accomplishments., isn’t it?
>> But not God!



How about us?
>> Are we rich and great only in the eyes of the world..?
… or can we instead aspire and seek to be rich and great in the eyes of God?



The Gospel of the Day is a powerful reminder from the Lord on the need to understand the real meaning of “being rich”…
… and an invitation to be constantly on the guard against greed and avarice.


Chapter 12 of St Luke begins with the statement: “Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot” (Lk 12: 1)

Jesus had become a Phenomenon!
>> There were hundreds and thousands of people who were following Him


It’s from among these thousands (the Greek word used is “myriads”) of people, that the voice of one person catches the attention of Jesus.
>> And so we read, “Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me'” (Lk 12: 13)


We could imagine this situation…
>> Thousands of people crowding…
>> One man manages to shout above others… probably pushing others and comes in front… and puts forward a petition…


It is before the whole crowd (and probably before his brother), that this man wants Jesus to pronounce a favour for him…
… a favour for getting the inheritance and help to get riches


How often is our prayer to Jesus also similar to this man’s request…!
>> We want Jesus to answer our petitions in the way “we want” – to have favours granted in the manner and time that “we want”

The Will of God is often not consulted.

And when such “prayers of demand” and “claims of requirements” are not fulfilled or delayed…
… we get into despair and depression
… we accuse that none of our prayers are heard
… we blame that probably God is deaf to us and that our devotions are worthless


The man who made his “prayer of demand” and “claim of requirement” was probably…
… influenced by a greed to be rich and wealthy
… disposed by the vices of avarice and greed
>> He was wanting to have God’s approval for the same!

But Jesus refuses to be dragged into such a controversy…


Centuries back, Moses had been embroiled in an argument and was questioned back:
“Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?” (Ex 2:14a)


Jesus, aware of this, quoted in a similar fashion, ” Friend, who appointed Me as your judge and arbitrator?” (Lk 12:14)

Jesus had guessed the intentions of this man who put forward the petition…
>> And so He uses the occasion to teach him… and His disciples…
… and to each one of us: On the dangers of holding on to riches – things which are temporary and transient.


Jesus gives the Parable of the Rich Fool, and teaches us…
… It is not bad to work hard and to put in efforts to produce bountiful harvests
… it is not wrong to make use of God-given talents and reap richer produces.


However, it is also very essential to examine our attitudes towards prosperity and our attachments towards riches!

It is wrong…
… when we amass earthly wealth and riches without any care for heavenly treasures and spiritual gifts
… when we get pre-occupied only with material matters and neglect the requirements of our spiritual life
… when the pleasures of the body are given higher priority over the demands of the Kingdom of God


The parable teaches us on the dangers of being attached to wealth and riches
>> And challenges us to “Hold lightly, to what God has given us!”


In the light of this parable, we need to check…

… In my personal life
>> Does God have the first place in my life or are there other attachments that are given higher priority, attention and time?

… In our family life
>> Do we thank God for all our blessings and continually depend on Him by cultivating a spiritual culture or are other modern gadgets and social amusements that are given greater precedence?

… in our parish, community and religious life
>> Do we orient all our activities and ministries, solely for the glory of God and the service of the needy, and seek His intervention at every decision or do we play around with Christian values and even dilute or compromise them?


The Scripture constantly calls us to become aware of the worthlessness of earthly riches and calls to aspire for things which are higher in nature:
>> “Vanity of vanities… All is vanity!” (Eccl 1: 2)
>> “Set your minds on things that are above, and not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2)



God considers richness in terms of doing His Will and following His commandments
>> But not the world!

God equates greatness in terms of giving up our attachments for His sake and taking up our Cross daily
>> But not the world!


We are faced with this choice, at every moment….
>> Are we rich and great only in the eyes of the world..?
… or can we instead aspire and seek to be rich and great in the Eyes of God?



Let us always remember: “Only God is great!”
… and that all our works and activities ought to be always oriented solely towards the Glory of His Greatness!


Today, July 31st, we also specially seek the intercession, and be inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the “Society of Jesus”(Jesuits), on his Feast Day.

His motto: Ad majorem Dei gloriam (“for the greater glory of God”) – is a great challenge and an inspiration for all of us.

May his prayer echo in our hearts:
“O my God, teach me to be generous!
Teach me to serve you as I should…
… to give without counting the cost,
… to fight without fear of being wounded,
… to work without seeking rest,
… to labour without expecting any reward,
>> But the knowledge that I am doing Your Most Holy Will.”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
>> The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the Sacrament of Confirmation…
… signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful. (CCC # 1301)
——————————–

“Becoming persons who have our conscience always pure and always give heed to the voice of the Lord to be holy!”

(Based on Jer 26:11-16, 24 and Mt 14:1-12 – Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An incident is narrated of a man who brought a package of supplies from a trading shop.

On reaching home, to his surprise, he found a silver coin inside the package.
>> Something troubled him.

He came back the next morning to the trader and handed him back the silver coin.
>> The trader was amused and surprised and asked him: “That’s interesting to see that you have returned back the silver coin!”

The customer replied: “Well, I got a good man and a bad man in my heart!
>> The good man said, `It is not yours’; the bad man said, ‘Nobody will know’.
>> The good man said, ‘Take it back’; the bad man said, `Never mind’.”

And so thinking, I went to bed…
… but the good man and the bad man talked the whole night and troubled me.”


The conscience of the man caused him disturbance because of the fault that he was supposedly in…
… and made him to yield to its goodness!

Each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…
>> Do we listen and give heed?
>> Or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?


The Gospel of the Day presents the intense ordeal faced by King Herod who failed to give consideration to the voice of conscience…
>> And instead had his mind rottened and his actions dirtied…
… by falling into the trap of guilt and shame.


King Herod had exercised his authority and sinfulness by beheading John the Baptist. (Mt 14:1-12).
>> The demon of guilt and shame of that inhuman murder kept bothering him.


In this scattered state of mind, King Herod hears about the deeds and wonders of another man, Jesus.
>> His guilt-filled and confused mind is unable to grasp the identity of this new man who works marvels and so he told: “This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him!” (Mt 14:2).


The king harassed by sin and shame failed to grapple the mystery of the Son of God, the King of kings!


The persona of Jesus surpasses great minds and cannot be arrested by hardened hearts!
>> The character of Jesus baffles proud mentalities and cannot be captured by cynical spirits!


King Herod was greatly disturbed with a guilty conscience and a sinful heart.
>> He felt greatly challenged and threatened by Jesus, Who was being considered as a King.

The sinful and corrupt Kingdom of Herod was faced with an opposition from…
… the pure and holy Kingdom of God!


The increasing popularity of Jesus caused Herod the Tetrarch, the ruler of the land, to come face-to-face with his guilty conscience.


Truth is always very powerful!
It can, silently, yet very authoritatively…
… challenge faulty lives
… prick guilty consciences
… confront culpable actions


Herod bore the guilt of having killed John the Baptist, who was the voice of the Truth.
>> He knew that he had done something extremely wicked and merciless
>> He knew that he had acted in opposition to truth, to honesty and to sincerity.


Therefore, the rising fame of the Lord – whom he misunderstood as John the Baptist – drove him to despair over that brutal act of the killing of the Baptist.

• The constant exposition to wicked thoughts and evil inclinations had caused his life to become a pillar of guilt-filled feelings!
>> Think wicked, and our character will decay into being evil…


On the other hand, was the righteous life of John the Baptist.

He was born with a sense of purpose – of being a voice to the Truth.

He maintained this goal by always living in sincerity – fearless and courageous.
>> To this end, he even valiantly shed his blood!


• The constant nurturing of holy purposes and sacred acts had caused his life to become a pillar of a purpose-filled existence!
>> Think nobler, and our character will mould into being noble…


We need to examine our lives and conscience and check…

>> Am I, like King Herod, filled with fear and doubts because of my sinful conscience and guilty mind?

OR…

>> Can I be like John the Baptist, filled with a sense of purpose and clarity in life?


>> Is my life a chest-box of guilt-filled feelings – formed by deposits of wickedness, evil and sin?

OR…

>> Can my life be a treasure of a purpose-filled existence – formed by deposits of holy determination and sanctified lives?


Yes, each of us, at every moment, have our conscience speaking to us…
>> Do we listen and give heed?
… or do we silence the voice of the conscience and allow our guilt to rotten up our minds and dirty our actions?


Purified by the Sacraments…
>> Strengthened by God’s Word…
>> Empowered in prayer…
… may we become persons who have our conscience always pure and always give heed to the voice of the Lord, “Be Holy, as I am Holy!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!
——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
>> The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Latin rite, “the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: ‘Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti’ [Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.].”
>> In the Eastern Churches of Byzantine rite, after a prayer of epiclesis, the more significant parts of the body are anointed with myron: forehead, eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest, back, hands, and feet.
>> Each anointing is accompanied by the formula (Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti): “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC # 1300)
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“Seeking the intercession of Sts Martha Mary and Lazarus, to remain focussed on the Lord!”

(Based on the Feast of Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus)

Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian operatic Tenor.

(A tenor is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is one of the highest of the male voice types)

He made numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias, gaining worldwide fame for the brilliance and beauty of his tone…
… and eventually established himself as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century.


Luciano relates:
“When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of singing.
>> He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice.

Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil.

I also enrolled in a teachers college.


On graduating, I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’

“Luciano,” my father replied, ‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them.

For life, you must choose one chair.’

“I chose one.
>> It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my first professional appearance.
>> It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera.


And now I think whether it’s laying bricks, writing a book–whatever we choose–we should give ourselves to it.

Commitment, that’s the key.
>> Choose one chair!”


Often we try to find joy and satisfaction in life, by trying to adjust and fit into many “chairs”.

>> We end up in frustrations and irritation and bitterness.
>> Our life gets entangled into a lot of annoyance and resentment

The Result: We feel life is totally unfair to us… We complain.. We argue!


The Feast of the Day – the Memorial of Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus – is an invitation to re-focus our attention to the Lord, and to renew our commitment to the Kingdom.


During his journey of ministry, we are presented with two incidents that describes Jesus’ encounter with the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus – one by St Luke, and the other by St John.

1. St Luke describes Jesus coming to a village and being welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary. (Lk 10:38-42)

2. St John describes Jesus encountering Martha and Mary, before raising the dead Lazarus (Jn 11:1-44)


For our Reflection today, we shall consider some pointers from the incident narrated by St Luke – that took place in the house, where Jesus was welcomed (Lk 10:38-42)


Martha demonstrated great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home.
>> She got busy with the tasks of serving their honoured Guest.

Mary, on the other side, displayed great devotion and love, by sitting at the feet of Jesus
>> She got immersed into spending time, with the revered Rabbi.


This incident could raise a few reactions that we could generally have towards Martha and Mary.

1. Appreciating the courage and devotion of Mary
>> The position adopted by Mary was something contrary to the fixed norms for a Jewish woman.

She sat the the feet of Jesus, just as a student would, while learning at the feet of a Rabbi.
> This was a role, reserved for men.

Yet, Mary “chose the better part” (Lk 10: 42)


2. A tendency to think only negatively about Martha
>> Martha is very often portrayed in a very negative light as being too nagging and pestering.

She had got herself busy in preparing for the comfortable stay of the guest, which was a pretty normal and expected thing to do.
>> This was a role, expected of all women, in general.


3. A tendency to even consider Mary as being lazy
>> The fact that the Gospel fails to mention any role of Mary in the “process of hospitality” could cause us to think that Mary was lazy or avoiding the responsibility of duty.


4. Feeling empathatic for Martha
>> Martha was only doing the natural duty that was part of her office – taking care of the guests.

It was natural that, seeing her sister not helping, caused irritation to her.


Besides all these possible reactions to the incident, it is also good to reflect on the words of Christ to Martha, which gives us a deep pointer for reflection.

Jesus tells Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (10:41-42).


The Lord extends an invitation to Martha to examine her approach…

Jesus is not against her actions of service and of providing a comfortable hospitality.
>> But he is concerned that Martha is too “worried and distracted”

The Greek word used for “distracted” is “periespato”
>> “Periespato” means to be pulled or dragged in different directions

As a result of this high degree of distraction….
>> Martha fails to maintain an important and basic dimension of hospitality – giving due attention to the guest
>> Martha also seeks to cause a humiliation for her sister, Mary, in public
>> Martha even goes on to accuse Jesus of “not caring about her”


We live in a world where we are prone to get easily “distracted” – to be pulled or dragged in different directions – like Martha.

But can we seek to overcome this crippling tendency by “choosing the better part” of giving whole attention to the Lord and to His Kingdom.


Very often…
… our best intentions in life can get spoilt due to our tendency to over-worry or be over-anxious.
… our noblest deeds of works can be marred due to our unnecessary outbursts of irritation and distractions


Life offers us many “chairs” – choices – which can distract us, cause us irritation and take away our focus from what is most basic and most important.

May we ask the grace to choose the “one thing that is needed” – the one “chair” – of being committed to the Lord and His Kingdom.


May the intercession of Sts Martha Mary and Lazarus help us to remain focussed on the Lord…
… so that we can enjoy true peace and joy in life!


Happy Feast Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!


——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
>> In the Roman Rite, the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands.
>> Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. (CCC # 1299)
———————————

“Trusting our Lord, Who is the Potter of our lives… and like clay, allowing ourselves to be moulded at His Mighty Hands!”

(Based on Jer 18:1-6 and Mt 13:47-53 – Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

One morning, the husband was at breakfast…
… his face hidden behind the morning paper.

The frightened maid tiptoed into the room and whispered something to the wife’s ears.

The wife – paled slightly – then squared her shoulders resolutely and said:
“Dear, for the last seventeen years, you have been eating oats porridge in the morning.
You will be very upset, isn’t it, if you don’t get it this morning?”

Expecting the worst reaction, the wife began to turn away.

The husband, hiding his naughty smile, however said: “Oh how sad!
Yes, I will miss my daily meal!
But hey! It’s also a nice chance to get something interesting to eat, without having to tell explicitly…
… how bored I am with my daily meal!”

The husband, without wanting to express that he wanted a change in his meal,
… hid behind a casual attitude of “saying yes” without really intending!

Well… such is the case with many of us as well, probably.

There are many things that we don’t really enjoy…
… yet, pretend that everything is fine.

There are many things not going on fine with us…
… but we still behave as if we are okay with everything.

We sometimes are people who affirm and consent…
… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality

There is a “lip” yes…
… but not a consent with the mind.

There is an external nodding…
… without a true affirmation from the heart.


The Gospel of the Day presents such a classic case in the context of the disciples of Jesus saying a “Yes” to having understood the teachings of Jesus…
… and invites us to examine our lives and check whether:

We say only a “lip” yes, without the consonance of the mind!
We give an external nodding, without the affirmation of the heart!

The first 50 verses of the 13th Chapter from St Matthew is a quick montage of several parables…
… Seven in all…

Parable of the Sower (vv. 1-9)
Parable of the Weeds among wheat (vv. 24-30)
Parable of the Mustard Seed (vv. 31-32)
Parable of the Yeast (v. 33)
Parable of the man finding the treasure (v. 44)
Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (v. 45)
Parable of the Net thrown in the sea (vv. 47-50)
These 7 parables teach several great truths and virtues….

Preparing our hearts to receive the Generous Word of God….
Accepting the reality of evil in the world and being firm to be good…
Realizing the Divine Grace that blossoms our littleness into a shelter for many…
Recognizing the transforming effect of a committed faith…
Experiencing the joy of discovering the Lord as the Treasure of our lives….
The Willingness to give up everything to prioritize the Lord as the Pearl of Great Prize….
Living a life with the awareness of the judgment of good and evil at the end of our lives!
At the end of this quick, power-packed narration of the 7 parables, Jesus puts forward a question to His Disciples:
“Do you understand all these things?”(Mt 13:51)


The Lord wished to know if His disciples were grasping these great truths of Christian Life…

He wanted to know from His chosen ones, the level of their understanding.

The Gospel says the Disciples “answered, ‘Yes'”(Mt 13:51b).
Well, we are not fully sure whether the Disciples really understood and grasped everything….

We really can’t say for certain whether their “Yes”…
… was only a “lip” yes or one with the consonance of the mind
… was an external nodding or one with the affirmation of the heart

There are many occasions in the Gospels…
… when we see the Disciples “said something” but did not actually follow it or live it
… Or they really did not fully understand and grasp the person of Jesus and His teachings

At the Transfiguration, when Peter said, “Let us make three tents”, the Gospel says, “he did not know what he was saying!”(Lk 9:33b)

After the multiplication of the loaves, the Gospel says “they had not understood the incident of the loaves”(Mk 6:52)

After the calming of the storm at the sea, they said to one another “Who then is this Whom even wind and sea obey?”(Mk 4:41)
They failed to recognize and see the Father in Jesus and so Jesus chided them, saying, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me?” (Jn 14:10)
They asked Him Show us the Father.


We therefore do not really know the depth of the “Yes” of the Disciples…
… Was it only an instinctual reply?
… Was it just a spontaneous answer?

We cannot fully trace the intention of the Disciples.

But this incident is certainly a reminder and an invitation for us to examine…
… Do we seek to understand the Lord and His Teachings?
… Are we aware of the greatness and the worth of the many devout practices of our faith?

Let us examine…

Do we realize the Power of the Most Holy Mass and prepare ourselves accordingly for a worthy celebration…
… or has it become a regular routine of life, without the due preparation and a sense of reverence?

Do we read the Living Word of God daily, and seek to live in accordance with His Teachings…
… or has the Bible merely become another “object” of the house, only to be kept in a place of seclusion, with an occasional glance?

Do our prayers and the reception of the other Sacraments become a God-experience and have a life-touching effect…
… or have they been rendered as casual or even compelled actions, with little effect on one’s life and activities?

Yes, as Christians, we are sometimes people who affirm and consent…
… without really understanding or grasping the whole reality.

Let us offer ourselves into the Providential Hands of our God…
… by giving heed to the Lord, who invited His followers to be like the “instructed scribe, who is like the house holder who brings from his storeroom, both the new and the old.” (Mt 13:52).

Let us trust our Lord Who is the Potter of our lives…
… and like clay, allow ourselves to be moulded at His Mighty Hands! (Cf. Jer 18:1-6)


Today we celebrate the Feast of St Alphonsa, the first Indian born canonised saint.

Let us seek her intercession and be inspired by her “great life that consisted many little and simple acts of love and charity!”

Let her prayer be ours too:
“O Lord Jesus, hide me in the Wound of Your Sacred Heart.
>> Free me from my desire to be loved and esteemed.
>> Guard me from my evil attempts to win fame and honor.
>> Make me humble till I become a small spark in the flame of Love in Your Sacred Heart.
Grant me the grace to forget myself and all worldly things.
>> Jesus, sweet beyond words, convert all worldly consolations into bitterness for me.
O my Jesus, Sun of Justice, enlighten my intellect and mind with Your Sacred Rays.
>> Purify my heart, consume me with burning love for You, and make me one with You!”


Happy Feast of St Alphonsa!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
>> When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, as is the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the profession of faith by the confirmands.
>> This clearly shows that Confirmation follows Baptism.
>> When adults are baptized, they immediately receive Confirmation and participate in the Eucharist. (CCC # 1298)
———————————

“Discovering the Lord as the Greatest Treasure of our lives!”

(Based on Jer 15:10,16-21 and Mt 13:44-46 – Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Jenny was a cheerful little seven-year old girl of a poor home.

Once, while out shopping with her mother, in the market…
… she came across a “fine white pearl” in a pink foil box.

Though it was an imitation pearl (not a real one), the girl was highly fascinated, and sought to buy it.

After a lot of pestering, the mother – giving up some of her precious savings, to satisfy her daughter’s desire – bought the imitation pearl to her.

As soon the girl reached home, her uncle – whom she loved much and had returned from foreign – was waiting to see her.

The excited girl ran to her loved uncle, and presented the imitation pearl, saying:
“Uncle, see how beautiful this pearl is! I am so excited to be possessing it!”

But the Uncle – who knew the child’s love for pearls – looked into her eyes and asked:
“Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”
“Oh no Uncle! I can’t give this pearl to you!

I have got this bought from Mummy after a lot of insistence.

I will give you my favourite doll instead… but don’t ask me for this pearl… please!”

But Uncle went on insisting: “No, if you really love me, give me that pearl!”

The child, by now had tears in her eyes…
… little drops flowing down her tender cheeks, Jenny says:

“Uncle, I do love you very much.
Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love you, I will give you this pearl!”

And so saying, she handed over the pearl to her uncle.

As soon as Uncle received that pearl – which was an imitation…
… he reached out his hand inside his bag, and took out a box.

Handing over the box to the crying child, he told her: “Check what I have for you, in return for what you gave me”.

Jenny opened the box.

To her great surprise and delight, it was a Necklace of Real Pearls!

Her eyes glistened, as she held the Priceless Necklace of Pearls, in her little hands.

And as she kept admiring, her Uncle told her:
“Remember my Child! So it is with life…

Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…
… you can never possess the real treasures of life!

Never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”

What about us?

Are we ready to hand over the “imitation” pearls to our Loving God, in order to be handed over the real “Pearl of Great Price!”

The Gospel of the Day are the twin parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of God being compared to a “priceless fortune” being discovered.

A man finding a treasure in a field (Mt 13: 44-45)
A merchant finding a pearl of great price (Mt 13:46)

One of the common thought-pattern exhibited in both these parables is the following factor:
“The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”

The man on finding the treasure in the field…
… takes the risk of selling everything, in order to buy the treasure, which was priceless

The merchant on finding the precious pearl…
… takes the risk of selling all that he had, in order to possess the pearl, which was priceless.

The pages of the Bible narrate this pattern: “The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”…

… St Joseph risks listening to the voice of the Angel, and taking Mary as his wife – in order to provide a home for the Son of God – a priceless responsibility!

… St Peter risks giving up his boats and fishing nets – in order to follow Jesus – a priceless vocation!

… Zacheaus risks inviting Jesus into his home and doing away with his riches – in order to obtain salvation – a priceless reward!

… St Paul risks doing away with his former ways of persecuting Christianity and preaching to the Gentiles, instead – in order to win many souls- a priceless way of life!

“Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved playing it safe, and sticking to the familiarity of the known!”

Are we ready to take this risk…?

… takes the risk of selling all that he had, in order to possess the pearl, which was priceless.

The pages of the Bible narrate this pattern: “The risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is priceless!”…

… St Joseph risks listening to the voice of the Angel, and taking Mary as his wife – in order to provide a home for the Son of God – a priceless responsibility!

… St Peter risks giving up his boats and fishing nets – in order to follow Jesus – a priceless vocation!

… Zacheaus risks inviting Jesus into his home and doing away with his riches – in order to obtain salvation – a priceless reward!

… St Paul risks doing away with his former ways of persecuting Christianity and preaching to the Gentiles, instead – in order to win many souls- a priceless way of life!

“Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved playing it safe, and sticking to the familiarity of the known!”

Are we ready to take this risk…?

… risk doing away with our sinful ways, in order to live a new life in Christ?

… risk giving up some undue attachments, in order to allow the Lord to possess our hearts?

… risk removing some unwelcome addictions, in order to allow the Spirit of God to work in us?

Jesus, the Priceless Fortune deserves our best!

We, however, often cling on to the “imitation” pearls in our life.
… assuming that they can give us happiness – when in actuality, they are mere imitations!

Our Loving God constantly asks us: “Child, if you really love me, give the pearl to me!”

Our human weakness and tendency may tell “Oh no! I can’t give this pearl to you!

But let us not be afraid to “take the risk”…
… and tell the Lord:
“Lord, I do love you very much.

Though it is extremely hard for me, but because I love You, I will give You this pearl!”

Yes, this act of “taking a risk” will surely win for us “The Pearl of Great Price”!

Let us faith-life always remind us:
“Unless you recognize and give up the fake things of life…
… you can never possess the real treasures of life!”

Yes, let us “never be afraid of taking the risk of giving up everything, in order to gain that which is Priceless!”

The Lord is with us…
… waiting to be discovered as the Greatest Treasure!

What is needed is our self-giving…
… little and small as we are: let us offer our lives to the Lord
… broken and disturbed as we are: let us give ourselves to the Lord

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

The consecration of the sacred chrism is an important action that precedes the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it.
It is the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese.

In some Eastern Churches this consecration is even reserved to the patriarch. (CCC # 1297)

“Remaining ever faithful to the Lord, with the help of the intercession of St Anne and St Joachim!”

(Based on Jer 14:17-22 and Mt 13:36-43 – Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of St Anne and St Joachim, Parents of Mother Mary)

One of the very famous hymns in Malayalam, composed by Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi (1883 –1945 – preacher, poet and composer) goes thus:
“Dukhathinde paana paathram
Karthav yende kayyil thannal
Sandoshathodh adhu vaangi
Hallelujah paadidunne….”

Translated as…

“If my Lord offers a chalice
Full of worries into my hands,
I will accept it with pleasure
And sing ‘Hallelujah’ with thanks.

My father will never offer
Anything that is harmful I’m sure.
He may give me moments of pain
Still He loves me beyond measure!”

The hymn pays glorious tribute to the Immense Love of the Lord…
… despite the seemingly tough and troublesome moments that we go through in life.

(The spirit of this hymn was beautifully lived and celebrated by St Alphonsa, the first woman of Indian origin to be canonised, whose feast is celebrated on July 28)

Life often takes us through…
… trials of struggle and pain
… situations of agony and abandonment
… occasions of evil encounters and malicious moments!

Yet, in all such moments, the call of the Gospel is to remain firm in faith and hope – trusting in the Providence and Power of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day is an exposition by the Lord on this crucial Reality of our lives, by the explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.

It’s noteworthy to know some interesting facts about this parable…

Sowing weeds in someone else’s field, was a way take revenge on the other and to express one’s hatred and anger!

Something similar to what sometimes we see people doing…
… breaking the glass of the houses of those whom they don’t like
… disfiguring the walls of the house of the people whom they hate

The weeds that Jesus speaks of in the parable, were highly similar to the wheat that was sown.

It was almost impossible to distinguish the two, in their initial stages.

Seeking to pull up the weeds would definitely destroy the wheat plant

This was because, their roots would get inter-twined.

Any attempt to pull up the weeds, would also cause harm to the good plant.

It is in the light of these points, that our “doubt and perplexity” about the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds grows:

“Why does evil exist in a world that was created good?”

This is where the Lord challenges every Christian to understand…
… that some mysteries in life cannot be fully understood…
… but are to be boldly lived!
… that some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…
… but are to be bravely challenged!
…. that some problems in life cannot be completely solved…

But are to be fearlessly encountered!

As we take time to digest this fact, let us also spare a thought for the seed of wheat that was sown by the Sower.

For the Sower, the Seed of Wheat was priceless… special…!

He had sown it with a lot of love, care and affection.

And so, He would do everything in His power, to make sure, that He loses nothing of it, in the attempt to get rid of the weeds.

The Sower is God.

And the Bible, throughout, speaks about how the seed that is sown – the wheat – is precious to God…

We are the precious Wheat.

Jesus opens our hearts and minds to have a “realistic understanding” of life.

We need to be patient with ourselves and with others…
… in dealing with sin and with evil tendencies

Of course, as humans, we do many times…
… bite our teeth in anger, glaring at the inhumanness in our society and the world
… lose our cool, in finding ourselves to be imperfect and sinful even after years of trying
… go mad, in encountering silly disputes and indifferences in our families & communities
… have our blood boiling, seeing the various scandals and shameful incidents in the Church

But the Lord says… “Hold On”….

Surely, we have our emotions and feelings when we come across unjust situations..
But the Lord says:
“Do your best…and leave the rest to Me!

Aim for perfection… but give not into despair because of devastations!”

This certainly is no excuse for us to deny our duty and responsibility…
… and even the obligation to seek to avoid wickedness and dissuade evil practices.

But we may never find ourselves in PERFECT elimination of evil and sinful behaviours…
… either in our personal life, or societal life or even in the life of the church.

The Lord, the Final and the Supreme Judge, will make sure, that “Good finally triumphs over the evil!”
“The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His Kingdom, all who cause others to sin and evildoers…
… the Righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of Their Father!” (Mt 13: 41, 43).

As the national motto of India says: “Satyam eva jayate” (Truth alone triumphs!”)

Let us have recourse to the Awesome and Ultimate Power of God, and be strengthened in our lives…
… knowing and trusting that He will ultimately cause “Everything for our good” (Rom 8:28)

Let us seek the intercession and be inspired by St Alphonsa, as we too sing:
“Dukhathinde paana paathram, Karthav yende kayyil thannaal…”

“If my Lord offers a chalice, full of worries into my hands,
I will accept it with pleasure, and sing ‘Hallelujah’ with thanks.

My father will never offer, anything that is harmful I’m sure.
He may give me moments of pain, Still He loves me beyond measure!”

Today – July 26 – we gaze at the Family Photo of our Beloved Saviour…

And specially recall and cherish the Blessings of God, bestowed on the privileged Grandparents of Jesus & the Parents of Blessed Mother Mary – St Anne and St Joachim…
… on their Feast Day.

Hardly anything is known about Saint Anne and Saint Joachim.

But one thing, we know with certainty: The legacy of their daughter, Mary…
… the Woman entrusted by God the Father, to become the Mother of God.

It was their teaching, upbringing and example that helped Mamma Mary…
… to say Her Fiat – Yes, to God.
… to stand firm in the midst of unforeseen events.
… to be strong in the face of immense pain and sufferings!

Yes, God chose two simple individuals – Anne & Joachim – to help in His Plan for the Salvation of the world.

The little, the tiny and the small become mighty in the Hands of God!

May the intercession of St Anne and St Joachim help us to remain ever faithful to the Lord!

Happy Feast of Mamma’s parents to all.

May their Li’l Divine Prince Bless us! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

By this anointing, the confirmand receives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit.
A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object.
Hence soldiers were marked with their leader’s seal and slaves with their master’s.
A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret.
Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father’s seal.
Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrolment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial. (CCC # 1295-1296)

“Being inspired by St James to lower down our minds – the vessels of pride and greed – and allow the Lord to fulfil His promise, of raising to our hearts, the cup of joy and glory!”

(Based on the Feast of St James, the Apostle)

A man who had an experience of conversion and a new life in the Lord describes:
“I never professed to be a Christian or anything like that.

But one morning as I was going about my business, I heard my colleague, in office, reading aloud the passage where Jesus asked Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’

Something within, made me to wish with all my heart, that I could also answer them as Peter did.

But, I felt very sad that I could not!

Then this li’l thought came to me, `Well, if I cannot say so much as Peter, perhaps I could turn it around a little and find something easier.’

So I began to think there was one thing I could NOT say…

What was that?

I surely, could not say, ‘Lord, You know that I do NOT love you’!
And I found some comfort in that!

Strange, isn’t it?

At last I grew bold enough to look up and say:
‘Lord, You know all things. You know that I WANT to love you…’

That made me to think of His great love for me…

I thought of His life, of His words, of His Cross…
And almost before I knew what I was doing, I looked up and said:
‘Lord, you know all things, You know, that I DO love you'”

That was the blessed moment of conversion of the man…
… the moment of consciousness of forgiveness
… the moment of a fresh lease of life that was injected into him

Do I really love the Lord?

This is a question that each one of us need to pose to ourselves and answer honestly.

As humans, surely…
… we have our moments of weaknesses and frailty
… we have our spots of selfishness and pride

But if we are willing to lower down our minds – the vessels of pride and greed – then the Lord promises to raise to our hearts, the cup of joy and glory.

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such Great Person – St James – who willingly lowered his mind – the vessel of pride and greed – and enjoys today, as per the promises of the Lord…
… the cup of joy and glory raised to his heart!

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the Mother of James and John – the Sons of Zebedee – seeking for a place of honour for her children when the Lord comes in His glory (Mt 20: 20-28)

She said to Jesus, “Command that these two sons of mine, may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom” (Mt 20: 21)

This passage might seem quite awkward to be read on the Feast day of St James.

Here is a passage…
… that brings to light the natural desire of many humans to possess honour and to enjoy constant glory
… that calls to our attention the fact that human limitations of greed and appetite for positions, can affect even the close followers of the Lord

In a way, this passage shows the weaker side and the frail dimension that can very much be found in the followers of the Lord.

Yet, the pertinent question of the Lord, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22), would have probably sunk deep into the heart of St James, the Apostle.

He would realise the full meaning of that statement gradually…
… as He witnessed more and more the works of Jesus
… as He became a witness to the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord
… as He himself, would, one day, give up his life, in martyrdom for His Beloved Master

This then is what we celebrate on this feast day:
As humans, we have our weakness.

Yet, if we remain faithful to the Lord, we would slowly be purged of these frailties and grow more and more, in the Image of Christ.

The more we are in the perfumed presence of the Lord, the more His fragrance would envelop and enfold our lives.

Do we feel weak or full of vulnerability or consider that being a “true” follower of the Lord is just not my cup?

Then, let’s look to St James, the Apostle for greater inspiration and strength.

We all need to have our moments of conversion…
… moments of consciousness of forgiveness
… moments of a fresh lease of life that will be injected into us by the power of the Spirit

This alone can help us, to say, with sincerity and honesty – ‘Lord, you know all things, You know, that I DO love you'”

St James invites us: to lower down our minds – the vessels of pride and greed – and allow the Lord to fulfil His promise, of raising to our hearts, the cup of joy and glory!

Happy Feast of St James, the Apostle!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life.
The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort.
The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration.

By Confirmation, Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off “the aroma of Christ.” (CCC #1294)

“With faith and hope, leaving all to God’s Holy Will in all our prayers!”

(Based on Gen 18:20-32, Col 2:12-14 and Lk 11:1-13 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

One day, a lady was giving some lessons to her little nephew.

He was generally a good, attentive child.

But on this occasion he could not fix his mind on the lessons.

The child had actually lost one of his favourite marbles and was disturbed by it.

So after a little while of distraction, the little boy suddenly said: “Aunty, may I kneel down and ask God to help me find my marble?”

His aunt gave her consent.

The little boy knelt by his chair, closed his eyes, and prayed silently.

Then he rose and went on with his lessons contentedly.

Next day, with fear that the child had not found his toy, and so might lose his simple faith, the lady gently asked him: “Well, dear, have you found your marble?”

“No, Aunty,” was the reply, “but God has made me not want to!”

What a beautiful reply, isn’t it?

God does not always answer our prayers in the way we wish or expect!

But if we are sincere in our prayers to Him…

“He will take from us the desire for what is contrary to His Will…
… and give us faith and hope to leave all to His Holy Will!”

What is our understanding of Prayer?

The Gospel of the day is a beautiful invitation…
… To understand Prayer
… And to grow in being a Person of Prayer

The Gospel passage begins with Jesus “praying in a certain place” (Lk 11: 1a)…
… and His disciples asking Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11: 1b)

Here is an interesting notion that is observed even in our daily lives: EMULATION

EMULATION is a quality prevalent in many areas of our life…

A child emulates the styles and mannerisms of the parents
A student emulates the virtues of his/her teacher and forms an ideal
Lovers seek to emulate qualities in the other to be more and more like them
People emulate the style statements and lifestyles of their heroes (role models)

The disciples of every Jewish Rabbi also had a deep desire to emulate their Master.

This included how the Rabbi appeared, his eating styles, his Sabbath observational manners, what he liked and disliked, his mannerisms and his preferences.
The Rabbi would also teach and emphasize certain aspects of the prayers that he considered most important, depending on his outlook and approach to God.

Thus, we see the disciples of Jesus, the Rabbi also come to Him… to emulate Him

They had seen their Master often resorting to long hours of prayer
They had observed their Master interceding to the Father on important occasions
They had experienced their Master as One Who was in communion with the Father through prayer

And so, seeing their Master in prayer – wanting to emulate Him – they ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Lk 11: 1b)

Here is also an important lesson for us…

Do we want our children to pray?
… As parents, we must be rooted in prayer and children should see us praying

Do we want our parishes to be more vibrant and co-operative?
… The priests especially and the faithful should live as persons of prayer

Do we want our religious communities to be houses of peace and joy?
… The community members have a bounden duty to spend time in personal and community prayer

As Christians, we have a duty to be persons of Prayer…
… being in communion with the Father
… seeking His Will at all times
… living joyfully, knowing that the Father cares for us

The relationship that Jesus emphasizes in prayer is that of God as a Father…

A Loving Father
… Who cares and loves us much!
A Merciful Father
… Who never abandons us and always wants us to be close to Him!

What is therefore needed in prayer, “is a raising of one’s heart to the Father in love”

Jesus in the Gospel, further teaches on prayer, through a parable:

A friend who knocks at the door of his friend at an odd hour in the night, seeking for help (Lk 11: 5-8)

The man had an unforeseen guest, and so he went to his friend seeking for help

This man had the goodwill to serve his guest…
… but did not have the resources to help.

Very often, we ourselves land up into such situations, isn’t it?

We have “guests” coming in different forms….

People with problems and difficulties who approach us for help and assistance
Moments of uncertainty and insecurity that diverts our minds to it
Situations of sicknesses or crisis which seek our attention

In all those situations, we ask ourselves: “What can I do?”

But we need to realise, and be convinced: “The best thing a Christian can do… is to pray!”

In all moments of hardships and difficulties…
… we need to rush to God, our Great Neighbour and cry out to Him, “A friend has come, and I have nothing to set before him.“

Such moments become occasions when we realise…
… Necessity for God and Dependence of God are two essential constituents of Prayer

We thus become persons of Prayer…
… the more we sense the need for God in our life and the more we depend on Him
… the more we know that God is everything for us and the more we know He knows what’s best for us!

Of course, it does not mean that God, our Great neighbour, is sleeping and that He has to be awakened from his slumber…
… or that He has to be forced to render us help.

The point of the parable is that: When we realise we have a Friend Who is most needed for me and on Whom I can depend on…
… Whatever be the time of my life, I will go to Him
… Whatever be the situation I face in life, I present myself to Him

Thus prayer becomes…
… not simply an exercise or an obligation to be fulfilled
… not simply a remedial measure in our moments of struggle

But prayer becomes…
… a time of sharing and presenting ourselves, always, to the Lord seeking His Will
… a moment when we love the Lord more and perceive His plan for us in our life
… a time of self-introspection to weed away anything unbecoming of His Love

The Lord is a Loving Father, Who loves our prayer not because of hard-heartedness…
… but because He thirsts that we spend more time with Him, in His presence!

God’s Love for us… is and ought to become the greatest reason for us to pray!

And so Jesus says, “Ask, Seek and Knock” (Lk 11: 9)

Ask… to come to know that we depend on God for everything
Seek… to continually declare that we wish His Will to be done in our lives
Knock… to surrender ourselves to Him knowing that He is always available for us!

Prayer, is thus, always influential and transformative…
… making us to bend our wills to His Will
… causing us to amend our ways, to have our lives resonant with His Will

Yes, if we are sincere in our prayers to Him…

“He will take from us the desire for what is contrary to His Will…
… and give us Faith and Hope, to leave all to His Holy Will!”

Let us give to the words of St Teresa of Avila:
“Provided that we don’t give up, the Lord will guide everything for our benefit…!
There is no other remedy for this evil of giving up prayer than to begin again!”
May the Lord help us to grow in our understanding of prayer and to always be Persons of Prayer!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal.
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning…
… oil is a sign of abundance and joy;
… it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath)
… and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers)
… oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds;

… it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength. (CCC # 1293)

“Trusting our God Who loves us immeasurably and works out everything in life, for our good!”

(Based on Jer 7:1-11 and Mt 13:24-30 – Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A person who disdained religion was mocking at an elderly Christian, who was known for his staunch faith.

One day, while conversing, this man who mocked religion, said:
“Don’t you think it’s absurd to believe and have faith in God, when you don’t have answers to so many questions of life…

Look at the evil happening all around us
Look at the sufferings that people go through
Do you still think it’s wise enough to have faith in God?”

The elderly person, placing his right hand on the shoulder of the person, with a calm tone replied:
“My Christian life has taught me that trusting in God’s Providence makes every event of the world – even unpleasant – to be seen as meaningful, and worth a lesson”

And he went on to say, “And well, you talk of having faith in God?

How about our own daily experience of trusting in the people around – most of them, whom we don’t even know!

So often we go to a doctor whose name we cannot pronounce and whose degrees we have never verified.

This doctor gives us a prescription which we cannot read.
We take it to a pharmacist we have never met.
He gives us a chemical compound which we do not understand.
Then we go home and take the pill according to the instructions on the bottle.
All this we do – with trust and with sincere faith!

If we can trust each other so much, can’t we trust our God Who loves us immeasurably and works out everything in life, for our good?”

The Gospel of the Day is this invitation by our Blessed Lord to “trust in the Lord” even when life dishes out a number of questions to which we fail to find an answer!

Yes, our Lord reveals His Mind about this baffling and mysterious aspect – the active & dynamic presence of evil in this world!

A couple of days back, we were with the Generous Sower, who was madly liberal in sowing on different types of soil and which had their corresponding results (Mt 13: 1-9)

Today, we are back to the field….
But our deliberation is not on the Sower or the Seeds…
… but on the presence of Weeds among the Wheat (Mt 13:24-30)

These weeds are also called Darnel or Tares.

They weeds have a characteristic of making one feel poisoned with drunkenness, when consumed.
They also have the deceptive characteristic of bearing a close resemblance to Wheat.

In fact, these weeds are also called as False Wheat!

So the enemy in the parable… is a Learned Deceiver!
He sows this deceptive and misleading weed among the innocent and harmless wheat!

But the Lord, the Ultimate Judge gives out a strong, yet strange command:
“Let the weeds not be pulled up, lest the wheat be uprooted with them; let them just grow together until harvest!” (Mt 13:29-30)

Some mysteries in life cannot be fully understood…
… but is to be boldly lived!

Some struggles in life cannot be totally eliminated…
… but is to be bravely challenged!

Some problems in life cannot be completely solved…
but is to be fearlessly encountered!

Here is another hard reality to be digested: “God uses the very wickedness and injustices of evildoers to perfect his Elect.”

The triumph and prosperity of the wicked are short-lived…
…whereas the reward of the Christian who suffers from their wickedness is everlasting.

That’s a hard and unpopular and even impractical statement, right?

But facts remain facts – we consent or not!

This leads us to a vital aspect of our Practical Christian Living: To be Patient with ourselves and with others…
… in dealing with sin
… with evil tendencies
… with horrifying obsessions
… with unacceptable practices
… with unalterable addictions
… and with abominable disgraces.

Often…
… we bite our teeth in anger glaring at the inhumanness in our society and the world
… we lose our cool in finding ourselves to be imperfect and sinful even after years of trying
… we go mad in encountering silly disputes and indifferences in our families & communities
… we have our blood boiling seeing the various scandals and shameful incidents in the Church

But the Lord says: “Hold On”….

Surely, we have our emotions and feelings when we come across unjust situations…

But the Lord says:
“Do your best…and leave the rest to Me!
Aim for perfection….but give not into despair because of devastations!”

This certainly is no excuse for us to deny our duty and responsibility…
… and even the obligation to seek to avoid wickedness and dissuade evil practices.

But we may never find ourselves in PERFECT elimination of evil and sinful behaviours…
… either in our personal life, or societal life or even in the life of the Church.

The Ultimate Eliminator is the Lord Himself…
The Perfect Vanquisher is the Lord Himself!
The Supreme Conqueror is the Lord Himself!

Are all these too abstract, theoretical & impractical talks?
… NO!

St Paul gives an assurance in Romans 8:26-27:
The Spirit comes to our aid in our weaknesses. He Himself will intercede for us, when we co-operate with Him.”

God, who is all-powerful shares His Omnipotence with us…
… in the Holy Sacraments, in Prayer, in the Bible and in the Church.

Let us have recourse to this power of God, and be strengthened in our lives!

Let us try to do our utmost…
… but let us also permit to encounter disappointments…!

Let us strive for the finest…
… but let us fret not too much over failures and frustrations…!

The Lord knows all

HE sees all
HE has the perfect solution to all.

St Faustina says: “Our sins and weaknesses and miseries are like little sticks, before the burning furnace of the Love of God”.

Let us throw our little sticks into this burning furnace…
Let God be God in our Lives – the Ultimate Judge and Defeater of all evil!”

Let us learn to trust our God Who loves us immeasurably and works out everything in life, for our good!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONFIRMATION IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – Two traditions: East and West

In the first centuries Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with Baptism, forming with it a “double sacrament,” according to the expression of St. Cyprian.
Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations.
In the West the desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused the temporal separation of the two sacraments.
The East has kept them united, so that Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so only with the “myron” consecrated by a bishop.
A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism.
The first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop.
The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. >> If Baptism is conferred on an adult, there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of Confirmation.
The practice of the Eastern Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian initiation.

That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christ’s Church. (CCC # 1290-1292)