“May St Mary Magdalene help us to understand that ‘Love transforms everything!’ and thus do everything with greater passion!”

(Based on the Feast of St Mary Magdalene)

A Dutch diamond collector was seeking for a very rare diamond.

A diamond dealer in New York heard of this inquiry and contacted him…
… letting him know that he believed he possessed the diamond he was looking for.

The diamond collector arrived…
… and the dealer had his salesman present the diamond.

The salesman described all the technical aspects of the diamond.

However within minutes, the diamond collector rose his hand and said: “I am sorry! This is not the diamond I am looking for”…
… and began to walk away.

Watching from a distance, the diamond dealer hurriedly intercepted him…
… and he asked him if he could present the diamond again.

Since he had travelled a long distance, the collector agreed to listen once again.

The dealer pulled out the same diamond and started describing his admiration for this particular diamond.

Within minutes they were signing papers, and the diamond was purchased.

As the gentleman was walking out, he asked, what just happened?

Why was it so easy for me to say no to your salesman a little while ago, while with you I purchased the diamond?

The dealer replied: “That salesman is the best in the business.

He knows more about diamonds than anyone, including myself, and I pay him a large salary for his knowledge and expertise.

But I would gladly pay him twice as much if I could put into him something I have which he lacks.
You see, he knows diamonds…
… but I love them!”

Love transforms everything!

Love adds passion in any activity we do.

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such person who deeply loved the Lord – St Mary Magdalene.

The Bible presents St Mary Magdalene as a woman who loved Jesus intensely and passionately.

She teaches us remarkable things for each one of us to Love the Lord deeper:

1. She Followed Him
   Luke 8:2 presents Mary Magdalene as having been cured of seven demons.
   Her experience of the Healing of the Lord, made her to Follow Jesus, in His ministry of preaching and healing.

Am I following the Lord?

All have us have, in our life, have experienced the power of the Lord.

But do I truly follow the Lord?

2. She was Persistent to seek Him
   The Death of her Lord had rocked Mary Magdalene…
   … and she seeks persistently, in the tomb where Jesus was laid.

Even though she witnessed an empty tomb, her heart longed to see the Saviour…. “so she stayed outside the tomb weeping” (Jn 20:11).

Am I persistent to seek the Lord?

I have often had setbacks in my prayer life, work situations & aspirations.

But do I still persevere in looking for the Lord?

3. She was Single-hearted in her search for Him
   In her search for Jesus, whom she misunderstood as a gardener, Mary Magdalene expresses her sincerity and frankness and single-mindedness – “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (Jn 20:15)

She sought no empty phrases or consolations…but the Lord alone!
Nothing and none else could suffice her… but the Lord alone!

Am I single-hearted in my search for the Lord?

I am sometimes content with fleeting pleasures, transitory consolation and momentary comforts in my spiritual life.

Do I rather be single-hearted in my longing for the Lord?

4. She was enthusiastic about Him
   Once she recognized the ordinary gardener as her Precious Master, Mary Magdalene is enthusiastic and fervent about Him.
   Nothing could stop her from proclaiming Him.

In the words of St Bernard, “she became an apostle to the Apostles”.

Am I enthusiastic in my life?

As a Christian, I have in me the influencing, the powerful and the salvific good news of the Lord.

Am I enthusiastic in sharing about the Lord to others?

Let us learn from St Mary Magdalene…
… her commitment in following of Jesus
… her persistence in waiting for Jesus, her single-heartedness in searching for Jesus, and her enthusiasm in telling others about Jesus.

St Mary Magdalene…
… is a beautiful model of being a Disciple
… is a wonderful example of being a Divine-Seeker
… is a classic illustration of being a Dispenser of the Good News

St. Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in the history of Jesus.

The One who rose from the grave of death, appeared first to her, who herself experienced a rising from the grave of sin!

She was the first (as per the Gospel accounts) to see Him alive and the first to hear His voice.
She became the first evangelist in Christian history.
She is the mourner who turned into a missionary!

Let us passionately love the Lord, like St Mary Magdalene,
… ‘cos there isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep…
… keep us away, away from His love!

As Christians it is not enough that we “know about Christ”…
… it is more important “to know Christ” and to love Him!

May St Mary Magdalene help us to understand that “Love transforms everything!”

Love adds passion to any activity we do.

Happy Feast of St Mary Magdalene – the Disciple, the Divine-Seeker, the Dispenser of the Good News!

Happy Feast of Tender Love and Mercy to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONFIRMATION IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION

“From that time on the apostles, in fulfilment of Christ’s will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism.
For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction.
The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.”
Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands.
This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God “anointed with the Holy Spirit.”
This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means “chrism.”

In the West, Confirmation suggests both the ratification of Baptism, thus completing Christian initiation, and the strengthening of baptismal grace – both fruits of the Holy Spirit. (CCC # 1288-1289)

“May the Word of the Lord – and in particular, the Parables – turn out to be a powerful form of mass media – effecting transforming changes in us!”

(Based on Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 and Mt 13:10-17 – Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Every form of mass media has some kind of an influence on its audience or users.

Some forms of mass media are more powerful and influential…
Some others are lesser…

There is a sense of identification that users have with the content of the Mass Media.

For example:

A scene in a movie may make its audience to burst out laughing, to shed tears at an emotional scene or even induce anger at seeing a disturbing scene.
A commentary or a nice song or jingle or a funny comment by the host in a radio program may make the listeners to smile, to be excited or to be just relaxed.
A meme that is seen on the social networking site or a video or a picture that is shared through mobile social apps like WhatsApp, may make the user to reflect deeper or to feel happier or draw out of ignorance

The Gospels are also a great and effective form of mass media…
… sharing the message of God’s love to all
… spreading the news of the Kingdom to all
… reaching out the compassion of the Lord to all

One of the important composition of the Gospel is in the form of “parables”

The Gospel of the Day, presents the dynamics of Jesus using “parables” as an effective method of communication of the message of the Kingdom of God.

The passage begins with an enquiry by the Disciples:
“The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” (Mt 13:10)

The Gospel of St Mathew is generally structured comprising of The Five Discourses…

The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7)
The Sermon for the Mission (Chapter 10)
The Sermon in Parables (Chapter 13)
The Sermon of the Church (Chapter 18)
The Sermon on Eschatology (Chapters 23-25)

The Thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew is the “Sermon in Parables”

Jesus was a master story-teller.

He presented the mighty mysteries of the Kingdom in plain parables.

The parables, however, had two contrasting aspects to it…

On one side, they were simple and revealed many things

The parables of the Lord were based on everyday experiences of the people and local practices, customs and culture.

This contextualization helped the people to easily connect with the message that Jesus wanted to convey.

On the other side, they were complicated and concealed many dimensions

The parables of the Lord would neatly conceal many of the complicated dimensions of the mysteries of the Kingdom.

This concealing caused many people to misunderstand, misinterpret Jesus as well as the message that He wanted to convey.

This dual aspect in the “parables” of Jesus: simple and revealing many things, yet, complicated and concealing many dimensions, had a dual effect…
… to many, it generated interest, a sense of wonder and made way for deeper reflection and personal transformation
… yet, to many others, it failed to make any impact, or even made them to close their hearts in receiving the truth of the Lord

The Parables of Jesus, therefore, also sparked two types of hearers…

1. Supporters and believers
   Those who heard and understood the parables, and had their life transformed – growing closer to the Lord and becoming effective missionaries of the Kingdom!
2. Opponents and skeptics
   Those who heard, but with minds were closed to the message of the Parables, and had their hearts hardened – distancing themselves from the Lord and turning to be adversaries of the Kingdom!

Through Prophet Jeremiah, the Lord reminds us: “… I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown…” (Jer 2:1)

And makes us aware: … “for My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water!” (Jer 2:13)

The Word of the Lord – especially through the Parables – is delivered to each one of us.

What effect does the Word have, on our lives…

Do we remain open to its message and thus grow to be a supporter of the Kingdom and Believer in the Lord….?
… or do we close my hearts to its truths and thus reduce ourselves to be an opponent to the Lord and a skeptic of the Kingdom of God…?

Jesus used the “parables” as an effective method of communication of the message of the Kingdom of God…
… to share the message of God’s love
… to spread the news of the Kingdom
… to reach out the compassion of the Lord

Do I find a sense of identification with the message of the Parables…
… or do I remain closed and hard-hearted?

May the Gospel – and in particular, the Parables – turn out to be a powerful form of mass media – effecting transforming changes in us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONFIRMATION IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION

In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission.
The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God.
He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him “without measure.”
This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah’s, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people.
On several occasions Christ promised this outpouring of the Spirit, a promise which He fulfilled first on Easter Sunday and then more strikingly at Pentecost.
Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim “the mighty works of God,” and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the sign of the messianic age.

Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn. (CCC # 1286-1287)

“Sowing the Seed, though little & tiny, in our own situations & circumstances!”

(Based on Jer 1:1, 4-10 and Mt 13:1-9 – Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step….

The construction of a magnificent building is initiated by the laying of a single brick or a stone…
The art of composing a lovely song starts with gathering of the first strains of melody & lyrics…
The discipline of writing a spectacular novel commences with penning down the first few words…

There is power in the first step.
There is wonder in the first act.
There is much potential in the sowing of a little seed…

We are once again encountering the familiar Parable of the Sower in today’s Gospel Reading…

The Master Sower is back in the Field, broadcasting the Seeds…

The Seed is the Word of God…. It is little. It is tiny. It is small.
But it can become big.

It can become powerful.
It can become very influential.

The Word of God is powerful…but it is in the form of a Seed…

It however, contains within it, all the potentials of a new life and fruitfulness!

The Seed has a tremendous potential….

This Seed has the potential to be a Living Bread (Jn 6:51)
… to sustain life, and to strengthen the weak and fragile.

This Seed has the potential to be a Bubbling Fountain (Prov 13:14)
… issuing forth pure water that refreshes, cleanses and purifies the dirt of sinfulness.

This Seed has the potential to be a Powerful Hammer (Jer 23:29)
… building and reconstructing broken and shattered lives.

This Seed has the potential to be a Thick Golden Honey (Ps 19:11)
… sweet to the taste and satisfying the spirit in moments of distress and pain.

This Seed has the potential to be a Bright, Shining Lamp (Ps 119:105)
… exposing the darkness and releasing the light of His purity, holiness and righteousness upon humanity.

The Seed has the potential to be a Sharp Two-edged Sword (Heb 4:12)
… helping to discern between the good & bad, the holy & the profane and the pure & polluted!

The Seed has the potential to be a Mirror (Jam 1:23)
… challenging us to look into our interior and also reflecting the attributes of the Most High God in whose image we are created!

Yes, the Seed has a tremendous potential…

The Divine Sower invites us…
… to share in His Divine Work of broadcasting the Seed
… and helping it realize its full potentials.

The Prophet Jeremiah was called to this purpose:
“To uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer 1:10)

The Saint of the Day, St Bridget of Sweden, also invites and inspires us to share in the work of the Divine Master, “Embrace and take upon yourself a little work, so that you may be made clean of sin and reach the great reward sooner. For the bride should grow tired working alongside her bridegroom so that she may all the more confidently take her rest with Him.”

Let all experience the Seed – God’s word – as a Living Bread, a Bubbling Fountain, a Powerful Hammer, a Thick Golden Honey, a Bright, Shining Lamp, a Sharp Two-edged Sword or as a Mirror!

Be not afraid to sow the Seed…
… though little & tiny, in our own situations & circumstances.

A harvest of manifold blessings, begins with a single Seed….

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.

For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. (CCC # 1285)

“Responding positively to the invitation of the Lord!”

(Based on Mic 7:14-15, 18-20 and Mt 12:46-50 – Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

We sometimes find advertisements, in newspapers or magazines, that invite the readers to apply for a job or a task.

These ads…
… attract those who are interested by mentioning the various packages and privileges
… inform regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for that post or duty.

The Gospel of the Day presents such an open-invitation – in a bid…
…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God, by mentioning various packages and privileges
… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God

In the Gospel passage, we read that “The family of Jesus come to meet Him, while He was at ministry” (Mt 12: 46)

“Someone told Him, ‘Your Mother and Your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you” (Mt 12: 47)

But the Lord makes use of this context to put forward a very important truth:

Spiritual bonding with God, the Father takes higher precedence over blood bonding.
Spiritual relations are to be given a higher priority over the generational heritage and legacy.

A new and significant understanding is put forward by Jesus to define “His Family”
“… Whoever does the Will of My Heavenly Father is My brother and sister and mother” (Mt 12: 50)

Thus, we see a wonderful ad that Jesus displays…

An ad…
…. to attract all, to the Kingdom of God by mentioning various packages and privileges
… to inform, regarding various factors and parameters that makes one eligible for the Kingdom of God

Here are the main aspects of this great AD…

1. The Offer: Being a member of the Family of God

Jesus makes an open and loving invitation for all to be part of His Family.

We are given a privilege to be called the brothers and sisters of our Blessed Lord!

What a great honour!
What a wonderful favour!

2. The Qualification: Seeking and doing the Will of God

The most essential and basic qualification to possess the offer of being a member of the Family of God, is to seek and do the Will of God.

Jn 1:12 says, “… to those who accept Him, He gave power to become children of God”

3. The Privileges: Divine Peace and Happiness on the earth and promise of life eternal

The One who is part of the Divine Family, also is privileged to share in the life and happiness of the Divine Family!

Jn 6:40 declares, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

4. Who can apply: Anyone, who is daring to sacrifice one’s personal agenda

The one who can apply for this “offer” of being a member of God’s Will is to possess a dare and courage: to let go of one’s personal desires in life, and seek to embrace what God wants of him/her.

Mt 16: 24 says, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”

5. When should it be applied: At the earliest, in the first instance possible

The opportune time to take the initiative to participate in the Divine Family is “now”

In the parable of the ten virgins, in Mt 25: 1-13, the five virgins missed the opportunity to be part of the wedding feast, because of their delay and postponement.

2 Pet 3:9 says, “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Our Blessed Lord would be delighted to have us as part of His Divine Family.

For this, He also gives out His ad…
… attracting us to the Kingdom of God
… informing us of the various factors and parameters

Let us pray with the Psalmist: “Lord, show us your mercy and love!” (Ps 85:8a)

Are we willing to positively respond to this invitation of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – AN INDELIBLE SPIRITUAL MARK

Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ.
Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation.
Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
Incorporated into the Church by Baptism, the faithful have received the sacramental character that consecrates them for Christian religious worship.
The baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital participation in the holy liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the witness of holy lives and practical charity.
The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord (“Dominicus character”) “for the day of redemption.”
“Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life.”

The faithful Christian who has “kept the seal” until the end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to depart this life “marked with the sign of faith, “with his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God – the consummation of faith – and in the hope of resurrection. (CCC # 1272-1274)

“Being closer to Jesus, the Great ‘Sun’ and living our Christian lives in ‘sincerity’, in zealousness and with deeper passion for the ‘Son’ of God!”

(Based on Mic 6:1-4, 6-8 and Mt 12:38-42 – Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The English word (according to a popular legend) ‘sincere’ comes from two Latin words : ‘sin-e’ and ‘cere’.

‘Sin-e’ means: without
‘Cere’ means: wax

So ‘sin’e’ + ‘cere’ means “without wax”

Sincere, therefore, literally means, being “without wax”

In ancient Greek, when art flourished, it was a common practice to repair with “invisible wax”, any vase or statue that had, as a result of carelessness, been damaged.

Sometimes while chiseling the bust in marble, if the chisel slipped out the Sculptor’s hand, some edge of the statue would be chipped off.

Rather than taking the trouble of making a new bust, the sculptor would repair the features with “wax” so that the flaw could not be detected, unless by very close scrutiny.

However, if the client happened to be a knowledgeable person, he would carry the finished statue into the open before paying for it, and examine it carefully in the sunlight!

If the statue was “sincere” i.e. “without wax” – it would remain firm; else some parts of it would drop down!

“Sincerity” of the statue was thus examined in the presence of sunlight!

Am I a “sincere” person? – “Without the wax” of deceit, malice, corruption or guile
• I need to come into the presence of the Sunlight – Jesus – to be examined!

The Gospel of the day presents an incident where the “insincerity” of a certain group of people was exposed in the warming and bright presence of Jesus, the Light of the world.

Some of the Scribes and the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you” (Mt 12: 38)

Through St Paul, we get to know that it was, probably, a characteristic of the Jews to ‘demand signs’.
“For Jews demand signs, and Greeks look for wisdom” (1 Cor 1: 22)

When we scan through the pages of the Bible, we also see God Himself giving many signs to His people…

God put a mark on Cain, after he had killed Abel, so that no one should kill him at sight (Gen 4: 15)
God gave the sign of the ‘rainbow’, as a sign of the covenant, so that the waters would never become a flood, to destroy all mortal beings (Gen 9: 13-15)

God empowered Moses with many signs, when Moses had to present himself before Pharaoh, in a bid to ask him “to let go” of the Israelites ( Ex 3: 12)
Two hundred and fifty men were consumed, by a fire from the Lord, after they had unworthily offered incense to God (Num 16: 35)

God gave a sign to Gideon, when he asked for it, humbly, as a confirmation in his entrusted task (Judg 6: 17)
God gave a sign at King Saul’s anointing (1 Sam 10: 1-13)

However, in today’s Gospel, we find that when the Pharisees and the Scribes, demand a sign, Jesus doesn’t yield to it!

What was the reason?

The demand of the Pharisees and Scribes was a demand for a sign “not in humility” or “to really cast off any doubt”
• Rather, this was a demand for a sign that exposed their obstinacy to remain in unbelief!

In fact, Jesus sees through their “insincerity”

He sees through the fact, that they were “with wax” – the wax of deceit, falsity and deception!
• And this “wax” of trickery, began to melt in the presence of Jesus, the Powerful Light!

Therefore Jesus comes down heavily on them and says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign…” (Mt 12: 39)

Note the two strong words that Jesus uses…

Evil: pointing to a wicked heart that sought destruction and spoiling the lives of others
Adulterous: pointing to an unfaithful heart that reduced relations to a mere pragmatic nature, and was characterised by cheating and disloyalty.

Is my life also characterised by constantly wanting “only” signs from God…
• I expect immediate answers to all my prayers, in the way I want
• I always want some miracles, as I choose, to keep the light of my faith burning
• I get depressed and feel totally lost when I do not get the signs that I expected in life
• I witness a lot of wondrous deeds around me, but still I remain obstinate in my unbelief

Is my Christian life only a sign-seeking one…
… or is my Christian life, rather, a Saviour-seeking one?

Am I obsessed with wanting only miracles…
… or am I, rather, passionate and zealous about the Master?

Jesus invites us to be “sincere” – “without wax”.
• In His bright presence, all “wax” of duplicity and hypocrisy will melt
• In His glowing light, all “wax” of dishonesty and deception will dissolve

Prophet Micah beautifully echoes the mind of the Lord when he proclaims: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8)

Let us be closer to Jesus, the Great ‘Sun’ and live our Christian lives in “sincerity”, in zealousness and with deeper passion for the ‘Son’ of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – THE SACRAMENTAL BOND OF THE UNITY OF CHRISTIANS

Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church:
“For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.”

“Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn.” (CCC #1271)

“Picking out our priorities properly, by giving the highest priority to the Lord!”

(Based on Gen 18:1-10, Col 1:24-28 and Lk 10:38-42 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Nine year old Bobby arrived late for the football match.

The game had already started.

The coach, obviously upset as Bobby was a key player, shouted at him: “Why are you so late?”

“I had to decide”, replied Bobby, “Today is a Sunday. And I had to decide between going to Church and going for this football game”

“Then what did you do” asked the coach curiously

“I tossed a coin to decide” said Bobby.

“Tossed a coin?” asked the surprised coach, “But that shouldn’t have taken too long.”

“Hmmm…” continued Bobby, “Well… I had to toss the coin 35 times!”

(Little Bobby kept on tossing the coin…till he got what he wanted – i.e. to go for the football match!!)

How often are we too like Li’l Bobby, when it comes to making choices and priorities, especially in our spiritual life…
We get confused in choosing the correct choices

We get puzzled in preferring the proper priorities

We sometimes even seek to justify our choices and argue to validate our priorities

We insist on having our way… modify situations to suit our needs!

As a result, we often end up….
… in complaining and cribbing
… in back biting and bickering
… in criticism and calumny

The Gospel of the Day is a lesson in making the proper priorities and the correct choices in life.

We have the familiar incident of Jesus as a guest in the house of Martha and Mary.

Jesus came to a village and was welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38)

Martha demonstrated great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home (Lk 10:40)

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 (Lk 10:39)
She got immersed in spending time, with the revered Rabbi.

The character of Martha is vividly seen in this incident

Here is a lady…
… hospitable and welcoming
… engaging in works to make the stay of her Guest comfortable
… ready to struggle and do whatever she can, to bring happiness to the Other

Many of us could probably identify ourselves with Martha.

We are willing to let go of our self so that others may enjoy and feel contented
We engage ourselves into works so that the life of our loved ones are taken care
We are ready to struggle and do whatever we can, to bring joy and comfort to others

But despite doing all these hard works, like Martha, we often end up on the wrong side

When Martha complained to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” (Lk 10: 40)
… she was expressing her feelings of being over burdened
… she was giving vent to her emotions of not being acknowledged

But Jesus calms her, and chides her mildly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and anxious about many things…” (Lk 10: 41)

Something interesting is to be noted here…. “Martha, Martha!”

A double calling of the name!

The Scripture records only very few instances when such an occurrence took place – the name being called twice…

Abraham: (Gen 22:11): “But the angel of the Lord called to him out of heaven: ‘Abraham, Abraham.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”
Jacob (Gen 46:2): “In a vision at night God called to Israel, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”
Moses (Ex 3:4): “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to see, God called him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.'”
Samuel (1 Sam 3:10): “The Lord came and stood and spoke as at the other times: ‘Samuel, Samuel.’ and Samuel said, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.'”
Simon Peter (Lk 22:31) “Simon, Simon! Behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail.
Saul (Acts 9:4) “Falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

We also find another important instance: Jesus calling on God (Mt 27:46): “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani – My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

What does the twice calling of the name in the Bible refer to?

1. Repeating a person’s name was a Hebrew expression of intimacy
2. In all the instances of the name being called twice, a major event/occasion/teaching was being referred to

Taking a cue from this…
…When Jesus calls “Martha, Martha” – the name being called twice:

Jesus is expressing a filial tenderness and love for Martha
Jesus is also referring to an important teaching: “Giving importance to Jesus above all”

To each of us then, who find ourselves, struggling and complaining like Martha…

The Lord calls our name – “probably twice ” – and tells us:
“With much tenderness and love, I invite you my child, to give heed to an important teaching:
… Give priority to ME above all!”

Like Martha, maybe we are often distracted
Perhaps…

We tell the Lord that we wish to follow Him wholeheartedly…
… but are sometimes unwilling to let go of our sinful behaviours

We promise God that we would spend more time in prayer…
… but often excuses like lack of time prevent us from fulfilling our promises

We resolve that we will let go our sinful habits and tendencies…
… but often we cling on to those pleasures and fail to be more determined in rooting them out

Today, let us give heed to this invitation of the Lord: “To give priority to HIM above all!”

Surely, all of us do have…
… our own works and responsibilities
… our own cares and concerns of life
… our own distractions and troubles

But in the midst of all this…. beyond all these aspects: Let us give priority to the Lord!

Let His presence reign… in our work and responsibilities
Let His Providence be trusted… in our cares and concerns of life
Let His Power prevail… in our distractions and troubles

Let the incident of Martha and Mary inspire us, to make personal resolutions…
… of daily spending time with the Lord in personal prayer
… of daily reading the Word of God and listening to His Voice
… of daily making an examination of conscience and amending our lives

The Lord loves us much….
… let us love Him too
… let Him reign over our homes and our lives
… let us give Him full attention as The Guest of our hearts

Situations in life will often put to us dilemma in making a choice… in picking out our priorities

“Let us always give priority to the Lord!”

Are we going to toss a coin for this?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – INCORPORATED INTO THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST

Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him who died and rose for us.
From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of the Church, and to “obey and submit” to the Church’s leaders, holding them in respect and affection.
Just as Baptism is the source of responsibilities and duties, the baptized person also enjoys rights within the Church: to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.

“Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God through the Church” and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God. (CCC #1269-1270)

“May Jesus, our Blessed Lord be our hope, our strength and our courage!”

(Based on Mic 2:1-5 and Mt 12:14-21 – Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel)

“Pandora’s Box” is a phrase which means a process that once begun, generates many complicated problems.

There is a Greek mythological story about the origin of this phrase – the “Pandora’s Box”

According to the Greek legend, the first woman of the earth, named Pandora was sent to the earth, by the gods, with a casket (box) in her hand.

She was forbidden to open this box.

However, out of immense curiosity one day she lifted the cover of the box and looked in.

But there came forth from the box, every conceivable plague for man’s body and his mind, and immediately they scattered themselves far and wide throughout the earth.

Pandora hastened to replace the lid of the box, but there was only one thing left – Hope!

Often our life can resemble this mythological tale, in that, we face a whole set of evils and troubles unleashed at us.

The Pandora’s Box – of persecutions, of difficulties, of sadness, of daily tensions – gets opened often in our lives.

But Life still invites and challenges us to move on with Life, in HOPE, seeking to heal every negativity!

Our Blessed Lord is our model and perfect example for this.

While on the earth, He had to face the trial of many pandora boxes – of cruel plots, of hurtful betrayals, of painful rejections – being unleashed at Him.

Yet, He remained firm and defiant in His Zeal and Passion for His Mission – His Mission of being a “Hope to the Gentiles” ( Mt 12: 21)

The Gospel of the Day makes a vivid presentation of this struggle of our Blessed Lord was subjected to.

The Gospel passage begins with the verse, “But the Pharisees went out and took counsel to put Jesus to death” (Mt 12: 14)

There could be perhaps, quite a factors that prompted the religious elders of the time, to make this move

Jesus did not correspond to their idea of being a Messiah
The Pharisees and the religious leaders of the time, probably had an externally dominant visualization of the Messiah Who was to come…

Someone Who was politically powerful
Someone Who would be Restorer of their Religion
Someone Who would firmly establish the Jewish Empire

But none of these seemed to be evident in the ministry and life of Jesus.

Jesus seemed to be a thorn in their cosy structured and institutionalized pattern of life

The long wait for the Messiah had resulted…
… in religion in being devoid of religiosity and instead being reduced to mere rituals
… in Spirituality losing its sheen of sacredness and instead being sunken to mere static statutes

This had resulted in creation of classes…

Of the Ruling Class: consisting of the Pharisees, the Scribes and other religious leaders and elders,
Of the Ruled Class: consisting of the ordinary people, whose voices were often restrained, and had become mute followers of the tradition.

Jesus, however, by His vibrant Teachings, His mighty Deeds and His uncompromising Life, disturbed all such cosy structures and comfortable religious life-style.

How often do we also turn anti against those who become a ‘Jesus’ to us…
• Those whose ideas do not correspond to our sinful or lethargic ways of life
• Those who become a thorn in our cosy and institutionalized pattern of life

We too may sometimes plot ways and means to end such forces…
… which trigger transformation in us
… which awaken our consciences to lead purer or holier lives

We are instead, invited to be like Jesus, our Blessed Lord.

He faced a mighty unleashing as from a Pandora’s box…
… deadly plots to end His Life and Mission
… uncharitable venoms of conspiracy to terminate His life

Yet, He remained firm and bold to remain “the Chosen Servant, the Beloved in Him God delighted, the One who proclaimed justice to the Gentiles and in Whose Name, the Gentiles hoped” (cf. Mt 12:18 -21)

Are we ready to “live our lives in hope” even though we may often experience the evils of the “pandora’s box” seeking to submerge us?

May Jesus, our Blessed Lord be our hope, our strength and our courage!

Today is also the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast was assigned to 16 July, because on that date in 1251, according to Carmelite traditions, the scapular was given by the Blessed Virgin to St. Simon Stock.

The Scapular (from Latin scapulae, “shoulders”) – is both a sign of our belonging to Mary and pledge of her maternal protection in this life and the next.

It is also a sign of couple of elements:

1. A consecration to and trust in Mary
2. A declaration to imitate Our Lady’s virtues, especially Her humility, chastity, and prayerfulness.

The scapular is not…
… a magical charm to protect someone.
… an automatic guarantee of salvation.
… an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life

It is instead, a sign…
… to follow Jesus like Mary
… to be open to God and to His Will.
… to be guided by Faith, Hope and Love.
… to pray at all times
… to discover and be aware of the Presence of God in all that happens around us.

As St. John of the Cross says:
“He who loves, is not ashamed before men of what he does for God…
… neither does he hide it through shame, though the whole world should condemn it.”

Let us seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother of Mt Carmel, in our struggles and hardships of life…
… and may the Sacramental of the Scapular be a sign for us to publicly declare our Love for Christ and our Readiness to “take up the Cross!”

Let us hold Mamma’s hands…
… as She inspires, helps, challenges and intercedes for us!

Happy Feast of our Blessed Mother of Carmel!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – INCORPORATED INTO THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST

Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: “Therefore… we are members one of another.”
Baptism incorporates us into the Church.
From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”
The baptized have become “living stones” to be “built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.”
By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission.
They are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers. (CCC #1267-1268)

“Sowing the seeds of mercy and compassion to all!”

(Based on Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 and Mt 12:1-8 – Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The dial of a clock is a beautiful illustration of the way God deals with human life.

The hands on the dial of the clock are God’s Hands – passing over and over again…
… the short hand, being the Hand of God’s Discipline
… the long hand, being the Hand of God’s Mercy

• The short hand – the hand of Discipline…
… passes slowly, but surely
… strikes at each hour too

• But the long hand – the hand of Mercy…
… passes much faster and surely too
… showers down sixtyfold of blessing for each strike of discipline

And another interesting aspect….?

Both the hands are fastened to one firm and secure point – the Beautiful Heart of the God of Love!

God’s discipline in the form of trials is a surety in life…
• But much more abundant in life, are His mercies that are scattered regularly all through…

And both these dimensions – Discipline & Mercies – stem forth from the Immense Love of God!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of Jesus as the God of Love Who, though is a Disciplining God…
… displays His Heart of abundant mercy and invites His followers to become People of Merciful Love!

The Gospel passage begins the incident of the disciples being caught by the Pharisees plucking the heads of grain and eating them, on the Sabbath Day.

The Pharisees who were the strict proponents and protectors of the Law, found it a great offence when they found the disciples were doing an “illegal and unlawful” act, as per their Sabbath prescriptions.

Therefore they accuse, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (Mt 12:2)

But Jesus is quick to point out the folly that the Pharisees were falling into…

The folly of being crime-finders than being mercy-givers!
The folly of becoming petty-accusers than being generous-forgivers!

Jesus brings out two practical examples to show the “duplicity” and the “unkind” attitude of the Pharisees:

1. David’s ‘grave’ violation of the Sabbath was acceptable whereas the Disciples ‘minor’ act was condemned!

David unlawfully ate of the tabernacle showbread which was reserved only for the priests.
But this “not lawful” act of David was not condemned
The Disciples on the other, actually did not break the Law…

The Hebrew law had made provision for those in need to eat when they passed through a field of grain (Dt. 23:25; cf. Ruth 2:2-3)

But over the years, the tradition had evolved a series of ‘violations’ that were considered violations of the Sabbath Law.

One of these ‘violations’ was ‘ plucking and eating’ the grain – that the disciples did.

However, this act was most certainly not for commercial gain, as envisaged by the Law

Therefore, in reality, the Disciples had not really done anything “unlawful”

Yet, they were condemned!

2. The daily duty of the priests on the Sabbath was considered as being “normal” whereas the ‘exceptional’ act of the disciples to satisfy the basic human need of hunger was considered ‘aberrant’!

The work done by the Priests who served on the Sabbath Day, was acceptable.

However, the action done by the Disciples was considered violation of the Law!

Jesus makes another statement here, “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here” (Mt 12: 6)

What was Jesus, in fact, also saying?

“You permit the priests of human-made temples to work, but you do not allow the Disciples of the Living Temple to work?

Is that not showing your duplicity on one side, and your lack of knowledge of the Messiah on the other?!”

And therefore, Jesus makes that bold and firm statement, echoing the prophet Hosea (6:6):
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” (Mt 12: 7)

Jesus passed through a field where condemnation was scattered; but He sows the seeds of mercy all around!

Today, you and me, are invited to do the same…
… to become people who show mercy and compassion, rather than being “judgmental” and “overly-critical” people!

We are invited to be like the Lord, as illustrated in the ‘dial of a clock’:

Having a hand of discipline that passes only slowly…
But also having a hand of Mercy that traverses more often…

But both, being fastened tightly to a Heart, full of compassion and love!
We may live, passing through the fields of unjust condemnation and outright critics.

But like the Lord, may we become persons, who sow the seeds of Mercy and Compassion!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – A NEW CREATURE

Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte “a new creature,” an adopted son of God, who has become a “partaker of the divine nature,” member of Christ and coheir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:
… enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
… giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
… allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.

Thus the whole organism of the Christian’s supernatural life has its roots in Baptism. (CCC # 1265-1266)

“Resting in the Presence of the Lord and learning from Him!”

(Based on Isa 26:7-9, 12,16-19 and Mt 11:28-30 – Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An old lady was sitting in the park – all alone and dejected.

A young boy – who was sitting on the opposite bench – and was doing some writing work, had been constantly watching this lady who was brooding over some worry.

Finally, after a while, he stopped writing and enquired:
“Madam, I have been observing you. From morning, you have been quite worried.
What’s the matter? Maybe there is some way I can help you

The old lady looked at him and replied: “You know, my son, in life, I have been worried about so many things in life… but most of them never happened!”

The young man was surprised to hear that – “troubled about things, that never really happened!”

So he asked again, “Then why are you troubled now?”

She replied, with a tinge of remorse: “I am worried as to why did I unnecessarily worry so much in my life!”

Funny, isn’t it?

But, are we sometimes like this old lady?

Too much worried and disturbed in life…
… sometimes (or perhaps, very often) even about things that have not happened in life!

The call of the Gospel is an invitation by Jesus to “cast all our worries and burdens” on Him.

We read in the Gospel today, the assuring words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11: 28)

Jesus came into the world, primarily as a Saviour!

He is in deep love with us!
“…You are precious in my eyes and I love You!” (Is 43:4).

The meaning of the name “Jesus” Itself is that…
… GOD SAVES!

As a Beloved Lover, He constantly tugs the strings of our hearts and beckons us to Himself – wanting us to experience His Saving Love!

He extends His cordial and warmest invitation to each one of us who are weary and heavy-burdened!

The Greek word for WEARY is “Kopiao”…
… which means to toil and become weary to the point of exhaustion! .

WEARY not only refers to the daily physical strains and struggles we undergo in life, but is also…
… the internal exhaustion caused by seeking Divine Truth through mere Human Wisdom.
… the external burden caused by futile peripheral efforts to seek the Divinity.

Many of us, very often, reach the point of exhaustion and fatigue by our everyday works and in our striving for salvation.

However, today, the Lord calls all of us – to experience His Resting Presence!

“Behold, I stand at the door and Knock! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me”” (Rev 3:20).

“Experiencing His Resting Presence” also means “to learn from Him”…
… especially learning to be Humble and Gentle like Him! (Mt 11: 29)

A proud heart robs the person of spiritual insights

It renders a person to look only to oneself; the dependence on the Lord is lost!

A harsh (violent/tough/annoyed/wrathful) heart steals the person of “being at peace”

It renders a person to look only at the negativities of life; the attitude of being grateful to God is lost!

Today, let us give heed to the call of the Lord…
… to “Rest in His Presence”

And thus to learn to be more “gentle and humble”

Many of us might question: How can I “Rest in His Presence”
Many of us might counter: Is it really possible to learn to be more “gentle and humble”?

“Rest in His Presence” can be…
… by making a time for the Lord, in prayer, every day of our life – an act, which we shall never compromise!
… by “becoming aware” of the Presence of the Lord in the activities that we engage in
… by recognizing the goodness in other people and situations of life, and thus being, consciously, grateful to God

Learning to be more “gentle and humble” can be…
… by picking up any of those virtues, and (purposely) doing an act towards growing in the virtue
… by daily examining the conscience, in the practice of that particular virtue, and making amends to try again, even if failed (Let’s remember the Lord Who always rose again, even when He fell many times, on the Way of the Cross!)
… by praying specially to the Holy Spirit for those virtues, and never being discouraged, even when faced with the opposite vice
… by being inspired by the many saints, who went through the phases of vices, but were ultimately able to conquer, and live the virtues

Tensions, worries and problems of life constantly disappoint us!

Even our striving to improve our spiritual lives (and the feeling of failure to do so) discourage us!
But the Lord constantly tells us… “Come to Me!”
“Never, ever get discouraged, My Child!”

Let not the anxieties of our life dishearten us…

Instead may the Invitation of the Lord – “to rest in His Presence and to learn from Him”…
… help us to always be at peace in life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM – FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.
In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, neither Adam’s sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is separation from God.
Yet certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness, death, and such frailties inherent in life as weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an inclination to sin that Tradition calls concupiscence, or metaphorically, “the tinder for sin” (fomes peccati); since concupiscence “is left for us to wrestle with, it cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ.”

Indeed, “an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (CCC #1263-1264)

“Being bold to have a child-like attitude!”

(Based on Is 10:5-7, 13b-16 and Mt 11:25-27 – Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Eight-year-old Charles was affected with brain cancer.

As part of his treatment, following a surgery, he underwent chemotherapy.
(Chemotherapy affects all cells – healthy as well as cancer cells.
As a result, hair fall is one of the commonly affecting side-effects)

When Charles’ hair began to fall out in large clumps, it was decided to shave his head completely.

A few days later, Charles went to school.

The class teacher explained to her little students about the situation of Charles and why his hairs had to be shaved off.

The following day, the teacher was in for a surprise…

She saw all the 38 boys of her class with bald heads!

On enquiring, the leader of the class stood up and said:
“We shaved off our heads, so that Charles doesn’t feel lonely!
This is our way to support and encourage him – being bald, so that he can be bold!”

The teacher had tears in her eyes…
… and with a great sense of honour for her kids, she wrote on the blackboard:
“Bald heads and Bold Hearts!”

Children have wonderful characteristics, isn’t it?

They sympathize and share

They are loving and loyal
They accept and admire
They forgive and forget
They try and trust

Is it any surprise that Jesus used children as an example to be imitated?

BIG things often come in small packages!

BIG innovations are made by those who lower themselves, to seek higher!!
BIG mysteries are experienced by those who make themselves little, to be in awe of them!!!

What is it that prevents us becoming child-like?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus thanking the Father for His gracious wisdom…
… and for His revelations to Little Children (to babes)! (Mt 10:25)

The Lord today His raises heart to the Father in praise:
“I give praise to You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike” (Mt 11:25)

It is a sad truth that those who THINK THEY KNOW, often FAIL TO LEARN
… those who assume to be Learned, often fall short of being taught
… those who presuppose to be Wise, mostly are unsuccessful in discovering newer truths.

Many of the Pharisees and the Scribes, during Jesus’ time, belonged to this category.

Jesus, the teacher-par-excellence came explaining the Truth and the Mystery of the Law…

The wise and learned of the society failed to assimilate Him.
The simple and the open-hearted – the disciples and others – were able to accept Him!

For our Spiritual Life…
… Kids can teach us much
… Little children can educate us to a great extent

1. A Sense of Total Dependence
   Little children depend on the elders for their sustenance.

We need to depend on God, who is our Father and who loves to lavish His goodness on us.

This does not, of course mean, a lazy attitude to life…
… rather, we ought to have a Holy Disposition, of realizing, that “Whatever happens in my Life, I know, God will take care of me!”

Have I lost my Sense of Total Dependence on God?

2. An attitude of Immense Enthusiasm
   Little children are full of life, vigour and enthusiasm.

The story of many of our lives could be sadly declared as, “Died at 30, buried at 70!”

The modern day tension and worries of life take away the zing and dynamism from our lives…

We tend to become…
… a people of routine
… an individual of listlessness
…. a society of apathy
… and an order of sluggishness

Life becomes boring
Life turns out to be lacklustre.

Have I lost the attitude of Immense Enthusiasm?

3. A Touch of Tenderness

Little children symbolize tenderness and warmth.

Our hustle-bustle lives, often, tend to be wrapped with…
… rude words
… tough looks
… angry gestures
… and impolite manners.

Our hearts lose tenderness.
Our eyes remain shut in callousness.

Have I lost the touch of Tenderness?

Do we want to climb the ladder of sanctity?
Do we want to possess God?
Do we want to penetrate into the deeper mysteries of the kingdom of God?

There is one sure way: By being a Child in our heavenly Father’s arms.
… The more little we become, the more elevated we will be!

“The attitude of our life determines our altitude in life!”

Jesus invites and challenges us to be child-like:
With BALD HEADS (shaven of our pride!)
… and BOLD HEARTS (total dependence on the Father!)

Are we ready… to have “Bald Heads” and “Bold Hearts?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The different effects of Baptism are signified by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite.
Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal.

Thus the two principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit. (CCC # 1262)