“Living joyfully by having a recognition and acknowledgement of the presence of Jesus in our hearts!”

(Based on Exod 32:7-14, 1 Tim 1:12-17 and Lk 15:1-32 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Little Nancy was a very happy child.

She was happy going to the Church and saying her daily prayers.

She would often tell, “I am so happy because Jesus is with me and I want to share His love to many others.”

This 6 year old girl would also try to help others, in the little way, she could, whenever possible.

Seeing her joyful student, the English teacher in school, once remarked about her:
“Joy in her,” she said, “is the flag that is flown from the castle of the heart, when the King is in residence there!”

The teacher recognized and acknowledged, that the joy in the little girl…
… was because of the presence of Jesus in her heart!

Joy abounds… in heaven and in one’s heart…
… when one is in closer communion with the Compassionate and Merciful Lord.

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to a life of discovering God’s love and living a life in repentance and thus sharing in the joy that heaven celebrates!

“There is much rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7)

The Fifteenth Chapter of St Luke is an amazing revelation of God’s tremendous love, mercy and longing for each one of us.
We have the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.

In all the three parables, lost ones are found
In all the three parables, there is great celebration at the end.
In all the three parables, an emphasis is laid on hope for the lost.

This chapter is a contradiction of many human thought-patterns and an affirmation of many Divine thought-patterns…

There is a contradiction of the human thought-pattern of thinking of things in terms of monetary rate and financial gain…
… there is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of acknowledging the deeper value and worth of objects and people
There is a contradiction of the human thought-pattern of giving up on things that are lost and not being bothered about it…
… there is an affirmation of the Divine thought-pattern of desperately going after the lost and being in painful agony until found!

We are invited to shed the selfish human thought-pattern and embrace the selfless Divine thought-pattern.

For our reflection, let us delve deeper into these three parables: The Parable of the lost sheep, the Parable of the lost coin and the Parable of the lost sons.

A shepherd had a hundred sheep.

During the count as he gathers the sheep at day’s end, the shepherd notices that one is missing.
The sheep needs to be found; otherwise it may be permanently lost or attacked by hungry predators.
The Shepherd takes the risk of leaving the rest behind, and goes out in search of the lost one.

The second parable parallels the first….
Here a silver coin has been lost.

It’s probably a drachma, which equals a denarius–a day’s wage for the average worker.
The coin needs to be found; else a day’s wage would be lost and would to the already existing financial burden.
The woman takes the hard trouble and effort, to sweep the house, in search of the lost coin.

In both the cases…

The search yields successful results…the lost sheep and the lost coin is found.
The success leads to a great celebration… the shepherd and the woman rejoice and party

The third parable is about two sons who go away from the father
… the first one (younger son) – who lavishly spends away the father’s generosity!
… the second one (elder son) – who refuses to accept the offer of the father’s merciful love!

In all the three parables – there is a celebration that follows the finding of the lost one(s)…
… and the cost of the celebration far exceeds the actual price of the thing lost (person)!

Why such a sentimentality?

Why so much of economic waste?

The only logic behind it is: the experience of Joy.

The shepherd feels tremendously happy in getting back his lost sheep
The woman feels tremendously happy in getting back her lost coin
The father feels tremendously happy in getting back his lost son

And this spurs them to forget all economics, and mathematics and tally and calculations…
Joy surpasses them all.

Joy overcomes them all.
Joy overtakes them all!

Joy is the flag that is flown from the castle of the heart, when the King is in residence there!

Jesus compares this same joy in heaven at the repentance of a sinner!

Am I similar to a lost sheep…

Lost in the thickets of materialistic living…?
Lost in the valleys of doubts and rejections and failures…?
Lost in the bushes of excessive pride, prestige and power…?
Lost in the wilderness of hopelessness and meaninglessness in life…?

Am I similar to a lost coin…

Lost in the corners of abuses and misunderstandings and false judgements…?
Lost in the darkness of bad luck and unfair treatment by life…?
Lost in the dust of corruption and malicious situations…?
Lost in the shadows of addictions and bad habits…?

Am I similar to the lost son(s)…

Lost in the lures of the ‘apparent pleasures and niceties’ of life…?
Lost in the “stinking sty” of feeling lonely and abandoned…?
Lost in the pride of stubbornness and jealousy, and failure to accept God’s Mercy…?

The Lord assures His Merciful Love for all of us
We ought to…
… hear His voice and respond.
… allow ourselves to be found.
… let Him take us on His shoulders.
… permit Him to take us in His hands.

God comes looking for us.

We are the ones for whom God spends hours and hours, walking miles and probing all areas, in search!
We are the ones for whom God spends hours and hours, on hands and knees, sweeping and searching for!
We are the ones for whom God runs to embrace in His arms, and constantly pleads to accept His Merciful care!

And when God finds us, He calls together all the saints in heaven, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my treasured sheep, my precious coin, my beloved child – who was once lost.”

Are we – You & I – ready to give heaven a reason to celebrate, by repenting of our sins & living a life, in accord with God’s Holy Will?

It is only this recognition and acknowledgement of the presence of Jesus in our hearts
… that makes us joyful!

Yes, Joy abounds… in heaven and in one’s heart…
… when one is in closer communion with the Compassionate and Merciful Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The movement of the celebration

In the communion, preceded by the Lord’s Prayer and the Breaking of the Bread, the faithful receive “the Bread of Heaven” and “the Cup of Salvation,” the Body and Blood of Christ who offered Himself “for the life of the world”

Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist (“Eucharisted” – according to an ancient expression),” we call this food Eucharist, and no one may take part in It unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught. (CCC #1355)

“Giving heed to the ‘disciplining call’ of the Lord, and reforming our lives so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!”

(Based on 1 Cor 10:14-22 and Lk 6:43-49 – Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

It is said that “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.

Discipline, in general, is based on four F’s:
Firmness
Fondness
Frankness
Fairness

The Book of Proverbs 13: 24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them”.

Disciplining a person, with the principles of firmness, fondness, frankness and fairness, is an act of charity and an expression of genuine love.

The Gospel of the Day presents a verse of disciplining by the Lord – the One Who deeply yearns that we always walk in the right path and in the ways of perfection.

Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?” (Lk 6: 46)

The test of true love consists in a faithful obedience to the one who is loved.

The spouses may exchange gestures of love and affection…
… but do they also exhibit true love by caring for each other, respecting each other’s opinion and accepting one another as they are?

Children may say that they truly love and care for their parents…
… but do they also exhibit it in action, by being obedient to them and taking practical heed of their advices?

Students may express their concern and acknowledgement for their teachers…
… but do they also display it in their life, by faithful abiding to what is expected of them as students?

To say “I love you”, but failing to show it forth in actions of obedience, is mere farcical!

There is therefore, a great need to examine – in honesty and sincerity – when we say “I love you” to the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord raises a tone of pleading when He asks, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?”

It has tones similar to…
… a parent who tells the child, “Why do you say, you like me, when you constantly disobey me and fail to give heed to my words?”
… a teacher who tells the student, “Why do you say, I want to be a good student, when you fail to make efforts to learn and do your
works, in the proper time and in the right manner?”
… an elderly person who advises a young person, “Why do you say, I wish to lead a happy life, but still continue to walk in the paths of immorality, dishonesty and lethargy?”

The Lord is deeply interested in the well-being of our lives…
.. but somehow, we fail to understand this aspect, and continue to live a life, as per our own wishes and fancies!

And therefore, the Lord raises the rod of discipline, and makes it very clear – a stern warning – with the parable of the Two Foundations.

Unless you live a life, founded on the rock of obedience, the “house” of your life will not stand!
If you seek to base your life on the “sands” of disobedience, be assured, that soon it will have a tragic collapse!

The Lord is FIRM, FOND, FRANK and FAIR with us, in His Love for us!

Let us respond to this Love with greater discipline and faithfulness

Let us give heed to the “disciplining call” of the Lord, and reform our lives…
… so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The movement of the celebration

In the anamnesis that follows, the Church calls to mind the Passion, resurrection, and glorious return of Christ Jesus; she presents to the Father the offering of His Son which reconciles us with him.

In the intercessions, the Church indicates that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, the living and the dead, and in communion with the pastors of the Church, the Pope, the diocesan bishop, his presbyterium and his deacons, and all the bishops of the whole world together with their Churches. (CCC #1354)

“Reviewing our lives and being willing to ring in positive transformations!”

(Based on 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27 and Lk 6:39-42 – Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

In a particular town, there lived a cobbler, who was unable to make a living by his trade.

Driven to despair by his poverty, he accommodated himself in another far-away town, and began to practise medicine.

He sold a drug which he claimed to be an antidote for all sorts of poisons.

Towards this end, he also created a great popularity campaign through advertisements and boastful proclamations.

Unfortunately, in a short period of time, the cobbler himself happened to fall sick to a serious illness.

The ruler of the town sought this as a nice chance to test his medicine’s capability and the man’s genuineness.

For this, the ruler called for a cup, and filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the cobbler’s antidote…
… commanding him to drink, with a promise of a handsome reward.

The sick cobbler, overcome with much fear and trembling, confessed that he had no knowledge of medicine!

The ruler then called the people of the town and addressed them:
“Oh how foolish are you!

You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man, whom no one could employ to even make shoes for their feet!”

Often times, perhaps, it so happens that we too…
… get fooled in life
… get led by people who are incapable
… get ourselves to be a slave to things which are unbecoming

We become blind… and perhaps, we also lead others to stumble!

Our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel invites us to deep examination of the quality of our lives and our credibility in being a leader.

Jesus says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39)

This verse is a reference to two sets of people: one, the guide.. second, the one who is led.

We could find ourselves in either of these categories or sometimes even both.

We could be a guide or one who is guided or both – a guide as well as one who is guided.

In any of the cases, one needs to examine one’s quality of life.

Am I shrouded in the darkness of being in ignorance and apathy…

disinterested to learn and be willing to know more…?
causing others to be misled and creating confusions and misunderstandings…?

Am I a person who is sunk into the dark abyss of being prejudiced and unforgiving….

unwilling to be open to the truth and adamant in considering to even review or re-examine my own viewpoints…?
blinded to accept differences and failing to cherish diversity and thus constantly being at loggerheads with others…?

Am I constantly veiled under the dark shades of being unjustly critical and judgemental…

full of pride and being unable to let go of my own selfish interests and self-centred wants…?
enamoured by a pleasure in looking for opportunities and means to put down others or find faults with others…?

Our Blessed Lord invites us to make an honest review of our lives and to be constantly willing to ring in positive transformations.

Let us seek to put into the practise the beautiful saying:
“If you use the head with which you reprove others to reprove yourself, there will be fewer faults;

If you use the heart with which you forgive yourself to forgive others, there will be perfect friendship”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The movement of the celebration

In the epiclesis, the Church asks the Father to send his Holy Spirit (or the power of his blessing) on the bread and wine, so that by his power they may become the body and blood of Jesus Christ and so that those who take part in the Eucharist may be one body and one spirit (some liturgical traditions put the epiclesis after the anamnesis).

In the institution narrative, the power of the words and the action of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, make sacramentally present under the species of bread and wine Christ’s body and blood, His sacrifice offered on the cross once for all (CCC #1353)

“Being fervent and zealous to lead a holier life – pleasing to God – as we pray, ‘Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with You!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary)

A priest went to visit a violent criminal who was condemned to death…
… hoping to prepare his soul to die well.

But the man wouldn’t even talk to him.

The priest pleaded and begged him to get reconciled with God…
… but the man’s heart was extremely closed!

Finally, as a last resort, the priest entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and then said to the
criminal, “Before I leave, will you grant me one little favour?”

The man, with an intention to get rid of the bothersome priest, said he would

“Let us then,” the priest responded, “Say one Hail Mary”

So, together they began to pray that simple prayer…
… “Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with You…”

But they hadn’t even got through the first sentence when the criminal turned pale…
… and his voice started to shake.

The priest to continued the Hail Mary…
… and as he finished tears started to flow from the man’s face, and he fell on his knees at the
priest’s feet.

As soon as the prayer was done, the man asked to make confession.

He then confessed his sins with a great sense of repentance!

The words, “Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you…”
… had ignited the spark of repentance in him!

Yes, that’s the power of the intercession of Mother Mary!

She is the refuge of sinners

Her life of Faithfulness to God’s Grace, is an inspiration to all of us…
… to live an Immaculate and Holy Life!

Today we celebrate the Birthday of the Most Beloved, the Most Loving and the Most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mother Mary!

For our Reflection, we shall expand the beautiful name of MARY – in the following manner – to help in having a truer appreciation, a genuine devotion and a deeper love for Her:
MARY
Model
Apostle
Revolutionary
Yeast

1. Mary – is the Model for every Christian
   Her life becomes a wonderful example to every person who wishes to follow our Blessed Lord.

She remains the perfect Model of being attentive to the voice of God, being actively response to His call and being faithfully committed to every task entrusted to Her

2. Mary is the Apostle-par-excellence
   As an Apostle of Her Son and Saviour, She always remained in His presence – either physically or in Her thoughts or through Her constant longing for Him

She is the Beloved Apostle who had offered Her whole body, mind and soul to the glory of God and fulfilling His every plan

3. Mary is the Revolutionary who dared to do God’s Will
   Her Yes to the Plan of God, at the Annunciation and Her continual Yes to His Will, even in the moments of the most extreme suffering had the tenacity and the passion of a True Revolutionary.

It is hard to follow God’s Will, especially in some moments of crisis
It requires extreme courage and unfailing commitment to be always walking in the path of God
She is the wonderful Revolutionary who dared to always seek and do God’s Will in Her life!

4. Mary is the Yeast who silently fulfilled Her role in the plan of salvation
   In the Bible, the words of Mother Mary are fairly minimal; yet Her few words and above all, Her dedicated life speaks volumes of Her role in the Salvific Plan!

She is the unseen Yeast through whom the mighty Grace of God wonderfully worked to raise up the Author of Salvation!

Blessed Mother Mary is our wonderful and beautiful mother, who deserves our greatest affection and love, in a way that draws us more and more towards Her Son, Jesus.

May we be encouraged by the words of St Maximilian Kolbe:
“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

Ven. Bishop Fulton J Sheen says:
“The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her.

The more we adore His divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood.
The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her!”

Our Blessed Mamma – the Beautiful Lady in blue and white – grace in holiness and immaculate in
love – holds our hands and tells us:
“My Little Child, I am with you!
I love you, and together, we shall walk in this exciting path of Holiness…
… towards My Son and Your Brother…
… towards Our Saviour Jesus!”

Yes, let us give heed to the loving call of our Blessed Mother

And be fervent and zealous to lead a holier life, pleasing to God…
… as we pray, “Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with You…!”

Let this Feast help us to deepen our love for Her Beloved Son and our Saviour, Jesus!
… and our love for each other in the family, our communities and in the Church!

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

We love you, Dearest Mamma!

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The movement of the celebration

The Anaphora: with the Eucharistic Prayer – the prayer of thanksgiving and consecration – we come to the heart and summit of the celebration:
In the preface, the Church gives thanks to the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, for all his works: creation, redemption, and sanctification.

The whole community thus joins in the unending praise that the Church in heaven, the angels and all the saints, sing to the Thrice-Holy God. (CCC #1352)

“Being ever faithful to all our duties as a follower of Christ, knowing that ‘our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!’”

(Based on 1 Cor 7:25-31 and Lk 6:20-26 – Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A highly rich and influential person was privileged to be one of the special guests to undertake a 21-day cruise on a Majestic Battleship.

This ship belonged to the former Emperor of the land, and had been modernized with immense facilities and luxurious features.

The man was highly impressed with the comforts that were provided on board.

Among the many things that made a pleasant impact on him was also the Sunday Morning Mass that was attended by all the sailors and attendants, who were not on duty.

It was more so, since the man himself was not so particular about the practise of faith.

At the conclusion of the celebration of the Mass, the man asked one of the sailors:
“Are you obliged to attend these Sunday Morning services?”

“It’s not exactly about obligation, Sir!” replied the sailor, “but our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by this our offering to the Lord!”

Those sailors and attendants had made a conscious and deliberate choice to practise their faith and to surrender themselves to the Higher Power for safety and protection.

Our lives are also similar to such cruises…
… sometimes going through calm and quiet waters
… sometimes struggling in disturbed and turbulent waters
… sometimes encountering dangerous storms and violent gales

Do we make a constant choice for the Lord and live ourselves in surrender to Him?

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful teaching of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke.

The beatitudes are assurances of blessing and joy to all those who make a conscious choice for the Lord and His Kingdom!

Jesus says, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God” (Lk 6: 20)

One of the great messages in this verse is the Message of Hope!

The Greek word used for “poor” is “ptochos”

Ptochos means…
… reduced to beggary or asking for alms
… destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
… helpless, powerless to accomplish an end

It’s interesting to note that this word “Ptochos” has its origin in the word “ptosso” which means “to crouch”
Therefore, the “poor” literally means, “one who is crouching” – a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down

It’s a position that is very often defied and despised, in the worldly standards, which emphasizes on being proud and haughty!
It’s a position that is very often made fun of and fooled, in the eyes of the world which glorifies pomp and external show!

Thus, when the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor,” it is a tremendous message of Hope…
… To those who find themselves at the peripheries of life
… To those lost in the miseries of life and find no hope – materially, spiritually, mentally, and socially

Of course, the word “poor” does not mean…
… that one simply becomes timid and passive or be simply submissive to any social evils without any resistance
… that one adopts an attitude of being “always hands folded” in surrender or “faces cast down” in defeat

“Poor” instead refers to the fact that one has God has one’s greatest strength and treasure

Being “poor in the Lord”, contradictory as it may sound, is the greatest richness that one can have.
Being “poor in the Lord” gives the greatest confidence to a person, who realises that being in God, one can never fail!

How true is the saying, “One who kneels before God, can stand before anyone!”

One who is dependent on God and His Grace…
One who is willing to challenge the society’s unjust norms with the mighty trust in God…
One who is aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses and yet offers oneself entirely to the power of God…

Such a one, in the eyes of the world may be “poor”… but is “Blessed” in the sight of God!

It takes courage to be a Christian who is committed!
It requires a conviction to be a follower of Christ who is passionate!

Let us be ever faithful to all our duties as a follower of Christ, not just in fulfilment as an obligation…
… but knowing that “our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The movement of the celebration

From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need.
This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich: Those who are well off, and who are also willing, give as each chooses.

What is gathered is given to him who presides to assist orphans and widows, those whom illness or any other cause has deprived of resources, prisoners, immigrants and, in a word, all who are in need. (CCC #1351)

“Responding to the Call of the Lord, Who trusts, invites and calls all of us!”

(Based on 1 Cor 6:1-11 and Lk 6:12-19- Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There is “trial by jury” in the British legal system.

The jury consists of 12 individuals chosen at random from an appropriate panel.
>> Anyone who is on the electoral register aged between 18 and 70, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK for five years since the age of 13…
… is qualified to serve on the jury.


In his essay “The Twelve Men”, dealing with this British jury system, G. K. Chesterton wrote:
“Whenever our civilization wants a library to be catalogued, or a solar system discovered, or any other trifle of this kind, it uses up its specialists.
>> But when it wishes anything done which is really serious, it collects twelve of the ordinary men standing around…

The same thing was done, if I remember right, by the Founder of Christianity!”


And it’s true, right?

Jesus did choose twelve people of ordinary standing and average repute as His Chosen Apostles.


The Gospel of the Day presents this account of this choosing of the Twelve by Jesus, the Master.
>> Twelve persons of varied character…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Kingdom Mission’.
>> Twelve persons of different backgrounds…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Jesus Culture’.
>> Twelve persons of dissimilar emotions…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Love Civilization’.


Let these twelve persons today teach us something simple yet profound for our Spiritual Lives:

1. Simon, called as Peter: The one known for his wavering temperaments yet faithful and simple in his attitude.
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be humble enough to accept our mistakes and correct them

2. Andrew: The one who left fishing and at the multiplication of loaves, brought the five loaves and two fish to Jesus
>> Assets that can be learnt: To bring simple things before God who can work great wonders

3. James: The one who was zealous and who accompanied the Lord at many crucial events of His life
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be zealous for the Kingdom of God and be ready to be in close company with Jesus

4. John: The one who was loyal and displayed tremendous love and faithfulness to His Master
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be faithful and loyal to the Crucified One even in the midst of all uncertainties.

5. Philip: The one, with a Greek name, who told another disciple about Jesus & als helped the Greeks to come to Jesus
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be a person who brings other people to the saving presence of Jesus

6. Bartholomew: The one who was shocked that Jesus was from the lowly Nazareth but was quick to trounce this feeling
>> Assets that can be learnt: To let go of prejudices and preconception about persons and situations

7. Matthew: The one who was given an opportunity to reform his way of life and was generous to let go of his possessions
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be free from material attachments in order to follow Christ freely and fully

8. Thomas: The one who was highly daring and also frank and straightforward in his Faith and his attitude
>> Assets that can be learnt: To be bold about one’s faith even if it means to seek a clarification from God

9. James, son of Alpheus: The one who gets hardly any mention except being called by Jesus and being with the others in the Upper Room after the Ascension of Jesus
>> Assets that can be learnt: To remain in the backdrop, in serving the Lord and being unfazed even if not popular

10. Simon, the Zealot: The one who is also hardly mentioned but is identified with having a great religious zeal
>> Assets that can be learnt: To curb one’s personal instincts and likings in order to suit the style and spirit of Jesus

11. Judas Thaddeus: The one who wrote the Beautiful letter of Jude and exhorts to be faithful to Christ even in hardships
>> Assets that can be learnt: To learn to be faithful and strong even when persecuted for being a Christian

12. Judas Iscariot: The one who gave up his love of Jesus for the sake of the love of money
>> Assets that can be learnt: To avoid the subtle trap of materialism and instead remain focused on Jesus always


Twelve persons of simple nature…
… teach us many secrets and virtues to be powerful witnesses of the Kingdom

Twelve persons of ordinary calibre…
… teach us to become the extension of the love and mission of Christ Jesus


The Jury or the Panel of Twelve Ordinary Persons, chosen by Jesus, have contributed their mite in spreading the Gospel and making this world to experience and recognize God’s tremendous love!
>> The Master now seeks the same of us too…

Though ordinary or simple or little or weak we are – just like the Apostles…
… He still trusts, invites and calls all of us…

Shall we say, Yes?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————————
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST – The movement of the celebration
>> Sometimes, in procession, the bread and wine are brought to the altar; they will be offered by the priest in the name of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice in which they will become his body and blood.
>> It is the very action of Christ at the Last Supper – “taking the bread and a cup.”
>> “The Church alone offers this pure oblation to the Creator, when she offers what comes forth from his creation with thanksgiving.”
>> The presentation of the offerings at the altar takes up the gesture of Melchizedek and commits the Creator’s gifts into the hands of Christ who, in his sacrifice, brings to perfection all human attempts to offer sacrifices. (CCC #1350)
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“‘Encircling’ ourselves in prayer and self-discipline!”

(Based on 1 Cor 5:1-8 and Lk 6:6-11 – Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A young missionary in a particular village, had heard the fame of a senior missionary and his successful ventures in reviving the faith of the people.

Wanted to know the secret of success in ministry, the younger missionary, on meeting the senior, asked him:
“What is the secret of reviving the faith of the people in my village?”

The senior man, who was also aware of the worldly lifestyle of the younger missionary said:
“Go back to your home and lock yourself up in a private room.
>> Then, take a piece of chalk, and mark a circle on the floor.

Get down on your knees, then, inside the circle…
… and pray to God to begin a revival inside the circle!
When this prayer is heard, a revival will take place in your people as well!”


Yes… it is when one is revived with the Spirit and Enthusiasm of the Lord…
… that one can radiate the same to others!

This revival demands that we “encircle” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline…
… by being willing to get out of our “comfortable zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!


The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with a group of people, who got stuck in their own “comfortable zones” of interpreting and understanding the Scriptures, failing to be open to the True Author of the Scriptures…
… and thus refusing to tread the path of mercy, compassion and charity.


The Gospel passage is another Sabbath day controversy.

Jesus is in the synagogue, teaching and proclaiming God’s Word.
>> His words would bring strength and courage to those in despair
>> His teaching would fill with hope those who were stranded on the peripheries of life
>> His preaching would invigorate those who were sapped of energy and felt themselves rejected.


Among those who heard Him in the synagogue, was a “a man whose right hand was withered” (Lk 6: 6)

It’s not mentioned how did he began to have a withered hand…
… maybe he was born so
… maybe he met with an accident
… maybe he had a sickness which made it so

But having a withered right hand had its own implications and difficulties to pose.


Right hand in the Bible, usually refers to..
… being the hand of blessing
… being the hand of strength
… being the hand of labour

So this man with the withered right hand is portrayed as being…
… disfigured in his purpose and goals of life
… pitiable in being rendered weak and sort of helpless


But more than this man with the physical disability, there were also some others, who had a “withered mentality” – the Pharisees
>> They had God, the source and origin of the Law, as their “right hand”
>> They had the privilege of learning and knowing the Scriptures, as their “right hand”


But, unfortunately, we find them with “withered”…
… their focus on God, the purpose and goal of the Law was “withered!”
… their opportunity to interpret and understand the Scriptures properly was “withered!”


To the man who had the physically withered right hand, Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Lk 6:10)

Probably these words were also directed or perhaps intended more for the Pharisees who were “withered” in their understanding and mentality regarding the Law and the Author of the Law Himself!


Jesus was asking them to “stretch out their hands” which were withered…
… because they failed to understand the basic purpose of God’s Law which was aimed at reflecting on God’s Goodness and to reflect the same in their lives
… because they were stuck to their own rigid and arrogant interpretation of God’s Word and failed to put into practise the real meaning of God’s Word which is to do good, show mercy and extend charity


Are those words, “stretch out your hand” being directed to us also?
>> Are we failing to centre our lives on the Precious Gift that God has blessed us with – His Holy Word in the Holy Bible – and failing to make efforts to read, learn more and understand God’s Word properly and effectively

>> Do we consciously cultivate practices which help us to set apart time (on a daily, regular basis) to read the Bible and reflect and shape our lives, in the light of the Holy Word of God?

>> Do we remain rigid, obstinate and closed to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us, through different sermons, write-ups, talks etc. on the Word of God and allow transformations to happen in my life?

>> Do we be zealous to learn God’s Word more deeply, to know Him more and to cultivate a personal taste to understand the Scriptures better with self-reflection?


Our Blessed Lord invites and exhorts us to have a “Revival in our Christian Lives”

It is only when one is revived with the Spirit and Enthusiasm of the Lord…
… that one can radiate the same to others!


May we allow the Lord to work this revival in us, by “encircling” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline…
… and being willing to get out of our “comfortable zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————————
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST – The movement of the celebration
>> The Liturgy of the Word includes “the writings of the prophets,” that is, the Old Testament, and “the memoirs of the apostles” (their letters and the Gospels).
>> After the homily, which is an exhortation to accept this Word as what it truly is, the Word of God…
… and to put it into practice, come the intercessions for all men, according to the Apostle’s words: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings, and all who are in high positions.” (CCC #1349)
—————————————-

“Being willing to be ‘filtered’ and living in holiness, with a sense of mission to bring all people to the Love of Christ!”

(Based on Wis 9:13-18b, Philem 9-10,12-17 and Lk 14:25-33 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Filtration is a process by which any material is passed through a certain device to remove unwanted elements in it.

Filtration happens every day around the world.

It occurs both in nature and in engineered systems.

For example…
… in many living bodies (including humans), renal filtration removes wastes from the blood
… in water treatment and sewage treatment, undesirable elements are removed by absorption into a filter medium

Every filtration has three basic components:

1. The Feed: The original material with the presence of unwanted elements
2. The Filter: The mechanism/device that does the cleansing
3. The Filtrate: The matter that comes after the process

Our Life as a Christian is also a “process of filtration”

And has three components as well

1. The Feed: Our lives – with our own weaknesses and sinful tendencies
2. The Filter: Jesus, the Crucified Lord – Who Cleanses us
3. The Filtrate: Our life as a Disciple of Christ – lived in holiness and with a sense of mission

Are we willing to allow the “FEED” of our lives to encounter the “FILTER”…
… so that we can emerge as pure and holy “FILTRATE?”

The Gospel of the Day is this exhortation of the Lord to all who seek to follow Him:
“If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters…
… yes, and even his own life, cannot be my disciple!

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple!” (Lk 14: 26-27)

The Gospel begins with the statement that “Great multitudes accompanied Jesus…” (Lk 14:25)

The multitude – crowds of people – probably had various intentions of following Jesus

Some to receive healing and be touched by Him (Lk 6:19)
Some to hear the Good News and to follow Him (Lk 5:11)
Some to simply eat the bread (food) that the Lord provided (Lk 9:17)
Some to satisfy their curiosity and fascination (Lk 4:22)
Some to question Who He was and What was His motive (Lk 7:18-19)

Whatever be the intention of the crowds, the Lord was clear in whom He wanted as His followers:

Those who give the highest priority in life to the Lord
Those who would take up their cross

Those who are willing to give up everything, for the sake of the Lord

Towards this end, Jesus cites two parables which would make every disciple of Jesus question their authenticity of following Him
a. The Parable of the one desiring to build the tower (Lk 14:28-30)

Are you willing to count how much it will cost you, to follow Jesus?

b. The Parable of the king who wanted to wage war (Lk 14:31-32)

Are you willing to calculate the risks that are involved, to follow Jesus?

This is a serious challenge that is placed before all Christians, who profess to follow Christ…
… and also to all those, who in ministry, seek to attract disciples for Christ!

Have I “counted the cost” and “calculated the risks” to know, that following Jesus means…

… not to simply run behind miracles and wonders; rather also involves living as Jesus did – in poverty, obedience and purity of heart!

… not just having a Christian name and fulfiling basic duties; but also implies to give the highest priority to the Lord and His Kingdom values, in all what we do!

… not merely reciting prayers and raising hymns of praise; but also infers at reaching out to the poor and needy in self-giving and doing everything for the Glory of God!

A Filtration Process is a must for every follower of Christ.

All of us, surely have our weaknesses and tendencies to be attracted to worldly ways

We very often, even have the goodwill to truly follow Jesus…

However, because of…
… lack of strong motivation
… ignorance and lack of people who can guide us
… various discouraging and deterring incidents and scandals

We fail to truly Follow Jesus.

We, the FEED, need to offer our lives to Jesus…
… and allow ourselves to pass through Our Crucified Lord – Who is our FILTER!

He will cleanse us to make us pure
He will strengthen us with proper motivation
He will nourish us with courage and passion to be bold and faithful

And thus, we will be able to live as the proper FILTRATE – a disciple of Christ…
… living in holiness and with a sense of mission to bring all people to the Love of Christ.

Are we willing to be “Filtered?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST – The movement of the celebration

All gather together. Christians come together in one place for the Eucharistic assembly.
At its head is Christ himself, the principal agent of the Eucharist.
He is high priest of the New Covenant; it is he himself who presides invisibly over every Eucharistic celebration.

It is in representing him that the bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head (in persona Christi capitis) presides over the assembly, speaks after the readings, receives the offerings, and says the Eucharistic Prayer. (CCC #1348)

“Being willing to be ‘filtered’ and living in holiness, with a sense of mission to bring all people to the Love of Christ!”

(Based on Wis 9:13-18b, Philem 9-10,12-17 and Lk 14:25-33 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Filtration is a process by which any material is passed through a certain device to remove unwanted elements in it.

Filtration happens every day around the world.
>> It occurs both in nature and in engineered systems.

For example…
… in many living bodies (including humans), renal filtration removes wastes from the blood
… in water treatment and sewage treatment, undesirable elements are removed by absorption into a filter medium


Every filtration has three basic components:

1. The Feed: The original material with the presence of unwanted elements
2. The Filter: The mechanism/device that does the cleansing
3. The Filtrate: The matter that comes after the process


Our Life as a Christian is also a “process of filtration”

And has three components as well
1. The Feed: Our lives – with our own weaknesses and sinful tendencies
2. The Filter: Jesus, the Crucified Lord – Who Cleanses us
3. The Filtrate: Our life as a Disciple of Christ – lived in holiness and with a sense of mission

Are we willing to allow the “FEED” of our lives to encounter the “FILTER”…
… so that we can emerge as pure and holy “FILTRATE?”


The Gospel of the Day is this exhortation of the Lord to all who seek to follow Him:
“If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters…
… yes, and even his own life, cannot be my disciple!
>>
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple!” (Lk 14: 26-27)


The Gospel begins with the statement that “Great multitudes accompanied Jesus…” (Lk 14:25)

The multitude – crowds of people – probably had various intentions of following Jesus
>> Some to receive healing and be touched by Him (Lk 6:19)
>> Some to hear the Good News and to follow Him (Lk 5:11)
>> Some to simply eat the bread (food) that the Lord provided (Lk 9:17)
>> Some to satisfy their curiosity and fascination (Lk 4:22)
>> Some to question Who He was and What was His motive (Lk 7:18-19)


Whatever be the intention of the crowds, the Lord was clear in whom He wanted as His followers:
>> Those who give the highest priority in life to the Lord
>>Those who would take up their cross
>>>Those who are willing to give up everything, for the sake of the Lord


Towards this end, Jesus cites two parables which would make every disciple of Jesus question their authenticity of following Him
a. The Parable of the one desiring to build the tower (Lk 14:28-30)
>> Are you willing to count how much it will cost you, to follow Jesus?

b. The Parable of the king who wanted to wage war (Lk 14:31-32)
>> Are you willing to calculate the risks that are involved, to follow Jesus?


This is a serious challenge that is placed before all Christians, who profess to follow Christ…
… and also to all those, who in ministry, seek to attract disciples for Christ!

Have I “counted the cost” and “calculated the risks” to know, that following Jesus means…

… not to simply run behind miracles and wonders; rather also involves living as Jesus did – in poverty, obedience and purity of heart!

… not just having a Christian name and fulfiling basic duties; but also implies to give the highest priority to the Lord and His Kingdom values, in all what we do!

… not merely reciting prayers and raising hymns of praise; but also infers at reaching out to the poor and needy in self-giving and doing everything for the Glory of God!


A Filtration Process is a must for every follower of Christ.

All of us, surely have our weaknesses and tendencies to be attracted to worldly ways
>> We very often, even have the goodwill to truly follow Jesus…

However, because of…
… lack of strong motivation
… ignorance and lack of people who can guide us
… various discouraging and deterring incidents and scandals
>> We fail to truly Follow Jesus.


We, the FEED, need to offer our lives to Jesus…
… and allow ourselves to pass through Our Crucified Lord – Who is our FILTER!

>> He will cleanse us to make us pure
>> He will strengthen us with proper motivation
>> He will nourish us with courage and passion to be bold and faithful

And thus, we will be able to live as the proper FILTRATE – a disciple of Christ…
… living in holiness and with a sense of mission to bring all people to the Love of Christ.


Are we willing to be “Filtered?”


God Bless! Live Jesus!


——————————————
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST – The movement of the celebration
>> All gather together. Christians come together in one place for the Eucharistic assembly.
>> At its head is Christ himself, the principal agent of the Eucharist.
>> He is high priest of the New Covenant; it is he himself who presides invisibly over every Eucharistic celebration.
>> It is in representing him that the bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head (in persona Christi capitis) presides over the assembly, speaks after the readings, receives the offerings, and says the Eucharistic Prayer. (CCC #1348)
—————————————-

“Seeking the Grace to uncover many “Diamond Vases” contained in the Holy Scripture, by wiping off the dusts of ignorance and indifference!”

(Based on 1 Cor 4:6b-15 and Lk 6;1-5 – Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The story goes of a large castle which lay abandoned for a large number of years.

Being considered haunted or jinxed, it failed to have buyers.

But a young man, without giving heed to any of those fears, purchased it.

The castle had a large attic, with a huge number of things being dumped in it.

The man decided to take up the task of cleaning this attic.

While cleaning, the man found, in the corner of the attic, a very old vase, fully covered with dust!

Taking it in his hands, as he began to wipe it with a cloth, the man discovered that it was a priceless item that he was holding on!

It was a Diamond Vase!

Unnoticed, uncared and undiscovered…
… the Diamond Vase, on being dusted, became a priceless “bonus” for that man.

How often in our lives, we too have many such “Diamond Vases” – unnoticed, uncared and undiscovered.

It’s highly essential that time and again, we dust off the “unnoticed, uncared and undiscovered” entities in life, to discover their preciousness!

One of such “Diamond Vases” are the precious and timeless truths that can be discovered from the Holy Bible.

Today we shall attempt to “wipe off” the dust from a precious teaching – the Sabbath – to reveal its greater implications in our life and to discover its preciousness!

The Gospel of the day is another Sabbath controversy.

While going through the grain-fields, the disciples of Jesus plucked and ate some of the heads of grain (Lk 6: 1)

But this supposedly forbidden “act of work” was “caught” by the Law Policemen – the Pharisees.

Probably, the disciples had not thought of the fact that they were now enjoying the status of being “special celebrities” – since they were the close associates of the Rising mega-star – Jesus!

And mega-stars and special celebrities always get followed, isn’t it?

Each of their movement is followed

Each of their talk is taped!

Thus, Jesus and His disciples also found themselves being followed and observed, in all their actions and talks!

The point of contention was the Sabbath Rule – which as per the Pharisees…
… rendered the “work of the disciples” – plucking and eating the heads of grain – as being unlawful and therefore, culpable!

When we seek to trace the the original purpose of “Sabbath”, we could consider a couple of aspects:

1. The “Law” of Sabbath at Creation

If Sabbath can be considered as a “Law”, then it goes to say without doubt that the Law of Sabbath was a “principle of creation” itself.

Gen 2: 3: “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, He rested from all the work he had done in creation”

This “Law” of Sabbath therefore, even precedes the Mosaic Law!

It is very interesting to note the pattern of creation that is mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

The Creation is mentioned as happening on a 7-day format.

It can be observed that on all the 6 days, it is mentioned, “evening came and morning followed” (Gen 1:5b, 1: 8b, 1:13, 1: 19, 1: 23, 1: 21b)
The phrase or the usage, “Evening came and morning followed” refers to the completing of a day.

But the 7th day doesn’t have this mention!

What is this pointing towards…?

The 7th day is not complete… it is being continued.

It is unending… i.e. Everlasting!

Therefore, the 7th Day… the Day on which God “rested” is being continued…. into eternity!

So when God calls to “rest” on a Sabbath day, it could be a reference and a reminder to enter “a rest into eternity!”

That’s wonderful, isn’t it?

The Sabbath becomes a reminder that we are created to “enter into a rest with God” which is eternal and unending!
The Sabbath becomes a prefiguration of eternal life – the purpose of all our works and activities!

Can we cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….
… we express our willingness to God saying: ” Yes Lord, I am readying myself for the Eternal Rest that you are promising me”!
… we display our eagerness to God saying: “Yes Lord, I am constantly preparing myself to enjoy an Eternal bliss with You!”

2. The Law of Sabbath in the Mosaic Law

The Book of Deuteronomy explicates this Sabbath Law:
“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God….
… You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” (Dt 5: 12-15)

The Sabbath Law in the Mosaic Law was a reminder that God was their Rescuer from the land of slavery and therefore, He was their God and they, His people.

Can we also cultivate this understanding so as to have a stricter observance of the Sabbath Rule?

Every time we faithfully keep the Sabbath Law….
… we are reminded that we were also once, slaves – to sin.

But our Blessed Lord, has rescued us from slavery and wishes that we deepen our love, commitment and faithfulness to Him, Our Saviour!
… we are exhorted that it is very much possible that we can become slaves again – maybe to sinful tendencies, to money, to power, to position, to various vices etc.

But with constant examination of oneself and a renewing of one’s dedication and pledge to God, we can remain as His own people.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we have sometimes failed to keep the Sabbath Law or perhaps, failed to attach any special importance to it…

The Sabbath Day, sometimes, becomes…
… just another “ordinary” day for us
… a day to indulge in laziness and lethargy
… a day to complete pending works and even ending up doing extra works!

But can we grow beyond such practices and seek to restore the original intents of the Sabbath.

A faithful and dutiful keeping of the Sabbath Law is a vital expression of we, as Christians, being a distinct people – chosen to lead all others towards the Love of God!

May we seek the Grace to uncover many more “Diamond Vases” contained in the Holy Scripture, by wiping off the dusts of ignorance and indifference!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST – The Mass of all ages

Is this not the same movement as the Paschal meal of the risen Jesus with His disciples?

Walking with them, He explained the Scriptures to them; sitting with them at table “He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.” (CCC #1347)