“Embracing Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God, and being led to love the Lord more!”

(Based on Isa 7:10-14 and Lk 1:26-38 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Advent)

A little six-year-old boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer “Hail Mary.”

He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day.

“Look, Mommy, what a beautiful prayer,” he said to his mother one day.

“Never again say it,” answered the mother who was against Catholic practices. “It is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who think Mary as a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. “

From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily “Hail Mary” and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead.

One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady.

Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: “Mommy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.

‘Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?”

On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary which said, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb”

This little boy, as he grew up…
…. made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism.

He found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles…
… going on to become a Priest!

Mother Mary is indeed the beautiful instrument chosen by God, to lead many more to His Love.

The Gospel of the Day presents the miraculous incident of the Annunciation of the Good News to Mother Mary.

Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience
   Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.

When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.

2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”
   One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”

In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…
… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her
… even when unforeseen difficulties encountered Her during the birth of Jesus
… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her
… even when life surrounded her with agonising moments and heartbreaking instances

The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life

This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.

3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God
   When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God

She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.

4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life
   The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.

When in womb…
… Her sole attention was on Jesus

While in the manger…
… Her whole care was for Jesus

While in His ministry…
… Her thoughts were centred on Him

While on the Cross…
… Her entire self, rested on Him

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives gets enshrined in Grace and Holiness

5. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)

The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)

In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)

The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!

As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour, which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One…
… She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!

May we embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…
… and be led to love the Lord more!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.”
Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation “is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.”

Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God. (CCC #1468)

“Firmly holding high the banner – ‘Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!’ in our Christian lives and living in loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander”

(Based on Judg 13:2-7, 24-25 and Lk 1:5-25 – Monday of the 4th Week in Advent)

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.

Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.

Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…
… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.
It means: “Forever Faithful!”

The pledge of “Semper Fi”…
… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!
… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!

Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…

“Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”
“Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”

Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!
The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…
… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…
… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…
… however, when we find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

Though life did not move the way they wished…
Though many of their honest longings were not fulfilled…
Though they had to go through occasions of shame and dishonour…

Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…
… they still kept the faith!
… they still remained true to the Lord!
… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)

Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” – Forever Faithful – to God!

And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us

By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways

By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy

The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…
… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John (= God is Gracious)

Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…

Our God is a God Who deeply loves His Own…

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…
… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

Given the delicacy and greatness of this ministry and the respect due to persons, the Church declares that every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him.
He can make no use of knowledge that confession gives him about penitents’ lives.

This secret, which admits of no exceptions, is called the “sacramental seal,” because what the penitent has made known to the priest remains “sealed” by the sacrament. (CCC #1467)

“Nurturing a deeper and tender affection for Jesus, Mother Mary and St Joseph, and being close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life!”

(Based on Isa 7:10-14, Rom 1:1-7 and Mt 1:18-24 – 4th Sunday in Advent, Cycle A)

A child standing in front of the Christmas Crib was looking for quite sometime at the statue of St Joseph.

The mother, tapped his shoulder and asked: “Why is it that you looking so long at St Joseph?”

The boy with an innocent smile replied:
“Mamma…St Joseph was such a great person, isn’t it!

He had the honour to be so close with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother!

I wish that we would talk and pray to St Joseph more..
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!”

The boy was recounting the greatness of St Joseph…
…who often remains hidden in the backdrop, amid the great galaxy of Biblical Stars!

The Gospel of the day is a beautiful glimpse to understand the person of St Joseph.

Let’s learn a few of his important virtues.

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God

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

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

Holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed a tremendous commitment and love to Jesus and Mary

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

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them.

He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard Them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

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

Can we also imitate St Joseph, in holding Them close to our hearts?

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

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

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

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

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

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

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

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

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

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

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

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

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

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

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

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

7. St Joseph is a model leader

True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life

Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation
Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child
Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need

St Joseph invites us to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy

Let us pray that we will be able to nurture a deeper and tender affection for Jesus and Mother Mary and be close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life.

May the greatness of St Joseph inspire us

And may we talk and pray to St Joseph more…
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION

The confessor is not the master of God’s forgiveness, but its servant. the minister of this sacrament should unite himself to the intention and charity of Christ.
He should have a proven knowledge of Christian behaviour, experience of human affairs, respect and sensitivity toward the one who has fallen; he must love the truth, be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, and lead the penitent with patience toward healing and full maturity.

He must pray and do penance for his penitent, entrusting him to the Lord’s mercy. (CCC #1466)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 17: HAVE YOU ACCEPTED JESUS AS THE SAVIOUR OF YOUR LIFE?

BIBLE VERSE
(Mt 1:21) “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Heaven reveals the Name of the Son of God – Jesus – giving all of us the Good News…
… that this Precious Name which means, “God Saves” is the invitation of God to everyone to receive salvation!
… that the primary purpose of the celebration of Christmas, is for all of us to pledge to move away from sin, and to live faithfully doing God’s Will!

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

There is salvation and power when we call on the Name of Jesus, and live by His Teachings
We are all called to a life of sanctity – away from the corruption of sin – and embracing the way of holiness!

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

1. Repeat the Name “JESUS” ten times, as you surrender your to His Care and Love!
2. Think of one sin/bad habit that is bothering your life; take a resolution to give it up, and do the necessary follow up to stay in holiness!

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I renew my commitment to You as the Saviour of my life, give me the Grace to live in holiness and sanctity, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, the Word, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Exploring the memorable library of memories through the Genealogy of Christ and being moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

(Based on Gen 49:2, 8-12 and Mt 1:1-17 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

He/She draws the family tree.

Once a person asked a genealogist:
“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”

The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied:
“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them.

It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed!

A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…
…the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…
… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?

1. The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence

St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

They could be called as the “forgotten
passages of the Christmas Story”.

The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.

Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence – the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

2. The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid

The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam

Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other.

But on closer look, we find…
… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary.

This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David.

This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah”)

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan.

Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

3. The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

The Genealogy mentions 5 women

a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)

b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies (Josh 2)

c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods

d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel.

e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.

All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace!”

It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines!

4. The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people

Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc.

The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”
Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders).

It is God’s grace and mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.

5. The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope

We may have…
… a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life
… a past that is sinful and we wish to forget
… a past that is painful or abused
… a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection

Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus.

Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:
“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time.

With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…
… and shared our world.

In Jesus, we have a God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life.

May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us to explore the memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT OF RECONCILLIATION

Priests must encourage the faithful to come to the sacrament of Penance…

… and must make themselves available to celebrate this sacrament each time Christians reasonably ask for it. (CCC # 1464)

“Carrying the Lighted Candle of God’s Presence, and burning with God’s Love!”

(Based on Is 56:1-3a, 6-8 and Jn 5:33-36 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

In a motivational session, the speaker put forth this seemingly easy task to his audience:
“How many of you can take a lighted candle to a dark room?”

In an instant, all the hands in the session hall went up.

The speaker once again put forth the question:
“I repeat… How many of you can take a ‘lighted’ candle to a ‘dark’ room?”

The number of hands was still pretty much the same, since they all felt it as a simple task, without necessitating any complications!

The speaker then challenged a volunteer from the audience to demonstrate and prove the same.

A young gentleman came up.

Taking the lighted candle, he was to go to the adjacent room which was without lights.

But as he reached the entrance of the dark room with the lighted candle…
… he realized, the room would no longer be “dark!”

The moment he would step in the “dark” room with the “lighted” candle…
… the room would cease to be “dark!”

Simple though, it took a while for all the audience to acknowledge this fact…
… and soon enough, there was a round of applause for the speaker!

Did this task set our minds also rolling to think?
(Perhaps, some of us are still shaking our heads, and saying, “How’s that possible?!)

Well… this is the fact, isn’t it!

When there is light, darkness can no longer exist!

If we carry a “lighted” candle…
… we will realize that it will be impossible to get trapped in a “dark” room!

And so it is said, “With one candle you can bring light to a dark room, but you can never bring darkness in a well lit room.”

As Christians, are we ready to shine as lights of goodness, so as to dispel every darkness of evil?

The Gospel of the Day presents a reflective discourse by Jesus, on the aspect of light, with respect to two persons…
… John as bringing the light of Christ to the world
… Jesus as bringing the light of the Father to the world

Speaking of John the Baptist, Jesus says:
“John was a lamp that burned and gave light…” (Jn 5: 35)

Speaking of Himself, Jesus says:
“… the very works that I am doing, testify that the Father has sent me” (Jn 5:36b)

John the Baptist and Jesus shone as lamps, casting off the darkness…
… the works of John the Baptist, reflecting Jesus, the Messiah!
… the works of Jesus, reflecting God, the Father!

The works of John reflected the light of Christ, and would invite the people…
… to open their hearts, by calling them to repentance
… to live a life warranted by God, by challenging them to get out of their comfort mode
… to realize that no sin is accepted, by clinging on to the Kingdom Principles even at the cost of one’s life

The works of Jesus reflected the light of the Father, and would invite the people…
… to offer their lives to the Father, by showing them His Love and Mercy
… to live a life doing the Will of the Father, by being firm on the path of truth
… to remain in the Providence of the Father, by depending on Him at all times

As Christians, each of us are invited and exhorted to live a “life of light”…
… just as John the Baptist!
… just as Jesus!

We are just a few days away from the celebration of the Great Feast of Christmas…
… the Feast when we celebrate the Birth of the ‘Light of the World’

What efforts are we making, so that we become better “reflectors” of this Light of the World?

The celebration of Christmas is preceded by the Season of Advent – a Season that the Church, in Her wisdom, has given us…
… to make an honest examination of our lives and check the weak areas in which we sin
… to take practical steps in order to keep away from sin and do His Will always
… to rejoice, knowing that the Lord is with me to help at my every effort

Let us make use of each day of this Season of Advent….
… To recognize the areas of sin in our life
… To root out these sinful tendencies

Let us know for sure that when the Light of Christ comes into our lives…
… no trace of darkness of sin, will be able to stand in His Presence!

Yes, when there is light, darkness can no longer exist!

Let us carry the Lighted Candle and burn with God’s Love…
… and then we will realize that it will be impossible to get trapped in the “dark” room of sin!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT OF RECONCILLIATION

Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts…
… and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them.

In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication. (CCC # 1463)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 15: GOD WORKS IN OUR HISTORY!

BIBLE VERSE
(Mt 1:16) “Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called the Messiah!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
The Gospel of St Mathew begins with the Genealogy of Christ…
… which narrates the Awesome Hand of God scripting a beautiful line of history for the Son of God. … which climaxes by mentioning about Jesus Christ and His Real Historical Presence in our world

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

The fantastic chronicle of the Genealogy is a reminder that God “is always with us” and will work out everything in life – everything – for the good. We need to trust Him, and offer ourselves totally to His Will
Jesus knows everything that we undergo in life – our pains, hurts, anxieties, and uncertainties – because He has lived like us

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

1. Thank the Lord for our families and our ancestors; offer them – just as they are – to the Mercy of God
2. Offer anything that is disturbing you at this moment, and surrender with trust to the Lord

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of my family and all my ancestors; may Your Mercy cleanse all of us, and help me to trust in you, even in my moments of pains and hardships, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, the Word, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Fearlessly holding on to the Lord and His ways and thus living as joyful witnesses!”

(Based on Isa 54:1-10 and Lk 7:24-30 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A preacher was invited for a missions preaching, in a particular kingdom.

The King of this land was known to be an extremely notorious and corrupt ruler.

So, naturally it was a great challenge to preach the Word of God.

As the preacher stood up to break the Word of God, he heard a voice within him:
“O preacher, be wary of what you speak, the King of the Land is here.”
This filled him with fear!

But as his lips trembled to speak, he heard another voice:
“O preacher, do not be wary! The King of kings is with you!”

The assurance that God, the King of kings was with him, made him powerful and bold to preach the Word…
… without any fear or worry.

Do we stand firm in our Christian faith, knowing that the Lord is always with us…
… or do we wilt under pressure, and compromise for the ways of the world?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exemplifying the character of John the Baptist.

Jesus says, “What did you go out in the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Lk 7:25).

Jesus puts forth before the people a rhetorical question.

This is not a question to elicit a direct answer.

Instead is meant…
… to be reflective
… to be causing to generate greater thinking
… to be tuned to enter into a ruminative mode.

By this clever technique, Jesus draws the attention of the people to a deeper respect of the personality of John the Baptist.

One element that Jesus highlights in John the Baptist is his firmness in proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Donning an ascetic attire, John the Baptist perfectly carried out the task entrusted to Him – of being the forerunner of Christ.

He would…
… Be bold to invite the people to repent of their sinful ways
… Be firm in pointing the corrupt practices of even the authorities
… Be unassuming in lowering himself and leading the people to the Lamb of God
… Be uncompromising in countering the evil King Herod, even to the point of losing his head!

What is our conviction in being a witness of Christ?

The challenges to live as a Christian is undoubtedly difficult in today’s secularized, materialistic and individualistic world.

Many times, we are tempted to dilute our Christian Faith…
… and just go along with the ways of the world – which seem to be much easier and comfortable.

But this is where the Lord presents to us to example of John the Baptist…
… and be “a reed that is not shaken by the wind.”

Sure…
… we will have our fears to stand against the principles of the world
… we will have our apprehensions in holding on to the virtues of the Gospel

But Jesus, the King of kings, whispers in the depths of our beings:
“O Christian, Be not wary! The King of kings is with you!”

Let us fearlessly hold on to the Lord and His ways and thus live as joyful witnesses.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT OF RECONCILLIATION

Forgiveness of sins brings reconciliation with God, but also with the Church.
Since ancient times the bishop, visible head of a particular Church, has thus rightfully been considered to be the one who principally has the power and ministry of reconciliation: he is the moderator of the penitential discipline.

Priests, his collaborators, exercise it to the extent that they have received the commission either from their bishop (or religious superior) or the Pope, according to the law of the Church. (CCC # 1462)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 14: DEPENDING ON THE DIVINE POWER AND OFFERING EVERY LITTLE ACT TO HIS GRACE!

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:52) “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Mother Mary exults in the Holy Spirit and acknowledges the powerful and mighty Power of God…
… Who dethrones human pride and invites all to a life a dependence on Divine Power
… Who raises every simple and little effort in life, and blesses with His Grace and Mercy

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

Recognise that everything in life is a Gift of God, and we need to totally depend on the Lord!
Realise the power of little things and allow God’s Grace to strengthen every tiny effort, remembering that “little is much when God is in it!”

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS

1. Give thanks to the Lord for 5 things that you did/experienced today
2. Do one act of charity – even if its very small – by invoking the Presence and Power of God

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I thank you for all your Graces in my life, inviting me totally depend on You, I offer all the things that I do – small or big – to you, and seek Your Gracious Blessings, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, the Word, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Experiencing life as a beautiful miracle by tuning our hearts to God’s Will, altering our minds to His Thoughts and regulating our lives to His Commands!”

(Based on Isa 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25 and Lk 7:18b-23 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

There is an interesting cartoon that appeared in the newspapers…

This cartoon shows a fourth-class boy, looking intently to his class teacher.

Behind them, stares a blackboard – covered with mathematics problems, which the boy has not finished.
(The teacher is apparently very upset that the boy has not completed solving the problems)

With a rare insight, the boys says: “Well, I’m not an underachiever.

You are an over-expecter!”

The cartoon throws light on an interesting human dimension: many times, we have high levels of expectations but what we achieve in life often falls short of our expectation.

We expect many things from our relationships…
… but when what we actually achieve becomes low, we get disappointed.

We expect life to bless us with many good things…
… but when what we actually achieve is less, we feel sad.

The Gospel of the Day presents this dimension that was experienced by Jesus – being considered an under-achiever, since He did not fulfil the “required and likely expectations”

The Gospel begins with the verse, “And John (the Baptist), calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord saying, ‘ Are you He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Lk 7:19)

John the Baptist had come preaching with much zeal and fervour.

There was fire in him…
There was blaze in his spirit…

His words testify to this aspect:
“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10)
“You brood of vipers! Who asked you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Lk 3:7)

He had received a mandate to “be the voice of the one crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1: 23)…
… to prepare the way for the Messiah, by making the paths straight
… to prepare the people with the strong message of repentance and warning of the judgment to come

He expected Jesus – the Messiah…
… to set afire the world with the might of judgement
… to come with fury and force and establish the Kingdom of God (Mt 3: 12)

But as the ministry of Jesus progressed…
… John’s expectations were not being fulfilled, in the way he thought.

Jesus epitomized love…
… though judgement was surely warned, with respect to sin

Jesus embodied compassion…
… though fury was seen with respect to obstinacy in sin

The style of the ministry of Jesus was contrary to what John expected!

And so, word was sent to ask Jesus, “Are you the One Who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Lk7: 20)

Many times, in our lives, we too experience such unfulfilled expectations.

This is true not only in our relationships with one another or with the blessings of life, but even with God!

We have sometimes a set pattern of the way God should work…
We have sometimes a rigid understanding of the Providence of God…

A sickness or an illness strikes our family…
A disaster or a calamity hits our life…
A painful tragedy or an unexpected mishap happens…
A prayer remains unanswered for ages or a sin remains stuck for years…
And…
… we begin to lose hope
… we have our minds filled with doubts
… we begin to question the Power of God

As humans, all these things are understandable and even quite natural.

But the call of the Gospel is to “open our eyes and see the wonders that the Lord does, every moment of our lives”
“… the blindness of our sin being restored, with the sight of forgiveness
…. the lame excuses of our laziness being challenged, to walk with enthusiasm
… the leprosy of our indifference being touched, to allow us to extend generosity
… the deafness of our insensitivity being opened, to hear the cries of the needy
… the dead hopes of our lives being given a fresh lease of life to spur us towards eternity
… the poverty of our hearts being filled with the richness of God’s glorious blessings and grace”
(Cf Lk 7:22)

Yes…
When we open our eyes, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we realise the wonders that God keeps doing in our lives…
… Every moment… at every step of our life!

Prophet Isaiah very powerfully reminds us:
“For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (He is God!)…
… Who formed the earth and made it (He established it; He did not create it a chaos, He formed it to be inhabited!).

I am the Lord, and there is no other.” (Is 45:18)

Perhaps, sometimes we are “over-expecters”

Expecting God to work
… in the way we want
… in the time that we want

But the Lord looks at us and is perhaps telling us:
“I am no under-achiever!

Tune your hearts to My Will…
Alter your minds to My Thoughts…
Regulate your lives to My Commands…
… and you will see…
Life is a beautiful miracle… at all times… at all moments!”

Let us seek the intercession of St John of the Cross, whose feast we celebrate today.

He is the great Saint of Mystical Theology and the author of the classics, “Ascent of Mount Carmel” and “Dark night of the soul”

To his words, let us give heed:
“A soul enkindled with love is a gentle, meek, humble, and patient soul
“We must dig deeply in Christ.

He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit.
Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT OF RECONCILLIATION

Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation, Bishops who are their successors, and priests, the bishops’ collaborators, continue to exercise this ministry.

Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC # 1461)