“Submitting ourselves to the Power and Authority of our Blessed Lord!”

(Based on Heb 2:5-12 and Mk 1:21-28 – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A beautiful and commonly quoted story goes thus:

A very poor woman called a Christian radio station asking for some assistance and help.

A man – known to be an unbeliever in God and who highly despised religion – who was listening to this radio program…
…. decided to make something out of it…

He decided to play a prank on the woman, and make her a fool.

He got the ladies’ address…
… then called his secretary and ordered her to buy food

And take to the woman with the following instruction:
“when the woman asks who sent the food…
… tell her that it’s from the devil.”

When the secretary arrived and delivered the food to the woman…
… the woman was so happy and readily accepted the food and moved inside her little house.

The Secretary, out of curiosity asked her: “But don’t you want to know who sent the food?”

The woman answered:
“NO, it doesn’t matter!

Because when GOD orders, even the devil obeys.”

Yes…
… when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The Gospel of the Day presents this act of encounter…
… where the shackles of captivity and bondage of Satan are broken by the power of release and liberation by Jesus!
… where Kingdom of Satan yields to the Kingdom of God!

Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and addressing the people. (Mk 1:21)

His teaching is full of power and conviction…
His teaching is filled with passion and fervour…

This presentation of Jesus, with full of power and authority is something remarkable…
… and worth to be imitated and inspired.

Jesus announced in his first Programmatic Speech (Lk 4: 16-30)…
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…
… to proclaim liberty to the captives”

In tune with this announcement, the Lord goes about “preaching liberty to the captives”…

Those people, who were captivated…
… by sin
… by oppression
… by evil forces and satanic powers

And this “liberation from captivity,” was done by Jesus…
… with a lot of power and authority
… with immense conviction and passion

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions
When one is highly passionate about one’s faith, it overwhelms one’s deeds and life.

As He thus taught the people, Jesus encountered a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out:
” What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” (Mk 1: 24)

Darkness cannot reign, when light shines!

Filth cannot dominate, where there is immense holiness!
Satanic powers begin to crumble, when the Word of God is proclaimed!

The man with the unclean spirit could not tolerate the Words and the Presence of Jesus!
His heart and mind began to reverberate
The depth of his soul was pierced

Irritation began in him..
… Restlessness began to overpower him
And finally, unable to withstand, he yelll out: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?!” (Mk 1: 24)

But the Power of God was much more powerful than this yelling!

The Lord with might and power, boldness and audacity ordered:
“QUIET! Come out of him” (Mk 1: 25)

And when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The Gospel says: “The unclean spirit convulsed him, and with a loud cry came out of him” (Mk 1:26)

Our life is a constant battle with the powers of the evil.

Time and again, we have people and situations who discourage us

Many times we go through moments when spiritual life doesn’t seem to be encouraging

We often get tied down by the powers of temptation
… We often get disappointed by the struggles of sinful tendencies

But let’s know for sure: The power of the Lord is with us – waiting to save us!

We need to know for sure: That when God orders, even the devil obeys!

What is therefore needed is that, we need to…
… yield ourselves to the Orders of God!
… make ourselves open and docile to the Commands of God!

Let’s examine our Christian lives and check:

Do I constantly seek live a life, in the Presence of the Lord…
… so that no powers of Satan can touch us?

Do I nourish my spiritual life with the daily food of Prayer, Word of God and re-commitment to holiness…
… so that we are never under the bondage of the evil?

The mighty power of the Lord is with us

Always wanting to provide for us!
Always wanting to take care of us!

Let’s submit ourselves to His Power and Authority, knowing for sure:
“When God orders, even the devil obeys!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

“Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession.”
There are profound reasons for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: “My son, your sins are forgiven.”
He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them.
He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion.

Personal confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church. (CCC # 1479)

“Encircling ourselves in prayer and self-discipline, and
being willing to get out of our “comfort zones” so that we can be passionate and zealous children of God!”

(Based on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord)

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

Wanting 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!”

Yes, it is when one is revived with the Spirit 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 “comfort zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a call to revive our
consecration and commitment as followers of Christ.

The event of the Baptism symbolically finishes three decades
of Jesus’ hidden life…
… as Jesus is declared as God’s own beloved Son in Whom He
is well pleased. (Cf. Mt 3:17)

By being baptised at the waters of River Jordan, Jesus sanctified
the waters of Baptism and empowered them…
… so that the water would become the vehicle of the Holy
Spirit bringing inner cleansing, rebirth, and transformation!

The entry of Jesus into the waters of River Jordan has two
direct implications for our day-to-day Christian living:

1. Our Blessed Lord continues to enter into our stained
   situation to cleanse us and renew us

He enters into our sinful humanity so that, through His
Mercy, we will enter into His Divinity.

[Just as the Priest, while pouring a drop of water into the wine
in the chalice at Offertory during the Holy Mass, prays: “By
the mystery of this water in wine, may we come to share in
the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our
humanity.”]

2. We are called to enter into the world of sinners and lead
   them to the redemptive love of Christ

Being in the sinful world, but not being part of it, we are
called to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without
blemish amid a crooked and perverse generation… [to] shine
as lights in the world” (Cf. Phil 2:15)

The Baptism of the Lord is a reminder of our Christian dignity
as Children of God!

We are privileged to have been rescued from the power of
darkness and brought into the light of God’s kingdom!

Our Christian dignity as God’s children calls us to become a
saint!

Pope St John Paul II exhorts: “Since Baptism is a true entry
into the holiness of God, it would be a contradiction…
… to settle for a life of mediocrity
… marked by a minimalist ethic and a shallow religiosity

Holy Father, Pope Francis during one of his Wednesday
audiences in the presence of a packed St. Peter’s Square once
said:
“Baptism is in a certain sense the identity card of the Christian,
his birth certificate, and the act of his birth into the Church.

All of you know the day on which you were born and you
celebrate it as your birthday, don’t you?
Let’s do something: today, when you go home, find out
what day you were baptized, look for it, because this is your
second birthday.
The first birthday is the day you came into life and the
second birthday is the one on which you came into the Church.
This is your homework!”

This is the day for us to…
… to renew our faith and conviction in all the articles of the
Creed
… to check if we use our ears and lips to hear and speak about
God
… to examine whether the flame of faith is still burning in us
… to declare our rejection of Satan and his empty promises
… to see if our garment is still white, for the eternal banquet

Let us celebrate our birth in the Lord and into the Church

Let us “encircle” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline, and
be willing to get out of our “comfort zones” of worldliness and
hard-heartedness…
… so that we can be passionate and zealous children of God!

Happy Feast of the Baptism!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Grave necessity can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not enough confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so that the penitents through no fault of their own would be deprived of sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time.
In this case, for the absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their grave sins in the time required.
The diocesan bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions required for general absolution exist.

A large gathering of the faithful on the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages does not constitute a case of grave necessity. (CCC # 1483)

“Maintaining the desire of God in our hearts, and allowing the Lord to outline His Plan to us through the little things of life so that we can have an Epiphany Experience!”

(Based on Isa 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3, 5-6 and Mt 2:1-12 – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)

A Parish priest was taking a group of his catechism children to a church, which was known to be a pilgrimage centre.

The children were very much excited seeing the new church, which was particularly famous for its glass paintings.

As they kids moved around the church, little Peter – all of 6 years and the smallest one of the group – suddenly gazed at a large glass painting and shouted:
“Wow! There is the Cross of Christ!

Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.

But they could see nothing of the Cross!

To them, the glass painting resembled only a jumbled mass of confusion

It was a modernistic glass picture composed of a maze of colours and shapes – sophisticated and abstract

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

But Peter went on: “Can’t you see him? It’s Jesus hanging on the cross.”

The priest finally said: “Little Peter… maybe we are all blind.

But could you please… help us to see what you see?”

With all excitement, with his little finger, through the maze of shapes and colours…
… Peter outlined the Cross as he kept saying: “Do you see what I see?”

And then… like an Epiphany, they all saw JESUS…
… His Face
… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

As the image began to appear more clear!

And then with astonishment, the priest looking at little Peter and then the Cross of Christ, exclaimed: “This… is… Epiphany!”

When one longs with a great desire and looks with a clear intent, then we have the Epiphany of God!

Yes, the Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs – sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany”, means…
… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…
… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?
   The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)
   (This was also in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising!” – Isa 60:3)

This single focus and dedication…
… Impelled them to move forward with determination
… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles
… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory…?
… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for our own glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions…?
… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?
   The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focused on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!
(pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

Do we faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

Do we seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?
… Or do we get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?
   The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their precious gifts – fit and appropriate… (Mt 2:11b)

Gold for Jesus, the King
Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest
Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…
… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…
Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?
… or, has the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…
Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?
Take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian lives, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12: 1) – sinful, broken, wounded; just as we are…
… So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:
To examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

Let us seek the Lord deeper
Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place
Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

Like the modernistic glass pictures, we may often get lost in the maze of colours of uncertainty and shapes of difficulties – sophisticated and abstract!

But if we maintain the desire of God in our hearts, He will, through the little things of life…
… outline His Plan to us

And then…
… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!

May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

In case of grave necessity, recourse may be had to a communal celebration of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution.

Grave necessity of this sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent’s confession. (CCC # 1483)

“Seeking the intercession of our Queen-Mother Mary and being
obedient to the commandments of the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Jn 5:14-21 and Jn 2:1-11 – Christmas Weekday)

A man who had abandoned Christian practices came across a young boy who was polishing
shoes on the street.

As the boy kept shining the shoes, the man noticed that there was a
shining medal dancing around the neck of the boy.

With a sense of disdain, the man asked the boy, “What’s that hardware around your neck?”

“It’s a medal of Blessed Mother,” said the boy.

“Why her medal?” retorted the man (who had forsaken his Christian way of life)
“She is no different from your mother!”

The boy looked up at the man…
… smiled, as he continued to polish the shoes as he said, “But remember that there is a real big
difference between Her Son and me!”

The man understood the tremendous faith and confidence of the boy in the Blessed Mother.

The story goes on to say that this incident helped the man to re-discover his Catholic Faith.

Mary is special because Her Son Jesus is special!

The greatness of Her Motherhood arises from the greatness of Her Son’s Divine Sonship.

And it is this privilege of being the Mother of Jesus…
… that makes Her a powerful intercessor of God’s Grace!

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful intercessory role of our Blessed Mother, in the
Wedding at Cana.

The Wedding at Cana is the first of the “signs” that is reported in the Gospel of St John.

Weddings were probably the high point of the Jewish social life.

It was a time when there would be an abundance of celebration, extravagance of merriment
and lavishness of fun.

Weddings were some of the very few occasions when the common, working-class people
could take time off to celebrate and enjoy themselves.

As a result, most weddings would include five to seven days of festivities.

Wine was an integral part of this important social custom.

Therefore when the Gospel says, “they ran short of wine”…
… it was a moment of immense embarrassment for the family.
… it was a time of utter shame and humiliation for the hosts

But in this time of crisis and trouble, Mother Mary realised the potential disaster.

She took the initiative to do something about it – to help avoid the great embarrassment that would have crashed upon the family

How often do we face such situations of “the wine running short” in our life!

The “wine”….
… of unity and fellowship, often, “runs short” in our family life….
… of holiness and sanctity, often, “runs short” in our spiritual life….
… of faith and perseverance, often, “runs short” in our prayer life….
… of sensitiveness and responsiveness, often, “runs short” in our social life….
… of joy and commitment, often, “runs short” in our religious and priestly life….

In all such occasions of “the wine running short”, Blessed Mother Mary is our intercessor to
help us receive the “abundance of the best wine” from Jesus.

But…

Have we invited Mother Mary in our life?
Have we given Her a place in our life?

She will take us to the Lord and help receive His blessings and graces!

Therefore, we also ought to follow Her words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2: 5)

Mother Mary not only helps us receive blessings from the Lord…
… She also directs us towards Him and exhorts us to follow Him closer!

Mother Mary not only takes our petitions, by Her intercessions to the Lord…
… She also shows us the way to Him and urges us to live a life of obedience to Him!

On tasting the water that was changed to wine, the headwaiter said:
“Everyone serves good wine first and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one.
But you have kept the good wine, until now” (Jn 2: 10)

Yes, there are often situations, when “we run short of wine” in our lives. But, in all such
moments of worry, despair and trouble, Mother Mary takes us closer to Jesus…
… Who longs to provide us with the “best wine” – the wine of true joy and eternal salvation!

She is special because Her Son Jesus is special!

And it is this privilege of being the Mother of Jesus…
… that makes Her a powerful intercessor of God’s Grace!

Are we ready to feast, by seeking the intercession of our Queen-Mother Mary and being
obedient to the commandments of the Lord?

The best wine is waiting… !

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The sacrament of Penance can also take place in the framework of a communal celebration in which we prepare ourselves together for confession and give thanks together for the forgiveness received.
Here, the personal confession of sins and individual absolution are inserted into a liturgy of the word of God with readings and a homily, an examination of conscience conducted in common, a communal request for forgiveness, the Our Father and a thanksgiving in common.
This communal celebration expresses more clearly the ecclesial character of penance.

However, regardless of its manner of celebration the sacrament of Penance is always, by its very nature, a liturgical action, and therefore an ecclesial and public action. (CCC # 1482)

“Constantly living in hope and joy!”

(Based on 1 Jn 5:5-13 and Mk 1:7-11 – Christmas Weekday)

The Rosary is a beautiful prayer that takes us through the life of Jesus…
… holding the hands of Blessed Mother Mary.

It was on October 16, 2002 that Pope St. John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” proposed and recommended a new set of mysteries to be meditated on when praying the Rosary – The Mysteries of Light.

One reason for this addition of the “Luminous Mysteries” to the ancient prayer of the Rosary…
… was to encourage all Catholics to contemplate Jesus in the daily life of his public ministry.

Jesus was a not a person away from the people…
… rather He was very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of the people!

Therefore, the “Luminous Mysteries” remind that God is always “with His people and identifies with them”…
… starting with the Lord’s Baptism
… then the Wedding at Cana
… followed by His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion
… moving on to the Transfiguration Experience
… concludes with the Institution of the Holy Eucharist – His beautiful way of “being with His people” always!

Yes, God loves to “be with His people and identify with them”

The Gospel of the Day presents this beautiful incident of God Who identifies Himself with the sinful humanity through the event of the Baptism of Jesus (Mk 1: 6-11)

The passage begins with an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

Being clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist and feeding on locusts and wild honey (Mk 1: 6)…
… John the Baptist resembled Elijah (2 Kings 1:8)

He was the messenger, who would prepare the way for Christ, the King…
… just as “a messenger was sent by every king” in order to prepare the people for his reception!

A man filled with humility, John the Baptist declares of the coming of the Messiah and of His Greatness:
“I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen the thongs of His Sandals…
… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:8)

These are two dimensions we can greatly learn from John the Baptist:

1. Being a messenger of Christ

Do we also, in our own places of work and acquaintance, be a “Messenger for Christ” by radiating the Gospel Values – in conviction and without any compromise?

2. Growing in the virtue of humility

Do we also, practise acts of humility, so that all our words and actions, may render glory to God and His Kingdom?

As John the Baptist goes about baptizing people…
… he is encountered by Jesus Himself. (Mk 1: 9)

What follows is a beautiful act: The Son of God humbles Himself, before His messenger, “who himself had humbled before Him!”

This act of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus was the Lord’s way of showing forth His Mission: Identifying with the people and taking their place!

All His actions on the earth would show forth this aspect: Identifying with the people and taking their place!
… His Incarnation: Being born as a human – and dwelling among people
… His Preaching the Kingdom of God: Moving from one place to another – in touch with the realities of life
… His Passion and Death: Experiencing the pains and sufferings of life, especially death – the consequence of sin

Why was the Lord so insistent in “identifying with the people?”
It was His beautiful reminder to all of us: That He is always with us – loving us and being intimate to us!

He is not a God away from the people…
… rather He is very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of people!

This is the beautiful truth that all of us need to be convinced of, and live it in our day-to-day life: That God is always with us.

Even when we go through the struggles of life…
… financial crisis crashing our life
… relationships hitting rock bottom
… memories of the past scarring us
… uncertainties of the future haunting us

May we realize: That God identifies with us, and He is with us!

It is the conviction in this Truth that will help us to always be “joyful in life”!

Externally, things may not really go the way we want or wish…
… but the conviction that “God identifies with my situation” ought to be a huge boost for us to be firm in life!

Apparently, situations may be really harsh and we may feel really worried..
… but the fact that “God is with me at this present moment” should become the positive stroke for us to remain steadfast and hopeful!

Yes, the Lord “Who is the Light and in Whom there is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5)…
… constantly calls us live our “life in light” under His “Luminous Mysteries!”

On this First Friday of the month and of this new year, let’s surrender ourselves to the Sacred Heart of our Blessed Lord!

May this Gospel Reflection on the “Baptism of Jesus” – wherein God shows that “He is with His people and identifies with them”…
… help us to constantly live our lives in hope and joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The Byzantine Liturgy recognizes several formulas of absolution, in the form of invocation, which admirably express the mystery of forgiveness:
“May the same God, who through the Prophet Nathan forgave David when he confessed his sins
… who forgave Peter when he wept bitterly
… the prostitute when she washed his feet with her tears
… the publican, and the prodigal son
… through me, a sinner, forgive you both in this life and in the next and enable you to appear before his awe-inspiring tribunal without condemnation

… He Who is blessed for ever and ever. Amen.” (CCC # 1481)

“Constantly growing in the ‘Come and you will See’ Experience of the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:11-21 and Jn 1:43-51 – Christmas Weekday)

An incident is told about a famous agnostic ( = a person who believes that nothing is known/can be known of the existence or nature of God)…
… who was staying as a guest in the house of a Catholic Family.

When Sunday came around, all the members of the family got ready to go to Church.

But this agnostic was not willing to.

In fact, he approached the owner of the house and asked him to stay back, without going to Church.

“Why not avoid going to Church today,” he told the owner, “and instead stay back and tell me what does your Catholic Faith mean to you!”

The owner- a devout and staunch, yet simple Catholic – got perplexed: “You have the capability to destroy any argument and any opponent.

I am just an simple Catholic. I am not clever enough to argue with you.”

But the agnostic continued gently: “I don’t want to argue with you. I just want you to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”

The man stayed at home and simply told him of his faith.

The incident goes on to say that, when he had finished…
… there were tears in the agnostic’s eyes.

Yes, it was not clever argument that touched the agnostic’s heart…
… but the simple story of a man’s faith!

Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…
… there faith and love always win!

Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…
… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a beautiful experience…
… of a person who was made to go beyond the “influence of prejudice and rhetoric” and thus could “experience God’s Power and Grace!”

The Gospel narrates the incident of Philip, who has already had a “Come and you will See” Experience (Jn 1: 39).

After “experiencing” the Lord, Philip goes to his town Bethsaida, where he meets Nathanael. (Jn 1: 44-45)

Nathanael – a name which means, “God has given” is an interesting character.

When Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…” (Jn 1: 45)…
… Nathanael put forward a blunt question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Nathanael showed forth a cynical and doubtful mind…
… probably due to his prejudice and bias.

But…

Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…
… there faith and love always win!

Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…
… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

And so, Philip invites Nathanael to have a first-hand experience of the Lord, by telling Him, “Come and you will See” (Jn 1: 46b)

Nathanael was relying more on the “the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument”

He depended more on his past experience and his ability to “put forth ideas”

But Philip is willing to show how the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument” can be easily won over by the Experience of God’s Love and Faith in Him!

Philip himself was told by Jesus, “Come and you will See” (Jn 1: 39)

He went and saw… and with an experience, had his life transformed!

He now invites Nathanael to do the same: “Come and you will See” (Jn 1: 46b)

So that he too can go and see… and have an experience, to have his life transformed!

Here’s a big lesson to all of us:

Unless we have a first-hand experience of God’s Love and Providence…
… we will only remain in the level of “rhetoric and argument”

Unless we thirst to be filled with God’s Presence and Comfort…
… we will only be stuck with our “past experiences and prejudices”

Nathanael would “dare” to have the “Come and you will See” Experience…
… and that would result in his public confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

Are we willing to have the “Come and you will See” experience…
… like Philip?
… like Nathanael?

Let us realize that it is not arguments or rhetoric that would help us to grow in our faith…
… rather an “experience” of the Lord and His Love!

Many of us perhaps “know a lot about God”

But how many of us “know God a lot?”

Many of us perhaps can regularly give “talks on God”

But how many of us, regularly, “talk to God?”

Let the “Come and you will See” Experience of Nathanael be an inspiration for all of us…
… to grow in our thirst for the Lord

Through…
… Regular prayer
… Reception of the Sacraments
… Reading of the Bible
… Recognizing the guidance of God in all what we do
… Recounting the many blessings of God

May we constantly grow in this “Come and you will See” Experience of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Like all the sacraments, Penance is a liturgical action.
The elements of the celebration are ordinarily these…
… a greeting and blessing from the priest, reading the word of God to illuminate the conscience and elicit contrition, and an exhortation to repentance
… the confession, which acknowledges sins and makes them known to the priest
… the imposition and acceptance of a penance
… the priest’s absolution

… a prayer of thanksgiving and praise and dismissal with the blessing of the priest (CCC # 1480)

“Taking conscious and special efforts ‘to step in Christ’s Footprints!’”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:7-10 and Jn 1:35-42 – Christmas Weekday)

There was a field covered with freshly fallen snow.

A father and a son entered that field.

As they walk across the field, the father just went, as normally, walking…
… without paying any particular attention to where he was going.

But his son, on the other hand, followed his father directly behind…
… making a special effort to step in his father’s footprints.

After the two had crossed the field, the son looked behind and tugged his father to look behind.
“Look there Father”, said the boy, “there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

The father – who was known to be a very honest and gentle person – smiled and said:
“That’s so beautiful, my Child!
You have taken all the efforts to walk on my footprints!”

I wish and pray, that you also do that same, in life!”

The Father was inviting his son, to walk his path of Honesty and Gentleness…
… in his footprints!

This is the Christian way, also, isn’t it?

Walking the path of Christ…
… In His Footprints!

The Gospel of the Day presents the familiar yet fascinating incident of the First Disciples of Jesus following Him…

And how this First Following would lead them to “Walk the Path of Christ”…
… in His Footprints!

The passage begins by stating that “John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples.

And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” (Jn 1: 35-37)

One of the very beautiful aspects that we find in this “call narrative”…
… is the fact of how the two disciples give heed to the word of John the Baptist.

And to further that call, they would give heed to the invitation of Jesus as well: “Come, and you will see.” (Jn 1: 39)…
… and they went and stayed with Him.

These two acts of obedience to the voice of John the Baptist and Jesus…
… would re-define their lives!
… would transform their future!

This act of obedience was a radical choice they made

Walking the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead
They were mostly uncertain, of what would be the implications of “following Christ closely”

But they made a choice

And that choice would change their lives for ever!

As Christians, we are also constantly given this invitation

To walk in the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

This requires trust in Him

This demands obedience to His Voice

Very often, the voice of the world makes us to stray our paths

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and remain firm in Him!

Very often, the comforts offered by the world, makes us lose our values

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and be faithful to be my witness!

Very often, the hardships of life, makes us to be discouraged

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and being focused on me, always be encouraged and hopeful!

Life often takes us through the “fields of snow”…
… the snow of sufferings
… the snow of uncertainty
… the snow of discouragement
… the snow of painful experiences

But let’s take conscious and special efforts “to step in Christ’s Footprints”…
So that after crossing “such fields of snow” we can say: “Look Lord, there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

And we hearing the Lord, with much love, telling us: “That’s so beautiful, my Child!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
OBTAINING INDULGENCE FROM GOD THROUGH THE CHURCH

Since the faithful departed now being purified are also members of the same communion of saints…

… one way we can help them is to obtain indulgences for them, so that the temporal punishments due for their sins may be remitted. (CCC # 1479)

“Becoming a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6 and Jn 1:29-34 – Christmas Weekday)

The five fingers of the hand have their own functions and roles.

However, one among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…

That Finger is …
… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.

And the activity that it is often used for, is… Blaming!

The Index finger or also called as the Pointer Finger is often used…
… to point to others and accuse them
… to point towards others and blame them
… to point towards others and lay a charge on them

This action is also called as Finger-Pointing – the act of casting the blame or assigning the blame for something, to someone else.

We have somehow, consciously or unconsciously, got into a habit of using our Index or the Forefinger to always blame and accuse others…
… and pass on the fault to other people.

The Gospel of the Day, is however, a welcome change to this “sickening” trend of finger-pointing!

We have St John the Baptist who utilizes this action of pointing, not for blaming or accusing…
… rather to point out the Saviour of the World!

He points out, in a majestic style, to Jesus… and declares emphatically, ” Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1: 29)

He points towards Jesus…
… to make known the One who is the long-awaited Messiah!
… and reveals to the world, the One who is to redeem humanity!
… to proclaim the One, who by His greatness, would grant salvation!

John the Baptist, becomes a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…

1. He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!
2. He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!
3. He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!
4. He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!

Our life is sometimes plagued by the “bad tendency” to point to others, only in a negative sense…

We point to others…
… to pass on judgement and condemnation
… to cast feelings of guilt and culpability
… to make public the faults of other people

It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism…
… or correcting others gently
… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.

But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….
… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation
… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence
… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others

Pointing to others, ought not to be a tool of painful criticism and discouragement…
… rather it must be an action of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Pointing to others, ought not to be a medium of accusationand denunciation…
… rather it must be a means of appreciation and admiration.

We celebrate today the Feast of St Chavara Elias Kuriakose, a popular Saint from India.

He became a symbol of great encouragement, acknowledgement & appreciation of others…
… Especially through the ministry of pastoral care and Catholic education and learning

In his own words, “Make it clear that your home is not a place for indulging in profane conversation or for speaking ill of others or slandering”

Let us tread the path and example shown by St John the Baptist and St Chavara Kuriokose.

Let us become a people of true acknowledgement…
… and not wasteful blaming.

Let us become a people of honest encouragement…
… and not critical judgment.

Let us become a people of credible appreciation…
… and not distasteful denouncing.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
OBTAINING INDULGENCE FROM GOD THROUGH THE CHURCH

An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus
… intervenes in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints…
… to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the temporal punishments due for their sins.
Thus the Church does not want simply to come to the aid of these Christians…

… but also to spur them to works of devotion, penance, and charity. (CCC #1478)

“May St John the Baptist, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward in this New Year 2023”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:22-28 and Jn 1:19-28 – Christmas Weekday)

One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:
…getting to know His/Her name…
…getting to know His/Her occupations…
…getting to know His/Her interests and likings…

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to “know more” about John…

His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.
We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.
We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…
… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.
… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.
… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….
… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.

People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.
People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.

And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)
He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)
He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it…
… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …
… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….
… plunge us into a deep struggle
… make us to fear life and people
…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…
… “What really is the purpose of my life??
… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”
… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

I am God’s Child….
… in this is my true identity.

I am the witness to the True Light…
… in this is my true role in life.

I am a Voice in the wilderness…
… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…
… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
In this New Year 2023

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

This treasury includes as well the prayers and good works of the Blessed Virgin Mary. >> They are truly immense, unfathomable, and even pristine in their value before God. >> In the treasury, too, are the prayers and good works of all the saints, all those who have followed in the footsteps of Christ the Lord and by His grace have made their lives holy and carried out the mission the Father entrusted to them.

In this way, they attained their own salvation and at the same time cooperated in saving their brothers in the unity of the Mystical Body. (CCC #1477)