“Being attracted to a life of the Cross – with total discipline and deep dedication!”

(Based on Deut 30:15-20 and Lk 9:22-25 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday)

A story is told of a young woman who wanted to join a particular college, with a reputed fame.

As she filled the application form, her heart sank, when she read the question that read: “Are you a leader?”

Sticking to her principle of being honest in life, she wrote “No”…
… and submitted her application…
… expecting the worst!

She knew, that this question would be the stumbling block for her admission to college.

But to her great surprise, she received the following letter from college:
“Dear Applicant,
A study of all our application forms this year reveals, that we will have 1, 547 new leaders in college.

So we are accepting you as our student, because we feel that it is necessary that all those ‘so-called leaders’, have at least one follower!”

Well, that pretty much sums up human tendencies isn’t it?
… a tendency whereby people would dilute their ideals for seeking a position or favour!
… a tendency whereby people would want to be only leaders, but fail to be a follower!

Is our Christian life also characterized by these tendencies…?
… to dilute Christian Values for the sake of one’s favour?
… to project our personal merits and crave to be a power-monger rather than a follower?

The Gospel of the Day presents the mighty challenge of Jesus, to those who wish to follow Him…
… being uncompromising in one’s commitment
… being willing to be a follower of Him, the Sole Leader!

Jesus says: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23)

One of the key aspects, when we analyze the ministry of Jesus is that Cross would be an integral aspect of His life and ministry.

The Lord never shied away from the Cross.

And the Lord never shied away from teaching about the Cross.

He doesn’t use attractive advertisements to allure more followers…
He doesn’t preach an easy life to gather in more disciples…

He instead preaches and proclaims the Cross!

The Cross is a symbol…
… of total self-giving
… of total commitment

We are in the season of Lent.

It’s a time of getting back to the basics of our life…
… to re-dedicate our love and consecration to the Lord
… to review our life more closely in relation to our faith

The Lord sets before us choices continually in life… (Deut 30:15)
… the choice of life and death
… the choice of good and evil
… the choice of blessings and curses

But all these promises of the Lord are valid, only if we are seeking and are eager to follow His commandments and to walk according to His paths.

Our Christian lives today are often found to be characterized by…
… Pragmatism: following Christ and His Ideals only for our personal gains and desires!
… Comfortability: following Christ and His Ideals only when it is easy and undemanding!
… Dilution: following Christ and His Ideals without sincerity and watering down as per convenience!
… Power-mongerism: following Christ and His Ideals only to gain power and popularity!

The Cross comes as a huge blow to all such “easy philosophies!”

The Cross was the choice of the Lord…
… a result of deep obedience and total commitment.

The Cross needs to be our choice too – and this requires…
… deep obedience to the Will of the Lord.
… total commitment to our call and consecration as a Christian.

The Lord promises much happiness and joy…
… but these will be delivered only if we make the determination and resolution to follow Him closer and to live as per His commands!

Let us be bold and courageous to embrace a Life of the Cross…
… without pragmatism, without comfortability, without dilution, without power-mongerism!

And stick on to the Christian Principles…
… even it means, rejection from the world and its ways!

Yes, shall we be ready…
… to embrace this call and exhortation of the Lord?
… to get attracted to a life of the Cross – total discipline and deep dedication?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The one priesthood of Christ

The redemptive sacrifice of Christ is unique, accomplished once for all; yet it is made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church.

The same is true of the one priesthood of Christ; it is made present through the ministerial priesthood without diminishing the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood: “Only Christ is the true priest, the others being only his ministers.” (CCC #1545)

“Returning to the Lord, in humility, and growing in holiness, in this Season of Lent!”

(Based on Joel 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 – Ash Wednesday)

A legendary story goes is told of a holy person who lived an extremely virtuous life.

The goodness in him diffused, as a flower would spread its fragrance.

So impressed were the angels, that they came down to enquire on his secrets and even to offer him special gifts of miracles and thus he could gain more popularity and fame.

They offered him the gift of the “touch of his hand” – so that he would be able to heal the sick or raise the dead…
… But he refused, saying that “God alone could heal”

Then, they offered him the “power of conversion” – so that people could turn to God in repentance…
… But he refused, saying that “the Holy Spirit alone could work repentance in souls”

Then they offered the power to be a “model of goodness” so that many more would be drawn to him by the virtue of his life…
… But he refused, again, saying that “if all are drawn to him, people would be away from God”

Puzzled, the angels asked him what gift he desired!

The holy person replied:
“Grant me the gift of humility…
… so that I might do good to all, without me even knowing it!”

And so the angels interceded to God…
… and he was blessed:
Wherever his shadow would fall, where he himself could not see it…
… the shadow would cure sicknesses, heal broken hearts and bring back people to God in repentance!

Humility was the virtue that was sought by the virtuous person…
… and it was this simplicity – to allow the Lord to take complete possession of all his goodness – that exalted him to climb the ladder of sanctity higher!

Yes, Humility is the prime virtue that needs to embellish the life of every Christian.

Today we begin the Season of Lent.

The Gospel of the Day is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of doing away with pride and instead, beautifying one’s life with sincere humility.

Jesus, through the Sermon on the Mount continues to target the key areas of one’s Christian living.

Today He speaks on the three core practices that were essential pious practices of His time: almsgiving, prayer and fasting.

Jesus condemns exercises of devotion becoming instruments to show-case one’s pride and exhibit pomp and self-glory.

With respect to almsgiving, Jesus says…
… “sound no trumpet” (Mt 6:2)

With respect to prayer, Jesus says…
… “shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6)

With respect to fasting, Jesus says…
…”anoint your head and wash your face” (Mt 6:17)

Prophet Joel expresses the fervent desire of the Lord to return back to Him with sincerity of heart:
“Yet even now,” says the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning…
… and rend your hearts and not your garments.” (Joel 2:12-13)

One of the fundamental aspects in the Spirituality of Jesus is His emphasis on the intention of the heart.

Sin is…
… when the heart rejects the working of the Spirit.

Holiness is…
… when the heart accepts the grace of the Spirit.

When the heart consents to evil, sin occurs
When the heart consents to grace, goodness is affirmed.

An act of almsgiving happens, when the heart willingly gives – in generosity and with wholeheartedness
An act of prayer happens, when the heart seeks communion with the Lord – in openness and with faithfulness
An act of fasting happens, when the heart self-sacrifices and renounces – in sincerity and with willingness

When the intention of the heart is genuine and sincere, then one remains least bothered of external attractions and publicity…
… there is no desire to seek for attention and appreciation for one’s devout actions
… there is no inclination to want acknowledgement and recognition for one’s pious deeds

And this is the ideal to which Jesus invites us:

A religion that spreads not simply on the basis of external shows…
… but on the basis of genuine spirituality
A faith that grows not merely on the strength of pompous deeds…
… but on the foundation of true dependence and trust in the Lord

Is my practice of religion very often a flaunting of my pride and vain glory?

It is also interesting to note that these 3 practices also refers to the 3 dimensions of Love:
towards God, towards others, towards oneself

Prayer: Reminding ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
Almsgiving: Reviving our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
Fasting (Penance): Rediscovering the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Let us give heed to the wisdom from the book “Imitation of Christ” and seek to grow in humility and dependence on the Lord:
“Do not think yourself better than others lest, perhaps, you be accounted worse before God who knows what is in man.

Do not take pride in your good deeds, for God’s judgments differ from those of men and what pleases them often displeases Him”

A few practical tips could help us to make this Season of Lent, more meaningful:

It is said that habits – to make a new one or to break an old one – generally take around 21 days
These 40+ days of Lent are a chance for us to “double” our efforts towards…
… positively growing in a “good virtuous habit”
… negatively rooting out a “not-so-good vicious habit”

(A few examples:
… Reading a portion of the Bible daily
… Learn by heart, some verses of the Bible and make it a personal prayer
… Identify the “root vice” of life, and practice the opposite – “the root virtue”
… Try to frequent Holy Mass / spend time with the Eucharistic Lord, as much as possible
… 40 simple acts of kindness
… Abstain from something that is “dear” and offer it is a sacrifice for someone in need
… Revive personal/family prayer
… Reduce time spent on the internet/social media
… Visit a home of charity or those in our vicinity who needs a help
… Abstain from gossiping/back biting/ irritable words
… Bring a person(s) closer to Christ/Church)

Can we choose, on this day, a habit in our personal life, which we need to “make or break”…
… for these days of Lent?

The Season of Lent covers a period of 7 weeks

Seven – a number of fullness and completeness is a call for us to grow in the Virtue of Charity.

We could identify 7 people – corresponding to the 7 weeks of Lent, who need our help.

This help may be any of the following:
… spiritual help
… social acceptance
… materialistic needs
… emotional assistance

May this Season of Lent – “the acceptable time given by the Lord” (Cf. 2 Cor 6:2) – help us to take concrete and practical decisions to practise the three pillars of Christian Piety – Fasting, Almsgiving and Praying…
… in its truest sense.

As St Paul reminds us: “…we entreat you on behalf of Christ, BE RECONCILED TO GOD…!” (2 Cor 5:20)

And may this be our prayer to enshrine all our activities:
“Grant me the gift of humility…
… so that I might do good to all, without me even knowing it!”

Wish you all a Very Happy and Blessed Season of Lent.

May this season of lent, be a time – to revive and renew – and thus grow in Holiness!
May our Blessed Mother of Compassion intercede for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The one priesthood of Christ

Everything that the priesthood of the Old Covenant prefigured finds its fulfilment in Christ Jesus, the “one mediator between God and men.”

The Christian tradition considers Melchizedek, “priest of God Most High,” as a prefiguration of the priesthood of Christ, the unique “high priest after the order of Melchizedek”; “holy, blameless, unstained,” “by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified,” that is, by the unique sacrifice of the cross. (CCC #1544)

“Carving our lives in humility in imitation of our Blessed Lord!”

(Based on Sir 2:1-11 and Mk 9:30-37 – Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There is a story of a tourist who visited a particular church.

He was quite surprised to see the figure of a lamb, that had been carved near the top of the church’s tower.

On enquiring, he came to know the reason…
He was told that when the church was being built, a workman fell from a high scaffold.
His co-workers, in fear and despair, rushed down, probably expecting that their companion might have died.

But to their pleasant surprise, they found him alive, with just some minor injuries.

How did the workman survive that steep fall?

A flock of sheep was passing at that time, beneath the scaffold of the tower.
The worker, fell on the top of one of the lambs!

The lamb was crushed to death, but the man was saved!

To celebrate this miraculous escape, a carved lamb was placed on the tower at the exact height from which the workman fell!

It is not confirmed if this story is true or a legend; but one thing is for sure and certain: we need the Lamb for our survival – the Lamb of God!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the Lamb of God predicting His passion and death…
… and drives home the message of the necessity of being clothed with humility and innocence, in order to achieve true greatness in life.

Jesus had a very specific purpose in coming to the world – the salvation of all.

The path chosen to realise this salvific act was the path of suffering and death, leading to glory.

Jesus was always clear in what He wanted and the aims of His Life.
And so very plainly, He forewarns His disciples, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He is killed, He will rise after three days” (Mk 9: 31)

Unlike some popular preachings, Jesus preached to the world…
…. not ordinariness or littleness; rather a “Gospel of Greatness”
…. not being satisfied with the minimum or with the least efforts; rather a “Gospel of the Maximum.”

But His understanding of “Being Great” and His way of “achieving the maximum” was unlike how the world thought.

The world views greatness in being powerful with power, wrapped in wealth, possessing positions and clothed in vain glory

The world views achieving maximum in life by means of exploitation, dishonesty, cheating and trickery

That’s the way also the disciples of Jesus thought, when they were quarrelling on the way, as to “who was the greatest” (Mk 9: 34)

But Jesus defines a “new” way of being great…
… by being little
… by being humble
… and by lowering oneself

And so He says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9: 35)

He preaches the “Gospel of Greatness” – being great in the sight of God, by doing His will and following His commandments

He preaches the “Gospel of Maximum” – achieving one’s maximum by depending and trusting in the power of God at all times

In tune with His preaching, Jesus lived a life of immense humility, daring innocence and bold holiness!

He is the mighty Lion of Judah….
… but He humbled Himself to become the Lamb of God!

Clothed in mighty glory and rapturous splendour, He emptied Himself to live a life of sacrifice, gentleness and surrender to God’s Will!

This is true greatness…
… the higher that one wishes to become, the lower must one humble, to allow the grace of God to fill one’s life!

The book of Sirach reminds us: “Trust in Him, and He will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in Him!” (Sir 2:6)

The Lord wishes that we all become “great” in life…
… but “great” in the proper sense of the term.

The Lord desires that we all achieve the “maximum” in life..
… but “maximum” in the true sense of the term.

Let us we cherish and follow the example of our Blessed Lord in leading a life of humility and scaling the heights of true ‘greatness’ and achieving the ‘maximum’ in life.

Jesus, the Lamb of God – by His sacrificial love and total surrender has given us life and salvation, at the cost of His own life.

Shall we not reciprocate and commemorate this tremendous sacrifice…
… by “carving” our lives, in the image of “this Lamb” – being humble, committed to our cause and trusting fully in the power of God?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The priesthood of the Old Covenant

The liturgy of the Church, however, sees in the priesthood of Aaron and the service of the Levites, as in the institution of the seventy elders, a prefiguring of the ordained ministry of the New Covenant. >> Thus in the Latin Rite the Church prays in the consecratory preface of the ordination of bishops: God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by your gracious word you have established the plan of your Church. From the beginning, you chose the descendants of Abraham to be your holy nation. You established rulers and priests and did not leave your sanctuary without ministers to serve you….12
At the ordination of priests, the Church prays: Lord, Holy Father, when you had appointed high priests to rule your people, you chose other men next to them in rank and dignity to be with them and to help them in their task… you extended the spirit of Moses to seventy wise men…. You shared among the sons of Aaron the fullness of their father’s power.

In the consecratory prayer for ordination of deacons, the Church confesses: Almighty God, You make the Church, Christ’s body, grow to its full stature as a new and greater temple. You enrich it with every kind of grace and perfect it with a diversity of members to serve the whole body in a wonderful pattern of unity. You established a threefold ministry of worship and service, for the glory of your name. As ministers of your tabernacle you chose the sons of Levi and gave them your blessing as their everlasting inheritance. (CCC #1541-1544)

“Facing the challenges of life with a strong and sturdy faith!”

(Based on Sir 1:1-10 and Mk 9:14-29 – Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Raphael is the famous Italian painter – the architect of the High Renaissance.

Together with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, he forms the traditional trinity of great masters of that period.

There is a famous painting of the Transfiguration of our Blessed Lord by Raphael.

This painting was done in Rome in 1520.

Raphael had his health deteriorating at this time, as soon he was to die at the age of 37.

With the life-energy draining out of him, he chose to apply his mastery strokes on the painting of the Transfiguration.

In the upper centre part of the painting is seen a flat, rock mountain top.

The three disciples – Peter, James and John – are shielding their eyes from the glory.
Just above them, in the air, are Elijah and Moses and Jesus.
Jesus is glisteningly white, as scripture says, “no fuller on earth could bleach”

At the bottom of the mountain, is the crowd of the other disciples.

They are being unable to heal a boy, who is possessed by a demon.
The boy, an epileptic is seen in a fit of seizure, and flanked by his helpless father

These two contrasting images in the same picture are drawn from the 9th Chapter of the Gospel of St Mark

The Transfiguration of the Lord (Mk 9:2-8)
The inability of the disciples to heal the epileptic boy (Mk 9:14-29)

The Gospel of the day is the second incident: of how the disciples fail to heal the boy and how Jesus intervenes to cure and teaches the importance of possessing strong faith.

These two incidents that are depicted in the painting of the Transfiguration by Raphael, shows contrasting dimensions…
On one side, immense glory being revealed and the Divine splendour being manifested

On the other, lack of faith being exposed and the failure in the Kingdom ministry

On one side, the three disciples basking in the light of heightened faith and devotion

On the other, the other disciples being lost in the darkness of inability to put the faith to effectiveness

And how often is this the painting of our own lives too…

There are some moments when we experience the loftiness of God’s glory and power

There are other moments when we fail miserably to evoke His presence and are unable to feel His

There are some times when faith makes us to feel that everything is so glorious and wonderful

There are other times when our faith hits rock-bottom and our spiritual life loses its sheen and all seems so miserable

This is the reality of our lives – contrasting experiences of glorious faith at some instants and miserable lack of trust at other

But the Gospel of the day gives an encouraging exhortation by Jesus to have a strong and sturdy faith…
… “All things are possible to him who believes!” (Mk 9:23)

When the disciples were unable to bring about a healing to the epileptic boy, the Lord sure did rebuke them for their “lack of faith”

But after having healed the child, He does not linger with the reproaching or admonishing attitude … Instead, as a loving friend and a caring master, gently but firmly encourages them to be stronger in their faith: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” (Mk 9:29)

This is the approach that He has towards us too…

He knows that we have our weak moments and situations of disbelief and doubts
He knows that there are times when our faith is merely on the lips and not really from the depths of our hearts
He knows that there are occasions when annoying circumstances encroach our faith-life and all our efforts in devotion meet with bitter conclusions

Yet, with firmness and fondness, Jesus invites us to keep seeking to grow in our trust in Him!

The painting of our lives often carry contrasting experiences…
… of glorious faith at some instants
… and miserable lack of trust at other

Let us not get discouraged!

Instead, with trust in the Lord, let us face the challenges of our life with a strong and sturdy faith, knowing that, “All things are possible to him who believes!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The priesthood of the Old Covenant

Instituted to proclaim the Word of God and to restore communion with God by sacrifices and prayer…

… this priesthood nevertheless remains powerless to bring about salvation, needing to repeat its sacrifices ceaselessly and being unable to achieve a definitive sanctification, which only the sacrifice of Christ would accomplish. (CCC #1540)

“Seeking the grace of the Lord, to have our eyes touched and thus to be healed of our spiritual ‘myopia'”

(Based on Lev 19:1-2, 17-18, 1 Cor 3:16-23 and Mt 5:38-48 – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

Myopia is a commonly found eye condition.

Popularly, it is also called as “near-sightedness” or “short-sightedness”.

It is a state of the eye that causes distant objects to appear blurred, while close objects can be seen clearly.

Coming from the Greek word, “muōpia”, which literally means “trying to see like a mole”…
… Myopia is a condition of the eye that causes the image that one sees, when looking at a distant object, to be out of focus, but in focus when looking at a close object.

Well, this short-sightedness or myopia is limited to not just the physical eye…

It can also easily be applicable to our general outlook of life or our spiritual life.

Yes, it is often found that one becomes short-sighted in life – seeing things only as they appear at the moment, and unable to take the long view of matters.

This is “spiritual myopia”
This is “spiritual short-sightedness”

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus inviting us to become aware of the presence of a possible “spiritual myopia” in our lives and to take measures to get rid of this condition.

The passage begins with the statement.. “You have heard that it was said….. But I say to you” (Mt 5:43)

It must be borne in mind that the region in and around the ministry of Jesus, was multicultural and multilingual.

Under the Roman Empire, there was an infusion of languages… Latin, Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew…

Many of the common people of Israel usually spoke in Aramaic or Greek and perhaps Latin.

In this multi-linguistic situation, the reading and understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures (which was in Hebrew) was mainly by the religious leaders of the time – the Pharisees and the Scribes.

This therefore gave them the chance to interpret the Scriptures in a manner that reflected their own personal and biased teachings.

As time passed, this style of interpretation finally led to the situation that just observing the Law in an outward allegiance was sufficient in fulfilling God’s demands.

The spirit of the law was sacrificed for the letter of the law!

The inner dimensions and requirements were abandoned.

A “spiritual myopia” had crept in…

A “spiritual short-sightedness” had overpowered them…
They were fixed only to doing the stipulations, but failed to live the spirit of the Law

Jesus, therefore, warns the people to be aware of this “spiritual myopia” and to see beyond…
… to the real requirements of the law
… to the core of God’s commandments

Jesus attacks the method which interpreted Scripture with a limited vision and perspective…

He contrasts the Pharisees’ interpretation of the law with the law’s real meaning, by using the formula:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old. . . . But I say to you . . .”

Six times in the second half of Matthew 5, Jesus uses this formula…speaking about…
… anger (Mt 5: 21-22)
… adultery (Mt 5: 27-28)
… divorce (Mt 5: 31-32)
… oaths (Mt 5: 33-34)
… retaliation (Mt 5: 38-39)
… loving enemies (Mt 5: 43-44)

Each time Jesus described the “limited” interpretation of the law…and each time He “broadened” the vision of the law.

Each time Jesus exposed the “myopic” understanding of the law…and each time, He “enlarged” the understanding of the law.

Am I also in a condition of a “spiritual myopia”?
… limited in my vision of the love of God and failing to extend His charitable love to all
… limited in my vision of the law of God and being stuck to my egoistic interpretations
… limited in my vision of the mercy of God and blocking it from reaching our enemies.

Am I also in a condition of a “spiritual short-sightedness?”
… having eyes fixed only on materialistic aspects and failing to see heavenly realities
… having eyes fixed only on being pious outside and failing to have a genuine intimacy within

Let us always be aware of the call of the Lord ‘to a life of holiness’…
… just as it was addressed to the people of Israel: “Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy!” (Lev 19:2)

In the Nazareth Manifesto, at the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus declared that He has been sent, “to proclaim…recovery of sight to the blind…” (Lk 4:18)

Let us seek the grace of the Lord
… to have our eyes touched
… and thus to be healed of our spiritual “myopia”

God Bless ! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION – _SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS – THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE OLD COVENANT

The chosen people was constituted by God as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
But within the people of Israel, God chose one of the twelve tribes, that of Levi, and set it apart for liturgical service; God himself is its inheritance.

A special rite consecrated the beginnings of the priesthood of the Old Covenant. The priests are “appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (CCC #1539)

“Let us always have the joy to proclaim:
‘In Jesus I rest. In Jesus I stay calm!'”

(Based on Heb 11:1-7 and Mk 9:2-13 – Saturday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A Christian business had the following note stuck on his door: “I follow the ‘submarine spirituality!’”

One of his client – interested in this caption – asked him its meaning.

To that, the man replied:
“No matter how furious the storm upon the surface of the ocean, the submarine is able to submerge to the deep and finds a place whose calm no storm ever disturbs.

The deep things of life are always calm and steadfast!

In Jesus I rest. In Jesus I stay calm.

In Jesus, I follow a submarine spirituality!”

Peace and calm are assured for those who are willing to “go into the depths” and allow the Lord to ensure the serenity of the soul

This is the experience of Transfiguration!

The Gospel of the Day recounts the beautiful narration of the Transfiguration of Jesus…
… whereby the disciples are given a glimpse to experience “the Glory of peace and calm!”

One of the easy tendencies in life is to “get used to”…

Get used to doing the same works and dealing with the same people.
A tendency of “monotony” creeps in

The danger with “monotony” is that…
… it can drain away enthusiasm from the works one does

This danger of “monotony” is a strong possibility even in our spiritual life.

We begin to take our faith for granted
We tend to view our devotions with casualness.

Prayers get boring.

The Holy Eucharist seems meaningless
Pious practices fails to generate any passion

The same danger was true even in the case of the Disciples.

The disciples had been with Jesus for a while now…

They had seen Him…
… performing many wonders
… teaching and addressing the crowds
… being the subject of many oppositions too

But slowly, as human tendency is – a feel of monotony would have begun to creep into their lives.

It is at this stage, that our Blessed Lord chooses three of His “core” disciples – Peter, James and John, and in their presence gets Transfigured! (Mk 9: 2-10)

The Transfiguration experience was something very special and unique for these disciples…

They saw our Blessed Lord glisteningly shining – His clothes being whiter “as no fuller on earth could bleach” (Mk 9:3)
They witnessed Moses and Elijah (Mk 9:4) – the great Lawgiver and the mighty Prophet – along with Jesus, Who was the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophet!
They heard the Divine Voice – “This is My Beloved Son; listen to Him” (Mk 9: 7b) – from the cloud; reminiscent of God Yahweh who would speak to His people of old, from the clouds

The three disciples were being introduced to a new perspective of their Master.

They saw Jesus – not in the usual way – but arrayed in His Divine Glory and Honour!

Jesus had not become something that He was not…

He was always God and was always the Second Person of the Divine Trinity.
All this while, the eyes of the disciples were kept away from seeing the fullness of glory – only sparks of Divinity was revealed to them

But now, here was a moment, though short – the Transfiguration – when the chosen disciples could come face-to-face with Divine Glory!

The moment of Transfiguration had made them see things in a new light…

Jesus was still the same – but they now saw Him, for a short moment, with a Glorious Glow

That is the splendour and glory of the moment of Transfiguration…
… when woundedness is refined into beauty
… when sufferings are graced into meaningfulness

Have we had this Transfiguration Experience?

Surely, we have had…

But perhaps, many of us fail to recognise it.. or acknowledge it

A moment…
… when our words have touched and sparkled a sad soul..
… when we ourselves have been healed in our brokenness by some Divine intervention
… when we experienced the light of God’s healing, restoration, forgiveness etc through the Sacraments of the Church
… when a pulse of joy and satisfaction raced through our veins in having rendered, perhaps, a tiny but significant act of service and care to a needy person
… when, in our brokenness or deep pain or lethargy, an encouraging word has revived our bent spirits

Many are such moments of Transfiguration in our life…

But the more we look deeper, the more we find, that God has blessed us immensely with such “Transfiguration” experiences.

It is these “Transfiguration” moments that will help us remain strong, even through the rough waters of troubles and struggles.

The power of Transfiguration on Mount Tabor helped to remain peaceful and calm through the stormy moments of Crucifixion on Mount Calvary for Jesus!

This ‘submarine spirituality,’ whereby “no matter how furious the storm upon the surface of the ocean, the submarine is able to submerge to the deep and finds a place whose calm no storm ever disturbs”…
… is the invitation to each one of us are called to.

May this Gospel of the Transfiguration help us to be reminded of the assurance of the Lord that:
“The deep things of life are always calm and steadfast!”

Let us always have the joy to proclaim:
“In Jesus I rest. In Jesus I stay calm.
In Jesus, I follow a Submarine Spirituality!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION – _SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS – WHY IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED “ORDERS”?

Integration into one of these bodies in the Church was accomplished by a rite called ordinatio, a religious and liturgical act which was a consecration, a blessing or a sacrament.
Today the word “ordination” is reserved for the sacramental act which integrates a man into the order of bishops, presbyters, or deacons…
… and goes beyond a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community
… for it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a “sacred power” (sacra potestas) which can come only from Christ himself through his Church. >> Ordination is also called consecratio, for it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ himself for his Church.

The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of this ordination. (CCC #1538)

“Remaining committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrating Christianity with conviction!”

(Based on Gen 11:1-9 and Mk 8:34-9:1 – Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There is a beautiful legend of a thorn bird.

It is said that the thorn bird sings only once in its life.

Leaving its nest, it searches for a bush…
… a bush with long and sharp thorns.

On finding such a thorny bush, the thorn bird pierces itself on the biggest thorn.

It is at that point, that it begins to sing.

And this sweet and beautiful singing, outmatches the lark or the nightingale or any other singing bird.

The world pauses in silence and wonder…
… as they hear the melodious voice, from the wounded and dying bird!

The legend clearly gives the message…
… that the most satisfying moments of life, can be purchased only at the price of great pain

Christian suffering and struggling – and triumph – is represented by the Cross.

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…
… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me!” (Mk 8:34)

Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings…

He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…
… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be:
Losers of oneself
Be carriers of the Cross

And then Follow Him!

Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…

“Not again the Cross”
“Enough of pain and suffering”
“We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not simply to hear of the Passion &Anguish of the Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
“Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance…. Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions
… even in our religious environs.

We like to be Saved…
… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

We like to receive Blessings…
… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

We like to live a peaceful life…
… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

We like to be prosperous…
… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

We like to be called good..
… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

We like to have joy…
… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments and belong totally to God

Yes, We often, Fear the Cross…

But Christ – Crucified on the Cross – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…

They will find Life…
They will be rewarded…
They will find true joy and peace…
… says the Lord.

Have we really accepted Christianity as our Life Style?

Then let us embrace the Cross.

One important element of Embracing the Cross is translating our faith into a actual works of service.

In the words of St James:
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead!” (Jas 2:17)

This requires us to permit the Grace of God to work in us, by our constant response and consent to the Will of the Lord…
… This will surely make us encounter struggles and difficulties.

But let’s always trust in the Grace of the Lord to strengthen us.

Life will often push us to thorn situations – painful and agonizing

But like the thorn bird…
… let us dare to embrace this struggle, and yet sing the most beautiful song!
… let us be courageous to go through the time of difficulty, knowing that the Lord wishes to play a beautiful melody through my life!

Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION – SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS – WHY IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED “ORDERS”?

The word order in Roman antiquity designated an established civil body, especially a governing body. Ordinatio means incorporation into an ordo.
In the Church there are established bodies which Tradition, not without a basis in Sacred Scripture, has since ancient times called taxeis (Greek) or ordines.
And so the liturgy speaks of the ordo episcoporum, the ordo presbyterorum, the ordo diaconorum.

Other groups also receive this name of ordo: catechumens, virgins, spouses, widows. (CCC #1536)

“Opening our hearts to listen and do what God wants of us!”

(Based on Gen 9:1-13 and Mk 8:27-33 – Thursday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The famous incident of President Abraham Lincoln during the US civil war goes thus…

The President met a group of church leaders for a prayer-cum-breakfast.

At one point during the breakfast, one of the leaders remarked: “Mr President, let us pray, that in this time of the Civil War, God is on our side”

But Abraham Lincoln, replied with a much-greater insight…
… “No gentlemen. Let us pray that we are on God’s side!”

It was a reminder by the President that religion ought not to be a tool to get God to do what we want…
… but a way of life, to open our hearts to listen and do what God wants of us!

Are we on the side of God?
… or are we on the other side, and expecting God to bend Himself to our ways and styles of life?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful reminder of the Lord to examine our lives…
… and check, “if we are on the side of God!”

On reaching the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus put forth the two-question examination to His disciples:
“Who do people say that I am?” (Mk 8: 27)
“Who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8: 29)

After having given various views of what the people felt, Peter, the leader, gives the answer: “You are the Christ” (Mk 8: 29b)

Although, Peter had given the right answer, the following statements by Jesus on His Passion, Death and Resurrection, scandalized Peter!

Peter had a set and standard understanding of a Messiah – as did the Jews of his time…
… a leader who would wield power and Icontrol
… a liberator who would exercise supremacy and command.

So when Jesus spoke of a “Servant-Leader” (Mk 8: 31)…
… One Who would suffer
… One Who would subjected to the mercy of the other

Peter could no longer stand himself!

He began to rebuke Jesus (Mk 8: 32b).

But Jesus had to set things right…
… and so He would rebuke Him back strongly: “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men!” (Mk 8: 33)

Though Peter had made a correct statement about Jesus…
… it was still only a partial sight!

He still needed a “second intervention”, in order to see fully.

This was just as it was in the Healing of the Blind Man in the previous passage (Mk 8: 22-25)

The blind man initially could only see “people walking, like trees” (Mk 8: 24)

But after the “second touch” from Jesus, he was able to see fully.

Jesus was reminding Peter, by the strong rebuke…
… that Christian Life is not about “we wanting our way; it is about we seeking and doing God’s Will in life!”

Yes, Christianity is a Way of Life, that constantly asks us: “Are we on the side of God?

In our everyday life, we come across plenty of opportunities, when we need to make this discernment:

Either to be on the side of God…
… or to go against Him!

We need to examine seriously our prayer life…

“Do we seek God’s Will in prayer…
… or do we seek to impose our will on Him?”

“Do we place our worries and problems before our God (Who knows all!)…
… or do we also command Him, on how and when these problems ought to be solved?”

Sometimes, we do have tendencies, to pull God into our boundary…
… instead of we moving to God’s side!

Today, the Lord clearly reminds us, as He rebuked Peter…
… to constantly be on the “side of God”.

Like Peter…
… we may have our own justifications to think the way we do
… we may have our own fears in encountering a Suffering God

The Lord, is clear and constant in His presentation of Christianity: “Seek to be on the side of God”

Yes, let us allow the Lord to mellow our hearts…

So that we can understand that religion ought not to be a tool to get God to do what we want…
… but a way of life, to open our hearts to listen and do what God wants of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION – SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry.

It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate. (CCC #1536)

“Being re-touched by the Lord to have our ‘blurry faith without service’ to be transformed into a ‘clear vision of working for the Glory of God!’”

(Based on Gen 8:6-13, 20-22 and Mk 8:22-26- Wednesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A sailor found himself in harsh and rough waters on the sea.

Survival seemed scanty…
… but he called on the Lord.

His prayers were heard, and he found himself washed up on a small, uninhabited island.

On the island, he again prayed intensely to God, to rescue him.

Every day he would scan the horizon for help…
… but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood (wood from the wreckage of the ship) to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after having wandered all around for food, he arrived home..
… Only to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rising up to the skies.

He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.

Stuck with disbelief, grief, and anger, he cried out:
“GOD! How could you do this to me?
You saved me from the shipwreck, but only to abandon me on this island!

And now you have taken away my only means of survival.”

Early next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!

It was a rescue ship…
… they had come to rescue him!

“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers.
“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied!

The burnt hut – which the man had considered as a tragedy and a cruel act from God…
… turned out to be the signal, by which people could come to rescue him.

Even though he had received a rescuing hand, the first time, from the shipwreck…
… he needed a “repeat” intervention, to realise and deepen the awareness of the Providential Presence of God in his life.

What about us?

Are we also in need of a “repeat” intervention from the Lord…
… for a greater commitment and dedication to our life of faith?

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful and unique incident of a blind man, experiencing a “repeat” intervention from the Lord…
… and obtaining total healing and cure.

When Jesus arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to Him a blind man.

Jesus takes aside this blind man, and begins the process of healing…
… a process that takes place in two stages.

Jesus first places His Hands on him and enquiring whether he sees anything

The man replied: “I see people looking like trees and walking” (Mk 8: 23-24)

Then Jesus laid His Hands a second time…
… and he saw clearly, with his sight restored. (Mk 8: 25)

This two-step process of healing is a great reminder to us…
… that Jesus was in perfect control of the healing process
… that faith in Jesus is not a one-time event; rather a process that could extend to different stages

Jesus, the great Healer, Who had healed many, with His One Word…
… now also demonstrates that when human beings go through a stage of “not seeing fully, but only men walking as trees”, He is still in perfect charge of the situation.

Jesus, the great evoker of Faith, Who had instilled confidence and hope in many…
… now also demonstrates that growing in faith in Him, is a gradual process.

The blind man, in the context of the Gospel of St Mark is also a figure of the Disciples of Jesus…
… who were with the Lord for quite sometime
… and yet failed to understand Him and His ministry (Cf. Mk 8:14-21)
… and would gradually go through a process of growing in their faith in the Lord

Each of us in life go through such situations and moments in life…
… when we are blind
… when, even with a touch of the Lord, “we see people looking like trees and walking”

Problems and difficulties often clout our vision

Experiences of an encounter with the Lord do keep our faith alive, though feeble
… In all such moments, we need another “touch” from the Lord.

Yes, we are all in need of a “repeat” intervention from the Lord!

As Christians, who have been “in faith” for long time, there are possibilities…
… when our life of faith loses its charm and charisma
… when our resolutions and promises lose touch of its initial fervour and zeal
… when our commitment and dedication fail to have the required enthusiasm and passion

In all such moments of “blind moments” and “blurred vision”…
… we need a “repeat” intervention from the Lord!

Let us therefore, allow the Lord to touch us and experience His Healing Grace…
… to lead us out of blindness and blurredness into clarity of faith and trust.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

Through these sacraments those already consecrated by Baptism and Confirmation1 for the common priesthood of all the faithful can receive particular consecrations.
Those who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name “to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.”

On their part, “Christian spouses are fortified and, as it were, consecrated for the duties and dignity of their state by a special sacrament.” (CCC #1535)

“Recognising the nearness of the Lord even in the unfamiliar contexts of life and filling our apparent emptiness with His Presence!”

(Based on Gen 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10 and Mk 8:14-21 – Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A little boy – staying in the city – was to go with his family to his native village with his family.

On the night before leaving, he made a prayer to God:
“Good bye, Dear God!

We are going to the village tomorrow.
See you after 5 days! Take care!”

Though this prayer expresses a lovely dimension of prayer…
… and the innocence of a child’s immense love for God

This prayer is also a reflection of many of us “elders” who feel that when we move away from familiar places/situations…
… we are out of the sight of God!

Is my life of faith only dependant on “familiar situations” and “moments of comfort”…
… to feel that God is near me?

Do I feel very uncomfortable and lost spiritually, when things seem too alien or situations seem to be too unfamiliar?

The Gospel of the Day presents an experience of the disciples…
… an experience of not “feeling the closeness of the Power of Jesus”, despite the fact that He was with them
…an experience of “feeling lost and uncomfortable” on facing an unfamiliar situation.

Jesus is off on the boat again, with His disciples, to travel to the other shore (Mk 8:13)

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread along with them, and they had only one loaf with them. (Mk 8:14).

Jesus, meanwhile, began to make use of the time of journey, for rendering a teaching on True Discipleship.

Incidentally, He spoke on the need to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod…
… the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8)
… the leaven of deception and misleading (Gal 5:8-9)

The disciples, however, got it all wrong.

Their minds were still focussed on the bread.

They were still figuring how out, how they missed to get bread.
They were still trying to see how they could all adjust, with one bread.

And so, when Jesus spoke of leaven – one of the main ingredients in bread – they thought that Jesus was chastising them, for not having taken bread.

But Jesus now shows the disciples what is to be the main focus…

He makes them realise what was more important and needed.

The disciples were more concerned…
… with food and security.
… with material needs and concerns.

But the Lord, now, reminds them to “become aware of the Power of His Presence”

He exhorts them to peel off…
… the layers of only material concerns
… the layers of only worldly needs
… the layers of only earthly apprehensions.

The disciples were concerned that they had only one bread…

But they failed to see that they had the One and Only Bread of Life!

The disciples were concerned that their food may not be sufficient…

But they failed to see that they had the One who multiplied bread for four thousands and five thousands!

They failed to understand!

They failed to look beyond!

In our life journey, we too sometimes fall short of material and earthly needs.

• Do we also get perplexed and anxious like the disciples?
• Do we also fail to see beyond and realise the more important needs of life?
• Do we also fail to understand that the presence of the Lord matters much more than any other earthly aspect?

Let us realise and understand that even when things seem too alien or situations seem to be too unfamiliar…
… God and His Power is close to me!

We might sometimes feel that when we move away from familiar places/situations…
… we are out of the sight of God.

But let us come to realise that even in “unfamiliar situations” and “moments of discomfort”…
… God is near me!

Let us fill…
… the apparent emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord.
… the seeming vacuum within us, with the Peace and Passion for the Lord.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so.

They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. (CCC #1534)