“Not being discouraged by the problems of life; instead, considering them as golden opportunities to grow deeper and stronger in the Love of the Lord, knowing that ‘strength of any kind grows only by exertion!’”

(Based on Acts 18:1-8 and Jn 16:29-33 – Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

Space scientists in the 1960’s and 70’s made several efforts to help astronauts (cosmonauts) to have a safer and healthier stay in space.

The major hurdle to this was the fact that no matter how well prepared physically the cosmonauts or astronauts for the trip…
… even a short stay in space had a massive negative influence on their health.

Weightlessness (antigravity) and lack of movement (hypokinesia) caused immediate retardation of the whole body space traveller – muscles, bones, peripheral and central nervous systems degenerated within several hours to a large extent.

Upon return to Earth, the astronauts had to readjust to Earth’s gravity and experienced problems standing up, stabilizing their gaze, walking and turning.
They needed a long-term intensive rehabilitation to get back in shape.

To counteract this, a running suit laced with elastic bands was utilized.

The function of this elastic band, was to resist every move that the cosmonaut would make.
This resistance would force them to exert extra strength.

This worked!

When they had resistance, their muscles were stronger and it prepared them for recovery back into the earth’s atmosphere.

The greater pressure they exerted, the stronger was their physique and faster did it help them to get back to normalcy faster.

How true is this of our life as well!

The easier our life, the greater is the possibility of our spiritual fibre being weak…
The comfortable our living, the higher are the chances of being lax and lethargic…

Strength of any kind grows, only by exertion!

And therefore, the Gospel of the Day will present Jesus encouraging and motivating His disciples and we, His followers to be firm and strong, even in the midst of any sort of persecution or problems.

Jesus tells, “In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16: 33)

The Lord in His final discourses to the Disciples constantly gives the message of Hope and Encouragement.

Jesus is a not a leader who shies away from presenting the truth.

He plainly tells them that His going away from the world will result in a number of persecutions.

He predicts that His chosen ones would desert Him in His time of agony and suffering: “Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to His own home and you will leave me alone.” (Jn 16: 32)

Yet, He assures His followers, that He will still remain with them and strengthen them.
He is bold to tell them, “… Take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16: 33b)

Our life is also beset with many problems, afflictions and difficulties.

Sometimes…
… we do ask ourselves, “Why do I face so many problems?”
… we do feel, “Why such immense pains in our life?”
… we do question, “Why is life so unfair to me?”

But the Lord tells us, that we ought not to get discouraged or disheartened.

Rather, we need to realize, that such hardships and problems, keep us oriented towards seeking the help of God.

When difficulties creep in life, our face is set more towards the Lord.
… But when life goes on too smoothly, there are chances that tend to relax our relation with Him

When problems surface and surmount, our minds are attuned more towards seeking the Lord
… But when life is too cozy and comfortable, there are possibilities of being too casual in prayer life

When hardships bite us hard, our hearts long deeper for the presence and providence of God
… But when life goes on a smooth sailing, there are prospects that we tend to forget the important role of the Lord in life

Adversities in life act as elastic bands that cosmonauts or astronauts use…
…. They function in a way, to resist our every good action and aspiration…

But resistance ought to make us exert greater effort and have a stronger dependence on the Lord!

The greater the adversities, the stronger ought to be our dependence and trust in the Lord.

Strength of any kind grows only by exertion!

St Paul is a beautiful example of a person who never got discouraged by the troubles of life.

After having prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit on the believers at Ephesus, who had never even heard about the Holy Spirit… (Acts 19:1-7)
… St Paul went on to preach and boldly proclaim about the Kingdom, in the synagogues: “And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8)

Let us not get discouraged by the problems of life…
… instead, consider them as golden opportunities and graces to grow much deeper and stronger in the Love of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – MATRIMONIAL CONSENT

The consent consists in a “human act by which the partners mutually give themselves to each other”: “I take you to be my wife” – “I take you to be my husband.”

This consent that binds the spouses to each other finds its fulfillment in the two “becoming one flesh.” (CCC # 1627)

“With conviction in His love, having the zeal to be His Missionaries and the passion to make this world a holier place!”

(Based on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord)

On the coast of Norway was a lighthouse where the keeper lived with his two little children.

One day the keeper went to the distant shore for provisions.

A storm arose, and he was unable to return.

It was, however, time for lighting the lamp.

Elena, the elder child, said to her little brother, “We must light the lamp, Willie.”

“How can we?” asked Willie. “We are not big enough!”

The two children climbed the long, narrow stairs to the tower where the lamp was kept.

Elena pulled up a chair and tried to reach the lamp in the great reflector.

It was too high!

Groping down the stairs, she ascended again with a small oil lamp in her hand, she climbed on the chair again, but still the reflector was just beyond her reach.

“Get down,” said Willie; “I know what we can do.”

She jumped down.

The little boy stretched his little body across the chair. “Stand on me,”he said.

She stood surprised for a moment…
… but then soon stood on the little fellow as he lay across the chair.

She raised the lamp high, and its light shone far out across the water.

Holding it first with one hand, then with the other, to rest her little arms, she called down to her brother, “Does it hurt you, Willie?”

“Of course it hurts,” exclaimed li’l Willie, “but keep the light burning!”

The little kids made sure every effort was taken to keep the light lit, even if it meant difficulty and pain.

• Are we keeping the light of Christ’s love burning in the world, even though it hurts?
• Are we holding it up so that all nations may see its beams afar?

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.

This is the day…
… on which He gave the mission mandate of preaching His Good News to the entire world.
… on which He ascended to the heavens, as a culmination of the glory of the Resurrection

In our proclamation of the Apostles’ Creed, we affirm, ” … He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty!”

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is a declaration of various pointers for our reflection…

1. The Ascension is an event that reminds the glory and majesty of the Lord, who is sovereign over all

The Lord ascended.

Elsewhere in the Bible, we have incidents of persons being taken up to heaven

• Enoch was taken up by God: “Then Enoch walked with God and he was no longer here, for God took him” (Gen 5:24)
• Elijah went up: “As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between Elisha and Elijah, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2Kgs 2: 11)

Mother Mary was ‘assumed’ into heaven, body and soul (Dogma of the Assumption)

However, Christ ‘ascended’

It was His Power that made Him to ‘go up’ to the heavens.

This is a tremendous demonstration of His Divinity, His Glory and His Power!

2. The Ascension is an event which radiates hope to the suffering and optimism to the distressed

The interesting saga of Christ’s life, which beginning with….
…. His simple yet powerful event of His Birth…
… His ordinary yet impressive event of His ministry…
… His agonizing yet impactful event of His passion and death…
… His glorious and spectacularly amazing event of the Resurrection…
… finds its joyful and resplendent finale in His Ascension to the heavens.

This is a beautiful exhibition of how a life, lived in faith and commitment, even if it has to go through the barbed wires of pain, humiliation, suffering and uncertainty has a splendid and magnificent ending!

3. The Ascension is an event that prods our memory and commitment to be the missionaries for the Kingdom of God

The Lord’s concluding words to His apostles constituted a binding mandate…
… to go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation
… to be an instrument of His power to cast out demons, to speak in new tongues, to endure poisons, to lay hands on sick and restore them to recovery.

This is a dutiful reminder of how the Lord trusts and has immense confidence in each one of us to be the proclaimers of His word.

The Lord wishes to reign over in our hearts.

• He wishes to be the sovereign ruler of our lives.

May the Feast of the Ascension be a reminder for us to open our hearts to let the Lord to be in total command of our lives.

May the conviction in His love, the zeal to be His Missionaries and the passion to make this world a holier place help us, even in the face of pain and suffering and hardships, to exclaim…
“Of course it hurts, but I still keep the light burning!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – MATRIMONIAL CONSENT

The Church holds the exchange of consent between the spouses to be the indispensable element that “makes the marriage.”

If consent is lacking there is no marriage. (CCC # 1626)

“With conviction in His love, having the zeal to be His Missionaries and the passion to make this world a holier place!”

(Based on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord)

On the coast of Norway was a lighthouse where the keeper lived with his two little children.

One day the keeper went to the distant shore for provisions.

A storm arose, and he was unable to return.

It was, however, time for lighting the lamp.

Elena, the elder child, said to her little brother, “We must light the lamp, Willie.”

“How can we?” asked Willie. “We are not big enough!”

The two children climbed the long, narrow stairs to the tower where the lamp was kept.

Elena pulled up a chair and tried to reach the lamp in the great reflector.

It was too high!

Groping down the stairs, she ascended again with a small oil lamp in her hand, she climbed on the chair again, but still the reflector was just beyond her reach.

“Get down,” said Willie; “I know what we can do.”

She jumped down.

The little boy stretched his little body across the chair. “Stand on me,”he said.

She stood surprised for a moment…
… but then soon stood on the little fellow as he lay across the chair.

She raised the lamp high, and its light shone far out across the water.

Holding it first with one hand, then with the other, to rest her little arms, she called down to her brother, “Does it hurt you, Willie?”

“Of course it hurts,” exclaimed li’l Willie, “but keep the light burning!”

The little kids made sure every effort was taken to keep the light lit, even if it meant difficulty and pain.

• Are we keeping the light of Christ’s love burning in the world, even though it hurts?
• Are we holding it up so that all nations may see its beams afar?

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.

This is the day…
… on which He gave the mission mandate of preaching His Good News to the entire world.
… on which He ascended to the heavens, as a culmination of the glory of the Resurrection

In our proclamation of the Apostles’ Creed, we affirm, ” … He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty!”

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is a declaration of various pointers for our reflection…

1. The Ascension is an event that reminds the glory and majesty of the Lord, who is sovereign over all

The Lord ascended.

Elsewhere in the Bible, we have incidents of persons being taken up to heaven

• Enoch was taken up by God: “Then Enoch walked with God and he was no longer here, for God took him” (Gen 5:24)
• Elijah went up: “As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between Elisha and Elijah, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2Kgs 2: 11)

Mother Mary was ‘assumed’ into heaven, body and soul (Dogma of the Assumption)

However, Christ ‘ascended’

It was His Power that made Him to ‘go up’ to the heavens.

This is a tremendous demonstration of His Divinity, His Glory and His Power!

2. The Ascension is an event which radiates hope to the suffering and optimism to the distressed

The interesting saga of Christ’s life, which beginning with….
…. His simple yet powerful event of His Birth…
… His ordinary yet impressive event of His ministry…
… His agonizing yet impactful event of His passion and death…
… His glorious and spectacularly amazing event of the Resurrection…
… finds its joyful and resplendent finale in His Ascension to the heavens.

This is a beautiful exhibition of how a life, lived in faith and commitment, even if it has to go through the barbed wires of pain, humiliation, suffering and uncertainty has a splendid and magnificent ending!

3. The Ascension is an event that prods our memory and commitment to be the missionaries for the Kingdom of God

The Lord’s concluding words to His apostles constituted a binding mandate…
… to go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation
… to be an instrument of His power to cast out demons, to speak in new tongues, to endure poisons, to lay hands on sick and restore them to recovery.

This is a dutiful reminder of how the Lord trusts and has immense confidence in each one of us to be the proclaimers of His word.

The Lord wishes to reign over in our hearts.

• He wishes to be the sovereign ruler of our lives.

May the Feast of the Ascension be a reminder for us to open our hearts to let the Lord to be in total command of our lives.

May the conviction in His love, the zeal to be His Missionaries and the passion to make this world a holier place help us, even in the face of pain and suffering and hardships, to exclaim…
“Of course it hurts, but I still keep the light burning!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – MATRIMONIAL CONSENT

The Church holds the exchange of consent between the spouses to be the indispensable element that “makes the marriage.”

If consent is lacking there is no marriage. (CCC # 1626)

“Realizing that God is walking with us, through every stormy and rainy situations of life!”

(Based on Acts 18:23-28 and Jn 16:23b-28 Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter)

A cute story is told of six year old Sally.

Sally loved to walk to and from, school, daily.

One evening, as she came back from school, it was too cloudy.

The skies were dark; with a frightening intervention of lightning and thunder.
But Sally still enjoyed to walk in those overcast conditions.

As she reached home, her mother was extremely worried.

More than anything, she was worried that her little daughter would be extremely frightened by the heavy storm and the peals of thunder and lightning.

However, as the mother saw her daughter coming from far, towards home, she was surprised.

She could see her little daughter looking up to the skies, every time a lightning flashed.

In curiosity, the mother asked the daughter, when she reached home:
“My child, were you not afraid of this dreadful climate? And why at all were you looking up, every time that there was a lightning?”

The little girl, with all her innocence said:

“Why at all should I be worried, Mamma?
God is always walking with me, isn’t it?

And moreover, today, He was taking pictures of me. So I kept looking at those flashes with a big smile!”

Well, that’s the innocent heart of a child…
… who trusts in God, and knows that He would be with her, in all the walks of life!

How happy are we, if we recognize that our Heavenly Father is deeply in love with us, His children…
… and never ceases to express His caring affection to us, at every moment.

The Gospel of the Day is a testimony to Jesus affirming the assuring and loving presence of God, our Heavenly Father.

Jesus declares these beautiful words, which ought to be inscribed in golden shades, on the canvas of our hearts, “… the Father Himself loves you…” (Jn 16: 27a)

This is indeed one of the mightiest and loftiest truth that we all need to know, experience, be convinced of, and live constantly in its assurance…
… the truth that “The Father Himself loves us!”

Every person longs for love and longs to be cared for…

Human love, however, sometimes fails to answer to this basic and essential need.

Sometimes people around us get too busy, to even care for us…
Sometimes, people from whom we expect love, fail to understand our need…
Sometimes, people who ought to care for us, fall short of their responsibility….

All this could leave a feeling a hurt within us.

All this could imprint a wound of sadness inside of us.

But in such moments of feeling lonely and desperation, especially, Jesus assures and promises us that we are not abandoned or left lonely…

Instead Jesus emphatically proclaims that just as He was loved by His Father, we too are loved by our Heavenly Father!
It is confidence in this tremendous love of the Father…
… that will make us to seek whatever we wish in life, knowing that our prayers will be answered, in the way and the time, that He, My Father wishes! (Jn 16: 26)

His Love will make me delight in His Will, letting go of my personal desires!

It is conviction in this unconditional love of the Father…
… that will make us to enjoy a deep sense of joy and bliss, knowing that in any situation of gloom or sadness or tension or worry, He, My Father, is taking me through! (Jn 16: 24)

His Love will make me want to do only His Will, setting aside my individual wantings!

Our Heavenly Father, our Abba is in deep love of each one of us…

The Crucifix is the proof of this “mad love” of the Father.

May we, with His grace, deepen our love and conviction in the Amazing Love of the Father.

He is busy… but busy expressing His tender love to us.
He is busy writing… writing His letters of His precious love to us.

May we always realize that He is walking with us, through every stormy and rainy situations of life…
… and we can boldly look up to the pealing flashes of troubles, with a smile, acknowledging: “My God is always with me!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – MATRIMONIAL CONSENT

The parties to a marriage covenant are a baptized man and woman, free to contract marriage, who freely express their consent; “to be free” means:

• not being under constraint;

– not impeded by any natural or ecclesiastical law. (CCC # 1625)

“Remembering that pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

(Based on Acts 18:9-18 and Jn 16:20-23- Friday of the 6th Week of Easter)

An elderly man was sharing his experiences to a group of youngsters.

Among the many things that he spoke, he also touched upon the topic of “pain and suffering”…
… and said:
“My dear young people, I have gone through much pain in life

And these painful experiences – though hard initially – became sources of great blessing and grace, when I realised their value, and signs of God’s wonderful Presence”

And he went on to add, “Remember always…
God whispers to us in our pleasures
… speaks in our consciences
… but shouts in our pains.

Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world!”

Yes, pain is to be understood as vital for the promotion, perseverance and progress of anyone wanting to lead a life…
… in deeper and closer union with the Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus declaring the reality of the presence of pain, suffering and sorrows in spiritual life, and yet those factors being pathways and passages to experience deep joy and bliss!

Not negating the actuality of the darker side of life, Jesus also mightily displays the large canvas of life which is enveloped in the light of happiness…
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16: 20)

Jesus was making His Apostles aware of the realities of His passion and death.

He had came into the world to die!

Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

To the delicate and fragile minds of the Apostles, the Lord gives a very practical analogy: the pains and the bliss of motherhood…
“When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish, because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (Jn 16: 21)

This analogy of the Lord sheds light and hope for our sufferings and pains in life too.

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

To others, this pain, though not experienced, can be vaguely understood as being a very painful experience.

The pain is too excruciating…

Jesus says that the hardships, sufferings and trials that we undergo in life are such.

But the moment, the child is delivered and the mother sees the innocent face of her tender babe, the whole scenario of emotions changes…

The excruciating pain is replaced by a thrilling excitement and exhilaration!

The anguishing sore is replaced by a delightful bliss and ecstasy!
The nerve-wracking ache is replaced by a heavenly joy and happiness!

And Jesus says that, such will be our joy too, if we are also faithful and loyal to the Lord, in pains and sufferings!

This is indeed a higher spirituality…
… a higher level of holiness

To cherish joy, even in the midst of pain
To radiate happiness, even in the thick of sorrows.

It is to this elevated floor of sanctity that the Lord invites us.

He is with us to hold our hands to climb up to this floor.
He is wanting to embrace us in love, as He beckons us to come nearer to Him.

When life stings us with pain…
When problems beset us into agony…
… With hope, trust, faith and strength,

Let us remember: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

The various liturgies abound in prayers of blessing and epiclesis asking God’s grace and blessing on the new couple, especially the bride.
In the epiclesis of this sacrament the spouses receive the Holy Spirit as the communion of love of Christ and the Church.

The Holy Spirit is the seal of their covenant, the ever available source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity. (CCC # 1623)

“Remembering that pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

(Based on Acts 18:9-18 and Jn 16:20-23- Friday of the 6th Week of Easter)

An elderly man was sharing his experiences to a group of youngsters.

Among the many things that he spoke, he also touched upon the topic of “pain and suffering”…
… and said:
“My dear young people, I have gone through much pain in life

And these painful experiences – though hard initially – became sources of great blessing and grace, when I realised their value, and signs of God’s wonderful Presence”

And he went on to add, “Remember always…
God whispers to us in our pleasures
… speaks in our consciences
… but shouts in our pains.

Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world!”

Yes, pain is to be understood as vital for the promotion, perseverance and progress of anyone wanting to lead a life…
… in deeper and closer union with the Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus declaring the reality of the presence of pain, suffering and sorrows in spiritual life, and yet those factors being pathways and passages to experience deep joy and bliss!

Not negating the actuality of the darker side of life, Jesus also mightily displays the large canvas of life which is enveloped in the light of happiness…
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16: 20)

Jesus was making His Apostles aware of the realities of His passion and death.

He had came into the world to die!

Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

To the delicate and fragile minds of the Apostles, the Lord gives a very practical analogy: the pains and the bliss of motherhood…
“When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish, because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (Jn 16: 21)

This analogy of the Lord sheds light and hope for our sufferings and pains in life too.

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

To others, this pain, though not experienced, can be vaguely understood as being a very painful experience.

The pain is too excruciating…

Jesus says that the hardships, sufferings and trials that we undergo in life are such.

But the moment, the child is delivered and the mother sees the innocent face of her tender babe, the whole scenario of emotions changes…

The excruciating pain is replaced by a thrilling excitement and exhilaration!

The anguishing sore is replaced by a delightful bliss and ecstasy!
The nerve-wracking ache is replaced by a heavenly joy and happiness!

And Jesus says that, such will be our joy too, if we are also faithful and loyal to the Lord, in pains and sufferings!

This is indeed a higher spirituality…
… a higher level of holiness

To cherish joy, even in the midst of pain
To radiate happiness, even in the thick of sorrows.

It is to this elevated floor of sanctity that the Lord invites us.

He is with us to hold our hands to climb up to this floor.
He is wanting to embrace us in love, as He beckons us to come nearer to Him.

When life stings us with pain…
When problems beset us into agony…
… With hope, trust, faith and strength,

Let us remember: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

The various liturgies abound in prayers of blessing and epiclesis asking God’s grace and blessing on the new couple, especially the bride.
In the epiclesis of this sacrament the spouses receive the Holy Spirit as the communion of love of Christ and the Church.

The Holy Spirit is the seal of their covenant, the ever available source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity. (CCC # 1623)

“May the comforting assurance of the Lord be our hope and confidence!”

(Based on Acts 18:1-8 and Jn 16:16-20 – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter)

A young man had joined a new parish.

After a couple of Sunday Masses, he went across to an elderly person, whom he had observed to be quite joyful and in good cheer.

The young man asked him: “I have been noticing over the last couple of weeks that you radiate a great sense of joy.
Is there any particular philosophy that you follow, which makes you always rejoice?”

To that, the elderly man, smiled and reaching out to his shirt pocket, handed the young man a small handwritten-card and said: “Have this for yourself, and you will never be sad!”

The young man, curious to know what it was, read the words on the card:
“Fret not – God Loves you! (John 13:1)
Faint not – God Holds you! (Psalm 139:10)
Fear not – God Keeps you! (Psalm 121:5)”

“Fret Not, Faint Not, Fear Not!”

These were three assuring phrases that the man had made the philosophy of his life
… and those words, kept him always joyful and in good cheer.

Life is very often “uncertain!”

Such uncertainties, often put us through tensions or anxiety or in an “uncomfortable” state of mind!

However, the Lord always assures us in such “uncertain” situations: “Fret Not, Faint Not, Fear Not!”

The Gospel of the Day presents the disciples undergoing “an experience of uncertainty”…
… and Jesus assuring them with hope and courage.

Jesus told His disciples, “A little while and you will see me no more; again a little while and you will see me” (Jn 16:16)

But these words of Jesus put the disciples into a state of dilemma

They failed to grasp the meaning of the words of Jesus and were confused!
They began to have a discussion on the phrase of Jesus – “a little while”
“What does he mean by ‘a little while'”? (Jn 16: 18)

How long was this “little while” going to be?
How does He define the phrase “a little while”?

If they knew exactly how long this “little while” would last…
…. then they would have been more courageous and patient

But now the disciples find themselves to be confused and in dilemma.

However, Jesus the Good Shepherd, knew the confusion of His little sheep

But He doesn’t define the phrase “a little while”

He doesn’t say that it is a particular moment of time that can be considered as a countdown!

He doesn’t refer to it as being an exact measure of time, to which one can count and gauge!

Instead, Jesus defines “a little while” in terms of an experience…
… an experience of weeping and lamenting turning into rejoicing
… an experience of sorrow turning into joy (Jn 16:20)

Is our life today in a state of crisis and confusion?

Is our life today passing through waves of troubles and the deserts of anxiety?
Is our life today moving along the rough terrains of calamities and the valleys of brokenness?

Then the Lord assures us…
… “In a little while” and things will be fine!
… “In a little while” and the sunshine will appear again!

We might complain… How long is this “little while!”
We might argue…. this “little while” is being too agonizing!

But the Lord invites and challenges us to look to Him, telling us…

“I too have had my painful and agonizing moments… in My life and especially on the Cross
I too had My experience of feeling ‘how long is this little while going to last’…

But I stood firm and patient in trusting the Will of My Father…
… I held on the mighty Providence of my Father and knew that a bright morn awaited Me”

Yes, Jesus, through the Gospel wishes to encourage us and strengthen us…
… in sufferings, to love Him strongly!
… in hardships, to trust in Him deeper!
… in uncertainties, to depend on Him greater!

St Paul and the other early Christians experienced much persecution and opposition.

Yet, they – being convinced of the Presence of the Lord – gave bold witness to Christ and His Kingdom…
… “And he argued in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks!” (Acts 18:4)

Surely, life will take us through many experiences of “uncertainties”
… We may tend to lose our patience!
… We may feel like giving up!
… We may want to quit!

But let us turn to the Lord for strength, grace and courage…
… and listen to Him whispering to us…
“Hold on my Child! I am with you… embracing you in my arms!
In Me, your weeping will be changed to rejoicing
In Me, your sorrow will be turned to joy!”

May the assurance of the Lord: “FRET NOT, FAINT NOT, FEAR NOT”…
… be our hope and confidence!

God Bless! Live Jesus!
Yeah cafe

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

According to Latin tradition, the spouses as ministers of Christ’s grace mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the Church.
In the tradition of the Eastern Churches, the priests (bishops or presbyters) are witnesses to the mutual consent given by the spouses, but for the validity of the sacrament their blessing is also necessary.

(CCC # 1623)

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  📧 E-mail ID: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

“Realising that the ‘school of True Joy and Peace’ is very near us!”

(Based on Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 and Jn 16:12-15 – Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter)

One morning, a six-year-old girl missed her school bus.

Being new to the neighbourhood, her father – who though was getting late to go to office – decided to drive her to school…
… provided she gave him directions.

They spent twenty minutes going round in circles and through many long lanes.

Finally they arrived at the school…
… which was only a few blocks away from their home.

“Why did you take us all over the place when your school is so close to home?” asked her exasperated father.

“Because this is the way the school bus goes,” the little girl replied….
… and with a sense of innocence: “I don’t know any other way!”

So often are we too such…

We go round and round searching for happiness and contentment…
… when the “school of True Joy and Peace” is very near us

Do we know THE WAY?
… or are we getting lost and deviated with many other peripheral lanes of life?

The Gospel of the Day is the invitation of Jesus to depend on the Holy Spirit, Who will always reveal the mysteries of life and of our faith…
… and will guide us on the right path!

The Lord had been with the disciples for quite some time and had instructed them on many teachings.

Even at the final discourse, in the context of the Last Supper, Jesus teaches His chosen ones many things.

Yet, He has many more things to tell and teach.

But like a loving parent, who knows the grasping power of the child….

Like an understanding teacher, who realises the comprehending capability of the student…

Jesus knows, that the disciples would not be able to understand still further His teachings.

And so He says, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn 16:12)

He, however, does not leave the Disciples in this state of hanging in mid-air…

He assures them of the Might Power that will follow His going away from the disciples.
He promises them that the Holy Spirit will descend on them and they would realise, gradually, the power and depth of His teachings!

“But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, He will guide you to all truth” (Jn 16: 13)

In our lives, we too often go astray…
… or tread on paths that are too complicated

Situations and circumstances often lead us away from the right destination!
It may lead us to desperation.
It may even lead us to anxiety.

But the Lord assures us…
… that He is the Way to every solution in the world
… that He is the Path to every answer in life

Of course, not all will be told to us, or revealed to us, at once.

They will be conveyed to us, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate situation.

From our part, what is needed is…
… an openness to His Spirit
… a trust in His Divine Providence
… a constant seeking to know His Will

The underlying principle for this simple, yet, seemingly hard to practise philosophy of life, is the fact that “God Loves Us” immeasurably, and that every moment of our life, is taken care by Him.

His glory fills the heavens and the earth.
His knowledge permeates in every event of life.

St Paul invited the people of Athens… to leave behind unknown objects of worship…
… and instead, to trust and believe in the Living God, Who has risen from the dead, and lives and moves in each one of us:
“The God who made the world… does not live in shrines made by man…
… He is not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being!’” (Acts 17:24-28)

The greater our trust in the Living God…
… the nearer will we be, to the right destination!

As Christians, we ought to be persons who have our aims set on the “proper lanes” life – seeking Jesus and His Kingdom.

Jesus ought to be the greatest treasure of our life

We need to make an examination of our lives.

So often we go round and round searching for happiness and contentment…

But let us realise, that the “school of True Joy and Peace” is very near us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

Inasmuch as it is a sacramental action of sanctification, the liturgical celebration of marriage… must be, per se, valid, worthy, and fruitful.”

It is therefore appropriate for the bride and groom to prepare themselves for the celebration of their marriage by receiving the sacrament of penance. (CCC # 1622)

“Thanking God for the gift of life, and with humility, totally depending on Him!”

(Based on Acts 16:22-34 and Jn 16:5-11 – Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter)

Here is an interesting prayer, that perhaps, many of us might have not actually made…
… but perhaps, is echoed, in the depths of one’s heart:

“Dear God,
So far today I’ve done all right.
I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper.
I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent.

I’m very thankful for that!

But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…
… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

Do we realise that we are prone to sin?
… or have we become quite “lethargic and tepid” in matters concerning sin?

Becoming aware that we are weak and fragile, helps us to depend more on the Power and Grace of God…
… Failure to realise so, will make us to bank only on ourselves and thus will lead to great falls!

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the Grace to be aware of the “sinful areas and tendencies” of our lives…
… And helps us to totally depend on Him, to live a holy and credible life.

Jesus, in the Gospel of the day, enlightening on the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world regarding sin.

He says, “And when He (Holy Spirit, the Advocate) comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation” (Jn 16: 8)

One of the standout factors in the teachings of Jesus is His uncompromising attitude with respect to sin.

And perhaps, this is where Jesus as a Holy Person stands out incomparable with all other great spiritual or philosophical leaders of the world.

This is also where Christianity as a religion stands out unmatched with any other belief system or practice of spirituality.

For Jesus and in Christianity…
… there is an uncompromising teaching on the need to root out sin and evil offences
… there is an absolutely unparalleled insistence on removal of sin for spiritual progress
… there is an unsurpassed assertion on being holy and pure to be in communion with Him

The Lord points out to this prime role of the Holy Spirit: Convicting the world of sin.

St Peter, after His first proclamation on Pentecost Day, had the hearers’ conscience convicted of sin. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and they asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘What are we to do, my brothers?'” (Acts 2:37)

It is the Holy Spirit Who causes a person to become aware of one’s state of sinfulness and living an evil life.

This also means, that when there is “a loss of the sense of sin”, the workings of the Holy Spirit is also highly dormant and latent.

A “loss of sense of sin” occurs, when the Holy Spirit fails to have an active role in one’s life!

We need to make an honest examination of our conscience…

Is our life suffering from a “lack of sensation to sin”…?

Do I continue to pursue, persevere or promote deeds of sin…
… even though I am aware of it, or has been brought to my notice?

Do I fail to be sensitive to issues of immense sin and evil happening in and around me, in people and situations…
… and instead become indifferent and uninterested?

A persistence with this tendency can very dangerously sever our relation with the Lord.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we become ‘convicted’ of this spiritual malady and make efforts to overcome them.

Let the reality of sin be recognized and acknowledged in our lives and in the world.

Paul and Silas, who were locked in the prison, experienced the miraculous Power of the Holy Spirit – as we read in Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:25-34)

This incident evoked feelings of faith and repentance in jailor. His cry for the Mercy of the Lord would be answered by Paul and Silas in a majestic manner: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household!” (Acts 16:31)

Let us also have an open heart to accept this “conviction of sin” by the Holy Spirit and to co-operate with Him to remedy this spiritual woe!

As we thank God, every morning, for the gift of life, let us also, with humility and total dependence on Him, pray:
“…in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…
… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

It is fitting that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice…

… and by receiving the Eucharist so that, communicating in the same Body and the same Blood of Christ, they may form but “one body” in Christ. (CCC # 1621)

“Witnessing JESUS CHRIST – by thought, by word, by deed!”

(Based on Acts 16:11-15 and Jn 15:26-16:4a – Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter)

Every Christian is expected to be a witness to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, in one’s everyday life.

In a random survey conducted, as to why many Christians don’t speak about Christ to others, some of the common answers given by Christians were as follows:

“I am not sure what I have to say!”
“My lifestyle doesn’t match what Christ expects of me!”
“I may not be able to give convincing answers, when questions are asked!”
“I am not sure if I will be called as a hypocrite – or living by double standards!”
“I don’t really care about speaking about Christ etc…”
“I think it is not my duty. It is the duty of the leaders of the Church. First let them do…”

And prominently…

“I am afraid what others will feel…!”
“I feel anxious if I will be rejected and be side-lined by all!”

What about us?

Do we witness to Christ, daily?
Do we speak about and witness the Love of God to people?

What answer do we have?

The Gospel of the Day is an assurance and an invitation by Jesus to live by the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and thus be a “Witness of Jesus and His Kingdom!”

One of the primary tasks of Jesus, as he left this world, was to “Strengthen His Disciples”

He knew very well, how each one of them would go through periods of crisis, after His Departure.

When things go on well, life seems to be easy…
… But when hardships and loneliness creeps in, life seems to be too difficult!

As long as Jesus was with them, the disciples would have an easy life…
… But with the departure of Jesus, they would have to face a difficult life!

And so Jesus prepares them by assuring them of how the Holy Spirit would strengthen them:
“When the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth… He will bear witness to Me, and you also are witnesses…
I have said all this to you, to keep you from falling away!” (Jn 15:26-27, 16:1)

Jesus knew that all his disciples had weaknesses …

Some would be unsure of what answer to be given when questions were asked
(Like Peter who would deny Jesus, when questions were asked – Lk 22: 54-61)

Some would only worry about their own positions and comforts
(Like the disciples at the Last Supper, who would discuss the one who is great among them – Lk 22: 24)

Some would be afraid of the people and the society around
(Like the disciples who would run away and abandon Jesus – Mk 14: 50)

Some would prefer to choose riches and money, than Jesus
(Like Judas who would betray the Lord for the sake of money – Mk 14: 10-11)

Despite these weakness and fragilities, the Lord did not give up on them

He invited them to “Be open to Receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a Powerful Life of Witnessing!”

By this Power of the Person of the Holy Spirit, the disciples became powerful witnesses to the world, bringing many people to experience the Love of the Lord
… as we read in the Acts of the Apostles…
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyati′ra, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)

We too have our own weaknesses in witnessing to the Lord, in this modern society…

Some of us…
… are not sure of what answers to be given to questions that are asked about faith

Some of us…
… like to remain in our own comfort zones

Some of us…
… are afraid of “what other people will think” and if I will “lose my name and esteem in the society”

Some of us…
… give more importance to the false promises of the world, and don’t make a clear-cut choice for God and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)

To each of us too, the Lord invites to “Be open to receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a powerful Life of Witnessing!”

Yes, He doesn’t give up on us.

Let us renew our commitment to the Lord, everyday..
… and by His Spirit, with boldness and courage, “Stand Firm for the Gospel Values”

Let us “Witness Jesus Christ” – by thought, by word, by deed!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

It is therefore fitting that the spouses should seal their consent to give themselves to each other through the offering of their own lives…
… by uniting it to the offering of Christ for his Church made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice

… and by receiving the Eucharist so that, communicating in the same Body and the same Blood of Christ, they may form but “one body” in Christ. (CCC # 1621)