“Cultivating a passionate love for the Eucharistic Lord and choosing to live for Christ!”

(Based on Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ)

“I would like to say the Mass!”

These were the passionate words of Archbishop Dominic Tang,
the archbishop of Canton who was imprisoned in China for 22
years…
… for his faith and loyalty to the Church and papacy.

Of these 22 years, seven years were in solitary confinement
This solitary confinement cell was not large enough to stand
up nor to lie down and stretch your legs fully.

One day, Archbishop Tang was surprised with the news that he
could leave his solitary confinement cell for a few hours to do
whatever he wanted.

His persecutors wondered what he would ask for…
… But without any hesitation, Archbishop Tang, expressed his
deep longing that had been suppressed for 22 years: “I would like
to say Mass!”

On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus, we are exhorted
to cultivate a passionate love for the Eucharistic Lord…
… just like Archbishop Tang, and to choose to live for Christ!

Our Christian Life celebrates God, who is Emmanuel – With us,
God!

And this Emmanuel God, fulfils His promise, by dwelling in
the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.

On this Feast of the Corpus Christi, it is apt and meaningful to
realize the worth and greatness of this Most Beautiful Treasure
that God is gifting to Humanity.

As human beings, we all engage ourselves in many social
gatherings, events, occasions etc.

And for all of that, we do make
a lot of planning, preparations and arrangements.

The Holy Mass is the re-enactment of the Sacrifice of Jesus on
Calvary, in memory of the Holy Institution at the Last Supper.

It is a momentous and splendid Divine Occasion and Event!

But often, this great event is accorded very little preparation.

No wonder, for some people, the Mass often seems boring and
sadly, considered a useless ritual!

Very often, just before Holy Mass or just before entering the
Church…
… we engage ourselves in very casual talks, in making fun
… and in being filled with worldly attractions and other external
distractions.

The Holy Eucharist is basically oriented toward four aspects
(a) Adoration and Worship of God
(b) To give thanks for His gifts and graces
(c) To ask remission of our sins
(d) To offer our petitions to the Lord.

At every Holy Eucharist, we need to become aware of these
aspects.

We need to think:
Is my heart and mind really ready to embrace
the Awesome Moments of the Lord’s Life – His Passion, His Death
and His Resurrection, which is celebrated at Mass?

The Lord of the Universe descends on the Altar and is ready
to dwell in our little hearts!

I need to realize the gravity of this
Moment and prepare my heart to receive this Divine Saviour!

Do I take time to read and reflect on the Readings of the Mass
beforehand?
Do I make a genuine examination of Conscience and truly
repent, to receive God’s Mercy?

Do I become aware that, at Holy Mass, I am at Mount Calvary,
along with our Blessed Mother, and ready to offer my life, along
with Jesus, for the Salvation of the world?

St. Francis de Sales says, “When you have received Him, stir up
your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual
life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your
happiness!
… welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in
such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.”

This Feast is a Feast for all the days of the year.

The Lord is present in the Blessed Sacraments in our Chapels
and our Churches… all the days – inviting us to experience His
Love!
Let’s delight in this love story, Venerable Fulton Sheen says,
“The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white
Host!”

Let this Feast help us to make practical resolutions…
… so that we can love the Lord in the Eucharist
… and thus, in turn, become
a Eucharist in this our broken and fragmented world.

We need to reflect and examine:

Can I make extra efforts to prepare for the Holy Mass and also
be aware of the Presence of the Lord, after Holy Mass?

Is it possible for me to spend daily some time, with the Lord,
in the Blessed Sacrament? For those of us, where physically, it is
not possible to be with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, can I
spare some time to be with the Lord, in prayer and devotion, in
whichever place possible…?

Can I show an extra devotion to the Lord, especially when
we pass before some Chapels or Churches, and become a living
witness to God’s infinite love in the Eucharist?

Can I see the Broken Body and the Blood of the Lord, in the
broken lives of the people in my life – my family, my workplace,
my community, my church, my society, my nation, my world?

Can I spread the Devotion of the Blessed Eucharist to other
peoples, especially to lukewarm and tepid Catholics, that all
may know and realize, the Presence of the mighty Treasure of
Grace, Power and Love, in this Beloved Sacrament?

St Francis de Sales says, “We must visit Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament a hundred thousand times a day!”

Let us pray: “Make me Your bread to nourish the hungry; make
me your wine to quench your thirst; and make me Your comfort
to all those who cry, Amen!”

May Blessed Mamma, the Mother of the Holy Eucharist, help
us to radiate, the Love of Christ to all people!

Happy Feast of the Most Holy Eucharist!

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – The unity and indissolubility of marriage

The love of the spouses requires, of its very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses’ community of persons, which embraces their entire life: “so they are no longer two, but one flesh.”
They “are called to grow continually in their communion through day-to-day fidelity to their marriage promise of total mutual self-giving.”
This human communion is confirmed, purified, and completed by communion in Jesus Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony.

It is deepened by lives of the common faith and by the Eucharist received together. (CCC # 1644)

“Giving ourselves entirely to God and His people, by doing His Will at all times!”

(Based on Tob 12:1, 5-15, 20 and Mk 12:38-44 – Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A money-collection drive was being been conducted in a particular Church for a particular intention.

The people were free to put in as much contribution as they wanted for the noble cause.

One gentleman stood up and announced a rather large contribution, and the people applauded greatly.

A few moments later, an old lady stood up and announced her donation.

But it was greeted with silence.

The priest, however, in reply to the cold response of the people, stood up and said emphatically, “Ladies and gentleman, I believe I hear the applause of the nail-scarred Hands!”

The people understood what the priest meant, and slowly but surely applauded the old lady’s generosity.

The Gospel of the Day presents such a similar act of appreciation by Jesus over the apparently “tiny” yet really “great” contribution by a widow to the Temple Treasury.

The passage of the day is the culmination of the 12th Chapter of the Gospel of St Mark.

This has been a volatile passage…

1. Jesus tells the parable of the Tenants (Mk 12: 1-12)
   … thereby giving out a sharp message to the Jews to accept the Messiah and not forfeit the many graces and blessings that they had been blessed with.
2. Jesus gives a fitting response to the question of paying taxes (Mk 12: 13-17)
   … thereby exhorting the concerned people to not get stuck to earthly obligations and instead gear one’s life in total allegiance to the Lord Creator
3. Jesus corrects the false notion regarding the teaching on Resurrection (Mk 12: 18-27)
   … thereby challenging to live a life in worthiness of eternity and to have the correct and deeper faith in the Living God and His Teachings
4. Jesus makes clear the greatest commandments (Mk 12: 28-34)
   … thereby inviting all to understand that there is only one true God and He deserves all the love and affection of our being and this love ought to be expressed in love of neighbour.
5. Jesus points out from Scripture that He is the Messiah, the Lord (Mk 12: 35-37)
   … thereby opening the eyes of the people to read Scripture with greater openness to the Spirit and an invitation to accept Him as the Lord of their lives.

These five pronouncements finally concludes with Jesus denouncing the action of the scribes especially in devouring the lives of the poor widows.

Jesus says, “The scribes devour the houses of widows, and as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers” (Mk 12: 40)

Widows were an easy trap to be cheated…
Widows were easy pickings to be exploited…

However, the chapter ends with a beautiful counteract…

A widow – symbol of all the other widows, who have been cheated, or oppressed or facing humiliations – comes in to the Temple and drops in her ‘everything’ in the treasure!

This is indeed a powerful symbol of faithfulness and duty…

She is a symbol of being oppressed – yet she is heartily generous
She is an object of being condemned – yet she is mightily liberal

And she becomes a symbol of self-giving and total-emptiness.

This poor widow becomes a great challenge for us in our lives…

Life may bite us hard with cruel luck and bad destiny…
Life may oppress us through various elements in the society…
Life may cheat us in the form of many people or circumstances…

Yet, through all this…
Like this poor widow,

Can I be firm to give to God, in gratitude?
Can I be faithful to do my responsibilities even if unrewarded?

May the Blessed Mother Mary, who Herself was a poor widow, and gave Herself entirely to the Lord…

And Jesus, who like the poor widow, gave Himself entirely to His people and in doing God’s Will…
… be our inspiration, our strength and our hope!

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – THE GOODS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CONJUGAL LOVE

“Conjugal love involves a totality, in which all the elements of the person enter – appeal of the body and instinct, power of feeling and affectivity, aspiration of the spirit and of will.
It aims at a deeply personal unity, a unity that, beyond union in one flesh, leads to forming one heart and soul…
… it demands indissolubility and faithfulness in definitive mutual giving
… and it is open to fertility.
In a word it is a question of the normal characteristics of all natural conjugal love…
… but with a new significance which not only purifies and strengthens them

… but raises them to the extent of making them the expression of specifically Christian values.” (CCC # 1643)

“Willing to ‘taste and see’ the HOLY BIBLE in order to recognise the Power and Goodness of the Holy Word of God!”

(Based on Tob 11:5-17 and Mk 12:35-37 – Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“You tell me that your Book is the Word of God, but can you prove it so?” challenged an owner of an orchard (= enclosed land with fruit trees)…
… to a Christian who was quite enthusiastic about his faith.

The owner of the orchard had very little regard and hardly cared for things of the Divine.

Faced with that question of the faith, the Christian, admiring the fruit trees in the orchard…
… went closer to an apple tree – full of luscious and juicy red ones – gently held one of the apples and said: “What fine looking apples!”

And then, changing the subject said, “But what a pity! They are of such poor quality when it comes to eating them!”

“What!” exclaimed the shocked orchard owner, “Of poor quality? How can you make such a blunt and baseless statement without even having tasted one of them!

Pick one or two and try them…!”

The Christian obliged.

As he began to eat an apple, smacking his lips he said, “Yes, you are right! The apples are excellent!”

But he went on to say, “Now Sir… you must deal with the BOOK, in the same way I dealt with your fruit!

Taste and see… the goodness contained in the Word of God!”

Yes, its only when we are willing to “taste and see” that we recognise the Power and Goodness of the Bible – the Holy Word of God!

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” are the famous words of exhortation of St Jerome, the doctor of the Church.

The Scriptures talk to us of God and of His love and providence

The Scriptures tell of us people who experienced God’s mercy and lived in His presence
The Scriptures help us to experience His care… to grow in His love.

Are we genuinely making efforts to grow in knowing and understanding the Scriptures so that we can know and understand and love our God, more deeply?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exhorting the people to have a closer look into the Scriptures and thereby, discovering Him in a deeper manner!

Over the last few days, we have seen Jesus facing various sorts of groups and quizzed over different aspects…

1. The Chief priests, Scribes and elders questioned Jesus on His authority
2. The Pharisees and Herodians interrogated Jesus on the subject of paying taxes to Caesar
3. The Sadducees confronted Jesus on the topic of the Resurrection
4. Another scribe enquired Jesus on the first of all the commandments

After this long round of being questioned, Jesus now puts a question to His listeners, “How do the Scribes claim that the Messiah is the Son of David? David calls Him ‘Lord’; so how is He his Son?” (Mk 12: 35,37)

The nation of Israel had King David as her greatest King.

And it was through the line of David, that the Jews knew the future Messiah would be coming.

They eagerly awaited this ‘Son of David’.
Thus was written in the Scriptures.
Thus was taught from the Scriptures.

And Jesus was aware of this aspect.

However, the Lord invites and challenges His listeners to look at Scripture in a deeper manner and to understand its greater implications.

Therefore, Jesus quotes King David from Psalm 102 which presents David calling the Messiah as the Lord.

And then He puts forward this very simple query… “How can the Son of David also be Lord of David”?

Implied in this question was the powerful claim by Jesus, that…
… He Himself was the Messiah – the Son of David and the Lord of David

Implied in this question was also the powerful answer to the previous questions that were put forward to Him by the various groups:

To the query on the greatest commandment…
… Jesus declares that He is the Lord, who is to be loved with one’s whole heart, and one’s whole soul and with one’s whole mind and with one’s whole strength

To the confrontation on the topic of Resurrection…
… Jesus declares that He is the Lord of the Resurrection and the One Who grants eternal life

To the interrogation on the subject of paying taxes to Caesar
… Jesus declares that He is the Lord who is above all earthly kingdoms and to whom absolute allegiance is to be rendered

To the questioning on His authority
… Jesus declares that He is the Lord who is the source of all authority and requires no one’s permission or authorization!

The Jews were familiar with the Scriptures…

They were familiar with the Psalms particularly…
They were familiar with the passages especially concerning David and the Messiah..

Yet, they had seldom considered Scriptures in the way that Jesus was presenting to them!

Jesus had cast new light on the reading of the Scriptures!

Jesus had opened a new way of looking at the Scriptures!

Our own lives can parallel the lives of these Jews, with respect to the Scriptures.

How eager and zealous are we regarding the Word of God?

How faithful and committed are we…
… to reading the Scriptures daily?
… to spend some time regularly in studying the Bible?
… to understand the person of Jesus and grow in Him through His Word?
… to inculcate the light of His Wisdom and to practice it in our daily activities and life?

Let us seek the grace of the Holy Spirit to grow in our understanding and love of the Lord and to live a life in Him!

We are invited to take the resolution of spending at least a few minutes, daily – without fail – in reading the Holy Bible.

We need to read His Word
We need to learn His Word
We need to practise His Word

Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ!

Let us grow in our passion for His Holy Word and be committed to His Kingdom, so that our lives may mightily proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!”

Let us joyfully and with docility be willing to “taste and see” the HOLY BIBLE…
… in order to recognise the Power and Goodness of the Holy Word of God!

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – The grace of the sacrament of Matrimony

Christ is the source of this grace.
“Just as of old, God encountered His people with a covenant of love and fidelity…

… so our Savior, the spouse of the Church, now encounters Christian spouses through the sacrament of Matrimony.” (CCC # 1642)

“Hearing the Loving Invitation of the Lord, knocking at the door of our hearts, and in turn, expressing to Him our love and affection!”

(Based on Tob 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a and Mk 12:28-34 – Thursday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A nurse who was known to be very jovial and kind, on the paediatric ward, before listening to the little ones’ chests…
… would plug the stethoscope into their ears
… and let them listen to their own heart.

Their eyes would always light up with awe.

Once as she was doing this with a four-year old boy named David, she was amazed to hear his response!

Gently she tucked the stethoscope into little David’s ears…
… and placed the disk over his heart: ‘Listen’, she said, “What do you suppose that is?”

David drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap…
… tap, tap… tapping deep in his chest.

Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin…
… and he asked: “Is that Jesus knocking?”

This beautiful incident reminds all of us of the Gracious Presence of the Divine in each one us…
… knocking at the door of our heart, every moment

And inviting us: “Do you experience My Unconditional Love, and are you ready to offer your love to Me?”

The Gospel of the Day, is a challenging invitation to reflect on this fundamental aspect of our Christian Life…
… with the mention of a scribe, who had been watching his fellow-scribes in an argument with the Lord, and feeling impressed with Jesus, coming up to Him with a question:
“Which commandment is the first of all” (Mk 12:28)

We are not too sure of the motive of this scribe.

As per the versions of the same incident, in St Matthew (Mt 22:35) and St Luke (Lk 10:25), the person posed this question to Jesus, in order to “test him”.

The Markan version is however, silent on this aspect.

But whatever be the intention, the scribe most certainly was reflecting a common query that was widespread among the teachers and scholars of the Law:
Which was the greatest commandment or law?

God had issued the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel.

These laws were intended for the people of Israel to be “distinguished” as the chosen nation of the Lord – chosen from among all others in the world.

These laws – simple and direct in nature – were aimed towards demanding a total commitment and loyalty from the part of the people, to the Lord.

However, over time, these uncomplicated laws by which the people of Israel were to live…
… began to be expanded and extended and expounded.

It resulted in 613 commandments or stipulations:

365 of them (corresponding to the number of days in a year) were negative commandments, as in ” You shall not…”

And 248 of them (corresponding to the number of bones and major organs in the body, as per the Jewish understanding) were positive commandments, as in “You shall…”

When the Lord was asked to mention the First of all these Commandments, He puts forward the basis and the foundation of all these various laws, stipulations and commandments:
“You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mk 12: 30)

And “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12: 31)

Note the insistence on the word “all”….
… “all” your heart… feelings, emotions, desires
… “all” your soul… will, choices, decisions
… “all” your mind… reason, knowledge, memory
… “all” your strength… talents, abilities, capacities

The Lord commands and demands a “total” and “complete” loving!

He does not permit compromises to let our wishes to slide through…

He does not allow framing excuses to let our desires to be fulfilled…
He does not consent devising justifications to let our inclinations be satisfied…

He demands an “absolute” and “unadulterated” love!

As Christians, we often…
… seek to find “loopholes” in laws of loving the Lord and our neighbour…
… try to spot “gaps” in commandments which ask to love the Lord and our neighbour…

Our selfishness often creeps in…
Our personal desires often spoil it…
Our sinful tendencies often gain an upper hand…

But the insistence of the Lord is clear:
“Love Fully”
“Love Totally”
“Love Completely”

This is the ideal to which we, as Christians are called!

If not for this highest ideal, our life as a Christian would cease to have a uniqueness!
If not for this loftiest ideal, our life as a Christian would fail to be different from others!

Each of us as Christians are called…
… “to be holy”
… “to be set apart”
… “to be different”

This holiness comes when we seek for the highest ideal…
… loving God totally and expressing this love wholly to our neighbour.

This setting apart comes to fruition when we seek for the premier ideal…
… giving to God entirely and articulating this self-giving in humble service of others.

The call is indeed great and very lofty…

The Lord is knocking at the door of our heart, every moment…
… inviting us to “experience His Unconditional Love, and calling us to offer our love to Him!”

Shall we, at this moment… place our hands on our heart…
… hear His Loving Invitation and answer Him:
“Yes Lord, I recognise it’s You… knocking at the door of my heart… I LOVE YOU, LORD!”

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY – The grace of the sacrament of Matrimony

“By reason of their state in life and of their order, [Christian spouses] have their own special gifts in the People of God.”
This grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to perfect the couple’s love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity.

By this grace they “help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and educating their children.” (CCC # 1641)

“With deep faith, hope and love, living in accordance with the Will of God, in our journey towards Eternity!”

(Based on Tob 3:1-11a, 16-17a and Mk 12:18-27 – Wednesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There was a young Christian woman – resolute and strong in faith – who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been just a few weeks to live.

She had resigned herself to the Will of the Lord…
… and so had also accepted this painful reality.

As part of her preparation for a meaningful departure from this life, she also contacted her parish priest and spoke at length.

Among the many things that she discussed, she also told, with a great sense of excitement:
“I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The priest stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say, and replying, “Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request!”

The young woman explained:
“My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared…
… someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’
It was my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming…
… like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.
Something wonderful, and with substance!’

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder ‘What’s with the fork?’

Then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork… the best is yet to come!”

The eyes of the priest welled up with tears of joy, though with a heavy heart!

He knew that this would be one of the last time he would see her…
… but he also rejoiced that the woman had great faith and hope of the glorious life to come!

At her funeral, people walking by the young woman’s casket were deeply surprised …
… seeing the fork placed in her right hand.

Over and over, the priest heard the question, ‘What’s with the fork?’

And over and over he smiled…
… and replied: “Keep your fork… the best is yet to come!”

And indeed, it’s so true!

How deep is our faith and hope in the eternal promises of the Lord…?

And how passionate are we to live in accordance with the Will of God with our eyes set on eternity…?

Do we live in accordance to this truth of the “glorious life of eternity?”

Or are we a “practical Sadducee?” – failing to be open to the Truth of Eternity and living in casualness and lethargy

The Gospel of the Day presents a group of opponents – characterised by rigidity to accept the truth.

The Sadducees came to Jesus to put forward a hypothetical riddle regarding the question of the Resurrection.

The Sadducees were the top people in the nation, the elite group of aristocrats who owned a lot of land, wealth and rank.

They were the power brokers in Israel’s supreme court, the Sanhedrin.
Even the high priests came from the families of the Sadducees.

They were selective in what they accepted from the Scriptures.

They rejected all the historical books.
They also rejected all the psalms and the other ‘writings’ like Job and Ecclesiastes.
Not one of the books of the prophets would they accept.
They were left with just the first five books of Moses.

Moses was their person of authority.

That is why when they come to Jesus, they characteristically begin, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us…” (Mk 12:19)

They also rejected the resurrection of the dead.

“Men stay dead,” they said; human beings only have this life here and now.
That is what they believed: No judgment; with death, the soul perishes with the body.

We live in a world where we also encounter many of “practical” Sadducees.

People who live as though there is no Resurrection
People who deny giving any significance for life after this life
People who fail to uphold any teachings or thoughts that support a life after death

For such “practical” Sadducees,
… Life consists in basically enjoying the pleasures of this present life to the maximum!
… Life is not to be drowned in “boring” piety and “dull” devotions with a hope for the future!

Perhaps, some of us, may also share such thought-patterns of the Sadducees.

Yet, the Lord addresses us, just as He did to the Sadducees, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (Mk 12: 24)

The Scriptures clearly testify to the various references that are made to the fact of the “dead” not really being dead…
… rather, alive in the Lord!

The power of God clearly testifies that God as the one who created creation out of nothing…
… also has the power to grant new life to those who are dead!

The Gospel passage ends with the statement by Jesus, “You are greatly misled” (Mk 12: 27b).

Another translation would read, “You are quite wrong”

The Lord was not afraid to clearly and bluntly tell the Sadducees that they were wrong and misled in their understandings.

And perhaps, if we are in the category of being a “modern and practical” Sadducee…
… the Lord uncompromisingly tells us also: “You are greatly misled”

We need to be open to the voice of the Lord, calling us to trust deeper, in the presence of a life after this life.

Let us cease to be a “practical Sadducee” – professing belief in the Resurrection only in lips, but failing to display this belief by a life of holiness!

It is true that we don’t have much awareness of how the “next life” would be…
… We do fall short of words to explain the nature of the life-to-come or rationally describing “how heaven would be!”
… We may even have our own fears and anxieties in thinking of death or in the parting moments of our loved ones!

But we do know for certain one thing: that we would be one with our Lord- the lover of our soul…
… the fullness of joy
… the supremacy of holiness
… the culmination of every desire

With deep faith, hope and love, let us always remember:
“Keep your fork… the best is yet to come!”

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
The marriage bond

Marriage bond has been established by God himself in such a way that a marriage concluded and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved.
This bond, which results from the free human act of the spouses and their consummation of the marriage, is a reality, henceforth irrevocable…
… and gives rise to a covenant guaranteed by God’s fidelity.

The Church does not have the power to contravene this disposition of divine wisdom. (CCC # 1640)

“Being bolstered by the Powerful Personality of Jesus, to be all determined and full of convictions”

(Based on Tob 2:9-14 and Mk 12:13-17 – Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A little boy was pulling on some weeds with long deep roots…
… trying to get it out of the ground.

He pulled and pulled again…
… then decided to give one last jerk

And when he did…
… it came out – but he went tumbling over backwards!

Someone watching this said: “That was a tough fight, wasn’t it?”

The little boy – recovering himself and trying to get up, feeling a bit exhausted – replied: “Ah yes! It should have been!

After all… the whole world was pulling against me!”

How often does it happen that it seems the entire world is pulling against us…
… against our convictions and principles of life
… against our values and virtues of life

De we remain firm and determined, even it means undergoing some falling back and setbacks…
… or do we yield in to those forces – and quit and give up in life?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus – who is all determined and full of convictions – boldly encountering the “deadly trap” being laid before him by the leaders of his time…
… and how He remains unscathed and uncompromising in presenting the full force of the Truth!

The Gospel passage begins with the verse: “Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said.” (Mk 12:13)

The “they” in this verse refers to the chief priests, the scribes and the elders (Mk 11: 27b)

This group had already been silenced by the Lord…

In questioning Jesus of His authority, they found themselves facing a tougher question from Jesus. (Mk 11: 27-33)

Jesus also told a parable of the Tenants in the vineyard, which alluded to their closed attitude to accept Him as the Messiah of their lives (Mk 12: 1-12)

This group of chief priests, scribes and the elders, went away…
… with hatred in their against Jesus
… with a mind to plot further against Jesus

So, they got together two opposing parties, in their scheme to oppose Jesus.

These two opposing parties were the Pharisees and the Herodians (Mk 12: 13)

Who are the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were primarily not a political party but a group of scholars and pious people. They enjoyed a large popular following, and in the Gospels, they appear as spokesmen for the majority of the population.

They hated the pagan Roman occupation of Israel.

Their hope was for a new Judas Maccabee who would arise and throw off the Roman empire.
Many of the common people embraced their patriotic message.

Who are the Herodians?

Their name came from King Herod, who was a half Jew and had made a made a political deal with the Romans.

The Herodians held political power, and supported King Herod Antipas, the Roman Empire’s ruler over much of the land of the Jews from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39.

The Herodians favoured submitting to the Herods, and therefore to Rome, for political pragmatism.

The Pharisees were obsessed with their religious traditions…
… while the Herodians had little religion at all.

Yet, when Jesus spoke and opposed both formalism and love of worldliness…
… these two groups came together in their opposition to Him!

And they trap Jesus with a very cunning question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (Mk 12: 14c)

If Jesus had said:
No, you should not pay taxes….
… that no true Israelite who loves God should willingly pay the tax as the Roman Coin with the image of Caesar and all of his titles claiming to be divine is blasphemous…

All of the common people would have said, “How godly man is He!”

But Jesus would have been arrested for sedition and treason.

On the other side, if Jesus had said:
Yes, you should pay taxes….
… that it is not bad since the Roman empire brings stability and economic prosperity…

All of the common people would have abandoned Him saying, “He is a betrayer of God’s law!”

Jesus would have been badly persecuted for misleading them from the path of God.

It was trouble either way…

But Jesus, the Lord of all wisdom and knowledge, found His way through the maze of human shrewdness by answering:
“Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mk 12: 17)

Jesus said that what is most important in life is one’s supreme allegiance to God!

Political demands, social commitments, familial duties, communitarian stipulations all have their place and position…

But above all, what needs to be given the prime importance in one’s life is: Allegiance to God!

We live in times and situations wherein there are many forces, philosophies and thought-patterns…
… that join hands in opposing the teachings of Jesus and the Church.

Jesus is still an enemy to many of the truth-denying realities in the world.

The Church is still opposed by many of the immoral entities of the world.

It is our duty to remain firm in our faith and render absolute allegiance to the Lord…
… in order to oppose and fight against such adverse and opposing factors in the world.

Even when it seems that the entire world is pulling against us…
… against our convictions and principles of life
… against our values and virtues of life

We are called to remain firm and determined, even it means undergoing some apparent falling back and setbacks!

Let us be bolstered by the Powerful Personality of Jesus, to be all determined and full of convictions…
… boldly encountering the “deadly traps” being laid before us by the forces of our times
… and with His Grace, remain, unscathed and uncompromising in presenting the full force of Jesus, the Truth!

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
The marriage bond

The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself.
From their covenant arises “an institution, confirmed by the divine law, . . . even in the eyes of society.”

The covenant between the spouses is integrated into God’s covenant with man: “Authentic married love is caught up into divine love!” (CCC # 1639)

“Executing our human responsibilities, by depending on God’s Power and making use of our God-given talents, potentials and wisdom!”

(Based on Tob 1:3; 2:1a-8 and Mk 12:1-12 – Monday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A catechism teacher was explain the story of David and Goliath to the children.

And the end of the teaching, a boy stood up to ask a doubt.

“Why did David,” asked the boy, “take five smooth stones with him? Could he not have taken only one small pebble?

Did he have doubt in the Power of God?”

The teacher, impressed with the student’s doubt… after some thoughtful moments replied:
“Firstly your doubt about the 5 stones…

If you read 2 Sam 21:15-22, you can find that there were at least 4 giants that are mentioned – similar to Goliath!

Perhaps, David thought that if Goliath is attacked, these 4 other giants could also come forth.

And so he probably prepared himself to fight against them as well!

And with respect to the “smooth” stones…

Well…

You can shoot much more accurately with the proper ammunition.

He had faith, but he also used sanctified common sense. He didn’t simply say, “The Lord is going to do it anyway, so I’ll just pick up any old jagged rocks.”

No, he recognized human responsibility as well as Divine providence and selected shiny, round stones that would speed straight to the mark!”

Well…
… it’s not known, how many of us would accept this explanation of the Catechism teacher.

But one thing is for sure: David not only depended on God’s Power…
… he also made sure, he executed his human responsibilities, by making use of his God-given talents, potentials and wisdom.

It is always “freedom with responsibility” that ensures true success and proper satisfaction.

Human tendency, however, it is, to often want…
… to enjoy, without having worked
… to reap fruits, without having harvested
… to take credit for oneself, even for things/people not belonging to oneself.

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful reminder by Jesus, through the Parable of the Tenants…
… that we are only stewards in this beautiful world of ours, which is owned by God
… that we are to be caretakers of the many duties entrusted to us, by the Almighty

Jesus puts forward the Parable of the Tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.

They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

The Master placed a lot of trust in the servants.

He gave the freedom… a responsible freedom…
…which could be meaningfully used and nurtured
…or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely…
…. probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.

Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.
Their selfish agenda gained the upper hand over the faithfulness to the Master.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.

This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!

A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!
A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!
A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

The Lord has entrusted us with many responsibilities…

To promote and grow in our faith…
… by a faithful prayer-life, co-operation with the graces of God, keeping away from a life of sin etc.

To be faithful to the vocation and works we are called to do…
… by constantly renewing our resolve in the works we do, remaining focused on our calling etc.

To encourage others to increase in faith and in love of life…
… by being interested In their well-being, supporting them, teaching them etc.

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…
… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mk 12: 10)

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation.. of the Church.. of His People!

We need to find strength and support in this Cornerstone…
… the cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness
… the cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life

Let us come to understand that in all our works and activities, we not only depend on God’s Power…
… but also execute our human responsibilities, by making use of our God-given talents, potentials and wisdom.

Yes, it is always “freedom with responsibility” that ensures true success and proper satisfaction.

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 EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

“From a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive…

… furthermore, in a Christian marriage the spouses are strengthened and, as it were, consecrated for the duties and the dignity of their state by a special sacrament. (CCC # 1638)

“Joyfully exclaiming the Awesomeness of our Triune God and His Splendour!”

(Based on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity)

A family was visiting an art museum.

As they went around with much amazement, excitement and wonder, they came to a famous painting titled “Wheatfield under the clouded sky”

This painting was by Vincent van Gogh – a Dutch painter – a very influential personality in the history of Western art.

He had created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings -of landscapes, still lives, portraits and self-portraits

As the children gazed in admiration at this classical painting, the mother of the family, exclaimed: “If this work of art, that portrays the beauty of nature, makes us acclaim so much…
… how much more is the Beauty, Power and Goodness of the God Who has created all of this nature!”

And with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Awesomeness of God, she went on to say:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Yes, our God is an awesome God!

And the entire world – all of nature – beautifully sings forth the glory and splendour of God, Who is in total charge!

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is a beautiful day to dwell on the Awesomeness of God and the Mystery of His Splendour…
… and to live this mystery by doing everything for God’s Glory and being united as one family of God!

At the heart of the Mystery of the Trinity are three fundamental truths:

The Oneness of God: God is One
The Equality of the Three Persons: The Father is God, the Son is God, the Spirit is God
The Distinctiveness of the Three Persons: The Father is not the Son and the Spirit; the Son is not the Father and the Spirit; the Spirit is not the Son and the Father.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life.

It is the mystery of God in himself.
It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the “hierarchy of the truths of faith” (CCC, #234)

This Feast is an invitation to understand that at the core and depth of everything in our life – is the mystery of the Trinity!

The history of the world… salvation history… our personal history…
The Liturgy… the Sacraments…our prayers…
… all of them are encompassed by the life and mystery of the Trinity!

This points to the tremendous fact that our Triune God is in total charge and control of everything in our life
… that God is in perfect sovereignty and power!

We are sometimes prone to a lot of strategies and planning.

When things don’t turn out the way we have planned, we get worried and anxious.
When situations don’t fall in line with what we envisaged, we get tensed and upset!

But, today our Triune God tells: “I am in total control!”

When my life seems to be in a complete mess and nothing is understood by us, God says, “I am in total control”

When circumstances around me go haywire and I lose control of things, God says, “I am in total control”

St Paul tells us: “So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord…
… for we walk by faith, not by sight!” (2 Cor 5:6-7)

This is not to say that we need to be passive or lethargic in life

This is not to say that we need to be casual or lazy in life

It is not even to say that we should not have plans and strategies
But this is a great reminder to know and realise that our Triune God is the Ultimate Master of our lives, and His providence protects us!!

There are no accidents or no “by chance” happenings for a believer!

Everything finds its place, in the Permissive Will of the Lord!

Do I trust in Him to lead me from darkness to light?
Do I believe in Him to lead me from depressing moments to joy?
Do I have faith in Him to lead me from confusing moments to clarity?

The Life of the Trinity is also a call…
… to build our families and communities in love
… to reach out to the other, through self-giving and self-emptying

As we gaze at the “large canvas of miracles” that we experience every day and every moment of our life…
… let us joyfully exclaim the Awesomeness of our Triune God and His Splendour, by confessing: “God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Yes, in all what we think, in all what we say, and in all what we do…
… let all Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Happy Feast of the Most Blessed Trinity!

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- Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

In marriages with disparity of cult, the Catholic spouse has a particular task: “For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband.”
It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this “consecration” should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith.

Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion. (CCC # 1637)

“Rooting out every pessimistic mind-set, by growing in the Wisdom of the Lord and focusing on self-growth in holiness and humility!”

(Based on Sir 51:12 cd-20 and Mk 11:27-33 – Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation…
… rather than the precise literary form of it.

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said:
“By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.

My early education was faulty.
I often wished that I had received more schooling.

But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

How is it with you?”

Well, we don’t know how did the fussy gentleman react to this bold and true reply of the preacher.
(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…
The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” (Mk 11: 28)

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

Chapter 11 of St Mark’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

The entry into Jerusalem (Mk 11: 1-10)
The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11: 11-14)
The re-entry to Jerusalem and cleansing of the Temple (Mk 11: 15-18)
The re-entry to Bethany, observation of withered tree and teaching on faith (Mk 11: 19-26)
The third entry into Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus’ authority (Mk 11: 27-33)

The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…
… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…
… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

In Jesus, they perceived a threat.
… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke, than to service of God

In Jesus, they sensed a danger.
… a danger to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

In Jesus, they identified a menace.
… a menace to their comfort-rendering style of spirituality and way of life.

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord

Their hearts become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience

Their lives were rendered blocked to be willing to make necessary changes for the good.

Instead…
… they only found fault with the Lord
… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…
The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also…

A mentality of harshly criticising…?

A tendency to inhumanly condemn…?
… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

The Book of Sirach invites us to seek for Wisdom and to ‘incline our ears” in order to make greater progress in life:
“While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end.

From my youth I followed her steps.
I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction.
I made progress in her; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
For I resolved to live according to wisdom” (Cf. Sir 51: 13-18)

May we be able to root out every pessimistic mind-set, by growing in the Wisdom of the Lord…
… and focus instead on self-growth in holiness and humility!

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- Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages.
Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple’s obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities…

… and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them. (CCC # 1636)

“Giving heed to the warnings and exhortations of the Lord, and building our lives by co-operating with the Grace of God!”

(Based on Sir 44:1, 9-13 and
Mk 11:11-26 – Friday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The Gospel of St Mark has many “sandwich” passages.

“Sandwich” stories are a literary technique in which the narration of one story begins, but is interrupted by another story, before finishing the first one.

Some of the examples of these “sandwich stories” are…

In Mk 3: 20-35, we have…

Mk 3:20-22: Jesus’ family members set out to seize Him
Mk 3: 23-30: Jesus speaks to the Pharisees on their accusation of Him
Mk 3: 31-35: Jesus family comes to meet Him

In Mk 5: 21-43, we have…

Mk 5: 21-24: Jesus is pleaded by Jairus to heal his daughter
Mk 5: 25-34: The woman suffering from haemorrhage is healed
Mk 5: 35-43: Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus

In Mk 6: 7-33, we have…

Mk 6: 7-13: The disciples sent on a mission
Mk 6: 14-29: Herod’s opinion on John the Baptist and the narrative of the beheading.
Mk 6: 30-33: The disciples return from the mission

In Mk 14: 1-11, we have…

Mk 14: 1-2: The Conspiracy against Jesus
Mk 14: 3-9: The anointing of Jesus at Bethany
Mk 14: 10-11: The conspiracy plan by Judas to betray Jesus

Such kind of “sandwich” layers illustrates points for reflection by showing ..
… similarities and contrasts between the outside and the inside layers.
… the first and the last as “the bread”‘ and the centre one as the “filling” of the sandwich!

Today’s Gospel also follows this “sandwich-story” structure: Mk 11: 12-25

Mk 11: 12-14: Jesus cursing the fig tree
Mk 11: 15-19: Jesus cleansing the Temple
Mk 11: 20-24: Jesus’ teaching on the withered fig tree

There are many similarities and contrasts between the “bread” – the outside layers and the “filling” – the inside layers in this ‘sandwich’ passage…

1. Symbols
   The fig tree represents the people of Israel
   The Temple was the symbol of the worship and faith of the people of Israel
2. Reaction of Jesus is “at the entry”
   The fig tree was cursed when “Jesus was nearing”… on His way to Jerusalem
   The Temple was cleansed as Jesus “entered” the temple
3. “Leaves seen, but no fruit”
   The fig tree bore only leaves, but no fruits were found on it
   The Temple had many activities (leaves) but no faith or religiosity was seen (fruits)
4. Jesus performs an action of fury and rage
   The fig tree is cursed and it withers
   The Temple is cursed and cleansed

Some of the key messages of both these stories invite us to reflect on our own life…

1. God’s demand to be fruit-bearing
   The fig tree as well as the Temple failed to bear fruits…

As Christians, we are expected and demanded by God to bear fruits and be co-operative to the graces that God has blessed us with

2. Importance of repentance and cleansing
   The fig tree is judged for its fruitlessness while the Temple is cleansed due to its uncleanness

As Christians, we are to repent and cleanse our hearts of all defilements, lethargy and sluggishness and become relevant and effective people of God

3. Harsh consequences are in store for the unfaithful and unfruitful
   The fig tree is cursed while the Temple undergoes the wrath of the Zealous Jesus

As Christians, we are to realise that strong consequences are for sure, if we fail in our duties and responsibilities

The Gospel of the Day is a strong exhortation by Jesus…
… to become aware of our Christian duties
… the need to be faithful and ever watchful
… and become zealous in bearing fruits for the Kingdom of God.

Let us give heed to the warnings and exhortations of the Lord, and build our lives by co-operating with the Grace of God…
…so that we become persons of “Faith and Fruitfulness!”

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- Mixed marriages and disparity of cult

According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.
In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage.
This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage…
… and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party
… of preserving his or her own faith

… and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church. (CCC # 1635)