“Holding the hands of our Blessed Mamma Mary, the Mother of God and marching forward joyfully and fervently on the path of Faith and Love in this New Year 2024”

(Based on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – New Year’s Day)

A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.

This device helps us to check the heat in the body

When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.

When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we have gone cold.
When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.

The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.

Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!

The heat levels, however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies.

When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.
When we are cast down with problems, the thermometer shows a low level.
When we are just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.

What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time?

We are on the first day of the New Year… and on the 8th day after Christmas – the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the celebrations and merriment of the Festival are waning down…

The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the brightly shining stars have faded away
The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today
The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, has slowly reduced

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

This Octave Day of Christmas fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is
a reminder to this fact
… that Christmas is not a one-day event; rather a celebration for life.
… that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow every day

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and Devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often, there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually

Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus
Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man

Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, fully God and fully Man.
And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge, and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare the divinity and humanity of Jesus emphatically.

Thus, the title – Mary, Mother of God
– is an excellent proclamation of our basic aspect of faith – Jesus is both God and Man!

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

1. We are assured of Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord when we face crises, problems and difficulties.
2. We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.
3. We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.
4. We are exhorted to be committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year 2024, the Lord invites us to check and examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer.

Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?
Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands…
… and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith and Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of Blessed Mamma!

Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2024!

God Bless! Let us always… Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

There are a great many kinds of sins.
Scripture provides several lists of them.

The Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. (CCC # 1852)

“Being inspired by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, to make our families a ‘haven of love and care!'”

(Based on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)

A classic and popular story – source unidentified – is told about a kid narrating a story of how his mother, once, after a long, hard day at work…
… had placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of dad.

Yet all that the dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at the mom and ask how the child’s day was at school!

He even went on to smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

Later, the child heard mom apologizing for burning the biscuit.

But Dad, without any fuss – in fact, with a great sense of calmness – replied: “Honey, I love burnt biscuits!”

Later that night, when the child went to kiss Daddy good night, he asked, if he really liked biscuits burned.

Daddy wrapped the child in his arms and said: “Your Mamma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired.

And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities

Do we make efforts to make our families “havens of love and care?”

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Family of Nazareth – Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Family Life is indeed, very dear to God’s Heart

The Old Testament and the New Testament provide several instances of salvation occurring in the context of a family.

When Jesus, the Eternal Word became flesh (Cf. Jn 1:14), He was born in a Family.

The Holy Family of Nazareth, as the beautiful model and example to every family to nurture care, teach us important lessons:

1. Discern and do God’s Will – this is the vital rule

At every stage of life, Mary and Joseph sought to do the Will of God and fulfilled it with utmost sincerity

2. Take the lead and strengthen each other, especially in a crisis

In their tough situations, Mary and Joseph proactively listened to God and took the initiative to steer the family out of danger

3. Avoid judging each other; support with mutual understanding

Tense situations became moments of prayer instead of blame
Troubled circumstances gave an opportunity to cling to each other!

4. Joyfully fulfil one’s responsibilities, without complaint or blame

Each member of the Holy Family assumed total responsibility and undertook every duty that had been entrusted to them

5. Find strength in prayer and in God’s Word

In every crunch situation, they turned to God and made the Word of the Lord their guiding principle of life!

It is said that “where God guides, God provides.”

The life of the Holy Family is a beautiful testimony of the protective and providential care of the Lord.

Our families are also called to become gardens that are nurtured and nourished by the protective showers of God’s Love!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its extensive exhortation on families, teaches us: “The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason, it can and should be called a domestic church.

It is a community of faith, hope, and charity.
It is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit…
… in the procreation and education of children, it reflects the Father’s work of creation.
… it partakes of the prayer and sacrifice of Christ.

Daily prayer and the reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity.

The Christian family has an evangelizing and missionary task. (Cf. CCC, #2204-2205)

All of us, in families, are called to holiness – this is God’s Will!

Holiness is not easy, but it is made possible with God’s Grace!

Holiness in a family is deepened and enhanced through…
… faithful sacramental life with constant reconciliation
… sharing of meals and exchange of thoughts and feelings
… willingness to forego hurt feelings and celebrate differences
… regular prayer life along with reading the Bible and devotions
… openness to listen to one another and support in tough times

Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities

Let us joyfully accept the “burnt biscuits of each other’s weaknesses, failures, angry moments and hurtful feelings”

We are on the last day of this year 2023
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year.

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments

Thank You, Lord, for the Year 2023 that has gone by.

We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year 2024!

Let the beautiful example of the Holy Family of Nazareth inspire all of us, to make our families and societies a “haven of love and care!”

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love You!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

At the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world…
… the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source

… from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly. (CCC # 1851)

“Pursuing the task, and prevailing in our aim to discover ‘why we are born’”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:12-17 and Lk 2:36-40 – The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas)

There is a famous quotation which goes thus:
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born…
… and the day we discover why!”

One of them is easier and simpler than the other.

Its just a date and a moment in history.

It could be something like the 19th of January or the 2nd of November or the 29th of December or the 17th of June or the 28th of November or the 16th of January or the 9th of May etc…

This was the day, we first made our appearance on this earth.

This day is special….

The other day is also special…
… but it’s not easy to discover it!

In fact, it is an arduous task and a patient undertaking.

That is day we figure out why we are on this Planet Earth.

That is the day we come to a greater realization of our Life.

The first day tells that I am here in this earth!

The second day would tell us “why” I am here on this earth!

To discover the meaning and purpose of life and seek to live it fully well, will make our lives satisfying and truly happy.

It could happen…
… in one day!
… over a period of some years!
… over one’s whole lifetime!

Yet, the most important thing is to “keep seeking for it and be alert for its discovery”

Am I in this all-important process of discovering “Why I am born in this world?”

The Gospel of the Day points to a person who discovered greatly this aspect of the purpose in life, and dedicated her whole life for it – Anna, the Prophetess.

We are still in the festive passages of Christmas – the Nativity of our Saviour.

Joseph and Mary have brought their Beloved Child, Jesus, to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

After the ritual purification rites and customs, the Holy Family of Nazareth is encountered by Simeon.

He who was docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit discovered the Glory of God.

At the same time, another woman was also eagerly waiting for the Messiah…
… in constant eagerness and longing – Anna!

‘Anna’ is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means, ‘Grace’

Like the Old Testament Hannah, this Anna is also characterized by prayer and fasting

She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Asher is considered to be one among ten of these tribes, which had strayed away from the path of the Lord…
… that were taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC, before the northern Kingdom fell.

However, “some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem” (2 Chr 30:11).

So, Anna belonged to that small remnant of the tribe of Asher that had humbled itself to seek protection and providence in the Lord.

Anna was, however, a widow

She was a widow for a very very long time…
… for over seven decades, she had been a widow.

It was a tremendous grief to live so long without the love of a husband.

Sorrow can cause two consequences to a believer….

It can make one hard, bitter, resentful and rebellious against God
or…
It can make one kinder and dependable on God!

Sorrow can cause our faith to be spoilt
or…
Sorrow can cause our faith to take deeper roots!

Anna, the widow, chose the better part!

She chose to reveal and revel in the Grace of God and live a Gracious Life!

And this process of discovering “why she was born in the world” made her to…

1. Practice a life of purity: She lived in holiness and integrity.
2. Pray constantly: She lived in the temple continually and was incessantly fasting and praying
3. Persevere Patiently: She battled loneliness and depression and persevered successfully to meet the Lord.
4. Proclaim Boldly: She challenged others in their cozy life by proclaiming the Messiah and His promises!

Life is constantly calling and challenging us to discover “the day why I am born”

It’s easy to while away our time in comforts and pleasures of this world.

But that will certainly not serve the goal of our existence here on this earth.

Each of us have a specific task and responsibility entrusted by the Lord.

This role is proper to our own vocation as in family life or in a consecrated life.

In God’s precious eyes, there are no small or great responsibilities.

He values and treasures each and every duty -small or big- with equal measure.
Every task, when performed with immense love and dedication has its greatness.

Anna, the old lady, “Young and Vibrant at Heart” teaches us today…

To pursue who we are to be – to discover “why I am born!”
… by Practicing a Life of Purity
… by Praying Constantly
… by Persevering Patiently
… by Proclaiming Boldly!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON- THE DEFINITION OF SIN

It is precisely in the Passion, when the mercy of Christ is about to vanquish it, that sin most clearly manifests its violence and its many forms…
… unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning and mockery by the leaders and the people
… Pilate’s cowardice and the cruelty of the soldiers
… Judas’ betrayal – so bitter to Jesus,

… Peter’s denial and the disciples’ flight. (CCC # 1851)

“Being observant and alert to the Holy Spirit talking to us and moving in us!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:3-11 and Lk 2:22-35 – The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas)

Mobile phones come with an option of keeping it in the ‘silent mode’.

It often happens, that when a phone is kept in the silent mode, one fails to notice a call.

But if one has been eagerly and excitedly waiting for someone’s call, it will be received, even if the phone is kept in the silent mode…

Right?

Great blessings from God often come to us silently and quietly.

But the one who is waiting eagerly and patiently excited, receives these blessings even in the silent mode of events…

Such was the case when the Lord was born…

The Messiah was promised long back… centuries ago.

Yet, when we go through the accounts of the Bible, it seems that most people were not ready to receive Him…

The Scribes and Scholars of the time never seem to have expected…
The rich and the powerful people of Bethlehem failed to have any notice of Him…

Hardly anyone knew when and where the Saviour – the Little Babe was born!

It seemed like a call on the mobile phone that is kept in the silent mode!

Silently, the Precious Gift was delivered…

Without and fuss or fanfare, the Marvellous Treasure was presented…

But there was also a tiny group of people, who were waiting for this Blessed Fortune…

Among this tiny set of persons was Simeon!

In some dramas, we see some characters who appear on the stage just once…
… speak a few crucial dialogues or perform some significant deeds
… and they disappear
… never to be seen again!

Simeon is one such figure…

We know nothing about his background, his hometown, his education, or even his occupation.

We assume that he was an old man, but even that is not explicitly mentioned.
He simply appears on the stage of salvation drama for a few moments…
After his part is over, he fades from the scene, never to be heard from again!

We however, do know…
… that this Simeon was waiting eagerly for the Lord.

We could just imagine how Simeon would have gone through his days of waiting for the Saviour of the world…

Every time some couple walked in with child, Simeon would have asked, “Could this be the Promised Messiah?”…

Finally, when Mary and Joseph walked in with the child Jesus…
… Simeon sensed the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

However, looking at them, perhaps, a doubt would have arisen in his mind…
“Could the child of this simple and ordinary parents really be the Messiah?

The man seems to be some ordinary carpenter sort of…and the mother looks so ordinary a peasant girl.

Is it really possible that the Messiah, the Promised Saviour of the Universe, be having such simple and ordinary parents?”

And probably, the voice of the Holy Spirit would have boomed into the ears of Simeon…
“YES!

Truly… there is the Messiah… the One promised by God!

Human beings seek external appearances….but God chooses by His own Divine standards.

Doubt not… but go and meet Him, Who was promised for ages!
Believe firmly…and encounter the One who is the Salvation of the world!”

What about us?

Do we seek and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

It could come through various formats…
… Inspirations… Thoughts… Circumstances…Other people… Commandments of the Church… Bible… Challenges in Life…etc…

Are we in patient waiting and constant vigilance to hear this voice of the Lord?

Sometimes we cast away…
… inspirations and feelings as trivial and minor
… some people as just insignificant and unimportant
… commandments and teachings as outdated and obsolete…

But the Lord…
… through the patient and ever-watchful Simeon, today, invites us to always be on the watch to listen to the promptings of the Spirit…

We sometimes miss important calls when our phones are kept in silent mode…

Let it not happen so with the movements of the Spirit…
Let us always be observant and alert…

The Spirit is talking…
The Spirit is moving…

Are we listening?
Are we aware?

Ting ting…
… Is there a missed call or a message?

Check check….

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

Sin is thus “love of oneself even to contempt of God.”

In this proud self- exaltation, sin is diametrically opposed to the obedience of Jesus, which achieves our salvation. (CCC # 1850)

“Understanding that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a ‘festival of fun or frolic’ but also should lead us to hear the many ‘cries of innocents’ today!”

(Based on the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents)

Christmas is one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

This Fest is – besides the spiritual nourishment – greatly celebrated…
… with a lot of joy and merriment
… with the aspect of renewing relationships through get-togethers
… with a great deal of decorations and festoons to amplify the exciting tone

But for a moment, when we think of the very First Christmas Night…
… we being to understand that such was not exactly the mood back then!

There were many elements on that First Christmas Night which were actually very ordinary and some even, sad and scandalizing!
… the long and arduous travel of the “expectant Mother with Child ”and the ‘uncertain father’ towards Bethlehem!
… the Holy Family failing to find a place in the inn (perhaps, refused to be given a place!)
… the birth of the Messiah, the Creator of the entire universe, in a manger – which was actually the place of feeding for the animals!
… the terrifying and indecisive flight into Egypt!

As the famous Carol goes, it was in all probability more of a “Silent Night…!”

Another importantly sad and scandalizing event was that of the “Killing of the Innocents” under the age of two, at the order of King Herod (Mt 2: 16-18)

On this fourth Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 28th, Holy Mother the Church commemorates The Holy Innocents.

The news that a new King of the Jews was born, caused great ordeal for King Herod (Mt 2: 3)

He became all the more furious, when he heard that the Magi had deceived him (Mt 2:16)

The easiest solution found was to kill all the males under the age of two.

To react negatively, in a situation of hardship, often seems to be the easiest way out.

But it is an extremely cheap and low way of going about

Herod fell into this snare of “negative reaction” and had little babies killed.

These little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love…
… became martyrs of Blood (Mt 2:16)

St Augustine says, “they are the first buds of the Church killed by the frost of persecution; they died not only for Christ, but in his stead!”

The number of children killed is uncertain.

There are a number of views on the actual number of children who were killed.

The Byzantine Liturgy (Greek) says that Herod killed 14, 000 boys
The Syrian Liturgy speaks of 64,000.
Another scholarly study suggests that Bethlehem was a very small town, at the time of Jesus, with a population of maybe 300. The number of children below the age of two could be very less – maybe six or seven.

But the fact remains, that it was a tragic gravely foul and grievously painful.

The death of the little children is a reminder that our earthly life is a pilgrimage…
… to be oriented for the eternal life in heaven

The dreadful massacre of the innocent children can easily cause a question to arise in us:

Why did God allow the helpless death of the children before their own parents?
Why did these little children have to be murdered, for saving the Divine Child?
Could not God have planned a noble way of saving Him?

Such questions can easily cause our faith to be disturbed or even be scandalized by the ways of God

But it brings home an important truth: Our earthly life is a pilgrimage.

No one knows how long we will live – some die in infancy, some in their old age; some die prepared, some suddenly and tragically.

This is the reality that we find in the world – we like it or not, we accept or not.

It therefore, is a call for us, to nurture life in the best way possible…

Our own lives by living in holiness and fidelity to the Will of God
Preserving, nurturing and enhancing the lives of others – including the little infants in the wombs.

This commemoration of the Holy Innocents is a reminder to open our eyes to see the tragedies of the world and become courageous torch-bearers of justice

This passage of King Herod and the Holy Innocents, might sometimes seem to be like…
… “the unwarranted bone” in the tasty meal of Christmas
… or the “jarring note” in the melodious music of Christ’s Nativity.

We often like to live in “cozy and comfortable” situations – even if it means, closing our eyes to the stark and tragic realities of life

But it is the obligation of every Christian to “get out of every comfort zone”…
… and enter into the “suffering sections” of the society, and give them hope, consolation and life.

The “cry of the mothers of the innocent children”… Mt 2:18 – “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation”…
… is also a “Carol”, that is heard every Christmas

Yes, let us deeply understand that Christmas – the birth of Christ, ought to not simply be a “festival of fun or frolic”…
… but also should lead us to hear the many “cries of innocents” today – the oppressed and the abused, the voiceless and the helpless, the sinful and the lonely etc.

Today, let us specially seek the intercession of St Francis de Sales, who died on this commeration day of the Holy Innocents (Dec 28, 1622)

We give heed to his words which are inspirational to love the Divine Child Jesus:
“I would a hundred times rather see the dear Jesus in His Crib, than all the kings of the world on their thrones.

I beseech you to keep close to this Divine Babe, and rest near Him as lovingly as you can…
… He will love you in return, even should your heart feel no tenderness or devotion!”

Christmas is surely, one of the most – if not the most – popular Fest in the world!

But let not this Fest be drowned only in external celebrations and merriment

Rather, let it also be an occasion for all of us to renew our commitment to the cause of justice and peace in the world…
… and make this earthly pilgrimage more meaningful!

Salutations to the Holy Innocents and Glory to the Divine Babe, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

Like the first sin, it is disobedience, a revolt against God through the will to become “like gods,” knowing and determining good and evil. (CCC # 1850)

“Like St John, the evangelist – being near the Cross of Christ and the Heart of Christ!”

(Based on Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist)

Christmas is a time of great celebration and festivities.

The time after Christmas is often a phase of getting through with many cakes, sweets, food…
>> The foodstuff prepared for the occasion often exceeds the required amount and thus, it needs a few more days to consume it fully….


Something similar also happens in the spiritual realm…

For many people, the spiritual significance of an event like Christmas cannot be absorbed and completed in a day.
>> It’s like trying to comprehend the grandeur of some magnificent places like…
… the St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican or the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Niagara Falls
… or other greater and dazzling sites, in one walk-through.

It’s not too easy.

We have to return back to grasp greater the beauty and the splendour.
>> So it is with the spectacular event of the Nativity..

We need more time to comprehend about the Christmas Night…
… more time to understand the virgin birth
… more time to realise that God came down to earth as a tender Babe for our salvation etc

As a result, the Church gives us seven additional days to contemplate these divine mysteries.
>> These extra days on the liturgical calendar, along with the feast day – eight in total – is called as The Christmas Octave.


Every day of the Christmas octave is filled with meaning that reflects back on the Nativity – not just the birth of Christ, but the impact, the reality and the consequence of that birth in the lives of different people.


It’s interesting to note that each of the three days following the Feast of Christmas, commemorates a different type of martyrdom…

Dec 26th – the Feast of St Stephen – the Martyrdom of the Will, Love and Blood:
>> By His powerful witness, St Stephen was stoned to death in act that was completely willed by him, totally offering his Love for Jesus & shedding his blood.

Dec 27th – the Feast of St John – the Martyrdom of the Will and Love:
>> By a life of immense faithfulness & total dedication, lived with a tremendous passion and fervour, St John suffered the martyrdom of the Will and of Love.

Dec 28th – the Feast of the Holy Innocents – the Martyrdom of Blood:
>> The little babies, too little and young to form a will and a desire to love, became martyrs of Blood. (Mt 2:16)
>> Their innocent blood came in defence of the blood of their Divine Contemporary – Baby Jesus, who would grant salvation to them by His Precious Blood!


On this third Day of the Christmas Octave, Dec 27th, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of St John, the Evangelist – the Martyr of Will and Love!


St John, the Apostle and Evangelist is known as the Apostle of Love.
>> His Life defined Love.
>> His writings expressed Love.
>> His thoughts instilled Love.


The Gospel of St John is a witness that “this disciple who was loved by Jesus” received two unique places alongside Jesus, that none of the other apostles received.

1. Near the heart of Jesus – in the bosom of His Divine Lord! (Jn 12: 23)

Jesus bestowed this unique place, close to His heart, to John, His Beloved Disciple, at the Last Supper.

At the last supper, while Jesus announced that one of His disciples would be betray Him, John, leaning on Jesus’ bosom, asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”

The innocent heart of John did not bear any guilt or doubt.
>> The love in John’s veins prompted him to not have any fear or panic.

The child-like trust in John prompted him to ask Jesus bluntly, “Who is it..?”


Love seeks to be close to the One who is loved.
>> Love wants to have the nearest place to access the One who is loved.
>> Love longs to be intimate to the heart of the One that is deeply loved.

St John, the Apostle of Love, was given this place to be closest to the Heart of Jesus!


2. Near the Cross – in the crucible of suffering of His Divine Lord (Jn 19:26)

Jesus bestowed this unique place, close to His Cross, to John, His Beloved Disciple.
>> While all other disciples had forsaken the Lord, John remained close to the Cross of Jesus.


The Apostle of Love remained faithful and committed to His Master.
>> The Apostle of Love was staunchly courageous in the face of extreme fear and danger.

Love desires to be with the pain of the One who is loved.

St John, the Apostle of Love, was given this place to be closest to the Cross of Jesus!


Its a point to be noted, that the only other person who was given this unique privilege of being closest…
… both, to the Heart and Cross of Jesus was our Blessed Mamma Mary – the Supreme Apostle of Love!
… She was closest to the heart of Jesus, nurturing and nourishing Her tender Babe
… She was closest to the Cross of Jesus, sharing and suffering the pain of Her beloved Child.


YES… An Apostle of Love can be made and moulded only in these two unique places:
1. Near the Heart of Jesus
2. Near the Cross of Jesus.

Love longs to be close to the Heart…
>> Love drives every fear of the Cross.
Love seeks to kiss the Heart…
>> Love impels to embrace the Cross!

Blessed Mamma Mary and St John invite us, with much tenderness and affection…
“Come my Child.. Come my brother and sister… Be an Apostle of Love – close to the Heart and Cross of Jesus”


Happy Feast of the Apostle of Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN
>> Sin is an offense against God:
>> “Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight.”
>> Sin sets itself against God’s love for us and turns our hearts away from it. (CCC # 1850)
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“Like St Stephen, let us also be filled a deep passion that comes from the New Born King, and be His dynamic soldier!”

(Based on Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr)

Stones were flying from different directions…

The atmosphere was very tense and highly apprehensive…
The people had become enraged and were very badly instigated…

St Stephen…. the man filled with the power and spirit of God, however, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God. (Acts 7: 54-56)

And then a surprising thing happened….

He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God!

Usually, we always read or say in our prayers that Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand…

But here, Jesus is seen standing!

Jesus is probably giving a standing ovation…. to St. Stephen, the one who became his brave witness.

The mighty display of faith by St Stephen was worthy of a standing ovation by the Son of God!
The Majestic King was tremendously proud of His Faithful and Committed Soldier!

We are on the first day after Christmas…

Yesterday, we celebrated child Jesus in the crib…

We sang the “silent night” and “joy to the world”…
We remembered the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to people of good will”…
We exchanged a lot of smiles and shared much fun…

But suddenly today, there is a shift…

The atmosphere of fun and frolic has turned sombre and serious…
The carols of mirth and joy are substituted by cries for death and vengeance…
The shining gold vestments at Holy Mass are replaced with blood-red vestments…

The peace and joy of Bethlehem is contrasted by the tragedy and heartbreak at Jerusalem…

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our eternal King.

Today we commemorate the triumphant suffering of His faithful soldier.

Yesterday our King left His place in the Virgin’s womb and was born in the world.

Today His soldier leaves the tabernacle of his body and goes triumphantly to heaven.

Yesterday a group of enthused and excited people visited and paid homage to our King.

Today, a group of proud and ferociously evil mob execute His soldier!

Why does the Church celebrate this tradition of commemorating the gruesome stoning to death of St Stephen, soon after the celebration of the tender Babe?

The Church’s long tradition of celebrating the memorial of St. Stephen soon after the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, does not serve to demote Christmas…
… but to continue & manifest more clearly an important meaning of the Christmas celebration.

Christmas essentially means becoming a true disciple of Christ…

And a true disciple ought to tread the way of the cross – “If any want to be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Lk 9: 23)

Christ the Master, Himself walked this path of trials and difficulties.

The signs of suffering and pain were foreshadowed very much already in the Crib of Christ…
The manger where the babe was laid, foreshadowed the Cross on which He was to be laid.
The swaddling clothes of the babe, foreshadowed the shroud which will cover Him in His tomb.
The lack of room in the inn, foreshadowed the lack of room for Him to be buried after His death.

Christmas is the celebration of Life that was pledged to be given up in death, in order to win back life – life in its fullness!

Christmas becomes a true reality when Jesus is born in our hearts…

When Jesus comes to dwell in our hearts, that heart cannot remain without effect.

There is a contagious enthusiasm.
There is a great transformation.
There is a tremendous zeal.

And this birth of Jesus took place in the heart of St Stephen.

He underwent a real Christmas.
He experienced the joy of having Christ born in His life.

And this fact that Christ was born within, led Him to be a dynamic and bold soldier of His King!

Nothing could stop Him from being a witness…
The experience of Christmas in His life…
… made St Stephen to be a bold soldier.
… made St Stephen to stand firm for the truth
… made St Stephen to shed His blood for His Lord

Have we also experienced Christmas…
… in a way that transforms and makes us authentic disciples?
… which makes us to pledge every breath and cell of our life to the Lord?
… to find immense power and strength in being a true and authentic Christian?

The blood of St Stephen sings the beautiful carols of Jesus who was born in his life!

Are we ready to discover still further, the true and genuine meaning of Christmas in our life?

Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords gave a wonderful standing ovation…
… seeing the spectacular display of faith and courage of His Beloved soldier, St Stephen.

Let us also be filled a deep passion and courage that comes from the New Born King…
… and be His Dynamic and Enthusiastic Soldier for His Kingdom!

Happy Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr of the New Born King of kings!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

It wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity.

It has been defined as “an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law.” (CCC # 1849)

“Making our hearts a ‘place of party’ to celebrate love, by sharing the precious gifts of God’s Mercy to all!”

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

Tony Campolo, an American author in his book, “The Kingdom of God is a party” narrates a heart-touching experience…

One, very early morning, Tony sat in a cafe.

As he was drinking coffee at the counter, a group of prostitutes walked in and took up the stools around him.

One of the girls, Agnes, lamented the fact that not only was it her birthday tomorrow, but that she never had a birthday party in life.

Tony thought it would be a great idea to surprise Agnes with a birthday party!

He got the necessary information from the café owner that the girls came in every morning around 3:30 am.

They both agreed to set up the place for a party – a surprise birthday party for Agnes!

Word somehow got out on the street, so that by 3:15 the next morning the place was packed with prostitutes, the cafe owner
and his wife, and Tony.

When Agnes walked in she saw…
… banners and balloons; the Café Owner holding a birthday cake
… and everyone screaming out “Happy Birthday!”

Agnes was overwhelmed with deep emotions!

She was stunned and shaken
Her friend grabbed her arm to steady her

Tears poured down her face as the crowd continued to sing: “Happy Birthday to you….”

It was a party that was hard to believe…
… a party that celebrated Love – inviting all to know that God wants everyone to come to His Heart of Love!
… a party that celebrated Mercy – acceptance of human beings as images of the Loving God!

Am I willing to make my heart a “place of party” to celebrate love and mercy…
… by accepting the unwanted, the rejected and the lonely?
… by sharing the precious gifts of God’s Mercy and Love to all?

Christmas is the beautiful feast of God becoming man, and hosting “a Divine Party – celebrating His Love and Mercy!”

Christmas is the holy and happy day when we celebrate the coming of God’s Son into the world – the incarnation of God (Cf. Jn 1:14)…
… celebrating His intense and saving love for us (Cf. Jn 3:16)

The Gospel narratives specific to the Birth of Christ remind us that the salvation brought by Jesus isn’t just a spiritual concept…
… but a tangible reality rooted in human experience.

We are reminded that His coming into the world holds immense historical and personal significance for all of us.

Another important reminder is the distinguishing characteristic of Christianity: the core of Christianity is not a set of teachings, but it is about what God has done for us – our redemption from sins!  

This is expressed in the very meaning of the name Jesus: JESUS means “God saves!”

(The name JESUS, is perhaps, the shortest and simplest prayer that we can make – as we call on the salvific power of God [Cf. Rom 10:13])

Christmas, therefore, comes with the strong message that “every external act of festivity ought to be accompanied by an internal surrender of one’s life to Christ, our Saviour!”

The decorations that we do, find authentic meaning, when we allow Christ’s Love to glitter our life!
The sweets, cakes and other food we prepare, have real value, when we allow our faith in Christ to nourish and nurture us!
The stars we put up and the carols we sing, find true importance, when we allow Christ’s Mercy to radiate and harmonise us!

That is why, the greatest and the truest act in the celebration of Christmas is accepting Jesus as the Saviour of our lives!

All other external expressions ought to flow forth or lead towards this sole requirement:
JESUS IS TO BE BORN IN OUR HEARTS!

We are also called to reflect on some other essential messages of the Solemnity of Christmas

1. Christmas is the beautiful saga of God humbling Himself, and as the Good Shepherd (Cf. Jn 10:11) going to any extent to win us back to him

Birth in the manger demonstrates the abasement of the Divine
Baby Jesus, lying in the manger is also a prefiguration of Jesus dying on the Cross, fulfilling the act of humiliation signified in Incarnation! (Cf. Phil 2:6-8)

2. Christmas is the amazing story of hope and courage

Joseph and Mary displayed tremendous hope and courage as they join hands with the Will of God (despite the many challenges and obstacles that came their way)!
Zechariah and Elizabeth exhibited much hope and courage, as they held fast in faithfulness, to experience the miraculous birth of John, the precursor of Jesus
The shepherds and the wise men showed much hope and courage, as they boldly trusted in the signs given to them, which culminated in their offering of service and worship.

3. Christmas rings in the good news that “the one who trusts in God” will always be blessed! (Cf. Ps 146:5)

Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the shepherds, the wise men – everyone experienced tremendous blessings because they “chose to trust in God!”

Life often takes us through crossroads and dangerous curves

Are we ready to make a choice – of trusting in the Lord…
… and thus experiencing His mighty blessings!
Christmas is indeed history – HIS story
… the fantastic story of Him Who loves us immensely
… the fabulous event of Him Who is born for us – for our salvation

This Christmas, let us make our hearts a “place of party” to celebrate love and mercy…
… by accepting the unwanted, the rejected and the lonely!
… by sharing the precious gifts of God’s Mercy and Love to all!

With much faith and joy, let us celebrate God’s intense and saving love for us!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

God Bless! Let’s always… Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

Sin is an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience…
… it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor

… caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. (CCC # 1849)

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

(Based on 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Rom 16:25-27 and Lk 1:26-38 – 4th Sunday of Advent)

A six-year-old boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer “Hail Mary.”
>> He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day.

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

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

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

One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady.
>> Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: “Mommy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.
‘Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?”

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

This little boy, as he grew up…
…. made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism.
>> He found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles…
… going on to become a Priest!


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

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


Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience
>> Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.
>> When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

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


2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”
One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”
>> In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…
… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her
… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her


The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life
>> This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.


3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God
When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God
>> She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

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


4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.
>> When in womb…
… Her sole attention was on Jesus
>> While in the manger…
… Her whole care was for Jesus
>> While in His ministry…
… Her thoughts were centred on Him
>> While on the Cross…
… Her entire self rested on Him

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


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

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

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)
>> The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)
>> In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)
>> The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!


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


On this eve of the Nativity of Christ, our Saviour, let us embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…
… and be led to love the Lord more!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MERCY AND SIN
>> In the “convincing concerning sin,” we discover a double gift: the gift of the truth of conscience and the gift of the certainty of redemption.
>> The Spirit of truth is the Consoler. (CCC # 1848)
——–

“Being patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments!”

(Based on Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 and Lk 1:57-66 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

We all are familiar with the ‘remote control’ of a television.

In the remote control, there is the button named “MUTE”.

It is used to put off the sound, momentarily.

Sometimes, in our spiritual lives, too, we undergo the experience of being in the “MUTE” mode with God.

There is a total silence, that pervades our relation with God.

Have we undergone this experience of the “silence” of God?

Do we sometimes feel why is God “absent” in my life?

The Couple of Day – Zechariah and Elizabeth – underwent, this “mute” experience with God.

Though advanced in age, living a life of prayer, service and faithfulness, they were not blessed with the Gift of a Child.

Barrenness, in the Jewish Society was one of the greatest misfortunes for a family.

Being barren was thus a harsh experience for this Devout Couple!

But then came the precious and joyous moment…

The “His Name is John” Moment!
… when, new life and fresh joy radiated their lives!

The names of John, and his parents – Elizabeth and Zechariah are very significant.

Their names are very significant; it tells that God’s delays are not His denials!
… The name Zechariah means “The Lord remembers”
… The name Elizabeth means, “the oath of God”

Thus, the name of the couple stands for: The Lord remembers His oath!

However, the long years of barrenness would have seemed as a contradiction to them – it seemed God had totally forgotten about them.

But this is where we learn, that God’s delays are certainly not His denials!
He has a better plan (Jer 29:11) – always, without fail!

And they were indeed blessed with a Son – named “John” whose name means “God is Gracious!”

True to this name, after a prolonged period of silence and hush…
… Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced the “Graciousness of God”

The long agony had been finally rewarded….with the Graciousness of God – John!

The “muteness” that this Couple experienced, also reflected the Silence that the people of Israel experienced…
… in their waiting of the Messiah!

But the Birth of John, was the breaking of this silence.

The World, which waited eagerly for the Messiah, had now heard a Voice!

It was time to put off the “Mute”…
… the Voice had been Born!
John 1:23, “I am the Voice of one, crying out in the desert!”

John the Baptist, the Voice, had been born, to announce the coming of Jesus, the Word!

We all undergo “Mute” moments in our lives!

They are painful and agonizing moments…
… when all seems dry, answerless, silent
… when there is only dreadful calm, a total brokenness, painful agonies and miseries
… when there is sometimes even no hope ahead!

Sometimes, in unbelief, we may begin to even question or interrogate God…
… like Zechariah questioned the Angel
… and may get affected with some physical muteness of health or wealth or prestige or disbelief or misunderstanding or persecution etc…!

But nothing of our unbelief will spoil God’s plan for us…
God says in Jer 29:11, “I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future, full of hope!”

Our “mute” moments will be transformed, into, “His name is John” moments…!
Our “unspoken miseries” will be transfigured into ” gracious and gifted” moments…!

Let’s strengthen our lives with the oft-heard truth about three ways of God answering our prayers…

YES… I will fulfill your desire in the way you want
or WAIT… in my own time, I will grant your wishes
or NO… I have something much better for you!!

Let us be patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments…
… so that we may experience the gracious & gifted “HIS NAME IS JOHN” moments in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MERCY AND SIN

Conversion requires convincing of sin
It includes the interior judgment of conscience, and this, being a proof of the action of the Spirit of truth in man’s inmost being…

… becomes at the same time the start of a new grant of grace and love: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (CCC # 1848)