“Entrusting ourselves totally to the Lord and allowing even our flaws to bloom and bless others!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…
… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.

While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house…
… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments
>> But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:
>> “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.
>> Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:
>> “Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:
>> “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.
>> I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.
>> Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”


As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission
>> This requires that we be just the way we are…
… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…
… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.


The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.
>> There were crowds of people following Him…
>> There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…
… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)


The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.
>> Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus
>> Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus
>> Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus


But as the saying goes…
“Challenges are what makes life interesting…
… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”


Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…
>> He remained courageous and determined.
>> He not only chooses the Twelve…
… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…
… with an authority over unclean spirits
… to proclaim the Kingdom of God
… to preach repentance and peace


In this mission joureney, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…
“… to take nothing for the journey…
… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” ( Mk 6: 8-10)


The Twelve were to learn…
… to totally depend on the Lord
… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures


Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…
… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally dependant on the Lord and have the Lord as my Courage and Strength…
…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I get easily discouraged and disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…
… or do I know for sure that even with all my flaws and weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?


Christian missionary life is a journey
>> There may be times when we feel we are not doing enough
>> There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His Shoulders assures us:
“I have always known about your flaws…
… and I take advantage of that.
>> Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”

Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way
>> And if we entrust ourselves totally to Him…
… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!


Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…
… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE HUMAN COMMUNITY
>> The vocation of humanity is to show forth the image of God and to be transformed into the image of the Father’s only Son.
>> This vocation takes a personal form since each of us is called to enter into the divine beatitude…
… it also concerns the human community as a whole. (CCC # 1877)
————

“According the deserving status and recognition of the Lord’s presence in our lives!”

(Based on 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17 and Mk 6:1-6 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A distinguished actor had a large photograph of William Wordsworth (= a major English Romantic poet)…
… prominently displayed in his dressing-room.

A friend, who came to see this actor and observing the picture remarked with some surprise…
“Hmmm… I see!
>> So you are an admirer of Wordsworth?”

“Wordsworth? Who’s that?” enquired back the actor.

“Why, that’s his picture,” was the answer, as the friend pointed towards the image “That’s William Wordsworth, the literary giant. This picture would surely have cost you a fortune!”

The actor looked at the photograph with a bemused gaze!

“Is that old guy, a famous poet?” he exclaimed in astonishment!
>> “Oh! Who bothers about these old guys! I just picked up that frame from my storehouse, to fill the empty space on my wall!!”


The picture that was hung on the wall failed to acquire its deserved status and recognition …
• due to the ignorance of the actor
• due to his contempt for and prejudice towards old guys


How often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…
… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!


The Gospel of the Day is presentation of this “rejection” experience of the Lord in His hometown.

The Lord arrives in His hometown.
>> On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.


The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:
“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)


But this feeling quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:
“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)


What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?
• It was simply because Jesus was “just one of them!”
• It was simply because Jesus was “too acquainted to them!”


Familiarity often breeds contempt!
• When one is too close to the Divine, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

• When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”


How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

• Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….
>> Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?
>> Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”… ?


Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…
• Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and Whatsapp and social networking tools…
>> Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?
>> Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent” … ?


The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.
>> However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced…
>> Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!
>> Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!
>> Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life… due to our ignorance…. our contempt of things… and our prejudiced mindsets!


We are invited today to “open our eyes” and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us… personally… as a family… as a community… and as a Church, have been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.
• True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…
>> Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always…
… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?


Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on his Feast Day…
… and do our best “to accord the deserving status and recognition to the Lord’s presence in our lives!”


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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> “Structures of sin” are the expression and effect of personal sins.
>> They lead their victims to do evil in their turn.
>> In an analogous sense, they constitute a “social sin.”(CCC # 1869)
————

“Letting go of every ‘Fear’ in our lives, by having deeper ‘Faith’ in the Lord!”

(Based on 2 Sam 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3 and Mk 5:21-43 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Here is a story of a mother and her little four-year-old daughter were getting ready to retire for the night.

The child was afraid of darkness.

The mother, alone with the child, felt a little fearful as well.

When the room lights were put off, the child caught a glimpse of the moon outside the window.

“Mother,” she asked with innocence, “is the moon, God’s light?”

“Yes, my child” said the mother “God’s light is always shining.”

The next doubt was, “Will God blow out His light and go to sleep?”

The mother smiled at her and replied, “No, my child. God never goes to sleep.”

Then out of the simplicity of a child’s faith, she said that which gave reassurance to the fearful mother: “Well, so long as God is awake, I am not afraid!”

The assurance that God was with them, made the little child courageous and strong!

A deep faith casts away every fear…
A strong belief puts aside every panic…

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful journey, with Jesus, in this movement from “Fear” through “Faith”…
… Jairus, whose daughter was at the point of death, is led from the “fear of death and hopelessness” through “faith” to experience the miracle of restoration of life
… The woman with haemorrhage for twelve years is led from the “fear of shame and depression” through “faith” to experience the miracle of cleansing and wholeness of life.

The Gospel passage of the day is one of the many “sandwich” passages in the Gospel of St Mark.

“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 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 11: 12-25, we have…
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

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 5: 21-43
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

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

Age:

Jairus’ daughter is 12 years
The woman was suffering from haemorrhage for 12 years

Description of the Condition:

Jairus’ daughter at the point of death
The woman at the point of utter hopelessness

Status of the person:

Jairus is the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue
The woman with the problem of bleeding is an old widow

The support system for the suffering one:

Jairus’ daughter has many people to mourn – to weep and wail loudly
The widow is all alone in her suffering and agony

The place:

Jairus’ daughter is in her room, in the house
The woman with the haemorrhage is out on the crowded street

The mode of healing:

Jairus’ daughter is healed with a word, “Talitha Koum”
The suffering woman was healed by a “touch”

The title used by Jesus:

Jairus’ daughter is called by Jesus as ‘Little Girl’
The suffering woman is called by Jesus as ‘Daughter’

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

1. Emphasis on Faith
   Jairus, the father of the sick child, as well as the suffering woman display a tremendous faith and trust in Jesus

Do I also put my trust and hope in the Lord, even when situations are “dead-like” and there seems no hope in life?

2. Acts of humility
   Jairus, as well as the suffering woman, make acts of humility, by falling at the feet of Jesus and pleading for mercy and help

Am I able to let go of my egoistic tendencies and be ready to fall at the feet of the Lord, seeking for His mercy, compassion and help?

3. The Lord being in perfect control
   Jairus, as well as the suffering woman experience the charismatic power and control that Jesus displays even when throngs of pain, suffering and death are surrounding him.

Do I realise that even if there are crowds of humiliation and shame around me or mourners of discouragement and despair wailing loudly in my life, the Lord is still in perfect charge, if I surrender and offer my life to His tremendous power?

The “sandwich stories” of the day are a great invitation for us to move from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”, trusting and putting our hope in the Lord and in His Mighty Power.

It is to be also noted that after the cure of Jairus’ daughter, the Lord asked her parents to “give her something to eat” (Mk 5: 43)

This could also be a reminder for us, in our spiritual life, that after moving from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”…
… we also need to sustain and nourish it by eating and consuming of the “Life of Fullness” in the Most Holy Eucharist!

Let us let go of every “Fear” in our lives, by having deeper “Faith” in the Lord and enjoying the “Fullness” of healing and happiness!

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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Sin makes men accomplices of one another…
… and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them.

Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness. (CCC # 1869)

“Like Jesus, being altruistic in words and deeds and actions!”

(Based on 2 Sam 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 and Mk 5:1-20 – Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.
>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.


The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in His great ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to many…
… of healing
… of rebuking the evil spirits
… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

And today He enters a Gentile territory…
… They came to the other side of the sea to the territory of Gerasenes” (Mk 5: 1)


In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.
>> The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father…
… and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.


As He enters the territory of Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man “who came from the tombs with an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2)

St Mark describes the awful state that the man was in…
… dwelling among the tombs
… none could restrain him
…. bound in chains


Sometimes, in life, we too find ourselves in such a situation…
… though not physically, but mentally, socially and spiritually!

In all such “possessed” situations of life…
… are we ready to encounter the presence of the Lord?

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…
…. do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?


St Mark goes on to describe the state of the demoniac…
… how he would hurt himself with stones (Mk 5: 5)
… how he cried out loudly to the Lord (Mk 5:7)
… how he pleaded the Lord to not chase away from that comfort zone (Mk 5:10)


We need to ask ourselves…
>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?
… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?
… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?
… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?
… The power of the Lord is here to set free!


The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage declares His intentions of going to other towns (Mk 5:18)…
… and also exhorts the demoniac who was healed to remain in his place, and to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mk 5: 19-20).

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing
>> And He also inspires and exhorts those who have been touched by Him, to become a witness to His Works and His Kingdom

Do I imitate the Lord…
…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?
… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?


The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

This Altruism of Jesus challenges us…
… to be willing to change our lives, go beyond our zones of comfort and help the needy with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!
…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!


Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.


Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God…
… not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”


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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
– by participating directly and voluntarily in them
– by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them
– by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
– by protecting evil-doers. (CCC # 1868)
————-

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

(Based on Dt 18:15-20, 1 Cor 7:32-35 and Mk 1:21-28- 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A beautiful and commonly quoted story goes thus:

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

A man – known to be an unbeliever in God and who highly despised religion – who was listening to this radio program…

…. decided to make something out of it…

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

He got the ladies’ address…

… then called his secretary and ordered her to buy food

>> And take to the woman with the following instruction:

“when the woman asks who sent the food…

… tell her that it’s from the devil.”

When the secretary arrived and delivered the food to the woman…

… the woman was so happy and readily accepted the food and moved inside her little house.

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

The woman answered:

“NO, it doesn’t matter!

>> Because when GOD orders, even the devil obeys.”

Yes…

… when God orders, even the devil obeys!

The Gospel of the Day presents this act of encounter…

… where the shackles of captivity and bondage of Satan are broken by the power of release and liberation by Jesus!

… where Kingdom of Satan yields to the Kingdom of God!

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

>> His teaching is full of power and conviction…

>> His teaching is filled with passion and fervour…

This presentation of Jesus, with full of power and authority is something remarkable…

… and worth to be imitated and inspired.

Jesus announced in his first Programmatic Speech (Lk 4: 16-30)…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…

… to proclaim liberty to the captives”

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

Those people, who were captivated…

… by sin

… by oppression

… by evil forces and satanic powers

>> And this “liberation from captivity,” was done by Jesus…

… with a lot of power and authority

… with immense conviction and passion

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions

As He thus taught the people, Jesus encountered a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out:

” What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” (Mk 1: 24)

Darkness cannot reign, when light shines!

>> Filth cannot dominate, where there is immense holiness!

The man with the unclean spirit could not tolerate the Words and the Presence of Jesus!

>> His heart and mind began to reverberate

Irritation began in him..

… Restlessness began to overpower him

And finally, unable to withstand, he yelll out: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?!” (Mk 1: 24)

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

The Lord with might and power, boldness and audacity ordered:

“QUIET! Come out of him” (Mk 1: 25)

And when God orders, even the devil obeys!

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

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

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

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

We often get tied down by the powers of temptation

>> We often get disappointed by the struggles of sinful tendencies

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

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

What is therefore needed is that, we need to…

… yield ourselves to the Orders of God!

… make ourselves open and docile to the Commands of God!

Let’s examine our Christian lives and check:

Do I constantly seek live a life, in the Presence of the Lord…

… so that no powers of Satan can touch us?

Do I nourish my spiritual life with the daily food of Prayer, Word of God and re-commitment to holiness…

… so that we are never under the bondage of the evil?

The mighty power of the Lord is with us

>> Always wanting to provide for us!

>> Always wanting to take care of us!

Let’s submit ourselves to His Power and Authority, knowing for sure:

“When God orders, even the devil obeys!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN

>> The catechetical tradition also recalls that there are “sins that cry to heaven”: 

… the blood of Abel

… the sin of the Sodomites

… the cry of the people oppressed in Egypt 

… the cry of the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan

… injustice to the wage earner. (CCC # 1867)

————-

“Journeying with the Lord, with a readiness and humility to learn, even through the storms and hardships of life!”

(Based on 2 Sam 12:1-7a, 10-17 and Mk 4:35-41 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The journey with the Lord is always an interesting one…
>> There are moments of tremendous joys and happiness…
>> There are times of fascinating delights and elations…

There are also however, moments of dryness and silence.


The Gospel of the Day is an account of the Disciples experiencing this dryness and silence, in their journey with the Lord.

It’s a very late evening…nearing midnight…
>> The disciples along with Jesus, who have embarked on a boat, are caught in the midst of a heavy storm.
“A violent squall came up and the waves were breaking over the boat…” (Mk 4: 36)


Some of the disciples were fishermen.

They had been many many years at the sea.
>> They had often suffered the fury and vehemence of nature
>> They had been greatly used to many storms and tempests at sea.


But this storm seemed to be too fierce and too ferocious.
>> The disciples feared greatly!

With death bells ringing in their ears, and a dreadful end before their eyes…
… the disciples were shocked to see Jesus, unmoved and unperturbed.
“Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion” (Mk 4:38)


In the moment of their deep anguish and helpless, the disciples cry out:
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mk 4:38)
>> The boat could capsize anytime and all of them could be drowned soon…
>> The storms could lash brutally and the waves could overturn them any moment…


Time was fast running…

But Jesus seemed totally unfazed!
>> Jesus seemed totally disinterested!
And they cry out to Jesus… Lord, do you not care?


How many times have we screamed similar words to God:
“Lord, do you not care?!”

>> Lord, do you not care…
… that my family member is so sick?
… that I feel totally alone and miserable in my life?
… that my marriage is failing and my family is breaking up?
… that am without a job now and the future ahead is so bleak?
… that my life seems so meaningless and without any purpose?
… that I am plunged to loneliness and abandoned by all my friends?
… that I encounter only failures, dejection and rejection in my endevours?


When we look into the Gospel, it is amazing to know whose plan it was, in the first place to make this boat journey…

When we re-read the Gospel passage, we find the answer…
Mk 4:35 says, “On that day, as evening drew near, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side'”!

Ah…..

Shall we read that again?

… JESUS said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side”!


The idea to go in the boat was not that of the disciples…
>> The idea to go in the boat was that of JESUS!

The encounter with the storms was not some accident!
>> The stumbling into the violent waves was not some unlucky thing!

It had a purpose!
It had a meaning!

For the disciples, it was a moment of terror…
… But the Lord used this terrorizing time to teach them to have faith in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of immense crisis…
… But the Lord used this critical moment, to teach them to trust in Him!


King David would be convicted of his mistake and be made to realize the seriousness of the crime that he had committed…
… when Prophet Nathan would acquit him of the sin of adultery against the wife of Uriah
>> This dreadful of sin and guilt would become a moment for King David to be lowered in humility, in abject dependence on the Lord and he would confess and repent: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam 12:13)

David would realize his vulnerability and understand the need to always “pray for a pure heart!” (Cf Ps 51:10)


Our moments of struggle a time of testing…
>> Our moments of struggle can become a time of learning…

Testing of our genuine faith… learning of deeper trusting!
>> Testing of our real convictions…learning of profound dependence!


Let us, have the willingness to grow deeper by trusting the Lord in crisis moments.
>> Then we too will be blessed to hear the Lord commanding the waves and storms of hardships of our lives: “Quiet! Be Still!” (Mk 4: 39)


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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN
>> Some vices are called “capital” because they engender other sins, other vices.
>> They are pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth or acedia. (CCC # 1866)
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“Avoiding all ‘lame’ excuses and wholeheartedly accepting the Mission Mandate of the Lord, inspired by the example of St Timothy and St Titus!”

(Based on Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops)

A lady – affected much with polio – and able to walk with just one leg approached a visa desk to go to the missions in the land of Africa.

She had been greatly influenced by the call of the Lord in the Gospels, to “be a missionary” and so decided to give her life totally for the missions.

The visa officer – himself a Christian – after reviewing and verifying her documents…
… had one last question to be ask, before giving the approval: “Can you give me a convincing answer as to why, with just one leg, you are taking up this risky mission journey?”

The lady, with a grin replied: “Well, I don’t find those with two legs going!”

The visa request was immediately granted!

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is a task entrusted to every Christian.

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St Timothy and St Titus…
… Bishops in the early Church and close companions of St Paul

1. St Timothy…
   … (came from Lystra in present-day Turkey) was the son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father
   After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.

St Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.

Later, they came together in Corinth, and Timothy accompanied Paul on many of his missionary travels.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.

In the year 93 AD, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

St. John retreated to Ephesus before eventually dying on the island of Patmos, and that the Virgin Mary followed John to Ephesus, living in a house above the town.

It is also quite possible, that St. Timothy – being the Bishop of Ephesus – also had interactions with Mother Mary and St John, who had (as many scholars say and many writings testify) spent their last years in Ephesus.

St Timothy therefore would have drunk from the deepest wells of the Christian tradition – hearing about the life of Christ from the lips of the most important witnesses of His Life and Death!

2. St Titus…
   … was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years. >> He pursued a life of virtue, and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.

According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth….
… only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

St Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51, and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.

After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete…
… He is credited with leading the Church of Crete, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.

These two great saints teach us important lessons on living as a follower of Christ…
… Christ reminds and exhorts every one of us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” (Lk 10:2-3)

a. Being ready to face any challenge or opposition in being a witness to the Gospel

St Timothy and St Titus had to face innumerable opposition – from within community, from the persecutors around, in their mission journeys etc
… yet to remained firm and faithful to their mission mandate

Are we ready to brave every challenge to be a courageous witness of the Gospel in our own life situations?

Are we ready to depend on the Lord for everything?

As we are told, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.” (Lk 10:4)…
… we are reminded on the need to avoid reliance on material dimensions of life; instead to have our dependence totally on the Lord!

St Timothy and St Titus experienced the fruits of this “total dependence” in their ministries!

Can we let go of our various attachments and trust deeper in the Providence of the Lord?

b. Untiring zeal and passion for the Kingdom
St Timothy and St Titus accompanied St Paul in his missionary journeys…
… and learnt the “art of passionate zeal for missions” in imitation of Christ

Are we ready to be enrolled into the school of Jesus, the Greatest Missionary and learn from him the “art of passionate zeal for missions?”

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is indeed a task entrusted to every Christian.

God has blessed us immensely with many good things…
… and it is our duty to put all these blessings and graces for the Glory of the Lord

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

May the missionary zeal of St Timothy and St Titus inspire us…
… and help us to “rekindle the gift of God that is within…” (Cf. 2 Tim 1:6)

Happy Feast of St Timothy and St Titus!

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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose…
… or also be linked to the capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished

… following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. (CCC # 1866)

“Being ready to stick our lives into the ‘jar of God’s honey of love!’”

(Based on Feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle)

A little boy was returning home, with a jar of honey in his hand.

A gentleman, walking behind him, was constantly observing the boy…
… how very often, he would stick his finger inside the jar, and taste a little of the honey.

After noticing this quite a few times, he approached the boy and asked:
“Son, what do you have in that jar”
“Sweet Honey” said the boy

“Honey? Is it sweet?” enquired the man
“Yes Sir”

“How sweet is your honey?” asked the man again
“Very sweet Sir!”

“You are tasting this so often. So I want to know how much sweet is it?” the man enquired one more time
“Very sweet Sir!”

“Well, I don’t understand you!” continued the man, “I am asking you how sweet it is, and you are only saying, it is very sweet! I don’t understand you!”

Finally, the boy lost his patience, and extending the honey jar, he said:
“Take this jar, and stick your finger!
Taste and see for yourself!”

Quite true, isn’t it?

Any description of the sweetness of the honey would not suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such event of a person, who experienced the Sweetness of the Lord: The conversion of St Paul.

When we look into the life of St Paul, there are several factors that we can meditate on, and learn from.

One of the very striking aspects is that of the Passion and Zeal of St Paul.

This passion was greatly reflected in all aspects of his life…
… in his preaching and his writings!
… in his dealing with the Gentiles and their cause of faith
… in his aggressiveness against anything that caused scandal and harm to the Church
… in his uncompromising attitude towards anything that endangered his relationship with the Lord!

Some of his writings in the letters reflect this aspect of Passion and Zeal:

“Woe to me, if I don’t preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)
“I count everything as a loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:8)
“For me to live is to Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)
“My preaching… was a demonstration of the Spirit and power” ( 1 Cor 2:4)

We need to ask ourselves:

Is my Christian life, filled with passion and zeal?
Do I burn with love for God and His Kingdom?
Does the Lord and His Will come first, in my life?

It’s easy to remain on the “theoretical” dimension of Christian life!

We can very often have only discussions and deliberations about faith
… but not real prayer or living in the Spirit

We can many times have talks being heard or books being read on Christian life
… but not necessarily living the Christian life of virtues and a Sacramental Life

We can sometimes enter into doubts about Christianity, to “know more”…
… but not necessarily growing in our relationship with the Lord or loving Him more

The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul is a mighty reminder to all of us…
… to live our Christian lives “passionately and zealously!”

Yes, just as any description of the sweetness of honey would not suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

St Paul experienced the “sweetness of the Lord”…
… and he gave his life for the Lord – in passion and in zeal.

What about us?

Are we ready to stick our lives into the “jar of God’s honey of love?”

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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Sin creates a proclivity to sin; it engenders vice by repetition of the same acts.
This results in perverse inclinations which cloud conscience
… and corrupt the concrete judgment of good and evil.
Thus sin tends to reproduce itself and reinforce itself…

… but it cannot destroy the moral sense at its root. (CCC # 1865)

“Inspired by the life of St Francis de Sales – to ‘live in holiness and sanctity!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:4-17 and Mk 4:1-20 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of St Francis de Sales)

Three different incidents are a told of a person, who was known to struggle with impatience, anger and exasperation…
… yet would deal with it, with a lot of maturity and patience.

The first incident is of stray man who walked through the streets, and was trying to ‘do him in’ – trying to harm the person.
This person however, would tell him:
“I am told you wish me harm. I can promise you that even if you had put out one of my eyes, I would still look kindly upon you with the other!”

The second incident is when he would be insulted by a certain high official and he was asked, why he did not lose his temper. He would admit and say:
“At that time and many other times, I was seething with anger like water in a pot, boiling over the fire; but that by the Grace of God, even if the violent efforts to resist such passion endangered my life…
… I would not let myself go!”

The third incident would be when the person would be instigated to lose temper and to speak badly to a young man. This would be his reaction to the same:
“What did you want me to do in the matter?
… I did what I could to arm myself with an anger that was not sinful. I took my heart in my two hands, but I did not have the courage to dress him down.

To tell you the truth, I was afraid of losing in a quarter of an hour this little bit of liquid of gentleness…
… which I have attempted to gather for twenty-two years, drop by drop like dew in the vessel of my puny heart!”

All these three incidents would be occasions when a person – like any of us – in the normal circumstance would have got angry and lost patience.

However, this person, with the Grace of God remained calm and composed.

He was willing to “live in holiness and sanctity”…
… and to always seek and go God’s Will.

This person is St Francis de Sales – known as the Gentleman Saint…
… whose feast is celebrated on January 24th.

His life is a great inspiration to all of us…
… as he would allow himself to be moulded by the Grace of God
… and with honest efforts, would grow in virtue and holiness.

He was willing, as the Gospel of the day exhorts, ‘to allow the seed of God’s Word’ to ‘fall on rich soil and produce fruit – thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.’ (Cf. Mk 4:8)

The 2nd Book of Samuel 7:4-17 presents beautiful lessons which we need to follow in our lives…
… and which were so well lived by St Francis de Sales

1. Divine Guidance
   The Lord reminds His amazing guidance…
   … in the life of the nation Israel
   … and in the life of David

We are called to recollect the goodness and guidance of the Lord and to live in gratitude…
… just as St Francis de Sales would say, “God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in his arms!”

2. Paternal love and correction
   God declares that, “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me….” (Cf. 2 Sam 7:14)

God displays His commitment to guiding and disciplining His chosen ones…
… “correction to goodness being a remarkable manifestation of His steadfast love!”

As a priest and bishop, St Francis de Sales…
… would gently yet firmly lead many “straying Catholics” back to the Church … and “strictly yet caringly” would direct and raise many ‘seekers of God’ to the interior caves of Divine Love!

We are called to live, in imitation of Christ who calls us “to learn from Me, for I am gentle and meek of heart” (Cf. Mt 11:29)

As St Francis de Sales teaches us:
“Do everything calmly and peacefully. Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to His will joyously.
Do everything for God, uniting yourself to Him in word and deed.”

Let us be willing – inspired by the life of St Francis de Sales – to “live in holiness and sanctity”…
… and to always seek and do God’s Will in our lives!

Happy Feast of St Francis de Sales, the Gentleman Saint and the Doctor of Love!

God Bless! Vive Jesus… 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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”
There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting…
… rejects the forgiveness of his sins
… and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit.

Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss. (CCC # 1864)

“Aligning our hearts with God’s commands, and making our life ‘an orchestra of obedience!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 6:12b-15, 17-19 and Mk 3:31-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

In a lively city, a conductor gathered musicians for a grand orchestra. >> Excitement filled the room as they prepared for a special performance.

As they were about to commence their rehearsal, the conductor exhorted: “Each of you has a unique role, a special note to play. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary.”

During practice, however, a violinist approached the conductor, saying, “I’ve been thinking, maestro. What if I add a little flair, my own touch, you know? Spice things up a bit!”

The conductor, with a smile, replied: “Ah, my dear, your enthusiasm is admirable, but remember, our strength lies in unity.
Each note, as written, contributes to the masterpiece.
Let’s stick to the composition for the melodious music to unfold.”

On the big night, the orchestra played in perfect harmony, captivating the audience.

However, the spirited violinist, unable to resist the temptation, added a personal twist to the melody.
The result was a discordant note that disrupted the once-perfect symphony.

The conductor, with a gentle yet firm tone warned: “My friend, dont forget that the beauty is in the shared adherence to the score.

Your unique flair, though admirable, has momentarily disrupted our unity.”

Realizing the negative impact, the violinist nodded, as the conductor encouraged: “Let’s finish strong, together.”

As the orchestra resumed, the unity was restored.

The symphony reached its crescendo, leaving the audience in awe.

Our lives are instruments in God’s symphony.

True commitment means joyfully following God’s commands…
… and creating a harmonious composition

The readings of the day are a call to rejoice in following Lord’s ways…
… and to make our life “an orchestra of obedience!”

The First Reading – 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 – presenting David joyfully dancing before the Ark of the Covenant as it is brought to Jerusalem, offers us points for reflection:

1. Expressive Worship: David’s exuberant dance before the Ark showcases a devotion that goes beyond mere ritual…
   … emphasizing the importance of expressing joy and gratitude in our relationship with God.

When we delight in the commands of God, we begin to be joyful and expressive in our love for the Lord and in His service

2. Holiness in our acts of devotion: David’s act of wearing a linen ephod during the procession emphasizes the sacredness of worship.

When we pray, we are called to seek for holiness in life, and translate our prayer life into devout acts of service to God and others, in daily life

3. Community Celebration: The involvement of the entire house of Israel in bringing the Ark and joining David in shouts of joy highlights the communal aspect of worship.

We are reminded that our relationship with God is not only personal, but also has a community dimension – as we are called to live in unity

David gives the highest honour to God – by restoring the Ark, in the City of Jerusalem, reminding us…
… obedience leads to expressive workshop
… obedience impels us to pursue holiness in our acts of devotion
… obedience inspires us to have community dimension in our prayer

The Gospel (Mk 3:31-35) is a strong reminder of who is part of the family of Jesus: Only those who do God’s Will!

We are called to check if our life “is centered on seeking and doing the Will of God, at every moment, in every situation!”

What is our attitude and mentality…

Am I primarily concerned with worldly affairs, or do I engage myself more into spiritual realities?
Am I obsessed more with worldly gains, or am I zealous for spiritual graces and blessings?

David’s example encourages a prioritization of our spiritual journey…
… recognizing the significance of honouring God’s presence

Jesus declares that only those who do God’s Will are His disciples…
… recognizing also the powerful discipleship of Mary

Let us align our hearts with God’s commands…
… and make our life “an orchestra of obedience!”

God Bless!

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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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

“Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness.”
While he is in the flesh, man cannot help but have at least some light sins. But do not despise these sins which we call “light”: if you take them for light when you weigh them, tremble when you count them.

A number of light objects makes a great mass; a number of drops fills a river; a number of grains makes a heap. What then is our hope? Above all, confession. (CCC # 1863)