“Pursuing credibility and authenticity to have true spiritual growth and nourishment!”

(Based on 2 Sam 5:1-7, 10 and Mk 3:22-30 – Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Michelangelo has been one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen.

His notable works of “Pieta”, “David”, “Moses”, “The Last Judgment” have been unparalleled in their beauty and perfection.

Another of his fantastic work has been the Frescoes on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling (in the Vatican)

It is said that as this great artist painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel – lying on his back for endless hours to finish every detail with great care…
… A friend asked him why he took such pains with figures that would be viewed from a considerable distance.

“After all,” the friend said, “Who will notice whether it is perfect or not?”

The artist who was known for his perfection at all works replied…
… “I will!”

The motivation for perfection in all things, for Michelangelo, was not from outside…
… it was a based on his conviction that he should be “credible and authentic” in all what he does.

Our spiritual life also follows a similar principle: When credibility and authenticity are lacking in a spiritual endeavour, there is very less spiritual growth and nourishment!

It is credibility and authenticity that helps to gain spiritual progress and advancements!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of how true integrity and authority can work tremendous wonders, conversions of heart and transformations of life…
… and how it can also cause some people to “oppose credibility and authenticity” by engaging in calumny and character-assassination!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the statement that…
… “the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul and by the prince of demons , He casts out the demons” (Mk 3:22)

One of the reasons why the Scribes were irked by the personality of Jesus was because of the tremendous authority that was displayed by Jesus!

Yes, the amazing factor in the ministry of Jesus was His tremendous authority!

The wondrous aspect in the ministry of Jesus was His awesome integrity!

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Mark, we read…

The people “were astonished at his teaching, for He taught as one who had authority…” (Mk 1:22)
“… they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves…. ‘…with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” ( Mk 1: 27)

This authority and integrity came…
… through His deep union with His Heavenly Father.
… through His faithfulness to the commands of His heavenly Father
… through His undivided devotion to His Heavenly Father

How authentic, credible and integral are we in our life…
… as a Christian?
… in the family?
… as a consecrated person?

Authenticity does not mean arrogance…

Credibility does not mean over-confidence…

Authenticity, credibility and integrity in the Lord means…
… filled with the power and strength of God’s Spirit
… imbued with a deep passion for the Lord and His Church
… living an honest lifestyle in accordance to God’s Will and teachings

The Gospel of the Day calls us to check and examine…
… is my prayer life and devotion truly authentic and credible?
… is my preaching and spreading of God’s Word filled with His Holy Spirit?
… is my reception of the Sacraments helping me to make an honest effort to be a true Christian?

Let our prayers become a true raising of hearts to God…

Let the receiving of the Sacraments become an honest transformation for life…

Jesus is our model and example to be true and honest in life!

May our spiritual life follows the principle:

Only when credibility and authenticity are pursued…
… we can have true spiritual growth and nourishment!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin. >> However venial sin does not break the covenant with God.

With God’s grace it is humanly reparable. (CCC # 1863)

“Listening to God’s Word and being ready to go fishing with the Great Fisherman of Galilee!”

(Based on Jon 3:1-5, 10, 1 Cor 7:29-31 and Mk 1:14-20 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

The fish has been greatly associated with Christianity.

The early Christians used to associate each other with a code symbol named ICHTHUS.

ICHTHUS is the Greek word for Fish.

ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthus) was also an acronym for “Ίησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ”, (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr), which translates as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”.

It is a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish.

As per an ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road..
… the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt.

If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company.

The fish has been sailing along the Christian waters for quite long!

And this journey of the fish in the Christian waters has its commencement in the Gospel of the Day – Jesus calls His first disciples, who were busy “catching fish”.

In the Gospel of the Day, Simon , his brother Andrew, along with the family of Zebedee – John, James and their father, were busy fishing.

The Lord, indeed, comes to meet and encounter us in the ordinary situations of our life.

Fishing was their means of livelihood

As they are engaged in these affairs of livelihood and occupation, they have a surprise visitor – Jesus!

He comes with a contagious fire of love in His heart & a gentle expression on His face.

He calls out to the busy fishermen, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men!” (Mk 1:17)

“Fishers of men??!”

All their life they had only known that its only fish that can be fished!

But this was strange to hear – that “people could also be fished!”

That trade of “fishing of people” would soon be taught to them by the Great Fisherman of Galilee…

Not with hooks of iron…
… but with hooks of conscience-appeal and heart-attraction

Not spreading nets of cloth, nylon or fibre etc…
… but with nets of goodness and love

Not travelling in deep waters of the sea…
… but navigating into the depths of human life

In the ordinary situation of life…
The disciples experienced the call to go beyond mere existential realities

The Lord introduces them to a Way to Eternity!

For these fishermen-disciples, life had got into a sort of daily ordinary rhythm:
Going for fishing and trying their luck…
… Sometimes high success… many times immense failure…most of the times nothing exciting.
It was just a monotonous, repetitive and droning style of life.

Our lives too sometimes become a matter of routine and ordinary existence…

The same daily works and activities…
… Sometimes high success… many times immense failure… most of the times nothing exciting.
It is, very often, just a tedious, dull and boring style of life.

But in these ordinary moments, there are glimpses of the Extraordinary that is often revealed.

In the simple situations, there are rays of the Light of Eternity that often shines through.

Are we open and docile to these “ordinary” and “simple” appearances of the Lord in our lives?

The First Reading recounts the amazing short story of Jonah (a book with only 4 chapters, and can be read in just around 20 min!)

Jonah – unwilling to be a Prophet for the Lord – experiences the Great Mercy of God manifested to people, who repented!

Indeed, “openness and docility” to the Lord works mighty wonders!

Today, the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, is celebrated as the “Sunday of the Word of God”

Instituted by Pope Francis, this day is devoted to the celebration and study of Sacred Scripture

This “Sunday of the Word of God” beckons us to three important actions:

1. Read the Word of God and be open to it

The people of Ninevah “read the Word of God” through Prophet Jonah and “were open to repentance!”
As it is beautifully said, “When reading the Word of God, first open your heart, before you open the Bible!”

2. Hold on to the Word of God as the anchor of our life

When we face much difficulties and struggles in our day to life – as St Paul reminds us, “in this passing world” (1 Cor 7:31), the Word of God is to become our refuge and anchor to stand optimistic and joyful

3. Proclaim the Word to others and spread His Mission to all

The first fishermen-disciples were ready “to cast the net of God’s Word” to many and boldly offered their lives in service to the Kingdom of the Word!

Yes, we are all called to be a “slave of the Word”
… and live the Word in our lives, because “our lives may perhaps be the only Gospel that people may ever read in their lives!”

Through the intercession of St Agnes, let us also proclaim “Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve.”

Simple fishermen became part of the Super Fishing Strategy of the Greatest Fisherman of the world!

You and I… are called to today, in the littleness and the ordinariness of our lives…
…to give witness to the One who renovates lives and transforms hearts!
… to get transformed & filled with the same passion and zeal of the Disciples!

Are we ready to go fishing with this Great Fisherman of Galilee?

Hail ICHTUS – Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Venial sin weakens charity…
… it manifests a disordered affection for created goods
… it impedes the soul’s progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good

… it merits temporal punishment. (CCC # 1863)

“Choosing to ‘make life better’ despite the ‘bitterness that seeks to snare us!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 and Mk 3:20-21 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A motivational speaker while addressing the fact of facing difficulties in life, said: “Life always presents to us situations of strife and struggle!
It’s left to us, how we act to it

We can either react negatively and become bitter…
… or we can respond positively and become better!
>> Struggles can make us bitter or better!

What is our response when we face the challenges of life
>> Do we become bitter?
… or can we become better?”


As people of faith, we are called to always “be better” and respond to situations…
… with genuine care and affection
… with passionate and uncompromising commitment

This is what we learn from the Biblical passages for the day
>> David, who responds to the death of Saul – supposedly an enemy…
… with intense pain and grief – a sign of genuine care and affection!
… >> Jesus, who faces the “ire of close people” including his relatives…
… due to His passionate and uncompromising commitment to the Kingdom!


The passage from 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 begins with David receiving the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death…
… prompting profound grief and intense pain!
>> “Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him… they mourned and wept, and fasted until evening…” (Cf. 2 Sam 1:11-12).


Here are three important Divine Learnings we need to adopt, witnessing the deep grief that David expresses over the death – especially that of Saul.

1. Respond to “jealousy and enmity” with care
Despite the historical enmity between them, David’s emotional response reflects a profound sense of care and compassion for Saul.
>> Are we able to display the “face of care” even when faced with people who are jealous and hostile?

2. Acknowledgment of God’s Anointing
David’s lamentation reflects his reverence for Divine appointments and his respect for the choices of God. He acknowledges that “Saul is God’s anointed” and bestows his highest respect for Divine authority
>> Are we able to “accept the Lord’s anointed ones” and strengthen them with our prayers and cares, despite their failures, owing to human weaknesses and frailties?

3. Rising above personal grievances, and mirroring God’s view of relationships
Instead of celebrating Saul’s downfall, David mourns…
… illustrating a noble and forgiving spirit that transcends the animosity of the past.

It highlights the fact that even amid conflicting situations, “forgiveness that flows from the heart of God” can be a soothing antidote!
>> Are we able to rise above our personal feelings, and extend God’s unconditional forgiveness to the ones who have hurt us?


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus labelled as being “out of mind!”
>> “Again the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them, even to eat.
When His relatives heard of this, they set out to seize Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind'” (Mk 3: 20-21)

Jesus faces situations that can cause Him to “become bitter!”
>> But He remains undeterred and continues to walk the paths that showed Him to “be better”

He continued to preach and proclaim the Kingdom of Love and Mercy…
· Broken lives were mended by the balm of His Holiness
· Ruined minds were revived by the power of His teachings
· Shattered destinies were made whole by the cure of His touch
· Hardened hearts were touched by the softness of His presence
· Ruptured consciences were restored by the gentleness of His love


In situations of strife and struggle, we can either react negatively and become bitter…
… or we can respond positively and become better!
>> David did not allow himself to “get bitter” despite the death of his enemy!
>> Jesus did not allow Himself to “get bitter” despite the accusations of so many!

Instead, both responded “to make life better!”


Let us dare to walk and live the path of the Lord, Who chose to “make life better” despite the “bitterness that surrounded Him!”
>> Let us learn from the example of David, who chose to “make life better” despite the “bitterness that sought to snare him!”


Strife and struggles will always ensnare us
>> Are we going to be bitter…
… or can we be better?


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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN
>> One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter…
… he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law
… or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter, but without full knowledge or without complete consent. (CCC # 1862)
—————

“Seeking to grow in the ‘spirituality of living in love – with gentleness and kindness!'”

(Based on 1 Sam 24:3-21 and Mk 3:13-19 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A hostel warden had fallen into the disagreeable habit of yelling at the boys who were in his charge.

He thought this necessary in order to maintain his authority

Once, he was confined to bed for a week with severe laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords)

He could not speak above a whisper…
… and had to run the affairs of the hostel from his bed.

“Do you know,” he confessed afterwards, “I found that the children were far more well-behaved and good-natured when I could only speak to them in a whisper…
… than when I used to shout at them!”

The waters of gentleness and kindness always find a way to seep through the rocky terrains of tough situations of life!

And it is God’s Mighty Love that causes us to act with gentleness and kindness…
… and “to repay evil not with evil, but to do good to people!”

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 24:3-21) is a marvellous exhortation on the need to “repay evil not with evil, but with good!”

David and his men are in the Desert of En Gedi.

It is a wild place of cliffs, caves, wilderness and springs.

Saul – along with nearly three thousand chosen people – who were in search of David to have him killed…
… goes into a cave

David gets an opportunity to kill Saul, who had in fact, come to kill him!

Here was a neat chance to take revenge and settle scores.

David would even be instigated by his fellow men:
“The men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.” (1 Sam 24:4)

David, however, would deny “doing evil for evil!”

Instead, he follows the Divine Strategy of “doing good, even in the face of evil!”

He spares the life of Saul – who is the anointed of the Lord – and even goes on to make an oath of not harming him!

Here is David following the great Divine Strategy, and invites and inspires us to follow the same:
“Doing evil for evil is bad!”
Doing nothing for evil is better!
Doing good for evil is best!”

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 3:13-19) presents Jesus Who moves about with His Ministry of “failing to stop in the face of evil, and continuing to do good!”

Jesus, in the midst of a ministry, of people rejecting him, and failing to accept His words…
… refuses to give in to failure or to stop doing the good.

Instead, “He responds to evil, by doing good” and establishes a band of twelve chosen ones…
… who were to join Him and continue His Noble Mission of “doing good, even in the face of evil!”

The twelve disciples who are chosen (Mk 3:13-19) would be schooled in the Discipleship of the Lord…
… to “leave everything and adopt the Divine Strategy of ‘doing good, even in the face of evil’”

We are invited to grow into Christians who display the Love and Mercy of God to people…
… by a life of gentleness and patience!

David would beautifully display this dimension by sparing the life of Saul and giving us the great lesson of “respect and honour” that is due to all the anointed and consecrated ones!

Jesus, remarkably responds to hostile and antagonistic situations in His Ministry by establishing a “group of people who would be invited to become agents of the Lord’s Mercy and Compassion!”

Let us always remember that the waters of gentleness and kindness…
… always find a way to seep through the rocky terrains of tough situations of life!

And it is God’s Mighty Love that causes us to act with gentleness and kindness…
… and “to repay evil not with evil, but to do good to people!”

Let us seek to grow in the “spirituality of living in love – with gentleness and kindness!”

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

If mortal sin is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness…
… it causes exclusion from Christ’s kingdom and the eternal death of hell
… for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back.

However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God. (CCC # 1861)

“Being attracted to the Presence of the Lord, to become more and more like Him!”

(Based on 1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7 and Mk 3:7-12 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A magnet is an object made of certain materials which creates a magnetic field around itself.

This magnetic field causes objects of certain properties to attract to itself…

The closer the objects are to the magnet, the stronger they are pulled to the attracting force.

Another interesting thing is that…
… objects attached to the magnet, over a certain period of time, themselves become magnetized and are able to attract other things to itself.

Divine Love constantly invites us to be attracted to Divine qualities…
… and to radiate the same in our lives.

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 18: 6-9, 37, 19:1-7) presents contrasting characteristics…
… the negative condition of jealousy: displayed by Saul, the king
… the positive quality of appreciation: radiated by Jonathon, his son

Saul is unable to digest the fact that the people sing higher praises of David and felt envious of his rising popularity:
“Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; what more can he have but the kingdom? So Saul eyed David from that day on.'” (1 Sam 18:8-9)

Jonathon, his son, however displayed a lot of maturity and exuded a sense of goodness and appreciation

“Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to you” (1 Sam 19:4)

Jonathan had responded positively to Divine Love, Which constantly invited him to be attracted to Divine qualities…
… and to radiate the same in his life.

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 3:7-12) is this wonderful presentation of Jesus Who radiates Divine qualities….
… and attracts many to by His Charismatic personality – like a magnet!

St Mark beautifully presents this attractive power of the Lord through the words:
“A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what He was doing, a large number of people came to Him…” (Mk 3: 7-8)

The popularity of the Lord was spreading far and wide…

His power over sin had many to look up to Him…
His authoritative teaching was astonishing to many…
His dominance over evil spirits was awe-inspiring for many…
His amazing healing power had caused a stir among people…

Like a magnet, the Lord was attracting many to Himself!

Like a magnet, the Lord was pulling variety of people to Himself!

The magnetic and charming power of the Lord attracts us too..
… But do we remain willing to get attracted to this amazing force?

The Living Presence of the Lord in our midst is in the Holy Eucharist.

The Holy Eucharist is the powerful magnet that can pull and attract many!

The tragedy in our life is that very often, this “magnetic” Eucharistic presence remains abandoned and forsaken!

It’s a pity that the Living Lord is hardly visited in the Blessed Sacrament!

Chapels and Churches often remain empty and forlorn…
Very few to visit Jesus to say Hello to Him, in the Eucharist!

We sometimes are reducing ourselves to a generation seeking only after mighty wonders!

We sometimes are making ourselves to be a people wanting only fascinating miracles!

But the Eucharist – the greatest wonder and miracle of the world often remains unnoticed!

There is nothing more sublime in this world than the Holy Eucharistic Presence!

There is nothing more beautiful than moments spent before the Eucharistic Lord!

Am I ready to get attracted and charmed by this magnetic presence of the Holy Eucharist?

The Lord waits for us…every moment…every day!
The Lord seeks for us…every second…every hour!

We may have different excuses to evade and avoid time before His presence…

Maybe too many works and occupations…
Maybe a feeling that it is too dry and boring to be with Him…
Maybe an attitude that social works suffice and go beyond all such pious devotions…

But no excuse and no theory can give justification to miss the Presence of the Lord!

It is possible that some of us may have the negative condition of jealousy: displayed by Saul

But we are invited to imbibe the positive quality of appreciation: radiated by Jonathon!

Jesus is the magnet who can infuse us with power and strength!

The closer we are, the more attracted we be!
The more we remain with Him, the more we become like Him!

May the Magnetic Power of the Holy Eucharist be sought more!

May the Magnetic Love of the Holy Eucharist be longed more!
And may, we, in turn, become a magnetic Presence of the Lord to others!
… Seeking the Eucharist, to be a Eucharist to the other!
… Loving the Eucharist to break and share oneself to the other!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself.

It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. (CCC # 1861)

“Having faith and trust, to follow the Word of the Lord and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!”

(Based on 1 Sam 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 and Mk 3:1-6 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A popular story with a minor variation goes as follows:

A man fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a branch of a tree on the way down.

The following conversation then proceeded:
“Is anyone up there?”

“I am here. I am the Lord. Do you believe me?”

“Yes, Lord, I believe. I really believe, but I can’t hang on much longer.”

“That’s all right, if you really believe you have nothing to worry about.
I will save you. Just let go of the branch.”

After a moment of pause, the many continued and sad:
“Is anyone else up there?”

The man failed to depend on the Lord when the “crunch situation” was encountered!

Faith and Trust in the Lord requires us to follow His Word and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51) is a wonderful story of a young little man who trusted immensely in God in defeating a gigantic enemy…
… the story of God defeating Goliath through the instrumentality of David!

This popular story is a wonderful saga of faith and the Power of Depending on the Lord for everything.

On the other side, this story also teaches us that failure to have the Lord as the strength of life can paralyze and cripple our life with fear and inactivity…
… as we see in the life of Saul.

Saul being the king should have taken the lead to lead the Israelites against the gigantic Goliath

But he measured only his human capabilities and strengths in calculating the battle strategy

David however, first counted on the Lord, before gathering together his human skills and expertise!
“I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” (1 Sam 17:39)
“You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied!” (1 Sam 17:45)

We understand an important truth here:
In our life, we are often on the battlefield, with Satan as the gigantic Goliath…
… challenging us in our faith
… laughing us at our face

Do we understand that if we hold on, in faith, it is the Lord Himself Who fights for us?

Do we deepen our conviction that our faithfulness will be rewarded by God with the victory shout?

Jesus in the Gospel had to fight the deadly battle with “the hardness of hearts of people!” (Cf. Mk 3:5)

Faced with a man who had a withered hand…
… the Lord had to encounter face-to-face with a Goliath – with the face of indifference, unbelief and animosity – in the Pharisees and the Herodians (Cf Mk 3:6)

The man with the withered hand was asked by Jesus to “Come forward” (Cf Mk 3:5)
… to come forward in the battle of life – in faith – to defeat the forces of unbelief!
… to come forward in the war against Satan – in trust – to slay the head of indifference and animosity!

Just as David would “come forward” in faith and trust – totally depending on the Lord’s power…
… we need to step ahead by taking complete refuge in the Divine Providence of the Lord!

We may have our moments when we “hang onto the branches of life” in our moments of struggles and crisis

As the Lord invites us to trust in His Word, we need to check if we fail to depend on the Lord when the “crunch situations” are encountered!

Yes, Faith and Trust in the Lord requires us to follow His Word…
… and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

The promptings of feelings and passions can also diminish the voluntary and free character of the offence, as can external pressures or pathological disorders.

Sin committed through malice, by deliberate choice of evil, is the gravest. (CCC # 1860)

“Trust the Lord’s Word in complete obedience and be open to the Ways of God”

(Based on 1 Sam 16:1-13 and Mk 2:23-28 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A very popular story is said of a speaker who started off his seminar by holding up a $20 note.

He asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”

Hands started going up.

He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.”
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, “Who still wants it?”
Still the hands were up in the air.

“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?”
And he dropped it on the ground and got it more crumpled and dirty.

“Now who still wants it?”
The hands still continued to go up!

The worth of the money is not in the external aspect…
… but in the internal value!

So much more is the value of a human person…
… whose value is measured by the heart!

God gives this mighty message through the First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 16:1-13) when He reminds Samuel:
“For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7b)

The passage is about Prophet Samuel being asked by the Lord to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the successor king to Saul.

Samuel learns an important principle that reigns in the heart of God: External appearances can be deceptive; the real worth of a person is in the value of his heart!
“For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My Ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways and My Thoughts than your thoughts” (Is 55:8-9)

God values the love and commitment that a person has in the heart, than at just the external appearances.
“… only You know what is in every human heart!” (1 Kings 8:39)

Samuel was under the impression that one of the seven older sons of Jesse would be the future king.

But God always knows to spring a surprise!
He would place His Heart on the youngest lad, David – the shepherd boy
… “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27)

So often we get carried away by external appearances.
But the Lord invites us to see the way He does: Look at the heart!

David was tending the sheep, when he was called by God
His family would have never had a thought like this
All the people had totally overlooked him and never considered him as even a “possibility!”

So often it can happen to us, that…
… people don’t mind us
… people overlook us and even put us down
… people make fun of us and we are disgraced often!

But in all such “unlucky” or “unfortunate” or “unfair” situations of life…
… trust in the Lord and know that He loves, accepts and appreciates us, the way we are!

Jesus in the Gospel (Lk 2:23-28) exhorts the people to have a “heart spirituality” than a mere “law fulfilling religion!”

Learn to obey God more, not because you are afraid, but because you love Him much!

Let us deepen our conviction that the value of a human person…
… is to be measured by the heart!

Let us grow in our “heart spirituality”
… of understanding that we ought to defer judgment on people, by merely look at their externals – and instead, to leave space for the Mercy and Providence of God to reign in life!
… and of deepening the conviction that our worth is in the fact that God loves, accepts and appreciates us, the way we are!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Unintentional ignorance can diminish or even remove the imputability of a grave offence.

But no one is deemed to be ignorant of the principles of the moral law, which are written in the conscience of every man. (CCC # 1860)

“Trust the Lord’s Word in complete obedience and be open to the Ways of God”

(Based on 1 Sam 15:16-23 and Mk 2:18-22 – Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A popular legend is told of a certain king who needed a faithful servant.

Two men were candidates for the office.

The king took both at fixed wages, and his first order was to fill a cane basket with water from a neighbouring well…
… saying that he would come in the evening and see their work.

After putting in one or two basketfuls, one man said:
“What is the good of doing this useless work?
As soon as we put the water in one side, it runs out the other.”

The other, however, answered:
“But we have our wages, haven’t we?

The use is the master’s business, not ours.”

“I am not going to do such fool’s work,” replied the other.
Throwing down his basket, he went away.

The other man continued until he had exhausted the well.

Looking down into it he saw something shining – a diamond ring.
“Now I see the use of pouring water into a basket,” he cried, “If the basket had brought up the ring before the well was emptied, it would have been found in the basket.
Our work was not useless!”

The obedient servant understood the importance of trusting in the word of the master…
… and he would reap the benefits of gaining the approval of the master!

Christians must believe that their Divine Master knows what is best, and obey His commands…
… and in due time, they will know and understand the worth of the Master’s Word!

Failure to obey the words and commands of the Lord will lead to our downfall…
… and this is highlighted in the First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 15:16-23) through the fall of King Saul.

The reading begins with Samuel reminding Saul of the innumerable favours and blessings He had received from the Lord.

“Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.” (1 Sam 15:17)

Saul was blessed with many blessings and protection from the Lord

And these favours therefore demanded a greater faithfulness from Saul!

Each favour from the Lord ought to be a reminder of our Sacred Duty to love Him more!

Each blessing from the Lord should be a sign of being invited to be more faithful to Him!

Saul, however, failed to display this obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.

God had commanded him not to retain any of the spoils of the battle that he was to have with the Amalekites…
… Saul would, however, not fully obey the Lord in this matter – and would retain the best of the spoils that he got

“And the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” (1 Sam 15:18-19)

Even though Saul apparently had a good intention – to use these spoils as a sacrifice to God…
… God was not pleased with him, because what God demands is “an obedient heart than the choicest sacrifice!”

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to the voice of the Lord?
Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Sam 15:22-23)

In the Gospel, we have the Pharisees and the Scribes who question Jesus on the aspect of fasting (Mk 2:18-22)

The Pharisees and Scribes were stuck on following their own ways of understanding the ways of God…
… and failed to have an openness and docility to the Will of God!

Each of us are invited to allow the “New Wine of God’s Word” to be filled in the “new wineskin of our minds – in obedience and openness!”

We are also warned to not try to patch up the “old garment of our disobedience” with the “new garment of God’s Commandments and Instructions!”

Let us remember, “failure to obey the words and commands of the Lord will lead to our downfall!”

Let us always trust that our Divine Master knows what is best…
… and thus obeying His commands, may we be blessed to discover the “shining ring” of God’s 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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Mortal sin also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice.

Feigned ignorance and hardness of heart do not diminish, but rather increase, the voluntary character of a sin. (CCC # 1859)

“Listening to the Lord, and being His true seeker, with the right motives and proper intentions!”

(Based on 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19, 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20 and Jn 1:35-42 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A simple and commonly known story goes such…

A generous and a noble King once made a grand announcement to his subjects.

He declared that on a particular day, all the people could come into the King’s palace, and take for themselves from the palace hall, whatever they wished for!

An amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity indeed!

And so the day came… hundreds and thousands had gathered in the palace.

The people waited for the King’s signal to start picking up whatever they wanted in that hall.

The moment arrived… the King waved his royal hand to begin…

It was time to lay hands on whatever they wished to make their own possession.

The rush was maddening…

People ran helter-skelter, seeking for the most precious things…
… Golden vessels, silver goblets, jeweled showpieces, antique fancy items etc…

But in that crazy rush, there was one particular girl, a teenager, who thought differently.

She took this chance, to go and hug the Prince!

Bingo!!

That was the prized catch!

She now became not just the possessor of the love of her life…
… but also on the heir of the land!

She sought what was the most prized possession!

She went after, that which was the most treasured of them all!

What are we – you and I – seeking in life?

The Gospel of the Day has Jesus posing this fundamental question of our lives: “What do you seek” (Jn 1: 38)

The first chapter of St John has an account of two disciples of John the Baptist who are sent to follow Jesus by the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (Jn 1: 29)

John the Baptist is indeed an amazing person.

His life offers us immense qualities to imitate and follow.

1. He called people to a renewed way of life by turning to God in repentance

He teaches: The need to have a constant examination of our conscience…

2. He lived a life of intense asceticism and self-mortification

He reminds: Of the vanity of earthly glory and what things instead are of utmost importance…

3. He pointed out to Jesus as the Lamb of God and directs people towards Him

He teaches: The importance of focusing on Jesus in life and not on other people or things

4. He doesn’t feel jealous that all are following Jesus and confesses also of his unworthiness

He reminds: The power of humility and the joy of giving everything for God’s Kingdom

When Jesus sees them following, He turns…. (Jn 1: 38)

He turns around to see ‘a part of humanity that is seeking Him’.

And then Jesus poses this soul-probing question…”What do you seek?”

We too have been following Jesus for quite some time…

Maybe we’ve heard from others & so we follow Him…
Maybe we’ve experienced His caring presence & so we follow Him.

But the Lord once again turns, and asks us, who are following Him : “What do you seek?”

It’s not an interrogation to just obtain some information…

It is rather a question that is posed to determine what is the real focus and centre of our life.

Jesus probably knew why many people were beginning to follow Him:

There would be many seeking Him…
… for bread alone.
… for getting healings alone.
… out of mere curiosity alone.
… for theoretical arguments alone.
… for their own personal desires alone.

And so Jesus poses this heart-penetrating question…”What do you seek?”

The Lord, with His deeply penetrating eyes gazes into the depths of our soul…
… with His soul-arresting charm fixes His eyes into the castle of our heart asks:

“My Child, what do you seek?”

Are you seeking just to have some of your earthly desires fulfilled…

Or do you seek Me in order to treasure me completely and possess eternity?

Are you seeking spirituality just for namesake and out of a societal and religious obligation…

Or do you seek Me because you are convinced of finding in Me, the real Truth and Joy?

Are you seeking transcendence in order to just have a relief in your pains and difficulties…

Or do you seek Me to also have a share in my agony and anguish of the Cross?

The First Reading of the Day presents the beautiful call of the young boy Samuel, who would go on to become one of the greatest prophets of Israel. (Cf. 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19)

Though he was in the presence of God, Samuel is made to realise the need to consciously seek and listen to God’s Voice, and to respond: “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

With this same “listening attitude,” we pray with the Psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will!” (Cf. Ps 40)

Can I be a ‘real Seeker of God and of His Kingdom?’

Embracing Jesus, the Prince of Life, would ensure the inheritance of eternity.

Let us become a true seeker of the Lord with the right motives and proper intentions.

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Mortal sin requires full knowledge and complete consent.

It presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God’s law. (CCC # 1859)

“Be ready to meet the Lord even when ‘donkeys are lost or you are busy counting at the table!’

(Based on 1 Sam 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 and Mk 2:13-17 – Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An old lady loved visiting antique shops.

One day while browsing one, she came across a beautiful old Singer-style sewing machine…
… the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal.

When she saw it she whispered a simple prayer: ‘God, I’d love something like that for my place.’

A couple of days later, as she was walking out her front door on her way to work when she saw a pile of junk by the roadside.

She stopped, stunned!

There in the rubbish stood an old Singer-style sewing machine…
… the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal.

On it hung a sign that said:
“In good condition— anyone can take.”

God is a God of surprises!

He visits us even in the most ordinary situations of life.

Are we open to meet and experience the Lord, in our everyday – simple and ordinary – situations of life?

The readings of the day present two people who encounter the Call of the Lord in their “routines of life!”
… Saul, who would become the first king of Israel
… Levi, who would become an apostle of Christ

The people of Israel had remained adamant and stubborn in their demand for a king…
… just like all other nations of the world (Cf. 1 Sam 8:19-20)

They would thus move away from the Kingship of the Lord – obstinate to follow their own wills

Yet, God doesn’t forsake them

He provides a king from among them – the Divine Wisdom of preparing the people to receive Christ as the Ultimate King

Saul is chosen in an ordinary and regular context of life.

The reading describes how Saul is sent by his father to search for “lost donkeys!”

“Now the asses of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the asses.” (1 Sam 9:3).

In the East, asses/donkeys are a valuable property – indispensable for farm-work and travelling.

They were valuable to their owners, since they were their mode of transportation.
They were even a symbol of peace and wealth (Esau sent to Jacob, his brother “twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys” – Gen 32:14 – in order to appease him)

As Saul moves from place to place, in search of “lost donkeys” he is encountered by Samuel, the prophet, who would be instructed to anoint Saul as the king of Israel.

‘When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall rule over my people.” (1 Sam 3:17)

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 2:13-17) presents Jesus, who is sent by His Father, to search for “lost sheep” and “sick patients!”

“Jesus said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’ (Mk 2:17)

Levi was “busy at table counting taxes”…
… with his own worldly interests and concerns
… surrounded by people who hated tax-collectors like him, and looked down on him, in contempt and rejection

It is interesting to see…
… that even in a situation of “donkeys being lost”, God can intervene in human lives!

Even though Saul was only looking for “donkeys”, God was in search of Saul!

It is interesting to see…
… that even in a situation of “counting the taxes at table”, God can intervene in human lives!

Even though Levi was only looking for “taxes”, Jesus was in search of Levi!

Do we find ourselves in situations of “lost donkeys”…
… searching for wealth and means of comfort in life?
… searching for peace and satisfaction in life?

Do we find ourselves “busy at table counting taxes?”
… busy with many worldly concerns and worries?
… busy in being surrounded by people who reject and hate us?

Then let us know and understand that even in such ordinary situations of “lost donkeys” and being “busy at table counting taxes”…
… can become occasions when God wants to anoint us with His Oil of Graces and Gladness! (Cf. 1 Sam 10:1)
… can become moments when God wants to address you and tell you, “Follow me”! (Cf. Mk 2:14)

God is looking for you…
… even if you are not thinking much about Him!

Jesus wants you to follow Him closer…
… even if you are not much ready for it and busy with the affairs of the world!

Yes, God is a God of surprises!

He visits us even in the most ordinary situations of life.

Are we open to meet and experience the Lord, in our everyday – simple and ordinary – situations of life?

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

The gravity of sins is more or less great: murder is graver than theft.

One must also take into account who is wronged: violence against parents is in itself graver than violence against a stranger. (CCC # 1858)