“Making right choices, that will help us to preserve and enhance, the greatness of ‘the film of our life!'”

(Based on Lev 19:1-2, 11-18 and Mt 25:31-46 – Monday of the 1st Week in Lent)

Ward Kimball was an animator for the Walt Disney Studios in the 1930’s.
>> He was on the team for the first full-length animated feature by the Disney studio, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” (Year: 1937)

He spent 240 days…
… working on a single four-and-a-half-minute scene.
>> In that scene, the dwarfs were cooking a meal for Snow White, and he covered every detail.

When the time came, to review the film, Walt Disney personally reviewed the scene…
… and commented: “That scene is hilarious. It’s terrific.”
>> Then, he added, “But, I think it interrupts the flow of the movie…
… so we need to cut it out!”

So off went that scene – 240 days of immense work, scrapped…
… in order to preserve and enhance, the greatness of the film!


A hard choice indeed…
… but a choice that would be proved right, later, when the film was released and became a runaway success!


When “the film of our lives” is shown…
… will it be as great as it ought to be?
>> A lot will depend on the multitude of “choices” that we make!

The choices that we make, make or break our life!


The Gospel of the Day presents the Son of Man seated in His majestic and awesome glory…
… and all the nations awaiting His judgement, based on the choices that they have made in life!


The sheep, placed on the right side, are the chosen ones to enjoy the bliss of the Kingdom.
>> The goats, placed on the left side, are the condemned ones to suffer the fire of punishment.


An important aspect to be observed in this passage of the scene of the Last Judgement is the manner in which the Lord looks at human actions…

The Bible says, “Humans look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7)


One of the common question that was posed to both the groups – the sheep and the goats – was: “When did we know…”

The sheep were taken by surprise, at the occasions which the Lord found them doing good…
>> They remained unaware of those situations, though they did the good in God’s sight.

The goats are taken by surprise, at the occasions, which the Lord found them missing to do good…
>> They remained unaware of those situations, where they failed to do the good in God’s sight.


We may not realise the occasions of doing good…
>> We may not realise the occasions of having missed doing good…

We may externally engage in many good works…
… but it may fail to find approval in the Lord’s sight.

This calls for cultivation of an inner disposition to do good
>> From the abundance of goodness within, good actions flow!


It’s this inner disposition to do good, that will prompt us to make the right choices in life…
… choices that will help us to preserve goodness
… choices that will help us to nurture greatness

Let this season of Lent be a time of forming a character of goodness and kindness.


The “film of our life” is continually being recorded!
>> We are called to make it great, as it ought to be

Let’s therefore make right choices (even if they are tough!)…
… that will help us to preserve and enhance, the greatness of “the film of our life!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY
>> Charity is the greatest social commandment.
>> It respects others and their rights.
>> It requires the practice of justice…
….and it alone makes us capable of it.
>> Charity inspires a life of self-giving: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (CCC # 1889)
———–

“Overcoming our ‘pet sins’ that have perhaps, become ‘beasts’ today, by having recourse to the power of the Holy Spirit!”

(Based on Gen 9:8-15, 1 Pet 3:18-22 and Mk 1:12-15 – 1st Sunday of Lent, Cycle B)

A Christian counsellor, who was also a poet, was visiting the home of a family.

He was there to speak to the couple – who had strained their relationships – primarily because they had misplaced their priorities of family life…
… and both of them, were engaging in “trifles that were outside their spousal life”

The child in the family – all of 3 years – was however, quite excited to show the guest his toys.

In doing so, the child started arranging all his toys…
… placing them one beside the other.

As the poet, was amusingly observing, he noticed that the child had placed…
… a cute white teddy bear and a rather-fierce looking black bear next to each other.

Seeing these two (the white teddy and the dark bear) side-by-side, the counsellor, a poet, looked at the couple and said:
“Stop making sin your pet!
Else the pet will, give it a bet
One day turn to be a beast
A beast that will devour you and have a feast!”

(The couple was being reminded to take their spousal life more seriously…
… being told that the “unholy trifles that they both were engaging in” like a pet teddy bear
… would soon resemble a “fierce looking black bear” devouring their family life!)

Have we been playing with sin as a “pet”…
… but perhaps, today, grappling with it as a “beast?”

On this First Sunday of the Season of Lent, we are made aware of the “beastly power” of sin…
… and the need to, remain in the Holy Spirit, so as to overcome sin
… and become a powerful witness to the Kingdom of God

St Mark states in His Gospel recounting the incident of the temptations of Jesus, as:
“He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan…
… and He was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on Him.” (Mk 1:13)

St Mark beautifully in one line… illustrates the reality of the Person of Jesus Christ: Fully Man and Fully God

Jesus “was with the wild beasts”…
… to tell that He was fully Man!
Jesus had, “the angels [who] waited on him”
… to tell that He was fully God!

(To understand better, as to why Jesus had to undergo a temptation, a simple analogy will help:

A newly formed bridge is tested, by having made to bear a load, that is much more than the average/normal load

This is done, not to see if the bridge will break…
… rather, to prove, that the bridge will not break!

Similarly, the temptations of Jesus were not to see if He would sin…
… but to prove, He couldn’t!

He is indeed the Sinless One…
… Who underwent temptations in order to identify Himself with all sinners!)

Yes… in Jesus, we have God…
… Who understands all our struggles and sufferings, because He Himself went through hardships!
… Who empathizes with us in all our temptations and trials, because He Himself was tempted!

And so we are given this great news…
… that even though I am tempted, and struggle to overcome my sinful habits
… that even though I go through much agony, in order to rectify my faults and bad actions
… that even though, I am sometimes, lukewarm and tepid about my spiritual life

I have a God Who is greatly with me – strengthening me, with His Grace to empower me to overcome every sin, and live a life of enthusiastic holiness!

This verse about the temptations of Jesus, also gives us another hopeful message:

When you are surrounded by the “beasts of temptations…”
… have recourse to the angels of holiness to overcome them

When you are pounced upon by the “beasts of enticements and allurements…”
… seek the intercession and help of the angels to conquer and overpower them!

The Season of Lent is given to all of us as a time to seriously consider in overcoming our sins, our faults, our bad actions, our wrong relationships…
… and cooperate with the Grace of God
… in order to grow in holiness!

The book of Genesis reminds us of the everlasting protection of the Lord for us…
… as symbolised in the covenant established by the Lord, in the form of the bow (Cf. Gen 9:8-15)

By our Baptism, we therefore give this amazing appeal to God – to help us live always, with a “clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…!” (1 Pet 3:21)

The presence of sin in our life, is serious…
… and our Blessed Lord is strongly exhorting all of us to say…
… a “FIRM NO TO SIN”
… and a “FAITHFUL YES TO JESUS!”

For those of us, who are living lukewarm and tepid lives…
… it’s high time that we take our spiritual life seriously

For those of us, who are struggling to overcome some of our habitual sins and wrong actions…
… it’s a good news given to us, that the Lord is encouraging us to take one step at a time, to rectify our faults!

For those of us, who are wanting much to grow in our spiritual life…
… it’s a reminder to choose virtues that are suiting and best needed for our way of life, and to daily cultivate and practise them!

Yes, very often it can be that unholy trifles find amusement in our life with the innocent resemblance of a “cute teddy bear”

But if we continue to play with it as a pet…
… we could be in for a torrid time with the fierce reality of sin!

Let us gravely give heed to the words:
“Stop making sin your pet!
Else the pet will, give it a bet
One day turn to be a beast
A beast that will devour you and have a feast!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

Without the help of grace, men would not know how “to discern the often narrow path between the cowardice which gives in to evil…
… and the violence which under the illusion of fighting evil only makes it worse.”

This is the path of charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor. (CCC # 1889)

“Encountering Jesus so that the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!”

(Based on Is 58:9b-14 and Lk 5:27-32 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday)

One of the fruits that is growing in popularity is the “miracle fruit!”

Native to Africa’s Gold Coast, this miracle berry (scientific name: Synsepalum dulcificum) has been an integral part of the daily menu of the tribes in Ghana and Nigeria
This fruit is now available in many parts of the world.

What is the speciality of this fruit?

Why is it called as Miracle Fruit?

When this fruit is eaten…
… it causes sour foods that are consumed consequently to taste sweet
(The fruit consists of a taste modifier called miraculin, which binds to the taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet)

So…
… a juicy, tangy lime will taste sweet!
… a succulent, sour gooseberry will be felt as sweetened!

Interesting, isn’t it?

Well…

When we encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!

The Gospel of the Day presents an encounter…

Of Levi… who was willing to have an experience of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit” and thus experience sweetness in life
Of Pharisees and Scribes… who refused to partake of Jesus, the “Miracle Fruit and thus remain sour in their attitudes

As Jesus went out, He met a person named Levi, who was sitting at the tax booth.

Levi, a tax collector – collected taxes for customs or tolls on imports, exports, and merchants who came to buy or sell in Israel.

These Jewish tax collectors were disdained by the Jews.
They were considered traitors because they worked for the despised Roman rulers.
It is this “despised” person that Jesus calls: “Follow me.” (Lk 5:27)

The name “Levi” means “joined”

True to his name, Levi “joined” the ministry of Jesus… and became His disciple
True to his name, Levi “joined” Himself to following Christ… leaving his former ways!

Subsequently, in the great banquet hosted at his house, Jesus was joined by a “large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table” (Lk 5:29)

The sight of Jesus – supposedly a Teacher and Prophet – irked the Pharisees and their Scribes, making them to ask: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Lk 5:30)

The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to accept the “welcoming and merciful” embrace of the Lord

They chose to close themselves to the “saving and redeeming” works of the Lord

As a result, they failed to experience the “Sweetness of the Lord!”

Levi, was willing to have a taste of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, his life was filled with sweetness and pleasantness!

The Pharisees and their Scribes refused to experience “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit”
… and thus, they continued to remain sour and tangy – as expressed in their words and actions!

There are many times…
… when we remain sour in our words – hurting people by our unjust criticism and judgmental comments

We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives give forth the sweetness of acceptance and appreciation!

There are often occasions …
… when we remain tangy in our actions and deeds – refusing to reach out in help and being stagnant in our selfishness

We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives give forth the pleasantness of charity and care!

The effect of the miracle fruit – in general – lasts only for an hour

The effect of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” however is much lasting
… and in fact, can be everlasting, if we remain faithful and sincere in following the Lord!

Let us encounter Jesus and consume His Presence…
… so that, like the “effect caused by the miracle fruit,” the sour and tangy areas of our life, will turn to sweetness and pleasantness!

Like Levi, let us “join” ourselves to the Will of the Lord, by following Him, faithfully!

Ready to taste the “Miracle Fruit?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

It is necessary, then, to appeal to the spiritual and moral capacities of the human person and to the permanent need for his inner conversion…
… so as to obtain social changes that will really serve him.
The acknowledged priority of the conversion of heart in no way eliminates…
… but on the contrary, imposes the obligation of bringing the appropriate remedies to institutions and living conditions when they are an inducement to sin

… so that they conform to the norms of justice and advance the good rather than hinder it. (CCC # 1888)

“Realizing that ‘Jesus is knocking at the door of my heart!'”

(Based on Is 58:1-9a and Mt 9:14-15 – Friday after Ash Wednesday)

A nurse in a pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones’ chests…
… would plug the stethoscope into their ears
… and let them listen to their own heart.

Their eyes would always light up with amazement…
… but she never got a response equal to four-year-old David’s comment.

Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears…
… and placed the disk over his heart.

“Listen,” she said, “What do you suppose that is?”

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

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

Lent is the beautiful season when we are called to turn inward and realise: “Is Jesus knocking at the door of my heart?”

The readings of the day are strong reminders – heavy knockings on the door of our hearts…
… Jesus, our Blessed Lord and Prophet Isaiah exhorting us to realise the true meaning of fasting!

The disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus with an important query: “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” (Lk 9:14)

The Mosaic Law commanded only one day of fasting – the day of Atonement.

The Book of Leviticus prescribes this fast: “On the tenth day of the seventh month…you are to enter into a solemn fast and refrain from all work, because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you.
In the presence of God, you will be made clean of all your sins. It is a Sabbath of all Sabbaths.
You must fast. It is a perpetual ordinance” (Lev 16:29-31)

But it is to be noted that the Pharisees and apparently, the disciples of John, had also adopted another tradition: that of fasting two days a week.

This was considered to be a very pious act among this group.

In Luke 18:12, we find the Pharisee who boasts of fasting twice a week, as he makes his prayer, in contempt of the tax collector.

It is to this fasting, that the disciples of John refer to when they counter Jesus with the question: “Why don’t your disciples fast?”

But Jesus opens their eyes to see the stagnancy in their thought and practice.

The practice of fasting was for the atonement of one’s sins.
The practice of fasting was a time of mourning in seeking the restoration of Israel.
The practice of fasting was a time of waiting for the Messiah who would redeem their nation.

But somehow all these basic aspects of fasting were forgotten and apparently, lost.

Their practice of fasting had grown stagnant.
They failed to realise the reason and meaning of their fasting.

When one loses sight of the original purpose, actions become mere lifeless customs.

A custom, devoid of its purpose and real intention is dead and decayed!
A tradition, performed without knowing its’ true meaning is an obsolete ritual!

The Season of Lent calls for us to make extra sacrifices, especially through the form of fasting.

What is my attitude to fasting and penance?

Am I ready to undertake the powerful style of fasting as presented in Isaiah 58: 6-7: A fasting…
… to lose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke
… to let the oppressed go free and to share the bread with the hungry
… to bring the homeless poor into the house and to cover the naked

The Lord declares Himself as the Bridegroom, Who has come to restore the glory of Israel. (Mt 9:15)
The time of mourning is over.
The period of fasting is no longer.

It’s time to rejoice with Him, Who is the Bridegroom and Saviour – Jesus!

Our fasting, penances and sacrifices are to be joyful…
… because we have Jesus, the bridegroom with us.

His presence with us, is a matter of joy
… yet we fast and do penance, to share joyfully in His suffering and pain.
His presence with us, is an occasion of rejoicing
… yet we make sacrifices and discipline ourselves, to find deeper meaning in His Cross.

This is the season to “slow down and turn inward!”

Do we realise that “Jesus is knocking at the door of my heart?”

Let us, be willing, to “listen to the Lord’s knocking”…
… and open our eyes to the real purpose of our fasting and acts of penance.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

The inversion of means and ends, which results in giving the value of the ultimate end to what is only a means for attaining it,…
… or in viewing persons as mere means to that end, engenders unjust structures…

… which “make Christian conduct in keeping with the commandments of the divine Law-giver difficult and almost impossible. (CCC # 1887)

“Making a choice for Christ, who is with us, all the time!”

(Based on Deut 30:15-20 and Lk 9:22-25 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday)

A group of youngsters were making fun of the faith of an elderly man: “You show so much piety! Maybe it’s because you belong to the old – generation!

We youngsters are modern and reasonable!
Faith is not compatible with our modern lifestyle!”

The elderly person, bemused, said, “Honestly, I don’t agree with what you say. All of you are actually people, who practise faith, on a day-to-day basis!”

“Really,” quipped the youngsters, “You like to prove that to us?”

The man of faith, took up the challenge and said: “Just think about this:

You go to a doctor whose name you cannot pronounce…
… and whose degrees you have never verified.
He gives you a prescription, you cannot read
You take it to a pharmacist, you have never met
He gives you a chemical compound, you do not understand.
Then you go home, and take the pill, according to the instructions on the bottle.
All in trusting, sincere faith!”

And he went on to say, “Remember, young men: faith has nothing to do with any generation!

Faith is all about making a choice.
And my Christian faith is all about me ‘making a choice for Christ, Who I know, is with me, all the time!'”

Do we realise that – knowingly or unknowingly – we are constantly making a number of “choices in life?”

Can we today, very consciously, “make a choice for Christ, who is with us, all the time?”

The Gospel of the Day presents the exhortation of Jesys to make a “choice for Him” – the Crucified Lord!

“If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23)

One of the key aspects, when we analyze the ministry of Jesus is that the Cross was an integral aspect of His life and ministry.

The Cross is a symbol…
… of total self-giving
… of total commitment

The Lord never shied away from the Cross.

And the Lord never shied away from teaching about the Cross.

He never used attractive advertisements to lure more followers…
He never preached an easy life to gather more disciples…

Instead, He preached and proclaimed the Cross!
And the choice before His followers is clear: “Choose Christ, by choosing the Cross!”

Lent is the time of getting back to the basics of our life…
… to re-dedicate our love and consecration to the Lord

The Lord sets before us choices, continually in life… (Cf. Deut 30:15)
… the choice of life and death
… the choice of good and evil
… the choice of blessings and curses

But all these promises of the Lord will be fulfilled, only if we seek to follow His commandments and to walk according to His paths.

The Lord promises much happiness and joy

But these will be delivered only if we are determined and resolved to follow Him closer, and to live in obedience to His commands!

The Cross was the choice of the Lord…
… a result of deep obedience and total commitment.

The Cross needs to be our choice too!
And this requires…
… deep obedience to the Will of the Lord
… total commitment to our call and consecration as a Christian

Are we ready to embrace this exhortation of the Lord?

Are we ready to get attracted to a life of the Cross – total discipline and deep dedication?

Let us realise that – knowingly or unknowingly – we are constantly making a number of “choices in life!”

Let us today, very consciously, “make a choice for Christ, who is with us, all the time!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

Through human society, people should
… always be readily disposed to pass on to others the best of their own cultural heritage
… and eagerly strive to make their own the spiritual achievements of others. >> These benefits not only influence, but at the same time, give aim and scope to all that has bearing…
… on cultural expressions, economic, and social institutions
… on political movements and forms, laws

… and all other structures by which society is outwardly established and constantly developed. (CCC # 1886)

“Pledging forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts – in this Season of Lent –
with deep faith and true commitment!”

(Based on Joel 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 – Ash Wednesday)

2024 would be remembered, for date-lovers, as a year, when Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine’s Day…
… and April’s Fool Day (Apr 01) being celebrated on the next day of Easter Sunday (March 31), the day, God made a fool of sin and death!

A common joke, doing the rounds these days on social media, goes thus:
Someone asked: “What is the speciality of Feb 14?”

Another guy asks back: “Are you having a wife or a girlfriend?”

“A wife”, comes the reply.

“Oh…
… then, it’s Ash Wednesday for you!”

Well… jokes apart, it’s interesting to reflect on this dimension of the two days – Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day – falling together.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, a day when there is a “sudden” wave of expression of love, care and affection to the ones whom we love.

When taken in the right spirit and when celebrated in a meaningful way, this day becomes a day…
… of “specially” recognizing the worth of the one(s) we love
… of showing our love and affection to the one(s) dear to the our heart

But our modern society unfortunately and tragically, sometimes tends to “rob” this day to be celebrated in a meaningful.

“Love” is highly commercialized and “sold”
External affections are unduly given greater importance, forgetting the prime duties involved with love
Advertisers and commercialists rake in massive profits with several external objects portraying “love”

Whether this day truly becomes a day of “expressing genuine love and care”

Or whether it is more, a day of “externalities of ‘love-feelings’ taking the upper hand…
… is a matter of debate, as well as a matter of one’s personal choice and view.

But as a follower of Christ, this day – Feb 14 – celebrated as Ash Wednesday…
… is a day for us to remind ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
… is a day for us to revive our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
… is a day for us to rediscover the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Today, with Ash Wednesday, we begin the Holy Season of Lent.

Ashes are an important element of the Liturgy.

The ashes are made from the Blessed Palms used at the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year…
… and blessed with Holy Water.

While smearing the ashes, the Priest says:

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
(or) “Repent and believe in the Gospel”
We are called forth – as Psalm 51 reminds us – to repent with contrition.

These ashes remind us of…
… the littleness of our earthly life, and the need to give greater priority to our Spiritual Life
… the need to repent of our sins and express our willingness to live in holiness and sanctity
… the graciousness of God’s Mercy which is always available to those who turn towards Him

The Liturgy emphasizes the “virtue of humility” that needs to embellish the life of every Christian.

Ashes are an external form of “we being willing, to learn in the school of humility!”

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18) is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of doing away with pride and instead, beautifying one’s life with sincere humility.

In His Sacred Teachings, our Blessed Lord expounds the three sacred pillars of devotion during His time: ALMSGIVING, PRAYER and FASTING (PENANCE).

1. Jesus imparts profound guidance on the essence of almsgiving…
   … emphasizing the virtue of humility by cautioning against the empty clamour of self-promotion.

He encourages us to emulate His words: “…sound no trumpet” (Mt 6:2)

2. Regarding the sacred practice of prayer, Jesus, directs us to seek the intimate sanctity of communion with the Heavenly Father.

He admonishes: “… shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6)

3. Concerning the discipline of fasting, our Lord instructs us to maintain an outward appearance of normalcy and joy while engaging in this spiritual exercise.

He enlightens us: “… anoint your head and wash your face” (Mt 6:17)

It is also interesting to note that these 3 practices also refer to the three dimensions of Love: towards God, towards others, towards oneself

1. Prayer: Reminding ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
2. Almsgiving: Reviving our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
3. Fasting (Penance): Rediscovering the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Prophet Joel reminds us to turn to God with a repentant heart (Joel 2:12-18)
We are reminded…
… of our mortality.
… of the need to repent sincerely – not just with words but from our hearts.
… of the immensity of God’s love and to seek His mercy

St Paul exhorts us to “be Ambassadors of Christ’s Love!” (2 Cor 5:20-6:2)
We are called…
… to be Christ’s ambassadors – allowing our love to go beyond gifts and gestures
… to be reconciled with God and genuinely care for one another.

Yes, this Ash Wednesday is a Great Day for all of us, to begin this Season of Holiness – and to grow in our…
… love of God
… responsibility and care of others
… respect and reverence of our own life

A few practical tips could help us to make this Season of Lent, more meaningful:

1. It is said that habits – to make a new one or to break an old one – generally take around 21 days

These 40+ days of Lent are a chance for us to “double” our efforts towards…
… positively growing in a “good virtuous habit”
… negatively rooting out a “not-so-good vicious habit”

(A few examples:
… Reading a portion of the Bible daily
… Learn by heart, some verses of the Bible and make it a personal prayer
… Identify the “root vice” of life, and practice the opposite – “the root virtue”
… Try to frequent Holy Mass / spend time with the Eucharistic Lord, as much as possible
… 40 simple acts of kindness
… Abstain from something that is “dear” and offer it as a sacrifice for someone in need
… Revive personal/family prayer
… Reduce time spent on the internet/social media
… Visit a home of charity or those in our vicinity who need help
… Abstain from gossiping/backbiting/ irritable words
… Bring a person(s) closer to Christ/Church)

Can we choose, on this day, a habit in our personal life, which we need to “make or break”…
… for these days of Lent?

2. The Season of Lent covers a period of 7 weeks

7 – a number of fullness and completeness is a call for us to grow in the virtue of Charity.

We could identify 7 people – corresponding to the 7 weeks of Lent, who need our help.

This help may be any of the following:
… spiritual help
… social acceptance
… materialistic needs
… emotional assistance

Let this 14th of February be a day for us, to re-discover Jesus, the True Lover Who displays the real meaning of Love!

The Lord…holds our hands, and with deep love and affection asks us, “Will you be My valentine forever?”

Let’s not blush….let’s not be shy…

May this Season of Lent help us – in deep faith and true commitment – to pledge forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts!

Let’s remember: “The heart is a beautiful symbol of love; but perhaps, a greater symbol is the Crucifix!”

Wish you all a Very Happy and Blessed Season of Lent.

May our Blessed Mother of Compassion lead us and may all the Saints intercede for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism*
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

Human society must primarily be considered something pertaining to the spiritual.
Through it, in the bright light of truth…
… people should share their knowledge
… be able to exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations

… be inspired to seek spiritual values (CCC # 1886)

“Being peeled of our layers of material concerns, and filling the emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord!”

(Based on Jas 1:12-18 and Mk 8:14-21 – Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The onion is one of the most simple and commonly available vegetables.
>> It is widely used, especially in the preparation of a number of Indian dishes.


It’s interesting to notice the structure of an onion: it is formed as a result of several layers.
>> If one tries to peel off one layer after another, the result would be, that one would be left with nothing…
… just emptiness!


Our life sometimes is represented by an onion…
… formed in layers.
>> Christ peels our life like an onion…
… to make us realize our emptiness!


The Gospel of the Day presents this experience of the disciples, in the presence of Jesus, their Master…
… an experience of being peeled to find themselves in emptiness
… an experience of being unlayered to find themselves in blankness


Jesus is off on the boat again, with His disciples, to travel to the other shore (Mk 8:13)

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread along with them, and they had only one loaf with them. (Mk 8:14).
>> Jesus, meanwhile, began to make use of the time of journey, for rendering a teaching on True Discipleship.

He spoke on the need to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod…
… the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8)
… the leaven of deception and misleading (Gal 5:8-9)


The disciples, however, got it all wrong.
>>  Their minds were still focussed on the bread.

They were still figuring how out, how they missed to get bread.
They were still trying to see how they could all adjust, with one bread.
>> And so, when Jesus spoke of leaven, one of the main ingredients in bread, they thought that Jesus was chastising them, for not having taken bread.

But Jesus now shows the disciples what is to be the main focus…
>> He makes them realise what was more important and needed.


The disciples were more concerned with food and security.

But the Lord, now, begins to peel these layers, in the Disciples, as that in an onion!
… the layers of only material concerns
… the layers of only worldly needs
… the layers of only earthly apprehensions.

The disciples are concerned that they have only one bread…
>> But they fail to see that they have the One and Only Bread of Life!


The disciples are concerned that their food may not be sufficient…
>> But they fail to see that they have the One who multiplied bread for four thousands and five thousands!
They failed to understand!
They failed to look beyond!


In our life journey, we too sometimes fall short of material and earthly needs.
>> Do we also get perplexed and anxious like the disciples?
>> Do we also fail to see beyond and realise the more important needs of  life?
>> Do we also fail to understand that the presence of the Lord matters much more than any other earthly aspect?

We need to be peeled of our layers of just material concerns
>> Let us fill the emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord.


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY
>> Society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation.
>> To attain this aim, respect must be accorded to the just hierarchy of values…
… which “subordinates physical and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.” (CCC # 1886)
———–

“Living with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!”

(Based on Jas 1:1-11 and Mk 8:11-13 – Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

In the dark days of World War II, Corrie ten Boom stood strong as a shining example of faith and bravery.

A Dutch Christian, she bravely stood against the Nazis…
… hiding Jews in her home.
But when their secret refuge was discovered, Corrie ended up in a harsh concentration camp.

Amidst the relentless torment, Corrie’s faith burned brilliantly!

Confronted by a former tormentor, a Nazi guard who once embodied cruelty, Corrie did the unthinkable…
… she extended a hand of forgiveness.
Corrie embodied the Divine Grace she fiercely believed in…
… transforming a place of hatred into a sanctuary of redemption.

We are being reminded, that…
… even in the darkest times, our faith can be a bright light!
… even in the bleakest moments, we need to live with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!

The readings of the Day, call for a greater persistence of faith…
… and the need to stand firm in faith, even amid life’s trials!

St James begins his letter with a bold proclamation of his personal faith:
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Jas 1:1)

We learn about the great encounter of St James with the Risen Lord, as St Paul recounts in 1 Cor 15:7…
… and this encounter with the Risen Lord, would have been a pivotal moment, for James to deepen his faith in Christ!

It is this deep and fervent faith that makes St James – with solid conviction – to exhort the people, to have faith with three important dimensions:

1. Having Faith, even in moments of trials

“Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy…
… because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance!” (Jas 1:2-3)

Life often crushes us with pains and sufferings.

But a person of faith, allows “the ‘boat’ of his trust in God, to ‘float over’ the waters of troubles!”

2. Having a Faith that is firm and single-minded

“Ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind…” (Jas 1:6)

We often say that we have faith…
… yet we tend to easily get carried away, in moments of trials – with doubts and discouragement!

We are being reminded that “when you trust in God – you trust Him, not just when you feel it, but also when all feelings are dried!”
In the words of St Therese of Child Jesus – the Little Flower – “Knowing that beyond the dark clouds my Sun is shining…!”

3. Having a Faith that is rooted in humility

“Let the believer who is lowly, boast in being raised up…
… and the rich in being brought low
… because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field!” (Jas 1:9-10)

True faith always leads one to live in humility

We are made to realize that even amid accomplishments of life, it is purely the Mercy of God that lifts us up

The Gospel presents Jesus clearly declaring the need to “go beyond external signs”… (Mk 8:12)
…. instead, to ‘have a faith that reads the signs of times, and cherishes deeper trust in the Providence of God.’

St Mark, in fact, presents the lamenting expression of Jesus, when He encounters people who choose to associate their faith with external signs

“And Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit…” (Mk 8:12)

We are called to have Faith…
… in moments of trials
… that is firm and single-minded
… that is rooted in humility
… and that which goes beyond external signs!

Life may often take us through dark days

But let us “live with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!”

Let us remember that “our faith is not just a shield; it is a conquering force that transforms even the bleakest moments into stories of triumph!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism.
It sets limits for state intervention.
It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies.

It tends toward the establishment of true international order. (CCC # 1885)

“Being ready to act and respond to the Lord and ‘recharging’ ourselves, by dwelling with the Source of our life!”

(Based on Lev 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 and Mk 1:40-45 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

“Beep, beep” came the sound of the mobile phone

The beeping sound indicated a very low level of the battery.

After a couple of minutes, another clicking sound came…
… with a message, “Your phone is going to shut down because the battery is over!”

The mobile had stayed away from the charger for too long!

It lost its ability to function the way it was created and designed…
… because it stayed away from its source of power for too long!

Christian life is so much similar
“We lose the charge and power when we stay away from God, the Source of our strength!”

We cannot keep pushing our life too long on a “low battery mode”…
… and also thus wonder, why are things not going on well in my life?

Am in danger of “being shut down” due to “low-battery life?”

Is my life today in need of “recharging” by dwelling with the Source of our life?

St Mark, offers to us the “Gospel of action” by presenting Jesus Who is “fast-paced” and “accelerated”…
… inviting us to take decisions – without any delay – to receive His touch of Healing and Grace!

The Gospel of St Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and probably the earliest.

This Gospel was primarily intended to the group of persecuted Christians.

It was most likely intended to be read aloud in the Christian assembly, rather than a private reading.
A Gospel for the ear more than the eye!

And so we would have in the Gospel of Mark, the use of constant repetitions, summaries, recapitulations and variations on a theme.

One of such word that is an oft-repeated one…
… is the word “Immediately”

The Greek usage of this word is Eutheos,” which is variously translated “straight away, immediately, at once, soon” etc.

St Mark uses this word “Eutheos” an astounding 40+ times in his Gospel which is only 16 chapters long!

Here are some examples:

LuImmediately, the Spirit drove Him to the desert (Mk 1: 12)
And they immediately left their nets and followed Him (Mk 1: 18)
Jesus immediately knew in His mind what they were thinking (Mk 2: 8)
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel against Him (Mk 3:6)
The seed sprang up immediately because the soil was not deep (Mk 4: 5)

Even the Gospel of the Day uses this word “immediately”…

The leprosy left him immediately and he was made clean (Mk 1:42)
Then warning him sternly, he dismissed him immediately (Mk 1:43)

No other Gospel or New Testament writer uses this word “immediately” to the extent that Mark does in his Gospel.

What’s happening?

Why is St Mark so gripped with this word “immediately”?

Perhaps the foremost word to describe the Gospel of Mark is ACTION.
No effort is wasted.
No time is spent on the frivolous.

The pace is fast.
The language vivid.
St Mark’s purpose was to immediately confront readers with the need to respond to the Lord.

In the Gospel of the Day, the leper who had undergone immense pain, struggle…
… encounters Jesus – the One Who could heal him and make him whole!

The ancient times had leprosy as one of the most feared diseases.

The book of Leviticus required that all those found unclean with leprosy “shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp” (Lev 13:46)

The man was facing …
… the possibility of being transformed
… the possibility of living a life anew!

And he had to make a decision… a decision to approach the Lord!
And so, without any delay, he approaches the Lord with a request: “If you wish, you can make me clean” (Mk 1: 40)

And Jesus – the Lord Who is ever enthusiastic and keen – to have His people experience wholeness touches the leper…and brings about healing!

“Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him and said to him, ‘ I do will it. Be made clean'” (Mk 1:41)

The presentation of Jesus by St Mark as being “fast paced” and “immediate into action” has a strong message for us: The need to “respond to the Lord” without any delay!

When we are called by the Lord…
… we are to follow Him immediately.

When we are touched by the Lord…
… we are to respond immediately.

There is to be no “delay,” but a need to “immediately” perform.

There is to be promptitude in His service and the urgency for His mission.
There is to be no holding back, no reluctance, no slackness, but a blessed “immediateness”.

As Christians, we have perhaps allowed ourselves to get into a “delay” syndrome…

We no longer feel the pinch to react when there is immense injustice and corruption around
We take it so lightly when we hear reports of tragic deaths and heart breaking calamities.
We are not much moved when people around us suffer and undergo deep pain.

We have many who “talk” in defence and importance of faith…

But very few who really live and profess this faith.

We have many who raise protests when false accusations and persecutions of faith are made

But very few who actually live a life of prayer and holiness.

We are often no longer on the cutting edge of relevancy…

We seem to be more comfortable!

Are we “delaying”…
… to help the suffering people?
… to reinvigorate our Christian lives?
… to take our faith and spiritual life seriously?
… to stand up in defence of Christ and His Church?
… to mould and shape our lives according to God’s Will?

In all these “delay” syndromes, the ‘Gospel of Immediacy and Action’ challenges and confronts us!

St Paul reminds us: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ!” (1 Cor 11:1)

Through the mighty inspiration and intercession of our Blessed Mother – Our Lady of Lourdes…
… come, let us be ready to act
… come, let us be ready to respond

Yes…. immediately!

Beep… Beep…

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

God has not willed to reserve to himself all exercise of power. He entrusts to every creature the functions it is capable of performing, according to the capacities of its own nature.
This mode of governance ought to be followed in social life.
The way God acts in governing the world, which bears witness to such great regard for human freedom…
… should inspire the wisdom of those who govern human communities.

They should behave as ministers of divine providence. (CCC # 1884)

“Daring to move out of the ‘zone of limitation’ and knowing that God is always with us – caring, loving and providing!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34 and Mk 8:1-10 – Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Two Christian friends were talking about their life experiences.

One of them said: “It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

“Well”, said the other, ” if you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!

And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”

That’s quite a point, isn’t it?

We find our Christian Faith often on an easy course, when things go on well.

But when difficulties come our way, our “trust” level is questioned.

It is in these “questionable moments of trust” that we tend to enter into a “zone of limitation”

We tend to think in a limited and restricted manner.

We tend to limit ourselves to our inadequacies and narrowness.

But God loves to challenge us to move beyond such boundaries and borders!

Yes, human beings tend to think in a limited fashion, but God loves to expand our possibilities.

Human beings tend to get bogged down by boundaries, but God loves to throw open our horizons.

The Gospel of the day is a clear illustration of this expansion of human horizons and possibilities, through the miracle of the feeding of loaves…
… and thus trusting Him deeper!

Jesus is with His disciples and huge crowd.

They are once again in a situation of having a want of feeding this huge multitude.

It’s interesting to highlight the patterns in the attitudes of Jesus and the disciples.

Jesus sees the hungry crowd and His heart moved in compassion…

The disciples saw the hungry crowd and probably their minds were moved in tension!

Jesus expresses His concern and care to feed the hungry crowd…

The disciples express their frustration and urgency to send the crowd away at the earliest!

Jesus foresaw the possibility of immense fulfilment and satisfaction in the deserted area…

The disciples got stuck with seeing only barrenness and emptiness in the deserted area!

Jesus moved in action, to enquire about the possibilities of feeding the people…

The disciples groaned in inaction at the plight of having to feed the people!

The disciples concluded impossibility by their mathematical calculations…

Jesus concluded possibility by His Divine calculations!

The disciples saw only the desert…

Jesus looked beyond – to find an oasis in the desert!

How often are we too like the disciples…
… limited in our thinking
… restricted by our inabilities
… stuck by our mental calculations

But Jesus invites us, like He did to His disciples…to look beyond…
… to look at Him who can shatter every obstacle and barrier!
… to look to Him who can expand every horizon and possibility!
… to look to Him who can turn deserts into pools and hills into highways!

Yes, we will have moments in our life which makes us to complain:
“It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

But we are reminded by the Gospel of the Day:
“If you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!

And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”

Let us dare to move out of the “zone of limitation” and trust the Lord…
… knowing He is always with us – caring, loving and providing!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which…
… “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions

… but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.” (CCC # 1883)