“Experiencing the Amazing, Everlasting, Impartial, Outstanding and Unconditional Love of God!”

(Based on Acts 18:23-28 and Jn 16:23b-28- Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter)

A Catechism teacher was explaining her students in Class 2 about the Love of God.

As she was explaining, little Monica, suddenly exclaimed: “Miss, I now understand the vowels!”

The teacher – surprised – asked her, “But how does Love of God make you understand the vowels?”

And the little one said, “Because as you said, the Love of God is Amazing, Everlasting, Impartial, Outstanding and Unconditional!

So, the Love of God is… AEIOU!”

Yes, the Love of God encompasses all superlative adjectives!

There is nothing we can to do make God love us more!
There is nothing we can do to make God love us less!
His love is A.E.I.O.U.!

Every person longs for love…
Every person longs to be cared for…

The Gospel of the Day is a testimony of Jesus affirming the assuring and loving presence of God, our Heavenly Father.

Our Heavenly Father, is deeply in love with us, His children…
… and never ceases to express His caring affection to us, at every moment.

Jesus declares these beautiful words, which ought to be inscribed in golden shades, on the canvas of our hearts:
“… the Father Himself loves you…” (Jn 16: 27a)

This is indeed one of the mightiest and loftiest truth that we all need to know, experience, be convinced of, and live constantly in its assurance…
… the truth that “The Father Himself loves us!”

Every person longs for love and longs to be cared for…

Human love, however, sometimes fails to answer to this basic and essential need.

Sometimes people around us get too busy, to even care for us…
Sometimes, people from whom we expect love, fail to understand our need…
Sometimes, people who ought to care for us, fall short of their responsibility….

All this could leave a feeling a hurt within us.
All this could imprint a wound of sadness inside of us.

But in such moments of feeling lonely and desperation, especially…
… Jesus assures and promises us that we are not abandoned or left lonely

Instead Jesus emphatically proclaims that just as He was loved by His Father, we too are loved by our Heavenly Father!

It is confidence in this tremendous love of the Father…
… that will make us to seek whatever we wish in life, knowing that our prayers will be answered, in the way and the time, that He, My Father wishes! (Jn 16: 26)

His Love will make me delight in His Will, letting go of my personal desires!

It is conviction in this unconditional love of the Father…
… that will make us to enjoy a deep sense of joy and bliss, knowing that in any situation of gloom or sadness or tension or worry, He, My Father, is taking me through! (Jn 16: 24)

His Love will make me want to do only His Will, setting aside my individual wantings!

Our Heavenly Father, our Abba is in deep love of each one of us…

The Crucifix is the proof of this “mad love” of the Father.

May we, with His grace, deepen our love and conviction in the Amazing Love of the Father.

He is busy – busy expressing His tender love to us
He is busy writing – writing His letters of His precious love to us

Let us deepen our experience of the Love of God as… AEIOU

Amazing
Everlasting
Impartial
Outstanding
Unconditional!

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

To replace the natural law with a contrary law is a sacrilege…
… failure to apply even one of its provisions is forbidden

… no one can abrogate it entirely. (CCC # 1956)

“Realising that pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

(Based on Acts 18:9-18 and Jn 16:20-23- Friday of the 6th Week of Easter)

An elderly man was sharing his experiences to a group of youngsters.

Among the many things that he spoke, he also touched upon the topic of “pain and suffering”…
… and said:
“My dear young people, I have gone through much pain in life

And these painful experiences – though hard initially – became sources of great blessing and grace, when I realised their value, and signs of God’s wonderful Presence”

And he went on to add, “Remember always…
God whispers to us in our pleasures
… speaks in our consciences
… but shouts in our pains.

Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world!”

Yes, pain is to be understood as vital for the promotion, perseverance and progress of anyone wanting to lead a life…
… in deeper and closer union with the Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus declaring the reality of the presence of pain, suffering and sorrows in spiritual life…
… and yet those factors being pathways and passages to experience deep joy and bliss!

Not negating the actuality of the darker side of life, Jesus also mightily displays the large canvas of life which is enveloped in the light of happiness…
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16: 20)

Jesus was making His Apostles aware of the realities of His passion and death.

He had came into the world to die!

Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

To the delicate and fragile minds of the Apostles, the Lord gives a very practical analogy: the pains and the bliss of motherhood…
“When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish, because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child…
… she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (Jn 16: 21)

This analogy of the Lord sheds light and hope for our sufferings and pains in life too.

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

To others, this pain, though not experienced, can be vaguely understood as being a very painful experience.

The pain is too excruciating…

Jesus says that the hardships, sufferings and trials that we undergo in life are such.

But the moment, the child is delivered and the mother sees the innocent face of her tender babe, the whole scenario of emotions changes…

The excruciating pain is replaced by a thrilling excitement and exhilaration!
The nerve-wracking ache is replaced by a heavenly joy and happiness!

And Jesus says that, such will be our joy too, if we are also faithful and loyal to the Lord, in pains and sufferings!

This is indeed a higher spirituality…
… a higher level of holiness

To cherish joy, even in the midst of pain
To radiate happiness, even in the thick of sorrows.

It is to this elevated floor of sanctity that the Lord invites us.

He is with us to hold our hands to climb up to this floor.
He is wanting to embrace us in love, as He beckons us to come nearer to Him.

When life stings us with pain…
When problems beset us into agony…
… With hope, trust, faith and strength,

Let us realise: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

For there is a true law: right reason.
It is in conformity with nature, is diffused among all men…
… and is immutable and eternal
… its orders summon to duty

… its prohibitions turn away from offense. (CCC # 1956)

“Seeking earnestly for the gift of deeper trust and complete surrender to the Mighty Providence and Holy Will of the Lord!”

(Based on Acts 18:1-8 and Jn 16:16-20 – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter)

“Just a minute, honey, and I will be ready…”
… thus goes the words of the wife, who is busy with her make-up, while her husband keeps waiting, impatiently looking at his watch.

He knows it’s getting late to go for the scheduled program.
He also knows that the phrase “just a minute” would last a much longer time!

“Oh, Yes, I will get the work done in the next ten minutes…”
… thus goes the words of the official, when asked to speed up the pending paperwork of the renewal of a contract by a perplexed client

But the client knows the work will take much longer to be completed
He knows that the phrase “in the next ten minutes” would last a much longer time!

“Yes, Mummy, we will clean up the room right now…”
… thus goes the words of kids, when asked to clean up their room, which is in a state of mess

But the Mother knows that this cleaning up would be further delayed and would need more reminders
She knows that the phrase, “right now” would last a much longer time!

These are some of our day-to-day experiences of not being able to come to terms with “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

Such delays and uncertainties, often put us through tensions or anxiety or an “uncomfortable” state of mind!

In the Gospel of the Day, the disciples also undergo this experience… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

Jesus tells His disciples, “A little while and you will see me no more; again a little while and you will see me” (Jn 16:16)

But these words of Jesus put the disciples into a state of dilemma

They failed to grasp the meaning of the words of Jesus and were confused!

They began to discuss the phrase of Jesus – “a little while”

“What does he mean by ‘a little while'”? (Jn 16: 18)

How long was this “little while” going to be?

How does He define the phrase “a little while”?

If they knew exactly how long this “little while” would last…
…. then they would have been more courageous and patient
But now the disciples find themselves to be confused and in dilemma.

However, Jesus the Good Shepherd, knew the confusion of His little sheep

Jesus, the Master, knew the perplexity of His simple followers

But He doesn’t define the phrase “a little while”

He doesn’t say that it is a particular moment of time, that can be considered as a countdown!

Instead, Jesus defines “a little while” in terms of an experience…
… an experience of weeping and lamenting turning into rejoicing
… an experience of sorrow turning into joy (Jn 16:20)

Is our life today in a state of crisis and confusion?

Is our life today passing through waves of troubles and the deserts of anxiety?
Is our life today moving along the rough terrains of calamities and the valleys of brokenness?

Then the Lord assures us…
… “In a little while” and things will be fine!
… “In a little while” and the sunshine will appear again!

We might complain… How long is this “little while!”
We might argue…. this “little while” is being too agonising!

But the Lord invites and challenges us to look to Him, telling us…
“I too have had my painful and agonising moments… in My life, especially on the Cross
I too had My experience of feeling ‘how long is this little while going to last’…

But I stood firm and patient in trusting the Will of My Father…
I held on to the mighty Providence of my Father and knew that a bright morn awaited Me”

Yes, Jesus, through the Gospel wishes to encourage us and strengthen us…
… in sufferings, to love Him strongly!
… in hardships, to trust in Him deeper!
… in uncertainties, to depend on Him greater!

Surely, life will take us through many experiences… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.
… We may tend to lose our patience!
… We may feel like giving up!
… We may want to quit!

But let us turn to the Lord for strength, grace and courage…
… and listen to Him whispering to us…
“Hold on my Child! I am with you….embracing you in my arms!
In Me, your weeping will be changed to rejoicing
In Me, your sorrow will be turned to joy!”

Let us seek earnestly for this gift of deeper trust and complete surrender to the Mighty Providence and Holy Will of the Lord!

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

The natural law, present in the heart of each man and established by reason, is universal in its precepts and its authority extends to all men.

It expresses the dignity of the person and determines the basis for his fundamental rights and duties. (CCC # 1956)

“Realising that the ‘school of True Joy and Peace’ is very near us!”

(Based on Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 and Jn 16:12-15 – Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter)

One morning, a six-year-old girl missed her school bus.

Being new to the neighbourhood, her father – who though was getting late to go to office – decided to drive her to school…
… provided she gave him directions.

They spent twenty minutes going round in circles and through many long lanes.

Finally, they arrived at the school…
… which was only a few blocks away from their home.

“Why did you take us all over the place when your school is so close to home?” asked her exasperated father.

“Because this is the way the school bus goes,” the little girl replied….
… and with a sense of innocence: “I don’t know any other way!”

So often are we too such…

We go round and round searching for happiness and contentment…
… when the “school of True Joy and Peace” is very near us

Do we know THE WAY?
… or are we getting lost with many other peripheral lanes of life?

The Gospel of the Day is the invitation of Jesus to depend on the Holy Spirit, Who will always reveal the mysteries of life and of our faith…
… and will guide us on the right path!

The Lord had been with the disciples for quite some time and had instructed them on many teachings.

Even at the final discourse, in the context of the Last Supper, Jesus teaches His chosen ones many things.

Yet, He has many more things to tell and teach.

But…
… like a loving parent, who knows the grasping power of the child
… Like an understanding teacher, who realises the comprehension capability of the student

Jesus knows, that the disciples would not be able to understand still further His teachings.

And so He says, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn 16:12)

He, however, does not leave the Disciples in this state of hanging in mid-air…

He assures them of the mighty Power that will follow His going away from the disciples.
He promises them that the Holy Spirit will descend on them and they would realise, gradually, the power and depth of His teachings!
“But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, He will guide you to all truth” (Jn 16: 13)

In our lives, we too often go astray…
… or tread on paths that are too complicated

Situations and circumstances often lead us away from the right destination!

It may lead us to desperation.
It may even lead us to anxiety.

But the Lord assures us…
… that He is the Way to every solution in the world
… that He is the Path to every answer in life

Of course, not all will be told to us, or revealed to us, at once.

They will be conveyed to us, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate situation.

From our part, what is needed is…
… an openness to His Spirit
… a trust in His Divine Providence
… a constant seeking to know His Will

The underlying principle for this simple, yet, seemingly hard-to-practise philosophy of life, is the fact that “God Loves Us” immeasurably…
… and that every moment of our life is taken care of by Him.

His glory fills the heavens and the earth.
His knowledge permeates in every event of life.

St Paul invited the people of Athens, to leave behind unknown objects of worship

And instead, to trust and believe in the Living God, Who has risen from the dead, and lives and moves in each one of us:
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is He served by human hands…
… that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him. Yet he is not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being!’” (Cf. Acts 17:24-28)

The greater our trust in the Living God…
… the nearer will we be, to the right destination!

As Christians, we ought to be persons who have our aims set on the “proper lanes” of life – seeking Jesus and His Kingdom.

Jesus ought to be the greatest treasure of our life
Jesus ought to be the deepest satisfaction in our life

We need to examine our lives.
So often we go round and round searching for happiness and contentment…

But let us realise, that the “school of True Joy and Peace” is very near us!

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

Where then are these rules written, if not in the book of that light we call the truth?
In it is written every just law…
… from it the law passes into the heart of the man who does justice
… not that it migrates into it, but that it places its imprint on it, like a seal on a ring that passes onto wax, without leaving the ring.
The natural law is nothing other than the light of understanding placed in us by God…

… through it we know what we must do and what we must avoid. God has given this light or law at the creation. (CCC # 1955)

“Thanking God for the gift of life, and with humility, totally depending on Him!”

(Based on Acts 16:22-34 and Jn 16:5-11 – Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter)

Here is an interesting prayer, that perhaps, many of us might have not actually made…

… but perhaps, is echoed, in the depths of one’s heart:

“Dear God,

So far today I’ve done all right.

I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper.

I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent.

I’m very thankful for that!

But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…

… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

Do we realise that we are prone to sin?

… or have we become quite “lethargic and tepid” in matters concerning sin?

Becoming aware that we are weak and fragile, helps us to depend more on the Power and Grace of God…

… Failure to realise so, will make us to bank only on ourselves and thus will lead to great falls!

It is the Holy Spirit Who gives us the Grace to be aware of the “sinful areas and tendencies” of our lives…

… and helps us to totally depend on Him, to live a holy and credible life.

Jesus, in the Gospel of the day, enlightening on the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world regarding sin.

He says, “And when He (Holy Spirit, the Advocate) comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation” (Jn 16: 8)

One of the standout factors in the teachings of Jesus is His uncompromising attitude with respect to sin.

And perhaps, this is where Jesus as a Holy Person stands out incomparable with all other great spiritual or philosophical leaders of the world.

This is also where Christianity as a religion stands out unmatched with any other belief system or practice of spirituality.

For Jesus and in Christianity…

… there is an uncompromising teaching on the need to root out sin and evil offences

… there is an absolutely unparalleled insistence on removal of sin for spiritual progress

… there is an unsurpassed assertion on being holy and pure to be in communion with Him

The Lord points out to this prime role of the Holy Spirit: Convicting the world of sin.

St Peter, after His first proclamation on Pentecost Day, had the hearers’ conscience convicted of sin. 

>> “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and they asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘What are we to do, my brothers?'” (Acts 2:37)

It is the Holy Spirit Who causes a person to become aware of one’s state of sinfulness and living an evil life.

This also means, that when there is “a loss of the sense of sin”, the workings of the Holy Spirit is also highly dormant and latent.

A “loss of sense of sin” occurs, when the Holy Spirit fails to have an active role in one’s life!

We need to make an honest examination of our conscience…

Is our life suffering from a “lack of sensation to sin”…?

Do I continue to pursue, persevere or promote deeds of sin…

… even though I am aware of it, or has been brought to my notice?

Do I fail to be sensitive to issues of immense sin and evil happening in and around me, in people and situations…

… and instead become indifferent and uninterested?

A persistence with this tendency can very dangerously sever our relation with the Lord.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we become ‘convicted’ of this spiritual malady and make efforts to overcome them.

Let the reality of sin be recognized and acknowledged in our lives and in the world.

Paul and Silas, who were locked in the prison, experienced the miraculous Power of the Holy Spirit – as we read in Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:25-34)

This incident evoked feelings of faith and repentance in jailor. His cry for the Mercy of the Lord would be answered by Paul and Silas in a majestic manner: 

>> “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household!” (Acts 16:31)

Let us also have an open heart to accept this “conviction of sin” by the Holy Spirit and to co-operate with Him to remedy this spiritual woe!

As we thank God, every morning, for the gift of life, let us also, with humility and total dependence on Him, pray:

“…in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…

… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

>> This law is called “natural,” not in reference to the nature of irrational beings…

… but because reason which decrees it properly belongs to human nature. (CCC # 1955)

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“Witnessing JESUS CHRIST – by thought, by word, by deed!”

(Based on Acts 16:11-15 and Jn 15:26—16:4a – Monday of the 6th Week of Easter)

Every Christian is expected to be a witness to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, in one’s everyday life.

In a random survey conducted, as to why many Christians don’t speak about Christ to others, some of the common answers given by Christians were as follows:
>> “I am not sure what I have to say!”
>> “My lifestyle doesn’t match what Christ expects of me!”
>> “I may not be able to give convincing answers, when questions are asked!”
>> “I am not sure if I will be called as a hypocrite – or living by double standards!”
>> “I don’t really care about speaking about Christ etc…”
>> “I think it is not my duty. It is the duty of the leaders of the Church. First let them do…”

And prominently…
>> “I am afraid what others will feel…!”
>> “I feel anxious if I will be rejected and be side-lined by all!”


What about us?
>> Do we witness to Christ, daily?
>> Do we speak about and witness the Love of God to people?

What answer do we have?


The Gospel of the Day is an assurance and an invitation by Jesus to live by the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and thus be a “Witness of Jesus and His Kingdom!”


One of the primary tasks of Jesus, as he left this world, was to “Strengthen His Disciples”

He knew very well, how each one of them would go through periods of crisis, after His Departure.


When things go on well, life seems to be easy…
… But when hardships and loneliness creeps in, life seems to be too difficult!

As long as Jesus was with them, the disciples would have an easy life…
… But with the departure of Jesus, they would have to face a difficult life!


And so Jesus prepares them by assuring them of how the Holy Spirit would strengthen them:
“When the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth… He will bear witness to Me, and you also are witnesses…
I have said all this to you, to keep you from falling away!” (Jn 15:26-27, 16:1)


Jesus knew that all his disciples had weaknesses …

Some would be unsure of what answer to be given when questions were asked
(Like Peter who would deny Jesus, when questions were asked – Lk 22: 54-61)

Some would only worry about their own positions and comforts
(Like the disciples at the Last Supper, who would discuss the one who is great among them – Lk 22: 24)

Some would be afraid of the people and the society around
(Like the disciples who would run away and abandon Jesus – Mk 14: 50)

Some would prefer to choose riches and money, than Jesus
(Like Judas who would betray the Lord for the sake of money – Mk 14: 10-11)


Despite these weakness and fragilities, the Lord did not give up on them

He invited them to “Be open to Receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a Powerful Life of Witnessing!”


By this Power of the Person of the Holy Spirit, the disciples became powerful witnesses to the world, bringing many people to experience the Love of the Lord
… as we read in the Acts of the Apostles…
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyati′ra, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)


We too have our own weaknesses in witnessing to the Lord, in this modern society…

Some of us…
… are not sure of what answers to be given to questions that are asked about faith

Some of us…
… like to remain in our own comfort zones

Some of us…
… are afraid of “what other people will think” and if I will “lose my name and esteem in the society”

Some of us…
… give more importance to the false promises of the world, and don’t make a clear-cut choice for God and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)


To each of us too, the Lord invites to “Be open to receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a powerful Life of Witnessing!”

Yes, He doesn’t give up on us.


Let us renew our commitment to the Lord, everyday..
… and by His Spirit, with boldness and courage, “Stand Firm for the Gospel Values”

Let us “Witness Jesus Christ” – by thought, by word, by deed!


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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW
>> The natural law hinges upon the desire for God and submission to Him…
… Who is the source and judge of all that is good
… as well as upon the sense that the other is one’s equal.
>> Its principal precepts are expressed in the Decalogue. (CCC # 1955)
———–                                                                                             

“Being filled from the fountain of love, and share the joyof the Lord, to a broken world.!”

(Based on Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48, 1 Jn 4:7-10 and Jn 15:9-17 – 6th Sunday of Easter)

Mr George Crane was a popular newspaper columnist, psychologist and physician in the United States.

He speaks of an experience of a wife who came into his office, full of hatred toward her husband.

Seeking a divorce, she blurted out, “I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. >> Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has caused pain to me.”

Dr. Crane suggested a clever plan “Go home and do this…

Act as if you really love your husband.
Pretend and tell him how much he means to you.

Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible.

Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him!

And, after you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bombshell!

Tell him that you are getting a divorce.
That will really hurt him!
Hurt him to the core!”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Wonderful indeed! That is a superb way of settling scores with the one who hurt me the most!”

So off she went, doing what was told, with enthusiasm, acting “as if”

She showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing…

After two months, when she didn’t return, Dr Crane called. “So, are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

“Divorce?” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

Her actions had changed her feelings.

Her “affectionate” motions had resulted in “loving” emotions with sincerity!
Her “acting” in actuality helped her to rediscover her lost love.

That’s the power of love!

Love is, indeed, the best medicine for any sickness which cripples human life!

And the reason for this amazing power of love is simple: Genuine Love gushes forth from the fount of the One who is Love Incarnate… Jesus!
… “God is love” (1 Jn 4:8)

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful exposition of Jesus revealing His love for us. He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love” (Jn 15:9)

Jesus speaks of three dimensions of love in this Gospel passage

1. A Love that is obedient
   Jesus says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (Jn 15: 10)

Jesus remained in the love of the Father, by doing His commandments.

And he enjoins the same principle of ‘Obedient Love’ to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also obeys…
The one who loves, also follows the commands…

Do I have a love that is obedient…?
… happy to undertake the various duties and responsibilities entrusted to me and fulfilling them to the best of my capabilities.

2. A Love that is sacrificial
   Jesus says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15: 13)

Jesus showed the depth of His love by undertaking the highest sacrifice of His own life.

And he enjoins the same principle of Sacrificial Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also offers and foregoes some luxuries and securities…
The one who loves, also gives up many of the comforts and personal desires…

Do I have a love that is sacrificial?
… willing to lay down one’s bias and prejudices, dying to one’s evil inclinations, putting to sword one’s bad habits that takes away from God and making adjustments of one’s self-desires to make way for God’s plans in life.

3. A Love that is fruitful
   Jesus says, “… I chose and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain… “(Jn 15: 16)

Jesus showed the quality of His love by displaying the fruits of compassion, tender mercy, an accommodating heart, gentleness and generosity.

And he enjoins the same principle of Fruitful Love to His disciples too.

The one who loves, also bears fruits of patience, kindness, self-control and faithfulness…
The one who loves, also lives a life that radiates the fruits of joy, generosity and peace…

Do I have a love that is fruitful?
… bearing fruits that witness God’s love by promoting unity and harmony and attracting many to the tender mercy of the Lord by a live of passion and zeal.

The Lord loves us tremendously…
… with a love that is obedient, sacrificial and fruitful.

The incident of Cornelius – a gentile – encountering Peter…
… and experiencing the Redeeming Love of the Lord, is a proof that God’s love does not exclude anyone! (Cf. Acts 10:44-48)
God’s Love encompasses us… always… every moment!

Each of us are to possess this same treasure of love.

Love binds every brokenness..
Love joins every divorced situation…
Love unites every ruptured circumstance…

May the Lord enable us to be filled from His fountain of love and share His joy and peace to a world that is broken and seeks for consolation, comfort and calm!

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

The natural law, present in the heart of each man and established by reason, is universal in its precepts and its authority extends to all men.

It expresses the dignity of the person and determines the basis for his fundamental rights and duties. (CCC # 1955)

“Being prepared to face any amount of difficulty to uphold our Faith in the Lord!”

(Based on Acts 16:1-10 and Jn 15:18-21 – Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter

The Boxer Rebellion or the Boxer Uprising was an anti-imperialist uprising which took place in China towards the end of the 20th century.

It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), known in English as the “Boxers.”

It was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and associated Christian missionary activity.
The well-trained, athletic young men were referred to as “Boxers,” because of the martial arts and physical exercises that they practiced.

On one such occasion, during this Boxer Rebellion, some insurgents captured a Christian mission school and blocked all the gates but one.

In front of that one gate, was placed a cross-flat on the ground.

Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot.

Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free.

But a student in the eighth class- a young girl – refused to commit the sacrilegious act.

Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad.

Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad!

The example of the one brave and faithful child inspired others to also be bold in their defence of faith.

These children, strong and courageous, laid down their lives, to be obedient to their faith.

Fear of death could not strangle their faith!
Fear of persecution could not suppress their conviction!

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation by Jesus to remain steadfast and bold even in the face of persecution in defence for our faith in Him.

And this steadfastness is in imitation of Jesus, our Master, who Himself underwent a miserable series of pain, persecution, suffering and humiliation…
… and yet remained totally faithful to His Mission.

Jesus says, “If the world hates you, realise that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jn 15: 18, 20b)

The Lord is very clear in His teaching and preaching:
Friendship with Jesus would mean hostility from the world.

Non-compromise with Jesus’ teaching would result in antagonism from the world.

Our Lord Himself had to undergo this pain of rejection, persecution and opposition throughout His life…

At His birth, King Herod sought to terminate His life
After Baptism, Satan sought to tempt Him out of His mission.
During His ministry, the Pharisees and Scribes would misunderstand and misjudge Him

The Lord alerts His disciples that the same will be true in their lives too, if they choose to remain faithful to their vocation.

As a follower of the Lord, we too need to be aware that sufferings and hardships in being Christian are sure to come our way.

What is our attitude and disposition to these trials that we face because of our faith in Christ?

Are we bold and courageous…
… even when we are to face isolation or seclusion due to standing firm in our values and principles in the Lord?

Do we live our life in joy and calmness…
… even when we have to face misunderstandings and become an object of laughter, or called “old-traditionalists” due to being staunch in following the Gospel values?

The world constantly ensnares us with temptations to abandon the Cross…
The evil one very often traps us with hardships to dilute our faith in the Lord…

Are we going to yield to such temptations and enticements…
… or are we prepared to face any amount of difficulty, to uphold our Faith in the Lord?

Are we going to stamp the Cross of Christ and Faith in Him…
… or are we bold and courageous to sustain our witnessing to Jesus in the world?

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

Where then are these rules written, if not in the book of that light we call the truth?
In it is written every just law; from it the law passes into the heart of the man who does justice, not that it migrates into it…
… but that it places its imprint on it, like a seal on a ring that passes onto wax, without leaving the ring.
The natural law is nothing other than the light of understanding placed in us by God…

… through it we know what we must do and what we must avoid. God has given this light or law at the creation. (CCC # 1955)

“Having a ‘burning desire’ to be ever faithful to Christ and His Kingdom!”

(Based on Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles)

One of the famous stories by the American author, Napoleon Hill goes thus…

Years back, a great warrior found himself to be in a situation, wherein he had to take a hard decision, to ensure success on the battlefield.

He was about to send his armies against a powerful foe, whose men outnumbered his own.

He got his soldiers into boats and sailed to the enemy’s country.
He then unloaded all the soldiers and the equipment.

When they had disembarked, he gave a strong order, “Burn the ships!”

The ships that had carried them were burnt!
… Up they went, in smoke!

Then he addressed his soldiers, ” “You see the boats going up in smoke.

That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win!
We now have no choice—we win, or we perish!”

The result of the battle was astonishing:

Though they were a very small number… they still won!

It’s such in life…

Any person who wishes to find success in any undertaking, must be willing to “burn all ships”…
…cut all sources of retreat…
… and have a burning desire to win!

Today Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of two such saints….Apostles St Philip and St James… who lived a faithful and courageous life as followers of Jesus…
… having “burnt all ships” that kept them away from Christ
…cut all sources of retreat
… and had a burning desire to be ‘ever faithful’!

The Apostle St Philip was a native of Bethsaida, on Lake Gennesaret. He was among the first disciples of Jesus (Jn 1:43)

At the miraculous feeding of the multitude, it was to Philip that Jesus asked, “Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?” to which Philip replied, “Two hundred denarii worth food will not be enough for them to have a little” (Jn 6:5)
When through Greeks came to meet Jesus, it was Philip whom they met and it was he who reported to Andrew and they both went to Jesus (Jn 12: 21-22)
It was Philip who told Jesus, in the Upper Room, “Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us” (Jn 14: 8)

The Apostle St James is called as the Younger or the Less, because he was the second of that name who was an apostle of Jesus – distinguishing him from James the Greater, the son of Zebedee

St James the Less was also called as James the Just and is sometimes also called as the “Brother of the Lord”
He is the author of one of the Epistles in the New Testament and he was also ordained as the Bishop of Jerusalem.

The Gospel of the Day (Jn 14: 6-14) presents Jesus declaring Himself as “The Way, the Truth and The Life” (Jn 14: 6)

These two Apostles, St Philip and St James by their life, gave a faithful witness to Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life!

We are called and challenged, by these Apostles to do the same as well…

Being ready…

to embrace Jesus as The Way…
… seeking to follow only His paths and doing His Will
…being bold to stand firm in the face of hardships, while walking on the Way

Being ready…

to embrace Jesus as The Truth…
… wanting to let go a life of dishonesty and hypocrisy in our actions of life
… determined in the conviction to live for Christ and His virtues in day-to-day life

Being ready…

to embrace Jesus as The Life…
… willing to utilize all our talents, gifts, resources in life for the glory of God and His Kingdom
… being brave to let go off anything which prevents us from living a life for the Lord

The Apostles St Philip and St James…
… were greatly purified in their following of the Lord, through various persecutions and hardships
.. and finally, gave their life in martyrdom to the Lord and His Kingdom!

We are invited and exhorted by these Great Apostles…
.. to “burn all ships” – that can take us away from Christ..
…”cut all sources of retreat” – that tempt us to go away from the battlefield of Christian life
… and instead have a “burning desire” to be ever faithful to Christ and His Kingdom!

Wish you a Happy Feast of the Apostles – St Philip and St James!

May we too, seek and work to be His True Apostles and thus live to be a Saint!

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

The “divine and natural” law shows man the way to follow so as to practice the good and attain his end.

The natural law states the first and essential precepts which govern the moral life. (CCC # 1955)

“’Stirring up our lives’ to savour the sweetness of joy, peace and serenity of the Lord!”

(Based on Acts 15:7-21 and Jn 15:9-11 – Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter)

One of the wonderful SMSs that has been read and circulated by many of us, goes thus….

“Life is like having a cup of coffee…
You sit by the window, lift the cup, take a careless sip…
… and find no sugar.

Too lazy to go for the sugar, you somehow manage with that sugarless cup.

On finishing, you find undissolved sugar crystals, settled at the bottom!

That is life!

We don’t make any effort to value what is around or within us.

So look around…
… Maybe, the sweetness you are looking is much closer than you think!”

How often is our spiritual life also lived similarly…

We go through the rigours of spiritual practices…
… but they sometimes become mere routines

We perform many chores of religious exercises…
… but they sometimes turn out to be ritualistic.

Spiritual life becomes tasteless…
Spiritual life loses its fascination…

But Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day invites us to have a deeper excitement and happiness in life, by abiding in His love.

He tells us, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy maybe in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15: 11)

The Lord wishes each of His followers to live a life of immense joy and happiness.

Jesus, Himself lived a very joyful life.

What was the recipe for His happiness?

A life that was lived in perfect communion with His Heavenly Father…
… seeking union with the Father through moments of solitude in prayer
… raising His Heart to the Father in gratitude and thanksgiving at every situation of life.

A life that was lived in absolute obedience to the Will of His Father…
… willing to shed any personal comforts or desires to be faithful to the mission entrusted
… readiness to undergo any amount of pain and suffering, even death, to be totally committed

Jesus hands over this same recipe to us, to discover true joy and happiness in life.

When we live in Communion with the Heavenly Father…
… in intense moments of prayer
… with a heart of thanksgiving

And we obey God’s Will…
… even at the cost of some personal comforts
… ready to bear sufferings to be faithful to Him

It is then…
… that we will experience real joy and happiness
… that we will treasure heavenly experiences in our hearts

Life grinds us through many tasteless moments and situations…

We get upset easily…
We tend to get defensive…
We get into a mode of being lethargic…
But the Lord says… “Stir up your lives!”

“Stir up your lives” to savour the sweetness of joy, peace and serenity…
… to taste the joy that is guaranteed by obeying God’s commandments
… to taste the peace that is assured by letting our lives be a symphony of service to others
… to taste the serenity that is promised by always abiding in the loving presence of the Lord

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 – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE MORAL LAW

The natural law is written and engraved in the soul of each and every man, because it is human reason ordaining him to do good and forbidding him to sin.
But this command of human reason would not have the force of law, if it were not the voice and interpreter of a higher reason…

… to which our spirit and our freedom must be submitted. (CCC # 1954)