“Seeking to win ‘the reward of Eternity’ by God’s Mercy and Grace, and our spiritual longings and faithfulness!”

(Based on 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 and Mt 6:19-23 – Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558-1603.

She was probably England’s greatest and most controversial Queen.

As she lay on her death bed, the nation’s best doctors battled to save her life…
… but in vain!

When she was told that she was going to die, the unfortunate Queen began to weep.

She sobbed and said: “I will give millions for an inch of time!”

She had lived 70 years of pursuing wealth, fame and pleasure

She had servants to cater to every whim
It is said she had 10,000 dresses in her wardrobe with atleast 2000 pairs of gloves alone!
She was the queen of the kingdom which was considered to be “one on which the Sun would never set”

Yet, this apparently powerful and rich Queen of England, died – pleading for “An Inch of Time”

This is the reality of our earthly lives….

No matter how materially rich we are…
… none of these would count as being important, when death arrives!

No matter how popular and fame we acquire while on earth…
… all of it would be reduced to nothingness, when the end comes!

The only thing that would matter, would be…
… Have we made God as the ultimate treasure and meaning of our life and live by His Will?
… Are we humble enough to acknowledge and depend on the Providence of God?

The sooner we realise this, the more meaningful would our lives be…

The further we delay, the deeper would be the moments of anxieties in life!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful reminder by Jesus to have an examination of the “longings of our hearts” and to set right “first things first!”

Jesus says: “Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth….” (Mt 6: 19)

Every human being has an innate longing and a craving to go beyond transitory, transient and peripheral aspects of life.

It is this dimension that is described in terms of…
… longing for eternal happiness
… desire for peace and serenity
… yearning for the Absolute
… deep thirst for God etc…

There is a search for the Eternal…
… a pursuit for the Everlasting
… a wish to pursue good thoughts
… in every human being!

However, very often in this quest, human beings go astray and go off track, by falsely seeking for the Eternal, in mere peripheral objects.

These objects vary for different people…
… It could be wealth, power, prestige, sex, drugs, other addictions, worldly attachments etc.

We often build up for ourselves castles and mansions in this physical world…
… and remain under the false pretence, that my life is comfortable and everything is very good.

Our hearts & minds gets set on “things of this world“ and we remain deceived with peripheral joys and temporary happiness and tranquility!

But today, the Lord warns us: “Have we stored up treasures on the earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves can steal?!” (Mt 6:19)

Jesus points to the fact that one must not have treasures “that would not last”

In this reference, he points to three entities: moth, rust and thieves.

1. Why moth?
   Rich and extravagant dresses and garments were often expressions of wealth.

And moths loved to treat on such “ornate” dresses and garments

Garments, in the Bible, also refer to the dignity of a person, a symbol of righteousness and the sign of salvation

Moths eating such garments, point to the loss in spiritual agility and vigour!

2. Why rust?
   Grains were considered as a sign of prosperity and thus they would be stored in storehouses (as the parable of the rich fool suggests – Lk 12: 18b)

The Greek word used for ‘rust’ is “brosis” which literally means “an eating”

This could refer to how rats, mice, worms, and insects could eat away at these storehouses of grain!

If the wealth consisted of jewellery, then this ‘eating away’ could refer to “rust” (= the product of a chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with water vapour to form the oxide of the metal).

3. Why thieves?
   Gold, precious metals and other costly goods would be another sign of richness.

They would be hidden by keeping them safe in the houses etc.

The most common method that was done was to find a secret place in the field and in the dark of night, a hole would be dug and the treasure would be buried.

But thieves would lurk around at night and watch where people would bury their treasure…
… and then go and dig it up.

The phrase “where thieves break in” could be literally translated “where thieves dig in.”

The houses of those times were constructed of mud; so thieves would often dig through the walls and steal the treasures!

Thus, our Blessed Lord warns against having our riches that ‘would not last’…
… those which could be consumed by moths
… those which could easily be eaten up or be rusted
… those which could be stolen and plundered by thieves

Instead the Lord says: “Store up treasures for yourself in heaven” (Mt 6:20)

We need to ask ourselves: Are we rich in what matters to God?

St Paul says, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but be transformed by a renewal of your minds..!” (Rom 12:2)

Time and again, we like to stroll along in life, thinking, that…
… spiritual life, relation with God, Divine thoughts, holy practices, devout rituals are just not “happening” things!

We feel that they are too boring
We feel that they are reserved for the older generation people
We feel that they are not meant for the 21st century generation!

But, for a moment..we need to pause and think…

We may not be thinking too seriously about our spiritual lives…
… But Jesus was really quite serious….

That’s why He DIED on the Cross…!

His bleeding death was real…
… His agony and pain and sufferings, for the sake of our sins, was real!

JESUS IS REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT OUR SALVATION…!
… But, AM I SERIOUS ABOUT THIS LIFE, THAT HE WON FOR ME?

How long are we going to fool ourselves…?

Falsely inflating our egos and satisfying our craving desires…
Being satisfied with worldly pleasures…
Seeking momentary happiness…

Where our heart is…
… there will be our treasure! (Mt 6:21)

Let’s dwell deeper on the words of St Augustine:
“God, you have made us for yourself…
… and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”

All our earthly and material wealth will never give us “an extra inch of time”…
… but our spiritual longings and faithfulness, by God’s Mercy and Grace, will win for us “the reward of Eternity!”

Yes, let us soar like eagles, in our longings for God..
… and not just be satisfied, like chickens, picking up tiny grains of worldly pleasures!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

God gave himself to us through his Spirit.
By the participation of the Spirit, we become communicants in the Divine nature

For this reason, those in whom the Spirit dwells are divinized. (CCC # 1988)

“Asking the Grace from ‘Our Father’ to help us make inroads into forgiving others!”

(Based on Sir 48:1-14 and Mt 6:7-15 – Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There was a king who had suffered much from his rebellious subjects.

But one day they surrendered their arms…
… threw themselves at his feet
… and begged for mercy.
>> The king pardoned them all.

One of the king’s friends said to him: “We are surprised at your act!
>> Did you not say that every rebel should die?
>> Did you not give us a command that every enemy should be killed?”

“Yes,” replied the king, calmly…
… and added, “but I see no rebels here!”


True forgiveness flows from the heart…
… and eliminates every bitterness
… so as to render every enemy as null and void!

We are today called to have a special focus on the aspect of forgiveness…
… as we give heed to the beautiful rendition of the pattern of all prayers – “The Our Father” – as recounted by St Mathew


The Gospel of the Day is part of the Sermons on the Mount in the Gospel of St Matthew.

Jesus presents His teaching on various Christian themes.

In His teaching on prayer, Jesus teaches the beautiful prayer – The Our Father.


The Our Father has seven petitions:
1. Hallowed be Thy Name
2. Thy Kingdom come
3. Thy Will be done
4. Give us today our Daily Bread
5. Forgive us our sins
6. Lead us not into temptation
7. Deliver us from evil.


The fifth petition – for forgiveness – is also accompanied with a clause – “…as we forgive”..
“…and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Mt 6:12)
… forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us!
… forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us!


Well, does this mean God’s forgiveness is conditional?

Certainly NO!


It needs to be understood, that God, in His infinite mercy and goodness, has always the store of forgiveness, unconditionally opened for us!
>> But to receive this treasure of forgiveness, we need to first forgive others!

God’s Mercy and Forgiveness is unconditional…
… but our reception of the same, is conditional!

It means that…
>> If we harbour a wrong against other…
>> If we continue to nurture hatred against other…
>> If we wilfully fail to extend absolution to the other…
>> If we adamantly keep having repulsion against the other…
… then we are telling God to not forgive me either!
… then we are telling God to not shower His blessing on me!
… then we are telling God to withhold His unconditional mercy on me!
… then we are telling God to stop extending His unconditional compassion!


We are called therefore, to “forgive from our heart”…
… and thus to reconcile with everyone in our life.

It is when we truly forgive, that we become recipients of the Great Mercy and Forgiveness of God!


The prayer – “Our Father” is indeed one of the most easily learnt and widely used prayers.
>> But this clause of the prayer, which is often overlooked, also makes this prayer dangerous!


Let us ask the Grace from ‘Our Father’ to help us make inroads into forgiving others!

Let us realize that true forgiveness flows from the heart…
… eliminates every bitterness
… and thus, renders every enemy as null and void!


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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION
>> Through the power of the Holy Spirit we take part in Christ’s Passion by dying to sin…
… and in his Resurrection by being born to a new life
… we are members of his Body which is the Church, branches grafted onto the vine which is himself. (CCC # 1988)
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“Doing away with the ‘gadgets of our self-wills’ and beginning to really re-charge ourselves with doing God’s Will!”

(Based on 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14 and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 – Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An Italian newspaper carried a news story about a young couple in Milan who seemed particularly devoted in their worship.

The priest at a Cathedral reported that the pair spent an hour or more on a regular basis…
… sitting before a statue of the Virgin Mary.

But shockingly…
… it turned out, that they were not really praying!
>> This young couple was recharging their cell phone!

They had noticed a stray electric cable sticking out of the wall…
… behind the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Whenever their phone’s power supply dwindled, the young couple came to the church and re-charged it!


Well…
What looked like an act of piety, was actually a self-serving ploy!

Maybe, we are much shocked by this act…

How about us?
Do we indulge ourselves into similar acts?
… claiming to be praying – but without true devotion or only for “transient gains and desires”
… claiming to be abstaining – but without a sense of joy and reducing it to “an annual observance of an unconvinced pious act”
… claiming to be doing acts of piety – but perhaps, with selfish motives or as “popularity stunts”

Are we really re-charging ourselves?
… or are recharging the many “gadgets” of our self-will?


The Gospel of the Day is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of restoring the “true intention in the acts of praying, fasting and almsgiving”…
… with a need to put on the vestment of humility and sincerity!


The Gospel Passage – Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 – presents to us Jesus speaking of the three core practices that were essential pious practices of His time: ALMSGIVING, PRAYER and FASTING (PENANCE).


He invites us to perform these acts of piety with a “holy and sincere devotion”

With respect to almsgiving, Jesus says…
… “sound no trumpet” (Mt 6:2)

With respect to prayer, Jesus says…
… “shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6)

With respect to fasting, Jesus says…
…”anoint your head and wash your face” (Mt 6:17)


It is interesting to note that these 3 practices refers to 3 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: Rediscovering the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness


It’s high time we move from “prayering” – merely reciting words…
… to praying – words of love that arise from the heart!

It’s high time we move from “announcements” – throwing words of charity into the air…
… to almsgiving – charity that flows from the generosity of one’s heart!

It’s high time we move from “feasting” – indulging in self-pleasure…
… to fasting – self-discipline to help one to regulate one’s life!


Yes… we are called to give greater attention to “return to the basics”…
… restoring the “true intention in all our activities!”

Can we stop making our acts of piety as merely self-serving ploys?

Shall we do away with the “gadgets of our self-wills”
… and begin to really re-charge ourselves with doing God’s Will?”


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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION
>> But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.
>> For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.
>> The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
>> So you also must consider yourselves as dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (CCC # 1987)
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“Responding to the invitation to ‘live in love’ by having a proper understanding of the word ‘love!'”

(Based on 1 Kgs 21:17-29 and Mt 5:43-48 – Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A catechism teacher – an English trainer by profession – was explaining the importance of the word ‘love’ to her Class 7 students.

She said: “What is love?

>> Love is silence – when your words would hurt.
>> Love is patience – when people are rude
>> Love is deafness – when a scandalous rumour makes rounds
>> Love is thoughtfulness – when you see others in pain
>> Love is promptness – when you see someone in need
>> Love is courage – when unexpected crisis hits the boat of your lives”

And she added, “And finally…
… Love is The Man – Whom you see hanging on the Cross, shedding the last drop of His blood for us!”


Love, which takes many forms, finds its ultimate expression in “The Man” – Jesus – the Saviour of the world…
… Who invites each one of us to “live in love” by having a proper understanding of the word “love!”


Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, continues to pull down barriers of “comfort and coziness” by challenging His disciples to rise above the normal standards of the world.

Today He speaks on the aspect of “Love”.


Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human person.

Dictionaries describe love as being ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’ or a ‘feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection’.


Generally speaking, love is considered only to be a human ’emotion or feeling’.
>> It is something that is usually understood as being “felt” or “sensed” or “experienced”.


Jesus surely did consider “love” as an emotion and a feeling.

Therefore…
… He loved the company of people
… He cherished affection of those who followed Him
… He treasured relationships and fostered friendships with all


But beyond these “external” dimensions of Love… Our Blessed Lord taught and showed a higher aspect of love

Love, not just being a “feeling” but ” love as a “decision”.
Love, not just being a “sensation” but love as a “commitment”


Therefore Jesus says:
“You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy!” (Mt 5:43)
“For if you love only those who love you, what recompense will you have?” (Mt 5: 46)


These ‘statements on love’ must have stunned the original audience.

In the 1st-century Jewish Palestine, “enemies” and “persecutors” primarily referred to the oppressive Romans.

Jesus challenges His followers, to love and pray for those who were oppressing them…
… those occupying their land
… those imposing heavy taxes
… and those treating them unjustly.


This radical love – mirroring the Heavenly Father’s inclusive care…
… would become an identity for them to be called as ‘true children of the Heavenly Father!’


Love, when understood only as a “feeling” or an “emotion” can get reduced to being just an “object” or a “thing”
>> Just as one exchanges goods with each other…
… love is also exchanged with one another
>> Just as one shares one’s belongings and possessions with one another…
… love is also shared with one another
>> Just as one gives and takes things from each other…
… love is also given and taken from each other

But the Lord presents a higher understanding of love and demands a much supreme expression of love from His followers: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5: 48)


Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling”…
… and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment!”


When someone hurts us, we don’t “feel” like loving…
>> But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is a “daring decision”

When someone continues to be lukewarm, we don’t have any “emotions” of love…
>> But Jesus says, “Love that person,” because love is an “absolute allegiance”

When someone continues to cause pain, we don’t “experience” any love…
>> But Jesus says, “Love that person” because love is a “challenging commitment”


Now this teaching certainly irks our “normal” understanding.
>> How can I possibly love someone, who has hurt and killed me, mentally?
>> How can I be expected to show love to someone who still hurts me, even intentionally?
>> How can I be told to love people, who have no regard for me at all and treat me as an object?


It seems to be an impossibility.
It seems to be absurd.

But we are called to look to the Crucified Lord…
… in Whom we have the perfect example of ‘Love being lived in actuality!’

Jesus on the Cross shows that love is to be
… a “daring decision”
… an “absolute allegiance”
… and a “challenging commitment!”


>> One may not be able to “show” love…
… but can we at least pray, and seek for God’s blessings on the person?
>> One may not be able to “talk” freely to the one who has hurt…
… but can we try to wish good, and speak good about the person?
>> One may not be able to “resist” from having bad feelings when encountering one’s enemy…
… but can we at least offer the person to the mercy of God?


This teaching certainly seems to be a big “burden” and a significant “stress”

But this is where, we need to make a journey…
… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!
… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!


We are assured by the Lord that when we “observe [His commandments] diligently” with all our heart and with all our soul….
… we will be “set high above all nations that He has made, in praise and in fame and in honor; and… to be a people holy to the Lord!” (Cf. Deut 26:16,19)


Let us realize that the Lord has walked through this journey.

He is still with us – to accompany us.
>> This journey may be hard
>> This journey may be hurting
>> This journey may be painful

But lets follow the Loving Law of the Lord…
…being impelled by the encouraging words of the Psalmist: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!” (Ps 119:1b)


We are given the powerful reminder that “Love is The Man – Whom you see hanging on the Cross, shedding the last drop of His blood for us!”…
… as we are invited to “live in love” by having a proper understanding of the word “love!”


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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION
>> The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us…
… that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ” and through Baptism. (CCC # 1987)
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“As followers of Christ, being ready to embrace the ‘powerful’ spirituality of the ‘bold Jesus!'”

(Based on 1 Kgs 21:1-16 and Mt 5:38-42 – Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The TIME magazine, in its declaration of Jesus, as the Man of the Millennium, proclaimed:

“The single most powerful figure – not merely in these two millenniums but in all human history – has been Jesus of Nazareth…
… a serious argument can be made that no one else’s life has proved remotely as powerful and enduring as that of Jesus.”

One of the reasons for this Massive Influence of Jesus, was His uncompromising and ever-bold attitude with respect to sin, evil and living a life of total love!


The Gospel of the Day presents this lofty teaching of Jesus on non-retaliation and the power of forgiving love.


One of the highly debatable and confusing teachings of Jesus is contained in today’s Gospel reading.

Jesus says, “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the one cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mt 5: 39)


This verse could easily raise a lot of doubts and questions…
>> Did Jesus mean that a Christian should be passive to evil?
>> Did Jesus teach that we should suffer unnecessarily in the face of social evils?
>> Did Jesus teach passivity and being lethargic when one encounters wickedness and evil?


The one direct answer to all such doubts is seen in the light of the life of Jesus Himself…
>> He was always actively against evil and sinful activities
>> He was a constant opponent to oppression, condemnation and human wickedness


Then what would have Jesus meant by those strong phrases of “resist evil.. and turning one’s cheeks?”

There could be, speaking in general terms, three responses to evil:
1. Opposing with violence
2. Bearing everything passively
3. A courageous non-violence


The first two responses are also popularly called as Fight or Flight
… either FIGHT against the evil… or take FLIGHT from the evil situations
>> FIGHT: oppose with evil and violence
>> FLIGHT: run away from the situation or passively be submissive

But the way of Jesus is a higher one… a much higher and bolder one: the way of ACTIVE NON-VIOLENCE.


The Greek word that is used by St Mathew, for “resist” is “antisthemi”

‘Antisthemi’ is not a passive or a weak term.
>> It was a classical Greek ‘military’ term.

It means…
… to take a stand against, to oppose or to resist
… to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously “holding one’s ground,”.
… It means refusing to be moved (” being pushed back”)


This clearly shows that “to resist evil” is not merely a passive act of submission…
… rather is a firm, courageous and bold action of holding onto one’s convictions of truth and opposing every reaction to subdue truth.


This is further illustrated in the example that Jesus gives, “of turning one’s cheek, when hit on the right cheek”


Now, its common sense to note, that if one hits with the right hand, it would hit the other person only on the “left” cheek.

Therefore, if the person is hit on the “right” cheek, as in the example of Jesus, it simply means, that one was hit with a “back-hand”.


What is the significance of a back-handed slap?
>> A backhanded slap, had a greater message than merely hurting or causing pain…
>> Instead, it meant to be an act of “severe” humiliation… of “terrible” insult!


A backhand slap, was the usual way of admonishing inferiors:
Masters backhanded slaves; husbands, wives; parents, children; men, women; Romans, Jews.


What is the response that Jesus suggests for such an act of dreadful humiliation?
>> Not Fight… Not Flight.

Rather, a strong and bravely opposing act of courage: “turn the other cheek as well!”

It is a calculated response intended to invite the aggressor to consider his or her actions.
>> This bold action of turning one’s cheek robs the oppressor of the power to humiliate.

It is as if the oppressed person is saying,
“Try again if you want, buddy!
Your first blow failed to achieve its intended effect.
>> I deny you any power to humiliate me!”


This was how our Blessed Lord who gave this supremely lofty teaching demonstrated in His life…
… by dying on the Cross!
>> The Cross was a powerful opposition to evil and sin.

The One who died on the Cross did not die a passive death…
>> Rather, He boldly preached against every act of oppression and mightily spoke against every form of discrimination!


As Christians, we need to be bold and courageous to “resist” every evil and sinful deed.


In Christ, we have a teaching that is not passive, but is “extremely” active and powerful.

To merely FIGHT or simply make a FLIGHT in the face of oppressions, is cheap and ordinary…
>> In fact, it is “no spirituality”.

But to “be bold in one’s convictions” and “to oppose” evil, even to the point of giving up one’s life, is a lofty, supreme and mighty spirituality.
>> Jesus embodied this spirituality.
>> Many great men and women in history have been inspired by it and lived it.


As Christians, the followers of the Bold Jesus, are we ready to embrace this “powerful” spirituality?
>> Let us become…. Agents and Ambassadors of true love…destroying evil forces with goodness!


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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
>> God does not want each person to keep all the counsels…
… but only those appropriate to the diversity of persons, times, opportunities, and strengths, as charity requires
… for it is charity, as queen of all virtues, all commandments, all counsels
… and, in short, of all laws and all Christian actions that gives to all of them their rank, order, time, and value. (CCC # 1974)
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“Being firm and resolute to stand on Christian principles!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 19:19-21 and Mt 5:33-37 – Saturday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time)

A Chinese proverb goes thus: “Do not have each foot on a different boat.”

“Standing on two boats” is a trend that we find in our modern world.
… people taking double standards in their life in the society outside and life at home inside
… friends changing their loyalties to one another depending on the circumstance and situation, for their own favour
… spouses cheating on one another, for their own selfish and sinful pleasures
… business partners entering into secretive contracts with other companies, for unaccounted gains


Many such examples of people not being “true to their words” makes today’s Gospel extremely relevant in our context.

In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Let what you say, simply be ‘Yes’ or “No’” (Mt 5:38)


Continuing the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His instructions to His disciples, on how one should remain “focused in one’s faith”.


The Sermon on the Mount can be also termed as a “Teaching on Challenging Mediocre Lifestyles”.

Jesus, all through the Sermon on the Mount, picks up various topics…
… anger
… adultery
… divorce
… vows
… love for enemies
etc…
>> And raises the level of their understanding for a Christian.


Today’s Gospel presents Jesus speaking on the topic of “vows and promises”…
… emphasizing on the aspect of remaining focused and clear, in one’s words and deeds.


Jesus categorically declares that for a Christian, there ought to be no “double standards”
… a Yes, ought to be a Sincere Yes
… a No, ought to be a Firm No
>> A Sincere Yes to God… a Firm No to Satan
>> A Sincere Yes to Holiness… a Firm No to Sin
>> A Sincere Yes to the Kingdom of God… a Firm No to the ways of the world


The reason to have this conviction is our Faith and Confidence in the Lord.
>> He is the Lord Who remains the same always: “Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever!” (Heb 13:8)


We need to therefore ask ourselves:
>> Am I focusing on sincerity and honesty, in my daily actions and words…
… or do I sometimes take “double-standards?”

>> Am I having the proper balance in living the Christian life even though I face many pressures…
… or do I lose the balance and fall into the pits of lethargy, disappointments and laxity?

>> Am I having the confidence and the trust in the Lord and bank on Him at every turn of life…
… or do I experience perplexities of anxiety, despair and despondency?


The world today clearly promotes and propagates insincerity, unfaithfulness and duplicity.
>> Glamour and popularity are the motivations
>> Business-orientations and short-term gains are the catchwords in relationships


In such a “tricky and trying” situation, a Christian is called forth to avoid “standing on two boats”…
… and instead, “be firm and resolute” to stand on Christian Principles.


Our Master Jesus reminds us:
“I prepared for 30 years in silent contemplation of the Christian Virtues…
… 3 years in preaching them
… and 3 hours – on the Cross – in standing firmly in defense of them!
>> What about you?”


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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
>> The evangelical counsels attest its vitality and call forth our spiritual readiness.
>> The perfection of the New Law consists essentially in the precepts of love of God and neighbour. (CCC # 1974)
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“Freeing ourselves from the ‘mprisonment of our appetites’ and experience the “glorious liberty” of the Children of God!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16 and Mt 5:27-32 – Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

The Canadian author, Thomas Costain in his historical novel “The Three Edwards” speaks of the life of a 14th century Duke named Raynald Ill.

Raynald was extremely overweight and was commonly called by his Latin nickname “Crassus” which meant ‘fat!’

This Duke Raynald, after a violent quarrel, suffered defeat in a revolt by his younger brother Edward.

Edward captured Raynald, but did not kill him.

Instead he imprisoned Raynald in a room in the castle…
… and promised that he could regain his title and property, if he was able to escape from the room.

This task – to escape from the room – would have been pretty simple for most people, since the room had several windows and a door; none of which was locked!

But Raynald had a problem…
… His size… His uncontrolled appetite!

Edward knew his elder brother…
… and He very well knew this weakness as well!

Each day, therefore, Edward send him a variety of delicious foods!

Instead of dieting his way out of the room, he began to relish on the grand food served to him…
… and Raynald grew fatter!!

When Edward was questioned by the people on his cruelty for having captured his elder brother, he would reply, without any qualms:
“My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.”

The story goes on to say that Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle.

But by then his health was so ruined, that he died within a year!

Raynald died…
… as a prisoner of his own appetite!

How often is this a reality in our spiritual lives as well!

Sin sometimes captures our hearts so much…
.. that we are unwilling to let go, and thus wither in our sinful state

Immorality and transgressions take over our lives so much…
… that we become slaves, and remain much bound to them.

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful call by Jesus to make an honest examination of our state of life, and check whether we are imprisoned by sin…
… especially from the perspective of immorality and decadence in our ethical system.

Our modern society is often a rude and mute witness to many inhuman atrocities and abuses, especially against women.

The world seems to be more and more losing, the sense of sin!

In this context, it’s shocking to read the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading:
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery in his heart”! (Mt 5:28)

Jesus’ words pierces through the heart!

He gives no space for lame excuses and silly explanations…
… he hits straight at the target!

SIN consists not in some external actions alone…
… but SIN is conceived and given birth in one’s heart!

When we consider the society in which we live in, we find that…

Immorality is on the rise….

We pass through cities and towns..
We look through newspapers and magazines…
We scan across websites, swanky apps and fancy shops…
… and we find that… Immorality is, indeed, on the rise!

Immoral pictures, sensual visuals, inhuman portrayal of persons, double-meaning talks have somehow become the order of the day!

We are very often surrounded by filth and lewdness in our society.

Satan, the father of deception scatters the seeds of immorality and lust everywhere!

It’s here, that a Christian needs to be on the watch.

It is our duty as Christians, to preserve our hearts from this dangerous contagion.

The beatitudes tell us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God” (Mt 5: 8)

We have a duty…
… to preserve ourselves from Impurity!
… to protect others in their dignity and honour!
… to awaken the society which is often, deadened in immorality & perversion!

Let us examine our lives and check.. “Am I becoming a prisoner of my own appetite?”
… being a slave to lustful thoughts or immoral patterns of attitudes
… being indifferent to a society which strips itself of all dignity in the name of liberty and freedom

The Lord very powerfully challenges us to be totally intolerant to casting away sin and sinful tendencies from our life…

“If your right eye causes you to sin… tear it out and throw it away” (Mt 5: 29)
” If your hand causes you to sin… cut it off and throw it away” (Mt 5: 30)

Sin has no place in a world of mercy and love!

Mercy places an obligation that all sin be rid off!
Love demands that all wrongdoing be cast away!

Let the words of St Antony of Padua be given heed to:
“Anyone, then, who desires to live chastely in Christ Jesus, must flee not only the mouse of lust, but even from its very scent.”

Let’s awake, Dear Christians…
… Purify our World and live in Sanctity and Holiness…

Let us free ourselves from the “imprisonment of our appetites” and experience the “glorious liberty” of the Children of God!

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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL

The evangelical counsels manifest the living fullness of charity…

… which is never satisfied with not giving more. (CCC # 1973)

“Realising that it is not just what we preach, but what we practise, that makes us Christians!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 18:41-46 and Mt 5:20-26 – Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church)

An eloquent priest was explaining to a group of youngsters, on who is a Christian.

He said:
“It is not what people eat, but what they digest…
… that makes them strong

It is not what we earn, but what we save…
… that makes us rich
It is not what we read, but what we remember…
… that makes us learned
And finally, it is not just what we preach, but what we practise…
… that makes us Christians!”


So true, isn’t it?

Very often, we associate our Christian way of life, only with practices of prayer and devotion

But we need to realise…
…. every prayer needs to be accompanied with works of charity!
… every act of devotion needs to be complemented with deeds of mercy!


Jesus always keeps challenging us!
>> He loathes laziness and lukewarmness!
>> He loves to keep raising the standard of our holiness and faith!

This challenge is reflected in today’s Gospel reading.

Jesus says, ” Unless your righteousness exceeds that of Scribes & Pharisees, you can’t enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 20)


The righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees would consist…
… in a lifestyle which insisted only on the exact following of the ‘letter’ of the Law neglecting its spirit
… in a tendency to neglect the fundamental aspects of the Law and focus only on the peripheries


What could be some of the negative aspects of the Righteousness of Scribes and Pharisees, which Jesus condemns…
… and which perhaps, we need to overcome?

1. They liked to preach, but not practise
We live in a world where there are many people who are good in preaching, writing reflections and advising on spiritual matters.

But very often, a massive chasm appears between their preaching and their way of life.

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.


2. They liked to do things to “show-off”
A tragedy of religious practices can be, when things are done not to please God, but to win the approval and endorsement of people.

Religious piety and devotions very often become means to have self-gratification of one’s senses, and sadly, even platforms to boast and brag about one’s capacities and capabilities.

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.


3..They liked to make the Word of God, user-friendly, at the cost of God’s Will:

One of the trends in the modern world, is to have all products and gadgets “user-friendly”.

Sadly, this trend is also often applied to the Word of God.

The Word of God, its commandments and laws are twisted and condensed and expanded and interpreted and quoted and explained and elucidated – all to suit one’s own comfortable and pleasurable way of life!

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed to be in this category of people.


Am I in any of these category of peoples?

The Lord challenges us today…
… to exceed this sort of a righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.

We need to be people…
… “who walk the talk!”
… “who practice our Faith to Please God and Him alone
… “who live a Gospel-oriented life”


The Gospel ought to mould and shape us – and not we changing the Word of God to suit and justify our secured and comfortable lives!
>> Gal 1:10, says,” If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.”

As followers of Christ, it is our duty and task to go beyond a “Pharisaic and Scribal Lifestyle”…
… and live as Jesus would want us to!


Let’s realise that it is not just what we preach, but what we practise…
… that makes us Christians!

Let our every prayer, be accompanied with works of charity…
… and our every act of devotion, be complemented with deeds of mercy!

Yes… may our lives truly be a Good News!

As St Francis of Assisi says, “Preach the Gospel always… use words, if necessary!“


Today we celebrate the Feast of St Antony of Padua…
… one of the most loved Saints, all over the world.

He is popularly invoked by those who have trouble finding lost objects.

But in own day, he was more popular as the “Hammer of Heretics”…
… due to the powerful witness of his life and preaching.


May the Powerful Intercession of the “Hammer of Heretics” – St Antony of Padua…
… help us to always be firm and resolute in our Christian Living


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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
>> The precepts are intended to remove whatever is incompatible with charity.
>> The aim of the counsels is to remove whatever might hinder the development of charity, even if it is not contrary to it. (CCC # 1973)
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“Making efforts to grow into convinced and certain and confident Christians!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 18:20-39 and Mt 5:17-19 – Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

A university student was seen with a large “K” printed on his T- shirt.

When someone asked him what the “K” stood for, he said, “Confused.”

“But,” the questioner replied, “you don’t spell “confused” with a “K!”

The student answered, “Well, you don’t know how confused I am!”

The confused state of mind led be the boy to display a perplexed and puzzled look!

How often is this true in our own lives as Christians…

We fail to have certain convictions in our faith…
… and the resultant life that is displayed outside, is one of confusion or uncertainty.
We fail to be sure of what our life of faith is…
… and as a result, we fail to bring people to experience God’s love and instead, sometimes even lead others astray.

The Gospel of the Day is a peek into the conviction that Jesus had in His life of preaching and mission…
… and a challenge for us to become persons who become fervent and convinced in teaching the commandments of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” (Mt 5: 17)

One of the distinguishing features in the preaching and teaching ministry of Jesus was His deep conviction and certainty.

Jesus did not speak as if He was blabbering on some unknown topic.

Jesus did not mutter words as if He was whiling away time to talk on a strange issue.

Instead, Jesus was thoroughly convinced of what He spoke and taught.

It was this deep-seated conviction that made Him say that He had “come not to abolish the law or the prophets”.

The message of Jesus contained newness and freshness.

However, it was not a preaching that was entirely new

It was a teaching that was born in deep certainty and delivered with utmost conviction.

He was the fullness of the teachings of all the Law.
He was the fulfilment of the prophecies of all the Prophets.
This gave it a fresh crispiness.
This gave it a refreshing perspective.

Do we also possess a similar conviction and certainty in our Life of Faith, just as Jesus displayed?

The Lord demands such a requirement.

Hence, He would say, that “whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so, will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5: 19)

Our Christian lives are sometimes marked by unwarranted uncertainties and confusing convictions.

We know a little bit about our faith…
… but not deep enough.
We know a little bit concerning our teachings…
… but not in its depth.
We know a little bit about the virtues we are to live…
… but not fully convinced of it.

As a result of this ‘unsure’ attitude and ‘confused’ mentality, we are unable to
… (1) live a true and honest Christian lives
… (2) witness and teach others our genuine faith

The First Book of Kings recounts (1 Kgs 18:20-39) the awe-inspiring incident of God – the Awesome Lord – displaying His Mighty Power to the people…
… as a testimony to the spectacular demonstration of faith and conviction of Elijah, as he challenged the false prophets!

When we display deep faith and conviction, God manifests His amazing power to His people.

Let us not remain confused Christians; rather experience the love and mercy of the Lord…
… and make efforts to growing into convinced and certain and confident Christians!

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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL

Besides its precepts, the New Law also includes the evangelical counsels.
The traditional distinction between God’s commandments…

… and the evangelical counsels is drawn in relation to charity, the perfection of Christian life. (CCC # 1973)

“Willing to be an apostle of encouragement, ‘by putting back the stars’ in the lives of people!”

(Based on Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

A story is said of a man who lived a very fine life.

Being a carpenter, he had helped in the construction works of the church.

He was also very benevolent in helping people who needed his counselling and guiding skills

However, at a particular phase in his life, many things went wrong…

His wife had a sudden death and the man found himself at a deep loss
There was also a financial crisis that he faced, with a few people exploiting his simple innocence

These and many other experiences left him quite broken, dejected and defeated.

It was at this time, that attending a Sunday Mass, he heard the priest preaching on the Love and Providence of God.

The sermon touched him much… the Word of God moved him greatly.

After the Mass, he approached the priest to have a talk with him

The priest welcomed him cordially, and the two spoke for a long time.

After his sharing, the man felt extremely relieved and coming back home, he told his neighbour:
“What a man he is…!

“When I went into his office, all the stars had fallen out of my skies – but one by one he put them back again…

I feel so much stronger and hopeful, now…!

Experiences in life are often such…
… unfair and unjust
… partial and discriminatory

We therefore are in need of encouragements in life…
… to lift our sagging spirits
… to boost our depressed minds

In situations where “the stars fall out of our skies”…
… we need encouragements and support to have them ” one by one, be put back again!”

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of St Barnabas – who was an immense source of encouragement…
… and invites us to also become persons of encouragement to others.

The Holy Bible presents many characters and personalities, who assume great importance and are in the highlight, by virtue of their words and deeds.

But there are also a few, who remain in the background, and yet are strong and powerful characters…
… St Barnabas, whose feast we celebrate today, is one such personality.

The word “Barnabas” in Greek means… “the Son of Encouragement”.

And true to his name, St Barnabas lived a life, “encouraging” the Christian Faith.

It’s amazing to see the very many practical ways in which St Barnabas can be a model and example for our Christian lives

Let’s pick up a few areas in which St Barnabas was a source of encouragement…for our practical Christian life.

1. Religiously:
   Barnabas was of the tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36)

The tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites and had political responsibilities as well.

The spirit of a strict Jewish System was much strong in Levites.

Yet, Barnabas breaks away from that strict religious system, to embrace Christianity – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

Am I willing to let go of my many faith-prejudices and false religious-notions and embrace Christ and His Church, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

2. Cultural
   Barnabas was from Cyprus, in Turkey (Acts 4:36)
   … and yet, he becomes a missionary to work in Jerusalem and other far-away places.

He transcends cultures and places, and moves beyond his own cultural, linguistic and ethnic boundaries – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

Am I willing to let go beyond my cultural, linguistic and ethnic barriers, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

3. Financially
   When the Early Church was in need, Barnabas sold his field, and gave the money to the Apostles (Acts 4:37)

He was sensitive to the needs of the Church and was willing to be self-giving – all for the love of Jesus and His Church.

Am I willing to let go of my richness, possessions and attachments, for the Love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

4. Psychologically
   St Paul, after his dramatic conversion, was not easily accepted by the Early Church because of his ignominious past (Acts 9:26).

But Barnabas took the lead in helping Paul to be part of the preaching ministry, as Scripture testifies:
“But Barnabas took him (Paul) and brought him to the Apostles…
… He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27)

It was St Barnabas who supported and encouraged St Paul, in his initial days of struggle – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

Am I willing to accept and encourage people who are misunderstood and are mistreated, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

5. Spiritually
   St Barnabas was a person mightily filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24)

Yet, he was happy and content to ‘play second fiddle’ – playing the minor and supportive role to St Paul, in his missionary endeavours.

He was willing to remain humble and meek – all for the Love of Jesus and His Church.

Am I willing to let go of my tendencies of spiritual pride, and instead remain humble and meek, for the love of Jesus and His Kingdom?

In life, we come across many who are broken and dejected, sad and hopeless…

We find many who “have the stars fallen out of their skies”

Can we become persons who encourage, console and strengthen them, “by one by one, putting back the stars” in their life?

St Barnabas invites and exhorts us…
… Are we willing to be a “Child of Encouragement?”

Happy Feast of the “Apostle of Encouragement!”

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 NEW LAW OR THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL

The New Law Is called a law of grace, because it confers the strength of grace to act, by means of faith and the sacraments
A law of freedom, because it sets us free from the ritual and juridical observances of the Old Law…
… inclines us to act spontaneously by the prompting of charity

… and, finally, lets us pass from the condition of a servant who “does not know what his master is doing” to that of a friend of Christ – “For all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” – or even to the status of son and heir. (CCC # 1972)