“Leaping for joy with the power of the Holy Spirit and enthusing many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!”

(Based on Songs 2:8-14 and Lk 1:39-45 – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

A story is said of a man in a mission land, who was extremely critical of religion and religious practices.

Once, this man went to a missionary who had been in the place for some years.

He told the missionary, “I want to hear about your religion”

The missionary was pleasantly surprised, and asked him:
“Oh that’s great!

But how is it that you would like to hear of my religion. I have heard of your dislike and aversion to religious practices”

To that, the man answered:
“Well, its very true, that I don’t cherish religion.

But ever since the day you came to our place, I have been observing you.

You are always cheerful and happy.
I have also heard a lot of laughter in your house and in the houses of my village people, who have embraced your faith”

The man continued, “And if you have anything that makes people so joyous, I too want it!”

Joy was the nectar that attracted the man to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Am I a person who radiates happiness?
Am I a Christian whose life exudes with joy?

The Gospel of the Day is the delightful description of the joyful encounter between Elizabeth and Mother Mary…
… and the “joyful leap” of John the Baptist, in his first meet with Jesus, the God of Joy!

The Gospel is the beautiful meeting of Two to-be-Mothers, with Two Special Children in their wombs…
… Elizabeth, with John who would be called as the Baptist
… Mary, with Jesus, who would be called as the Messiah

This wonderful encounter begins on a Divinely joyful note:
“when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb” (Lk 1: 41)

This is an interesting word – “leaped”

The Greek word for “leaped” is “skirtao”

We find the usage of this word “skirtao” in different places in the Bible…

In Ps 114: 4, 6: The mountains “skipped (skirtao)” like rams in the presence of the Lord
In Mal 3:20: Those who fear the Lord’s name will “skip (skirtao)” like calves.
In Lk 6:23: The chosen ones should rejoice and “leap (skirtao)” for joy

When the mother, Elizabeth, heard the greeting of the Messiah’s Mother, the babe John, “leaped for joy”

Later in his ministry, John would testify to this fact, when he would say: “… the best man, who stands and listens for Him, rejoices greatly at the Bridegroom’s Voice” (Jn 3:29b)

There is great rejoicing, in Divine Presence is a powerful message that we receive.

The presence of the Mother of Jesus, delighted Her cousin, Elizabeth
The presence of Jesus, delighted His cousin, John.

As we gear up ourselves for the Season of Christmas, this ought to be a reflective question that we need to ponder and make amends, if lacking…
… Is our Christian life, one that “leaps for joy?”

Things around us may seem confusing and uncertain…
… just as it was for Mary who conceived of the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth in her old age

Yet, they were able to rejoice..
… because, their trust was in the Power of the Lord Who had blessed them

People may sometimes reject us, misunderstand us or even humiliate or be indifferent to us…
… just as it was for Mary who would face misunderstandings and Elizabeth who had undergone a lot of shame.

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their strength was in the favourable Love of the Lord, Who, they knew, had accepted and chosen them, for His cause

Life may sometimes make a fool of us by taking us through roads which are illogical, unreasonable and irrational…
… just as it was for Mary who had to tread unknown paths and Elizabeth who had to take on new responsibilities as a mother at an odd age

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their hope was in the faithful grace of God, in which they trusted and to Whom they had pledged their life in fidelity and loyalty.

Joy is to be the hallmark of every Christian.

As St Francis de Sales says, “A sad saint is a sorry saint!”

Our lives ought to be a “Gospel of Joy!”

As we get closer to the celebration of the Birth of the “Cause of our Joy”, we need to look into this dimension of Christian holiness: the aspect of Joy.

It is not simply a joy that is manifested..
… by some “plastic smile”
… or with some artificial activism
… or with any created humorous traits

Christian Joy is…
… a result of trusting deeply in the Providence of God
… a felt experience that manifests, effortlessly, in every aspect of life
… an honest expression of the inner peace and serenity – a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Joy is to be the nectar that attracts others to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Let us always “leap for joy” with the power of the Holy Spirit…
… and may our joyful and happy lives, attract and enthuse many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His Church…
… and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it.”

This duty derives from “the very dignity of the human person.” (CCC # 2104)

“Imitating Mother Mary in her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to ‘give up’ completely!”

(Based on Is 7:10-14 and Lk 1:26-38 – Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

There goes a simple story of a father trying to explain the importance of the season of Advent to his ten-year-old son.

He stresses on the need to prepare oneself well for Christmas.

The father said, “You ought to ‘give up’ something in Advent; something you will really miss, like for example, chocolates!”

The boy thought for a moment, then asked, “What are you giving up, Daddy?” “I’m giving up liquor,” the father replied.

“But before dinner you were drinking something” the boy protested. “Oh! That was only wine” said the father “I gave up hard liquor”

To which the boy replied, “Well then, I think even I’ll give up hard chocolates!!”

‘Giving up’ completely, in life, becomes a hard challenge and a difficult task.

But only in going through the tough way, can one obtain true success in life.
Only by giving up human interests in favor of God’s choices, can one find heavenly bliss!

The Gospel of the Day – the Annunciation of the Lord – is a witness to this great aspect of “Giving Up”.

“How can this be?” (Lk 1:34)…

This was the question that the innocent and surprised Mary asked the majestic Angel of God.

Mary had been betrothed to Joseph.

This meant she had formally agreed to marry him but the “wedding” had not yet taken place.

Between the “betrothal” and the “wedding feast” was a period usually lasting six months to a year.

During that period the couple was considered to be married and were called husband and wife but (a) they did not live together and (b) did not consummate their marriage physically.

In this context and background,

To be chosen to be visited by the splendour and power of God’s Messenger…
To be told that she was to be conceived and bearing a child…
To be declared that she was to be Mother of God’s Son…
…were highly disturbing, shocking and even fearful prospects!

It was pretty natural for Mary to pose this probing question: “How can this be?”

In her heart, it was slowly dawning that life was going to be highly different hereafter…

If we suppose that her wedding feast is still four or five months away, like teenagers everywhere, we can imagine that all her thoughts centred on things that prospective brides think about…
… the guest list, the decorations, the food, the music
… what she will wear and where they will house the people coming in from out-of-town
… her future life with her beloved husband

Mary had never been happier.

This was to be the most exciting time of her life.

But the plan of God intervened at this joyful, undisturbed, serene phase of her life…

Often when life moves on an even path, we face the unexpected bumps of troubles.

Often when spiritually things seem to be fine, we encounter unforeseen nights of faith crisis.

Gone were the happy dreams of a grand wedding…

Gone were the hopes for “the most beautiful wedding to her most wonderful man”…

Gone were all her girlish hopes of a quiet life in the home she would personally decorate…

Gone, also, were the visions of a houseful of children conceived in love and filled with mirth…

Life was calling Mother Mary to make the choice of “giving up” completely.

“Giving up” her dreams and desires totally, to share in the magnificent plan of God’s Will.
“Giving up” her fears and apprehensions fully, to leap into a dimly-lit world of faith.

She will have a wedding feast, but not the way she planned.

She will be married, but not before rumours spread through the countryside.
She will have a home, but over her family will rest an uneasy cloud of dark suspicion.

It will all happen, but not the way she expected.

She had to “give up” all…
… Her desires… Her will
… Her dreams… Her expectations…

The Bible is a mighty witness to those heroes and heroines of faith who “gave up”

Abraham… Moses…
Ruth… David…
Elijah… Jeremiah…
Esther… Job…
Jonah…

This “giving up” by Mary, was the key element in God’s plan of human salvation.

Today, each one of is being invited and challenged to “give up” things in life…

“Give up”…
… our will in favour of God’s Will in our lives.
… our sinful tendencies to allow purity and holiness to overshadow us.
… our selfish desires and interests to make space for the needs of others.

“Give up”…
… our personal time of comfort and luxury to give more time to the Lord.
… our judgmental attitudes and embrace the spirit of gentleness and forgiveness.
… our wrecking feelings of brokenness and let in God’s presence and grace to heal us.

No doubt that this “giving up” is a hard task and even might seem “impossible” to us.

But the Angel Gabriel assures and comforts us, “For with God, nothing is impossible” (Lk 1:37).

Got any rivers you think are unassailable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible.
He does things, others cannot do!

Mother Mary is the greatest human example of impossibilities being converted to realities through God’s Power!

In Her yes, humanity said Yes to God…

In Her “giving up”, humanity has “given up” the sinful nature.

She is our Model disciple to imitate.

She is our Mother beloved to hold fast to.
She is our Madonna Special to intercede to.

Let us imitate Mother Mary in her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to “give up” completely.

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

Mother Church rejoices that she has within herself many men and women who pursue the Savior’s self-emptying more closely and show it forth more clearly…
… by undertaking poverty with the freedom of the children of God
… and renouncing their own will: they submit themselves to man for the sake of God
… thus going beyond what is of precept in the matter of perfection, so as to conform themselves more fully to the obedient Christ.

The Church can, in certain cases and for proportionate reasons, dispense from vows and promises. (CCC # 2103)

“Firmly holding high the banner – ‘Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!’ in our Christian lives and living in loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander”

(Based on Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a and Lk 1:5-25 – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.

Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.

Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…
… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.
It means: “Forever Faithful!”

The pledge of “Semper Fi”…
… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!
… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!

Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.

St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.

It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…
“Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”
“Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”

Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”

However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!
The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!

How true is this situation in our own lives too?

We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…
… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…
… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…
… however, when we find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!

This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…
… they still kept the faith!
… they still remained true to the Lord!
… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)

Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” – Forever Faithful – to God!

And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark

By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us

By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways

By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy

The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…
… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John (= God is Gracious)

Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…

This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…
… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

The Church recognizes an exemplary value in the vows…

… to practice the evangelical counsels. (CCC # 2103)

“Trusting in Heavenly protection, and in turn, like St Joseph, being a protector and defender to each other!”

(Based on Jer 23:5-8 and Mt 1:18-25 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

The early American Indians had a unique ritual in their training of young boys to be brave and strong in their lives.

The evening of the boy’s thirteenth birthday, would consist of the final test…
… after having learnt hunting, exploration, fishing and other skills.

The boy was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night all alone.

Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the tribe.

But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away.

When the blindfold was taken off, he would find himself in the midst of the thick woods…
… and he would be terrified!

Every time a branch snapped or something fell, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce.

His heart would pound with fear…
He would seek for some consolation, but would find none..
He would long to feel safe again, but the wait seemed to be an unending one…

After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest…

Looking around, the boy saw the wild flowers, lush trees, and the outline of the path.

Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow.

Guess who it was ?

It was his father!

He had been there all night long.

The boy had been unaware, but the father was always there, to make an intervention, in case of any eventuality of danger.

The protection of the father encircled the child, irrespective of whether the boy was aware or not.

Such is the tremendous protection and security of God, our Loving Father.

In the fullness of time, when God, the Father decided to send His Beloved Son to the earth, for the redemption of humankind, He had to entrust the care of His Precious Child to the protection and care of a human father…

And it was St Joseph who was chosen to be assigned this task and responsibility of being the caretaker and protector of Jesus, the Son of God!

The Gospel of the Day introduces and portrays the beautiful personality of St Joseph.

It is also an invitation to look to this Great Saint and draw inspiration from his life.

Just as God had entrusted Him to be the protector of the body of Jesus while on earth…
… St Joseph is also the protector and patron of His Body on the earth today, the Holy Church.

St Joseph in fulfilling his task of being the protector of Jesus, teaches us a few lessons…

1. He was ever prompt to the voice of the Lord

His love was attentive to the needs of the Divine Child and the Mother.

In his moments of confusion, he was open to the promptings of the Spirit.
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” (Mt 1:24)

Am I docile to the inspirations of the Lord, so as to be in greater tune with the Will of God?

2. St Joseph was ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of protecting Jesus and Mary.

He was willing…
… to undergo societal humiliations
… to bear physical hardships of travelling, migration, lack of comforts etc
… to be prudent to the socio-political situations and make decisions in favour of the family

Does love prompt me to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of others, and cause me to make sacrifices towards the good of the other?

3. A willingness to be playing the “backdrop role” in the great drama of salvation.

St Joseph, was privileged to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

Yet, it also meant that Joseph had to stay away from the limelight of glory and be the “silent yet impactful” figure of the salvation history.

Do I have the courageous humility to take up any role that the Lord entrusts me, in His plan of salvation…
… be it shorn of fame, littleness in glamour or even subject to awkwardness and uncertainty

4. He was ready to give up his personal decisions and doubts in obedience to the voice of God.

St Joseph was not afraid to shed his own personal concerns, anxieties and even doubts, when asked to be part of the mysterious redemptive plan of God.

There were many things that were not understood by him…
There were a lot of factors that prompted him to question and confront..

Yet, He had the deep daring to keep them all aside – because he was convinced that God’s mighty hand was at work, in them all.

Am I willing to place my faith in God and follow my vocation faithfully…
… even though circumstances around me maybe uncertain, the future looks bleak
… and my own reasonable thinking may see situations and people as being illogical, unscientific and irrational?

As St. Alphonsus Liguori says:
“We should, indeed, honour St. Joseph, since the Son of God Himself was graciously pleased to honour him by calling him father.

If the King of kings was pleased to raise Joseph to so high a dignity…
… it is right and obligatory on our part to endeavour to honour him as much as we can!”

The Lord protects us, no matter how fearful the external situations are…

He is the loving Father, who is always with us – we realise or not!

St Joseph gave heed to the voice of the Lord…
… and positively responded to the task that was entrusted to him by God, despite hardships and trials…

Shall we also not trust in Heavenly protection, and in turn, be a protector and defender to each other?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

A vow is an act of devotion in which the Christian dedicates himself to God or promises him some good work.
By fulfilling his vows he renders to God what has been promised and consecrated to Him.

The Acts of the Apostles shows us St. Paul concerned to fulfill the vows he had made. (CCC # 2102)

“Being moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!”

(Based on Gen 49:2, 8-10 and Mt 1:1-17 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

He/She draws the family tree.

Once a person asked a genealogist:
“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”

The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied:
“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them.

It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed!

A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…
… the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…
… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?

1. The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence

St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

They could be called as the “forgotten passages of the Christmas Story”.

The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.

Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence…
… the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows
… through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid

2. The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam

Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other

But on closer look, we find…
… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary.

This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David.

This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah.?)

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan.

Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

3. The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

The Genealogy mentions 5 women

a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)

b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies ( Josh 2)

c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods

d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel.

e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.

All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace!”

It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines!

4. The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people

Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc.

The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”

Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders)…
… it is God’s grace and mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.

5. The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope

We may have…
… a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life
… a past that is sinful and we wish to forget
… a past that is painful or abused
… a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection

Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus.

Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:
“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time.

With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…
… and shared our world.

In Jesus, we have God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life.

May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us to explore the memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous 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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

“A vow is a deliberate and free promise made to God concerning a possible and better good…

… which must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion.” (CCC # 2102)

“Rooting out all pessimistic mind-sets, and focussing instead on growth in holiness and humility!”

(Based on Num 24:2-7, 15-17a and Mt 21:23-27 – Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent)

Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation…
… rather than the precise literary form of it.

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said:
“By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.

My early education was faulty. I often wished that I had received more schooling.

But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

How is it with you?”

Well, we don’t know how the fussy gentleman reacted to this bold and true reply of the preacher.
(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart…
… rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…
The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders…
… towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus: “By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21: 23)

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

Chapter 21 of St Mathew’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

The entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21: 1-11)
The ‘re-storation’ in the Temple at Jerusalem and indignant behaviour of authorities(Mt 21:12-16)
The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mt 21: 17-22)
The ‘re-entry’ to the Temple at Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus by the authorities (Mt 21: 23-27)

The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…
… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…
… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

In Jesus, they perceived a threat.
… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke than to service of God
… a threat to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task…
… and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord…
… and their hearts had become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience

Instead…
… they only found fault with the Lord
… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also?

A mentality of harshly criticising…
A tendency to inhumanly condemn…
… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

Let us root out all such pessimistic mind-sets and focus instead on growth in holiness and humility!

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

In many circumstances, the Christian is called to make promises to God. Baptism and Confirmation, Matrimony and Holy Orders always entail promises.
Out of personal devotion, the Christian may also promise to God this action, that prayer, this alms-giving, that pilgrimage, and so forth.

Fidelity to promises made to God is a sign of the respect owed to the divine majesty and of love for a faithful God. (CCC # 2101)

“Marching forward with a deep conviction and prayer: ‘Lord, I belong to You, and to You alone!'”

(Based on Zep 3:14-18a, Phil 4:4-7 and Lk 3:10-18 – 3rd Sunday of Advent)

A youngster was laid-off…
… after the company decided to part ways with him.

Despite having good performances, the young man fell culprit…
… at the hands of jealous
workmates and nepostitic influences.

However, nothing deterred this young Christian.

On being asked how he felt at this unjust treatment, he cooly replied:

People can make any number of accusations
People can put me down as much as they want
But, I know who I am!”

And he added, “Everyday I look to the Lord and inspired by St Francis de Sales, I tell Him, ‘Lord, I belong to You, and to You alone!”

When we have a deep conviction that our being draws it’s origin and strength from the Lord…
… we are able to live with conviction and joy.

Today, as Christians – who live in a society, that tends to move away from the Gospel virtues – we are challenged and demanded by our Blessed Lord:
“Are you willing to stand up for me?”

But we often find ourselves lost, and ask the Lord, “What shall we do?”

The Gospel of the Day throws light on this aspect – “What shall we do?”

We are on the third Sunday of the Season of Advent.

This is called the Gaudete Sunday – the Sunday of Joy.

We are more than halfway through the season in preparation for Christ.

Sometimes, like runners, in a marathon…
… we may feel tired of this preparation
… or we may think, when is the destination going to reach?

And so we may get wearied… tired… or feel exhausted.

But the Church, our caring Mother, knows Her children, and tells us…
“Just a few more days… and it will be Christmas!

Do not give up hope… Instead, continue to prepare…
In joy… in happiness… in expectancy…”

Thus, this Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate as Gaudete (= Rejoice, in Latin) Sunday.

On this Joyful Sunday, “What shall we do?” is the constant refrain that we encounter in the Gospel.

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then shall we do?” (Lk 3:10)

The tax-collectors asked John the Baptist, “Teacher, what shall we do?” (Lk 3:12)
The soldiers asked John the Baptist, “And we, what shall we do?” (Lk 3:14)

This then is what we also ask our Blessed Lord, as we come before Him, this 3rd Sunday of Advent – “What shall we do?”

And both – John the Baptist, the fore-runner and Jesus, the Messiah – are telling us:
“Repent of your sins”
… especially those to whom you have been clinging on for a long time

“Depend more on God’s Power”
… especially to many of us, who rely more on our own power and strength

“Take the Word of God more seriously
… especially by picking up the Bible more often, reading, meditating and living more in It

“Be more faithful to the Church”
… especially in times when there is a lot of criticism of the Church and there is a demand for loyalty and passion from the members themselves.

“Receive the Sacraments more frequently”
… especially to grow deeper in the love of God and become a God’s mighty witnesses in a world that often challenges the faith and dilutes the Gospel values

The Gospel makes an amazing presentation of John the Baptist, who lived with much conviction and passion.

A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

When we are anchored in the Lord, we can “stand up for Jesus” amid any difficulties and worries of life!

Yes, let us keep on cleansing our hearts so that our Blessed Lord can be born in us!

On this Gaudete Sunday (“Rejoice Sunday”), let us give heed to the call of St John the Baptist and the love of Jesus…
… so that our preparation for Christmas, may truly become more meaningful and more worthy!

St Paul reminds and exhorts us, “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all…” (cf. Phil 4:5,6)

Let us march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
… through these days of the Season of Advent, preparing for the Coming of Jesus

With a deep conviction and prayer: “Lord, I belong to You, and to You alone!”

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

The only perfect sacrifice is the one that Christ offered on the cross…
… as a total offering to the Father’s love and for our salvation.

By uniting ourselves with his sacrifice we can make our lives a sacrifice to God. (CCC # 2100)

“Preparing our hearts to receive God’s Word as He wishes, and seeking to live, in total accordance with Him!”

(Based on Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 and Mt 17:9a, 10-13 – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent)

It was December in the year 1903.

After several attempts, the Wright brothers – achieved success in getting their “flying machine” off the land.

They were very much thrilled!

They telegraphed this message Katherine, their sister, informing her of the great invention:
“We have actually flown 120 feet! Will be home for Christmas”

The sister was also super-excited.

She rushed to the editor of the local newspaper, to share the great news and showed him the telegraph message.

The editor glanced at the message and said:
“How nice! So the boys will be home for Christmas!”

Oh! The Editor had completely missed the big news – that man had flown for the first time in history!

How often is this our experience too in life – Missing the Important Points and settling for lower ones!

We fail to give attention to the most important things of life

Instead, we get carried away by some other less priorities of life!

This is so true, especially with respect to the Word of God

The Lord promises so many wonderful things in His Holy Word..
… but often, we miss the point.

Something similar had happened to the people of Israel as well…

God had promised them of the coming of the Messiah…
… but they missed the point..
… and thus, failed to recognise the Saviour He came!

God had promised that Prophet Elijah of old would return…
… but they missed the point…
… and thus, failed to recognize the Prophet when he came!

This is what Jesus points out to His disciples in today’s Gospel, when He says:
“I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognise him; but did to him, whatever they pleased” (Mt 17: 12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, had come, preaching the message of repentance and conversion of heart (Mt 3:1)

The Gospel says that John the Baptist…
… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair
… had a leather belt around his waist
… had food of locusts and wild honey (Mt 4: 4)

This appearance was very similar to that of Elijah, the Prophet (2 Kings 1:8)

But in their encounter with John the Baptist, the people failed to recognise him as the “Elijah who was to come”

And thus John the Baptist came to be …
… rejected
… derided
… finally killed!

Many times in our life, we too “miss the point” in our encounter with the Lord…

He gives His Beautiful Word to us…
… but we fail to be encouraged by It and live by It

He makes many wonderful promises of assurance and guidance…
… but we fail to live a life of trust and confidence

He offers Himself wonderfully in the Sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Eucharist…
… but we fail to derive the necessary fruits from Them

Today, the Gospel invites us, to look at God’s Promises, God’s Word’s and God’s Will…
… and discover the true purpose of it in our lives.

This is more true as we prepare for Christmas…
Jesus is the BIG POINT of the Christmas

Let us dare not “miss Him!”

Let us prepare our hearts to receive His Word as He wishes, in our life…
… and seek to live, in total accord with Him!

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

The prophets of the Old Covenant often denounced sacrifices that were not from the heart or not coupled with love of neighbour.

Jesus recalls the words of the prophet Hosea: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (CCC # 2100)

“Being aware of the dangers ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS and seeking the grace of God to be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence of God!”

(Based on Isa 48:17-19 and Mt 11:16-19 – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent)

Children are an interesting lot!

They love to play, to quarrel, to engage in arguments, to tease, to show love and affection etc…

Children indeed amaze us…
… with their simplicity, innocence, curiosity and their power of wonder.

Jesus in the Gospels time and again invites us to grow in our spirit and spirituality of being like a Child!

The famous artist, Picasso, once said:
“All children are artists.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up..”

Many of us, as we age in years, tend to lose many good qualities of a child.

We tend to fritter away the precious pearls of simplicity and openness of a child
We tend to paint our inner innocence with many external shades of duplicity.

But the Gospel of the Day shows us another dimension or rather, warns of a distortion in this striving to be a child…

One can easily stray away from the path of being child-like and transgress into the danger of being Childish!

Child-likeness is a beautiful virtue which is to be cultivated and nurtured to grow in our love of God!

Childishness is an ugly vice which is to be weeded and cast away to grow in our relationship with God!

What is child-likeness?

To be like a child is to possess a kitty of trust, faith, innocence and straightforwardness.

To be like a child is living in the present moment with a deep sense of wonder and admiration over life.
To be like a child is to have a faith which is matchless and a great amount of dependence on the One who cares!

But what is childishness?

Childishness is a child-like behaviour which has grown sore and strays away from honest qualities of life.

Childishness is having selfishness at its core: a vice that wants the world around to always dance to its tune!
Childishness is sticking on to ignorance and unwillingness to learn from people and situations

This danger of Childishness can sometimes creep into our spiritual life…
… and can hamper and cause havoc in many areas of our Christian life.

How can childishness in spirituality become a dangerous ploy?

Childishness in spirituality…
… can make people to suit teachings for one’s own desire, at the cost of the Truth.
… can prevent people from being open to receive new insights from the Divine.
… can cause people to remain obstinate and block the moving of the Spirit.
… can prohibit people from recognizing the providential care of God.

And this is what we come across in today’s Gospel Passage: the exposition of the Childishness of the people!

Our Blessed Lord says:
“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children…” (Mt 11:16)

Two persons who had committed themselves totally to the cause of the Kingdom are under the scanner today – John the Baptist and Jesus.

John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and in preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

John did not drink wine, and he and his followers fasted regularly.
He baptized people in the Jordan River.

But John also preached repentance and gave a clarion call to turn away from one sins!

And this irked the people…

The elders of the Jewish community dreaded him because he recognized the corruption of the priests, and publicly called them to repent and be baptized.

They refused, because they wanted to keep their power, their wealth, their full stomachs and their fine clothing!

Jesus went around the cities and towns healing the sick and curing the lepers and doing many mighty works.

Jesus shared in the table-fellowship of many people regularly.
Jesus preached the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus also challenged people to let go off their sinful and corrupt lives and turn to God in penitence!

And this annoyed the leaders…

The Pharisees hated him because he preached with much authority and his new understanding of the law was highly challenging!

They rejected Him, because they wanted to stick to their traditions, empty hearts and their inhuman practices!

Jesus and John both would have hit high on the popularity charts if they had “lightened up” or “played nice” or “would have allowed things to be little more easy!”

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says:
“We played the flute for you, you did not dance;

We mourned to you, you did not weep.” (Mt 11: 17)

This reaction by the people to Them was a song of derision… a tune of mockery…a melody of ridicule!

John the Baptist and Jesus, both, failed to let this Spiritual Childishness to overpower Them and to give in to silly demands!

We all can fall victims to spiritual childishness or we ourselves can fall into the trap of being spiritually childish!

Let us beware of the dangers of this ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS …
… and seek the grace of God to make efforts to rather be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence 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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

Jesus recalls the words of the prophet Hosea: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.”
The only perfect sacrifice is the one that Christ offered on the cross…
… as a total offering to the Father’s love and for our salvation.

By uniting ourselves with his sacrifice we can make our lives a sacrifice to God. (CCC # 2100)

“Igniting our lives with a blazing passion and a fiery enthusiasm!”

(Based on Isa 41:13-20 and Mt 11:11-15 – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent)

There is an interesting legend of how a mother was cleaning the house in preparation for Christmas.

Not a speck of dust was left and even all the spiders were banished from their cozy homes in the ceiling.

It was Christmas eve and the Christmas Tree and the Crib was also decorated.

But, at the farthest end of the attic, the spiders, after having been chased away and taken refuge in that corner, were feeling miserable.

They too wished to see the Christmas Tree and especially have an encounter with Baby Jesus.

But they were afraid, since the mother of the house would chase them away.

The oldest spider among them, however came up with a proposal, that they could perhaps peep across the side door and have a glimpse of Baby Jesus.

So, the spiders, silently crept out of the attic, down the stairs, across the floor and waited in the crack in the side door.

But suddenly the door opened was opened by someone, and the spiders, in fear, ran to the room.

But all them still desired to see the Christmas Tree from close.

So they decided to make a bold attempt…
… They quietly crept over the whole Christmas tree.. over every branch and twig, till their desire to see its beauty was fulfilled.

But to their dismay, each of them had left their webs behind.

When Child Jesus saw the Christmas Tree marred by the spider webs, He was in a dilemma.

On one side, he was impressed by the simple desire of the spiders..
… on the other side, he did not want the mother of the house to be offended.

So He touched the spider webs, and they all turned to sparkling and shimmering, silver and gold!

(This is probably the origin of hanging colourful tinsels on our Christmas Trees, and sometimes even including a spider!)

One of the important dimension seen in this legendary story is the intense desire of the spiders and their willingness to take the chance, be bold in their attempts…
… and even be ready to risk their lives to have their Divine longing fulfilled.

Such is to be the readiness of every Christian…
Having an intense desire
Being willing to take chances
Being bold
Ready to even risk their lives
… in defence of faith and in growing to be a Disciple – in the likeness of Christ.

This is reflected in the words that Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent are taking it by force” (Mt 11: 12)

This verse is one of the most mysterious and thought-provoking in the entire Bible.

What was this violence that Jesus was referring to?

The Greek word for the word “violence” is “biazo”.

This word “biazo” is described as “using power to forcibly seize” i.e. “laying hold of something with a positive aggressiveness”.

In the context of the Kingdom of God, it refers to the fact that ” share in the heavenly kingdom is sought for, with the most ardent zeal and the most intent exertion”.

Historically, the “violence” refers to the manner in which the Kingdom was rejected by the Jews – the chosen race, and the Gentiles gained access.

In our own times, the “violence” refers to the manner in which the entry to the Kingdom causes the people to suffer, undergo hardships and even bear hostility.

That’s why Jesus says in the Sermon of the Mount, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Mt 5: 10)

St Ambrose beautifully describes the meaning of this violence:
“We do violence to the Lord…

Not by compelling Him, but by weeping before Him
Not by provoking by injuries, but by entreating with tears
Not by blaspheming through pride, but by sorrowing through humility.

We attack him, not with swords, nor staves, nor stones…
… but with meekness, good works, chastity.
These are the weapons of our faith, by which we strive in our contest.

But in order that we may be able to make use of these arms in doing violence…

Let us first use a certain violence to our own bodies
Let us carry by storm the vices of our members
… that we may obtain the rewards of valour.
For to seize the Saviour’s kingdom we must first reign in ourselves”

St Francis de Sales speaks of a similar “violence” when, filled with a deep zeal to conquer back Geneva from the clutches of Protestantism, he says:
“We will breach the walls of Geneva with our ardent prayers and storm the city with mutual charity”

This then is the zeal and the passion – the fire – that we need to carry in our hearts…

A powerful zeal that makes no compromise in the values of the Kingdom…
… and makes it willing to suffer any hardship or difficulty for the sake of the Lord!

An aggressive passion that is willing to let go of any attachment or sinful desire…
… that comes in the way of being worthy of the Kingdom!

A blazing fire that rages across every wicked and evil action…
… and seeks to restore holiness and sanctity of life!

Yes, Christian Life is a warfare…
… against the forces of evil
… against our own worldly desires

That is why the Church on earth who are living – who struggle against sin and devil and…”the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12)…
… is called as the “Church Militant” (“Ecclesia Militans”)

May our Blessed Lord ignite our “often tired, dreary and weary” lives with a blazing passion and a fiery enthusiasm…
… so that we may energetically prepare for His coming into our lives!

The Lord will surely bless our every attempt and every desire to seek Him
We will have to leave behind…
… our webs of vain desires
… our webs of sinful pleasures
… our webs of undue attachments

But our Master will touch all those webs and turn them to sparkling and shimmering blessings and graces!

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 Ten Commandments – The First Commandment

Outward sacrifice, to be genuine, must be the expression of spiritual sacrifice:
“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit.”

The prophets of the Old Covenant often denounced sacrifices that were not from the heart or not coupled with love of neighbour. (CCC # 2100)