“Joyfully exclaiming the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour!”

(Based on Heb 10:32-39 and Mk 4:26-34 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A family was visiting an art museum.

As they went around with much amazement, excitement and wonder…
… they came to a famous painting titled “Wheatfield under clouded sky”

This painting was by Vincent Willem van Gogh – a Dutch painter – who posthumously became one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.

He had created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, include those of landscapes, still lives, portraits and self-portraits

As the children gazed in admiration at this classical painting, the mother of the family, exclaimed:
“If this work of art, that portrays the beauty of nature, makes us acclaim so much…
… how much more is the Beauty, Power and Goodness of the God Who has created all of this nature!”

And with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Awesomeness of God, she went on to say:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Yes, our God is an awesome God!

And the entire world – all of nature – beautifully sings forth the glory and splendour of God, Who is in total charge!

The Gospel of Day is a beautiful narration of Jesus, using an example from nature, to teach about the Glory and Splendour of God.

All through His teaching ministry, Jesus used different examples, metaphors and symbols to explain about the Kingdom of God.

It could be said that if Jesus had a grammar teacher…
… then, probably the teacher would have been extremely proud of this Student!

Such illustrations were not meant to be closed-reflections…
… rather, they were to be means of allowing a person to explore
… and delve deeper into the mystery that was being explained.

Today, Jesus speaks about a man who scatters seeds on the land.

Without his awareness there is a growth.
“…and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mk 4:27)

One of the most tender ideas that this parable presents is that there are many things in life that are not understood and yet, it turns out to be beautiful!

The seed that grows, unnoticed and unseen, is a sign of the Kingdom of God.
The seed takes root.
The seed sprouts.
The seed grows.

But HOW this takes place, is unknown and unseen…

The effect of the growth is seen, but the process of the growth is unknown!

In John 3:8, we read, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes… so it is with everyone born of the Spirit”

The movement of the Spirit of God is gentle and mild!

The growth of God’s Kingdom is hidden and concealed!

This points to the tremendous fact that God is in total charge and control!
… that God is in perfect sovereignty and power!

We are sometimes people prone to a lot of strategies and planning.

When things don’t turn out the way we have planned, we get worried and anxious.
When situations don’t fall in line with what we envisaged, we get tensed and upset!

But, today God tells… “I am in total control!”

When my life seems to be in a complete mess and nothing is understood by us…

God says, “I am in total control”

When circumstances around me go haywire and I lose control of things…

God says, “I am in total control”

When conditions are highly worse and it seems to be the end of the world for me…

God says, “I am in total control”

This is not to say that we need to have a passive and lethargic attitude to life.
… or that we should not have plans and strategies in our life

But this is a great reminder to know and realise that God is the Ultimate Master!

There are no accidents… no “by chance” happenings… no “luck”
… for a Christian.

[That’s why we need to avoid the use of “Good luck” or “Best of luck!”

We could instead use “Best wishes to you” or “God Bless!”]

Everything, that happens in our life, finds its place, in the Permissive Will of the Lord!

Do I trust in Him to lead through the dark moments into light?

Do I believe in Him to lead through the depressing moments into joy?
Do I have faith in Him to lead through the confusing moments to clarity?

Let us enjoy the silent working of the Spirit within us, and be part of the
… unseen, yet dynamic
… silent, yet spectacular growth of the Kingdom of God!

As we gaze at the “large canvas of miracles” that we experience every day, every moment of our life…
… let us joyfully exclaim the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour, by confessing:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on this Feast Day
… and give heed to his words:
“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things

Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is.
Enliven your faith, which is essential to understand and achieve piety.”

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

Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things…
… but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate.
The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image…
… but tends toward that whose image it is

(CCC # 2132)

“Letting the ‘light of God’s Love’ shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!”

(Based on Heb 10:19-25 and Mk 4:21-25 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

An incident is narrated in the life of St Thomas Aquinas, whose feast we celebrated on Jan 28.

One day when St Thomas Aquinas was preaching to the local people on the love of God, he observed an old woman listening attentively to each of his word.

The old woman impressed the great saint by her simplicity, attentiveness and keenness.

Inspired by her eagerness to learn more about God whom she loved so dearly, he said to the people:
“It is better to be this unlearned woman, loving God with all her heart…
… than the most learned theologian lacking love!”

The lady was able to let the “light of God’s Love” shine through her life of simplicity and passionate tenderness.

We are all invited to lead a saintly life – filled with love – and allow others to experience the Light of God’s love!

Our Christian life exhorts us to be glowing with a holy life, to let others to see the Radiance of God’s Peace!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation and a reminder by Jesus to become a “light to the other”

Jesus presents a simple parable, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not on a stand?” (Mk 4: 21)

In the ancient world, people did not have electricity like we have today.

Most homes would contain several oil lamps because olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.
The oil lamps were the main source of light in every home.

These ancient lamps were usually oval shaped, and flat on top.

They were normally made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronze and sometimes even of gold.

Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

The Lord presents this common example of the Lamp to highlight…
… that Christian lives also ought to shine and glow
… that Gospel values cannot remain hidden and concealed
… that the power of light, however, little, can dispel the gloominess of darkness

The world we live in is often in darkness and in obscurity.

As Christians, we have a duty and an obligation to hold alight the lamp.

The world often runs into the darkness of sin and evil practices…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my holy and sanctified life?

Many people are often forced to remain in the shadows of guilt, shame and abuse…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my prayers, sacrifices and good works?

When we humble ourselves before the mighty power of God, we allow His light to shine through us.

The Letter to the Hebrews encourages “to approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith…
… holding fast to the hope we profess
… and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Cf. Heb 10:19-25)

We are called to live boldly in God’s light…
… living authentically in faith and love
… and and “being lamps, illuminating the darkness!”

Our lives become “a glowing and fragrant lamp” when we acknowledge His Great Presence in our lives…
… and allow ourselves to be totally dependent on Him!

The Lord invites us…
…. to let His light to pass through our actions, deeds and activities.
… to let His light illumine our thoughts, visions and mentalities.

Let us understand that, “it is better to be an unlearned person, loving God with all her heart…
… than to be the most learned theologian lacking love!

And thus, may we let the “light of God’s Love” shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!

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 Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols.
Indeed, “the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype”
… and “whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.”

The honour paid to sacred images is a “respectful veneration,” not the adoration due to God alone. (CCC # 2132)

“Making our lives to be a ‘museum, showcasing God’s Graces!’”

(Based on Heb 10:11-18 and Mk 4:1-20 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

In a Bible museum, there were various artefacts that were displayed…
… depicting various themes and incidents of the Bible.

In the tableau that displayed the Parable of the Sower, was written a caption, which read:
“The Parable of the Sower: Following Christ. Faithfulness to Christ. Fruitfulness in Christ

FOLLOW Christ fully
Be FAITHFUL to Christ
Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ!”

This indeed gives a quick summary of the Parable of the Sower…
… expounded by Jesus in the Gospel of the Day

The Gospel begins with St Mark mentioning that “a very large crowd gathered around him…” (Mk 4:1)

The people were growing in excitement to know and experience the person of Jesus
… His miraculous works and welcoming attitude had generated much hope and expectation

The Lord however, doesn’t allow Himself to be captivated by mere peripheral knowledge and trifle expectations!

He sows the “seeds of truth” and invites them to purify their intentions in being His follower!

And so, with the crowds swelling around, He exhorts his “large followers” with a pertinent term: “LISTEN!” (Cf Mk 4:3)

LISTEN to the voice of the Lord and examine what type of a follower are you…

Are you someone who only casually listens to the Word – like the seed that fell on the path
… failing to give any space for the Lord to work in your life or allowing the birds of the evil one to devour the graces of the Lord?

Are you someone who is only emotionally attracted to the Word – like the seed that fell on rocky ground…
… failing to allow the Word to take deeper roots in life or getting scorched when the sun of struggles and difficulties blaze brightly?

Are you someone who fails to give priority to the Word – like the seed that fell among the thorns…
… failing to give the first place to the Kingdom of God and allowing the thorny desires and fleeting pleasures of the world to take control of life?

OR

Can we be the one who receives the Word with much devotion and preparation – like the seed that fell into good soil…
… and allowing His Word to take total possession of life and allowing His Word to bear much fruit?

Yes, each one of us needs to…
… FOLLOW Christ fully: Giving Him the highest and greatest priority in one’s life
… Be FAITHFUL to Christ: Holding on to the Lord, despite the various struggles that may come across
… Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ! Bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit and being open to His Grace

May the Word of God always have a transformative effect in our lives…
… so that our lives will truly be a “museum, showcasing God’s Graces”
… with the message of:

Following Christ fully
Being Faithful to Christ
Being Fruitful by the Grace of Christ!”

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

Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word…
… the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts the veneration of icons — of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints.

By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new “economy” of images. (CCC # 2131)

“Doing God’s Will, and seeking to belong to His family!”

(Based on Heb 10:1-10 and Mk 3:31-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Miss Clara, a fourth-grade Cathecism teacher told her kids one day:
“Children, let me tell you today about a quiet man – who used to be immersed into much reading and writing.

This man was big and gentle, but because he stayed silent, people thought he wasn’t very smart.

One day, his friends played a trick on him.
As he was busy writing, pointed to the window and shouted, ‘Look, there’s an angel!’

He ran to see, but there was nothing there. Everyone laughed.”

“But do you know how he responded?”
Miss Clara continued, “He said, ‘I’d rather believe there was an angel than think my friends would lie.’

He didn’t fight back nor get angry. He didn’t care if people laughed at him or thought he was slow.
He only cared about doing what God wanted him to do.”

People often teased him, calling him as ‘The Dumb Ox,’…
… but his mentor had so much confidence in him that he said, ‘This ox will one day roar so loud, that the whole world will hear him.’

And that’s exactly what happened!”

Her voice softened as she continued, “That quiet man was St. Thomas Aquinas.

He is today one of the greatest saints in the Church.
And he became great because he always, with prayer and trust, chose to do God’s Will.”

Yes….
Life is not about what others think of you
… it’s about you being faithful to God.

When you do God’s Will, you belong to His family….
… and that’s true greatness!

This is what our Blessed Lord reminds us in the Gospel of the Day.

Jesus is in the thick of His ministry.

The place is packed with people sitting on the floor, in the passage-way, around the doors and near the windows…
… craving to listen to what Jesus is speaking.

It’s at that time that His family members arrive.

His family can’t get through to him, so they send a message in, and it passes from one person to person: “Tell him that his mother and brothers are outside looking for him” (Mk 3:32)

The message finally reaches Jesus.

This was a significant time and moment.

But as we see in the Gospel, very often, our Blessed Lord loves to make use of critical moments to put across a message!

Jesus uses the arrival of His physical family as an opportunity…
… to teach about His relationship with His spiritual family.

Jesus brings the focus back on what is most essential.

What was most needed was not human relationships…
… But what was most necessary was spiritual relations!

He declares: ‘Whoever does the Will of God is my brother and sister and mother’ (Mk 3:35).

[This statement of Jesus is also a beautiful Biblical proof of the importance that is to be accorded to Mother Mary!

The Lord was publicly declaring that, “Mary is great not only because She gave birth to Me…
… But also because in doing God’s Will at all times, She is truly the Mother of all, in the family of God!

And as the Mother of our spiritual family, Mamma Mary certainly deserves greater attention, devotion and love, isn’t it?]

Jesus thus brings to focus…
… the importance to seek and do God’s Will
… the importance to become related in the Kingdom – the Family of God

What is our attitude and mentality…

Am I engaging solely in earthly concerns or do I also put in my efforts for spiritual growth?
Am I obsessed with worldly gains or am I zealous for spiritual graces and blessings?

Very often…
… we lose our focus

Christian life sometimes gets diluted with too many “social” concerns…
… at the expense of spiritual realities.

Christian life sometimes gets polluted with too many “interdisciplinary” matters…
… at the expense of true faith and teachings.

Christian life sometimes gets ruined with too many “compromising” practices…
… at the expense of Gospel values and standards.

Let us avoid all such temptations that cause us to toss our minds…
… by “seeking and doing God’s Will” at all times, and thus being members of the Family of God!

Today as we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas – the great Doctor and Theologian…
… let us learn to humble ourselves before the Almighty Power of God

Towards the end of his life – this great learned person who had written much on the Lord…
… during prayer, Christ is said to have told him, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labour?”

Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.”

Let us be inspired by this Great Saint…
… who humbled himself before the Will of God
… as we learn from him, “The Mystery and the Will of God is not to be solved or understood, but to be adored and loved!”

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

Nevertheless, already in the Old Testament, God ordained or permitted the making of images…
… that pointed symbolically toward salvation by the incarnate Word

So it was with the bronze serpent, the ark of the covenant, and the cherubim. (CCC # 2130)