“Having compassionate hearts, and becoming true ‘Missionaries of Mercy!'”

(Based on Jon 1:1–2:1-2, 11 and Lk 10:25-37 – Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, who was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century was an American author and poet.

She has written a beautiful poem, which goes thus:
“It isn’t the thing you do;
It’s the thing you leave undone, which gives you a bit of heartache…
… at the setting of the sun.

The tender word forgotten, the letter you did not write, the flower you might have sent, are your haunting ghosts tonight.
The stone you might have lifted, out of a brother’s way.
The little acts of kindness, so easily out of mind.
Those chances to be helpful, which everyone may find.

No, it’s not the things you do,

It’s the thing you leave undone, which gives you the bit of heartache…
… at the setting of the sun!”

Our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…
… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.

The Gospel of the Day is a stark reminder for us, to consider our level of love for the Lord…
… especially through the perspective of the many chances we miss in doing good and serving Him!

A scholar of the law went up to Jesus with a motive to test Him. (Lk 10: 25)

Despite being given a clarification by the Lord, the Gospel says…
… that the scholar of the law went on to ask another question, “to justify himself” (Lk 10: 29).

This attitude to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…
… is a tendency we ought to examine in ourselves

And if present, needs to be rooted out!

“Justifying oneself, even without any just cause,” could be pointing to the fact…
… that we are too proud to accept the view of the other, even when we know the truth
… that we are unwilling to let go of our ego, with a fear of being defeated

To this trap of the scholar of the Law, who sought to “justify oneself, even without any just cause”…
… Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

One of the vivid observations that we can have from this parable is the “sin of omission” from the part of the first two possible helpers – the Priest and the Levite.

The man who was attacked, and lay in pain and anguish along the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho”…
… was in need of immediate attention
… was in need of aid and assistance

But the parable says that both – the Priest and Levite – responsible and supposedly God-serving people – refused to extend help.

There could be several reasons proposed as to why they did not stop by, to help the one in need.

Maybe…
… they risked ritual and social impurity – since they were at the Temple of the Lord and touching the man had a risk of defilement.
… they were short of time – wanting to make sure they would reach in time for their Temple duties
… they were afraid of the robbers – since this 17 mile stretch from Jerusalem to Jericho was robber-infested
… they were indifferent to the cause of the needy – only being concerned with cultic service of the Lord and not translating them into acts of mercy
… they had a past experience of having faced danger – and were unwilling to put themselves into risk once again
… they were unable to set their priorities in order – unable to distinguish and discern that, not just Temple service, but even helping a needy person forms part of a true spirituality

The reasons….
… could be varied
… could be speculated
… could be argued upon

But one thing is certain: They failed to help a person in need…
… and thus had a missed a chances in doing good and serving Him!

This “missing the chance in doing good” constitutes the “sin of omission”

Yes, our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…
… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.

Am in languishing with many “sins of omission”….?

Young persons who stray away from the honest and right paths of life – knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or purposely…
… demand our attention to pray for them and to find creative ways of bringing them back to the right path

Broken families which face crisis – either due to spousal misunderstandings or children’s worries or financial constraints or any other problems…
… cry out to us, to intervene in their lives by interceding for them and to become channels of peace, reconciliation and harmony.

Lethargic Christians and persons with lapsed faith – either due to ignorance or indifference or deception…
… plead to us, to bring their cause before the Throne of God’s Mercy and to be cheerful instruments who “fan their faith into flames”

In all such causes and similar cases, we are challenged to be the “Good Samaritan”…
… being humble enough to get down to our knees
… being daring and courageous to face humiliations in extending help
… being compassionate and caring to do follow-ups on our acts of mercy

It is only thus that we can firmly follow the commandments to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25):
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind…
… and your neighbour as yourself!” (Lk 10: 27)

May our daily examination of the conscience, always remind us of the fact, that…
“It isn’t the thing you do;
It’s the thing you leave undone, which gives you a bit of heartache…
… at the setting of the sun!”

And thus spur us, to have compassionate hearts and be a true “Missionary of Mercy!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Rome, Italy
Email: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

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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 Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life.
Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action…

… so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war. (CCC # 2307)

“Being willing to have our ‘faces to the coal’ in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4, 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14 and Lk 17:5-10 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

It was the time of World War II.

There was an urgency for England to increase its coal production.

The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill exhorted the labour leaders to extend their support towards this requirement.

At the end of his exhortation, he asked them to visualize (picture in their mind)…
… a victory parade that would be held at the end of the war.

He said that, first in the parade would come…

The sailors…who had managed the tensions at sea, with great courage.
Next would come the soldiers… who had proven their mettle by their bravery.
Then would come the pilots… who had displayed immense aerial skills.
All of these would be welcomed and acknowledged with great cheer and applause.

Last of all, would come along, the long line of…
… sweat-soaked and soot-smeared men in their miner’s caps.

Seeing them, someone from the crowd would ask:
“Hey! Where were all of you, during the tense days of our struggle?”

And from the hoarse ten thousands of throats would come the answer:
“We were deep in the earth, with our faces to the coal!”

The sailors, the soldiers and the pilots had glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but the miners, working deep in the coal mines, were always hidden and away from the limelight.

But very often, it is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, are we willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of the day, is this invitation to have our “faces to the coal”…
… by becoming “servants” in the service of the Kingdom!

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Lord narrates the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant.

In this parable, Jesus tells about a servant who works all day long out in the field, or out taking care of the flock.
And after he works all day long, he comes into the house…

Is he expected to sit down and rest and eat his own meal? No

Rather, he is required to serve his master by providing him the meal first.

And after doing all that work – all day long – there’s no word of thanks, no gratitude.

Jesus closes out this parable by saying that the servant was unprofitable because he only did what he was told to do.

Is it something practical?
Is it something easy?

The Gospel of the Day seems to be demanding much from a servant…
A servant…
… who works whole day long ploughing in the field or tending the sheep…
… who delays his needs and instead prepares and serves meals for his master…
… who after all his works, doesn’t expect words of gratitude…

The Parable is surely a tough one!

But, the One who preached this Parable is not a mere preacher, but is the One Who practised!

Jesus, the one who preached this Parable, practised perfectly, this life of being a servant.

He is the Servant, Who works in the field ploughing…
… sowing the seed of the Word of God, ploughing the Gospel in the hearts of people and toiling in the hot sun of oppositions and mockery

He is the Servant, Who tends the sheep in the field…
…providing pasture for His people, protecting them from the wolves of the evil and going after any of the sheep which are lost in the wilderness

He is the Servant, who prepares a meal and serves at table…
…nourishing those at table with His own body, strengthening them with His own blood and constantly reinforcing in the journey of life

How are we to be such a servant of the Lord?

By having a mind of being a servant of God

The world of a servant centres not around himself, but around the Master.

Whatever pleases the Master, the servant does.

If we truly acknowledge God as our Master, then we too…
… will do the works which please Him
… will think and seek to do His Will
… will speak the words which are worthy of His grace

If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too…
… will give ourselves to Him totally at all times
… will place His priorities over ours
… will avoid anything that blocks my complete service of Him

The call is to be a servant…
… who is dedicated and selfless.

Jesus is our model and example in being a Servant.

It’s a demand placed on us.

In working for the Kingdom of God, there are different roles which have glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but we always need to be willing to be like the ‘miners’ – working deep in the mines – hidden and away from the limelight.

It is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, let us be willing to have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom 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 Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples…
… and the assiduous practice of fraternity.
Peace is “the tranquillity of order.”

Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity. (CCC # 2304)

“Seeking the Intercession of St Francis of Assisi, in being an instrument of joy and peace!”

(Based on Bar 4:5-12, 27-29 and Lk 10:17-24 – Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

One winter evening, St. Francis of Assisi with brother Leo were walking across the streets …
… and the bitter cold made them suffer keenly.

St. Francis called to brother Leo, and he said:
“Brother Leo, even if we, in every country, give a great example of holiness and integrity and good edification, nevertheless…
… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“

And when he had walked on a bit, St. Francis called him again, saying:
“Brother Leo, even if we give sight to the blind, heal the paralyzed, drive out devils, give hearing to the deaf, make the lame walk, and restore speech to the dumb, and bring back to life a dead man…
… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.“

And going on a bit, St. Francis cried out again in a strong voice:
“Brother Leo, if we knew all languages and all sciences and Scripture, if also to prophesy and to reveal the secrets of the consciences of others…
… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And as they walked on, St. Francis called again forcefully: “
“Brother Leo, even if we could speak with the voice of an angel, and knew all about the treasures in the earth, and knew the qualities of birds and fishes, animals, humans, roots, trees, rocks, and waters…
… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And going on a bit farther, St. Francis called again strongly:
“Brother Leo, even if we could preach so well that should convert all infidels to the faith of Christ…
… note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

Now when he had been talking this way for a distance, Brother Leo in great amazement asked him: “Father, I beg you in God’s Name to tell me where perfect joy is!”

And St. Francis replied:
“When we, soaked by the rain and frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger, and we ring at the gate of our House…
… and the brother from inside comes and says angrily: ‘Who are you?’

And we say: ‘We are two of your brothers.’

And he contradicts us, saying: ‘You are not telling the truth. Rather you are two rascals who go around deceiving people and stealing what they give to the poor. Go away’

And he makes us stand outside in the snow and rain, cold and hungry, until night falls
… then if we endure all those insults and cruel rebuffs patiently, without being troubled and without complaining
… and if we reflect humility and charity
… Oh, Brother Leo,
… note carefully that perfect joy is there!

‘And if we continue to knock, and the brother comes out in anger, and drives us away with curses and hard blows like bothersome scoundrels, saying; ‘Get away from here, you dirty thieves-go to the hospital! Who do you think you are?

And if we bear it patiently and take the insults with joy and love in our hearts…
… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!”

And if later, we still cry loudly begging them to open for us and he grows still more angry and says: ‘I’ll give them what they deserve.’

And he comes out and beats us so much that he covers our bodies with wounds–if we endure all those evils and insults and blows with joy and patience, and bear the sufferings patiently for love of Christ…
… Oh, Brother Leo, note carefully that perfect joy is there!

‘And now hear the conclusion, Brother Leo.

Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends…
… is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ.
‘I will not glory save in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.’”

Indeed…
… Perfect joy is only in the Cross!

This incident of St Francis of Assisi, might sound too ideal for us…
And the approach and attitude of the Great Saint might seem too utopian for us…

Still, it is possible to grow in our understanding of True Joy and Peace in God alone..
… and making the Cross as the True Source of our Solace and Consolation!

The Gospel of the Day, on this Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, invites us to reflect on the theme of “Joy in the Lord”…
… with two instances of rejoicing:

The Disciples rejoicing after their successful mission experience
Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit and thanking His Father for His Infinite Wisdom

One of the essential hallmarks of a Christian is a ‘Life of Joy’.

This was the experience of the Disciples, when they returned back from the mission.

They realized that it was the Power of the Lord that enabled them to taste success and relish triumph.

So they rejoiced greatly, saying: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your Name” (Lk 10: 17)

Do we also rejoice, by seeing the hand of the Lord in the success and achievements of our lives….?
… knowing that whatever we achieve, is ultimately not just due to our hard-work and efforts; rather, was the result of our co-operation to the grace of God!
… recognizing that all our talents and opportunities are gifted by God to exhibit His Glory and Honour!

We are called to rejoice in the Spirit.

St Luke would testify this in the words: “At that very moment, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…'” (Lk 10: 21)

This then is what we too are expected to imitate from the Lord: Rejoicing in the Spirit.

St Paul would beautifully explicate this, when he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4: 4)

As it’s often said in Latin, “Gaudeo. Gaudete?”

“I rejoice. Do you rejoice?”

Our life is to be an inspiring exhibition of the Joy in the Lord and Rejoicing in the Spirit.

Do we radiate joy…
… in our encounter with one another, and spread the cheer of life?
… even in the midst of hardships, knowing that we have a God who is deeply caring for us?
… thanking the Lord for His blessing, above all, for the gift of Himself in the Word and the Sacraments?

There is, without doubt, many reasons for us to be grumpy, to complain and to feel resentment in life.

But can we allow the Power of the Lord to enamour us, and realise that beyond all these, we have a reason to celebrate and to rejoice…
… knowing that ‘God is with us’, to ensure success in our journey of life, with our wholehearted co-operation
… knowing that the Lord is the greatest reason to be happy and the treasure of life Who deserves every glory

Let us today seek the Intercession of St Francis of Assisi, in being an instrument of joy and peace

“Make me Lord, a channel of your peace…!”

Happy Feast Day!

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 Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Respect for and development of human life require peace.
Peace is not merely the absence of war…

… and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. (CCC # 2304)

“Using the Gift of Freedom to gain life, blessings and happiness!”

(Based on Bar 1:15-22 and Lk 10:13-16 – Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

God is the Great Gift Giver!

He loves to lavish gifts on his creation…and especially on Human Beings, the Crown of His Creation!

Among the gifts that He has showered, one of the greatest gifts is… the Gift of Freedom!

God has bestowed this precious treasure of Freedom to each and every human being.

God regards the worth and value of this gift.
God respects our yes or no, to this gift!

The Gospel of the day presents to us a classic example of Freedom being lavished, but sadly being squandered away.

The towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were given the freedom and the choice to become part of the Kingdom of God…
… but they chose to reject and refused the Saving Message.

The Gift of Freedom is a double-edge entity:

The gift of freedom can be used…
… to obtain life!
The gift of freedom can be misused…
… to obtain death!

The gift of freedom can be abused well…
… to receive curses!
The gift of freedom can be utilized well…
… to receive blessings!

The triple cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum failed to use, utilize and employ constructively their freedom…
… rather, they misused, abused and exploited destructively their opportunity to find peace and salvation.

And Jesus has harsh words reserved for such kind of an attitude – “WOE TO YOU!“

The word “woe” in Greek is “oh-hoo-aai” or “ouvai!”

The figure of speech is onomatopoeia – it means what it sounds like.

It is a word of pain!
It is the sound someone makes when they are hurt or are grieved.

When the Lord proclaims a WOE over these cities, there’s a great deal of anguish amplified with a sense of pain.

The Lord was pained that these cities received wonderful opportunity to hear God’s saving message…
… but failed to turn to God in repentance.

The Lord was pained that these cities received exclusive occasions to receive God’s salvific graces…
… but failed to turn to God in humility.

Our Blessed Lord today challenges us to make an examination of our lives:

God lavishes many graces on me through regular chances to hear God’s word through the Bible, retreats, recollections, talks, spiritual magazines etc…

Am I using these chances to grow in my spiritual life?
… or am I wasting away many of such chances?

Is freedom used?
… or misused?

God showers many opportunities for me to avoid sin…
…. by giving me inspiring and holy thoughts
… by a constant urging to be good through my parents, superiors, family and community members and other people in my life…

Am I using these opportunities to foster my holiness?
… or am I frittering away much of such opportunities?

Is freedom used?
… or misused?

God bestows many occasions to become a powerful witness to His love and His Gospel through different means like…
… preaching the Word
… celebrating or participating in the Eucharist and in the other Sacraments
… helping others in their needs and difficulties, praying for various people
… living a integral life in the society based on the Gospel values etc.

Am I using these occasions to strengthen my Christian life?
… or am I throwing away many of such occasions?

Is freedom used?
… or misused?

The example of the three cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum is before us and the condemnation of Jesus, because of their lackluster response is also before us.

Freedom is the great gift of God…
… and God totally respects the use or the misuse of this precious gift.

Are we going to use this Gift to gain life, blessings and happiness…?
… or are we going to misuse this Gift to receive death, curses and sadness?

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 Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Hatred of the neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm.
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…

… so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (CCC # 2303)

“Holding on to our spiritual friend – the Guardian Angel – who walks with us, always, and in turn, be a true friend to one another!”

(Based on Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 and Mt 18:1-5, 10 – Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels)

The shadow once said to the body:
“Who is a friend like me?
I follow you wherever you go.

In sunlight or in moonlight, I never forsake you.”

“True,” answered the Body, “you go with me in sunlight and in moonlight.

But where are you when neither sun nor moon shines upon me?”

This simple anecdote is a beautiful insight on true friendship.

As it is beautifully said, “a real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out!”

Everyone loves to have friends who make life more interesting and joyful by their presence.

The journey of life gets more easy and exciting with the presence of friends.

Our spiritual journey too follows this concept…

God, the author of life, in His all-powerful Wisdom, has blessed each of us with a friend.

A friend who accompanies us
A friend who strengthens us

This friend is “The Guardian Angel”

This friend walks with us, in sunlight and moonlight…
… and even when neither sun nor moon shines!

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of “The Guardian Angel“

The Church in her teachings affirms and assures that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by watchful care and intercession of the angels.

Beside each believer, stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 336)

From the first moments of our existence, the Guardian Angel has been with us…

At our birth, the Guardian Angel was elated at the dawn of a new life…
At our Baptism, the Guardian Angel was pleased to have us join God’s Family…
At our Confession, the Guardian Angel was delighted to have us back to God’s holiness…
At our Holy Communion, the Guardian Angel rejoiced in us, receiving the Loving Lord…
At our Confirmation, the Guardian Angel was joyful in us, being strengthened in the Spirit…
At our Marriage, Profession/Ordination, the Guardian Angel was happy with our way of life..
At our final moments, the Guardian Angel will be with us to strengthen and console us…

At every stage and step of our life, God has blessed us with this beautiful companion to…
… “to guide and protect us through life and to lead us safely to our Eternal Home”

St Francis de Sales says, “Make yourself familiar with the Angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. Without being seen…
… they are present with you!”

The Lord wants each one of us to be walking in His presence and be safe from the snares of the Evil.

And for this purpose, He has blessed us with a Guardian Angel

An Angel is a being, a person – one who has an intelligence and a free will.

An Angel thinks… but clearer than we do!
An Angel loves… but dearly than we do!

How does a Guardian Angel guard us?

By gentle inspirations…

In the hard moments of doubts and confusion…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with words of clarity and understanding.

In dark situations of hopelessness and resignations…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with the light of God’s hope and strength.

In the narrow tunnels of losing faith and giving up…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with comforting words and counsels.

In unfaithful times of going away from doing God’s will through sin…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with strong urges to come back to God’s ways.

In daily moments of facing a choice of doing good or bad…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with showing what is more beneficial and valuable.

They do not force us.
They respect our free wills.

But the Guardian Angels do long for us to always walk in God’s power and presence.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is an opportunity for us to increase in our devotion and fondness for this “friend” whom God has blessed each one of us with.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is also an opportunity for us to increase in our duty and responsibility…
… of becoming a guardian, a friend and a guide to one another.

There are many whom we know who struggle
… with difficulties… problems…
… with faith-issues… financial difficulties…
… with mental problems… emotional breakdowns…

Jesus, through the Gospel says… “See that YOU DO NOT DESPISE one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Mt 18:10).

“Not despising” someone not only includes avoiding putting down or humiliating or causing scandal to others etc…
… but on a positive sense, means to encourage, promote and strengthen one another.

God has blessed each one of us, with a true friend, in our Guardian Angel.

Let us grow in reverence and love for our dear spiritual friend.
Let us invoke the assistance of this friend in our works, while meeting people, while going to different places etc.

As St John Vianney would say:
“When we are walking in the streets…
… let us fix our eyes on Our Lord bearing his Cross before us
… on the Blessed Virgin who is looking at us
… on our Guardian Angel who is by our side.“

Yes, let us hold on to our spiritual friend who walks with us, in sunlight and moonlight…
… and even when neither sun nor moon shines!

And in turn, be a true friend – a ‘guardian angel’ – to one another!

Happy Feast to our Dear Friend, the Guardian Angel…
… and to each one of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity.

Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. (CCC # 2303)