“Practicing love that is humbly obedient, sacrificial and fruitful!”

(Based on Gen 2:18-24, Heb 2:9-11 and Mk 10:2-16 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A couple were engaged to each other.

As they were preparing themselves for the Sacrament of Marriage, they were given an advise by an elderly priest:
“I am so glad that you are preparing to commit yourself to each other life.

But just remember a very fundamental aspect of your commitment:
‘If you cannot forgive each other, don’t dare to marry!'”

The priest was reminding them of the “forgiving and sacrificial” dimension of love!

Yes, commitment in our relationship with each other becomes faithful…
… when we practise love that is humbly obedient, sacrificial and fruitful.

Love is indeed, the best medicine for any sickness which cripples human life!
And the reason for this amazing power of love is simple:

True Love flows from the heart of the One who is Love… God!
Genuine Love gushes forth from the fount of the One who is Love Incarnate… Jesus!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful exposition of Jesus emphasizing on the importance of unity and faithfulness in the relationship of marriage.

Jesus says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mk 10:7-9)

The Church defines marriage as:
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward…
… the good of the spouses
… and the procreation and education of offspring

This covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”

Marital love is patterned on the love that Christ has for each one of us…
… and the love with which we are to love the Lord.

We could understand Love, from three dimensions – inspired by the example of the Lord Himself…

1. Love that is humbly obedient

Jesus remained in the love of the Father, by humbling Himself and doing His commandments

And He enjoins the same principle of ‘Humbly Obedient Love’ to His disciples too.
The Lord says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (Jn 15: 10)

The Lord’s obedience flows from His willingness to humble Himself, as we read in Heb 2:9 “… Jesus, who for a little while was made lower…”

Do I have a love that is humbly obedient…?
… happy to undertake the various duties and responsibilities entrusted to me and fulfilling them to the best of my capabilities.
… humble to listen to each other’s needs and be sensitive to the concerns and wishes of the other

2. Love that is sacrificial

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

And he enjoins the same principle of ‘Sacrificial Love’ to His disciples too.
The Lord says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13)

The first man, Adam would recognise the sacrificial unity with his wife, Eve, and would cry out:
‘This at last is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh…” (Gen 2:23)

Do I have a love that is sacrificial?
… willing to lay down one’s bias and prejudices, dying to one’s evil inclinations, putting to sword one’s bad habits that takes away from God and making adjustments of one’s self-desires to make way for God’s plans in life.
… allowing my ego or selfish desires to take a back seat and bring into focus what is true, right and just?

3. Love that is fruitful

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

And He enjoins the same principle of ‘Fruitful Love’ to His disciples too.
The Lord says, “.. I chose and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain… ” (Jn 15: 16)

The one who loves, also bears fruits of patience, kindness, self-control and faithfulness…

The one who loves, also lives a life that radiates the fruits of joy, generosity and peace…

Do I have a love that is fruitful?
… bearing fruits that witness God’s love by promoting unity and harmony and attracting many to the tender mercy of the Lord by a life of passion and zeal.
… showering forth fruits that sweeten the hearts of our loved ones and causes greater affections of commitment and faithfulness.

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

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

Love binds every brokenness..

Love joins every divorced situation…
Love unites every ruptured circumstance…

Yes, we are called, to “dare to forgive!”

May the prayer of the Psalmist truly be fulfilled in our lives: “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives!” (Ps 128:5)

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

And help us to persevere in, to preserve, and to promote the Sacred Sacrament of Marriage!

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

Jesus unfolded all the demands of the Commandments.
“You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill…

… but I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.” (CCC # 2054)

“Letting go our ‘balloons of sorrow and worry’ in order to display Christian joy and happiness in life!”

(Based on Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 and Lk 10:17-24 – Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

It was a one-day convention on inner-healing.

The people who were participating were given helium-filled balloons, and told to release them, at some point during the prayer service…
… when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts.

Through the day, there were some balloons that ascended.

But by the end of the day, it was found that more than forty percent of the balloons were unreleased.

The reason: Those people were unable to let go off their inner bitterness and sorrows.

What about us…
… Are we willing to let go of our balloons, in order to witness our joy in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day 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 had enjoyed success in their ministry…
They had a sense of satisfaction in the works that they had done…

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!

Our Blessed Lord, however also tells the Disciples to go beyond the peripheral joys and happiness in life; instead 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)

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

Can we let go our ‘balloons of sorrow and worry’ in order to display Christian joy and happiness in life?

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

Jesus acknowledged the Ten Commandments…
… but he also showed the power of the Spirit at work in their letter.

He preached a “righteousness [which] exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees” as well as that of the Gentiles. (CCC # 2054)

“Using the gift of Freedom – just like St Francis of Assisi -;to gain life, blessings and happiness!”

(Based on Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 and Lk 10:13-16 – Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

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 great chances to see God’s miraculous deeds and wonders…
… but failed to turn to God in penance.

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

The 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?

Today we celebrate the Feast day of a peaceful and powerful saint – St Francis of Assisi…
… who is a beautiful example of a person who fruitfully and faithfully used the freedom that was bestowed on him!

St Francis of Assisi probably is one of the most popular saints in the entire world.

The name of this saint invokes so many pictures and words to our minds – nature, animals, poverty, renunciation, cross, stigmata, surrender, trust, another Christ, etc.

On this First Friday of the month, let us seek the Intercession of this wonderful Saint in being an instrument of joy and peace, praying:
“Make me, Lord, a channel of your peace…”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

In the three synoptic Gospels, Jesus’ call to the rich young man to follow him…
… in the obedience of a disciple and in the observance of the Commandments
… is joined to the call to poverty and chastity.

The evangelical counsels are inseparable from the Commandments. (CCC # 2053)

“Being ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord!”

(Based on Job 19:21-27 and Lk 10:1-12 – Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Arabian horses are made to go through painstaking and meticulous training in the dry deserts of the Middle East.

One of the most important aspects that the trainers expect from the horses is of “absolute obedience”.

This final test to assess their level of obedience is quite extreme…

The trainers compel the horses to be without water for many days.

A few days later, they turn the horses loose towards a pool of water…

The highly thirsty, parched and dehydrated horses, of course start running towards it.

But just as they get to the edge, ready to plunge in and drink, the trainer blows his whistle.

Screech….!

The horses are to stop mid-way…

The horses who have been completely trained and who have learned perfect obedience, stop!

They turn around and come pacing back to the trainer.
They stand there trembling, wanting water… but they wait in perfect obedience.

When the trainer is sure that he has their obedience, he gives them a signal to go back to drink.

Complete obedience from the horses is a sign of their being completely trained.

Well.. this sure sounds hard and severe…

But perhaps, we need to learn an important aspect: the need for trustful obedience to our Master!

When we are in the dry deserts of life, we got to be totally obedient to God.

When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by the Lord to listen to Him, to give heed to His Word and to be obedient to Him.
“Jesus appointed seventy (two), whom He sent ahead of Him, in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit” (Lk 10:1)

They were “chosen and appointed”.

Why were these chosen?
… and not others?

Well… we can only make some guess-works… because the bottom-line is:
“They were ‘chosen'”

Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!

This gift cannot be demanded…. it is given by the Lord, out of His Will.
Therefore, it demands a sense of “gratitude” and a spirit of “responsibility!”

The choosing of the seventy (two) also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!

Moses had chosen seventy elders.

We read this in the Book of Numbers:
“The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.” (Num 11:16)

The “seventy” were chosen from the elders of the tribes of Israel to assist Moses.

They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Moses, by Lord Yahweh

In the Gospels, the seventy (two) disciples are also called, by Jesus, for the similar task:

They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Jesus by the Heavenly Father.

In this task of “becoming an extension”, one of the most important essentials was that of “listening to the words of the Master”

Obedience to the Word is a necessary criteria to become a true extension of the Lord!

Jesus very specifically lays downs rules and regulations to be followed in their mission journey and task:
“Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road….” (Lk 10:4)

These exhortations by the Master would cause…
… a sense of insecurity for the disciples
… a feeling a being stranded in the problems that they could encounter.

Yet, the disciples were strongly urged to…
… Listen to His Exhortation
… to Trust in His Providence
… and to be obedient to His Word

The disciples were to listen to Jesus, the Beloved Son and grasp His teachings for life

Each one of us is called and chosen, as Christians, to be a disciple of Christ – “an extension of the Lord’s tasks in this world” …
… “You did not choose me, but I chose you; and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16)

Life will take us through many deserts and desolations of difficulties.
Life will put us through various storms and hurricanes of hardships.

But in all such moments, are we ready and open to listen to the Voice of the Lord?

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we better be totally obedient to God.

When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…
… every crisis
… every desert
… every darkness
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

Let us grow in our efforts to be completely obedient to our Master!

Let us pray for His grace to be truly listening and following the voice of our Master!

Are we ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism*
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – _GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

To this first reply Jesus adds a second:
“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
This reply does not do away with the first: following Jesus Christ involves keeping the Commandments. the Law has not been abolished…

… but rather, man is invited to rediscover it in the person of his Master who is its perfect fulfillment. (CCC # 2053)

“Being ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord!”

(Based on Job 19:21-27 and Lk 10:1-12 – Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Arabian horses are made to go through painstaking and meticulous training in the dry deserts of the Middle East.

One of the most important aspects that the trainers expect from the horses is of “absolute obedience”.

This final test to assess their level of obedience is quite extreme…

The trainers compel the horses to be without water for many days.

A few days later, they turn the horses loose towards a pool of water…

The highly thirsty, parched and dehydrated horses, of course start running towards it.

But just as they get to the edge, ready to plunge in and drink, the trainer blows his whistle.

Screech….!

The horses are to stop mid-way…

The horses who have been completely trained and who have learned perfect obedience, stop!

They turn around and come pacing back to the trainer.
They stand there trembling, wanting water… but they wait in perfect obedience.

When the trainer is sure that he has their obedience, he gives them a signal to go back to drink.

Complete obedience from the horses is a sign of their being completely trained.

Well.. this sure sounds hard and severe…

But perhaps, we need to learn an important aspect: the need for trustful obedience to our Master!

When we are in the dry deserts of life, we got to be totally obedient to God.

When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by the Lord to listen to Him, to give heed to His Word and to be obedient to Him.
“Jesus appointed seventy (two), whom He sent ahead of Him, in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit” (Lk 10:1)

They were “chosen and appointed”.

Why were these chosen?
… and not others?

Well… we can only make some guess-works… because the bottom-line is:
“They were ‘chosen'”

Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!

This gift cannot be demanded…. it is given by the Lord, out of His Will.
Therefore, it demands a sense of “gratitude” and a spirit of “responsibility!”

The choosing of the seventy (two) also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!

Moses had chosen seventy elders.

We read this in the Book of Numbers:
“The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.” (Num 11:16)

The “seventy” were chosen from the elders of the tribes of Israel to assist Moses.

They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Moses, by Lord Yahweh

In the Gospels, the seventy (two) disciples are also called, by Jesus, for the similar task:

They were to become an extension of the work that was entrusted to Jesus by the Heavenly Father.

In this task of “becoming an extension”, one of the most important essentials was that of “listening to the words of the Master”

Obedience to the Word is a necessary criteria to become a true extension of the Lord!

Jesus very specifically lays downs rules and regulations to be followed in their mission journey and task:
“Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road….” (Lk 10:4)

These exhortations by the Master would cause…
… a sense of insecurity for the disciples
… a feeling a being stranded in the problems that they could encounter.

Yet, the disciples were strongly urged to…
… Listen to His Exhortation
… to Trust in His Providence
… and to be obedient to His Word

The disciples were to listen to Jesus, the Beloved Son and grasp His teachings for life

Each one of us is called and chosen, as Christians, to be a disciple of Christ – “an extension of the Lord’s tasks in this world” …
… “You did not choose me, but I chose you; and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16)

Life will take us through many deserts and desolations of difficulties.
Life will put us through various storms and hurricanes of hardships.

But in all such moments, are we ready and open to listen to the Voice of the Lord?

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we better be totally obedient to God.

When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…
… every crisis
… every desert
… every darkness
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

Let us grow in our efforts to be completely obedient to our Master!

Let us pray for His grace to be truly listening and following the voice of our Master!

Are we ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism*
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – _GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

To this first reply Jesus adds a second:
“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
This reply does not do away with the first: following Jesus Christ involves keeping the Commandments. the Law has not been abolished…

… but rather, man is invited to rediscover it in the person of his Master who is its perfect fulfillment. (CCC # 2053)

“Being inspired by St Therese of Child Jesus – the Li’l Big Saint – to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!”

(Based on Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 and Lk 9:51-56 – Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of St Therese of Child Jesus)

“Yes, I have discovered my vocation! In the heart of the Church, I will be love”

From the “Story of a Soul” – the Autobiography of the Little Flower

These words of great joy and exhilaration exhibit the essence of a Grand Discovery.
A Young Person had discovered her grand vocation!

The Church had discovered a grand saint!

Grand was the life that was lived.
Grand still more were the graces that followed…

A grand saint enshrined in a quiet life but adorned with much love and affection…

A saint who inspires many…
A saint who is loved by many…
A saint who induces much joy…
… St Theresa of Child Jesus – popularly known as the Little Flower of Liseux.

We live in an age that relishes and appreciates insights related to growth, maturity, accountability and responsibility.

There is a love to hear “high” theology….
There is a craze to talk “systematic” thoughts…
There is an interest to discuss “complex” spiritualties…

Not that these are bad or not to be promoted…
… but these “mature” talks ought not to take one away from the basic aim of true spirituality: Love God and Loving Neighbour!

There is a tendency that these “advanced” talks get jammed with only peripheral talks…
… and fail to translate into true action & deeds.

It is here, that our Little Saint of the Day – St Therese of Child Jesus (popularly known as the “Little Flower’) invites us to find a new freshness and sparkle in Spirituality.

She is the Little Saint who dared to love the Big God!
She is the Big Saint who presents to us the Little Way!

This Little Way of the Big Li’l Saint resonates with the Gospel of the Day (Lk 9:51-56) when Jesus…
… a determined Jesus, who has made a choice-for-life moves towards the mission of His life.

“When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)

The Gospel of St Luke presents the whole ministry of Jesus as a linear journey…
… a movement from Galilee to Jerusalem.

All the events and actions of Jesus are oriented towards Jerusalem.

This verse – Luke 9:51 – signifies a mega shift in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Jesus leaves the northern area of Israel called as Galilee and moves ahead to the southern area of Israel called as Judea.

Just as the Israelites had the Exodus Event, which marked the beginning of their salvation as a nation…
… Jesus too will have the Exodus Event which culminates in Jerusalem, which will mark the beginning of the salvation of the whole world!

This verse – Luke 9:51 – marks the beginning of the Exodus Event in the life of Jesus.

The verse reads, “… He RESOLUTELY determined to journey to Jerusalem”
The Greek word used for “resolutely” is Sterizo.

Sterizo is a strong word, which means…
… to strengthen and to establish
… to stand firm with one’s decision.

Jesus makes this strong resolution – Sterizo – To embrace the vision and plan of God.

Jesus makes this strong resolution – Sterizo – To be obedient to the Will of His Father.

Jerusalem was the place where he was to suffer and die.

He was fully determined to go and would not be dissuaded;
He went cheerfully and courageously though He knew the things that should befall Him.

The Road to Jerusalem was to be marched resolutely by Jesus!

All of us walk the Road to Jerusalem…

Life…
… with its hard challenges and unexpected troubles
… with its spiritual difficulties and luring temptations
… with its doses of unforgiveness and bad temperaments
… with its continual showers of unpleasantness and irritations
… with its allurements to bad habits and hard-to-give up pleasures

Is indeed a Road to Jerusalem!

But unless we make a strong resolute decision to walk through this Jerusalem Road, salvation and victory and happiness can never be ours!

When Jesus decided to go ahead with resoluteness in His decision, He met with rejection!
“… they would not welcome Him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk 9:53)

The Jews and the Samaritans were much at loggerheads with each other.

As we see in Jn 4:20, the great controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans was about the place of worship – whether it was Jerusalem or whether it was Mount Gerizim.

So bitter was the altercation between them that the Jews would have no dealings with the Samaritans, nor they with them (Jn. 4:9).

This is the reality of the world.

When one makes a determined decision for life, one is faced with many challenges.

When one makes a strong resolution for life, one is faced with many oppositions.

Like the disciples, James and John, very often, the answer to this rejection is sought in the form of vengeance and violence and wrath.

It is the easier way.
… but it is a destructive way!

Jesus answers this rejection with a better and a powerful weapon: self-sacrifice.
The Son of Man came not to destroy, but to save through a call to repentance.

It is the harder way!
… but it is a saving way!

The answer to life’s problems is not in reacting, but in being pro-active!

Jesus in the Gospel today invites each one of us to have a resolute determination in walking the Road to Jerusalem.

It’s easy to pick up shortcuts and easy roads to find success in life.

But it takes a resolute decision to walk the hard way.

The Saint of the Day – St Therese of Child Jesus – invites us to be strong in our resolution for the Lord…
… and to be “child-like” – with immense trust in the Power and Providence of the Lord.

Her child-likeness had God as the Centre of her world…

God meant everything for this Little Saint.
God signified the ultimate for this Little Saint!

She saw herself as ‘a child’ but energized by God who directed her journey in faith.

This is the spirituality of ‘child-likeness’: To have at the Centre and as the Ultimate, the One who can provide everything – God!

Is God the centre of my world…?

Little Therese of Child Jesus, the Little Saint is also the Big Saint of Love!

After a period of great inner trial and turmoil, she discovered her vocation to be love!

All her actions were laced with love.
All her words were filled with love.

The Little lover of God invites us…
… to adorn all our words with love
… to embrace all our actions with love
… to beautify all our thoughts with love…

It could be…
… speaking with friends
… interacting with fellow workers
… discussing some business matters
… enjoying with family members..

It could be…
… doing household works
… handling massive finances
… studying various subjects
… performing some spiritual activities

It could be…
… thinking some philosophical views
… reflecting about some people
… considering about some situations
… imagining some circumstances
… dreaming some visions

Whatever… whatever!

Whatever be our words..or actions…or thoughts….let them be embellished in LOVE!

The Little Way… Sounds simple, but not so simple in practise, right?

Yet, there is much simplicity…
… ‘cos God remains at the centre of every effort and attempt!

Love demands a fidelity in the countless mundane ‘little’ things of daily life

The Little Flower dares to throw “petals” at the Loving Lord…

These petals are even considered “worthless petals” by the world – a little sacrifice, a gentle smile, a kind word, an appreciative action!

Sometimes, these “worthless petals” are nothing more than a faithful effort.

But this fact of “having tried”, a good will “to do good”…. all these petals please the Lord!

Let us join the Little Saint to tread the Little Way.

As we enter into the new month of October – the month of the Holy Rosary – as a child, let us hold the hands of Mamma Mary…
… and be inspired by St Therese – the Li’l Big Saint – to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!

Let us “live Love to give Love!”
Let us “live Jesus to give Jesus!”

Happy Feast of the Beautiful Little Flower!

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

“Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?”
To the young man who asked this question, Jesus answers first…

… by invoking the necessity to recognize God as the “One there is who is good,” as the supreme Good and the source of all goo. (CCC # 2052)

“Giving heed to the call of the Lord, in seeking to grow, by humbling oneself!”

(Based on Job 1:6-22 and Lk 9:46-50 – Monday of 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Founder’s Day of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales [MSFS])

“O Master, grant that I may never seek!

So much to be consoled, as to console,
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love with all my soul…”

This chorus from the Hymn of Peace, “Make me a channel” is known to most of us.

However, in our daily life, the chorus we sing is perhaps quite the opposite…
“O Master, help that I may always seek for more…

So much to be comforted, but not to comfort others…
To make sure that I am well understood, even if I misunderstand others…
To receive an abundance of love, even if others are ignored in the process!”

Very much, true isn’t it?

We love to give…
… but expect to be returned back in equal or more terms.

We love to donate…
… but expect to be acknowledged & given due consideration.

We love to offer…
… but expect to get back something more in return.

The “I” factor often dominates many of our thoughts, our words and actions

We are people, who tend to have our self desires to be in the forefront!

Such a generally-found characteristic…

Desiring to be great
Wanting to have the first place
… is on display in the Gospel of the Day.

This passage Lk 9:46-50 is the last glimpse of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.

From Lk 9: 51, Jesus would begin another journey: To Jerusalem – where He would be finally exalted!

The Gospel passage begins with the verse:
“An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.” (Lk 9: 46)

Just a couple of verses before, Jesus had instructed the disciples very strongly using the words:
“Let these words SINK into your ears…” (Lk 9:44)

Thus saying, Jesus had spoken of how He would be handed over to men.

It was the prediction of His Passion.

The words “sink into your ears” was a strong exhortation by the Lord…
… to understand that the way to be exalted is only by being humiliated on the Cross!
… to realise that the pathway to glory is always laid low in the valley of struggles and hardships!

Humility is the key virtue to be a member of the Kingdom of God!

None can be a disciple of Christ without being humble
It would be impossible to call oneself a Christian if one is unwilling to let go of self-desires

But somehow, the disciples failed to grasp this fundamental truth.

The recounting of the Passion prediction by Jesus, probably brought in them thoughts…
… about how their Master would reign as the King!
… about how each of them would probably get an important ministerial berth!

It was this “building of castles in the air” that was the background for the Disciples to argue “who is the greatest among them” (Lk 9: 46)

Jesus’ message of the Cross was neatly avoided…
… and only the Crown was given prominence!
Jesus’ warnings about being ready for the Way of the Cross was sidelined…
… and only the dream of a ‘bed of roses’ was discussed!

Hence, the Lord uses the opportunity to remind His close ones on the need to “grow in humility”…
… with the example of a child (Lk 9: 47)

The Gospel says, “Jesus, realised the intention of their hearts…” (Lk 9: 47)

The Lord knows the hearts of all…
… He knows our hearts as well

And so, He looks deep into us, and invites to examine our motives and attitudes…
… Am I a person willing to humble myself?
… or am I a person, swelling in pride?

This aspect of pride could be perhaps manifested in us, subtly, in many ways…
… maybe in my words, the word “I” often appears – thus projecting myself more over others!
… maybe in my actions, I do things to show others – thus wanting self-attention and praise!
… maybe in my thoughts, I often think of my desires – thus disregarding the needs of others!

The tendency to self-project oneself is seen in many of us

But the Lord, who Himself lowered and humbled Himself…
… challenges us time and again, “He who wishes to follow me, must deny oneself, take up one’s cross and follow me!” (Lk 9:23)

The process of doing away with pride and growing in humility…
… is a slow and painful process!

The key to root out vices, is by building up virtues!

There is a need to grow in acts of humility…
… encouraging and appreciating others
… willing to do the “less flashy and glamorous” roles
… realising that the source of all what I do and achieve, is ultimately the Lord

As St Jerome, the Saint of the Day, exhorts,
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest.

‘Til your good is better and your better is best!”

Let us give heed to the call of the Lord…
… seeking to grow, by humbling oneself!

May we truly pray and live…
… that we may never seek…

To be consoled, as to console!
To be understood, as to understand!
To be loved, as to love with all our souls!

Today – September 30th – is also the Founder’s Day of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) – the death anniversary of the Venerable Servant of God, Fr Peter Marie Mermier (Sep 30, 1862)

We are invited to be inspired by the words of Ven. Fr Peter Marie Mermier

“The most virtuous (people) avoid sin and great faults…
… but they are careless in the practice of virtue.”

“It is not enough to avoid evil but it is necessary to do good
… The love of God is efficacious.
There is nothing as strong and as active as love. It is a devouring fire!”

And with respect to prayer…
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!
… instead of enlightening, it blinds;
… instead of healing, it kills!
But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Happy Founder’s Day to all the FRANSALIANS – Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)

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

“Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?”
To the young man who asked this question, Jesus answers first by invoking the necessity to recognize God…

… as the “One there is who is good,” as the supreme Good and the source of all good. (CCC # 2046)

“Plucking out sin at the very first instance of its appearance, and cooperating with the Grace of God to live in holiness!”

(Based on Num 11:25-29, Jas 5:1-6 and Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A catechism class teacher was explaining about the reality of sin, to her 5th Standard (Grade) students.

She said: “Children, how does a worm get inside an apple?”

The question interested the students, and they keenly listened to the teacher, as she continued:
“Perhaps you think the worm burrows in from the outside?

No!

Scientists have discovered that the worm comes from the inside.”

One of the students then asked: “But, how does the worm get in there?”

The teacher with a smile said, “Simple!
An insect lays an egg in the apple blossom (bud).

Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple…
… then eats his way out.”

She then continued: “Children, remember….
… Sin, like this worm, begins in the heart and works out through the person’s thoughts, words and actions.

That’s why make sure you root out sin at its very beginning…
… and pluck it out, at the very first instance of its appearance!”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus making a strong exhortation on the dangers posed by sin…
… and the intense need to overcome anything that comes in the way of holiness.

Jesus says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off…

If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off…
If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it off…” (Mk 9: 43-47)

These are very strong and powerful words of our Blessed Lord.

Our Lord came to the World as a Saviour – to redeem the world from sin.

It is sin that causes separation of human beings from God.

Therefore the Lord clearly asks to us make choices and radical decisions to let go of anything that can cause us to sin or move away from His Holy Will.

We need to examine our lives and check…

… My hands:

Do I engage in activities which are uncharitable and which causes pains and hurts to others?
Do I fail to extend my hand to those in need and those whose lives can be bettered by my helping hand?

… My feet:

Do I stray away into paths of immorality, injustice and indifference?
Do I fail to direct my ways on the path of righteous living, holy conduct and true worship?

… My eyes:

Do I direct my eyes into things which are unbecoming of my way of life and with an intention to fulfil my sinful inner cravings?
Do I move away from seeing the suffering and miseries in the world and become closed to discover the spark of Divinity in the other?

Jesus wishes that our Christian lives, not become a scandal or a stumbling block to the other…
… Rather, He desires that we be honest to our calling as a Christian
… and walk firmly and with courage, in the path of perfection with Him and towards Him!

Are there sins in our life that are occupying large areas in our hearts?

Are there tendencies that are causing us to move away from a life of holiness?

The Lord says, “Have the courage to root them out completely!”

To cut off from sin…
… will surely be difficult
… will indeed be hard

But if we are ready to cooperate with the Grace of the Lord, then our Blessed Saviour will root them out completely from our hearts!

What is needed is our “readiness to pluck out sin completely!”

As the Psalmist prayed, we need to echo the phrase: “Create in me a clean heart, O God!”

Let’s understand that “sin, like a worm, begins in the heart and works out through the person’s thoughts, words and actions.

Lets make sure that we root it out at its very beginning…
… and pluck it out, at the very first instance of its appearance!”

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 – MORAL LIFE AND MISSIONARY WITNESS

By living with the mind of Christ, Christians hasten the coming of the Reign of God, “a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.”
They do not, for all that, abandon their earthly tasks

… faithful to their master, they fulfill them with uprightness, patience, and love. (CCC # 2046)

“Asking the Grace to remain ever faithful to the Lord and be loyal to His Love and His Kingdom!”

(Based on Eccl 11:9-12:8 and Lk 9:43b-45 – Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Julius Caesar” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.

It is one of several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history.

The life of Julius Caesar engrossingly proceeds with placing a great trust in his best friend Brutus.

Brutus, though his closest and most trusted friend, was albeit a misled man.

Therefore, among the conspirators who finally assassinated the Roman leader on March 15, 44 was Brutus as well.

Caesar had not only trusted him, but also favoured Brutus as his own son.

Roman history tells that Caesar had first resisted the onslaught of his assassins.

But when he saw his beloved Brutus among them, with his dagger draw, the Roman Emperor ceased to struggle and withdraw every attempt of resistance.

He pulled the top part of his robe over the face and asked the infamous question, “Et tu, Brute?”(You too, Brutus?)

“YOU TOO, BRUTUS?”
… A question which cuts across the marrows of the bones and the pierces the depths of the heart, to express disgust and contempt of the deadly human vice of betrayal!
… A question which cuts across civilizations and generations, to show forth the abhorrence and the detestation of the wicked trait of disloyalty!

The Gospel of the Day presents a mighty warning by Jesus on the danger of we becoming betrayers to Him and His Love!

Jesus tells His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands!” (Lk 9: 44)

Jesus gives a forewarning to His disciples on the sword of betrayal that would be his painful lot.

This betrayal had to be faced on different levels..
… an act of betrayal through a kiss by Judas Iscariot
… acts of denial by Peter, His close disciple
… acts of abandonment by His other disciples
… acts of rejection by the chief priests and elders
… acts of passivity by the people for whom He had served

Today our Lord poses the same question: Am I betraying Him in my acts and deeds?

Is the Lord, calling us by name, asking us, “Et tu,_? “You too,?”

Do I betray the Lord…
… by failing to avoid occasions of sin and constantly moving away from doing His Will?
… with my words of unpleasantness, judgmental nature and destructively critical?
… by being unkind, unforgiving and harbouring grudge by my actions?
… by causing harm to others and being insincere in my works?

Let us ask the Grace to remain ever faithful to the Lord and be loyal to His Love and His Kingdom.

As St Philip Neri, let us also pray:
“Watch me, O Lord, this day; for, abandoned to myself, I shall surely betray thee.”

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 – MORAL LIFE AND MISSIONARY WITNESS

Because they are members of the Body whose Head is Christ…

… Christians contribute to building up the Church by the constancy of their convictions and their moral lives. (CCC # 2045)

“Reviving and reinvigorating our prayer lives!”

(Based on Eccl 3:1-11 and Lk 9:18-22 – Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There is an interesting incident that is reported from the land of Africa.

When the early Africans converted to Christianity, they were extremely earnest and regular, especially in their personal devotions.

Each one of them, would choose a separate spot in the midst of a thicket.

In that personal spot, the person would pour out one’s heart to God.
It was a moment of deepening one’s relationship with the Lord
It was a place of personally strengthening one’s bond with the Saviour

As time passed by, these spots would become well-worn out.

The paths had been smoothed

As a result, if any of the converts failed to be regular in personal prayer, it was easily noticeable and clearly evident to the others!

Therefore, they would gently remind the one who was negligent, “Brother/Sister, the grass is growing on your path!!”

“The grass is growing on your path” – became a reminder for the one who was slipping down the path of devotion and prayer, to revive one’s spiritual fervour and zeal.

“Is there grass growing on our paths?”
… is a question that we need to constantly ask ourselves and execute the necessary steps in order to reinforce or to strengthen our personal prayer lives!

The Gospel of the Day present a wonderful depiction of our Blessed Lord – Jesus praying in solitude.

St Luke paints an inspiring image of our Lord when he says, “And it came to pass, as Jesus was praying alone…” (Lk 9: 18)

During His earthly ministry, Jesus had a very strong priority and choice: Finding time to be alone with His Beloved Father, in prayer.

This was especially pointed out by St Luke whose Gospel is called as the “Gospel of Prayer”

At the Baptism: “After all people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying…” (Lk 3: 21)
After many healings: ” … He would withdraw to deserted places to pray” (Lk 5:16)
Before choosing the Twelve: “In those days, He departed to the mountains to pray…” (Lk 6: 12)
At Transfiguration: “… Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up the mountain to pray…” (Lk 9: 28)

Many are such occasions that St Luke points to drive home the message that Jesus cherished, loved and made time for Personal Prayer.

Is my life rooted in Prayer?

This is a fundamental question that we need to constantly pose to ourselves and be moved by the answers that we get to it.

We complain very often that we don’t find time for prayer..
.. being busy with a number of assignments, duty demands, work schedules!

We tend to say that prayer doesn’t interest us…
… unable to enjoy sometime alone and to be quiet and recollected in the Awesome and Still Presence of the Lord!

We find ample number of excuses to cancel out “prayer” from our timetable of life…
… giving a reason that “God will anyway wait for us” whereas our moments of enjoyment and fun may not come too often!

But our Blessed Lord today invites to seek and cherish “prayer” in our lives.

We are called to have a “taste for prayer!”

Spending time with a person whom one loves is certainly not a painful task or an unnecessary task or deed required an extra effort.

One loves to be with the person who is loved…
… to spend quiet moments
… to speak out one’s heart
… to expose one’s inner emotions

And this “being with” Our Blessed Lord is “Prayer!”

Let us make efforts to reserve and preserve, at least a few minutes, in personal prayer, to grow in our union with the Lord.

It is only these precious moments of prayer…
… that will help us to deepen our conviction to say that Jesus is the “Messiah of God” (Lk 9: 20)
… that will take us through, with our Crucified Lord (Lk 9:22), in our moments of struggles and hardships.

“Is there grass growing on our paths…?”

the grass of laziness and lethargy
the grass of disinterest and indifference
the grass of meaninglessness and hopelessness
… then we need to make smooth these paths by reviving and reinvigorating our prayer lives!

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 – MORAL LIFE AND MISSIONARY WITNESS

The witness of a Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit…

… have great power to draw men to the faith and to God. (CCC # 2044)