“Being faithful and committed in our relations, and seeking to ‘feel at home’ – with God and with one another!’

(Based on Jas 5:9-12 and Mk 10:1-12 – Friday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An elderly couple narrates an incident in the life of their daughter.

A couple of weeks after the marriage of their daughter, they got a call from her.
>> The newly-weds had their first big fight.

After several tense moments over the phone, the mother gave the phone to the father and asked him to speak and console her daughter.

A few minutes later, the father came back to the mother, who had been sitting worriedly, in the living room.

“What happened? What did she say”, asked the tense mother.
>> “She wanted to come home” replied the father.

“Oh! Then what did you tell her?” enquired the worried mother
>> “I told her” said the father, “she was already home!”


Yes…
… once married, the husband and wife form one home, “leaving their father and mother!”
>> This was the truth that was explained by the father to her daughter.


Marriage is a sacred institution – a precious covenant – that demands a lifelong commitment and a faithful dedication, despite the ups and downs of life.

It is this message that is driven home by Jesus in today’s Gospel when He expounds His teaching on the sacredness of the Covenant of Marriage.


The passage begins with a testing interrogation by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” (Mk 10: 2a)

St Mark clearly points the intention of the Pharisees in asking this question to Jesus: “To test Him” (Mk 10:2b)


Jesus was in the district of Judea, across the Jordan (Mk 10:1)
>> Is there something specific in this particular detail being mentioned – “across the Jordan?”


“Across the Jordan” was the place where John the Baptist had been working (Jn 1: 28)
>> By mentioning the place, St Mark alludes to the outcome that had befallen on John the Baptist.

John the Baptist had got into great persecution because of his open-condemnation…
… of the adulterous relationship of King Herod with Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. (Mk 6:17)
>> By putting forward the “same question of divorce” before Jesus, the Pharisees were laying a much greater trap…
… If Jesus condemned divorce, it could amount to an act of treason against King Herod, the ruler of the land!

John the Baptist had lost his head due to the strong stance on the issue of divorce
>> Now Jesus, is also being snared into such a life-threatening trap!


But Jesus remains the Person that He is – uncompromising, unflinching, convinced, bold and daring!

A big lesson for us too, to learn from Jesus…
>> There will be situations in life when people get into our skin, trying to put us into confusion and even states of danger…
… Can we still remain undaunted and courageous to stand firm on our convictions and principles?


Jesus came to the world to demonstrate the magnanimity of God’s Love.

This magnanimity includes…
… His unconditional manner of loving us, irrespective of our worthiness
… His unreserved faithfulness to us, despite our many acts of betrayal and disloyalty


It is this model of God’s love that becomes the blueprint for us in loving others, and especially in a marriage relationship.

Partners, pledged in love to each other in marriage, ought to imitate the love that God has for us…
>> We have cheated and strayed away from what God wants of us…
… He still loves us and is faithful to us

>> We have, on innumerable occasions, spat at His face by our shameful deeds and defamed His name by our sinful acts…
… He still holds us close to Him and remains loyal to us

>> We have, despite many warnings, purposely hurt Him in thoughts, words and deeds and even rejected His graces by not co-operating with His Will for us…
… He still waits patiently for our return and constantly seeks to draw us to Him

>> We have failed Him many times, but He has always made efforts to try to win us
>> We have hurt and pained Him much, but He has still longs for us, with His soothing balm of acceptance


It is this “magnanimity of God’s Love” that becomes the basis, the inspiration and the ideal in every marriage relationship.
>> Therefore Jesus says, “What therefore God has joined, let not man put asunder” (Mk 10:9)


We live in a world where the quickest solution to many problems is found in “throwing it away!”
>> And the same mentality affects human relationships too… especially to those in marriage.

The challenge therefore is to dare to swim against these worldly currents and bring in the “Jesus Culture of Faithful Commitment” in human relationships, especially of marriage.


Theoretically speaking, this sounds quite good and wonderful.
>> But when it comes down to the actual practice.. in married lives… it is undoubtedly a very hard effort.

“But what is impossible for humans is possible for God” (Mk 10:27b), is the assurance of Jesus.


When the going gets really hard and we want to call it ‘quits’ in our relationships…
… let us look to Jesus who said “Yes to the Will of God” in the painful agony at Gethsemane
>> There may seem no hope ahead…
>> There may appear only meaninglessness ahead…
Still, can we say Yes to God’s Will – to be faithful and committed?

When none of our efforts of restoration work out and we get ‘fed’ up and feel to have reached the ‘limit’ in relationships…
… let us look to Jesus Crucified, who was never ‘fed’ up with our misdeeds and our constant misunderstanding and misuse of His love
>> It may look like the end of the road…
>> It may seem that all the past was mere fantasy and the future appears to be non-existent…
Still, can we hold on to Hope in God – to be true to our promise and be loyal?


The promises made…
>> to our Faith in Baptism
>> to the spouse in Marriage
>> to the Lord in Consecrated and Priestly Life
… all demand an undissolved commitment, an undiluted faithfulness and an unmixed dedication.


Let us grow in the understanding of “being faithful and committed” in our relations…
… and seek to “feel at home” – with God and with one another!


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 OLD LAW
>> Finally, the Law is completed by the teaching of the sapiential books and the prophets…
… which set its course toward the New Covenant and the Kingdom of heaven. (CCC # 1964)
—————————-

“Living a saintly life and attracting many to Christ!”

(Based on Jas 5:1-6 and Mk 9:41-50 – Thursday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An experience is narrated of a family who went to visit the world-famous Niagara Falls.

It was spring, and ice was rushing down the river.

As the family members viewed the large blocks of ice flowing toward the falls, they could see that there were carcasses of dead fish embedded in the ice.

A large number of sea-gulls (= birds, which feed mainly on fish) were riding down the river, feeding on the fish.

As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would go out, and they would escape from the falls.

However there was one particular sea-gull, which seemed to delay much in flying.

It was deeply engrossed in the carcass of a fish.

Finally, only when it came to the brink of the falls, did it “flap its wings”.
… but it was a moment too late!

The bird flapped and flapped and even lifted the ice out of the water.

But it had delayed too long so that its claws had frozen into the ice.

The weight of the ice was too great, and the gull plunged into the abyss!

Excessive attachment and attraction, at the expense of “letting go”, cost the sea-gull its life!

How true is the saying: “The finest attractions of this world become deadly when one becomes overly attached to them.”

The Gospel of the Day is the powerful exhortation of Jesus on the need to “cut-off and pluck-off” ANYTHING which causes us to sin…
… thus according the prime duty of every follower of Christ to meticulously and diligently pursue the paths of holiness!

Jesus uses an extreme language to convey this message across:
“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: 43,45,47)

The hand….the foot… and the eye… are three faculties which are extremely vital for a person’s activities:

The hand: points to the things “that we do”
The foot: points to the places “that we go”
The eye: points to the things “that we see or desire”

Jesus, thus refers to ANYTHING, which causes sin, to be totally be dismembered.

We need to make an honest examination of our lives…

What are the areas of my life, which cause me to sin…
… and keeps me away, from pursuing holiness?

Who are the people in my life, who lead me to sin…
… or keep me away from becoming closer to the Lord?

Which are the activities, which instigates me to sin…
… and renders me a slave to the wiles of the devil?

As human beings, there could be a naturally tendency….
… to easily get attached to things which attract and allure us
… to find it hard to let go of situations which gives us momentary pleasure and vain gratification
… to be impelled to remain holding onto certain people, even though we know they cause us to sin

But the Lord calls for an honest examination of our life…
… and dares us to “let go” of anything that would cause us to be unworthy of His Love.

Let us seek to not get “attached” or “stuck” to the peripheries of life…
… instead “flap our wings” in the proper time…
… and pursue the paths of holiness and sanctity!

Let our lives be a saintly one, attracting many to Christ…
… and not a scandalous one, repelling many from 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 OLD LAW

The Old Law prophesies and presages the work of liberation from sin which will be fulfilled in Christ…

… it provides the New Testament with images, “types,” and symbols for expressing the life according to the Spirit. (CCC # 1964)

“Living with faith and love, conviction and commitment – and becoming worthy to be truly called as the “children of our Heavenly Father!”

(Based on Jas 4:13-17 and Mk 9:38-40 – Wednesday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A man possessed a ring set with wonderful diamonds.

This ring was a charm – whoever wore it, became so sweet and true in character that all people loved him.
It was always passed down from father to son, and always it did its work.

As time went on, it came to a father who had three sons whom he loved with an equal love.

What was he to do when the time came to pass on the ring?

The father had an idea…
… He made two other rings made precisely the same way – so that none could tell the difference.

On his death-bed he called each of his sons in, spoke some words of love … and without telling the other, gave to each a ring.

When the three sons discovered that each had a ring, a great dispute arose as to which was the true ring.

The case was taken to a wise judge.

He examined the case, and then spoke:
“If the true ring gives sweetness to the character of the man who wears it,” said the judge, “then I and all people will know the man who possesses the true ring by the goodness of his life.

So, go your ways – Be kind, Be truthful, Be brave, Be just in your dealings.

He who does these things will be the owner of the true ring.”

The owner of the original ring was to be found by the life that they lived!

Am I a possessor of the “Ring” of Christian Faith?
Then it needs to be displayed by a life of faith and love

Am I wearing the “Ring” of being a follower of Christ?
Then it needs to be exhibited by a life of conviction and commitment

The incident in today’s Gospel focuses on how Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to “not get limited” by peripherals of religion…
… Instead to focus on the power of God and to live a life worthy of our Christian Calling!

One of the disciples – John – told Jesus: “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following Us” (Mk 9:38)

An act of demoniac-healing was being conducted by one who was “not in Jesus’ group”

The disciples were alarmed by it…
… they felt it their duty to forbid it, since that man was outside their “boundary”
… they would have felt within themselves, “How can he who is not with us, do such things?”
… there might perhaps even been a tinge of jealousy, since sometime back, they themselves couldn’t heal a possessed-boy (Mk 9:18)

This incident of the Gospel has a marked parallel in the Book of Numbers 11: 25-29

The Lord had spoken to Moses and bestowed the spirit on seventy chosen elders

Among them, two named Eldad and Medad were not in the gathering, but left in the camp
Joshua, came rushing to Moses and complained, “Stop them… they are prophesying in the camp”
To that, Moses replied sternly, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!” (Num 11: 29)

Many times, among the “chosen people”, there could be such a tendency to “monopolize” Divine gifts

There could be occasions when “selected persons” feel themselves to be having a special right and privilege, to which no others can lay claim!

But the Lord seeks to break such fake boundaries and false borders, by telling: “Whoever is not against us, is for us” (Mk 9:40)

The quality of our Christian Life will be not assessed, simply by the vocation to which we are called…
… but by our life of faithfulness and fidelity

The Christian Vocation is not merely a “title” to be hung around in pride…
… it is a responsible duty that is to be carried out with sincerity and earnestness

The call to be a member of God’s Kingdom is not merely a “plaque” to be carried around for gratification…
… it is an accountable task that is to be performed with dedication and perseverance

Yes…
We need to let go of our “restricted, narrow and prejudiced” mindsets and be open to the working of God’s Spirit, in any people

As Christians, we all are blest with the “ring” of being called the followers of Christ

Let us live with faith and love, conviction and commitment – and become to worthy to be truly called as the “children of our Heavenly Father”

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 OLD LAW

Because of sin, which it cannot remove, it remains a law of bondage.
According to St. Paul, its special function is to denounce and disclose sin…

… which constitutes a “law of concupiscence” in the human heart. (CCC # 1963)

“Humbling ourselves before the Immense Presence of God – like a child – and entrusting our cares to the Lord!”

(Based on Jas 4:1-10 and Mk 9:30-37 – Tuesday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A young American student, on a visit to the Beethoven museum in Bonn…
… became fascinated by the piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works.

(Beethoven is one of the most famous and influential music composers of all-time)

She asked the museum guard if she could play a few musical pieces on it.

She accompanied the request with a lavish tip (a gift/money)…
… and the guard agreed!

The girl, excitedly went to the piano and tinkled out the opening of the Moonlight Sonata (a famous musical composition of Beethoven).

She was greatly thrilled that she could play on the same piano as that of the music legend.

As she was leaving she said to the guard, with a great sense of exhilaration: “I suppose all the great pianists who come here, want to play on that piano.”

The guard shook his head.

Then he gave a reply which shocked the girl: “Padarewski [the famed Polish pianist] was here a few years ago…
… and he said he wasn’t worthy to touch it.”

The Great Polish pianist felt himself unworthy to play on the piano, which was played the Legendary Beethoven…
… whereas the girl (a novice in piano), took false pride and gratified her vanity!

Great people realize the significance and prominence of others…
… and in humility, lower themselves in rightful acknowledgement!

How many of us dare to humble ourselves, especially before the immensity of God?

How many of us choose to walk the path of humility, and be willing to follow the Ways of God?

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortatory teaching of Jesus on the importance of His Followers to be immersed into a life of humility.

Jesus was walking with His disciples, teaching them on the way….

He began to speak to them of how, He – the Son of Man “would be delivered into the hands of men, and they would kill Him…” (Mk 9:31)

Jesus was the epitome of self-emptiness and total self-giving

He expected His disciples to also learn from Him (Mt 11:29) and follow His lifestyle

St Paul in his letter to the Philippians speaks of this self-emptying (“kenosis”) of the Lord:
“He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave….He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2: 7-8)

And so Jesus tells His disciples of how He would be handed over to human hands and suffer death

He was teaching them…
… how He had to enter into the waters of Humility – in being handed over to human hands
.. how He had to pass through the valleys of Humbleness – in suffering death on the Cross

But, sadly, the disciples were able to give little heed to these “Acts of Humility” of the Lord
… they were busy discussing who would be the greatest among them
… they were occupied in arguing who would be the first among them (Mk 9:34)

And so the Lord gives them the thumb rule to be His Follower: Humility of Heart

• “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35)

Humility…
… was to be the stepping-stone to greatness in the Kingdom of God
… was to be the way to be considered worthy in the Divine Way of Life

We need to examine our lives: Am I living a life of humility?

Do I try to always have it “my way” and insist solely on feeding my ego and my pride?
Am I willing to let go of my crave for position and fame, and embrace a life of service?

Ralph Emerson, an essayist and poet once said, “A great man is always willing to be little”

Every Christian is expected to Follow the Way of Humility – which was the Way of Christ!

He humbled Himself – and expects each of us to live in humilty
He came to serve, and not to be served – and challenges us too, to be so
He let go of His personal glory and self desires – and dares us to “let go” and “allow God!”

Let us humble ourselves before the Immense Presence of God….like a child…
… and entrusting our cares to the Lord, find Him supporting….strengthening…and lifting us up! (Cf. Ps 54:23)

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 OLD LAW

According to Christian tradition, the Law is holy, spiritual, and good…
… yet still imperfect.
Like a tutor, it shows what must be done, but does not of itself give the strength…

… the grace of the Spirit, to fulfill it. (CCC # 1963)

“May Mary, the Mother of the Church – our Beloved Mother and the Perfect Disciple – intercede and inspire us, to use our freedom with responsibility!”

(Based on the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church)

A lady once remarked to her spiritual guide, “I am very afraid to pray, ‘Thy Will be done'”
“And why is that so?”, asked the guide.

“I am afraid…” continued the lady, “… that God will bring some calamity to my only child or send me a heavy trial in life”

The spiritual guide, having patiently listened to her, replied:
“Suppose if your beloved child comes to you and says, ‘Mummy, here after, I want to always do whatever you say and live as you will…’

Would you say to yourself… Ah! Here is my chance!

I will make my child to do all the harsh things.
I will make use of his willingness to obey me, by cutting off all his pleasures
I will make sure he has a tough time because anyway he will do whatever I say”

“Oh no!” answered back the mother, ” I will give him the best possible things that I can.

I will make sure that he is protected from every danger.
I will do anything to ensure him true happiness!”

“And do you think…,” continued the spiritual guide, “Do you think that God is less loving than you?”

The will of every human parent is to ensure the best for their children, isn’t it?

How much more loving and caring is the Will of the Father!

“God’s Will” is best understood in the set-up of a family…

In a human family…
… Every member wishes that the other is taken care
… Every member seeks for the good of the other

How much more is the love and concern in the Family of God…
… to all those who seek to do the Will of the Father!

The Church is this Communion of those who “bind upon themselves to do the Will of the Father”

Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Mother of the Church.

Mother Mary is the model for all in the Church to “always say YES to God’s Will!”

This feast which has been promulgated in the Year 2018…
… is celebrated every year on the Monday after Pentecost.

We have concluded a journey of fourteen weeks (nearly hundred days) of walking intimately with the Lord in His Passion, Death, Resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit…
… starting with the Ash Wednesday in the season of Lent
… through the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
… the Ascension and the Feast of the Holy Spirit – the Pentecost.

As we resume the Ordinary times of the Liturgical year, we are presented today…
… with the beautiful example of Mary, the Mother of the Church, Who is the role model for all of us to “use freedom with responsibility” and be a person of prayer and faith!

One of the primary reasons for the celebration of the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church is “to foster Marian piety and the Maternal sense of the Church.”

Pope Francis says that, “this celebration will help us to remember that growth in the Christian life must be anchored…
… to the Mystery of the Cross
… to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet
… and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed!”

The Marian title of “Mother of the Church,” was given to the Blessed Mother by Pope Paul VI at the Second Vatican Council.

Jesus said, “Whoever does the Will of My Father in Heaven, is my…. Mother!” (Mt 12: 50)

When we scan through the pages of the New Testament, we find, that perhaps no other person fulfilled the Will of the Father as perfectly as Mary

Mary, the Mother of the Church, always said “YES to God’s Will”

Mary was Blessed not just because she gave a physical birth to Jesus…
… but also because She listened and lived the Will of the Father!

She is blessed…
… because She listened to God’s Word and accepted it wholeheartedly.
… because She chose to put Her faith in God, though the path ahead was dim
… because She was obedient to God’s Will, though She did not understand many things”

As St. Irenaeus says: “Being obedient, She became the cause of salvation for Herself and for the whole human race.”

The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience

“What Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by Her faith”

We are reminded that it is “freedom with responsibility” that ensures valid enjoyment and proper satisfaction.

Mother Mary is the model for all of us to discharge all our duties with a great sense of responsibility.

She is the first Evangelizer and the first Disciple of Her own Son and Lord, Jesus the Christ!

She is not just the biological Mother of Jesus…
… but, by doing the Will of the Father perfectly, She is also His Spiritual Mother!

Thus Mary is the Mother of the Church!

St Maximilian Kolbe says, “If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother!”

Yes, doing the Will of the Father and using our freedom with responsibility…
… is the DNA that joins all the members of the Family of God.

We may perhaps, have our fears in doing His Will….
But let us realize, that the Will of Father is wrapped with much love and affection…
… there is a tenderness in His Will, that ensures each of us, His children are protected!

Jesus is our Supreme Model and Leader in listening and living the Will of the Father

Mother Mary is our Beloved Mother and Perfect Disciple, Who followed Her Son wholly, in obedience to the Will of the Father!
Many saints and holy people also show us, by their sanctified lives that it is worth, meaningful and salvific, to do the Will of the Father!

All of them beckon us:
“Come be part of the Family of God…
Listen always to what God wants of you in your life

Ask Him, at all times, what you should be doing in life
Put your trust in His Power and Providence, when you do His Will!”

Are we willing to be members of this Family of God?
… Then we need to be ready to do the Will of the Father!

Let us ask our Blessed Mother Mary, the Mother of the Church to intercede and pray for all of us…
… to be faithful and witnessing members of the Church.

Happy Feast Day of Mary, the Mother of the Church…
… to all Her Little Children of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The precepts of the Decalogue lay the foundations for the vocation of man fashioned in the image of God; they prohibit what is contrary to the love of God and neighbor and prescribe what is essential to it.
The Decalogue is a light offered to the conscience of every man to make God’s call and ways known to him and to protect him against evil:

God wrote on the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts. (CCC # 1962)

“Realizing that by our Christian vocation, we are constantly in touch with the Holy Spirit- ‘Fresh Waters’ of Grace”

(Based on the Solemnity of Pentecost)

An incident is told of a great ship that was stranded off the coast of South America.
Week after week, the ship lay there, in the still ocean waters with not a hint of a breeze.

The captain was desperate; the crew was dying of thirst.

The salty ocean waters stared at the members of the ship.

Finally, one day, on the far horizon, a steamship appeared.

As this tiny boat, approached them, the captain of the great ship called out:“We need water. Give us water!”

The steamship replied: “Lower yourselves, and life will be yours!”

The captain – an experienced person, and who knew that it was impossible to get potable water from the oceans – was infuriated.

But the steamship gave the same reply, “Lower yourselves, and life will be yours!”, and sailed away.

The captain was all by himself – feeling angry and desperate!

But a little later, when no one was looking, a cleaner boy of the ship, lowered a bucket into the sea and then tasted what he brought up: It was perfectly sweet, fresh water!

How was that possible?

The ship had been stranded, just out of the oceans, into the mouth of the River Amazon (Amazon makes up for nearly 1/5th of the earth’s fresh waters!)

For weeks together, they had been sitting on top of all the fresh water that they needed.

But it remained undiscovered!

So it is, often, with our Christian Lives as well!
What we are really seeking, is already inside us: Waiting to be discovered!

The Holy Spirit, Who has been dwelling within us, from our Baptism, gently whispers to us: “Lower yourselves, and life will be yours!”

Today, on this Great Day of Pentecost, we are invited to open our hearts to recognize the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and to become aware of the inherent greatness in our vocation as Christians.

On the day of Pentecost, in the Upper Room, as the disciples were gathered in prayer, along with Blessed Mother Mary, “the Holy Spirit filled the entire house in which they were” (Acts 2:2)

It is to be noted that the word used to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit is the Greek word “aphno” which means “suddenly”
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind…” (Acts 2: 2)

The coming of the Holy Spirit was “sudden”.

This energetic entry of the Holy Spirit is a glimpse to one important characteristic of the person of the Holy Spirit: Vitality!

The Holy Spirit is a spirit of life… of energy… of vivacity… of animation… of dynamism!

Where the Holy Spirit is, there is the great movement of the will, the mind and the heart!

It was this “sudden” coming of the Holy Spirit that transformed the small group of Jesus’ disciples into mighty warriors of the Kingdom of God.

Fear was transformed into power…
Timidity was changed into boldness…
Uncertainty was converted into conviction…

Our own lives need an encounter of this “life-transforming” experience.

Is my Christian life, dull and slow – merely laced with routine actions of prayers and sacraments?
Is my life of faith, lethargic and tepid – simply being pulled on, without any particular awareness or lived without any enthusiasm?

Then, we need the mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to impress life and vitality to our life and our faith!

The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly one of the most shy person of the Blessed Trinity and therefore, also often, neglected in our daily prayers or devotion

The study and awareness of the Holy Spirit is certainly, in general, given lesser priority and importance in comparison to the other Persons of the Trinity.
The Feast of the Pentecost is very often not accorded the “solemn” tone in comparison to other feasts like Christmas or Easter

But let us realize, that in the Holy Spirit and in the celebration of this Feast, we have a great treasure to cherish and enjoy.

Each Christian ought to build an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Each Christian must become more aware of the role of the Holy Spirit in daily living

How wonderful it would be if we could inculcate a few practical resolutions…
… to grow in our intimacy and union with this Powerful and Dynamic Personality of the Blessed Trinity:

1. Wishing “Good Morning, Holy Spirit ” to Him as we begin the day, thanking for His protection and seeking His help through the day
2. Invoking a tiny chaplet, “Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and minds” as we begin a particular activity or work
3. Making a short examination of conscience at the end of the day, introspecting our lives in overcoming sin, being grateful for His guidance and seeking to grow spiritually in holiness, with the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Co-operating with the Holy Spirit to become effective agents of unity in our homes, our communities, our places of work and our churches.
5. Purposely creating a few seconds of silence in the schedule of our works or our activity or through the course of the day, and talking to the Holy Spirit, as a friend, in the cave of our heart
6. Listening to the still, gentle voice of the Holy Spirit in the depths of our being, speaking to us to be more active to read God’s Word in the Bible and to partake of the Sacraments more frequently especially Confession and Holy Eucharist.

The Lord has blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

He longs to be empower our lives…
He earnestly wants to be in total control of our lives…

But for this, He needs our permission…
Permission in the form of…
… longing for Him
… making sincere efforts to live a life casting away sin

Let us realize that by our Christian Vocation, we are constantly in touch with “Fresh Waters” of Grace…
… by constantly giving heed to the call: “Lower yourselves, and life will be yours!”

Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Spirit – the Pentecost!

Happy Birthday to our Mother Church!

Let us cherish the life offered by our Mother, in the Sacraments…
… and especially receive the sweetness of the Holy Eucharist more worthily and enthusiastically!

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 OLD LAW

The Old Law is the first stage of revealed Law.

Its moral prescriptions are summed up in the Ten Commandments. (CCC # 1962)

“Animated by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us be ‘special students’ of our Great Teacher, Jesus!”

(Based on Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 and Jn 21:20-25 – Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter)

The experience of teachers in a school with the students is pretty interesting.

Each student is unique in their character and nature.

The relationship with each student is also unique

Undoubtedly…
… some students tend to be more in the limelight… due to their high vibrancy and level of enthusiasm
… some students remain in the shadows… due to their soft and timid nature

But the teacher shares a unique relationship with all..
… with some more close, with some just normal, with some just casual

Sometimes the most naughty one, or the mischievous one gets special attention
Sometimes, the most silent one gets a special favour of affection and care

The Greatest Teacher, Jesus also had his class of students – his chosen twelve – the Apostles.

He shared a unique relationship with all of them, undoubtedly.

Yet, among the twelve, there were some with whom Jesus had a special bonding

One among them was very vocal, emotional and actively in the limelight…

The other was more silent, affectionate and passively in the backgrounds…

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the teacher in conversation with these two of His students, with whom He had a special bonding – Peter and John.

Peter was the one, very vocal, emotional and being active in the limelight…
John was the more silent, affectionate and remained passively in the backgrounds…

We are the end of the Gospel of St John.

Jesus had engaged Peter in a one-to-one conversation reviving His commitment to Him and the Kingdom by asking him, three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was also entrusted to be the Shepherd of His Church on the earth

However, Peter was also curious what would be the future of the other disciple.

His curiosity is a common human trait: a keen desire to know the future and the prospects of other people.

Sometimes this trait can also degenerate into jealousy…
Sometimes this trait can also be reduced to envy…

1. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard… those who came at the end received the same one denarii as the first.

The complaint of those who toiled the whole day was not just that they received a less pay; but more so, that why did the last ones…
… get a higher pay!

The generosity towards the others, made them to feel envious

2. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the prodigal son was given a grand reception on his arrival back.

The complaint of the elder son was not just that he never had enjoyed a luxurious time with his friends; but more so, that the younger sin who had committed many sins…
… was given a special welcome.

The generosity towards the younger son, made him to feel jealous.

Realizing the possibility of this common human trait, Jesus chides Peter who was over-curious to know of the future of John…
… instead He re-focusses Peter’s attention on what is most important: Following Him.

Therefore Jesus tells to Peter: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me” (Jn 21: 22)

The same advice is rendered to us also…

We sometimes tend to be too anxious about the life of the other… but fail to have a proper control in our personal lives!
We sometimes tend to be over-curious about the future of others… but fail to live our lives worthily!

The Lord advises us the same too, “You follow me!”

The vocation and life of Jesus, the teacher’s two special students – Peter and John is also a reminder of two ways or levels of Christian holiness

The Life of Peter… lived in witness to Christ by a life of martyrdom
The Life of John… lived in witness to Christ by a life of loving sacrifices in life

Each one of us are to…
… live in holiness, filled with love, like St John
… live in commitment, willing to give up even our lives, like St Peter

On this eve of the Great Feast of the Pentecost, let us prepare our hearts to receive the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Let us be animated by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, so that we too may be Christ’s faithful and dynamic witnesses…
… and like St Peter and St John, become “special students” of our Great Teacher, Jesus!

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 OLD LAW

God, our Creator and Redeemer, chose Israel for himself to be his people and revealed his Law to them…
… thus preparing for the coming of Christ.
The Law of Moses expresses many truths naturally accessible to reason.

These are stated and authenticated within the covenant of salvation. (CCC # 1961)

“Trusting in the goodness of the Lord and with hope in the mercy of the Lord, let us, tell the Lord, ‘Yes, Lord, I love you!’”

(Based on Acts 25:13b-21 and Jn 21:15-19 – Friday of the 7th Week of Easter)

A young man was supposedly crazy about his girlfriend.

He spent an entire evening telling the girl how much he loved her.

He said that he couldn’t live without her…
… that he would go to the ends of the earth for her
… yes, go through fire for her, or die for her.

But as he was leaving he told her,
“I’ll see you tomorrow night dear…
…. if it doesn’t rain!!”

A whole evening was spent on lavishing sweet words of love…

But as he left her…
…. he made conditions in his expression of love
… he put forward clauses in his demonstration of love

How often is our love also such..

We tell to people in our live that we love them…
… but fail to show it in actions
We tell to others that we care for them a lot…
… but do not show them in deeds

And how much more true is this in the case of our love of God…
… we profess our sentiments of love, but fall short of living it up in our commitment

The Gospel of the day presents St Peter grappling with his weaknesses in expressing his love for his Master…
… and Jesus, knowing very well the frailties of his chosen one, entrusting great responsibilities on him.

Jesus in His post-resurrection appearances to the Apostles, engages in a special one-to-one conversation with the Peter, the leader of the chosen ones…

It’s interesting to see the choice of the Lord for Peter as the leader of His chosen ones.

Peter was a fisherman by profession…

Like the waves, his faith and trust in the Lord would also often waver…
Like the winds blowing heavily, his zeal for the Lord would also often vacillate…

Yet, the Lord chooses him to be a “fisher of man” for His Kingdom…. expecting him…
… to be like the fish – finding life and vibrancy only by being in the waters of grace and mercy
… to be like the net – gathering up the children of God and keeping them together
… to be like the boat – not being stuck on the shores, but ready to launch into the deep waters of evangelisation

Peter had undoubtedly a lot of interest and zeal in the Lord… and in His Mission.

Yet by nature, he tended to be more emotional… indecisive…fluttering

And this caused him to deny the Lord three times, during the passion of the Lord..

But the Lord, in His infinite mercy, restores the brokenness in the relationship, with His healing love.

Our lives too, so often, resembles that of Peter.

We fluctuate in our commitments to the Lord…
We easily break many of the resolutions made to the Lord…
We very often go astray, despite having experienced much love from the Lord…

Yet, Jesus does not abandon us.

Like the Shepherd, who comes after His lost sheep…

Like a Potter, who remoulds His work when dis-shaped…
Like a Physician, who attends with patience for His ailing patient…

The Lord comes to us…
And with much hope puts forward the same question, that He asked Peter:
“Do You love Me?”

The Lord awaits an answer…

It will be easy to jump in and say “Yes, Lord, I do love you”.

But…

Let our answer, not just be triggered by emotional feelings…
Let our answer, not be simply impelled by a ritualistic custom…

Rather, from the depth of our inner-being…
… acknowledging our sinfulness and failures…
… realising our weaknesses and shortcomings…

Yet…
… trusting in the goodness of the Lord
… hopeful in the mercy of the Lord
Let us tell the Lord…
“Yes, Lord, You know everything….

You know, I love you!!”

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 MORAL LAW

The precepts of natural law are not perceived by everyone clearly and immediately.
In the present situation sinful man needs grace and revelation so moral and religious truths may be known “by everyone with facility…

… without firm certainty and with no admixture of error. (CCC # 1960)

“Deepening our union with the Father and enjoying greater freedom of happiness and joy”

(Based on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 and Jn 17:20-26 – Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter)

A cute story of a little boy, who loved fruits.

This little boy fellow was once, tempted to pluck some cherries from a tree, which his father had strictly forbidden him to touch.

“You need not be afraid,” said his notorious companion, “for if your father should find out that you have taken them, he is too kind to hurt you.”

“Ah,” said the brave little fellow, “that is the very reason why I would not touch them;
For I know that my father would not hurt me. So I should not hurt him by my disobedience!”

The little boy knew the love of his Father towards him…
… and so he dared not hurt his Father.

He was not afraid of the punishment of the Father.
He was instead afraid of the hurt that would cause pain to the Father.

True love causes a holy and pious concern of not wanting to cause any offence to the one who is loved.

True Love casts away all fear!
True Love drives away every anxiety!

It is this True Love of the Father that was made known by Jesus to all of us.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus shedding greater light on His intimate relation with the Father and revealing deeper, the love of the Father for each one of us.

Jesus prays, “… so that they may be one, as we are one. I in them and You in Me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.” (Jn 17: 22b, 23)

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in the Seventeenth Chapter of St John, is another insight into the intimate relation that Jesus had with His Father.

All His life, He sought to do only the Father’s Will
All His life, He sought to reveal the love of the Father to the world.

This was driven by the fact that Jesus was in intimate union with the Father.

To His disciples, Jesus wishes to leave this same legacy – the legacy of loving the Father intimately.

Jesus wishes to tell us that we have a Father who is deeply interested and caring for us.
Jesus wishes to convince us that our lives are secure in the Providential care of the Father.

However, our lives sometimes fails to display this trust and confidence in the providential care of the Father

Some of us may have a wrong notion of God being interested only in finding my wrongdoings and punishing me for the same…
Some of us may have the wrong notion of God being unapproachable, unavailable and inaccessible because of His Holiness and Majesty!

But Jesus drives away all such false impressions.

He tells us that the Father…
… is surely the keeper of justice, and may take us through a time of trials and difficulties.

But those are not to be seen as cruel punishments, but loving acts for improvements towards a holier life!

He tells us that the Father…
…. is surely the Lord and Master of the Universe, and is totally aware of even the calamities or hardships that befall our lives

But in all those hard moments, the loving Father keeps us safely in the palm of His hand, not allowing us, His beloved children to get hurt or harmed!

When we are convinced of this deep love that the Father has towards us, we would be able to orient our lives in a way that is worthy of our call as witnesses of Christ.

Jesus by His unity with the Father, enjoyed perfect freedom.

He invites us to also deepen our union with the Father and enjoy greater freedom of happiness and joy.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The natural law also provides the indispensable moral foundation for building the human community.
Finally, it provides the necessary basis for the civil law with which it is connected
… whether by a reflection that draws conclusions from its principles…

… or by additions of a positive and juridical nature. (CCC # 1959)

“Avoiding the ‘chameleon character’; instead, adopting and growing in our ‘Christian conviction!’”

(Based on Acts 20:28-38 and Jn 17:11b-19 – Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

A zoologist, working in a Catholic University, was interacting with a group of youngsters.

As they were discussing about living as a Christian in the world the zoologist – himself a Christian – noted: “There are many of us Christians who live like chameleons!”

(Chameleons are a species of lizards – known for their distinct range of colours, as they are able to shift in different hues and brightness, depending on the surrounding)

The professor went on to say:
“The chameleon takes the colour of its background and environment—tree, bush, or grass.

Many Christians are chameleon-like in the facility with which they can take on the colour of the world about them”

And he added, “And… just as it is difficult to distinguish the chameleon from the background, the colour of which he has taken…
… so it is very difficult to distinguish many Christians from the background of the world in which they live!”


Are we living ‘chameleon-like Christian lives’…
… changing our colours and choices in life, to suit the corrupt ways around us, rather than being faithful to Christian teachings?


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus praying to the Father: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them safe from the evil one.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17: 16)


The call of a Christian is to live as a people “set apart” for Christ.

The Lord wishes, desires, wants and makes it a must that the one who follows Him, must seek to follow Him fully, wholeheartedly and unreservedly.


But the Lord was also very much aware that this His desire for a people “totally set apart” would face a lot of challenges and crisis from the Evil One.

He knew that His followers would struggle much in living a pure life…
… in the midst of many impurity, uncleanness and contamination.
He knew that His followers would find it hard to preserve holiness…
… in the hub of wicked temptations, ensnaring enticements and luring persuasions


St Paul warns the Church at Ephesus to be aware of the many dangers that may allure them in the world…
… and to remain focussed and alert

“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the church of the Lord which He obtained with His own Blood.
>> I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things…
… to draw away the disciples after them.
Therefore, be alert…” (Acts 20:28-31)


We often find ourselves lost in this strange maze of the world….

We immerse ourselves too much in worldly activities and works….
… But, somehow at the end of the day, when lying down on our beds, we, perhaps, feel ourselves lost and not having a true sense of satisfaction!

We plunge ourselves to enjoy a lot of worldly pleasures, comforts and luxuries…
… But, somehow, after having been sort of saturated with those externals, we, perhaps, find ourselves still unhappy or experiencing a void!

We engage ourselves in an excess use of the social media, networking sites, chatting applications and remain attached constantly to modern communication gadgets…
… But, somehow, though we are in contact with many people, we, perhaps, realize that there is a grave presence of loneliness and not having genuine relationships of love and true care!


And therefore, Jesus, the ever-practical, sensible and realistic Master…
… Firstly, prays for His followers for strength and courage: “I pray for them…. Holy Father, keep them in Your name… “ (Jn 17: 9a, 11b)
… Secondly, reminds His followers on the need to set their hearts on Him because they belong not to the world: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17: 16)


This then ought to be our strength and hope, as we seek to live a Holy Christian Life in this world, often corrupted by sin and transgressions: Knowing that Jesus has prayed for us!
>> In His prayer, we find hope and blessings
>> In His prayer, we find encouragement and support


Setting our heart entirely on the Lord and not being totally attached to the aspects of the world
>> In His Love, we find meaning in our relationships
>> In His Presence, we ought to engage all our activities


Light passes through pollution, but doesn’t get contaminated!

Every Christian, a reflection of the Light of Christ, ought to be such…
… focused on the Lord, seeking to be pure and unsullied, in holiness and sanctity.


Let us avoid the ‘chameleon character” by compromising to suit the pleasures of the world…
… instead, let us adopt and grow in our “Christian conviction!”


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 MORAL LAW
>> The natural law, the Creator’s very good work…
… provides the solid foundation on which man can build the structure of moral rules to guide his choices. (CCC # 1959)
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