“Constantly seeking to have the ‘beautiful ring” of our conscience in tune with God’s Will!”

(Based on the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist)

There was a certain king who possessed a magic ring.

This ring, looked like any of the other rings that the King wore, except the fact that this ring had some influential powers.

Whenever some evil thought would cross across his mind, or if he was tempted to do some wrong thing, this ring would press painfully on the finger!

This would make the King realize that he was on the wrong track, and would quickly become aware of the paths of danger.

Perhaps, many of us – especially with the ease with which we often slip into the slush of sin – would wish that we too could possess such a ring…
… a ring that would prick us painfully, so that we become aware of the wrong we do
… a ring that would act as a reminder to prevent us from treading on the thorny tracks of sin

But how many of us do realize, that all of us have been blessed and adorned with this beautiful ring?

Perhaps…
… some of us are ignorant of it
… some of us have lost touch with it
… some of us have forgotten its presence

This ring is nothing else but our ‘Conscience!’

Am I aware of the voice of the Conscience prompting me with its timely warnings and admonishing…?
… or have I lost awareness of the Conscience, by my constant rejection and frequent refusal of its still, gentle voice…?

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 6:17-29) is the dramatic re-telling of the story of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist – a victim of a “Deadened Conscience!”

One of the important focus subject of this “soul-stirring and heart-gripping” incident is the aspect of Conscience.

Conscience is the inner guide to determine the right from wrong.

The Catholic Church, in her teaching on the Conscience says: “Deep within his conscience, man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey.

Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment.
For man has in his heart a law inscribed by God
His conscience is man’s most secret core and his sanctuary.
There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths. (CCC #1776)

The education of the conscience is a life-long task.

However, as a person grows up – going through various experiences in life – there can be…
… errors that creep into the conscience
… areas in the conscience that are never informed

Hence, the formation of the Conscience is to be of utmost importance in the moral life of a person – a formation that has the Word of God as the light for our path!

In the Gospel, we encounter King Herod, who failed to give heed to the Word of God, prophetically spoken by John the Baptist.

The Word of God was directly addressed to him…
… but he chose to reject it.

The Result: His conscience became subdued and the voice of his own personal desires grew louder in the depths of his heart!

The Word of God was put forward to him and challenged his moral integrity and his lustful life…
… but he failed to give any heed to the call to repent or change.

The Result: His conscience was stifled and its gentle voice was drowned in the ocean of adulterous appetite and carnal cravings.

This danger is a possibility in so many of our lives too…

We hear God’s Word telling us not to do certain things, or forbids us from following a particular lifestyle…
… but often, we don’t give any consideration to it, and live life “bindaas” – without any fear!

We are informed by people who care for us, on the need to mend our ways or to live a life which is more disciplined or oriented towards our faith…
… but sometimes, we just don’t bother about it, or pretend as if “We know to live our lives, without anyone’s advices”

We come to know of the many wrongs that we indulge ourselves in, or are made aware of the sinful paths that we may be treading across…
… but quite often, we sink into the waters of lethargy or indifference or climb up the mountain of pride and arrogance

The Result?

Our conscience becomes weakened…
… fails to become a forceful power in our lives
… and slowly, stutters towards a crippling death!

The powerfully intense story of the Beheading of John the Baptist is a mighty call for us to give greater heed to the formation of our conscience.

Can we take some practical resolutions (just to mention a few) to help towards the same…

Making a daily examination of conscience (ideally twice a day – noon and night – or at least at the end of the day)
… consciously going through each activity of the day
… thanking the Lord for all His blessings at every step of the day
… discovering the moments when we have strayed away from His paths and failed to do His Will
… make deliberate and practical decisions to amend them, and to foster actions of goodness

Reading the Word of God – seeking to assimilate and moulding one’s lives as per the Sacred Will of God
… setting apart, strictly, at least a few minutes of the day ( Let’s not forget that “a day consists of 1440 minutes… 86,400 seconds!!) to spend time with the Word of God

Seeking to spend more time in personal prayer (ideally and whenever possible, before the Most Blessed Sacrament)
… The conscience derives strength, clarity and cleansing, when presented before its Creator!

Strengthening our Sacramental life especially in the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Confession
… making it a point to participate in the Holy Eucharist more often (with wholehearted preparation and due reverence)
… resolving to make a Confession at very regular times (probably, once in a month), realizing that Confession is not only for “forgiveness of sins” but also “for grace to be stronger and courageous in one’s spiritual life)

May we constantly seek to have the ‘beautiful ring” of our conscience in tune with God’s Will…
… and thus help us to live a life of complete commitment and courageous passion, like St John the Baptist.

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – HUMAN FREEDOM IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION

The economic, social, political, and cultural conditions that are needed for a just exercise of freedom are too often disregarded or violated.
Such situations of blindness and injustice injure the moral life and involve the strong as well as the weak in the temptation to sin against charity.

By deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth. (CCC # 1740)

“Doing away with the habit of Hypocrisy and genuinely growing in Authenticity, Genuineness and Faithfulness!”

(Based on 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 and Mt 23:13-22 – Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The role of the actor or an actress in a movie or a drama or an enactment is highly essential and crucial.

Sometimes, when seeing their performance, an actor or actress is incredibly believable in their role.

The actor or actress seems so authentic…genuine…and real…
… that it’s hard to know that it’s all “make believe” and “just acting”

The Gospel of the Day has persons on the stage who have achieved a sort of perfection and expertise in the field of acting and making people believe by their subtle behaviours…

Lights….Camera.. Action….!!

Welcome to the Stage…

And presenting before you….the “Leading Lights” (or are they “Corrupt Deceivers”??)

The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law… models of “Acting” and “Deception” and “Fraud”…

And the Great Critic – Jesus – has a special name for them: “Hypocrites!”

Jesus during His ministry on the earth worked always with one kind of a sinner or another.

And it’s amazing to see the way He treated them all..

Sinners were considered with respect and dignity…

Prostitutes were given respect and worth…
Tax collectors were accorded value and importance…
Lepers were offered acceptance and favour…

He often forgave people’s sins as He healed their broken and diseased bodies.

Jesus loved the sinners…
… He loved them so much that He wanted them to be always released from the clutches and slavery to Satan!

But JESUS HATES SIN!!…..

He hates sin with a great passion and rebuked it whenever He could!

This sin of Hypocrisy, was one of the sins…
… to which He had the most hatred
… to which He reserved His best condemning words
… to which He lashed out and which gained His greatest abuses

The English word, “hypocrite,” comes from the Greek word, “hypocresis” which is the Greek word for “actor.”

A good “hypocresis” is a good actor.
A good actor is good at playing a part, playing a role and a playing a character…

Jesus today vehemently and quite heatedly labels the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law as ‘Hypocrites!’

The sin of Hypocrisy is a deadly one…

We need to ask ourselves: Have I become a prey to this deadly and poisonous Sin?

I am hypocritical…

When I profess to be a Christian…
… but don’t even seek to live the Gospel values in my life!

When I say I love God above all…
… but don’t find even few moments to be with Him in prayer!

When I say I love others…
… but constantly hurt them with my words and fail to appreciate them and even fail to pray for them!

When I receive the Eucharist…
… but fail to even try to give my life in service for others!

When I recite many prayers…
… but do not seek to listen or do God’s Will in my life!

When I am a Priest/ Religious…
… but have failed to even try to give God the first place in my life!

When I am a Church member…
… but have failed to even try to learn and follow the commands and regulations of the Church!

The habit of hypocrisy is a lethal one…

Have I become a victim to this noxious and fatal Habit?

When we read this passage of the Gospel.. we must also keep in mind one basic principle: Jesus is not making a blanket condemnation of the whole group of people…
… rather He criticizes and condemns the attitude and their mentality

Sin is hated…
… not the sinner!

Sin is to be thrown away…
… but the sinner is given a chance to repent!

The Pharisee is not hated…
… but Pharisaism is condemned!

• The Lord is a tough task-master… He loves not to dilute His teachings and His policies.

Such condemning passages and harsh extracts of the Gospel may leave us with a feeling: “All this demand of the Lord seems all too difficult for me…”

“Who at all can live in perfection?”
“Is there any person who can claim not be living in duplicity?”
“I fail to find a good example in today’s world…
… and therefore, I think, this is neither practical nor feasible!”

But the Lord rushes to our rescue & tells: “What’s impossible for humans is possible for God!”

What is needed is a genuine attempt at perfection…
… a true longing to be free from duplicity
… a solid motivation to live a harmonious life

We may be “acting” very well in the stage of life: maybe knowingly… maybe unknowingly…

But today, the Lord wants us to examine our lives…and set things right

With deep love, He encourages and motivates us through St Paul and his companions:
“…We constantly pray for you; may our God make you worthy of His calling.

May He, by his power, fulfill your good purposes and your work prompted by faith!” (2 Thess 1:11-12)

We specially ask this Grace, through the intercession of St Augustine, the great Doctor of the Church, today, on his Feast day.

Let us do away with the Habit of Hypocrisy…
… and genuinely seek to grow in Authenticity, Genuineness and Faithfulness!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – HUMAN FREEDOM IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION

The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, “the subject of this freedom,” is “an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods. (CCC # 1740)

“Firmly professing our Faith, and taking firm refuge in the Church, as our ‘travelling Guide,’ so that, our travel becomes a beautiful melody – filled with joy and mirth!”

(Based on Is 22:19-23, Rom 11:33-36 and Mt 16:13-20 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

An incident is said about a visitor, when he came to River Mississippi (the second longest river in North America).
>> He had to go across the river, but found that there was no bridge.

Fortunately, it was winter time, and the great river was completed sheeted over with ice.
>> But the visitor was afraid to walk over the ice, not knowing its thickness.

Finally, with immense caution and fear, he began to creep on his hands and knees…
… over the sheeted ice
… constantly fearing, whether, the ice would be able to hold him up or whether it would crack any time.

He managed to get half-way through, when suddenly, he heard singing from behind.

Cautiously, he turned around and was shocked to see the sight:
>> Another traveller – a native of the land – was coming behind him…

Driving a four-horse load of coal, over the ice…
… singing, with joy and mirth, as he went!


That was the difference between the two – the visitor and the native!
>> The visitor was in constant fear, not knowing when the ice would break away and he would be inside the waters!
>> The native was in complete bliss, fully knowing that the ice was strong enough to contain his weight, as well as the load of his materials!


Similar is our Faith-journey.

Going alone, without any idea of the Way, is always filled with risk and fear

But when we travel with those who are well-aware of the Way…
… the travel becomes a beautiful melody – filled with joy and mirth!


Our Good God in His Great Wisdom has entrusted each of us, in the care of ‘The Body of People’ – Who are well-aware of the Way – and thus travelling along, will make our faith-life filled with joy and mirth

This ‘Body of People’ is The Church!
>> Yes, the Church is the “pillar and foundation – the bulwark – of Truth” (1 Tim 3:15)


The Gospel of the Day presents before us the Faith Statement of Peter, the leader of the group of the Apostles…
…. and Jesus declaring to him: “…on this rock, I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it!” (Mt 16:18)


The Great Rock
… entrusts Peter, the rock and assures Him that the Church will always stay Rock-grounded!


Let’s get to some of the Basics of the Church.

The word “Church”, in Greek is… “Ekklesia”.

Ekklesia can be split to two words… “ek” = out of + “kaleo” = to call
>> This gives us an important meaning of EKKLESIA – THE CHURCH…. TO BE CALLED OUT OF….

The Church is a Body….to be called out of the world…to be called out of materialistic and worldly gains…
… into being a Family in God!
… into being a sign of hope and salvation!


This gives us a clue to many aspects of the Church…and which will help our own understanding…

The Church is not a mere building… the Church is the People of God.

We often, reduce the Church in our everyday vocabulary, to a mere building made of stones and cement…

But, the Church is made of living stones (1 Pet 2:5)


And all of us need to contribute our mite in keeping alive this Church of God.
>> Do I give my share of talents and gifts to the Church is keeping it effective and relevant for our modern times?
>> Do I make sacrifices and offer prayers for the Church so that she may stand strong in the midst of struggles?
>> Do I promote and encourage the Teachings of the Church and find beauty and wisdom in them?


It is very interesting to note the parallel between today’s Gospel Passage and another passage of the Bible – Is 22:19-23 (the First Reading of the Day)

(This method of Interpreting the Bible is also called “Biblical Typology”
“Biblical Typology” refers to a person, place or event in the Old Testament,that has its own proper significance…
… but also prefigures a person, place or event, later in the New Testament


In the words of St Augustine: “The New Testament is hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is made manifest in the New!”)

(This “typology” reading would give us a rock-solid Biblical Basis about the Church as well the Primacy of the Pope.)


In Is 22: 22a: Eliakim is entrusted with the “key” of the House of David
>> In Mt 16:19: Jesus says to Peter, “I will give you the ‘keys’ of the Kingdom of Heaven”

In Is 22: 22b: It is said about Eliakim: “when he opens, no one shall shut; when he shuts, no one shall open”
>> In Mt 16: 19b: Jesus says to Peter: “Whatever you bound on earth, shall be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven”

The name “Eliakim” means “God will place” or “God will establish”
>> The new name given to Simon – “Peter” means “rock”

Eliakim would be the vicar of Hezekiah, who was the King of Israel
>> Peter would be Vicar of Jesus, the King of the New Israel -the people who accept His Reign in their lives!


It is also noteworthy, to see that in the Old Testament, God is often referred to as the “Rock” (eg. Ps 18:2, Dt 32:4)
>> Now, Peter is called by this name “rock” to suggest, that the Church would the channel of “the functions of God, the Rock”

a. The Rock was the source of water in the wilderness (Dt 8:15)
>> The Church, is the channel of Living Waters of Grace, provided in the Sacraments

b. The Rock protected Moses and covered him and thus becomes a source of refuge (Ex 33:22)
>> The Church, is the refuge for the sinners and the home for those who are lost.

c. The Rock speaks of the nature of God – solid, strengthening and immutable
>> The Church, remains solid in her traditions, strong in her beliefs even in changing situations of the world, and infallible in her magisterial teachings.


These parallels show, how the Lord had established His Church on Peter – the rock – to be a constant “traveller” in our Faith-journey.


St Paul speaks of the immense depth of the Mysteries of the Lord:
“O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom 11:33)


Let us seek shelter and solutions from Holy Mother, the Church in our spiritual journey to “Learn, Love and Live the Mysteries of the Lord in our lives”


Today, let us firmly profess our Faith in the Lord, answering from the depth of our hearts to that very personal question of the Lord: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16: 15)…
>> And take firm refuge in the Church – the Body of People, Who are well-aware of the Way – as our “travelling Guide”…
… so that, our travel becomes a beautiful melody – filled with joy and mirth!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

——————————-
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – HUMAN FREEDOM IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION
>> Man’s freedom is limited and fallible.
>> In fact, man failed. He freely sinned.
>> By refusing God’s plan of love, he deceived himself and became a slave to sin. >> This first alienation engendered a multitude of others.
>> From its outset, human history attests the wretchedness and oppression born of the human heart in consequence of the abuse of freedom. (CCC # 1739)
———————–

“Daring to pick up the ‘towels’ of service and kindness and live a life ‘clothed in humility!'”

(Based on Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 and Mt 23:1-12 – Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Maundy Thursday is associated with a customary practice that is followed in many of the Churches all around the world…

It consists of choosing of twelve persons from the Church – based on various parameters or criteria.

These twelve are given the “privilege” to have the feet washed by the Main Celebrant (usually the parish priest) during the Holy Mass.

This is a symbolic remembrance of the “washing of the feet” that Jesus had undertaken on the evening of the Last Supper.

Preaching on this custom, on a Holy Thursday, a priest once spoke the following in his sermon:
“There are twelve of you, who have been chosen, whose feet will be washed this evening.

Perhaps, there were many others also who had a desire that their feet also be washed.

Probably, some of you, children, are dreaming of growing up faster in life, so that one day, you too may be chosen to have your feet washed.

But here is a point to be considered…
Most of us probably are thinking only about ‘having our feet washed’.

But I really do wonder, how many of us – be it those who have got a chance or those who have missed – think also of ‘being the one who washes the feet of others?’

We all probably are desiring and wishing only for the chair, to be seated, and have our feet washed.

But how many of us also wish and desire for the ‘towel’?”

It was his direct way of telling that there were probably very few, who wish to be the last, the least and the lowest in the Church, the Body of Christ.

Am I a person who is willing to lower myself in humility?

Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23: 12)

The 23rd Chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew begins with Jesus turning the attention of His disciples and of the crowds, towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.

Focusing on the religious leaders and on their practices, Jesus launches a volley of critically true statements, a string of their hypocritical misconduct and a barrage of their wicked misdeeds!

The chapter ends with the “Painful Lament” by Jesus over Jerusalem – the city of the Lord!

One of the highlights in this highly volatile and strongly-worded Chapter is the number of times Jesus mentions the two groups of people – “Scribes and Pharisees”

There is, in total, 7 occurrences of the phrase, “Scribes and Pharisees” – a biblical number for totality!

This Chapter is a therefore, a full-blown critique and condemnation of the ways of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Why is Jesus so outright in His condemnation, so merciless in His usage of words and so blatant in His attacks on the Scribes and Pharisees?

(Meanwhile, when we go through these critical attacks of our Blessed Lord on this group, one must always remember the words of Jesus Himself: “I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32)

There was deep pain in the heart of the Lord, in seeing the way religion was being manhandled, misused and misinterpreted by the religious leaders of His time
As the Son of His Beloved Father, it was hurting for the Son to see a section of people, trampling upon God’s precious and venerable truths, and twisting them for their own self-interests and self-agenda

A strong form of condemnation was reserved only to those who were hardened in heart – as a means for them to repent and turn back their ways to the Lord. The method of ‘sharp condemnation’ was reserved only to the proud and the arrogant; never to the poor sinners!)

The reason for Jesus making a scathing attack on the religious authorities of His times, could be summarized into one crucial point: Glorification of one’s own self at the expense of the Glory of God and the Mercy deserving for His people!

Therefore, Jesus goes on to point out the many occasions and circumstances when the Self-Interest of the Pharisees and Scribes took extreme priority over God Himself!

It is this self-centred and self-glorifying act that makes Jesus to tell, “For they preach, but they do not practise!” (Mt 23: 3b)

How easily can this be our own state of affairs, in our life…!

We may be people…
… who “appear” to be very fine and kind – but perhaps, we are persons who find it too hard to let go of our pride, in reaching out to the needy, in humble service!

… who speak a lot on helping others and being generous – but perhaps, we go through grilling moments in lowering ourselves and adopting a lowly status to extend a helping hand!

… who desire happiness in communities and peace at homes – but perhaps, we discover ourselves to be persons who are unwilling to let go of my ego and allow a listening ear to the views and opinions of others!

The call, today, therefore is…
… ” to work for a cause – not applause
… to live life to express – and not simply to impress!”

Following the Great example of Jesus, may we dare to pick up the “towels” of service and kindness and live a life “clothed in humility!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

Freedom is exercised in relationships between human beings.
Every human person, created in the image of God, has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being.
All owe to each other this duty of respect.
The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person.

This right must be recognized and protected by civil authority within the limits of the common good and public order. (CCC # 1738)

“Called to radiate Love of God and Love of Neighbour in all our acts and deeds!”

(Based on Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22 and Mt 22:34-40 – Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time)

Among the twelve Apostles of Jesus, St John is known as the Apostle of Love.

His writings focus primarily on the theme of Love.

There is a legend handed down from the early church about this Apostle of Love.

Of the twelve original apostles, only St John is said to have lived to a ripe old age.

In his later years, not only his body but also his eyesight and his mind began to fail him.

St John’s mind had deteriorated to the point that he could only speak five words…
… one sentence which he would repeat over and over.

The legend says that every Sunday, St John would be carried into the midst of the congregation that had assembled for worship in the church at Ephesus, where he spent the last years of his life.

Total silence would fall over the congregation, even though they already knew what St John was going to say.

Then the old man would speak the five words…
… “My children, love one another”

Over & over, he would repeat them until he grew tired from talking!

None yawned or gazed off absentmindedly.

The Apostle of Love, fed & filled by a deep love of God preached his five-word sermon, over & over…
… “My children, love one another”

Love is the starting point, the essence and the end of Christian Life!

The Gospel of the Day emphasizes and affirms this aspect of Love: Love of God and Love of neighbour.

The Pharisees come together to trap Jesus with a question from the Law:
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment of the Law?” (Mt 22: 36)

The Lord of Love is sought to be trapped in a web of malice!

This was a complicated question that was put forward to Jesus.

The Jewish Law of the Torah comprised 613 precepts.

It was certainly a challenge to condense these codes into a single commandment.

Probably Jesus would’ve looked into the eyes of the one who asked this question and thought, “Why do you seek to put me to the test?”

There was malice and a corrupt intention in the one who questioned.

But the greatness of the Lord overwhelms the evil designs of humans.

Jesus answers the question which had an evil bent, with an answer filled with goodness…
… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbour as yourself”! (Mt 22: 37,39)

Bingo…! Two birds with one shot!

He not just answered His interrogators…
… but He also proclaimed the summary of the Gospel.

He not just silenced His critics…
… but He also won many followers for the Good News.

The Pharisee came asking which is “the” greatest commandment.

He expected just one commandment.

But Jesus answers with two…
… and showed that those two commandments are nothing but one!

The Love of God and the Love of Neighbour… are two dimensions of the same Love.

And this One Love, with two facets, formed the basis of all the other commandments of the Law!

However, the tragedy of our world and our spirituality very often, is the separation of these two dimensions…

One loves God…
… but fails to love one’s neighbour!
Another, loves the neighbour…
… but fails to love God!

One loves to read and hear and understand God’s Word…
… but fails to apply it in real life.
Another, loves to have a lot of social relations…
… but fails to build a strong spiritual basis.

One loves to preach powerfully about virtues of the Gospel…
… but fails to live them in actuality.
Another, loves to be in friendship with all…
… but fails in closeness with God, the source of Love.

One loves the Church and her teachings…
… but falls short to serve the society and its peoples.
Another, serves people…
… but vehemently hates the Church, the ark of the Sacraments of love!

Christian love is not just…
…. about emotions

Christian love…
… is making a decision to serve, even if one does not feel so.

Christian love, is being faithful…
… even if one is rejected or even shown indifference.

Christian love, is being committed…
… even if one feels an aversion towards the other.

Easier said, than done….right?

This is where, we need to depend on God, the Source of Love itself!

This is where, we need to draw strength from the Sacraments that the Church offers!
This is where, we need to be filled with a Passionate love of God to share it with others!

Unless we are in Communion with the Lord…
… all this reading of these reflections remains merely a theory.

Unless we are joined to God, the Source of Love…
… all our meditations remain superficial.

We need to pray as the Psalmist: “I love you, Lord, my strength” (Ps 18: 2).

He is the strength for us to love our neighbour.

He is the source for us to share our lives with our neighbour.
He is the supplier of hope for us to sustain in our difficulties to love.

The world is thirsting for Love…

Each one of us is called to radiate this Love: Love of God and Love of Neighbour.

Yes, let us become an Apostle and Agent and Ambassador of Love!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

An effect can be tolerated without being willed by its agent; for instance, a mother’s exhaustion from tending her sick child.
A bad effect is not imputable if it was not willed either as an end or as a means of an action, e.g., a death a person incurs in aiding someone in danger.

For a bad effect to be imputable, it must be foreseeable and the agent must have the possibility of avoiding it, as in the case of manslaughter caused by a drunken driver. (CCC # 1737)

“Letting go our life into the Hands of this Wise and Knowing God, the One who is aware of every moment of our life – our past, our present and our future!”

(Based on the Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle)

An elderly person sat under a mango tree in his garden in the noonday heat.

As he sat, he looked at the pumpkin vines that were growing nearby, and said to himself: “How foolish God is!

Here he puts a big heavy pumpkin on to a weak vine branch and so can’t do anything, but simply lie on the ground!

And then He hangs these small little mangoes on a huge tree which can actually hold very heavy objects!
If I were God, I think I could do better than that!”

Just then, a bit of breeze came up…
… and knocked a loose mango off the tree.

It fell right on the man’s head…
… causing a little bump on his head!

This made him sadder… but wiser, and he quipped:
“Oh! Suppose if that had been a pumpkin! Gosh!!”

And he went on to say:
“Never again will I try to plan the world for God.
Instead I shall be thankful to Him, for He has done so well…
… He knows what’s best for me, every time!”

The knowledge and wisdom of God is indeed incomprehensible…
… In His Wisdom, He has created all things good
… By His Knowledge, He has fashioned all things for the best use

Are we ready to let go our life into the Hands of this Wise and Knowing God…
… the One who is aware of every moment of our life – our past, our present and our future?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Bartholomew…
… who experienced this great Knowledge and Wisdom of the Lord in his encounter with Jesus

And surrendered his life, to follow the Master, till the end – faithfully!

When we compare the Gospels, we notice something interesting…

Bartholomew is not mentioned in the Gospel of John – but Nathanael is!
Nathanael is not mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) – but Bartholomew is!

In the Gospel of John, Nathanael is mentioned in connection with Philip
In the Synoptic Gospels, Bartholomew is mentioned in connection with Philip

Thus, based on these aspects along with the ancient tradition of the Church, Bartholomew and Nathanael are identified as the same person.

The Gospel of the Day (Jn 1:45-51) on this Feast Day is the call of Nathanael from the Gospel of St John.

The Gospel says that when Jesus saw Nathanael coming, He said of him:
“Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (Jn 1: 47)

On hearing this, Nathanael said to Jesus: “How do You know me?” (Jn 1: 48a)

This question – How do You know me?” – is indeed worth reflecting on.

From a peripheral look, we observe…
… This was probably the first time Jesus was meeting him, so Nathanael naturally was wondering how he was known.
… Nathanael also did not have a very high opinion regarding Nazareth, the place where Jesus came from and so would have wondered how a Person from there, knew him.

On a deeper level, we also observe…
… Nathanael was probably feeling within himself, “Does He really know who I am and what are the thoughts and desires of my heart?”
… He perhaps, was also wondering, “Would He also be knowing my past and perhaps even have an idea about my future?”

“How do You know me?” – the question by Nathanael to Jesus is a query asked by us too…
… perhaps in various forms..

1. “How do you know my past?”
   Do you really know, O Lord, my past…
   … the struggling times that I have gone through?
   … the bad childhood, perhaps, or the disturbing experiences as I grew up in life?
   … the hurts and the wounds and the injuries that I still carry in my heart and causes me pain?
2. “How do you know my present?”
   Do you really know, O Lord, my present…
   … the manner in which I am not accepted by others?
   … the ways in which success evades me, despite the hard efforts I put in?
   … the daily grinds of life to which I often have no solution and thus totally discouraged?
3. “How do you know my future?”
   Do you really know, O Lord, my future…
   … the anxieties of my unclear future and the fear of which direction I need to go ahead?
   … the feeling of “I am lost” while taking decisions and unsure if I am walking the right path?
   … the tension I go through on what will happen to me and my loved ones in the days to come?

But the Lord, Who answered Nathanael…
… had the knowledge of his past… his present… and his future

The Present: “Here IS a true Israelite. There IS no duplicity in him” (Jn 1:47)
The Past: “Before Philip called you, I SAW you under the fig tree” (Jn 1:48b)
The Future: “Amen, Amen, I say to you, you WILL see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jn 1:51)

Turning His gaze on each one of us…
… with tenderness and love, the Lord tells us:

“I know you, My Child!
I know your past…your present… and your future”

Psalm 139 very beautifully speaks of how…
… the Lord intimately knows us!
… the Lord is clearly aware of all our thoughts and movements!
… the Lord is very personally with us in every situation of our life!

This Lord, Who knows our everything – beyond the borders of time – invites us…
… to trust in Him more
… to be aware of His Providence guiding us always!
… to give ourselves entirely to Him in love and obedience!

Many times, we might feel things are not okay with us…
… we might even complain against God and have an attitude: “If I were God, I think I could do better than that!”

But those could be moments, when we are given a gentle reminder by the Lord…
… through perhaps, some difficulties or troubles in life…
Which ought to make us realize:
“Never again will I try to plan the world for God.
Instead I shall be thankful to Him, for He has done so well…
… He knows what’s best for me, every time!”

May St Bartholomew (Nathanael) intercede and inspire us:

To let go our life into the Hands of this Wise and Knowing God…
… the One who is aware of every moment of our life – our past, our present and our future!

Happy Feast Day to 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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
Every act directly willed is imputable to its author:

Thus the Lord asked Eve after the sin in the garden: “What is this that you have done?”
He asked Cain the same question
The prophet Nathan questioned David in the same way after he committed adultery with the wife of Uriah and had him murdered.

An action can be indirectly voluntary when it results from negligence regarding something one should have known or done: for example, an accident arising from ignorance of traffic laws. (CCC # 1736)

“Recognizing the immense wonders of God’s Grace at every step of our life, and leading our life with joyful faces!”

(Based on Jgs 9:6-15 and Mt 20:1-16 – Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Grumbling and complaining had become a habit for old Mrs. Dolly.

She would find a point to be critical for anything and everything.

Finally, it so happened one day, that the parish priest felt he had found something about which she could make no complaint: the old lady had a very excellent produce in her vegetable garden – of the finest potatoes in that area.

“Oh, finally, I hope you must be well pleased” said the parish priest, with a gleaning smile, to Old Mrs Dolly, “Every one’s excitedly talking about how wonderful are the potatoes in your garden this year!”

However, with a frown, the old lady rumbled back, “Well, they are not so bad.

But where are the bad ones for the pigs?”

Well, the one who puts on the tinted spectacles of grumbling, invariably finds a reason to complain about anything in life, isn’t it?

As it is said, “it is usually not so much the greatness of our troubles as the littleness of our spirit that makes us complain.”

The Gospel of the Day presents a group of people who find their way into grumbling…
… even about, perhaps the most undeserved subject of complaining: the Free Gift of the Grace of the Generous God!

Jesus presents the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard liking it to the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 20: 1)

“It’s not fair” is a common phrase that we raise in our day-to-day activities.

Children, while playing games with each other, invariably raise a “It’s not fair” slogan, especially when they feel some cheating is done by the umpires or the opposite team players
Students quote the “It’s not fair” phrase when sometimes they get lesser marks than expected, and blame the professor or the system
Employees in a company chant “It’s not fair” when they feel that somehow they have been given lesser pay or treated unfairly with respect to promotions etc.
Family members or friends shout “It’s not fair” when there are impartialities or favouritism or ignorance discovered in relationships

A sense of dissatisfaction reigns in many circumstances of our daily life.

Such was the displeasure expressed by those workers, who had toiled the whole day and received just one denarius, in the Parable of Jesus of the Workers in the Vineyard: “It’s not fair!”

These workers felt… “It was not fair”…
… that the landowner had equated the wages of those who came in last to them, who had toiled the whole day!
… that there had been no consideration to the immense toil in the blazing sun that they had put in!
… that the principle of justice and impartiality had been badly violated and trampled upon!

But the Master of the Vineyard was quick to point out to them their fallacy in such a thinking…

He reminded them first of all, that the wages that they received, was something that they had already agreed upon
He also brought to their notice that the wages given to the others were simply out of his generosity and good-will

How often do we also raise the cry of complains and ring in the growls of grumbling when we see others finding pleasure in greater favours and happiness of life…

“I toil so much in life, and I don’t seem to be really growing prosperous or at least being freed from the pangs of daily life struggles…
… But someone else, has a relaxed and cosy life and still find themselves enjoying with the comforts and luxuries of life”

“I try my level best, with much hard-work and labour in order to excel in my talents and I don’t seem to reap its fruits…
… But someone else, maybe blessed by natural talents or sheer out of luck, seems to be doing much better and enjoying greater harvests of success”

The workers who grumbled did not complain because they did not get the “just” wage…
… but their complaint was because “they were made equal to the others”

It was a complaint arising out of…
… “unfair comparison”
… “jealousy in seeing others being rewarded more”
… “we being made small before others”

Perhaps, this is where we need to make a radical shift in our perspectives.

God’s Grace comes to human persons in different levels and measures.

Grace is defined as “favour – the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to His call to become children of God…partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life”.

Therefore to make bargains on Grace… to make it a “countable” entity…
… would be a clear violation of its very essential nature of being a “free gift!”

Hence, what is required is to make a shift in perspectives…
… from “complaining” to being “thankful”
… from “grumbling” to being “grateful”
… from saying “It’s not fair!” to saying “It’s Your Grace”

Life constantly pushes us into corners which make us to have “grumpy” faces, “complaining” tongues and “grumbling” tones.

But, can we recognise and realise the immense wonders of God’s Grace at every step of our life…
… and lead a life with “joyful” faces, “grateful” tongues and “thankful” tones?

We also seek the intercession of St Rose of Lima, whose feast we celebrate today.

She is the patroness of gardeners, florists and all the people who are ridiculed/misunderstood for their piety!

May her words inspire us: “Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven!”

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

Imputability and responsibility for an action can be diminished or even nullified…

… by ignorance, inadvertence, duress, fear, habit, inordinate attachments, and other psychological or social factors. (CCC # 1735)

“Realizing the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealthy, and like Mary , our Queen, seeking to make Christ as the greatest possession and treasure of our lives!”

(Based on Jgs 6:11-24a and Mt 19:23-30 – Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A distinguished man was lying on his death-bed.

As he lay, some of his precious ornaments, priceless stones and his fine collection of exquisite watches were brought to him.

Turning a cold glance on the treasure, which he would once have clutched with an eager grasp…
… he said with a sigh:
“Alas! this is a very fine thing in this country…
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”

The man, at his death-bed realized the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealth!

If only, he had realized it, when he had years to live…
… life would have been much peaceful and contented
… life would have been better utilized to prepare for eternal life

Well…
… all of us, do have time to realize – the worthlessness of clinging on to riches and wealthy..

Do we seek to make Christ as the greatest possession and treasure of our lives?

Jesus, in the Gospel of the Day gives a triple perspective on the aspect of riches (Mt 19:23-30)

The difficulties that attachments to riches pose, in entering the Kingdom of God
The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity
The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment

1. Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19: 23)

The reason why riches are given such a strong reprimand by the Lord is because:

Attachment to riches can easily take away one’s heart from the Lord…
… The Lord, Who stripped Himself of all glory and became poor is often given less priority!

Being obsessed with riches leaves us with little time and thought for things of eternity
… Our plannings, aspirations and projects often end up being only earthly in nature!

Having too many riches can pose a danger to feel proud and independent
… A sense of “I can manage all by myself” creeps in; in the process, keeping aside God from our lives!

Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen says:
“It is ever true that the richer the soul is on the inside, the less need it has of luxuries on the outside;

Excessive adornments and an inordinate love of comforts are proof of our inner nakedness!”

2..The power of God that alone can assist and help one to attain eternity

On hearing of the difficulty of the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, the disciples asked Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” (Mt 19:25)

Jesus replied, “For human beings, this is impossible; but for God all things are possible” (Mt 19: 26)

The demands of Christianity to live a life of detachment from riches, can sometimes cause undue anxieties.

And we begin to ask…
… Is it really possible for us to live as Jesus expected of us?

Such kind of anxieties and worries, can often cause weariness our soul!

St Francis de Sales says:
“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin!
Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself!”

The Lord tells us that even in our efforts to be detached…
… we need to depend on Him
… we need to know that His Grace will take us through

Therefore, to have detachment…
… we ought to come to the Lord in prayer, surrendering our lives
… we need to thank the Lord continually for all His blessings, acknowledging Him as the source
… we need to reach out to the Lord in the poor, the weak and the needy (Mt 25:40)

3. The promise of reward to those who live a life of detachment

Jesus says: “Everyone who has given up”…will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life” (Mt 19:29)

A question of despair or hopelessness sometimes nags a Christian…
… What is the use of living an honest and virtuous life?
… Why is my life unrewarded, whereas many others thrive even by unjust means?

The Lord however, gives an answer…
… that none of such sacrifices will go unrewarded

He does promise His rewards – temporal as well as spiritual…
… but these are to be received in accordance to the Will of God.

Many times, the Will of God, is not taken into consideration…
… when we look for rewards in having made a sacrifice.
… when we seek for answers to our prayers
… when we expect fruits for our efforts

The Lord therefore invites and challenges us…
… to purify our motives when we make sacrifices
… to align our interests to God’s Will when we work for Him

That’s why Jesus would say: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness… and all other things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6:33)

The words of Mother Angelica, the founder of EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) are a reminder to us:
“Have we lost sight of this world being a pilgrimage?

It’s a journey! You’re not home yet!
A Christian must never lose sight of this passing reality of life”

Yes, let us come to this realization about attachments to riches:
“Alas! This is a very fine thing in this country…
… but I am going to a country where it will be of no use to me!”

Today, Aug 22, we celebrate with heaven, the Coronation of our Blessed Mamma as the Queen of Heaven and Earth!

This Feast of the Queenship of Mary was instituted by Pope Pius XII at the conclusion of the Marian Year in 1954.

It was not a new doctrine or a new teaching.
It was not a new policy or a new understanding!

The declaration was merely an affirmation of the age old faith that has been celebrated down through the ages!

St. Ephrem referred to Mother Mary as the “Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen.”
St. Gregory Nazianzen called her, “the Mother of the King of the Universe.”

Mother Mary is a model to us… a perfect example… a shining witness…a great challenge to us!

In all our ordinariness, troubles, confusions and unwillingness to God’s Will…
… let us trust and have faith in God… just like Mother Mary

And seek to always say to God, ” Fiat – Yes, Be it done to me according to Your Will!”

Let us raise an Anthem of Thanksgiving, Love and Affection to our Beloved Mamma – the Queen of the Heavens and the Earth…
… and with deep joy and trust, pray that we too may always seek His Will, and one day, come to share in His Glory, like our Blessed Mother!

Happy Feast of the Beloved Queen Mamma united with Her son, King Jesus…
… to all Her little princes!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

Freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary.

Progress in virtue, knowledge of the good, and ascesis enhance the mastery of the will over its acts. (CCC # 1734)

“With confidence, giving heed to the words of the Lord!”

(Based on Jgs 2:11-19 and Mt 19:16-22 – Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

A river wanted to flow to the sea, through a vast desert.

But seeing the vast dry sand, it got afraid.

Fearful thoughts crept into its mind:
“The desert may gulp up all my water…
… the hot breath of the sun will surely dry me up…
… and I will be reduced to a mere stinking swamp!”

Then it heard a mysterious voice, “Trust the Desert”

But the river retorted, “But then, will I ever be the same?

Will I not lose my identity?”

The voice once again thundered, “There is no way to remain the same!”

So the river, with trust in the desert, began to flow through it.

The simmering heat of the sun turned her into vapour.
The wind carried her over, as clouds, over the hot expanse of the desert.
She was formed into rain!

And out of the clouds, came down a newer, fresher and much more splendid river, on the other side of the desert.

The river was delighted and exclaimed, “Now, I am truly my Real Self!”

Immense trust and making the radical decision to pass through the desert, helped the river to experience newness in life and to enjoy the delight of a transformed and renewed life!

Is life calling us to have a deeper trust and cross through deserts, in order to experience freshness in life?

Or are we afraid to take that risk of losing many of the ‘things’ we hold precious to ourselves?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exhorting us to trust in Him, and to cross the deserts of life, “letting go of riches, in order to experience true joy in Him and eternal life with Him!

The incident of the person asking Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:16) finds resonance with many of our inner desires and longings.

We too have a lot of questions, like the man who asked, “What must I do to have eternal life…”

How can I really have peace of mind and happiness at home and in my life…?
How is it that I may be able to experience joy in life, despite the many poundings and grindings that life renders me…?
How is it that I can be assured of the treasures of heaven and the bliss of life eternity…?

The man who enquired Jesus presented Him with a list of many activities and deeds that he engaged himself, towards this purpose.
“All of these (following the commandments) I have observed”, (Mt 19: 20a) said the man to Jesus

We too have something similar to say…

I keep on working hard, putting in constant efforts in my daily duties and the various responsibilities entrusted to me…
I toil very much in meeting life’s ends and gathering together my resources in making sure that things go on well in life…

But like that man, we too get lost with this one basic question, “What do I still lack?” (Mt 19:20b)

What do I still lack…
… that my life fails to be soaked in happiness and my heart misses the train of joy and peace?
… that my relationships fail to have the required fervour of love and affection?
… that my spiritual life fails to have the flavour of passion, zeal and enthusiasm?

This is where the Lord tells us, “to let go of things that keep us attached”

Jesus says, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell, what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then follow Me” (Mt 19:21)

• The man was attached to his possessions, even though he performed many acts of God’s commandments.
• The man found it hard to leave his riches, and his following of the laws of God made little impact on him, to make renunciations.

Therefore, the Lord diagnosed his problem as his inability to “let go” of his attachments.

“Unnecessary accessories” of life can be a burden in our smooth travelling on the path of eternity!

Are we also faced with the same diagnosis?

Do I find it hard to “let go”…
… of my selfish lifestyle and my own personal comforts… even though I seek to render service or engage in different works?

… of my egoistic tendencies and self-centred inclinations… in my relationships and in interacting with the people in my life?

… of my individual agenda and self-interested plans… and fail to base my life as per the Plan of God and walk according to His Will in my life?

As Christians, we are called to perfection (Mt 5:48)

This ‘challenge to perfection’ demands that we have to pass through the “deserts”…
… deserts of renunciation
… deserts of seeking only God’s Will
… deserts of altering our personal choices and prioritizing the values of the Lord

This will help us to experience newness in life and to enjoy the delight of a transformed and renewed life!

Let us heed to the call of the Lord today…
… to make such radical choices and decisions in life, so that we can truly experience the joy of heaven in our day-to-day lives and one day, be blessed, with the fullness of life eternal!

When faced with the deserts of life…
… let us, with confidence, give heed to the words of the Lord assuring us: “Trust the desert”

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes.
There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just.

The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin.” (CCC # 1733)

“Combining our sweet faith with a tough trust with our pious devotion with a faithful dedication!”

(Based on Is 56:1, 6-7, Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 and Mt 15:21-28 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

There lived a good woman, who was well-known among her circle for her simple faith and her great calm and composed attitude, in the midst of many trials.

Another woman, who came as her new neighbour, hearing of her, remarked:
“I must go and see that woman, and learn the secret of her calm, happy life.”

She went, and, enquired of the woman: “Are you the woman with the great faith?”

“I don’t know,” was the answer, “I don’t know if I am the woman with the great faith…
… but I do know that I am the woman with a little faith in the Great God!”

The Gospel of the Day in a similar way, presents before us a beautiful incident of faith…
… of a woman, with a faith, in the Great God!

“You are beautiful… pleasant… delightful… >> Your love is like honey… Your presence is charming!

You are wonderful in your splendour and spectacular in your majesty and glory!”

These are some of the endearing and appealing and fascinating words that are addressed to Jesus.

This is the Jesus who is sweet, cuddly, lovable, adorable, amiable, agreeable and friendly!

We yearn for this Jesus.
We are happy with this Jesus.

In life, often, we get settled with sentimental faith.

We get fixated, often, with a faith based on emotions and sweet words.

Perhaps, that’s how we also want our world to be – kind, caring, accommodating, considerate and gentle!

But we know… the reality is different.

The world that we wish is very often not the world that we experience.
The world that we aspire is often in contrast with the world that we come in contact with.

We like a peaceful world…
… but we often encounter a world with missiles and innocent lives snatched away!

We like an equal society…
… but we often meet a society which discriminates and victimizes people!

We like a just culture…
… but we often run into a culture which is corrupt and degrading and inhuman!

We like a respectful civilization…
… but we bump into a civilization which is debasing and merciless!

The world of our actual experience is very different from the world that we hope and desire for…

In this context, we need a Faith that can carry us through this tough life.

A faith based on mere sweet words, pious rituals and peripheral feelings doesn’t suffice…

A mere sentimental faith leaves us paralyzed and crippled with the hard-hitting realities of life!

We need a Faith that’s strong….
… a Faith that’s valiant
… a Faith that can battle life’s odds..

The Canaanite Woman in today’s Gospel Reading is a Person who possessed this Challenging and Brave Faith!

She is a big misfit in approaching Jesus and to be a bearer of Faith…

1. She is a Canaanite: An unaccepted pagan, a denied heathen!
2. She is a Woman: A degraded status, a humiliated class!
3. She has a possessed child: A helpless situation, a miserable condition!

Yet she dares…
… to approach the Lord of the Universe: ” Lord, Son of David, have pity on me!!”

The First Reply from the Lord…?

Shhhh…. (the Word Perfect responds with a total hush…)

No answer from the Master…. the wait for the Woman increases…

It’s trying time!
It’s a testing moment!

The probably irritated-disciples seek to chase her away, disturbed by the shoutings and the wailings…

The Second Reply from the Lord…?

Hmmm… I am sent not for her category…I am sent only for the Chosen Race…

Agony from the Master… the hopes of the woman diminishes…

It’s a grilling time!
It’s a gruelling moment!

Yet she dares… to approach once more..kneeling before the Throne of Mercy…” Sir, help me!!”

The Third Reply from the Lord…?

Grrr… Children’s bread is not thrown to the dogs…

More anguish from the Master.. the expectations of the woman is crushed…

It’s a hard time!
It’s a harsh moment!

To hear being called a DOG… was humiliating and insulting and offensive…

Was this the height of rudeness??

But, the woman of Faith noticed that Jesus had used the word “kunariois” – the word for household pets…

She noticed that He had not used the word “kuon” – the word for other ordinary dogs…

Ah… there was the opening… there was the possibility…there was the occasion…

A person of Deep Faith is able to wait patiently for a sparkle of sunshine even in the midst of the darkest clouds!

The Woman of Faith sneaked a chance in that seemingly degrading word…

The Woman of Faith found her prospect in that apparently disgusting expression…

She was a “kunariois” – a household pet…. She immediately matches her wit,
with the wit of Jesus..

Pets are not outsiders… they are insiders;

Pets are not out of the family… they are part of the family…

Pets are not to have a seat at the Master’s table…
… but they enjoy an intimacy at the Master’s feet!

So she replies: “Yes Lord! But even the little dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table”

It was a moment of Truth!

The Fourth Reply from the Master…?

“Woman, how great is your faith!!”

The Woman of Faith had triumphed!

The Lord of the Universe marvelled at her faith!

The God of Healings blessed the Woman of Faith with heart’s desire!

Life is definitely hard.

We are challenged however to have a harder and a stronger faith!

The Canaanite Woman, who is proclaimed, through all the churches today, is a shining model!

She, who was called a DOG….(!!)…is today praised and glorified by GOD…(!!)!

Sentimental faith and sugary words are needed

But it’s not enough!

We need to combine our Sweet Faith with a Tough Trust…
… our Pious Devotion with a Faithful Dedication!

Let us be a Person of Faith with the Heart of a Dove and the Skin of a Rhinoceros!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

As long as freedom has not bound itself definitively to its ultimate good which is God…
… there is the possibility of choosing between good and evil
… and thus of growing in perfection or of failing and sinning.
This freedom characterizes properly human acts.

It is the basis of praise or blame, merit or reproach. (CCC # 1732)