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

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

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

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

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

No!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We need to examine our lives and check…

… My hands:

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

… My feet:

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

… My eyes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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

“Reviving and reinvigorating our prayer lives!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The paths had been smoothed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is my life rooted in Prayer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Is there grass growing on our paths…?”

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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

“Radiating the Mighty Presence of Jesus in our lives!”

(Based on Eccl 1:2-11 and Lk 9:7-9 – Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Fred Bock was one of the most renowned, recognized and respected Christian music composers, pianist and music publisher.

One of his famous write-ups (read and known to many of us) titled “One Solitary Life” goes thus…
“Born in an obscure village, He was the child of a peasant woman.
He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty years old, and then for three years He travelled around the county…
… stopping long enough to talk and to listen to people, and help where He could.

He never wrote a book
He never had a hit record
He never went to college
He never ran for public office
He never had a family or owned a house.
He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself.

But when He was only thirty-three years old, the tide of public opinion turned against Him, and His friends rejected Him.

When He was arrested, very few wanted anything to do with Him.

After the trial, He was executed by the state along with admitted thieves.
Only because a generous friend offered his own cemetery plot was there any place to bury Him.

This all happened nineteen centuries ago, and yet today HE is the leading figure of the human race, and the ultimate example of Love.

Now it is no exaggeration to say that all the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever set sail, all the rulers that have ever ruled, all the kings that have ever reigned on this earth…
… all put together have not affected the life of man on earth like ONE SOLITARY LIFE!”

Undoubtedly, we know on whom is this write- up on…… Jesus, of Nazareth!

A Man who was hidden in the shadows of ignorance…
… yet enjoys the title of being the Most Famous Person in the World!
A Man who sought fame from His works…
… yet enjoys the privilege of being the Most Impressive Person in the World!

Do we know Him?
Do we REALLY know Him?
… or do we, like King Herod, in the Gospel of the Day, end up asking, ” Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

When we scan through the pages of the Gospel of St Luke from Chapters 4-9, we find that Jesus was acquiring new heights of fame, popularity and public acclaim.

His words and teachings were…
… ringing in the bells of transformation
… challenging the integrity of the religious leaders and civil authorities
… providing a cushion of hope and encouragement to the lost and the marginalised

His acts of wonders and powers were…
… instilling excitement in the lives of people
… causing the people to have reminiscences of the great prophets of old

As a result the people began to discuss and to say, “John has been raised from the dead; Elijah has appeared; one of the ancient prophets has arisen” (Lk 9:8)

Such rumours, reports and recounts caused a lot of worry for King Herod.

The flames of anxiety were scorching his mind…
The waves of guilt were drowning his heart…

And therefore, with a highly guilty conscience, in fear and trembling, King Herod puts forward his theory on the Dilemma of this Mysterious Divine Person, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

The enigmatic personality of Jesus was casting clouds of fear and guilt over King Herod!

The charismatic work of our Blessed Lord was plunging King Herod into the ocean of haunting and forgettable memories!

Yet, King Herod failed to establish a relationship with our Blessed Lord.

His mind failed to move beyond the realms of wonder and amazement, to wanting a bonding with the Messiah!
His heart failed to cut across the barriers of doubts and anxiety, to forge a yearning to receive a touch of the Saviour!

Is our life also sadly moving along the same lines, as that of King Herod…?

Is our life of sin and our life of not wanting to take the risk of trusting Him, just like King Herod, causing us to miss out on cherishing a relationship with our Blessed Lord?

To King Herod….
… Jesus only remained a mysterious and stupefying character
… Jesus only remained a person who disturbed his conscience

King Herod was unable to…
… accept Jesus as His Saviour
… accept Jesus as the Lord of his life

We also have surely heard a lot about this wonderful Divine Person named Jesus.
… But has He been able to capture our minds and hearts and do we co-operate with Him to be possessed by His love?

We also have had ample opportunities to grow in our spiritual life and to be receiving a number of teachings on His Divine Word
… But has the Word of God truly become the rule and the guiding principle of our life?

It’s nice to be attracted to the power of God…
… to praise His wonders
… to be amazed at His awesome deeds.

But it’s just not enough to remain at this peripheral level.

Our Blessed Lord came…
… not to simply amaze, but to attend to our sins and failures
… not to simply charm, but to challenge our lethargic lives

He wishes that we truly embrace Him…
… as the Lord of our lives
… as our Personal Saviour and Master

Jesus who lived a “Solitary Life” has made a great impact on the world

May our personal life also give testimony to this fact…
… and let us truly radiate the Mighty Presence of Jesus in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The fidelity of the baptized is a primordial condition for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the Church’s mission in the world.
In order that the message of salvation can show the power of its truth and radiance before men, it must be authenticated by the witness of the life of Christians.

“The witness of a Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit have great power to draw men to the faith and to God.” (CCC # 2044)

“Doing God’s Will so that we may become part of His Family Photo!”

(Based on Prov 21:1-6, 10-13 and Lk 8:19-21 – Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

We live in a generation where clicking photos and taking selfies have become quite popular!

And when photos or selfies of a group are clicked, there is often a crowding together of many people to come inside the photo frame…
… to be seen visible in the photo that is clicked.

To jostle together to get inside a photo-view or a photo-frame, can be fun…
…. and sometimes real tough too.

Today, the Divine Master Jesus, is out to click a photo…to capture on frame all who belong to His Family…

There is a lot of jostling and shoving and pushing by people to sneak inside this photo frame.

But Jesus makes a clear demarcation: “Only those who hear the Word of God and do it are to be a part of this Family Photo frame”!

The Gospel of the Day depicts the incident where the mother and brothers of Jesus come to meet Him…
… and He declaring that His mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and do it in their lives”

Jesus loves to break new ground.

He loves to define new concepts.
He dares to look at things with innovation.
And here, Jesus revolutionizes and redefines the understanding of belonging to God’s Family.

In the Gospel of Luke 2:41-52, we have the incident of Jesus getting lost in the Temple of Jerusalem.

When Mother Mary questioned Him why He had done so, Jesus replies back: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Jesus shows His priority and importance with respect to relationships and familial ties.

Relationship in a human family is understood in terms of connectivity of blood.

Relationship in Jesus’ family is to be understood in terms of connectivity of hearts.

Relationship in a human family is defined by association with a particular lineage and ancestry.

Relationship in Jesus’ Family is defined by association with hearing and doing God’s Will.

The true family has God as its Father and whose children are those “who hear the word of God and act on it.”

The true family in the Kingdom of God, is not first determined by bonds of earthly kinship, but rather by the bonds of spiritual kinship!

The true family is the family of God, the church, the body of Christ.

The early church father, St. Cyprian of Carthage, said quite rightly, “You cannot have God as your Father, if you do not have the Church as your Mother.”

Too often in times past, Christians, especially, we Catholics, have taken great pride in our faith.

But today perhaps we need to examine the basis and validity of this our claim and pride…

Am I proud to be a Catholic merely because I have been born and brought up with a Catholic upbringing…
… or can I be proud I am a Catholic because I know and live its teachings and traditions in my life?

Am I proud to be a Catholic merely because I attend regularly Sunday masses and fulfill some church obligations…
… or can I be proud that I am a Catholic because I have a deep faith in the Sacraments especially in the Eucharist?

It’s great to be called a follower of Christ…and enjoy privileges and benefits as a Christian…

But it’s a challenge to live His teachings and principles in our life, and truly be called His follower!

It’s nice to be called as a follower of Christ and be known in the society as belonging to a “peaceful and nice” community…

But it’s a challenge to live the virtues of love and patience and follow God’s Will in our lives, and truly being a peaceful and nice Christian.

Yes, the Divine Master Jesus, is out to click a photo…
… to capture on frame all who belong to His Family…

Let us do God’s will so that we may be part of His Family Photo!

Say Cheese?

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 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

In the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic Celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.”) ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.

The third precept (“You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season”) guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy. (CCC # 2041)

“Letting the light of love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!”

(Based on Prov 3:27-34 and Lk 8:16-18 – Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Some scientific experiments are fairly simple and practical, yet quite interesting and exciting too.

One such experiment, which some of us would have tried or seen others doing…
… is producing fire with the help of a magnifying glass.

The magnifying glass is kept in front of a piece of paper with the sunlight falling on the magnifying glass, in such a way that a small bright dot appears on the paper.

In sometime, with a strong sunlight, one is able to observe that the paper has caught fire!

The magnifying glass acts as a medium, to let the sunlight pass through and converge, in order to generate fire!

The magnifying glass plays a significant role in transferring the heat of the sun to objects which are focused!

Our Life as a Christian ought to be similar…

In the Gospel of the Day, Jesus tells to His disciples, “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed; rather he puts it on a lamp stand, so that people coming in may see the light…” (Lk 8:16)

This passage in the Gospel of St. Luke is just preceded by the Parable of the Sower (Lk 8: 4-15).

The parable of the Sower beautifully illustrates the various modes of reception of the Word of God.

When the Word of God is welcomed and received with a open heart, one is able to bear fruit…
… fruit in abundance.

A person, who receives God’ Word with an open heart and a receptive mind is able to reflect it in one’s life.

And this is where, a Christian Life resembles a Magnifying Glass which allows God’s Word to pass through and kindles others with the fire of His love!

We need to be an open and active medium allowing God to permeate through us, in order to let others experience His Love!

Do I…
… allow God’s word to work in me, so that the depressed may experience God’s light of joy and happiness?

… sanction God’s power to direct me, so that the suffering humanity may experience God’s light of healing?

… permit the seed of God’s word to take root in me, so that the sinful may experience God’s light of mercy?

… agree to the authority of God to control me, so that the weak may experience God’s light of strength?

… let God’s commandments to guide me, so that the wayward may experience God’s light of acceptance?

Jesus says, ” No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed…”

Times have changed drastically however…

Earlier times, one used to be proud to call oneself as a Christian and witness boldly to be known as one.

Today, perhaps, many of us feel a tweak and go a bit uncomfortable when called publicly as a Christian!

What was a matter a pride some years has today possibly become a matter of awkwardness and uneasiness.

How well do I witness the Light of Christian Faith to the world outside?

There are many tiny yet significant gestures and practical actions…
… by which we may be hiding the Christian Light in us, with a bowl, and not allowing it to shine forth…

Feeling ashamed to bow publicly before the Blessed Sacrament or as we enter a Church…
Feeling uneasy to make a sign of the cross or say prayers before meals when many are there…
Feeling embarrassed to be called a Christian or a Consecrated person in a secular surrounding…
Feeling disinterested to carry a Bible or wear a crucifix around the neck or hold on to a rosary etc…
Feeling strange to either wear or avoid certain dresses or habits, especially thinking what will others feel…
Feeling awkward to say about Jesus or the Gospel virtues to our friends, thinking that our thoughts are naive…
Feeling bored to participate in the Sacraments and show no interest in making extra efforts to prepare for them…

There are many more occasions wherein we may be losing out a chance to witness Christ and His Love!

The nature of the sun, is to shine upon and enliven the whole earth.

But if one puts a magnifying glass in the rays of the sun over a paper, this light of the sun will turn into fire.

The nature of God’s love is to shine upon and enliven the whole universe.

But if we act as a magnifying glass, united with Jesus, our Lord, this light of God’s Love will turn to fire!

Let us let the light of love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!

Shine, Jesus, Shine!

We celebrate today the Feast of a modern saint…
… an exemplary and prayerful priest: St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

He inspires us today to closely follow to Lord…
through the paths of prayer, penitence and penance.
… even if it means suffering and undergoing pain for Jesus’ sake…
… even when we find ourselves rejected and misunderstood

He would say, “In all the events of life, you must recognize the Divine will.

Adore and bless it, especially in the things which are the hardest for you.

The more you are afflicted, the more you ought to rejoice…
… because in the fire of tribulation the soul will become pure gold, worthy to be placed and to shine in the heavenly palace.”

And also, “Even if the world were to capsize…
… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…
… God would still be with us!

Prayer is the best weapon we possess. It is the key that opens the heart of God!”

Let us seek the intercession of St Padre Pio, to always listen to our conscience…
… and have the courage to unload every burden of guilt, by walking on the path of goodness!

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 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor”)…
… requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord

… as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints. (CCC # 2041)

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

(Based on Wis 2:12, 17-20, Jas 3:16-4:3 and Mk 9:30-37 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

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, Cf. Mk 9:35) 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 f.irst 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 sole stepping-stone to greatness in the Kingdom of God
… was to be the lone 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 cravings 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 humility
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 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant…
… to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort

… in the growth in love of God and neighbour.(CCC # 2041)

“Being inspired by St Matthew – seeking his intercession and imitating his example – in surrendering ourselves totally to the Sovereignty of our Blessed Lord!”

(Based on the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist)

“Great things happen when God mixes with us”….
… is a popular Christian Hymn.

The stanzas of this hymn goes this way….

Some find life, some find peace; some people even find joy.
Some see things as they never could before…
… and some people find that they can now begin to trust.

Some find health, some find hope; some people even find joy.
Some see themselves as they never could before…
… and some people find that they can now begin to live.

Some find peace, some are disturbed; some people even find joy.
Some see their lives as they never could before…
… and some people find that they must now begin to change.

One of the important and essential dimensions of an encounter with our Blessed Lord is the “transformation effect” on the person.

If one has had a genuine encounter with Him…
… one cannot be passive
… one cannot just remain the same

Either one shakes off the dust of sin and slackness and follows Him in sincerity
… or one tries to cast Him off from life and adamantly remains in one’s own desires!

Either one takes radical decisions in life and orients one’s conduct in accordance with His Will
… or one seeks to do away with all Divine inspirations and obstinately sticks firm to one’s personal interests!

In any case, an “encounter with the Lord” causes an effect in life – either for the good or towards rejecting the impulses of Divine Goodness.

Do I respond positively and emphatically to the call of the Lord…
… or do I sink into an attitude of grumbling, complaining and disinterestedness?

On this feast day of St Matthew, the Apostle, the Gospel of the day presents these two “contrasting reactions” in the encounter with Jesus…

Matthew…. who hears the call of the Lord – “Follow Me” (Mt 9: 9)
The Pharisees… who observe the lavishness of God’s mercy and react with grumbling and complaining (Mt 9: 11)

Jesus very emphatically declares, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12)

This verse is the key to understand and gauge the style of reaction, when we encounter the Lord…

The one who needs Him – will relish Him!
The one who feels no need of Him- will reject Him!

The one who acknowledges that one is sick, weak and in need of God’s grace and mercy – will find in Him a Saviour!
The one who vehemently says that one is all fine, self-motivated and strong willed – will fail to find any consolation in Him!

Here then is a wonderful check-meter to test my passion, my longing and my intensity of love for the Lord…

Have I discovered that by myself I cannot achieve everything that life demands of me….?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the answer to my problem and a solution to the puzzles of my life!

Do I realise that as a human person, I often fall into the snares of sin and can get easily caught up in evil traps… ?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the antidote to sin and a remedy to overcome the pitfalls of wickedness!

St Mathew presents a beautiful picture, of embracing the Lord fully into life…
… because He realised and discovered the intimate need of the Lord in his life.

Let us be inspired by him, seek his intercession and imitate his example in surrendering ourselves totally to the Sovereignty of our Blessed Lord.

It is only then that we would truly realise and experience the joy of the words, “Great things happen when God mixes with us”….

Happy Feast of St Matthew!

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 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort…

… in the growth in love of God and neighbour. (CCC # 2041)

“With deep piety, profound conviction and committed service to one another, let us profess and say: ‘Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!’”

(Based on 1 Cor 15:12-20 and Lk 8:1-3 – Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A story is said of an elderly priest who was known for his deep piety, committed service and profound conviction in preaching.

His old age had rendered him nearly blind and he even found it quite hard to breathe normally…
… and in fact, struggled to speak even in whispers!

However, despite his old age, he loved to visit prayer meetings to speak about the love of Christ.

He would take the help of the catechist to get his message delivered to the people

Once, while preaching, he repeated the sentence:
“Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!”

The catechist, thinking that the priest had made a mistake… reminded and whispered to him, “Father, you have already said that statement twice!”

The priest, turning to the catechist said in a strong tone, “Yes, I know I have said it twice, and I will say it once again!”

And so saying, with a firm and convinced voice, he told the people, “Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!”

The priest re-iterated to the people of the Love of God, and How Precious He is!

Have we discovered and tasted the deep Love of God in our lives?

Do we treasure our Blessed Lord as Precious and follow Him with conviction and courage?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful narrative of a group of people – women, in particular – who experience the Love of the Lord, and considered Him as precious and worthy to be followed!

This passage is a strong narration by St Luke who presents Jesus, the true liberator, breaking some new ground in granting a new status to the discriminated and oppressed class of women.
“Accompanying Him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities…..and many others who provided them out of their resources” (Lk 8:1)

Women who had been healed and had experienced the Goodness of the Lord, accompany Him in His mission…
… and supported Him with their resources.

We can take a couple of lessons from these few, yet significant words from the Gospel of St Luke:

1. Broken to Blossom
   Jesus broke some societal traditions to help people to blossom people and experience genuine freedom and liberty.
   Women were generally kept out of public life…

They were forbidden from reading the Sacred Scriptures.

They were reduced to mere onlookers, and not participants in the Sabbath worship.
They had a specially designated outer court at the synagogue, which was located beneath the court for men.

But Jesus loved to break open… to let free… and to allow people to blossom!

Jesus permitted Mary of Bethany to sit at His feet (Lk 10: 39)
Jesus touched a little girl who was dead and restored her to life (Lk 8:54)
Jesus allowed Himself to be touched by a woman in hemorrhage (Lk 8:44)
Jesus engaged in a life-transforming conversation with the woman at the well (Jn 4:7-26)
Jesus let the sinful woman to wash his feet, and shower his feet with kisses of love (Lk 7: 38)
Jesus had strong words for the practice of divorce which had reduced women to mere objects (Mt 19:3-9)

The Lord showed Himself as being precious and declared that He loved everyone very much – including the rejected and the oppressed!

Do I let unhealthy and inhuman practices or mentalities to govern my life…
… or am I ready to break free and blossom?

Do I give in to societal pressures in following certain norms or thought-patterns…
… even if they are harmful?

Do I fail to be bold and courageous to initiate a change in attitudes…
… to achieve genuine liberation?

2. Transformed to Tread!

The women who were touched by the Lord, had found greater meaning in their life and they accompanied the Lord in His ministry and mission.

They were not people who only sought favours…
… they rather happily extended gratitude and thankfulness.
They were not people who wanted Jesus in order to get something from Him…
… they rather had much to give to the Lord in return.
They were not people who lived for mere material needs…
… they, in fact, focussed their attention on the higher values of life and of the Kingdom!

These women were willing to respond to the Precious Love of the Lord and prove with acts of service that even they loved the Lord very much!

What is my response to the Lord who has showered my life with many blessings at crucial moments of my life…

Do I tread in His path after having been transformed with His Grace?

Do I get stuck with seeking only material favours and fail to allow them to lead me to a deeper God-experience?

Do I only remain with the prayer of intercession and prayer of asking, but not grow higher to prayer of thanksgiving and prayer of praise?

We live in times when the cry for deeper respect and genuine esteem for women is on a high.

You and I can make a great change in our society…
… by our attitude and our determination, with the Grace of God!

Let us cast away barriers which reduce people to mere objects…
… which yokes people, especially women.

Let us imitate Jesus the liberator to ‘break open to blossom’…
… and also grow in our commitment to ‘tread after having been transformed by Him!’

As St Francis de Sales says, “The Love of God is calm, peaceful, and tranquil, and so the work done for its sake, even in worldly things…
… is gentle, trustful, and quiet!”

Let us never forget that “Jesus Christ is precious and He loves us very much!”

Let these words be repeated constantly in our life, with deep piety, profound conviction and committed service to one another!

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 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life…

… bound to and nourished by liturgical life. (CCC # 2041)

“Falling in love with the Lord and remaining faithful to the love-life in the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Cor 15:1-11 and Lk 7:36-50 – Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A catechism teacher, while distributing answer scripts of the Catechism Exam to her 3rd Standard (3rd Grade) students told them:

“I am so happy that most of you have done so well for these exams.

But remember, all these classes and exams are in preparation for the Bigger Examination.”

And she went on to explain:
“This Bigger Examination – the General Examination – is the Last Judgement Day!

And as St Robert Bellarmine tells us, ‘the School of Christ is the School of Love.

In the last day, when the general examination takes place…
… Love will be the whole syllabus!'”

Yes…
… All of us are called to grow in this understanding and practice of the “syllabus of Love!”

Have I “fallen in love” with the Lord and remain faithful to the love-life in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents a wonderful expression of love towards Jesus and the subsequent acknowledgement of this gesture of love, by the Lord of Love!

The incident of sinner woman, washing the feet of Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee, ends with a statement, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” (Lk 7: 49)

The answer of this statement is probably what is expressed by the woman in her gesture of love.

Jesus was a guest in the house of Simon, the Pharisee.

It was probably one of those meals whereby a respected and wise host would invite several of the socially elite to dine with an important guest.

At this meal, they would recline along the table, laying down on their sides, to eat.

The meal would also involve a series of debates and discussions, over many crucial issues, centred around the special guest.

However, suddenly, out of nowhere, a lady enters in the scene.

It was one of those highly embarrassing and highly disgusting moments for the Host!

The lady was a known sinner…
… In the society, she had earned a notorious reputation

Her very presence was causing terrible insult.

Her ensuing action…
… wiping the feet with the ointment from the alabaster jar
… wiping them with her hairs
… kissing them with tenderness
… caused still further damage to the reputation and honour of the host and his Guest!

However, what followed later, was like adding salt to the wounds of the host…

Jesus publicly recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates the action of the sinful woman.

He says, in solemn tones of approval of the action of the woman, “… She has shown great love! The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little” (Lk 7: 48)

Jesus had openly and publicly acknowledged the tremendous and daring love of the woman for Him!

And in doing so, He had given an answer to the question that would be put forth later, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

Her actions of love gave an answer…
… that He was the One worthy of receiving the highest and deepest love – one that counts no humiliation or hardships!
… that He was the One deserving the sweetest and the most priceless affections of our hearts – one that is limitless!
… that He was the One meritorious of every expression of endearment and fondness – one that is passionate and pure!

What is my level of love for the Lord?

Am I courageous to express my love for Him in actions that trespass humiliations or shame or guilt?
Am I bold to show that I truly love Him by living a life in accordance with the virtues of the Gospel?
Am I credible enough to say that I really love Him by extending His care to all those who are in need?

As we go about doing all our works, let us not fail to prepare ourselves well for the bigger examination – the general examination – The Last Judgement Day!

And let’s remember that when this general examination takes place…
… Love will be the whole syllabus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

In her motherly care, the Church grants us the mercy of God which prevails over all our sins and is especially at work in the sacrament of reconciliation. >> With a mother’s foresight, she also lavishes on us day after day in her liturgy the nourishment of the Word and Eucharist of the Lord. (CCC # 2040)