“May Jesus, the Bread of Life, always be the source, strength and summit of our Christian living!”

(Based on Acts 8:1b-8 and Jn 6:35-40 –
Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter)

A story is told about a pilot who always looked down intently on a certain valley…
… when the plane passed overhead.

One day his co-pilot asked, “What’s so interesting about that spot?”

The pilot replied: “See that stream?
Well, when I was a kid I used to sit down there on a log and fish.

Every time an airplane flew over, I would look up and wish I were flying…
… now I look down and wish I were fishing.”

There is a deep craving for satisfaction and fulfilment, inside every creature,

One is restless till this thirst is fulfilled…
One is impatient till this craving is satisfied…

This ‘longing’ is innate in every human being…
… a thirst for the Divine, for the Transcendental.

This ‘longing’ compels humans…
… to search… to seek…
… for the source of satisfaction
… for the fountain of fulfilment

But how wonderful it would be to be knowing and to be convinced that this “thirst” can find its fulfilment only in God.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus promising this fulfilment and contentment to all those who come to Him and believe in Him – the Bread of Life.

Jesus declares, “I am the Bread of Life; He who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (Jn 6: 35)

The crowds who had been fed by Jesus, by the miracle of the multiplication of loaves, came in search of Jesus… probably expecting more…

They wanted still more…and they express this to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always” (Jn 6:34)

In John Chapter 4, we read the story of the Samaritan woman, by the well of Jacob, who had also expressed a similar desire.

She said to Jesus “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water” (Jn 4: 15)

Each of us, deep within, are ‘longing’…
… to drink water and eat food that will quench the longing, forever.

It is this search that makes people to go out and seek the various sources of satisfaction.

Some feel to have found this fulfilment…
… through worldly pleasures and bad habits like smoking, drinking, obsession with sex, drugs etc, which only lead to momentary external satisfaction and short-lived bursts of thrill.

Some feel to have found this fulfilment…
… in the various philosophies, new-age patterns of life and naturalistic means of spirituality etc, which may have traces of truth, but fail to provide authentic and fullness of life.

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles records one such notable example of Saul.

Saul (who is also called Paul) failed to understand and grasp “The Truth” and persecuted all those who followed “The Way!”
“But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.” (Acts 8:3)

But Jesus, today, boldly and unambiguously declares that it’s only in HIM that true and complete fulfilment of life can be found:
“He who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (Jn 6: 35)

Are we convinced of this fact, that it’s only in Jesus, that I can achieve true and complete happiness…?

The Lord, today, calls us back to Him…
… to His Heart
… to His Church
… to His Eucharist
… to experience Him fully.

To those who have strayed…
… the call of the Gospel, is to come back to the paths of truth

To those who are holding on to Him…
… the call of the Gospel, is to deepen the conviction, that in Him alone, can the hunger of my soul and the thirst of my heart be fulfilled.

To those who have strayed…
… the Lord invites to build the virtues of humility, docility and openness to the Spirit.

To those who are holding on to Him…
… the Lord invites to build the virtues of patience, firm trust and a passionate longing.

May Jesus, the Bread of Life, always be the source, strength and summit of our Christian living!

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

The law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father…

… on behalf of sinful humanity. (CCC # 1939)

“Allowing the Holy Eucharist – the Bread of life – to become the essential, the integral and the most fundamental constituent of our ‘Spiritual Diet'”

(Based on Acts 7:51-8:1a and Jn 6:30-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter)

Our generation is a much trendier and health-conscious one….

Right?

People, especially, in the urban areas, do spend a great deal of time and energy in seeking to be more fashionable, better-looking and being healthier.

As part of this inclination, the modern trend is being highly conscious of the “diet” that one takes…
>> One is keen to know which food will help one’s body to remain fit and healthy


But it would be nice and good to also check what is the condition and state of our “spiritual diet”.

We do tend to give a lot of importance to our “physical diet” in terms of the food to be eaten and that which are to be avoided.
>> But what is the importance that we accord to our “spiritual diet?”

Is my “spiritual diet” nourishing – my soul, my spiritual wellbeing?
>> Is my “spiritual diet” leading me to good health – of holy thoughts and purity of heart?


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the Spiritual Dietician…
… exhorting the most important element that is to be part of the “spiritual diet” of everyone who follows Him – the Holy Eucharist – through the “Bread of Life” discourses.


After the feeding of the large multitude of people by the multiplication of the loaves, the people sought Jesus.
>> Jesus, knew their hearts longed not for Him, but for the bread-giver!
>> Jesus knew they were following not Him, but the food-provider!

So Jesus sought to put the matters in the right perspective and teaches them about the real food that they should be longing.


It is in this context that Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; He who comes to me shall not hunger and He who believes in me, shall never thirst” (Jn 6: 35)


Jesus declares Himself as the Bread of Life.
>> The Greek word that is used here for “bread” is “artos”.


This “artos”….
… refers to food composed of flour mixed with water, and baked.
… also refers to food of any kind or food in general.

As “bread” or “food” is essential for the physical life
… Jesus as “the bread of life” is required for the spiritual life!

Without bread, physical life would perish….
… Without Jesus, the bread, spiritual life would perish!


In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus offers this “Bread of Life” for us…
… to be our nourishment and strength
… to be our sustenance and energy
… to be our life and forte

What is our disposition and attitude towards Jesus, the “Bread of Life” in the Holy Eucharist?


History is a witness, that through centuries, there have been many saints, both men and women, who have lived for major chunks of their lives, just on the Holy Eucharist.
>> They would take no food or drink, but ONLY received the Holy Communion, everyday.


A few notable among these saints are…

…. St Catherine of Siena (in the 1350’s….. prior to her death, for seven years, she took no food into her body, except the Holy Eucharist)

… St Nicholas of Flue (lived in Switzerland as a hermit, in the 1400’s… for nearly 19 years, lived without any food, except the Holy Eucharist)

… Blessed Alexandrina da Costa of Portugal (of the 20th century… for the last thirteen years of her life, lived on the Holy Eucharist alone)


Our Lord himself explained to Blessed Alexandrina why He gives this grace to his some of His saints:
“You are to live by the Eucharist alone,” Jesus told her, “because I want to prove to the world the power of the Eucharist and the power of my life in souls.”


This greatest Treasure of Lives – the Holy Eucharist – the Bread of Life…
… eagerly longs for our reception
… keenly awaits for our adoration


As Pope Benedict XVI says,
“In the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord meets us, men and women created in God’s image and likeness, and becomes our companion along the way.
>> In this Sacrament, the Lord truly becomes food for us, to satisfy our hunger for truth and freedom.
Since only the truth can make us free, Christ becomes for us the food of truth.”


Shall we not renew our love and commitment to receiving the “Bread of Life” more frequently, more devoutly, more passionately and with greater preparedness?
>> Shall we not revive our affection and dedication to spend more time with the “Bread of Life” in the Blessed Sacrament…
… to gain strength, to atone for sins and to offer the world for its sanctification and healing?


St Francis de Sales (SFS) beautifully tells us:
“I often speak with my Teacher – Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament – because I can learn from Him.
>> Jesus is the Teacher of the Science of Holiness.
I go to Him because I would like to learn from Him, how to become a saint!”


Let the Holy Eucharist – the Bread of life – become…
… the essential, the integral and the most fundamental constituent of our “Spiritual Diet”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE
>> An error, “today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity…
… dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to.” (CCC # 1939)
————

“Living our lives in the grandeur of Jesus and His Everlasting Kingdom!”

(Based on Acts 6:8-15 and Jn 6:22-29 – Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter)

In a quiet village nestled amidst rolling hills, there was talk of a mysterious garden hidden deep in the forest.

Legends whispered that this garden held a secret so profound that it could grant anyone who found it boundless joy and fulfillment.

One brave soul, a young shepherd named Luca, decided to embark on a quest to find this elusive garden.

Armed with determination and a map passed down through generations…
… Luca set off into the unknown.

Days turned into weeks as Luca journeyed through dense forests, crossed roaring rivers, and climbed towering mountains.

Doubts crept into his mind, wondering if the garden was just a myth.

Just when he was about to give up…
… he stumbled upon a clearing bathed in golden sunlight.

In the center stood a magnificent tree with leaves that shimmered like emeralds.

Approaching the tree, Luca discovered a small wooden chest nestled among its roots. >> With trembling hands, he opened it and found a simple note inside.

“True happiness,” the note read, “is not a destination but a journey.

It is found in moments of kindness, love, and gratitude shared along the way.”

With newfound clarity, Luca realized that the real treasure was not the garden itself…
… but the lessons he learned and the experiences he gained during his quest.

How often we also lose our focus
… interested only in worldly pleasures…
… and rejecting offers for eternal treasures and heavenly happiness

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus inviting and exhorting them to seek for higher and heavenly longings in life…
“Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn 6: 27)

The people had witnessed Jesus’ great miracle of the multiplication of loaves.

Their hunger had been satisfied.
Their appetites had been gratified.
In Jesus, they found a person who was able to answer the bodily needs.

The people desired to crown Him as their King!

Is this not a trend in our society as well?

How often are the bread-givers and money-makers held in high esteem, even in our days…
… at the expense of people who are unable contribute much or do much work.

Think of the aged, the sick, the invalids in our own houses, communities and societies, who are unable to work or contribute anything materially…

How often do we neglect them!
How often do we put them down!
How often do we call them as useless!

We sometimes glorify people based only their work, their position and their activities…

The “being” of a person is often neglected
… only the “doing” of a person is exalted!

The “essence” of a person is often not given value
… only the “work” of a person is given credit!

But Jesus refrains from being a victim to this mentality of the society.

He refuses to be their “Bread-Boss!”
He rejects to being their “Materialistic-Messiah!”

And so when people, come to Him, Jesus recognizes their motive in seeking Him…
… and He chides them saying: “Amen, Amen, I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs but you ate the loaves and were filled.

Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn 6: 26-27)

The Lord seeks to lead the people to desire and long for the higher realities of life.

And this is the wish of the Lord for each one of us too, that we…
… be interested not only in worldly affairs; rather, we be more attracted to the heavenly realms
… be busy not only with gathering earthly satisfactions; but, we accept and embrace more of heavenly happiness

It is true that “to the hungry one, food and other material wants demand higher urgency”

But having said this…
… one must also be willing to accept, that beyond these material aspects, the human person has greater needs – on a spiritual sense – towards the transcendental realities!

What is needed therefore, is a proper prioritizing…

Does God and the Heavenly realities mean more to me, than earthly desires?
Does Jesus and His Virtues occupy primal position in my life, than the worldly values?

A true prioritizing and firm conviction alone can help us to be the true witnesses of Jesus, the Messiah.

Jesus is our model and example, Who, in His life, accorded the first and primal place to God and His Will.

The lives of the saints and the martyrs are also proof for this fact.

In the Acts of the Apostles, 6:8-15, we read of how St Stephen, the first Martyr of the Church, “was filled with grace and power, and could withstand any persecution”…
… because he had a made a choice for Jesus and His Kingdom, above all!

He rejected all worldly promises and desires that blocked his view of the Kingdom!

Let’s realise that “true happiness is not a destination but a journey.

It is found in moments of kindness, love, and gratitude shared along the way!”

Let us become people, who transcend and rise up higher…
… to live our lives in the grandeur of Jesus and His Everlasting Kingdom!

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

An error, “today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity…

… dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. (CCC # 1939)

*Growing in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord, and seeking to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives!”

(Based on Acts 3:13-15, 17-19, 1 Jn 2:1-5a and Lk 24:35-48 – 3rd Sunday of Easter)

It is said that an encounter with a mystery can cause one of the two reactions …

1. A fervent fear leading to veneration and devotion
2. A nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The encounter with a mystery is always something overwhelming:

It causes either a transformation for the good or a change to run away from the truth and reality.

Mysteries are indeed powerful and can be life-transforming!

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful dimension of the Apostles encountering the Mystery of the Resurrection, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lord, risen from the dead!

The Resurrection Day of the Lord was perhaps the most baffling, confusing and puzzling day in the lives of the Apostles…

Just a few days back, they had witnessed the horrifying and painful death of their Beloved Master.

In their weakness, and fearing for their life, they had abandoned their Master.

Yet, heart of heart, these disciples would have been tremendously affected, at the loss of the One who had brought new hopes and expectations to their lives.

But now, the strange and surprising reports of the tomb being empty and the Lord appearing to two on the way to Emmaus have confused the poor disciples.

It’s in this state of fear, confusion that Jesus comes in their midst and appears to them.

“But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost” ( Lk 24: 37)

The disciples were face to face with a Mystery – the mystery of Jesus Christ, Resurrected.

And every mystery can cause two reactions…
… a fervent fear leading to veneration and devotion
… or a nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The disciples were initially filled with a lot of fear and were startled deeply.

But as they slowly were in the presence of the Great Mystery, their hearts began to be filled with joy and holiness…

We are also witnesses to the Great Mystery of the Resurrection

What is our reaction?

Are we filled with fear and fail to live a life of true witnessing?
… Or are we filled with the calm and serenity that the Risen Lord promises?

There is a need to make an honest examination of our lives…

A. The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about joy and happiness

Do I radiate this joy to others…
… or do others only come across angry faces, irritated behaviour and unpleasant conduct in me?

B. The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about trust and confidence

Do I display this faith and belief…
… especially when we face many problems and crisis in life, to stand firm in hope?

C. The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about call to a new way of life…

Am I courageous to embrace this new way of life in the Risen Lord…
… and be willing to do away with my sinful habits and tendencies to fall away from God’s presence?

The Risen Lord is in our midst, as He was with the Apostles…
… Especially in His Most Holy Eucharist
… Especially in His Holy Word of God.

Let us not be afraid of this Mystery…

Let us not have an aversion towards it…
… rather, let us grow in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord…
… and seek to live it, more fully and more meaningfully 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 – THE HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

There exist also sinful inequalities that affect millions of men and women.

These are in open contradiction of the Gospel. (CCC # 1938)

“Being ready and open to be led by Jesus, the True Guide of our lives!”

(Based on Acts 6:1-7 and Jn 6:16-21 – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction.

It is used to find the right direction to get one to where one wants to go.

A compass helps to guide through unknown terrains.
A compass helps to direct well, without being lost.
A compass helps to keep right the focus.

A compass in life is a requirement in order to be constantly having the right target and aim.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, as a person, in perfect control of His life; as a result of being in union with His Father – the Compass of His life..
… and He, becomes the Compass in the life of His disciples – to guide and direct them to safety!

The Gospel is the incident of Jesus walking on the waters, as the disciples travel in the boat, caught up in the midst of a strong sea wind.

This incident follows the “miraculous” event of the multiplication of five loaves and two fish, to feed a “massive” number of people. (Jn 6: 1-15)

The people were greatly amazed and excited about this “super-miracle”.

This is evident in their words, “This is truly the Prophet, the One Who is to come into the world” (Jn 6: 14)

The people had seen an astonishing miracle.

The people had witnessed Someone who was able to provide them food.
The people had experienced Someone who could provide them security and strength.

But Jesus realized that all such excitement and exhilaration, would lead the people to make Him a King…

He knew that they would….
… be stuck to only material satisfaction and physical contentment
… not understand the heavenly and transcendental meaning of the miracle

And so Jesus withdrew to the mountain (Jn 6:15) to be with His Heavenly Father, alone.

His Beloved Father was the “Compass” of His life – the One who led Him….
… to guide through unknown terrains
… to direct well, without being lost
… to keep right the focus.

United with His Father, Jesus reaches out as a “Compass” to His struggling disciples…

They were being tossed up by the mighty waves and their boats were lashed by the mighty winds. (Jn 6:18)

But Jesus enters this “chaotic” scene….and ensures His peace and calm.

The disciples were lost
They had missed sight of their direction
They were disoriented in their focus and sight

Fear had seized them
Anxiety was drowning them.

But the Lord, the “Compass” of Life restores back their calm and focus and direction.

Nothing is lost, when we have the Lord as the compass of our lives.
Nothing will be drowned, if we hold on to Jesus, as the compass of our lives.

The disciples realized this…
… and they experienced the calming effect in their lives.

Are we also ready to have God as the “Compass” of our lives?

In prayer… In faithfulness.. In trust…
… let us be ready and open to be led by the True Guide of 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 – THE HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

I have given many gifts and graces, both spiritual and temporal, with such diversity that I have not given everything to one single person…
… so that you may be constrained to practice charity towards one another

I have willed that one should need another and that all should be my ministers in distributing the graces and gifts they have received from me. (CCC # 1937)

“Moving from ‘murmuring moments to experiencing multiplying miracles!'”

(Based on Acts 5:34-42 and Jn 6:1-15- Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

An elderly priest was addressing a group of young couples.

In his sermon, he remarked: “Remember that ‘life is about moving from murmuring to multiplying!’

Move from murmuring about your grudges, to multiplying your gratitude!
Move from murmuring about your insufficiencies, to multiplying your interconnectededness!
Move from murmuring hateful complaints, to multiplying healthy communication with each other!”

Can we make our life a ‘movement from murmuring moments to experiencing multiplying miracles?”

The Gospel of the Day is the remarkable miracle of multiplication…
… as the Lord leads his disciples and people from the “tempting world of murmuring to the transformative life of multiplication!”

The feeding of the people, by the mighty deed of multiplication of the loaves, in the only miracle…
… besides the miracle of the Resurrection of Jesus
… that finds a mention in all the four Gospels.

And each of the Gospels also have something unique to speak of this incident:

Mt 14: 13-21: mentions about five thousand men being fed, “without counting women and children”
Mk 6: 31-4: mentions of making the people to be seated in “groups and clusters of hundreds and fifties”
Lk 9: 10-17: also mentions of five thousand men and being seated in clusters of fifty and also mentions Jesus, “looking up to the heavens”.
Jn 6: 5-15: mentions of a “little boy”, who is the provider of the five loaves and two fish and also that “the Lord gave thanks for it”, before distributing it to the people.

The Gospel of the Day presents this account of the multiplication from the eyes of St John, the Evangelist.

Since this miracle finds its parallel with the Resurrection, as the only one mentioned in all the four Gospels, we could highlight some of the outstanding features of this “massive” miracle

A. The multiplication of the loaves fed a massive crowd.

Five thousand men could mean, that including women and children, it would have easily exceeded probably over twenty thousand people!

This easily was the miracle that Jesus performed with the greatest number of witnesses and participants.

B. The multiplication of the loaves was a unique miracle

There are other miracles of Jesus, mentioned in the Bible, which could fall in the following categories…

Miracles of healing: Curing of many sicknesses and diseases
Miracles over nature: Powerful control over the forces of nature
Miracles of exorcism: Casting out demons and liberating people from them
Miracles of transformation: Transforming an object to something else or even of people
Miracles of restoration: Restoring people to their original state of life and good condition

But the miracle of the “multiplication” is unique and special

C. This miracle of the multiplication also reveals some of the finest qualities of Jesus, the Messiah

1. His sensitivity to the needs of the people

While the disciples were just eager to send the crowd away, Jesus reaches out to them in compassion and love.

2. His ability to effect changes in the mindset and thinking-pattern

The disciples could see no way, in that desert to feed the gigantic crowd. They had only question marks before them.

But Jesus, sheds new light on their minds and helps them find a solution, even in the seemingly impossible situation

3. His perfect control in a situation of panic

Though there would have been panic in the minds of the disciples, Jesus impresses upon them the fact, that He is in total charge and in complete control.

As the Lord and Creator, He knows exactly what is to be done in the moment of crisis and calamity.

4. His attitude of raising His heart in thanksgiving at every situation

We read that before the actual multiplication happened, Jesus “took the loaves, and gave thanks…” (Jn 6: 11)

It’s amazing to imagine that situation:
… Thousands and thousands of people, eagerly waiting, hungry and exhausted….
… Having just Five Loaves and the Two Fish – which was scarcely able to meet the hunger of a couple of people…
… Jesus still raises His Heart in thanksgiving and gratitude!

It is tremendous faith that allows a person to raise one’s mind in gratitude, even in the midst of utter poverty, deep need and barren nothingness!

5. His consciousness to gather the remaining pieces, after the miracle

The Lord, “Who came save and seek the lost” is also highly mindful of gathering up the remaining broken pieces of the loaves.

The disciples get trained to become aware of “what is often considered as wasteful” can also become resourceful!

The disciples are reminded that even things that are usually “discarded” and regarded as being “unwanted and useless,” can become sources of strength and nourishment!

Let us reflect on the following:

Am I able…

(1) To be sensitive and responsive to the needs and desires of those around me?

(2) To see the brighter side of life, with the Grace and strength from God, and rub the fragrance of this positivity onto others in my life?

(3) To rise above the situations of panic and disturbances, and be calm, knowing that I have a God, who is ultimately in total and perfect control of every situation of turmoil?

(4) To lift up my heart to the Lord, in thanksgiving, at every moment and situation of life, even when the chips are down or when I pass through the dark tunnels and the despairing valleys of life?

(5) To be aware of the “unwanted” talents in me, the “excess” people of the society and the “discarded” peripherals of the world, and seek to make the best use of them and collect them to be part of the mainframe scene?

Let us allow the Lord to lead us…
… from the “tempting world of murmuring to the transformative life of multiplication!”

May we move from “murmuring moments to experiencing multiplying miracles!”

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

I distribute the virtues quite diversely
I do not give all of them to each person, but some to one, some to others

I shall give principally charity to one; justice to another; humility to this one, a living faith to that one. (CCC # 1937)

“Reviving our hearts to firmly install the Lord as the Alpha and the Omega of all our activities and our life!

(Based on Acts 5:27-33 and Jn 3:31-36 – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

A few days back we celebrated the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Vigil is called as the mother of all vigils.

In the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, a Paschal Candle is prepared.

The priest marks the candle, in the shape of the Cross, Alpha and Omega – the first and the last Greek letters and the present Year, 2024

He uses the following words:
… Christ yesterday and today (on the vertical arm of the cross)
… the Beginning and the End (horizontal arm of the cross)
… the Alpha (alpha above the cross)
… and the Omega (omega below the cross)
… All time belongs to him (numeral 2 in upper left corner of cross)
… and all the ages (numeral 0 in upper right corner of cross)
… To him be glory and power (numeral 2 in lower left corner)
… through every age and for ever. Amen (numeral 4 in lower right corner)

These words declare the Supreme authority and Heavenly glory of Jesus, the Son of God.

However, it can happen so, that at times, in our life…
… such fundamental factors of faith are taken for granted…
… such basic truths of our spiritual life are presumed as known…

Therefore, it is sometimes good take a pause in our spiritual life, and ask ourselves, this fundamental question,

”Am I really trusting and believing in Jesus, as the True Son of God, the One who is all-powerful and Holy?”
“Is my faith and spirituality truly built on the great foundation, that the Lord is the ultimate beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega) of everything?”

The Gospel of the day is an invitation to make this examination of the basics of our faith and spirituality and to renew our belief and trust in the Lord.

The Gospel passage begins with the verse, “The One who comes from heaven is above all” (Jn 3: 31)

This verse refers to the Divine origin of the Lord.

At the Annunciation, Angel Gabriel had announced to Mother Mary that Her child “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1: 32)

This Divinity of the Lord was affirmed by Him through the various works of wonders and great deeds…
… of healing many in afflictions and sicknesses
… of accepting many of the rejected and unwanted
… of strengthening many of the oppressed and the abused
… of preaching many on the need for repentance and striving to enter the Kingdom

His personality shone with Divinity!
His character radiated with Holiness!

He sought to become the Way-revealer, the Truth-instiller and the Life-giver.

He is the One “Whom the Father loves” and “to Whom the Father has given everything” (Jn 3:35)

Have we given our lives entirely to Him, who is above all things?
Have we entrusted ourselves entirely to Him, who has been entrusted everything by the Father?

At the Holy Mass, one of the most beautiful prayers is called as the “Doxology”.

In this, we render all the praise to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit.

“Through Him, With Him, In Him…. O God Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is Yours, forever and ever, Amen!”

It would be good, to make this prayer of the Doxology, our own, in our works and activities.

This could be a conscious way of acknowledging the Divinity of the Lord in all our activities.
This could be a meaningful way of saying that the Lord reigns in all our works and deeds.

Let us revive our hearts to firmly install the Lord as the True Alpha (the beginning) and the True Omega (the end) of all our activities…
… and our life itself!

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

Differences encourage and often oblige persons to practice generosity, kindness, and sharing of goods…

… they foster the mutual enrichment of cultures. (CCC # 1937)

“Experiencing the depth of God’s Love revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus, on the Cross!”

(Based on Acts 5:17-26 and Jn 3:16-21 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

In a particular place, in the medieval ages, there lived a certain monk.

This monk, once, announced that he would be preaching next Sunday evening on “The Love of God.”

It was Sunday evening…

The sun began to set…

As the shadows fell and the light slowly ceased to come in, throughthe glass-stained windows of that marvellous Church, the congregation gathered, were eagerly waiting…

Their eyes were fixed on the monk who was to preach to them….

In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix.

First of all, with the candle, he illumined the crown of thorns on the Crucifix..
Then, the two wounded hands…
Then the marks of the spear wound on His side…
Then, in the hush and silence that fell, the monk blew out the candle and left the Church.

There was nothing else to say!

A beautiful sermon on the “Love of God” had been preached!

The sacrifice of Jesus, on the Cross, reveals the depth of God’s Love

The price that Jesus paid on the Cross, demonstrates the intensity of God’s Love.

It is this love of God that Jesus spells out, when He says to Nicodemus, in today’s Gospel:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but may have eternal life…” (Jn 3:16)

This verse, John 3:16 has some of the most unique credits….
… it is perhaps one of the most favourite verses of the entire Bible
… it is perhaps one of the most known verses of the entire Bible

In seven phrases, this verse, reveals the gist and the core of the entire Good News…
… For God: The Great Lord and the Creator of the entire universe
… so loved the world: The Great Purpose of God
… that He gave His only Son: The Great Sacrifice
… that whoever: The Great Open Invitation
… believes in Him: The Great Condition
… should not perish: The Great Desire
… but may have eternal life: The Great Promise

Jesus was teaching Nicodemus that the heart of God’s love would be revealed in the sacrifice and death of His Beloved Son, on the Cross.

The Cross is not for condemnation…
The Cross is not for judgement…
The Cross is for salvation
The Cross is for hope!

To the one who believes and trusts in this power of the Cross, there is hope and salvation.

To the one who rejects and refuses this power of the Cross, judgement and condemnation is self-inflicted and self-imposed.

God doesn’t want to condemn…
… He only wants to redeem.
God doesn’t desire to judge…
… He only wants to save.

The Cross of the Lord invites us today…
… to be faithful to the salvation won by the Lord, always
… to seek the grace to live a life in the light, always
… to make efforts to walk the path of truth, always

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

The differences in talents, belong to God’s plan, who wills that each receive what he needs from others…

… and that those endowed with particular “talents” share the benefits with those who need them. (CCC # 1937)

“‘Updating’ our lives with the love and power of the Holy Spirit'”

(Based on Acts 4:32-37 and Jn 3:7b-15 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

This beautiful message on prayer, was written in bold large letters, in front of the arch leading to a famous Shrine:
“When you pray, remember:
1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it!”


Yes… prayer is acknowledging the Love, the Wisdom and the Power of God…
… which will always want the best for us,
… know what’s best for us
… and accomplish what’s best for us!


Do we realise that ‘God’s Way is always the best way?’
… or is my life failing “to be in compatibility” with the Ways of God?


When we are not in proper terms with God, we fail to understand many of His plans for us.

And that is why the Lord tells in today’s Gospel, “If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” (Jn 3: 12)


The conversation between Nicodemus, in the darkness of the night and Jesus, the Light of the world continues…

The Lord speaks of the need “to be born anew” and of how the movement of the Spirit cannot be judged, but its effects can be perceived and felt (Jn 3:7)


But Nicodemus fails to understand these words of the Lord…

In his ignorance and unawareness, he puts forward a genuine doubt, “How can this be?” (Jn 3:9)


Nicodemus was unable to grasp the meaning of the words of the Lord.
>> He looked lost.

His thoughts were not “compatible”  with the thoughts of the Lord.
>> And so Jesus says that one would fail to understand heavenly things, if one fails to even understand the earthly things.


How often is our life also, not “compatible” with the requirements of Jesus, and His Gospel!

>> Our thought-pattern often fails to be “compatible” with the teachings of the Church….

>> Our relationship with others, often fails to be “compatible” with the command of love of all…

>> Our personal following of Jesus, often fails to be “compatible” with our dual mind of seeking also the pleasures of this world….


We need to realise that ‘God’s Way is always the best way!’

We need to deepen our prayer life and our bonding with the Lord.
>> This will help us to acknowledge the Love, the Wisdom and the Power of God…
… which always wants the best for us,
… which knows what’s best for us
… and which accomplishes what’s best for us!


Let us “update” our lives with the love and power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us move from a state of “How can this be?” to a state of “Indeed, it is so!” with the power of the Holy Spirit.
>> Let us thirst for Him.
>> Let us long for Him.


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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE
>> On coming into the world, man is not equipped with everything he needs for developing his bodily and spiritual life.
>> He needs others.
>> Differences appear tied to age, physical abilities, intellectual or moral aptitudes, the benefits derived from social commerce, and the distribution of wealth.
>> The “talents” are not distributed equally. (CCC # 1936)
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“Allowing our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary with St Joseph, to enter into the ‘train of our life’ and to have a journey of ‘joy and mirth!'”

(Based on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord)

This simple and beautiful little story is told about a long, tedious train journey, made by some elderly residents of a nursing home who were on their way to a vacation spot.

At one station, a young mother with a small child entered the train.

The child smiled at all the grim faces around him and began moving from one lap to another…
… talking, shouting with joy and chatting with everyone.

Instantly, the grim and silent atmosphere in the train was changed to one of joy and happiness.

Today is the celebration of the day when our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary entered into the “train of human life” to begin a journey of “joy and mirth!”

On this Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we remember with joy and gratitude how Mary said: “Yes to the Divine Plan”….
… to pave the way for Her Divine Son Jesus to transform a hopeless, joyless and sinful world into a place of joy and happiness!

This Announcement of the Good News of the beginning of salvation history, with the encounter of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Angel Gabriel…
… is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.

Mother Mary, at the Annunciation, teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience

Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.

When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience:
“Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.

2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”

One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”

In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…
… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her
… even when unforeseen difficulties encountered Her during the birth of Jesus
… even when she encountered many situations which She did not understand
… even when life surrounded her with agonising moments and heartbreaking instances

The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life

This act of being “faithful forever” resulted from the constant choices that She made to always listen and obey God’s Will.

3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God

When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God

She didn’t hold back anything
She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.

4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as a result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.

When in the womb…
… Her sole attention was on Jesus
While in the manger…
… Her whole care was for Jesus
While in His ministry…
… Her thoughts were centred on Him
While on the Cross…
… Her entire self rested on Him

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives get enshrined in Grace and Holiness

5. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)

The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leapt, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)

In the NT, John, the babe, leapt and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)

The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!

As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour…
… which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One, She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!

(The last book of the Bible testifies to this greatness of the “Ark of the Covenant…
… now present in the temple of God, in heaven – “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple..” [Rev 11:19])

Let us embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…
… and be led to love the Lord more!

The Feast of the Annunciation is an invitation for us:

To grow deeper into embracing the Will of God in our lives.
To give consent to the inspirations of the Lord that come constantly to us.
To be open to march forward in faith and hope, in our life of faith in the Lord.

The Lord is wishing to find a place in a willing heart, even today…

Just as Mary, our Loving Mother, who said Yes to the Will of the Lord, let us also say Yes to God’s Will…
… and allow our Blessed Lord and Mamma Mary with St Joseph, to enter into the “train of our life” and to have a journey of “joy and mirth!”

Happy Feast of the Annunciation.

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 HUMAN COMMUNITY – SOCIAL JUSTICE

Every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights…
… on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion

… must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design. (CCC # 1935)