Author: Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love, and be faithful…to our Catholic Faith!

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11 THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR: A SOURCE OF FAITH AND UNITY

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR is a sacred Catholic practice that organizes the Church’s worship and commemorates key events in the life of Christ, providing a framework for spiritual growth and communal unity.

It invites believers to participate actively in the mysteries of salvation throughout the liturgical year.

Pope Francis tells us, “the Liturgical Calendar is a catechetical tool par excellence. It teaches us to live in communion with the Church, to contemplate Jesus, and to follow him.”

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Biblical Roots: Rooted in Biblical events, the Liturgical Calendar reflects the divine plan of salvation, beginning with Advent as a preparation for the birth of Christ and culminating in the celebration of Christ the King.

💡 Apostolic Tradition: The early Christians, inspired by the Holy Apostles, developed the Liturgical Calendar to guide the rhythm of worship, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church.

💡 Development of Liturgical Seasons: The Liturgical Calendar has evolved with distinct liturgical seasons, fostering a deepened understanding of the mysteries of faith.

In the Church, there are six Liturgical seasons:

  1. Advent: Prepares hearts for God’s ‘incarnational’ presence in our lives.
  2. Christmas: Celebrates God’s intervention and deepens our understanding of Emmanuel—God with us.
  3. Lent: Focuses on repentance and confronting the reality of sin, and the Mercy of God
  4. Holy Triduum: Centres on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Blessed Lord.
  5. Easter: Highlights God’s mighty power through Resurrection and the promise of new life with the coming of the Holy Spirit
  6. Ordinary Time: Encourages reflection on Jesus’ daily life and teachings for practical insights.

💡 Feast Days and Solemnities: The inclusion of feast days and solemnities, honouring saints and significant events, enriches the spiritual journey, fostering devotion and unity among believers.

💡 Second Vatican Council: The Council affirmed the significance of the Liturgical Calendar, encouraging active participation in the Liturgy as a means of encountering the living Christ.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & TEACHINGS

🔶 St. Augustine: “The Church celebrates the mystery of its Lord throughout the course of the year. This mystery embraces the birth, the Passion, the Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.”

🔶 St. Thomas Aquinas: “The celebration of feasts is a profession of the Christian faith, which teaches the great mysteries of Christ.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Faith Formation: The Liturgical Calendar serves as a structured curriculum for the faithful, guiding them through the essential doctrines and mysteries of the Christian faith.

🔷 Communal Unity: By following the Liturgical Calendar, the Church collectively enters into the sacred mysteries…
… fostering a sense of unity and shared spiritual journey among believers worldwide.

🔷 Living the Gospel: Each Liturgical season invites believers to immerse themselves in the Gospel message, providing opportunities for personal and communal conversion.

🔷 Mystical Participation: The Liturgical Calendar allows believers to mystically participate in the redemptive events of Christ’s life, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

🔷 Sacramental Grace: Liturgical seasons and celebrations are accompanied by specific graces, enriching the sacramental life of the Church and aiding in the sanctification of the faithful.

🔷 Lectionary: The Church’s Liturgical Calendar includes a Lectionary – a curated selection of Scripture readings for each liturgical season and occasion.

The Sunday readings are arranged into 3 Cycles: Cycle A (with most readings taken from St Mathew), Cycle B (with most readings taken from St Mark) and Cycle C (with most readings taken from St Luke). The Easter Season primarily has readings from St John.
The weekday readings are classified as Year 1 (for odd years: Eg 2023, 2025) and Year 2 (for even years: Eg 2024, 2026)

This arrangement ensures that as a People of God, we complete reading the entire Bible (major portions) over a three year period.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Active Participation: Actively engage in liturgical celebrations and follow the Liturgical Calendar to deepen your understanding of the faith.

💠 Educate and Share: Educate fellow Catholics about the spiritual richness of the Liturgical Calendar, emphasizing its role in nurturing faith and unity.

💠 Liturgical Devotions: Incorporate Liturgical devotions into your personal prayer life, aligning your spiritual journey with the rhythms of the Church.

💠 Celebrate Feast Days: Embrace the celebration of feast days and solemnities, recognizing them as opportunities for joy, devotion, and communal worship.

💠 Seasonal Reflection: Use each Liturgical season as a time for spiritual reflection, allowing the themes of the season to guide your personal and communal prayer.

May The Liturgical Calendar be a source of spiritual nourishment and communal unity, guiding us to live the Catholic faith with deeper conviction and commitment.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

✝️💜 REFLECTION CAPSULE – Mar 02, 2024: Saturday

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“Staying true and good, in faithfulness and obedience!”

(Based on Mic 7:14-15, 18-20 and Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A group of teenagers were enjoying a party…
… and someone suggested that they go to a certain restaurant-cum-bar for a “more enjoyable” time.

“I’d rather go home,” said Jeffrey, to his friends, “My parents don’t approve of that place.”

“Haha! Are you afraid your father will hurt you?” one of the girls said sarcastically to him.

“No,” Jeffrey replied, “I’m afraid I might hurt my Father.”

The young boy understood the true meaning of staying true and good…
… not because of fear of punishment
… rather, for fear of hurting the one who loves you!

When you love someone, you remain true to the person…
… in faithfulness and obedience
… in sincerity and respect

The Gospel of the Day – the Parable of the Prodigal Son – is the beautiful exposition of the “lost son” realising the true meaning of Love…
… as He experienced the Unconditionally True Love of the Heavenly Father!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is surely one of the most popular, the most loved and the most touching parables of Jesus.

This parable has three main characters and we could view any of them as playing the main role in the story:

  1. The Prodigal Son

He went away from the love of his father

Inheritance was given to children only after the death of the father

In asking the inheritance, therefore, alluded to the fact that the Prodigal son considered his father to be dead!

But having spent his life in useless living, he realised the emptiness and vacuum that filled his heart.

And so he decided to turn back.. and go to his father

  1. The Elder Son

He remained the faithful “servant” of the house

But when he saw, that his brother – who had wasted away the inheritance, was received with so much warmth, his temper rose!

He couldn’t digest the fact that his brother who lived a “wasted life” was honoured….
… whereas he was never given the chance to “enjoy with his friends”

The context of the parable is Jesus speaking to the “Pharisees and scribes” who were “complaining that Jesus always accepted sinners” (Lk 15: 1-2)

In this context, the character of the Elder Son portrayed the attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes.

But beyond these two characters towers high the Image of the Father – the Father who loved and accepted his lost son!

He suffered a deep pain when his younger son went away
He underwent immense pain waiting for the son to come back
He went through moments of dilemma when his elder son was opposing the welcome of the younger one

Yet through all this, the Character of the Father towers high!

He is the Father of Mercies – Who accepts all, just as they are
He is the Father of Love – Who loves everyone, unconditionally
He is the Father of Compassion – Who receives all to His loving embrace

In our life, often as children – like the Prodigal Son – we go away.

We try to do something good…
… but our life turns into a mess!

Our student life gets messed up with lack of commitment and failures
Our marriage hits the rocks with misunderstandings and lack of acceptance
Our family life gets into a crisis with lack of unity and peace of mind

We feel our life is all in a mess…

We find ourselves lost, frustrated and upset!

But in all such situations, we need to look up…
… and see how the Loving Father is waiting to embrace us…. And love us!

Yes, the Merciful Father is waiting for each one of us…
… Whatever be the mess, that my life may be in!

Let us run into His embrace of Love… with a sincere repentance and contrition of heart…

And pledge to live for Him, and with Him…
… forever!

Let us stay true and good…
… not because of fear of punishment
… rather, for fear of hurting the One Who loves us the most!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

“It is preferable that each power be balanced by other powers and by other spheres of responsibility which keep it within proper bounds.

This is the principle of the ‘rule of law,’ in which the law is sovereign and not the arbitrary will of men.” (CCC # 1904)

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful…to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

10 DEVOTION AND PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

DEVOTION AND PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED is a sacred Catholic practice involving prayers and supplications for the souls of the deceased.

It encourages believers to recognize the importance of praying for those who have passed away, seeking God’s mercy and grace for them.

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Scriptural Foundation: Grounded in the Scriptural understanding of the importance of prayers for the dead, found in passages like 2 Maccabees 12:46: “Therefore, [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.”

This underscores the Christian responsibility to pray for the souls of the departed.

When a person dies, his/her existence ceases only in our sight.

They still continue to live in God’s sight.
The dead are not dead for God.
This is what Jesus says in Luke 20:38, “…he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him, all are alive”
Therefore, it is logical and reasonable that we pray for the faithful departed.

💡 Early Christian Witness: Early Christians, following the example of the Apostles, _engaged in prayers for the departed,& recognizing the Church as a living body that extends beyond physical death.

💡 Development of Liturgies: The establishment of liturgical practices, including requiem Masses and annual commemorations of the faithful departed, reflects the Church’s commitment to praying for the souls in purgatory.

💡 Teachings of the Church Fathers: Church Fathers such as St. Augustine affirmed the practice of offering prayers for the dead, emphasizing the transformative power of intercessory prayers.

💡 Second Vatican Council: The Council reiterated the importance of prayers for the dead, emphasizing the Church’s understanding of purgatory and the purification process after death.

📜 LEARN FROM THE TEACHINGS

St. John Chrysostom: “Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation?”

St. Ambrose: “We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord.”

St. Catherine of Genoa: “I believe no happiness can be found worthy to be compared with that of a soul in Purgatory except that of the saints in Paradise.”

St. Padre Pio: “It is a duty of every man to render to the departed, as far as possible, the same service as he would wish to be done to himself.”

St. Faustina Kowalska: “Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Purgatorial Process: The practice underscores the belief in purgatory, a state of purification for souls destined for heaven, emphasizing the Church’s responsibility to aid them through prayers.

Praying for the departed reflects Christian charity and a commitment to the well-being of the entire Body of Christ.

🔷 God’s Mercy: Devotion and prayers for the departed acknowledge God’s infinite mercy, trusting in His compassion to grant solace and ultimate union with Him to the souls in purgatory.

This practice highlights the transformative nature of divine mercy and the hopeful journey towards eternal communion with God.

🔷 Intercession for the Departed: Believers become intercessors for the souls in purgatory, petitioning God on behalf of those who cannot pray for themselves.

This reflects the communal nature of prayer and the interconnectedness of the Church, both on earth and beyond (the Communion of Saints)

🔷 Continued Communion: The practice reinforces the concept of the Communion of Saints, illustrating that our relationship with fellow believers transcends death, and our prayers can still impact their spiritual journey.

It fosters a sense of solidarity, compassion, and hope within the Christian community.

🔷 Final Rest in God: Through prayers for the departed, believers express a longing for the souls to find eternal rest in God, acknowledging the ultimate destination of every faithful soul.

This practice aligns with the Christian understanding of death not as an end but as a transition to eternal life in God’s presence.

🔷 Reminder to live in hope and faith: Death is frightening for the faithless, but for the faithful, it is the doorway to the Fountain of Faith!

Death is a reality. Sometimes, in such situations, silence is the only answer that we can provide. But this silence ought to be a silence of hope, a silence of trust and a silence of faith.
When we have an unshakable hope and strong faith in God, the anguish of death subsides

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Offering Mass for the Departed: Participate in or request Masses dedicated to the souls in purgatory, recognizing the efficacy of the Eucharist in aiding the departed on their journey.

We are also reminded about offering the “Gregorian Mass” – an ancient tradition of offering thirty consecutive Masses said in thirty days for the soul of a deceased person, to release the from the pains of Purgatory

💠 Personal Prayers: Incorporate prayers for the departed into personal devotions, asking God’s mercy and grace for specific individuals or souls in general.

💠 Annual Remembrances: Observe annual commemorations like All Souls’ Day where the Church collectively prays for the faithful departed or Death Anniversaries, fostering a sense of community in remembering loved ones.

💠 Acts of Charity: Engage in acts of charity and kindness in memory of the departed, recognizing that such acts can be offered for the benefit of their souls.

💠 Educate Others: Share the scriptural and theological foundations of praying for the departed with fellow Catholics and offer explanations to those who may not be familiar with the practice.

May Devotion and Prayers for the Departed be a compassionate and hopeful journey, affirming the Christian commitment to the well-being of souls beyond this earthly life.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

✝️💜 REFLECTION CAPSULE – Mar 01, 2024: Friday

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

“Making Jesus as the ‘cornerstone’ of our life and faith, and being responsible stewards for the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Gen 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a and Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A patient in a hospital – lying on the bed – accidentally knocked over a cup of water, kept on the side-table…
… which spilled on the floor, beside the bed.

The patient was afraid he might slip on the water if he got out of the bed, so he asked a nurse’s aide to mop it up.

The patient however, didn’t know it; but the hospital policy said that…
… small spills were the responsibility of the nurse’s aides
… while large spills were to be mopped up by the hospital’s housekeeping group.

The nurse’s aide decided the spill was a large one…
… and she called the housekeeping department.

A housekeeper arrived and declared the spill to be a small one.

An argument followed.
“It’s not my responsibility,” said the nurse’s aide, “because it’s a large puddle.” >> The housekeeper did not agree. “Well, it’s not mine,” she said, “the spill of water is too small.”

The exasperated patient listened for a while, wondering at this “futile game of passing the responsibility of who mops the spilled water'”….
… then took a pitcher of water from his night table
… and poured the whole thing on the floor, as he retorted: “Is that big enough now, for you two to decide?”

It was…
… and that was the end of the argument!

Very often, we tend to ‘close our minds and block our hearts’ and stay away from doing our responsibilities…
… citing excuses and claims which favour our personal agenda.

Am I also engaged in the “futile game of passing the responsibility?”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus confronting closed minds and blocked hearts, in recognizing Him as the Messiah and Saviour…
… with an invitation to “take up responsibilities in life!”

Jesus puts forward the parable of the tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.

They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

The Master places a lot of trust in the servants.

He gives freedom – a responsible freedom
… which could be meaningfully used and nurtured
… or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely, probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.

Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.

This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!

A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!
A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!
A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…
… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mt 21:42)

In ancient practices of building, the cornerstone was the principal stone.

It was placed at the corner of the edifice or the building.

The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the whole building structure.

A cornerstone gives direction to the rest of the foundation.
It is also the support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability.

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation… of the Church… of His People!

Conversely, Jesus can also be “a stumbling block”

As it is written in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense; and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”

To those who believe, Jesus is the cornerstone of their faith and their life.

To those who do not believe, Jesus is the stumbling block in their faith!

Who is Jesus in our life?

The cornerstone? or a stumbling block?

The cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness…
… or a stumbling block which causes us to take pride in our own merits, and not depend on Him?

The cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life…
… or a stumbling block which makes us uncertain, hesitant and cause a collapse in life?

As we enter into the new month of March, we are called to take up responsibilities in our life…
… to stop the tendency to ‘close our minds and block our hearts’
… and citing excuses and claims which favour our personal agenda.

Let us make Jesus the “cornerstone” of our life and faith…
… and be responsible stewards for the Kingdom of God!

Live Jesus! God Bless!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned…
… and if it employs morally licit means to attain it.
If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order…
… such arrangements would not be binding in conscience.

In such a case, “authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse.” (CCC # 1903)

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful…to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

09 DEVOTION AND PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

DEVOTION AND PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS is a profound Catholic practice involving veneration, prayers, and seeking intercession from the saints.

It encourages the faithful to recognize the Communion of Saints, where those who have gone before us in faith continue to intercede for the living on earth

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Scriptural Foundation: Rooted in the Scriptural understanding of the Church as a communion of saints, found in passages like Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…”

This underscores the beautiful bond between the Church on earth and the saints in heaven.

💡 Early Christian Witness: From the early days of Christianity, there is evidence of believers seeking the intercession of martyrs and confessors, understanding them as powerful advocates before God.

💡 Development of Feasts: The celebration of feasts dedicated to specific Saints began in the early Church, fostering devotion and inspiring the faithful to follow their examples.

💡 Teachings of the Church Fathers: Church Fathers like St. Augustine and St. Jerome affirmed the practice of invoking the intercession of Saints as a sign of unity in the Body of Christ.

💡 Second Vatican Council: The Council reaffirmed the importance of devotion to the Saints, emphasizing that they share in the holiness of Christ and can be invoked for their intercession.

📜 LEARN FROM THE SAINTS

🔶 St. Francis de Sales: “Have patience with all things but, first of all with yourself.”

🔶 St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

🔶 St. Augustine: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

🔶 St. Thomas Aquinas: “To love God is something greater than to know Him.”

🔶 St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Little Flower): “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

🔶 St. Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.”

🔶 Pope St. John Paul II: “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Communion of Saints: The practice emphasizes the unity between the Church on earth (Church Militant), in purgatory (Church Suffering), and in heaven (Church Triumphant), recognizing the unity and relationship of the entire Body of Christ.

The “Communion of Saints” teaches that believers, whether in heaven, on earth, or in purgatory, are united in Christ and are called to support each other through their prayers.

🔷 Inspiration and Intercession: Devotion to the saints serves as a source of inspiration, learning from their virtues, and seeking their intercession in times of need.

Reading the life and learning from the saints becomes a way to understand the practical application of Christian virtues.

🔷 Models of Holiness: The saints, as models of holiness, showcase the transformative power of God’s Grace and inspire believers to strive for sanctity in their own lives.

These extraordinary examples demonstrate that holiness is achievable for ordinary people.

🔷 Intercessors in Heaven: Believers turn to the saints, asking for their prayers and intercession, trusting in their closeness to God and their intercession to present petitions before Him.

This practice reflects the Church’s belief in the “intercessory power” of the saints.

🔷 Universal Church: Devotion to the saints fosters a sense of unity within the universal Church, transcending time and space as believers invoke the intercession of saints from various eras and places.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Prayer to Patron Saints: Identify patron saints associated with various aspects of life, seeking their intercession in specific circumstances or challenges.

💠 Learning from Saints: Explore the lives and writings of saints, discovering their unique journeys of faith, and drawing inspiration for one’s spiritual growth.

Recognize that saints were ordinary people who responded to God’s Grace in extraordinary ways.

💠 Liturgical Feasts: Participate in Liturgical celebrations of saints’ feasts, deepening the connection with the Communion of Saints within the Church’s liturgical calendar.

Celebrate these Feasts at home/communities, just like we do at Christmas or Easter.

💠 Family Saints: Encourage families to have patron saints, fostering an environment where children learn about and seek the intercession of their heavenly companions.

May Devotion and Prayers to the Saints be a path of inspiration, intercession, and unity within the rich Communion of Saints, as we respond to the call of the Lord “to be holy and to be a Saint!”

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India
reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

“What we need to contemplate is the totality of their life, their entire journey of growth in holiness, the reflection of Jesus Christ that emerges when we grasp their overall meaning as a person.”

– Pope Francis

✝️💜 REFLECTION CAPSULE – Feb 29, 2024: Thursday

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

“‘Leaping into a life’ marked not by the accumulation of wealth, but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!”

(Based on Jer 17:5-10 and Lk 16:19-31 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A London newspaper offered a prize for the best definition of money.

It was awarded to a man whose definition was:
“Money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”

Money sometimes clouds our minds so much…
… that we overestimate and overrate its power and influence

And thus we tend to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”

We need to examine our lives:

Does the pursuit for money and wealth, hinder me from reaching out to the needy, even though I am able?
Has self-centredness become a way of life for me?
Am I a person who misses out on doing the good we can?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful message to look deeper into these aspects of our life…
… and seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

The parable of the rich man “who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day,”…
… and of Lazarus, “full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Cf. Lk 16:19-21)
… is a remarkable story that challenges us to get out of our “zones of comfort and indifference!”

The ways of the world constantly allure us…

  1. To be “clothed in purple and fine linen” (Lk 16:19) and to be self-centred: An attitude of just going about with our business and not considering other’s needs
  2. To be “feasting sumptuously” (Lk 16:19) and to look to only one’s own comforts: An attitude of not caring about others, when I have my own cares to be attended to!
  3. To be neglecting “a poor man, lying at the gate” (Lk 16:20) and to avoid the cry of the needy: An attitude of wilfully rejecting the ones who extend their hands for help and assistance!

But the Christian way of life is a challenge to this “rich man’s style of living”

There can be no excuse given to us…
… if we miss out on doing the good we can!
… if we fail to reach out to the needy, even though we are able!
… if self-centeredness has become a way of life for us!

Let’s realise…
…. time is short, and our life is limited!

Prophet Amos very powerfully warns and reminds all those who are complacent and lethargic: “Woe to the complacent in Zion!

Lying upon beds of ivory…
… stretched comfortably on their couches
… they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall!” (Amos 6:1a)

St Paul exhorts:
“But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called…
… when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:11-12)

Let us begin today, with no further delay…
To do the good we can…
… in the best way we can!
… to all the people we are able!
… in every situation that is possible!
Yes… let us seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

We are called to realise that “money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”

And thus avoid the tendency to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”

Today is February 29
Today is Leap Day

This day comes just once in four years!
It’s indeed a rare day!

Just as this day occurs only once in four years…
… let’s reflect on the rarity of time
… and the true wealth that lies in “moments shared” and “memories made!”

On this Leap Day, let’s “leap into a life” marked not by the accumulation of wealth…
… but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

A human law has the character of law to the extent that it accords with right reason…
… and thus derives from the eternal law.
Insofar as it falls short of right reason it is said to be an unjust law…

… and thus has not so much the nature of law as of a kind of violence. (CCC # 1902)

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful…to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

08 DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS is a cherished Catholic practice that centres on adoring and expressing love for the Compassionate Heart of Jesus Christ.

It invites the faithful to contemplate and embrace the Sacred Heart, pierced and aflame with Divine Love.

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Scriptural Foundation: This devotion finds its roots in scriptural themes of God’s love and compassion, symbolized by the heart as a center of love.

It is especially witnessed as described in Jn 19:34: “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”
This event symbolizes the sacrificial love of Jesus, with the blood and water representing the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism…
… emphasizing the spiritual nourishment and cleansing provided by Christ’s sacrifice.

💡 Revelations to Saint Margaret Mary: In the 17th century, Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, conveying His burning love for humanity.

These revelations call for personal devotion, reparation, and receiving Holy Communion on the first Fridays.

💡 Fathers of the Church: Early Church Fathers, such as St Augustine and St John Chrysostom, contributed to the understanding of Christ’s Sacred Heart as a symbol of Divine Love and Mercy.

💡 St Francis de Sales: Known as the ‘Doctor of Love,’ St Francis de Sales, fostered devotion by his spiritual writings, which emphasized love, humility, and union with Christ’s Sacred Heart.

St Francis de Sales is the founder of the Visitation Order, the congregation to which St Margaret Mary Alacoque belonged.

💡 St Claude de la Colombière: A Jesuit priest, confessor to Saint Margaret Mary, and saintly advocate for the devotion to the Sacred Heart…
… Saint Claude de la Colombière played a crucial role in spreading awareness of these revelations.

💡 Popes and Formal Recognition: Popes, including Pope St Pius IX, Pope St Leo XIII and Pope St John Paul II played significant roles in recognizing and promoting this devotion.

Pope St Leo XIII consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart in 1899.

💡 Liturgical Celebration: The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, providing a liturgical expression of this devotion.

🙏🏻SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Symbol of Love: The Sacred Heart symbolizes Jesus’ immense and unconditional love for humanity

🔷 Call to Reparation: Jesus’ revelations emphasized a call to make amends (reparation) for the indifference and offenses against His Sacred Heart.

🔷 First Fridays Devotion: This practice involves receiving Holy Communion on the first Fridays of nine consecutive months, a sign of love and reparation.

🔷 Consecration: Consecrating oneself, family, and the world to the Sacred Heart is a significant aspect of this devotion.

🔷 Sacramental Life: Followers of Christ are encouraged to participate in the sacraments, especially Holy Communion,_ as a means of growing in love and holiness.

🔷 Source of Strength: In times of trials, challenges, and uncertainties, devotion to the Sacred Heart becomes a source of spiritual strength and refuge.

🔷 Transformative Love: Embracing the Sacred Heart’s love inspires a transformative journey of becoming vessels of love, compassion, and mercy in the world.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Daily Offering: Begin each day with a simple prayer, offering it to the Sacred Heart and seeking His guidance and protection.

💠 First Fridays Devotion: Commit to the First Fridays Devotion, fostering a consistent practice of receiving Holy Communion and contemplating the Sacred Heart’s love.

💠 Consecration Prayer: Personally or as a family, make the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart, dedicating your lives to Christ’s transformative love.

💠 Image of Sacred Heart: Encouraging the practice of having an image or representation of the Sacred Heart in homes…
… fosters an environment of love, mercy, and devotion.

Families can gather for prayers and reflections, acknowledging Christ’s presence and love in their midst.

May Devotion to the Sacred Heart be a journey of profound love and transformation, drawing us closer to the Compassionate Heart of Jesus.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

✝️💜 REFLECTION CAPSULE – Feb 28, 2024: Wednesday

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

“Daring to follow the path of humility, as we tread the way of the Cross!”

(Based on Jer 18:18-20 and Mt 20:17-28 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A rich businessman had grown greatly in his endevours.

He became greatly possessed with acquiring more wealth and seeking for greater power.

His sole intention in life was to find ways and means to gain more wealth (by hook or crook; by honest or corrupt ways!) and capture more positions of power.

Though a Christian…
… he cared hardly for his family
… he bothered least about his faith

One day, while sitting in his posh office, pondering on ways to augment his wealth and prestige in the society…
… his eyes went towards the Crucifix that was placed on his table.

Looking from the place where he was sitting, he could see…
… The Crucifix and a Chair that was placed opposite him.

And suddenly a thought came across his mind:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This thought stuck him badly.

Being greatly disturbed… he sought to ward off that idea from his mind.

But it kept disturbing him…. “Cross or Chair… Cross or Chair!”

Well, it’s not known whether that incident changed his life.

But this question is placed before each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee aspiring to obtain a place of honour for her children…
… through which, Jesus poses this question of supreme importance to us as well:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This incident is sandwiched between two important instructions by Jesus..

  1. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection
  2. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility
  3. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection

Jesus predicts about His sufferings to His disciples (Mt 20: 17-19)

It was clearly His way of telling His chosen ones, that His Kingdom is not to be one that accords prime importance to power and position…
… instead it was about obedience and self-giving.

  1. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility

Jesus further teaches His disciples that the key to enter the Kingdom is the way of humility (Mt 20:26-28)

It was clearly a reminder as well as a warning, that His Kingdom is not reserved for the powerful or the mighty…
… instead it is to be given to those of meek heart and lowly self.

It’s in between these two powerful “Kingdom” teachings, that we have the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee seeking for a place of honour for her children (Mt 20: 20-24)

The incident showed that they had quite badly misunderstood Jesus…

They mistook His master plan of establishing the Kingdom as being “through force and power and might!”
They mistook His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom as being “the way of Supremacy!”

But Jesus shatters this misconception by posing a master question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22)

“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Plan of His Passion, Death and Resurrection
“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Technique of the way of Humility

This incident is a reminder and warning for each of us as well:

  1. Are we willing to be in accord with the Lord’s master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection?
  2. Are we ready to practise the Lord’s master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility ?

Jesus clearly poses this question of supreme importance:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

Very often we settle down to sit on the “Chair”…
… the ‘chair’ of comfort and relaxation
… the ‘chair’ of lethargy and indifference
… the ‘chair’ of materialism and individualism

But the Lord challenges us to carry the “Cross”…
… the ‘Cross’ of responsibility and commitment
… the ‘Cross’ of witnessing to the Lord and trusting in Him
… the ‘Cross’ of serving the deprived and being sensitive to the need of the other

The way of the Christian is none but the Way of the Cross.

The path of the Christian can be none but the Path of Humility.

Yes, let us dare to follow the Path of Humility…
… and seek to positively answer to the question that Jesus poses to each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

Regimes whose nature is contrary to the natural law, to the public order…
… and to the fundamental rights of persons

… cannot achieve the common good of the nations on which they have been imposed. (CCC # 1902)

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful… to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

07 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

❇️ WHAT IS IT?
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is a revered Catholic practice involving the worship and contemplation of the Blessed Sacrament.

The faithful spend time in the presence of the exposed Eucharist, adoring Jesus, Who is truly present in the Consecrated Host.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen beautifully reminds us: “The greatest love story of the entire world is found in the Tiny White Host!”

🌀 HISTORY
With roots tracing back to the Early Church, Eucharistic Adoration gained prominence in the medieval period.

💡Examples from the Lives of Saints: Saints such as Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint John Vianney were known for their profound devotion to Eucharistic Adoration.

Saint Juliana of Liège and Saint Thomas Aquinas too played pivotal roles in fostering devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

💡In modern times, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, saints like Saint Peter Julian Eymard and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux advocated for a deeper understanding and devotion to the Eucharist.

They emphasized the need for personal encounters with Christ in the Eucharist, leading to the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi.

💡Formalized by the Council of Trent (16th century), it became a significant element of Catholic piety.

💡Teachings of Popes: Saint Pope John Paul II emphasized the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. His encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” underscores the importance of Eucharistic Adoration as a way to deepen one’s faith.

💡Scriptural Basis and Reference: The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20) serves as the foundational scriptural basis for Eucharistic Adoration.

The Gospel of John, particularly chapter 6, highlights the significance of Christ’s Real Presence.

✴️ RELEVANCE IN MODERN STRUGGLES

In the midst of contemporary challenges, Eucharistic Adoration holds profound relevance:

🔶 Digital Distractions: In an era marked by constant digital distractions, Eucharistic Adoration offers a sanctuary of silence, providing respite from the noise and chaos of modern life.

🔶 Escape from Addictions: As many struggle with various addictions and vices, Eucharistic Adoration becomes a source of spiritual healing and liberation.

The Real Presence of Christ becomes a powerful antidote to the allure of fleeting pleasures.

🔶 Peace Amid Anxiety: In a world filled with anxiety and stress, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration allows individuals to experience inner healing and tranquility.

It serves as a reminder that Christ is present in the midst of life’s challenges.

🔶 Encounter with Unconditional Love: In a culture where love is often conditional, Eucharistic Adoration provides an encounter with Christ’s unconditional love.

This experience becomes a transformative force, fostering a deep sense of self-worth and belonging.

🙏🏻SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Real Presence of Jesus: It acknowledges the Real and Substantial Presence of Jesus Christ in the Consecrated Host.

Reflecting on the words of Jesus, “This is my body… This is my blood,” deepens one’s faith in the Eucharist.

🔷 Communion and Contemplation: Beyond the reception of Holy Communion during Mass, Eucharistic Adoration offers an extended period for personal communion and contemplation.

It’s an intimate encounter with the Lord, fostering a deeper relationship.

🔷 Adoration and Thanksgiving: It allows for a dedicated time of adoration and thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for the immense gift of Christ’s Body and Blood.

🔷 Silent Encounter: Embracing the sacredness of silence in Eucharistic Adoration provides a serene space for listening to God’s Voice and responding to His Merciful Love.

🔷 Healing and Transformation: Jesus, truly living in the Holy Eucharist heals and transforms us.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Schedule Regular Time: Dedicate a specific time in your schedule for Eucharistic Adoration (if possible, daily or weekly, or atleast monthly), creating a consistent routine.

💠 Embrace Silence: In this world obsessed with noise, allow moments of profound silence during Adoration, providing space for personal reflection, prayer, and listening to God.

💠 Bring Intentions: Bring your intentions and concerns before the Lord, seeking His guidance and grace during the time spent in Eucharistic Adoration.

💠 Learn Eucharistic Prayers: Familiarize yourself with Eucharistic prayers, litanies, and devotions to enhance your experience and participation.

May Eucharistic Adoration become a sacred encounter, deepening our “love-bond” with the Living Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

✝️💜 REFLECTION CAPSULE – Feb 27, 2024: Tuesday

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

“Doing away with the ‘hypocritical and tactical’ tendency and adopting the ‘way of humility & truth!'”

(Based on Isa 1:10, 16-20 and Mt 23:1-12 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

Here is an interesting letter from a boy to a girl:

“Dearest Marie,

No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt…
… since breaking our engagement.
>> Please say you’ll take me back.
>> No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me.
I love you, I love you, I love you!

Yours forever, Jimmy


P.S., And yeah… congratulations on winning the state bumper lottery!”


That’s how very often, our attitudes and approaches in life are!
>> We tend to get very manipulative
And thus, we end up being…
… hypocritical and calculative in our relations
… haughty and proud in our behaviour


The call of the Gospel is to do away with this “hypocritical and tactical” tendency…
… and to adopt the “way of humility & truth!”


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

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


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


Focusing on the religious leaders and on their practices, Jesus launches a volley of critically true statements about their wicked misdeeds!
>> The chapter ends with the “Painful Lament” by Jesus over Jerusalem – the city of the Lord!


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

There is, in total, 7 occurrences of the phrase, “Scribes and Pharisees” – a biblical number for totality!
>> This chapter is a therefore, a full-blown critique and condemnation of the ways of the Scribes and Pharisees.


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


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

There was deep pain in the heart of the Lord, in seeing the way religion was being manhandled, misused and misinterpreted by the religious leaders of His time
>> As the Son of His Beloved Father, it was hurting for the Son to see a section of people, trampling upon God’s precious and venerable truths…
… and twisting them for their own self-interests and self-agenda
>> A strong form of condemnation was reserved only to those who were hardened in heart – as a means for them to repent and turn back their ways to the Lord.

The method of ‘sharp condemnation’ was reserved only to the proud and the arrogant; never to the poor sinners!)


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

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


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


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

We may be people…
… who “appear” to be very fine and kind – but perhaps, we are persons who find it too hard to let go of our pride, in reaching out to the needy, in humble service!
… who speak a lot on helping others and being generous – but perhaps, we go through grilling moments in lowering ourselves and adopting a lowly status to extend a helping hand!
… who desire happiness in communities and peace at homes – but perhaps, we discover
ourselves to be persons who are unwilling to let go of our ego, and allow a listening ear to the opinions of others!


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


We are called to avoid being hypocritical and calculative!

Yes…
Let’s do away with “hypocritical and tactical” tendency…
… and adopt the “way of humility & truth!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE
>> The diversity of political regimes is morally acceptable…
… provided they serve the legitimate good of the communities that adopt them. (CCC # 1901)
———