“Holding on to our spiritual friend – the Guardian Angel – who walks with us, always, and in turn, be a true friend to one another!”

(Based on Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 and Mt 18:1-5, 10 – Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels)

The shadow once said to the body:
“Who is a friend like me?
I follow you wherever you go.

In sunlight or in moonlight, I never forsake you.”

“True,” answered the Body, “you go with me in sunlight and in moonlight.

But where are you when neither sun nor moon shines upon me?”

This simple anecdote is a beautiful insight on true friendship.

As it is beautifully said, “a real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out!”

Everyone loves to have friends who make life more interesting and joyful by their presence.

The journey of life gets more easy and exciting with the presence of friends.

Our spiritual journey too follows this concept…

God, the author of life, in His all-powerful Wisdom, has blessed each of us with a friend.

A friend who accompanies us
A friend who strengthens us

This friend is “The Guardian Angel”

This friend walks with us, in sunlight and moonlight…
… and even when neither sun nor moon shines!

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of “The Guardian Angel“

The Church in her teachings affirms and assures that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by watchful care and intercession of the angels.

Beside each believer, stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 336)

From the first moments of our existence, the Guardian Angel has been with us…

At our birth, the Guardian Angel was elated at the dawn of a new life…
At our Baptism, the Guardian Angel was pleased to have us join God’s Family…
At our Confession, the Guardian Angel was delighted to have us back to God’s holiness…
At our Holy Communion, the Guardian Angel rejoiced in us, receiving the Loving Lord…
At our Confirmation, the Guardian Angel was joyful in us, being strengthened in the Spirit…
At our Marriage, Profession/Ordination, the Guardian Angel was happy with our way of life..
At our final moments, the Guardian Angel will be with us to strengthen and console us…

At every stage and step of our life, God has blessed us with this beautiful companion to…
… “to guide and protect us through life and to lead us safely to our Eternal Home”

St Francis de Sales says, “Make yourself familiar with the Angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. Without being seen…
… they are present with you!”

The Lord wants each one of us to be walking in His presence and be safe from the snares of the Evil.

And for this purpose, He has blessed us with a Guardian Angel

An Angel is a being, a person – one who has an intelligence and a free will.

An Angel thinks… but clearer than we do!
An Angel loves… but dearly than we do!

How does a Guardian Angel guard us?

By gentle inspirations…

In the hard moments of doubts and confusion…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with words of clarity and understanding.

In dark situations of hopelessness and resignations…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with the light of God’s hope and strength.

In the narrow tunnels of losing faith and giving up…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with comforting words and counsels.

In unfaithful times of going away from doing God’s will through sin…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with strong urges to come back to God’s ways.

In daily moments of facing a choice of doing good or bad…
The Guardian Angel gently inspires us with showing what is more beneficial and valuable.

They do not force us.
They respect our free wills.

But the Guardian Angels do long for us to always walk in God’s power and presence.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is an opportunity for us to increase in our devotion and fondness for this “friend” whom God has blessed each one of us with.

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is also an opportunity for us to increase in our duty and responsibility…
… of becoming a guardian, a friend and a guide to one another.

There are many whom we know who struggle
… with difficulties… problems…
… with faith-issues… financial difficulties…
… with mental problems… emotional breakdowns…

Jesus, through the Gospel says… “See that YOU DO NOT DESPISE one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Mt 18:10).

“Not despising” someone not only includes avoiding putting down or humiliating or causing scandal to others etc…
… but on a positive sense, means to encourage, promote and strengthen one another.

God has blessed each one of us, with a true friend, in our Guardian Angel.

Let us grow in reverence and love for our dear spiritual friend.
Let us invoke the assistance of this friend in our works, while meeting people, while going to different places etc.

As St John Vianney would say:
“When we are walking in the streets…
… let us fix our eyes on Our Lord bearing his Cross before us
… on the Blessed Virgin who is looking at us
… on our Guardian Angel who is by our side.“

Yes, let us hold on to our spiritual friend who walks with us, in sunlight and moonlight…
… and even when neither sun nor moon shines!

And in turn, be a true friend – a ‘guardian angel’ – to one another!

Happy Feast to our Dear Friend, the Guardian Angel…
… and to each one of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity.

Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. (CCC # 2303)

“Following the Lord more sincerely and more passionately!”

(Based on Neh 2:1-8 and Lk 9:57-62 – Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1 – Feast of St Therese of Child Jesus, Patroness of Missions)

An very elderly priest was celebrating his platinum jubilee of his priestly ordination.

The 90-year old priest, during the felicitation program was asked:
“You have lived such an inspiring priestly life.
What advice would you like to give to the younger generation of Christians and especially priests?”

With a feeble yet firm voice, the nonagenarian replied:
“Just a simple formula…
Look to Jesus! Listen to Jesus! Learn of Jesus!”

What a lovely piece of advice, isn’t it?

Looking to Jesus…
Listening to Jesus…
Learning of Jesus….
… are simple yet effective means to follow the Lord, with deeper commitment and zeal.

The Gospel of the Day is this call of the Lord to follow Him more closely…
… and to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian

The Gospel passage presents three people who seek to follow the Lord.

These three, present before us…
… three aspects of hurdles/barriers in following the Lord.

These are:

Comforts
Convenience
Distractions

1. A “comfortable style” of following the Lord

The first person comes up to Jesus and says: “I will follow you wherever you go” (Lk 9: 57)

But Jesus reminds him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His Head” (Lk 9: 58a)

This man had probably heard or seen the Lord…
… as a mighty miracle-worker
… as a popular preacher
… as a laudable leader

These were “comforts” that would be assured in following Jesus

And so, the man chose this “comfortable style of following the Lord!”

But the Lord prohibits from seeking Him for the sake of comforts alone!

2. A “convenient style” of following the Lord

The second person is asked by the Lord to “Follow” Him (Lk 9: 59b)

But he replies, “Let me first go and bury my father” (Lk 9: 59b)

“Bury my father” was a Jewish (Arabic) way of saying….
… one must stay in one’s house till the death of the father and settle the inheritance of the property.

The man was yielding into to conveniences in following the Lord…
… “when I am convenient in my family, I will follow You”
… “when I am convenient in my personal life, I will follow You”

3. A “distractive style” of following the Lord

The third person said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me say farewell to my home” (Lk 9:61)

But Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what is left behind, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9: 62)

This person had the goodwill to follow Jesus…
… but was distracted in his motivation.

We need to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian…

Is my following of the Lord of a “comfortable style”…
… looking for only the comforts of prosperity and material riches…?
… being close to the Lord only in times of comfort…?

Is my following of the Lord of a “convenient style”…
… seeking to be with the Lord only when I “feel like”
… adjusting my relationship with God as per my needs and conveniences

Is my following of the Lord of a “distractive style”…
… easily straying away from the path with worldly attractions
… failing to do the Will of God owing to distractive habits and tendencies

The Lord longs to have us following Him…
… more sincerely and more passionately!

Let us always….
… Look to Jesus!
… Listen to Jesus!
… Learn of Jesus!

The Saint of the Day – St Therese of Child Jesus – invites us to be strong in our resolution for the Lord…
… and to be “child-like” – with immense trust in the Power and Providence of the Lord.

Her child-likeness had God as the Centre of her world…

God meant everything for this Little Saint.

Is God the centre of my world…?

The Little lover of God invites us…
… to adorn all our words with love
… to embrace all our actions with love
… to beautify all our thoughts with love…

It could be…
… speaking with friends
… interacting with fellow workers
… discussing some business matters
… enjoying with family members..

It could be…
… doing household works
… handling massive finances
… studying various subjects
… performing some spiritual activities

It could be…
… thinking some philosophical views
… reflecting about some people
… considering about some situations
… imagining some circumstances
… dreaming some visions

Whatever… whatever!

Whatever be our words..or actions…or thoughts….let them be embellished in LOVE!

Love demands fidelity in the countless mundane ‘little’ things of daily life

The Little Flower dares to throw “petals” at the Loving Lord…

These petals are even considered “worthless petals” by the world – a little sacrifice, a gentle smile, a kind word, an appreciative action!

Sometimes, these “worthless petals” are nothing more than a faithful effort.

But this fact of “having tried”, a good will “to do good”…. all these petals please the Lord!

Let us join the Little Saint to tread the Little Way.

As we enter into the new month of October – the month of the Holy Rosary – as a child, let us hold the hands of Mamma Mary…
… and be inspired by St Therese – the Li’l Big Saint – to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!

Let us “live Love to give Love!”
Let us “live Jesus to give Jesus!”

Happy Feast of the Beautiful Little Flower!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Rome, Italy
Email: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Anger is a desire for revenge.

“To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit,” but it is praiseworthy to impose restitution “to correct vices and maintain justice. (CCC # 2302)

“Using the Gift of God’s Grace to gain life, blessings and happiness!”

(Based on Zech 8:20-23 and Lk 9:51-56 – Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1 – Founder’s Day of the MSFS Congregation)

The year 1821.

The Parish of Le Chatelard, in the Archdiocese of Chambery, France.

Two fervent and austere priests, spent a week in praying, preaching and inviting people for a Mission Service.

But the parishioners remained indifferent.
There was an air of unwelcome apathy.

The two priests, however, had to make a choice: of either continuing preaching or of “shaking off the dust!”

The priests – who were hopeful, zealous and committed – set out, in imitation of Jesus, their Master…
… to the foot of the mountains to pray for the conversion of people.

“They have gone to pray & fast for your conversion”
… was the reply the curious parishioners received on enquiry of their whereabouts.

Grace worked…
Intercession proved powerful!

The two saintly priests were called back by the people…
… and the mission in the Parish resumed with much deep fervour and enthusiasm!

One of the two missionaries was Fr Peter Marie Mermier.

(The other was his companion, Fr Joseph Favre)

Fr Peter Marie Mermier is the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)…
… known as the Fransalians!

This daring founder – a dynamic missionary – had many incidents in his life, which made him to experience the power and presence of the Spirit in the missions.

As it is said, “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time!’”

Yes, nothing can shake a Missionary who is firmly grounded on Jesus, the Rock…
… and has eyes gazed on the Jesus, the Crucified!

Today – on the Founder’s Day of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) – the death anniversary of the Venerable Servant of God, Fr Peter Marie Mermier (Sep 30, 1862)…
… the Gospel of the day presents Jesus, Who has made a choice-for-life in moving towards the mission of His life.

“When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)

The Gospel of St Luke presents the whole ministry of Jesus as a linear journey…
… a movement from Galilee to Jerusalem.

All the events and actions of Jesus are oriented towards Jerusalem.

This verse – Luke 9:51 – signifies a mega shift in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Jesus leaves the northern area of Israel called as Galilee and moves ahead to the southern area of Israel called as Judea.

Just as the Israelites had the Exodus Event, which marked the beginning of their salvation as a nation…
… Jesus too will have the Exodus Event which culminates in Jerusalem, which will mark the beginning of the salvation of the whole world!

This verse – Luke 9:51 – marks the beginning of the Exodus Event in the life of Jesus.

The verse reads, “… He RESOLUTELY determined to journey to Jerusalem”

All of us walk the Road to Jerusalem…

Life…
… with its hard challenges and unexpected troubles
… with its spiritual difficulties and luring temptations
… with its doses of unforgiveness and bad temperaments
… with its continual showers of unpleasantness and irritations
… with its allurements to bad habits and hard-to-give up pleasures
… is indeed a Road to Jerusalem!

But unless we make a strong resolute decision to walk through this Jerusalem Road…
… salvation and victory and happiness can never be ours!

When Jesus decided to go ahead with resoluteness in His decision, He met with rejection!
“… they would not welcome Him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem” (Lk 9:53)

This is the reality of the world.

When one makes a determined decision for life, one is faced with many challenges.
When one makes a strong resolution for life, one is faced with many oppositions.

Like the disciples, James and John, very often, the answer to this rejection is sought in the form of vengeance and violence and wrath.

It is the easier way
… but it is a destructive way!

Jesus answers this rejection with a better and a powerful weapon: self-sacrifice.

The Son of Man came not to destroy, but to save through a call to repentance.

It is the hard way.
… but it is a saving way!

The answer to life’s problems is not in reacting, but in being pro-active!

Today we specially seek the intercession of St Jerome

(St Jerome who was very well-versed in Scripture, is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin…
… the translation that became known as the Vulgate – and his commentaries on the Scriptures.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” are the famous words of exhortation of St Jerome, the doctor of the Church)

May his words, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”
… be an inspiration for all of us!”

Let us also be inspired by the words of Ven. Fr Peter Marie Mermier
“The most virtuous (people) avoid sin and great faults…
… but they are careless in the practice of virtue.”

“It is not enough to avoid evil but it is necessary to do good
… The love of God is efficacious.
There is nothing as strong and as active as love. It is a devouring fire!”

And with respect to prayer…
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!
… instead of enlightening, it blinds;
… instead of healing, it kills!

But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Jesus, today, invites each one of us to have a resolute determination in walking the Road to Jerusalem.

History is a witness to this great saga of great people who have walked this hard path…
… including Jesus
… including St Jerome
… including Fr Peter Marie Mermier

Let us know for sure, that the Grace of God will strengthen and boost us in this hard path!

Happy Founder’s Day to all the FRANSALIANS – Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

By recalling the commandment, “You shall not kill,” our Lord asked for peace of heart…

… and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. (CCC # 2302)

“Seeking the help and intercession of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael – to grow in our love for the Lord!”

(Based on the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels)

The Church professes and proclaims Her faith in God which is encapsulated in the Nicene Creed.

The Nicene Creed begins with the proclamation, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE.”

The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)

In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.

The Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.

ST. MICHAEL

The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”

St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”

He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour.

St Michael appears on four occasions in the Bible:

In Dan 10:13 and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.
In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.
In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.

What does St Michael teach us?

St Michael teaches us…
… to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan
… to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
… to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.

ST GABRIEL

The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”

St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”

He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.

St Gabriel appears three times in the Bible:

In Dan 8:15–26 and 9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions
In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God

What does St Gabriel teach us?

St Gabriel invites us…
… to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.
… to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.
… to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.

ST RAPHAEL

The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”

St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”

He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.

St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:

St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.

What does St Raphael teach us?

St Raphael inspires us…
… to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
… to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
… to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.

Let the celebration of this Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael – help us to grow in our love for our Blessed Lord!

The Lord wants us to grow in holiness.
The Lord wants us to be protected in His care.
The Lord wants to be fearless in being His beloved Child.

May the Archangels help us in this our journey of life.

Happy Feast of the Holy Archangels!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research.
The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. (CCC # 2301)

“Reaching out and responding in help, ‘when it is still possible and in the best way that is possible!'”

(Based on Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Tim 6:11-16 and Lk 16:19-31 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

A rich man received a letter from an old friend who had fallen on hard times.

The letter pleaded for help – just a small loan to get back on his feet.

But the rich man was too busy with his affairs and set the letter aside, intending to respond later.

Months passed.

One evening, while sorting through his desk, the businessman found the letter.

Guilt struck him.
How could he have forgotten?

He immediately wrote a reply, apologizing for the delay and enclosing a generous cheque.

He mailed it that very night, relieved that he was finally making things right.

A week later, his letter returned – marked “Undeliverable. Recipient Unknown.”

Staring at the envelope, a cold realization settled in…
… he had waited too long!
… and now, no amount of money could fix what had already passed!

How many unopened “letters” – pleas for help…
… do we ignore daily?

Opportunities mostly come with expiry dates

The question is: will you act while you still can?
… or will you be left holding an unopened letter of regret?

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…

A. 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

B. 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!

C. 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!”

Let us seek to reach out and respond to “all letters of help”…
… and act ‘when it is still possible and in the best way that is possible!’

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection.
The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy…

… it honours the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit. (CCC # 2300)