“In Faith and Love, trusting that the Lord, Our Mother Eagle – will always care for us and our families – and wants us to seek Him to Be His, forever!”

(Based on the Feast of the Holy Family – Sunday within the Octave of Christmas: Lk 2:41-52)

It’s interesting to know the making of an Eagle’s nest!

When a mother eagle builds her nest, she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items that seem entirely unsuitable for the house.

Then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool, feathers, and fur from animals she has killed, making it soft and comfortable for the eggs.

By the time the growing birds reach flying age, the comfort of the nest and the luxury of free meals make them quite reluctant to leave.

That’s when the mother eagle begins “stirring up the nest.”

With her strong talons, she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface.

As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes uncomfortable for the young eagles.

Eventually, these urgings prompt the growing eagles to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to more mature behaviour – and thus, these eaglets learn the art of mastering the skies!

It’s similar in our lives too!
“Stirring of the nest” ought to become moments for us to experience and trust the Divine Providence of our Lord who always protects us and wants us “to fly high!”

Today – the Feast of the Holy Family – is a day when we as a Family recall all those moments of “stirring of the nest” in our families, and thank God for His Protective Care…
… as we also renew our bond and commitment to one another, and as a family, to the Lord.

Every family is a “domestic church”

And every member of the Family has a duty to uphold the home, and thus the Church!

The Feast of the Holy Family is a day for all of us to thank God for the gift of our families

God loves Family Life!

The Bible gives a clear picture of this beautiful dimension of God’s Love for Family Life.

In the creation of Adam, God clearly expressed His Will concerning Family Life – “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Gen 2:18).

Thus Adam was given a life companion in Eve, to be the “bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh” (Cf. Gen 2:23), laying the foundation of the principle of “unity and indissolubility in marriage.”

This is what Jesus later highlighted when He was questioned on the permissibility of divorce, when He emphatically declared, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder!” (Mk 10:9)

The story of the nation of Israel begins with Abraham and his family moving to the place directed by God (Cf. Gen 12:1-7).

Yes, the story of the salvation of a nation began with the obedience of a family!

This virtue of obedience would later be perfected by the Holy Family of Nazareth!

Mother Mary and St Joseph lived family lives seeking and doing God’s Will at all times
As we see in the Gospel of the Day, even when they faced the crisis of missing their Divine Child, they did not resort to any blame-game, instead, “when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him” (Lk 2:45)

When Jesus, the Eternal Word became flesh (Cf. Jn 1:14), He chose to be born in a Family.

The first sign shown by Jesus in St John’s Gospel, is that of a family facing a crisis (Cf. Jn 2:1-11)
Thus, we see that Family Life is dear to the Heart of God!

Today we live in times where the very fabric of family life is threatened and even questioned!

It’s in such a perilous context – when there is much “stirring of the nest” in our families – that the Feast of the Day is a call to every Christian Family to witness the Trinitarian Love to the world.

How do we foster our Christian families to be “God’s untarnished Eden of peace of love?”

a. Prioritize Worship: Worship is participating in the Sacramental Life of the Church – especially the Holy Eucharist. Going to Mass together, attending Adoration, Confession and partaking of other spiritual benefits offered by the Church as a united family goes a long way in “cementing familial bonds.”

b. Cultivate Discipleship: The call of every Christian is to be a disciple and an apostle (“to be with Him and to be sent out!” – Cf. Mk 3:14).

Learning and discussing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, having Bible study, preparing for the Sacraments especially the Holy Mass, sharing spiritual and faith experiences, reading the lives of saints

c. Foster Devotion: As we see in the Gospel, the family of Jesus used to go to the Jerusalem Temple every year, “as was the custom” (Cf. Lk 2:42) – teaching us to also foster regular devotion in the family.

Our own families need to have simple and habitual spiritual customs that will be ingrained into every member of the family – especially children…… daily family prayer, children seeking the blessing of parents, marking the sign of the cross with holy water especially while going out
… having a sacred space in a prominent place of the house which acts as ‘the hub for devout activities’, going for spiritual pilgrimages, practising the works of mercy, celebrating the feasts of saints and other important days of the Church, practising of ‘a virtue for the month’ etc

d. Nurture faithfulness: Family members ought to support and encourage in being faithful to one another, to the teachings of the Church and one’s duties as a Christian.

e. Promote Service: Every Christian family should steep itself into extending the merciful blessings of the Lord to others.
This also includes avoiding judgmental discourses, petty critical chit-chats and character assassination!

In moments of the “stirring of our nest” in our family life, let’s not panic or be disturbed…

Rather, in Faith and Love, let’s trust that the Lord – Our Mother Eagle – will always care for us…
… and wants us to seek Him… to Be His, forever!

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

Hence the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvellously called and prepared so that even richer fruits of the Spirit maybe produced in them.
For all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit – indeed even the hardships of life if patiently born – all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
In the celebration of the Eucharist, these may most fittingly be offered to the Father along with the Body of the Lord.

And so, worshipping everywhere by their holy actions, the laity consecrate the world itself to God, everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives. (CCC # 901)

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

“Having the Birth of Christ in our heart, and singing with conviction, ‘Joy in my life, the Lord has come!’”

(Based on Christmas – The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

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

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

The question interested the students, and they keenly listened to the teacher, as she continued:
“Perhaps you think the worm burrows in from the outside?
No! Scientists have discovered that the worm comes from the inside.”

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

The teacher with a smile said, “Simple! An insect lays an egg in the apple blossom (bud).
Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple…
… then eats it’s way out.”

She then continued: “Children, remember…
… Sin, like this worm, begins in the heart and works out through the person’s thoughts, words and actions. That’s why make sure you root out sin at its very beginning…
… and pluck it out, at the very first instance of its appearance!”

The world – steeped in sin – is celebrating the Birth of the One Who alone could root out sin…
… and this Momentous Instance is the Incarnation – when the Word became Flesh (Jn 1:14)

This is the Day when the Saviour of the World became human, so that ‘we could share in His Divinity!’
THIS IS CHRISTMAS!

On Christmas night, the Angel proclaimed with great joy to the “shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night: ‘To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’” (Lk 2:11)

When the Angel had appeared to Joseph, he said, “you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21)

The meaning of the Name Jesus is “God Saves!”

When Adam and Eve were created, they were to live in communion and obedience with God

However, they chose to misuse their freedom, and went against God; they broke away from Him!

But God could never abandon His people. We belong to the Lord, and He can never forsake us!

It is beautifully said: “The entire Salvation history can be summed up in 3 sentences.

1. First, God said to human beings, ‘Do’
2. Then human beings said to God, ‘We will not do’
3. Then God said, ‘Then I will do for you!’”

God knew that human beings needed a Saviour.

And so when He took flesh, He came as a human being:
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous!” (Rom 5:19)

Do we realise that we need a Saviour?

Do I personally realise that I need to have Jesus as my Saviour…
… and that this Christmas would only remain an external celebration, if I don’t offer my life with all my sins and weaknesses and uncertainties to Jesus, my Saviour!

It is beautiful to see that God always works best, in the worst or most weird scenarios of life!

The Bible speaks of this saga of God’s amazing wisdom in impossible and improbable situations!

Through the aged Abraham, God would form a nation who were to be the light to the Gentiles!
Despite the stammering mouth, God raised Moses as a leader to rescue Israel from slavery!
The unlikely shepherd boy David would be raised to the glory of being the greatest King of Israel!
Apparent barriers like Isaiah’s unclean lips and Jeremiah’s youthfulness would not stop them from being God’s Holy Prophets!

This consistency is hard to be missed: God’s glory shines best in moments of weakness and frailties!

Do we feel weak and fragile and burdened with sin and the struggles of life?

Do we feel that despite our best efforts, we seem to be only meeting with failures and rejections?

Then this Christmas, the Good News is for us: “To you is born this day… a Saviour… Christ the Lord”

As St Ambrose of Milan wonderfully exhorts: “Open wide your door to the one who comes.

Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see
the riches of simplicity…
… the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace.
Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of eternal light that illuminates all men!”

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

This Christmas, let us allow our Blessed Lord – our Saviour – to root it out at its very beginning…
… and pluck it out, at the very first instance of its appearance!

So that we may truly have the Birth of Christ in our heart, and thus sing with conviction, “Yes, Joy in my life, the Lord has come!”

Wish you a Blessed and Joyful Christmas!

God Bless! Let’s always… Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE VOCATION OF LAY PEOPLE

Since, like all the faithful, lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty, individually or grouped in associations…
… to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth.

This duty is the more pressing when it is only through them that men can hear the Gospel and know Christ. Their activity in ecclesial communities is so necessary that, for the most part, the apostolate of the pastors cannot be fully effective without it. (CCC # 900)

“Fervently preparing our hearts – in holiness and sanctity – to prepare a beautiful crib for our Blessed Lord, Who comes as a Babe!”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12 and Lk 1:67-79 – Friday of the 4th Week in Advent)

Music has been a popular part of the celebration of our Lord’s birth for a long time!

The Bible records that many characters in the Christmas story almost instantly responded to the events surrounding the birth of our Saviour with songs.

In our own days, we take immense delight to sing Christmas carols.

We also get a special feeling in lifting our voices in joy and thrill…

Today we have on the stage of the Gospel a beautiful Hymn being sung.

The title of the hymn is “Benedictus” and it is sung by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist!

The setting of this song is during a very gloomy period in the life of the nation of Israel.

Israel had been chosen by God from among all nations to be a priestly nation to the rest of the world.

But this nation that was to lead all other nations to God, was being led by a pagan empire.

Israel was under the domination of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Kingdom was the last in a long line of pagan nations that had ruled Israel.

The ruler in Zechariah’s day was King Herod.
Herod was not a man of God.

In fact he was just the opposite – a very degenerate man.
He had introduced Roman temples into the land and had built idols to the Roman gods.

Under his leadership Israel became a land filled with immorality.

The spiritual life of the Jews lost its vitality.

In the midst of these dark and cloudy moments, Zechariah sings the “Benedictus” – a Song of Blessing!

A child had been born…
…signaling the Coming of the Messiah.

John the Baptist ushered in a period of singing praises and glory to the Lord.

Like a drop of fresh water in the deserted land…
Like a gleam of light in the midst of thick darkness…
Like a faint melodious tune in the thick of deep silence…

The life of Zechariah and Elizabeth was favoured with reasons to sing blessings to God!

It’s interesting to analyse the names of this simple yet wonderful family – Zechariah, Elizabeth and John.

Zechariah means “God (Yahweh) remembers”
Elizabeth means “the promise of God”

John means “God (Yahweh) is gracious”

The union of Zechariah (“God remembers”) and Elizabeth (“the promise of God”) gave birth to John (“God is gracious”)
Zechariah + Elizabeth = John

God remembers + the promise = God is gracious!

Yes, God remembers His promise, and thus shows that He is gracious!

Our lives may often be in darkness or undergoing a night of dryness…

Our lives may seem to be devoid of true peace and happiness…
Our lives may be rendered meaningless or hopeless…

Yet, Zechariah, Elizabeth and John invite us today, to sing a song of Blessing to God!

When we live in God’s love, we can sing the chorus of service!
When we trust in God’s providence, we can sing the chorus of joy!
When we hope in God’s mercies, we can sing the chorus of faithfulness!

With the armour of faith, the shield of hope and the sword of love, let us join Zechariah and Family to sing our Hymn of Blessing to God Yahweh!

Blessed be the Lord, for He is challenging in His gentle inspirations!
Blessed be the Lord, for He is merciful in His Divine Compassion!
Blessed be the Lord, for He is generous in the Blessed Eucharist!
Blessed be the Lord, for He is majestic in His Holy Sacraments!
Blessed be the Lord, for He is faithful in His gracious promises!
Blessed be the Lord, for He is vibrant in His Holy Church!

On this eve of Christmas, let us fervently prepare our hearts – in holiness and sanctity – to prepare a beautiful crib for our Blessed Lord, Who comes as a Babe…
… in our hearts
… in our lives
… and in our homes!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE VOCATION OF LAY PEOPLE

Lay believers are in the front line of Church life; for them the Church is the animating principle of human society.
Therefore, they in particular ought to have an ever-clearer consciousness not only of belonging to the Church, but of being the Church, that is to say, the community of the faithful on earth under the leadership of the Pope, the common Head, and of the bishops in communion with him.

They are the Church! (CCC # 899)

“Listening to our Lord Who speaks to us, even in the silence of our life!”

(Based on Mal 3:1-4, 4:5-6 and Lk 1:57-66 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Advent)

Ssshhhhhhh…………………..Silence!!

For some people, Silence causes an awkward feeling in this our noisy world.

For some people, Silence creates an uncomfortable feeling.

For some, not so much.

For others, definitely yes.

For many of us, silence is rare.

And when silence is rare, silence can be uncomfortable.

A moment of silence when we listen to our favourite song causes a little irritation.
A pause of silence by an eloquent preacher causes people to focus back the attention.

Silence sometimes is much more louder than any noise or sound
…Right?

The Gospel of the day takes us through a fascinating journey of Silence.

A God who breaks His silence by blessing His People with a Prophet.
A father whose silence is broken by his faithful response to an amazing Divine intervention.
A Child who sets free the silence of a Mother who had been shamed in society.

The Birth of John the Baptist is a beautiful drama through the medium of Silence.

1. A God who breaks His silence
   The Bible is a witness to many people feeling God taking a moment of silence.

In 1 Sam 3.1: “Now the young man Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.”
In 1 Sam 28: “And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or Urim, or by prophets.”
In Amos 8.11: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.'”

The silence of the Lord was very much profound…

And then after Prophet Malachi, there was again a great silence…

For nearly 400 hundred years, there was no prophetic writing.

These are called “The Silent Years”…

But with John the Baptist, the silence of the Lord was broken…

This speaking of the Lord could be compared to a lover eagerly waiting for her partner to talk to her after a long time…

The silence was very long
… the silence was a bit painful too..

But once the silence is broken, there is great thrill and happiness…

God, the Lover, renews His soothing and comforting talks with His People and ushers in the time to invite them to His love and affection

2. A father whose silence is broken
   The birth of John the Baptist also lead to the breaking of the silence of his father, Zechariah.

When the angel Gabriel had appeared to Zechariah, he did not believe the message of the Angel of God and as a result, was rendered speechless (Lk 1: 20)

The silence of Zechariah could also be symbolic of the silence of God….
Just as John the Baptist signalled the breaking of God’s silence, Zechariah, his father too had “his tongue loosened and spoke, blessing God” (Lk 1: 64)

The silence was broken with a shower of praises and glorification of God.
The silence was banished with a shout of genuine worship and honour of God

3. A Child who sets free the silence of a Mother
   The Birth of John the Baptist also led to people praising his mother, Elizabeth, who for long had been barren and had been in disgrace. (Lk 1: 25, 58)

She had suffered much disgrace in silence.
She had underwent much agony in silence.
She had gone through much humiliation in silence.

But now there was every reason to break the silence and rejoice with gladness!

Is my life going through a period of Silence with God?

Is my life in a silent mode because of many disturbing factors and crippling issues?
Is my life passing through a desert of silence as a result of storms of troubles and nights of calamities?

We are invited to look into the incident of the Birth of John the Baptist and find hope!

We are invited to meditate on the Birth of John the Baptist and discover optimism!

The Lord speaks to us in the Silence of our Life.

There is much treasure hidden in the silent moments of our living.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn 1:1)

Through the breaking of His silence through John the Baptist, God is preparing us to receive His personal Word, His Son.

At times God seems silent…
But He is never distant.

He is near.

He is close.

He is personal.

And He speaks through His Word made flesh – “Jesus”!
Ssshhhhhhh…………………..Silence!!

Listen to Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE VOCATION OF LAY PEOPLE

By reason of their special vocation it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s Will.
It pertains to them in a special way so to illuminate and order all temporal things with which they are closely associated that these may always be effected and grow according to Christ and maybe to the glory of the Creator and Redeemer.
The initiative of lay Christians is necessary especially when the matter involves discovering or inventing the means for permeating social, political, and economic realities with the demands of Christian doctrine and life.
This initiative is a normal element of the life of the Church. (CCC # 898-899)

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“With Mother Mary, seeking to joyfully proclaim our BIG GOD through the Magnificat – ‘My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’”

(Based on 1 Sam 1:24-28 and Lk 1:46-56 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Advent)

One of the things that, some of us did as children, as we grew up, was to measure our height against a wall.

We know how this method works…

We stand next to a wall and make a pencil mark of our height.

A few weeks or months later, we come back to this place and measure how much we have grown.

Why did we do this?

In order to see how much we have grown…

In order to check how much more we would wish to grow…

In order to know, “How big have we become!”

Today, we need to make a similar “height check” with respect to our God.

“How big is God in my life?”

The way we answer this question will determine how we live as a Christian.

The Gospel of the Day is a great expression of how Mother Mary considered the “height” of God in Her life.

She realized the mighty presence of the Lord in Her lowly life.
She understood the huge favour of the Lord bestowed in Her humble nature.

And so, with much acclaim and exclamation, Mary cries out, “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1: 46-47)

The Angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she been chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God.

The angel also declared that her cousin, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age.

In Her deep concern, humility and spirit of service, Mary makes a visit to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth called Mary as Blessed ‘for believing what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ (Lk 1: 45)

It’s in this context, that Mary exclaims the Magnificat.

The image of Mother Mary in this hymn of the Magnificat is that of a powerful and courageous lady.

And these are evident in Her words of the Magnificat…

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for He has remembered His promise of mercy (Lk 1: 48-54)

These are not words of mere pious sentimentality or tender words of affection…

These are words which express immense bravery and courage!

The mighty works and wonders of the Lord had made Mother Mary to declare…
… Courage in a God who overpowers the proud and the haughty
… Faith in a God who takes decisive action on behalf of God’s people.
… Hope in a God who vindicates the righteous and condemns the wicked.
… Love in a God who liberates the oppressed, the powerless, the poor and hungry.
… Trust in a God who casts away the self-asserting rich and accept the dependable poor.

Mother Mary declared Her strong assertion and powerful claim in a MIGHTY God!

How Big and Mighty and Strong is God in our life?

Do we believe in the mighty strength of God even in seemingly impossible situations of life?
Do we trust in the awesome majesty of God even when the boat of our lives hits rock bottom?
Do we rely in the colossal power of God even when earthquakes of life wreck havoc in life?

The way we live is a direct consequence of the size of God in our lives!

If we have a view of a Shrunken God…
… then we will live in constant anxiety of the world.

If we have a view of an Insignificant God…
… then we will live in immorality and casualness

If we have a view of a Tiny God…
…then we will live in lethargy, disinterest and indifference.

When we make God small in our lives…
… we offer prayers without faith, worship without awe, service without joy and undergo suffering without hope.

When we make God big in our lives…
… we live a life of daring faith, fearless obedience, zealous worship and passionate evangelization.

Let us measure the height and check the mark… “How BIG is our GOD?”

With Mother Mary, let us also seek to joyfully proclaim the BIG GOD through the Magnificat – “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE LAY FAITHFUL

“The term ‘laity’ is here understood to mean all the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church.

That is, the faithful, who by Baptism are incorporated into Christ and integrated into the People of God, are made sharers in their particular way in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly office of Christ, and have their own part to play in the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the World (CCC # 897)

“Leaping for joy with the Power of the Holy Spirit, so that our joyful and happy lives, may attract and enthuse many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!”

(Based on Song 2:8-14 and Lk 1:39-45 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Advent)

A story is said of a man in a mission land, who was extremely critical of religion and religious practices.

Once, this man went to a missionary who had been in the place for some years.

He told the missionary, “I want to hear about your religion”

The missionary was pleasantly surprised, and asked him: “Oh that’s great!
But how is it that you would like to hear of my religion.

I have heard of your dislike and aversion to religious practices”

To that, the man answered:
“Well, its very true, that I don’t cherish religion.

But ever since the day you came to our place, I have been observing you.
You are always cheerful and happy.
I have also heard a lot of laughter in your house and in the houses of my village people, who have embraced your faith”

The man continued, “And if you have anything that makes people so joyous, I too want it!”

Joy was the nectar that attracted the man to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Am I a person who radiates happiness?
Am I a Christian whose life exudes with joy?

The Gospel of the Day is the delightful description of the joyful encounter between Elizabeth and Mother Mary and the “joyful leap” of John the Baptist, in his first meet with Jesus, the God of Joy!

The Gospel is the beautiful meeting of Two to-be-Mothers, with Two Special Children in their wombs…
… Elizabeth, with John who would be called as the Baptist
… Mary, with Jesus, who would be called as the Messiah

This wonderful encounter begins on a Divinely joyful note:
“When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb” (Lk 1:41)

This is an interesting word – “leaped”

The Greek word for “leaped” is “skirtao”

We find the usage of this word “skirtao” in different places in the Bible…

In Gen 25:22: Rebeccah’s twin children – Jacob and Esau – “struggled (skirtao)” within her
In Ps 114: 4, 6: The mountains “skipped (skirtao)” like rams in the presence of the Lord
In Mal 3:20: Those who fear the Lord’s name will “skip (skirtao)” like calves.
In Lk 6:23: The chosen ones should rejoice and “leap (skirtao)” for joy

When the mother, Elizabeth, heard the greeting of the Messiah’s Mother, the babe John, “leaped for joy”

Later in his ministry, John would testify to this fact, when he would say: “… the best man, who stands and listens for Him, rejoices greatly at the Bridegroom’s Voice” (Jn 3:29b)

There is great rejoicing, in Divine Presence is a powerful message that we receive.

The presence of the Mother of Jesus, delighted Her cousin, Elizabeth
The presence of Jesus, delighted His cousin, John.

As we gear up ourselves for the Season of Christmas, this ought to be a reflective question that we need to ponder and make amends, if lacking…
… Is our Christian life, one that “leaps for joy?”

Things around us may seem confusing and uncertain…
… just as it was for Mary who conceived of the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth in her old age

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their trust was in the Power of the Lord Who had blessed them

People may sometimes reject us, misunderstand us or even humiliate or be indifferent to us…
… just as it was for Mary who would face misunderstandings and Elizabeth who had undergone a lot of shame.

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their strength was in the favourable Love of the Lord, Who, they knew, had accepted and chosen them, for His cause

Life may sometimes make a fool of us by taking us through roads which are illogical, unreasonable and irrational…
… just as it was for Mary who had to tread unknown paths and Elizabeth who had to take on new responsibilities as a mother at an odd age

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their hope was in the faithful grace of God, in which they trusted and to Whom they had pledged their life in fidelity and loyalty.

Joy is to be the hallmark of every Christian.
As St Francis de Sales says, “A sad saint is a sorry saint!”

Our lives ought to be a “Gospel of Joy!”

As we get closer to the celebration of the Birth of the “Cause of our Joy”, we need to look into this dimension of Christian holiness: the aspect of Joy.

It is not simply a joy that is manifested…
… by some “plastic smile”
… or with some artificial activism
… or with any created humorous traits

Christian Joy is…
… a result of trusting deeply in the Providence of God
… a felt experience that manifests, effortlessly, in every aspect of life
… an honest expression of the inner peace and serenity – a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Joy is to be the nectar that attracts others to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Let us always “leap for joy” with the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and may our joyful and happy lives, attract and enthuse many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GOVERNING OFFICE

The power which the Bishops exercise personally in the Name of Christ, is proper, ordinary, and immediate, although its exercise is ultimately controlled by the supreme authority of the Church.”
But the Bishops should not be thought of as vicars of the Pope.
His ordinary and immediate authority over the whole Church does not annul, but on the contrary confirms and defends that of the bishops.
Their authority must be exercised in communion with the whole Church under the guidance of the Pope.
The Good Shepherd ought to be the model and “form” of the Bishop’s pastoral office.
Conscious of his own weaknesses, “the bishop . . . can have compassion for those who are ignorant and erring.

He should not refuse to listen to his subjects whose welfare he promotes as of his very own children…. the faithful … should be closely attached to the bishop as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father” (CCC # 895-896)

“Imitating Mother Mary in Her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to ‘give up’ completely”

(Based on Isa 7:10-14 and Lk 1:26-38 – Monday of the 4th Week in Advent)

There goes a simple story of a father trying to explain the importance of the season of Advent to his ten-year-old son. He stresses on the need to prepare oneself well for Christmas.

The father said, “You ought to ‘give up’ something in Advent; something you will really miss, like for example, chocolates!”

The boy thought for a moment, then asked, “What are you giving up, Daddy?” “I’m giving up liquor,” the father replied.

“But before dinner you were drinking something” the boy protested. “Oh! That was only wine” said the father “I gave up hard liquor”

To which the boy replied, “Well then, I think even I’ll give up hard chocolates!!”

‘Giving up’ completely, in life, becomes a hard challenge and a difficult task.

But only in going through the tough way, can one obtain true success in life.

Only by giving up human interests in favour of God’s choices, can one find heavenly bliss!

The Gospel of the Day – the Annunciation of the Lord – is a witness to this great aspect of “Giving Up”.

“How can this be?” (Lk 1:34)…
This was the question that the innocent and surprised Mary asked the majestic Angel of God.

Mary had been betrothed to Joseph.

This meant she had formally agreed to marry him but the “wedding” had not yet taken place.

Between the “betrothal” and the “wedding feast” was a period usually lasting six months to a year

During that period the couple was considered to be married and were called husband and wife but (a) they did not live together and (b) did not consummate their marriage physically.

In this context and background,

To be chosen to be visited by the splendour and power of God’s Messenger…

To be told that she was to be conceived and bearing a child…

To be declared that she was to be Mother of God’s Son…
…were highly disturbing, shocking and even fearful prospects!

It was pretty natural for Mary to pose this probing question: “How can this be?”

In her heart, it was slowly dawning that life was going to be highly different hereafter…

If we suppose that her wedding feast is still four or five months away, like teenagers everywhere, we can imagine that all her thoughts centred on things that prospective brides think about…
… the guest list, the decorations, the food, the music
… what she will wear and where they will house the people coming in from out-of-town
… her future life with her beloved husband…

Mary had never been happier.

This was to be the most exciting time of her life.

But the plan of God intervened at this joyful, undisturbed, serene phase of her life…

Often when life moves on an even path, we face the unexpected bumps of troubles.

Often when spiritually things seem to be fine, we encounter unforeseen nights of faith crisis.

Gone were the happy dreams of a grand wedding…
Gone were the hopes for “the most beautiful wedding to her most wonderful man”…
Gone were all her girlish hopes of a quiet life in the home she would personally decorate…
Gone, also, were the visions of a houseful of children conceived in love and filled with mirth…

Life was calling Mother Mary to make the choice of “giving up” completely.

“Giving up” her dreams and desires totally, to share in the magnificent plan of God’s Will.
“Giving up” her fears and apprehensions fully, to leap into a dimly-lit world of faith.

She will have a wedding feast, but not the way she planned.

She will be married, but not before rumours spread through the countryside.
She will have a home, but over her family will rest an uneasy cloud of dark suspicion.

It will all happen, but not the way She expected.
She had to “give up” all…
… Her desires
… Her will
… Her dreams
… Her expectations

The Bible is a mighty witness to those heroes & heroines of faith who “gave up”
Abraham…
Moses…
Ruth…
David…
Elijah…
Jeremiah…
Esther…
Job…

This “giving up” by Mary, was the key element in God’s plan of human salvation.

Today, each one of is being invited and challenged to “give up” things in life…
“Give up” our will in favour of God’s Will in our lives.
“Give up” our sinful tendencies to allow purity and holiness to overshadow us.
“Give up” our selfish desires and interests to make space for the needs of others.
“Give up” our personal time of comfort and luxury to give more time to the Lord.
“Give up” our judgmental attitudes and embrace the spirit of gentleness and forgiveness.
“Give up” our wrecking feelings of brokenness and let in God’s presence and grace to heal us.

No doubt that this “giving up” is a hard task and even might seem “impossible” to us.

But the Angel Gabriel assures and comforts us, “For with God, nothing is impossible” (Lk 1:37).

Got any rivers you think are unassailable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible.

He does the things others cannot do!

Mother Mary is the greatest human example of impossibilities being converted to realities through God’s Power!

In Her yes, humanity said Yes to God…
In Her “giving up”, humanity has “given up” the sinful nature.

She is our Model disciple to imitate.
She is our Mother beloved to hold fast to.
She is our Madonna Special to intercede to.

Let us imitate Mother Mary in Her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to “give up” completely.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE GOVERNING OFFICE

“The bishops, as vicars and legates of Christ, govern the particular Churches assigned to them by their counsels, exhortations, and example, but over and above that also by the authority and sacred power” which indeed they ought to exercise so as to edify, in the spirit of service which is that of their Master (CCC # 894)

“Deepen our resolve to live a ‘life of sharing’ as we approach the Nativity of Christ, so that each of our actions may become an expression of Divine Experience for the other!”

(Based on Mic 5:1-4a, Heb 10:5-10 and Lk 1:39-45 – 4th Sunday of Advent, Year C)

There was a little boy, who wanted to meet God. He guessed that the trip would be very long, so he packed his bag with a lot of chocolates, cookies and his favourite mango juice as well.

He started his journey and walked for a long time – even in the hot, blazing sun.

Finally, he got tired and found a park to rest. In the park, he met an old woman…
… sitting all by herself, just staring at some pigeons.

The boy, tired and famished, sat down next to her and opened his bag.

He was about to open his favourite drink when he noticed that the old woman looked hungry.

So he offered her a cookie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty, that the boy wanted to see it again.

So he offered her the mango juice as well.

Once again, she gratefully accepted it, and smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there, the whole afternoon – eating and smiling – without saying a word.

Finally, as it grew dark, the boy realized he was too late, and had to rush back home.
As he got up to leave, and had taken a few steps, he turned…
… ran back and gave the woman a loving hug.

When the boy reached the house, his mother was surprised at the deep joy that the child radiated, and asked the reason for it. The boy answered, “I had lunch with God!”
And before the mother could say anything, the boy added: “You know what?

She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old woman also filled with happiness, reached her house, and was asked by her son, the reason for it. The old woman answered, “I had lunch with God”
And before the son could say anything, the woman added: “You know what?

He’s much younger than I expected!”

“Sharing” became the wonderful platform, for the two of them – the young boy and the old woman – to experience joy, with the essence of Divinity.

Yes, “sharing” is a quality, which is a reflection of the Divine – “self-giving” and “self-emptying”

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful recounting of the “joy in sharing” – through the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth.

Mary, after having received the surprising and confounding message from Angel Gabriel, to be the Mother of the Son of God, doesn’t remain captivated or captured in heavenly bliss.
… Instead, She sets out, “with haste” to the town of Judah, to the house of Her cousin, Elizabeth (Cf. Lk 1:39)

Heaven had revealed to Her the good news of Divine Favour; but, Mary doesn’t swell up in pride

Instead, She sets out, in service and humility

Divine Joy and Grace makes Mary to imitate the quality of the Child within Her: To share!
And this act of sharing by Mary, caused Elizabeth, Her cousin, to rejoice and the child, John, to “leap for joy!” (Cf. Lk 1:44)

Elizabeth testifies to this fact when she exclaimed in a loud voice, “For behold, when the voice of Your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk 1: 44)

This is an essential dimension of Christian Life: Sharing!

Just as Christ shared…
… by emptying of His glory, and becoming one like us, in all things, except sin
… by being part of our human experiences and being a model to live a perfect life
… by taking up pain and suffering to redeem humanity from the clutches of sin
… by giving Himself entirely, with love and deep affection, in the Holy Eucharist

Just as Mother Mary shared…
… by offering Herself in service to her cousin, Elizabeth in her need
… by becoming a model to us, by living a life in total obedience to God’s Will
… by offering Herself to God’s Providence and letting Herself be the Mother of all humanity

We too are invited, exhorted and challenged to live a “Life of Sharing!”

Our Christian lives must…
… cause us to share our resources and abilities in the service of the family and community we are in
… make us share our time with those in need – especially of encouragement and consolation
… cause us to share our knowledge and experience to bring more people to faith in Christ
… make us share our little acts of charity and share in the redeeming act of Christ

When we share our life with the ones in need…
… we experience joy and satisfaction

When we share of our self – time, love, material things or anything – to those in want…
… we experience happiness and contentment.

The world today is much thirsty to receive love and extremely hungry to receive care.

Each Christian is expected and invited to imitate Christ and help others to experience Divine Love.

Mother Mary is our model towards this.
She made choices to grow in imitation of Her Son and helped others to experience Divine Joy

As the words of St Teresa of Avila…
“Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours!

Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world”

Let us deepen our resolve to live a “life of sharing”…
… especially as we approach the Nativity of Christ

So that each of our actions may become an expression of Divine Experience for the other!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SANCTIFYING OFFICE

The Bishop is “the steward of the Grace of the Supreme Priesthood,” especially in the Eucharist which he offers personally or whose offering he assures through the priests, his co-workers.
The Eucharist is the centre of the life of the particular Church.
The Bishop and Priests sanctify the Church by their prayer and work, by their ministry of the Word and of the Sacraments.
They sanctify her by their example, “not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.”

Thus, “together with the flock entrusted to them, they may attain to eternal life. (CCC # 893)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 19: GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES!

BIBLE VERSE
(Mt 1:22) “All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
The announcement of the Birth of Christ, is accompanied by St Mathew mightily proclaiming the prophetic verses of the Old Testament, to give the beautiful message…
… that God always fulfils His promises, and is with us always – working out everything for our good
… that God’s delays are not His denials, and that we need to grow in trusting and hoping in Him

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

1. Never be discouraged even when things seem going the unexpected way – the Promises and the Presence of the Lord will always accompany and strengthen you! God, will surely make the Way, where there seems to be none!
2. To wait on the Lord and His Time is a great Blessing. It surely is not easy; but the fruit of this patience, as Scripture says, has always been rewarding and salvific!

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Think of one unexpected thing happening in your life – offer it to the Providence of God, and ask Him to protect and lead you!
Do you feel you have an unanswered prayer? Tell: Lord, I offer this desire to You, and trust Your Holy Will and Plan in this matter

LET’S PRAY
Loving Jesus, grant me Gift of Hope to trust that You will always fulfil all Your Promises, and to be joyfully patient in every situation of my life, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 17: HAVE YOU ACCEPTED JESUS AS THE SAVIOUR OF YOUR LIFE?

BIBLE VERSE
(Mt 1:21) “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Heaven reveals the Name of the Son of God – Jesus – giving all of us the Good News…
… that this Precious Name which means, “God Saves” is the invitation of God to everyone to receive salvation!
… that the primary purpose of the celebration of Christmas, is for all of us to pledge to move away from sin, and to live faithfully doing God’s Will!

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

1. There is salvation and power when we call on the Name of Jesus, and live by His Teachings
2. We are all called to a life of sanctity – away from the corruption of sin – and embracing the way of holiness!

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Repeat the Name “JESUS” ten times, as you surrender your to His Care and Love!
Think of one sin/bad habit that is bothering your life; take a resolution to give it up, and do the necessary follow up to stay in holiness!

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I renew my commitment to You as the Saviour of my life, give me the Grace to live in holiness and sanctity, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!