“Being inspired by St Joseph to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy!”

(Based on Jer 23:5-8 and Mt 1:18-24 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A child standing in front of the Christmas Crib was looking for quite some time at the statue of St Joseph.

The mother, tapped his shoulder and asked: “Why is it that you looking so long at St Joseph?”

The boy with an innocent smile replied:
“Mamma…St Joseph was such a great person, isn’t it!

He had the honour to be so close with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother!

I wish that we would talk and pray to St Joseph more..
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!”

The boy was recounting the greatness of St Joseph…
…who often remains hidden in the backdrop, amid the great galaxy of Biblical Stars!

The Gospel of the day is a beautiful glimpse to understand the person of St Joseph.

Let’s learn a few of his important virtues.

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God

He listened to the Angel…
… in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24)
… in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)
… in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)

St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.

Holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed a tremendous commitment and love to Jesus and Mary

He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…
… to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage
… to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn
… to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them.

He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard Them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary.

Can we also imitate St Joseph, in holding Them close to our hearts?

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.

But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments

Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame.

Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me!”

St Joseph teaches us that there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.

He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity
   Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

Chastity is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.

In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life
In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married
In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.

6. St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness

St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)

In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)

7. St Joseph is a model leader

True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life

Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation

Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child

Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need

St Joseph invites us to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy

Let us pray that we will be able to nurture a deeper and tender affection for Jesus and Mother Mary and be close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life.

May the greatness of St Joseph inspire us!

And may we talk and pray to St Joseph more…
… than just think of him, only during Christmas season!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

Divine assistance is also given to the successors of the apostles, teaching in communion with the successor of Peter, and, in a particular way, to the bishop of Rome, pastor of the whole Church…
… when, without arriving at an infallible definition and without pronouncing in a “definitive manner,” they propose in the exercise of the ordinary Magisterium a teaching that leads to better understanding of Revelation in matters of faith and morals.

To this ordinary teaching the faithful “are to adhere to it with religious assent” which, though distinct from the assent of faith, is nonetheless an extension of it. (CCC # 892)

“Being moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!”

(Based on Gen 49:2, 8-12 and Mt 1:1-17 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A genealogist is a person who records/tables the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors.

He/She draws the family tree.

Once a person asked a genealogist:
“Why do you think that your duty is very great?”

The genealogist, with a gentle smile replied:
“Remember that when a family member passes away, they take a library of memories with them.

It’s a genealogist’s duty to record them all, for the good of the future generations!”

True indeed!

A genealogy gives a memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

The Gospel of the Day presents the marvellous work of St Mathew, the genealogist…
…the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

This passage of the Gospel is something that we hear and read very rarely…
… and much less meditated upon.

What are the different aspects that the Genealogy of Christ makes us to reflect on?

The Genealogy of Jesus is one of the finest treasures of God’s Grace and Providence
St Matthew (1: 1-17) and St Luke (3: 23-38) present the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.

They could be called as the “forgotten passages of the Christmas Story”.
The names in it sound too obscure, their pronunciation beyond comprehension, their purpose highly hazy.

Perhaps, these are some of the common excuses we find, in avoiding to read or reflect on the accounts of the Genealogy.

But we must realise that in the account of the Genealogy, is buried the marvellous working of God’s Grace and His Amazing Providence – the manner in which the “streams of God’s Grace flows through the ordinary and the great, the mighty and simple people”

The Genealogy teaches us open our eyes to see the ways of God working in our lives- hidden yet awesome; silent yet splendid

The two accounts of Genealogy are not contradictory; rather they are two perspectives to show Jesus as the Son of David

There are two accounts of Genealogy in the Gospels: St Matthew, which starts with Abraham; St Luke, which starts with Adam

Apparently, the two accounts look to be contradicting each other
But on closer look, we find…
… St Matthew traced the family line through Joseph, whereas St Luke traced it through Mary.

This was because Gospel of Matthew, being written to the Jews, had a legal requirement to show Jesus descending from the father, who belonged to the line of King David.

This account also made sure it kept the prophecy in Jer 22:24-30 (“For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David or ever succeed in ruling over Judah…)

St Luke’s version also shows Jesus as the Son of David, coming through his son Nathan.

Thus, both the accounts show that Jesus, as the Son of David, had the right to the throne of Israel

The Genealogy mentions some notorious people – yet the Messiah was born in this family!

The Genealogy mentions 5 women
a. Tamar: Disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced her father-in-law Judah (Gen 38)
b. Rahab: A Gentile, prostitute; she helped the Jewish spies to hide and to escape from the enemies ( Josh 2)
c. Ruth: A Gentile, with the background of a family who offered themselves to pagan gods
d. The wife of Uriah: The Gospel doesn’t even mention her name; suffered abuse by David, the great King of Israel.
e. Mary: A simple woman from Nazareth, who was found to be with child, before the marriage.

All these five women were considered dis”graced” – some gentiles, some involved in sexual immorality, some finding themselves in situations of family disgrace.

Yet the Messiah is born in this family – to show that God’s “Grace” can wash away every dis”grace”!

It shows that God can write straight, with crooked lines!

The Genealogy is also a lesson to the self-righteous people

Besides the mention of the apparently “not-pleasant women’, the list also mentions of kings, many of whom were unfaithful, of idolaters, of people without morals etc.

The Family Tree of Jesus is really not a pretty picture; it looks to be “very unclean”

Yet, St Matthew’s Gospel, written to the Jews, gives a message that it is not self-righteousness that wins salvation (as thought by many Pharisees, Scribes and Jewish leaders); it is God’s Grace and Mercy, along with our co-operation to His Will.

The Genealogy gives us the great message of hope

We may have…
… a past that is hurting us – either due to our biological family or due to our own experiences of life
… a past that is sinful and we wish to forget
… a past that is painful or abused
… a past that has experienced humiliations and rejection
Yet, the Genealogy teaches us the big lesson that all our past can be cleansed and healed, by the mighty presence of Jesus.

Cardinal Van Thuan says in his book ‘The Testimony of Hope’:
“The river of history, full of sinners and criminals, becomes a source of pure water, as we approach the fullness of time.

With Mary, the Mother and Jesus, the Messiah, all generations will be renewed again”

The Genealogy of our Blessed Lord teaches that Jesus was very much historical…
… and shared our world.

In Jesus, we have a God, who is not distant or away from us – but Someone, Who is deeply intimate with us, involved in our lives and sharing our joys and pains of life.

May a deeper meditation on the Genealogy of Jesus enable us to explore the memorable library of memories…
… and helps us to be moved by the Magnificent Miracles wrought by our Marvellous God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful – who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals…
… the infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium,” above all in an Ecumenical Council.
When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine “for belief as being divinely revealed,” and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions “must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.”

This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself. (CCC # 891)

“Fearlessly holding on to the Lord and His ways, and thus living as joyful witnesses!”

(Based on Isa 54:1-10 and Lk 7:24-30 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A preacher was invited for a Missions Preaching, in a particular kingdom.

The King of this land was known to be an extremely notorious and corrupt ruler.
So, naturally it was a great challenge to preach the Word of God.

As the preacher stood up to break the Word of God, he heard a voice within him:
“O preacher, be wary of what you speak, the King of the Land is here.”
This filled him with fear!

But as his lips trembled to speak, he heard another voice:
“O preacher, do not be wary! The King of kings is with you!”

The assurance that God, the King of kings was with him, made him powerful and bold to preach the Word…
… without any fear or worry.

Do we stand firm in our Christian faith, knowing that the Lord is always with us…
… or do we wilt under pressure, and compromise for the ways of the world?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exemplifying the character of John the Baptist.

Jesus says, “What did you go out in the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Lk 7:25).

Jesus puts forth before the people a rhetorical question.
This is not a question to elicit a direct answer.

Instead is meant…
… to be reflective
… to be causing to generate greater thinking
… to be tuned to enter into a ruminative mode.

By this clever technique, Jesus draws the attention of the people to a deeper respect of the personality of John the Baptist.

One element that Jesus highlights in John the Baptist is his firmness in proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Donning an ascetic attire, John the Baptist perfectly carried out the task entrusted to Him – of being the forerunner of Christ.

He would…
… Be bold to invite the people to repent of their sinful ways
… Be firm in pointing the corrupt practices of even the authorities
… Be unassuming in lowering himself and leading the people to the Lamb of God
… Be uncompromising in countering the evil King Herod, even to the point of losing his head!

What is our conviction in being a witness of Christ?

The challenges to live as a Christian is undoubtedly difficult in today’s secularized, materialistic and individualistic world.

Many times, we are tempted to dilute our Christian Faith…
… and just go along with the ways of the world – which seem to be much easier and comfortable.

But this is where the Lord presents to us to example of John the Baptist…
… and be “a reed that is not shaken by the wind.”

Sure…
… we will have our fears to stand against the principles of the world
… we will have our apprehensions in holding on to the virtues of the Gospel

But Jesus, the King of kings, whispers in the depths of our beings:
“O Christian, Be not wary! The King of kings is with you!”

Let us fearlessly hold on to the Lord and His ways and thus live as Joyful Witnesses.

God bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE HIERARCHICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH

The mission of the Magisterium is linked to the definitive nature of the covenant established by God with his people in Christ.
It is this Magisterium’s task to preserve God’s people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith without error.

Thus, the pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. (CCC # 890)

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

DAY 15: GOD WORKS IN OUR HISTORY!

BIBLE VERSE
(Mt 1:16) “Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called the Messiah!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
The Gospel of St Mathew begins with the Genealogy of Christ…
… which narrates the Awesome Hand of God scripting a beautiful line of history for the Son of God. … which climaxes mentioning about Jesus Christ and His Real Historical Presence in our world

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

1. The fantastic chronicle of the Genealogy is a reminder that God “is always with us” and will work out everything in life – everything – for the good. We need to trust Him, and offer ourselves totally to His Will
2. Jesus knows everything that we undergo in life – our pains, hurts, anxieties, and uncertainties – because He has lived like us

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Thank the Lord for our families and our ancestors; offer them – just as they are – to the Mercy of God
Offer anything that is disturbing you at this moment, and surrender with trust to the Lord

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of my family and all my ancestors; may Your Mercy cleanse all of us, and help me to trust in you, even in my moments of pains and hardships, 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 14: DEPENDING ON THE DIVINE POWER AND OFFERING EVERY LITTLE ACT TO HIS GRACE!

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:52) “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Mother Mary exults in the Holy Spirit and acknowledges the powerful and mighty Power of God…
… Who dethrones human pride and invites all to a life a dependence on Divine Power
… Who raises every simple and little effort in life, and blesses with His Grace and Mercy

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

1. Recognise that everything in life is a Gift of God, and we need to totally depend on the Lord!
2. Realise the power of little things and allow God’s Grace to strengthen every tiny effort, remembering that “little is much when God is in it!”

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS

Give thanks to the Lord for 5 things that you did/experienced today
Do one act of charity – even if its very small – by invoking the Presence and Power of God

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I thank you for all your Graces in my life, inviting me totally depend on You, I offer all the things that I do – small or big – to you, and seek Your Gracious Blessings, Amen!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Experiencing life as a beautiful miracle by tuning our hearts to God’s Will, altering our minds to His My Thoughts and regulating our lives to His Commands!”

(Based on Isa 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25 and Lk 7:19-23 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

There is an interesting cartoon that appeared in the newspapers…

This cartoon shows a fourth-class boy, looking intently to his class teacher.

Behind them, stares a blackboard – covered with mathematics problems, which the boy has not finished.
(The teacher is apparently very upset that the boy has not completed solving the problems)

With a rare insight, the boys says: “Well, I’m not an underachiever.
You are an over-expecter!”

The cartoon throws light on an interesting human dimension: many times, we have high levels of expectations but what we achieve in life often falls short of our expectation.

We expect many things from our relationships…
… but when what we actually achieve becomes low, we get disappointed.

We expect life to bless us with many good things…
… but when what we actually achieve is less, we feel sad.

The Gospel of the Day presents this dimension that was experienced by Jesus – being considered an under-achiever, since He did not fulfil the “required and likely expectations”

The Gospel begins with the verse, “And John (the Baptist), calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord saying, ‘ Are you He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Lk 7:19)

John the Baptist had come preaching with much zeal and fervour.

There was fire in him…
There was blaze in his spirit…

His words testify to this aspect:
“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10)

“You brood of vipers! Who asked you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Lk 3:7)

He had received a mandate to “be the voice of the one crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1: 23)…
… to prepare the way for the Messiah, by making the paths straight
… to prepare the people with the strong message of repentance and warning of the judgment to come

He expected Jesus – the Messiah…
… to set afire the world with the might of judgement
… to come with fury and force and establish the Kingdom of God (Mt 3: 12)

But as the ministry of Jesus progressed…

John’s expectations were not being fulfilled, in the way he thought.

Jesus epitomized love…
… though judgement was surely warned, with respect to sin

Jesus embodied compassion…
… though fury was seen with respect to obstinacy in sin

The style of the ministry of Jesus was contrary to what John expected!

And so word was sent to ask Jesus, “Are you the One Who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Lk7: 20)

Many times, in our lives, we too experience such unfulfilled expectations.

This is true not only in our relationships with one another or with the blessings of life, but even with God!

We have sometimes a set pattern of the way God should work…
We have sometimes a rigid understanding of the Providence of God…

A sickness or an illness strikes our family…
A disaster or a calamity hits our life…
A painful tragedy or an unexpected mishap happens…
A prayer remains unanswered for ages or a sin remains stuck for years…

And…
… we begin to lose hope
… we have our minds filled with doubts
… we begin to question the Power of God

As humans, all these things are understandable and even quite natural.

But the call of the Gospel is to “open our eyes and see the wonders that the Lord does, every moment of our lives”
“… the blindness of our sin being restored, with the sight of forgiveness
…. the lame excuses of our laziness being challenged, to walk with enthusiasm
… the leprosy of our indifference being touched, to allow us to extend generosity
… the deafness of our insensitivity being opened, to hear the cries of the needy
… the dead hopes of our lives being given a fresh lease of life to spur us towards eternity
… the poverty of our hearts being filled with the richness of God’s glorious blessings and grace”
(Cf Lk 7:22)

Yes…
When we open our eyes, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we realise the wonders that God keeps doing in our lives…
… Every moment… at every step of our life!

Prophet Isaiah very powerfully reminds us:
“For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!)…
… Who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!).

I am the Lord, and there is no other.” (Is 45:18)

Perhaps, sometimes we are “over-expecters”

Expecting God to work
… in the way we want
… in the time that we want

But the Lord looks at us and is perhaps telling us:
“I am no under-achiever!

Tune your hearts to My Will…
Alter your minds to My Thoughts…
Regulate your lives to My Commands…
… and you will see…
Life is a beautiful miracle… at all times… at all moments!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Bishops, with priests as co-workers, have as their first task “to preach the Gospel of God to all men,” in keeping with the Lord’s command.
They are “heralds of faith, who draw new disciples to Christ; they are authentic teachers” of the apostolic faith “endowed with the authority of Christ.”
In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith handed on by the apostles, Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility.

By a “supernatural sense of faith” the People of God, under the guidance of the Church’s living Magisterium, “unfailingly adheres to this faith.” (CCC # 888-889)

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

DAY 13: HUMBLING ONESELF, TO HAVE GOD, AS THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF LIFE!

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:51) “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, Mamma Mary proclaims the Magnificat and reminds every human person…
… to make God as the Sole and Solid Strength of life
… to humble oneself before the Awesome Authority of God

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

1. Rely totally on God as the Strength of life, Who can lift us from any situation of misery, pain and humiliation!
2. Have the courage to humble oneself totally before the Grace of God, as we are reminded, “the rivers of Grace flow, not on the mountains of pride, but through the valley of humility!”

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Earnestly pray this verse: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!” (Phil 4:13)
Identify an area/situation wherein I need to humble myself; practise it consciously today!

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, give me the Grace to bank on You as the Greatest Strength of my life, and help me to walk in Your Path in humility and dependence, Amen!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Loving the Lord and being willing to make suitable changes, to give highest importance to His Will!”

(Based on Zeph 3:1-2, 9-13 and Mt 21:28-32 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A man who was engaged, took his fiancé for dinner on her birthday.

When they sat down, he laid an elaborate box on the table – her birthday gift.

All the while they were eating dinner, she just kept thinking about this box – because it was a big box – and she wanted to know what was inside.

She could hardly eat.

The waiting to open the gift was disturbing her…
… but her boyfriend told her to open the gift, after dinner.

All she could think about was what was in the box. Finally, when dinner was over, she asked:
“Can I open the box now?”

“Yeah, you can!”

She opened the box…
… and pulled out a pillow.

“Oh, wow, I mean, this is a nice pillow…
… but it’s a pillow.”

She turned the pillow over, thinking that something was taped to the back.

There was nothing.

“Well, thank you!”

It was obvious she was disappointed that she got a pillow.

Her boyfriend, however, got up, took the pillow from her…
… and laid the pillow on the floor.

He got down on one knee, took her by the hand, and said, “Will you love me for life?”

The girl now totally gave up the pillow!

The pillow was no longer so important for her
Instead… the one who gave her the pillow, now became much more important!

Love for a person trifles every peripheral need and discomforts!

When you discover love for a person, you begin to go beyond difficulties…
… and seek to strengthen your relationship with the person.

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful story of “willingness to make suitable changes, and giving importance to the person, in order to display one’s love…
… rather than being restricted with peripheral and external promises, without sincerity!”

The Gospel presents to us…
… the story of a son who – though initially seemed reluctant – but finally would overcome difficulties, and follow the words of his father
… and contrasted by his brother who fails to keep up his word!

The passage begins with the first son being asked by the father: “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” (Mt 21:28)

And the son replying initially in the negative; but later repenting: “And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he repented and went” (Mt 21:29)

This is contrasted by the other son – who was given the same order – and replied in the positive initially, but later would retract from his words

“And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.” (Mt 21:30)

These two sons could represent our own attitudes to the Divine Will:
Failure to understand initially but later repenting and doing what God wants

An initial fervour to do all what God wants, but failure to sustain in this pursuit

The first son may have had his own reasons to refuse the will of his father initially…

Maybe…
… he was lazy
… he had some other commitments
… he did not give much importance to his father’s words
… he was too proud and least bothered about what other’s wanted including his father

The reasons could be anything

But the parable tells, that he had a realization…
… and that would make him do what his father wanted!

The Gospel explains this with a phrase: “… but afterward, he repented.”

Maybe, we too need to have this “Repenting Experience” in our lives in order to follow the Will of our Heavenly Father

In instances, when we feel lazy in life…
… “to repent” and to push ourselves with the Graces offered by God

In times, when we have other commitments other than the Kingdom of God…
… “to repent” and to bring back our first priority to do what God wants in our life

In situations, when we don’t give much importance to the ways of God…
… “to repent” and to remain docile and open to the Power and Providence of God in life

In moments, when our pride overwhelms us, and we become too cosy and careless…
… “to repent” and to bow down before the Awesome and Majestic Presence of God

It is possible that sometimes we get so occupied with the trifles and peripherals of life…
… that we fail to understand that “growing in relationship with our Lord” is the most important task of our life!

We tend to get more attracted to the “big box that allures us” …
… than to spend time with the Lord…understand His Mind deeper and to love Him more!

The Lord today invites us through this parable of the two sons, to become people…
… who not only pledge our words but our life also to Him!
… who not only make an external profession but commit with an inner passion for the Kingdom!

Yes, let us understand that “Love for a person trifles every peripheral need and discomforts!”

When you discover love for a person, you begin to go beyond difficulties and seek to strengthen your relationship with the person.

When we love the Lord, we also ought to be willing to make suitable changes, and give importance to His Will…
… rather than being restricted with peripheral and external promises, without sincerity!

The Lord, Who humbled Himself – as a boy kneeling on a pillow, desiring for love – asks us the question: “Will you love me for life?”

What is our answer?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EPISCOPAL COLLEGE AND ITS HEAD, THE POPE

The individual bishops are the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular Churches.”
As such, they “exercise their pastoral office over the portion of the People of God assigned to them,” assisted by priests and deacons.
But, as a member of the episcopal college, each bishop shares in the concern for all the Churches.
The bishops exercise this care first “by ruling well their own Churches as portions of the universal Church,” and so contributing “to the welfare of the whole Mystical Body, which, from another point of view, is a corporate body of Churches.”
They extend it especially to the poor, to those persecuted for the faith, as well as to missionaries who are working throughout the world.

Neighbouring particular Churches who share the same culture form ecclesiastical provinces or larger groupings called patriarchates or regions.

The bishops of these groupings can meet in synods or provincial councils. “In a like fashion, the episcopal conferences at the present time are in a position to contribute in many and fruitful ways to the concrete realization of the collegiate spirit” (CCC # 876-877)

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

DAY 12: GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING!

BIBLE VERSE:
(Lk 1:46) “My soul magnifies the Lord!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Mamma Mary, filled with Grace and Joy, proclaims the magnanimous deeds of the Lord, as we are reminded…
… to be grateful to God for His continual endowment of Grace and Mercy
… to give Glory to God in all the works that we do and in all the ministries that we engage in

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

1. Become aware of the constant shower of Grace that is bestowed on us – even when we go through the deserts of pain and hardship
2. Let every work that is undertaken, render glory and praise to God

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Identify three areas/situation that you have seen God’s Protective hand, and express your gratitude
Pick up any work you did today, and give glory to God for His Graces that guided you.

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, help me to always be grateful for your innumerable Mercies, and to do everything – not for name or fame – but for Your Greater Glory, Amen!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Rooting out all pessimistic mind-sets, and focussing instead on growth in holiness and humility!”

(Based on Num 24:2-7, 15-17 and Mt 21:23-27 – Monday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

Once, a preacher was speaking the Word of God to a great crowd.

As was his practice, he was concentrating more on the content of his message and of its effect upon the hearts of people, for transformation…
… rather than the precise literary form of it.

Among his audience, was seated a certain fussy gentleman.

He had been known for making extremely critical remarks and comments.

At the end of the prayer service, this person went up to the preacher and said:
“By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes of grammar in your sermon.”

“Very likely,” replied the preacher, very coolly, “I don’t doubt it for a minute.
My early education was faulty. I often wished that I had received more schooling.

But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ.

How is it with you?”

Well, we don’t know how the fussy gentleman reacted to this bold and true reply of the preacher.
(Hopefully, he went home and read a chapter of the Bible and prayed for a humbler heart…
… rather than just revising his skills of grammar!)

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…
The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a critically harsh and uncharitably closed attitude of the chief priests and scribes and elders towards the person and ministry of Jesus.

This is expressed in their volatile question to Jesus:
“By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you this authority?” (Mt 21: 23)

The context of today’s Gospel is the presence of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem.

Chapter 21 of St Mathew’s Gospel has a progressive sequence…

The entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21: 1-11)
The ‘re-storation’ in the Temple at Jerusalem and indignant behaviour of authorities(Mt 21:12-16)
The entry to Bethany and cursing of the fig tree (Mt 21: 17-22)
The ‘re-entry’ to the Temple at Jerusalem and questioning of Jesus by the authorities (Mt 21: 23-27)

The popularity of Jesus was on the rise…
… He had a rousing welcome to the city of Jerusalem

The impact of Jesus was also on the rise…
… He had performed a daring cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple

These factors had greatly disturbed the religious leaders.

In Jesus, they perceived a threat.
… a threat to their attitude of subjugating people to their yoke than to service of God

In Jesus, they sensed a danger.
… a danger to their personal wishes and agenda of having a monopoly over religion

In Jesus, they identified a menace.
… a menace to their comfort-rendering style of spirituality and way of life.

And so, they – the chief priests and scribes and the elders – sought to put Jesus to the task and questioned His authority on doing such deeds and performing such actions.

Their eyes were closed to see the goodness of the Lord
Their hearts had become clogged to examine their own maligned conscience
Their lives were rendered blocked to be willing to make necessary changes for the good.

Instead…
… they only found fault with the Lord
… they only become critical of the ways of the Lord

When the heart is closed to God’s spirit, the focus dwells only external and peripheral factors…

The heart gets closed to spiritual appreciation…
The mind remains curious only for rhetorical arguments!

Is such an attitude prevalent among us also?

A mentality of harshly criticising…
A tendency to inhumanly condemn…
… without any consideration to humanness or acceptance or self-examination etc.

Let us root out all such pessimistic mind-sets and focus instead on growth in holiness and humility!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EPISCOPAL COLLEGE AND ITS HEAD, THE POPE

When Christ instituted the Twelve, “he constituted [them] in the form of a college or permanent assembly, at the head of which he placed Peter, chosen from among them.”
Just as “by the Lord’s institution, St. Peter and the rest of the apostles constitute a single apostolic college, so in like fashion the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor, and the bishops, the successors of the apostles, are related with and united to one another.”
The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the “rock” of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock.
“The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head.”
This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church’s very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope.
The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor, “is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.”
“For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.”
“The college or body of bishops has no authority unless united with the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor, as its head.” As such, this college has “supreme and full authority over the universal Church; but this power cannot be exercised without the agreement of the Roman Pontiff.”
“The college of bishops exercises power over the universal Church in a solemn manner in an ecumenical council.”
But “there never is an ecumenical council which is not confirmed or at least recognized as such by Peter’s successor.”

“This college, in so far as it is composed of many members, is the expression of the variety and universality of the People of God; and of the unity of the flock of Christ, in so far as it is assembled under one head.” (CCC # 880-885)