“Giving heed to the ‘disciplining call’ of the Lord, and reforming our lives so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!”

(Based on 1 Tim 1:15-17 and Lk 6:43-49 – Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

It is said that “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.

Discipline, in general, is based on four F’s:
Firmness
Fondness
Frankness
Fairness

The Book of Proverbs 13: 24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Disciplining a person, with the principles of firmness, fondness, frankness and fairness, is an act of charity and an expression of genuine love.

The Gospel of the Day presents a verse of disciplining by the Lord – the One Who deeply yearns…
… that we always walk in the right path and in the ways of perfection.

Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?” (Lk 6: 46)

The test of true love consists in a faithful obedience to the one who is loved.

Spouses may exchange gestures of love and affection…
… but do they also exhibit true love by caring for each other, respecting each other’s opinion and accepting one another as they are?

Children may say that they truly love and care for their parents…
… but do they also exhibit it in action, by being obedient to them and taking practical heed of their advices?

Students may express their concern and acknowledgement for their teachers…
… but do they also display it in their life, by faithful abiding to what is expected of them as students?

To say “I love you”, but failing to show it forth in actions of obedience, is mere farcical!

There is therefore, a great need to examine – in honesty and sincerity – when we say “I love you” to the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord raises a tone of pleading when He asks, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?”

It has tones similar to…
… a parent who tells the child, “Why do you say, you like me, when you constantly disobey me and fail to give heed to my words?”
… a teacher who tells the student, “Why do you say, I want to be a good student, when you fail to make efforts to learn and do your
works, in the proper time and in the right manner?”
… an elderly person who advises a young person, “Why do you say, I wish to lead a happy life, but still continue to walk in the paths of immorality, dishonesty and lethargy?”

The Lord is deeply interested in the well-being of our lives…
.. but somehow, we fail to understand this aspect, and continue to live a life, as per our own wishes and fancies!

And therefore, the Lord raises the rod of discipline, and makes it very clear – a stern warning – with the parable of the Two Foundations.

Unless you live a life, founded on the rock of obedience, the “house” of your life will not stand!
If you seek to base your life on the “sands” of disobedience, be assured, that soon it will have a tragic collapse!

The Lord is FIRM, FOND, FRANK and FAIR with us, in His Love for us!

Let us respond to this Love with greater discipline and faithfulness

Let us give heed to the “disciplining call” of the Lord, and reform our lives…
… so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!

Today we celebrate the Feast of of St John Chrysostom – the great Doctor of the Church and one the greatest preachers of the Church.

Let us seek the intercession of this “golden mouthed Saint” and be inspired by his words:

“The primary goal in the education of children is to teach, and to give the example of, a virtuous life.”
“Nothing will divide the church so much as the love of power.”
“The bee is more honoured than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labours for others.”

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

Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups…

… can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health. (CCC # 2292)

“Reviewing our lives and being willing to ring in positive transformations!”

(Based on 1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14 and Lk 6:39-42 – Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

In a particular town, there lived a cobbler, who was unable to make a living by his trade.

Driven to despair by his poverty, he accommodated himself in another far-away town, and began to practise medicine.

He sold a drug which he claimed to be an antidote for all sorts of poisons.

Towards this end, he also created a great popularity campaign through advertisements and boastful proclamations.

Unfortunately, in a short period of time, the cobbler himself happened to fall sick to a serious illness.

The ruler of the town sought this as a nice chance to test his medicine’s capability and the man’s genuineness.

For this, the ruler called for a cup, and filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the cobbler’s antidote…
… commanding him to drink, with a promise of a handsome reward.

The sick cobbler, overcome with much fear and trembling, confessed that he had no knowledge of medicine!

The ruler then called the people of the town and addressed them:
“Oh how foolish are you!

You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man, whom no one could employ to even make shoes for their feet!”

Often times, perhaps, it so happens that we too…
… get fooled in life
… get led by people who are incapable
… get ourselves to be a slave to things which are unbecoming

We become blind…
… and perhaps, we also lead others to stumble!

Our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel invites us to deep examination of the quality of our lives and our credibility in being a leader.

Jesus says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39)

This verse is a reference to two sets of people: one, the guide.. second, the one who is led.

We could find ourselves in either of these categories or sometimes even both.

We could be a guide or one who is guided or both – a guide as well as one who is guided.

In any of the cases, one needs to examine one’s quality of life.

Am I shrouded in the darkness of being in ignorance and apathy…
… disinterested to learn and be willing to know more…?
… causing others to be misled and creating confusions and misunderstandings…?

Am I a person who is sunk into the dark abyss of being prejudiced and unforgiving….
… unwilling to be open to the truth and adamant in considering to even review or re-examine my own viewpoints…?
… blinded to accept differences and failing to cherish diversity and thus constantly being at loggerheads with others…?

Am I constantly veiled under the dark shades of being unjustly critical and judgemental…
… full of pride and being unable to let go of my own selfish interests and self-centred wants…?
… enamoured by a pleasure in looking for opportunities and means to put down others or find faults with others…?

Our Blessed Lord invites us to make an honest review of our lives…
… and to be constantly willing to ring in positive transformations.

Let us seek to put into the practise the beautiful saying:
“If you use the head with which you reprove others to reprove yourself, there will be fewer faults;

If you use the heart with which you forgive yourself to forgive others, there will be perfect friendship”

Today we celebrate the Holy Name of Mary…
… a feast that reminds us of Her closeness to our lives.

Her name – as Her life – speaks of humility, faith…
… and a life wholly open to God’s plan.

Let us always realise that “Her name never rivals Christ…
… it always leads us to Him!”

Let us call upon the name of Mary
… imitate her trust, her courage, and her willingness to be transformed!
… and find strength to live anew in Christ!

Whisper the name “Mary!”

Walk with Her
Meet Christ!

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 use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense.
Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices.

They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. (CCC # 2291)

“Allowing the Crucified Lord to be our model, our inspiration and our strength in our desire to live the ‘Gospel of the Tough!’”

(Based on Col 3:12-17 and Lk 6:27-38 – Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There is a joke among listeners of Gospel sermons and talks:

There are two categories of the Gospel message:
(a) The “Gospel of the Easy” – Gospel passages which are uncomplicated to comprehend and unproblematic to carry out.

(b) The “Gospel of the Tough” – Gospel passages which are very difficult to understand, highly demanding in practicing and too taxing to be even considered realistic and feasible!

The Gospel Reading of the Day would undoubtedly fall in the second category: A Gospel of the Tough!

And this Gospel of the Tough, has probably one of the most toughest sentence of the Gospels enshrined in it: “Love your enemies…” (Lk 6:27)

Many of us may feel that this statement is just way too ideal to be feasible and doable.

But well…
… Facts remain facts… we like it or not… we accept it or not!

And this fact that Jesus really meant to “Love your enemies…” is proved by what follows after this statement:

He gives some explanations for the same: (Lk 6:27-28)

Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who abuse you.

He gives some practical tips for the same: (Lk 6: 29-30)

If someone hits you, turn the other cheek.
If someone takes your shirt, give your jacket too.
If someone asks you, give him something.
If someone steals your money, do not demand it back.

This is followed by the splendid Golden Rule: Do to others what you want others to do to you! (Lk 6:31)

Indeed, the teaching to “Love your enemies” is a reality and a fact and is a call to which we are invited to give heed.

That leads to a very practical question: Who are my enemies?

In general, an enemy is anyone who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another.

The moment we hear the word “enemy”, our minds usually transports to some famous “enemies” of the world like some notorious terrorists or some dictators or rulers or gangs etc…

But the Lord is very particular in pointing out who are these “enemies”.

Jesus doesn’t restrict “enemies” to people who are against the state or the nation, but he specially means our personal enemies.

Who are these our personal enemies?

One clue we get from the words of Jesus, in Mt 10:36, “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household”.

Oops! That’s pretty close, right?

Those in our homes…
… those in our close circles
… whom we meet everyday

People whom we meet regularly and whom we come in contact often are the ones whom most likely we can hurt or who hurt us….
and over time, they may become our personal enemies

So, well… it’s time to identify a few enemies – a few personal enemies…

Do I own a grudge against the members of my family – spouses, parents, children?
Do I possess hatred against the members of my community – superiors, companions, juniors, mates?
Do I kindle anger against my extended family members – siblings, in-laws, relatives?
Do I harbour ill-feelings against those with whom I work – bosses, colleagues, junior workers?
Do I maintain bad thoughts against the members of my church – priests, sisters, persons entrusted with in-charges, various association members etc?
Do I keep resentment against some other known people in life – friends, acquaintances, neighbours?
Do I entertain bitterness against many strangers – storekeepers, some people whom we come across often when we travel in the bus/metro/auto/train etc?

We have to admit…
The ones who are close to us and who are more familiar are the ones who are hurt or who abuse us
… and they turn out to be our “personal enemies!”
(Though often we don’t like to put them in the ‘category of enemies!’)

Yet, the statement of the Lord remains firm as a rock – “Love your enemies…”

So how do we love our “enemies?”

Here are some practical tips and suggestions (of course, depends also on the ‘level of our enemity!’):

Greeting them: Wishing them constantly at least ensures we do not avoid them or dodge away from them.

Spread goodness: Respond to constant avoidance, with positive strokes of good deeds. Make the first move to heal.

Avoid evil-talk: Stop any bad utterances and expressions to flow from the mouth. Every time we talk: either life comes or death. The tongue has power! Allow it to forgive and bring forth life.

Thank God for them: God seeks the good of ALL persons…including the one who is not liked by us. Offer the person to this goodness and benevolence of God and be grateful

Pray for them: We may become helpless in our situation. But through prayer, God has the great ability to gift pardon and mercy. An honest heart will surely allow God’s love to flow through the relationship.

Ask God to Bless them: It’s hard to accept, but the enemy can be a gift from God. Like Joseph who said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20), the enemies become an cause for us to be humble, to keep us on our knees, to reveal our weakness & to expose our total need for God!

Pray for the grace of forgiveness: Forgetting the hurt is never easy; but with God’s Grace, we can begin the journey of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a feeling – it’s a decision, and Grace makes that decision possible. When we forgive, we free not only the other person, but also our own heart. The Cross teaches us: forgiveness is costly, but it is never impossible.

The teaching to – “Love your enemies…” is unmistakably the “Gospel of the Tough!”

Let the Crucified Lord be our model, our inspiration and our strength…
… in our desire to live this “Gospel of the Tough!”

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 virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine.

Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. (CCC # 2289)

“Realising that our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!”

(Based on Col 3:1-11 and Lk 6:20-26 – Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A highly rich and influential person was privileged to be one of the special guests to undertake a 21-day cruise on a Majestic Battleship.

This ship had been modernized with immense facilities and luxurious features.

The man was highly impressed with the comforts that were provided on board.

Among the many things that made a pleasant impact on him…
… was also the Sunday Morning Mass that was attended by all the sailors and attendants, who were not on duty.

It was more so, since the man himself was not so particular about the practise of faith.

At the conclusion of the celebration of the Mass, the man asked one of the sailors:
“Are you obliged to attend these Sunday Morning services?”

“It’s not exactly about obligation, Sir!” replied the sailor, “but our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by this our offering to the Lord!”

Those sailors and attendants had made a conscious and deliberate choice…
… to practise their faith
… and to surrender themselves to the Higher Power for safety and protection.

Our lives are also similar to such cruises…
… sometimes going through calm and quiet waters
… sometimes struggling in disturbed and turbulent waters
… sometimes encountering dangerous storms and violent gales

Do we make a constant choice for the Lord and live ourselves in surrender to Him?

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful teaching of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke.

The beatitudes are assurances of blessing and joy to all those who make a conscious choice for the Lord and His Kingdom!

Jesus says, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God” (Lk 6: 20)

One of the great messages in this verse is the Message of Hope!

The Greek word used for “poor” is “ptochos”

Ptochos means…
… reduced to beggary or asking for alms
… destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
… helpless, powerless to accomplish an end

It’s interesting to note that this word “Ptochos” has its origin in the word “ptosso” which means “to crouch”

Therefore, the “poor” literally means, “one who is crouching” – a position…
…. where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down

It’s a position that is very often defied and despised, in the worldly standards…
… which emphasizes on being proud and haughty
… and glorifies pomp and external show!

Thus, when the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor,” it is a tremendous message of Hope…
… to those who find themselves at the peripheries of life
.. to those lost in the miseries of life and find no hope – materially, spiritually, mentally, socially

Of course, the word “poor” does not mean…
… that one simply becomes timid and passive or be simply submissive to any social evils without any resistance
… that one adopts an attitude of being “always hands folded” in surrender or “faces cast down” in defeat

“Poor” instead refers to the fact that one has God has one’s greatest strength and treasure

Being “poor in the Lord,” contradictory as it may sound, is the greatest richness that one can have.

How true is the saying, “One who kneels before God, can stand before anyone!”

One who is dependant on God and His Grace…
One who is aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses and yet offers oneself entirely to the power of God…
… such a one, in the eyes of the world may be “poor” but is “blessed” in the sight of God!

It takes courage and conviction to be a Christian who is committed and passionate!

In the ‘cruise of life,’ let us be ever faithful to our duties as a follower of Christ, not just as an obligation…
… but knowing that “our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!”

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

If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value.
It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for it’s sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports.

By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships. (CCC # 2289)

“Deepening our love towards Mother Mary, and walking in the path of God, more faithfully!”

(Based on the Feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother)

A teacher in her classroom of Second Standard students, once explained and gave a lesson on the ‘magnet’ and its functions and uses.

The next day, the teacher conducted a written test.

One of the questions in this test was:
“My full name has six letters.

My name begins with ‘M’
One of my functions is to pick up things.
Another function is to attract things towards me.
Who am I?”

When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to see the answer that was given to this question by over half the class.

Any guesses as to what answer did the children write?

Hmmm….

They wrote the word – “Mother!”

The little children, with their own personal experience had seen and witnessed a Mother being the person..
… who would pick up things ( and especially the children!)
… who would attract to herself (especially the children themselves!)

The name “mother” evokes a lot of feelings and emotions…

Love, affection, tenderness, self-giving, warmth, kind-heartedness etc.

The name “mother” also evokes a lot of characters, functions works and tasks…

A life-giver, a care-giver, a consoler, a strength, a forgiver, a refuge etc.

A simple word – Mother – yet evokes so many powerful functions and feelings.

Today we celebrate the Birthday of the Most Beloved, the Most Loving and the Most Lovable Mother of all – Blessed Mother Mary!

Our world, in the modern trend, fluctuates between two contrasting approaches towards our Blessed Mother.

1. Minimal devotion to Mother Mary
   On one side, there is a highly sad and deplorable ignoring of the honour and the status that is due to our Blessed Mother.

Many consider Her only as an “egg-shell”, whose role and relevance completely ceased, after having given birth to Jesus
Many consider Her as just any ordinary woman, who “happened” to be picked by God, so that He could “use” Her to fulfil His plan.
Many consider Her to be worthy of absolutely no extra honour and mock at Her only as causing a distraction, away from God

2. Exaggerated devotion to Mother Mary
   On the other side, there is a “comfortable” and dangerous trend towards exalting Mother Mary to such an extent that She is sometimes accorded the worship of a goddess or a deity!

Many consider devotion to Her being much more important, much more satisfying and much more easier than to God Himself!
Many consider expressing their actions of piety and affection to such an extent that even God is sometimes neglected (especially God in the Blessed Sacrament or in the Holy Word)!

But both these extreme understandings and approaches towards Blessed Mother Mary need to have a refinement, filtering and restoration towards the right perspectives!

Towards this end, the name “MARY” could be expanded, in the following manner, to help in having a truer appreciation, a genuine devotion and a deeper love for Her: MARY…
… a Model, an Apostle, a Revolutionary, a Yeast

1. Mary – is the Model for every Christian
   Her life becomes a wonderful example to every person who wishes to follow our Blessed Lord.

She remains the perfect Model of being attentive to the voice of God, being actively response to His call and being faithfully committed to every task entrusted to Her

2. Mary is the Apostle-par-excellance
   As an Apostle of Her Son and Saviour, She always remained in His presence – either physically or in Her thoughts or through Her constant longing for Him

She is the Beloved Apostle who had offered Her whole body, mind and soul to the glory of God and fulfilling His every plan

3. Mary is the Revolutionary who dared to do God’s Will

Her Yes to the Plan of God, at the Annunciation and Her continual Yes to His Will…
… even in the moments of the most extreme suffering had the tenacity and the passion of a True Revolutionary
… and is beautifully reflected in the words of the Magnificat!

It is hard to follow God’s Will, especially in some moments of crisis;

It requires extreme courage and unfailing commitment to be always walking in the path of God
Mary is the wonderful Revolutionary who dared to always seek and do God’s Will in Her life!

4. Mary is the Yeast who silently fulfilled Her role in the plan of salvation
   In the Bible, the words of Mother Mary are fairly minimal; yet Her few words and above all…
   … Her dedicated life speaks volumes of Her role in the Salvific Plan!

She is the unseen Yeast through whom the mighty Grace of God wonderfully worked to raise up the Author of Salvation!

Blessed Mother Mary is our wonderful and beautiful Mother…
… who deserves our greatest affection and love, in a way that draws us more and more towards Her Son, Jesus.

Let us be encouraged by the words of St Maximilian Kolbe:
“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much.

You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

May the celebration of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, help us to deepen our love towards Her…
… and may we, holding Her Hands, walk in the path of God, more faithfully and strongly committed!

As Fulton J Sheen says:
“The less we think of Him, the less we think of Her.

The more we adore His Divinity, the more we venerate Her motherhood.
The less we acknowledge His divinity, the less we have respect for Her!”

A wonderful Birthday to our Blessed Mother!

We Love you, Dearest Mamma!

Happy Feast day to all Her children!

Let us deepen our love for Her Beloved Son and our Saviour, Jesus!

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

Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God.

We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. (CCC # 2288)