“Saying Yes to Jesus, by contributing our mite in spreading the Gospel and making this world to experience and recognize God’s tremendous love!”

(Based on Col 2:6-15 and Lk 6:12-19 – Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

There is “trial by jury” in the British legal system.

A jury consists of 12 individuals chosen at random from an appropriate panel.

Anyone who is on the electoral register aged between 18 and 70, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK for five years since the age of 13, is qualified to serve on the jury.

In his essay “The Twelve Men”, dealing with this British jury system, G. K. Chesterton wrote:
“Whenever our civilization wants a library to be catalogued, or a solar system discovered, or any other trifle of this kind, it uses up its specialists.

But when it wishes anything done which is really serious, it collects twelve of the ordinary men standing around…

The same thing was done, if I remember right, by the Founder of Christianity.”

And it’s true, right?

Jesus did choose twelve people of ordinary standing and average repute as His Chosen Apostles.

The Gospel of the Day presents this account of this choosing of the Twelve by Jesus, the Master.

Twelve persons of varied character…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Kingdom Mission’.

Twelve persons of different backgrounds…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Jesus Culture’.

Twelve persons of dissimilar emotions…
… invited to be part of the ‘One Love Civilization’.

Let these twelve persons today teach us something simple yet profound for our Spiritual Lives:

1. Simon, called as Peter: The one known for his wavering temperaments yet faithful and simple in his attitude.

Assets that can be learnt: To be humble enough to accept our mistakes and correct them

2. Andrew: The one who left fishing and at the multiplication of loaves, brought the five loaves and two fish to Jesus

Assets that can be learnt: To bring simple things before God who can work great wonders

3. James: The one who was zealous and who accompanied the Lord at many crucial events of His life

Assets that can be learnt: To be zealous for the Kingdom of God and be ready to be in close company with Jesus

4. John: The one who was loyal and displayed tremendous love and faithfulness to His Master

Assets that can be learnt: To be faithful and loyal to the Crucified One even in the midst of all uncertainties.

5. Philip: The one, with a Greek name, who told another disciple about Jesus & also helped the Greeks to come to Jesus

Assets that can be learnt: To be a person who brings other people to the saving presence of Jesus

6. Bartholomew: The one who was shocked that Jesus was from the lowly Nazareth but was quick to trounce this feeling

Assets that can be learnt: To let go of prejudices and preconception about persons and situations

7. Matthew: The one who was given an opportunity to reform his way of life and was generous to let go of his possessions

Assets that can be learnt: To be free from material attachments in order to follow Christ freely and fully

8. Thomas: The one who was highly daring and also frank and straightforward in his Faith and his attitude

Assets that can be learnt: To be bold about one’s faith even if it means to seek a clarification from God

9. James, son of Alpheus: The one who gets hardly any mention except being called by Jesus and being with the others in the Upper Room after the Ascension of Jesus

Assets that can be learnt: To remain in the backdrop, in serving the Lord and being unfazed even if not popular

10. Simon, the Zealot: The one who is also hardly mentioned but is identified with having a great religious zeal

Assets that can be learnt: To curb one’s personal instincts and likings in order to suit the style and spirit of Jesus

11. Judas Thaddeus: The one who wrote the Beautiful letter of Jude and exhorts to be faithful to Christ even in hardships

Assets that can be learnt: To learn to be faithful and strong even when persecuted for being a Christian

12. Judas Iscariot: The one who gave up his love of Jesus for the sake of the love of money

Assets that can be learnt: To avoid the subtle trap of materialism and instead remain focused on Jesus always

Twelve persons of simple nature…
… teach us many secrets and virtues to be powerful witnesses of the Kingdom

Twelve persons of ordinary calibre…
… teach us to become the extension of the love and mission of Christ Jesus

The Jury or the Panel of Twelve Ordinary Persons, chosen by Jesus, have contributed their mite in spreading the Gospel and making this world to experience and recognize God’s tremendous love!

The Master now seeks the same of us too…

St Paul reminds us of the beauty of the Gift of Faith that all of us have received, and of the need to be focussed without being lured by worldly thought-patterns:
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe…
… and not according to Christ!” (Col 2:6-8)

Though ordinary or simple or little or weak we are – just like the Apostles…
… He still trusts, invites and calls all of us…

Shall we say, Yes?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE JOINT MISSION OF THE SON AND THE SPIRIT

The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of His Son, is truly God.
Consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Spirit is inseparable from them…
… in both the inner life of the Trinity and his gift of love for the world.
In adoring the Holy Trinity, life-giving, consubstantial, and indivisible, the Church’s faith also professes the distinction of persons.
When the Father sends His Word, He always sends His Breath.

In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ Who is seen, the Visible Image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals Him. (Cf. CCC # 689)

“Allowing the Lord to work a revival in us, through prayer and self-discipline, and being willing to get out of our ‘comfortable zones’ of worldliness and hard-heartedness!”

(Based on Col 1:24-2:3 and Lk 6:6-11 – Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)

A young missionary in a particular village, had heard the fame of a senior missionary and his successful ventures in reviving the faith of the people.

Wanted to know the secret of success in ministry, the younger missionary, on meeting the senior, asked him: “What is the secret of reviving the faith of the people in my village?”

The senior man, who was also aware of the worldly lifestyle of the younger missionary said:
“Go back to your home and lock yourself up in a private room.

Then, take a piece of chalk, and mark a circle on the floor.

Get down on your knees, then, inside the circle…
… and pray to God to begin a revival inside the circle!

When this prayer is heard, a revival will take place in your people as well!”

Yes… it is when one is revived with the Spirit and Enthusiasm of the Lord…
… that one can radiate the same to others!

This revival demands that we “encircle” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline…
… by being willing to get out of our “comfortable zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!

The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with a group of people, who got stuck in their own “comfortable zones” of interpreting and understanding the Scriptures…
… failing to be open to the True Author of the Scriptures…
… and thus refusing to tread the path of mercy, compassion and charity.

The Gospel passage is another Sabbath day controversy.

Jesus is in the synagogue, teaching and proclaiming God’s Word.

His words would bring strength and courage to those in despair
His teaching would fill with hope those who were stranded on the peripheries of life
His preaching would invigorate those who were sapped of energy and felt themselves rejected.

Among those who heard Him in the synagogue, was a “a man whose right hand was withered” (Lk 6: 6)

It’s not mentioned how did he began to have a withered hand…
… maybe he was born so
… maybe he met with an accident
… maybe he had a sickness which made it so

But having a withered right hand had its own implications and difficulties to pose.

Right hand in the Bible, usually refers to..
… being the hand of blessing
… being the hand of strength
… being the hand of labour

So this man with the withered right hand is portrayed as being…
… disfigured in his purpose and goals of life
… pitiable in being rendered weak and sort of helpless

But more than this man with the physical disability, there were also some others, who had a “withered mentality” – the Pharisees

They had God, the source and origin of the Law, as their “Right Hand”
They had the privilege of learning and knowing the Scriptures, as their “Right Hand”

But, unfortunately, we find them with “withered”…
… their focus on God, the purpose and goal of the Law was “withered!”
… their opportunity to interpret and understand the Scriptures properly was “withered!”

To the man who had the physically withered right hand, Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” (Lk 6:10)

Probably these words were also directed or perhaps intended more for the Pharisees…
… who were “withered” in their understanding and mentality regarding the Law and the Author of the Law Himself!

Jesus was asking them to “stretch out their hands” which were withered…
… because they failed to understand the basic purpose of God’s Law which was aimed at reflecting on God’s Goodness and to reflect the same in their lives
… because they were stuck to their own rigid and arrogant interpretation of God’s Word and failed to put into practise the real meaning of God’s Word which is to do good, show mercy and extend charity

Are those words, “stretch out your hand” being directed to us also?

Are we failing to centre our lives on the Precious Gift that God has blessed us with – His Holy Word in the Holy Bible – and failing to make efforts to read, learn more and understand God’s Word properly and effectively?

Do we consciously cultivate practices which help us to set apart time (on a daily, regular basis) to read the Bible and reflect and shape our lives, in the light of the Holy Word of God?

Do we remain rigid, obstinate and closed to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us, through different sermons, write-ups, talks etc. on the Word of God and allow transformations to happen in my life?

Do we be zealous to learn God’s Word more deeply, to know Him more and to cultivate a personal taste to understand the Scriptures better with self-reflection?

Our Blessed Lord invites and exhorts us to have a “Revival in our Christian Lives”

It is only when one is revived with the Spirit and Enthusiasm of the Lord…
… that one can radiate the same to others!

St Paul inspires all of us to become zealous witnesses of the Power of God, as he tells us:
“It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that He powerfully inspires within me!” (Col 1:28-29)

Let us allow the Lord to work this revival in us, by “encircling” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline…
… and being willing to get out of our “comfortable zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which she transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit:

• in the Scriptures, He inspired
• in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses
• in the Church’s Magisterium, which He assists
• in the Sacramental Liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ
• in prayer, wherein He intercedes for us
• in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up
• in the signs of apostolic and missionary life

– in the witness of saints through whom he manifests His holiness and continues the work of salvation. (Cf. CCC # 688)

“Bringing the Powerful Presence of God in every situation of our society!”

(Based on Isa 35:4-7, Jas 2:1-5 and Mk 7:31-37 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

There is a beautiful little anecdote in the life of St Mother Teresa of Kolkatta – whose Feast we celebrate today – probably, known to many of us.

As Mother was cleaning the wounds of a leper, a man observed her.

The sight of the leprous wounds and the horrible stench caused that man to exclaim with disgust, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars!”

In reply, the saintly mother replied:
“Neither would I!
But I would gladly do it for Jesus!”

The love for the Lord and imitation of His descending love, prompted Mother Teresa to reach out her hands…
… even to the worst sores and the filthiest wounds!

Divine Love manifests its great power and reveals its glorious splendour, when it descends to even touch the lowliest, the least and the lost!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of Jesus, who was willing to lower to an extent, even to “dirty Himself” in order to touch human lives!

The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1) testifies to the fact that God created the entire world with His Word!

God doesn’t need a particular or a fixed procedure to work a miracle or a wonder
God doesn’t comply to human understandings of causing a divine phenomenon.

Perhaps, here is a reminder for us, in our prayer patterns…

In my prayers, do I also make my requests in such a way that I end up even commanding how and when God should answer the prayer?
In my intercessions to the Lord, do I act as “god” and even order God, the style and manner in which He has to answer our prayers?

Keeping in tune with this principle of “God as His own unique styles and patterns,” Jesus, the Word performs a strange pattern in bringing about the healing.

This incident of healing the ‘man who was deaf and had a speech impediment’ is indeed very unique…
… in the fact of the manner in which the miracle was performed.

The Gospel says, “taking him (the man who was deaf and with impediment in speech) aside, from the multitude privately…
… Jesus put His fingers into His ears, and He spat and touched His tongue, and looking up to heaven, He sighed…” (Mk 7: 33)

Here is a highly “unclean and unhygienic” style of healing…

Putting fingers into the ears…
Spitting onto the hands or the finger…
Touching the tongue…

Well sounds a little disgusting, right?

But let’s be prepared to face this grand reality….

This is our God!
This is our Saviour Lord!

In Jesus, we celebrate a God who is willing to heal even our most painful wounds and cleanse our most sinful sores!

In Jesus, we cherish a God who lowers Himself even to the extent of dirtying His hands to purify and refine us!

Am I willing and ready to allow this Daring God, who would go to any extent…
… to win us back to Him
… to bring a wholesome healing in us

To touch our hidden wounds, our shameful sores and our filthy sinful lives?

This is also a challenge and a call, to us Christians, to imitate our Blessed Lord in lowering ourselves…
… to reach out to the needy and the wanting
… to touch the hearts of the unclean and the corrupt.

The Lord reminds and assures us through Prophet Isaiah, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert…
… the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water” (Isa 35:5-7)

Humanly speaking, it might be too unreasonable to enter into the portals of dirt and slimes in the lives of people and to remain faithful to the Ways of God.

As St James tells us, sometimes, our human weaknesses even causes us to create division, distinction and discrimination among people – “My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?
Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” (Jas 2:1, 4)

But our Blessed Lord challenges us to imitate Him and offers His Heart of Love to be the “thumb rule” and the basic reason to reach out to all!

Are we prepared to “dirty” our lives in order to extend the charity and mercy of God to all…
…and thus, as in the title of the book on Blessed Mother Teresa, make our lives, “Something beautiful for God”!

September 5th is Teacher’s Day in India.

Teachers mould and shape a child to make him/her a beautiful person with a noble character!

Teachers inspire change!
Teachers stir up conversion!
Teachers motivate transformation!

Today the Greatest of all Teachers – Jesus – challenges and exhorts each one of us to adopt and adapt…
… a transformed way of Living
… a changed Lifestyle
… a converted Life!

And allow Him to reign over every situation of our life and embrace us!

On this Feast Day of Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata, let us seek her intercession…
… and be inspired by her love and life, that we may truly see – and like her – bring the Powerful Presence of God in every situation of our society.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
“Now God’s Spirit, who reveals God, makes known to us Christ, His Word, His Living Utterance, but the Spirit does not speak of Himself.
The Spirit who “has spoken through the prophets” makes us hear the Father’s Word, but we do not hear the Spirit himself.
We know Him only in the movement by which He reveals the Word to us and disposes us to welcome Him in faith.
The Spirit of truth who “unveils” Christ to us “will not speak on His own.”

Such properly Divine self-effacement explains why “the world cannot receive (Him), because it neither sees Him nor knows Him,” while those who believe in Christ know the Spirit because He dwells with them! (Cf. CCC # 687)

“Growing in the Love of the Law-Giver – the Lord of the Law – JESUS!”

(Based on Col 1:21-23 and Lk 6:1-5 – Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Society is governed by various laws and regulations.

Every organization, every institution and every establishment has its own rules and legislations.

The world, however, also is a strange witness to weird and peculiar laws…
… some known
… many unknown

In Oklahoma State of the U.S. …
… you can be arrested for making ugly faces at a dog.

In Vermont State of the U.S….
… a woman must get written permission from her husband to wear false teeth.

In Milan, Italy…
… it is a legal requirement to smile at all times except at funerals or hospitals

In Samoa…
… it’s a crime to forget your own wife’s birthday.

Interesting and unusual, isn’t it?

Well… each law has its own purpose and motive when it is framed and formulated.

But, when a rule fails to deliver its intended aim and gets devoid of all target, it becomes worthless!

When a law loses its original flavour and objective, it gets reduced to merely a plain statement!

A similar situation is what is encountered in today’s Gospel passage from Luke 6:1-5.

Here is a law that is genuine and good and was commanded by God Himself…

And all of us know this by heart, when we recite the Ten Commandments: “Keep the Sabbath Day Holy!”

The Sabbath day was initially the seventh day of the week.

In the seven days of creation, it is the Day on which God rested from His work.

And so in Exodus Chapter 20, we learn that since God rested from his work on the Sabbath, He wanted His people to take a day of rest on the Sabbath as well.

This is a great principle, right?

It is certainly good to get some rest during the week!

So far, so good!
So far, so nice!

But as time moved ahead and as generations passed on…
… craziness began to find its way into this law!

The Jews were so intent at keeping this law that they began formulating practical guidelines on “how” to follow this law – what could be done and what could not be done.

They came up with a list of 39 main tasks which could not be performed on the Sabbath.

This list included sowing seed, ploughing, reaping, binding, threshing, winnowing, grinding, sifting, kneading etc etc…

Some of these, however, lost sight of the “spirit of the Law”…
… and began to be performed merely “for the sake of following!”

It is this “legalistic and uncharitable” insistence of the Law that Jesus was against…
… and He sought to restore back the Original Spirit of the Sabbath Law!

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath is clear to point out to the legalistic Pharisees:
“You don’t have to teach me about Sabbath rules…
… It is I who have set up it in the first place!

The Sabbath was supposed to be a day of rest…
… but you’ve made it a day of working hard to keep the law!

If you have to work so hard to keep the Sabbath, then you’ve totally misunderstood the intention of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath is giving God the priority…

The Sabbath is giving one’s heart to the Lord!
The Sabbath is growing in relationship with Him!
The Sabbath is a day of taking rest, with the Lord!
The Sabbath is restoring our relationship with God!
The Sabbath is dedicating more of one’s resources to His Kingdom!
The Sabbath is strengthening ties with our family and fellow beings!

Yes, the Law is important…
… but do I lose focus of its original purpose, like the Pharisees…

Or do I, like Jesus, understand the true meaning and intention of the rules and guidelines in our lives?

Let us truly seek to throw away frivolous practices of any Laws & embrace the Lord of the Law and grow in His love!

Love the law…
Be zealous to keep the law…
… But not just for the sake of the law!

Rather, to grow in the Love of the Law-Giver Himself…the Lord of Law…JESUS!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

To believe in the Holy Spirit is to profess that the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of the Holy Trinity, consubstantial with the Father and the Son: “with the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.”
For this reason, the Divine mystery of the Holy Spirit was already treated in the context of Trinitarian “theology.”
The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the Son from the beginning to the completion of the plan for our salvation.

But in these “end times,” ushered in by the Son’s redeeming Incarnation, the Spirit is revealed and given, recognized and welcomed as a person. Now can this Divine plan, accomplished in Christ, the firstborn and head of the new creation, be embodied in mankind by the outpouring of the Spirit: as the Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. (Cf. CCC # 685-686)

“Daring to imitate our Blessed Lord in ‘washing the windows’ in order to clear the view for a cleaner, fresher and brighter practising of our faith!”

(Based on Col 1:15-20 and Lk 5:33-39 – Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

John Wanamaker was an American merchant and a religious and civic leader.
He is considered by some, to be the proponent of advertising and a “pioneer in marketing”.

Once, a neat and handsome young man, applied to John Wanamaker for a job.

This young fellow was told that there was no job for him.

But the young man persisted, “I am wiling to take up any work!”

With a view to get rid of him, Mr Wanamaker said, “The only job I have is the job of washing windows”

“Yes, I am willing” said the enthusiastic young man!

He washed those windows as they never had been.

He also showed a great sense of responsibility.

Within a short period, he became the manager of the store.

When this man died, after a splendid service of nearly two decades, Mr Wanamaker said:
“I am willing to pay as high as one hundred thousand dollars for a manager, who can fill the place of the one I lost!”

The young man’s willingness and his committed act of “washing the windows” brought about a change of mentality and won accolades galore!

Today, perhaps, the Church is in a great need for people who are willing to “wash the windows” for the sake of the Kingdom…
… windows which are sometimes dirtied with the dust of ritualism, legalism and relativism
… windows which are sometimes tainted with the stains of corruption, scandals and misconduct
… windows which are sometimes splattered with the blemishes of indifference, injustice and inactions

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus who courageously dares to “wash the windows”, in order to clear away the dust of legal fanaticism, religious rigidity and spiritual gloominess!

The passage in consideration (Lk 5: 33-39) begins with an interrogative complaint by the Pharisees and Scribes…
… on why His disciples ‘ate and drank’ whereas the disciples of John the Baptist as well as the Pharisees fasted often and offered prayers (Lk 5: 33)

The immediate context of this passage is the Call of Levi, the tax collector and the grand party hosted by him, in honour of Jesus (Lk 5: 27-32)

Jesus, later on, in His ministry would say, “There is more rejoicing over one sinner who repents and returns to God, than over ninety-nine righteous persons, who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7)

Levi, the tax-collector was called by Jesus to follow Him – an occasion of a “lost sheep” returning back to the arms of the Shepherd!

It was a moment of great joy and happiness!
It was a moment of leaving the old self behind and embracing the newness of Christ!
It was a moment of immersing oneself in the new life in Christ and being ‘drunk’ with His love!

In this context, when the religious leaders questioned Jesus on why were His disciples into “eating and drinking” unlike the disciples of John the Baptist and Pharisees, who were into rigorous fasting and prayer…
… Jesus gives a fitting reply using three imageries:

1. The imagery of the wedding guests feasting, when the Bridegroom is with them (Lk 5: 34-35)

It pointed to the “moments of great joy and happiness, that is experienced” when one recognises Jesus as the bridegroom – the True Love of one’s life and the Primary Purpose of one’s existence (Gal 2: 20)!

2. The imagery of the patched garments (Lk 5: 36)

It pointed to the “moments of leaving the old self behind and embracing the newness of Christ”, and putting on the New and Festal Garment of Christ (Gal 3: 27)

3. The imagery of the wine and wineskin (Lk 5: 37-39)

It pointed to the “moments of immersing oneself in the new life in Christ and being ‘drunk’ with His love”, and cherishing the experience of discovering the Lord as the true and only source and foundation of happiness in life (1 Cor 3: 11).

In short, our Blessed Lord was pointing to a renewed perspective in one’s relationship with God…

Doing away with “legal fanaticism” that cripples one’s life with mere external following of rituals and rubrics
… and instead to discover the real meaning and purpose of one’s actions of piety and religiosity!

Doing away with “religious rigidity” that steals away any spontaneity and openness in one’s life of faith…
.. and instead to unearth the freedom that often lies buried, and to relate without any inhibitions with one’s Loving Creator!

Doing away with “spiritual gloominess” that casts a dark and ugly veil on one’s practices of spirituality…
… and instead to unwrap the gifts of happiness, trust and genuine bliss that is constantly bestowed by God!

Our practise of faith and spirituality certainly is in a constant need of a “cleaning up”!

Our understanding and perspectives on religion is in ever need of “sprucing up”!

Else, it can very easily happen, that..
… religion turns out to be a farce
… practices of piety fail to touch and inspire lives
… acts of charity turn out to be hypocritical gestures

May we dare to imitate our Blessed Lord in “washing the windows”, in order to clear the view for a cleaner, fresher and brighter practising of our faith!

We today seek the intercession of St Gregory the Great on his feast-day

He is known as the “Father of Christian Worship” because of his exceptional efforts in reviving the Church Liturgy (Divine Worship).

May his words inspire us:
“The only true riches are those that make us rich in virtue.

Therefore, if you want to be rich… love true riches.
If you aspire to the heights of real honor, strive to reach the kingdom of Heaven!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Through his grace, the Holy Spirit is the first to awaken faith in us and to communicate to us the new life…
.. which is to “know the Father and the one whom he has sent, Jesus Christ.”

But the Spirit is the last of the persons of the Holy Trinity to be revealed. St. Gregory of Nazianzus, the Theologian, explains this progression in terms of the pedagogy of divine “condescension (CCC #684)

“Letting go of our fears, apprehensions, preconceptions and pride in order to “fully trust” in the mighty power of God’s Providence, and experience His Awesome and Amazing Care for us!

(Based on Col 1:9-14 and Lk 5:1-11 – Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

The town of Feldkirch, Austria in 1799 was faced with the prospects of being attacked by the armies of Napoleon.

It was an Easter Day and the sun shone brightly, letting the soldiers of the enemy being spotted.

The Town Council was called together, in haste, to consult what had to be done.

It was a situation of tension.
It was a time of immense distress.

After a long period of discussion, the dean of the Church made a proclamation:
“My brothers it is Easter Day!

We have been reckoning our own strength, and that fails.

Let us turn to God.

Ring the bells and have service as usual, and leave the matter in God’s hands!

It was a hard and (humanly speaking) a risky decision, but they agreed to do as he said.

Thus from the Church towers of Feldkirch, rang the boisterous and joyous peals of the bells, in honour of the Resurrection of the Lord.

The streets began to be filled with worshippers, hastening to the Church.

The enemy army, on hearing the sudden ringing of the bells, were taken aback with surprise and shock.

They came to a conclusion that the Austrian Army had arrived in order to relieve the place.

So they fled hastily!

The town of Feldkirch were saved from the possibilities of destruction and ruin!

Divine Providence had rescued a tiny town, who placed their trust in Him, from the deathly clutches of a mighty army!

Is my life of faith, characterized by a “Deep Trust in Divine Providence”?

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of the marvels that can be witnessed when one place’s one’s complete trust in the Lord…
… and surrenders one’s life – in action and deeds – to the Providence of the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord is fully into His ministry of preaching and proclaiming God’s Word (Lk 5:1)

The Word was transforming people…
… and in sometime, a wonderful transformation was to happen to a person, who would become a close follower of the Transforming Lord!

The crowds were thronging together, to hear the words of Jesus.

But, “standing by the lake, Jesus saw two boats by the lake” (Lk 5: 2)

The Gospel says that, “the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets” (Lk 5: 2b)

This verse, though little and appears insignificant carries a mighty message: the message of the Power of God’s Providence.

The fishermen, as we would later read, were Simon and James and John and others.

They had toiled the whole night… caught no fish, and were now, dejectedly, washing their nets.

The boat was empty – bereft of any fish!

But Divine Providence had a mighty plan in this “barrenness”

The emptiness of the boat allowed our Blessed Lord to enter it, and make it His Pulpit for preaching God’s Word!

The vacancy in the boat prompted our Blessed Lord to enthrone it, and make it His platform for calling His First Disciples!

Had there been fish in the boat…
… in all probability, the fishermen would be in it, sorting and cleaning the fish..
… and would have left no space for the Blessed Lord to preach from it

Had there been a mighty catch that night…
… in all probability, the boat, filled with the fish, would not have been there
… and the vehicle of “catching fish” would have missed the chance to be a “podium for proclaiming God’s Word”

Is my life, at this point, empty and barren… like this boat?

Maybe it’s been a long time I have been watching and expecting, patiently and faithfully, for my boat to be filled.
Maybe it’s being a horrible wait, sometimes even leading to frustration and hopelessness, for my boat to be filled

But can I trust Divine Providence, in having a purposive plan for this “emptiness and barrenness?”

Later on, Simon would be asked by our Lord to “put out into the deep and let the nets down for a catch” (Lk 5: 4)

It seemed illogical, pointless and hardly reasonable to Simon.

It seemed as a confronting questioning of Simon’s skills and abilities in his field of expertise

But Simon “let go” of his own prejudices, tiredness and (possible) humiliation…
… and trusted in the Mighty Providence of the One, who would be His Life and Master!

And this Trust did not fail him!

The net was filled with fish…

His mind was filled with feelings of awe…

His eyes were filled with tears of repentance…

His heart was filled with the joy of surrendering…

Here is a beautiful story of how a competent fisherman failed utterly in his field of competence…
… but is initiated into being a competent fisher of people, for the Kingdom of God!

As Christians, we do claim to be people of faith and belief.

But does this “faith” translate itself into real “trust”?

When hardships come in life… I may proclaim my faith with my lips

But do I “trust” Him to take me through?

When emptiness fills my life… I may perform external works of faith

But do I “trust” Him to utilize my barrenness, in the way He wants?

When toils of life yield no results… I may persist in saying that I have faith

But do I “trust” Him to grant me the fruits of labour, in His own time and in His own measure?

And if I really “trust” in the Lord…

I would be a person of joy, going about my works without anxieties and radiating serenity and calm…
… even when walking through the valleys of sufferings
… even when sinking in the deluge of pain
… even when surrounded by the clouds of uncertainty!

Yes, let us “let go” of our own fears, apprehensions, preconceptions and pride in order to “fully trust” in the mighty power of God’s Providence…
… and experience His Awesome and Amazing Care for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Through his grace, the Holy Spirit is the first to awaken faith in us and to communicate to us the new life, which is to “know the Father and the one whom he has sent, Jesus Christ.”
But the Spirit is the last of the persons of the Holy Trinity to be revealed.
St. Gregory of Nazianzus, the Theologian, explains this progression in terms of the pedagogy of divine “condescension”
The Old Testament proclaimed the Father clearly, but the Son more obscurely.
The New Testament revealed the Son and gave us a glimpse of the Divinity of the Spirit.
Now the Spirit dwells among us and grants us a clearer vision of himself.
It was not prudent, when the Divinity of the Father had not yet been confessed, to proclaim the Son openly…
… and, when the Divinity of the Son was not yet admitted, to add the Holy Spirit as an extra burden, to speak somewhat daringly!

By advancing and progressing “from glory to glory,” the light of the Trinity will shine in ever more brilliant rays! (Cf. CCC # 684)

“Showing forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God by our altruistic words and deeds!”

(Based on Col 1:1-8 and Lk 4:38-44 – Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in number of works…
… of healing
… of rebuking the evil spirits
… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

He cures Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever and restores her to good health and wellbeing… (Lk 4:39)

Am I today in need of a touch of the Lord…
… which casts away forces that makes weak and fragile?
… which takes away the fever of tiredness and fatigue of spiritual life?
… which restores me back in serving and assisting others in my life?

At sunset, He laid His hands on many with sicknesses and diseases and cured them all… (Lk 4:40)

In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…
…. Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…
… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

In the sunset of frustrations and despair…
… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?

In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…
… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Joy and Revitalization?

He also rebuked many demons and commanded them to let go of many possessed people… (Lk 4: 41)

Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers… ?
… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?
… The power of the Lord is here to overcome

Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?
… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?
… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage expresses His intentions of going to other towns to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God!

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing….
Do I imitate the Lord…
…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?
… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

The Altruism of Jesus challenges us…
…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!
… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely and the depressed and the unwanted and the rejected and the discriminated with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

It made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

It made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

As we start the new month of September, let us offer ourselves totally to the Care and Providence of our Blessed Lord!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words…
… but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds!

St Gregory the Great would say, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”

Let us grow in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
“I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT”

“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.”
“God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!”‘
This knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit.
He comes to meet us and kindles faith in us.
By virtue of our Baptism, the first Sacrament of the Faith, the Holy Spirit in the Church communicates to us, intimately and personally, the life that originates in the Father and is offered to us in the Son.
_Baptism gives us the grace of new birth in God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Spirit.
For those who bear God’s Spirit are led to the Word, that is, to the Son, and the Son presents them to the Father…
… and the Father confers incorruptibility on them.
It is impossible to see God’s Son without the Spirit, and no one can approach the Father without the Son…

… for the knowledge of the Father is the Son, and the knowledge of God’s Son is obtained through the Holy Spirit! (Cf. CCC # 683)

“Shining forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

(Based on 1 Thess 5:1-6, 9-11 and Lk 4:31-37 – Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose into prominence during the French Revolution.

In a short span of time, he had gained prominent control of the Continental Europe.

Once, while discussing and planning his strategies, with his staff officers, he spread a large map of the world on the table before him.

Then he put his finger on a kingdom which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole world!”

That red spot was the British Isles.
(The British Isles were identified with the colour ‘red’ derived from its prominence in their flag.

They were the only force, which Napolean felt, was preventing his plans to capture the entire world)

Probably, in the similar manner, Satan, while discussing and planning his strategies, would spread the large map of the universe.

Then, he would put his finger on a place which was coloured red and told them:
“If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole universe!”

That red spot is the Blood of our Blessed Saviour, shed on the Cross at Calvary!

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

Evil cannot stand Holiness!
Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this expression and dread of the evil one, who is unable to bear the presence of the Divine Saviour.

The Gospel Passage is the incident of the curing of the demoniac (Lk 4: 31-37).

The preceding passage (Lk 4: 1-30) described the dramatic inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus in His home-town, Nazareth.
… Initially, there was a lot of amazement, wonder and awe that was expressed by the people
… But when the Lord, began to explicate His Mission, especially of being a Saviour of all the nations, there was a change in attitude of the people

The shift from a “goody-goody” expectation of the Messiah to a “challenging” presence, caused them discomfort…
… and they began to express their anger and infuriation, by seeking to even kill the Lord

But the Spirit-filled Jesus had no stopping…

Nothing could stop Him from continuing His Mission and the Duty entrusted to Him

And so, the Gospel says, “He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching on the Sabbath” (Lk 4: 31)

As the quote goes, “This is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

He was…
… determined in His dedication
… committed to His cause
… purposeful in His programme

Can we also imitate our Blessed Lord in this unswerving fidelity…

Oppositions may rock our life…
Crises may strangle our hopes…
But can I still continue to hold on to being Faithful to the Gospel and to the ways of the Lord?

This requires the tremendous infilling and a constant seeking and doing of God’s Will in our lives.

It was this purposiveness that enabled Jesus to be a person of authority and evoke astonishment and amazement from His hearers: “They were astonished at His teaching, for His Word was with authority” (Lk 31b-32)

Therefore, when the man who was possessed by the evil spirit, encountered Jesus, “he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” (Lk 4: 34)

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

As followers of our Blessed Lord, we too are called upon to become “people of authority and holiness”

Do I seek to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord…
… so that my Spirit-filled presence will cause the demons of “filthiness, lust, corruption and injustice” to tremble and be cast away?

Do I make efforts to co-operate still more with the Grace of the Lord…
… so that my life-in-Jesus, will cause the demons of “wickedness, indifference, hatred and pride” to shiver and be chased away?

St Paul reminds us, “let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (1 Thess 5:6)

There is a beautiful hymn, known to many of us, “Are you washed, in the blood of the Lamb?”

When we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, we have the power to stand before the forces of evil
When we are purified by the cleansing might of the blood of Christ, we have the grace to challenge the pressures of Satan

May our lives, washed in the Blood of our Blessed Lord, be a “red spot” which would distort every wicked plan of Satan to conquer this world…
… and may we shine forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

Following in the steps of the prophets and John the Baptist, Jesus announced the judgement of the Last Day in his preaching.
Then will the conduct of each one and the secrets of hearts be brought to light.
Then will the culpable unbelief that counted the offer of God’s grace as nothing be condemned.
Our attitude to our neighbour will disclose acceptance or refusal of grace and divine love.
Christ is Lord of eternal life. Full right to pass definitive judgement on the works and hearts of men belongs to Him as the Redeemer of the world.
He “acquired” this right by his cross. The Father has given “all judgement to the Son”.
Yet the Son did not come to judge, but to save and to give the life He has in Himself.

By rejecting Grace in this life, one already judges oneself, receives according to one’s works, and can even condemn oneself for all eternity by rejecting the Spirit of love! (Cf. CCC # 678-679)

“Living as a ‘powerful dynamite’ of God’s Compassionate Love and Mercy!”

(Based on 1 Thess 4:13-18 and Lk 4:16-30 – Monday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)

The Dynamite was one of the most powerful invention known to humans at that time.

It was invented by Alfred Nobel.

When Nobel had invented it, he asked his friend – a Greek scholar – for a word in Greek, for ‘explosive power’.

The Greek word that was given was ‘dunamis’ – an explosive power!

By itself, a dynamite is fairly stable.

But once combined with an ‘igniter’ it becomes extremely powerful.
(An igniter is something like a firecracker placed inside a stick of TNT to set it off)

It is interesting that the “Power” of the Holy Spirit also has the same Greek word, “dunamis!”

As Christians, at our Baptism and in the further Sacraments, we have received this “dunamis” – Power!

We all have the potential within us to be a “Dynamite” – of God’s Love, Mercy and Power!

But the question is…

Do I give witness to this mighty power of the Holy Spirit- ‘dunamis’ – in my life…?
… Or have I been rendered powerless and ineffective, lacking the force of an ‘igniter’?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful display of the Power of the Holy Spirit, by Jesus, as He inaugurates His public ministry at Nazareth.

The public ministry of our Blessed Lord begins with the reading and proclamation of the prophetic words:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Lk 4:18)

The Jewish world had been eagerly waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah.

But Divine Irony had it that when the Messiah did arrive, it was not with a mighty bang, but with a sweet gentleness and calm!

He came from a place, that was perhaps, least expected – Nazareth

He announced His coming to the public not with any grand show or spectacle – but by just declaring the Word of God with authority

But this humble beginning, that Divine Wisdom planned it so beautifully, would slowly unleash its mighty power – its “dunamis!”

The mighty words and proclamation by Jesus caused an immediate stir and buzz among the people who listened to Him.

The Gospel would testify to this fact, in the words: “And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Lk 4:22)

However, as the Spirit of God continued to display its mighty power, in the Person of Jesus, there also arose the spirit of division and opposition.

The “all-hailing” and “all -praising” crowd, on realizing the demands placed by the Word of God…
… got converted to “being enraged” and “being infuriated”!

So much was the antagonism that had brewed up that “all in the synagogue were filled with wrath, and they rose to put Him out of the city…” (Lk 4: 28-29)

This then is the “mighty dynamite of God’s Mighty Spirit”:

A Power that arrests the attention of all and causes amazement and wonder…
… yet, a Power that also mightily challenges and confronts!

Each of us, as Christians, possessing the Mighty Power of the Holy Spirit are called to a “Spiritual Dynamite”…
… One which arrests the attention of the people by our witnessing and faithful life
… One which causes people to make an introspection into their lives to turn towards God, even if it results in persecutions

Our Blessed Lord, with the mighty power of the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, became a life-transforming and a society-challenging Dynamite!

The unflinching focus and the faithful commitment was His Igniter
The deep desire to fulfil His Father’s Will was His Igniter
The intense love for His people was His Igniter.

Am I, as a Christian, failing to be a powerful witness and give a mighty testimony to the Gospel?

Can I reinforce the ‘igniters’ of…

being focused and faithfully committed
having a deep desire to seek and do God’s Will
cultivating an intense love and compassion for His people
… so that my life can be a “powerful dynamite” of God’s Compassionate Love and Mercy?

We today seek the intercession of St Euphrasia, the saint from India, who was canonized a few years back (Nov 23, 2014), and be inspired by her words:
“May your heart be an altar, from which the bright flame of unending thanksgiving ascends to heaven”

May this Saint’s deep love for Christ and the Church inspire us to make our Christian lives, a “dynamite” of Christ’s love and mercy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH’S ULTIMATE TRIAL

The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that Messianic hope…
… which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgement.
The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the “intrinsically perverse” political form of a secular messianism.
The Church will enter the glory of the kingdom only through this final Passover, when she will follow her Lord in his death and Resurrection.
The kingdom will be fulfilled, then, not by a historic triumph of the Church through a progressive ascendancy, but only by God’s victory over the final unleashing of evil, which will cause his Bride to come down from heaven.

God’s triumph over the revolt of evil will take the form of the Last Judgement after the final cosmic upheaval of this passing world. (Cf. CCC # 676-677)

“Putting the Gospel into true effect, so that our lives may shine brightly, not just externally, but more importantly, from His grace that flows from within!”

(Based on Deut 4:1-2, 6-8, Jas 1:17-18, 21-22, 27 and Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Here is a simple anecdote known to many of us (perhaps in different versions)…

There was soap manufacturer, who professed atheism.

He however had a wonderful friend who was a devout God-believing person – going around different places, preaching the Gospel.

Once, during an evening walk, the soap manufacturer said, “Look around at the evil and wickedness that is prevalent in our world today.

People killing each other, mercilessly.

Women and children subjected to horrific abuses.
Peace and harmony fearing to walk openly, afraid that they would be mangled and devoured by the forces of injustice!

The Gospel that you preach has just not done much good.

Wickedness is so much in the air and seems to be ever increasing!”

The God-fearing friend made no reply to these hard-hitting comments…
… until they passed by a little child, who was playing in the mud.

The child had dirtied himself badly.

Discovering his chance, the devout friend said, “Look around at the dirt and the uncleanness that is prevalent everywhere.

The soap that you manufacture has just not done much good.

Dirt and uncleanliness is so much around and seems to be ever increasing!”

“Oh, but that’s not fair to say!” said the soap manufacturer, “soap is useful only when it is applied!”

“Exactly”, said the preacher-friend, “so it is with the Gospel that I preach!

It is effective, when put to use!”

Has the Gospel of the Lord become effective and meaningful in our lives…?
… or is it remaining unused, and causing us to remain dirtied in sin and unclean in lifestyle?

The Gospel of the Day is a wake-up call to discover the Power of God’s Word to cleanse our lives and to abandon our mentality of ‘just being content’ in having the Gospel as a mere “decorative and ornamental” value in our lives.

The Gospel passage begins on a “complaint note” with the Pharisees and some Scribes, finding fault with the Disciples of Jesus, who ate with hands defiled. (Mk 7:2)

Firstly, isn’t it pretty ironical, that the Pharisees and Scribes, who were judicious in their keeping of the Law, failed to recognize Jesus, the Author of the Law Himself?!

Jesus was growing in popularity as the Mighty Healer, the Great Preacher and a Powerful Transformative Force.

But the Pharisees and the Scribes, somehow, failed to discover these Divine elements in Him.

Every time they saw Jesus, they would look for something to find fault in Him
Every time they heard Jesus, they would sneak a chance to find a loophole in His teachings
Every time, they encountered Jesus, they would fastidiously seek to put Him to the test and grill Him

This “Pharisaic and Scribal” tendency is not to be directly condemned or rashly judged…
… They were a group, trying to make sure that Jesus was not any of those false prophets (who were plenty in those days) and wanted to corrupt their pure religion
… They were also wanting to test and prove the authenticity of “the one who came from Nazareth” and His claims to be the Messiah

However, beyond these “innocent intentions” of the Pharisees and Scribes, it is to be also noted, that this “law-protecting” and “law-fanatic” group of Scribes and Pharisees had also slipped into grave dangerous zones…

They were critical…
… but they also drenched themselves in total scepticism and gave no room for any openness to the truth or to God’s Spirit talking to them!

They were strict followers of the Law…
… but they had also failed to authenticate their zealous following, with a life of mercy, justice and love, which was the aim and goal of the Law!

They declared themselves as being faithful to God’s Law …
… but they had also precipitated this Divine Law into hundreds of man-made stipulations and cruelly insisted on its following, without being aware that God’s basic purposes for the Law were being abandoned and trampled upon!

And so our Blessed Lord, makes a scathing attack and strongly exhorts them to move from a mere “decorative and ornamental” understanding of the Law…
… towards a radically “transformative and life-changing” practice of the Law.

They insisted only on the strict ritualistic washing of vessels and cups and pots..
.,.. But Jesus exhorts them to first cleanse the sinful vessels of their mind and the adulterous pots of their hearts

They insisted only on the austere cleansing of their hands..
… But Jesus exhorts them to first wash the defiled fingers of their duplicity and the dirtied palms of their pride

The attack on the Pharisaic and Scribal attack is also a lesson and reminder for us to examine our attitudes in life and to make the necessary changes…

Have I adopted a “decorative and ornamental” understanding of being a Christian, and just be happy to be “called as a Christian”, enjoying some of the privileges and comforts that come along with it…
… or do I allow God’s Gospel to powerfully effect changes in me?

Am I just satisfied with “external cleanliness” – either in just being neat and tidy or in looking glamorous and fashionable or in being constantly bothered only with my external looks…
… or do I take steps to cleanse my heart of all sinful tendencies and to allow the rivers of God’s grace to wash away my inner defilements?

Sin is a deep reality of our lives…
… whether we like it or not… we accept it or not.

Am I satisfied with just remaining a Christian and “appearing” to be a Follower of Christ, with some basic Church obligations fulfilled…
… or do I truly open my heart to allow God’s spirit to “heal me from within” of all my evil tendencies and social negligence?

May our Blessed Lord give us the blessing to “put His Gospel into true effect”, so that our lives may shine brightly, not just externally, but more importantly, from His grace that flows from within.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CHURCH’S ULTIMATE TRIAL

Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers.
The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth, will unveil the “mystery of iniquity” in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth.

The supreme religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of his Messiah come in the flesh (Cf. CCC # 673-674)