“Realising that only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile!”

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

The following is a self-reflected story…
… An Autobiography

This is written with the sole intention of giving Praise and Glory to God, the Creator..

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile!

This is a basic philosophy and an attitude which I have cultivated all through my life…
… and which I appreciate very much in others!

Well, you can call it being part of my genes and instilled into my basic structure…
… but, yeah, I do seek to live for others!

And I am excited when I see others also living out this my philosophy!

Life springs surprise!

And I guess, the Creator has meant life to be thus!

This is a lesson I have learnt many times…

His surprising Hand is indeed amazing and remarkable…

In the midst of the storms of life…
… I have encountered how He can steer me through to safety!

In the thick of dark clouds of life…
… I have experienced how He can flash His brightness home!

In the horror of pealing thunder and lightning…
… I have enjoyed His calm presence and soothing aura!

The Creator is indeed a great, BIG, surprising person!

You must be wondering what would have been my most wonderful surprise in life?!

Any guesses?

What more than seeing the Philosophy of my Life being actualized and lived in the best way possible!!

Yeah, I am excited when I am able to share my life for the sake of others and in service of others!

But I am most delighted and thrilled and thankful when I see others also seeking to make the world a better place!

And, this was an all too super experience of seeing such an amazingly charismatic Personality…
He had a comforting charm…
He had a relaxing resonance…
He had an attracting appearance!

I dint know His Name…
… He was yet a stranger to me

But the air echoed and reverberated with His Name…”Yeshua…”…”Messiah…”…..”JESUS!!

And then came THE moment…
Call it THE best moment of my life…
Call it THE most blessed time of my life….

That Great Figure….Yeshua…Jesus…came to me!

And chose to spend time with me!

He spoke to the great crowds of people who had gathered to listen to Him…
… but all the while, being with me!
Amazing Words of Life!
Beautiful acts of Love!
Special powers of Healing!
Dramatic deeds of Transformation!

And then it was time for me to witness an unforgettable scene…

That Great Charismatic Leader…
… surprised my master with a life-changing miracle and phenomenon…

My master was a simple fisherman.

He was a bit impulsive, yet straightforward and humble…
… a hardworking fella.

But the experience that he had and which I had, was just out of the world…
‘At your command, I will let down the nets’ was the simple expression of my master to the Great Master!

I’ve heard it’s hard for people to let down their nets…
… when encountered with strange troubles and to trust in Him!
… when met with total hopelessness and when life kicks them on their faces!
… when disappointments & depression have become identical with their lives!

But for my simple master, it was just easy to let go off himself, his capacities, his knowledge…
… and just trust and believe!

He did let down his nets…
… and what followed was a classic picture!!
Fish was caught in plenty
Joy was writ all over the faces
Faith had increased bountifully!!

Trust and Faith is rewarded when acted with simplicity, humility and openness!

And surprises followed…

That classic Personality, who was also called the Great Fisherman of Galilee, prophesied on my master and gave him a new vocation:
“From now on…you will be catching men!’
The angels would have rejoiced…
The heavens would have consented…
… but there was a heart-break in my heart!

The new vocation of my master would mean, I would be left abandoned…
… I would no longer be utilized!

But then, suddenly my conscience pricked me and I was reminded of my philosophy of life: to live for others!

And lo… I had to follow suit….
… to let down my nets!
… to let down the net of my desires…
… and let my master be engaged in the service and help of humanity!

My master had to embrace a new way of life:
To follow the Greatest Catcher of People, the Great Fisherman of Galilee – Jesus!

I knew my master would also attain great heights of fame and name and holiness and greatness…

All because he had been willing to let go off his nets
All because he had been ready to listen to the Great Master’s Word!
All because he had been disposed to give highest priority to the work of the Great Master!
… and in the process, I too have been touched and blessed!

Generations will remember my master…
Generations will be blessed by the Great Master…
Generations may never preach or wish to see me…

But generations will hopefully think of me…
… think of me, that once upon a time, I was touched and blessed – to be a Pulpit for the Word!”

This reflection is taken from an extract of an imaginary autobiography titled, “The story of a Dramatic Surprise”

It is the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE BOAT which was used by St Peter…
… the apostle who was called by the Great Master, Jesus
… as recounted in Lk 5:1-11!

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

They are guilty of scandal who establish laws or social structures
… leading to the decline of morals and the corruption of religious practice…

… or to “social conditions that, intentionally or not, make Christian conduct and obedience to the Commandments difficult and practically impossible. (CCC # 2286)

“Growing in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!”

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

A young nurse once shared her experience after a grueling night shift.

She said: “I walked into the hospital drained, weary and almost broken…
… but I walked out stronger, renewed, and strangely at peace.”

Someone asked her in surprise: “How can you be more energized after giving yourself away the whole night?”

And she replied:
“Because every time I wiped a patient’s tears…
… every time I offered a glass of water
. . every time I simply held a trembling hand

I felt my own heart being healed.
My tiredness melted away.
My weakness turned into strength!”

Isn’t that the paradox of love?

When we pour ourselves out for others…
… God fills us back in.
When we serve…
… we are the ones renewed.
When we give…
… we receive more than we can imagine.

Altruism is the echo of Christ’s love in a soul that has been touched by His mercy.”

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.

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 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, frustrations and despair, in my life…
… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

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 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 the sick and suffering, with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!
… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely, the depressed, the unwanted and the rejected!

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

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 and actions.

St Gregory the Great – Pope and Doctor of the Church – whose feast we celebrate, says…
“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…
… realising that “every sunset of our pain can become a sunrise of God’s Mercy, if we place it in His hands

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

Scandal can be provoked by laws or institutions, by fashion or opinion. (CCC # 2286)

“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, Year 1)

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

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
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Scandal is grave when given by those who by nature or office are obliged to teach and educate others.

Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees on this account: he likens them to wolves in sheep’s clothing. (CCC # 2285)

“Submitting ourselves to the Power and Authority of the Lord, Who ignites our lives!”

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

Have you ever seen a giant sequoia tree?

Some of them are more than 3,000 years old…
… majestic and towering!

But here’s the hidden secret: these mighty trees commence their growth, because of fire!

Yes, fire!

Unless the flames of a forest-fire, sweep through…
… their seed-cones never open!

The heat cracks them apart, the ashes prepare the soil…
… and only then does new life spring forth!

Strange, isn’t it?

What looks like destruction, actually becomes the doorway to life.
What appears to be tragedy is, in fact, the trigger for transformation.

It’s so similar to what we witness in today’s Gospel: The Programmatic Speech of Jesus (Lk 4:16–30)

Jesus, filled with the Spirit, proclaims liberty to the captives – with passion and fire!
His words burn, His presence shakes, His authority unsettles…
… but only so that the chains of sin break open
… and a new life in God can begin!

The public ministry of our Blessed Lord begins with the reading and declaration of the prophetic words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…
… to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Cf. 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!

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 our Blessed Lord slowly unleashed His Authority, 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)

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions
When one is highly passionate about one’s faith, it overwhelms one’s deeds and life.
… and this would naturally lead to oppositions and persecutions.

Our life is a constant battle with the powers of the evil.

Time and again, we have people and situations who discourage us

Many times we go through moments when spiritual life doesn’t seem to be encouraging

We often get tied down by the powers of temptation
… We often get disappointed by the struggles of sinful tendencies

But let’s know for sure: The power of the Lord is with us – waiting to save us!

What is therefore needed is that, we need to…
… yield ourselves to the Orders of God!
… make ourselves open and docile to the Commands of God!

Let’s examine our Christian lives and check:

Do I constantly seek live a life, in the Presence of the Lord…
… so that no powers of Satan can touch us?

Do I nourish my spiritual life with the daily food of Prayer, Word of God and re-commitment to holiness…
… so that we are never under the bondage of the evil?

Yes, the Mighty Power of the Lord is with us

Always wanting to provide for us!
Always wanting to take care of us!

Jesus does not just soothe our wounds

He ignites our souls…
… so that we burn with freedom, passion, and holiness.

As we commence the new month of September…
… let’s submit ourselves to His Power and Authority!

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

Scandal prompted our Lord to utter this curse: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin…

… it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (CCC # 2285)

“Doing acts of goodness and charity without seeking any appreciation or favours!”

(Based on Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29, Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a and Lk 14:1, 7-14 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Sir Isaac Newton is considered to be one of the greatest scientists of all time.

It was Newton who had discovered the Laws of Gravity which caused great advancements in the field of astronomical studies.

But there was another person, who had greatly helped Newton to climb this ladder of success…
… and of fame and popularity.

But he mostly remains unknown!

His name is Edmund Halley.

It was Halley…
… who corrected some of the mathematical errors committed by Newton.
… who prepared geometrical figures to support his discoveries.
… who edited and supervised the publication of his great work, “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy”
… who also, financed its printing even though Newton was wealthier and easily could have afforded the printing costs

These acts are considered to be among the most selfless ones in the history of science.

But, Halley hardly received any prominence or recognition.

He is, of course, known for the discovering a comet named the “Halley’s Comet”
… which (ironically!) appears briefly every 76 years.

But it was recognized only after his death!

Halley is stated to have said that he didn’t care who received credit for discoveries…

His single mission in life was to advance the cause of science…
… and he did it!

To do an act of goodness and charity, without…
Wanting appreciation
Seeking recognition
Desiring applauds
… is indeed, a mighty challenge
… and, at the same time, is a Christian demand!

The Gospel of the Day is a call from Jesus to examine our attitude towards others…
… and grow in this tremendous dimension of the Virtue of Humility!

We are in the 14th Chapter of St Luke.

Jesus has been invited for a dinner to the house of a leading Pharisee on a Sabbath Day.

He has just cured a person with dropsy…
… a disease wherein water gets retained in the body
He also tried to cure persons with hypocrisy…
… a disease wherein duplicity gets retained in the mind!
And now He seeks to cure the attitude of the people who have a false understanding of giving.

Jesus says: “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives and wealthy neighbours. For surely they will invite you in return and you will be repaid” (Lk 14:12)

Much of our giving is based on the (hidden) aspect of receiving back…
… on an (unconscious) agenda of getting back!

We share our time with friends…
… often expecting that they too will accompany us in our times of hardships and difficulties!

We work hard for our families..
… often expecting that they too will be with us in our moments of struggle & not leave us lonely!

We render service to many people who are in need…
… often expecting that they too will render us assistance in our difficulties!

We pray to God & make a lot of sacrifices…
… often expecting that He’ll meet all our expectations, in the way & time, we want! (with hardly any effort to seek and do His Will!)

We love many saints…
… often, only with the expectation that they’ll make faster intercession on our behalf and get our works done quickly (imitating their virtues is never considered!)

Of course, as human beings, we do have some basic expectations (which is quite fine and valid!)
But, to a great extent, we tend to get business-oriented:

I give, and expect returns…
I share, and expect a bonus…

But the Lord, in today’s Gospel comes down heavily on such an attitude.
“When you give, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind…because they cannot repay you” (Lk 14:13)

We are exhorted to give to those…
… who may never be able to repay back.

We are challenged to help those…
… who may never have a chance to return back the favour.

The Lord who said these words, shows us an example in the highest manner possible…
… in the Most Holy Eucharist!

The Holy Eucharist is the best example and model…of such kind of a giving..
A giving without expecting back!
A sharing without seeking back!

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the poor…
… we who are poor in our morals and purity
… we who are poor in our commitment and dedication

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the crippled…
… crippled with our many sins and faults
… crippled with the guilt of many past failures

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the lame…
… lame in our longing and thirst for the Divine
… lame in our acts of self-giving and self-sacrifice

The Eucharist is a banquet for us, the blind…
… blind to the cries of those around us
… blind to see our habits which needs repentance & improvement

Jesus, who gives Himself entirely in the Holy Eucharist today challenges us to do the same: “I give myself to you as food and nourishment…
… even though many people fail to thank me!

Can you also give yourselves to nourish the lives of others…
… even if they fail to acknowledge?”

“I give myself to you in joy, happiness and peace…
… even though many despise and mock me!

Can you also become a source of joy to others…
… even if they back-bite and spread calumny?”

“I give myself to you as a healing for sin and guilt…
… even though many hate and desecrate me!

Can you also become a healing touch to the other…
… even if it means dying slowly to yourself slowly die in the process?”

Yes, as Christians, we have to grow in humility…

Our single mission in life ought to be, the advancement of the Kingdom of God…
… and we ought to pray and work for this virtue!

As the book of Sirach says, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God!” (Sir 3:17-18)

The onus is on us…
Let us seek the grace and make the efforts, to do acts of goodness and charity, without…
Wanting appreciation
Seeking recognition
Desiring applauds
… which, indeed, is a mighty challenge
… but, at the same time, is a Christian demand!

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

Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. (CCC # 2285)