“Being inspired by the silent faithfulness of St Joseph!”

(Based on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

A young boy once wandered into a carpenter’s shop. He watched as the old man worked – cutting, shaping, smoothing the wood.

Silent.
Focused.

After a while, the boy couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “Sir, why don’t you talk while you work?”

The carpenter smiled. “Because the best work isn’t in what people hear…
… but in what they see, when it’s finished.”

Years later, that boy became a great builder, known for his patience and skill.

He often remembered the quiet carpenter who taught him that the most important work is done, not with noise…
… but with faithfulness.

Doesn’t this story beautifully reflect the life of St. Joseph?

A man who built – not just furniture – but a Home…
… a Safe Place for the Son of God.
… a Space where Holiness could dwell

And today, St. Joseph asks us: Are we willing to do God’s work, even when no one notices…?
… to be faithful even without receiving a public applause?

On this joyful Feast of the Great Model of Faithfulness – St Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church – let us pick up some lessons that he teaches us.

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

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

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

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

St Joseph teaches us that “holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants.”

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

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

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

But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them. He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

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

St Joseph invites us to also have “Jesus and Mary close to our hearts.”

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Joseph exhorts us to become “a yeast, that works silent wonders, in the history of salvation.”

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.

St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord:

“Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

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

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

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

St Joseph teaches us to “preserve the purity of life, and thus be a witness of the Kingdom of God.”

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

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

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

St Joseph shows us the way “to be a protector and safeguard to the needy and the distressed.”

7. St Joseph is a model leader

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

Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation
Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child
Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need.

St Joseph teaches us “to shoulder up responsibilities, depending solely on the Power and Grace of God”

The solemnity of St Joseph comes us a reminder to us to learn many things from the life of this Great Saint.

Let us constantly seek the help of St Joseph, and recognize his loving and fatherly protection in our lives.

The famous saying goes: “Behind every great man, there’s a great woman.”

Today is a day when we consider that behind one of the greatest women – Mary, the Mother of God – stood a quiet, faithful man!

Let us be inspired by the silent faithfulness of St Joseph…
… and be willing to do God’s work, even when no one notices!

Because the best work isn’t in what people hear…
… but in what they see when it’s finished.”

Happy Feast of St Joseph!

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 Ten Commandments – The Third Commandment

The celebration of Sunday observes the moral commandment inscribed by nature in the human heart…
… to render to God an outward, visible, public, and regular worship

… “as a sign of his universal beneficence to all.” (CCC # 2176)

“Doing away with ‘calculative and hypocritical’ tendencies and adopting the ‘way of humility and truth!””

(Based on Isa 1:10, 16-20 and Mt 23:1-12 – Tuesday of 2nd Week of Lent)

Here is an interesting letter from a boy to a girl:

“Dearest Marie,

No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt…
… since breaking our engagement.

Please say you’ll take me back.
No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me.
I love you, I love you, I love you!

Yours forever, Jimmy

P.S., And yeah… congratulations on winning the state bumper lottery!”

That’s how very often, our attitudes and approaches in life are!

We tend to get very manipulative
And thus, often, we end up being…
… calculative and hypocritical in our relations

The call of the Gospel is to do away with this “hypocritical and tactical” tendency…
… and to adopt the “way of humility and truth!”

Am I a person who is willing to lower myself in humility?

Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23: 12)

The 23rd Chapter of the Gospel of St Matthew begins with Jesus turning the attention of His disciples and of the crowds…
… towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.

Focusing on the religious leaders and on their practices, Jesus launches a volley of critically true statements about their wicked misdeeds!

The chapter ends with the “Painful Lament” by Jesus over Jerusalem – the city of the Lord!

One of the highlights in this highly volatile and strongly-worded chapter is the number of times Jesus mentions the two groups of people – “Scribes and Pharisees”

There is, in total, 7 occurrences of the phrase, “Scribes and Pharisees” – a biblical number for totality!

This chapter is a therefore, a full-blown critique and condemnation of the ways of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Why is Jesus so outright in His condemnation, so merciless in His usage of words and so blatant in His attacks on the Scribes and Pharisees?

[Meanwhile, when we go through these critical attacks of our Blessed Lord on this group, one must always remember the words of Jesus Himself: “I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32)

There was deep pain in the heart of the Lord, in seeing the way religion was being manhandled, misused and misinterpreted by the religious leaders of His time

As the Son of His Beloved Father, it was hurting for the Son to see a section of people, trampling upon God’s precious and venerable truths…
… and twisting them for their own self-interests and self-agenda
A strong form of condemnation was reserved only to those who were hardened in heart – as a means for them to repent and turn back their ways to the Lord.

The method of ‘sharp condemnation’ was reserved only to the proud and the arrogant; never to the poor sinners!]

The reason for Jesus making a scathing attack on the religious authorities of His times…
… could be summarized into one crucial point: Glorification of one’s own self at the expense of the Glory of God and the Mercy deserving for His people!

Therefore, Jesus goes on to point out the many occasions and circumstances when the Self-Interest of the Pharisees and Scribes took extreme priority over God Himself!

It is this self-centred and self-glorifying act that makes Jesus to tell, “For they preach, but they do not practise!” (Mt 23: 3b)

How easily can this be our own state of affairs, in our life…!

We may be people…
… who “appear” to be very fine and kind – but perhaps, we are persons who find it too hard to let go of our pride, in reaching out to the needy, in humble service!
… who speak a lot on helping others and being generous – but perhaps, we go through grilling moments in lowering ourselves and adopting a lowly status to extend a helping hand!
… who desire happiness in communities and peace at homes – but perhaps, we discover
ourselves to be persons who are unwilling to let go of our ego, and allow a listening ear to the opinions of others!

The call, today, therefore is…
… to “work for a cause – not applause!”
… to “live life to express – and not simply to impress!”

We are called to avoid being calculative and manipulative!

Yes, let’s adopt the way of humility and truth, remembering that…
… Faith is ‘not about looking holy, but living holy!’

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 Ten Commandments – The Third Commandment

For worship under the Law prepared for the mystery of Christ, and what was done there prefigured some aspects of Christ:
Those who lived according to the old order of things have come to a new hope
… no longer keeping the sabbath

… but the Lord’s Day, in which our life is blessed by Him and by His death. (CCC # 2175)

“Cultivating a harvest of goodness and generosity!”

(Based on Dan 9:4b-10 and Lk 6:36-38 – Monday of 2nd Week of Lent)

This story is told that one day a beggar by the roadside asked for alms…
… from Alexander the Great, as he passed by.

The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler…
… no right even to lift a solicitous hand.

Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins.

A courtier was astonished at his generosity and commented:
“Sir, copper coins would adequately meet a beggar’s need.

Why give him gold?”

Alexander responded in royal fashion:
“Copper coins would suit the beggar’s need…
… but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.”

Generosity is not just about fulfilling needs…
… it’s a reflection of our character and our inner goodness!

Our behaviours towards others should not be a mere reaction to their actions…
… instead, they should mirror the essence of our own character.

The Gospel of the Day calls for ‘cultivating a harvest of goodness and generosity.’

The Lord, continuing His teachings on a practical Christian life, exhorts, “…give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give, is the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

In illustrating the importance of generosity, Jesus draws upon a vivid scene from the bustling markets of Israel…
… reflecting the common marketplace dynamics prevalent in the Middle East.

Picture the vibrant open-air markets…
… where farmers display their grains—wheat, corn, barley
… on mats laid out on the ground.

In a familiar ritual, potential buyers engage in negotiations…
… bargaining over prices, quality, and quantity of the goods.

Amid this lively exchange, a customer would eventually settle on a price.

The buyer then presents their container…
… whether a sizable bowl, pot, or an open vessel.

The seller, with a measuring scoop, proceeds to fill the container, completing the exchange.

There would be some interesting steps in this process of measuring the grain for a customer and which Jesus quotes in His approach to giving:

First, the seller would fill the container to the top.
Secondly, he would press the grain down and fill some more.
Thirdly, he would shake the container so the grain would settle and then fill in some more.
Finally, he would fill the container until it overflowed!

The contents of this overflowing container would then be transferred to a pouch or a bag so that the buyer could bring home the contents from the market.

Well, this process could sound a bit strange and weird to us in the modern world.

We live in times…
… when contents are sold by the weight, and not the volume
… when manipulations are done to give as less as possible

But this is where, Jesus, bringing in the example of the market, invites generosity in giving
… He encourages us to embrace a spirit of open-handed generosity!

Our giving ought to be measured not by weight, but by volume…
… and that refers to a far-greater amount of giving – generous and lavish!

Our giving ought not to be a calculated effort…
… rather should be a overflow from the heart!

St Paul in 2 Cor 9:6 says, “Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly; whoever reaps bountifully will also reap bountifully”

When we engage is such a lavish and generous giving, we have a greater experience of God showering His abundance – in fact, in a much better fashion!
“For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Of course, that is not to say that we are limiting God’s power of giving or determining His giving to our actions

But the Lord invites us to be involved in a Divine Barter System…

Give to God, Who deserves all, so that we may be blessed to receive His blessings.

In the Divine barter system, the advantage is that, we get much more than what we give…
… we obtain far greater than what we offer!

God’s giving is not to be seen just from material or physical aspects…

In fact, that would just be a very limited and low level of understanding.

God’s gifts are to be understood more from a spiritual perspective:
… Gift of His mercy to live a life in union with Him.
… Gift of His grace to be faithful and more committed.
… Gift of His love to be better human beings and be more charitable.
… Gift of His salvation to enjoy eternal bliss and happiness with Him .

All these gifts will be surely lavished and given… “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured out into our laps!”

The greatest exchange – the Divine barter system – is seen and experienced in the Holy Eucharist…
… at every Holy Mass.

Let us give ourselves entirely to the Lord – especially at Holy Mass…

And through the Mass
… at all times of the day
… to all people in our life

Then, in the words of Fulton Sheen, we will be graced to hear the words of the Divine Lord telling us…

You give me your humanity, and I will give you my Divinity!
You give me your time, and I will give you My eternity!
You give me your broken heart, and I will give you Love!
You give me your nothingness, and I will give you My all!

Let’s realize that “generosity is not just about fulfilling needs…
… it’s a reflection of our character and our inner goodness!”

Offer to others “not just the copper coins of unwilling obligations…”
… rather, generously give “the gold coins of joyful service and care!”

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 Ten Commandments – The Third Commandment

Sunday is expressly distinguished from the sabbath which it follows chronologically every week…
… for Christians its ceremonial observance replaces that of the sabbath.

In Christ’s Passover, Sunday fulfills the spiritual truth of the Jewish sabbath and announces man’s eternal rest in God. (CCC # 2175)

“Being ready to listen and obey the Voice of the Lord!”

(Based on Gen 15:5-12, 17-18, Phil 3:17-4:1 and Lk 9:28b-36 – 2nd Sunday of Lent)

A story is told of a tribal man, who was visiting a busy town along with a group of tourists.

It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people.

Cars were honking… taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening.

Suddenly, the tribal said, “I hear a cricket.”
(Cricket is an insect, and makes a loud, persistent, chirping sound)

One of the tourists said, “What? You must be crazy. You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!”

“No, I’m sure of it,” the man said. “I heard a cricket.”

“That’s crazy,” said the other tourist.

The tribal man listened carefully for a moment…
… and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing.

He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches…
… and sure enough, he located a small cricket!

The group of tourists were utterly amazed.

“That’s incredible,” said one of them, “You must have super-human ears!”

“No,” said the tribal. “My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you’re listening for.”

“But that can’t be!” said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.”

“Yes, it’s true,” came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you.”

So saying, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk.

And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears…
… they noticed every head within twenty feet turn
… and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

“See what I mean?” asked the tribal man, “It all depends on what’s important to you!”

As Christians, is the Voice of the Lord important to us?

If yes, then we will surely give heed to His Voice…
… pay attention and be obedient!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation by God to hear the voice of the Lord, to listen to Him and to be obedient to Him.

The second Sunday of the Season of Lent presents to us the “Transfiguration Event” from the Gospel of St Luke.

The scene of the Transfiguration is indeed a powerfully visual and authoritatively impactful incident.

Jesus takes three disciples – the core team among the Twelve – Peter, James and John – and led them up a high mountain. (Lk 9: 28)

Why were these three chosen?
… and not others?

Well… we can only make some guess-works…
… because the bottom-line is: “They were ‘chosen'”
(Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!)

Peter:

Probably as the one who is the Leader
The one to whom the Lord entrusts to be the rock on which He would build His Church (Mt 16:18)

John:

Probably as the one who had a intimate bond with the Lord
The one who is referred to as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23)

James:

Probably as the one who warranted a special privilege, being the first apostle to be martyred.
The one who would be the first among the apostles to literally lose his life for Jesus (Lk 9:24)

These three also had a privilege of some “firsts”…

Peter was the “First” Pope…
James was the “First” Martyr among the apostles…
John was the “First” witness to the death of Christ…

The choosing of the three also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!
Moses had chosen seventy (two) elders.

But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Aaron, Nadab, and Abiu. (Exodus 24:1)

Jesus had chosen twelve apostles.

But when he went up to the mountain, there were three close men with him: Peter, James and John (Lk 9:28)

Jesus is the New Moses…
….through whom the New Covenant will be established!
… through whom the New Law will be written on the tablets of the heart!

Up on the mountain, witnessing the glorious and magnificent Transfiguration, the disciples behold their Master, Jesus in dazzling white… joined by Elijah and Moses. (Lk 9:30)

And then, they hear a voice, from the cloud…
“This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!” (Lk 9:35)

“Listen to Him” is the commandment that is exhorted!

The Apostles were to listen to the Beloved Son Jesus and grasp His teachings for life
The Apostles were to listen to the Beloved Son’s commitment in the path of suffering.
The Apostles were to listen to the Beloved Son’s trust in God’s Will at every moment

The same words are today echoed boldly and loudly to each one of us: “This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!”

Life will take us through many deserts and desolations of difficulties.

But in all such moments, are we ready and open to listen to the Voice of the Lord?

Abraham in the Old Testament – the Father of Faith – went through such immensely agonizing and hard moments. (Gen 22: 1-3)

Asked to sacrifice His beloved Isaac… His special one…
… Abraham was torn between listening to his own voice of affection for his child or to the voice of God
… Abraham was shredded between listening to his own reasonable mind or to the incomprehensible plan of God

But Abraham chose to put his faith in the Lord… and to listen

He chose to trust absolutely in the providence of God… and to be obedient

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we ought to fully heed the voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…
… every crisis
… every desert
… every darkness
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

Let us grow in our efforts to be completely obedient to our Master!

When the Voice of the Lord becomes important to us…
… then we will surely give heed to His Voice, pay attention and be obedient!

“Can you listen?”

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 Ten Commandments – The Third Commandment

We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish sabbath, but also the first day]
… when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world

… and on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead. (CCC # 2174)

“Responding to the invitation to ‘live in love’ by having a proper understanding of the word ‘love!'”

(Based on Ezek 18:21-28 and Mt 5:43-48 – Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent)

A catechism teacher – an English trainer by profession – was explaining the importance of the word ‘love’ to her Class 7 students.

She said: “What is love?

Love is silence – when your words would hurt.
Love is patience – when people are rude
Love is deafness – when a scandalous rumour makes rounds
Love is thoughtfulness – when you see others in pain
Love is promptness – when you see someone in need
Love is courage – when unexpected crisis hits the boat of your lives”

And she added, “And finally…
… Love is The Man – Whom you see hanging on the Cross, shedding the last drop of His blood for us!”

Love, which takes many forms, finds its ultimate expression in “The Man” – Jesus – the Saviour of the world…
… Who invites each one of us to “live in love” by having a proper understanding of the word “love!”

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, continues to pull down barriers of “comfort and coziness” by challenging His disciples to rise above the normal standards of the world.

Today He speaks on the aspect of “Love”.

Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human person.

Dictionaries describe love as being ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’….
… or a ‘feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection’.

Generally speaking, love is considered only to be a human ’emotion or feeling’.

It is something that is usually understood as being “felt” or “sensed” or “experienced”.

Jesus surely did consider “love” as an emotion and a feeling.

Therefore…
… He loved the company of people
… He cherished affection of those who followed Him
… He treasured relationships and fostered friendships with all

But beyond these “external” dimensions of Love… Our Blessed Lord taught and showed a higher aspect of love

Love, not just being a “feeling” but ” love as a “decision”.
Love, not just being a “sensation” but love as a “commitment”

Therefore Jesus says:
“You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy!” (Mt 5:43)
“For if you love only those who love you, what recompense will you have?” (Mt 5: 46)

These ‘statements on love’ must have stunned the original audience.

In the 1st-century Jewish Palestine, “enemies” and “persecutors” primarily referred to the oppressive Romans.

Jesus challenges His followers, to love and pray for those who were oppressing them…
… those occupying their land
… those imposing heavy taxes
… and those treating them unjustly.

This radical love – mirroring the Heavenly Father’s inclusive care…
… would become an identity for them to be called as ‘true children of the Heavenly Father!’

Love, when understood only as a “feeling” or an “emotion” can get reduced to being just an “object” or a “thing”

Just as one exchanges goods with each other…
… love is also exchanged with one another
Just as one shares one’s belongings and possessions with one another…
… love is also shared with one another
Just as one gives and takes things from each other…
… love is also given and taken from each other

But the Lord presents a higher understanding of love and demands a much supreme expression of love from His followers: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5: 48)

Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling”…
… and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment!”

When someone hurts us, we don’t “feel” like loving…

But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is a “daring decision”

When someone continues to be lukewarm, we don’t have any “emotions” of love…

But Jesus says, “Love that person,” because love is an “absolute allegiance”

When someone continues to cause pain, we don’t “experience” any love…

But Jesus says, “Love that person” because love is a “challenging commitment”

Now this teaching certainly irks our “normal” understanding.

How can I possibly love someone, who has hurt and killed me, mentally?
How can I be expected to show love to someone who still hurts me, even intentionally?
How can I be told to love people, who have no regard for me at all and treat me as an object?

It seems to be an impossibility.
It seems to be absurd.

But we are called to look to the Crucified Lord…
… in Whom we have the perfect example of ‘Love being lived in actuality!’

Jesus on the Cross shows that love is to be
… a “daring decision”
… an “absolute allegiance”
… and a “challenging commitment!”

One may not be able to “show” love…
… but can we at least pray, and seek for God’s blessings on the person?
One may not be able to “talk” freely to the one who has hurt…
… but can we try to wish good, and speak good about the person?
One may not be able to “resist” from having bad feelings when encountering one’s enemy…
… but can we at least offer the person to the mercy of God?

This teaching certainly seems to be a big “burden” and a significant “stress”

But this is where, we need to make a journey…
… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!
… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!

We are assured by the Lord that when we “observe [His commandments] diligently” with all our heart and with all our soul….
… we will be “set high above all nations that He has made, in praise and in fame and in honor; and… to be a people holy to the Lord!” (Cf. Deut 26:16,19)

Let us realize that the Lord has walked through this journey.

He is still with us – to accompany us.

This journey may be hard
This journey may be hurting
This journey may be painful

But lets follow the Loving Law of the Lord…
…being impelled by the encouraging words of the Psalmist: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!” (Ps 119:1b)

We are given the powerful reminder that “Love is The Man – Whom you see hanging on the Cross, shedding the last drop of His blood for us!”…
… as we are invited to “live in love” by having a proper understanding of the word “love!”

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 Ten Commandments – The Third Commandment

Because it is the “eighth day” following the sabbath…
… it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ’s Resurrection.
For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord’s Day…

… (he kuriake hemera, dies dominica) Sunday. (CCC # 2174)