19 THE DAYS OF OBLIGATION: CELEBRATING THE MYSTERIES OF FAITH

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

THE DAYS OF OBLIGATION are specific days in the Catholic Church’s Liturgical Calendar when the faithful are obliged to attend Mass.

These days commemorate key events in the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.
Embracing these days is not just a duty but an opportunity to encounter the mysteries of our faith and deepen our connection with God.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

💡 Biblical Foundation: The practice of gathering for worship on specific days has roots in the Bible.

The early Christian community devoted themselves to the “breaking of the bread” (Acts 2:42), emphasizing the communal celebration of the Eucharist.

💡 Liturgical Significance: The Days of Obligation commemorate significant feasts, such as the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Assumption, All Saints’ Day etc

💡 Spiritual Nourishment: These days provide spiritual nourishment and grace, allowing the faithful to participate in the Church’s Liturgical life and receive the sacraments.

💡 Community Unity: Coming together on these days fosters a sense of community unity, as Catholics worldwide commemorate and celebrate the same mysteries of faith.

💡 Ecclesial Identity: Observing the Days of Obligation reinforces ecclesial identity and belonging, connecting individuals to the broader Catholic community and its shared traditions.

📜 CANON LAW REFERENCES

🔸 Canon 1246: “Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation.

The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption…
… Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.”

🔸§2. With the prior approval of the Apostolic See, however, the conference of bishops can suppress some of the holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday.

🔸 Canon 1247: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Encounter with Christ: The Days of Obligation offer a unique opportunity to encounter Christ in the Eucharist, entering into the mysteries of our salvation.

🔷 Sacramental Grace: Participation in Mass on these days provides abundant sacramental grace, nourishing the soul and strengthening the bond with God.

🔷 Faithful Witness: Observing these days is a public testimony to one’s faith, bearing witness to the importance of worship and the centrality of God in our lives.

🔷 Communal Celebration: The communal aspect of these days underscores the unity of the Church, as believers around the world celebrate together.

🔷 Liturgical Seasons: These days are often linked to specific liturgical seasons, allowing the faithful to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Church’s Liturgy.

🔷 Ecclesial Identity: Regular observance of the Days of Obligation contributes to the formation of ecclesial identity, deepening the sense of belonging to the larger Catholic family.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Calendar Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the Church calendar, noting the Days of Obligation, and prioritize attending Mass on these days.

💠 Family Participation: Encourage family members to attend Mass together, fostering a shared commitment to the faith.

💠 Learn more: Explore various books and resources that explain the significance of each feast associated with the Days of Obligation, to have a greater appreciation of the importance of such days.

💠 Prayerful Preparation: Approach these days with prayerful preparation, allowing time for reflection and spiritual readiness.

💠 Sacramental Confession: Consider receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation before attending Mass on these days, ensuring a state of grace.

💠 Make it a family celebration: Extend invitations to your extended family, friends and acquaintances, inviting them to join you in celebrating these special days of the Church.

May the observance of The Days of Obligation be a source of spiritual enrichment, drawing us closer to the mysteries of our faith and the love of our Lord.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

18 FASTING AND ABSTINENCE: NOURISHING THE SPIRITUAL HUNGER

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE are ancient Christian practices involving voluntary self-discipline in food consumption and abstaining from certain pleasures and likes.

These acts of penance aim to nurture spiritual growth, foster self-control, and cultivate a deeper connection with God.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

💡 Biblical Foundation: Fasting and abstinence find roots in the Bible.

Jesus, during His forty days in the desert, demonstrated the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline (Matthew 4:1-11).
The Scriptures testify the importance of fasting and abstinence in various places and contexts

💡 Tradition of the Church: Early Christians adopted fasting and abstinence as a means of penance, seeking spiritual purification and closeness to God.

💡 Liturgical Seasons: The Church incorporates fasting and abstinence into Liturgical seasons especially Lent, emphasizing spiritual preparation and self-denial.

💡 Purpose and Intent: These practices are not merely about abstaining from food but are intentional acts of sacrifice, aligning the physical discipline with spiritual goals.

💡 Additional Aspects: Apart from food, fasting can also involve abstaining from entertainment, certain habits, or luxuries, fostering detachment and self-control.

💡 Cultivation of Virtues: Fasting extends beyond food, encompassing a fast from negative habits like gossip, anger, envy, and impatience. This holistic approach aids in cultivating virtues, fostering a spirit of humility and self-mastery.

💡 Prayer Intentions: Fasting gains deeper meaning when coupled with prayer intentions, offering the sacrifice for a specific purpose or person. We are called to be “intercessory warriors” along with our bodily disciplining.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & CHURCH TEACHINGS

🔶 St. Augustine: “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, kindles the true light of chastity.”

🔶 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): “The Church has specified certain forms of penance, both to ensure that the Catholic will do something, as required by Divine law, while making it easy for them to do so.” (CCC 2043)

🔶 Canon Law: “The days and times of penance for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.” (Canon 1250)

🔶 Pope St. John Paul II: “Fasting is more than a physical exercise; it is a spiritual awakening.”

🔶 St. Teresa of Avila: “Our human nature often asks for more than what is needed. Fasting and abstinence help bring the body into subjection and reawaken the soul.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Spiritual Detox: Fasting and abstinence act as a spiritual detox, helping us to purify our hearts and minds from worldly distractions.

In a world that glorifies pleasure and luxury, fasting and abstinence becomes means to be a “sign of contradiction!”

🔷 Self-Discipline: These practices cultivate self-discipline, allowing us to exercise control over their desires and foster a deeper connection with God.

🔷 Identification with Christ: By voluntarily embracing self-denial, we identify with Christ’s sacrifice and His journey of self-emptying for the salvation of humanity.

🔷 Solidarity with the Needy: Through fasting, we express solidarity with those who suffer hunger, fostering empathy and generosity towards the less fortunate.

🔷 Preparation for Feast Days: Fasting before feasts enhances the joy of celebration, making the festivities spiritually significant by emphasizing the contrast between abstaining and indulging.

🔷 Cultivation of Virtues: Fasting from negative habits promotes the cultivation of virtues like patience, kindness, and humility, contributing to spiritual growth.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Lenten Fasting: Embrace the Lenten season with intentional fasting and abstinence, in line with the Church’s call for spiritual renewal.

💠 Prayer and Reflection: Combine fasting with prayer and reflection, using the heightened spiritual sensitivity to draw closer to God.

💠 Supportive Community: Join a community that practices fasting, fostering a sense of communal solidarity in the spiritual journey.

Allow some financial proceeds of the sacrifice that we make, in charitably reaching out to the poor and needy

💠 Gradual Progress: Start with small, manageable fasts, gradually increasing the level of self-discipline as spiritual strength grows.

💠 Prayer Intentions: Offer your fasting and abstinence with specific prayer intentions, dedicating the sacrifice for the well-being of others or a particular cause.

💠 Virtue Development: Extend fasting to negative habits, consciously avoiding speaking ill of others, keeping away from lustful tendencies, etc and focusing on cultivating virtues instead.

💠 Educate Others: Share the spiritual benefits of fasting with fellow Catholics, encouraging a collective commitment to these practices for spiritual nourishment.

May Fasting and Abstinence be a source of spiritual nourishment, deepening our connection with God and fostering a spirit of self-discipline.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

17 EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE: A PATH TO HOLINESS

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE is a profound spiritual practice in the Catholic tradition, involving a sincere and reflective assessment of one’s thoughts, words, and actions.

It serves as a crucial step toward holiness, aiding the faithful in recognizing and repenting of their sins.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

💡 Scriptural Basis: The concept of examining one’s conscience finds support in Scripture.

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

💡 Sacramental Preparation: Examination of conscience is particularly relevant before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), allowing individuals to confess their sins with contrition and sincerity.

💡 Holiness and Conversion: Regular examination of conscience facilitates continuous conversion, helping individuals grow in holiness by identifying areas in need of improvement.

💡 Spiritual Awareness: It fosters spiritual self-awareness, prompting the faithful to evaluate their alignment with Christian virtues and the teachings of the Church.

💡 Special emphasis on examination before Holy Communion: Before receiving Holy Communion, engage in a focused examination of conscience
🔹 Prepare Your Heart: Ensure your heart is free from grave sin and approach the Eucharist with a contrite spirit.
🔹 Acknowledge Faults: Acknowledge venial sins and imperfections, expressing sorrow for offenses against God and neighbour.
🔹 Seek God’s Mercy: Plead for God’s mercy and grace, asking for the strength to overcome weaknesses and grow in holiness.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & CHURCH TEACHINGS

🔶 St. Ignatius of Loyola: The founder of the Jesuits developed the “Examen,” a structured form of examination of conscience to discern God’s presence in daily life.

🔶 St. John Vianney: “The saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well. We must have patience with ourselves and strive to become saints.”

🔶 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): “The moral life is spiritual worship. We ‘present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,’ within the Body of Christ that we form and in communion with the offering of his Eucharist” (CCC 2099).

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Self-Reflection: Examination of conscience involves honest self-reflection, allowing us to evaluate our actions and intentions.

🔷 Repentance and Contrition: It leads to genuine repentance and contrition, fostering a humble acknowledgment of our faults and a desire for God’s Mercy.

🔷 Sacramental Reconciliation: Essential for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, examination of conscience prepares us to confess our sins with sincerity and humility.

🔷 Spiritual Growth: Regular practice contributes to spiritual growth, helping us to overcome sinful tendencies and cultivate virtues.

🔷 Holistic Transformation: By identifying areas for improvement, examination of conscience becomes a catalyst for holistic transformation, to live aligning individuals more closely with Christ.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Daily Reflection: Incorporate a brief daily examination of conscience, reflecting on actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

This can be done, at the end of the day – going over all the events of the day…
… thanking God for all the good
… asking pardon for all the wrongs

💠 Gratitude and Repentance: Combine gratitude for God’s blessings with sincere repentance for shortcomings during the examination of conscience.

💠 Share with Spiritual Advisor: Discussing your examination of conscience with a spiritual advisor can provide guidance and insights for spiritual growth.

💠 Encourage Others: Encourage fellow Catholics to embrace the practice of regular examination of conscience, emphasizing its role in spiritual development.

May the Examination of Conscience be a transformative journey, guiding us toward holiness and a deeper communion with God.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

14 INCENSE: A SYMBOL OF PRAYER AND ADORATION

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

INCENSE holds a sacred place in Catholic liturgy, symbolizing prayer, adoration, and the ascent of worship to the divine.

It is a fragrant resinous substance that, when burned, releases aromatic smoke, creating an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual elevation.

As the Psalmist exclaims, “Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Biblical Tradition: The use of incense has deep roots in the Old Testament, where it was employed in the worship of God.

The book of Exodus details how God instructed Moses to use fragrant incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:34-38).

💡 Temple Worship: In the Jerusalem Temple, priests burned incense as part of their sacred duties, and it became associated with the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.

💡 Early Christian Worship: The early Christians, inheriting elements from Jewish worship, incorporated the use of incense as a way of honouring the Lord’s presence.

💡 Liturgical Continuity: The continuity of using incense in Catholic liturgy highlights its enduring significance, bridging the worship practices of the Old and New Testaments.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & TEACHINGS

🔶 St. John Damascene: “The rising smoke of the incense represents the prayers of the saints rising up to God.”

🔶 St. Augustine: “The incense is the symbol of the good odor of Christ, and it is perceptible everywhere. It is the good odor of Christ that we spread among those who are saved and among those who perish.”

🔶 St. Thomas Aquinas: “The ascending smoke of the incense represents the ascent of prayer to God, and the fragrance symbolizes the goodness and grace of Christ, which is diffused to the faithful.”

🔶 Pope St Paul VI: “The fragrant cloud of incense is a symbol of the noblest human aspirations, of our prayers ascending to the divine.”

🔶 Pope St John Paul II: “In the incensing, the clouds of smoke rising up symbolize the prayers of the people rising up to God.”

🔶 Pope Benedict XVI: “The perfumed smoke of the incense, spiraling upwards, was considered an image of prayer, an image of the soul ascending to God.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Symbol of Prayer: Incense serves as a visible and fragrant symbol of the prayers of the faithful ascending to God, creating a tangible link between the earthly and heavenly realms.

🔷 Adoration and Reverence: The use of incense during Liturgical rites enhances the atmosphere of adoration and reverence, signifying the sanctity of the moment.

🔷 Biblical Foundation: The use of incense is in line with Biblical traditions, particularly its prominent role in the worship practices of ancient Israel (Exodus 30:34-38).

🔷 Continuity of Worship: The continuity of using incense from Old Testament worship to the Catholic Liturgy underscores the richness of Catholic worship traditions.

🔷 Saintly Testimonies: Insights from saints like St. John Damascene, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas affirm the spiritual significance of incense in enhancing the Liturgical experience.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Engage the Senses: Allow the fragrance of incense to engage your senses during Liturgical celebrations, fostering a deeper connection with the symbolic and spiritual dimensions of worship.

💠 Educate Others: Share the Biblical and theological significance of incense with fellow Catholics, fostering a greater appreciation for this sacred element in worship.

💠 Prayerful Posture: During the use of incense, assume a prayerful posture, consciously connecting the rising smoke with the ascent of prayers to God.

💠 Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge and appreciate the cultural diversity in the use of incense within the Catholic Church, recognizing its adaptability to different Liturgical traditions.

💠 Reflect on Symbolism: Take moments of personal reflection when incense is used in Liturgical settings, allowing its fragrance to draw you into a deeper connection with the Lord.

May Incense continue to be a symbol of prayer, adoration, and the unity of the faithful, enriching the Catholic Liturgical experience with its profound spiritual significance.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India
Email ID: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

“The offering of an incense is a generous and beautiful rite… In the rhythm and the sweetness there is a musical quality; and like music also is the entire lack of practical utility: it is a prodigal waste of precious material. It is a pouring out of unwithholding love.”

– Romano Guardini

13 THE HOLY WATER: SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

THE HOLY WATER is a sacred element in the Catholic Church, blessed by a priest and used for various spiritual purposes.

It symbolizes purification, protection, and the presence of the Lord, in daily life.

As St. Teresa of Ávila said, “From long experience, I have learned that there is nothing like Holy Water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again.”

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Biblical Roots: The use of water as a symbol of purification has biblical roots.

In the Old Testament, water was used for ritual cleansing, and in the New Testament, baptism signifies spiritual rebirth.
The use of Holy Water is in line with Biblical practices of using water for purification and sanctification (Exodus 30:18-21).

💡 Early Christian Practices: Early Christians adopted the use of blessed water as a way of invoking God’s protection and purifying themselves from sin.

💡 Liturgical Blessing: Over time, the Church formalized the blessing of water, infusing it with prayers and rituals to sanctify it for sacred purposes.

💡 Medieval and Renaissance Period: The use of Holy Water fonts at Church entrances became widespread during the medieval and Renaissance periods, making it accessible to the faithful.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & TEACHINGS

🔶 St. Teresa of Ávila: “I know by frequent experience that there is nothing which puts the devils to flight like Holy Water.”

🔶 St. Pope John Paul II: “Believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of that Water that makes things change, that renews all. Believe in the miraculous power of God who alone can change your hearts and make them new.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Purification: Holy water is a symbol of spiritual cleansing, reminding the faithful of their baptismal vows and the forgiveness of sins.

🔷 Protection: Blessing oneself with Holy Water serves as a reminder of God’s protective presence and invokes Divine assistance against spiritual adversaries.

🔷 Sacramental: Holy water is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church to prepare individuals to receive grace and dispose them to cooperate with it.

🔷 Sacred Spaces: The use of Holy Water in blessing homes, objects, and places symbolizes the sanctification of the ordinary aspects of life.

🔷 Protection Against Evil: St. Thomas Aquinas highlights the efficacy of Holy Water in dispelling evil forces, illustrating the supernatural power it holds.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Blessing at Entrances: Make it a habit to bless yourself with Holy Water when entering or leaving a church, symbolizing your spiritual readiness and seeking God’s protection.

💠 Blessings of Home: Use Holy Water to bless your home, making the Sign of the Cross on doors and windows, inviting God’s grace into your living spaces.

💠 Personal Prayer: Incorporate the use of Holy Water into your personal prayers, invoking God’s presence and protection over yourself and your loved ones.

💠 Sacramental Awareness: Educate fellow Catholics about the sacramental nature of Holy Water, emphasizing its significance in promoting spiritual well-being.

May The Holy Water be a constant reminder of God’s purifying love and a source of spiritual protection in your journey of faith.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

“It is plain why the church uses water as the sign and the bearer of the divine life of grace. We emerge from the waters of baptism into a new life, born again of water and the Holy Ghost. In those same waters the old man was destroyed and put to death.“

– Romano Guardini, Sacred Signs