“Trusting in God Who assures His protection, as He tells us: ‘You are worth much more…!'”

(Based on Gen 49:29-32; 50:15-26a and Mt 10:24-33 – Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

How BIG is our God?

It is said that…
You can tell the size of God by looking at the size of your ‘list of your worries’.

The longer your list, the smaller is God in your life!

Every morning we rise up to a brand new day…
… with immense potentials, loads of blessings, bundles of hope and treasures of aspirations…

But somehow, many of us, fall into the trap of losing these precious possibilities…
… and allow our worries, tensions, troubles, difficulties and anxieties to overpower us!

St. Francis of Assisi says, “By the anxieties and worries of this life, Satan tries to dull man’s heart and make a dwelling for himself there”

The Lord today, through the Gospel, makes a fervent invitation: To Trust in His Divine Providence and His Ever-Beloved Goodness.

Jesus says: “As for you, every hair of your head has been counted. So do not be afraid… You are worth much more than many sparrows..” (Mt 10:30)

Can we hear those words of the Lord once again…?

He is not lying… He is not flattering..

He is not indulging in heaping empty phrases.
He means it…!

” You Are Worth Much More !!”
… Yes, “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE !!”

The God of Glory, the Lord of Sabaoth (hosts/armies), the Light of the world…
The Creator of the Entire nature, The One who can destroy both body and soul…
… This Great One, today, looks into our eyes….
… and tells us with deep love: “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE!”

Jesus seeks to cast off fear from His followers by showing them the preciousness and value of their lives…
… and how much of important they are to Him.

For this, He presents the example of a sparrow:

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

He emphasizes that not even one sparrow is forgotten before God.

He takes immense interest even in an unappreciated bird!

Yes, the Lord says : “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE!!”

Can these words of our Beloved Lord, enter into the depths of our hearts?

Can we savour the sweetness & the greatness, the immensity and the grandeur of these words?

It’s easy of course, to write reflections, to preach sermons, to proclaim orations, to list out bombastic adjectives on this topic…

But at the end of the day.. it all boils down to simply this:
“Am I accepting myself as really the one who is much worthy and dear to the Lord?”

Do I believe in the God, Who believes in me?

Sure, we feel ourselves little before God…

We consider ourselves as unworthy of the Splendid Holiness and Awesome Majesty of God…

But, let us also see how God looks at each one of us….

Let us become aware on how valued and treasured we are to the Lord!

Of course, at the end of this reflection, our list of worries, still, remains the same…

But, let’s realize that we have a much much bigger God than our long list of worries…
A God, who silently thunders in the depths of our hearts…
… assuring His protection: “You are worth much more …”

Are we listening?

St Padre Pio says:
“Even if the world were to capsize…
… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…
… God would still be with us!”

Yes, we need to…
… listen!
… trust!
… walk!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS – THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS

A greeting of faith begins the celebration.
Relatives and friends of the deceased are welcomed with a word of “consolation” (in the New Testament sense of the Holy Spirit’s power in hope).
The community assembling in prayer also awaits the “words of eternal life.”
The death of a member of the community (or the anniversary of a death, or the seventh or thirtieth day after death) is an event…
… that should lead beyond the perspectives of “this world”

… and should draw the faithful into the true perspective of faith in the risen Christ. (CCC # 1687)

“Being bold in undergoing pain, for the sake of Christ, who showed us the way to glory through the path of persecution!”

(Based on Gen 46:1-7, 28-30 and Mt 10:16-23 – Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Teilhard de Chardin, a French Priest, Theologian and Philosopher describes three categories of people who climb a difficult mountain peak….

The Pessimists – (the ones who give up easily):
They regret having ventured to undertake the arduous task of climbing the huge mountain.

The Hedonists – (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)

They are satisfied with just some scenic views on the way and cease the journey, with simple trifles, unwilling to take the risk to go ahead…

The Enthusiasts – (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)

They are the real mountaineers, who keep their eyes fixed on the peaks and never give up, till they reach their goal!

The road to being a Disciple of Christ, is indeed climbing a Mountain peak….

Which category of mountain climbers are we going to be?

The Pessimists (the ones who give up easily)?
Regretting to being a Christian and thus living a life of sin and indifference

The Hedonists (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)?
Resigning to the fact that somehow I need to be a Christian, due to societal pressures, and thus live in casualness, negligence and lethargy.

Or…

The Enthusiasts (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)?
Real Christians who keep their eyes fixed on the Crucified Saviour and never give up, marching forward towards the goal of salvation!

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the challenges that are to be encountered by every follower of Christ…
… the one who wishes to walk with Jesus on the way of the Cross
… the one who wishes to scale the mountain of holiness and sanctity

When we read through the Gospels, we observe that our Lord Jesus and His teachings remained unfazed, in the midst of glamour and sensations…

They are simple and yet deeply challenging and radical!

The Lord does not offer a Comfortable Carpet of Roses to stroll….
He presents a Challenging Pathway of Thorns to tread!
“Everyone will hate you, because of ME!” (Mt 10:22a)

These are the fierce & fervent words of the Lord.

Yes, the Master, Himself was persecuted and hated!

He was the Epitome of Love…
… and yet He was badly hated, persecuted and tortured…

What had He ever done to be hated?

Being Meek and Humble of Heart…
… touching lives with Healing and Forgiveness…?

Being a Gospel of Love to all…
… even to the Enemies…?

Being a Symbol of Pardon and Forgiveness…
… even to those who persecuted and killed Him…?

Being an Emblem of Truth…
… in the midst of diluted ideologies & hypocritical ritualism…?

Being an Ornament of Joy and Hope…
… to the broken-hearted, the sinful and the rejected…?

Did he deserve to be hated?

Yet, He was!

He was hated… mocked at… rejected… finally even arrested, scourged and killed!

And thus our Blessed Master says… Even You too!

Even you too, My Followers, will be hated and will be persecuted!

The path ahead sounds dangerous, right?

The mountain climbing seems to be not as easy as thought, right?

But relax…!

The road does not end with persecutions…
The verse of Jesus does not end in calamity…

He goes on to say: “… but whoever endures to the end will be saved!” (Mt 10: 22b)

Yeah… That’s great good news!

The Way of Jesus is surely laden with persecutions…
….but it is also filled with much joy, satisfaction, true peace
…and finally rewarded with Eternal Life!

We only need to persevere…
… till the end!

The Mountain Peak of Salvation is High….
But the Lord beckons to each one of us!

He also reminds us through Prophet Hosea, “Return to Your God Yahweh, O Israel!” (Hos 14:2)

Let’s keep on moving… let’s keep climbing… let’s keep the Faith!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS – THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS

The Order of Christian Funerals (Ordo exsequiarum) of the Roman liturgy gives three types of funeral celebrations, corresponding to the three places in which they are conducted (the home, the church, and the cemetery)…
… and according to the importance attached to them by the family, local customs, the culture, and popular piety.

This order of celebration is common to all the liturgical traditions and comprises four principal elements. (CCC # 1686)

“Engaging in all our works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity, and thus doing ‘mission work at all times!'”

(Based on Gen 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 and Mt 10:7-15 – Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A young girl watched her mother washing dishes.

Thinking of how many times she did them, along with all the other housework…
… she said, “Mother, don’t you ever get tired of washing dishes?”

The mother looking at the child with a contagious smile, replied, “Child, I’m not doing dishes…
… I’m building a home!”

When one is completely engaged in one’s works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity…
… one is engaged in mission work and building beautiful lives!

It is to such a life of “mission work at all times” that the Gospel of the Day invites all of us to.

After having summoned, authorized and named His Twelve Apostles, Jesus sends them ahead of Him, to the places of mission.

The Gospel of the day begins with the phrase, “Preach, as you go…” (Mt 10:7)

Some other translations would read as “As you go, make a proclamation…”

This is such wonderfully practical, and yet at the same time, a phrase that is often overlooked:
“Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

Preaching or Proclamation in our times, is often pictured with a limited understanding…

Preaching or proclamation that takes place…
… only from the pulpit or during a service in Church
… only in the form of speaking and explaining the Word of God

But the words of the Lord are worth noting:
“Preach, as you go….” / “As you go… make a proclamation”

Preach, as you go about doing your daily duties and activities

As you go about your responsibilities and works, make a proclamation

Preach as you go around meeting different people by sharing His love and joy to all

As you go about engaging in numerous actions, make a proclamation by sharing His presence

The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement…

• Whatever we do, may it become an act of proclaiming God’s abundant blessings!
• Whatever work we take up, may it become a moment of preaching God’s amazing providence!

Such preaching and proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows “deeper in dependence” on Jesus – in our life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

The act of proclamation needs the “awareness”…
… that I am continuing the Great Mission work that has Jesus as the “Initiator”, the “Sustainer” and the “Finale!”

To be a missionary, one needs to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

It is when we totally depend on the Lord, that we are able to boldly face…
… hardships and difficulties in being a missionary of the Kingdom, in hostile situations
… problems and challenges as we seek to live a true Christian life in the modern world
… meaninglessness or emptiness as we go through the ‘deserts’ and ‘darkness’ in life

God invites all of us to engage in mission work and to build beautiful lives

Let’s therefore completely engage in all our works with a sense of Divine Love and Charity…
… and thus do “mission work at all times!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS – THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS

The different funeral rites express the Paschal character of Christian death and are in keeping with the situations and traditions of each region…

… even as to the color of the liturgical vestments worn. (CCC # 1685)

“Co-operating with Jesus, our ‘Strange Master,’ Who calls us to ‘Dare to be Different!’”

(Based on Gen 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a and Mt 10:1-7 – Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Jesus is strange!

And he loves to do strange things!

“Dare to be different” is a call which echoes very much through the corporate sector today, and also in many areas of our life!

And Jesus, certainly, is a model and an example for each one of us, in this ‘Daring to be Different’!

This strange and daring Jesus – Who loves to do things differently –
… throws up a classic example for this, in today’s Gospel Reading, by choosing The Twelve…

Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

We could have a short litany of adjectives to describe or portray these Twelve…

Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

Ordinary, Mundane, Shy, Absent-minded, Introvert, Prejudiced, Inhibited…
Hated by society, Craver of power, Zealous in quick actions, Betraying Characters…
Sceptics, Unsteady Temperaments, Cynical….

The list is long, right?

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!
Is it True?

But, with all these varied personalities and natures, Jesus, the Daring Master, chose His twelve, having these characters…!

The Lord loves to transform and change…

He changed the water into wine…
He transformed a few loaves of bread and fish as food for thousands…
He changed the raging sea to calmness and serenity…
He transformed sicknesses in people to good health and new vigour…
He changed the static and inhuman view of the Law to a dynamic and loving perception…

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

And this Lord, who loves to transform and change, also worked wonders with the Twelve!

These Twelve, with their varied personalities and characters, were handed on the Charge to continue the Gigantic Task of their Daring Master: “To be the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God”

To be with Him and to be sent out
To have authority over unclean spirits and drive them out
To cure every disease and illness and to preach!

These chosen lights were to cast their rays over the rest of humanity, in all nations.

Are we also hearing the Call of the Lord, to be the Ambassadors of His Kingdom, in the place where we are, in the state of life, that we are in?

Let us not be worried about our nature or temperament or character or weaknesses.

Yes, the Lord is strange…
… and He loves to do strange things
He is CRAZY over us!

The Lord also loves…
… to transform and to change
He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

The only thing that He needs from us, is…
… our consent
… our willingness
… our openness!

Let no negative feelings come in the way of this deep desire of the Lord…

The Kingdom of God is a vineyard…
… it needs labourers!

The Kingdom of God is a net…
… it needs fishermen!

The Kingdom of God is a field…
… it needs sowers and reapers!

The Kingdom of God is a flock…
… it needs shepherds!

Let us co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS – THE CELEBRATION OF FUNERALS

The Christian funeral is a liturgical celebration of the Church.
The ministry of the Church in this instance aims at…
… expressing efficacious communion with the deceased
… the participation in that communion of the community gathered for the funeral

… and the proclamation of eternal life to the community. (CCC # 1684)

“Forming ourselves to be more and more worthy of our life as Christians!”

(Based on Gen 32:23-33 and Mt 9:32-38 – Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Avid book readers will testify to the fact that when some books are read – fascinating novels or epic stories or even some real-life or dramatic stories…
… there is a tendency to identify oneself with one of the characters in the book.

Such character identification can help one to examine one’s own personal life.
Such character identification can help one to chalk out strategies to live life better.

The Bible is a Brilliant Book which offers many characters to help us to examine and evaluate our own lives.

Today’s Gospel offers us various groups of people and characters with whom we might have some identification.

We shall analyze and reflect on our lives in the light of these various characters and groups of people….

1. The demon-possessed mute man
   This person is a demoniac who was unable to speak
   His condition has been miserable
   … kept away from society and his family
   … unable to have a normal social or emotional or spiritual life

His own family would have missed him so much… so would his relatives and friends.

How often is my condition similar?

Evil forces keep me away from having a healthy social, emotional or spiritual life…

Rejected, depressed in life and finding no meaning to live…!

2. The people who brought this mute man to the Lord
   We have no idea what was the intention of the people who brought the person to Jesus.
   Maybe, they were people…
   … who were genuinely concerned for the well-being of the person
   … who were fed up and disturbed by his threatening presence

But in any case… they bring the person to the Lord: either in faith or in desperation.

Problems beset many people…

Sometimes we feel compassion for them
Sometimes we feel sorry for them
Sometimes they become a disturbance for us

In any case, can we become an instrument of bringing the people – sick, suffering and in distress – to the Lord’s healing presence?

3. The Pharisees
   The healing action of Jesus becomes another occasion for them to criticize Jesus and to speak ill of Him.

They said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9:34)

It was as if complaints and criticism had almost been firmly cast into their character!

Am I also like these Pharisees…

Unable to appreciate and encourage the good that is done to people?
Constantly looking for faults and failures of people and harping on those negative to others?

4. The crowds
   The crowds follow Jesus with a great desire and longing…

Some to meet the Lord, to hear His teaching and experience His love
Some to receive a cure and healing from the Lord
Some just out of curiosity or because others are following Him

What is my motive and intention in following the Lord?

Is my Christian Life, just remaining part of the crowd, or do I also seek and make efforts to move closer to Him?

5. The Disciples
   They stand witness to the misery of the people, on the one side, and the power of the Lord, on the other.

They are now entrusted with a task and duty to “ask the Master of the harvest to send out labourers for His harvest” and also to imitate the Good Shepherd in caring for the lost sheep.

Do I hear the call of the Lord to be a labourer for the Kingdom of God and to imitate the Master Shepherd in bringing back lost sheep to His fold?

Am I willing to take up the challenge that the Lord places before us to be a ‘consolation for the miserable’, ‘food for the hungry’, ‘joy to those in sadness’ and ‘hope for those sinful and lost’?

6. Jesus
   Jesus is the Epitome of Compassion.

He goes about His mission and duty, by bringing healing to those in misery and displaying His treasury of compassion and love to the needy.

Can we imitate our Blessed Lord in seeking to be sensitive to the needs of the people around, and showing forth His compassion?
Am I ready to face “demoniac” and “mute” and “criticized” situations of life, trusting in the Great Power of the Lord…
… and being unfazed by any sort of opposition or hardships in being the messenger of His Kingdom?

May the reflection on the characters of the Gospel help us to evaluate our own lives…
… and form ourselves to be more and more worthy of our life as Christians!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS – The Christian’s Last Passover

The Church who, as Mother, has borne the Christian sacramentally in her womb during his earthly pilgrimage, accompanies him at his journey’s end, in order to surrender him “into the Father’s hands.”
She offers to the Father, in Christ, the child of his grace, and she commits to the earth, in hope, the seed of the body that will rise in glory.

This offering is fully celebrated in the Eucharistic sacrifice; the blessings before and after Mass are sacramentals. (CCC # 1683)

“Growing in our trust and faith in the Lord and ‘walking’ with Him!”

(Based on Gen 28:10-22a and Mt 9:18-26 – Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A little boy had to walk around two kilometres to his school, through the congested and bustling city.

His mother had arranged a servant to accompany the child – while going and coming back from school – to ensure the child’s safety.

For this the servant was paid 30 rupees a day.

But when the child reached Third Standard (Grade 3) of school, he rebelled and told his mother: “I’ll walk myself to school!
And if you give me 10 rupees a day, I will be extra careful.

The rest of the money we can save and we all will be better off!”

After sometime of pleading and begging, the little boy finally got his way.

For the next three years, he walked himself – back and forth from school.

Years later, at a family party, the boy bragged about his independence and boasted to his family about how he had taken care of himself as a little boy, travelling alone to school.

His mother, on hearing the story, laughed and said:
“Did you really think you were alone?

Every morning when you left for school, I left with you. I walked behind you all the way.
Every evening when you got out of school, I was there. I set my eyes on you and protected you.

I always kept myself hidden; but I was there and I followed you all the way home.

I was always there for you, especially when you needed me!”

Similar is the case of God as well, in our spiritual walk…
…. We are never left alone
… We are always followed by the Lord!

There are moments when we think we can manage alone
There are other times when we feel there is none with me, in our journey

But the Lord always walks with us…!

He is the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful incident of God walking with His people, especially in their moments of pain, loneliness and helplessness…

A God who accompanies…
… the official whose daughter had died: by bringing life and smile to his family (Mt 9: 18-19, 23-26)
… the woman with haemorrhage: by cleansing and restoring her to health (Mt 9: 20-22)

The Gospel focuses our attention on the “walk” of two persons:

1. The official whose daughter had died:
   “An official CAME FORWARD, knelt down before Jesus…” (Mt 9: 18)
2. The woman with haemorrhage:
   “A woman suffering haemorrhages CAME UP BEHIND Jesus….” (Mt 9: 20)

The official came walking ‘forward’
The woman came walking ‘from behind’

Both were persons in distress and despair
Both were suffering physical agony and mental anguish

Human life is characterised in these two persons…

The way “forward” is often an uncertain and blurred path, filled with distress and despair
The way “from behind” had often been an experience of physical agony and mental anguish

Loneliness plagues us in this walk of life…
Hopelessness often overtakes our walk of life!

This arduous walk of life, sometimes causes…
… some of us to give up and call it quits
… some of us to drown ourselves into addictions and unhealthy habits

Some even wish to make it “all alone” in life, thinking I can manage everything by myself
… abandoning even God!

But the official and the woman in the Gospel today show us the way:
When the path of life becomes tough with distress and despair…
When the journey of life is filled with physical agony and mental anguish…
… “walk forward” towards Jesus – surrendering the future – and plead for help and mercy: like the official!
… “walk from behind” towards Jesus – leaving the past – and touch Him: like the woman!

It is then that we experience and feel the power of the “God who accompanies us, in our journey of life!”

The “forward step” of the official towards Jesus, surrendering his future…
… helped him to experience the mighty touch of the Lord in the life of his daughter (Mt 9:25)
… Life was restored; smiles were brought back; good news was spread all over!

The “behind” approach of the woman towards Jesus, letting go her past…
… helped her to experience the healing and sanctifying touch of the Lord (Mt 9: 22)
… Bleeding was ceased; courage was praised; faith was blessed!

The incidents in today’s Gospel passage, invite us…
… to surrender our future to the Lord: knowing that He will render all things for our good, if we trust and co-operate with Him
… to let go of our past to the Lord: knowing that He will touch and heal us, of all our former wounds, if we seek Him with deep desire and longing

Yes, in our walk of life, the Lord tells us:
“Do you really think you are alone?

Every morning when you rise, I am with you. I walk behind you all the way.
Every evening when you rest, I am there. I set my eyes on you and protect you

I sometimes seem hidden; but I am there and I follow you all the way.

I am always there for you, especially when you need me!”

Let us grow in our trust and faith in the Lord and “walk” with Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

For the Christian the day of death inaugurates, at the end of his sacramental life, the fulfillment of his new birth begun at Baptism, the definitive “conformity” to “the image of the Son”…
… conferred by the anointing of the Holy Spirit
… and participation in the feast of the Kingdom which was anticipated in the Eucharist

… even if final purifications are still necessary for him in order to be clothed with the nuptial garment. (CCC # 1682)

“Holding our heads high in firm faith and trust, knowing that we have a God who is deeply in love with us!”

(Based on Zec 9:9-10, Rom 8:9, 11-13 and Mt 11:25-30 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

This common incident is told of a speaker in a motivational session, who began the seminar by holding up a 2000 rupee note.

With the audience curiously looking at the crisp-note, the speaker asked, “Who among
you would like to have this 2000 Rupee note?”

Needless to say, all the hands in that seminar-hall went up.

The speaker was not surprised.
He then said, “I will surely give this note to a lucky one among you… but first, let me do this…”

He then proceeded, to crumble up the note.

Oh… there it was… the note – now badly crumbled and no longer appearing crisp or appealing…

He then asked, “How many still want this note?”

No surprises! There was no reduction in the number of hands that went up!

The speaker proceeded to further disfigure the note and asked, “How many still want it?”
The number of hands that went up still remained the same…
… and in fact, there was a greater excitement among the audience, to get the note!

The note was badly crumbled and out of shape, yet all wanted that valuable note!

Does it sound strange? Or was that just normal?

The note was badly crushed, but all still wanted it…!

For a moment, let’s replace that “note “with each one of us.

Do we still have the same acceptance – even though we feel we are disfigured or in bad shape?
Do we have the same liking for ourselves who have been badly battered or hurt in life?

We already seem to be having some second thoughts, unlike in the case of the multi-rupee note!

It is here the Gospel of the day brings home the message, that whatever happens in our life, there will be One Person who will always accept us, long for us and love us, just as we are: God!

Life may many times crumble us and ground us, to alter us…
Sin may many times cause us to be disfigured and stained and blemished…
But in all this, we have a great assurance: God accepts and loves us!

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful invitation by the Lord…
…. to come to His Presence
… and to rest in His Heart!

Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Our lives are characterised by innumerable occasions when we feel tired and exhausted and just to give up….
… Those doing their studies often feel the burden of their academics and say, “Oh, I am fed up of this!”
… Those doing household chores at times feel unrewarded and unrecognised and say, “Oh, it’s a daily burden!”
… Those into works of livelihood sometimes struggle with pressures and deadlines and say, “Oh, I am really tired of all this!”
… Those in positions of caretaking others, often strain against temperaments and characters and say, “Oh, I feel so tired”
… Those who are surrounded by evil tendencies, bad habits and sinful cravings say, “Oh, I am I feel so weary!”

Each of us, at some time or the other…in some situation or the other…
… do feel the burden of being tired, weary and exhausted.

Perhaps….
You feel life sometimes is a great struggle, isn’t it?
You often have thoughts like, “Why is my life so pitiable,” isn’t it?
You tend to think that “I wish all this was not there in my life,” isn’t it?
You have feelings that you are unlucky in life and “I have nothing to look forward,” isn’t it?

To each of us then, Our Gentle Lord invites: “Come my Child…. and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Jesus says: “Take My yoke upon you…” (Mt 10: 29)

The instant reaction to this sentence, to us who are already overburdened, might be…
… “Oh No! Why another yoke?”
… “I already have a yoke; why should I carry the Lord’s yoke?”

We need to understand the concept of a “yoke”, especially from the Jewish society.

‘Yoke’ is a bar of wood, so made as to unite two animals (usually oxen)…
… enabling them to work in the fields, drawing heavy loads and pulling instruments used for farming.

Farmers would ‘yoke’ the young ox with the old experienced ox to train them.

The old ox would take the major load and the young one would be walking along and learning.
… The burden of the young one is reduced and the older one takes over the weight of the work!

The yoke, helps the young one…
… to reduce its burden
… to feel that it is in perfect control of the elder one
… to feel urged to do more, as its efforts are doubled by the elder one

This is the picture of the ‘yoke’ that Jesus presents…
… Yoke as a symbol of partnership
… Yoke as a symbol of control
… Yoke as a symbol of relief
… Yoke as a symbol of hope

When we take the “yoke” of Christ…
… He Strengthens us
… Our burdens are no longer ours; He takes over
… We find a meaning for our lives and we feel refreshed
… We feel urged to do more in life as the Lord blesses our efforts

Prophet Zechariah mirrors the emotions of the one who trusts in the Lord and finds strength in God: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is He…!” (Zech 9:9)

St Paul reminds us to live not by the flesh, but by the Spirit…
… and thus to prioritize God in our every activity
“So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh; for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Rom 8:12-13)

Are we ready to take the “Yoke” of Christ?

It means that we ought to build a relationship with the Lord…

It means that as disciples, we are willing to accept the “yoke” of our Rabbi and Master Jesus

Life might be harsh on us….

But the Lord invites us, “Come to me, and I will give you rest… Take my yoke”

Often we run to other sources for comfort and pleasure, to relieve ourselves from our burdens…
… sinful addictions
… unpleasant habits
… unholy sources of pleasure

But the Lord says, to instead present ourselves to Him, at every moment…
… and receive strength and rest from Him!

When we lean on to the Lord, He gives us His rest and consolation
When we are faithful to our relationship with Him, He strengthens us and comforts us!

Let us read the Word of God daily to find strength
Let us spend time with the Lord in prayer every day without fail
Let us worthily receive the Sacraments to experience His Living Presence

Let us hold our heads high in firm faith and trust, knowing that we have a God who is deeply in love with us

Let the “Yoke” of Christ give us rest, hope, strength and joy
… and let us hear the Good Shepherd telling us in our moments of struggle, “My Child, I am with you always!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope.

The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is “away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (CCC # 1681)

“Allowing the charity of God to always radiate in us, knowing for sure that ‘the moon of God’s Love always goes on shining!’”

(Based on Gen 27:1-5, 15-29 and Mt 9:14-17- Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A man, occupying an important and influential position in the society was often criticized for his honest and just way of dealing with things.

Once his friend enquired of him: “Why don’t you give fitting replies to your critics?”

To that the person replied:
“In my native town lives a widow who has a dog.

Whenever the moon shines, it goes outside and barks all night.”

The friend, confused on that example, asked: “ I didn’t get you…
… what is it about the dog and the moon?”

“Oh,” the man continued, “the moon went on shining — that’s all.”

Our lives our often marked by a number of criticisms and condemnations.

People often make “their own” yardsticks, to measure others actions, and to find a way of criticizing others!

Are we also sometimes in the category of those who “criticize and condemn” others?

The Gospel of the day is an invitation to examine this common human tendency of assessing others’ manners and conduct…
… based on “standards and measurements” that are set by ourselves.

Do I evaluate the action of another person based on my own “prejudiced” mindset… or do I measure it with the yardstick that God uses?
Do I critically analyse other people’s attitudes from my own “biased” perspective… or do I gauge it with the benchmark that God proposes?

In the Gospel, we see the disciples of John who come to Jesus with a critical query:
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14)

It is interesting to note the reason that the disciples of John use here, in order to ask put forward their question…

It would be something like this…
“We, the disciples of John… we follow our Master in leading an ascetic and hard life.

We fast often times during the week… we live a hard life.

Look at the Pharisees too.. they fast twice a week, which is more than the stipulated requirement of the Law.

We engage ourselves in so much of fasting.

But look at your disciples…
They are only found to be enjoying life!

Why don’t they fast… like we do… ??”

They had perhaps made “their own” yardsticks to measure the actions of the disciples and found a way of criticising them!

They had perhaps made “their own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of the disciples, and thus found ways to put them down!

But the Lord asks them to change this their “yardstick” and “measuring scale” of judging other people.

Jesus gives an example of the bridegroom and the context of a marriage.

Marriage is the time of joy and celebration…
… not of mourning or being sad!

It is a time of feasting.. and not fasting!

A time of feasting on God’s tremendous Providence and Grace!
A time of feasting on the Love and Compassion shown by the Lord!

The Lord makes a challenge….
… consider and evaluate situations from the “eyes of God” – in the way that God sees.
… assess and measure people in the “manner of God” – with the approach that God takes.

It is said that when God measures a person, He puts the tape around the heart, and not the head!

The attitude of “criticizing and complaining” is a constant temptation.

We may perhaps, also be victims of the same.

But let us always remain “true to ourselves, and honest in what we do”

Let the Charity of God always radiate in us and thus know for sure…
… “the moon of God’s Love always goes on shining!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

All the sacraments, and principally those of Christian initiation, have as their goal the last Passover of the child of God which, through death, leads him into the life of the Kingdom.

Then what he confessed in faith and hope will be fulfilled: “I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. (CCC # 1680)

“Follow Jesus, and like Mathew, giving our hearts, our homes and our hands to Him!”

(Based on Gen 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 and Mt 9:9-13- Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

One of the easiest traps in our life, today, is to acquire Cheap Popularity!

‘Popularism’ is a bane which affects many areas of our life.

People choose…
… to undermine values
… forsake principles
… abandon relations
… disown doctrine
… and even dilute ideologies

Just to gain some cheap and shoddy popularity!

But Jesus…came to the world, not seeking cheap popularity…
… rather, in quest of Precious Sinners!

He came not rendering instant glory…
… rather, in granting Everlasting Peace!

He came not to please people…
… rather, to Honour God!

And Jesus is clear in His Mission: To seek the wayward, to find the lost, to grant peace to sinners!

This Mission of the Lord would make Him lose His popularity ratings & reputed recognitions…

But Jesus dared…
… to prioritize principles over popularity
… choosing reconciliation over reputation!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the verse, “…Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me!” (Mt 9:9)

For the religious elite of the Society, the calling of Matthew, the Tax Collector was a shocking experience!

Tax Collectors were among the most hated people in the Jewish Society.

They were generally despised and tainted and stained on three different aspects:

a. National Traitors: A tax collector, “sold himself”, to the foreign Roman government, and was a betrayer of the Nation…one of the top-most nation-betrayers!

b. Morally Corrupt: Each tax collector had the right from the Roman government to gather taxes; and the more he gathered, the more he could keep….one of the top-most dishonest people!

c. Religiously Unclean: Their constant contacts with the Gentiles made them religiously suspicious….one of the top-most impure class!

And it is this Matthew, that Jesus invites to “Follow Him!”

An unpopular approach indeed!

But the Lord is least bothered of human appreciation and public popularity

He came to Seek the Lost…
… and gather the scattered ones.

And this offer of the Lord, was gladly welcomed by Matthew – opening himself to the Love of the Lord….

1. He opened His heart: Matthew became a new person.

Accepting Jesus, meant turning away from his old-ways, rejecting some of his corrupt business people, forsaking a good deal of income…

2. He opened His Home: Matthew was excited to share his New Found Love, with others too.

The transformation in one person, became an opportunity, for many others, to experience God’s enterprising love and be challenged to undergo a change!

3. He opened his hands: Matthew also opened his hands & worked for the Lord.

“It could be (wittily) said, that when Jesus called Matthew, he left his job to follow Christ, but he took along with him, his pen!”
And this would later help him to pen the Gospel…the Gospel according to St Matthew!!

The call of Matthew, was Jesus’ way of telling that things happen in the Kingdom of God, not for the sake of popularity…
… rather, The Kingdom is an Invitation and a Home to all who find themselves lost, least, broken, rejected, seeking, disturbed!

We all are in one way or the other, facing some of these problems or difficulties in life…

Let these not discourage us…!

As the saying goes:
Never say, “GOD, I have a big problem!”

Instead say, “Hey Problem, I have a big GOD”

The Lord is ever-ready to welcome us.

He is least bothered of what others think or criticize!!
He values our lives much more than losing popularity!

Yes, We are more precious to Him, than popularity!

He values us!
He trusts us!
He loves us!

All of us, can be assured of experiencing….
… Rest in His Heart
… Welcome in His Home
… Strength in His Hands!

On this First Friday of the month, consecrating ourselves to the Sacred Heart of the Lord…

Let us Follow Him, and like Mathew, let us…
… give our hearts, our homes and our hands to Him!

Late Pope Benedict XVI says:
“If you follow the will of God, in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge…
… Go on, trusting, in the One Who loves you.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – SACRAMENTALS – Popular piety

At its core, the piety of the people is a storehouse of values that offers answers of Christian wisdom to the great questions of life.
The Catholic wisdom of the people is capable of fashioning a vital synthesis
It creatively combines the divine and the human, Christ and Mary, spirit and body, communion and institution, person and community, faith and homeland, intelligence and emotion.
This wisdom is a Christian humanism that radically affirms the dignity of every person as a child of God, establishes a basic fraternity, teaches people to encounter nature and understand work, provides reasons for joy and humor even in the midst of a very hard life.

For the people, this wisdom is also a principle of discernment and an evangelical instinct through which they spontaneously sense when the Gospel is served in the Church and when it is emptied of its content and stifled by other interests. (CCC # 1676)

“Avoiding any harbouring of evil in our hearts; instead, enthroning the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts!”

(Based on Gen 22:1b-19 and Mt 9:1-8 – Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“Harbour” is a place on the coast, where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

The word “harbour” is also used to speak about a keep a thought or feeling, (typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly

The Gospel of the Day is an expose by Jesus, on how a group of people “harbour” wrong thoughts in the mind.

It is an exposition of this evil side of life that often empowers human hearts, and pops its head up, especially when encountered by goodness and holiness.

The Gospel is the healing of the paralytic, when Jesus comes into His own town.

Seeing the paralytic being brought on the stretcher, and admiring their faith, Jesus had said, “Courage child, your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9: 2)

However, some of the scribes got irked hearing these words and said, “This man is blaspheming”

Jesus, who knows the hearts of people…. who reads the thoughts of all… said:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9: 4)

Another translation of this verse would read:
“Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”

The Lord exposes the evil intention of the Scribes in questioning His action of cleansing the paralytic.

For the paralytic, it was a great occasion…
… of being cleansed from sin, and being restored to holiness
… of having a very personal encounter of the Saviour and receiving wholeness

It was a sacred time… a holy moment!

But where there is the presence of Holiness, evil finds itself disturbed and distances itself!

Evil cannot exist beside the Sacred!

Human life often finds itself engaged and engrossed with evil things…

The pull to be bad constantly lurks in human minds…
The urge to be sinful often prowls in human hearts…

Therefore, when the paralytic was encountering goodness and holiness, the evil side in the scribes popped its head up, and questioned and quizzed our Blessed Lord.

The same question that Jesus asked the scribes is now thrown to us:
“Why do you think evil in your hearts?” or “Why do you harbour evil in your hearts?”

Am I a person who is unable to tolerate the good things happening in other people’s life?
Am I someone who gets irked and irritated when the other person prospers in happiness?

We sometimes adorn the walls of our hearts with many filthy stuff – uncharitable thoughts, indecent words and jokes, hurtful views of people or crude perspectives of situations.

The Lord feels hurt and sad by this our “harbouring of evil in our hearts”

Are we ready to throw of all those unbecoming stuff from our hearts, and enthrone the Divine Mercy of the Lord in our hearts?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – SACRAMENTALS – Popular piety

Pastoral discernment is needed to sustain and support popular piety and, if necessary, to purify and correct the religious sense which underlies these devotions so that the faithful may advance in knowledge of the mystery of Christ.

Their exercise is subject to the care and judgment of the bishops and to the general norms of the Church. (CCC # 1676)