“Co-operating with the Strange Master, Who calls us to ‘Dare to be Different!'”

(Based on Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 and Mt 10:1-7 – Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

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’!


And 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…

Like the Israelites in Hosea 10:1…
… Let us not boast on our prosperity or our richness
… Let our hearts not remain divided in our loyalty
>> Let us instead plough a new ground…seeking 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!


Yes, the Lord is calling
… the Lord is desiring
… the Lord is wanting
>> Are we hearing?


Let this not remain a Missed Call!
>> Let’s pick up, and answer…
… and 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 SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION – BAPTISM
>> Baptism is the sacrament of faith.
>> But faith needs the community of believers.
>> It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe.
>> The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop.
>> The catechumen or the godparent is asked: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!” (CCC #1253)
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“Recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life!”

(Based on Hos 8:4-7, 11-13 and Mt 9:32-38 – Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A commonly heard story goes thus….

A small town had been “dry” for years.

i.e. ‘without any bars or consumption of alcohol’.

But some of the business people, decided to build a bar in that town.

The local Christian group were however alarmed and concerned at this latest development

They decided that they would have an all-night prayer to ask God to intervene.

Work on the construction of the bar, progressed right up till the week before opening…
…. when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground!

The owners of the bar, enraged, filed a case against the prayer group – to sue them in court.

They claimed that the prayers of the group was responsible for the destruction of their bar!
They claimed that the people in the church were ultimately responsible for the ruin of the building – either through direct or indirect actions or means.

The prayer group members however appointed a lawyer to defend themselves

They vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s devastation in its reply to the court.

The judge after the initial examination of the case stated thus:
“I do not know how I am going to decide.

But no matter how this case ends, one thing is clear:

It appears that we have some bar owners who believe in the power of prayer…
… but an entire praying congregation that does not!”

How true is not this the case, even in our lives?

People who are expected to be having more faith…
… often are seen to live a life of unbelief and distrust in God

People who are “inside” the praying circle and the group of faith…
… often have difficulties to simply trust in the power and workings of God

The Gospel of the Day presents before us an incident where this contrast is brought forth…

A group of people – the Pharisees – who were intellectually deeper in the scriptures and were expected to know more about the Messiah…
…. failed to recognize and acknowledge the Messianic Power of Jesus

The other group of people – simple and ordinary crowds – who followed Jesus and were effortlessly attracted to Him…
… publicly acclaimed and appreciated the mighty deeds of Jesus

The Gospel passage begins with the incident of a man – dumb and demoniac – who was brought to Jesus (Mt 9: 32)

When the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke ( Mt 9: 33a)

There were two reactions to this same incident: One was of marvel; the other was of contempt!

The crowds – simple and ordinary – who were attracted to Jesus “marvelled and said: ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel'” (Mt 9:33b)
The Pharisees – knowledgeable and intellectual – who often looked to find loopholes in the ministry of Jesus and trap Him, said: “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9: 34)

The same incident – Jesus healing the dumb and demoniac man – was observed and experienced by two different groups…
…. but they generated contrasting reactions and divergent responses!

One of them marvelled; the other mocked!
One of them had found a reason to praise God; the other found a reason to deride Jesus!

Is this not the case, often, even in our lives too?

Very often is this not the phenomena seen with respect to prayer…?

People who go to Church seem to be believing less in the power and providence of God…
… people who stay away from pious devotions, often acknowledge the influence of the Divine!

People who go regularly to Holy Mass and the Sacraments, often live superficial lives…
… people who stay away, seek to live better and more honestly.

What does this mean?

Not that we should stay away from our pious actions, devotions and our activities of faith
Not that people who don’t display faith have more reasons to live a good life

But these are reminders and alarms from the Lord…
… to examine our life and activities of faith!
… to check whether my prayer life is actually translated to a living trust in God!

Do the prayers that I make and the devotions that I engage in:

Cause me to believe and trust in the providential power of the Lord, knowing that He works out all things for our good…
… or do they just remain mere lip-services and an exercise and custom that I go through, without having any effect on me?

Do the Sacraments that I participate in – especially the Holy Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Cause me to have a life-transformational experience, every time, and become moments to encounter the Living Lord and His mighty love in my life…
… or do they become routine rituals and casual ceremonies that I go through, without allowing the Lord to cause any effect or change in me?

Do the sermons that I hear, the reflections that I read and the Bible and other books that I meditate…

Cause me to reflect on my life, examine my conscience and let go a life of sin…
… or do they merely become aids to help me give pointers for ‘powerful’ sermons and feel a sense of external satisfaction, without taking decisions to also live a life of holiness and sanctity?

As Christians…

It is our duty to know more about the Lord and learn deeper about the elements of our faith…
… but we also need to grow in our life of holiness and live the faith in our practical lives

It is our duty to understand Scripture more and know learn about the Church and her teachings…
… but we also need to allow the Scripture ‘to read our lives’ and to help to love, spread and defend the Church and her teachings to others.

Which group of people are we in…

“Knowing theoretically much about the power of God and scriptures” but failing to recognize and acknowledge His power…?
Or simple and ordinary in our faith and belief – seeking to know more about God and scripture- but above all, recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS

Christian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them.
The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church.
There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching…

… when whole “households” received baptism, infants may also have been baptized. (CCC #1251-1252)

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

(Based on Hos 2:14, 15cd, 16, 19-20 and Mt 9:18-26 – Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A little boy had to walk around 2 kms 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!”

He is the God Who is “Kind and Full of Compassion!”

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 BAPTISM OF INFANTS

Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called.
The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism.

The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth. (CCC #1250)

“Becoming Christians of conviction and certainty, and – like St Thomas – to firmly cry out, in joyful acclamation, ‘My Lord and My God!’”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Thomas, the Apostle of India)

An incident is told about the great English actor Charles Macready and an eminent preacher.

This preacher, once asked Macready a doubt:
“What is the reason for the difference between you and me?

You are appearing before crowds night after night with fiction…
… and the crowds come wherever you go.

I am preaching the essential and unchangeable truth…
… and I am not getting any crowd at all.”

Macready’s answer was this: “This is quite simple.

I can easily tell you the difference between us.

I present my fiction as though it were truth…
… whereas you present your truth, as though it were fiction.”

Thoughts and words that emerge from true conviction are contagious and impactful!

And true commitment and steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas – who is popularly (or rather infamously) called as the “Doubting Apostle”.

He was probably considered by others as being “adamant” and “proud”…
• It was his search for convictions in life that made him seek for a proof for the Lord’s appearance
• It was his desire for certainty in life that caused him to doubt at the words of his companions over the Lord’s Resurrection.

The Lord realized the worth of this young man- as having a courageous character of convictions!

When we go through the life of St Thomas as seen in the Gospels, we encounter a person constantly displaying courage, expressing commitment and seeking for convictions.

St Thomas indeed stands out among the other apostles…

1. It was probably St Thomas who first expressed his desire to give up his life for the Lord and His Kingdom…
   “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16)

St Thomas becomes a motivation for all those who follow Christ, to be bold and brave and even to give up one’s life for the Lord and His Kingdom

2. It was St Thomas who had the simplicity and the openness to ask Jesus when the Lord had declared that “Where I am going you know the way..” and the Lord had responded “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”…
   “Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

St Thomas becomes a consolation to all those who face genuine uncertainties in spiritual life and encourages to remain like a child – in openness, simplicity and frankness.

3. It was St Thomas who refused the trust the words of his companions on the issue of the Jesus’ Resurrection.

He knew that many of his companions had impulsive reactions and therefore, could not be believed for their words.

Therefore, he insisted that his belief in Christ’s Resurrection would depend only on His personal experience with the Lord
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25)

St Thomas becomes a refuge for all those who grapple with spiritual anxieties – lack of consolation in prayer life, deep longing to experience God and many confusions regarding spiritual teachings and faith experiences

In St Thomas, we have a saint who is very human and with whom we – who are often prone to mistakes and frail in weaknesses – can easily connect.
• He was brave, but also had his moments of feeling lost
• He was courageous, but also had his moments of seeking answers for doubts
• He was enthusiastic, but also had his moments of staying away from the faith-community

St Thomas is a shining beacon of courage.

He had his doubts.
But once cleared, he became a person of immense conviction.

This conviction made him to travel across many lands to give witness to Jesus, His Lord and Master… and even to give up His life, in martyrdom!

As Christians, we need to truly examine our life: Am I able to attract people to the Love of Jesus?
If the answer is in the negative…
… then perhaps, we need to deepen our convictions of our Faith!

Yes, true commitment and steadfast faithfulness in life requires the power of convictions and certainty!

Thoughts and words that emerge from true conviction are contagious and impactful!

May St Thomas help us, with his intercession and inspiration, to become Christians of conviction and certainty and to firmly cry out, in joyful acclamation, “My Lord and My God!”

Happy Feast of St Thomas, the Convinced Disciple of Christ!

Happy Feast of Faith and Belief, Boldness and Courage to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS
Catechumens “are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity.”

“With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own” (CCC # 1249)

(Based on Amos 9:11-15 and Mt 9:14-17– Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A little boy once came to his mother, saying, “Mummy, I am as tall as Goliath! I am nine feet high!”

“How do you say that?” asked his surprised mother.

“Well, I made a little ruler of my own and measured myself with it and I am just nine feet tall.”


The little fellow considered himself to be huge and tall…
… but by having a measuring scale that he himself had devised – which he had adjusted in such a way, that he would be made to look tall!


How often is our own styles of assessment and measure the same!

We make “our own” yardsticks to measure others actions, and to find a way of criticising others!
We make “our own” measuring tapes to determine the deeds of other people, and thus find ways to put down other people!


The Gospel of the day is an invitation to examine this our tendency of assessing others’ manners and conduct based on “standards and measurements” that are set by we 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 analyze 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 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 criticizing 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!”


May we also grow in our following of God… looking at people and situations in His style:
… a style that integrates compassion with sincerity
… a style that incorporates love with genuineness


God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS
>> The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, aims at bringing their conversion and faith to maturity, in response to the divine initiative and in union with an ecclesial community.
>> The catechumenate is to be “a formation in the whole Christian life… during which the disciples will be joined to Christ their teacher.
>> The catechumens should be properly initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites.” (CCC # 1248)
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“Becoming a person who tells ‘Turn this Way’ to many people in our lives!”

(Based on Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 and Mt 9:9-13 – Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An interesting story is said of a Christian Missionary woman who had been doing the work of evangelization among a native group of tribals.

After she had been with them for a while, and after the natives had experienced the Power of the Lord…
… they gave her a new name: “Aim-day-co”

The Chief of the Tribe, in explaining the name, said: “In our tribe, when we see anyone taking a wrong route/road, we call out “Aim-day-co”

It means, “Turn this way!”

Our sister came from a far-away land and found us all on the wrong road.
She sensed that we were in great danger of losing our souls.

So she stood and said “Turn this Way”…
… and pointed to Jesus!

May God bless “Aim-day-co!”

Are we ready to be an “Aim-day-co” in the lives of people?

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 9:9-13) presents Jesus Who became an “AIM DAY CO” in the life of St Mathew…
… and today, we celebrate, how, in turn, this Great Saint has become an “Aim-day-co” to all of us, by his Gospel!

One of the important and essential dimensions of an encounter with our Blessed Lord is the “transformation effect” on the person.

If one has had a genuine encounter with Him…
… one cannot be passive
… one cannot just remain the same

Either one shakes off the dust of sin and slackness and follows Him in sincerity
… or one tries to cast Him off from life and adamantly remains in one’s own desires!

Either one takes radical decisions in life and orients one’s conduct in accordance with His Will
… or one seeks to do away with all Divine inspirations and obstinately sticks firm to one’s personal interests!

In any case, an “encounter with the Lord” causes an effect in life – either for the good or towards rejecting the impulses of Divine Goodness.

Do I respond positively and emphatically to the call of the Lord…
… or do I sink into an attitude of grumbling, complaining and disinterestedness?

The Gospel of the day presents these two “contrasting reactions” in the encounter with Jesus…

Matthew…. who hears the call of the Lord – “Follow Me” (Mt 9: 9)

The Pharisees… who observe the lavishness of God’s mercy and react with grumbling and complaining (Mt 9: 11)

Jesus very emphatically declares, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12)

This verse is the key to understand and gauge the style of reaction, when we encounter the Lord…

The one who needs Him – will relish Him!
The one who feels no need of Him- will reject Him!

The one who acknowledges that one is sick, weak and in need of God’s grace and mercy – will find in Him a Saviour!
The one who vehemently says that one is all fine, self-motivated and strong willed – will fail to find any consolation in Him!

Here then is a wonderful check-meter to test my passion, my longing and my intensity of love for the Lord…

Have I discovered that by myself I cannot achieve everything that life demands of me….?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the answer to my problem and a solution to the puzzles of my life!

Do I realise that as a human person, I often fall into the snares of sin and can get easily caught up in evil traps…?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the antidote to sin and a remedy to overcome the pitfalls of wickedness!

St Mathew presents a beautiful picture, of embracing the Lord fully into life because He realised and discovered the intimate need of the Lord in his life.

He experienced Jesus as an “Aim-day-co” – the One Who told him “Turn this Way”…
… away from the ways of sin and Turn towards the Way of Salvation!
… away from the ways of corruption and Turn towards the Way of Christ!

On this First Friday of the Month, as we offer ourselves to the Sacred Heart of our Blessed Lord…
… let us be inspired by St Mathew and imitate his example, in surrendering ourselves totally to the Lord’s Sovereignty…
… and thus be an “Aim-day-co” – the one who tells “Turn this Way” to many people in our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS

“Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.”
Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new.
The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place.

This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (CCC # 1246-1247)

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

(Based on Amos 7:10-17 and Mt 9:1-8 – Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“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!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted “to the marriage supper of the Lamb” and receives the Food of the new life, the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord’s words: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.”
The Latin Church, which reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
The solemn blessing concludes the celebration of Baptism.

At the Baptism of new-borns, the blessing of the mother occupies a special place. (CCC #1244-1245)

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

(Based on Amos 7:10-17 and Mt 9:1-8 – Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“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!

—————————————————-
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
>> Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted “to the marriage supper of the Lamb” and receives the Food of the new life, the Body and Blood of Christ.
> The Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord’s words: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.”
>> The Latin Church, which reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
>> The solemn blessing concludes the celebration of Baptism.
>> At the Baptism of new-borns, the blessing of the mother occupies a special place. (CCC #1244-1245)
—————————————————-

“Entrusting our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer!”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul)

It is said that World History is a victorious story written by the winners…
… through the lives of proud emperors, famous rulers, triumphant troops

But Salvation History is written by God…
… through the lives of humble saints, repentant sinners and passionate lovers of the Lord!

God is an amazing script writer!

His Divine Wisdom, beautifully pens lives…

But often, we fail to understand this script.

Failures, disappointments, tragedies…are mostly, considered by us, as the end of our lives.

Today, Holy Mother, the Church invites our attention to two persons: St Peter and St Paul…
… who faced failures, disappointments and tragedies…

But remarkably, through the Divine Plan, their lives were scripted to a classic story….!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the two Great Saints of the Church – St Peter and St Paul.

St Peter was overwhelmed by the Great Fishermen of Hearts!

All through his life, we see St Peter, varying between many emotions – over-zealous, impatient, bold, courageous, simple, daring etc

St Paul was overpowered by the tremendous power of the Risen Lord!

All through his life, we see St Paul, displaying many characteristics – zealous and passionate, fervent and ardent, bold and courageous.

God, the Great Script Writer, knew exactly well, these two personalities!

Their life is a paradox.

Both had their moments of rejecting, persecuting, betraying and doubting the Lord…
Both had their moments of a “turning point”…
… St Peter’s call to be a Fisher of People & the Lord once again accepting him, in love, after Resurrection
… St Paul on his way to Damascus, being prevailed over by the Majestic Power of the Risen Lord!

Both had their moments of being misunderstood and facing tough moments from the people, especially, the close people, with whom, they lived with, and to whom they ministered.
Both had their moments of sharing in the Cross of Christ, in His Chalice of Suffering and in the Baptism of a Holy Death!

Today, both are honoured & venerated as Stalwarts of our Faith & the Pillars of the Church.

Peter was also known as Simon…
… Paul was also known as Saul.

Peter was the fisherman, the small-town Galilean Jew…
… Paul was the Pharisee, the scholar of the Law.

Peter was conscious of the Faith’s Old Testament roots…
… Paul had found in Christ, “all things new.”

Peter had lived and walked with Jesus…
… Paul had encountered the Risen Jesus.

Peter was crucified on an inverted cross…
… Paul was martyred by the sword.

Two very different persons… Two different temperaments.

But ONE in their Zeal, Passion, Love, Mission, Enthusiasm, Fervour…
… All for the Lord!

These saints have much to teach us…and much to be imitated…!

Is the story of our life, suffering from a bad-script, at the moment?

There is Hope….in the Lord!

Are there areas in our life, where there is persecution?

There is Salvation…in the Lord!

Are there moments in our life when we feel betrayed or cheated?

There is Love…in the Lord!

Are there situations of rejection and loneliness in our life?

There is Acceptance…in the Lord!

Are there times of doubt or tears or pain in the depth of our heart?

There is Healing…in the Lord!

The Lord, the Mighty Rock… declared St Peter to be the Rock!

The Lord, the Good News… declared St Paul to be the Evangelizer!
Today He invites us to imitate & follow the example of these Humble yet Great Saints of the Church.

Like St Peter, may we grow in faith, to declare, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16)

Like St Paul, may we advance in holiness, to declare, “I now no longer live; Christ lives in me!” (Gal 2:20)

Let us grow in Obedience, in Love and in Dependence… like St Peter

Let us grow in Passion, in Courage and in Openness… like St Paul!

Let us entrust our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer…
… The One Who can draw straight, with crooked lines!

Happy Feast to the Pillars of the Church….
… and to us, the Seekers of their Intercession and Zeal!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has “put on Christ,” has risen with Christ.
The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte.
In Him, the baptized are “the light of the world.”

The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: “Our Father.” (CCC #1243)

“Entrusting our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer!”

(Based on the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul)

It is said that World History is a victorious story written by the winners…
… through the lives of proud emperors, famous rulers, triumphant troops
>> But Salvation History is written by God…
… through the lives of humble saints, repentant sinners and passionate lovers of the Lord!

God is an amazing script writer!
>> His Divine Wisdom, beautifully pens lives…

But often, we fail to understand this script.
>> Failures, disappointments, tragedies…are mostly, considered by us, as the end of our lives.


Today, Holy Mother, the Church invites our attention to two persons: St Peter and St Paul…
… who faced failures, disappointments and tragedies…
>> But remarkably, through the Divine Plan, their lives were scripted to a classic story….!


Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the two Great Saints of the Church – St Peter and St Paul.

St Peter was overwhelmed by the Great Fishermen of Hearts!
>> All through his life, we see St Peter, varying between many emotions – over-zealous, impatient, bold, courageous, simple, daring etc

St Paul was overpowered by the tremendous power of the Risen Lord!
>> All through his life, we see St Paul, displaying many characteristics – zealous and passionate, fervent and ardent, bold and courageous.


God, the Great Script Writer, knew exactly well, these two personalities!

Their life is a paradox.
>> Both had their moments of rejecting, persecuting, betraying and doubting the Lord…
>> Both had their moments of a “turning point”…
… St Peter’s call to be a Fisher of People & the Lord once again accepting him, in love, after Resurrection
… St Paul on his way to Damascus, being prevailed over by the Majestic Power of the Risen Lord!

>> Both had their moments of being misunderstood and facing tough moments from the people, especially, the close people, with whom, they lived with, and to whom they ministered.
>> Both had their moments of sharing in the Cross of Christ, in His Chalice of Suffering and in the Baptism of a Holy Death!

Today, both are honoured & venerated as Stalwarts of our Faith & the Pillars of the Church.
>> Peter was also known as Simon…
… Paul was also known as Saul.

>> Peter was the fisherman, the small-town Galilean Jew…
… Paul was the Pharisee, the scholar of the Law.

>> Peter was conscious of the Faith’s Old Testament roots…
… Paul had found in Christ, “all things new.”

>> Peter had lived and walked with Jesus…
… Paul had encountered the Risen Jesus.

>> Peter was crucified on an inverted cross…
… Paul was martyred by the sword.

Two very different persons… Two different temperaments.
>> But ONE in their Zeal, Passion, Love, Mission, Enthusiasm, Fervour…
… All for the Lord!

These saints have much to teach us…and much to be imitated…!


Is the story of our life, suffering from a bad-script, at the moment?
>> There is Hope….in the Lord!

Are there areas in our life, where there is persecution?
>> There is Salvation…in the Lord!

Are there moments in our life when we feel betrayed or cheated?
>> There is Love…in the Lord!

Are there situations of rejection and loneliness in our life?
>> There is Acceptance…in the Lord!

Are there times of doubt or tears or pain in the depth of our heart?
>> There is Healing…in the Lord!


The Lord, the Mighty Rock… declared St Peter to be the Rock!
>> The Lord, the Good News… declared St Paul to be the Evangelizer!
Today He invites us to imitate & follow the example of these Humble yet Great Saints of the Church.


Like St Peter, may we grow in faith, to declare, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16)
>> Like St Paul, may we advance in holiness, to declare, “I now no longer live; Christ lives in me!” (Gal 2:20)


Let us grow in Obedience, in Love and in Dependence… like St Peter
>> Let us grow in Passion, in Courage and in Openness… like St Paul!

Let us entrust our lives into the hands of God, the Great and Amazing Script-Writer…
… The One Who can draw straight, with crooked lines!


Happy Feast to the Pillars of the Church….
… and to us, the Seekers of their Intercession and Zeal!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————————————-
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE MYSTAGOGY OF THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
>> The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has “put on Christ,” has risen with Christ.
>> The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte.
In Him, the baptized are “the light of the world.”
>> The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: “Our Father.” (CCC #1243)
—————————————————-