“‘Disentangling” ourselves from the habit of ‘blindly’ following others; instead, following Christ with deeper conviction!”

(Based on 1 Tim 6:2c-12 and Lk 8:1-3- Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There is a particular type of a caterpillar called as “Pine Processional Caterpillars”.

These “Processional Caterpillars” walk in long lines – each one following closely the next in front.

A noted French naturalist named Jean Henri Fabre, once conducted an experiment on them.

He took a flowerpot and placed of a number of these “Processional Caterpillars” in a single-file around the circumference of the rim of a flower-pot.

Each caterpillar’s head touched the one in front of it.

He then placed the caterpillar’s favourite food in the middle of the pot.

He was surprised to observe that each of the caterpillar followed the one ahead, thinking it was heading for the food.

Round and round went these insects – for several days!

Finally, after many days of this absurd activity, the caterpillars started to drop dead – because of exhaustion and starvation!

All that they had to avoid the snare of death was to stop the senseless rounding around the pot…
…. and head, instead, directly to the food, that was placed less than six-inches away from them!

However, these “Processional Caterpillars” were trapped in a lifestyle which made them to only follow the one ahead..
… and were unable to “disentangle” themselves from the habit of ‘blindly’ following others!

Am I turning out to be a “Processional Christian?”
… claiming to follow Christ, just because others are doing the same or I have got into the “rut” of a system?
… aimlessly following Christ, without any conviction or sometimes even of an awareness of ‘why I am doing so?’

The Gospel of the Day presents to us a beautiful set of “Followers of Christ” who pursued Him in faith, in conviction and with a sense of clear purpose.

The Gospel of St Luke gives an interesting list of people (there would also have been probably others), who followed Jesus closely and were part of His Kingdom Ministry (Lk 8: 1-3).

1. The Twelve Apostles
2. Mary Magdalene
3. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward
4. Susanna and many others

Its edifying to learn some aspects from each of these sets of people…

1. The Twelve Apostles

They were people of opposing temperaments, differing characters, conflicting backgrounds and divergent personalities.

Yet, the “glue” of ‘belonging to Christ’ kept them together

Can I learn the aspect of..
… going beyond my personal differences and accidental characteristics, to forge together beautiful and faithful relationships, in my family, my workplaces, my communities etc, in order to follow Christ closer?

2. Mary Magdalene

She had personally experienced the power of Christ’s healing.

This made her to keep her focus on the Lord, her God and to be intimately following Him for the rest of her life.

Can I learn the aspect of…
… recognising, cherishing and sustaining the many ‘miraculous and wonderful’ encounters of the Lord’s healing and care, that I experience on a daily basis, and thus to passionately follow the Lord?

3. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward

She was the wife of Chuza, who was the steward of King Herod Antipas.

To follow Jesus involved a high level of risk for her, as there was a danger from King Herod, who was wicked and had expressed his displeasure by the murder of John the Baptist.

Can I learn the aspect of…
…. being daring and courageous in following the Lord, even at the risk of my life, the risk of being exposed to humiliation and the risk of bearing discouragements, persecutions and indifference from others?

4. Susanna and many others

There is not much information on their identity but they were part of a section of the society i.e. women… who were terribly maltreated and were given an unfair, unequal and unrecognizable positions in the Jewish religious hierarchy.

Can I learn the aspect of…
… being ready to break the mental barriers and the paralysing thought-patterns in the society which cripple one’s freedom, in order to become an authentic follower of the Lord?

These followers of Christ teach us vital lessons…
… of making radical transformations
… of valuing God’s wonderful workings in life
… of being courageously bold
… of overcoming challenges and barriers
… in order to Follow Christ – with conviction, with commitment and with certainty!

We cannot simply remain as “Processional Christians” – being trapped in a lifestyle which makes us to “claim to follow Christ”…
… and being unable to “disentangle” ourselves from the habit of ‘blindly’ following others!.

We instead need to become…

“Practical Christians” – who put into practice the preachings of Christ!
“Praiseworthy Christians” – who live our lives seeking to please the Lord in every act and deed!
“Precious Christians” – who live with a deep conviction of belonging to the Lord and making efforts to share His love to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate
… if it exposes the subject’s life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks.
Experimentation on human beings does not conform to the dignity of the person
… if it takes place without the informed consent of the subject

… or those who legitimately speak for him. (CCC # 2295)

“Falling in love with the Lord and remaining faithful to the love-life in the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Tim 4:12-16 and Lk 7:36-50 – Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A catechism teacher, while distributing answer scripts of the Catechism Exam to her 3rd Standard (3rd Grade) students told them:

“I am so happy that most of you have done so well for these exams.

But remember, all these classes and exams are in preparation for the Bigger Examination.”

And she went on to explain:
“This Bigger Examination – the General Examination – is the Last Judgement Day!

And as St Robert Bellarmine tells us, ‘the School of Christ is the School of Love.

In the last day, when the general examination takes place…
… Love will be the whole syllabus!'”

Yes…
… All of us are called to grow in this understanding and practice of the “syllabus of Love!”

Have I “fallen in love” with the Lord and remain faithful to the love-life in the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents a wonderful expression of love towards Jesus and the subsequent acknowledgement of this gesture of love, by the Lord of Love!

The incident of sinner woman, washing the feet of Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee, ends with a statement, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” (Lk 7: 49)

The answer of this statement is probably what is expressed by the woman in her gesture of love.

Jesus was a guest in the house of Simon, the Pharisee.

It was probably one of those meals whereby a respected and wise host would invite several of the socially elite to dine with an important guest.

At this meal, they would recline along the table, laying down on their sides, to eat.

The meal would also involve a series of debates and discussions, over many crucial issues, centred around the special guest.

However, suddenly, out of nowhere, a lady enters in the scene.

It was one of those highly embarrassing and highly disgusting moments for the Host!

The lady was a known sinner…
… In the society, she had earned a notorious reputation

Her very presence was causing terrible insult.
Her ensuing action…
… wiping the feet with the ointment from the alabaster jar
… wiping them with her hairs
… kissing them with tenderness
… caused still further damage to the reputation and honour of the host and his Guest!

However, what followed later, was like adding salt to the wounds of the host…

Jesus publicly recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates the action of the sinful woman.

He says, in solemn tones of approval of the action of the woman, “… She has shown great love! The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little” (Lk 7: 48)

Jesus had openly and publicly acknowledged the tremendous and daring love of the woman for Him!

And in doing so, He had given an answer to the question that would be put forth later, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

Her actions of love gave an answer…
… that He was the One worthy of receiving the highest and deepest love – one that counts no humiliation or hardships!
… that He was the One deserving the sweetest and the most priceless affections of our hearts – one that is limitless!
… that He was the One meritorious of every expression of endearment and fondness – one that is passionate and pure!

What is my level of love for the Lord?

Am I courageous to express my love for Him in actions that trespass humiliations or shame or guilt?

Am I bold to show that I truly love Him by living a life in accordance with the virtues of the Gospel?
Am I credible enough to say that I really love Him by extending His care to all those who are in need?

As we go about doing all our works, let us not fail to prepare ourselves well for the bigger examination – the general examination – The Last Judgement Day!

And let’s remember that when this general examination takes place…
… Love will be the whole syllabus!

St Joseph Cupertino – the Saint of the Day (The patron saint of air travelers, pilots, astronauts…
… and those with learning disabilities and often called as the ‘flying saint’ due to his miraculous gift of levitation and visions), inspires us with his words:

“Clearly, what God wants above all is our will which we received as a free gift from God in creation and possess as though our own…
When a man trains himself to acts of virtue, it is with the help of grace from God from whom all good things come that he does this!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimate acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law.

The subjects’ potential consent does not justify such acts. (CCC # 2295)

“Giving heed to the call of the Lord, and doing away with all hypocritical aspects of our life; instead, having expressions of faith, that are real and genuine!

(Based on 1 Tim 3:14-16 and Lk 7:31-35 – Wednesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

After his victory over Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium, Augustus Caesar came back to Rome in triumph.

Among the huge crowd who greeted him, was a man (a bird seller) who had a bird that was taught to say, “Hail, Caesar, victorious!”

Augustus Caesar, the victorious king was greatly impressed that the bird was able to utter praises in honour of his victory…
… and bought the bird for a large sum.

Then someone got Caesar aside and whispered to him, that the man had another bird that was just as talented.

The man was summoned and Caesar asked for a demonstration of what the other bird could do.

The man selling the birds, however, objected and expressed reluctance…
… but Caesar insisted.

Finally the bird uttered: “Hail, Antony, victorious!”

(The second bird ended up uttering praises to the enemy who had been defeated by Augustus Caesar!)

The birds had been only trained to speak by rote!

Their expression was not something “that was really meant”…
Their expression was laden with tones of duplicity and lack of genuineness

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation on how people are also very often similar…
… failing to have expressions that are real and genuine!
… falling into the trap of duplicity and double-standardness!

The Gospel is an exposition on the attitudes of duplicity and being double-standard that can cram our Christian lives.

Jesus gives an illustration of how the attitudes of duplicity…
… and being double-standard can cram our Christian lives.

He speaks of “children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, ‘We piped to you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not weep'” (Lk 7: 32)

Two persons who had committed themselves totally to the cause of the Kingdom are under the scanner today – John the Baptist and Jesus.

1. John the Baptist
   … lived in the wilderness and in preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

He did not drink wine, and he and his followers fasted regularly.
He baptized people in the Jordan River.

But John also preached repentance and gave a clarion call to turn away from one sins!

And this irked the people…

The elders of the Jewish community dreaded him because he recognized the corruption of the priests, and publicly called them to repent and be baptized.

They refused, because they wanted to keep their power, their wealth, their full stomachs and their fine clothing!

2. Jesus
   … went around the cities and towns healing the sick and curing the lepers and doing many mighty works.

He shared in the table-fellowship of many people regularly.
He preached the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus also challenged people to let go off their sinful and corrupt lives and turn to God in penitence!

And this annoyed the leaders…

The Pharisees hated him because he preached with much authority and his new understanding of the law was highly challenging!

They rejected Him, because they wanted to stick to their traditions, empty hearts and their inhuman practices!

Jesus and John both would have hit high on the popularity charts if they had “played nice” or “would have allowed things to be little more easy!”

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says, “We played the flute for you, you did not dance; We mourned to you, you did not weep.” (Lk 7:32)

Both of them refused to compromise on their convictions and principles of life

It was a tragedy of that generation…
… that two of the great leaders – John and Jesus – though came with apparent contrast – found themselves rejected!
… that these two great messengers of the Kingdom, met with a tragic end – one beheaded, the other crucified!

This shows an important philosophy that underlies many lives: an attitude of indifference to the truth and an attitude of rejection of those who challenge our lives!

This tragedy affects our generation too…

We often wrap ourselves often in the garment of hard-heartedness and arrogance…
… and fail to allow the message of the Truth to bring a transformation in our lives

We neatly hide ourselves in the dark shadows of indifference and apathy…
… and remain unconcerned with the workings of God’s Power and Grace in our hearts

But the Lord today renders a wake-up call to shake off the dusts of…
… apathy, hypocrisy and indifference from our lives!

Very often our faith is only a training to speak prayers and express articles of faith merely “by rote”

Very often, our religious expressions are laden with tones of duplicity and lack of genuineness

Let us give heed to the call of the Lord and do away with all hypocritical aspects of our life, and instead…
… have expressions that are real and genuine!
… and thus become an authentic follower of God and an ardent missionary of the Kingdom!

The words of St Robert Bellarmine, the Saint of the Day and Doctor of the Church, is an inspiration to all of us:
“Love is a marvellous and heavenly thing.

It never tires and it never thinks it has done enough!”

“The School of Christ is the School of Love.

In the last day, when the general examination takes place…
… Love will be the whole syllabus!'”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria.
They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good…

… in conformity with the Plan and the Will of God. (CCC # 2294)

“Making a journey from a ‘dead lifeless existence’ to a ‘dynamically passionate living!’”

(Based on 1 Tim 3:1-13 and Lk 7:11-17 – Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“Alice in Wonderland” is a popular 1865 novel.

It tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world.

One of the conversations, in this book, between Alice and a cat goes thus…

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here”?

Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to”

Alice: “I don’t much care where”….”So long as I get somewhere.”

Cat: “Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go!”

Many times, like Alice we are such…
… we don’t really know where are going
… we are not aware of the destination towards which are we moving

As a result, we fail to realise the importance of the “Journey” that we make.

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to examine our “life as a journey”…
… and to come to a greater awareness, of how the Lord, Who is “The Way”, needs to become “our Road, our Direction as well as our Destination!”

Life is a constant journey.

Our lives are filled with all sorts of journeys…

Short and long journeys…
Journeys in our minds and hearts…
Journeys towards God and away from God..
… Journeys that are as trivial as a trip to a shop..
… or as life-changing, as a trip to the hospital to witness the miracle of birth!

Our lives are made up of many such journeys: journeys that shape and mould us into who we are today.

Our earthly life, too, is a journey that begins at birth and ends with death.

With each passing day, one moves a step closer to the eventual-reality of one’s earthly life: death!

The Gospel of the Day – the incident of the raising of the dead son of the widow in the city of Nain – presents several journeys in an atmosphere of death and life:

1. The Journey of Jesus
   Jesus the Preacher and Healer was on mission journey.

His words influenced and inspired many people – the sinful, the broken and the hopeless!
His deeds healed and touched many people – the sick, the ailing and the bedridden.

Do I make a journey similar to the Lord in being a messenger of mercy and hope to the suffering world?

Do I make a journey in the ministry of the Lord by reaching out the Gospel of Joy to a depressed humanity?

2. The Journey of the people accompanying Jesus

There were many followers and people (Lk 7:11) who were attracted to the magnetic personality of the Lord…
… and who after seeing the amazing miracle of the dead man raised, begin to glorify God with loud acclaims.

Many people were touched by the charm and miracles of the Lord.

Many people were overwhelmed by the grand deeds and mighty works of the Lord.

They make a journey, with Jesus – From a “Curious Following” to realizing the “Divine Presence” in their midst!

Do I make a journey to move from a ‘peripheral following’ of Jesus to a ‘deeper seeking of His Presence’?

Do I make a journey from mere ‘external praises’ to a ‘heart-involved acclamation’ of the Lord?

3. The Journey of the crowd accompanying the dead man’s bier

It was a time of sadness and grief for the people who accompanied the dead man’s bier. (Lk 7: 11b)

Some of them would have been his relatives, some his friends, some his neighbours and some just unknown people.
But the reality of death, especially of a young man, hit all of them hard.

Death had cast its pale gloom on the minds of them all!

They however, make a journey with Jesus – from a ‘sad mourning’ over a death to ‘joyful applauses’ over a life!

Am I able to make a journey from dead and lifeless situations to lively and enthusiastic moments with the Lord?

Am I able to make a journey from gloom and sadness to splendid joy and happiness in the Lord?

4. The Journey of the Widow

The grieving mother is a widow (Lk 7: 12a)…
… and since it is her only son who has died, she finds herself in dire straits: She has no male to protect or provide for her.

To add injury to sorrow, she is faced with the reality that her family line has ended with the death of her son.

She too makes a journey with Jesus: From absolute hopelessness and despondency to a fresh lease of hope and life!

Do I journey with Jesus to have my situations of total despair be changed to thrilling moments?

Do I journey with Jesus to allow my life-threatening instants to be converted to blessed occasions?

5. The Journey of the Dead Man
   Death spares no one – regardless of status or age.

The dead man had to undergo this tragic reality at a younger stage of his life.

He would have been the only strong support of his family, after the death of his father.

And now, the bread winner was reduced to absolute starvation!

He too, however makes a journey with Jesus: From the dungeons of death to the glorious castles of life!

Can I make a journey from a “quit-easily” style of life to a “committed” style of life?

Can I make a journey from “luck-dependant” lifestyle to a “God’s Providence-aware” lifestyle?

Life itself is a journey where each day is a step closer to the eventual-reality of one’s earthly life: death!

Let us beautify this journey by constantly travelling with Jesus and undergoing many transformations!

In this life, we have the Church which supports and replenishes us…
… with her life-enriching and life-giving Sacraments – especially the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Let us adorn this journey with the jewels of the Holy Sacraments that our Church provides us with!

Let us not remain ignorant regarding the purpose or destination of our life journey…
… Let us come to a greater realisation that “The Lord is our Road, Our Direction and Our Destination!”

Today, let us ask the intercession of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian…
… whose feast we celebrate.

St Cornelius, as Pope, stood firm in unity and mercy, defending the Church against division and persecution.
St Cyprian, as Bishop, guided his flock with wisdom, courage, and a shepherd’s heart:

Their life witness reminds us that…
… we are called to “journey from a dead, lifeless existence to a dynamically passionate living in Christ.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications.
On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency…

… or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. (CCC # 2294)

“Being inspired by the Compassionate Mother, who is with us in our every sorrow, as she helps us, to follow Her Crucified Son and our Saviour, Jesus!”

(Based on the Memorial of our Lady of Sorrows)

A prayer meeting was on.

The participants were reciting the Rosary of the Seven Dolours (= the seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother Mary).

It came to the fifth sorrow, which is “Jesus dies on the Cross”.

However, the one who was leading the prayer, by mistake said, “Mary dies on the Cross”.

A few participants, who heard this mistake, burst out into laughter…
… at the mistake!

But in hindsight, if we consider that statement, there is so much of truth and meaning in it – “Mary dies on the Cross!”

While on earth, there was no one who was closer to our Blessed Lord than His Own Beloved Mother.

He received His body from Her.
With Him, She rejoiced!
With Him, She suffered!
And finally, in those deepest agonizing moments on the Cross…
… there was none who suffered more than Her!

Every pain of Her Little Child, was experienced by the Blessed Mother

Mary was the Woman Who was most happy at the birth of the Lord
Mary was also the Woman Who was most sorrowful at the death of the Lord!

Today, Holy Mother the Church keeps the memorial of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother of Jesus.

This feast is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of our Blessed Mother.

The title “Our Lady of Sorrows” focuses on Mother Mary’s intense suffering during the Passion and Death of Jesus…
… and invites us to meditate especially through the Seven Sorrowful and Dolorous Moments in the life of our Blessed Mother.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon
2. The flight into Egypt
3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
4. Mary meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
5. Jesus dies on the Cross
6. Mary receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her arms
7. The Body of Jesus is placed in the Tomb

Suffering is an immense and an intense reality of our lives.

Many times, sufferings hit our lives when…
… we least expect it
… we are least prepared for it

Such moments of pain and agony…when encountered without any faith….
… can cause us to lose any meaning in life and renders our life to be shorn of hope
… can cause us to question God and His goodness and strips our faith of its strength
… can cause us to have recourse to “unbecoming” means to relieve ourselves from pain

However, such moments of suffering and difficulties…. when faced with deep faith and trust…
… will become occasions of God’s overflowing grace filling our lives and making us stronger
… will become occasions for us to depend deeper on our Creator and to feel His power more strongly
… will become occasions for us to realise the value of life, and become more compassionate towards others

In the midst of the pains and struggles that surround us, we need to ask ourselves…
… have we been able to increase our faith and trust in the Lord, and know the God is very much with us, even in this unexplained time of suffering?
… or has our faith wavered, and is our life cluttered with many uncertainties and questions of hopelessness?

Our Blessed Mother Mary – the Mother of Sorrows and the Mother of Compassion – teaches us many important and vital lessons for life

She had every reason to complain and fight against God…
She had every reason to protest and abandon God and His Will…
She had every reason to murmur and let go of the plan of God for Her…

But, the “Yes” that She pronounced at the Annunciation was echoed all through Her life… at every step
… be it in times of joy and calmness
… be it in times of sadness and calamity

The “Yes” She said was the “Final Profession” She made…
… just as the Religious make on the Day of their Profession
… just as the Priests make on the Day of their Ordination
… just as the Married make to each other and to God, on their Day of Wedding
… just as the Baptised make to the Lord and seek to live, from the time of Baptism

It was a binding for life…
It was a commitment to, with conviction…
It was to be lived in sincerity, with dedication…

The Feast of the Mother of Sorrows is a beautiful reminder and reflection on “Two Hearts that were united to each other, burning with love” – the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Blessed Mother Mary!

These two Hearts underwent immense pain and suffering…
… yet, rejoiced in Love!

We are invited to live a life…
…. free from sin
… filled with love
… firm in conviction
… fashioned in grace

Like our Beloved and Blessed Mother Mary!

Mamma Mary invites all of us to live a life of joy, even when the clouds of sorrow paint the skies of our lives.

Her Seven Special Moments of Joy…

1. The Annunciation
2. The Nativity of Jesus
3. The Adoration of the Magi
4. The Resurrection of Christ
5. The Ascension of Christ to Heaven
6. The Pentecost or Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
7. The Coronation of the Virgin in Heaven
   … are a reminder to know that God reigns over every situation in life
   … and we need to “wave the Flag of Joy in our lives always!”

May we be filled with the courage and grace to truly make it our prayer:
“Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart, each wound renew
Of my Saviour Crucified!”

Wish you a Happy Feast of our Compassionate Mother, who is ever with us in our every sorrow…
… as she helps us, to follow Her Crucified Son and Our Strengthening Saviour, Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Rome, Italy
Email: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – _The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress.
Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development…

… hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits. (CCC # 2293)

“Reflecting deeper on the Cross of our Blessed Lord, and beautifying our lives – which is truly a ‘treasure in clay’ – in holiness and love!”

(Based on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

Venerable Fulton J Sheen is undoubtedly one of the greatest proponents of Catholicism of the 20th century.

In his autobiography titled, “Treasure in Clay,” Bishop Sheen gives a beautiful and heart-rending illustration of the Cross – the Crucifix:
“In the Crown of Thorns, I see my pride…
… my grasping for earthly toys, in the Pierced Hands,
… my flight from shepherding care, in the Pierced Feet
… my wasted love, in the Wounded Heart
… and my prurient desires, in the Flesh hanging from Him like Purple Rags!”

Yes…
… on the Most Holy Cross, we have the autobiography of all our lives!

On this Great and Blessed Feast of the Exaltation of the Most Holy Cross, we turn our gaze towards the Cross on which our Blessed Lord redeemed us…
… as we gratefully thank Him for His Awesome Sacrificial Love
… and pledge to live a life in expectation of this Great Sacrifice of our Crucified Lord!

In the Gospel (Jn 3: 13-17), Jesus tells to Nicodemus, “… as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (Jn 3: 14)

Centuries before Jesus was crucified, Divinity in its Immense Wisdom was already preparing for the plan of salvation!

Having been powerfully freed from the slavery in Egypt, the people of Israel were travelling to the Promised Land through the wilderness.

This difficult journey caused the people to lose their patience…
… and they murmured against God and His servant, Moses on the lack of comforts!

The result of this sin was the plague of poisonous serpents that caused suffering and death to them. (Num 21: 4-9)

However at the intercession of Moses, God had him lift up a bronze serpent on a pole, so that all who looked it would be healed!

This was the foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ!

(This method of Interpreting the Bible is also called “Biblical Typology”

“Biblical Typology” refers to a person, place or event in the Old Testament that has its own proper significance…
… but also prefigures a person, place or event, later in the New Testament

In the words of St Augustine: “The New Testament is hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is made manifest in the New!”)

Like the people of Israel, our life is a journey through the wilderness.

Sometimes there is lack of comfort.
Sometimes there is an inflation of hardships
Sometimes there is an increase in uncertainty.
… And we begin to complain, grumble… falling into many sinful ways and habits!

But Divine Love, wanting to have us back to Him, provides us the means to be rescued from the deadly effects of such sins…
… The Holy Cross is the Symbol of this redemption and salvation that is won for us, by Christ!

Are we ready to take refuge in the shadows of this Holy Cross…
… and affirming our sincere acceptance of Christ in our lives, do we live a holy life, worthy of our salvation?

St John of the Cross would say, “The road is narrow. He who wishes to travel it more easily, must cast off all things…
… and use the Cross as his cane.

In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.”

Usually the heart is considered to be the great symbol of Love…

But, from a Christian perspective, probably, the Holy Cross…
… is a greater and a more meaningful symbol of the Immense Love of God for each one of us.

The Cross demands sacrifice…
The Cross demands a self-emptying nature…

The Cross demands a complete commitment…
… And this is indeed the true nature of Love – sacrificial, self-emptying and committed! (Phil 2: 6-11)

As we honour and venerate the Holy Cross, may we hear the words of our Crucified Lord, tenderly whispering to us, with deep love and affection:
“You are mine, forever…
… and you belong to Me and to Me alone!

Hold on to My Cross, always!”

Two thieves on either sides, died with Christ on the Cross

One mocked Jesus…
… the other sought Jesus
One took pride in himself…
… the other humbled himself
One lost a golden opportunity…
… the other, won the Prized Paradise!

The Cross – with Jesus hanging – beckons to each one of one of us today

We have a choice…
… like both the thieves

What choice are we going to make?

Let us reflect deeper on the autobiography of our lives, written on the Cross of our Blessed Lord…
… and thus preserve, nurture and beautify our lives – which is truly a “treasure in clay” – in holiness and love!

In the words of Ven. Fulton Sheen:
“The ideal is to reach a point in practice, where, like Our Lord on the Cross…
… we witness to God even amidst abandonment and the agony of a crucifixion!”

Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Cross!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man’s dominion over creation.
Science and technology are precious resources…

… when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. (CCC # 2293)

“Giving heed to the ‘disciplining call’ of the Lord, and reforming our lives so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!”

(Based on 1 Tim 1:15-17 and Lk 6:43-49 – Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

It is said that “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.

Discipline, in general, is based on four F’s:
Firmness
Fondness
Frankness
Fairness

The Book of Proverbs 13: 24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Disciplining a person, with the principles of firmness, fondness, frankness and fairness, is an act of charity and an expression of genuine love.

The Gospel of the Day presents a verse of disciplining by the Lord – the One Who deeply yearns…
… that we always walk in the right path and in the ways of perfection.

Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?” (Lk 6: 46)

The test of true love consists in a faithful obedience to the one who is loved.

Spouses may exchange gestures of love and affection…
… but do they also exhibit true love by caring for each other, respecting each other’s opinion and accepting one another as they are?

Children may say that they truly love and care for their parents…
… but do they also exhibit it in action, by being obedient to them and taking practical heed of their advices?

Students may express their concern and acknowledgement for their teachers…
… but do they also display it in their life, by faithful abiding to what is expected of them as students?

To say “I love you”, but failing to show it forth in actions of obedience, is mere farcical!

There is therefore, a great need to examine – in honesty and sincerity – when we say “I love you” to the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord raises a tone of pleading when He asks, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do what I tell you?”

It has tones similar to…
… a parent who tells the child, “Why do you say, you like me, when you constantly disobey me and fail to give heed to my words?”
… a teacher who tells the student, “Why do you say, I want to be a good student, when you fail to make efforts to learn and do your
works, in the proper time and in the right manner?”
… an elderly person who advises a young person, “Why do you say, I wish to lead a happy life, but still continue to walk in the paths of immorality, dishonesty and lethargy?”

The Lord is deeply interested in the well-being of our lives…
.. but somehow, we fail to understand this aspect, and continue to live a life, as per our own wishes and fancies!

And therefore, the Lord raises the rod of discipline, and makes it very clear – a stern warning – with the parable of the Two Foundations.

Unless you live a life, founded on the rock of obedience, the “house” of your life will not stand!
If you seek to base your life on the “sands” of disobedience, be assured, that soon it will have a tragic collapse!

The Lord is FIRM, FOND, FRANK and FAIR with us, in His Love for us!

Let us respond to this Love with greater discipline and faithfulness

Let us give heed to the “disciplining call” of the Lord, and reform our lives…
… so that our love for the Lord may show forth in true obedience and sincere submission!

Today we celebrate the Feast of of St John Chrysostom – the great Doctor of the Church and one the greatest preachers of the Church.

Let us seek the intercession of this “golden mouthed Saint” and be inspired by his words:

“The primary goal in the education of children is to teach, and to give the example of, a virtuous life.”
“Nothing will divide the church so much as the love of power.”
“The bee is more honoured than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labours for others.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups…

… can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health. (CCC # 2292)

“Reviewing our lives and being willing to ring in positive transformations!”

(Based on 1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14 and Lk 6:39-42 – Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

In a particular town, there lived a cobbler, who was unable to make a living by his trade.

Driven to despair by his poverty, he accommodated himself in another far-away town, and began to practise medicine.

He sold a drug which he claimed to be an antidote for all sorts of poisons.

Towards this end, he also created a great popularity campaign through advertisements and boastful proclamations.

Unfortunately, in a short period of time, the cobbler himself happened to fall sick to a serious illness.

The ruler of the town sought this as a nice chance to test his medicine’s capability and the man’s genuineness.

For this, the ruler called for a cup, and filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the cobbler’s antidote…
… commanding him to drink, with a promise of a handsome reward.

The sick cobbler, overcome with much fear and trembling, confessed that he had no knowledge of medicine!

The ruler then called the people of the town and addressed them:
“Oh how foolish are you!

You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man, whom no one could employ to even make shoes for their feet!”

Often times, perhaps, it so happens that we too…
… get fooled in life
… get led by people who are incapable
… get ourselves to be a slave to things which are unbecoming

We become blind…
… and perhaps, we also lead others to stumble!

Our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel invites us to deep examination of the quality of our lives and our credibility in being a leader.

Jesus says, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39)

This verse is a reference to two sets of people: one, the guide.. second, the one who is led.

We could find ourselves in either of these categories or sometimes even both.

We could be a guide or one who is guided or both – a guide as well as one who is guided.

In any of the cases, one needs to examine one’s quality of life.

Am I shrouded in the darkness of being in ignorance and apathy…
… disinterested to learn and be willing to know more…?
… causing others to be misled and creating confusions and misunderstandings…?

Am I a person who is sunk into the dark abyss of being prejudiced and unforgiving….
… unwilling to be open to the truth and adamant in considering to even review or re-examine my own viewpoints…?
… blinded to accept differences and failing to cherish diversity and thus constantly being at loggerheads with others…?

Am I constantly veiled under the dark shades of being unjustly critical and judgemental…
… full of pride and being unable to let go of my own selfish interests and self-centred wants…?
… enamoured by a pleasure in looking for opportunities and means to put down others or find faults with others…?

Our Blessed Lord invites us to make an honest review of our lives…
… and to be constantly willing to ring in positive transformations.

Let us seek to put into the practise the beautiful saying:
“If you use the head with which you reprove others to reprove yourself, there will be fewer faults;

If you use the heart with which you forgive yourself to forgive others, there will be perfect friendship”

Today we celebrate the Holy Name of Mary…
… a feast that reminds us of Her closeness to our lives.

Her name – as Her life – speaks of humility, faith…
… and a life wholly open to God’s plan.

Let us always realise that “Her name never rivals Christ…
… it always leads us to Him!”

Let us call upon the name of Mary
… imitate her trust, her courage, and her willingness to be transformed!
… and find strength to live anew in Christ!

Whisper the name “Mary!”

Walk with Her
Meet Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense.
Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices.

They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. (CCC # 2291)

“Allowing the Crucified Lord to be our model, our inspiration and our strength in our desire to live the ‘Gospel of the Tough!’”

(Based on Col 3:12-17 and Lk 6:27-38 – Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

There is a joke among listeners of Gospel sermons and talks:

There are two categories of the Gospel message:
(a) The “Gospel of the Easy” – Gospel passages which are uncomplicated to comprehend and unproblematic to carry out.

(b) The “Gospel of the Tough” – Gospel passages which are very difficult to understand, highly demanding in practicing and too taxing to be even considered realistic and feasible!

The Gospel Reading of the Day would undoubtedly fall in the second category: A Gospel of the Tough!

And this Gospel of the Tough, has probably one of the most toughest sentence of the Gospels enshrined in it: “Love your enemies…” (Lk 6:27)

Many of us may feel that this statement is just way too ideal to be feasible and doable.

But well…
… Facts remain facts… we like it or not… we accept it or not!

And this fact that Jesus really meant to “Love your enemies…” is proved by what follows after this statement:

He gives some explanations for the same: (Lk 6:27-28)

Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who abuse you.

He gives some practical tips for the same: (Lk 6: 29-30)

If someone hits you, turn the other cheek.
If someone takes your shirt, give your jacket too.
If someone asks you, give him something.
If someone steals your money, do not demand it back.

This is followed by the splendid Golden Rule: Do to others what you want others to do to you! (Lk 6:31)

Indeed, the teaching to “Love your enemies” is a reality and a fact and is a call to which we are invited to give heed.

That leads to a very practical question: Who are my enemies?

In general, an enemy is anyone who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another.

The moment we hear the word “enemy”, our minds usually transports to some famous “enemies” of the world like some notorious terrorists or some dictators or rulers or gangs etc…

But the Lord is very particular in pointing out who are these “enemies”.

Jesus doesn’t restrict “enemies” to people who are against the state or the nation, but he specially means our personal enemies.

Who are these our personal enemies?

One clue we get from the words of Jesus, in Mt 10:36, “A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household”.

Oops! That’s pretty close, right?

Those in our homes…
… those in our close circles
… whom we meet everyday

People whom we meet regularly and whom we come in contact often are the ones whom most likely we can hurt or who hurt us….
and over time, they may become our personal enemies

So, well… it’s time to identify a few enemies – a few personal enemies…

Do I own a grudge against the members of my family – spouses, parents, children?
Do I possess hatred against the members of my community – superiors, companions, juniors, mates?
Do I kindle anger against my extended family members – siblings, in-laws, relatives?
Do I harbour ill-feelings against those with whom I work – bosses, colleagues, junior workers?
Do I maintain bad thoughts against the members of my church – priests, sisters, persons entrusted with in-charges, various association members etc?
Do I keep resentment against some other known people in life – friends, acquaintances, neighbours?
Do I entertain bitterness against many strangers – storekeepers, some people whom we come across often when we travel in the bus/metro/auto/train etc?

We have to admit…
The ones who are close to us and who are more familiar are the ones who are hurt or who abuse us
… and they turn out to be our “personal enemies!”
(Though often we don’t like to put them in the ‘category of enemies!’)

Yet, the statement of the Lord remains firm as a rock – “Love your enemies…”

So how do we love our “enemies?”

Here are some practical tips and suggestions (of course, depends also on the ‘level of our enemity!’):

Greeting them: Wishing them constantly at least ensures we do not avoid them or dodge away from them.

Spread goodness: Respond to constant avoidance, with positive strokes of good deeds. Make the first move to heal.

Avoid evil-talk: Stop any bad utterances and expressions to flow from the mouth. Every time we talk: either life comes or death. The tongue has power! Allow it to forgive and bring forth life.

Thank God for them: God seeks the good of ALL persons…including the one who is not liked by us. Offer the person to this goodness and benevolence of God and be grateful

Pray for them: We may become helpless in our situation. But through prayer, God has the great ability to gift pardon and mercy. An honest heart will surely allow God’s love to flow through the relationship.

Ask God to Bless them: It’s hard to accept, but the enemy can be a gift from God. Like Joseph who said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20), the enemies become an cause for us to be humble, to keep us on our knees, to reveal our weakness & to expose our total need for God!

Pray for the grace of forgiveness: Forgetting the hurt is never easy; but with God’s Grace, we can begin the journey of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not a feeling – it’s a decision, and Grace makes that decision possible. When we forgive, we free not only the other person, but also our own heart. The Cross teaches us: forgiveness is costly, but it is never impossible.

The teaching to – “Love your enemies…” is unmistakably the “Gospel of the Tough!”

Let the Crucified Lord be our model, our inspiration and our strength…
… in our desire to live this “Gospel of the Tough!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine.

Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. (CCC # 2289)

“Realising that our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!”

(Based on Col 3:1-11 and Lk 6:20-26 – Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A highly rich and influential person was privileged to be one of the special guests to undertake a 21-day cruise on a Majestic Battleship.

This ship had been modernized with immense facilities and luxurious features.

The man was highly impressed with the comforts that were provided on board.

Among the many things that made a pleasant impact on him…
… was also the Sunday Morning Mass that was attended by all the sailors and attendants, who were not on duty.

It was more so, since the man himself was not so particular about the practise of faith.

At the conclusion of the celebration of the Mass, the man asked one of the sailors:
“Are you obliged to attend these Sunday Morning services?”

“It’s not exactly about obligation, Sir!” replied the sailor, “but our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by this our offering to the Lord!”

Those sailors and attendants had made a conscious and deliberate choice…
… to practise their faith
… and to surrender themselves to the Higher Power for safety and protection.

Our lives are also similar to such cruises…
… sometimes going through calm and quiet waters
… sometimes struggling in disturbed and turbulent waters
… sometimes encountering dangerous storms and violent gales

Do we make a constant choice for the Lord and live ourselves in surrender to Him?

The Gospel of the Day is the beautiful teaching of the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke.

The beatitudes are assurances of blessing and joy to all those who make a conscious choice for the Lord and His Kingdom!

Jesus says, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God” (Lk 6: 20)

One of the great messages in this verse is the Message of Hope!

The Greek word used for “poor” is “ptochos”

Ptochos means…
… reduced to beggary or asking for alms
… destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
… helpless, powerless to accomplish an end

It’s interesting to note that this word “Ptochos” has its origin in the word “ptosso” which means “to crouch”

Therefore, the “poor” literally means, “one who is crouching” – a position…
…. where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down

It’s a position that is very often defied and despised, in the worldly standards…
… which emphasizes on being proud and haughty
… and glorifies pomp and external show!

Thus, when the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor,” it is a tremendous message of Hope…
… to those who find themselves at the peripheries of life
.. to those lost in the miseries of life and find no hope – materially, spiritually, mentally, socially

Of course, the word “poor” does not mean…
… that one simply becomes timid and passive or be simply submissive to any social evils without any resistance
… that one adopts an attitude of being “always hands folded” in surrender or “faces cast down” in defeat

“Poor” instead refers to the fact that one has God has one’s greatest strength and treasure

Being “poor in the Lord,” contradictory as it may sound, is the greatest richness that one can have.

How true is the saying, “One who kneels before God, can stand before anyone!”

One who is dependant on God and His Grace…
One who is aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses and yet offers oneself entirely to the power of God…
… such a one, in the eyes of the world may be “poor” but is “blessed” in the sight of God!

It takes courage and conviction to be a Christian who is committed and passionate!

In the ‘cruise of life,’ let us be ever faithful to our duties as a follower of Christ, not just as an obligation…
… but knowing that “our journey is assured to be in safe hands, by our offering to the Lord!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fifth Commandment – Respect for human life

If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value.
It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for it’s sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports.

By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships. (CCC # 2289)