A. What is it?

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is an Encyclical by Pope St John Paul II

>> It was published on April 17, 2003

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is a Latin phrase for “The Church from the Eucharist”

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” offers a deeper reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist in its relationship with the Church.

>> The goal of this encyclical was to “rekindle”, at the beginning of the Third Millennium, our “amazement” at the mystery that is the Eucharist

>> “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” is divided into 5 Chapters:

(i) The Mystery of Faith: It explains the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist which, through the ministry of the priest, makes sacramentally present at each Mass the body “given up” and the blood “poured out” by Christ for the world’s salvation.

>> The celebration of the Eucharist is not a repetition of Christ’s Passover. It is the one sacrifice of the Cross, which is re-presented until the end of time.

(ii) “The Eucharist Builds the Church”: When the faithful approach the sacred banquet, not only do they receive Christ, but they in turn are received by Him.

>> The Church is united to Her Lord Who, veiled by the Eucharistic species, dwells within Her and builds Her up.

(iii) “The Apostolicity of the Eucharist and of the Church”: ust as the full reality of Church does not exist without apostolic succession, so there is no true Eucharist without the Bishop. The priest who celebrates the Eucharist acts in the person of Christ the Head.

(iv) “The Eucharist and Ecclesial Communion”: Faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, united in the discipline of the sacraments, she must also manifest in a visible manner her invisible unity.

(v) “The Dignity of the Eucharistic Celebration”: The celebration of the Holy Mass is marked by outward signs aimed at emphasizing the joy which assembles the community around the Incomparable Gift of the Eucharist.

(vi) “At the School of Mary, ‘Woman of the Eucharist’”: Reflects on the analogy between the Mother of God, who by bearing the Body of Jesus in Her Womb became the first “tabernacle”, and the Church who in Her heart, preserves and offers to the world, Christ’s Body and Blood.

>> The Eucharist is given to believers so that their life may become a continuous Magnificat in honor of the Most Holy Trinity.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” strongly promotes Eucharistic devotion outside of the Mass as a Source of Grace for deepening our own Faith as well as increasing Communion within the Universal Church

>> “The Eucharist is a Priceless Treasure: by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass, we are enabled to make contact with the very Wellspring of Grace.

>> A Christian community, desirous of contemplating the Face of Christ… cannot fail also to develop this aspect of Eucharistic worship, which prolongs and increases the fruits of our Communion in the Body and Blood of the Lord

2. The Encyclical clarifies and sheds light on the allegation that the Catholic Church is attempting to “re-crucify Jesus” every time Mass is celebrated.

>> The Mass makes present the Sacrifice of the Cross; it does not add to that sacrifice nor does it multiply it.

>> What is repeated is its memorial celebration, its “commemorative representation” (memorialis demonstratio), which makes Christ’s One, Definitive Redemptive Sacrifice always present in time.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” for this Season of Lent?

1. Trying to spend more time in Eucharistic Adoration

2. Learning more about the Teaching on the Holy Eucharist, and trying to explain to those who don’t understand/misunderstand the Holy Mass

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Set apart a fixed day/time (depending on the situation and context of one’s life – either once a day/once a week/once a month)…

… to spend time with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

>> If possible, do so, along with the entire family/community

2. Read at least the First Chapter of“Ecclesia de Eucharistia” (From articles 1-20)…

… in order, to get more clarity on the Church’s understanding of the Holy Eucharist

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

(The Full Text of “Ecclesia de Eucharistia” can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

William Charles Macready was an English drama actor.

There is a tale told about this great artiste.

An eminent preacher of the Word of God, once said to this celebrated actor: “I wish you would explain to me something.”
>> The actor was confused….”Well, what is it? I don’t know what is that I can explain anything to a preacher!” 
 

But the preacher continued to put forth his query: “What is the reason for the difference between you and me?
>> You appear before crowds, night after night with fiction, with fantasy…
… and the crowds come wherever you go.

I preach the essential and unchangeable Truth, and I am hardly getting any crowd.

How do people flock to something unreal and false, but shy away from something which is true and life-saving?” 

With a naughty grin, the talented actor, Macready answered:
“This is quite simple! I can tell you the difference between us.
>> I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your Truth as though it were fiction!” 

Great answer, right?

 
The actor was able to present on stage, fantasies and imaginations, with a great force of truth and certainty.
>> The preacher was unable to present true and precious facts of God’s Word with the same intensity of conviction and integrity!

Thus, fiction though unreal, received attention and accolades.
>> Facts, though real, failed to be attractive and appealing!

This is a tragedy of our generation perhaps….
>> Worldly and materialistic aspects are presented to be onderful and amazing…
… and they draw fans and admirers

>> Spiritual and Divine aspects fail to be presented as wholesome and salvific…
…and they are drastically losing out on followers and the faithful.

The Gospel of the Day is a strong warning to examine the state of our Christian Faith, and be willing to make radical changes to prevent our lives from the danger of being an anti-witness.

Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover (Jn 2: 13)

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem , there would have been hundreds and thousands of people – huge crowds crammed into the narrow city streets and an astonishing hustle, bustle and noise in the temple itself.

This chaotic scene – highly excitable and thrilling experience for those gathered – was also a peak business time for all the religious artefact traders.
>> Selling lambs and oxen and pigeons for sacrifices
>> Retail of  appropriate food items to eat
>> And exchanging of currency for people who came in from different places were the different businesses that were on…

Jesus walked into the Temple… into the midst of all this chaos.
>> He looked around and saw the state of affairs of the Temple.

The place was a Holy Place.
>> It was to be a place…
… of sanctity and purity.
… of worship and prayer.
 

But, now the atmosphere was totally changed!
>> The search for sanctity was replaced with focus only on external rituals.
>> The pilgrimage of holiness was substituted for money matters and business interests
 

Religion was losing its charm and charisma and instead being reduced to mere rituals and external pious practices!
 

This made the Lord, to have His righteous anger kindled.

He drove out the sheep…
>> He chased away the cattle…
>> He threw out the dove sellers…
>> He overturned the money tables…
>> He scattered the money all over the floor…
“Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace” (Jn 2: 16)

Jesus was not a person opposed to the traditions and law of His time.
>> He was a Jew, born and brought up, steeped in the law and the ways of the synagogue.

But He was certainly opposed to the way it was being practiced!
>> He was certainly opposed to the manner in which the law had lost its essential values!
 
Therefore, as a Prophet, committed to restoring the basics of God’s Law…
… Jesus seeks to reinstate the true meaning of worship of God!
 

“Will God be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil…
>> God has told you what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:7)

 

Today We are challenged by the Lord, to make a critical examination of our own selves…
>> Is our religion losing its charm and charisma and instead being reduced to mere rituals and external pious practices?

>> Is our Faith failing to make transformations in life and only donning on uninteresting customs, routines and habits?

>> Is my life as a Christian falling short of being passionate and zealous and rather becoming an anti-witness to the ideals and virtues of the Gospel?

There is a much greater attraction today to worldly and pleasurable aspects…
… but a drastic reduction in matters of spirituality and religiosity.

There is a greater pull and attachment to seek gratification in material and transitory aspects…
… but an enormous decline in interests for a holy and sanctified life.
 

We need a real cleansing and a purification…
… of our basic interests and inclinations.

We need a real rejuvenation and restoration…
… of our primary focus on the Kingdom and centering of the heart on True Worship.
 

Let us always remember: “Our lives may be the Only Gospel that people may ever read…”
>> Will it seem to be a fiction…?
… or will it be impressed upon as a fact?

  

God Bless! Live Jesus!

There’s a story from the land of Spain about a father and son who had become estranged.

The son had run away as a result of some misunderstanding.

>> But the father set off to find him.

He searched for months and months… but to no avail!

He missed his son…

>> The name of his son was Paco.

He missed Paco…

Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an advertisement in a national newspaper.

The ad read:

“Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I accept you, as you are. I love you. Your Father”.

On Saturday, 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers!

Paco was a very common name in Spain…and the ad appealed to many Pacos, who were estranged from their father…and sought to come back home!

>> The world is thirsty, seeking to be quenched from the fount of forgiveness.

>> The world is hungry, seeking to be satisfied from the storehouse of forgiveness.

The Gospel of the Day is a strong reminder by Jesus, to experience the forgiving love of the Lord and in turn to become “instruments of forgiveness”!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps one of the most popular, the most loved, the most sentimental and the most meaningful of all the parables in the Gospel.

One of the lasting images that this beautiful parable impresses upon the readers is that of a Loving Father in patient waiting for the return of the son.

The Son had abandoned the love and protection of the Father.

It could have been…

… because of some misunderstanding…

… because of some pride and arrogance…

… because of some selfishness and egoism…

… because of some immaturity or peer pressure…

Whatever be the reason…

….  a rupture had occurred in the beautiful relationship!

>> The son sought to find enjoyment in many worldly pleasures…

…meanwhile the Father was left with a seemingly never-ending wait for his beloved!

>> The son drowned himself in the pleasurable waters of enjoyment and gratification…

… meanwhile the Father sought to keep floating on the waters of hope and optimism!

The Father kept waiting…and waiting…

>> Every evening as the sun set… and as the darkness would engulf the land…

… the hopes of the Father would have diminished and a gloom darkened in his mind!

>> Every morning as the sun arose….and as the bright rays enraptured the land…

…the expectations of the Father would have intensified and a glow lit his heart!

And thus the Father kept waiting and waiting for the son to return.

Finally, when the son returned, the long wait of the outstretched arms of the Father, waiting to embrace his beloved was over…

“… while he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him…”( Lk 15: 20)

The father’s joys knew no bounds!

The son was considered lost… the son was considered dead…

>> But now here he is… found…and alive!

What a beautiful picture!

>> A son who comes back in repentance, clasped in a deep affectionate hug with his father who longed for the return of his beloved!

Our heavenly Father wishes to have this same picture, with each of us….

We have often gone away from the Love of our Heavenly Father…

… by our sins and disobedience

… by our selfishness and egoism

… by our pride and worldly pleasures

… by our immaturity and misunderstanding

But He now waits in eager expectation and hope for our return to Him…

>> Shall we not run to the open and outstretched arms of our Blessed Father?

In turn, we are also invited, exhorted and challenged to become “an instrument of forgiveness and reconciliation”

May the forgiving love that we have received from our Heavenly Father be extended and widened to all the people in our life too.

Let the words of our Beloved Heavenly Father be a powerful invitation to us, ” All is forgiven. I accept you, as you are. I love you. Your Father.”

God bless! Live Jesus!

An enigma is a considered as a person or a thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
>> The word has its Greek and Latin roots, in words which mean “a riddle” or “a puzzle”.

•       An enigma has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.
•       An enigma has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.

When we analyze history and personalities down through the centuries, one can definitely come to a conclusion…
… that there has been no person who deserves a greater merit to being an “Enigma” than Jesus Christ.

The life of Jesus, historically speaking, was a journey from being a semi-skilled Jewish carpenter in a tiny village in northern Palestine…
… to an itinerant prophet, a wonder worker and a social revolutionary!
>> One who confronted the religious and social institutions of His times so radically that He was put to death for it.

The Gospel of the Day presents this “Enigmatic” Jesus confronting closed minds and blocked hearts, in recognizing Him as the Messiah and Saviour…
… and an invitation to make a radical choice for Him!

Jesus puts forward the parable of the tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.
>> They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

The Master places a lot of trust in the servants.

He gives the freedom… a responsible freedom…
…which could be meaningfully used and nurtured
…or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely, probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.
•       Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.
•       Their selfish agenda gained the upper hand over the faithfulness to the Master.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.
>> This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!
•       A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!
•       A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!
•       A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…
… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mt 21:42)

In ancient practices of building, the cornerstone was the principal stone.
>> It was placed at the corner of the edifice or the building.

The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the whole building structure.
>> A cornerstone gives direction to the rest of the foundation.
>> It also is the support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability.

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation.. of the Church.. of His People!
>> At the same time, Jesus can also be  “a stumbling block”

As it is written in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”

•       To those who believe, Jesus is the cornerstone of their faith and their life.
•       To those who do not believe, Jesus is the stumbling block in their faith!     

Who is Jesus in our life?
>> The cornerstone? Or a stumbling block?

The cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness…
… or a stumbling block which causes us to be proud in our own merits and not depend on Him?

The cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life…
… or a stumbling block which makes us uncertain, hesitant and cause a collapse in life?

Jesus is indeed the greatest “enigma”
>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the tremendous capacity to attract followers or to detract the critics.
>> This “enigmatic” Jesus has the intriguing potential to captivate its fans or to puzzle its doubters.

Jesus can remain the “enigma” who will be forever misunderstood or mysterious…
… or He can be the “enigma” which becomes the guiding force for fullness in life!

Let us make Jesus the “cornerstone” of our life and faith!

Live Jesus! God Bless!

Schindler’s List is a 1993 American epic historical period drama film, which received 7 Oscar awards.

This movie is based in the true story of a Catholic businessman, Oskar Schindler, who lived in Poland during the 2nd world war.

After a life of initial notoriety, in which he made a lot of money, by betraying his own people…

… Schindler, later realised the horrors of the Nazi rule.

He began to use his wealth and influence…

… in order to save his fellow Jews from the holocaust.

By the end of the war, he was reduced to having very little money

>> But in the process, had managed to save hundreds of Jews from being killed.

The last scene of the movie depicts, Schindler being thanked by the people whom he had saved.

But suddenly, Schindler began to weep!

>> Looking around at the people who were rescued, he exclaimed: “I could have done so much more!”

Holding up his gold watch, he moaned, “This could have bought someone’s freedom!”

>> He wished that he could have started sooner in helping people, so that many more could have been rescued!

>> His self-centredness had caused failure in saving many more people!

It was a an agonizing experience of the negative effects of “indifference in life” and the “sin of omission”!

We need to examine our life and check:

>> Am I a person who misses out on doing the good we can?

>> Do I fail to reach out the needy, even though I am able?

>> Has self-centredness became a way of life for me?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful message to look deeper into these aspects of our life…

… and seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is set out as a play… a two-act play.

>> The plays takes place on two stages:

… the stage of this world

… and the stage of the other-world.

1. This parable could be perhaps called as a “parable of contrasts”!

The contrasts are plenty:

In the First Act (Lk 16: 19-22)….

>> A rich man – a poor man

>> The man is rich but unnamed – the man is poor but is named, Lazarus (meaning ‘God Helps’)

>> The rich man clothed in purple – Lazarus clothed fully with sores

>> The rich man caressed with fine linen – Lazarus licked by the dogs

>> The rich man feasted sumptuously – Lazarus desired to be fed by what fell from the table.

>> The rich man died and was buried – Lazarus died but was carried by the angels.

In the Second Act (Lk 16: 22-31)…

>> Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom – the rich man is in Hades.

>> Lazarus receives good things – the rich man was in torment.

>> Lazarus was comforted – the rich man was in anguish

2. This parable could be perhaps also be called as a “parable of comfort and consolation”!

It’s a “parable of comfort and consolation” because….

… Lazarus, who had undergone great misery and suffering was blessed with the presence of joy of the Lord.

It gives comfort and consolation to us, who need to be strengthened in our moments of trials and hardships, knowing that the Lord will surely look with mercy on His needy ones.

>> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5: 3)

3. This parable could be perhaps also be called as a “parable of challenge and confrontation”!

It’s a “parable of challenge and confrontation” because…

… the rich man, who had a luxurious life, was condemned to torments, and had to endure the flames of suffering.

It presents a great challenge and a confrontation before us, who need to realise that “indifference in life” and the “sin of omission” are extremely punishable.

> It tells that the attitude of closing one’s eyes to the pain and misery of the other is disastrous!

>>>> “He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.” (Prov. 21:13)

We live in a world of contrasts…

… the rich gaining much and the poor losing much day by day!

… the corrupt enjoying worldly success while the honest often helpless on the losing side!

… the powerful lording over all others while the simple of heart crushed in oppression and misery!

This “world of contrasts” needs a “Gospel of Comfort and Consolation”, and towards this, we are “challenged and confronted”…

>> Challenged to get rid of our attitudes of indifference and lethargy to help the needy ones.

>> Confronted to overcome our tendencies to remain satisfied in our comforts and close our eyes conveniently to the necessities of the other.

The ways of the world constantly allure us…

…To be “dressed in purple linen and fine clothes” (Lk 16:19) and to be self-centred: “Just go about with our business and don’t consider other’s needs”

… To be “dining sumptuously” (Lk 16:19) and to look to only one’s own comforts and needs: “Live and let live. I don’t need to care about others, when I have my own cares to be attended to!”

But the Christian way of life is a challenge to this “rich man’s style of living”

>> There can be no excuse given to us…

… if we miss out on doing the good we can!

… if we fail to reach out the needy, even though we are able!

… if self-centredness has become a way of life for us!

Time is short…

… and our life is limited!

Let us begin today, with no further delay…

>> To do the good we can…

… in the best way we can!

… to all the people we are able!

… in every situation that is possible!

Let us seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented…

… and in this world of contrasts, make our life a ‘Good News of Comfort and Consolation’.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A. What is it?

>> “Story of a Soul” is the autobiography of St Thérèse of Lisieux- also called as The Little Flower.

>> It was first published on September 30, 1898 – one year after her death at the age of 24.

>> This book outlines the spirituality that was lived and exhorted by the St Therese – “The Little Way”

B. What does it speak of?

>> The ‘Story of a Soul’ is St. Therese’s autobiography.

>> The book is divided into 11 chapters:

… Beginning with her first memory, it traces her life, ending with her blissful death in the convent.

>> “Story of a Soul” tells of how the Way to Holiness was not great and noble deeds but the fulfillment of the smallest duties with great love and complete reliance upon God.

>> Desiring the lowest place in all things and fulfilling all the duties of the state in life, the Little Flower describes of how she offered many penances for the conversion of sinners, especially during her final illness and the dark night of the soul she suffered at that time.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. Focuses on the “Little Way” of Holiness

>> It is a challenge to break the notion that “spirituality and holiness” consists primarily in heavy austerity and hard penances alone

>> It shows of the most important element needed towards holiness – perfect trust and holy love

2. Presents the method of “offering to God” all what we do in life

>> Every action of ours can become an “offering to God” and thus “an act of saving” others

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Story of the Soul”” for this Season of Lent?

1. Doing everything with love

2. The virtue of Trusting in God

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Consciously make a prayer (or at least, become aware) – “I am doing this work/activity, for the Love of God and only for His Glory!”

2. Love God and give Him the First Priority and Place in life

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Classical Book of Spirituality “Story of a Soul” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

(The Full Text of “Story of a Soul” can be found at:

http://www.catholicbible101.com/St.%20Therese%20Story%20of%20a%20soul.pdf)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

It was the place known as the Place of the Skulls…

>> A Man had died…

… a cruel death

… an unjust death!

Nature had witnessed the excruciating suffering of this Man.

>> And nature, silent and speechless, yet responded in its own manner:

>> Darkness enveloped over the whole land…

>> The earth quaked in anger and desperation…

>> The rocks split wide and many tombs opened up…

A few people had also witnessed the terrifying suffering of this Man.

And these people, though had voice and power, responded in their own manner:

>> Some were sadistically and treacherously ‘feasting’ their senses with the agony of the Man…

>> Some were appallingly indifferent and shockingly lukewarm…

Very few were enormously heartbroken and shattered..

Among these were a few men….

>> One by name, John… who was a Beloved of the One who died

>> Another was Nicodemus… who a secret follower of the One who died

>> Yet another was Joseph… who was from Arimathea, another disciple of the One who died

Among these were also a few women…

>> Most notably, the Mother of the One who had died!

>> Among others, a Mary of Magdalene… a Mary, who was the mother of James and Joseph

There was also another woman…

The last few hours had been extremely terrible for her.

>> She had witnessed the horrible suffering and death of a Man…

… and also experienced the pain of the Man’s Mother.

This woman herself had two sons.

>> And she knew the agony and pain of a mother seeing the suffering of her precious children.

And through those dreadful moments, this woman remembered an incident that had happened in her life…

Some weeks back, she had approached this Man with a favour for her children (Mt 20:20)

>> Her children, were the disciples of the One who had died.

She had requested, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left, in your kingdom” (Mt 20:21)

But the Master had responded, “You do not know what you are asking.

>> Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” (Mt 20:22)

She had not really understood the meaning of the Cup, back then.

>> She was more interested in securing a good place for her children, as it the case for every mother.

But, now….

…standing before that same Master…who had died a horrible death… she understood what was meant by the “Cup”

… standing before the same Master’s Mother… who had borne immense pain of Her Little Child’s death… she understood what was meant by “drinking the cup of suffering”.

She realised…

… the path to glory is only by treading the way of the Cross.

… that more than asking for places of honour, a true commitment to do God’s Will was needed

… that her request was triggered by a ordinary human concern and not tuned to seeking what was more needed by the Lord.

And standing before the Cross, she would have wished and prayed..

“Lord, not a place of honour, but grant that my children would follow you passionately!

>> Lord, not a seat of glory, but grant that my children may be faithful to you for life!”

This woman – the mother of the two sons, who are also called as Sons of Zebedee: James and John – invites each of us also…

… to put our focus totally on the Kingdom values and not on transient material concerns.

… to live in absolute commitment to God’s Mission and leave rewards to the mercy of God

>> Are we ready to put into place “first things first”…

… God’s Kingdom over every other materialistic wanting…? (Mt 6:33)

>> Are we ready to prioritize our concerns and focus…

… seek holiness and salvation over other transitory aspirations…? (1 Pet 1:16, Mt 6:21)

>> Let us look to the Cross to draw greater inspiration to prioritize our needs and wants.

>> Let us look to our Blessed Mother who sought God’s Will for Her Child above all else.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Examine whether the given statement is true or false…

>> This looks like a familiar, age-old expression, isn’t it?

Well…

… This used to be one of the many questions which all of us would have faced, in our exams, in our school-days.

>> The statement had to be read…and then decided…whether it was TRUE or FALSE.

The Gospel of the Day today invites us to Make our Life a Statement…

… and Decide whether “I am True or False”…

>> Is my Christian Life a genuine and an authentic one…… TRUE or FALSE?!

The Gospel of the Day presents a Challenging Jesus who seeks to expose the duplicity and deceptive life of the Teachers of the Law and exhorts to lead An Authentic way of Life!

Chapter 23 of the Gospel of Matthew is an extremely emotion filled and volatile passage.

The Great Master Jesus, is in a confronting mode and minces no words in exposing the duplicity of the Teachers of the Law.

Chapter 23 almost speaks of Jesus reaching a sort of boiling point…

Let’s think of a pan of water on the stove…

You turn the burner on high and slowly the water becomes warmer and warmer …

>> And then, there are a few bubbles in that water and those few bubbles come to the fore…

>>> And pretty soon the water in the pan is furious with bubbles because the water has come to its boiling point…!

The words of Jesus in Chapter 23 come to a boiling point!

Today’s Gospel Passage deals with some of the crucial areas of the Teachers of the Law…which very often have a similarity in our lives too…

#1: They preach, but do not practice!

>> How often am I in the habit of telling virtues to others…

… but fail to practise them myself?

>> How often do I love to advice goodness to others…

… but fall short of trying to be good myself?

>> How often do I want the whole world to be changed…

… but reach nowhere in trying to improve my own self?

# 2: They lay burdens on others… but lift not a finger to help

>> How often do I expect others to achieve perfection…

… but fail to do my own activities with zeal and passion?

>> How often do I want others to fulfil their duties well…

… but miserably unaware of my own obligations and tasks?

>> How often do I cause others to be good and holy..

… but indulge myself in deeds of corruption and sin?

# 3: They Practice deeds of Religiosity to be seen by others

>> How often do I parade my acts of charity before others…

… in order to boost my index of popularity?

>> How often do I want my deeds of assistance be noticed by others…

… in order to win admiration and acclaim?

>> How often do I go vocal in boasting of my own achievements…

… in order to become great and famous?

# 4: They love places and titles of honour and respect

>> How often do I seek the best places in society and the Church…

… and try to make a peripheral show of my status?

>> How often do I grow attached to places and titles of glory…

… and develop an unconscious love for vain glory?

>> How often do I get disturbed and even troubled easily…

… when others fail to acknowledge my position and repute?

The list of questions is too long…. the record of queries is too extensive…

>> But we need to make this check.. a reality check of our own lives!

It is not very difficult to live under the garb of a well-polished and neat looking title of a Christian.

>> It is not very hard to move forward with our Christian lives being peripherally good and “appearing” pious.

But let’s stop fooling ourselves…

On Judgment Day, none of our external packing and wrapping will come to our rescue.

In our life here, some day or the other, our hollowness will get exposed if were are not true to our inner selves.

>> A false life does not befit a person who seeks to follow the Authentic Christ.

A duplicity in life is not appropriate to a person who wants to walk in the footsteps of the True Christ!

To live an authentic and true life.. is certainly hard…

… and is a treading through paths of difficulties.

But in difficulties, grace abounds…in hardships, blessings increases…

…. in adversities, mercy flourishes!

The question in the Examination Paper of our Lives is staring at us today:

>> Choose the correct alternative – Is my Christian Life a genuine and an authentic one…

… TRUE or FALSE?!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A little boy started to Sunday-school with two five-rupee coins – one for the Lord, and one for himself.

On the way to church he lost one of them – as it went inside a drain, on the way

“There goes the Lord’s coin!” he said.

What the boy uttered concerning his loss…
… is a reflection of the mind of many grown-ups.

It is always the Lord’s money that is lost.

We tend to be extremely “rigid/unyielding/scrupulous” when it comes to giving to God or to others!

The Gospel of the Day calls for an open mind and generosity in heart, by…
•       Giving to God and obtaining His graces and favours.
•       Offering to God and receiving His blessings and mercy.

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

Jesus brings a very concrete example from the market scene, to drive home his point of generously giving.

The context of Jesus is the market in Israel, the middle-east part of the world.

As in many places today, this area witnessed markets that had buyers and sellers engaged in bargaining and negotiating over prices, quality and the amount of things and goods.

There would be many of the open-air markets, where the farmers would bring their grain—wheat, corn, barley—and spread it on a mat on the ground.

Potential customers would examine the grain, make an offer, and the bargaining would start….

When a price was finally set, the customer would offer his container—usually a large bowl or pot or an open vessel—and the seller would use a scoop (measuring spoon) to fill the container.

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

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

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

Well, this process could sound a bit strange and weird to us in the modern world.
•       We live in times, when contents are sold by the weight, and not the volume..
•       We live in times, when manipulations are done to give as less as possible…

But this is where, Jesus, bringing in the example of the market, invites generosity in giving…
•       Our giving ought to be measured not by weight, but by volume…and that refers to a far-greater amount of giving!
•       Our giving ought to, not be curtailed down by clever manipulations…rather is to be done very generously and lavishly!

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

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

When we engage is such a lavish and generous giving, God too will shower His abundance, in a similar and much better fashion!
“For the measure you give, will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6:38)

Of course, that is not to say that we are limiting God’s power of giving…
God’s surely showers His gifts lavishly!
>> God surely pours His blessings overwhelmingly!

But the Lord invites us to be less “rigid/unyielding/scrupulous” when it comes to giving to God or to others!
•       Give to God, who deserves all, so that we may be worthy to receive His blessings.
•       Give to God, who is worthy of all, so that we may be blessed to receive His graces.

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

God’s giving is not to be seen just from material or physical aspects…
In fact, that would just be a very limited and low level of understanding.

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

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

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

Let us give ourselves entirely to the Lord… especially at Holy Mass and through the Mass, at all times of the day… to all persons in our life.

Then, in the words of Fulton Sheen, we will be graced to hear the words of the Divine Lord telling us…
•       You give me your humanity, and I will give you my Divinity!
•       You give me your time, and I will give you My eternity!
•       You give me your broken heart, and I will give you Love!
•       You give me your nothingness, and I will give you My all!

God bless! Live Jesus!

George Washington was the first president of the United States and one of the founding fathers of the US.

He was well admired for his strong leadership skills that saw him win the first two national elections unanimously.

Once at a banquet, given to some of the officers, a distinguished French Officer asked Washington’s mother, how she had managed to rear such a splendid son.

The mother replied, “I taught him to obey!”

Obedience was the school that he had been trained in, in order to achieve excellence of life!

In Christian life too, obedience ought to be the school in which we are trained, to be effective apostles of the Lord…

…Obedience to the Voice of the Lord

… Obedience to the Will of the Lord

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

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

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

Jesus takes three disciples – the core team among the Twelve – Peter, James and John – and led them up a high mountain. (Mk 9: 2)

Why were these three chosen…

… and not others?

Well…

We can only make some guess-works… because the bottom-line is:

“They were ‘chosen'”

(And, Choice is always a gift, and not a merit!)

Peter:

• Probably as the one who is the Leader

• The one to whom the Lord entrusts to be the rock on which He would build His Church (Mt 16:18)

John:

• Probably as the one who had an intimate bond with the Lord

• The one who is referred to as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23)

James:

• Probably as the one who warranted a special privilege, being the first apostle to be martyred.

• The one who would be the first among the apostles to literally lose his life for Jesus (Lk 9:24)

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

• Peter was the “First” Pope of the Church…

• James was the “First” Martyr among the apostles…

• John was the “First” witness to the death of Christ…

The choosing of the three also reflects Jesus as the New Moses!

Moses had chosen seventy(two) elders.

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

Jesus had chosen twelve apostles.

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

Jesus is the New Moses…

….through whom the New Covenant will be established!

… through whom the New Law will be written on the tablets of the heart!

Up on the mountain, witnessing the glorious and magnificent Transfiguration, the disciples behold their Master, Jesus in dazzling white…joined by Elijah and Moses. (Lk 9:3-4)

And then, they heard a Voice, from the cloud…

“This is my Beloved Son! Listen to Him!” (Mk 9: 7)

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

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son, Jesus and grasp His teachings for life

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s commitment in the path of suffering.

• The Apostles are to listen to the Beloved Son’s trust in God’s Will at every moment

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

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

• Life will put us through various storms and hurricanes of hardships.

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

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

Asked to sacrifice “His Only Beloved Son” Isaac… His special one…

… Abraham was torn between listening to his own voice of affection for his child or to the voice of God

… Abraham was shredded between listening to his own reasonable mind or to the incomprehensible plan of God

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

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

Yes, when we are in the dry deserts of life, we are still asked to be totally obedient to God.

>> When we are in the parched phases of life, we ought to fully heed the Voice of the Lord.

The Lord will take us through…

… every crisis

… every desert

… every darkness

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8: 31)

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

>> Let us pray for His grace to be truly listening and following the voice of our Master!

Are we ready to listen and obey the voice of the Lord?

God Bless! Live Jesus!