The following story is known to us, perhaps in different forms…

A gentleman who was walking down the streets of a city was greatly interested too look at the street children – many of whom were carrying smaller children upon their backs – and managing at the same time to play their games.

“It is too bad,” said the gentleman to one little fellow, “that you have to carry such a heavy burden!”

“He’s no burden, Sir!” came the quick reply; “he’s my brother.”

The child who was carrying his younger sibling, did not count the pain or the difficulty in carrying; instead embraced the situation joyfully.

“He’s no burden, Sir… he’s my brother” – is a phrase that ought to strike a chord in our hearts.

As Christians, we need to make this journey…

… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!

… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!

The Gospel of the Day is an powerful exhortation by Jesus to make this transition from considering people as a “burden” and “stress”…

… and instead look at them as “brothers and sisters”, extending the Christian virtue of unconditional love to all.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, continues to pull down barriers of “comfort and coziness” by challenging His disciples to rise above the normal standards of the world.

Today He speaks on the aspect of “Love”.

Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human person.

The dictionaries define love as being ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’ or a ‘feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection’.

Generally speaking, love is considered only to be a human ’emotion or feeling’.

>> It is something that is usually understood as being “felt” or “sensed” or “experienced”.

Jesus surely did consider “love” as an emotion and a feeling.

Therefore…

• He loved the company of people….

• He cherished affection of those who followed Him…

• He treasured relationships and fostered friendships with all…

But beyond these “external” dimensions of Love…

… Our Blessed Lord taught and showed a higher aspect of love.

Love, not just being a “feeling ” but ” love as a “decision”.

>> Love, not just being a “sensation” but love as a “commitment”

Therefore Jesus would say, “For if you love only those who love you, what recompense will you have?” (Mt 5: 46)

Love, when understood only as a “feeling” or an “emotion” can get reduced to being just an “object” or a “thing”

• Just as one exchanges goods with each other… love is also exchanged with one another.

• Just as one shares one’s belongings and possessions with one another… love is also shared with one another

• Just as one gives and takes things from each other… love is also given and taken from each other

But the Lord presents a higher understanding of love and demands a much supreme expression of love from His followers: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5: 48)

Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling” and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment”.

When someone hurts us, we don’t “feel” like loving…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is a “daring decision”

When someone continues to be lukewarm, we don’t have any “emotions” of love…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is an “absolute allegiance”

When someone continues to cause pain, we don’t “experience” any love…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person” because love is a “challenging commitment”

Now this teaching certainly irks our “normal” understanding.

• How can I possibly love someone who has hurt and killed me, mentally?

• How can I be expected to show love to someone who still hurts me, even intentionally?

• How can I be told to love people who have no regard for me at all and treat me as an object?

It seems to be an impossibility.

It seems to be absurd.

But let us look to the Crucified Lord…

… and we have the perfect example of this Love being lived in actuality!

Jesus on the Cross shows that love is to be a “daring decision”, an “absolute allegiance” and a “challenging commitment”!

Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling”…

… and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment”.

>> One may not be able to “show” love…

… but can we still, at least pray and wish for the good of the person?

>> One may not be able to “talk” freely to the one who has hurt…

… but can we still, at least refrain from wanting bad to happen to that person?

>> One may not be able to “resist” from having bad feelings when encountering one’s enemy… … but can we still, at least offer the person to the Mercy of God?

This teaching certainly seems to be a big “burden” and a significant “stress”

But this is where, we need to make a journey…

… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!

… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!

The Lord has walked through this journey.

He is still with us, to accompany us.

• This journey may be hard

• This journey may be hurting

• This journey may be painful

But the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you!” (2 Cor 12: 9)

Let us trust Him!

>> Let us be courageous in Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The phrase “(to) raise the bar,” or “raising the bar,” is an expression used to convey the idea of gradually setting the accepted minimum standards higher in order to achieve an objective or level of excellence.

This term came into common usage through the tracks and field sports event of high jumping and pole vaulting.

Ø In these events, the athletes run and jump, to propel themselves over the obstacles (the bar).

Ø In each subsequent round of competition, the bar is raised, making the target more challenging.

The athlete who displays the greatest stamina and successfully crosses the highest bar wins the event.

Jesus is an amazing “Athlete” who raises the bar of Christian living.

>> He invites all His followers to also follow Him in living a “higher” standard of life.

The Gospel, shows the manner in which Jesus “raises the bar” of certain areas of Christian living…

Today He deals with the important dimension of anger.

Killing is considered to be a serious evil in every society and every religion.

Killing in its basic form is usually considered only in the sense of the physical body.

But the Lord today “raises” the bar” in the understanding of killing…

“You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill’; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’.

>> But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to the judgment….” (Mt 5: 21)

The Lord expands the understanding of killing beyond the physical body…

A person engages in killing… if, by anger…

…the social standing of the other person is upset

…the emotional state of the other person is wounded

…the spiritual balance of the other person is disturbed

We could understand anger from various perspectives…

1. Anger as Quick temper

Prov 15:18 says, “An ill-tempered man stirs up strife…”

It is said that speak when one is angry, one makes the best speech that would be regretted much!

Quick temper sometimes…

…. forms part of our temperament

… comes even unknowingly

… is instigated by other’s actions

Yet, in all this, one ought to…

… rise quickly from remaining in the state of anger.

… become conscious of the occasions which can excite anger

… see that the temper is not fed or nurtured or intensified

2. Anger which leads to stubbornness

Eph 4:26: “…. do not let the sun to set on your anger”

Sometimes, the anger within is allowed to grow so much…

…that we get habituated to getting angry for even tiny and trivial matters

…that we lose our peace of mind, and sometimes even become indifferent

…that we choose not to budge from our position or viewpoint and remain adamant

Yet, we need to make efforts…

… to try to overcome our ego and seek to make amends with the person

… to lower oneself in humility (even if we are right) and ease the situation of annoyance

Anger needs to be sanctified…

… channelized in the proper way!

One may feel a ‘just’ anger at….

… the immense corruption in the world and even in religious circles

… the forces of evil that seem to root away even faint traces of hope

… the indifferent and unchanging attitudes and temperaments of people which is sickening.

Yet… even these ought to get channelized properly

…even these ought to be routed in the right manner

Yes… even our just anger needs to be sanctified and purified in the burning furnace of God’s Love.

Anger is indeed…

… a major tendency that is a cause of distress for many of us.

… a prime inclination that is a root of sin for many of us.

Let this season of Lent be a time of making genuine, practical and realistic efforts in the fight to sanctify and purify our anger.

Yes, the Lord is “raising the bar” higher… of holiness, of sanctity, of perfection.

Undoubtedly…

… it is painstaking

… it requires deeper attempts

… it requires committed determination!

But the Lord assures His grace to help us and His Love to encourage us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The famous incident of President Abraham Lincoln during the US civil war goes thus…

The President met a group of church leaders for a prayer-cum-breakfast.

At one point during the breakfast, one of the leaders remarked: “Mr President, let us pray, that in this time of the Civil War, God is on our side”

But Abraham Lincoln, replied with a much-greater insight…

… “No gentlemen. Let us pray that we are on God’s side!”

It was a reminder by the President that religion ought not to be a tool to get God to do what we want…

… but a way of life, to open our hearts to listen and do what God wants of us!

Are we on the side of God?

>> Or are we on the other side, and expecting God to bend Himself to our ways and styles of life?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful reminder of the Lord to examine our lives…

… and check, “if we are on the side of God!”

On reaching the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus put forth the two-question examination to His disciples:

>> “Who do people say that I am?” (Mt 16:13)

>> “Who do you say that I am?” (Mk 16: 15)

After having given various answers to the first question, Peter, the leader, gives the answer:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16)

Although, Peter had given the right answer, the following statements by Jesus on His Passion, Death and Resurrection, scandalized Peter!

>> Peter had a set and standard understanding of a Messiah- as did the Jews of his time…

… a leader who would wield power and control

… a liberator who would exercise supremacy and command.

So when Jesus spoke of a “Suffering-Servant-Leader” (Mk 8: 31)…

… One Who would suffer

… One Who would subjected to the mercy of the other

>> Peter could no longer stand himself!

He began to rebuke Jesus (Mt 16:22)

But Jesus had to set things right…

… and so He would rebuke Him back strongly: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.

You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do!” (Mt 16:23)

Though Peter had made a correct statement about Jesus…

… it was still only a partial sight!

>> He still needed a “second intervention”, in order to see fully.

In the Gospel of St Mark 8:22-25, we have an incident of the “healing of a blind man”

>> In that, the blind man initially could only see “people walking, like trees” (Mk 8: 24)

But after the “second touch” from Jesus, he was able to see fully.

Something similar happens here…

>> The “blurred sight” of Peter is healed, after a “second touch” by Jesus.

Jesus was reminding Peter, by the strong rebuke…

… that Christian Life is not about “we wanting our way; it is about we seeking and doing God’s Will in life!”

Yes, Christianity is a Way of Life, that constantly asks us: “Are we thinking as God thinks, or are we thinking only the way, humans do?

>> “Are we on the side of God?”

In our everyday life, we come across plenty of opportunities, when we need to make this discernment:

>> Either to be on the side of God…

… or to go against Him!

We need to examine seriously our prayer life…

>> “Do we seek God’s Will in prayer…

… or do we seek to impose our will on Him?”

>> “Do we place our worries and problems before our God (Who knows all!)…

… or do we also command Him, on how and when these problems ought to be solved?”

Sometimes, we do have tendencies, to pull God into our boundary…

… instead of we moving to God’s side!

Today, the Lord clearly reminds us, as He rebuked Peter…

… to constantly be on the “side of God”.

Like Peter…

… we may have our own justifications to think the way we do

… we may have our own fears in encountering a Suffering God

But the Lord, is clear and constant in His presentation of Christianity: “Seek to be on the side of God”

… “Think the way, God Thinks!”

Yes, let us allow the Lord to mellow our hearts…

>> So that we can understand that religion ought not to be a tool to get God to do what we want…

… but a way of life, to open our hearts to listen and do what God wants of us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The English word ‘sincere’ comes from two Latin words : ‘sin-e’ and ‘cere’.

‘Sin-e’ means: without

>> ‘Cere’ means: wax

So ‘sin’e’ + ‘cere’ means “without wax”

Sincere, therefore, literally means, being “without wax”

In ancient Greek, when art flourished, it was a common practice to repair with “invisible wax…

… any vase or statue that had, as a result of carelessness, been damaged.

Sometimes while chiseling the bust in marble, if the chisel slipped out the Sculptor’s hand, some edge of the statue would be chipped off.

Rather than taking the trouble of making a new bust, the sculptor would repair the features with “wax”…

… so that the flaw could not be detected, unless by very close scrutiny.

However, if the client happened to be a knowledgeable person, he would carry the finished statue into the open before paying for it, and examine it carefully in the sunlight!

If the statue was “sincere” i.e. “without wax” – it would remain firm…

… else some parts of it would drop down!

“Sincerity” of the statue was thus examined in the presence of sunlight!

Am I a “sincere” person… “without the wax” of deceit, malice, corruption or guile?

• I need to come into the presence of the Divine Sunlight – Jesus – to be examined!

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus presenting an “insincere” tendency of the modern generation…

… seeking for external signs to believing in God

The Gospel begins with the verse:

“ When the crowds began to increase, Jesus said to them: This generation is an evil generation. It seeks a sign…” (Lk 11: 29)

Through St Paul, we get to know that it was, probably, a characteristic of the Jews to ‘demand signs’.

“For Jews demand signs, and Greeks look for wisdom” (1 Cor 1: 22)

When we scan through the pages of the Bible, we actually see, God Himself giving many signs to His people…

>> God put a mark on Cain, after he had killed Abel, so that no one should kill him at sight (Gen 4: 15)

>> God gave the sign of the ‘rainbow’, as a sign of the covenant, so that the waters would never become a flood, to destroy all mortal beings (Gen 9: 13-15)

>> God empowered Moses with many signs, when Moses had to present himself before Pharaoh, in a bid to ask him “to let go” of the Israelites ( Ex 3: 12)

>> Two hundred and fifty men were consumed, by a fire from the Lord, after they had unworthily offered incense to God (Num 16: 35)

>> God gave a sign to Gideon, when he asked for it, humbly, as a confirmation in his entrusted task (Judg 6: 17)

>> God gave a sign at King Saul’s anointing (1 Sam 10: 1-13)

However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus opposes to “seeking an external sign”

What was the reason?

The demand of this “external sign” was “not in humility” or “to really cast off any doubt”

• Rather, this was a demand for a sign that exposed their obstinacy to remain in unbelief!

In fact, Jesus saw through their “insincerity”

He sees through the fact, that they were “with wax” – the wax of deceit, falsity and deception!

• And this their “wax” of trickery, began to melt in the presence of Jesus, the Powerful Light!

Therefore Jesus comes down heavily on them and says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign…” (Mt 12: 39)

Note the two strong words that Jesus uses…

>> Evil: pointing to a wicked heart that sought destruction and spoiling the lives of others

>> Adulterous: pointing to an unfaithful heart that reduced relations to a mere pragmatic nature, and was characterized by cheating and disloyalty.

Is my life also characterised by constantly wanting “only external” signs from God…

• I expect immediate answers to all my prayers, in the way I want

• I always want some miracles, as I choose, to keep the light of my faith burning

• I get depressed and feel totally lost when I do not get the signs that I expected in life

• I witness a lot of wondrous deeds around me, but still I remain obstinate in my unbelief

Is my Christian life only a sign-seeking one…

>> Or is my Christian life, rather, a Saviour-seeking one?

Do I be obsessed with wanting only miracles…

>> Or am I, rather, passionate and zealous about the Master?

Jesus invites us to be “sincere” – “without wax”.

• In His bright presence, all “wax” of duplicity and hypocrisy will melt

• In His glowing light, all “wax” of dishonesty and deception will dissolve

May we be closer to Jesus, the Great ‘Sun’ and live our Christian Lives, in “sincerity”…

… and in zealousness and with deeper passion for the ‘Son’ of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Old Betty worked for several years as a maid, in different houses.

She was once asked the meaning of the Biblical verse “Pray without ceasing” and what it meant for her life.

“Well, it just means what it says,” said Betty.

“When I wash my face in the morning, I pray to God…

… that many sinners may be washed in the blood of Christ during the day.

When I put on my clothes, I pray to God…

… to clothe me with Christ and with His humility.

When I take up the broom to sweep, I think of the woman who swept the house for the lost piece of silver, and I pray God…

… to sweep the world and to save lost sinners.

When I clean the vessels and they begin to shine, I pray to the Lord…

… to brighten my soul.

When I wash clothes, I pray that God…

… may wash away the filth from human hearts and all may remain fresh in His grace

When I wipe the windows and scrape the rust from the front-gates, I pray that God…

… may cleanse the society of the dirt of inhumanness and take off the rust of indifference”

And thus Betty went on mentioning the things that gave her an opportunity of approaching God in prayer.

How beautiful and a practical life of prayer, isn’t it?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful exposition by Jesus on Prayer.

The Lord highlights the essential dimensions that constitute real prayer and goes on to give the blueprint of an Ideal Prayer by teaching the “Our Father”.

Jesus says, “And in praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Mt 6:7)

In the context, when we look closely into this verse, we see that Jesus is pointing to the important principle in the pagan religions: the spoken word is most important for effectiveness of any prayer or sacrifice.

Prayer had assumed the nature of being a formula or a procedure that had to be strictly followed for its efficacy.

The pagan understanding was all about “pleasing the god” and “tapping the Divine power” by one’s words and verbal formulae.

>> Historically it is reported of an occasion when the presiding magistrate at a Roman pagan festival forgot to include the “Roman people” among the list of beneficiaries in his prayer; the festival had to be started all over again!

It is therefore the attitude towards prayer and perception of God that Jesus condemns.

And this is a strong and relevant message that the Lord seeks to drill in our minds: Prayer is not to be reduced to being a formulaic key to unlock the power of the Divine!

It’s not our many words that makes God to grant His grace

.. Rather, it is by His Will and His graciousness that we receive His blessings.

Then what is meant by prayer?

The blueprint of prayer – The Our Father – that Jesus teaches gives us the answer.

Prayer is…

• Acknowledging His greatness

(Our Father, who art in heaven)

• Ascribing glory and honour to Him

(Hallowed be Thy Name)

• Seeking His Kingdom to come

(Thy Kingdom come)

• Longing for His Will to be done in our lives

(Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven)

• Putting forward our needs and offering our aspirations to His Providence

(Give us today our daily bread)

• Choosing to actively being reconciled to all people to receive His forgiveness

(and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us)

• Imploring to keep away from sin and all evil inclinations and desires

(and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil)

Our whole life ought to be translated to acts and deeds of prayer.

In this context, it also good to provide the Catholic understanding and logic of some of the prayers, which are perhaps considered as repetitive (eg: The Rosary, Novenas, Litanies.. etc)

Are all these standard prayers mere “heaping up of empty phrases…?”

>> No!

The Bible teaches us many examples of repetitive prayers…

>> The angels continually – day and night – sing “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev 4:8)

>> Psalm 136 repeats the words “for his steadfast love endures forever” nearly 26 times in 26 verses!

>>Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed in the “same words” three times (Mk 14: 32-39)

>> Jesus, in fact, also commends the fact of continually praying, through the example of the widow and the unjust judge (Lk 18: 1-14)

Thus, it is seen that the Bible has many examples of repetitive prayer.

>> Therefore, the repetitive Catholic Prayers like the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Novenas, Litanies etc… are scripturally well-supported

>> When prayed with honesty and devotion, they become means to allow the heart…

… to praise God and understand His mighty works

… to grow in His love and come to a deeper awareness of His Providence

… and pray with Mother Mary and the Saints and intercede to them for our intentions

When we understand prayer as being a “relationship” and being in “His loving presence”, prayer becomes a joyful, a continual and a meaningful devotion.

May His grace help us to make every moment of our life, an act of prayer in order to grow in greater closeness and union with the One who loves us the most!

>> Let prayer become a joyful action..

>> Let prayer become a continual devotion

>> Let prayer become a powerful commitment.

Yes, in our day-to-day life, let us “pray without ceasing!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Ancient Greeks had a great fascination for light.

In those ancient days of the Greek society, a relay race used to be held called as “Lampadedromia”. (LAMPA-DEDRO-MIA)

This race consisted of the runners holding a torch in their hand, and passing it on the next runner…

… until the final member of the team, crossed the finishing line.

The prize was not awarded to the team that just ran fastest…

>> It was awarded to the first team, that reached the finishing line…

… with the torch still lit!

There is a big message in this, for all of us Christians…

By our Baptism, we are all given the Torch of Christ…

… and run towards the finishing line!

However, many of us are, perhaps, only busy with the running

>> Many of us, perhaps, fail to even check, if the light is burning…!

The final Day of Judgment would be a time, when it would be checked…

… if we finish our races, with the lamp still burning!

Are we running with the Flame still burning…?

The Gospel of the Day presents the scene of the Last Judgment…

The passage presents the Son of Man seated in His Majestic and Awesome Glory and all the nations awaiting His judgment. (Mt 25: 31-32)

The sheep, placed on the right side, are the chosen ones to enjoy the bliss of the Kingdom.

>> The goats, placed on the left side, are the condemned ones to suffer the fire of punishment.

This Passage is one of the very strong and dramatic portions of the Bible…

… that also powerfully shows the Sovereignty and Singularity of Jesus as the One True God and the Only King of the World.

This passage should be a mighty reminder as well as a booster for us to proclaim and declare – without any compromise and wavering – that Jesus is the One and Only True God!

In a pluralistic and heterogeneous world…

In a world which can confuse and cloud our faith…

>> This Bible Passage comes as a strong reminder for us to say, without any hesitation: “Jesus is Lord!” (Rom 10:9)

Another important aspect to be observed in this passage of the scene of the Last Judgment is the manner in which the Lord looks at human actions…

The Bible says, “Humans look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7)

One of the common question that both the groups, the sheep as well the goats, posed was: “When did we know…”

The sheep were taken by surprise, at the occasions which the Lord found them doing good…

>> They remained unaware of those situations, though they did the good in God’s sight.

>> They remained unaware of those occasions, though they did the needful in God’s sight.

The goats are taken by surprise, at the occasions, which the Lord found them missing to do good…

>> They remained unaware of those situations, where they failed to do the good in God’s sight.

>> They remained unaware of those occasions, where they missed to do the needful in God’s sight.

We may not realize the occasions of doing good…

We may not realize the occasions of having missed doing good…

>> We may externally engage in many good works, but it may fail to find approval in the Lord’s sight.

This calls for…

… cultivation of an inner disposition to do good.

… building of an inner character to be charitable.

Ø From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…

Ø From the abundance of goodness within, good actions flow…

Ø From the abundance of love within, loving behaviours proceed…

Ø From the abundance of kindness within, kindhearted conduct emerges…

Let this season of Lent…

… be an occasion to grow in cultivating love deep within.

… be a time of forming a character of goodness and kindness.

The Day of Judgement is certainly to be a glorious one…

In this race here on earth – like the “Lampadedromia”….

… let us strive earnestly to finish our races, with the lamp still burning (2 Tim 4:7)!

Are we running with the Flame still burning…?

>> Or do we need to do something, in order to make sure, the Torch of Christ remains lit?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A. What is it?

>> “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is one of the four Major Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.

>> It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 4 December 1963.

>> The title “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is derived from the opening lines of the Document and means “This Sacred Council”

>> Liturgy was the first topic that was discussed at the Second Vatican Council

B. What does it speak of?

>> The purpose of “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is to achieve greater Lay Participation in the Church’s liturgy.

>> This Constitution on the Liturgy is divided into 7 chapters:

1. General Principles for the Restoration and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy

>> Jesus Christ is the Source of the Sacred Liturgy, which is the public worship of the Church. The sacred liturgy allows us to experience the heavenly liturgy on earth

>> The faithful must come to the liturgy with the proper dispositions, by fully, actively, and consciously engaging in the liturgical celebration – participating both internally and externally. Both Clergy and Laity must be instructed in the nature and practice of the liturgy since It is a communal event.

2. The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist

>> The Holy Eucharist perpetuates the sacrifice of the Cross.

>> At every Mass, the Lay Faithful join the Priest in offering the Divine Victim, and in doing so, they must offer themselves also that they might enter into a more perfect communion with God and each other.

>> The “Treasures of the Bible” must be lavishly poured out at every Mass. The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist form a single, united act of worship.

3. The Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals

>> The purpose of the Sacraments is threefold: Give worship to God, Build up

the Body of Christ, and Sanctify humanity.

4. The Divine Office

>> The Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, is the public prayer of the whole Church.

>> It offers Praise to God, intercedes for the entire world, and sanctifies each day and must be prayed with attention and devotion so as to nourish piety and personal prayer.

5. The Liturgical Year

>> The Church unfolds the entire Mystery of Christ throughout the liturgical year in order to allow the faithful to receive the Riches of Christ.

>> The Church honours the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints by celebrating their feast days and acknowledging their merits, examples, intercession, and love.

6. Sacred Music

>> Sacred music is a “treasure of inestimable value” that gives Glory to God and helps to sanctify the faithful. It also enhances prayer and contributes to the solemnity of the sacred liturgy.

>> Gregorian chant retains “pride of place” in the liturgy, but other kinds of sacred music are allowed and encouraged.

7. Sacred Art and Sacred Furnishings

>> Works of Sacred Art must be protected and cultivated so that they may be “worthy, becoming, and beautiful signs and symbols of things supernatural.”

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. The Document calls for a “full and active participation” by all in the Sacred Liturgy

>> In our local language/parlance, we sometimes say, “I am going to SEE Mass”. This statement/attitude is to undergo a revolutionary change, as we are all PARTICIPANTS at the Holy Mass.

>> The “passivity” during liturgy has to be transformed to an “active participation”, so as to derive the full fruits of the Sacred Mysteries.

2. “Sacrosanctum Concilium” speaks of retaining sound tradition whilst being open to legitimate progress

>> The Document provides a balance between two strong extreme trends seen today in the Church (a) Make Liturgy “relevant” by making it appealing or sometimes, sadly, even entertaining (b) Make Liturgy insular and almost museum-like, with a rigid fixation on mysterious details.

>> The history of the Liturgy, down through the centuries, shows organic development and the Document affirms and exhorts to understand the True Nature of Sacred Liturgy: It is the saving action of Jesus Christ in his Church.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Sacrosanctum Concilium” for this Season of Lent?

1. Give the Holy Eucharist the greatest and the highest place in our life of Faith

2. Prepare well to participate in the Holy Mass

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Make sure to attend Mass on all Sundays and Days of Obligation, and to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, as often as possible (personally as well as a family/community)

>> Fall in love with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, so as to derive strength and power from this “Source, Strength and Summit” of our Life!

2. Read the Scriptures (1st Reading/Psalm/2nd Reading/Gospel) before going for the Holy Mass

>> Look into how these Readings affect – personally and practically

>> Offer all the situations of one’s life, at the Holy Mass.

>> Receive Jesus – in the Word and Eucharist – with much devotion and love

>> Learn to Live (practise) the fruits of the Eucharist, in day-to-day life

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Second Vatican Council Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy “Sacrosanctum Concilium” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Many hunters use their abilities with bow and arrows, guns and spears to kill monkeys.

But some native people have another simple yet effective style to trap them.

The hunter searches the jungles for a large-sized, wild gourd (= a fleshy, typically large fruit/vegetable with a hard skin).

After the gourd had dried for several weeks, the hunter would cut a two-inch hole in the side. >> The insides of the gourd would then be taken out, leaving an empty hard-shelled trap…

After finding the right place in the jungle, where there were plenty of monkeys, the hunter would hang the trap from a tree.

>> In the centre of the gourd-trap, several handfuls of peanuts would be placed…

In a short time, the curious monkeys would scamper over to see what the man had left behind.

>> A short glance and a long sniff would reveal to the monkeys that one of their favourite items was conveniently close by – and easy to get!

One monkey would venture first.

>> He would look the gourd over well.

The gourd was a common sight and would not rouse many questions, and inside he would discover wonderful, plump peanuts.

What more could a monkey ask for?

Into the gourd, went the monkey’s hand, grasping a few peanuts, and then slowly, he would ease out his hand.

Easy pickings!

>> He got a handful and they were so good!

In would go again his little hand, and not wanting to miss out on this free offer!

But his hand , with many peanuts, was now too big, to get back out of the hole.

When he tried to pull back his hand, it would not come out through the gourd’s hole.

>> He would pull and pull but to no avail.

>> He was caught!

It would never dawn on him to let go of the peanuts!

There he would be captured until the hunter would return and easily kill the monkey.

His own selfishness had bound him to the trap.

Temptations in our life, is also, so often similar…

>> We get trapped in our own selfishness!

>> We get ensnared in our own greediness!

The Gospel of the Day, on this first Sunday of Lent, is an account, from the Gospel of St Mark, of how Jesus resisted temptations…

… and emerged victorious by the power of the Spirit, to proclaim the Gospel of God!

“At once, the Spirit drove Him out into the desert, and He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan” (Mk 1:12)

• In Jesus, we encounter a God who has a very human face – sharing in sufferings, partaking in miseries and participating in hardships.

• In Jesus, we have a God who understands us in our weak moments, consoles us in our painful situations and who empathizes with us in our trials and temptations.

Jesus knows what it is like to struggle with temptations and enticements…

Because He Himself was tempted!

Jesus knows what it is like to ward off the beasts of our vices and evil tendencies…

Because He Himself was among wild beasts!

Yet, in all His trials, He emerged victorious and triumphant!

Ø He did not succumb to the allurements of Satan…

Ø He did not fall for the traps of the Evil One…

Ø He did not yield to the inducements of the Devil…

The reason?

>> He had a tremendous infilling of the Holy Spirit!

>> He had a unshaken determination to be focused on doing God’s Will!

>> He had an indomitable resolve of being faithful and true to His mission and commitment!

And these reasons of Jesus are also the techniques for us to overcome the power of temptations….

>> Can we grow continually in the infilling of the Holy Spirit?

>> Can we learn to, despite any hardships, constantly seek and do only God’s Will?

v Can I cultivate the steadfastness to be singly focussed on the mission of His Kingdom?

We live in a world which is often, like a wilderness…

.. dry in spiritual fervour… heated up with material desires…arid in religious enthusiasm

We live in a world where there are often, many wild beasts…

…ferociously corrupt and unhealthy practices…menacingly abusive evil lifestyles

We need to resist the temptations arising from such situations and stand firm in our focus and commitment to the Lord and His Kingdom.

Let us not get caught up in the snares of temptation…instead be victorious and triumphant in the Grace and Power of Jesus, our Saviour, Model and Master!

Selfish desires can trap us….but being selfless in the Spirit will help us!

Greedy longings can confine us….but Godly leanings can strengthen us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Been to a general physician for a check-up?

>> Well, I guess, most of us have been.

One of the simple techniques that a physician employs, to assess whether the person is sick, is by checking the person’s tongue.

The colour of the tongue, its size and shape, the colour and thickness of its coating, locations of abnormalities and moistness/ dryness of the tongue…

… all these could give some indications of the overall health and any disharmonies.

St Francis de Sales, mentions about this aspect, in his book, ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’…

“Doctors get a good knowledge of the health or the illness of a man by examining his tongue.

>> Our words are signs of the qualities of our souls”

Yes, the state of the tongue reveals the state of the health of the person.

>> The condition of the tongue gives an indication of the well-being or illness in a person.

Similarly, the words, which the tongue speaks, reveal the state of our inner life.

>> Our speech, which the tongue utters, reveal the condition of our spiritual life.

The Gospel of the Day is an account of Jesus, the Great Physician of Galilee, in His rounds of healing sick patients…

… and who is encountered by some critical persons who reveal a dark side of human life by their “slanderous and harsh” tongues!

Levi, the tax-collector heeds the call of the Lord “to follow Him” ( Lk 5:27)

In his great happiness of being accepted and the joy of following his new-found love, Levi hosts a grand party.

>> This feast is a wonderful time of sharing for various other tax collectors as well.

But this time of joy and happiness, becomes an occasion for some people to “wag their tongues” in negative talks and remarks!

As the saying goes…where two or three are gathered with a vicious and malicious mind…

… there is the assassination of the character of few people!

The Pharisees and Scribes, seeing Jesus sharing the joyful companionship of the tax collectors, began to murmur and grumble:

>> “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Lk 5: 30)

Jesus clarifies His mission of coming to the world to heal the sick and to cure the ill. (Lk 5:31)

He is the Great Physician of Galilee.

This Great Physician, clearly examines the “tongues” of the Pharisees and the Scribes and identifies their sickness…

Ø Their tongues spoke ill of people who were being saved.

Ø Their tongues criticized the people who were given a redeeming status in the society.

Ø Their tongues lashed at out the Lord who came to bring acceptance and love to the outcast.

• The words that their tongues uttered revealed the low-state of their life.

• The words that their tongues spoke revealed the negativity that was widespread in their life.

The Great Physician today wishes to examine our own tongues: our words and our speech.

>> Are we also persons whose tongues lash out in harsh criticism and rash judgments?

>> Are we also persons whose tongues hit out in negative comments and unkind criticism?

The Great Physician is here to heal us…

… Our tongues easily reveal our sicknesses to Him.

This time of the Lent is a great opportunity for us, to improve in this area of our life.

The Great Physician has His prescriptions ready….

Ø His Holy Word, which can sweeten our tongues with patience and charity.

Ø His Holy Eucharist, which can cleanse our tongues in sanctity and holiness.

Let us be healed and cleansed by the Divine Touch of the Great Physician!

God bless! Live Jesus!

Two wives were sharing their experiences about their husbands.

The first wife shared:

“My husband is a very good man.

>> But the only trouble is he does not understand my weaknesses.

He comes home every evening and bombards me with a barrage of questions:

>> ‘Did you do what I told you?’

>> ‘Did you waste any time today?’

>> ‘Did you complete all the works on your to-do-list?’

He always demands. He always expects.

>> As much as I try, I cannot satisfy him.

The worst thing is, he is always right!

I cannot meet his expectation, because I am not able to!”

The second wife shared:

“My husband is a very good man. And the advantage is, he understands my weaknesses.

He comes home very evening and engages in dialogue-questions with me:

>> ‘Hope you had a good day today’

>> ‘I wish that you got some rest today’

>> ‘I hope you did not strain yourself much, completing all the works’

He always understands. He always encourages.

>> As much as I put in the effort, he appreciates me.

The best thing is, he is always right!

I can meet his expectation, because he makes me able!”

Do we want to know the name of the two husbands?

Well…

The name of the first husband is….Mr Rigid!

>> And the name of the second is….Mr. Compassionate!

What about us?

How are we in our Christian lives…?

>> Mr Rigid?

OR

>> Mr Compassion?

The Gospel of the Day presents this contrasting attitude of human tendencies in the Person of Jesus and the Pharisees…

… over the stagnant practice of an important devotion: Fasting!

The disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus with an important query: “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” (Lk 9:14)

The Mosaic Law commanded only one day of fasting – the day of Atonement.

The Book of Leviticus prescribes this fast: “On the tenth day of the seventh month…you are to enter into a solemn fast and refrain from all work, because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. In the presence of God you will be made clean of all your sins. It is a Sabbath of all Sabbaths. You must fast. It is a perpetual ordinance” (Lev 16:29-31)

But it is to be noted that the Pharisees and apparently, the disciples of John had also adopted another tradition: that of fasting two days a week.

>> This was considered to be a very pious and pride action among this group.

In Luke 18:12, we find the Pharisee who boasts of fasting twice a week, as he makes his prayer, in contempt of the tax collector.

It is to this fasting, that the disciples of John refer to, when they counter Jesus with the question: “Why don’t your disciples fast?”

But Jesus opens their eyes to see the rigidity in their thought and practice.

>> The practice of fasting was…

… for atonement of one’s sins.

… a time of mourning in seeking for the restoration of Israel.

… a period of waiting for the Messiah who would redeem their nation.

But somehow all these basic aspects of fasting were forgotten and apparently, lost.

>> Their practice of fasting had grown stagnant.

>> Their mindset in skipping meals had become sluggish.

>> They failed to realize the reason and meaning for their fasting.

The Lord declares Himself as the Bridegroom, who has come to restore the glory of Israel. (Mt 9:15)

>> The time of mourning is over.

>> The period of fasting is no longer.

It’s time to rejoice with Him, who is the Bridegroom and Saviour – Jesus!

Yes, when one loses sight of the original purpose, the actions become mere lifeless customs.

>> When one fails to know the actual motive, the conduct becomes a mere obsolete ritual.

A custom, devoid of its purpose and real intention is dead and decayed.

>> A tradition, conducted without the true motivation is irrelevant and trivial.

>> A ritual, performed without knowledge of true meaning is an immaterial routine.

The Season of Lent calls for us to make extra sacrifices, especially through the form of fasting.

What is my attitude to fasting and penance?

Has it become rigid…

… devoid of its original purpose of sanctification and growing in closeness to God?

Has it become stagnant…

… becoming a mere yearly custom and tradition with no effect on one’s life?

Am I ready to undertake the powerful style of fasting as presented in Isaiah 58: 6-7:

A fasting…

… to lose the bonds of wickedness and to undo the thongs of the yoke

… to let the oppressed go free and to share the bread with the hungry

… to bring homeless poor into the house and to cover the naked

Our fasting, penances and sacrifices are to be a joyful one… because we have Jesus, the bridegroom with us.

>> His presence with us, is a matter of joy

… yet we fast and do penance, to share joyfully in His suffering and pain.

>> His presence with us, is an occasion of rejoicing…

… yet we make sacrifices and discipline ourselves, to find deeper meaning in His Cross.

>> His presence with us, is a period of celebration…

… yet we have self-control and abstain oneself, to be united closer to His redeeming action.

Let us not get “rigid”.

>>Instead, with “compassion”, let us open our eyes to the real purpose meaning of our fasting and our acts of penance.

Yes, let us examine:

How are we in our Christian lives…?

>> Mr Rigid?

OR

>> Mr Compassion?

God Bless! Live Jesus!