“As Christians, being ready to unconditionally shine forth – making a difference in the world around!”

(Based on Deut 30:10-14, Col 1:15-20 and Lk 10:25-37 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

An important program was to be held in the Church Auditorium – the felicitation of all the members who had served for more than 10 years…
… on the occasion of the Decennial Jubilee Celebrations of the Parish.

The parish priest called for the auditorium in-charge to make a real-time check of the maintenance in the auditorium:
“Since this is a major event, and it has been a long time that we have not had a program, I would like oversee the arrangements by myself”

When they reached the auditorium, the priest asked all the lights to be put on, to make a check of the light system.

As the lights were put on…
… some of the lights were totally not working – blacked out completely
… a good number of them were blinking – on and off, on and off
… only a few were shining brightly – sparkling and dazzling

Seeing this, the priest made a comment: “Perhaps, this is how many Christians are today

Some don’t radiate Christ’s light at all – living selfish lives, thinking of themselves alone!
Some emit some light, occasionally – looking more to their comforts and situations!
And only a few brightly shine forth – doing selfless acts of making Christ’s Presence radiant!”

How about us?

Which category of light do we belong to?
… fully blacked out – in selfishness?
… occasionally glowing – as per situations and comfort levels?
… unconditionally shining forth – making a difference in the world around?

The Gospel of the Day is the narration of a very popular parable – the Parable of the Good Samaritan – that helps us reflect on these aspects of life.

The parables of Jesus leave a deep impression on the mind of its readers.

One such parable that makes a strong impact on the listeners and provides much food for thought is the one in the Gospel of the Day – the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”.

This is a parable familiar to most of us…

This is a parable, probably enacted by many of us…
This is a parable easily widely reflected by all of us…

We shall consider this parable of the Good Samaritan from the perspective of 3 life-philosophies that are reflected through 3 characters in the story…

1. The Philosophy of the Robber: “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”

In the story, we find that the man who was “going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among the robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Lk 10: 30)

The robbers had been probably waiting, in hiding, for an innocent traveller – for a potential booty of money and treasure.

We do not know their background… who they were, why were they engaged in this sort of dishonesty…

But one thing is known…. They had an understanding that “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”

Are we sometimes like these robbers…?

Stealing from the fruits of other’s labours and trampling upon their rights, in order to have a comfortable life
Subtly discriminating others – especially the poor, the helpless, the voiceless – and furnishing our life with luxuries
Passively or actively ignoring the rights that are due to others – and making our lives more easy and relaxed and fun

2. The Philosophy of the Priest and the Levite: “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”

In the story, we find that the Priest and the Levite “passed by on the opposite side” (Lk 10: 31-32)

These religious leaders were probably more occupied with the requirements and duties of their office.

We do not know what exactly these preoccupations were…
… why they couldn’t translate the stipulations of the law into actual practise of mercy and compassion.

But one thing is known… They had an understanding that “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”

Are we sometimes like these Priests and Levites…?

Overly busy with our own works and duties that leaves us too occupied to even make an attempt to extend an extra helping hand
Falsely understood notions of religion and piety which limits itself to the safe zones of worship but does not dare to step out into the challenging waters of service and compassionate actions.
Fearful of going against set-patterns and rigid-systems and being indifferent and casual in being a doer of God’s Word

3. The Philosophy of the Samaritan: “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”

In the story, we find that the Samaritan goes out of his way – “approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged him. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him” (Lk 10: 34)

This Samaritan was probably aware that he was greatly risking his life and also that he was engaging in helping his enemy (Since Jews considered Samaritans as enemies)

We do not know the way in which he calmed all his basic instincts of wanting to see his enemy in pain or the natural tendency of “running away” from a situation of risk and “unwanted troubles”

But one thing is known… He had an understanding that “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”

Can I always try to be like this Samaritan…?

Taking upon the risk of one’s own life and one’s comforts and be willing to help and reach out persons in distress – be it physically, mentally or spiritually.
Going against my natural instincts of harming enemies or being indifferent, and instead displaying a tender heart of mercy and compassion to those who have none to care for.
Being willing to make a sacrifice of what belongs to me – my time, my possessions, my plans – in order to help another experience that there is still a “lot of goodness” in the good world that the Good God has created

Jesus endorsed the Philosophy of the Samaritan and said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

The onus is now on each one of us…

Do we have a destructive philosophy of “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”…
… and remain in the shadows of wickedness, corruption and cheating?

Do we have the indifferent philosophy of “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”…
… and get decayed in the stagnant waters of ritualism, being over-busy and woefully uncharitable?

Or can we have the Divine Philosophy of “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”…
… and be radiant in the brightness of love, compassion and mercy…
… and thus imitate the life of the Ultimate Good Samaritan – Jesus, our Saviour and Master!

It is only thus that we would be marching forward in our goodwill to firmly follow the commandments to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25):
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind…
… and your neighbour as yourself!” (Lk 10: 27)

Let us honestly examine how is our Christian life…
… fully blacked out – in selfishness?
… occasionally glowing – as per situations and comfort levels?
… unconditionally shining forth – making a difference in the world around?

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

Legitimate public authority has the right and duty to inflict punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offense. (CCC # 2266)

“Trust in Divine Providence and His Ever-Beloved Goodness!”

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

How BIG is God in my life?

It is said that…
You can tell the size of God in your life, by looking at the size of your ‘List of Worries’.

The longer your list, the smaller your God!

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

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

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

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

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

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

He is not lying… He is not flattering..

He is not indulging in heaping empty phrases.

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

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

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

For this, He presents the example of a sparrow:
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

There is something interesting to be noted when Jesus speaks about sparrows…

In Mt, Jesus says, ”Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?” (Mt 10: 29)
In Lk, Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for a two cents?” (Lk 12: 6)

If two sparrows could be purchased for a cent…
…. then a person should get only four sparrows for two cents, isn’t it?

Then why the ‘fifth’ sparrow?

Probably the fifth sparrow must have been an incentive offered by merchants to get people to buy more sparrows.

The fifth sparrow was probably given, just merely to sweeten the deal!

(Just as sometimes in our days, the shopkeeper/vendor gives an extra/free thing when we purchase something)

Our Blessed Lord used this practice of “buy-four-get-one-free” sparrows to illustrate how much God values life.

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

Even a nearly worthless ‘free sparrow’ is not overlooked by God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sure, we feel ourselves little before God…

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

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

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

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

But, let’s realize that we have a much much bigger God than our long list of worries…

A God, who silently thunders in the depths of our hearts…
… assuring His protection: “You are worth much more …”

Are we listening?

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

Yes, we need to…
… Listen… Trust… Walk!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The efforts of the state to curb the spread of behavior harmful to people’s rights…

… and to the basic rules of civil society correspond to the requirement of safeguarding the common good. (CCC # 2266)

“Being bold in facing humiliations – all for the sake of Christ!”

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

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

The Pessimists – (the ones who give up easily):

They regret having ventured to undertake the arduous task of climbing the huge mountain.

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

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

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

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

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

Which category of mountain climbers are we going to be?

The Pessimists (the ones who give up easily)?

Regretting to being a Christian and thus living a life of sin and indifference

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

Resigning to the fact that somehow I need to be a Christian, due to societal pressures, and thus live in casualness, negligence and lethargy.

Or…

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

Real Christians who keep their eyes fixed on the Crucified Saviour and never give up, marching forward towards the goal of salvation!

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

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

They are simple and yet deeply challenging and radical!

The Lord does not offer a comfortable carpet of roses to stroll….

He presents a challenging pathway of thorns to tread!
“Everyone will hate you, because of ME!” (Mt 10:22a)

These are the fierce & fervent words of the Lord.

Yes, the Master, Himself was persecuted and hated!

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

What had He ever done to be hated?

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

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

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

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

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

Did he deserve to be hated?

Yet, He was!

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

And this our Blessed Master says…Even You too!

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

The path ahead sounds dangerous, right?

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

But relax…!

The road does not end with persecutions…

The verse of Jesus does not end in calamity…

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

Yeah.. That’s great good news!

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

We only need to persevere…
… till the end!

The Mountain Peak of Salvation is High….

But the Lord beckons to each one of us!

Let us give heed to the words of St Benedict:
“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ….and he will bring us all together to everlasting life!”

Let us be bold in facing humiliations, in suffering persecutions, in undergoing pain…
… all for the sake of Christ, who showed us the Way to Glory through the Path of Persecution!

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility. (CCC # 2265)

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

(Based on Gen 32:22-33 and Mt 10:1-7 – Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Jesus is strange!

And he loves to do strange things!

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

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

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

Twelve strange persons to be His Daring disciples.

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

Let’s get set with a mini-dictionary:

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

The list is long, right?

Maybe, some of us, also very much possess these characters and traits!

Is it true?

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

The Lord loves to transform and change…

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

Yes, the Lord loves to transform and change…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, the Lord is strange…
… and He loves to do strange things

He is CRAZY over us!

The Lord also loves…
… to transform and to change

He is Willing to TRANSFORM us!

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

Let no negative feelings come in the way of this Deep Desire of the Lord!

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

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

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

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

Yes, the Lord is calling…

Are we hearing?

Let this not remain a Missed Call!

Let’s pick up, and answer…
… and co-operate with the Strange Master, Who calls us to “Dare to be Different!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful.
Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man…

… since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s. (CCC # 2264)

“Recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life!”

(Based on Gen 32:22-33 and Mt 9:32-38 – Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A commonly heard story goes thus…

A small town had been “dry” for years.
i.e. ‘without any bars or consumption of alcohol’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prayer group members however appointed a lawyer to defend themselves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The crowds – simple and ordinary – who were attracted to Jesus “marvelled and said: ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel'” (Mt 9:33b)

The Pharisees – knowledgeable and intellectual – who often looked to find loopholes in the ministry of Jesus and trap Him, said: “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (Mt 9: 34)

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does this mean?

Not that we should stay away from our pious actions, devotions and our activities of faith

Not that people who don’t display faith have more reasons to live a good life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Christians…

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

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

Which group of people are we in…

“Knowing theoretically much about the power of God and scriptures” but failing to recognize and acknowledge His power…?

Or simple and ordinary in our faith and belief – seeking to know more about God and scripture- but above all, recognizing, acknowledging and thanking the Power of God in life?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder..

… even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow. (CCC # 2264)

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

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

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

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

For this the servant was paid 30 rupees a day.

But when the child reached Third Standard (Grade 3) of school, he rebelled and told his mother: “I’ll walk myself to school!

And if you give me 10 rupees a day, I will be extra careful.
The rest of the money we can save and we all will be better off!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the Lord always walks with us…!

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

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

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

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

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

The official came walking ‘forward’

The woman came walking ‘from behind’

Both were persons in distress and despair

Both were suffering physical agony and mental anguish

Human life is characterised in these two persons…

The way “forward” is often an uncertain and blurred path, filled with distress and despair

The way “from behind” had often been an experience of physical agony and mental anguish

Loneliness plagues us in this walk of life…

Hopelessness often overtakes our walk of life!

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

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

But the official and the woman in the Gospel today show us the way:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality.

Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. (CCC # 2264)

“Rising above our concerns, to find the Treasure of True Joy and the Wealth of Genuine happiness in God!”

(Based on Isa 66:10-14c, Gal 6:14-18 and Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

A theology professor was once asked in a class, “Father, do you think that Jesus ever laughed?”

The professor was amused at the question:
“Of course, I don’t think that the Gospel directly gives us an instance which mentions that Jesus laughed.

There are surely, many moments of joy which Jesus engaged in

There are also so many precious words that our Lord uttered which exudes joy – especially the Beatitudes”!

And then, with a sense of deep devotion, the professor continued: “And finally, I do want to say…
… More than being concerned if Jesus ever laughed in life

I am proud to say, that my Lord has blessed me with so much of love and care…
… that I can laugh!”

Each one of us are invited to reflect on the many wonders that our Blessed Lord has done in our life – wonders that make us laugh and feel happy…
… and thus radiate joy and peace by our lives!

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of Jesus sending His Disciples on a mission journey…
… with an expectation that they “be messengers of peace”

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house’” (Lk 10:5)

Being a ‘messenger of peace’ required that the disciples be joyful and cheerful people…

They were to preach the Good News primarily by their life…
… And this life ought to have been a reflection of joy and peace!

The Lord also warns that there could be a possibility of being rejected (Cf. Lk 10:10)

However, the disciples were not to get discouraged or be bogged down by those experiences

We too are invited to be “messengers of peace”

And preach the Good News primarily by our life…
… making our life a reflection of joy and peace!

However, very often, we lose our sense of joy and plunge into disturbances, when encountered by the troubles of life.

Queries on why there is no joy or happiness may perhaps evoke some of the following replies:

“You don’t know the struggles what I’m going through.”
“How can you expect me to be cheerful when my marriage and family is falling apart?”
“God seems miles away from me, and you want me to cheer up?”
“My kids drive me nuts.”
“I’ve got cancer. How can I rejoice?”
“People have mistreated me and I’m not going to be happy until I get even.”
“If I had more money, I’d be happy.”

Do I identify myself with some of the above replies…..?

If yes, then we are challenged to rise above these our concerns…
… and to find the Treasure of True Joy
… and the Wealth of Genuine happiness in God!

Let us respond to the invitation of the Psalmist: “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” (Ps 66:1)

The Lord has indeed blessed us with many moments of protection and encouragement

Let these wonders help us to radiate joy in our life

And to say with devotion and joy: “I am proud to say, that my Lord has blessed me with so much of love and care…
… that I can laugh!”

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 act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor.

The one is intended, the other is not. (CCC # 2263)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do I evaluate the action of another person based on my own “prejudiced” mindset… or do I measure it with the yardstick that God uses?

Do I critically analyse other people’s attitudes from my own “biased” perspective… or do I gauge it with the benchmark that God proposes?

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

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

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

We fast often times during the week…
… we live a hard life.
Look at the Pharisees too…
… they fast twice a week, which is more than the stipulated requirement of the Law.

We engage ourselves in so much of fasting.

But look at your disciples…

They are only found to be enjoying life!
Why don’t they fast… like we do… ??”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We may perhaps, also be victims of the same.

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— 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

The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. (CCC # 2263)

“Becoming a person who tells ‘Turn this Way’ to many people in our lives!”

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

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

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

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

It means, “Turn this way!”

Our sister came from a far-away land and found us all on the wrong road.

She sensed that we were in great danger of losing our souls.

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

May God bless “Aim-day-co!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, “You shall not kill,” and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance.
Going further, Christ asks his disciples to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies.

He did not defend himself and told Peter to leave his sword in its sheath. (CCC # 2262)