“Realizing that by our Christian vocation, we are constantly in touch with the Holy Spirit- ‘Fresh Waters’ of Grace”

(Based on the Solemnity of Pentecost)

It was after a devastating flood.

Rescue teams moved through the wreckage of a collapsed apartment block – calling, listening, hoping.

In one section of the building, a firefighter heard a faint groanings and cries.

But when they tried to open the door, it wouldn’t move.
It wasn’t locked.
It wasn’t jammed.

It had been barricaded from the inside.

Table, shelves, even a sofa had been pushed against the door by the person inside…
… someone trying desperately to feel safe inside, amid the watery chaos.

It took precious minutes to remove the barrier.

When they finally reached her, she was alive – but shaken, trembling, and tearful.

And as they carried her out, she whispered something realistic:
“I was so afraid of what might come in…
… that I blocked the door as much as I could.

I didn’t realize I was keeping help out.”

Isn’t that how many of us live?

We pile fear, shame, pain, and distraction against the door of our hearts – not because we don’t want help…
… but because we’re scared of being vulnerable.

And all the while, the Holy Spirit stands outside saying, “Let Me in… I’ve come to save you!”

Today, on this Great Day of Pentecost, we are invited to open our hearts to recognize the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and to become aware of the inherent greatness in our vocation as Christians.

On the day of Pentecost, in the Upper Room, as the disciples were gathered in prayer, along with Blessed Mother Mary, “the Holy Spirit filled the entire house in which they were” (Acts 2:2)

It is to be noted that the word used to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit is the Greek word “aphno” which means “suddenly”
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind…” (Acts 2: 2)

The coming of the Holy Spirit was “sudden.”

Those gathered in the Upper Room were preparing themselves in prayer – not knowing when and how would the coming be!

But the Holy Spirit doesn’t wait for perfect people and planned moments…
… He looks for prepared hearts!

This energetic entry of the Holy Spirit is a glimpse to one important characteristic of the person of the Holy Spirit: Vitality!

The Holy Spirit is a spirit of life… of energy… of vivacity… of animation… of dynamism!

Where the Holy Spirit is, there is the great movement of the will, the mind and the heart!

It was this “sudden” coming of the Holy Spirit that transformed the small group of Jesus’ disciples into mighty warriors of the Kingdom of God.

Fear was transformed into power…
Timidity was changed into boldness…
Uncertainty was converted into conviction…

Our own lives need an encounter of this “life-transforming” experience.

Is my Christian life, dull and slow – merely laced with routine actions of prayers and sacraments?
Is my life of faith, lethargic and tepid – simply being pulled on, without any particular awareness or lived without any enthusiasm?

Then, we need the mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to impress life and vitality to our life and our faith!

We want the ‘Upper Room’ blessings…
… but are we willing to climb the stairs of prayer and reconciliationi?

The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly one of the most shy person of the Blessed Trinity and therefore, also often, neglected in our daily prayers or devotion

The study and awareness of the Holy Spirit is certainly, in general, given lesser priority and importance in comparison to the other Persons of the Trinity.

The Feast of the Pentecost is very often not accorded the “solemn” tone in comparison to other feasts like Christmas or Easter

But let us realize, that in the Holy Spirit and in the celebration of this Feast, we have a great treasure to cherish and enjoy.

The Sacred Triduum gives us victory..
… Pentecost gives us the voice to proclaim it

Each Christian ought to build an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Each Christian must become more aware of the role of the Holy Spirit in daily living

How wonderful it would be if we could inculcate a few practical resolutions…
… to grow in our intimacy and union with this Powerful and Dynamic Personality of the Blessed Trinity:

Wishing “Good Morning, Holy Spirit ” to Him as we begin the day, thanking for His protection and seeking His help through the day
Invoking a tiny chaplet, “Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and minds” as we begin a particular activity or work
Making a short examination of conscience at the end of the day, introspecting our lives in overcoming sin, being grateful for His guidance and seeking to grow spiritually in holiness, with the power of the Holy Spirit
Co-operating with the Holy Spirit to become effective agents of unity in our homes, our communities, our places of work and our churches.
Purposely creating a few seconds of silence in the schedule of our works or our activity or through the course of the day, and talking to the Holy Spirit, as a friend, in the cave of our heart
Listening to the still, gentle voice of the Holy Spirit in the depths of our being, speaking to us to be more active to read God’s Word in the Bible and to partake of the Sacraments more frequently especially Confession and Holy Eucharist.

The Lord has blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

He longs to be empower our lives…
He earnestly wants to be in total control of our lives…

But for this, He needs our permission…
Permission in the form of…
… longing for Him
… making sincere efforts to live a life casting away sin.

Let us not block the door of our hearts, for fear of being vulnerable…
… instead, give heed to the Holy Spirit, Who constantly says: “Let Me in… I’ve come to save you!”

Wish you a very Happy Feast of the Holy Spirit – the Pentecost!

Happy Birthday to our Holy Mother, the Church!

Let us cherish the life offered by our Mother, in the Sacraments…
… and especially receive the sweetness of the Holy Eucharist more worthily and enthusiastically!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them…
… which corresponds to their own convictions.

This right is fundamental. (CCC # 2229)

“Realising that Jesus – the Master Painter – cherishes each of us, His followers, for who we uniquely are!”

(Based on Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 and Jn 21:20-25 – Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

An admirer once visited a painter’s studio and stood in awe before a canvas – full of life, depth and contrast.

As he observed the tools lying nearby, he noticed two particular brushes placed side by side:

One thick and bold, the other fine and delicate.

With curiosity, the admirer asked, “Do you always use both these brushes in your work?”

The artist nodded, and with a smile said: “Always!

Each brush brings something special to the canvas.

The thick one gives power and presence…
… broad strokes that lay the foundation.

The fine one brings intimacy and detail…
…. soft touches that bring the painting to life.”

He paused, then continued:
“They don’t compete. They complement.

One without the other would leave the picture incomplete!”

Indeed, that’s how it is with life as well, isn’t it?

Each person is unique and has a unique role to play in life.

Each one, in their own way, adds something essential to the beauty of the whole.

Just as the artist values both brushes for their distinct contributions, Jesus – the Master Painter – cherished each of His disciples for who they uniquely were.

It’s so similar with the experience of teachers in a school with the students.

Each student is unique in their character and nature.
The relationship with each student is also unique

Undoubtedly…
… some students tend to be more in the limelight – due to their high vibrancy and level of enthusiasm
… some students remain in the shadows – due to their soft and timid nature

But the teacher shares a unique relationship with all..
… with some more close, with some just normal, with some just casual

Sometimes the most naughty one, or the mischievous one gets special attention

Sometimes, the most silent one gets a special favour of affection and care

The Greatest Teacher, Jesus, had in His class of students – His chosen twelve – the Apostles….
… one, who was very vocal, emotional and actively in the limelight
… and another who was more silent, affectionate and passively in the background

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the teacher in conversation with these two of His students, with whom He had a special bonding – Peter and John.

Peter – the one, very vocal, emotional and being active in the limelight
John – the one who was more silent, affectionate and remained passively in the background

We are the end of the Gospel of St John.

Jesus had engaged Peter in a one-to-one conversation reviving His commitment to Him and the Kingdom by asking him, three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was also entrusted to be the Shepherd of His Church on the earth

However, Peter was also curious what would be the future of the other disciple.

His curiosity is a common human trait: a keen desire to know the future and the prospects of other people.

Sometimes this trait can also degenerate into jealousy…

Sometimes this trait can also be reduced to envy…

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard… those who came at the end received the same one denarii as the first.

The complaint of those who toiled the whole day was not just that they received a less pay; but more so, that why did the last ones…
… get a higher pay!

The generosity towards the others, made them to feel envious

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the prodigal son was given a grand reception on his arrival back.

The complaint of the elder son was not just that he never had enjoyed a luxurious time with his friends; but more so, that the younger sin who had committed many sins…
… was given a special welcome.

The generosity towards the younger son, made him to feel jealous.

Probably realizing the possibility of this common human trait, Jesus chides Peter who was over-curious to know of the future of John…
… instead He re-focusses Peter’s attention on what is most important: Following Him.

Therefore Jesus tells to Peter: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me” (Jn 21: 22)

The same advice is rendered to us also…

We sometimes tend to be too anxious about the life of the other…
… but fail to have a proper control in our personal lives!
We sometimes tend to be over-curious about the future of others…
… but fail to live our lives worthily!

The Lord advises us the same too, “You follow me!”

The vocation and life of Jesus, the teacher’s two special students – Peter and John is also a reminder of two ways or levels of Christian holiness

The Life of Peter…
… lived in witness to Christ by a life of martyrdom of blood
The Life of John…
… lived in witness to Christ by a life of loving sacrifices in life, and the martyrdom of love

Each one of us are to…
… live in commitment, willing to even ‘shed our blood’, like St Peter
… live in holiness, filled with love, like St John

On this eve of the Great Feast of the Pentecost, let us prepare our hearts to receive the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Let us be animated by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, so that we too may be Christ’s faithful and dynamic witnesses…
… and like St Peter and St John, become “special students” of our Great Teacher, Jesus!

Let’s realise that each one of us is unique and have unique roles to play in life

And just as an artist ‘values all brushes’ for their distinct contributions…
… Jesus – the Master Painter – cherishes each of us, His followers, for who we uniquely are!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents’ respect and affection are expressed by the care and attention they devote to bringing up their young children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs.

As the children grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom. (CCC # 2228)

“Trusting in the goodness of the Lord and with hope in the mercy of the Lord, let us, tell the Lord, ‘Yes, Lord, I love you!’”

(Based on Acts 25:13b-21 and Jn 21:15-19 – Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

A young man was supposedly crazy about his girlfriend.

He spent an entire evening telling the girl how much he loved her.

He said that he couldn’t live without her…
… that he would go to the ends of the earth for her
… yes, go through fire for her, or die for her.

But as he was leaving he told her,
“I’ll see you tomorrow night dear…
…. if it doesn’t rain!!”

A whole evening was spent on lavishing sweet words of love…

But as he left her…
…. he made conditions in his expression of love
… he put forward clauses in his demonstration of love

How often is our love also such..

We tell to people in our live that we love them…
… but fail to show it in actions
We tell to others that we care for them a lot…
… but do not show them in deeds

And how much more true is this in the case of our love of God…
… we profess our sentiments of love, but fall short of living it up in our commitment

The Gospel of the day presents St Peter grappling with his weaknesses in expressing his love for his Master…
… and Jesus, knowing very well the frailties of his chosen one, entrusting great responsibilities on him.

Jesus in His post-resurrection appearances to the Apostles, engages in a special one-to-one conversation with the Peter, the leader of the chosen ones…

It’s interesting to see the choice of the Lord for Peter as the leader of His chosen ones.

Peter was a fisherman by profession…

Like the waves, his faith and trust in the Lord would also often waver…
Like the winds blowing heavily, his zeal for the Lord would also often vacillate…

Yet, the Lord chooses him to be a “fisher of man” for His Kingdom…. expecting him…
… to be like the fish – finding life and vibrancy only by being in the waters of grace and mercy
… to be like the net – gathering up the children of God and keeping them together
… to be like the boat – not being stuck on the shores, but ready to launch into the deep waters of evangelisation

Peter had undoubtedly a lot of interest and zeal in the Lord… and in His Mission.

Yet by nature, he tended to be more emotional… indecisive…fluttering
And this caused him to deny the Lord three times, during the passion of the Lord..

But the Lord, in His infinite mercy, restores the brokenness in the relationship, with His healing love.

Our lives too, so often, resembles that of Peter.

We fluctuate in our commitments to the Lord…

We easily break many of the resolutions made to the Lord…
We very often go astray, despite having experienced much love from the Lord…

Yet, Jesus does not abandon us.

Like the Shepherd, who comes after His lost sheep…
Like a Potter, who remoulds His work when dis-shaped…
Like a Physician, who attends with patience for His ailing patient…
The Lord comes to us…
And with much hope puts forward the same question, that He asked Peter:
“Do You love Me?”

The Lord awaits an answer…

It will be easy to jump in and say “Yes, Lord, I do love you”.

But…

Let our answer, not just be triggered by emotional feelings…
Let our answer, not be simply impelled by a ritualistic custom…

Rather, from the depth of our inner-being…
… acknowledging our sinfulness and failures…
… realising our weaknesses and shortcomings…

Yet…
… trusting in the goodness of the Lord
… hopeful in the mercy of the Lord
Let us tell the Lord…
“Yes, Lord, You know everything….

You know, I love you!!”

Let us today seek the intercession of St Norbert of Xanten (c. 1075-1134) – a nobleman, courtier, ascetic, legendary peacemaker, and an exemplar of the apostolic way of life
… a priest who founded the Norbertine Order in the 12th century on the basis of love, selfless sharing and radical hospitality.

Let us give heed to his words: “You will never enjoy the sweetness of a quiet prayer unless you shut your mind to all worldly desires and temporal affairs.”

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents.
Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect.
Mutual affection suggests this.

The charity of Christ demands it. (CCC # 2227)

“Anchoring ourselves in the Lord, to live in greater freedom and joy!”

(Based on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 and Jn 17:20-26 – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

A cute story of a little boy, who loved fruits.

This little boy fellow was once, tempted to pluck some cherries from a tree, which his father had strictly forbidden him to touch.

“You need not be afraid,” said his notorious companion, “for if your father should find out that you have taken them, he is too kind to hurt you.”

“Ah,” said the brave little fellow, “that is the very reason why I would not touch them;

For I know that my father would not hurt me.
So I should not hurt him by my disobedience!”

The little boy knew the love of his Father towards him…
… and so he dared not hurt his Father.

He was not afraid of the punishment of the Father.

He was instead afraid of the hurt that would cause pain to the Father.

True love causes a holy and pious concern of not wanting to cause any offence to the one who is loved.

It casts away all fear!
It drives away every anxiety!

It is this True Love of the Father that was made known by Jesus to all of us.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus shedding greater light on His intimate relation with the Father and revealing deeper, the love of the Father for each one of us.

Jesus prays, “… so that they may be one, as We are one. I in them and You in Me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that You sent Me, and that You loved them even as You loved Me.” (Jn 17: 22b, 23)

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in the Seventeenth Chapter of St John, is another insight into the intimate relation that Jesus had with His Father.

All through His life…
… He sought to do the Father’s Will
… He sought to reveal the love of the Father to the world.

This was driven by the fact that Jesus was in intimate union with the Father.

To His disciples, Jesus wishes to leave this same legacy – the legacy of loving the Father intimately.

Jesus wishes to tell us that we have a Father who is deeply interested and caring for us.
Jesus wishes to convince us that our lives are secure in the Providential care of the Father.

However, our lives sometimes fails to display this trust and confidence in the providential care of the Father

Some of us may have a wrong notion of God being interested only in finding my wrongdoings and punishing me for the same…
Some of us may have the wrong notion of God being unapproachable, unavailable and inaccessible because of His Holiness and Majesty!

But Jesus drives away all such false impressions.

He tells us that the Father…
… is surely the keeper of justice, and may take us through a time of trials and difficulties.

But those are not to be seen as cruel punishments, but loving acts for improvements towards a holier life!

He tells us that the Father…
… is the Lord and Master of the Universe
… and is totally aware of even the calamities or hardships that befall our lives

So in all those hard moments, the loving Father keeps us safely in the palm of His hand…
…. not allowing us, His beloved children to get hurt or harmed! (Cf. Psalm 91)

When we are convinced of this deep love that the Father has towards us, we would be able to orient our lives in a way that is worthy of our call as witnesses of Christ.

Jesus by His unity with the Father, enjoyed perfect freedom.

He now invites us to also deepen our union with the Father and enjoy greater freedom of happiness and joy.

We see this truth echoed in St Paul’s journey.

He was grounded in Divine Purpose and strengthened by the Lord’s Presence.

Paul’s bold declaration of his identity – rooted in the hope of the Resurrection – shows that when we are secure in our identity as children of God…
… we experience inner freedom and joy, even amid external conflict.

“Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6)

This, of course, doesn’t mean lack of struggles.

Rather, even in threatening circumstances, the close Presence of the Lord…
“That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’” (Acts 23:11)
… becomes his strength and hope!

When we are deeply rooted in God, even in the face of opposition, we will be joyful and free!

Let us anchor ourselves in God because…
… joy flows where God dwells
… and freedom follows where His Spirit leads!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families…

… it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents. (CCC # 2226)

“Avoiding the ‘chameleon character’; instead, adopting and growing in our ‘Christian conviction!’”

(Based on Acts 20:28-38 and Jn 17:11b-19 – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

A zoologist, working in a Catholic University, was interacting with a group of youngsters.

As they were discussing about living as a Christian in the world the zoologist – himself a Christian – noted: “There are many of us Christians who live like chameleons!”

(Chameleons are a species of lizards – known for their distinct range of colours, as they are able to shift in different hues and brightness, depending on the surrounding)

The professor went on to say:
“The chameleon takes the colour of its background and environment – tree, bush, or grass.

Many Christians are chameleon-like in the facility with which they can take on the colour of the world about them”

And he added, “And… just as it is difficult to distinguish the chameleon from the background, the colour of which he has taken…
… so it is very difficult to distinguish many Christians from the background of the world in which they live!”

Are we living ‘chameleon-like Christian lives’…
… changing our colours and choices in life, to suit the corrupt ways around us, rather than being faithful to Christian teachings?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus praying to the Father: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them safe from the evil one.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17: 16)

The call of a Christian is to live as a people “set apart” for Christ.

The Lord wishes, desires, wants and makes it a must that the one who follows Him, must seek to follow Him fully, wholeheartedly and unreservedly.

But the Lord was also very much aware that this His desire for a people “totally set apart” would face a lot of challenges and crisis from the Evil One.

He knew that His followers would struggle much in living a pure life…
… in the midst of many impurity, uncleanness and contamination.
He knew that His followers would find it hard to preserve holiness…
… in the hub of wicked temptations, ensnaring enticements and luring persuasions

St Paul warns the Church at Ephesus to be aware of the many dangers that may allure them in the world…
… and to remain focussed and alert

“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the church of the Lord which He obtained with His own Blood.

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things…
… to draw away the disciples after them.
Therefore, be alert…” (Acts 20:28-31)

We often find ourselves lost in this strange maze of the world….

We immerse ourselves too much in worldly activities and works….
… But, somehow at the end of the day, when lying down on our beds, we, perhaps, feel ourselves lost and not having a true sense of satisfaction!

We plunge ourselves to enjoy a lot of worldly pleasures, comforts and luxuries…
… But, somehow, after having been sort of saturated with those externals, we, perhaps, find ourselves still unhappy or experiencing a void!

We engage ourselves in an excess use of the social media, networking sites, chatting applications and remain attached constantly to modern communication gadgets…
… But, somehow, though we are in contact with many people, we, perhaps, realize that there is a grave presence of loneliness and not having genuine relationships of love and true care!

And therefore, Jesus, the ever-practical, sensible and realistic Master…
… Firstly, prays for His followers for strength and courage: “I pray for them…. Holy Father, keep them in Your name… “ (Jn 17: 9a, 11b)
… Secondly, reminds His followers on the need to set their hearts on Him because they belong not to the world: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17: 16)

This then ought to be our strength and hope, as we seek to live a Holy Christian Life in this world, often corrupted by sin and transgressions: Knowing that Jesus has prayed for us!

In His prayer, we find hope and blessings
In His prayer, we find encouragement and support

Setting our heart entirely on the Lord and not being totally attached to the aspects of the world

In His Love, we find meaning in our relationships
In His Presence, we ought to engage all our activities

Light passes through pollution, but doesn’t get contaminated!

Every Christian, a reflection of the Light of Christ, ought to be such…
… focused on the Lord, seeking to be pure and unsullied, in holiness and sanctity.

Let us avoid the ‘chameleon character” by compromising to suit the pleasures of the world…
… instead, let us adopt and grow in our “Christian conviction!”

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith.

Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. (CCC # 2226)

“Having a closer intimacy with our Father by growing in our life of prayer!”

(Based on Acts 20:17-27 and Jn 17:1-11a – Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

The earthly life and ministry of Jesus is presented in the Bible mainly through the Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

Of these, Mathew, Mark and Luke are termed as the Synoptic Gospels (synoptic meaning ‘same view’) because they have a common view.

The Gospel of John reflects a Christian tradition that is different from that of the other Gospel.

It differs significantly from the synoptic gospels in theme, content, time duration, order of events, and style.

One important distinction that is seen between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John is that..
… while some events are very clearly and narratively described in the Synoptics
… the elements of the same are found in the Gospel of John, either figuratively or in more detail.

One such event is the Temptations.

The temptations of Jesus find a clear mention in the three Synoptic Gospels as a one-time event.
But the Gospel of John would present the same temptations, not as a one-time affair, but spread through the life and ministry of Jesus.

Another event we see is the Institution of the Holy Eucharist.

The narrative of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist finds a specific mention in all the three Synoptic Gospels, at the time of the Last Supper
The Gospel of John presents a very long teaching on the Holy Eucharist (Jn 6) and clearly presents the implications and consequences of being a Eucharist through the washing of the feet and His explicit commandment of love (Jn 12)

Another event or incident that finds a mention in two of the Synoptic Gospels is the Lord’s Prayer – the Our Father.

But it doesn’t appear as one-block of prayer in the Gospel of John.

However, the Gospel of John also presents a very extensive teaching and displays a method of prayer – especially in John Chapter 17.

The Gospel of the Day is this beautiful expression of Jesus praying in the Gospel of John and presents to us elements which need to become part of our own prayer life.

The Seventeenth Chapter of the Gospel of John is traditionally called as the High Priestly prayer of Jesus.

The Gospel passage of the day (Jn 17: 1-11) presents a few basics and essentials of prayer:

1. Jesus prays for the glory of the Divine

Every prayer ought to be an expression of praise, worship and exaltation of the Holy Name of God.

Jesus prayed, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to Your Son, so that your Son may glorify You!” (Jn 17:1)

The lips of the Lord moved in praise of His Father and seeking the glory that was due to Him.

Is my prayer an expression of my desire to ‘lift up the name of the Lord on high?”
… or does my prayer degenerate into merely asking for things and wanting to focus the attention on me, than the Divine?

2. Jesus prays for the gift of eternal life for His people

Every prayer ought to have its intention aimed towards eternity!

Jesus prayed, “… just as You gave Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all You gave Him” (Jn 17:2)

The purpose of the Lord was clearly focussed on eternal goodness and everlasting benefits.

Is my prayer an articulation of my longing for heaven and centred towards seeking the higher-things of life?
… or do I get limited in my prayer with merely earthly and transitory things of life; not that they are unimportant, but whether they snatch away our minds from the true needs and requirements of life?

3. Jesus prays with an expression of His intimacy with God and His People

Every prayer ought to be a manifestation of my unity with the Lord and the people to whom I am connected.

Jesus prayed, “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you and you gave them to me… ” (Jn 17: 6)

The prayer of the Lord showed that He was in intimacy with the Father and was in close union with the people in His life

Is my prayer a sign of my close friendship with the Lord as well my close binding with the many people in my life?
… or am I failing in my prayer due to a breakage of relation with the Lord due to sin, and suffering from disturbance of mind due to damaged and hateful links with the people in my life?

4. Jesus prays for the unity of the people and safety from the evil

Every prayer ought to make me closer to the Lord and His people and cause to me stay further away from the evil.

Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one” (Jn 17: 11b)

The heart of the Lord moved to seek to protect the people He loved and also grow in greater intimacy

Is my prayer constantly drawing me to purge away sins from my life, so that I can remain in His name, and also make me assist His people in service?
… or does my prayer life make no effect on me to stay away from the evil and fail to be expressed in loving actions of charity and help?

The Lord desires that just as He prayed, in close intimacy with His Father, we too may grow in our life of prayer and union with the Heavenly Father.

It’s this intimacy that will make us to offer our lives in total service to the Lord – not counting costs, or losing one’s comforts – just like St Paul who testified at Ephesus:

“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what shall befall me there; except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus…
… to testify to the gospel of the grace of God!” (Acts 20:22-24)

Let us seek the intercession St Charles Lwanga and his companions – the 22 Ugandan Martyrs – who offered their life for the Kingdom.

May the remarkable words of St Charles Lwanga, as he was being burnt to death: “It is as if you are pouring water on me. Please repent and become a Christian like me!”
… inspire us to also face all the struggles in Christian Life and to remain bold and faithful to the Lord and His Kingdom!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years.

This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. (CCC # 2226)

“Responding joyfully and optimistically to ‘the advertisement of adversity’ offered by Jesus!”

(Based on Acts 19:1-8 and Jn 16:29-33 – Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

Early in the 20th century, a London newspaper carried an advertisement that read: “Men wanted for hazardous darkness, and constant danger.

Safe return doubtful.
Honour and recognition in case of success!”

This advertisement was from Sir Ernest Shackleton – the world famous Arctic explorer.

Commenting on this, Warren W. Wiersbe in his book, “Be Faithful” commented –
“If JESUS CHRIST had advertised for workers, the announcement might have read something like this:
Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church.

You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you.
You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy.

You may not see the results of your labour…
… and your full reward will not come till after all your work is completed.
It may cost you your home, your ambitions, even your life!”

Are you ready to accept this Advertisement of Jesus to work for His Kingdom?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus encouraging and motivating His disciples to be firm and strong, even in the midst of any sort of persecution or problems.

Jesus tells, “In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33)

The Lord in His final discourses to the disciples constantly gives the message of Hope and Encouragement.

Jesus is a not a leader who shies away from presenting the truth…
… or Who hides the real facts of following Him.

He plainly tells them that His going away from the world will result in a number of persecutions.

He predicts that His chosen ones would desert Him in His time of agony and suffering: “Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to His own home and you will leave me alone.” (Jn 16: 32)

Yet, He assures His followers, that He will still remain with them and strengthen them.

He is bold to tell them, “… Take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16: 33b)

Our life is also beset with many problems, afflictions and difficulties.

Sometimes, we do ask ourselves, “Why do I face so many problems?”
Sometimes, we do feel, “Why such immense pains in our life?”
Sometimes, we do question, “Why is life so unfair to me?”

But the Lord tells us, that we ought not to get discouraged or disheartened.

We need to realize, that such hardships and problems, keep us oriented towards seeking the help of God.

When difficulties creep in life, our face is set more towards the Lord.
… but when life goes on too smoothly, there are chances that tend to relax our relation with Him

When problems surface and surmount, our minds are attuned more towards seeking the Lord
… but when life is too cozy and comfortable, there are possibilities of being too casual in prayer life

When hardships bite us hard, our hearts long deeper for the presence and providence of God
… but when life goes on a smooth sailing, there are prospects that we tend to forget the important role of the Lord in life

Along with this, hardships and sufferings also have a Salvific Value!

Every pain and difficulty we undergo, is to be united with the Suffering of Christ…
… and Christ redeems all of them!

In turn, we are blessed to be partakers with Christ’s Mission…
… and strength and hope, to realise, that God in His Providence, always does the best for us, when we remain faithful to Him!

Yes, strength of any kind grows only by exertion!

St Paul is a beautiful example of a person who never got discouraged by the troubles of life.

After having prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit on the believers at Ephesus, who had never even heard about the Holy Spirit… (Acts 19:1-7)
… St Paul went on to preach and boldly proclaim about the Kingdom, in the synagogues: “And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8)

Let us not get discouraged by the problems of life…
… instead, consider them as golden opportunities and graces to grow much deeper and stronger in the Love of the Lord!

JESUS invites workers for His Kingdom.
We will have struggles.
We will face misunderstandings

But when we remain faithful, Jesus Himself, is our reward!

Are you ready to respond joyfully and optimistically to this “the advertisement of adversity?”

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents should associate children from their tenderest years with the life of the Church.
A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith…

… and remain a support for it throughout one’s life. (CCC # 2225)

“Called forth to ‘be the shining lamp, that lights up God’s House!'”

(Based on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord)

In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to his townspeople.

Finally, he decided to build a church for a legacy.

The complete plans for the church were kept secret until its completion.

When the people gathered, they marvelled at the church’s beauty and its completeness.

Following many comments of praise, an astute observer inquired,
“But where are the lamps? How will the church be lighted?”

Without answer, the nobleman pointed to some brackets in the wall; he then gave to each family a lamp to be carried to the prayer service and hung on the wall.

“Each time you are here, the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman explained.
“Each time you are not here, that area will be dark. Whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God’s house will be dark!”

The faithfulness of the people in coming for prayer would determine the intensity of light, in their particular spot in the Church.

As followers of Christ, all are called to be the “light of the world”…
… and all are expected to live in faithfulness and loyalty to the Kingdom – for the Glory of God!

Ascension Sunday is a beautiful day to renew our commitment to Jesus, the One Who has called and chosen us (Cf. Jn 15:16)…
… as He calls us to leave behind “legacies of light” and be His witnesses.

The Solemnity of the Ascension proclaims the day when Jesus ascended to the heavens, as a culmination of the glory of the Resurrection

We are also reminded today of the Mission mandate of preaching His Good News to everyone!

The Ascension of Jesus completes the Resurrection.

The Resurrection is victory over death.
The Ascension lifts humanity to heaven.

Acts 1:10-11 says, “And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?’”

While it is quite natural for us to seek Jesus, who apparently “has gone far away from us,” the reality is that Jesus is now closer to us – closer than we can ever imagine!

It is as if they are saying to us, “Don’t misunderstand this moment. Don’t deny yourselves the gift that is being given you.”

The Ascension of the Lord is not about His absence but about His Presence.

It is not about His leaving but about His Presence that is assured and promised to all of us
It is not about a location but about a relationship.

This Feast is the beautiful invitation to every Christian on the way to live – to look upward

To transcend the needs of this world, and to have our highest priorities on God.
To go beyond the pilgrim journey of this earth, and prepare meaningfully for eternity.

Before His Ascension, as we read in the Gospel of St Luke, Jesus pronounces two important declarations:

1. “You are witnesses of these things” (Lk 24:48)
2. “I am sending upon you what My Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with Power from on high.” (Lk 24:49)

These two declarations of the Lord was a call to constantly…
… ‘relive’ their experiences, as witnesses, with the Lord – and to know He is with them always
… ‘realise’ that they would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life

It’s these two declarations that ought to become the motivation and strength for every disciple of Christ to evangelise the world…

1. My God is with me always, and I have nothing to be afraid of!
2. My God is all-knowing and all-powerful and He will protect me always!

We are assured that “great things happen, when God mixes with us” as we are reminded:
… He is “WITH YOU ALWAYS” (abiding and protecting)
… He is the great “I AM” (sovereign and powerful)

(Let us, therefore, never forget these 5 beautiful words that the Lord tells to all of us, at all moments: “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!”)

St Paul reminds us, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God!” (Col 3:1)

Every moment, every hour and every day – Jesus tugs our hearts, and invites us to “look upward” and to have our focus on Him, Who was Crucified, but now is Risen and seated at God’s Right Hand!

The Psalmist states, “Blessed [are those]… in whose hearts are the highways to Zion!” (Ps 84:5)

We need to make an examination of our lives and make suitable changes for the good…

Is sin enslaving us? Let us ‘ascend’ with His Mercy – in holiness and purity of life!
Is regret and remorse discouraging us? Let us ‘ascend’ with His Healing – in joy and hope!
Is anger and jealousy pulling us down? Let us ‘ascend’ with His Grace – in gentleness and gratitude!

As we give heed to the Great Commission of Jesus – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Cf. Mt 28:19) – to become fruitful evangelizers in the world, the words of St Teresa of Avila are a great inspiration:
“Christ has no body but yours!

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this
world.
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.”

Each one of us is called forth to “be the shining lamp, that lights up God’s House!”

It is our faithfulness to God that would determine the intensity of this light
As followers of Christ, let us live in faithfulness and loyalty to the Kingdom – for the Glory of God!

Happy Feast of the Ascension!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith…
… of which they are the “first heralds” for their children.

They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. (CCC # 2225)

“Making our life ‘a beautiful Magnificat’- like our Blessed Mamma Mary – and reaching out to others with ‘loving visitations!'”

(Based on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

An elderly sacristan who had served in a particular church was shifting from the city parish, back to his village.

On his farewell day, as many of the parishioners were expressing their gratefulness to him…
… one of them asked this advice: “You have been with all of us for so long.

What advice or observation would you like to leave with us?”

The elderly person, after a thoughtful pause replied: “Most people here wish to serve God…
… but in an ‘advisory capacity’ only!

I would wish we had more people ‘in service’ than just people ‘in advising!”

Service ought to be the autograph of every Christian!

Today, is the Feast of the Visitation of our Blessed Mother Mary…
… a beautiful incident of how Mother Mary became a person, who rendered Her life “in service” to God and others – and thus gave full bloom to the graces of God within Her!
… it is, in that sense, the First Gospel Mission!

This Feast of the Visitation of our Blessed Mother has its origin in the medieval times.

It was observed by the Franciscan Order before 1263, and soon its practice spread throughout the entire Church.
Previously it was celebrated on July 2….
… now it is celebrated on 31st May – between the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord ( Mar 25) and the Birth of St. John the Baptist (Jun 24) , in conformity with the Gospel accounts.

One of the interesting term used by St Luke in his description of this incident (Lk 1:39-56) is the word “HASTE”.

St Luke says: “In those days, Mary arose and went with HASTE…..” (Lk 1: 39) The Angel Gabriel had appeared to Mary and announced the Good News that She was to be the Mother of the "Son of the Most High" (Lk 1: 31)

Mary was “overshadowed by the Power of the Most High” (Lk 1: 35)
The Angel had also pointed to the mighty work that was done in the life of her cousin Elizabeth (Lk 1: 36)

The Annunciation became the turning point in the life of Mary!

She was no longer the same…
… The simple girl had been exalted and chosen to be the Mother of the Most High God!
… She would no longer be seeking to do her desires; She would seek to God’s Will at all times!
… Her life would no longer be carried by her plans; Her life would be impelled by what God wanted!

The Child in Her, would now make Her to be “always in haste!”
… In haste: to serve others
… In haste: to follow perfectly the Will of God
… In haste: to have Jesus as the centre of Her life

The Holy Spirit completely possessed the Virgin Daughter of Nazareth and impelled her to act.

The beautiful incident of the Visitation of Mother Mary teaches us this beautiful lesson:
When Christ grows inside of us, we will be in HASTE….
… to reach out to others in service
… to spare no efforts to get out of our own comfort zones of pleasure, relaxing and lethargy
… to forget one’s own needs and be totally other-centred and radiate joy and hope to others

Mother Mary becomes the “Woman on the move” – on a continual and constant journey:
… She would embark on an hard trip to Bethlehem, while pregnant (Lk 2:4)
… She would again move – after the birth of the Child – along with Joseph, and flee to Egypt (Mt 2:14)
… She would return back to Nazareth, under the instruction of the Angel of God (Mt 2:23)
… She would further travel to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast and there would go in search of Her Beloved Child, when He was lost (Lk 2:45)
.. She would be travelling with Jesus in His ministry – may not be physically, but Her Heart and Soul completely accompanying Her Son
… She would, finally, even accompany physically, with Her Innocent Child on the Way of the Cross (Jn 19: 25)

Mother Mary lived the words of the poem which centuries later would be formulated by another great Saint – St Francis of Assisi:
“It is in giving that we receive…

It is in dying that we are born to eternal life…”

The Feast of the Visitation is a reminder for us to examine some of the important aspects of our life…
… Am I a person allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me and take complete possession of me – my words, my thoughts, my actions?

… Am I a person, having Jesus in me, impelled to reach out to the other in service? As St Paul says: “The love of Christ impels me” (2 Cor 5:14)

… Am I a person, who is daring to be a “person on the move” – moving out of my safe comfortable zones, moving out of conditioned and prejudiced mindsets, moving out to make my life of praise and honour to God?

St Ambrose says: “Delayed efforts are foreign to the grace of the Holy Spirit”

Charity is never idle!

Charity is always on the move …
… Sensitive to the needy
… Seeking to do good

May the graces of God in us, not get stagnant, or decayed or rusted …
… instead may they be extended in loving service to God and His people…

And thus our life be a beautiful Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord my God, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!”

It is not difficult to serve God in an advisory capacity!

But what is needed are more people ‘in service’ than just people ‘in advising!”

As we conclude the month of May, let’s be grateful to the Lord for all His blessings…
… especially the Gift of the Rosary

The Rosary is truly “a chain of visits from heaven!”

Let us not say, “I ‘may’ say the Rosary in the coming days”
… instead with love in our hearts, say, “I ‘will’ pray the Rosary everyday!”

Happy Feast of the Visitation of our Blessed Mother Mary – the Mother Who moves us, constantly…towards Jesus!

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. (CCC # 2225)

“Realising that pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

(Based on Acts 18:9-18 and Jn 16:20-23 – Friday of the 6th Week in Easter)

An elderly man was sharing his experiences to a group of youngsters.

Among the many things that he spoke, he also touched upon the topic of “pain and suffering”…
… and said: “My dear young people, I have gone through much pain in life

And these painful experiences – though hard initially – became sources of great blessing and grace, when I realised their value, and signs of God’s wonderful Presence”

And he went on to add, “Remember always…
God whispers to us in our pleasures
… speaks in our consciences
… but shouts in our pains.

Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world!”

Yes, pain is to be understood as vital for the promotion, perseverance and progress of anyone wanting to lead a life…
… in deeper and closer union with the Lord!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus declaring the reality of the presence of pain, suffering and sorrows in spiritual life…
… and yet those factors being pathways and passages to experience deep joy and bliss!

Not negating the actuality of the difficult side of life, Jesus also mightily displays the large canvas of life which is enveloped in the light of happiness…
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16: 20)

Jesus was making His Apostles aware of the realities of His passion and death.

He had came into the world to die!

Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

To the delicate and fragile minds of the Apostles, the Lord gives a very practical analogy: the pains and the bliss of motherhood…
“When a woman is in labour, she is in anguish, because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child…
… she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (Jn 16: 21)

This analogy of the Lord sheds light and hope for our sufferings and pains in life too.

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

To others, this pain, though not experienced, can be vaguely understood as being a very painful experience.

The pain is too excruciating…

Jesus says that the hardships, sufferings and trials that we undergo in life are such.

But the moment, the child is delivered and the mother sees the innocent face of her tender babe, the whole scenario of emotions changes…

The excruciating pain is replaced by a thrilling excitement and exhilaration!
The nerve-wracking ache is replaced by a heavenly joy and happiness!

And Jesus says that, such will be our joy too, if we are also faithful and loyal to the Lord, in pains and sufferings!

This is indeed a higher spirituality…
… a higher level of holiness

To cherish joy, even in the midst of pain
To radiate happiness, even in the thick of sorrows.

It is to this elevated floor of sanctity that the Lord invites us.

He is with us to hold our hands to climb up to this floor.
He is wanting to embrace us in love, as He beckons us to come nearer to Him.

We hear the Lord assuring St Paul, even amid much pain and persecution:
“Do not be afraid.

Go on speaking, and do not be silent…
… for I am with you.” (Acts 18:9)

When life stings us with pain…
When problems beset us into agony…
… With hope, trust, faith and strength,

Let us realise: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

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 Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and communal responsibilities.

Parents should teach children to avoid the compromising and degrading influences which threaten human societies. (CCC # 2224)