“Daring to move out of the ‘zone of limitation’ and knowing that God is always with us – caring, loving and providing!”

(Based on Gen 3:9-24 and Mk 8:1-10 – Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Two Christian friends were talking about their life experiences.

One of them said: “It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

“Well”, said the other, ” if you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!
>> And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”


That’s quite a point, isn’t it?

We find our Christian Faith often on an easy course, when things go on well.
>> But when difficulties come our way, our “trust” level is questioned.

It is in these “questionable moments of trust” that we tend to enter into a “zone of limitation”
>> We tend to think in a limited and restricted manner.
>> We tend to limit ourselves to our inadequacies and narrowness.


But God loves to challenge us to move beyond such boundaries and borders!

Yes, human beings tend to think in a limited fashion, but God loves to expand our possibilities.
>> Human beings tend to get bogged down by boundaries, but God loves to throw open our horizons.


The Gospel of the day is a clear illustration of this expansion of human horizons and possibilities, through the miracle of the feeding of loaves…
… and thus trusting Him deeper!


Jesus is with His disciples and huge crowd.
>> They are once again in a situation of having a want of feeding this huge multitude.


It’s interesting to highlight the patterns in the attitudes of Jesus and the disciples.

Jesus sees the hungry crowd and His heart moved in compassion…
>> The disciples saw the hungry crowd and probably their minds were moved in tension!

Jesus expresses His concern and care to feed the hungry crowd…
>> The disciples express their frustration and urgency to send the crowd away at the earliest!

Jesus foresaw the possibility of immense fulfilment and satisfaction in the deserted area…
>> The disciples got stuck with seeing only barrenness and emptiness in the deserted area!

Jesus moved in action, to enquire about the possibilities of feeding the people…
>> The disciples groaned in inaction at the plight of having to feed the people!


The disciples concluded impossibility by their mathematical calculations…
>> Jesus concluded possibility by His Divine calculations!

The disciples saw only the desert…
>> Jesus looked beyond – to find an oasis in the desert!


How often are we too like the disciples…
… limited in our thinking
… restricted by our inabilities
… stuck by our mental calculations

But Jesus invites us, like He did to His disciples – to look beyond…
… to look at Him who can shatter every obstacle and barrier!
… to look to Him who can expand every horizon and possibility!
… to look to Him who can turn deserts into pools and hills into highways!


Yes, we will have moments in our life which makes us to complain:
“It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

But we are reminded by the Gospel of the Day:
“If you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!
>> And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”


Let us dare to move out of the “zone of limitation” and trust the Lord…
… knowing He is always with us – caring, loving and providing!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Ten Commandments  – The Second Commandment
>> Oaths which misuse God’s Name, though without the intention of blasphemy, show lack of respect for the Lord.
>> The second commandment also forbids magical use of the Divine Name. (CCC # 2149)
—————————–

“Building our lives into a beautiful edifice of His Love and Mercy!”

(Based on Gen 3:1-8 and Mk 7:31-37 – Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A group of people were standing outside a very large and ornate Cathedral…
… admiring and marvelling at the fine craftsmanship
… the detail work
… the care and the love that seemed evident in building such a fine place to worship a loving God.

One of the men turned to the other in the group and asked:
“Why can’t we build so today?

Why can’t we build with such pride, such craftsmanship today?
After all, we now have better technology than back then!”

The other man gazing at the glorious edifice, replied: “Well…

They had convictions; we, mostly, only opinions!
They had passion; we, mostly, only fashion!”

How is our life of faith?

Enthusiastic… with convictions and passions?
Or monotonous… with only opinions and fashions?

The Gospel of the day presents the fruits of a convinced and passionate follower of Christ…
… with an invitation, to allow the Lord to open our hearts and lives to His Saving Love!

Jesus is back to the district of the Decapolis.

It was in this region that Jesus had healed the man who was possessed by a legion of demons (Mk 5: 1-20)

When Jesus had performed the miracle then, the people had requested Him to leave the place.
“Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their district” (Mk 5:17)

But today’s Gospel gives a contrasting picture of this people who had opposed Jesus.

The Gospel says that the people of this area, were begging Jesus to lay His hands on the deaf and dumb person! (Mk 7:32)

What had caused this dramatic change?

The people who were begging Jesus to leave their place…
… were now begging Jesus to perform a miracle!

Probably, the great witness of the man who was delivered from the legion of demons had caused about this transformation!

We hear at the end of that incident…
“And as he was getting into the boat, the man… begged Jesus that he might be with Him.

But He refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.’

And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marvelled!” (Mk 5:18-20)

Yes, when the Good News becomes a personal experience and a transformative healing encounter…
.. one is filled with a “passionate zeal” to reach it to others!

As it is said, “a spark can become a flame; a flame a fire”
… the spark of the experience of the Lord’s Power became a fire in his heart, to bring God’s Healing to many!”

This missionary endeavor of the man…
… led the people of the area to reach out to Jesus
… resulting in the healing of another man – a deaf and dumb person

Jesus in healing this deaf and dumb person, has a very peculiar style of going about.

He takes the person away from the crowd, put His fingers into the man’s ears, spitting, touched his tongue…
… lifted up His eyes to heaven, groaned and said “Ephphatha, Be Opened!” (Mk 7:33-34)

There is a very personal and intimate touch in this healing process!

It is interesting to note that in the book of Genesis, when God formed human beings…
… there was a very personal involvement from the part of God to create humans – the crown of creation.

“God formed man, out of the clay and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.” (Gen 2:7)

Jesus also does something similar in the healing of the deaf and dumb person….

He very personally involves Himself.
He uses His own touch to heal and recreate the person!

Jesus is the Lord of the New Creation!

God created the world good.

Human beings spoiled it through sin.

But Jesus restores and renews the goodness!

Our ears maybe closed very often to the voice of the Spirit of the Lord

Our mouths maybe often mute to speak the power of the Lord to others.

But the Lord is ready to touch us… and renew and recreate us.

Are we ready to receive this renewing and recreating touch from the Lord?
“Ephphatha… Be Opened!”

This “Ephphatha experience” ought to help us to also reach out His care, mercy and love to many people!

The Lord wishes that we build our lives into a beautiful edifice of His Love and Mercy

But this requires us to move from opinions to convictions in faith!
It requires us to journey from mere fashions to passions in life!

14th February is popularly celebrated as Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, a day when a there is a “sudden” wave of expression of love and care and affections to the ones whom we love.

When taken in the right spirit, it becomes a day…
… of “specially” recognizing the worth of the one(s) we love, and expressing our love and affection

But our modern society unfortunately and tragically, sometimes tends to “rob” this day to be celebrated in meaningfully

External affections are unduly given greater importance, forgetting the prime duties – of commitment and faithfulness – involved with love
Advertisers and commercialists rake in massive profits with a number of external objects portraying “love”

As a Christian, Feb 14…
… is a day for us to remind ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
… is a day for us to revive our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
… is a day for us to rediscover the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Jesus, the True Lover holds our hand, and with deep love and affection, asks us:
“Will you be My valentine forever?”

Let’s not blush… let’s not be shy…

Instead, let us, with deep faith and true commitment, pledge forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

St. James condemns those “who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called.”

The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ’s Church, the saints, and sacred things. (CCC # 2148)

“Finding help in God by hungering for God, humbling before God and hoping in God!”

(Based on Gen 2:18-25 and Mk 7:24-30 – Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A youngster was reading the Gospel story found in Mk 7:24-30
… the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman who approaches Jesus for a healing
… and how the Lord seemed to totally discourage her, by saying: “…it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs”
… and how the woman responded: “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs”

After reading this Bible passage, the young man was pretty much disturbed and spoke to an elderly priest:
“I am so very much disturbed after reading this passage!

How can the Lord call someone as ‘dog?’
It sounds so discouraging and disheartening!”

To that the priest, with an assuring and calm tone replied:
“I understand, son, regarding the apparent confusion on the usage of that word.

Without going into any scholarly explanation…
… I want you to understand this passage with the help of 4 simple words: ‘Hunger… Humble… Hope… Help’”

The young person thought for a while, and replied with relief:
“Yes, that’s so true Father.

Many times, I get so disturbed by Bible passages that I don’t understand…
… instead of living my life, in accordance with what I do understand!

Thank you for teaching me today…
… to HUNGER for God
… to HUMBLE before God
… to HOPE in God
… and thus to find HELP in God!”

Yes, the confusion in the mind of the young man could well be our own…
… as we reflect today on this very powerful Gospel passage of the day.

This Gospel presents the exceedingly deep and determined faith of the woman – who had many reasons to play the blame-game…
… but triumphed in making a deep impression on Jesus, the Lord and Healer!

The woman could consider many reasons to blame…
… Being a woman: She was given a very low status in the Jewish society
… Being a Greek: She was treated as pagans by the Jews, and thus inferior
… Being a Syro-Phoencian: She, being of a mixed race – half Syrian and half Phoenician – had her crisis of cultural and linguistic identity.
… Having a daughter who was possessed with an unclean spirit: She, as a mother, had her deep emotional struggles of seeing the suffering and misery of her beloved child

And to top it all…
… Being called as a dog: She was apparently being discouraged by ‘God’ (Jesus) who called her ‘dog’

But the woman was in no way discouraged and dispirited, despite these ‘natural reasons and occasions to blame!’ (as would many of us!)
… She had a deep and determined faith!

As it is said, “this is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

She understood the meaning of the words of the Lord: “… it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mk 7:27)

In fact, the addressing of Jesus as a “dog” would have come as no surprise to the Canaanite woman.

It was a reminder of the sharp distinction that existed, historically, between the Blessed Israelites and the Cursed Canaanites.

The Jews ‘were’ considered as the ‘children: and the Canaanites (Gentiles) ‘were’ considered as ‘dogs!’

And in every house, the children get fed first… not the dogs!

But, the woman of faith noticed that Jesus had used the word “kunarios” – the word for household pets (puppies)…

She recognised that He had not used the word “kuon” – the word for other ordinary bigger dogs…

And so the figurative tone set forth by Jesus, found its amazing reply in the words of the Canaanite woman, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs” (Mk 7:28)

Here was a glorious acknowledgement by the woman…
“Yes, I am a Canaanite, and considered to be a dog.

I do acknowledge that Israelites have a special privilege in the order of God’s grace.
But we too, deserve the Grace of God that is due to all people, in general!

I demand not the privileged bread that is reserved to the mighty….

But, as a household pet dog (a puppy), just the crumbs of Your grace will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!”

That was indeed, an amazing reply of a deep and determined faith!

Yes, life often gives us many many reasons to play the blame-game
… and we can live being depressed, discouraged and dispirited!

But if we nurture a deep and determined faith…
… we can surely live with much joy and peace, totally depending on Jesus, our Lord and Healer!

Let us…
… HUNGER for God
… HUMBLE before God
… HOPE in God

And thus always find HELP in God!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

Blasphemy consists in uttering against God – inwardly or outwardly – words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one’s speech; in misusing God’s Name. (CCC # 2148)

“Being willing to have a nice dip in the ‘hot waters of correction,’ to emerge clean!”

(Based on Gen 2:4b-9, 15-17 and Mk 7:14-23 – Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“Mamma,” said the child, feeling quite disturbed, “I feel very upset today, because my teacher corrected me!”

The mother – who was washing dishes – looked at the child, who was feeling quite low because of the correction…
… and told him, “Look at what I am doing…”

The child looked at the mother, washing the dishes

Pointing to a set of vessels that had been left unwashed overnight – she said:
“Look at these vessels

It is very hard to scrub these – because the dirt is stuck for a long time

So the easy method, is…
… to dip them in hot water
… keep it soaked for sometime
… and then wash!”

Then taking the child close to her, she said, “That’s how it is in life as well!

Sometimes when we are stuck with things that are not good…
We need a nice dip in the “hot waters of correction”
… remain soaked in the “feel of contrition”

So that we can “emerge clean!”

Always remain, therefore, open to corrections!”

Are we persons who remain open to corrections…
… so that feeling contrite, we can emerge clean?

The Gospel of the Day is a strong act of Jesus reminding the Scribes and Pharisees to undergo the process of “being washed”…
… and to be “scrubbed off” the long stuck dirt of duplicity and hypocrisy.

The Gospel begins with the statement, “Jesus called to Him the people and said to them…” (Mk 7:14)

Jesus calls together the multitude to Himself to speak something…

Jesus brings aside the people to Himself to address to them something…

The background to this action of Jesus, is the context of the unfair remarks of the Pharisees and Scribes about Jesus and His disciples, in Mk 7:1-14.

The scribes and the Pharisees had objected that Jesus’ disciples failed to keep up the tradition of the Elders to have the ritual washing before eating.

This exercise of ritual washing was more a ceremonial one.

They attached greater importance to external cleanliness over internal purity.
They accorded higher priority to hygiene outside than to transparency within.

They would not bother, hearts being corrupted, but they would not tolerate dirty hands!

They would despise unwashed hands, but they would bypass filthy hearts!

But Jesus is in prime opposition to all such deceitful and corrupt human practices.

He flays the Scribes and Pharisees for their misplaced priorities.
He slams the Scribes and Pharisees for their misleading interpretation of purity.

And so, Jesus summoned the crowd and explained what is the meaning of real cleanliness and purity:
“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile” (Mk 7: 16)

Indeed, a remarkable statement from Jesus, the Purest and the Holiest One!

It is not just our hands alone that matter; it is our hearts that matter most!

It is not just our medical hygiene that counts; it is our lives that needs consideration the most!

The Pharisees and the Scribes for a long time, had enforced importance only to external purity and outside cleanliness.

Their authority was to used to stamp the importance of rituals and traditions, which were meant to…
… only emphasise bodily cleaning, but avoiding transparency in life
… only highlight cleansing of external parts, but overlooking sanctity of heart and mind

But, Jesus comes in great opposition and places things in the right perspective.

He reminds them of the “need for correction!”

Perhaps, we are also in “need of a correction”…
… let us therefore make a self-introspection:

I may be appearing to be clean outside…
… but is my heart pure and holy?

I may be appearing to be an angel to the world…
… but am I a barn of devilish actions within?

I may be appearing to be very good to all…
… but am I full of anger, jealousy and greed inside?

I may be appearing to be successful…
… but am I decaying interiorly with unchastity and deceit?

Is it not time to cleanse my heart and life, which is perhaps…
… defiled with sin?
… impure with unhealthy thoughts?
… and sullied with evil intentions?

Yes… Sometimes when we are stuck with things that are not good…

We need a nice dip in the “hot waters of correction”
… remain soaked in the “feel of contrition”

So that we can be be “washed clean!”

We may feel sad for sometime…
… upset for a few moments

But let us always remain open to corrections…
… and co-operate with the Lord in “being washed” of every bit of corruption and malice from our hearts!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due God and his holy name.

It is in itself a grave sin. (CCC # 2148)

“Having joyful countenances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!”

(Based on Gen 1:20-2:4a and Mk 7:1-13 – Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

An elderly lady was known to always have a very pleasant countenance.

Anyone, who came in contact with her, would experience a sense of positivity.

They had never heard her criticizing or finding faults with people.

She was once asked by some of her neighbouring children on the secret of her joy.

She replied:
“I have always believed in avoiding to talk negative about people.

We need to be always good with the good.
But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because…
… we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging and criticising”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus focussing His teaching on this very crucial topic: Of judging others and of pinpointing the mistakes of others…
… without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

The Gospel reading describes a group of Pharisees who criticize the disciples of Jesus for not following the “external traditions” and rituals.

They pinpointed the mistakes of the disciples…
… and exalted themselves

Jesus however reminds the Pharisees of an important aspect: Before judging and criticizing others…
… one ought to first examine one’s own behaviour and actions

Jesus reminded them that “true devotion consists not of mere external purity and rituals…
… rather is a way of life, with consistent and committed focus on the Spirit of laws, rules and regulations.

With this fundamental principle in mind, Jesus teaches us to avoid the tendency to “rashly judge and criticize others”

The Lord reminds us that our judging…
… should not be rash
… should not a final opinion on a person or situation
… should not be a means to putting down other persons
… should not be an unfair ruling on someone’s external behaviours

Maybe a simple list could help us check our areas of “judging”

Do I…
… enlarge the negatives of others – their faults, mistakes and petty ways?
… come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?
… get involved unnecessarily in situations where I should not?
… gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?
… have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?
… become overly harsh and even ruthless, even when speaking the truth?
… add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?
… do away with an unkind comment by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”
… speak something critical and then try to cover it up?
… tend to be unkind and hurtful and then quickly change the subject, to impress the hurtful feeling?
… have pleasure in condemning others?
… recount the truth in order to hurt and not to help?
… put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgement”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

a. How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action – whether it is a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc…
b. How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action…

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

Many of us may have perhaps have a tendency to find the faults and failures of others.

Let us make a conscious and consistent effort to avoid negative talk about people.

Let us realise that “we need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because, we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

Concentrating more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations…
… let us, always have joyful countenances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!

Let us today seek the special intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, who on this day, Feb 11, 1858, began to appear to St Bernadette, a 14 year old girl.

Let us offer to the Lord, all our sicknesses, as well as people who need God’s Healing Touch, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes…
… and seek to imitate the Immaculate Life of our Blessed Mother in Her undivided focus in doing the Will of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

It is also blasphemous to make use of God’s name to cover up criminal practices…
… to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death.

The misuse of God’s Name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion. (CCC # 2148)

(Based on Gen 1:1-19 and Mk 6:53-56 – Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A pious religious traveller once found a precious stone…
… a precious jewel.

A short time later, this religious person met another traveller, who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions.

When the pious man opened his bag, the traveller saw the precious stone and, without much thought asked him if he could have it.

To his surprise, the man gave the traveller the stone.

The traveller departed quickly, overjoyed with his new possession.

However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the religious person.

He returned the stone to him and made a request:
“I request you to kindly give me something more valuable…
… more precious than this stone.

Please give me THAT which enabled you to give me this precious stone!”

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

What is needed in life, is not an external show…
… but rather, an internal glow!

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow.”

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…
“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name ” Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.

This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

“One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country…
… for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

It is said, that the fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land…
… there were still many who were badly ailing!
However fruitful the land…
… there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!

Yes…
… All that glitters is not gold

Indeed, we need to understand…
… a book should never be judged by its cover
… the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…
… yet they had to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

They had their resources…
… yet they had to run to seek Jesus, the source of all supplies!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret…

Rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally etc
Fertile in many aspects – having great visions and plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc
Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…
… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord
… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord
… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

Though their land had plenty…
… they did not fail to humble themselves…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord…
… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?
Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…
… in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…
… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!
… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

May our lives…
… truly reflect the ‘Paradise of God’s Reign!’
… be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

St. James condemns those “who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called.”

The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ’s Church, the saints, and sacred things. (CCC # 2148)

“Letting go of our fears and pride to “fully trust” in the mighty power of God’s Providence, and experience His Awesome and Amazing Care for us!”

(Based on Isa 6:1-2a, 3-8, 1 Cor 15:1-11 and Lk 5:1-11 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

The town of Feldkirch, Austria in 1799 was faced with the prospects of being attacked by the armies of Napoleon.

It was an Easter Day and the sun shone brightly, letting the soldiers of the enemy being spotted.

The Town Council was called together, in haste, to consult what had to be done.
It was a situation of tension.
It was a time of immense distress.

After a long period of discussion, the dean of the Church made a proclamation:
“My brothers it is Easter Day!

We have been reckoning our own strength, and that fails.

Let us turn to God.
Ring the bells and have service as usual, and leave the matter in God’s hands!

It was a hard and (humanly speaking) a risky decision, but they agreed to do as he said.

Thus from the Church towers of Feldkirch, rang the boisterous and joyous peals of the bells…
… in honour of the Resurrection of the Lord.

The streets began to be filled with worshippers, hastening to the Church.

The enemy army, on hearing the sudden ringing of the bells, were taken aback with surprise and shock.

They came to a conclusion that the Austrian Army had arrived in order to relieve the place.
So they fled hastily!

The town of Feldkirch were saved from the possibilities of destruction and ruin!

Divine Providence had rescued a tiny town, who placed their trust in Him, from the deathly clutches of a mighty army!

Is my life of faith, characterized by a “Deep Trust in Divine Providence?”

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of the marvels that can be witnessed when one place’s one’s complete trust in the Lord…
… and surrenders one’s life – in action and deeds – to the Providence of the Lord.

Our Blessed Lord is fully into His ministry of preaching and proclaiming God’s Word (Lk 5:1)

The Word was transforming people…
… and in sometime, a wonderful transformation was to happen to a person
… who would become a close follower of the Transforming Lord!

The crowds were thronging together, to hear the words of Jesus.

But, “standing by the lake, Jesus saw two boats by the lake” (Lk 5: 2)

The Gospel says that, “the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets” (Lk 5:2b)

This verse, though little and appears insignificant carries a mighty message: the message of the Power of God’s Providence.

The fishermen, as we would later read, were Simon and James and John and others.

They had toiled the whole night…
… caught no fish, and were now, dejectedly, washing their nets.

The boat was empty – bereft of any fish!

But Divine Providence had a mighty plan in this “barrenness”

The emptiness of the boat allowed our Blessed Lord to enter it, and make it His Pulpit for preaching God’s Word!

The vacancy in the boat prompted our Blessed Lord to enthrone it, and make it His platform for calling His First Disciples!

Had there been fish in the boat…
… in all probability, the fishermen would be in it, sorting and cleaning the fish..
… and would have left no space for the Blessed Lord to preach from it

Had there been a mighty catch that night…
… in all probability, the boat, filled with the fish, would not have been there
… and the vehicle of “catching fish” would have missed the chance to be a “podium for proclaiming God’s Word”

Is my life, at this point, empty and barren… like this boat?

Maybe it’s been a long time I have been watching and expecting – patiently and faithfully…
… for my boat to be filled.
Maybe it’s being a horrible wait – sometimes even leading to frustration and hopelessness…
… for my boat to be filled

But can I trust Divine Providence, in having a purposive plan for this “emptiness and barrenness?”

“My empty boat” could be God’s Providential Way of telling: Be ready for a transformation in your life!

Later on, Simon would be asked by our Lord to “put out into the deep and let the nets down for a catch” (Lk 5: 4)

It seemed illogical, pointless and hardly reasonable to Simon.

It seemed as a confronting questioning of Simon’s skills and abilities in his field of expertise

But Simon “let go” of his own prejudices, tiredness and (possible) humiliation…
… and trusted in the Mighty Providence of the One, who would be His Life and Master!

Fear says, “I can’t!”

Faith says, “At Your word, I will!”

And this Trust did not fail him!
The net was filled with fish…

His mind was filled with feelings of awe
His eyes were filled with tears of repentance
His heart was filled with the joy of surrendering

This is the beautiful story of how a competent fisherman who failed utterly in his field of competence…
… but is initiated into being a competent fisher of people, for the Kingdom of God!

Yes… in God’s service, inadequacy turns to invincible strength.

At God’s Word:

Unclean prophets spoke!
…. as we see Prophet Isaiah whose mouth would be touched and sanctified (Is 6:3-8)
Weary fishermen preached!
… as we see Simon Peter and his companions would become preachers of the Word (Lk 5:1-11)

As Christians, we do claim to be people of faith and belief.

But does this “faith” translate itself into real “trust?”

When hardships come in life…
… I may proclaim my faith with my lips

But do I “trust” Him to take me through?

When emptiness fills my life…
… I may perform external works of faith

But do I “trust” Him to utilize my barrenness, in the way He wants?

When toils of life yield no results…
… I may persist in saying that I have faith

But do I “trust” Him to grant me the fruits of labour, in His own time and in His own measure?

And if I really “trust” in the Lord…

I would be a person of joy, going about my works without anxieties and radiating serenity and calm…
… even when walking through the valleys of sufferings
… even when sinking in the deluge of pain
… even when surrounded by the clouds of uncertainty!

That’s why…

When God sends… go!
When God lifts… rise!

Let us “let go” of our own fears, apprehensions, preconceptions and pride
… leave all matters in God’s Hands
… and experience His awesome and amazing care for us!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment.

It consists in uttering against God — inwardly or outwardly – words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one’s speech; in misusing God’s Name. (CCC # 2148)

“Being filled with Wisdom, let us be a true shepherd according to the Heart of the Good Shepherd!”

(Based on Heb 13:15-17, 20-21 and Mk 6:30-34 – Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The French have a proverb, which states: “A good meal ought to begin with hunger.”

It is usually pretty hard to to enjoy a meal when one is not yet hungry.

But, when one is hungry…
… anything tastes good.

This hunger is of course, not only about physical hunger.

There are many other areas of life where we experience hunger…

Hunger for love
Hunger for being wanted
Hunger on emotional counts
Hunger of the spiritual order

These aspects of hunger…
… may never have a scientific statistic
… may never have flowcharts and pie diagrams to measure them

But these areas of hunger are a great reality and challenge, especially in our world today!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus who addresses not just “statistical” hunger but also such hunger of human needs which “may never get numerically counted”…
… with an invitation to always “hunger for God and to serve His people!”

“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His Heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mk 6:34)

The Apostles, who were sent on the mission (Mk 6: 7-13) had returned back and reported all that they had done (Mk 6:30)

They had driven out many demons…
They had anointed many with oil who were sick and cured them… (Mk 6:13)

They would have rejoiced greatly, but they were also physically tired.

They would have been satisfied with their works, but they did not have even the time to eat (Mk 6:31)

The Apostles had done many works, but Jesus sensed that they were tired…
… and hungry

And so the Good Shepherd invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest (Mk 6:31)

Like these Apostles, many times, this can be our case too…

We may be doing a lot of things…
… but are we still feeling spiritually tired?

We may be happy with what we are doing…
… but are we still hungry deep within?

The Good Shepherd invites us…
… to take some rest in Him
… to relax in His Holy Heart

As in the case of the Apostles, so is the case of the people…

The people had seen many miracles, but Jesus sensed that they were still not truly filled

And so the Good Shepherd, with a moved Heart, feels compassion on them (Mk 6:34)

Like these people, many times this can be our case too…

We may have witnessed God’s wonders…
… but are we still spiritually found wanting?

We may be glad to doing the minimum in our spiritual life…
… but are we still missing something?

The Good Shepherd encourages us…
… with His Divine Word
… by His Compassionate Love

There is indeed a great hunger in the world.

Saint Mother Teresa said: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty, than the person who has nothing to eat”

We may be hungering for love and acceptance…

Let us go to Jesus, the Supreme Lover of our lives

We may be dejected and depressed in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Ultimate Happiness of our lives

We may be feeling ‘unlucky and ill-fated’ in life…

Let us go to Jesus, the Absolute Destiny of our lives

In turn, we also meet people who go through such “hunger”…
… for love, for acceptance, for encouragement, for hope, for basics of life etc…

Does my heart move in loving compassion for them?

Can I be a Good Shepherd, like Jesus, to them?

We also seek the intercession of St Bakhita, whose feast we celebrate today.

This saint from Sudan – canonised in the year 2000 – is a powerful symbol of love and forgiveness.

She rose above “hungering” characters in her society and displayed the fruits of love and forgiveness.

Let us be filled with the Lord’s Wisdom…
… and be a true shepherd according to the Heart of the Good Shepherd!

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

Promises made to others in God’s name engage the divine honour, fidelity, truthfulness, and authority.
They must be respected in justice.
To be unfaithful to them is to misuse God’s Name…

… and in some way to make God out to be a liar. (CCC # 2147)

“Daring to be the voice that stands for, and upholds the Truth!”

(Based on Heb 13:1-8 and Mk 6:14-29 – Friday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A particular prime minister of a country – outspoken and audacious – heavily denounced the policies and atrocities of his predecessor, who was a dictator.

Once during a public meeting, as he censured the former dictator with stringent words…
… he was interrupted by a shout from a heckler in the audience:
“You were one of the colleagues of the former dictator, isn’t it?

Why didn’t you stop him then?”

“WHO SAID THAT?” roared the prime minister!

This thundering question bellowed and boomed…
… causing an agonizing and fearful silence to prevail among the audience.!

No body dared to move a muscle!

There was complete hush among them all

After a few moments of silence…
… the premier softly replied: “Now you know why!”
“I was afraid to have my voice heard… so that I could be safe!”

The prime minister confessed his fear in “being a voice that was heard” so that he could shield his life…
… and thus ‘played safe!’

The Gospel of the Day is however, in stark contrast to this trend – with the presentation of the Bold and Courageous Voice of St John the Baptist…
… who “made his voice heard” – in standing and upholding the truth
… and who had to offer his life as a martyr for the Truth!

The Gospel presents before the Brutal Beheading of the Voice – St John the Baptist!
The voice was powerful.
The voice was a hope to many.
The voice, however, also disturbed a few… disturbed even to the point of revenge and vengeance.

And……slit…..! The voice was silenced!!

The Beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most brutal and visually-powerful incident in the entire Gospel.

John the Baptist was a Prophet.

And a True Prophet is a truth-teller!

As we read in today’s Gospel, this True Prophet, John, was the whistle-blower in crying “foul” over the illegitimate relationship between Kind Herod and his brother’s wife, Herodias.

Herodias hated John the Baptist.

Herodias hated him because he told the truth and she didn’t like the truth.

Herodias was determined to twist the truth into a lie and the lie into a truth.
Herodias, at her earliest opportunity, would seek to direct her revenge upon the truth teller!
Herodias wanted to get rid of that “crazy man” who was determined to put a moral mirror in front of her face.

Herodias, wanted this Voice to be silent!!

To silence the true voices of the society, is the bane of any generation….

How many voices-of-correction by the parents, is put to silence by disobedient children….

How many voices-of-moral lives by the Church, is put to silence, by modernists and liberalists…

How many voices-of-peace by innocent people, is put to silence, by fanatics and fundamentalists…

How many voices-of-indiscrimination by the citizens, is put to silence, by a negligent government…

How many voices-of-repentance by a spouse, is put to silence by a drunkard or an irresponsible partner…

How many a voices-of-holiness by the Lord, is put to silence, by superfluous spiritualities and comfy theologies..

The Voice of Truth cries…
… but how many of us, seek to silence it!

Yes, the lives of Conscience-movers and truth-tellers are always at a risk.

And this risk can even lead one to be a misfit in the society…
… to be “different from others”
… to even risk one’s life!

St John the Baptist had the courage to be the truth-teller and risk his life, even to be a martyr.

What are the characteristics of a True Martyr?

Martyrs get killed not just for their convictions…
… but for EXPRESSING their convictions:

‘Play Safe’ is an ad-tag in which many Christians find refuge.
“Keep your mouth shut”…
“Don’t offend people around us”…
“It is better to be silent than sorry”…

These are some of the common phrases which we Christians adopt, in moments of injustice, corruption, inequality & unfairness!

But true Martyrs EXPRESSED and ARTICULATED and DISPLAYED and UTTERED their faith!….

Yes, they WITNESSED their FAITH as a true MARTYR!

A true Martyr is a bold Witness!

St John the Baptist was not silent…
… he expressed and articulated the mistakes – and he was martyred!

Martyrs don’t get swayed by popular opinions and cheap popularity

A true martyr is not one who checks the pulse of public opinion and makes a statement to please and satisfy people.

He has the guts…
… to go against an oppressive and discrimination culture
… to voice out against an unjust and demeaning authority
… to stand firm in the midst of rippled spiritualities and patterns!

St John the Baptist was unfazed and unmoved before the Royal immoral powers…
… and he was martyred!

Martyrs are willing and prepared to lay down their lives.
Martyrs are not sadists or escapists…
… who want to die for some pleasure / even to run away from the grinds of life!

Rather, they are people who are wholly prepared and enthusiastically willing to die, for the sake of their convictions!
They are passionate and intensely in love with their faith and their convictions!

St John the Baptist knew that he was walking precariously on the rope of risks…
… and he was always ready for it!

Today, on this First Friday of the Month, You and I…. are invited to be a voice…
… in a voiceless
… in a voice-oppressed
… in a voice-drowned
… in a voice-killed…world!

St John the Baptist dared to be that VOICE – “I am the voice…!” (Jn 1:23)

Shall we too dare?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRITS – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

The second commandment forbids the abuse of God’s name
i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ…

… but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints. (CCC # 2146)

“Entrusting ourselves totally to the Lord and allowing even our flaws to bloom and bless others!”

(Based on Heb 12:18-19, 21-24 and Mk 6:7-13 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…
… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.

While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk…
… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:

“I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load.

Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:

“Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:

“Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.

I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.

Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”

As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission

This requires that we be just the way we are…
… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…
… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.

The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.

There were crowds of people following of persons attracted to Him

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…
… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)

The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.

Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus
… the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus
… the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus

But as the saying goes…
“Challenges are what makes life interesting…
… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”

Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…

He remained courageous and determined.
He not only chooses the Twelve…
… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…
… with an authority over unclean spirits
… to proclaim the Kingdom of God
… to preach repentance and peace

In this mission joureney, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…
“… to take nothing for the journey
… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” ( Mk 6: 8-10)

The Twelve were to learn…
… to totally depend on the Lord
… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures

Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…
… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally dependant on the Lord and have the Lord as my Strength…
…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I get easily disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…
… or do I know for sure that even with all my weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?

Christian missionary life is a journey

There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His shoulders assures us:
“I have always known about your flaws…
… and I take advantage of that.

Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”

Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way

And if we entrust ourselves totally to Him…
… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!

Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…
… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?

Let us today seek the intercession of St Gonzalo Garcia – the first Saint of Indian origin – along with St Paul Miki and companions…
… and be inspired by the courage and conviction of these “Martyrs of Nagasaki!”

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 Ten Commandments – The Second Commandment

The faithful should bear witness to the Lord’s Name by confessing the faith without giving way to fear.

Preaching and catechizing should be permeated with adoration and respect for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (CCC # 2145)