“Affirming the deserving status and recognition of the Lord’s presence in our lives!”

(Based on Heb 12:4-7, 11-15 and Mk 6:1-6 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A distinguished actor had a large photograph of William Wordsworth (= a major English Romantic poet)…
… prominently displayed in his dressing-room.

A friend, who came to see this actor and observing the picture remarked with some surprise…
“Hmmm… I see!

So you are an admirer of Wordsworth?”

“Wordsworth? Who’s that?” enquired back the actor.

“Why, that’s his picture,” was the answer, as the friend pointed towards the image “That’s William Wordsworth, the literary giant. This picture would surely have cost you a fortune!”

The actor looked at the photograph with a bemused gaze!

“Is that old guy, a famous poet?” he exclaimed in astonishment!

“Oh! Who bothers about these old guys! I just picked up that frame from my storehouse, to fill the empty space on my wall!!”

The picture that was hung on the wall failed to acquire its deserved status and recognition …
… due to the ignorance of the actor
… due to his contempt for and prejudice towards old guys

How often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…
… due to our ignorance
… our contempt of things
… and our prejudiced mindsets!

The Gospel of the Day is presentation of this “rejection” experience of the Lord in His hometown.

The Lord arrives in His hometown.

On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue.

The Gospel mentions a juxtaposition of feelings of the listeners…

First, there is a great expression of marvel and wonder:

“Where did this Man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? What deeds of power are being by Him?” (Mk 6:2)

But this feeling quickly vanishes…

The feelings of wonder and amazement get distorted to feelings of contempt, condemnation and outright rejection:

“Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not His sisters here with us?” (Mk 6:2)

What was the cause of this sudden and dramatic change of mood of the listeners?

It was because Jesus was “just one of them”
… and was “too acquainted to them!”

Familiarity often breeds contempt!

When one is too close to Divine aspects, one has to be also aware that there are greater possibilities of losing the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted”

When one is constantly handling Divine objects, there is also the greater chance of losing the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent”

How many of us are prone to this danger….

Priests and the Religious constantly handle Divine objects and perform many spiritual exercises…

Daily Holy Mass… Frequent recital of the Psalms in the Divine Office Prayer… Regular Adorations and administering and receiving of the Sacraments… Recurrent handling of the Bible, liturgical articles, reading and hearing Church teachings and life of saints….

Do all these help one to deepen one’s relationship with the Lord…?

Or do these cause one to lose the “sense of awe and wonder” and sink into the dangerous waters of “taking things for granted?”

Many Christians are engaged in a number of spiritual activities on a regular basis…

Holy Eucharistic celebration… novenas… recital of the Rosary and other pious prayers of devotion… forwarding of devotional messages, pictures and videos through emails and Whatsapp and social networking tools…

Do all these help one to grow in spiritual life….?

Or do these make one to lose the “awareness and thrill of the mystery” and get lost in the thickets of “being lethargic or unenthusiastic or even indifferent?”

The people failed to recognize the worth and value of Jesus due to “too much familiarity”.

However this familiarity was only “external and peripheral”…

Such kind of a familiarity had, in fact, caused them to be ignorant, contemptuous and prejudiced…

Ignorant… of the fact that amidst them was the Promised Messiah who was to save the world!
Contemptuous… of the fact that “one of them” could actually possess so much of wisdom and power!
Prejudiced… of the fact that “this ordinary Son of a carpenter” could ever be the Son of God!

Yes, how often do we reject the precious and important people and aspects of life…!

We are invited today to “open our eyes”…
… and to realize the worth and preciousness of God’s grace that we have been blessed with…

Each of us – personally, as a family, as a community, and as a Church – has been blessed and graced with immense favours and kindness from the Lord.

True that we have much to complain in the maze of the many crisis we undergo..

Yet amidst all this…

Can we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude for the Lord’s Guiding Presence with us, always…
… and learn to grow deeper in our love for Him?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Are these feelings of fear and awe Christian feelings or not?
… I say this, then, which I think no one can reasonably dispute.
They are the class of feelings we should have — yes, have to an intense degree — if we literally had the sight of Almighty God;
Therefore they are the class of feelings which we shall have, if we realize His presence.
In proportion as we believe that He is present, we shall have them…

… and not to have them, is not to realize, not to believe that He is present. (CCC # 2144)

“Letting go of every ‘Fear’ in our lives, by having deeper ‘Faith’ in the Lord!”

(Based on Heb 12:1-4 and Mk 5:21-43 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Here is a story of a mother and her little four-year-old daughter were getting ready to retire for the night.

The child was afraid of darkness.

The mother, alone with the child, felt a little fearful as well.

When the room lights were put off, the child caught a glimpse of the moon outside the window.

“Mother,” she asked with innocence, “is the moon, God’s light?”

“Yes, my child” said the mother “God’s light is always shining.”

The next doubt was, “Will God blow out His light and go to sleep?”

The mother smiled at her and replied, “No, my child. God never goes to sleep.”

Then out of the simplicity of a child’s faith, she said that which gave reassurance to the fearful mother: “Well, so long as God is awake, I am not afraid!”

The assurance that God was with them, made the little child courageous and strong!

Deep faith casts away every fear…!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful journey, with Jesus, in this movement from “Fear” through “Faith”…
… Jairus, whose daughter was at the point of death, is led from the “fear of death and hopelessness” through “faith” to experience the miracle of restoration of life
… The woman with haemorrhage for twelve years is led from the “fear of shame and depression” through “faith” to experience the miracle of cleansing and wholeness of life.

The Gospel passage of the day is one of the many “sandwich” passages in the Gospel of St Mark.

“Sandwich” stories are a literary technique in which the narration of one story begins…
… but is interrupted by another story, before finishing the first one.

Some of the examples of these “sandwich stories” are…

In Mk 3: 20-35, we have…

Mk 3:20-22: Jesus’ family members set out to seize Him
Mk 3: 23-30: Jesus speaks to the Pharisees on their accusation of Him
Mk 3: 31-35: Jesus family comes to meet Him

In Mk 6: 7-33, we have…

Mk 6: 7-13: The disciples sent on a mission
Mk 6: 14-29: Herod’s opinion on John the Baptist and the narrative of the beheading.
Mk 6: 30-33: The disciples return from the mission

In Mk 11: 12-25, we have…

Mk 11: 12-14: Jesus cursing the fig tree
Mk 11: 15-19: Jesus cleansing the Temple
Mk 11: 20-24: Jesus’ teaching on the withered fig tree

In Mk 14: 1-11, we have…

Mk 14: 1-2: The Conspiracy against Jesus
Mk 14: 3-9: The anointing of Jesus at Bethany
Mk 14: 10-11: The conspiracy plan by Judas to betray Jesus

Such kind of “sandwich” layers illustrates points for reflection by showing ..
… similarities and contrasts between the outside and the inside layers.
… the first and the last as “the bread”‘ and the centre one as the “filling” of the sandwich!

Today’s Gospel also follows this “sandwich-story” structure… Mk 5: 21-43

Mk 5: 21-24: Jesus is pleaded by Jairus to heal his daughter
Mk 5: 25-34: The woman suffering from haemorrhage is healed
Mk 5: 35-43: Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus

There are many similarities and contrasts between the “bread” – the outside layers and the “filling” – the inside layers in this ‘sandwich’ passage…

Age:

Jairus’ daughter is 12 years
The woman was suffering from haemorrhage for 12 years

Description of the Condition:

Jairus’ daughter at the point of death
The woman at the point of utter hopelessness

Status of the person:

Jairus is the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue
The woman with the problem of bleeding is an old widow

The support system for the suffering one:

Jairus’ daughter has many people to mourn – to weep and wail loudly
The widow is all alone in her suffering and agony

The place:

Jairus’ daughter is in her room, in the house
The woman with the haemorrhage is out on the crowded street

The mode of healing:

Jairus’ daughter is healed with a word, “Talitha Koum”
The suffering woman was healed by a “touch”

The title used by Jesus:

Jairus’ daughter is called by Jesus as ‘Little Girl’
The suffering woman is called by Jesus as ‘Daughter’

Some of the key messages of both these stories invite us to reflect on our own life…

1. Emphasis on Faith

Jairus, the father of the sick child, as well as the suffering woman display a tremendous faith and trust in Jesus

Do I also put my trust and hope in the Lord…
… even when situations are “dead-like” and there seems no hope in life?

2. Acts of humility

Jairus, as well as the suffering woman, make acts of humility, by falling at the feet of Jesus and pleading for mercy and help

Am I able to let go of my egoistic tendencies and be ready to fall at the feet of the Lord…
… seeking for His mercy, compassion and help?

3. The Lord being in perfect control

Jairus, as well as the suffering woman experience the charismatic power and control that Jesus displays even when throngs of pain, suffering and death are surrounding him.

Do I realise that even if there are crowds of humiliation and shame around me or mourners of discouragement and despair wailing loudly in my life…
… the Lord is still in perfect charge, if I surrender and offer my life to His tremendous power?

The “sandwich stories” of the day are a great invitation for us to move from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”, trusting and putting our hope in the Lord and in His Mighty Power.

It is to be also noted that after the cure of Jairus’ daughter, the Lord asked her parents to “give her something to eat” (Mk 5: 43)

This is a strong reminder for us that after moving from a “Life of Fear” to a “Life of Faith”…
… we also need to sustain and nourish it by eating and consuming of the “Life of Fullness” in the Most Holy Eucharist!

Let us let go of every “Fear” in our lives, by having deeper “Faith” in the Lord…
… and enjoying the “Fullness” of healing and happiness!

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

Respect for His Name is an expression of the respect owed to the mystery of God Himself…
… and to the whole sacred reality It evokes.

The sense of the sacred is part of the virtue of religion. (CCC # 2143)

“Growing in our conviction of our ‘belongingness’ to the Lord and being fearless and courageous in giving ‘external expression to our Faith!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Day of Consecrated Life)

In a session, for a gathering of priests and religious – as part of the Day of Consecrated Life – the speaker asked:
“Can anyone please tell me in a word, what your idea of consecration is?”

An elderly sister, sitting right on the first row, stood up…

The speaker motioned to her… to answer

The sister – who had much experience in life working in mission areas- held out a blank sheet of paper…

And replied: “Consecration is nothing but to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet of paper…
… and let God fill it in, as He will
… and be joyful and at peace!”

That is indeed a beautiful way of understanding Consecration, isn’t it?

A total surrender to God’s Will and being joyful

A complete submission to God’s Ways and remaining at peace!

Today on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…
As Christians, we are reminded to grow in our “conviction of belonging to the Lord”…
… and to be fearless and courageous in allowing God to take complete control of our lives!

Today is also a day when we celebrate the ‘Consecrated Way of Life.’

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

Consecration is seeking to be pure – completely – in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.
“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…
“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…

If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….'” (Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…
… represented fulfilling of God’s command
… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery
… reminded the deep love of God for His people

The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His Incarnation…

Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!

He took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!
He lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

By Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord…

Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the profession of vows…

The meaning of this consecration, also, derives from the Consecration of the Lord…

We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…
… yet the Lord exalts us to live a pure and holy life.

We are “ordinary” by our human nature…
… yet the Lord wishes to join with His Divine nature

We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…
… yet the Lord wants to be His Kingdom partners

Our consecration…
… is a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life
… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

Each of us – whether single or in family life, whether a priest or a religious –
… ought to BELONG TO THE LORD AND TO HIM ALONE!

We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

This is a day…
… to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord
… to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord
… to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord
… to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Life will constantly take us to situations where we will face tough and hard moments.

Can we allow the Lord to fill the “papers of our life” – the canvas of our life – the way He wishes…
… and bowing before His Holy Will – say Yes to Him – and live in joy and peace?

May we grow in our conviction of our “belongingness” to the Lord…
… and be fearless and courageous in giving “external expression to our Faith!”

Yes, let us pray: “Lord, I belong to You and to You alone, Amen!”

Happy Feast to all of us, who are consecrated to the Lord, by our Baptism…
… specially to the Consecrated, by virtue of the evangelical vows!

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

Among all the words of Revelation, there is one which is unique: The Revealed Name of God.

God confides his name to those who believe in him; he reveals himself to them in his personal mystery. (CCC # 2143)

“Joyfully exclaiming the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour!”

(Based on Heb 10:32-39 and Mk 4:26-34 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A family was visiting an art museum.

As they went around with much amazement, excitement and wonder…
… they came to a famous painting titled “Wheatfield under clouded sky”

This painting was by Vincent Willem van Gogh – a Dutch painter – who posthumously became one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.

He had created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, include those of landscapes, still lives, portraits and self-portraits

As the children gazed in admiration at this classical painting, the mother of the family, exclaimed:
“If this work of art, that portrays the beauty of nature, makes us acclaim so much…
… how much more is the Beauty, Power and Goodness of the God Who has created all of this nature!”

And with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Awesomeness of God, she went on to say:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Yes, our God is an awesome God!

And the entire world – all of nature – beautifully sings forth the glory and splendour of God, Who is in total charge!

The Gospel of Day is a beautiful narration of Jesus, using an example from nature, to teach about the Glory and Splendour of God.

All through His teaching ministry, Jesus used different examples, metaphors and symbols to explain about the Kingdom of God.

It could be said that if Jesus had a grammar teacher…
… then, probably the teacher would have been extremely proud of this Student!

Such illustrations were not meant to be closed-reflections…
… rather, they were to be means of allowing a person to explore
… and delve deeper into the mystery that was being explained.

Today, Jesus speaks about a man who scatters seeds on the land.

Without his awareness there is a growth.
“…and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mk 4:27)

One of the most tender ideas that this parable presents is that there are many things in life that are not understood and yet, it turns out to be beautiful!

The seed that grows, unnoticed and unseen, is a sign of the Kingdom of God.
The seed takes root.
The seed sprouts.
The seed grows.

But HOW this takes place, is unknown and unseen…

The effect of the growth is seen, but the process of the growth is unknown!

In John 3:8, we read, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes… so it is with everyone born of the Spirit”

The movement of the Spirit of God is gentle and mild!

The growth of God’s Kingdom is hidden and concealed!

This points to the tremendous fact that God is in total charge and control!
… that God is in perfect sovereignty and power!

We are sometimes people prone to a lot of strategies and planning.

When things don’t turn out the way we have planned, we get worried and anxious.
When situations don’t fall in line with what we envisaged, we get tensed and upset!

But, today God tells… “I am in total control!”

When my life seems to be in a complete mess and nothing is understood by us…

God says, “I am in total control”

When circumstances around me go haywire and I lose control of things…

God says, “I am in total control”

When conditions are highly worse and it seems to be the end of the world for me…

God says, “I am in total control”

This is not to say that we need to have a passive and lethargic attitude to life.
… or that we should not have plans and strategies in our life

But this is a great reminder to know and realise that God is the Ultimate Master!

There are no accidents… no “by chance” happenings… no “luck”
… for a Christian.

[That’s why we need to avoid the use of “Good luck” or “Best of luck!”

We could instead use “Best wishes to you” or “God Bless!”]

Everything, that happens in our life, finds its place, in the Permissive Will of the Lord!

Do I trust in Him to lead through the dark moments into light?

Do I believe in Him to lead through the depressing moments into joy?
Do I have faith in Him to lead through the confusing moments to clarity?

Let us enjoy the silent working of the Spirit within us, and be part of the
… unseen, yet dynamic
… silent, yet spectacular growth of the Kingdom of God!

As we gaze at the “large canvas of miracles” that we experience every day, every moment of our life…
… let us joyfully exclaim the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour, by confessing:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”

Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on this Feast Day
… and give heed to his words:
“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things

Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is.
Enliven your faith, which is essential to understand and achieve piety.”

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 First Commandment

Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things…
… but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate.
The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image…
… but tends toward that whose image it is

(CCC # 2132)

“Letting the ‘light of God’s Love’ shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!”

(Based on Heb 10:19-25 and Mk 4:21-25 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

An incident is narrated in the life of St Thomas Aquinas, whose feast we celebrated on Jan 28.

One day when St Thomas Aquinas was preaching to the local people on the love of God, he observed an old woman listening attentively to each of his word.

The old woman impressed the great saint by her simplicity, attentiveness and keenness.

Inspired by her eagerness to learn more about God whom she loved so dearly, he said to the people:
“It is better to be this unlearned woman, loving God with all her heart…
… than the most learned theologian lacking love!”

The lady was able to let the “light of God’s Love” shine through her life of simplicity and passionate tenderness.

We are all invited to lead a saintly life – filled with love – and allow others to experience the Light of God’s love!

Our Christian life exhorts us to be glowing with a holy life, to let others to see the Radiance of God’s Peace!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation and a reminder by Jesus to become a “light to the other”

Jesus presents a simple parable, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not on a stand?” (Mk 4: 21)

In the ancient world, people did not have electricity like we have today.

Most homes would contain several oil lamps because olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.
The oil lamps were the main source of light in every home.

These ancient lamps were usually oval shaped, and flat on top.

They were normally made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronze and sometimes even of gold.

Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

The Lord presents this common example of the Lamp to highlight…
… that Christian lives also ought to shine and glow
… that Gospel values cannot remain hidden and concealed
… that the power of light, however, little, can dispel the gloominess of darkness

The world we live in is often in darkness and in obscurity.

As Christians, we have a duty and an obligation to hold alight the lamp.

The world often runs into the darkness of sin and evil practices…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my holy and sanctified life?

Many people are often forced to remain in the shadows of guilt, shame and abuse…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my prayers, sacrifices and good works?

When we humble ourselves before the mighty power of God, we allow His light to shine through us.

The Letter to the Hebrews encourages “to approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith…
… holding fast to the hope we profess
… and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Cf. Heb 10:19-25)

We are called to live boldly in God’s light…
… living authentically in faith and love
… and and “being lamps, illuminating the darkness!”

Our lives become “a glowing and fragrant lamp” when we acknowledge His Great Presence in our lives…
… and allow ourselves to be totally dependent on Him!

The Lord invites us…
…. to let His light to pass through our actions, deeds and activities.
… to let His light illumine our thoughts, visions and mentalities.

Let us understand that, “it is better to be an unlearned person, loving God with all her heart…
… than to be the most learned theologian lacking love!

And thus, may we let the “light of God’s Love” shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!

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 First Commandment

The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols.
Indeed, “the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype”
… and “whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.”

The honour paid to sacred images is a “respectful veneration,” not the adoration due to God alone. (CCC # 2132)

“Making our lives to be a ‘museum, showcasing God’s Graces!’”

(Based on Heb 10:11-18 and Mk 4:1-20 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

In a Bible museum, there were various artefacts that were displayed…
… depicting various themes and incidents of the Bible.

In the tableau that displayed the Parable of the Sower, was written a caption, which read:
“The Parable of the Sower: Following Christ. Faithfulness to Christ. Fruitfulness in Christ

FOLLOW Christ fully
Be FAITHFUL to Christ
Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ!”

This indeed gives a quick summary of the Parable of the Sower…
… expounded by Jesus in the Gospel of the Day

The Gospel begins with St Mark mentioning that “a very large crowd gathered around him…” (Mk 4:1)

The people were growing in excitement to know and experience the person of Jesus
… His miraculous works and welcoming attitude had generated much hope and expectation

The Lord however, doesn’t allow Himself to be captivated by mere peripheral knowledge and trifle expectations!

He sows the “seeds of truth” and invites them to purify their intentions in being His follower!

And so, with the crowds swelling around, He exhorts his “large followers” with a pertinent term: “LISTEN!” (Cf Mk 4:3)

LISTEN to the voice of the Lord and examine what type of a follower are you…

Are you someone who only casually listens to the Word – like the seed that fell on the path
… failing to give any space for the Lord to work in your life or allowing the birds of the evil one to devour the graces of the Lord?

Are you someone who is only emotionally attracted to the Word – like the seed that fell on rocky ground…
… failing to allow the Word to take deeper roots in life or getting scorched when the sun of struggles and difficulties blaze brightly?

Are you someone who fails to give priority to the Word – like the seed that fell among the thorns…
… failing to give the first place to the Kingdom of God and allowing the thorny desires and fleeting pleasures of the world to take control of life?

OR

Can we be the one who receives the Word with much devotion and preparation – like the seed that fell into good soil…
… and allowing His Word to take total possession of life and allowing His Word to bear much fruit?

Yes, each one of us needs to…
… FOLLOW Christ fully: Giving Him the highest and greatest priority in one’s life
… Be FAITHFUL to Christ: Holding on to the Lord, despite the various struggles that may come across
… Be FRUITFUL by the Grace of Christ! Bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit and being open to His Grace

May the Word of God always have a transformative effect in our lives…
… so that our lives will truly be a “museum, showcasing God’s Graces”
… with the message of:

Following Christ fully
Being Faithful to Christ
Being Fruitful by the Grace of Christ!”

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 First Commandment

Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word…
… the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea (787) justified against the iconoclasts the veneration of icons — of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints.

By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new “economy” of images. (CCC # 2131)

“Doing God’s Will, and seeking to belong to His family!”

(Based on Heb 10:1-10 and Mk 3:31-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Miss Clara, a fourth-grade Cathecism teacher told her kids one day:
“Children, let me tell you today about a quiet man – who used to be immersed into much reading and writing.

This man was big and gentle, but because he stayed silent, people thought he wasn’t very smart.

One day, his friends played a trick on him.
As he was busy writing, pointed to the window and shouted, ‘Look, there’s an angel!’

He ran to see, but there was nothing there. Everyone laughed.”

“But do you know how he responded?”
Miss Clara continued, “He said, ‘I’d rather believe there was an angel than think my friends would lie.’

He didn’t fight back nor get angry. He didn’t care if people laughed at him or thought he was slow.
He only cared about doing what God wanted him to do.”

People often teased him, calling him as ‘The Dumb Ox,’…
… but his mentor had so much confidence in him that he said, ‘This ox will one day roar so loud, that the whole world will hear him.’

And that’s exactly what happened!”

Her voice softened as she continued, “That quiet man was St. Thomas Aquinas.

He is today one of the greatest saints in the Church.
And he became great because he always, with prayer and trust, chose to do God’s Will.”

Yes….
Life is not about what others think of you
… it’s about you being faithful to God.

When you do God’s Will, you belong to His family….
… and that’s true greatness!

This is what our Blessed Lord reminds us in the Gospel of the Day.

Jesus is in the thick of His ministry.

The place is packed with people sitting on the floor, in the passage-way, around the doors and near the windows…
… craving to listen to what Jesus is speaking.

It’s at that time that His family members arrive.

His family can’t get through to him, so they send a message in, and it passes from one person to person: “Tell him that his mother and brothers are outside looking for him” (Mk 3:32)

The message finally reaches Jesus.

This was a significant time and moment.

But as we see in the Gospel, very often, our Blessed Lord loves to make use of critical moments to put across a message!

Jesus uses the arrival of His physical family as an opportunity…
… to teach about His relationship with His spiritual family.

Jesus brings the focus back on what is most essential.

What was most needed was not human relationships…
… But what was most necessary was spiritual relations!

He declares: ‘Whoever does the Will of God is my brother and sister and mother’ (Mk 3:35).

[This statement of Jesus is also a beautiful Biblical proof of the importance that is to be accorded to Mother Mary!

The Lord was publicly declaring that, “Mary is great not only because She gave birth to Me…
… But also because in doing God’s Will at all times, She is truly the Mother of all, in the family of God!

And as the Mother of our spiritual family, Mamma Mary certainly deserves greater attention, devotion and love, isn’t it?]

Jesus thus brings to focus…
… the importance to seek and do God’s Will
… the importance to become related in the Kingdom – the Family of God

What is our attitude and mentality…

Am I engaging solely in earthly concerns or do I also put in my efforts for spiritual growth?
Am I obsessed with worldly gains or am I zealous for spiritual graces and blessings?

Very often…
… we lose our focus

Christian life sometimes gets diluted with too many “social” concerns…
… at the expense of spiritual realities.

Christian life sometimes gets polluted with too many “interdisciplinary” matters…
… at the expense of true faith and teachings.

Christian life sometimes gets ruined with too many “compromising” practices…
… at the expense of Gospel values and standards.

Let us avoid all such temptations that cause us to toss our minds…
… by “seeking and doing God’s Will” at all times, and thus being members of the Family of God!

Today as we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas – the great Doctor and Theologian…
… let us learn to humble ourselves before the Almighty Power of God

Towards the end of his life – this great learned person who had written much on the Lord…
… during prayer, Christ is said to have told him, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labour?”

Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.”

Let us be inspired by this Great Saint…
… who humbled himself before the Will of God
… as we learn from him, “The Mystery and the Will of God is not to be solved or understood, but to be adored and loved!”

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 First Commandment

Nevertheless, already in the Old Testament, God ordained or permitted the making of images…
… that pointed symbolically toward salvation by the incarnate Word

So it was with the bronze serpent, the ark of the covenant, and the cherubim. (CCC # 2130)

“Being courageous, with the Grace of God, to overcome all the challenges and ‘In Spite Of’ difficulties, let us sculpt our lives as a beautiful masterpiece!”

(Based on Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Cor 12:12-30 and Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

An incident is told of a sculptor, who, while creating a statue suffered a medical accident…
… and lost his right hand – his main hand of work.

The sculptor was, however, very much determined to finish the statue

His resilience led him to learn how to chisel with his left hand.

This masterpiece – this great work of excellence and determination – was named as “IN SPITE OF”
… in honour of the fact, that despite the great challenges – “in spite of” many problems – the sculptor did not give up!

Are there challenges and difficulties in our life that are causing us to give up in life?

“In Spite Of” these difficulties, can we still face life with courage and determination?

The Gospel of the Day is a challenging invitation to have such an experience of overcoming struggles
… and “in spite of ” the difficulties, to relish happiness and delight in being a follower of Christ.

The Gospel of the Day begins with the prologue to the Gospel of St Luke – addressed to ‘Theophilus’

‘Theophilus’ means a friend of God or the beloved of God.

‘Theophilus’ was most probably a Greek or Roman governor or dignitary.

But to all of us, who read this Gospel, the invitation is given: Are you ready to be a ‘Theophilus?’

Are we ready to accept this invitation of the Lord to be His friend and to be His beloved?

The Prologue of St Luke is an exhortation to clarify and to convince on the Truth – the Truth that Christ has come to the world as Saviour of all…
… and gives a clarion call, to be His faithful disciples!

Every page of the Gospel shows God’s universal priority – for the weak, the poor, the marginalised

The Gospel narrates that Jesus is in the synagogue at Nazareth – where He had been brought up.

Jesus reads from Prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” (Lk 4:18a)

This reading from Prophet Isaiah and His glorious declaration, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:21)…
… are the first recorded words of Jesus – according to the Gospel of St Luke – in His public ministry.

This inaugural address or the manifesto of His public ministry clearly describes the character, priorities and direction of His ministry. Jesus makes the mandate very clear: “I have come to re-order and restore relationships. I have come to rectify erroneous reasoning!

I have come to give Good News to the poor…
… to release the captive
… to give sight to the blind
… to let the oppressed go free
… and to declare God’s Favour!”

This public declaration of priorities – in accordance with God’s Mind – and not human standpoints…
… would surely lead to many oppositions and objections from those who were in the comfort zone

But Jesus is the One “Who disturbs the comforted, and comforts the disturbed!”

This opposition and objection is seen immediately after Jesus explains His manifesto…
… when the people were, “filled with wrath, and they rose up and put Him out of the city…” (Cf. Lk 4:28-29)

Anyone who stands for God and His Kingdom is, indeed, bound to face opposition and objection!

This Gospel is a challenge for all of us to ‘Imitate Christ’ and to introduce “the priorities enshrined, and the direction shown by the Gospel” in our day to day activities.

It is when we do this, that…
… our fights and arguments, would be replaced by compassion and empathy for one another
… our tendency to dominate, would be replaced with being more sensitive and understanding
… our dirty games for power and position, would be replaced with mutual care and cooperation
… our inclination to speak loud in order to be heard, would be replaced with listening to one another

Today is the Sunday of the Word of God.

We are specially reminded today that the Scriptures – the Word of God – is not just a Document to be read – it is to become our life manifesto…
… to Imitate Christ!

We read in the Book of Nehemiah, of how Ezra kindle the fire of love for God’s Word among the people of Israel, who had been in exile…
… and how they responded to the Word of God: “’Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands; and bowing their heads, worshipping the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Cf. Neh 8:6)

The Word of God – the Bible – is to become the Rule of our Life…
… leading and guiding every action of our life!

Let us be courageous, with the Grace of God, to overcome all the challenges that comes on our way to be a true follower of Christ…
… and “In Spite Of ” difficulties, let us sculpt our lives as a beautiful masterpiece!

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 First Commandment

The Divine injunction included the prohibition of every representation of God by the hand of man.
Deuteronomy explains: “Since you saw no form on the day that the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire…

… beware lest you act corruptly by making a graven image for yourselves, in the form of any figure. (CCC # 2129)

“May the zeal and passion of St Paul inspire all of us to live in total dependency on the Lord!”

(Based on Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle)

A 7 year old boy came to his grandfather after his catechism classes and asked him:
“Grandpa, today our teacher taught us about St Paul. Let me therefore ask you a question…

From which animal did St Paul fall down on the way to Damascus?

I will give you 3 options: Camel or Donkey or Horse?”

The grandfather, looked at the boy: “Oh my boy! I am not sure which animal he fell from, because I doubt if the Bible even says that.

But in my opinion he fell from the ‘height of self-righteousness!’”

Quite true, isn’t it?

St Paul indeed had a fall…
… a fall from his “self-righteous” attitude…
… and rose up to a new lifestyle: “Total dependence on the Lord!”

This is the beautiful story of the conversion of St Paul…
… arguably one of the greatest missionaries of the Church!

[By the way, to the question, ‘How did St Paul fall?’

The Bible, in fact, doesn’t mention any animal.

(This doesn’t mean it could not have been a horse – as popular art depicts – or any other animal!

Silence doesn’t always mean a no or an absence!)

The incident, however does highlight that it was noon time.

Catholic author Dr. Taylor Marshall refers in his book, “The Catholic Perspective on Paul,” on the view that every day at noon, pious Jewish men recited prayers while standing on their feet and facing toward Jerusalem (cf. Dan. 6:10-11).

It could be possible that Saul, the zealous Pharisee that he was, observed midday prayer on that day, as he travelled along the road to Damascus.
This would have meant that he was likely standing erect and facing south to Jerusalem when he was blinded by the light of Christ and fell to the ground!)]

On this Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, there are several factors that we can meditate on, and learn from.

One of the very striking aspects is that of the Passion and Zeal of St Paul.

This passion was greatly reflected in all aspects of his life…
… in his preaching and his writings!
… in his dealing with the Gentiles and their cause of faith
… in his aggressiveness against anything that caused scandal and harm to the Church
… in his uncompromising attitude towards anything that endangered his relationship with the Lord!

Some of his writings in the letters reflect this aspect of Passion and Zeal:

“Woe to me, if I don’t preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)
“I count everything as a loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:8)
“My preaching… was a demonstration of the Spirit and power” (1 Cor 2:4)

We need to ask of ourselves:

Is my Christian life, filled with passion and zeal?
Do I burn with love for God and His Kingdom?
Does the Lord and His Will come first, in my life?

It’s easy to remain on the “mere-talking” dimension of Christian life!

Many times we have many discussions and deliberations about faith
… but don’t involve ourselves in spending time in prayer daily or living a life in the Holy Spirit and being guided by His Presence

Many times we hear many Christian talks or read many books on Christian life
… but hardly make efforts to grow in the Christian virtues or to improve our Sacramental Life

Many times we nurture doubts about Christianity, to “know more”…
… but fail to humble ourselves, to grow in our relationship with the Lord and loving Him more

The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul is a mighty reminder to all of us…
… to live our Christian lives “passionately and zealously!”

And this passion and zeal can come only if we allow ourselves, to be thrown down from the ‘height of self-righteousness’

St Paul had to experience this “falling down”

His self-righteousness had caused him…
… to persecute everyone who professed Christ and to eliminate them!
… to be blinded to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Therefore, “a fall from the height of self-righteousness” was necessary…
… so that he could rise to a new lifestyle: “Total dependence on the Lord!”

And so, with much confidence, he would declare later in his life: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)

In our lives, we also will experience many moments of “falls”…
… troubles, hardships, rejection, misunderstandings, humiliations

But let us not be discouraged
… Rather, “rise up” in all such situations to “totally depend on the Lord!”

May the zeal and passion of St Paul inspire all of us to live in total dependency on the Lord.

Let us give deeper heed to his words of exhortation to each one of us:
“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy…
… make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus!” (Phil 2:1-5)”

Let’s not forget: “In the fall, we may feel small…
… but such falls make Saul, Paul!”

Happy Feast Day!

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 First Commandment

Agnosticism assumes a number of forms. In certain cases the agnostic refrains from denying God…
… instead he postulates the existence of a transcendent being which is incapable of revealing itself, and about which nothing can be said.
In other cases, the agnostic makes no judgment about God’s existence…

… declaring it impossible to prove, or even to affirm or deny. (CCC # 2127)