“Maintaining the desire of God in our hearts, and allowing the Lord to outline His Plan to us, through the little things of life, so that we can have an Epiphany Experience!”

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

A Parish priest was taking a group of his catechism children to a church, which was known to be a pilgrimage centre.

The children were very much excited seeing the new church…
… which was particularly famous for its glass paintings.

As they kids moved around the church, little Peter – all of 6 years and the smallest one of the group – suddenly gazed at a large glass painting and shouted:
“Wow! There is the Cross of Christ!

Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.
But they could see nothing of the Cross!

To them, the glass painting resembled only a jumbled mass of confusion

It was a modernistic glass picture composed of a maze of colours and shapes – sophisticated and abstract

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

But Peter went on: “Can’t you see him? It’s Jesus hanging on the cross.”

The priest finally said: “Little Peter… maybe we are all blind.

Could you please… help us to see what you see?”

With all excitement, with his little finger, through the maze of shapes and colours…
… Peter outlined the Cross as he kept saying: “Do you see what I see?”

And then… like an Epiphany, they all saw JESUS…
… His Face
… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

As the image began to appear more clear!

And then with astonishment, the priest looking at little Peter and then the Cross of Christ, exclaimed: “This… is… Epiphany!”

When one longs with a great desire and looks with a clear intent, then we have the Epiphany of God!

Yes, the Lord makes Himself known to the one who desires and longs – sincerely, honestly and faithfully!

It is this deep desire and the wonderful manifestation of the Lord that we celebrate today, in the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word “Epiphany,” means…
… appearance or manifestation or showing forth.

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

It refers to the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.

This Feast of the Epiphany drives home a powerful message…
… and gives pointers to experience true joy and happiness in life.

The Magi teach us some vital clues towards finding the “Joy in Life”…

1. WHAT do we seek?

The Magi from the East had just one purpose in their long journey: to meet the New Born King and pay Him homage and worship. (Mt 2:2)

(This was also in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising!” – Isa 60:3)

This single focus and dedication…
… Impelled them to move forward with determination
… Inspired them to overcome all hurdles
… Infused them with a hope that would taken them through their deep desire.

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

Is it for the Lord and His glory…?
… Or do we engage ourselves in activities for our own glory and pride?

Is the Lord the end and purpose of all our actions…?
… Or do worldly desires dilute our works and actions?

2. WHERE do we seek?

The purposeful determination of the Magi made them to be focused on the Star – a sign to lead them to their destination ( Mt 2:2b)

As long as they followed the Star, they remained on the right track.

Of course, for a moment, seeing King Herod’s palace, they got a bit deviated as they reasoned out that the New Born King would be born in a palace!

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!
(pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

Do we faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord constantly sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our life and the situations of life

Do we seek His Love in the wonderful sacraments that the Church offers, encounter Him in the poor and the needy and experience His Providence in the situations of our life?
… Or do we get lost, in our search for the Divine, in the pleasures of this world, engage too much only in our works and material engagements or dip ourselves into the murky waters of sinful addictions, sly attachments and silly attractions.

3. WHAT GIFTS do we offer Him?
   The Gospel says that the Magi offered Baby Jesus, their precious gifts – fit and appropriate… (Mt 2:11b)

Gold for Jesus, the King
Frankincense for Jesus, the Priest
Myrrh for Jesus, the Prophet.

These gifts would have cost them a fortune…
… They also bore the marks of their sacrifice and pain

But they were gifts that were worthy and befitting the King!

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…
Do we really offer Him our pains, struggles, our little sacrifices, our honest longings?
… or, has the Holy Mass become just a customary ritual, without we offering anything to Him and thus failing to derive any joy or consolation for this Precious Sacrament?

In our life…
Do we try to make some personal sacrifices…?
… take some radical decisions to live worthier Christian lives, and be more dedicated to pursue a life of holiness and sanctity…?

The Lord wishes, desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

He tells us to, above all, “offer our lives as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12: 1) – sinful, broken, wounded; just as we are…
… So that He can transform us, and make us a new creation (“Behold I make all things new – Rev 21:5)

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:
To examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

Let us seek the Lord deeper
Let us long for the Lord intensely in the right place
Let us desire for the Lord passionately, offering Him the best gifts of our life

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

Like the modernistic glass pictures, we may often get lost in the maze of colours of uncertainty and shapes of difficulties – sophisticated and abstract!

But if we maintain the desire of God in our hearts, He will, through the little things of life…
… outline His Plan to us

And then…
… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!

May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

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

You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Many martyrs died for not adoring “the Beast”…
… refusing even to simulate such worship. Idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God

It is therefore incompatible with communion with God. (CCC # 2113)

“Entering into a higher level of intimacy and closeness with the Lord, and making our lives with the Lord truly an ‘Executive one!'”

(Based on Sir 24:1-4, 12-16, Eph 1:3-6, 15-18 and Jn 1:1-18 – 2nd Sunday after Christmas)

Those who frequently travel by flight are familiar with certain privileges that come along…
… when travelling by the same airlines.

A person – a Christian – who often travelled by the same airlines, shared this experience:
“I have been travelling with these airlines for the last 27 years.

They have been my airline of choice…
… and I have been awarded a level of familiarity.

That level of familiarity is called as Platinum.

It’s an award for my consistency with them and I am called as their ‘preferred customer.’

The Platinum card allows me to have a lot of privileges.

When I go to a counter, and if people are ahead of me, I am given the privilege to go up higher.

If there are people with gold membership, I pull out my platinum membership – and this
status makes me go higher!

All this was fine…
… till one day, as I was asking for a seat with an extra leg-space, they told me, “Sorry Sir, there is another person who has a higher preference over you.

That person has an Executive Platinum Membership!”

The person went on to share his experience: “This I understood, is a beautiful way of
understanding our level of faith-relationship with the Lord as Christians.

Some are satisfied to have a silver or a gold membership – just do the basic minimum.

Some, like me, go on to have a higher familiarity and consistency – like a platinum
membership.

But there are a few – who enter into a high level of intimacy and closeness with the Lord – like the Executive Platinum Membership!”

What membership are we having with the Lord… silver, gold, platinum…?
… or can we seek to have Executive Platinum and higher!”

The Gospel of the Day – the Prologue of the Gospel of St John – is a beautiful invitation to
deepen our intimacy with the Lord…
… as we are reminded in the prologue: “But to all who received him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God!” (Jn 1:12)

The Prologue of the Gospel of St John is a mystical reflection…
… on the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh.

The Gospel begins with the statement: “IN THE BEGINNING was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!” (Jn 1:1)

This statement takes the reader back to the very first verse of the Bible: “IN THE BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1)

This verse in the Book of Genesis is the starting of the account of the creation of the universe.

When the Fourth Gospel begins the Good News with the same phrase, “In the Beginning’’
… we are given a clear message and alert: “Here is the story of the New Creation!”

And St John presents the central character of this New Creation – “the Word Who became flesh!” (Cf. Jn 1:14)

The Prologue presents the truth that in Jesus, we are a New Creation

As St Paul beautifully writes: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17)

How is our life?

Are we living “this life of being a New Creation?”
Is my first priority of life set on the Lord and His Kingdom?
Do I seek to grow in my relationship with the Lord, every day?

Maybe some of us, in our Christian following, like to do only the minimum – do the basic
requirements of the religion

Some go on to have a higher familiarity and consistency

Just as a silver or gold or platinum membership…
… we don’t venture to go deeper in our relationship with the Lord.

In this Season of Christmas, the Lord invites – through the Prologue of the Gospel of St
John…
… to enter into a high level of intimacy and closeness with the Lord
… and thus make our membership truly an “Executive one!”

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

You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Many martyrs died for not adoring “the beast”…
… refusing even to simulate such worship. Idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God

It is therefore incompatible with communion with God. (CCC # 2113)

“Taking conscious and special efforts ‘to step in Christ’s Footprints!'”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:7-10 and Jn 1:35-42 – Christmas Weekday)

There was a field covered with freshly fallen snow.

A father and a son entered that field.

As they walk across the field, the father just went, as normally, walking…
… without paying any particular attention to where he was going.

But his son, on the other hand, followed his father directly behind…
… making a special effort to step in his father’s footprints.

After the two had crossed the field, the son looked behind and tugged his father to look behind.

“Look there Father”, said the boy, “there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

The father – who was known to be a very honest and gentle person – smiled and said:
“That’s so beautiful, my child!
You have taken all the efforts to walk on my footprints!”

I wish and pray, that you also do that same, in life!”

The Father was inviting his son, to Walk his path of Honesty and Gentleness…
… in his footprints!

This is the Christian way, also, isn’t it?

Walking the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

The Gospel of the Day presents the familiar yet fascinating incident of the First Disciples of Jesus following Him…

And how this First Following would lead them to “Walk the Path of Christ”…
… in His Footprints!

The passage begins by stating that “John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples.

And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” (Jn 1: 35-37)

One of the very beautiful aspects that we find in this “call narrative”…
… is the fact of how the two disciples give heed to the word of John the Baptist.

And to further that call, they would give heed to the invitation of Jesus as well: “Come, and you will see.” (Jn 1: 39)…
… and they went and stayed with Him.

These two acts of obedience to the voice of John the Baptist and Jesus…
… would re-define their lives!
… would transform their future!

This act of obedience was a radical choice they made

Walking the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead

They were mostly uncertain, of what would be the implications of “following Christ closely”

But they made a choice

And that choice would change their lives for ever!

As Christians, we are also constantly given this invitation

To walk in the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

This requires trust in Him

This demands obedience to His Voice

Very often, the voice of the world makes us to stray our paths

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and remain firm in Him!

Very often, the comforts offered by the world, makes us lose our values

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and be faithful to be my witness!

Very often, the hardships of life, makes us to be discouraged

But Jesus says: “Follow my footprints” and being focused on me, always be encouraged and hopeful!

Life often takes us through the “fields of snow”…
… the snow of sufferings
… the snow of uncertainty
… the snow of discouragement
… the snow of painful experiences

But let’s take conscious and special efforts “to step in Christ’s Footprints”…

So that after crossing “such fields of snow” we can say: “Look Lord, there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

And we hear the Lord, with much love, telling us: “That’s so beautiful, My child!

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

Idolatry not only refers to false pagan worship.
It remains a constant temptation to faith. Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. >> Man commits idolatry whenever he honors and reveres a creature in place of God…

… whether this be gods or demons (for example, satanism), power, pleasure, race, ancestors, the state, money, etc. (CCC # 2113)

“Becoming a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6 and Jn 1:29-34 – Christmas Weekday)

The five fingers of the hand have their own functions and roles.

However, one among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…
That Finger is …
… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.

And the activity that it is often used for, is… Blaming!

The Index finger or also called as the Pointer Finger is often used…
… to point to others and accuse them
… to point towards others and blame them
… to point towards others and lay a charge on them

This action is also called as Finger-Pointing – the act of casting the blame or assigning the blame for something, to someone else.

We have somehow, consciously or unconsciously, got into a habit of using our Index or the Forefinger to always blame and accuse others…
… and pass on the fault to other people.

The Gospel of the Day, is however, a welcome change to this “sickening” trend of finger-pointing!

We have St John the Baptist who utilizes this action of pointing, not for blaming or accusing…
… rather to point out the Saviour of the World!

He points out, in a majestic style, to Jesus… and declares emphatically, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1: 29)

He places our attention towards Jesus…
… to make known the One who is the long-awaited Messiah!
… and reveals to the world, the One who is to redeem humanity!
… to proclaim the One, who by His greatness, would grant salvation!

John the Baptist, becomes a witness and a testimony to the world, to reveal Jesus as the Redeemer!

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…

He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!
He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!
He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!
He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!

Our life is sometimes plagued by the “bad tendency” to point to others, only in a negative sense…

We point to others…
… to pass on judgement and condemnation
… to cast feelings of guilt and culpability
… to make public the faults of other people

It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism…
… or correcting others gently
… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.

But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….
… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation
… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence
… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others

Pointing to others, ought not to be a tool of painful criticism and discouragement…
… rather it must be an action of encouragement and acknowledgement.

Pointing to others, ought not to be a medium of accusationand denunciation…
… rather it must be a means of appreciation and admiration.

Let us become a people of true acknowledgement…
… and not wasteful blaming.

Let us become a people of honest encouragement…
… and not critical judgment.

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

Scripture constantly recalls this rejection of “idols, [of] silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.”
These empty idols make their worshippers empty: “Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.”

God, however, is the “living God” who gives life and intervenes in history. (CCC # 2112)

“Marching forward, with faith and love, through the valleys and mountains of the Year 2025!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:22-28 and Jn 1:19-28 – Christmas Weekday)

One of the most common & natural styles of engaging in a conversation with a stranger, is getting to “know more” about the person.

This process to “getting to know more” about the person includes:
… getting to know His/Her name
… getting to know His/Her occupationsWee
… getting to know His/Her interests and likings

The Gospel of the Day is an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

An attempt is made to “know more” about John…

His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.

We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…

We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.
We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.
We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

But today onwards, things tend to “appear” to be ordinary and “normal”.

The time, after a grand celebration or a festive mood, can be always dangerous and dodgy…
… it can lead to extended period of laxity or slackness.
… it can remove the zing of enthusiasm and energy.
… it can cause one to creep into a mode of taking things for granted.

And so, the Gospel of the Day presents to us the message of not slipping into negligence or casualness….
… Rather, seeks to keep up our spirits high, and to be on the vigilance always.

People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.

People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.
People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.

And such a person… is John the Baptist.

The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.

He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

Some Priests and Levites came to him to ask, “Who are you” (Jn 1: 19)

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

He testified that he was the one exhorting to ‘make straight the way of the Lord’. (Jn 1:23)
He testified that he was the witness to the Light that was coming to enlighten the world. (Jn1: 8)
He testified that the One coming after him was ranking ahead of him (Jn 1: 15)

A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.

Do I possess such kind of a deep and “anchored” conviction in my Christian Life?

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it…
… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

When we face emotional crisis in our relationships and social interactions, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When things in life do not go the way we wished or expected and somehow the future appears bleak, we are encountered with this question, deep within us…
… “Who are you?”

When in the castle of interiority, we experience a barrenness and a feeling of isolation from the Lord, we are encountered with this question, deep within us …
… “Who are you?”

Failing to find an answer to this question, can sometimes….
… plunge us into a deep struggle
… make us to fear life and people
…. crush our hopes and aspirations.

We may tend to think…
… “What really is the purpose of my life?
… “Why should I continue to life in this manner?”
… “I wish I could just be free from all this web of pain and tensions!”

Yes, life will at many times, throw this question at us – “Who are you?”

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

I am God’s Child….
… in this is my true identity.

I am the witness to the True Light…
… in this is my true role in life.

I am a Voice in the wilderness…
… in this is my Christian duty and obligation.

I am dependant on the Grace and Mercy of the Lord…
… in this is my authentic hope and faith.

May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith, hope and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
.. of the Year 2025!

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 first commandment condemns polytheism.

It requires man neither to believe in, nor to venerate, other divinities than the one true God. (CCC # 2111)

“Holding the hands of our Blessed Mamma Mary, the Mother of God and marching forward – as Pilgrims of Hope – joyfully and fervently on the path of Faith, Hope and Love in this New Year 2025”

(Based on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – New Year’s Day)

A preacher began his homily:
“If it were to be announced officially, that a large asteroid is going to hit the earth…
… and we are into the last 24 hours of our life

Phone networks would crash…
… with people frantically calling loved ones, to say the words they always meant to but never found the time for: ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘Thank you,’ and ‘I forgive you.’

Social media feeds would overflow…
… with heartfelt messages, sharing regrets, memories, and last goodbyes.

Homes would become sacred spaces…
… as families huddled together, holding hands, cherishing the warmth of one another’s presence.

Tears would flow freely…
… tears of regret for wasted time, tears of gratitude for moments shared, and tears of hope for reconciliation with God and others.

Worship spaces would overflow…
… not with weekly attendees, but with those who hadn’t prayed in years, seeking God’s mercy and a sense of peace.

People would scramble to forgive…
… racing to mend old wounds, reconcile broken relationships, and release grudges that have burdened their hearts for too long.

Possessions would lose their value…
… no one would care about their bank balances, cars, or houses anymore. What mattered would suddenly be people!

Silent prayers would rise…
… as even those who had denied God would turn their gaze heavenward, pleading for forgiveness and salvation.

Strangers would become friends…
… as the barriers of pride, prejudice, and indifference dissolved in the urgency of shared humanity.

Parents would hug their children tightly; Spouses would look at each other with tears in their eyes…
… recalling the joys, struggles, and love that bound them together.

Unspoken dreams would remain unfulfilled…
… and people would ache with regret for all the times they postponed living for a ‘someday’ that never came.

And yet, my dear brothers and sisters, none of us knows when our last 24 hours might truly begin.

Why do we wait for such a moment to speak the words that need to be said?
Why do we wait for the last hour to forgive, to love, to pray, to live as God calls us to?

Why wait for the last minute and the last hour?

CAN WE DO THAT… THIS YEAR… THIS DAY… THIS MOMENT?”

We are on the first day of the New Year… and on the 8th day after Christmas – the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the celebrations and merriment of the Festival are waning down…

The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the brightly shining stars have faded away
The large number of people in Church for Christmas have probably reduced to a slender one today
The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, has slowly reduced

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

This Octave Day of Christmas fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is
a reminder to this fact
… that Christmas is not a one-day event; rather a celebration for life.
… that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow every day

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and Devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often, there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary..
… being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually

Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus
Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man
Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge, and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man.

In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare the divinity and humanity of Jesus emphatically.

Thus, the title – Mary, Mother of God
– is an excellent proclamation of our basic aspect of faith – Jesus is both God and Man!

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

1. We are assured of Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord when we face crises, problems and difficulties.
2. We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.
3. We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.
4. We are exhorted to be committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year 2025, the Lord invites us to check and examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer.

Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?
Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

It’s that time of the year, when we are called forth to make some resolutions…
… as we enter into a New Year!

Are we ready to sincerely “keep up” our resolutions…
… or are we going to make it a mere customary practice and follow the crowd mentality: “Resolutions are made to break!”

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God, along with St Joseph and all the Saints and Angels, invite us to hold Her hands…
… and march forward – as Pilgrims of Hope – joyfully and fervently on the path of Faith, Hope and Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of Blessed Mamma!

Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2025!

God Bless! Let us always… 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

Superstition is the deviation of religious feeling and of the practices this feeling imposes.
It can even affect the worship we offer the true God, e.g., when one attributes an importance in some way magical to certain practices otherwise lawful or necessary.
To attribute the efficacy of prayers or of sacramental signs to their mere external performance…

… apart from the interior dispositions that they demand, is to fall into superstition. (CCC # 2111)

“Ushering in the New Year by allowing Jesus, the Word to take complete flesh in us!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:18-21 and Jn 1:1-18 – The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas)

Let’s play a game together.

(I know, it will be a bit impractical to play…
… yet, let’s give it a try!

As they say, “there is no harm in trying to achieve something worthwhile in life!”)

The name of the game is “Guess the Word!”

Ok… Ready?

Here we go…

All that you need to do is to “Guess which word I am thinking now…!”

Yeah, you read it right… Just guess the Word that I am thinking of… now!

Did I hear someone say “God?”

Well… You are wrong!

“New Year?”
… Wrong again!

Hmmm… “Resolution?”… “Cross?”… “Celebration?”… “Chocolate?”… “Christmas?”

Sorry… but they are wrong

Another try? … Ok

“Selfie?”… “Food”… “Suffering?”… “Mass?”… “Books?”… “Flower?”… “Sleeping?”
… or some other words?

Well… sad to say… all your guesses turned out to be wrong!

The right answer
… the word that I am thinking of now is “Pencil!”

Did anyone get it right?

I doubt…

If you ask me, why was I thinking of a “pencil”
… I will say, “Well, just simply! No reason”

It would have taken you a very long time to guess that word…
… and probably, you would even have never guessed that word!

Not that it was too difficult or something abstract…

But simply because there is almost no other way you can think the Word that I have in mind…
… unless I myself tell it to you!

The point is… “The Word that was thought” will be known only if it is “revealed!”
… Is it not?

Now let’s take this concept of “Guessing the Word” to the Divine Realm…

Human Beings at every point of time in every civilization, every culture, have sought to know and establish a link and relationship with the Divine
… to know what is the mind of the Divine
… to guess what is the plan of the Almighty
… to discern what is the thought of the Supernatural

Some philosophers sought to crack this code by drawing out many theories

Some sages and prophets spent time in deep contemplation and wrote many literature
Some noble thinkers dedicated their entire lives to put forward doctrines and teachings

Some of these we call it as religions.
Some as way of life.
Some as philosophies of life.

But none of them were able to know and discern the Divine clearly.

It was just as we played the “guessing the word” game…

Many guesses were attempted… some were close… yet, none were fully right!

The Word in the Mind of the Divine would be known only if it is revealed!

And that spectacular instant of revelation is what we call as Incarnation of the Word!

The Divine Historic Moment when the Almighty revealed His Word is called Incarnation!

We read in today’s Gospel reading… John 1: 14, “And the Word became flesh!”

The Word in the mind of God took human form in Jesus!

Jesus is the visible, the revealed and the manifested Word of God!

Jesus is the Son of God… Jesus is God, the Son!
Jesus is the Word made flesh… Jesus is God in human flesh!

What is the impact of this most unique and most spectacular event of history
… Incarnation?

Humanity which had strayed has found another chance to be re-united.

Human beings steeped in sin were provided with an opportunity to be redeemed.
Humanity is empowered not with abstract human teachings, but by the Divine Person

This is what makes Christianity different from all other ways of life or religions

This is what makes Christianity unique among all other philosophies of life

It is utter absurdity for philosophers, for the Infinite to become finite

It is purely mythical for the naturalist, for the Transcendent to be understood
It is totally unscientific for the rationalist, for Fullness to be reduced to limitedness

But This is The Truth.
This is the Reality.

In Incarnation, the God of Love was now wrapped in human flesh.
… the Almightiness of God moved in a human arm.
… the Love of God now beat in a human heart.
… the Wisdom of God now spoke from human lips.
… the Mercy of God reached forth from human hands.

You and I are the beneficiaries of knowing the answer of this game “Guessing the Word” which humanity was engaged with the Divine, for centuries!

JESUS IS THAT ANSWER!

AND JESUS CAN BE THE ANSWER to all the problems and difficulties of our lives.

Have we allowed Him – Jesus, the Word – to take flesh in ourselves?

Have we permitted Him – Jesus the Word – to have an impact in our lifestyle?
Have we consented to Him – Jesus, the Word – to become the totality of our lives?

We are on the last day of this year 2024
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year 2025!

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments

Let us also realize that…
… There can be no spectacular resolve
… There can be no greater discovery
… There can be no better resolution
… There can be no higher decision
… than to allow Jesus, the Word to take firm and absolute control of our lives!

Are we ready to usher in the New Year, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us?

Yes… He is The Only Way… The Only Truth… The Only Life – JESUS, THE WORD REVEALED
AND MADE FLESH!

Thank You, Lord, for the Year 2024 that has gone by.

We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year 2025!

Come Lord Jesus, help us to be Pilgrims of Hope and Missionaries of Mercy…
… anchored in Your Holy Word and the Sacraments!

Merry Christmas!
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 first commandment forbids honoring gods other than the one Lord who has revealed himself to his people.
It proscribes superstition and irreligion. Superstition in some sense represents a perverse excess of religion…

… irreligion is the vice contrary by defect to the virtue of religion. (CCC # 2109)

“Pursuing the task, and prevailing in our aim to discover ‘why we are born’”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:12-17 and Lk 2:36-40 – The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas)

There is a famous quotation which goes thus:
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born…
… and the day we discover why!”

One of them is easier and simpler than the other.

Its just a date and a moment in history.

It could be something like the 19th of January or the 2nd of November or the 29th of December or the 17th of June or the 28th of November or the 16th of January or the 9th of May etc…

This was the day, we first made our appearance on this earth.

This day is special….

The other day is also special…
… but it’s not easy to discover it!

In fact, it is an arduous task and a patient undertaking.

That is day we figure out why we are on this Planet Earth.

That is the day we come to a greater realization of our Life.

The first day tells that I am here in this earth!

The second day would tell us “why” I am here on this earth!

To discover the meaning and purpose of life and seek to live it fully well, will make our lives satisfying and truly happy.

It could happen…
… in one day!
… over a period of some years!
… over one’s whole lifetime!

Yet, the most important thing is to “keep seeking for it and be alert for its discovery”

Am I in this all-important process of discovering “Why I am born in this world?”

The Gospel of the Day points to a person who discovered greatly this aspect of the purpose in life, and dedicated her whole life for it – Anna, the Prophetess.

We are still in the festive passages of Christmas – the Nativity of our Saviour.

Joseph and Mary have brought their Beloved Child, Jesus, to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

After the ritual purification rites and customs, the Holy Family of Nazareth is encountered by Simeon.

He who was docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit discovered the Glory of God.

At the same time, another woman was also eagerly waiting for the Messiah…
… in constant eagerness and longing – Anna!

‘Anna’ is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means, ‘Grace’

Like the Old Testament Hannah, this Anna is also characterized by prayer and fasting
She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Asher is considered to be one among ten of these tribes, which had strayed away from the path of the Lord…
… that were taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC, before the northern Kingdom fell.

However, “some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem” (2 Chr 30:11).

So, Anna belonged to that small remnant of the tribe of Asher that had humbled itself to seek protection and providence in the Lord.

Anna was, however, a widow

She was a widow for a very very long time…
… for over seven decades, she had been a widow.

It was a tremendous grief to live so long without the love of a husband.

Sorrow can cause two consequences to a believer….
It can make one hard, bitter, resentful and rebellious against God
or…
It can make one kinder and dependable on God!

Sorrow can cause our faith to be spoilt
or…
Sorrow can cause our faith to take deeper roots!

Anna, the widow, chose the better part!

She chose to reveal and revel in the Grace of God and live a Gracious Life!

And this process of discovering “why she was born in the world” made her to…

Practice a life of purity: She lived in holiness and integrity.
Pray constantly: She lived in the temple continually and was incessantly fasting and praying
Persevere Patiently: She battled loneliness and depression and persevered successfully to meet the Lord.
Proclaim Boldly: She challenged others in their cozy life by proclaiming the Messiah and His promises!

Life is constantly calling and challenging us to discover “the day why I am born”

It’s easy to while away our time in comforts and pleasures of this world.

But that will certainly not serve the goal of our existence here on this earth.

Each of us have a specific task and responsibility entrusted by the Lord.

This role is proper to our own vocation as in family life or in a consecrated life.

In God’s precious eyes, there are no small or great responsibilities.

He values and treasures each and every duty – small or big- with equal measure.
Every task, when performed with immense love and dedication has its greatness.

Anna, the old lady, “Young and Vibrant at Heart” teaches us today…

To pursue who we are to be – to discover “why I am born!”
… by Practicing a Life of Purity
… by Praying Constantly
… by Persevering Patiently
… by Proclaiming Boldly!

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 right to religious liberty can of itself be neither unlimited nor limited only by a “public order” conceived in a positivist or naturalist manner.
The “due limits” which are inherent in it must be determined for each social situation by political prudence…
… according to the requirements of the common good and ratified by the civil authority

… in accordance with “legal principles which are in conformity with the objective moral order.” (CCC # 2109)

“Being inspired by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, to make our families ‘havens of love and care!'”

(Based on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)

A classic and popular story – source unidentified – is told about a kid narrating a story of how his mother, once, after a long, hard day at work…
… had placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of dad.

Yet all that the dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at the mom and ask how the child’s day was at school!

He even went on to smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

Later, the child heard mom apologizing for burning the biscuit.

But Dad, without any fuss – in fact, with a great sense of calmness – replied: “Honey, I love burnt biscuits!”

Later that night, when the child went to kiss Daddy good night, he asked, if he really liked biscuits burned.

Daddy wrapped the child in his arms and said: “Your Mamma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired.

And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities

Do we make efforts to make our families “havens of love and care?”

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Family of Nazareth – Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Family Life is indeed, very dear to God’s Heart

The Old Testament and the New Testament provide several instances of salvation occurring in the context of a family.

When Jesus, the Eternal Word became flesh (Cf. Jn 1:14), He was born in a Family.

The Holy Family of Nazareth, as the beautiful model and example to every family to nurture care, teach us important lessons:

1. Discern and do God’s Will – this is the vital rule

At every stage of life, Mary and Joseph sought to do the Will of God and fulfilled it with utmost sincerity

2. Take the lead and strengthen each other, especially in a crisis

In their tough situations, Mary and Joseph proactively listened to God and took the initiative to steer the family out of danger

3. Avoid judging each other; support with mutual understanding

Tense situations became moments of prayer instead of blame
Troubled circumstances gave an opportunity to stay with each other!

4. Joyfully fulfil one’s responsibilities, without complaint or blame

Each member of the Holy Family assumed total responsibility and undertook every duty that had been entrusted to them

5. Find strength in prayer and in God’s Word

In every crunch situation, they turned to God and made the Word of the Lord their guiding principle of life!

It is said that “where God guides, God provides.”

The life of the Holy Family is a beautiful testimony of the protective and providential care of the Lord.

Our families are also called to become gardens that are nurtured and nourished by the protective showers of God’s Love!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its extensive exhortation on families, teaches us: “The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason, it can and should be called a domestic church.

It is a community of faith, hope, and charity.
It is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit…
… in the procreation and education of children, it reflects the Father’s work of creation.
… it partakes of the prayer and sacrifice of Christ.

Daily prayer and the reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity.

The Christian family has an evangelizing and missionary task.” (Cf. CCC, #2204-2205)

All of us, in families, are called to holiness – this is God’s Will!

Holiness is not easy, but it is made possible with God’s Grace!

Holiness in a family is deepened and enhanced through…
… faithful sacramental life with constant reconciliation
… sharing of meals and exchange of thoughts and feelings
… willingness to forego hurt feelings and celebrate differences
… regular prayer life along with reading the Bible and devotions
… openness to listen to one another and support in tough times

Family life presents so many opportunities for doing good…
… reaching out in love with generous positive works
… protecting one another by avoiding unnecessary negativities

Let us joyfully accept the “burnt biscuits of each other’s weaknesses, failures, angry moments and hurtful feelings”

Let the beautiful example of the Holy Family of Nazareth inspire all of us…
… to make our families “havens of love and care!”

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love You!

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 right to religious liberty is neither a moral license to adhere to error, nor a supposed right to error…
… but rather a natural right of the human person to civil liberty
… i.e., immunity, within just limits, from external constraint in religious matters by political authorities.
This natural right ought to be acknowledged in the juridical order of society…

… in such a way that it constitutes a civil right. (CCC # 2108)