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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Service ought to be the autograph of every Christian!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charity is never idle!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He had came into the world to die!

Death was the goal and fulfilment of His life.

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

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

Mothers know the pain of giving birth to a child.

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

The pain is too excruciating…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

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

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

“Seeking earnestly for the gift of deeper trust and complete surrender to the Mighty Providence and Holy Will of the Lord!”

(Based on Acts 18:1-8 and Jn 16:16-20 – Thursday of the 6th Week in Easter)

“Just a minute, honey, and I will be ready…”
… thus goes the words of the wife, who is busy with her make-up, while her husband keeps waiting, impatiently looking at his watch.

He knows it’s getting late to go for the scheduled program.

He also knows that the phrase “just a minute” would last a much longer time!

“Oh, Yes, I will get the work done in the next ten minutes…”
… thus goes the words of the official, when asked to speed up the pending paperwork of the renewal of a contract by a perplexed client

But the client knows the work will take much longer to be completed

He knows that the phrase “in the next ten minutes” would last a much longer time!

“Yes, Mummy, we will clean up the room right now…”
… thus goes the words of kids, when asked to clean up their room, which is in a state of mess

But the Mother knows that this cleaning up would be further delayed and would need more reminders

She knows that the phrase, “right now” would last a much longer time!

These are some of our day-to-day experiences of not being able to come to terms with “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

Such delays and uncertainties, often put us through tensions or anxiety or an “uncomfortable” state of mind!

In the Gospel of the Day, the disciples also undergo this experience… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.

Jesus tells His disciples, “A little while and you will see me no more; again a little while and you will see me” (Jn 16:16)

But these words of Jesus put the disciples into a state of dilemma

They failed to grasp the meaning of the words of Jesus and were confused!

They began to discuss the phrase of Jesus – “a little while”

“What does he mean by ‘a little while?'” (Jn 16: 18)
How long was this “little while” going to be?
How does He define the phrase ‘a little while?'”

If they knew exactly how long this “little while” would last…
…. then they would have been more courageous and patient
But now the disciples find themselves to be confused and in dilemma.

However, Jesus the Good Shepherd, knew the confusion of His little sheep

But He doesn’t define the phrase “a little while”

He doesn’t say that it is a particular moment of time, that can be considered as a countdown!

Instead, Jesus defines “a little while” in terms of an experience…
… an experience of weeping and lamenting turning into rejoicing
… an experience of sorrow turning into joy (Jn 16:20)

Is our life today…
… in a state of crisis and confusion?
… passing through waves of troubles and the deserts of anxiety?
… moving along the rough terrains of calamities and the valleys of brokenness?

Then the Lord assures us…
… “In a little while” and things will be fine!
… “In a little while” and the sunshine will appear again!

We might complain: How long is this “little while!”

This “little while” is being too agonising!

But the Lord invites and challenges us to look to Him, telling us:
“I too have had my painful and agonising moments… in My life, especially on the Cross

I too had My experience of feeling ‘how long is this little while going to last’…

But I stood firm and patient in trusting the Will of My Father…

I held on to the mighty Providence of my Father and knew that a bright morn awaited Me”

Yes, Jesus, through the Gospel wishes to encourage us and strengthen us…
… in sufferings, to love Him strongly!
… in hardships, to trust in Him deeper!
… in uncertainties, to depend on Him greater!

Surely, life will take us through many experiences… of “delays and uncertainties” with respect to time.
… We may tend to lose our patience!
… We may feel like giving up!
… We may want to quit!

But let us turn to the Lord for strength, grace and courage…
… and listen to Him whispering to us…
“Hold on my Child! I am with you…
… embracing you in my arms!

In Me, your weeping will be changed to rejoicing
In Me, your sorrow will be turned to joy!”

Let us seek earnestly for this gift of deeper trust and complete surrender to the Mighty Providence and Holy Will of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

He who loves his son will not spare the rod.
He who disciplines his son will profit by him.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (CCC # 2223)

“Being assured of the promise of the Lord that He is with us, and that the answers to the examinations of life will be revealed to us, in and through the power of the Holy Spirit!”

(Based on Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 and Jn 16:12-15 – Wednesday of the 6th Week in Easter)

A law-school professor was telling his class what to expect of the final examination.

“The question paper will be nearly 14 pages long” he explained, “and it will take at least four hours to answer all the questions!”

Hearing that, the entire class groaned with murmuring.

As the class grumbled, the Professor added, with a tone of consolation:
“Don’t be worried.

In this tough exercise of the examination, all of you will be in the same boat!”

At this, one student, with a naughty grin spoke up: “Yeah, Sir… We all will be in the same boat.

Just that, the name of the boat would be Titanic!!”

(Titanic was the name of the boat that had a tragic end – sinking into the ocean after a crash with an iceberg and leading to the death of nearly 1500 people in the year 1912)

This little humorous incident (without being too critical or analytical), when looked from a global spiritual perspective…
… points out a grand and complex reality:
There are many examinations in life, which tends to drown our life!

To some questions of life, answers will be found.

But to many, there will be a mysterious silence.

Humanity does not have an answer to all questions in life.

Yet, life encourages us to walk ahead, with trust and hope.

As Christians, this trust and hope finds a greater meaning and strength, because we have the assurance and promise of the Lord that He is with us…
….and the Answers to the Examinations of Life will be revealed to us…
… in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel of the Day is this assurance of Jesus that even though many things are not understood in life…
… the Holy Spirit will reveal to us, in time and as needed, the mysteries of life and of our faith.

The Lord had been with the disciples for quite some time and had instructed them on many teachings.

Even at the final discourse, in the context of the Last Supper, Jesus teaches His chosen ones many things.

Yet, He still has many more things to tell and teach.

But…
… like a loving parent, who knows the grasping power of the child
… like an understanding teacher, who realises the comprehending capability of the student

Jesus knows, that the disciples would not be able to understand still further His teachings.

And so He says, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn 16:12)

But He does not leave the disciples in this state of hanging in mid-air…

He assures them of the Might Power that will follow His going away from the disciples.
He promises them that the Holy Spirit will descend on them and they would realise, gradually, the power and depth of His teachings!

“But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, He will guide you to all truth” (Jn 16: 13)

Our lives too remain a blank question-paper, with questions hurled at us, and answers found wanting!

Situations and circumstances put forward many uneasy, awkward and even unanswerable questions to us.
We look for answers.
We seek for solutions.

Sometimes we get.
But many times, we fail to obtain.

It may lead us to desperation.
It may even lead us to anxiety.

But the Lord assures us…
… that He has the answer to every question in the world
… that He has the solution to every problem of our life.

Of course, not all will be told to us, or revealed to us, at once.

They will be conveyed to us, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate situation.

From our part, what is simply needed is…
… an openness to His Spirit
… a trust in His Divine Providence
… a constant seeking to know His Will

The underlying principle for this simple, yet, seemingly hard to practise philosophy of life, is the fact that “God Loves Us” immeasurably, and that every moment of our life, is taken care by Him.

His glory fills the heavens and the earth.
His knowledge permeates in every event of life.

St Paul invited the people of Athens… to leave behind unknown objects of worship…
… and instead, to trust and believe in the Living God, Who has risen from the dead, and lives and moves in each one of us:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man
… nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything
… since He Himself gives to all men life and breath and everything.
And He made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth
… having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him.
Yet he is not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being!’” (Acts 17:24-28)

The greater our trust in the Living God…
… the nearer will we be, to the answers of life!

Yes, Life will constantly place before us “tough exams”

We may sometimes complain and grumble

In frustration, we may sometimes even feel that “lives may turn out to be like the Titanic!”

But let’s not lose hope…

May we rather, seek to grow in faith and trust in the Lord.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents should teach their children to subordinate the “material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.”
Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children.

By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them. (CCC # 2223)

“Thanking God for the gift of life, and with humility, totally depending on Him!”

(Based on Acts 16:22-34 and Jn 16:5-11 – Tuesday of the 6th Week in Easter)

Here is an interesting prayer, that perhaps, many of us might have not actually made…
… but perhaps, is echoed, in the depths of one’s heart:

“Dear God,
So far today I’ve done all right.
I’m so grateful to you!

I haven’t gossiped
I haven’t lost my temper.
I haven’t been greedy or grumpy
I haven’t been nasty or selfish or even over-indulgent.

I’m indeed very thankful for that!

But…
… But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…
… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

Do we realise that we are prone to sin?
… or have we become quite “lethargic and tepid” in matters concerning sin?

Becoming aware that we are weak and fragile, helps us to depend more on the Power and Grace of God…
… Failure to realise so, will make us to bank only on ourselves and thus will lead to great falls!

It is the Holy Spirit Who gives us the Grace to be aware of the “sinful areas and tendencies” of our lives…
… and helps us to totally depend on Him, to live a holy and credible life.

Jesus, in the Gospel of the day, enlightening on the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world regarding sin.

He says, “And when He (Holy Spirit, the Advocate) comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation” (Jn 16: 8)

One of the standout factors in the teachings of Jesus is His uncompromising attitude with respect to sin.

And perhaps, this is where Jesus as a Holy Person stands out incomparable with all other great spiritual or philosophical leaders of the world.

This is also where Christianity as a religion stands out unmatched with any other belief system or practice of spirituality.

For Jesus and in Christianity…
… there is an uncompromising teaching on the need to root out sin and evil offences
… there is an absolutely unparalleled insistence on removal of sin for spiritual progress and on being holy and pure to be in communion with Him

The Lord points out to this prime role of the Holy Spirit: Convicting the world of sin.

St Peter, after His first proclamation on Pentecost Day, had the hearers’ conscience convicted of sin.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and they asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘What are we to do, my brothers?'” (Acts 2:37)

It is the Holy Spirit Who causes a person to become aware of one’s state of sinfulness and living an evil life.

This also means, that when there is “a loss of the sense of sin,” the working of the Holy Spirit is also highly dormant and latent.

A “loss of sense of sin” occurs, when the Holy Spirit fails to have an active role in one’s life!

We need to make an honest examination of our conscience…

Is our life suffering from a “lack of sensation to sin”…?

Do I continue to pursue, persevere or promote deeds of sin…
… even though I am aware of it, or has been brought to my notice?

Do I fail to be sensitive to issues of immense sin and evil happening in and around me, in people and situations…
… and instead become indifferent and uninterested?

A persistence with this tendency can very dangerously sever our relation with the Lord.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we become ‘convicted’ of this spiritual malady and make efforts to overcome them.

Let the reality of sin be recognized and acknowledged in our lives and in the world.

Paul and Silas, who were locked in the prison, experienced the miraculous Power of the Holy Spirit – as we read in Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:25-34)

This incident evoked feelings of faith and repentance in jailor. His cry for the Mercy of the Lord would be answered by Paul and Silas in a majestic manner:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household!” (Acts 16:31)

Let us also have an open heart to accept this “conviction of sin” by the Holy Spirit and to co-operate with Him to remedy this spiritual woe!

As we thank God, every morning, for the gift of life, let us also, with humility and total dependence on Him, pray:
“…in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed…
… and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help, Amen!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The home is well suited for education in the virtues.
This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery…

… the preconditions of all true freedom. (CCC # 2223)

“Witnessing JESUS CHRIST – in thought, in word, in deed!”

(Based on Acts 16:11-15 and Jn 15:26-16:4a – Monday of the 6th Week in Easter)

Every Christian is expected to be a witness to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, in one’s everyday life.

In a random survey conducted, as to why many Christians don’t speak about Christ to others, some of the common answers given by Christians were as follows:

“I am not sure what I have to say!”
“My lifestyle doesn’t match what Christ expects of me!”
“I may not be able to give convincing answers, when questions are asked!”
“I am not sure if I will be called as a hypocrite – or living by double standards!”
“I don’t really care about speaking about Christ etc…”
“I think it is not my duty. It is the duty of the leaders of the Church. First let them do…”

And prominently…

“I am afraid what others will feel…!”
“I feel anxious if I will be rejected and be side-lined by all!”

What about us?

Do we witness to Christ, daily?
Do we speak about and witness the Love of God to people?

What answer do we have?

The Gospel of the Day is an assurance and an invitation by Jesus to live by the Power of the Holy Spirit…
… and thus be a “Witness of Jesus and His Kingdom!”

One of the primary tasks of Jesus, as he left this world, was to “Strengthen His Disciples”

He knew very well, how each one of them would go through periods of crisis, after His Departure.

When things go on well, life seems to be easy…
… But when hardships and loneliness creeps in, life seems to be too difficult!

As long as Jesus was with them, the disciples would have an easy life…
… But with the departure of Jesus, they would have to face a difficult life!

And so Jesus prepares them by assuring them of how the Holy Spirit would strengthen them:
“When the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth… >> He will bear witness to Me, and you also are witnesses…

I have said all this to you, to keep you from falling away!” (Jn 15:26-27, 16:1)

Jesus knew that all his disciples had weaknesses …

Some would be unsure of what answer to be given when questions were asked

(Like Peter who would deny Jesus, when questions were asked – Lk 22: 54-61)

Some would only worry about their own positions and comforts

(Like the disciples at the Last Supper, who would discuss the one who is great among them – Lk 22: 24)

Some would be afraid of the people and the society around

(Like the disciples who would run away and abandon Jesus – Mk 14: 50)

Some would prefer to choose riches and money, than Jesus

(Like Judas who would betray the Lord for the sake of money – Mk 14: 10-11)

Despite these weakness and fragilities, the Lord did not give up on them

He invited them to “Be open to Receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a Powerful Life of Witnessing!”

By this Power of the Person of the Holy Spirit, the disciples became powerful witnesses to the world, bringing many people to experience the Love of the Lord
… as we read in the Acts of the Apostles…
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyati′ra, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)

We too have our own weaknesses in witnessing to the Lord, in this modern society…

Some of us…
… are not sure of what answers to be given to questions that are asked about faith

Some of us…
… like to remain in our own comfort zones

Some of us…
… are afraid of “what other people will think” and if I will “lose my name and esteem in the society”

Some of us…
… give more importance to the false promises of the world, and don’t make a clear-cut choice for God and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)

To each of us too, the Lord invites to “Be open to receive the Holy Spirit and thus to Live a powerful Life of Witnessing!”

Yes, He doesn’t give up on us.

Let us renew our commitment to the Lord, everyday..
… and by His Spirit, with boldness and courage, “Stand Firm for the Gospel Values”

Let us “Witness Jesus Christ” – in thought, in word, in deed!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.
They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home…

… where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rules. (CCC # 2223)

“Living our Christian lives in such a way that is pleasing to Jesus, our Master!”

(Based on Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 and Jn 14:23-29 – 6th Sunday of Easter)

A story is told of a famous violinist who was to perform at a concert hall of world renown.

As he stood before the packed house that night and played his violin, he mesmerized the audience with his prowess and skill…
… and he was given a standing ovation.

He looked at the crowd for a moment and walked off the stage…
… only to return to render another performance.

To the amazement of the crowd, this performance was even more beautiful and flawless than the first.

He looked to the audience and left the stage for the second time, but was beckoned back by the deafening roar of the multitudes…
… and rendered a third performance.

This sequence was repeated several more times until finally the man finished his piece, looked to the audience…
… nodded his head and simply walked off the stage…
… while the cheers could still be heard.

Reporters pressed outside the violinist’s dressing room, waiting to catch a word from the man who had just given the performance of a lifetime.

As he emerged from the small room, one reporter asked the question, “Sir, why did you give so many encore performances?

You could have stopped after the first and everyone would have been amazed.”

The violinist stopped and replied, “For the very first time in my career, my master, the one who taught me to play the violin, was in the audience.

When I finished my performance, everyone stood except for one person.

I played again, and everyone stood to applaud except for him.
I continued to play.

At the conclusion of the last, I looked into the seats and I noticed that everyone, including my master, was standing and applauding!

It was only then that I was satisfied that I had done a good job.”

What about us?

Do we live our Christian lives in such a way that is pleasing to Jesus, our Master?

Do we allow Him to find a place in our hearts…
… so that we can reflect His Divine Touch, by our words and deeds?

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus throwing light on this beautiful theme of God wishing to make a home in our hearts:

“Those who love me, will keep my word, and My Father will love them and we will come and make our home with them” (Jn 14: 23)

Our Blessed Lord presents a profound truth: Love for Him is shown not primarily through emotion, but through obedience.

In the Bible, to “keep the Word” is not just to obey outwardly
… but to guard it within
… to treasure it
… and allow it to shape every aspect of life

‘Keeping His Word’ is the hallmark of authentic discipleship.

In a world that often reduces love to emotion and obedience to legalism, Jesus restores the connection:

To love Him is to trust Him; to trust Him is to obey Him.

Do I obey God only when it is convenient, or even when it costs me something?

It is in such “obedient hearts” that the Trinity “will make a home!”

This is a fulfillment of God’s desire to ‘tabernacle among His people.’ (cf. Ex 25:8; Jn 1:14).

This is a movement from the external to the internal, from the temple to the heart.
The Trinity wishes to choose each one of us as His dwelling place.

The Creator of the universe desires not just our obedience…
… but a living relationship, so intimate that He chooses to dwell within us.

This longing of God is seen throughout salvation history:

In the garden, He walked with Adam and Eve.
In the wilderness, He dwelt in the Tabernacle with His people.
In Christ, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).
Now, through the Spirit, He seeks to make each of us a sanctuary.

This truth is echoed in Revelation 21, where the New Jerusalem has no temple…
… because “its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” (Rev 21:22)

What area of my life is Jesus inviting me to surrender, to make space for His Word to dwell?

Is my inner life – my thoughts, desires, and motivations – a space where God feels at home?

As we journey through Easter, we are reminded that the Resurrection is not just a past event – it is a present reality.

Jesus is alive…
… and He desires to dwell within each of us.

The question is: Have we made room for Him?

Let us seek to live our Christian lives in such a way that is pleasing to Jesus, our Master!

Yes, let us allow Him to find a place in our hearts…
… so that we can reflect His Divine Touch, by our words and deeds!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons.

Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God’s law. (CCC # 2222)

“Having faith that is not just worn on the neck, but that’s clutched in the heart!”

(Based on Acts 16:1-10 and Jn 15:18-21 – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter)

In a country where religious freedom was restricted, there lived a young teacher named Ivan.

Under his shirt, tied with an old string, he wore a small wooden cross – rough, worn, carved by his grandfather.

Every day, when the classroom emptied for lunch, Ivan would bow his head silently…
… And spend few minutes in silence, clinging to the Cross
… and praying to be faithful.

Ivan would often be called to meetings and gatherings, where he would be ridiculed, mocked and asked to give up his faith.

But in all those moments, quietly, he would reach to his Cross…
… and find strength and courage.

Years later, one of his former students – now grown up – stood near the baptismal font

When asked what brought him to Christ, he said: “I was taught by teacher, who did not publicly speak about God…
… but couldn’t stop hiding God from us, by His life and actions!”

Indeed, ‘some of the loudest sermons are whispered by the lives of the quietly courageous.’

That’s the kind of faith we are called to have:

Not a faith that looks fashionable…
… but that’s faithful.
Not a faith that always roars…
… but that refuses to retreat.
Not a faith that is just worn on the neck…
… but that’s clutched in the heart.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation by Jesus to remain steadfast and bold even in the face of persecution in defence for our faith in Him.

And this steadfastness is in imitation of Jesus, our Master, who Himself underwent a miserable series of pain, persecution, suffering and humiliation…
… and yet remained totally faithful to His Mission.

Jesus says, “If the world hates you, realise that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (Jn 15:18, 20b)

The Lord is very clear in His teaching and preaching: Friendship with Jesus would mean hostility from the world.

Our Lord Himself had to undergo this pain of rejection, persecution and opposition throughout His life…

At His birth, King Herod sought to terminate His life
After Baptism, Satan sought to tempt Him out of His mission.
During His ministry, the Pharisees and Scribes would misunderstand and misjudge Him

The Lord alerts His disciples that the same will be true in their lives too, if they choose to remain faithful to their vocation.

As a follower of the Lord, we too need to be aware that sufferings and hardships in being Christian are sure to come our way.

What is our attitude and disposition to these trials that we face because of our faith in Christ?

Are we bold and courageous…
… even when we are to face isolation or seclusion due to standing firm in our values and principles in the Lord?

Do we live our life in joy and calmness…
… even when we have to face misunderstandings and become an object of laughter, or called “old-traditionalists” due to being staunch in following the Gospel values?

The world constantly ensnares us with temptations to abandon the Cross…

Are we going to yield to such temptations and enticements…
… or are we prepared to face any amount of difficulty, to uphold our Faith in the Lord?

Let’s realise: A faith untested is just a theory…
… but a faith, tested and trusted, becomes a testimony!

Seeking the assistance of Mary, Help of Christians, on Her Feast Day…
… let’s be faithful, fearless and fruitful!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute.

The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable. (CCC # 2221)

“Growing in the light of the Images of Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit to deepen our conviction and commitment to the Kingdom!”

(Based on Acts 15:22-31 and Jn 15:12-17 – Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter)

The Gospels are a beautiful account of the many narratives, describing the works, teachings and life of Jesus.

We get a glimpse to various images and facets of the life of Jesus.

These various images of the Lord, help us to relate to Him in a much more intimate and closer manner.

These various images of the Lord, also help us, in turn, to imitate Him and to live more and more like Him, in this world.

The Gospel of the Day… just six verses… Jn 15: 12-17, on closer reading, presents a number of images of the Lord.

These images will help us to…
… form a closer bond with the Lord
… imitate the Lord better in our lives

IMAGE 1: Jesus, the Lover…. inviting us to be His lovers!

The Lord says, “… love one another, as I have loved you” (Jn 15: 12)

Jesus is our Lover!

He is the Love-incarnate, and He expresses His deep love to us at every moment of our life.

Do we experience the Lord as a Lover…?
… intimately and passionately loving us, even in the midst of problems of life
… assuring His faithful support to us at every situation, even if we have been unfaithful

IMAGE 2: Jesus, the friend… inviting us to have Him as our best friend!
The Lord says, “… I have called you friends… ” (Jn 15: 15b)

Jesus is our Friend!

He is the One who shares everything that He has with us and does not keep any secrets in this Divine friendship.

Do we experience the Lord as our Friend…?
… constantly walking beside us, sharing our every emotion – joy, sorrow, hateful feelings, frustration, silly thoughts, stupid doubts, unseen jealousies etc
… on whom we can rely on, in any situation of life – may not get an answer in every problem, but surely being strengthened in having a shoulder to lean on and hands to hold onto!

IMAGE 3: Jesus, the brother… inviting us to share in His Sonship!
The Lord says, “… I have told you everything I have heard from My Father” (Jn 15: 15)

Jesus, the Son of the Heavenly Father, is our Brother!

We are raised to a status of being “sons in the Son!”

We are given the privilege to address God – not as any impersonal being, or a distant reality.. but as our Father – a loving Daddy, a caring Parent!

Do we experience the Lord as our Brother…?
… the One who reveals the secrets of the Heavenly Family and bids us have a closer union with the Divine Family
… the One who asks us to cast off our fear of God as being some strict rule-keeper and instead to cherish His Fatherly affection and fondness

IMAGE 4: Jesus, the Master… inviting us to give heed to His commandments!
The Lord says, ” This I command: love one another” (Jn 15: 17)

Jesus is our Master!

We are obliged to obey the order of the Lord and carry out His plans and wishes faithfully.

Do we experience the Lord as our Master…?
… giving heed to His commandment of being an instrument of love and harmony in our life situations
… being faithful, in little or big things, to please the Master at all times

IMAGE 5: Jesus, the Intercessor… inviting us to cast our concerns to Him!
The Lord says, “… whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you” (Jn 15:16b)

Jesus is our Intercessor!

By His Holy Sacrifice, He has become the mediator and intercessor for the entire human race, before the Heavenly Father (1 Tim 2:5)

Do we experience the Lord as our Intercessor…?
… bringing before Him our concerns and the needs of the world, knowing that intercession is a very powerful means of alleviating the struggles and problems of the world
… becoming a prayer-warrior and helping the grace and intervention of God to be felt by people who are in distress and trouble

IMAGE 6: Jesus, the Missionary.. inviting us to be co-workers in His Project Kingdom!
The Lord says, “you did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…” (Jn 15: 16a)

Jesus is our model Missionary

The mission that was entrusted by the Father is now shared by Jesus to all of us, and we become partners and collaborators with Him

Do we experience Jesus as our model Missionary…?
… knowing that He is the ideal and perfect missionary and that I must seek to imitate Him, in bringing God’s reign in the lives of people
… realising that it is a huge honour and a big responsibility that is placed on me, to be a co-worker and teammate of the Lord.

The Gospel presents these powerful images of the Lord to grow closer to Him and to reflect these images, in our contexts.

The early Church reflected on the various dimensions and guidance of the Lord, working in their lives and made decisions in the light of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:22-31)

We are also invited to grow in the light of the Images of Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit to deepen our conviction and commitment to the Kingdom!

Let the words of St Clare inspire us:
“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.
If we love things, we become a thing.
If we love nothing, we become nothing.

Imitation is not a literal mimicking of Christ, rather it means becoming the image of the beloved, an image disclosed through transformation.

This means we are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The fecundity of conjugal love cannot be reduced solely to the procreation of children…

… but must extend to their moral education and their spiritual formation. (CCC # 2221)