“Allowing Jesus, our Blessed Lord to be our hope, our strength and our courage!”

(Based on Mic 2:1-5 and Mt 12:14-21 – Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Pandora’s Box” is a phrase which means a process that once begun, generates many complicated problems.

There is a Greek mythological story about the origin of this phrase – the “Pandora’s Box”

According to the Greek legend, the first woman of the earth, named Pandora was sent to the earth, by the gods, with a casket (box) in her hand.

She was forbidden to open this box.

However, out of immense curiosity one day she lifted the cover of the box and looked in.

But there came forth from the box, every conceivable plague for man’s body and his mind, and immediately they scattered themselves far and wide throughout the earth.

Pandora hastened to replace the lid of the box, but there was only one thing left – Hope!

Often our life can resemble this mythological tale, in that, we face a whole set of evils and troubles unleashed at us.

The Pandora’s box – of persecutions, of difficulties, of sadness, of daily tensions – gets opened often in our lives.

But life still invites and challenges us to Move on with Life, in Hope, seeking to heal every negativity!

Our Blessed Lord is our model and perfect example for this.

While on the earth, He had to face the trial of many Pandora boxes – of cruel plots, of hurtful betrayals, of painful rejections – being unleashed at Him.

Yet, He remained firm and defiant in His Zeal and Passion for His Mission – His Mission of being a “Hope to the Gentiles”( Mt 12: 21)

The Gospel of the Day makes a vivid presentation of this struggle of our Blessed Lord was subjected to.

The Gospel passage begins with the verse, “But the Pharisees went out and took counsel to put Jesus to death” (Mt 12: 14)

There could be perhaps, quite a factors that prompted the religious elders of the time, to make this move

1. Jesus did not correspond to their idea of being a Messiah

The Pharisees and the religious leaders of the time, probably had a externally dominant visualization of the Messiah Who was to come…

• Someone Who was politically powerful
• Someone Who would be Restorer of their Religion
• Someone Who would firmly establish the Jewish Empire

But none of these seemed to be evident in the ministry and life of Jesus.

2. Jesus seemed to be a thorn in their cosy structured and institutionalized pattern of life

The long wait for the Messiah had resulted…

• In religion in being devoid of religiosity and instead being reduced to mere rituals
• In Spirituality losing its sheen of sacredness and instead being sunken to mere static statutes

This had resulted in creation of classes…

Of the Ruling Class: consisting of the Pharisees, the Scribes and other religious leaders and elders,
Of the Ruled Class: consisting of the ordinary people, whose voices were often restrained, and had become mute followers of the tradition.

Jesus, however, by His vibrant teachings, His Mighty Deeds and His Uncompromising Life, disturbed all such cosy structures and comfortable religious life-style.

How often do we also turn anti against those who become a ‘Jesus’ to us…

• Those whose ideas do not correspond to our sinful or lethargic ways of life
• Those who become a thorn in our cosy and institutionalized pattern of life

We too may sometimes plot ways and means to end such forces..
… which trigger transformation in us
… which awaken our consciences to lead purer or holier lives

We are instead, invited to be like Jesus, our Blessed Lord.

He faced a mighty unleashing as from a Pandora’s box…
… deadly plots to end His Life and Mission
… uncharitable venoms of conspiracy to terminate His life

Yet, He remained firm and bold to remain ” the Chosen Servant, the Beloved in Him God delighted, the One who proclaimed justice to the Gentiles and in Whose Name, the Gentiles hoped (cf. Mt 12:18 -21)

Are we ready to “live our lives in hope” even though we may often experience the evils of the “Pandora’s box” seeking to submerge us?

May Jesus, our Blessed Lord be our hope, our strength and our courage!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

If at the end of your very good works . . ., you rested on the seventh day…
… it was to foretell by the voice of your book that at the end of our works
… which are indeed “very good” since you have given them to us

… we shall also rest in you on the sabbath of eternal life. (CCC # 2002)

“Sowing the seeds of mercy and compassion to all!”

(Based on Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 and Mt 12:1-8 – Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The dial of a clock is a beautiful illustration of the way God deals with human life.

The hands on the dial of the clock are God’s Hands – passing over and over again…
… the short hand, being the Hand of God’s Discipline
… the long hand, being the Hand of God’s Mercy

• The short hand – the hand of Discipline…
  … passes slowly, but surely
  … strikes at each hour too
• But the long hand – the hand of Mercy…
  … passes much faster and surely too
  … showers down sixtyfold of blessing for each strike of discipline

And another interesting aspect….?

Both the hands are fastened to one firm and secure point – the Beautiful Heart of the God of Love!

God’s discipline in the form of trials is a surety in life…

• But much more abundant in life, are His mercies that are scattered regularly all through…

And both these dimensions – Discipline & Mercies – stem forth from the Immense Love of God!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful presentation of Jesus as the God of Love Who, though is a Disciplining God…
… displays His Heart of abundant mercy and invites His followers to become People of Merciful Love!

The Gospel passage begins the incident of the disciples being caught by the Pharisees plucking the heads of grain and eating them, on the Sabbath Day.

The Pharisees who were the strict proponents and protectors of the Law, found it a great offence when they found the disciples were doing an “illegal and unlawful” act, as per their Sabbath prescriptions.

Therefore they accuse, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath” (Mt 12:2)

But Jesus is quick to point out the folly that the Pharisees were falling into…

The folly of being crime-finders than being mercy-givers!
The folly of becoming petty-accusers than being generous-forgivers!

Jesus brings out two practical examples to show the “duplicity” and the “unkind” attitude of the Pharisees:

1. David’s ‘grave’ violation of the Sabbath was acceptable whereas the Disciples ‘minor’ act was condemned!

David unlawfully ate of the tabernacle showbread which was reserved only for the priests.

But this “not lawful” act of David was not condemned

The Disciples on the other, actually did not break the Law…

The Hebrew law had made provision for those in need to eat when they passed through a field of grain (Dt. 23:25; cf. Ruth 2:2-3)

But over the years, the tradition had evolved a series of ‘violations’ that were considered violations of the Sabbath Law.

One of these ‘violations’ was ‘ plucking and eating’ the grain – that the disciples did.

However, this act was most certainly not for commercial gain, as envisaged by the Law

Therefore, in reality, the Disciples had not really done anything “unlawful”

Yet, they were condemned!

2. The daily duty of the priests on the Sabbath was considered as being “normal” whereas the ‘exceptional’ act of the disciples to satisfy the basic human need of hunger was considered ‘aberrant!’

The work done by the Priests who served on the Sabbath Day, was acceptable.

However, the action done by the Disciples was considered violation of the Law!

Jesus makes another statement here, “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here” (Mt 12: 6)

What was Jesus, in fact, also saying?

“You permit the priests of human-made temples to work, but you do not allow the Disciples of the Living Temple to work?

Is that not showing your duplicity on one side, and your lack of knowledge of the Messiah on the other?!”

And therefore, Jesus makes that bold and firm statement, echoing the prophet Hosea (6:6): “I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” (Mt 12: 7)

Jesus passed through a field where condemnation was scattered; but He sows the seeds of mercy all around!

Today, you and me, are invited to do the same…
… to become people who show mercy and compassion, rather than being “judgmental” and “overly-critical” people!

We are invited to be like the Lord, as illustrated in the ‘dial of a clock’:

Having a hand of discipline that passes only slowly…

But also having a hand of Mercy that traverses more often…
But both, being fastened tightly to a Heart, full of compassion and love!

We may live, passing through the fields of unjust condemnation and outright critics.

But like the Lord, may we become persons, who sow the seeds of Mercy and Compassion!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

The soul only enters freely into the communion of love.
God immediately touches and directly moves the heart of man.
He has placed in man a longing for truth and goodness that only he can satisfy.

The promises of “eternal life” respond, beyond all hope, to this desire. (CCC # 2002)

“Rest in the Lord’s Presence and learning from Him!”

(Based on Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 and Mt 11:28-30 – Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An old lady was sitting in the park – all alone and dejected.

A young boy – who was sitting on the opposite bench – and was doing some writing work, had been constantly watching this lady who was brooding over some worry.

Finally, after a while, he stopped writing and enquired:
“Madam, I have been observing you. From morning, you have been quite worried.

What’s the matter? Maybe there is some way I can help you

The old lady looked at him and replied: “You know, my son, in life, I have been worried about so many things in life… but most of them never happened!”

The young man was surprised to hear that – “troubled about things, that never really happened!”

So he asked again, “Then why are you troubled now?”

She replied, with a tinge of remorse: “I am worried as to why did I unnecessarily worry so much in my life!”

Funny, isn’t it?

But, are we sometimes like this old lady?

Too much worried and disturbed in life…
… sometimes (or perhaps, very often) even about things that have not happened in life?

The call of the Gospel is an invitation by Jesus to “cast all our worries and burdens” on Him.

We read in the Gospel today, the assuring words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11: 28)

Jesus came into the world, primarily as a Saviour!

He is in deep love with us!
“…You are precious in my eyes and I love You!” (Is 43:4).

The meaning of the name “Jesus” Itself is that…
… GOD SAVES!

As a Beloved Lover, He constantly tugs the strings of our hearts and beckons us to Himself – wanting us to experience His Saving Love!

He extends His cordial and warmest invitation to each one of us who are weary and heavy-burdened!

The Greek word for WEARY is “Kopiao”…
… which means to toil and become weary to the point of exhaustion! .

WEARY not only refers to the daily physical strains and struggles we undergo in life, but is also…
… the internal exhaustion caused by seeking Divine Truth through mere Human Wisdom.
… the external burden caused by futile peripheral efforts to seek the Divinity.

Many of us, very often, reach the point of exhaustion and fatigue by our everyday works and in our striving for salvation.

However, today, the Lord calls all of us – to experience His Resting Presence!

“Behold, I stand at the door and Knock! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me”” (Rev 3:20).

“Experiencing His Resting Presence” also means “to learn from Him”…
… especially learning to be Humble and Gentle like Him! (Mt 11: 29)

A proud heart robs the person of spiritual insights

It renders a person to look only to oneself; the dependence on the Lord is lost!

A harsh (violent/tough/annoyed/wrathful) heart steals the person of “being at peace”

It renders a person to look only at the negativities of life; the attitude of being grateful to God is lost!

Today, let us give heed to the call of the Lord…
… to “Rest in His Presence”

And thus to learn to be more “gentle and humble”

Many of us might question: How can I “Rest in His Presence”

Many of us might counter: Is it really possible to learn to be more “gentle and humble”?

“Rest in His Presence” is…
… by making a time for the Lord, in prayer, every day of our life – an act, which we shall never compromise!

… by “becoming aware” of the Presence of the Lord in the activities that we engage in

… by recognizing the goodness in other people and situations of life, and thus being, consciously, grateful to God

Learning to be more “gentle and humble” is…
… by picking up any of those virtues, and (purposely) doing an act towards growing in the virtue

… by daily examining the conscience, in the practice of that particular virtue, and making amends to try again, even if failed (Let’s remember the Lord Who always rose again, even when He fell many times, on the Way of the Cross!)

… by praying specially to the Holy Spirit for those virtues, and never being discouraged, even when faced with the opposite vice

… by being inspired by the many saints, who went through the phases of vices, but were ultimately able to conquer, and live the virtues

Tensions, worries and problems of life constantly disappoint us!

Even our striving to improve our spiritual lives (and the feeling of failure to do so) discourage us!

But the Lord constantly tells us…”Come to Me!”

“Never, ever get discouraged, My Child!”

Let not the anxieties of our life dishearten us…

Instead may the Invitation of the Lord – “to Rest in His Presence and to learn from Him”…
… help us to always be at peace in life!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

God’s free initiative demands man’s free response…
… for God has created man in His image by conferring on him

… along with freedom, the power to know Him and love Him. (CCC # 2002)

“Depending and and trusting more in the Lord, with a childlike faith!”

(Based on Is 10:5-7, 13b-16 and Mt 11:25-27 – Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A little girl child was to undergo a risky surgery.

She was placed upon the table and the surgeon was about to render her a dose of anaesthesia.

“Before we can make you well, dear, we must put you to sleep”, said the surgeon to the li’l girl.

With a cute smile, she said sweetly, “Oh, if you are going to put me to sleep, I must say my prayers first.”

So she got on her knees and said the child’s prayer.

“Now I can go to sleep”, said the sweet child.

The surgeon, later, testified that this action of the child moved his heart greatly…
… and he himself, prayed, that night, for the first time, in thirty years!

The power of the little child to influence was amazing…
… even on a person who was much older to her!

There is great sincerity and openness in the actions of little children.
There is immense authenticity and truthfulness in the deeds of little ones.

It is this childlike faith and simplicity that finds an expression of appreciation from our Blessed Lord in today’s Gospel.

Jesus says, ” I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes” (Mt 11:25)

When we go back to the first book of the Bible – Genesis – and to the Garden of Eden, we encounter the first temptation scene – between the serpent and Eve.

It is interesting to note the words, when the serpent tempts Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, and Eve puts forth the reason for not eating:

The serpent says, “… God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad” (Gen 3:6)
The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes and desirable for “gaining wisdom” (Gen 3:7)

This then was the first temptation: To Know – seeking for wisdom; seeking for knowledge.

However the Lord says that wisdom is hidden from the wise and the understanding, and instead revealed to the babes, to those childlike.

What makes the Divine Wisdom to hide from the wise and reveal to the childlike instead?

We could consider a couple of reasons….

1. The wise depend on their own strength; the childlike have a sense of dependency

One of the qualities or rather a condition of little children is their “helplessness!”

Little children are helpless…
… to be taking care of even their basic needs
… to be able to meet their basic emotions

They therefore have a sense of dependency!

2. The wise have over-confidence in themselves; the childlike trust on others

Another of the quality of children is their basic sense of “trust”

They tend to easily trust the others…
… in meeting their needs and in having what they desire
… in being protected and being taken care safely

These two great qualities of the childlike are what helps the Divine wisdom to be revealed to them:

A sense of dependency: Depending on God, the Father in every moment of life
A sense of trust: Trusting in the Lord for every need and believing in His providence

The Gospel of the Day makes us to examine our own lives and check the level of childlike qualities that we possess…

Do I possess a sense of Dependency on the Lord…
… or is my reliance only on my own self-worth and abilities?

Do I possess a sense of Trust in the Lord…
… or do I fall into constant anxieties and apprehensions?

Let us seek to depend and trust more in the Lord, with a childlike faith…
… so that the Lord may rejoice in us and He – the Wisdom – may reveal Himself more and more to us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

It has gone before us so that we may be healed…
… and follows us so that once healed, we may be given life
… it goes before us so that we may be called, and follows us so that we may be glorified
… it goes before us so that we may live devoutly, and follows us so that we may always live with God

… for without him we can do nothing. (CCC # 2001)

“Living a holy life, in accordance with God’s abundant Graces, with the help of our Blessed Mother of Carmel!”

(Based on Is 7:1-9 and Mt 11:20-24 – Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel)

There is an incident in the life of Queen Victoria.

As a queen, she enjoyed many luxuries and comforts.

She too, however, had to go through many family problems, especially, concerns as a grandmother.

One of her grandsons was highly reckless in the usage and spending of money.

Once, as his birthday was approaching, the grandson wrote to his grandmother, Queen Victoria, reminding her of his approaching birthday.

He cleverly suggested that “money would be the best and the most acceptable birthday gift”.

In reply, the Queen Grandmother wrote back a “letter of advice”- in her own hand – sternly reproving the young boy for his life of extravagance and urging him on the practice of economy.

However, the young boy’s reply to this letter, staggered her:

“Dear Grandma,” said the letter, “thank you for your kind letter of advice.

I have just sold the same letter for five pounds!”

The young grandson spared no efforts to even “auction and sell” the prized ‘letter of advice’ of the Queen, and got for himself some extra money!!

The young fellow wasted away every chance that was offered to him, to live a good life.

Instead, the privileges that were offered to him were converted to opportunities for indulging in more and more occasions of sin!

The Gospel of the day presents Jesus condemning such an “unrepentant” and “arrogant” attitude of some cities, in amending their ways and in turning back to the Lord.

Jesus raises a cry of sigh, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done to you, had been in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long back” (Mt 11:21)

“And you, Capernaum! Will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (Mt 11: 23)

These three towns – Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum – had a unique common feature.

These three were called as the “Orthodox Triangle”.

These towns consisted of “traditional” Jews – Jews who took the Law of Moses very seriously!

• They had a benefit of a “faith that was traditional and deep-rooted”

These towns also consisted of “privileged” people – people who had the great privilege of being witnesses to many miracles, events, preaching and deeds of the Lord Jesus.

• They had the privilege of a “faith that was encouraged and boosted by the wonderful deeds of Jesus”

In spite of these great opportunities and advantages that were offered to them, the people in these towns “failed” to live a life of repentance!

And this is what the Lord condemns them for…

They had the benefit of a traditional faith…
… but it did not move their lives to be lived in holiness!

They had the privilege of a faith that was nourished and encouraged…
… but it did not make them to purge their lives of sin and seek to live worthily in the presence of God!

The people of these towns wasted away every chance that was offered to them, to live a good life.

Instead, the privileges that were offered to them were converted to occasions for indulging in more and more opportunities for sin!

Is my life also resembling these three towns?

I may be a “traditional” Christian…
… having ‘inherited’ my faith in the Lord from my family and my background
… having heard and even practising many acts of faith and devotion

I may also be an “encouraged” Christian…
… having got many opportunities to hear and witness the powerful works of the Lord through many talks, retreats, miracles, sacraments etc
… having the privilege of constantly encountering the living presence of the Lord in the lives of many people.

But do these factors get “personalized” and make me “to live a life of holiness and repentance?”

• I may boast that I am a Christian by birth
• I may claim that I am doing many great works in the ministry of the Lord
• I may assert that I have experienced many miraculous Divine interventions in life

But do all these make me to “repent” of my sins and help me seek to “live a life of sanctity”?

The message of the Gospel is clear: “Repent, and believe, in the Lord!”

The faith-inputs that I receive, ought to, first and foremost, cause a transformation in my life – seeking God’s Will at all times and remaining firm to avoid any occasions of sin.

The Lord through today’s Gospel is a writing a “letter of advice to us” – to examine our lives and to make the necessary changes, in order to live a holier life.

Are we going to take serious heed to this “letter of advice” and make suitable changes?
… or are we going to “auction and sell off” this “letter of advice” and nullify the loving message of the Gospel?

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast was assigned to 16 July, because on that date in 1251, according to Carmelite traditions, the scapular was given by the Blessed Virgin to St. Simon Stock.

The Scapular (from Latin scapulae, “shoulders”) – is both a sign of our belonging to Mary and pledge of her maternal protection in this life and the next.

It is also a sign of couple of elements:

1. A consecration to and trust in Mary
2. A declaration to imitate Our Lady’s virtues, especially Her humility, chastity, and prayerfulness.

The scapular is not…
… a magical charm to protect someone.
… an automatic guarantee of salvation.
… an excuse for not living up to the demands of the Christian life

It is instead, a sign…
… to follow Jesus, like Mary
… to be open to God and to His Will.
… to be guided by Faith, Hope and Love.
… to pray at all times
… to discover and be aware of the Presence of God in all that happens around us.

As St. John of the Cross says:
“He who loves, is not ashamed before men of what he does for God…
… neither does he hide it through shame, though the whole world should condemn it.”

Let us seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother of Mt Carmel, in our struggles and hardships of life…
… and may the Sacramental of the Scapular be a sign for us to publicly declare our Love for Christ and our Readiness to “take up the Cross!”

Let us hold Mamma’s hands…
… as She Inspires, Helps, Challenges and Intercedes for us!

Happy Feast of our Blessed Mother of Carmel!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

Indeed we also work, but we are only collaborating with God who works, for his mercy has gone before us. (CCC # 2001)

“Moving from ‘Staurophobia’ to ‘Staurophilia!’”

(Based on Is 1:10-17 and Mt 10:34-11:1 – Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen, in his writings, presents before us a mentality which is fast catching up in our world: STAUROPHOBIA

‘Staurophobia’ is ‘the fear of the Cross!’

The Cross forms part of the basic rule of Christianity

The way of a Christian, is always, the ‘way of the Cross

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…
… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10: 38)

Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings

He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…
… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…
Losers of oneself
Be carriers of the Cross
And then Follow Him!

Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…

“Not again the Cross”
“Enough of pain and suffering”
“We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not to hear of the Passion & Anguish of the
Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
“Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance… Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”

These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions…
… even in our religious environs.

STAUROPHOBIA – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…

We like to be saved…
… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

We like to receive blessings…
… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

We like to live a peaceful life…
… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

We like to be prosperous…
… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

We like to be called good…
… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

We like to have joy…
… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God

Yes, we often, fear the Cross…

But Christ Crucified – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…
You will find Life…
You will be rewarded…
You will find true joy and peace…
… says the Lord.

Prophet Isaiah strongly warns and reminds all of us:
“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?” says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts;
… Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.
… When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow!” (Is 1: 11, 13, 15-17)

Have we really accepted Christianity as our lifestyle?

Then Let us Embrace the Cross…

Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross

Let Staurophobia (Fear of the Cross) be wilfully banished
Let Staurophilia (Love of the Cross) be willingly accepted!

St Camillus says, “Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in, has passed”.

Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Grace is needed to arouse and sustain our collaboration in justification through faith, and in sanctification through charity. (CCC # 2001)

“Moving from ‘Staurophobia’ to ‘Staurophilia!’”

(Based on Is 1:10-17 and Mt 10:34-11:1 – Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen, in his writings, presents before us a mentality which is fast catching up in our world: STAUROPHOBIA

‘Staurophobia’ is ‘the fear of the Cross!’

The Cross forms part of the basic rule of Christianity
>> The way of a Christian, is always, the ‘way of the Cross


The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the Message of the Cross…
… an invitation to follow the Crucified Christ
… a challenge to faithfully carry the crosses of our life.

Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow me, is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10: 38)


Our Blessed Lord loves to jolt static minds and the inert understandings

He doesn’t promise cushy comforts…
… He demands Commitment to the Cross!

Those who choose Christianity as a Life Style, ought to be…
Losers of oneself
Be carriers of the Cross
And then Follow Him!


Christianity, as a Life Style, has the Cross as its Basic Rule and it demands Commitment!

But the very mention of the word “Cross”, sometimes puts people off…
>> “Not again the Cross”
>> “Enough of pain and suffering”
>> “We go to Church to relax and be comforted; not to hear of the Passion & Anguish of the
Suffering Jesus on the Cross; we only prefer the Glorious & Victorious Christ”
>> “Stop being pessimistic with Sin & Repentance… Just be optimistic with Joy & Salvation!”


These are often, the “happening” buzz phrases and popular opinions…
… even in our religious environs.

STAUROPHOBIA – the Fear of the Cross …is creeping stealthily but mightily in our lives…

We like to be saved…
… but we Fear the Cross of repentance of our Sins

We like to receive blessings…
… but we Fear the Cross of living an honest life

We like to live a peaceful life…
… but we Fear the Cross of trusting in God’s Providence

We like to be prosperous…
… but we Fear the Cross of being generous and compassionate

We like to be called good…
… but we Fear the Cross of being Faithful to the teachings of Christ

We like to have joy…
… but we Fear the Cross of giving up attachments & belong totally to God

Yes, we often, fear the Cross…


But Christ Crucified – promises His Choicest Rewards to the ones, who dare to take up the Cross…
You will find Life…
You will be rewarded…
You will find true joy and peace…
… says the Lord.


Prophet Isaiah strongly warns and reminds all of us:
“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?” says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts;
… Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.
… When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow!” (Is 1: 11, 13, 15-17)


Have we really accepted Christianity as our lifestyle?

Then Let us Embrace the Cross…


Let us drive away the Fear of the Cross
>> Let Staurophobia (Fear of the Cross) be wilfully banished
>> Let Staurophilia (Love of the Cross) be willingly accepted!


St Camillus says, “Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in, has passed”.

Let us remain committed to the Cross of Christ and celebrate Christianity with conviction!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION
>> Grace is needed to arouse and sustain our collaboration in justification through faith, and in sanctification through charity. (CCC # 2001)
———————–

“Standing firm in our convictions and making efforts to live a True Christian life!”

(Based on Amos 7:12-15, Eph 1:3-14 or 1:3-10 and Mk 6:7-13 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

Ella Gunderson is teenage Catholic girl from Seattle, USA

In 2004, she went into a Nordstrom’s (an American fashion retailer) store to buy a pair of jeans.

However, none of the jeans were pleasing to her taste, lifestyle and liking…

Every style of jeans was either very loose that they would fall down…
… or so tight that she would have to wear them low and thus they would become provocative.

As a Christian, she knew that her body was the temple of the Holy Spirit and that God meant beauty to be pure, inspiring, and tasteful and not degrading and objectifying!

Instead of just whining about the situation, Ella decided to act…

She wrote a public letter of complaint to Nordstrom’s…
“Dear Nordstrom, I am an eleven-year-old girl who has tried shopping at your store for clothes (in particular jeans), but all of them ride way under my hips and the next size up, is too big and falls down.”

This experience of Ella Gunderson resonated with unvoiced concern of many teenagers and women across the country…
… who also believed it was possible to be ‘pretty, without being provocative’.

The letter caused a huge rage to be raised by the world of media…

The media firestorm motivated Nordstrom’s to create a new category of fashion wears for juniors called “Modern and Modest.”

A great Christian endevour was pursued and achieved – all because of the convictions of a Christian girl, who believed in being “pretty, without being provocative!”

To be a Christian in today’s world is a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

The Gospel of the Day is a mighty invitation for each one of us to live as a True Christian, a True Missionary – just as the Twelve Apostles were sent by Jesus on the mission journey.

Jesus had become very popular by various deeds in His ministry…
… powerfully teaching the Word of God and authoritatively interpreting the Law
… mightily healing many of the sick and boldly accepting those rejected by the peoples
… intensely performing many wondrous actions and effectively transforming the society

A great band of people had also begun to follow Him…
…some from far, some closely
…. some with ulterior motives, some with genuine intentions.

In the midst of this rising popularity and increasing crowd-following, the Lord chose the Twelve – whom He named as Apostles (Mk 3:13)

These Twelve were to be with Him and to be sent out

These Twelve were to be an extension of His mission on the earth

To them, the Lord entrusts the great task of spreading His mission of the Kingdom of God.
“And He called to Him the Twelve, and began to send them out, two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7)

One of the key issues that the Lord addresses when He sends out His disciples is to be aware of the fact that there will be great possibilities that they would be “rejected”.

However, the Apostles were not to get disheartened by it; rather to be bold and firm to stand against anything that would oppose their mission.

Jesus says to them: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet….” (Mk 6: 11)

Jesus warns them that their life as His follower and as a missionary of the Kingdom, would surely meet a lot of opposition…
… many would reject their teachings
… many would even, perhaps persecute them
… many would seek to make them compromise their values

However, in all this, the Apostles were to remain bold, firm and courageous.

They had to fill their hearts with two basic virtues: Dependence on God’s Providence and Firm Perseverance in His ways.

The message of the Gospel is always opposed to the ways and values of the world!
It was so… in the time of Jesus
It was so… also in the time of the Apostles

And it is so… in our own times and situations

To be a Christian, a Missionary in today’s world is indeed a great task, a challenge and a responsibility.

There are many aspects in the world that go against Christian values…

Christian virtues today are “rejected”, “trampled upon”, “compromised” and even “diluted!”

We can either…
…. give in to them
… or just complain about them
… or make efforts to change them

By virtue of our Baptism, we share…
… in the privilege of being called a follower of Christ
… also, in the responsibility and duty of being firm and faithful to our Christian values

Are we going to dilute, compromise, be lukewarm or adopt an ‘all-is-adjustable’ policy with respect to our Christian values?

Or are we ready to grow and stand firm in our convictions and make efforts to live a True Christian life?

Is the world transforming me…
… or am I, as a Christian, transforming the 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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

The preparation of man for the reception of grace is already a work of grace.
This latter is needed to arouse and sustain our collaboration in justification…

… through faith, and in sanctification through charity. (CCC # 2001)

“Trust in Divine Providence and His Ever-Beloved Goodness!”

(Based on Is 6:1-8 and Mt 10:24-33 – Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

How BIG is God in my life?

It is said that…
You can tell the size of God in your life, by looking at the size of your ‘List of Worries’.

The longer your list, the smaller your God!

Every morning we are to rise up to a brand new day…
… with immense potentials, loads of blessings, bundles of hope and treasures of aspirations…

But somehow, many of us, fall into the trap of losing these precious possibilities…
… and allow our worries and tensions and troubles and difficulties and anxieties to overpower us…

St. Francis of Assisi says, “By the anxieties and worries of this life, Satan tries to dull man’s heart and make a dwelling for himself there”

The Lord today, through the Gospel, makes a fervent invitation: To Trust in His Divine Providence and His Ever-Beloved Goodness.

Jesus says: “As for you, every hair of your head has been counted. So do not be afraid…You are worth much more than many sparrows..” (Mt 10:30)

Can we hear those words of the Lord once again…?

He is not lying… He is not flattering..

He is not indulging in heaping empty phrases.

He means it…!
” You Are Worth Much More !!”
… Yes, “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE !!”

The God of Glory, the Lord of Sabaoth (hosts/armies), the Light of the world…
The Creator of the Entire nature, The One who can destroy both body and soul…
… This Great One, today, looks into our eyes….
… and tells us with deep love: “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE!”

Jesus seeks to cast off fear from His followers by showing them the preciousness and value of their lives…
… and how much of important they are to Him.

For this, He presents the example of a sparrow:

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

There is something interesting to be noted when Jesus speaks about sparrows…

• In Mt, Jesus says, ” Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?” (Mt 10: 29)
• In Lk, Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for a two cents?” (Lk 12: 6)

If two sparrows could be purchased for a cent…
…. then a person should get only four sparrows for two cents, isn’t it?

Then why the ‘fifth’ sparrow?

Probably the fifth sparrow must have been an incentive offered by merchants to get people to buy more sparrows.

The fifth sparrow was probably given, just merely to sweeten the deal!

(Just as sometimes in our days, the shopkeeper/vendor gives an extra/free thing when we purchase something)

Our Blessed Lord used this practice of “buy-four-get-one-free” sparrows to illustrate how much God values life.

He emphasizes that said that not even one sparrow is forgotten before God.

Even a nearly worthless ‘free sparrow’ is not overlooked by God.
He takes immense interest even in an unappreciated bird!

Therefore, Jesus says, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Mt 10:30)

Yes, the Lord says : “YOU ARE WORTH MUCH MORE !!”

Can these words of our Beloved Lord, enter into the depths of our hearts?

Can we savour the sweetness & the greatness, the immensity and the grandeur of these words?

It’s easy of course, to write reflections, to preach sermons, to proclaim orations, to list out bombastic adjectives on this topic…

But at the end of the day…
… it all boils down to simply this:
“Am I accepting myself as really the one who is much worthy and dear to the Lord”?

Do I believe in the God, who believes in me?

Sure, we feel ourselves little before God…

We consider ourselves as unworthy of the Splendid Holiness and Awesome Majesty of God…

But, let us also see how God looks at each one of us….

Let us become aware on how valued and treasured we are to the Lord!

Of course, at the end of this reflection, our list of worries, still, remains the same…

But, let’s realize that we have a much much bigger God than our long list of worries…

A God, who silently thunders in the depths of our hearts…
… assuring His protection: “You are worth much more …”

Are we listening?

St Padre Pio says:
“Even if the world were to capsize…
… if everything were to become dark, hazy, tumultuous…
… God would still be with us!”

Yes, we need to…
….Listen… Trust… Walk!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

Habitual grace, the permanent disposition to live and act in keeping with God’s call…
… is distinguished from actual graces which refer to God’s interventions

… whether at the beginning of conversion or in the course of the work of sanctification. (CCC # 2000)

“Being bold in facing humiliations – all for the sake of Christ!”

(Based on Hos 14:2-10 and Mt 10:16-23 – Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Teilhard de Chardin, a French Priest, Theologian and Philosopher describes three categories of people who climb a difficult mountain peak….

1. The Pessimists – (the ones who give up easily):

They regret having ventured to undertake the arduous task of climbing the huge mountain.

2. The Hedonists – (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)

They are satisfied with just some scenic views on the way and cease the journey, with simple trifles, unwilling to take the risk to go ahead…

3. The Enthusiasts – (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)

They are the real mountaineers, who keep their eyes fixed on the peaks and never give up, till they reach their goal!

The road to being a Disciple of Christ, is indeed climbing a Mountain peak….

Which category of mountain climbers are we going to be?

1. The Pessimists (the ones who give up easily)?

Regretting to being a Christian and thus living a life of sin and indifference

2. The Hedonists (the ones who remain passive and just enjoy)?

Resigning to the fact that somehow I need to be a Christian, due to societal pressures, and thus live in casualness, negligence and lethargy.

Or…

3. The Enthusiasts (the ones who seek to conquer the mountains)?

Real Christians who keep their eyes fixed on the Crucified Saviour and never give up, marching forward towards the goal of salvation!

The Gospel of the Day is a presentation of the challenges that are to be encountered by every follower of Christ…
… the one who wishes to walk with Jesus on the way of the Cross
… the one who wishes to scale the mountain of holiness and sanctity

When we read through the Gospels, we observe that our Lord Jesus and His teachings remained unfazed, in the midst of glamour and sensations…

They are simple and yet deeply challenging and radical!

The Lord does not offer a comfortable carpet of roses to stroll….

He presents a challenging pathway of thorns to tread!

“Everyone will hate you, because of ME!” (Mt 10:22a)

These are the fierce & fervent words of the Lord.

Yes, the Master, Himself was persecuted and hated!

He was the Epitome of Love…
… and yet He was badly hated, persecuted and tortured…

What had He ever done to be hated?

Being Meek and Humble of Heart…
… touching lives with Healing and Forgiveness…?

Being a Gospel of Love to all…
… even to the Enemies…?

Being a Symbol of Pardon and Forgiveness…
… even to those who persecuted and killed Him…?

Being an Emblem of Truth…
… in the midst of diluted ideologies & hypocritical ritualism…?

Being an Ornament of Joy and Hope…
… to the broken-hearted, the sinful and the rejected…?

Did he deserve to be hated??

Yet, He was!

He was hated… mocked at… rejected… finally even arrested, scourged and killed!

And this our Blessed Master says…Even You too!

Even you too, My Followers, will be hated and will be persecuted!

The path ahead sounds dangerous, right?

The mountain climbing seems to be not as easy as thought, right?

But relax…!

The road does not end with persecutions…

The verse of Jesus does not end in calamity…

He goes on to say: “… but whoever endures to the end will be saved!” (Mt 10: 22b)

Yeah.. That’s great good news!

The Way of Jesus is surely laden with persecutions…
… but it is also filled with much joy, satisfaction, true peace
… and finally rewarded with Eternal Life!

We only need to persevere…
… till the end!

The Mountain Peak of Salvation is High….

But the Lord beckons to each one of us!

He also reminds us through Prophet Hosea, “Return to Your God Yahweh, O Israel!” (Hos 14:2)

Let us give heed to the words of St Benedict:
“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ….and he will bring us all together to everlasting life!”

Let us be bold in facing humiliations, in suffering persecutions, in undergoing pain…
… all for the sake of Christ, who showed us the Way to Glory through the Path of Persecution!

Let’s keep on moving…
Let’s keep climbing…
Let’s keep the Faith!

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 – GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION

Sanctifying grace is an habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition…

… that perfects the soul itself to enable it to live with God, to act by His love. (CCC # 2000)