“Taking the side of the Kingdom of God in life’s tug-of-war!”

(Based on Jer 7:23-28 and Lk 11:14-23 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

One of the interesting sports that is played across many places and in many cultures is the “tug-of-war.”

The “Tug-of-war” is a sport that directly puts two or more teams against each other in a test of strength…
… teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope a certain distance in one direction
… against the force of the opposing team’s pull.

The phrase “tug of war” originally meant “the decisive contest; the real struggle or tussle; a severe contest for supremacy”.

Such a “tug-of-war” is seen not just seen or played on the sports field…
… it is also often witnessed in life.

Our Christian especially witnesses this “tug-of-war”…

A constant struggle between the forces of evil and the power of goodness…
A relentless warfare between the coercion of sin and the strength of holiness…

The Gospel of the Day presents a “tug-of-war” between…
… Jesus and the Pharisees
… the Holy One and the evil forces
… the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of Satan

The Lord came to the world to usher in the Kingdom of God.

Bringing to forefront the Kingdom of Power and Holiness, the Lord casts out a demon from a person who is dumb. (Lk 11: 14)

This mighty action of healing and deliverance had a tremendous effect…
… the dumb man spoke
… and the people marvelled.

But, this wondrous act of power and authority also triggered a volley of struggles…
… a struggle of words between the Pharisees and Jesus
… a teaching on the struggle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of evil

The Lord lashes out in authority and conviction, on being accused of siding with evil powers to cast out demons:
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and a divided household falls” ( Lk 11: 17)

Jesus makes it clear that
… one cannot be siding with negative forces in order to perform deeds of goodness and salvation!
… one cannot be on the side of evil and sin and yet be authentic and genuine in doing works of true deliverance and righteousness!

This brings us to an important dimension that needs our honest and critical consideration:

Am I a person truly on the side of God when I engage in works and ministries of the Lord…
… but still continuing to be on the side of the Evil One by living a life of sin?

Am I a person imbued with the Spirit of the Holy Lord in professing to be a Christian…
… or am I living a dual-life by failing to give up immoral tendencies and obliging the evil spirit?

Am I a person who may be performing a lot of good works in the name of God…
… but failing to have an intimate relationship and union with the God of all power and glory?

Venerable Fr Peter Marie Mermier, the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales puts it beautifully:
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!

Instead of enlightening, it blinds; instead of healing, it kills!
But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Christian life is not to be just defined by external works of piety and works…
… but is to be a reflection of the inner intimacy and relation with the Lord.

A true inner disposition and authority is a must, to be effective and credible in our life.
A proper grounding is an absolute requirement, to be engaged in the works of the Lord.

I may find myself often in the “tug-of-war” of faith and unbelief…

But am I clear in taking the side of the Lord and Him alone?

I may find myself often in the “tug-of-war” of actions of goodness and temptations of the evil…

But am I convinced of taking the side of the Kingdom of God alone?

Christian Life will be a constant “tug-of-war”
… between the evil and good
… between the devil and Jesus
… between the Kingdom of God and the powers of wickedness

Which side are we on?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE – THE COMMON GOOD

“Common good presupposes respect for the person as such.
In the name of the common good, public authorities are bound to respect…
… the fundamental and inalienable rights of the human person.
Society should permit each of its members to fulfill his vocation.

(CCC # 1906)

“Listening and obeying even the ‘smallest’ and the ‘tiniest’ commands of His Holy Will!”

(Based on Deut 4:1, 5-9 and Mt 5:17-19 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

The Hebrew alphabet contains twenty-two letters

Every letter in the Hebrew alphabet caries many special meanings.

The Tenth Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet is called as “Yod”

It is represented as ‘
It has the sound of “Y” as in “Yes”.

There is an interesting Jewish legend about this letter “yod”.

In the book of Genesis 17:15, we read that God changed the name of Sarai to Sarah.

In Hebrew language, this was done by removing the ‘ (yod) from the end of her name.

However, the letter “Yod,” created a stir in heaven for having been dropped from Sarai’s name

It was continually fluttering around the throne of God, in restlessness!

So God decided to calm the letter “yod” by putting it at the beginning of Hoshea’s name.

This changed Hoshea to Joshua as we read in the book of Numbers 13:16.

(Interestingly, Joshua is the also the root word of Jehoshoa, from where the name “Jesus” comes)

But why are we discussing so much about this letter “Yod” in today’s reflection?

Jesus mentions about it, in today’s Gospel…

Jesus says, ” Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the SMALLEST LETTER or the SMALLEST PART OF THE LETTER will pass from the Law, until all things have taken place. ” (Mt 5: 18)

The SMALLEST LETTER refers to Hebrew letter “Yod”

It is the smallest letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.

The SMALLEST PART OF THE LETTER refers to the “thorn of the Yod”

It is just a small curve at the top of the letter, a light decoration on the letter “Yod”

Why was Jesus being so specific and particular in speaking about the Law?

What was Jesus meaning, by referring to the “tiniest” elements of the alphabet?

Jesus refers to the prime sanctity of God’s Word to His People.

This Word had now taken flesh (Jn 1: 14)
Jesus, the Word Incarnate, came to bring the Law to its fulfilment…
… not to undermine them.

While the Old Law could only show the mistake of the person…
… Jesus, the New Law would grant forgiveness and grace to the one who atones!

While the Old Law could only make the person to realise one’s faults…
… Jesus, the New Law would confer life and salvation to the one who repents!

When we consider the Gospel of St Matthew, we can consider the shift in emphasis:

Stage 1: In the initial part of the Gospel

Jesus says, “UNTIL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS AWAY, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of the letter will pass from the LAW, until all things have taken place” (Mt 5: 18)

Stage 2: At the end of the Gospel

Jesus says, ” HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY, but MY WORDS will not pass away” (Mt 24: 35)

There is a progressive shift in emphasis…
… from the LAW to the WORDS OF JESUS.

He is the perfection and the fulfilment of the Law!

This is the Divine Process of the unfolding of the plan of God’s Salvation for the world…
… finding its fulfilment and perfection in Jesus!

But this was not at the expense of the Old Law!

The Old Law is to be read, understood and practised, in the light of the New!
The New Law casts its illumining light on the Old, revealing life-giving messages!

As the classical saying goes:
“The New Testament is in the Old, concealed; the Old Testament is in the New, revealed”

What is the message for us, in this reflection?

The Great Power in the Promises of God in our life!

The Lord assures us, that none of His Promises will go unfulfilled in our life!

He guarantees that, He will bring His Word of Salvation to fulfilment in our life!

What is needed however…
… our openness to trust and believe in His Word!
… our willingness to make necessary changes, in the light of His Word!

The Lord assures us, with much emphasis:
“… GIVE HEED to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that YOU MAY LIVE…
KEEP THEM and DO THEM; for that will be YOUR WISDOM and YOUR UNDERSTANDING” (Deut 4: 1, 6)

Let us not be afraid to seek perfection in obeying the Law of the Lord and keeping His commandments…

Let us take courage to the fact that the Lord is with us, as a Loving Parent, gently encouraging us and patiently cheering us…
… to listen and obey, to even the “smallest” and the “tiniest” commands of His Holy Will!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE – THE COMMON GOOD

The common good concerns the life of all. >> It calls for prudence from each…

… and even more from those who exercise the office of authority. (CCC # 1906)

“Having forgiveness as an essential ingredient in our living together!”

(Based on Dan 3:25, 34-43 and Mt 18:21-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

Mary and Susan – neighbours – had a heated argument over some issue about their backyard fence.

The next day, Susan however, found Mary knocking on her door…
… with a plate of freshly baked cookies.

Bewildered, Susan asked, “I thought, the way we fought yesterday, we were done!”

Mary chuckled, as she handed over the cookies, and said, “As neighbours, I realised…
… that forgiveness always needs to be an essential ingredient, in our living together!”

How about us?

Is forgiveness an essential ingredient in our living together?

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of this aspect of the Lord going beyond all boundaries…
… in dealing with the beautiful virtue of forgiveness.

The passage begins with the Lord’s chief and one-of-the-first apostles Peter, raising a query to his Master, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt 18: 21)

It was probably a genuine doubt of Peter, which arose from his own personal experiences.

He must have had some difficulties in forgiving, out of his wavering temperament, perhaps!

But he now puts forward to Jesus a doubt as to what should be the limit of one’s forgiveness.

Peter sought to know the exact boundaries that one must limit oneself, while forgiving.

He wanted clear-cut rules to define the maximum threshold and frontiers of generosity in pardoning.

But the Lord replies firmly, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy seven times” (Mt 18:22)

The Lord does away with the mathematical rules in forgiveness!

“Seventy seven times” would refer a number, unlimited and uncountable!

The frontiers for how many times to forgive are done away with…!

As the Lord spoke these words to Peter, the apostle would himself have recalled…
“Once beside the sea of Galilee, when I encountered the Holy Master, I realized that I was drowning in the waters of sin… and I had asked pardon from the Lord.

Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man (Lk 5:8)”

These words of the Lord would have again echoed in the ears of Peter, later on, after the resurrection of Jesus….

Once again, beside a Sea… this time, the Sea of Tiberius, Peter experienced the forgiving power of the Lord in accepting back, though he had betrayed Him three times (Jn 21: 15-18)

Many times he had sinned against the Lord…

Many times he had caused pain and ache to the Lord…
But every time, the Lord forgave, wholeheartedly!

The Lord was truly the Master, “who practised what He preached”

This Lord, today seeks to impress on us too, this same attitude of forgiveness.

The teaching on forgiveness, is most certainly easy said than done!

To forgive… especially to forgive repeatedly…
… is certainly no easy task!

But it would require a deeper experience of the unconditional Love of the Lord and our own determination…
… along with His Grace, to reach out in forgiveness and pardon to our constantly erring brothers and sisters!

Let’s learn to “have forgiveness an essential ingredient in our living together!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE – THE COMMON GOOD

By common good is to be understood “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals…

… to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily!” (CCC # 1906)

“Learning from the Gentle and Humble ways of the Lord, and becoming persons, who are open to the workings of the Holy Spirit!”

(Based on 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab and Lk 4:24-30 – Monday of the 3rd Week in Lent)

Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight boxing champ, is considered to among the greatest sportsmen of all time.

Also known as Cassius Clay, he was also infamous for bragging – “I am the Greatest!”

Once, before the take-off on an airline flight, the stewardess reminded Ali to fasten his seatbelt. “Superman don’t need no seatbelt,” Ali told her with pride.

The stewardess was unwilling to compromise….

So she retorted, “Superman don’t need no airplane, either.”

Ali was discomfited in his pride.

In shame, he fastened his seatbelt without saying an extra word.

Pride can block a person from being open to the views, trends and wavelengths of other people and situations.

This is much more true, when it comes to spiritual matters

A proud mind…

rejects the plans and workings of God in one’s life…
… and makes one to say, “I can manage my life by myself!”

A haughty spirit…

opposes any movements that causes one to get out of one’s comfort zones…
… and makes one to say, “I know what’s best for me! None need to teach me!”

The Gospel of the Day presents the rejection of Jesus, in the Synagogue at Nazareth, by the people, who displayed a proud mentality, a haughty spirit and an arrogant heart.

Jesus, is in His hometown.

He entered the synagogue and began to teach.

Though initially, there was a wave of excitement…
… the words of Jesus caused a major setback to the people.

This caused the people to reject Jesus…
… they even try to kill Him ( Lk 4: 29-30)

St Luke uses a very strong word to describe the feelings of the people…
“When the people in the synagogue heard, they were all FILLED WITH FURY”

Or another translation… “… they were all FILLED WITH WRATH”

When one’s pride is hurt…
…. One tends to become angry and hurt

When one is made to get out of one’s comfort zones…
… one tends to become restless and agitated.

This is what happened to the people in the Synagogue.

Their pride was hurt..
… because Jesus spoke to them on the need to be humble, and accept the “all-embracing” love of the Lord!

They were made to get out of the comfortable zones…
… because Jesus spoke to them on the need to change their closed ways of thought-pattern, and to accept the “all-merciful” invitation to the Kingdom of God!

This “instigation” can happen in our life too…

When we are challenged to move out of our “traditional” style of thinking…
…. and accept instead, the merciful and compassionate ways of God

When we are forced to change our crippling attitudes of rejecting people on the basis of caste, creed, colour, language etc…
… and accept instead, the “all-welcoming” style of the Kingdom of God

Human tendency it is, to sometimes “get used to” comfortable situations…
… even if they are fruitless or unproductive and useless

In 2 Kings 5:1-15, Naaman’s initial pride and resistance to Elisha’s simple solution reflects the human tendency…
… to “resist change and to move out of the comfort zone!”

The Lord today, invites and challenges us in our proud mentality, a haughty spirit and an arrogant heart.

There is a constant invitation by Jesus:
“Learn from Me.. for I am gentle and humble in heart”

Let us learn from the Gentle and Humble ways of the Lord, and become persons, who are open to the workings of the Holy Spirit.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE – THE COMMON GOOD

Do not live entirely isolated, having retreated into yourselves…
as if you were already justified

… but gather instead to seek the common good together. (CCC # 1905)

“Enthroning the Lord – the King of kings and the Lord of lords – in the most prominent place in our hearts, in our lives and in our families!”

(Based on Exod 20:1-17, 1 Cor 1:22-25 and Jn 2:13-25 – 3rd Sunday in Lent)

This story is told in a particular kingdom, wherein a famous Christian artist – known for his paintings and art…
… once drew a beautiful painting of Christ Crucified – with the caption – “The King reigns on the Throne of the Cross. Is He reigning also on the throne of your lives?”

This painting was gifted to the king on his birthday, with a grand unveiling ceremony…
… with a request by the painter, to place the painting in a prominent place in the palace.

Seeing the painting, many of the court officials including the ministers were dumbfounded and bewildered…
… along with being apprehensive on what would be the reaction of the king.

But the king arose from his throne…
… commanded that his throne be removed from the regular place.

And holding up the spectacular painting, the king placed it right in the place where his throne was – the most prominent place in the palace – as he announced:
“There is no greater King than the Lord Himself! He deserves the most prominent place – in our hearts, in this kingdom and in this palace!”

Realization of the greatness of the Lord and giving Him His due honour and priority in our lives…
… is indeed one of the most vital aspect of our life

And this top prioritization alone can ensure the upholding of the “Sense of the Sacred” in our lives!

God is Holy.

And all matters pertaining to God, has a “Sense of the Sacred.”

Worship becomes meaningful…
… when one becomes aware of this Sense of the Sacred.

Preaching becomes powerful…
… when one is convinced of this Sense of the Sacred.
Liturgy becomes heart-touching…
… when one acknowledges this Sense of the Sacred.

Today we need to make an examination…

Is my Worship of God becoming merely external, and losing its inner values?
Is my Liturgy more a ritualistic and obligatory exercise, than truly an experiential one?
Is my Preaching of God reduced to great talks, but devoid of conviction and passion?

If the answer to any of the above questions is a Yes…
… then we are perhaps losing the Sense of the Sacred.

The Gospel of the day presents a classic case of this loss of the Sacred Sense.

The Temple of Jerusalem is desecrated by a loss of the Sacred Sense and Jesus seeks to restore it by cleansing the temple.
“In the temple, Jesus found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.

Making a whip of cords, He drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” (Jn 2:14-15)

The Jerusalem Temple was very dear to the faith of the people of Israel.

Worshipping in this temple was the ultimate for the Israelites, in their honouring of God.

At the Passover, Jews from around the world came to the temple to sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 12:1-28; Lev 23:4-8).

It was highly impractical to bring sacrificial animals long distances.

So they were made available in the Jerusalem Temple!

Most Jews also paid the temple tax during the Passover.

Since, they came from various places and bore pagan Roman seals, money-changers were there in the temple, to convert the Roman coinage into appropriate currency.
Pagan symbols on Roman money made it unacceptable for Yahweh’s house.

Where there is money, corruption slowly creeps in…!

Pilgrims had to pay exorbitant rates to change money, and sellers exploited those in poverty, overcharging for the poor man’s offering of pigeons and doves (Lev. 5:7).

To make things worse, these merchants set up shop in the Court of the Gentiles, making it useless as a place of prayer due to the hustle and bustle of the buying and the selling of goods.

Though not inherently evil, these practices became occasions for sin.

What started for a noble cause, led to immense corruption.
There began the loss of the “Sense of the Sacred”…

And this is so true in our own lives…
The beginning of the loss of the Sense of the Sacred begins with trivial things.

I allow little delays and some relaxations in my prayer life…

And suddenly, I find no excitement in spending time in prayer.

I allow laxity and silence and indifference in my relationships…

And suddenly, I find no meaning in many of my relations…

I allow unpreparedness and disinterest to walk into my celebration and participation of Mass…

And suddenly, I find not meaning in the Holy Eucharist.

The loss of the Sense of the Sacred happens in a very subtle and quiet way.

And unless, we remain vigilant and careful, we can lose our way in spiritual warfare.

It is this reminder and warning that the Lord delivers today, by cleansing the Jerusalem Temple
“Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (Jn 2:16b)

Today we have converted many of the places into “marketplaces”…
Today we have badly defiled the “Sense of the Sacred” in many places…

Cinemas and movies have a heavy stench of vulgarity and indecency.

They rob the society of its ethical culture and moral innocence.

Posters, hoardings and advertisements have become mediums of immorality and offensiveness

They rob its viewers of their principles and convictions in life.

The Internet and new media are badly misused to become snares of promoting life-threatening and life-abusing activities.

They rob its users of their proper purposes & instead addict them to many compulsions & cravings which are hard to be given up.

Families and communities often become places lacking in genuine love, unity and peace

They rob one of the chance to grow in a spirit of sharing and understanding.

Our bodies are often manipulated with many addictions, improper practices and ungodly behaviours.

They rob the person of the purity and holiness that is engraved deep within.

The Cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple is a strong reminder for us, to check the areas and the manner in which we have lost the Sense of the Sacred…

We complain that the world is becoming more materialistic and less spiritual.
We complain that the Church is becoming more “worldly” and less inspiring.

One of the root problems lies in the fact, that we perhaps losing the “Sense of the Sacred”

Unless I am in awe of the God who has created this beautiful and majestic world…
… I will continue to abuse and misuse the world.

Unless I am in wonder of the God who has gifted the Church with life-saving sacraments…
… I will continue to blame the Church and lose precious graces that I can obtain through her.

We are called to ensure – just as God commanded the people of Israel – to have our God, as the only God…
… and to give Him the highest priority in our lives!

“I am the Lord your God…. you shall have no other gods before Me!” (Cf. Exod 20:2-3)

Let us – without any compromise – follow Christ Crucified…
… just as St Paul declares: “… we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles..” (1 Cor 1:23)

The clarion call today is to revive the “Sense of the Sacred”.
… cleanse anything which diminishes this “Sense of the Sacred”
… and become people, who radiate – with joy and enthusiasm – the “Sense of the Sacred”

Yes, we are exhorted to enthrone and accord the Lord – the King of kings and the Lord of lords…
… the most prominent place in our hearts, in our lives and in our families!

Let us always offer an optimistic answer to the question: “The King reigns on the Throne of the Cross.

Is He reigning also on the throne of your lives?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

In keeping with the social nature of man, the good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good…

… which in turn can be defined only in reference to the human person. (CCC # 1905)

“Staying true and good, in faithfulness and obedience!”

(Based on Mic 7:14-15, 18-20 and Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A group of teenagers were enjoying a party…
… and someone suggested that they go to a certain restaurant-cum-bar for a “more enjoyable” time.

“I’d rather go home,” said Jeffrey, to his friends, “My parents don’t approve of that place.”

“Haha! Are you afraid your father will hurt you?” one of the girls said sarcastically to him.

“No,” Jeffrey replied, “I’m afraid I might hurt my Father.”

The young boy understood the true meaning of staying true and good…
… not because of fear of punishment
… rather, for fear of hurting the one who loves you!

When you love someone, you remain true to the person…
… in faithfulness and obedience
… in sincerity and respect

The Gospel of the Day – the Parable of the Prodigal Son – is the beautiful exposition of the “lost son” realising the true meaning of Love…
… as He experienced the Unconditionally True Love of the Heavenly Father!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is surely one of the most popular, the most loved and the most touching parables of Jesus.

This parable has three main characters and we could view any of them as playing the main role in the story:

1. The Prodigal Son

He went away from the love of his father

Inheritance was given to children only after the death of the father

In asking the inheritance, therefore, alluded to the fact that the Prodigal son considered his father to be dead!

But having spent his life in useless living, he realised the emptiness and vacuum that filled his heart.

And so he decided to turn back.. and go to his father

2. The Elder Son

He remained the faithful “servant” of the house

But when he saw, that his brother – who had wasted away the inheritance, was received with so much warmth, his temper rose!

He couldn’t digest the fact that his brother who lived a “wasted life” was honoured….
… whereas he was never given the chance to “enjoy with his friends”

The context of the parable is Jesus speaking to the “Pharisees and scribes” who were “complaining that Jesus always accepted sinners” (Lk 15: 1-2)

In this context, the character of the Elder Son portrayed the attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes.

But beyond these two characters towers high the Image of the Father – the Father who loved and accepted his lost son!

He suffered a deep pain when his younger son went away
He underwent immense pain waiting for the son to come back
He went through moments of dilemma when his elder son was opposing the welcome of the younger one

Yet through all this, the Character of the Father towers high!

He is the Father of Mercies – Who accepts all, just as they are
He is the Father of Love – Who loves everyone, unconditionally
He is the Father of Compassion – Who receives all to His loving embrace

In our life, often as children – like the Prodigal Son – we go away.

We try to do something good…
… but our life turns into a mess!

Our student life gets messed up with lack of commitment and failures
Our marriage hits the rocks with misunderstandings and lack of acceptance
Our family life gets into a crisis with lack of unity and peace of mind

We feel our life is all in a mess…

We find ourselves lost, frustrated and upset!

But in all such situations, we need to look up…
… and see how the Loving Father is waiting to embrace us…. And love us!

Yes, the Merciful Father is waiting for each one of us…
… Whatever be the mess, that my life may be in!

Let us run into His embrace of Love… with a sincere repentance and contrition of heart…

And pledge to live for Him, and with Him…
… forever!

Let us stay true and good…
… not because of fear of punishment
… rather, for fear of hurting the One Who loves us the most!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

“It is preferable that each power be balanced by other powers and by other spheres of responsibility which keep it within proper bounds.

This is the principle of the ‘rule of law,’ in which the law is sovereign and not the arbitrary will of men.” (CCC # 1904)

“Making Jesus as the ‘cornerstone’ of our life and faith, and being responsible stewards for the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Gen 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a and Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A patient in a hospital – lying on the bed – accidentally knocked over a cup of water, kept on the side-table…
… which spilled on the floor, beside the bed.

The patient was afraid he might slip on the water if he got out of the bed, so he asked a nurse’s aide to mop it up.

The patient however, didn’t know it; but the hospital policy said that…
… small spills were the responsibility of the nurse’s aides
… while large spills were to be mopped up by the hospital’s housekeeping group.

The nurse’s aide decided the spill was a large one…
… and she called the housekeeping department.

A housekeeper arrived and declared the spill to be a small one.

An argument followed.
“It’s not my responsibility,” said the nurse’s aide, “because it’s a large puddle.” >> The housekeeper did not agree. “Well, it’s not mine,” she said, “the spill of water is too small.”

The exasperated patient listened for a while, wondering at this “futile game of passing the responsibility of who mops the spilled water'”….
… then took a pitcher of water from his night table
… and poured the whole thing on the floor, as he retorted: “Is that big enough now, for you two to decide?”

It was…
… and that was the end of the argument!

Very often, we tend to ‘close our minds and block our hearts’ and stay away from doing our responsibilities…
… citing excuses and claims which favour our personal agenda.

Am I also engaged in the “futile game of passing the responsibility?”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus confronting closed minds and blocked hearts, in recognizing Him as the Messiah and Saviour…
… with an invitation to “take up responsibilities in life!”

Jesus puts forward the parable of the tenants.

The tenants were entrusted with the vineyard by the Master, and were expected to provide the produce in due time.

They were entrusted fully with the taking care of the vineyard.

The Master places a lot of trust in the servants.

He gives freedom – a responsible freedom
… which could be meaningfully used and nurtured
… or which could be woefully misused and manipulated.

However, the tenants, who were trusted immensely, probably lost their focus on the real trust and diminished in their commitment and responsibility to their Master as well as their duty.

Their personal interests gained greater prominence over their entrusted duties.

This led to them to a total denial of all the emissaries and servants of the Master, who were sent to collect the produce.

This denial was extended even to the Master’s own Son!

This denial of the Son led to the letting loose of the anger and fury of the Just Master!

A squandering away of the responsible freedom, led to the downfall of the tenants!
A failure to give heed to the emissaries and servants caused them to face the Master’s rage!
A denial and rejection of the Master’s own Son, with a cruel intent, caused their destruction!

Are we also, as Christians, as tenants of the Heavenly Master failing in our responsibilities and duties?

The Lord presents Himself as the cornerstone…
… “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..” (Mt 21:42)

In ancient practices of building, the cornerstone was the principal stone.

It was placed at the corner of the edifice or the building.

The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the whole building structure.

A cornerstone gives direction to the rest of the foundation.
It is also the support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability.

Jesus is the cornerstone…of Salvation… of the Church… of His People!

Conversely, Jesus can also be “a stumbling block”

As it is written in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense; and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”

To those who believe, Jesus is the cornerstone of their faith and their life.

To those who do not believe, Jesus is the stumbling block in their faith!

Who is Jesus in our life?

The cornerstone? or a stumbling block?

The cornerstone to build a wonderful life in God and grow in holiness…
… or a stumbling block which causes us to take pride in our own merits, and not depend on Him?

The cornerstone to stand firm and strong in faith to withstand every storm of life…
… or a stumbling block which makes us uncertain, hesitant and cause a collapse in life?

As we enter into the new month of March, we are called to take up responsibilities in our life…
… to stop the tendency to ‘close our minds and block our hearts’
… and citing excuses and claims which favour our personal agenda.

Let us make Jesus the “cornerstone” of our life and faith…
… and be responsible stewards for the Kingdom of God!

Live Jesus! God Bless!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned…
… and if it employs morally licit means to attain it.
If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order…
… such arrangements would not be binding in conscience.

In such a case, “authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse.” (CCC # 1903)

“‘Leaping into a life’ marked not by the accumulation of wealth, but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!”

(Based on Jer 17:5-10 and Lk 16:19-31 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A London newspaper offered a prize for the best definition of money.

It was awarded to a man whose definition was:
“Money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”

Money sometimes clouds our minds so much…
… that we overestimate and overrate its power and influence

And thus we tend to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”

We need to examine our lives:

Does the pursuit for money and wealth, hinder me from reaching out to the needy, even though I am able?
Has self-centredness become a way of life for me?
Am I a person who misses out on doing the good we can?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful message to look deeper into these aspects of our life…
… and seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

The parable of the rich man “who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day,”…
… and of Lazarus, “full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Cf. Lk 16:19-21)
… is a remarkable story that challenges us to get out of our “zones of comfort and indifference!”

The ways of the world constantly allure us…

1. To be “clothed in purple and fine linen” (Lk 16:19) and to be self-centred: An attitude of just going about with our business and not considering other’s needs
2. To be “feasting sumptuously” (Lk 16:19) and to look to only one’s own comforts: An attitude of not caring about others, when I have my own cares to be attended to!
3. To be neglecting “a poor man, lying at the gate” (Lk 16:20) and to avoid the cry of the needy: An attitude of wilfully rejecting the ones who extend their hands for help and assistance!

But the Christian way of life is a challenge to this “rich man’s style of living”

There can be no excuse given to us…
… if we miss out on doing the good we can!
… if we fail to reach out to the needy, even though we are able!
… if self-centeredness has become a way of life for us!

Let’s realise…
…. time is short, and our life is limited!

Prophet Amos very powerfully warns and reminds all those who are complacent and lethargic: “Woe to the complacent in Zion!

Lying upon beds of ivory…
… stretched comfortably on their couches
… they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall!” (Amos 6:1a)

St Paul exhorts:
“But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called…
… when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:11-12)

Let us begin today, with no further delay…
To do the good we can…
… in the best way we can!
… to all the people we are able!
… in every situation that is possible!
Yes… let us seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

We are called to realise that “money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”

And thus avoid the tendency to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”

Today is February 29
Today is Leap Day

This day comes just once in four years!
It’s indeed a rare day!

Just as this day occurs only once in four years…
… let’s reflect on the rarity of time
… and the true wealth that lies in “moments shared” and “memories made!”

On this Leap Day, let’s “leap into a life” marked not by the accumulation of wealth…
… but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

A human law has the character of law to the extent that it accords with right reason…
… and thus derives from the eternal law.
Insofar as it falls short of right reason it is said to be an unjust law…

… and thus has not so much the nature of law as of a kind of violence. (CCC # 1902)

“Daring to follow the path of humility, as we tread the way of the Cross!”

(Based on Jer 18:18-20 and Mt 20:17-28 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Lent)

A rich businessman had grown greatly in his endevours.

He became greatly possessed with acquiring more wealth and seeking for greater power.

His sole intention in life was to find ways and means to gain more wealth (by hook or crook; by honest or corrupt ways!) and capture more positions of power.

Though a Christian…
… he cared hardly for his family
… he bothered least about his faith

One day, while sitting in his posh office, pondering on ways to augment his wealth and prestige in the society…
… his eyes went towards the Crucifix that was placed on his table.

Looking from the place where he was sitting, he could see…
… The Crucifix and a Chair that was placed opposite him.

And suddenly a thought came across his mind:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This thought stuck him badly.

Being greatly disturbed… he sought to ward off that idea from his mind.

But it kept disturbing him…. “Cross or Chair… Cross or Chair!”

Well, it’s not known whether that incident changed his life.

But this question is placed before each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

The Gospel of the Day is the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee aspiring to obtain a place of honour for her children…
… through which, Jesus poses this question of supreme importance to us as well:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

This incident is sandwiched between two important instructions by Jesus..

1. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection
2. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility
3. His master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection

Jesus predicts about His sufferings to His disciples (Mt 20: 17-19)

It was clearly His way of telling His chosen ones, that His Kingdom is not to be one that accords prime importance to power and position…
… instead it was about obedience and self-giving.

2. His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility

Jesus further teaches His disciples that the key to enter the Kingdom is the way of humility (Mt 20:26-28)

It was clearly a reminder as well as a warning, that His Kingdom is not reserved for the powerful or the mighty…
… instead it is to be given to those of meek heart and lowly self.

It’s in between these two powerful “Kingdom” teachings, that we have the incident of the mother of the sons of Zebedee seeking for a place of honour for her children (Mt 20: 20-24)

The incident showed that they had quite badly misunderstood Jesus…

They mistook His master plan of establishing the Kingdom as being “through force and power and might!”
They mistook His master technique to allow access to the Kingdom as being “the way of Supremacy!”

But Jesus shatters this misconception by posing a master question: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Mt 20: 22)

“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Plan of His Passion, Death and Resurrection
“Drinking the Cup” for Jesus meant the Master Technique of the way of Humility

This incident is a reminder and warning for each of us as well:

1. Are we willing to be in accord with the Lord’s master plan of establishing the Kingdom: His Passion, Death and Resurrection?
2. Are we ready to practise the Lord’s master technique to allow access to the Kingdom: The way of Humility ?

Jesus clearly poses this question of supreme importance:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

Very often we settle down to sit on the “Chair”…
… the ‘chair’ of comfort and relaxation
… the ‘chair’ of lethargy and indifference
… the ‘chair’ of materialism and individualism

But the Lord challenges us to carry the “Cross”…
… the ‘Cross’ of responsibility and commitment
… the ‘Cross’ of witnessing to the Lord and trusting in Him
… the ‘Cross’ of serving the deprived and being sensitive to the need of the other

The way of the Christian is none but the Way of the Cross.

The path of the Christian can be none but the Path of Humility.

Yes, let us dare to follow the Path of Humility…
… and seek to positively answer to the question that Jesus poses to each of us:
“What is more important for you in life?

Cross or Chair?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE

Regimes whose nature is contrary to the natural law, to the public order…
… and to the fundamental rights of persons

… cannot achieve the common good of the nations on which they have been imposed. (CCC # 1902)