“Encircling ourselves in prayer and self-discipline, and being willing to get out of our ‘comfort zones’ so that we can be passionate and zealous children of God!”

(Based on the Baptism of the Lord)

A young missionary in a particular village heard the fame of a senior missionary and his successful ventures in reviving the faith of the people.

Wanting to know the secret of success in ministry, the younger missionary, on meeting the senior, asked him: “What is the secret of reviving the faith of the people in my village?”

The senior man, who was also aware of the worldly lifestyle of the younger missionary said: “Go back to your home and lock yourself up in a private room.

Then, take a piece of chalk, and mark a circle on the floor.

Get down on your knees, then, inside the circle…
… and pray to God to begin a revival inside the circle!
When this prayer is heard, a revival will take place in your people!”

Yes, it is when one is revived with the Spirit of the Lord…
… that one can radiate the same to others!

This revival demands that we “encircle” ourselves in prayer
and self-discipline, by being willing to get out…
… of our “comfort zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness!

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a call to revive our consecration and commitment as followers of Christ.

The event of the Baptism symbolically finishes three decades of Jesus’ hidden life…
… as Jesus is declared as God’s own beloved Son in Whom He is well pleased. (Cf. Mt 3:17)

By being baptised at the waters of River Jordan, Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism and empowered them…
… so that the water would become the vehicle of the Holy Spirit bringing inner cleansing, rebirth, and transformation!

The entry of Jesus into the waters of River Jordan has two direct implications for our day-to-day Christian living:

1. Our Blessed Lord continues to enter into our stained situation to cleanse us and renew us

He enters into our sinful humanity so that, through His Mercy, we will enter into His Divinity.

[Just as the Priest, while pouring a drop of water into the wine in the chalice at Offertory during the Holy Mass, prays: “By the mystery of this water in wine, may we come to share in
the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”]

We are called to enter into the world of sinners and lead them to the redemptive love of Christ

Being in the sinful world, but not being part of it, we are called to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish amid a crooked and perverse generation… [to] shine as lights in the world” (Cf. Phil 2:15)

2. The Baptism of the Lord is a reminder of our Christian dignity as Children of God!

We are privileged to have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of God’s kingdom!

Our Christian dignity as God’s children calls us to become a saint!

Pope St John Paul II exhorts: “Since Baptism is a true entry into the holiness of God, it would be a contradiction…
… to settle for a life of mediocrity
… marked by a minimalist ethic and a shallow religiosity

Holy Father, Pope Francis during one of his Wednesdayaudiences in the presence of a packed St. Peter’s Square once said:
“Baptism is in a certain sense the identity card of the Christian, his birth certificate, and the act of his birth into the Church.

All of you know the day on which you were born and you celebrate it as your birthday, don’t you?

Let’s do something: today, when you go home, find out what day you were baptized, look for it, because this is your second birthday.
The first birthday is the day you came into life…
… and the second birthday is the one on which you came into the Church.
This is your homework!”

This is the day for us to…
… to renew our faith and conviction in all the articles of the Creed
… to check if we use our ears and lips to hear and speak about God
… to examine whether the flame of faith is still burning in us
… to declare our rejection of Satan and his empty promises
… to see if our garment is still white, for the eternal banquet

Let us celebrate our birth in the Lord and into the Church

Let us “encircle” ourselves in prayer and self-discipline, and be willing to get out of our “comfort zones” of worldliness and hard-heartedness…
… so that we can be passionate and zealous children of God!

Happy Feast of the Baptism!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law…
… it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude
… by preferring an inferior good to him.

Venial sin allows charity to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it. (CCC # 1854)

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

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

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

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

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

Do you see what I see?”

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

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

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

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”
The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

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

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

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

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

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

As the image began to appear more clear!

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

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

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

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

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

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

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

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

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

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

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

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

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

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, like the Magi…

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

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

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

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

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

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

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
*MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – _THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Sins are rightly evaluated according to their gravity.
The distinction between mortal and venial sin, already evident in Scripture…

… became part of the tradition of the Church. >> It is corroborated by human experience. (CCC # 1854)

“Constantly living in hope and joy!”

(Based on 1 Jn 5:5-13 and Mk 1:7-11 – Christmas Weekday)

The Rosary is a beautiful prayer that takes us through the life of Jesus…
… holding the hands of Blessed Mother Mary.

It was on October 16, 2002 that Pope St. John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” proposed and recommended a new set of mysteries to be meditated on when praying the Rosary – The Mysteries of Light.

One reason for this addition of the “Luminous Mysteries” to the ancient prayer of the Rosary…
… was to encourage all Catholics to contemplate Jesus in the daily life of his public ministry.

Jesus was a not a person away from the people…
… rather He was very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of the people!

Therefore, the “Luminous Mysteries” remind that God is always “with His people and identifies with them”…
… starting with the Lord’s Baptism
… then the Wedding at Cana
… followed by His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion
… moving on to the Transfiguration Experience
… concludes with the Institution of the Holy Eucharist – His beautiful way of “being with His people” always!

Yes, God loves to “be with His people and identify with them”

The Gospel of the Day presents this beautiful incident of God Who identifies Himself with the sinful humanity through the event of the Baptism of Jesus (Mk 1: 6-11)

The passage begins with an introduction to the person of John the Baptist.

Being clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist and feeding on locusts and wild honey (Mk 1: 6)…
… John the Baptist resembled Elijah (2 Kings 1:8)

He was the messenger, who would prepare the way for Christ, the King…
… just as “a messenger was sent by every king” in order to prepare the people for his reception!

A man filled with humility, John the Baptist declares of the coming of the Messiah and of His Greatness:
“I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen the thongs of His Sandals…
… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:8)

These are two dimensions we can greatly learn from John the Baptist:

1. Being a messenger of Christ
   Do we also, in our own places of work and acquaintance, be a “Messenger for Christ” by radiating the Gospel Values – in conviction and without any compromise?
2. Growing in the virtue of humility
   Do we also, practise acts of humility, so that all our words and actions, may render glory to God and His Kingdom?

As John the Baptist goes about baptizing people…
… he is encountered by Jesus Himself. (Mk 1: 9)

What follows is a beautiful act: The Son of God humbles Himself, before His messenger, “who himself had humbled before Him!”

This act of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus was the Lord’s way of showing forth His Mission: Identifying with the people and taking their place!

All His actions on the earth would show forth this aspect: Identifying with the people and taking their place!
… His Incarnation: Being born as a human – and dwelling among people
… His Preaching the Kingdom of God: Moving from one place to another – in touch with the realities of life
… His Passion and Death: Experiencing the pains and sufferings of life, especially death – the consequence of sin

Why was the Lord so insistent in “identifying with the people?”
It was His beautiful reminder to all of us: That He is always with us – loving us and being intimate to us!

He is not a God away from the people…
… rather He is very close to the daily struggles and the everyday happenings of people!

This is the beautiful truth that all of us need to be convinced of, and live it in our day-to-day life: That God is always with us.

Even when we go through the struggles of life…
… financial crisis crashing our life
… relationships hitting rock bottom
… memories of the past scarring us
… uncertainties of the future haunting us

Let we realize: God identifies with us, and He is with us!

It is the conviction in this Truth that will help us to always be “joyful in life!”

Externally, things may not really go the way we want or wish…
… but the conviction that “God identifies with my situation” ought to be a huge boost for us to be firm in life!

Apparently, situations may be really harsh and we may feel really worried..
… but the fact that “God is with me at this present moment” should become the positive stroke for us to remain steadfast and hopeful!

Yes, the Lord “Who is the Light and in Whom there is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5)…
… constantly calls us live our “life in light” under His “Luminous Mysteries!”

May this Gospel Reflection on the “Baptism of Jesus” – wherein God shows that “He is with His people and identifies with them”…
… help us to constantly live our lives in hope and joy!

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man.”

But in the heart also resides charity, the source of the good and pure works, which sin wounds. (CCC # 1853)

“Constantly growing in the ‘Come and See’ Experience of the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:11-21 and Jn 1:43-51 – Christmas Weekday)

An incident is told about a famous agnostic ( = a person who believes that nothing is known / can be known of the existence or nature of God)…
… who was staying as a guest in the house of a Catholic Family.

When Sunday came around, all the members of the family got ready to go to Church.

But this agnostic was not willing to.

In fact, he approached the owner of the house and asked him to stay back, without going to Church.

“Why not avoid going to Church today,” he told the owner, “and instead stay back and tell me what does your Catholic Faith mean to you!”

The owner- a devout and staunch, yet simple Catholic – got perplexed: “You have the capability to destroy any argument and any opponent.

I am just an simple Catholic. I am not clever enough to argue with you.”

But the agnostic continued gently: “I don’t want to argue with you. I just want you to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”

The man stayed at home and simply told him of his faith.

The incident goes on to say that, when he had finished…
… there were tears in the agnostic’s eyes.

Yes, it was not clever argument that touched the agnostic’s heart…
… but the simple story of a man’s faith!

Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…
… there faith and love always win!

Where bombastic words and complicated talks fail to touch…
… an experience of God’s Power and Grace can work wonders!

The Gospel of the Day presents such a beautiful experience…
… of a person who was made to go beyond the “influence of prejudice and rhetoric” and thus could “experience God’s Power and Grace!”

The Gospel narrates the incident of Philip, who has already had a “Come and See” Experience (Jn 1: 39).

After “experiencing” the Lord, Philip goes to his town Bethsaida, where he meets Nathanael. (Jn 1: 44-45)

Nathanael – a name which means, “God has given” is an interesting character.

When Philip who had met Jesus, went and told Nathaneal that “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth…” (Jn 1: 45)
… Nathanael put forward a blunt question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1: 46)

Nathanael showed forth a cynical and doubtful mind…
… probably due to his prejudice and bias.

But…

Where arguments, prejudices and rhetoric fail…
… there faith and love always win!

And so, Philip invites Nathanael to have a first-hand experience of the Lord, by telling Him, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

Nathanael was relying more on the “the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument”

He depended more on his past experience and his ability to “put forth ideas”

But Philip is willing to show how the power of rhetoric” and the “strength of logical argument” can be easily won over by the Experience of God’s Love and Faith in Him!

Philip himself was told by Jesus, “Come and See” (Jn 1: 39)

He went and saw… and with an experience, had his life transformed!

He now invites Nathanael to do the same: “Come and See” (Jn 1: 46b)

So that he too can go and see… and have an experience, to have his life transformed!

Here’s a big lesson to all of us:

Unless we have a first-hand experience of God’s Love and Providence…
… we will only remain in the level of “rhetoric and argument”

Unless we thirst to be filled with God’s Presence and Comfort…
… we will only be stuck with our “past experiences and prejudices”

Nathanael would “dare” to have the “Come and See” Experience…
… and that would result in his public confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49)

Are we willing to have the “Come and See” experience…
… like Philip?
… like Nathanael?

Let us realize that it is not arguments or rhetoric that would help us to grow in our faith…
… rather an “experience” of the Lord and His Love!

Many of us perhaps “know a lot about God”

But how many of us “know God a lot?”

Many of us perhaps can regularly give “talks on God”

But how many of us, regularly, “talk to God?”

Let the “Come and See” Experience of Nathanael be an inspiration for all of us…
… to grow in our thirst for the Lord

Through…
… Regular prayer
… Reception of the Sacraments
… Reading of the Bible
… Recognizing the guidance of God in all what we do
… Recounting the many blessings of God

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 – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord:
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man.”

But in the heart also resides charity, the source of the good and pure works, which sin wounds. (CCC # 1853)

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

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

There was a field covered with freshly fallen snow.

A father and a son entered that field.

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

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

After the two had crossed the field, the son looked behind and tugged his father to look behind.
“Look there Father”, said the boy, “there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”

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

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

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

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

Walking the path of Christ…
… In His Footprints!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This act of obedience was a radical choice they made

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

They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead

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

But they made a choice

And that choice would change their lives for ever!

As Christians, we are also constantly given this invitation: To walk in the path of Christ..
… In His Footprints!

This requires trust in Him
This demands obedience to His Voice

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

But Jesus says: “Follow My Footprints” and remain firm in Him!

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

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

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

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

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

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

So that after crossing “such fields of snow” we can say: “Look Lord, there is only one set of tracks visible in the field, although both of us had walked across it!”
And we hear the Lord, with much love, telling us: “That’s so beautiful, my Child!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

Sins can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself
… they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sins

… or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. (CCC # 1853)

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

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

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

However, one among these five, is often engaged in a pretty notorious activity…
That Finger is …
… the Forefinger or the Index Finger.
>> And the activity that it is often used for, is… Blaming!


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

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

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


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


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

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

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


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

This pointing to the Saviour reveals many inner qualities of St John the Baptist…
>> He displays great humility in acknowledging the greatness of Jesus!
>> He shows forth immense goodness in choosing to play the secondary role!
>> He exhibits nobility by gently shifting the focus and limelight to Jesus, the Saviour!
>> He demonstrates faithfulness to his mission of being the forerunner to the True Messiah!


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

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


It’s not that we should refrain from constructive criticism…
… or correcting others gently
… or making the other person aware of their shortcomings.
>> But can we learn from St John the Baptist, the attitude to point out to others, in order to….
… Instill a sense of encouragement and affirmation
… Acknowledge their valuable and precious presence
… Allow people to notice the good and noble deeds of others


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

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


Let us tread the path and example shown by St John the Baptist and St Chavara Kuriokose.

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

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


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS
>> Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act…
… or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect
… or according to the commandments they violate. (CCC # 1853)
—————-

“Marching forward, with faith and love, through the valleys and mountains of the Year 2024!”

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

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

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

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

An attempt is made to ” know more” about John?
>> His name… His occupations… His interests and liking.


We are on the second day of the New Year.

The last one week has been a time of hectic activities and festive spirit…
>> We were treated to many sermons, reflections and thoughts on the Word of God.
>> We were feasting on a variety of good food, tasty delicacies and classic sweets.
>> We were enjoying many moments of fun, frolic, laughter and happiness.

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

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


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

>> People with great enthusiasm always tend to brush the energy onto others.
>> People with a passionate zeal always make a positive impact on the other.
>> People with a fighting spirit always rub on the vigour into other people.

And such a person… is John the Baptist.


The Fourth Gospel introduces the person of St John the Baptist to us.
>> He is a person of great enthusiasm, of a passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.


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

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.
>> He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
>> He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
>> He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

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

A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.
>> A powerful knowledge of “his role in life” was the strength of mission for John the Baptist.
>> A clear cut awareness of “what was his mission” was the secret of success for John the Baptist.


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

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.
>> He had an answer for it…
… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.


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

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

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


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


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


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

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.
>> Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
>> Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.


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

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

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

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


May St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
.. of the Year 2024!


God Bless! Live Jesus!


– Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India
Email: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS
>> Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.
>> I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (CCC # 1852)
—————-

“Holding the hands of our Blessed Mamma Mary, the Mother of God and marching forward joyfully and fervently on the path of Faith and Love in this New Year 2024”

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

A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.

This device helps us to check the heat in the body

When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.

When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we have gone cold.
When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.

The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.

Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!

The heat levels, however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies.

When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.
When we are cast down with problems, the thermometer shows a low level.
When we are just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.

What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time?

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

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

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

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

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

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

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

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

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually

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

Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, fully God and fully Man.
And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

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

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

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

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

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

On this first day of the New Year 2024, the Lord invites us to check and examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer.

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

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands…
… and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith and Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of Blessed Mamma!

Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2024!

God Bless! Let us always… Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

There are a great many kinds of sins.
Scripture provides several lists of them.

The Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. (CCC # 1852)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Avoid judging each other; support with mutual understanding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are on the last day of this year 2023
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year.

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

Thank You, Lord, for the Year 2023 that has gone by.

We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year 2024!

Let the beautiful example of the Holy Family of Nazareth inspire all of us, to make our families and societies a “haven of love and care!”

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love You!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE DEFINITION OF SIN

At the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world…
… the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source

… from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly. (CCC # 1851)

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

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

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

One of them is easier and simpler than the other.

Its just a date and a moment in history.

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

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

This day is special….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like the Old Testament Hannah, this Anna is also characterized by prayer and fasting

She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

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

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

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

Anna was, however, a widow

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

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

Sorrow can cause two consequences to a believer….

It can make one hard, bitter, resentful and rebellious against God
or…
It can make one kinder and dependable on God!

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

Anna, the widow, chose the better part!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON- THE DEFINITION OF SIN

It is precisely in the Passion, when the mercy of Christ is about to vanquish it, that sin most clearly manifests its violence and its many forms…
… unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning and mockery by the leaders and the people
… Pilate’s cowardice and the cruelty of the soldiers
… Judas’ betrayal – so bitter to Jesus,

… Peter’s denial and the disciples’ flight. (CCC # 1851)