“Avoiding a cosmetic-culture, and instead to have beauty in life to spring forth from an integrated life of faith!”

(Based on Rom 3:21-30 and Lk 11:47-54 – Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A quotation by a modern-day American politician goes thus:
“If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union…
… you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats…
… but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse!”

This failure to manifest values and ideals could be traced to a growing “cosmetic culture!”


Cosmetic-Culture could be described as a “tendency to project entities/things with an external beauty and with a greater visual appeal, without necessarily ensuring the actual quality from within!”

This Cosmetic-Culture is not merely to be considered in connection to the cosmetics or items of make-up.
>> It is in fact an increasing trend that seeks to make inroads into every aspect of our life… social, political, economic… or even religious…!


The presence of Cosmetic-Culture can be seen in various strands of our living…

Socially (in communities, families, nations etc), there is a lot of discrimination on the basis of colour, language, caste etc…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” presents the society in such a way, that everything seems to be fine and all are living in unity and happiness!

Politically, there is a great deal of hidden agenda, back-biting and differences in ideologies among the political parties or groups…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” covers-up the ‘evil intents’, causing many of such “opposing” parties to join hands and to be seen as being united, for their own selfish interests!

Economically, there are enormous cases of poverty on the rise, in different parts of the world and people missing out on even the basic essentials etc…
… but the “cosmetic-culture” puts a mask on all such “stark realities” and gives an impression as if there is only growth, development and prosperity!


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sharply lashing out at the “Cosmetic-Culture” existing in our religious practices…
… with a clarion call to do away with such “hypocritical” trends and tendencies!


In His continued attacks on the hypocrisy and duplicity of the Pharisees, Jesus condemns them for building memorials of the Prophets who were killed and murdered by their ancestors.


The Prophets of the old, lived as the true men of God and constantly called the people to a life of repentance and being faithful to God Yawheh.
>> But these prophets were very often persecuted, attacked and even killed.

The Prophets, who were the voice of God, while living, had their voices silenced and drowned by the wicked people…
>> But after their death, they used to be quoted and cited in many scholarly and erudite circles.

The Prophets, who called the people to live as per their true conscience, had their lives terminated and ended by the wicked people…
>> But after their death, they had fine memorials and beautiful tombs built in their name

The Prophets, who became the champion of justice and truth, had their efforts ceased and their labours aborted by the wicked people…
>> But after their death, they had many oratories and exquisite lectures in their name.


Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their deception, as they too become sharers of the blood of the True Prophets and the Men of God!

They had probably mastered the art of being “Cosmetically-Cultured” – projecting themselves with an external beauty and with a greater visual appeal…
… but without ensuring the actual quality from within!


This then is the danger to which we are exposed to: Is my spiritual and religious life also “Cosmetically-Cultured?”

I may be known to be exemplary in my prayers and a role-model in my strict following of Christian practices…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to hide my inner vices and to cover-up my sinful tendencies?

I may be appearing to be a very a charitable person in extending a lot of material help in many causes…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to conceal my hidden agenda or a means to boost my ego and inflate my pride?

I may be considered as a very social person – always jovial, cracking “many” jokes and being a “happening” person…
… but is it just a “cosmetic” to mask my inner-wounds and pains, to veil my own complexes or to trigger opportunities to gratify some of my desires?


Our generation is gravely exposed to this “Cosmetic-Culture” and perhaps many of us, knowingly or unknowingly, become proponents of the same.

A generation which focusses only on the peripherals of life and fails to give consideration to the core and inner dimensions is bound to doom!


It requires the power, grace and strength in the Lord to become counter-witnesses to this “Cosmetic-Culture”

The deeper that one is united with Christ…
… the lesser will be the dependence on “external shows” and greater will be the harmony and attractiveness of one’s life!

The stronger that one is in the faith in the Lord…
… the lesser will be the wanting to be “flashy on the outside” and greater will be the level of true charm and pleasantness!


May our Blessed Lord, help us as Christians to deepen our understanding that…
… “our beauty in life ought to spring forth from an integrated life of faith!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!


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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – ERRONEOUS JUDGMENT
>> A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience.
>> If he were deliberately to act against it, he would condemn himself.
>> Yet it can happen that moral conscience remains in ignorance and makes erroneous judgments about acts to be performed or already committed. (CCC # 1790)
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“Inspired by St Luke, to become a slave of the Gospel!”

(Based on the Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist)

The Mystery of the Life of Christ has been depicted through the Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Each Gospel has its own perspective, theology, emphasis and focus in trying to present the Life of Christ.

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Evangelist St Luke.

He has given us the third Gospel account of the life of Jesus.

Historically, not much is known about St Luke.

He was a physician, well-versed in Greek and the travelling companion of St Paul.

The Gospel of Luke has some salient features which can be absorbed and cultivated in our own Christian lives…

1. The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel of the Poor

There are various passages and incidents which shows a preferential aspect in this Gospel towards the poor and the unfortunate.

The image of Jesus presented by St Luke is a passionate advocate on behalf of the poor.

Baby Jesus is born in the back room of a house and that infant Jesus is found in a manger.
Poor and lowly shepherds come to visit Jesus at His birth
The Hymn of Mother Mary, the Magnificat is a revolutionary hymn of the Poor
The Genealogy of the Lord is traced through a line of poor and simple people
John the Baptist is shown demanding compassion and sharing of resources with the poor.
The Nazareth Manifesto of Jesus reveals His pro-poor plans and programs.
The Sermon on the Plain reflect His teachings on the beatitudes for the poor.
Parables like the Rich Fool, Lazarus &the Rich Man… reflect the themes of mercy and compassion on the poor and the needy.

The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel of the Poor, challenges us…
… to become active in meeting the needs of the people who don’t have anything.
… to have a heart of compassion and genuine empathy for the poor and needy around us
… to work for the poor, not just with some minor charity, but have an attitude of true love

2. The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel showing True Richness

The Gospel is a very realistic and practical, understanding the various dimensions and pluralities existing in the society.

St Luke doesn’t condemn the rich people, but invites them to understand the meaning of true richness, the necessity to share…
… and the importance of having God as the greatest treasure and richness of one’s life.

The Story of Zacchaeus is a classic example of receiving God’s mercy when repentant
The Story of the Rich Young Man leaves room to allow to become perfect on true renunciation

The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel showing True Richness, challenges us…
… to rearrange the priorities in our life and to give God the first and prime place
… to not get attached to our wealth, our talents, gifts and instead depend on God
… to humble ourselves in letting go of our desires and seeking His Kingdom first

3. The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel of Repentance

The Gospel of St Luke presents some of the best dramas, stories and parables of repentance and of turning back to God.

God is not presented as a punishing and a vengeful God…
… but a God whose hearts bleeds for His children to come back to Him in true contrition.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
The Parable of the gospel within the Gospel – the Prodigal Son
The Story of the calling of Levi, the tax collector
The pardon of the Sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus
The dramatic story of the repentant Zacchaeus
The classic incident of the contrite Good Thief along the Cross of Jesus

The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel of Repentance, challenges us…
… to turn our hearts in true repentance to God, the fountain of immense mercy and love
… to realise that all is not lost, though we are in sin and that His open arms await us
… to become more and more determined to be sinless in order to hurt less our Loving Father
… to be bold to take radical decisions in order to better one’s life in tune with God’s Will

The Gospel of Luke has also many other features and names…which we can pick up..

The Gospel of the Holy Spirit…
The Gospel of Joy…
The Gospel of Women…
The Gospel of the Blessed Mother Mary…
The Gospel of Universality…
The Gospel of Prayer…etc…

St Luke has left us a masterpiece with His account of the Life of Jesus!

Some of the most pictorial, most classical, most loved, most remembered and most cherished incidents and parables are from this Gospel…

As we celebrate the Feast day of this Evangelist, let us graft some of the aspects of this Gospel into our own lives.

Let us also make efforts to read more this Gospel, which will indeed be the true tribute and our love for this Saint…
… and ultimately, to our Saviour and Master Jesus!

Let us become a slave of the Gospel – a real missionary – of the Hero of the Gospels, Jesus Christ!

Happy Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist!

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 – TO CHOOSE IN ACCORD WITH CONSCIENCE

Some rules apply in every case:

• One may never do evil so that good may result from it;
• the Golden Rule: “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.”
• charity always proceeds by way of respect for one’s neighbor and his conscience: “Thus sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience… you sin against Christ.”

Therefore “it is right not to do anything that makes your brother stumble.” (CCC # 1789)

“Allowing the lion of greed, evil tendencies and false priorities to be conquered and defeated by Jesus, the Great Lion of Judah!”

(Based on Rom 1:16-25 and Lk 11:37-41 – Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“Braving the Lion in its own den” in a phrase that finds expression in various instances of our life.

It means encountering or confronting a stronger person or a stronger situation, in its own area of strength and force.

The Bible has some typical examples of “Braving the Lion in its own den”…

The Israelites challenged the supremacy of the Egyptians while in slavery, and were able to script a wonderful exodus.

David, the shepherd boy defeated the mighty and proud Goliath in the Palestinian land and cut off his neck with the mighty warrior’s own sword.

Elijah, the prophet confronted the claim of the followers of Baal and made them realise the worthlessness of their deity in a challenge of their own style.

“Braving the Lion in its own den” requires much courage, conviction, strength and nerves!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, the Master Challenger in such a situation of “Braving the Lion in its own den!”

A Pharisee invited Jesus to have a meal in his house.

We are unsure of the motives or the reason for this Pharisee to invite Jesus for the table sharing…

Maybe he just wanted to grow in his friendship with Jesus…
Maybe he wanted to check how this great preacher would conduct himself in his house…
Maybe he wanted to show off to his friends of having invited a great Rabbi to his house…
Maybe he wanted to break the ministry of Jesus and trap Him in doing some aberrations…

In any case, the Pharisee certainly expected Jesus to follow the rules and customs of the traditional Jewish meal.

But he notices that Jesus has failed to wash his hands before dinner.

This washing of the hands was a ritual purification process.

The insistence on this act was not for the sake of hygiene, but for ritual purity!

This omission of the sacred tradition came as a big shocker for the host Pharisee.

He would have thought about Jesus:
“This Rabbi is doing it all wrong!
Why can’t He follow our age-old customs?

He is insulting me before my other guests!
How dare He behaves so, in my own house!?

But this is where Jesus in His unique style of courage & conviction comes into confrontation with the attitude of the Pharisee…

The Pharisee was surely His host.. yet Jesus dares to “Brave the Lion in its own den!”

Standing up for convictions and principles was a value that Jesus always upheld.

Being bold to always promote and defend goodness was a virtue that Jesus always supported.

Jesus lashes out with a righteous anger, “So then, you Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside yourselves, you are full of greed and evil. Fools…!…” (Lk 11: 39).

The Pharisee got offended because Jesus failed to wash his hands before meal.

But Jesus got offended because they failed to have a true cleansing of their hearts.

The Pharisee got upset because Jesus failed to uphold the sacred tradition.

But Jesus got upset because they failed to uphold the values of inner purity and holiness.

The Pharisee felt insulted because Jesus failed to honour their customs and practices.

But Jesus felt insulted because the table-meal failed to reflect true love and sharing.

Jesus was not afraid to encounter the Pharisee in his wrong thinking and mightily “Dared to Brave the Lion in his own den!”

This same Jesus today encounters us and wants to “dare to brave the Lion in us, in our own den”.

Maybe I am bold and strong in being relaxed in some of my comfort and pleasure zones..

But Jesus dares us, to come out of this den and renew ourselves with a life of holiness and purity.

Maybe I am quite okay with aspiring for many gadgets and objects of passing joys and desires

But Jesus dares us, to come out of our den and focus on the real necessities of a good life.

Maybe I am just satisfied to beautify our external life even if it means being greedy and selfish

But Jesus dares us, to come out of our den and repent by living a self-sacrificing and a self-controlling life.

The ‘lion of Pharisaism’ is deep rooted in many of our personal lives, our family lives and in our community lives…

Having the focus only on external factors…but neglecting the inner dimensions…
Giving importance to only outer shows…but totally forgetting the internal aspects…
Being obsessed with doing many things…but totally ignoring the necessity of being holy…

The Lord is today “Daring to Brave this Lion within us, in our own den!”

Let us allow the lion of greed, evil tendencies and false priorities….
… to be conquered and defeated by Jesus, the Lion of Judah, the Great Lion!

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 – TO CHOOSE IN ACCORD WITH CONSCIENCE
“Man strives to interpret the data of experience and the signs of the times assisted by the virtue of prudence…

… by the advice of competent people, and by the help of the Holy Spirit and his gifts. (CCC # 1788)

“Having a lively attitude to nurture ourselves with the blossoming blessings that the Lord constantly showers on us!”

(Based on Rom 1:1-7 and Lk 11:29-32 – Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Attitudes determine to a great extent what one experiences in life.

The hummingbird is a beautiful example from nature to teach us a ‘higher attitude ” for life.

Hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals.

Instead, they look for the colourful blossoms…looking for nectar from suitable flowers.

They nourish on the beautiful and the fresh!

They live on “what is!”
They live in the present.
They fill themselves with life and freshness.

The Gospel of the day is a call to have an attitude which seeks to nurture oneself on lively higher aspects, similar to the humming bird.

A big crowd had gathered around Jesus and He began to speak and teach them.
“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign…” (Lk 11:29)

This verse has its background in a previous verse… Lk 11:16…where it says, “Others to test Him, asked Him for a sign from heaven”

The motive for asking the sign was to “test” Jesus.

There was clear hypocrisy in this demand.

Jesus had already performed a lot of miracles…..
“..the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead raised up” (Mt 11:3-5)

Yet, a sign was demanded!

True, that God gave signs to people in the Old Testament.

For example… to Gideon… to Abraham… to Moses… to the people of Israel etc

But the difference was that…
… those signs were given in request for a confirmation.
… those signs were given to strengthen the faith and belief.

As it is commented, “Signs were granted to those who desired them for the confirmation of their faith, as to Abraham and Gideon…
… but were denied to those who demanded them for the excuse of their unbelief.”

Some in the crowds… some of the Pharisees and the Scribe, demanded a sign from Jesus…
… just to remain obstinate and adamant in their unbelief!

For the Jews, the time of the coming of Messiah was expected to be a time of great warfare upon the Gentiles and great material prosperity.

The pseudographical work – The Apocalypse of Baruch – mentioned that ‘the time of the Messiah would bring in an inexhaustible supply of manna to feed the Jews until the end of time.’

Another pseudographical work – The Psalms of Solomon – says ‘the Messiah will “purge Jerusalem of the heathen . . . break the pride of sinners like so many pots . . . and gather the holy nation and lead it with justice, in peace and equality”‘

Jesus was not showing such “external” signs of being a Messiah

Therefore, the demand for a ‘sign from heaven’’ was a result of the hostility for Jesus’ failure to meet their materialistic expectations.

But Jesus exhorts to look at the higher and heavenly signs and symbols that He was providing!

Jesus challenges to adopt a “humming-bird” style attitude…
… of seeking to go beyond in finding the beautiful and higher realities
…of nurturing oneself on symbols that are deeper and much more precious

Is my life reduced to looking only for lowly and materialistic gains and desires?
… or is my life raised up in longing for higher and spiritual treasures and gifts?

The world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.

Let us have a lively and energetic attitude as that of a humming-bird…
… to nurture ourselves with the blossoming graces and blessings that the Lord constantly showers on us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – TO CHOOSE IN ACCORD WITH CONSCIENCE

Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult.

But he must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the Will of God expressed in Divine law. (CCC # 1787)

“Responding to the Lord, by acknowledging and accepting His ability to transform our lives!”

(Based on Is 25:6-10a, Phil 4:12-14, 19-20 and Mt 22:1-14 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

A catechism class student in class 8 – known to give creative and clever answers – was asked by the teacher on “what is the meaning of responsibility”

The girl thought for a while, and then said, “Responsibility is made up of two words – Response and Ability!”
… and she went on to say, “Responsibility, is the Response of human beings to the Ability of God to transform us!”

That’s a neat description of Responsibility, isn’t it?

It is a response given by a person…
… by acknowledging and accepting the ability of God to transform oneself!

God is able… God is almighty!

But God requires that we take up “responsibility” on ourselves, by responding to His ability to work in our lives!

The Gospel of the Day is a teaching on this aspect of Responsibility in Life…
… the parable of the Wedding Feast, in which the King sends out invitation to his chosen guests, expecting them “to respond!”

The guests however refused to acknowledge and accept the invite….
… so the King sent out an invite to all those in the streets.

The parable has an interesting twist at this point…

Even those who were called and invited from the streets and roads to attend the wedding ceremony, were expected to have a distinguishing mark.

The distinguishing mark was the Wedding Garment.

When the King came into the hall to meet his guests, he found that one of them was without this distinguishing mark…
“But when the King came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?'” (Mt 22:11)

A free and an open invitation was extended to all.

But once the people chose to be part of the wedding banquet, they were expected to follow certain norms and protocols…

This principle is followed in most of our daily lives too…

One is free to choose any school or educational institution…
… but once, one chooses to be part of it, one ought to abide by its uniform patterns, discipline styles, rules and regulations.

One is free to choose any company or work of place…
… but once, one chooses to be part of it, one ought to abide by its salary codes, work mechanisms and job culture.

One is free to choose any organization or charitable service centre etc…
… but once, one chooses to be part of it, one ought to abide by its style of functioning, its norms and working modes and rules.

The person without the wedding garment was also in a similar situation…

He had all the freedom to choose to go or not to go for the wedding.

But once he chose to go for the wedding, he had an obligation to abide by its norms, especially in wearing the wedding garment.

But this man refused to do so!

He probably was too proud to cast off his old clothes or his own clothes and don what the wedding occasion demanded.

He probably was too defiant to show the King that he could choose to have his own way and not get noticed.

But the King was sharp to notice this man who was proud, defiant and too bold.

Anyone of us could be “this man without the wedding garment”.

We voluntarily choose to follow Jesus as a Christian…
… and we are expected to wear the wedding garment of “His love and virtues”.

Are we without this garment and instead just happy to be wearing our own clothes of worldliness and attachments to sin?

We voluntarily choose to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist…
… and we are expected to wear the wedding garment of “preparedness, holiness and purity”

Are we without this garment and instead just be satisfied to be wearing our own clothes of unrepentance and impurity and casualness in receiving the Holy Communion?

We voluntarily choose to profess ourselves to belonging to Jesus…
… and we are expected to wear the wedding garment of “being constantly striving towards holiness and building a stronger relation with Jesus”

Are we without this garment and instead just being okay to be wearing our own clothes of being lethargic, impassionate, negligent and a relaxed attitude with respect to our Christian commitment and consecration?

The Gospel of the Day is a strong reminder for each of us to be vigilant and careful in wearing the wedding garments demanded by Jesus our King.

We ourselves have chosen to be part of the banquet of Jesus.

Let us make ourselves worthy of this calling by putting on the garments of the Lord.

The man wanted the good food
… but did not want to comply with the norms.

The man wanted to be part of the celebration
… but didn’t want to a relationship with the King.

We too may want blessings from the Lord.
We too may want many of our wants to be fulfilled by the Lord.

But we fail to have a relationship with Him…
… we fail to comply with His norms and rules!

Prophet Isaiah speaks of the feast to which God calls of us: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined!” (Is 25:6)

The Lord is inviting each one of us to His banquet… daily…

The Banquet of the Holy Eucharist.
The Banquet of His Divine Word.
The Banquet of His Tender Love.
The Banquet of His Immense Joy.
The Banquet of His Holy Spirit.

But we also ought to respond, by wearing the proper garments for the occasion.

If we respond, HE is always there as the strength of our life:
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
… and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:13, 19)

Yes, God is able and almighty!

But it is important and vital that we take up “responsibility” on ourselves, by responding to His ability to work in our lives!

Let us “Respond” to the Lord by acknowledging and accepting His “ability” to transform our lives…
… and thus fulfill our Christian Responsibility!

Are we ready and willing?

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 – TO CHOOSE IN ACCORD WITH CONSCIENCE

Faced with a moral choice, conscience can make either a right judgment in accordance with reason and the divine law…

… or, on the contrary, an erroneous judgment that departs from them. (CCC # 1786)

“Obediently living our life, in accordance with the Plan of God!”

(Based on Joel 4:12-21 and Lk 11:27-28 – Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

A highly skilled engineer had been confined to his bed due to a paralysis of the lower limbs.

So great was his reputation, that even though he was sickly, he was asked to draw the blueprints for a great suspension bridge.

With much determination, the engineer completed the blueprints and handed it over to those who were to carry out the work.

Months passed by…
… and the work of the bridge was completed.

Four men came to the engineer’s room and carried him, on the cot, to the place…
… from where he could see the bridge, suspending over a wide river

Tears filled his eyes as he gazed at the engineering marvel…
… and with the blueprints in his hands, he cried out:
“It’s just like the plan! It’s just like the plan!”

God, the Great Engineer, has His blueprints for each one of us, in our lives…
… His Holy Will!

Do we build our lives as per this blueprint?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to have our wills in harmony with this blueprint…
… the Will of God!

In today’s Gospel, a woman from the crowd calls out to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who bore you and nursed you” (Lk 11:27)

This woman had probably been following Jesus for some time or had observed some of His works or had heard about Him.

This greatness of the Man was attributed to His Mother.

The woman had probably a driving principle behind this thought:
“Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman… constantly supporting and nourishing”.

Mother Mary was recognized and understood as this Woman behind the success of Jesus!

Let’s just visualize how Jesus would have felt when He heard these words…

Every child is proud and to hear good of one’s parent…
… especially about the mother.

Jesus too, would have been very proud and happy of His Mother.

He would have thought of the moments that His Mother…
… would have taught Him various prayers
… would have taught Him the scriptures.
… would have taught Him to love God

Jesus surely had many things to thank and praise His Mother.

But the Lord doesn’t remain fixated on the level of mere human praise and efforts…

The Lord loves things of the High…
… and His concerns are of the High!

And so, he invites and challenges the woman to look higher…
“Surely blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it as well” (Lk 11:28)

The Lord was probably telling the woman…
“Yes, surely my Mother is truly great for Her tender care of me.

She is indeed wonderful for Her amazing upbringing of me.

But My Mother is great, not just because of these earthly factors…

There is much more…
There are many more reasons which makes Her truly great.

She is blessed because…
… She listened to God’s Word and accepted it wholeheartedly.
… She was obedient to God though she did not understand many things
… She chose to put Her faith in God, though the path ahead was dim
… She lived and shared the love that she received from God.”

The Lord made the woman to not just be satisfied with transient, material aspect…
… but to have a higher perspective in life.

The same message is reached out to each one of us today….

Am I a person…
… who is merely satisfied with only the concerns of the material world?
… who remains stunted on just listening to God’s word, but not practising it?
… who fails to fly higher, to also be concerned with the aspects of the Divine?
… who is excited to hear and listen to the Bible, but afraid to live it in my life?

God has His blueprints for each one of us, in our lives…
… His Holy Will!

Do we obediently carry out our works, as per His plan?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully speaks of the origin, foundation and mission of the Church as a “Plan born in the Father’s Heart!”

“This ‘family of God’ is gradually formed and takes shape during the stages of human history, in keeping with the Father’s Plan” (CCC #759)

May this Great Engineer, seeing our lives…
… and with the blueprints in His hands, exclaim:
“It’s just like the Plan! It’s just like the Plan!”

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 FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE

In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice.
We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross.

We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church. (CCC # 1785)

“Realising that true spiritual growth and nourishment is possible when credibility and authenticity are pursued!”

(Based on Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 and Lk 11:15-26 – Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Michelangelo has been one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen.

His notable works of “Pieta”, “David”, “Moses” and “The Last Judgment” have been unparalleled in their beauty and perfection.

Another of his fantastic work has been the Frescoes on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling (in the Vatican)

It is said that as this great artist painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel – lying on his back for endless hours to finish every detail with great care

A friend asked him why he took such pains with figures that would be viewed from a considerable distance.

“After all,” the friend said, “Who will notice whether it is perfect or not?”

The artist who was known for his perfection at all works replied…
… “I will!”

The motivation for perfection in all things, for Michelangelo, was not from outside…
… it was a based on his conviction that he should be “credible and authentic” in all what he does.

Our spiritual life also follows a similar principle: When credibility and authenticity are lacking in a spiritual endeavour, there is very less spiritual growth and nourishment!

It is credibility and authenticity that helps to gain spiritual progress and advancements!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhibition of how true integrity and authority can work tremendous wonders, conversions of heart and transformations of life…
… and how it can also cause some people to “oppose credibility and authenticity” by engaging in calumny and character-assassination!

The Gospel of the Day begins with the statement…
“But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ (Lk 11:15)

One of the reasons why the people, especially the religious authorities were irked by the personality of Jesus, was because of the tremendous authority that was displayed by Jesus!

Yes, the amazing factor in the ministry of Jesus was His tremendous authority!

The wondrous aspect in the ministry of Jesus was His awesome integrity!

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Luke, we read…
“They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.” (Lk 4:32)

This authority and integrity came…
… through His deep union with His Heavenly Father.
… through His faithfulness to the commands of His heavenly Father
… through His undivided devotion to His Heavenly Father

How authentic, credible and integral are we in our life…
… as a Christian?
… in the family?
… as a consecrated person?

Authenticity does not mean arrogance…
Credibility does not mean over-confidence…
Integrity does not mean super-importance…

Authenticity, credibility and integrity in the Lord means…
… filled with the power and strength of God’s Spirit
… imbued with a deep passion for the Lord and His Church
… living an honest lifestyle in accordance to God’s Will and teachings

The Gospel of the Day calls us to check and examine…
… is my prayer life and devotion truly authentic and credible?
… is my preaching and spreading of God’s Word filled with His Holy Spirit?
… is my reception of the Sacraments helping me to make an honest effort to be a true Christian?

Let our prayers become a true raising of hearts to God…

Let the receiving of the Sacraments become an honest transformation for life…
Let the spreading of God’s Word become a credible witness to God’s Kingdom….

Jesus is our model and example to be true and honest in life!

Let the motivation in seeking for perfection in all things, be based not from outside…
… rather let it be based on the conviction that we should be “credible and authentic” in all what we do!

May our spiritual life follows the principle: Only when credibility and authenticity are pursued, we can have true spiritual growth and nourishment!

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 FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE

Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults.

The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart. (CCC # 1784)

“Remaining persevering and persistent in our life of faith and our life of prayer!”

(Based on Mal 3:13-20b and Lk 11:5-13 – Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The familiar story of the donkey falling into a deep pit is probably known to most of us.

The animal cried piteously for hours, as its farmer tried to pull out the donkey from the deep pit.

However the depth of the pit, caused all efforts of rescue to go in vain,

Finally giving up all hope, the man decided to bury the donkey.

He even called his neighbours to help him cover the donkey with dirt and mud.

But tough situations are always occasions for one to show one’s mettle!

Perseverance and determination are necessary companions in any endeavour of life!

The donkey initially felt extremely desperate as to what was happening…
… but in a short time – to everyone’s amazement – the donkey managed to come up

What it did was quite astonishing…
… with every shovel of mud that fell on its back, the donkey would shake it off, and step up on the mud!

Shake off and step up… shake off and step up…
… Continuing this process, pretty soon, the donkey was out of the pit!

Life often throws shovels of dirt and mud – in the form of struggles, hardships, rejections, disappointments

But it is left to us, to “shake off and step up!”

We need to remain persevering and persistent in all what we do…
… and this is very true especially in our life of faith, in our life of prayer!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us the theme of Prayer with a special emphasis on perseverance and determination in prayer life.

This aspect of persistence in prayer through a parable: A parable of a friend who knocked at the door of his friend at an odd midnight hour…
… seeking for help.

Prayer invariably points to the notion of Necessity and Dependence in our lives: A necessity for various things…
… and a dependence on God

For a moment, let us get into the shoes of this friend who faced this need of an unexpected traveller in his house… and thus forced to seek for help…

This man received an unexpected guest…

Probably, it was the end of all the chores of his day…and as he was retiring to bed, this traveller came to his house.

His condition was so pitiable that he did not even have some morsels of food to be given.

He had the good will…
… but did not have the resources to help.
He had the good intentions…
… but did not have the supplies to assist.

Very often, we ourselves land up into such situations…

Perhaps someone drops in for a coffee…and lays bare their problems…

But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps we get a letter or a message…informing of some serious crisis…

But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps our close ones undergo some pain…and life becomes hard…

But we feel totally helpless how to help…

Perhaps we see many in absolute suffering…and our heart reaches out to them..

But we feel totally helpless how to help…

We ask ourselves: “What can I do?”

There is a strange, sinking sensation… a sense of pressure, almost terror: “What shall I say?”

The best you can do is just hope for a quiet moment when you can rush to God, our Great Neighbour and cry out to him, “A friend has come, and I have nothing to set before him.“

This happens often, doesn’t it?

It is out of such moments of deep necessity that true prayer is born.

It is out of such moments of genuine dependence that true prayer is born.

But that does not mean, that God, our Great neighbour has to be awakened from his slumber or who has to be forced to render us help.

The point of the parable is that as a person who is in necessity and who is dependent…
… one ought to have a great level of patience & perseverance & determination.

In prayer, it often happens that we determine…
… the way
… the time
… the mode
… in which God should answer our requests!

But we often forget, that, the Great Neighbour, God…
… is also our loving Father.
… is also the One who cares deeply for us.
… is also Someone who wishes the best for us.

In Lk 11: 9, Jesus gives us the exciting verse, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

ASK…SEEK…KNOCK…all these three verbs indicate a continual process and a constant action.

“Keep on asking…keep on seeking…keep on knocking”.

The Lord is a Loving Father…

He does not demand perseverance because of any hard-heartedness…

Rather, He expects consistence and perseverance because of His deep and tender Love for us and wanting us to not get bogged down by mere material concerns…
… rather to SEEK HIM above all in prayer and to make HIM the greatest need of our lives!

Pope St John XXIII said: “Prayer is the raising of the mind to God.

We must always remember this. The actual words matter less.”

Yes, life often throws shovels of dirt and mud – in the form of struggles, hardships, rejections, disappointments

But it is left to us, to “shake off and step up!”

Let us remain persevering and persistent in our life of faith and our life of prayer!

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 FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE

Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults.

The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart. (CCC # 1784)

“Seeking God’s Kingdom and doing His Will so that we can ‘love more, hate less and forgive quick!’”

A teacher in a school was being felicitated at her farewell program after serving for nearly 34 years.

She was a teacher who was much loved and much respected…
… all because of her gentle yet firm conduct with all
… all because of her kind-heartedness and amiable approach with all

As she was asked on what was the motto that helped her to be such a lovable and respected teacher, she replied:
“Well, I have just tried to follow my Master is an epitome of altruism on the Cross. I have also been greatly helped by the care of Mamma Mary as every day I make it a point to recite the Rosary.

And all I tried to do was: ‘To love more, hate less and forgive quick!’”

That’s a nice dictum for life, isn’t it?
Love more!
Hate less!
Forgive quick!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful transcription by the author of the ‘Gospel of Prayer’ – St Luke – on a beautiful teaching on Prayer.

St Luke narrates this incident by stating that “Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’” (Lk 11:1)

This query presents the beautiful inherent thirst and desire in every human person – to seek to connect with the Divine.

And Jesus, the Master lays before His Disciples, the blueprint for every prayer – the Our Father!

In just a few words, the Lord taught His disciples that the thrust of every prayer is “to seek God’s Kingdom and do His Will in life”…
… so that one can “love more, hate less and forgive quick!”

In the light of this teaching, let’s examine our prayer life…
… Does my prayer help me to orient myself more in doing the Will of the Father in my life?
… Does my prayer help me to love God more and to reach out His love to my fellow beings?
… Does my prayer help me to reduce hatred or other vices that have taken root in my heart?
… Does my prayer help me to reflect God’s Mercy to the people, especially those who hurt me?

The “Our Father” is also a beautiful reminder that God, in His infinite mercy and goodness, has always the store of forgiveness, unconditionally opened for us!

But…
To receive this treasure of forgiveness, we need to first forgive others!

It means that…
If we continue to nurture hatred against other…
If we adamantly keep having repulsion against the other…
… then we are telling God to not forgive either!
…then we are telling God to withhold His unconditional mercy on me!

It is this aspect of “forgiveness” that becomes highly essential and conditional…
… in our desire to do the Will of the Father, at all times, and living a faithful Christian life.

May the teaching of Jesus on prayer, narrated by St Luke in His ‘Gospel of Prayer,’ help us “to seek God’s Kingdom and do His Will in life”…
… so that we can “love more, hate less and forgive quick!”

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 FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE

The education of the conscience is a lifelong task.

From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. (CCC # 1784)

“Choosing the ‘one thing that is needed” – the one ‘chair’ – of being committed to the Lord, so that we can enjoy true joy in life!”

(Based on Jon 3:1-10 and Lk 10:38-42 – Tuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian operatic Tenor.

(A tenor is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is one of the highest of the male voice types)

He made numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias, gaining worldwide fame for the brilliance and beauty of his tone…
… and eventually established himself as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century.

Luciano relates:
“When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of singing.

He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice.
Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil.

I also enrolled in a teachers college.

On graduating, I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’

“Luciano,” my father replied, ‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them.
For life, you must choose one chair.’

“I chose one.

It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my first professional appearance.
It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera.

And now I think whether it’s laying bricks, writing a book – whatever we choose – we should give ourselves to it.

Commitment, that’s the key.
CHOOSE ONE CHAIR!”

Often we try to find joy and satisfaction in life, by trying to adjust and fit into many “chairs”.

We end up in frustrations and irritation and bitterness.

Our life gets entangled into a lot of annoyance and resentment

The Result: We feel life is totally unfair to us… We complain… We argue!

The Gospel of the Day reflects this common trend of our lives through the incident of Jesus in the house of Martha and Mary.

During his journey of ministry, Jesus came to a village and was welcomed in the house of Martha and Mary.

Martha demonstrates great hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home.
She gets busy with the tasks of serving their honoured Guest.

Mary, on the other side, displays great devotion and love, by sitting at the feet of Jesus

She gets immersed into spending time, with the revered Rabbi.

This incident invites us to appreciate the courage and devotion of Mary

The role adopted by Mary was something contrary to the fixed norms for a Jewish woman.

She sat at the feet of Jesus, just as a student would, while learning at the feet of a Rabbi.

This was, however, a role reserved for men.

Yet, Mary “chose the better part” (Lk 10: 42)

This incident also invites us to reflect on the words of Christ to Martha.

Jesus tells Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her?” (10:41-42).

The Lord extends an invitation to Martha to examine her approach…

Jesus is not against her actions of service and of providing a comfortable hospitality.

But He is concerned that Martha is too” worried and distracted”

Very often…
… our best intentions in life can get spoilt due to our tendency to over-worry or be over-anxious.
… our noblest deeds of works can be marred due to our unnecessary outbursts of irritation and distractions

The Greek word used for “distracted” is “periespato”

“Periespato” means to be pulled or dragged in different directions

As a result of this high degree of distraction….

Martha fails to maintain an important and basic dimension of hospitality – giving due attention to the guest
Martha also seeks to cause a humiliation for her sister, Mary, in public
Martha even goes on to accuse Jesus of “not caring about her”

We live in a world where we are prone to get easily “distracted” – to be pulled or dragged in different directions – like Martha.

But can we seek to overcome this crippling tendency by “choosing the better part” of giving whole attention to the Lord and to His Kingdom.

Life offers us many “chairs” – choices – which can distract us, cause us irritation and take away our focus from what is most basic and most important.

Let us ask the grace to choose the “one thing that is needed” – the one “chair” – of being committed to the Lord and His Kingdom…
… so that we can enjoy true peace and joy in life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator.
The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings…
… who are subjected to negative influences
….and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment

… and to reject authoritative teachings. (CCC # 1783)