“Pledging forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts – in this Season of Lent –
with deep faith and true commitment!”

(Based on Joel 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 – Ash Wednesday)

2024 would be remembered, for date-lovers, as a year, when Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine’s Day…
… and April’s Fool Day (Apr 01) being celebrated on the next day of Easter Sunday (March 31), the day, God made a fool of sin and death!

A common joke, doing the rounds these days on social media, goes thus:
Someone asked: “What is the speciality of Feb 14?”

Another guy asks back: “Are you having a wife or a girlfriend?”

“A wife”, comes the reply.

“Oh…
… then, it’s Ash Wednesday for you!”

Well… jokes apart, it’s interesting to reflect on this dimension of the two days – Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day – falling together.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, a day when there is a “sudden” wave of expression of love, care and affection to the ones whom we love.

When taken in the right spirit and when celebrated in a meaningful way, this day becomes a day…
… of “specially” recognizing the worth of the one(s) we love
… of showing our love and affection to the one(s) dear to the our heart

But our modern society unfortunately and tragically, sometimes tends to “rob” this day to be celebrated in a meaningful.

“Love” is highly commercialized and “sold”
External affections are unduly given greater importance, forgetting the prime duties involved with love
Advertisers and commercialists rake in massive profits with several external objects portraying “love”

Whether this day truly becomes a day of “expressing genuine love and care”

Or whether it is more, a day of “externalities of ‘love-feelings’ taking the upper hand…
… is a matter of debate, as well as a matter of one’s personal choice and view.

But as a follower of Christ, this day – Feb 14 – celebrated as Ash Wednesday…
… is a day for us to remind ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
… is a day for us to revive our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
… is a day for us to rediscover the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Today, with Ash Wednesday, we begin the Holy Season of Lent.

Ashes are an important element of the Liturgy.

The ashes are made from the Blessed Palms used at the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year…
… and blessed with Holy Water.

While smearing the ashes, the Priest says:

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
(or) “Repent and believe in the Gospel”
We are called forth – as Psalm 51 reminds us – to repent with contrition.

These ashes remind us of…
… the littleness of our earthly life, and the need to give greater priority to our Spiritual Life
… the need to repent of our sins and express our willingness to live in holiness and sanctity
… the graciousness of God’s Mercy which is always available to those who turn towards Him

The Liturgy emphasizes the “virtue of humility” that needs to embellish the life of every Christian.

Ashes are an external form of “we being willing, to learn in the school of humility!”

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18) is a teaching by Jesus on the prime importance of doing away with pride and instead, beautifying one’s life with sincere humility.

In His Sacred Teachings, our Blessed Lord expounds the three sacred pillars of devotion during His time: ALMSGIVING, PRAYER and FASTING (PENANCE).

1. Jesus imparts profound guidance on the essence of almsgiving…
   … emphasizing the virtue of humility by cautioning against the empty clamour of self-promotion.

He encourages us to emulate His words: “…sound no trumpet” (Mt 6:2)

2. Regarding the sacred practice of prayer, Jesus, directs us to seek the intimate sanctity of communion with the Heavenly Father.

He admonishes: “… shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6)

3. Concerning the discipline of fasting, our Lord instructs us to maintain an outward appearance of normalcy and joy while engaging in this spiritual exercise.

He enlightens us: “… anoint your head and wash your face” (Mt 6:17)

It is also interesting to note that these 3 practices also refer to the three dimensions of Love: towards God, towards others, towards oneself

1. Prayer: Reminding ourselves to grow in the Immensity of God’s Love
2. Almsgiving: Reviving our basic duty of caring and being responsible to one another
3. Fasting (Penance): Rediscovering the worthiness of our lives and commit to grow in holiness

Prophet Joel reminds us to turn to God with a repentant heart (Joel 2:12-18)
We are reminded…
… of our mortality.
… of the need to repent sincerely – not just with words but from our hearts.
… of the immensity of God’s love and to seek His mercy

St Paul exhorts us to “be Ambassadors of Christ’s Love!” (2 Cor 5:20-6:2)
We are called…
… to be Christ’s ambassadors – allowing our love to go beyond gifts and gestures
… to be reconciled with God and genuinely care for one another.

Yes, this Ash Wednesday is a Great Day for all of us, to begin this Season of Holiness – and to grow in our…
… love of God
… responsibility and care of others
… respect and reverence of our own life

A few practical tips could help us to make this Season of Lent, more meaningful:

1. It is said that habits – to make a new one or to break an old one – generally take around 21 days

These 40+ days of Lent are a chance for us to “double” our efforts towards…
… positively growing in a “good virtuous habit”
… negatively rooting out a “not-so-good vicious habit”

(A few examples:
… Reading a portion of the Bible daily
… Learn by heart, some verses of the Bible and make it a personal prayer
… Identify the “root vice” of life, and practice the opposite – “the root virtue”
… Try to frequent Holy Mass / spend time with the Eucharistic Lord, as much as possible
… 40 simple acts of kindness
… Abstain from something that is “dear” and offer it as a sacrifice for someone in need
… Revive personal/family prayer
… Reduce time spent on the internet/social media
… Visit a home of charity or those in our vicinity who need help
… Abstain from gossiping/backbiting/ irritable words
… Bring a person(s) closer to Christ/Church)

Can we choose, on this day, a habit in our personal life, which we need to “make or break”…
… for these days of Lent?

2. The Season of Lent covers a period of 7 weeks

7 – a number of fullness and completeness is a call for us to grow in the virtue of Charity.

We could identify 7 people – corresponding to the 7 weeks of Lent, who need our help.

This help may be any of the following:
… spiritual help
… social acceptance
… materialistic needs
… emotional assistance

Let this 14th of February be a day for us, to re-discover Jesus, the True Lover Who displays the real meaning of Love!

The Lord…holds our hands, and with deep love and affection asks us, “Will you be My valentine forever?”

Let’s not blush….let’s not be shy…

May this Season of Lent help us – in deep faith and true commitment – to pledge forever, our love to the Lover of all Hearts!

Let’s remember: “The heart is a beautiful symbol of love; but perhaps, a greater symbol is the Crucifix!”

Wish you all a Very Happy and Blessed Season of Lent.

May our Blessed Mother of Compassion lead us and may all the Saints intercede for us!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism*
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY

Human society must primarily be considered something pertaining to the spiritual.
Through it, in the bright light of truth…
… people should share their knowledge
… be able to exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations

… be inspired to seek spiritual values (CCC # 1886)

“Being peeled of our layers of material concerns, and filling the emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord!”

(Based on Jas 1:12-18 and Mk 8:14-21 – Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

The onion is one of the most simple and commonly available vegetables.
>> It is widely used, especially in the preparation of a number of Indian dishes.


It’s interesting to notice the structure of an onion: it is formed as a result of several layers.
>> If one tries to peel off one layer after another, the result would be, that one would be left with nothing…
… just emptiness!


Our life sometimes is represented by an onion…
… formed in layers.
>> Christ peels our life like an onion…
… to make us realize our emptiness!


The Gospel of the Day presents this experience of the disciples, in the presence of Jesus, their Master…
… an experience of being peeled to find themselves in emptiness
… an experience of being unlayered to find themselves in blankness


Jesus is off on the boat again, with His disciples, to travel to the other shore (Mk 8:13)

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread along with them, and they had only one loaf with them. (Mk 8:14).
>> Jesus, meanwhile, began to make use of the time of journey, for rendering a teaching on True Discipleship.

He spoke on the need to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod…
… the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Cor 5:8)
… the leaven of deception and misleading (Gal 5:8-9)


The disciples, however, got it all wrong.
>>  Their minds were still focussed on the bread.

They were still figuring how out, how they missed to get bread.
They were still trying to see how they could all adjust, with one bread.
>> And so, when Jesus spoke of leaven, one of the main ingredients in bread, they thought that Jesus was chastising them, for not having taken bread.

But Jesus now shows the disciples what is to be the main focus…
>> He makes them realise what was more important and needed.


The disciples were more concerned with food and security.

But the Lord, now, begins to peel these layers, in the Disciples, as that in an onion!
… the layers of only material concerns
… the layers of only worldly needs
… the layers of only earthly apprehensions.

The disciples are concerned that they have only one bread…
>> But they fail to see that they have the One and Only Bread of Life!


The disciples are concerned that their food may not be sufficient…
>> But they fail to see that they have the One who multiplied bread for four thousands and five thousands!
They failed to understand!
They failed to look beyond!


In our life journey, we too sometimes fall short of material and earthly needs.
>> Do we also get perplexed and anxious like the disciples?
>> Do we also fail to see beyond and realise the more important needs of  life?
>> Do we also fail to understand that the presence of the Lord matters much more than any other earthly aspect?

We need to be peeled of our layers of just material concerns
>> Let us fill the emptiness of our lives with the Love and Spirit of the Lord.


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – CONVERSION AND SOCIETY
>> Society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation.
>> To attain this aim, respect must be accorded to the just hierarchy of values…
… which “subordinates physical and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.” (CCC # 1886)
———–

“Living with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!”

(Based on Jas 1:1-11 and Mk 8:11-13 – Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

In the dark days of World War II, Corrie ten Boom stood strong as a shining example of faith and bravery.

A Dutch Christian, she bravely stood against the Nazis…
… hiding Jews in her home.
But when their secret refuge was discovered, Corrie ended up in a harsh concentration camp.

Amidst the relentless torment, Corrie’s faith burned brilliantly!

Confronted by a former tormentor, a Nazi guard who once embodied cruelty, Corrie did the unthinkable…
… she extended a hand of forgiveness.
Corrie embodied the Divine Grace she fiercely believed in…
… transforming a place of hatred into a sanctuary of redemption.

We are being reminded, that…
… even in the darkest times, our faith can be a bright light!
… even in the bleakest moments, we need to live with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!

The readings of the Day, call for a greater persistence of faith…
… and the need to stand firm in faith, even amid life’s trials!

St James begins his letter with a bold proclamation of his personal faith:
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Jas 1:1)

We learn about the great encounter of St James with the Risen Lord, as St Paul recounts in 1 Cor 15:7…
… and this encounter with the Risen Lord, would have been a pivotal moment, for James to deepen his faith in Christ!

It is this deep and fervent faith that makes St James – with solid conviction – to exhort the people, to have faith with three important dimensions:

1. Having Faith, even in moments of trials

“Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy…
… because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance!” (Jas 1:2-3)

Life often crushes us with pains and sufferings.

But a person of faith, allows “the ‘boat’ of his trust in God, to ‘float over’ the waters of troubles!”

2. Having a Faith that is firm and single-minded

“Ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind…” (Jas 1:6)

We often say that we have faith…
… yet we tend to easily get carried away, in moments of trials – with doubts and discouragement!

We are being reminded that “when you trust in God – you trust Him, not just when you feel it, but also when all feelings are dried!”
In the words of St Therese of Child Jesus – the Little Flower – “Knowing that beyond the dark clouds my Sun is shining…!”

3. Having a Faith that is rooted in humility

“Let the believer who is lowly, boast in being raised up…
… and the rich in being brought low
… because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field!” (Jas 1:9-10)

True faith always leads one to live in humility

We are made to realize that even amid accomplishments of life, it is purely the Mercy of God that lifts us up

The Gospel presents Jesus clearly declaring the need to “go beyond external signs”… (Mk 8:12)
…. instead, to ‘have a faith that reads the signs of times, and cherishes deeper trust in the Providence of God.’

St Mark, in fact, presents the lamenting expression of Jesus, when He encounters people who choose to associate their faith with external signs

“And Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit…” (Mk 8:12)

We are called to have Faith…
… in moments of trials
… that is firm and single-minded
… that is rooted in humility
… and that which goes beyond external signs!

Life may often take us through dark days

But let us “live with a courageous faith, that refuses to be dimmed by the darkest nights!”

Let us remember that “our faith is not just a shield; it is a conquering force that transforms even the bleakest moments into stories of triumph!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism.
It sets limits for state intervention.
It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies.

It tends toward the establishment of true international order. (CCC # 1885)

“Being ready to act and respond to the Lord and ‘recharging’ ourselves, by dwelling with the Source of our life!”

(Based on Lev 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 and Mk 1:40-45 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

“Beep, beep” came the sound of the mobile phone

The beeping sound indicated a very low level of the battery.

After a couple of minutes, another clicking sound came…
… with a message, “Your phone is going to shut down because the battery is over!”

The mobile had stayed away from the charger for too long!

It lost its ability to function the way it was created and designed…
… because it stayed away from its source of power for too long!

Christian life is so much similar
“We lose the charge and power when we stay away from God, the Source of our strength!”

We cannot keep pushing our life too long on a “low battery mode”…
… and also thus wonder, why are things not going on well in my life?

Am in danger of “being shut down” due to “low-battery life?”

Is my life today in need of “recharging” by dwelling with the Source of our life?

St Mark, offers to us the “Gospel of action” by presenting Jesus Who is “fast-paced” and “accelerated”…
… inviting us to take decisions – without any delay – to receive His touch of Healing and Grace!

The Gospel of St Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and probably the earliest.

This Gospel was primarily intended to the group of persecuted Christians.

It was most likely intended to be read aloud in the Christian assembly, rather than a private reading.
A Gospel for the ear more than the eye!

And so we would have in the Gospel of Mark, the use of constant repetitions, summaries, recapitulations and variations on a theme.

One of such word that is an oft-repeated one…
… is the word “Immediately”

The Greek usage of this word is Eutheos,” which is variously translated “straight away, immediately, at once, soon” etc.

St Mark uses this word “Eutheos” an astounding 40+ times in his Gospel which is only 16 chapters long!

Here are some examples:

LuImmediately, the Spirit drove Him to the desert (Mk 1: 12)
And they immediately left their nets and followed Him (Mk 1: 18)
Jesus immediately knew in His mind what they were thinking (Mk 2: 8)
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel against Him (Mk 3:6)
The seed sprang up immediately because the soil was not deep (Mk 4: 5)

Even the Gospel of the Day uses this word “immediately”…

The leprosy left him immediately and he was made clean (Mk 1:42)
Then warning him sternly, he dismissed him immediately (Mk 1:43)

No other Gospel or New Testament writer uses this word “immediately” to the extent that Mark does in his Gospel.

What’s happening?

Why is St Mark so gripped with this word “immediately”?

Perhaps the foremost word to describe the Gospel of Mark is ACTION.
No effort is wasted.
No time is spent on the frivolous.

The pace is fast.
The language vivid.
St Mark’s purpose was to immediately confront readers with the need to respond to the Lord.

In the Gospel of the Day, the leper who had undergone immense pain, struggle…
… encounters Jesus – the One Who could heal him and make him whole!

The ancient times had leprosy as one of the most feared diseases.

The book of Leviticus required that all those found unclean with leprosy “shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp” (Lev 13:46)

The man was facing …
… the possibility of being transformed
… the possibility of living a life anew!

And he had to make a decision… a decision to approach the Lord!
And so, without any delay, he approaches the Lord with a request: “If you wish, you can make me clean” (Mk 1: 40)

And Jesus – the Lord Who is ever enthusiastic and keen – to have His people experience wholeness touches the leper…and brings about healing!

“Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him and said to him, ‘ I do will it. Be made clean'” (Mk 1:41)

The presentation of Jesus by St Mark as being “fast paced” and “immediate into action” has a strong message for us: The need to “respond to the Lord” without any delay!

When we are called by the Lord…
… we are to follow Him immediately.

When we are touched by the Lord…
… we are to respond immediately.

There is to be no “delay,” but a need to “immediately” perform.

There is to be promptitude in His service and the urgency for His mission.
There is to be no holding back, no reluctance, no slackness, but a blessed “immediateness”.

As Christians, we have perhaps allowed ourselves to get into a “delay” syndrome…

We no longer feel the pinch to react when there is immense injustice and corruption around
We take it so lightly when we hear reports of tragic deaths and heart breaking calamities.
We are not much moved when people around us suffer and undergo deep pain.

We have many who “talk” in defence and importance of faith…

But very few who really live and profess this faith.

We have many who raise protests when false accusations and persecutions of faith are made

But very few who actually live a life of prayer and holiness.

We are often no longer on the cutting edge of relevancy…

We seem to be more comfortable!

Are we “delaying”…
… to help the suffering people?
… to reinvigorate our Christian lives?
… to take our faith and spiritual life seriously?
… to stand up in defence of Christ and His Church?
… to mould and shape our lives according to God’s Will?

In all these “delay” syndromes, the ‘Gospel of Immediacy and Action’ challenges and confronts us!

St Paul reminds us: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ!” (1 Cor 11:1)

Through the mighty inspiration and intercession of our Blessed Mother – Our Lady of Lourdes…
… come, let us be ready to act
… come, let us be ready to respond

Yes…. immediately!

Beep… Beep…

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

God has not willed to reserve to himself all exercise of power. He entrusts to every creature the functions it is capable of performing, according to the capacities of its own nature.
This mode of governance ought to be followed in social life.
The way God acts in governing the world, which bears witness to such great regard for human freedom…
… should inspire the wisdom of those who govern human communities.

They should behave as ministers of divine providence. (CCC # 1884)

“Daring to move out of the ‘zone of limitation’ and knowing that God is always with us – caring, loving and providing!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34 and Mk 8:1-10 – Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Two Christian friends were talking about their life experiences.

One of them said: “It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

“Well”, said the other, ” if you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!

And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”

That’s quite a point, isn’t it?

We find our Christian Faith often on an easy course, when things go on well.

But when difficulties come our way, our “trust” level is questioned.

It is in these “questionable moments of trust” that we tend to enter into a “zone of limitation”

We tend to think in a limited and restricted manner.

We tend to limit ourselves to our inadequacies and narrowness.

But God loves to challenge us to move beyond such boundaries and borders!

Yes, human beings tend to think in a limited fashion, but God loves to expand our possibilities.

Human beings tend to get bogged down by boundaries, but God loves to throw open our horizons.

The Gospel of the day is a clear illustration of this expansion of human horizons and possibilities, through the miracle of the feeding of loaves…
… and thus trusting Him deeper!

Jesus is with His disciples and huge crowd.

They are once again in a situation of having a want of feeding this huge multitude.

It’s interesting to highlight the patterns in the attitudes of Jesus and the disciples.

Jesus sees the hungry crowd and His heart moved in compassion…

The disciples saw the hungry crowd and probably their minds were moved in tension!

Jesus expresses His concern and care to feed the hungry crowd…

The disciples express their frustration and urgency to send the crowd away at the earliest!

Jesus foresaw the possibility of immense fulfilment and satisfaction in the deserted area…

The disciples got stuck with seeing only barrenness and emptiness in the deserted area!

Jesus moved in action, to enquire about the possibilities of feeding the people…

The disciples groaned in inaction at the plight of having to feed the people!

The disciples concluded impossibility by their mathematical calculations…

Jesus concluded possibility by His Divine calculations!

The disciples saw only the desert…

Jesus looked beyond – to find an oasis in the desert!

How often are we too like the disciples…
… limited in our thinking
… restricted by our inabilities
… stuck by our mental calculations

But Jesus invites us, like He did to His disciples…to look beyond…
… to look at Him who can shatter every obstacle and barrier!
… to look to Him who can expand every horizon and possibility!
… to look to Him who can turn deserts into pools and hills into highways!

Yes, we will have moments in our life which makes us to complain:
“It is so very hard to trust God and to realize that His Hand is still leading us in the dark phases of our life!”

But we are reminded by the Gospel of the Day:
“If you cannot trust a person out of sight, then he/she is not worth much!

And if you cannot trust God in the dark, it simply shows… you don’t trust Him at all!”

Let us dare to move out of the “zone of limitation” and trust the Lord…
… knowing He is always with us – caring, loving and providing!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which…
… “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions

… but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.” (CCC # 1883)

“Preparing to ‘dirty’ lives, to make our lives, ‘something beautiful for God!'”

(Based on 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19 and Mk 7:31-37 – Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There is a beautiful little anecdote in the life of St Mother Teresa of Kolkotta, probably, known to many of us.

As Mother was cleaning the wounds of a leper, a man observed her.

The sight of the leprous wounds and the horrible stench caused that man to exclaim with disgust, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars!”

In reply, the saintly mother replied:
“Neither would I!
But I would gladly do it for Jesus!”

The love for the Lord and imitation of His descending love, prompted Mother Teresa to reach out her hands, even to the worst sores and the filthiest wounds!

Divine Love manifests its great power and reveals its glorious splendour, when it descends to even touch the lowliest, the least and the lost!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful presentation of Jesus, who was willing to lower to an extent, even to “dirty Himself” in order to touch human lives!

This incident of healing the ‘man who was deaf and had a speech impediment’ is very unique in the fact of the manner in which the miracle was performed.

The Book of Genesis (Chapter 1) testifies to the fact that God created the entire world with His Word!

God doesn’t need a particular or a fixed procedure to work a miracle or a wonder
God doesn’t comply to human understandings of causing a divine phenomenon.

Perhaps, here is a reminder for us, in our prayer patterns…

In my prayers, do I also make my requests in such a way that I end up even commanding how and when God should answer the prayer?
In my intercessions to the Lord, do I act as “God” and even order God the style and manner in which He has to answer our prayers?

Keeping in tune with this principle of “God as His own unique styles and patterns”, Jesus, the Word performs a strange pattern in bringing about the healing.

The Gospel says, “taking him (the man who was deaf and with impediment in speech) aside, from the multitude privately, Jesus put His fingers into His ears, and He spat and touched His tongue, and looking up to heaven, He sighed…” (Mk 7: 33)

Here is a highly “unclean and unhygienic” style of healing…

Putting fingers into the ears…
Spitting onto the hands or the finger..
Touching the tongue..

Well… sounds quite disgusting, right?

(Even while reading this account, some of us might, perhaps, have a “Gosh! So horrible” feeling!)

But let’s be prepared to face this grand reality….
… this is our God!
… this is our Saviour Lord!

In Jesus, we celebrate a God who is willing to heal even our most painful wounds and cleanse our most sinful sores!
In Jesus, we cherish a God who lowers Himself even to the extent of dirtying His hands to purify and refine us!

Am I willing and ready to allow this Daring God, who would go to any extent..

to win us back to Him
to bring a wholesome healing in us
… to touch our hidden wounds, our shameful sores and our filthy sinful lives?

This is also a challenge and a call, to us Christians, to imitate our Blessed Lord in lowering ourselves…
… to reach out to the needy and the wanting
… to touch the hearts of the unclean and the corrupt

The beautiful quote of Blaise Pascal says, “The heart has its reason, which reasons know nothing”

Humanly speaking, it might be too unreasonable to enter into the portals of dirt and slimes in the lives of people.

But our Blessed Lord challenges us to imitate Him and offers His Heart of Love to be the “thumb rule” and the basic reason to reach out to all!

Are we prepared to “dirty” our lives in order to extend the charity and mercy of God to all…
… and thus, as in the title of the book on Blessed Mother Teresa, make our lives, “something beautiful for God
God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

Socialization also presents dangers.

Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative. (CCC # 1883)

✝️ REFLECTION CAPSULE FOR THE DAY – Feb 08, 2024: Thursday

“Overlooking all setbacks and defying the odds with deep convictions and trust!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 11:4-13 and Mk 7:24-30 – Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2

Many of us have grown up with an extra kid in the house!
We didn’t know it…
… but he was there at certain times!
>> His name was “Not Me.”

He always appeared when something wrong or bad happened.

Like when your mom asked:
“Who has messed up the front room and made this floor dirty?”
(This unseen kid would answer, “NOT ME!”)

“Who has applied mud on the walls of the house?”
(This unseen kid would answer, “NOT ME!”)

“Who has kept the tap water on and caused the water-tank to be almost emptied?”
(This unseen kid would answer, “NOT ME!”)

“Who has broken the glass windows of our neighbours?”
(This unseen kid would answer, “NOT ME!”)

This “unseen kid” often continues to accompany us…
… and shouts loud, when things don’t go well in life!


Our problems, often, find a scapegoat in this excuse called: “blaming”
>> Our defeats, often, find a cause in this contagion named: “blaming”

But the Gospel of the day presents an amazing personality who silences this “unseen kid of blaming” and wins for herself the favour of the Lord.


The Gospel passage is the incident of Jesus’ encounter with a Gentile woman who comes seeking for a cure for her daughter, from a demon.
“…a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit, heard about Jesus. She came and fell at His feet” (Mk 7:25)


This person who came to Jesus went through a string of ignominies and exploitations…

1. She had to face humiliations because she was a woman…
>> The Jewish society accorded a lowly and highly subjugated status to women

2. She had to face disgraces because she was a Greek…
>> The Greeks, who were considered pagans by the Jews, were treated with inferiority.

3. She had to face dishonour because she was a Syrophoenician…
>> A Syrophoenician denoted a mixed race – half Syrians and half Phoenician; thus denoting also a crisis in cultural and linguistic identity.

4. She had to face scandal because she had to approach Jesus who was a pure Jew…
>> Greeks and especially Greek woman had no interaction at all with Jewish men
She had to face crisis because her child was possessed with an unclean spirit…

5. A demon-possession in her beloved daughter would have chased away all her peace of mind.
>> She had to face challenge to her faith when the Lord addressed to her in an apparently disrespectful manner…

6. Being called as a “dog” would have put off the mind of a weak and frail person
“Overlooking all setbacks and defying the odds with deep convictions and trust!”


Well… this Syrophoenician Greek woman, had many things to complain in life…

She had a number of reasons to “blame” and get defeated in life…
>> She could have just “blamed” the society for their inhuman attitudes…
>> She could have just “blamed” the citizens for their class divisions…
>> She could have just “blamed” the civilization for their cruel outlooks…
>> She could have just “blamed” her stars and fate for what happened to her daughter…
>> She could have just “blamed” Jesus for His challenging and apparently resistant answer…
>> She could have just kept “blaming” anybody and anything….and get bogged down totally!

But this woman decides to silence this “unseen kid of blaming”
>> She decides to close her eyes to all humiliations and yet stand strong with a bold face!
>> She decides to overlook all setbacks and defy the odds with her deep convictions and trust!
As a result, the Lord rewards her immensely and her daughter was delivered of the demon!

Are we people who get easily afflicted by the contagion of “blaming?”
>> Are we people who are easily paralysed by the virus of “blaming?”


The Syrophoenician woman…
… by her tremendous faith and bold trust is a challenge to us.
… by her amazing determination and resolve is an inspiration for us.

Our society, our families, our own individual selves are often under the grip and possession of this contagion of “blaming”.
>> Let us approach the Lord for a deliverance…
>> Let us approach the Lord for a liberation…


God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION
>> “Socialization” also expresses the natural tendency for human beings to associate with one another for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual capacities.
>> It develops the qualities of the person, especially the sense of initiative and responsibility, and helps guarantee his rights.(CCC # 1882)
————

“Remaining open to corrections and co-operating with the Lord in ‘being washed’ of every bit of corruption from our hearts!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 10:1-10 and Mk 7:14-23 – Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Mamma”, said the child, feeling quite disturbed, “I feel very upset today, ‘cos my teacher corrected me!”

The mother – who was washing dishes – looked at the child and told him, “look at what I am doing…”

The child looked at the mother, washing the dishes

Pointing to a set of vessels that had been left unwashed overnight – she said:
“Look at these vessels

It is very hard to scrub these – ‘cos the dirt is stuck for a long time

So the easy method, is…
… to dip them in hot water
… keep it soaked for sometime
… and then wash!”

Then taking the child close to her, she said, “That’s how it is in life as well!

Sometimes when we are stuck with things that are not good…
We need a nice dip in the ‘hot waters of correction’
… remain soaked in the ‘feel of contrition’

So that we can ’emerge clean!’
Always remain, therefore, open to corrections!”

Are we persons who remain open to corrections…
… so that, feeling contrite, we can emerge clean?

The Gospel of the Day is a strong act of Jesus reminding the Scribes and Pharisees to undergo the process of “being washed”…
… and to be “scrubbed off” the long stuck dirt of duplicity and hypocrisy.

The Gospel begins with the statement, “Jesus called to Him the people and said to them…” (Mk 7:14)

Jesus calls together the multitude to Himself to speak something…

The background to this action of Jesus, is the context of the unfair remarks of the Pharisees and Scribes about Jesus and His disciples, in Mk 7: 1-14.

The scribes and the Pharisees had objected that Jesus’ disciples failed to keep up the tradition of the Elders to have the ritual washing before eating.

This exercise of ritual washing was more a ceremonial one.

They attached greater importance to external cleanliness over internal purity.
They accorded higher priority to hygiene outside than to transparency within.

They would not bother, hearts being corrupted…
… but they would not tolerate dirty hands!

But Jesus is in prime opposition to all such deceitful and corrupt human practices.

He flays the Scribes and Pharisees for their misplaced priorities.

And so, Jesus summoned the crowd and explained what is the meaning of real cleanliness and purity:
“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile” (Mk 7: 16)

Indeed, a remarkable statement from Jesus, the Purest and the Holiest One!

It is not just our hands alone that matter; it is our hearts that matter most!

It is not just our medical hygiene that counts; it is our lives that needs consideration the most!

The Pharisees and the Scribes for a long time, had enforced importance only to external purity and outside cleanliness.

Their authority was to used to stamp the importance of rituals and traditions, which were meant to…
… only emphasise bodily cleaning, but avoiding transparency in life
… only highlight cleansing of external parts, but overlooking sanctity of heart and mind

But, Jesus comes in great opposition and places things in the right perspective.

He reminds them of the “need for correction!”

Perhaps, we are also in “need of a correction”…
… let us therefore make a self-introspection:

I may be appearing to be clean outside…
… but is my heart pure and holy?

I may be appearing to be an angel to the world…
… but am I a barn of sinful acts within?

I may be appearing to be very good to all…
… but am I full of anger, jealousy and greed inside?

I may be appearing to be successful…
… but am I decaying interiorly with unchastity and deceit?

Is it not time to cleanse my heart and life, which is perhaps…
… defiled with sin?
… impure with unhealthy thoughts?
… and sullied with evil intentions?

Yes… Sometimes when we are stuck with things that are not good…
We need a nice dip in the “hot waters of correction”
… remain soaked in the “feel of contrition”

So that we can be be “washed clean!”

We may feel sad for sometime… upset for a few moments

But let us always remain open to corrections…
… and co-operate with the Lord in “being washed” of every bit of corruption and malice from our hearts!

We are called to be open to the ways of the Lord, by seeking and accepting ‘the treasures of His Wisdom’…
… just like Queen Sheba would marvel at the God-given wisdom of King Solomon (Cf. 1 Kings 10:1-10)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

Certain societies, such as the family and the state, correspond more directly to the nature of man; they are necessary to him.
To promote the participation of the greatest number in the life of a society…
… the creation of voluntary associations and institutions must be encouraged “on both national and international levels

… which relate to economic and social goals, to cultural and recreational activities, to sport, to various professions, and to political affairs.” (CCC # 1882)

“Concentrating more on ‘affirmative’ areas of people and situations, and thus having joyful countances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30 and Mk 7:1-13 – Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An elderly lady was known to always have a very pleasant countenance.

Anyone, who came in contact with her, would experience a sense of positivity.

They had never heard her criticizing or finding faults with people.

She was once asked by some of her neighbouring children on the secret of her joy.

She replied:
“I have always believed in avoiding to talk negative about people.

We need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because…
… we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

As human beings, we are constantly in the mode of “judging”

Judging in the sense of “choosing” or “making a selection” or “taking a decision”

But the Lord clearly warns us to be wary and careful in this act of “judging and criticising”

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus “focussing” His view on this very critical and crucial topic: of judging others and of pinpointing mistakes of others, without considering one’s own negative dimensions.

The Gospel reading describes a group of Pharisees who criticize the disciples of Jesus for not following the “external traditions” and rituals.

They pinpointed the mistakes of the disciples…
… and exalted themselves

Jesus however reminds the Pharisees on an important aspect: Before judging and criticizing others…
… one ought to first examine one’s own behaviour and actions

Jesus reminded them that “true devotion consists not of mere external purity and rituals…
… rather is a way of life, with consistent and committed focos on the Spirit of laws, rules and regulations.

With this fundamental principle in mind, Jesus teaches us to avoid the tendency to “rashly judge and criticize others”

The Lord reminds us that our judging…
… should not be rash
… should not be a means to putting down other persons

Maybe a simple list could help us check our areas of “judging”

Do I…
… enlarge the negatives of others – their faults, mistakes and petty ways?
… come to hasty and negative conclusions of situations or persons?
… gossip critical stories and uncharitable tales regarding others?
… have a strong prejudice to find others guilty?

Do I…
… tend to be harsh and even ruthless, when speaking the truth?
… add “spicy” remarks and “sensational” jingles when telling a real-story or event?
… do away with an unkind comment by simply saying, “I was just kidding!”
… speak something critical and then try to cover it up?
… have pleasure in condemning others?
… recount the truth in order to hurt and not to help?
… put down others with an intention to let ourselves be seen better?

The Lord strongly warns to keep away from all these and many more acts of such “judgement”.

It is also good to consider judging from another perspective:

When somebody does an act, which we consider that it can be “judged”, there are two areas which we may not really know…

1. How hard the person has tried “not to do” that particular action
   … it can be a sin, or a mistake or a failure or a blunder etc
2. How strong were the external forces or the circumstances that “made the person to do” that particular action

The Lord is serious on making us walk the “path of perfection”

Making efforts to become “less judgmental” is an essential part of this process.

Many of us may have perhaps have a tendency to find the faults and failures of others.

Let us make a conscious and consistent effort to avoid negative talk about people.

May we realise that “we need to be always good with the good.

But let us never be bad with the bad…

Because, we can shape a diamond with diamond

But we can’t wash mud with mud…!”

Concentrating more on the “positives”, the “brighter” and the “affirmative” areas of people and situations…
… let us always have joyful countances, radiating the Love and Mercy of Christ!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

Each community is defined by its purpose and consequently obeys specific rules…

… but “the human person is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions.” (CCC # 1881)

“Beautifying our lives, not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!”

(Based on 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13 and Mk 6:53-56 – Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A pious religious traveller once found a precious stone…
… a precious jewel.

A short time later, this religious person met another traveller, who said he was hungry and asked the monk if he would share some of his provisions.

When the pious man opened his bag, the traveller saw the precious stone and, without much thought asked him if he could have it.

To his surprise, the man gave the traveller the stone.

The traveller departed quickly, overjoyed with his new possession.

However, a few days later, he came back, searching for the religious person.

He returned the stone to him and made a request:
“I request you to kindly give me something more valuable…
… more precious than this stone.

Please give me THAT which enabled you to give me this precious stone!”

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

What is needed in life, is not an external show…
… but rather, an internal glow!

The Gospel of the Day presents this theme of “external show not always a sign of internal glow.”

The passage begins with the statement of Jesus crossing over…
“And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret…( Mk 6:53)

This place – Gennesaret – is an interesting place.

The meaning of this place name ” Gennesaret” is a “Garden of a Prince” or the “Garden of riches”

This was a fertile crescent-shaped plain on the western shore of the lake of Galilee.
This plain of Gennesaret has been also called, because of its fertility and beauty, as “the Paradise of Galilee.”

The history of Gennesaret is glowingly described (especially by Josephus, the Historian) that would do make proud the local tourism office of the Gennesaret Chamber of‘ Commerce!

It is said of Gennesaret, that the “soil was so fruitful that all sorts of trees could grow upon it. The walnut, the palm, the olive and the fig, which usually require diverse conditions, flourished together here.”

“One may call this place the ambition of nature; it is a happy contention of the seasons, as if each of them claimed this country; for it not only nourishes different sorts of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectation, but preserves them a great while.”

It is said, that the fruits of Gennesaret had such high repute among the rabbis that they were not allowed in Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, lest any might be tempted to come merely for their enjoyment!

Yet, with all these riches and glory, Gennesaret, had its own share of the sick and the suffering!

However fertile the land…
… there were still many who were badly ailing!
However fruitful the land…
… there were still many who were painfully ill!

The choicest of food couldn’t assure them perfection in health and life!

The choicest of fruits couldn’t guarantee them flawlessness in wellbeing and strength!

Yes…
… All that Glitters is not gold

Indeed, we need to understand…
… a book should never be judged by its cover
… the cowl (large hood) does not make the monk!

Though the people of Gennesaret enjoyed the best of nature’s gifts, they were “people in need” and “people ailing in suffering and sicknesses”

And so we find, that as soon as Jesus reached their land, the people of Gennesaret “scurried about the surrounding and country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was” (Mk 6:55)

They had their riches…
… yet they had to reach out to Jesus, the richest of all treasures!

They had their resources…
… yet they had to run to seek Jesus, the source of all supplies!

Our own lives may sometimes represent the Land of Gennesaret…

Rich in many aspects – financially, talent wise, relationally etc
Fertile in many aspects – having great visions and plans for future, systematic, disciplined etc
Fruitful in many aspects – popular, acceptable, having name and fame etc

Yet, like the people of Gennesaret, we too may be lacking some of the essentials…
… lacking good health and in need of the healing touch of the Lord
… lacking peace of mind, and in need of the serene spirit of the Lord
… lacking satisfaction in life, and in need of wholeness from the Lord

The people of Gennesaret were quick to respond to the coming of the Lord.

Though their land had plenty, they did not fail to humble themselves…
Though their land was rich, they did not fail to realize their basic needs..
Though their land was famous, they did not fail to assume lowliness…

Am I willing to respond thus to the Lord…
… in sincerity, in openness, in docility?
Am I willing to bend myself to the Lord…
… in humility, in meekness, in submissiveness?

Let us make our life a true “Gennesaret”…
… a Garden of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Joy and salvation!
… a Garden of Riches of holiness, sanctity and grace!

Life may often bless us with many external riches and outer treasures.

But unless one finds a contentment within, none of these will ever satisfy or suffice.

May our lives…
… truly reflect the ‘Paradise of God’s Reign!’
… be beautified not just with an external show, but more rather, with an internal glow!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – THE COMMUNAL CHARACTER OF THE HUMAN VOCATION

By means of society, each man is established as an “heir” and receives certain “talents” that enrich his identity and whose fruits he must develop.
He rightly owes loyalty to the communities of which he is part…

… and respect to those in authority who have charge of the common good. (CCC # 1880)