“Embracing Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God, and being led to love the Lord more!”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Rom 16:25-27 and Lk 1:26-38 – 4th Sunday of Advent)

A six-year-old boy had often heard his Catholic companions reciting the prayer “Hail Mary.”
>> He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day.

“Look, Mommy, what a beautiful prayer,” he said to his mother one day.

“Never again say it,” answered the mother who was against Catholic practices. “It is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who think Mary as a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. “

From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily “Hail Mary” and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead.

One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady.
>> Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: “Mommy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women.
‘Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?”

On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary which said, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb”

This little boy, as he grew up…
…. made a serious study of both Protestantism and Catholicism.
>> He found the latter to be the only true religion and embraced it and became one of its most ardent apostles…
… going on to become a Priest!


Mother Mary is indeed the beautiful instrument chosen by God, to lead many more to His Love.

The Gospel of the Day presents the miraculous incident of the Annunciation of the Good News to Mother Mary.


Mother Mary, at the Annunciation teaches us many things…

1. Mother Mary teaches the supreme goodness of obedience
>> Heaven had chosen a simple girl, Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour.
>> When Angel Gabriel was sent to seek Her consent, Mary, after the initial moments of fear, bowed Herself in obedience: “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to Me, according to Your Word” (Lk 1: 38)

This obedience to God’s Will would turn out to be Her fortress and strength – in moments of uncertainty, loneliness, dread and agony.


2. “Faithfulness, thy true Daughter is Mary!”
One of the most outstanding qualities to be admired and imitated from our Blessed Mother is “to be faithful”
>> In Mother Mary, we have a person, who remained faithful at all times…
… even when there were dark clouds of unwarranted humiliation looming over her
… even when she encountered many situations which were not understood by Her


The “Fiat” at the Annunciation would be lived all through Her life
>> This act of being “faithful forever” was a result of the constant choices that She made to listen and obey to God’s Will always.


3. Mary was ready to be moulded and shaped by God
When Mary was entrusted with the greatness of the task, She gave Herself readily to the power of God
>> She didn’t hold back anything; She was complete in Her surrender

It is when we offer ourselves wholly and be ready to be moulded and shaped by the Lord, that He can perform wonders through us.


4. Mary held on to Jesus as the Greatest Treasure of Her life

The greatness and the eminence of Mother Mary came as result of Her single-minded focus and love: Everything for Jesus and in Jesus.
>> When in womb…
… Her sole attention was on Jesus
>> While in the manger…
… Her whole care was for Jesus
>> While in His ministry…
… Her thoughts were centred on Him
>> While on the Cross…
… Her entire self rested on Him

It is when Jesus becomes the Treasure of our life, that our lives gets enshrined in Grace and Holiness


5. Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant, bearing Jesus.

The Scriptures easily point to the fact that Mother Mary is the New Ark of the Covenant

The ark in the OT travelled to the land of Judah and remained for 3 months (2 Sam: 6:1-11)
>> The Ark in the NT, Mary travels to Judah, to meet Her cousin Elizabeth and remained for 3 months (Lk 1:39, 56)

David danced and leaped, and shouted before the ark in the OT (2 Sam 6:14)
>> In the NT, John, the babe, leaped and Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry before Mary (Lk 1: 41, 43)

Inside the ark of the Old Covenant was the manna – the miraculous bread from heaven, the staff of Aaron, the Priest and the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4)
>> The NT Ark, Mother Mary had within Her Jesus, the Bread of Life, Jesus, the Eternal Priest and Jesus, the Law-giving Word!


As the New Ark of the Covenant, Mother Mary deserves our highest veneration and honour, which will lead us to a greater closeness and intimacy with the One…
… She derives all Her praise – Jesus, Her Son and our Brother!


On this eve of the Nativity of Christ, our Saviour, let us embrace Mary, the beautiful instrument chosen by God…
… and be led to love the Lord more!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MERCY AND SIN
>> In the “convincing concerning sin,” we discover a double gift: the gift of the truth of conscience and the gift of the certainty of redemption.
>> The Spirit of truth is the Consoler. (CCC # 1848)
——–

“Being patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments!”

(Based on Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 and Lk 1:57-66 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

We all are familiar with the ‘remote control’ of a television.

In the remote control, there is the button named “MUTE”.

It is used to put off the sound, momentarily.

Sometimes, in our spiritual lives, too, we undergo the experience of being in the “MUTE” mode with God.

There is a total silence, that pervades our relation with God.

Have we undergone this experience of the “silence” of God?

Do we sometimes feel why is God “absent” in my life?

The Couple of Day – Zechariah and Elizabeth – underwent, this “mute” experience with God.

Though advanced in age, living a life of prayer, service and faithfulness, they were not blessed with the Gift of a Child.

Barrenness, in the Jewish Society was one of the greatest misfortunes for a family.

Being barren was thus a harsh experience for this Devout Couple!

But then came the precious and joyous moment…

The “His Name is John” Moment!
… when, new life and fresh joy radiated their lives!

The names of John, and his parents – Elizabeth and Zechariah are very significant.

Their names are very significant; it tells that God’s delays are not His denials!
… The name Zechariah means “The Lord remembers”
… The name Elizabeth means, “the oath of God”

Thus, the name of the couple stands for: The Lord remembers His oath!

However, the long years of barrenness would have seemed as a contradiction to them – it seemed God had totally forgotten about them.

But this is where we learn, that God’s delays are certainly not His denials!
He has a better plan (Jer 29:11) – always, without fail!

And they were indeed blessed with a Son – named “John” whose name means “God is Gracious!”

True to this name, after a prolonged period of silence and hush…
… Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced the “Graciousness of God”

The long agony had been finally rewarded….with the Graciousness of God – John!

The “muteness” that this Couple experienced, also reflected the Silence that the people of Israel experienced…
… in their waiting of the Messiah!

But the Birth of John, was the breaking of this silence.

The World, which waited eagerly for the Messiah, had now heard a Voice!

It was time to put off the “Mute”…
… the Voice had been Born!
John 1:23, “I am the Voice of one, crying out in the desert!”

John the Baptist, the Voice, had been born, to announce the coming of Jesus, the Word!

We all undergo “Mute” moments in our lives!

They are painful and agonizing moments…
… when all seems dry, answerless, silent
… when there is only dreadful calm, a total brokenness, painful agonies and miseries
… when there is sometimes even no hope ahead!

Sometimes, in unbelief, we may begin to even question or interrogate God…
… like Zechariah questioned the Angel
… and may get affected with some physical muteness of health or wealth or prestige or disbelief or misunderstanding or persecution etc…!

But nothing of our unbelief will spoil God’s plan for us…
God says in Jer 29:11, “I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future, full of hope!”

Our “mute” moments will be transformed, into, “His name is John” moments…!
Our “unspoken miseries” will be transfigured into ” gracious and gifted” moments…!

Let’s strengthen our lives with the oft-heard truth about three ways of God answering our prayers…

YES… I will fulfill your desire in the way you want
or WAIT… in my own time, I will grant your wishes
or NO… I have something much better for you!!

Let us be patient in faith, hope and love in our MUTE moments…
… so that we may experience the gracious & gifted “HIS NAME IS JOHN” moments in our lives!

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 – MERCY AND SIN

Conversion requires convincing of sin
It includes the interior judgment of conscience, and this, being a proof of the action of the Spirit of truth in man’s inmost being…

… becomes at the same time the start of a new grant of grace and love: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (CCC # 1848)

“With Mother Mary, let us seek to proclaim the BIG GOD through the Magnificat joyfully!”

(Based on 1 Sam 1:24-28 and Lk 1:46-56 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

One of the things that, some of us did as children, as we grew up, was to measure our height against a wall.

We know how this method works…

We stand next to a wall and make a pencil mark of our height.
A few weeks or months later, we return to this place and measure how much we have grown.

Why did we do this?

To see how much we have grown…
To check how much more we would wish to grow…
To know, “How big have we become!”

Today, we need to make a similar “height check” concerning our God.
“HOW BIG IS GOD IN MY LIFE?”

The way we answer this question will determine how we live as a Christian.

The Gospel of the Day is a great expression of how Mother Mary considered the “height” of God in Her life.

She realized the mighty presence of the Lord in Her lowly life.
She understood the huge favour that the Lord bestowed on Her humble nature.

And so, with much acclaim and exclamation, Mary cries out, “My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1:46-47)

The Angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she had been chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God.
The angel also declared that her cousin, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age.

In Her deep concern, humility and spirit of service, Mary visits Elizabeth.

Elizabeth called Mary as Blessed ‘for believing what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ (Lk 1: 45)

It’s in this context, that Mary exclaims the Magnificat.

The image of Mother Mary in this hymn of the Magnificat is that of a powerful and courageous lady.
And these are evident in Her words of the Magnificat…

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for He has remembered His promise of mercy (Lk 1: 48-54)

These are words which express immense bravery and courage!

The mighty works and wonders of the Lord had made Mother Mary to declare…
… Courage in a God who overpowers the proud and the haughty
… Faith in a God who takes decisive action for His people.
… Hope in a God who vindicates the righteous and condemns the wicked.
… Love in a God who liberates the oppressed, the powerless, the poor and hungry.
… Trust in a God who casts away the self-asserting rich and accepts the dependable poor.

Mother Mary declared Her strong assertion and powerful claim in a MIGHTY God!

How Big and Mighty and Strong is God in our life?

Do we believe in the mighty strength of God even in seemingly impossible situations of life?
Do we trust in the awesome majesty of God even when the boat of our lives hits rock bottom?
Do we rely on the colossal power of God even when earthquakes of life wreck havoc in life?

The way we live is a direct consequence of the size of God in our lives!

If we have a view of a Shrunken God…
… then we will live in constant anxiety of the world.
If we have a view of an Insignificant God…
… then we will live in immorality and casualness
If we have a view of a Tiny God…
…then we will live in lethargy, disinterest and indifference.

When we make God small in our lives…
… we offer prayers without faith
… worship without awe
… service without joy
… and undergo suffering without hope.

When we make God big in our lives…
… we live a life of daring faith
… we face all challenges with fearless obedience
… we give ourselves to zealous worship
… and we commit ourselves to passionate evangelization

Let us measure the height and check the mark… “How BIG is our GOD?”

With Mother Mary, let us also seek to proclaim the BIG GOD through the Magnificat joyfully

“My soul proclaims the glory of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”

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 – MERCY AND SIN

St. Paul affirms, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
But to do its work, Grace must uncover sin so as to convert our hearts and bestow on us “righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Like a physician who probes the wound before treating it, God, by his Word and by his Spirit, casts a living light on sin. (CCC # 1848)

“Leaping for joy with the power of the Holy Spirit and enthusing many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!”

(Based on Songs 2:18-24 and Lk 1:39-45 – Thursday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

A story is said of a man in a mission land, who was extremely critical of religion and religious practices.

Once, this man went to a missionary who had been in the place for some years.

He told the missionary, “I want to hear about your religion”

The missionary was pleasantly surprised, and asked him:
“Oh that’s great!

But how is it that you would like to hear of my religion. I have heard of your dislike and aversion to religious practices”

To that, the man answered:
“Well, its very true, that I don’t cherish religion.

But ever since the day you came to our place, I have been observing you.

You are always cheerful and happy.
I have also heard a lot of laughter in your house and in the houses of my village people, who have embraced your faith”

The man continued, “And if you have anything that makes people so joyous, I too want it!”

Joy was the nectar that attracted the man to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Am I a person who radiates happiness?
Am I a Christian whose life exudes with joy?

The Gospel of the Day is the delightful description of the joyful encounter between Elizabeth and Mother Mary…
… and the “joyful leap” of John the Baptist, in his first meet with Jesus, the God of Joy!

The Gospel is the beautiful meeting of Two to-be-Mothers, with Two Special Children in their wombs…
… Elizabeth, with John who would be called as the Baptist
… Mary, with Jesus, who would be called as the Messiah

This wonderful encounter begins on a Divinely joyful note:
“when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb” (Lk 1: 41)

This is an interesting word – “leaped”

The Greek word for “leaped” is “skirtao”

We find the usage of this word “skirtao” in different places in the Bible…

In Gen 25:22: Rebeccah’s twin children – Jacob and Esau – “struggled (skirtao)” within the her
In Ps 114: 4, 6: The mountains “skipped (skirtao)” like rams in the presence of the Lord
In Mal 3:20: Those who fear the Lord’s name will “skip (skirtao)” like calves.
In Lk 6:23: The chosen ones should rejoice and “leap (skirtao)” for joy

When the mother, Elizabeth, heard the greeting of the Messiah’s Mother, the babe John, “leaped for joy”

Later in his ministry, John would testify to this fact, when he would say: “… the best man, who stands and listens for Him, rejoices greatly at the Bridegroom’s Voice” (Jn 3:29b)

There is great rejoicing, in Divine Presence is a powerful message that we receive.

The presence of the Mother of Jesus, delighted Her cousin, Elizabeth
The presence of Jesus, delighted His cousin, John.

As we gear up ourselves for the Season of Christmas, this ought to be a reflective question that we need to ponder and make amends, if lacking…
… Is our Christian life, one that “leaps for joy?”

Things around us may seem confusing and uncertain…
… just as it was for Mary who conceived of the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth in her old age

Yet, they were able to rejoice..
… because, their trust was in the Power of the Lord Who had blessed them

People may sometimes reject us, misunderstand us or even humiliate or be indifferent to us…
… just as it was for Mary who would face misunderstandings and Elizabeth who had undergone a lot of shame.

Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their strength was in the favourable Love of the Lord, Who, they knew, had accepted and chosen them, for His cause

Life may sometimes make a fool of us by taking us through roads which are illogical, unreasonable and irrational…
… just as it was for Mary who had to tread unknown paths and Elizabeth who had to take on new responsibilities as a mother at an odd age
Yet, they were able to rejoice…
… because, their hope was in the faithful grace of God, in which they trusted and to Whom they had pledged their life in fidelity and loyalty.

Joy is to be the hallmark of every Christian.

As St Francis de Sales says, “A sad saint is a sorry saint!”

Our lives ought to be a “Gospel of Joy!”

As we get closer to the celebration of the Birth of the “Cause of our Joy”, we need to look into this dimension of Christian holiness: the aspect of Joy.

It is not simply a joy that is manifested..
… by some “plastic smile”
… or with some artificial activism
… or with any created humorous traits

Christian Joy is…
… a result of trusting deeply in the Providence of God
… a felt experience that manifests, effortlessly, in every aspect of life
… an honest expression of the inner peace and serenity – a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Joy is to be the nectar that attracts others to experience the sweetness of Christ and Christianity.

Let us always “leap for joy” with the power of the Holy Spirit…
… and may our joyful and happy lives, attract and enthuse many people to embrace Jesus, the Lord of all Joy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (CCC # 1847)

“Imitating Mother Mary in her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to ‘give up’ completely!”

(Based on Is 7:10-14 and Lk 1:26-38 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

There goes a simple story of a father trying to explain the importance of the season of Advent to his ten-year-old son.
>> He stresses on the need to prepare oneself well for Christmas.

The father said, “You ought to ‘give up’ something in Advent; something you will really miss, like for example, chocolates!”

The boy thought for a moment, then asked, “What are you giving up, Daddy?” “I’m giving up liquor,” the father replied.

“But before dinner you were drinking something” the boy protested. “Oh! That was only wine” said the father “I gave up hard liquor”
>> To which the boy replied, “Well then, I think even I’ll give up hard chocolates!!”


‘Giving up’ completely, in life, becomes a hard challenge and a difficult task.
>> But only in going through the tough way, can one obtain true success in life.
>> Only by giving up human interests in favor of God’s choices, can one find heavenly bliss!


The Gospel of the Day – the Annunciation of the Lord – is a witness to this great aspect of “Giving Up”.


“How can this be?” (Lk 1:34)…

This was the question that the innocent and surprised Mary asked the majestic Angel of God.


Mary had been betrothed to Joseph.
>> This meant she had formally agreed to marry him but the “wedding” had not yet taken place.


Between the “betrothal” and the “wedding feast” was a period usually lasting six months to a year.

During that period the couple was considered to be married and were called husband and wife but (a) they did not live together and (b) did not consummate their marriage physically.

In this context and background,
>> To be chosen to be visited by the splendour and power of God’s Messenger…
>> To be told that she was to be conceived and bearing a child…
>> To be declared that she was to be Mother of God’s Son…
…were highly disturbing, shocking and even fearful prospects!

It was pretty natural for Mary to pose this probing question: “How can this be?”


In her heart, it was slowly dawning that life was going to be highly different hereafter…
>> If we suppose that her wedding feast is still four or five months away, like teenagers everywhere, we can imagine that all her thoughts centred on things that prospective brides think about…
… the guest list, the decorations, the food, the music
… what she will wear and where they will house the people coming in from out-of-town
… her future life with her beloved husband

Mary had never been happier.

This was to be the most exciting time of her life.
>> But the plan of God intervened at this joyful, undisturbed, serene phase of her life…


Often when life moves on an even path, we face the unexpected bumps of troubles.
>> Often when spiritually things seem to be fine, we encounter unforeseen nights of faith crisis.

Gone were the happy dreams of a grand wedding…
>> Gone were the hopes for “the most beautiful wedding to her most wonderful man”…

Gone were all her girlish hopes of a quiet life in the home she would personally decorate…
>> Gone, also, were the visions of a houseful of children conceived in love and filled with mirth…


Life was calling Mother Mary to make the choice of “giving up” completely.
>> “Giving up” her dreams and desires totally, to share in the magnificent plan of God’s Will.
>> “Giving up” her fears and apprehensions fully, to leap into a dimly-lit world of faith.


She will have a wedding feast, but not the way she planned.
>> She will be married, but not before rumours spread through the countryside.
>> She will have a home, but over her family will rest an uneasy cloud of dark suspicion.

It will all happen, but not the way she expected.

She had to “give up” all…
… Her desires… Her will
… Her dreams… Her expectations…


The Bible is a mighty witness to those heroes & heroines of faith who “gave up”
>> Abraham… Moses…
>> Ruth… David…
>> Elijah… Jeremiah…
>> Esther… Job…
>> Jonah…

This “giving up” by Mary, was the key element in God’s plan of human salvation.


Today, each one of is being invited and challenged to “give up” things in life…

>> “Give up”…
… our will in favour of God’s Will in our lives.
… our sinful tendencies to allow purity and holiness to overshadow us.
… our selfish desires and interests to make space for the needs of others.

>> “Give up”…
… our personal time of comfort and luxury to give more time to the Lord.
… our judgmental attitudes and embrace the spirit of gentleness and forgiveness.
… our wrecking feelings of brokenness and let in God’s presence and grace to heal us.


No doubt that this “giving up” is a hard task and even might seem “impossible” to us.
>> But the Angel Gabriel assures and comforts us, “For with God, nothing is impossible” (Lk 1:37).


Got any rivers you think are unassailable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
>> God specializes in things thought impossible.
He does the things others cannot do!


Mother Mary is the greatest human example of impossibilities being converted to realities through God’s Power!

In Her yes, humanity said Yes to God…
>> In Her “giving up”, humanity has “given up” the sinful nature.

She is our Model disciple to imitate.
>> She is our Mother beloved to hold fast to.
>> She is our Madonna Special to intercede to.


Let us imitate Mother Mary in her dare and courage for the sake of God’s Kingdom to “give up” completely.


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MERCY AND SIN
>> “God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us.”
>> To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. (CCC # 1846)
———-

“Firmly holding high the banner – ‘Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!’ in our Christian lives and living in loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander”

(Based on Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a and Lk 1:5-25 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton is a former Marine Corps sergeant in the US.

On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck load of explosives into the Marine Camp at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, killing 241 soldiers.

Nashton, a lance corporal, just 23 at that time, was among those severely injured in the attack.
>> Nashton had many tubes, running in and out of his body, with grave injuries all over.

A witness would say, that ‘he looked more like a machine than a man’.
>> Yet, he survived!

It is said, that two days after the bombing, while lying on the hospital bed in Weisbaden, Germany…
… in deep pain and agony, Nashton scribbled two words on a note and gave to his commander, Marine Commandant Paul X. Kelley.

The two words on the note read: “Semper Fi”

“Semper Fi” is the Latin motto of the Marines.
It means: “Forever Faithful!”

The pledge of “Semper Fi”…
… strengthened the injured man, in his moments of agony and struggle!
… became the reason for the wounded person, to remain steadfast in the face of anguish!


Every Christian ought to have this pledge to the Lord – “Semper Fi : Forever Faithful” – firmly adhered to Christ and faithfully lived in love.

The Gospel of the Day is the inspiring story of two exemplary persons- Elizabeth and Zechariah – who displayed the courage “to remain faithful” even while staring at hopelessness and despair.


St Luke begins his Gospel, after a brief introduction, with the amazing story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.


It’s interesting to note the meanings of their names…
“Zechariah” meant “The Lord remembers”
“Elizabeth” meant “the oath of God”
>> Combined, their names would mean, “The Lord remembers His Oath!”


However, life seemingly handed them something quite opposite…

Their childlessness caused to seem that the Lord had totally forgotten!
The barrenness of Elizabeth caused to seem that the Lord had His memories lost!


How true is this situation in our own lives too?

We bank on God’s promises that “He would provide” everything…
… but when some of our expectations fall short, we feel God is just not with us!

We feel joyful to know that God’s Providence will guide us through…
… yet, when some unforeseen and sudden mishaps happen, we feel God has forgotten us!

We feel assured to realise that God will always shelter us…
… however, when we find ourselves in the thickets of problems and crises, we feel God has left us!


This is where we need to look to Zechariah and Elizabeth and be inspired by their amazing faith.

Though all possibilities of hope and expectation was “lost”, humanly speaking…
… they still kept the faith!
… they still remained true to the Lord!
… they still continued to be devout to God!

The Gospel says, “they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless” (Lk 1: 6)


Yes, Zechariah and Elizabeth firmly held up the placard of “Semper Fi” – Forever Faithful – to God!

And this is what we too are called to do, in our Christian life of faith – to hold up the banner of “Semper Fi”…

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when our life ahead seems uncertain and the road ahead looks too dark
>> By firmly trusting Divine Providence and obeying His Will in our lives

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when undeserved sufferings crush our life and unfair behaviour is meted out to us
>> By strongly pursuing the paths of justice and holding firm to the values of the Gospel

Being “Forever Faithful”…
… even when sin traps us and we find it miserable to let go off our evil ways
>> By resolutely making efforts to do away with sinful tendencies and seeking to be holy


The “Forever Faithful” principle of Zechariah and Elizabeth was mercifully looked with favour by God…
… and thus the joyful words were addressed: “…your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1: 13)

Yes, “the Lord remembered His oath” and announced that He is indeed “The God Who is Gracious” by blessing them with John (= God is Gracious)


Our God is a God Who cares much for His people…
>> This deep care and love, however, deserves our steadfast faithfulness and uncompromising fidelity.

Yes, let our Christian Lives be a life of loyalty and allegiance to Christ, our Great Commander…
… and may we, firmly hold high the banner – “Semper Fi – Forever Faithful!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MERCY AND SIN
>> The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners.
>> The angel announced to Joseph: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
>> The same is true of the Eucharist, the sacrament of redemption: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (CCC # 1846)
———

“Trusting in Heavenly protection, and in turn, being a protector and defender to each other!”

(Based on Jer 23:5-8 and Mt 1:18-25 – Monday of the 3rd Week in Advent)

The early American Indians had a unique ritual in their training of young boys to be brave and strong in their lives.

The evening of the boy’s thirteenth birthday, would consist of the final test, after having learnt hunting, exploration, fishing and other skills.

The boy was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night all alone.
>> Until then, he had never been away from the security of the family and the tribe.

But on this night, he was blindfolded and taken several miles away.
>> When the blindfold was taken off, he would find himself in the midst of the thick woods.. and he would be terrified!

Every time a branch snapped or something fell, he visualized a wild animal ready to pounce.
>> His heart would pound with fear…
>> He would long to feel safe again, but the wait seemed to be an unending one…

After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest…
>> Looking around, the boy saw the wild flowers, lush trees, and the outline of the path.

Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow.

Guess who it was ?

It was his father!
>> He had been there all night long.

The boy had been unaware, but the father was always there, to make an intervention, in case of any eventuality of danger.


The protection of the father encircled the child, irrespective of whether the boy was aware or not.
>> Such is the tremendous protection and security of God, our Loving Father.


In the fullness of time, when God, the Father decided to send His Beloved Son to the earth, for the redemption of humankind, He had to entrust the care of His Precious Child to the protection and care of a human father…
>> And it was St Joseph who was chosen to be assigned this task and responsibility of being the caretaker and protector of Jesus, the Son of God!


The Gospel of the Day introduces and portrays the beautiful personality of St Joseph.
>> It is also an invitation to look to this Great Saint and draw inspiration from his life.


Just as God had entrusted Him to be the protector of the body of Jesus while on earth, St Joseph is also the protector and patron of His Body on the earth today, the Holy Church.


St Joseph in fulfilling his task of being the protector of Jesus, teaches us a few lessons…

1. He was ever prompt to the voice of the Lord
In his moments of confusion, he was still open to the promptings of the Spirit.
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” (Mt 1:24)
>> Am I docile to the inspirations of the Lord, so as to be in greater tune with the Will of God?


2. His love was attentive to the needs of the Divine Child and the Mother
>> St Joseph was ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of protecting Jesus and Mary.

He was willing…
…to undergo societal humiliations
… to bear physical hardships of travelling, migration, lack of comforts etc
… to be prudent to the socio-political situations and make decisions in favour of the family

>> Does love prompt me to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of others, and cause me to make sacrifices towards the good of the other?


3. A willingness to be playing the “backdrop role” in the great drama of salvation
>> St Joseph, was privileged to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.

Yet, it also meant that Joseph had to stay away from the limelight of glory and be the “silent yet impactful” figure of the salvation history.

>> Do I have the courageous humility to take up any role that the Lord entrusts me, in His plan of salvation – be it shorn of fame, littleness in glamour or even subject to awkwardness and uncertainty


4. He was ready to give up his personal decisions and doubts in obedience to the voice of God
>> St Joseph was not afraid to shed his own personal concerns, anxieties and even doubts, when asked to be part of the mysterious redemptive plan of God.

>> There were many things that were not understood by him…
>> There were a lot of factors that prompted him to question and confront..

Yet, He had the deep daring to keep them all aside – because he was convinced that God’s mighty hand was at work, in them all.

>> Am I willing to place my faith in God and follow my vocation faithfully, even though circumstances around me maybe uncertain, the future looks bleak and my own reasonable thinking may see situations and people as being illogical, unscientific and irrational?


St. Alphonsus Liguori says:
“We should, indeed, honour St. Joseph, since the Son of God Himself was graciously pleased to honour him by calling him father.
>> If the King of kings was pleased to raise Joseph to so high a dignity…
… it is right and obligatory on our part to endeavour to honour him as much as we can!”


The Lord protects us, no matter how fearful the external situations are…
>> He is the loving Father, who is always with us – we realise or not!


St Joseph gave heed to the voice of the Lord…
… and positively responded to the task that was entrusted to him by God, despite hardships and trials…

Shall we also not trust in Heavenly protection, and in turn, be a protector and defender to each other?


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – _THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
>> The tradition of the Church lists twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit: “charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.” (CCC # 1832)
———-

“Marching forward with faith and love, through the valleys and mountains and wilderness and oasis, preparing for the Coming of Jesus!

(Based on Is 61:1-2a, 10-11, 1 Thes 5:16-24 and Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 – 3rd Sunday of Advent)

A youngster was laid-off..
… after the company decided to part ways with him.

Despite having good performances, the young man fell culprit at the hands of jealous workmates and nepostitic influences.

However, nothing deterred this young Christian.

On being asked how he felt at this unjust treatment, he cooly replied:

People can make any number of accusations
People can put me down as much as they want
But, I know who I am!”

And he added, “Everyday I look to the Lord and inspired by St Francis de Sales, I tell Him, ‘Lord, I belong to You, and to You alone!”

When we have a deep conviction that our being draws it’s origin and strength from the Lord…
… we are able to live with conviction and joy.

The Gospel of the day is the amazing presentation of John the Baptist, who lived with much conviction and passion.

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

An attempt is made to “know more” about John…

His name…
His occupations…
His interests and liking…

The Fourth Gospel introduces St John the Baptist as a person of great enthusiasm…
… of passionate zeal and of a fighting spirit.

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

John the Baptist was quite clear and convinced of the answer to this question.

He admitted that he was not the Messiah. (Jn 1: 20)
He admitted that he was not Elijah. (Jn 1: 21)
He admitted that he was not the Prophet. (Jn 1: 21)

He testified that he was the voice crying in the desert. (Jn 1: 23)

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

A deep conviction of “who he was” guided all the actions of John the Baptist.

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

John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you” by many people.

He had an answer for it…
… and that made Him not to waver or get bogged down by situations.

Life often throws this question to us – “Who are you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, St John the Baptist, exhorts & challenges us, to not get too disturbed when we are faced with this provoking question in life.

Our faith and strength, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Light.
Our hope and courage, like St John the Baptist, ought to be Jesus, the Messiah.

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

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

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

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

With Isaiah, the Prophet, let us echo: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness…” (Isa 61:10)

With St Paul, let us also exult, as he exhorts us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…
… for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit!” (1 Thess 5:16-19)

On this Gaudete Sunday (“joyful Sunday”), may St John the Baptist, whom we have come to “know more” today, become an inspiration and a challenge, as we march forward…
… with faith and love
… through the valleys and mountains
… and wilderness and oasis
… through these days of the Season of Advent, preparing for the Coming of Jesus!

As the words of that beautiful hymn goes…
“WHO AM I?”
… I AM YOURS!

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 GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us…

… as the first fruits of eternal glory. (CCC # 1832)

“Preparing our hearts to receive God’s Word as He wishes, and seeking to live, in total accordance with Him!”

(Based on Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 and Mt 17:9a,10-13 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Advent)

It was December in the year 1903.

After several attempts, the Wright brothers – achieved success in getting their “flying machine” off the land.

They were very much thrilled!

They telegraphed this message Katherine, their sister, informing her of the great invention:
“We have actually flown 120 feet! Will be home for Christmas”

The sister was also super-excited.
>> She rushed to the editor of the local newspaper, to share the great news and showed him the telegraph message.

The editor glanced at the message and said:
“How nice! So the boys will be home for Christmas!”


Oh! The Editor had completely missed the big news – that man had flown for the first time in history!


How often is this our experience too in life – Missing the Important Points and settling for lower ones!

We fail to give attention to the most important things of life
>> Instead, we get carried away by some other less priorities of life!

This is so true, especially with respect to the Word of God
>> The Lord promises so many wonderful things in His Holy Word..
… but often, we miss the point.


Something similar had happened to the people of Israel as well…
>> God had promised them of the coming of the Messiah…
… but they missed the point..
… and thus, failed to recognise the Saviour He came!

God had promised that Prophet Elijah of old would return…
… but they missed the point…
… and thus, failed to recognize the Prophet when he came!


This is what Jesus points out to His disciples in today’s Gospel, when He says:
“I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognise him; but did to him, whatever they pleased” (Mt 17: 12)


John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, had come, preaching the message of repentance and conversion of heart (Mt 3:1)

The Gospel says that John the Baptist…
… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair
… had a leather belt around his waist
… had food of locusts and wild honey (Mt 4: 4)

This appearance was very similar to that of Elijah, the Prophet (2 Kings 1:8)


But in their encounter with John the Baptist, the people failed to recognise him as the “Elijah who was to come”

And thus John the Baptist came to be …
… rejected
… derided
… finally killed!


Many times in our life, we too “miss the point” in our encounter with the Lord…

>> He gives His Beautiful Word to us…
… but we fail to be encouraged by It and live by It

>> He makes many wonderful promises of assurance and guidance…
… but we fail to live a life of trust and confidence

>> He offers Himself wonderfully in the Sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Eucharist…
… but we fail to derive the necessary fruits from Them


Today, the Gospel invites us, to look at God’s Promises, God’s Word’s and God’s Will…
… and discover the true purpose of it in our lives.


This is more true as we prepare for Christmas…
Jesus is the BIG POINT of the Christmas
>> Let us dare not “miss Him!”


Let us prepare our hearts to receive His Word as He wishes, in our life…
… and seek to live, in total accord with Him!


God Bless! Live Jesus!

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
>> The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them.
>> They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.
>> “Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.
>> For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” (CCC # 1831)
———–

“Being aware of the dangers ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS and seeking the grace of God to be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence of God!”

(Based on Is 48:17-19 and Mt 11:16-19 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Advent)

Children are an interesting lot!

They love to play, to quarrel, to engage in arguments, to tease, to show love and affection etc…

Children indeed amaze us…with their simplicity, innocence, curiosity and their power of wonder.

Jesus in the Gospels time and again invites us to grow in our spirit and spirituality of being like a Child!

The famous artist, Picasso, once said:
“All children are artists.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up..”

Many of us, as we age in years, tend to lose many good qualities of a child.

We tend to fritter away the precious pearls of simplicity and openness of a child
We tend to paint our inner innocence with many external shades of duplicity.

But the Gospel of the Day shows us another dimension or rather, warns of a distortion in this striving to be a child…

One can easily stray away from the path of being child-like and transgress into the danger of being Childish!

Child-likeness is a beautiful virtue which is to be cultivated and nurtured to grow in our love of God!

Childishness is an ugly vice which is to be weeded and cast away to grow in our relationship with God!

What is child-likeness?

To be like a child is to possess a kitty of trust, faith, innocence and straightforwardness.
To be like a child is living in the present moment with a deep sense of wonder and admiration over life.
To be like a child is to have a faith which is matchless and a great amount of dependence on the One who cares!

But what is childishness?

Childishness is a child-like behaviour which has grown sore and strays away from honest qualities of life.
Childishness is having selfishness at its core: a vice that wants the world around to always dance to its tune!
Childishness is sticking on to ignorance and unwillingness to learn from people and situations

This danger of Childishness can sometimes creep into our spiritual life…
… and can hamper and cause havoc in many areas of our Christian life.

How can childishness in spirituality become a dangerous ploy?

Childishness in spirituality…
… can make people to suit teachings for one’s own desire, at the cost of the Truth.
… can prevent people from being open to receive new insights from the Divine.
… can cause people to remain obstinate and block the moving of the Spirit.
… can prohibit people from recognizing the providential care of God.

And this is what we come across in today’s Gospel Passage: the exposition of the Childishness of the people!

Our Blessed Lord says:
“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children…” (Mt 11:16)

Two persons who had committed themselves totally to the cause of the Kingdom are under the scanner today – John the Baptist and Jesus.

1. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and in preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

John did not drink wine, and he and his followers fasted regularly.
He baptized people in the Jordan River.

But John also preached repentance and gave a clarion call to turn away from one sins!

And this irked the people…

The elders of the Jewish community dreaded him because he recognized the corruption of the priests, and publicly called them to repent and be baptized.

They refused, because they wanted to keep their power, their wealth, their full stomachs and their fine clothing!

2. Jesus went around the cities and towns healing the sick and curing the lepers and doing many mighty works.

Jesus shared in the table-fellowship of many people regularly.
Jesus preached the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus also challenged people to let go off their sinful and corrupt lives and turn to God in penitence!

And this annoyed the leaders…

The Pharisees hated him because he preached with much authority and his new understanding of the law was highly challenging!
They rejected Him, because they wanted to stick to their traditions, empty hearts and their inhuman practices!

Jesus and John both would have hit high on the popularity charts if they had “lightened up” or “played nice” or “would have allowed things to be little more easy!”

But both of Them did not budge…

This is what Jesus says:
“We played the flute for you, you did not dance;
We mourned to you, you did not weep.” (Mt 11: 17)

This reaction by the people to Them was a song of derision… a tune of mockery…a melody of ridicule!

John the Baptist and Jesus, both, failed to let this Spiritual Childishness to overpower Them and to give in to silly demands!

We all can fall victims to spiritual childishness or we ourselves can fall into the trap of being spiritually childish!

Let us beware of the dangers of this ‘subtle and sly’ vice – CHILDISHNESS …
… and seek the grace of God to make efforts to rather be CHILD-LIKE in the Presence of God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. (CCC # 1831)