“Avoiding all ‘lame’ excuses and wholeheartedly accepting the Mission Mandate of the Lord, inspired by the example of St Timothy and St Titus!”

(Based on Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops)

A lady – affected much with polio – and able to walk with just one leg approached a visa desk to go to the missions in the land of Africa.

She had been greatly influenced by the call of the Lord in the Gospels, to “be a missionary” and so decided to give her life totally for the missions.

The visa officer – himself a Christian – after reviewing and verifying her documents…
… had one last question to be ask, before giving the approval: “Can you give me a convincing answer as to why, with just one leg, you are taking up this risky mission journey?”

The lady, with a grin replied: “Well, I don’t find those with two legs going!”

The visa request was immediately granted!

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is a task entrusted to every Christian.

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St Timothy and St Titus…
… Bishops in the early Church and close companions of St Paul

1. St Timothy…
   … (came from Lystra in present-day Turkey) was the son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father
   After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.

St Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.

Later, they came together in Corinth, and Timothy accompanied Paul on many of his missionary travels.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.

In the year 93 AD, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

St. John retreated to Ephesus before eventually dying on the island of Patmos, and that the Virgin Mary followed John to Ephesus, living in a house above the town.

It is also quite possible, that St. Timothy – being the Bishop of Ephesus – also had interactions with Mother Mary and St John, who had (as many scholars say and many writings testify) spent their last years in Ephesus.

St Timothy therefore would have drunk from the deepest wells of the Christian tradition – hearing about the life of Christ from the lips of the most important witnesses of His Life and Death!

2. St Titus…
   … was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years. >> He pursued a life of virtue, and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.

According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth….
… only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

St Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51, and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.

After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete…
… He is credited with leading the Church of Crete, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.

These two great saints teach us important lessons on living as a follower of Christ…
… Christ reminds and exhorts every one of us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” (Lk 10:2-3)

a. Being ready to face any challenge or opposition in being a witness to the Gospel

St Timothy and St Titus had to face innumerable opposition – from within community, from the persecutors around, in their mission journeys etc
… yet to remained firm and faithful to their mission mandate

Are we ready to brave every challenge to be a courageous witness of the Gospel in our own life situations?

Are we ready to depend on the Lord for everything?

As we are told, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.” (Lk 10:4)…
… we are reminded on the need to avoid reliance on material dimensions of life; instead to have our dependence totally on the Lord!

St Timothy and St Titus experienced the fruits of this “total dependence” in their ministries!

Can we let go of our various attachments and trust deeper in the Providence of the Lord?

b. Untiring zeal and passion for the Kingdom
St Timothy and St Titus accompanied St Paul in his missionary journeys…
… and learnt the “art of passionate zeal for missions” in imitation of Christ

Are we ready to be enrolled into the school of Jesus, the Greatest Missionary and learn from him the “art of passionate zeal for missions?”

Zeal for missions… zeal for reaching out in help and service
… is indeed a task entrusted to every Christian.

God has blessed us immensely with many good things…
… and it is our duty to put all these blessings and graces for the Glory of the Lord

Do we wholeheartedly accept this responsibility…
… or do we make ‘lame’ excuses and avoid this mandate?

May the missionary zeal of St Timothy and St Titus inspire us…
… and help us to “rekindle the gift of God that is within…” (Cf. 2 Tim 1:6)

Happy Feast of St Timothy and St Titus!

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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose…
… or also be linked to the capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished

… following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. (CCC # 1866)

“Being ready to stick our lives into the ‘jar of God’s honey of love!’”

(Based on Feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle)

A little boy was returning home, with a jar of honey in his hand.

A gentleman, walking behind him, was constantly observing the boy…
… how very often, he would stick his finger inside the jar, and taste a little of the honey.

After noticing this quite a few times, he approached the boy and asked:
“Son, what do you have in that jar”
“Sweet Honey” said the boy

“Honey? Is it sweet?” enquired the man
“Yes Sir”

“How sweet is your honey?” asked the man again
“Very sweet Sir!”

“You are tasting this so often. So I want to know how much sweet is it?” the man enquired one more time
“Very sweet Sir!”

“Well, I don’t understand you!” continued the man, “I am asking you how sweet it is, and you are only saying, it is very sweet! I don’t understand you!”

Finally, the boy lost his patience, and extending the honey jar, he said:
“Take this jar, and stick your finger!
Taste and see for yourself!”

Quite true, isn’t it?

Any description of the sweetness of the honey would not suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

Today we celebrate the Feast of one such event of a person, who experienced the Sweetness of the Lord: The conversion of St Paul.

When we look into the life of St Paul, there are several factors that we can meditate on, and learn from.

One of the very striking aspects is that of the Passion and Zeal of St Paul.

This passion was greatly reflected in all aspects of his life…
… in his preaching and his writings!
… in his dealing with the Gentiles and their cause of faith
… in his aggressiveness against anything that caused scandal and harm to the Church
… in his uncompromising attitude towards anything that endangered his relationship with the Lord!

Some of his writings in the letters reflect this aspect of Passion and Zeal:

“Woe to me, if I don’t preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)
“I count everything as a loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:8)
“For me to live is to Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)
“My preaching… was a demonstration of the Spirit and power” ( 1 Cor 2:4)

We need to ask ourselves:

Is my Christian life, filled with passion and zeal?
Do I burn with love for God and His Kingdom?
Does the Lord and His Will come first, in my life?

It’s easy to remain on the “theoretical” dimension of Christian life!

We can very often have only discussions and deliberations about faith
… but not real prayer or living in the Spirit

We can many times have talks being heard or books being read on Christian life
… but not necessarily living the Christian life of virtues and a Sacramental Life

We can sometimes enter into doubts about Christianity, to “know more”…
… but not necessarily growing in our relationship with the Lord or loving Him more

The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul is a mighty reminder to all of us…
… to live our Christian lives “passionately and zealously!”

Yes, just as any description of the sweetness of honey would not suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

So it is with the Lord!

The sweetness of the Lord, however described by others cannot suffice…
… unless one actually experiences it!

St Paul experienced the “sweetness of the Lord”…
… and he gave his life for the Lord – in passion and in zeal.

What about us?

Are we ready to stick our lives into the “jar of God’s honey of love?”

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 PROLIFERATION OF SIN

Sin creates a proclivity to sin; it engenders vice by repetition of the same acts.
This results in perverse inclinations which cloud conscience
… and corrupt the concrete judgment of good and evil.
Thus sin tends to reproduce itself and reinforce itself…

… but it cannot destroy the moral sense at its root. (CCC # 1865)

“Inspired by the life of St Francis de Sales – to ‘live in holiness and sanctity!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:4-17 and Mk 4:1-20 – Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of St Francis de Sales)

Three different incidents are a told of a person, who was known to struggle with impatience, anger and exasperation…
… yet would deal with it, with a lot of maturity and patience.

The first incident is of stray man who walked through the streets, and was trying to ‘do him in’ – trying to harm the person.
This person however, would tell him:
“I am told you wish me harm. I can promise you that even if you had put out one of my eyes, I would still look kindly upon you with the other!”

The second incident is when he would be insulted by a certain high official and he was asked, why he did not lose his temper. He would admit and say:
“At that time and many other times, I was seething with anger like water in a pot, boiling over the fire; but that by the Grace of God, even if the violent efforts to resist such passion endangered my life…
… I would not let myself go!”

The third incident would be when the person would be instigated to lose temper and to speak badly to a young man. This would be his reaction to the same:
“What did you want me to do in the matter?
… I did what I could to arm myself with an anger that was not sinful. I took my heart in my two hands, but I did not have the courage to dress him down.

To tell you the truth, I was afraid of losing in a quarter of an hour this little bit of liquid of gentleness…
… which I have attempted to gather for twenty-two years, drop by drop like dew in the vessel of my puny heart!”

All these three incidents would be occasions when a person – like any of us – in the normal circumstance would have got angry and lost patience.

However, this person, with the Grace of God remained calm and composed.

He was willing to “live in holiness and sanctity”…
… and to always seek and go God’s Will.

This person is St Francis de Sales – known as the Gentleman Saint…
… whose feast is celebrated on January 24th.

His life is a great inspiration to all of us…
… as he would allow himself to be moulded by the Grace of God
… and with honest efforts, would grow in virtue and holiness.

He was willing, as the Gospel of the day exhorts, ‘to allow the seed of God’s Word’ to ‘fall on rich soil and produce fruit – thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.’ (Cf. Mk 4:8)

The 2nd Book of Samuel 7:4-17 presents beautiful lessons which we need to follow in our lives…
… and which were so well lived by St Francis de Sales

1. Divine Guidance
   The Lord reminds His amazing guidance…
   … in the life of the nation Israel
   … and in the life of David

We are called to recollect the goodness and guidance of the Lord and to live in gratitude…
… just as St Francis de Sales would say, “God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in his arms!”

2. Paternal love and correction
   God declares that, “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me….” (Cf. 2 Sam 7:14)

God displays His commitment to guiding and disciplining His chosen ones…
… “correction to goodness being a remarkable manifestation of His steadfast love!”

As a priest and bishop, St Francis de Sales…
… would gently yet firmly lead many “straying Catholics” back to the Church … and “strictly yet caringly” would direct and raise many ‘seekers of God’ to the interior caves of Divine Love!

We are called to live, in imitation of Christ who calls us “to learn from Me, for I am gentle and meek of heart” (Cf. Mt 11:29)

As St Francis de Sales teaches us:
“Do everything calmly and peacefully. Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to His will joyously.
Do everything for God, uniting yourself to Him in word and deed.”

Let us be willing – inspired by the life of St Francis de Sales – to “live in holiness and sanctity”…
… and to always seek and do God’s Will in our lives!

Happy Feast of St Francis de Sales, the Gentleman Saint and the Doctor of Love!

God Bless! Vive Jesus… 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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”
There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting…
… rejects the forgiveness of his sins
… and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit.

Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss. (CCC # 1864)

“Aligning our hearts with God’s commands, and making our life ‘an orchestra of obedience!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 6:12b-15, 17-19 and Mk 3:31-35 – Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

In a lively city, a conductor gathered musicians for a grand orchestra. >> Excitement filled the room as they prepared for a special performance.

As they were about to commence their rehearsal, the conductor exhorted: “Each of you has a unique role, a special note to play. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary.”

During practice, however, a violinist approached the conductor, saying, “I’ve been thinking, maestro. What if I add a little flair, my own touch, you know? Spice things up a bit!”

The conductor, with a smile, replied: “Ah, my dear, your enthusiasm is admirable, but remember, our strength lies in unity.
Each note, as written, contributes to the masterpiece.
Let’s stick to the composition for the melodious music to unfold.”

On the big night, the orchestra played in perfect harmony, captivating the audience.

However, the spirited violinist, unable to resist the temptation, added a personal twist to the melody.
The result was a discordant note that disrupted the once-perfect symphony.

The conductor, with a gentle yet firm tone warned: “My friend, dont forget that the beauty is in the shared adherence to the score.

Your unique flair, though admirable, has momentarily disrupted our unity.”

Realizing the negative impact, the violinist nodded, as the conductor encouraged: “Let’s finish strong, together.”

As the orchestra resumed, the unity was restored.

The symphony reached its crescendo, leaving the audience in awe.

Our lives are instruments in God’s symphony.

True commitment means joyfully following God’s commands…
… and creating a harmonious composition

The readings of the day are a call to rejoice in following Lord’s ways…
… and to make our life “an orchestra of obedience!”

The First Reading – 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 – presenting David joyfully dancing before the Ark of the Covenant as it is brought to Jerusalem, offers us points for reflection:

1. Expressive Worship: David’s exuberant dance before the Ark showcases a devotion that goes beyond mere ritual…
   … emphasizing the importance of expressing joy and gratitude in our relationship with God.

When we delight in the commands of God, we begin to be joyful and expressive in our love for the Lord and in His service

2. Holiness in our acts of devotion: David’s act of wearing a linen ephod during the procession emphasizes the sacredness of worship.

When we pray, we are called to seek for holiness in life, and translate our prayer life into devout acts of service to God and others, in daily life

3. Community Celebration: The involvement of the entire house of Israel in bringing the Ark and joining David in shouts of joy highlights the communal aspect of worship.

We are reminded that our relationship with God is not only personal, but also has a community dimension – as we are called to live in unity

David gives the highest honour to God – by restoring the Ark, in the City of Jerusalem, reminding us…
… obedience leads to expressive workshop
… obedience impels us to pursue holiness in our acts of devotion
… obedience inspires us to have community dimension in our prayer

The Gospel (Mk 3:31-35) is a strong reminder of who is part of the family of Jesus: Only those who do God’s Will!

We are called to check if our life “is centered on seeking and doing the Will of God, at every moment, in every situation!”

What is our attitude and mentality…

Am I primarily concerned with worldly affairs, or do I engage myself more into spiritual realities?
Am I obsessed more with worldly gains, or am I zealous for spiritual graces and blessings?

David’s example encourages a prioritization of our spiritual journey…
… recognizing the significance of honouring God’s presence

Jesus declares that only those who do God’s Will are His disciples…
… recognizing also the powerful discipleship of Mary

Let us align our hearts with God’s commands…
… and make our life “an orchestra of obedience!”

God Bless!

---

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

“Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness.”
While he is in the flesh, man cannot help but have at least some light sins. But do not despise these sins which we call “light”: if you take them for light when you weigh them, tremble when you count them.

A number of light objects makes a great mass; a number of drops fills a river; a number of grains makes a heap. What then is our hope? Above all, confession. (CCC # 1863)

“Pursuing credibility and authenticity to have true spiritual growth and nourishment!”

(Based on 2 Sam 5:1-7, 10 and Mk 3:22-30 – Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

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

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

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

It is said that as this great artist painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel – lying on his back for endless hours to finish every detail with great care…
… A friend asked him why he took such pains with figures that would be viewed from a considerable distance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gospel of the Day begins with the statement that…
… “the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul and by the prince of demons , He casts out the demons” (Mk 3:22)

One of the reasons why the Scribes were irked by the personality of Jesus was because of the tremendous authority that was displayed by Jesus!

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

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

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of St Mark, we read…

The people “were astonished at his teaching, for He taught as one who had authority…” (Mk 1:22)
“… they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves…. ‘…with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” ( Mk 1: 27)

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

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

Authenticity does not mean arrogance…

Credibility does not mean over-confidence…

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

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

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

Let the receiving of the Sacraments become an honest transformation for life…

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

May our spiritual life follows the principle:

Only when credibility and authenticity are pursued…
… we can have true spiritual growth and nourishment!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

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

Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin. >> However venial sin does not break the covenant with God.

With God’s grace it is humanly reparable. (CCC # 1863)

“Listening to God’s Word and being ready to go fishing with the Great Fisherman of Galilee!”

(Based on Jon 3:1-5, 10, 1 Cor 7:29-31 and Mk 1:14-20 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

The fish has been greatly associated with Christianity.

The early Christians used to associate each other with a code symbol named ICHTHUS.

ICHTHUS is the Greek word for Fish.

ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthus) was also an acronym for “Ίησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ”, (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr), which translates as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”.

It is a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish.

As per an ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road..
… the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt.

If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company.

The fish has been sailing along the Christian waters for quite long!

And this journey of the fish in the Christian waters has its commencement in the Gospel of the Day – Jesus calls His first disciples, who were busy “catching fish”.

In the Gospel of the Day, Simon , his brother Andrew, along with the family of Zebedee – John, James and their father, were busy fishing.

The Lord, indeed, comes to meet and encounter us in the ordinary situations of our life.

Fishing was their means of livelihood

As they are engaged in these affairs of livelihood and occupation, they have a surprise visitor – Jesus!

He comes with a contagious fire of love in His heart & a gentle expression on His face.

He calls out to the busy fishermen, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men!” (Mk 1:17)

“Fishers of men??!”

All their life they had only known that its only fish that can be fished!

But this was strange to hear – that “people could also be fished!”

That trade of “fishing of people” would soon be taught to them by the Great Fisherman of Galilee…

Not with hooks of iron…
… but with hooks of conscience-appeal and heart-attraction

Not spreading nets of cloth, nylon or fibre etc…
… but with nets of goodness and love

Not travelling in deep waters of the sea…
… but navigating into the depths of human life

In the ordinary situation of life…
The disciples experienced the call to go beyond mere existential realities

The Lord introduces them to a Way to Eternity!

For these fishermen-disciples, life had got into a sort of daily ordinary rhythm:
Going for fishing and trying their luck…
… Sometimes high success… many times immense failure…most of the times nothing exciting.
It was just a monotonous, repetitive and droning style of life.

Our lives too sometimes become a matter of routine and ordinary existence…

The same daily works and activities…
… Sometimes high success… many times immense failure… most of the times nothing exciting.
It is, very often, just a tedious, dull and boring style of life.

But in these ordinary moments, there are glimpses of the Extraordinary that is often revealed.

In the simple situations, there are rays of the Light of Eternity that often shines through.

Are we open and docile to these “ordinary” and “simple” appearances of the Lord in our lives?

The First Reading recounts the amazing short story of Jonah (a book with only 4 chapters, and can be read in just around 20 min!)

Jonah – unwilling to be a Prophet for the Lord – experiences the Great Mercy of God manifested to people, who repented!

Indeed, “openness and docility” to the Lord works mighty wonders!

Today, the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, is celebrated as the “Sunday of the Word of God”

Instituted by Pope Francis, this day is devoted to the celebration and study of Sacred Scripture

This “Sunday of the Word of God” beckons us to three important actions:

1. Read the Word of God and be open to it

The people of Ninevah “read the Word of God” through Prophet Jonah and “were open to repentance!”
As it is beautifully said, “When reading the Word of God, first open your heart, before you open the Bible!”

2. Hold on to the Word of God as the anchor of our life

When we face much difficulties and struggles in our day to life – as St Paul reminds us, “in this passing world” (1 Cor 7:31), the Word of God is to become our refuge and anchor to stand optimistic and joyful

3. Proclaim the Word to others and spread His Mission to all

The first fishermen-disciples were ready “to cast the net of God’s Word” to many and boldly offered their lives in service to the Kingdom of the Word!

Yes, we are all called to be a “slave of the Word”
… and live the Word in our lives, because “our lives may perhaps be the only Gospel that people may ever read in their lives!”

Through the intercession of St Agnes, let us also proclaim “Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve.”

Simple fishermen became part of the Super Fishing Strategy of the Greatest Fisherman of the world!

You and I… are called to today, in the littleness and the ordinariness of our lives…
…to give witness to the One who renovates lives and transforms hearts!
… to get transformed & filled with the same passion and zeal of the Disciples!

Are we ready to go fishing with this Great Fisherman of Galilee?

Hail ICHTUS – Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Venial sin weakens charity…
… it manifests a disordered affection for created goods
… it impedes the soul’s progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good

… it merits temporal punishment. (CCC # 1863)

“Choosing to ‘make life better’ despite the ‘bitterness that seeks to snare us!'”

(Based on 2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 and Mk 3:20-21 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A motivational speaker while addressing the fact of facing difficulties in life, said: “Life always presents to us situations of strife and struggle!
It’s left to us, how we act to it

We can either react negatively and become bitter…
… or we can respond positively and become better!
>> Struggles can make us bitter or better!

What is our response when we face the challenges of life
>> Do we become bitter?
… or can we become better?”


As people of faith, we are called to always “be better” and respond to situations…
… with genuine care and affection
… with passionate and uncompromising commitment

This is what we learn from the Biblical passages for the day
>> David, who responds to the death of Saul – supposedly an enemy…
… with intense pain and grief – a sign of genuine care and affection!
… >> Jesus, who faces the “ire of close people” including his relatives…
… due to His passionate and uncompromising commitment to the Kingdom!


The passage from 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 begins with David receiving the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death…
… prompting profound grief and intense pain!
>> “Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him… they mourned and wept, and fasted until evening…” (Cf. 2 Sam 1:11-12).


Here are three important Divine Learnings we need to adopt, witnessing the deep grief that David expresses over the death – especially that of Saul.

1. Respond to “jealousy and enmity” with care
Despite the historical enmity between them, David’s emotional response reflects a profound sense of care and compassion for Saul.
>> Are we able to display the “face of care” even when faced with people who are jealous and hostile?

2. Acknowledgment of God’s Anointing
David’s lamentation reflects his reverence for Divine appointments and his respect for the choices of God. He acknowledges that “Saul is God’s anointed” and bestows his highest respect for Divine authority
>> Are we able to “accept the Lord’s anointed ones” and strengthen them with our prayers and cares, despite their failures, owing to human weaknesses and frailties?

3. Rising above personal grievances, and mirroring God’s view of relationships
Instead of celebrating Saul’s downfall, David mourns…
… illustrating a noble and forgiving spirit that transcends the animosity of the past.

It highlights the fact that even amid conflicting situations, “forgiveness that flows from the heart of God” can be a soothing antidote!
>> Are we able to rise above our personal feelings, and extend God’s unconditional forgiveness to the ones who have hurt us?


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus labelled as being “out of mind!”
>> “Again the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them, even to eat.
When His relatives heard of this, they set out to seize Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind'” (Mk 3: 20-21)

Jesus faces situations that can cause Him to “become bitter!”
>> But He remains undeterred and continues to walk the paths that showed Him to “be better”

He continued to preach and proclaim the Kingdom of Love and Mercy…
· Broken lives were mended by the balm of His Holiness
· Ruined minds were revived by the power of His teachings
· Shattered destinies were made whole by the cure of His touch
· Hardened hearts were touched by the softness of His presence
· Ruptured consciences were restored by the gentleness of His love


In situations of strife and struggle, we can either react negatively and become bitter…
… or we can respond positively and become better!
>> David did not allow himself to “get bitter” despite the death of his enemy!
>> Jesus did not allow Himself to “get bitter” despite the accusations of so many!

Instead, both responded “to make life better!”


Let us dare to walk and live the path of the Lord, Who chose to “make life better” despite the “bitterness that surrounded Him!”
>> Let us learn from the example of David, who chose to “make life better” despite the “bitterness that sought to snare him!”


Strife and struggles will always ensnare us
>> Are we going to be bitter…
… or can we be better?


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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN
>> One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter…
… he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law
… or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter, but without full knowledge or without complete consent. (CCC # 1862)
—————

“Seeking to grow in the ‘spirituality of living in love – with gentleness and kindness!'”

(Based on 1 Sam 24:3-21 and Mk 3:13-19 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A hostel warden had fallen into the disagreeable habit of yelling at the boys who were in his charge.

He thought this necessary in order to maintain his authority

Once, he was confined to bed for a week with severe laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords)

He could not speak above a whisper…
… and had to run the affairs of the hostel from his bed.

“Do you know,” he confessed afterwards, “I found that the children were far more well-behaved and good-natured when I could only speak to them in a whisper…
… than when I used to shout at them!”

The waters of gentleness and kindness always find a way to seep through the rocky terrains of tough situations of life!

And it is God’s Mighty Love that causes us to act with gentleness and kindness…
… and “to repay evil not with evil, but to do good to people!”

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 24:3-21) is a marvellous exhortation on the need to “repay evil not with evil, but with good!”

David and his men are in the Desert of En Gedi.

It is a wild place of cliffs, caves, wilderness and springs.

Saul – along with nearly three thousand chosen people – who were in search of David to have him killed…
… goes into a cave

David gets an opportunity to kill Saul, who had in fact, come to kill him!

Here was a neat chance to take revenge and settle scores.

David would even be instigated by his fellow men:
“The men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.” (1 Sam 24:4)

David, however, would deny “doing evil for evil!”

Instead, he follows the Divine Strategy of “doing good, even in the face of evil!”

He spares the life of Saul – who is the anointed of the Lord – and even goes on to make an oath of not harming him!

Here is David following the great Divine Strategy, and invites and inspires us to follow the same:
“Doing evil for evil is bad!”
Doing nothing for evil is better!
Doing good for evil is best!”

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 3:13-19) presents Jesus Who moves about with His Ministry of “failing to stop in the face of evil, and continuing to do good!”

Jesus, in the midst of a ministry, of people rejecting him, and failing to accept His words…
… refuses to give in to failure or to stop doing the good.

Instead, “He responds to evil, by doing good” and establishes a band of twelve chosen ones…
… who were to join Him and continue His Noble Mission of “doing good, even in the face of evil!”

The twelve disciples who are chosen (Mk 3:13-19) would be schooled in the Discipleship of the Lord…
… to “leave everything and adopt the Divine Strategy of ‘doing good, even in the face of evil’”

We are invited to grow into Christians who display the Love and Mercy of God to people…
… by a life of gentleness and patience!

David would beautifully display this dimension by sparing the life of Saul and giving us the great lesson of “respect and honour” that is due to all the anointed and consecrated ones!

Jesus, remarkably responds to hostile and antagonistic situations in His Ministry by establishing a “group of people who would be invited to become agents of the Lord’s Mercy and Compassion!”

Let us always remember that the waters of gentleness and kindness…
… always find a way to seep through the rocky terrains of tough situations of life!

And it is God’s Mighty Love that causes us to act with gentleness and kindness…
… and “to repay evil not with evil, but to do good to people!”

Let us seek to grow in the “spirituality of living in love – with gentleness and kindness!”

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

If mortal sin is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness…
… it causes exclusion from Christ’s kingdom and the eternal death of hell
… for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back.

However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God. (CCC # 1861)

“Being attracted to the Presence of the Lord, to become more and more like Him!”

(Based on 1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7 and Mk 3:7-12 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A magnet is an object made of certain materials which creates a magnetic field around itself.

This magnetic field causes objects of certain properties to attract to itself…

The closer the objects are to the magnet, the stronger they are pulled to the attracting force.

Another interesting thing is that…
… objects attached to the magnet, over a certain period of time, themselves become magnetized and are able to attract other things to itself.

Divine Love constantly invites us to be attracted to Divine qualities…
… and to radiate the same in our lives.

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 18: 6-9, 37, 19:1-7) presents contrasting characteristics…
… the negative condition of jealousy: displayed by Saul, the king
… the positive quality of appreciation: radiated by Jonathon, his son

Saul is unable to digest the fact that the people sing higher praises of David and felt envious of his rising popularity:
“Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; what more can he have but the kingdom? So Saul eyed David from that day on.'” (1 Sam 18:8-9)

Jonathon, his son, however displayed a lot of maturity and exuded a sense of goodness and appreciation

“Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to you” (1 Sam 19:4)

Jonathan had responded positively to Divine Love, Which constantly invited him to be attracted to Divine qualities…
… and to radiate the same in his life.

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 3:7-12) is this wonderful presentation of Jesus Who radiates Divine qualities….
… and attracts many to by His Charismatic personality – like a magnet!

St Mark beautifully presents this attractive power of the Lord through the words:
“A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what He was doing, a large number of people came to Him…” (Mk 3: 7-8)

The popularity of the Lord was spreading far and wide…

His power over sin had many to look up to Him…
His authoritative teaching was astonishing to many…
His dominance over evil spirits was awe-inspiring for many…
His amazing healing power had caused a stir among people…

Like a magnet, the Lord was attracting many to Himself!

Like a magnet, the Lord was pulling variety of people to Himself!

The magnetic and charming power of the Lord attracts us too..
… But do we remain willing to get attracted to this amazing force?

The Living Presence of the Lord in our midst is in the Holy Eucharist.

The Holy Eucharist is the powerful magnet that can pull and attract many!

The tragedy in our life is that very often, this “magnetic” Eucharistic presence remains abandoned and forsaken!

It’s a pity that the Living Lord is hardly visited in the Blessed Sacrament!

Chapels and Churches often remain empty and forlorn…
Very few to visit Jesus to say Hello to Him, in the Eucharist!

We sometimes are reducing ourselves to a generation seeking only after mighty wonders!

We sometimes are making ourselves to be a people wanting only fascinating miracles!

But the Eucharist – the greatest wonder and miracle of the world often remains unnoticed!

There is nothing more sublime in this world than the Holy Eucharistic Presence!

There is nothing more beautiful than moments spent before the Eucharistic Lord!

Am I ready to get attracted and charmed by this magnetic presence of the Holy Eucharist?

The Lord waits for us…every moment…every day!
The Lord seeks for us…every second…every hour!

We may have different excuses to evade and avoid time before His presence…

Maybe too many works and occupations…
Maybe a feeling that it is too dry and boring to be with Him…
Maybe an attitude that social works suffice and go beyond all such pious devotions…

But no excuse and no theory can give justification to miss the Presence of the Lord!

It is possible that some of us may have the negative condition of jealousy: displayed by Saul

But we are invited to imbibe the positive quality of appreciation: radiated by Jonathon!

Jesus is the magnet who can infuse us with power and strength!

The closer we are, the more attracted we be!
The more we remain with Him, the more we become like Him!

May the Magnetic Power of the Holy Eucharist be sought more!

May the Magnetic Love of the Holy Eucharist be longed more!
And may, we, in turn, become a magnetic Presence of the Lord to others!
… Seeking the Eucharist, to be a Eucharist to the other!
… Loving the Eucharist to break and share oneself to the 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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself.

It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. (CCC # 1861)

“Having faith and trust, to follow the Word of the Lord and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!”

(Based on 1 Sam 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 and Mk 3:1-6 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A popular story with a minor variation goes as follows:

A man fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a branch of a tree on the way down.

The following conversation then proceeded:
“Is anyone up there?”

“I am here. I am the Lord. Do you believe me?”

“Yes, Lord, I believe. I really believe, but I can’t hang on much longer.”

“That’s all right, if you really believe you have nothing to worry about.
I will save you. Just let go of the branch.”

After a moment of pause, the many continued and sad:
“Is anyone else up there?”

The man failed to depend on the Lord when the “crunch situation” was encountered!

Faith and Trust in the Lord requires us to follow His Word and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!

The First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51) is a wonderful story of a young little man who trusted immensely in God in defeating a gigantic enemy…
… the story of God defeating Goliath through the instrumentality of David!

This popular story is a wonderful saga of faith and the Power of Depending on the Lord for everything.

On the other side, this story also teaches us that failure to have the Lord as the strength of life can paralyze and cripple our life with fear and inactivity…
… as we see in the life of Saul.

Saul being the king should have taken the lead to lead the Israelites against the gigantic Goliath

But he measured only his human capabilities and strengths in calculating the battle strategy

David however, first counted on the Lord, before gathering together his human skills and expertise!
“I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” (1 Sam 17:39)
“You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied!” (1 Sam 17:45)

We understand an important truth here:
In our life, we are often on the battlefield, with Satan as the gigantic Goliath…
… challenging us in our faith
… laughing us at our face

Do we understand that if we hold on, in faith, it is the Lord Himself Who fights for us?

Do we deepen our conviction that our faithfulness will be rewarded by God with the victory shout?

Jesus in the Gospel had to fight the deadly battle with “the hardness of hearts of people!” (Cf. Mk 3:5)

Faced with a man who had a withered hand…
… the Lord had to encounter face-to-face with a Goliath – with the face of indifference, unbelief and animosity – in the Pharisees and the Herodians (Cf Mk 3:6)

The man with the withered hand was asked by Jesus to “Come forward” (Cf Mk 3:5)
… to come forward in the battle of life – in faith – to defeat the forces of unbelief!
… to come forward in the war against Satan – in trust – to slay the head of indifference and animosity!

Just as David would “come forward” in faith and trust – totally depending on the Lord’s power…
… we need to step ahead by taking complete refuge in the Divine Providence of the Lord!

We may have our moments when we “hang onto the branches of life” in our moments of struggles and crisis

As the Lord invites us to trust in His Word, we need to check if we fail to depend on the Lord when the “crunch situations” are encountered!

Yes, Faith and Trust in the Lord requires us to follow His Word…
… and to be assured that His Providence will take us through!

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 GRAVITY OF SIN: MORTAL AND VENIAL SIN

The promptings of feelings and passions can also diminish the voluntary and free character of the offence, as can external pressures or pathological disorders.

Sin committed through malice, by deliberate choice of evil, is the gravest. (CCC # 1860)