“Trust the Lord’s Word in complete obedience and be open to the Ways of God”

(Based on 1 Sam 16:1-13 and Mk 2:23-28 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A very popular story is said of a speaker who started off his seminar by holding up a $20 note.

He asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”

Hands started going up.

He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.”
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.

He then asked, “Who still wants it?”
Still the hands were up in the air.

“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?”
And he dropped it on the ground and got it more crumpled and dirty.

“Now who still wants it?”
The hands still continued to go up!

The worth of the money is not in the external aspect…
… but in the internal value!

So much more is the value of a human person…
… whose value is measured by the heart!

God gives this mighty message through the First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 16:1-13) when He reminds Samuel:
“For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7b)

The passage is about Prophet Samuel being asked by the Lord to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the successor king to Saul.

Samuel learns an important principle that reigns in the heart of God: External appearances can be deceptive; the real worth of a person is in the value of his heart!
“For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My Ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways and My Thoughts than your thoughts” (Is 55:8-9)

God values the love and commitment that a person has in the heart, than at just the external appearances.
“… only You know what is in every human heart!” (1 Kings 8:39)

Samuel was under the impression that one of the seven older sons of Jesse would be the future king.

But God always knows to spring a surprise!
He would place His Heart on the youngest lad, David – the shepherd boy
… “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27)

So often we get carried away by external appearances.
But the Lord invites us to see the way He does: Look at the heart!

David was tending the sheep, when he was called by God
His family would have never had a thought like this
All the people had totally overlooked him and never considered him as even a “possibility!”

So often it can happen to us, that…
… people don’t mind us
… people overlook us and even put us down
… people make fun of us and we are disgraced often!

But in all such “unlucky” or “unfortunate” or “unfair” situations of life…
… trust in the Lord and know that He loves, accepts and appreciates us, the way we are!

Jesus in the Gospel (Lk 2:23-28) exhorts the people to have a “heart spirituality” than a mere “law fulfilling religion!”

Learn to obey God more, not because you are afraid, but because you love Him much!

Let us deepen our conviction that the value of a human person…
… is to be measured by the heart!

Let us grow in our “heart spirituality”
… of understanding that we ought to defer judgment on people, by merely look at their externals – and instead, to leave space for the Mercy and Providence of God to reign in life!
… and of deepening the conviction that our worth is in the fact that God loves, accepts and appreciates us, the way we are!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Unintentional ignorance can diminish or even remove the imputability of a grave offence.

But no one is deemed to be ignorant of the principles of the moral law, which are written in the conscience of every man. (CCC # 1860)

“Trust the Lord’s Word in complete obedience and be open to the Ways of God”

(Based on 1 Sam 15:16-23 and Mk 2:18-22 – Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A popular legend is told of a certain king who needed a faithful servant.

Two men were candidates for the office.

The king took both at fixed wages, and his first order was to fill a cane basket with water from a neighbouring well…
… saying that he would come in the evening and see their work.

After putting in one or two basketfuls, one man said:
“What is the good of doing this useless work?
As soon as we put the water in one side, it runs out the other.”

The other, however, answered:
“But we have our wages, haven’t we?

The use is the master’s business, not ours.”

“I am not going to do such fool’s work,” replied the other.
Throwing down his basket, he went away.

The other man continued until he had exhausted the well.

Looking down into it he saw something shining – a diamond ring.
“Now I see the use of pouring water into a basket,” he cried, “If the basket had brought up the ring before the well was emptied, it would have been found in the basket.
Our work was not useless!”

The obedient servant understood the importance of trusting in the word of the master…
… and he would reap the benefits of gaining the approval of the master!

Christians must believe that their Divine Master knows what is best, and obey His commands…
… and in due time, they will know and understand the worth of the Master’s Word!

Failure to obey the words and commands of the Lord will lead to our downfall…
… and this is highlighted in the First Reading of the Day (1 Sam 15:16-23) through the fall of King Saul.

The reading begins with Samuel reminding Saul of the innumerable favours and blessings He had received from the Lord.

“Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.” (1 Sam 15:17)

Saul was blessed with many blessings and protection from the Lord

And these favours therefore demanded a greater faithfulness from Saul!

Each favour from the Lord ought to be a reminder of our Sacred Duty to love Him more!

Each blessing from the Lord should be a sign of being invited to be more faithful to Him!

Saul, however, failed to display this obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.

God had commanded him not to retain any of the spoils of the battle that he was to have with the Amalekites…
… Saul would, however, not fully obey the Lord in this matter – and would retain the best of the spoils that he got

“And the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” (1 Sam 15:18-19)

Even though Saul apparently had a good intention – to use these spoils as a sacrifice to God…
… God was not pleased with him, because what God demands is “an obedient heart than the choicest sacrifice!”

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to the voice of the Lord?
Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Sam 15:22-23)

In the Gospel, we have the Pharisees and the Scribes who question Jesus on the aspect of fasting (Mk 2:18-22)

The Pharisees and Scribes were stuck on following their own ways of understanding the ways of God…
… and failed to have an openness and docility to the Will of God!

Each of us are invited to allow the “New Wine of God’s Word” to be filled in the “new wineskin of our minds – in obedience and openness!”

We are also warned to not try to patch up the “old garment of our disobedience” with the “new garment of God’s Commandments and Instructions!”

Let us remember, “failure to obey the words and commands of the Lord will lead to our downfall!”

Let us always trust that our Divine Master knows what is best…
… and thus obeying His commands, may we be blessed to discover the “shining ring” of God’s Love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Mortal sin also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice.

Feigned ignorance and hardness of heart do not diminish, but rather increase, the voluntary character of a sin. (CCC # 1859)

“Listening to the Lord, and being His true seeker, with the right motives and proper intentions!”

(Based on 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19, 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20 and Jn 1:35-42 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B)

A simple and commonly known story goes such…

A generous and a noble King once made a grand announcement to his subjects.

He declared that on a particular day, all the people could come into the King’s palace, and take for themselves from the palace hall, whatever they wished for!

An amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity indeed!

And so the day came… hundreds and thousands had gathered in the palace.

The people waited for the King’s signal to start picking up whatever they wanted in that hall.

The moment arrived… the King waved his royal hand to begin…

It was time to lay hands on whatever they wished to make their own possession.

The rush was maddening…

People ran helter-skelter, seeking for the most precious things…
… Golden vessels, silver goblets, jeweled showpieces, antique fancy items etc…

But in that crazy rush, there was one particular girl, a teenager, who thought differently.

She took this chance, to go and hug the Prince!

Bingo!!

That was the prized catch!

She now became not just the possessor of the love of her life…
… but also on the heir of the land!

She sought what was the most prized possession!

She went after, that which was the most treasured of them all!

What are we – you and I – seeking in life?

The Gospel of the Day has Jesus posing this fundamental question of our lives: “What do you seek” (Jn 1: 38)

The first chapter of St John has an account of two disciples of John the Baptist who are sent to follow Jesus by the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (Jn 1: 29)

John the Baptist is indeed an amazing person.

His life offers us immense qualities to imitate and follow.

1. He called people to a renewed way of life by turning to God in repentance

He teaches: The need to have a constant examination of our conscience…

2. He lived a life of intense asceticism and self-mortification

He reminds: Of the vanity of earthly glory and what things instead are of utmost importance…

3. He pointed out to Jesus as the Lamb of God and directs people towards Him

He teaches: The importance of focusing on Jesus in life and not on other people or things

4. He doesn’t feel jealous that all are following Jesus and confesses also of his unworthiness

He reminds: The power of humility and the joy of giving everything for God’s Kingdom

When Jesus sees them following, He turns…. (Jn 1: 38)

He turns around to see ‘a part of humanity that is seeking Him’.

And then Jesus poses this soul-probing question…”What do you seek?”

We too have been following Jesus for quite some time…

Maybe we’ve heard from others & so we follow Him…
Maybe we’ve experienced His caring presence & so we follow Him.

But the Lord once again turns, and asks us, who are following Him : “What do you seek?”

It’s not an interrogation to just obtain some information…

It is rather a question that is posed to determine what is the real focus and centre of our life.

Jesus probably knew why many people were beginning to follow Him:

There would be many seeking Him…
… for bread alone.
… for getting healings alone.
… out of mere curiosity alone.
… for theoretical arguments alone.
… for their own personal desires alone.

And so Jesus poses this heart-penetrating question…”What do you seek?”

The Lord, with His deeply penetrating eyes gazes into the depths of our soul…
… with His soul-arresting charm fixes His eyes into the castle of our heart asks:

“My Child, what do you seek?”

Are you seeking just to have some of your earthly desires fulfilled…

Or do you seek Me in order to treasure me completely and possess eternity?

Are you seeking spirituality just for namesake and out of a societal and religious obligation…

Or do you seek Me because you are convinced of finding in Me, the real Truth and Joy?

Are you seeking transcendence in order to just have a relief in your pains and difficulties…

Or do you seek Me to also have a share in my agony and anguish of the Cross?

The First Reading of the Day presents the beautiful call of the young boy Samuel, who would go on to become one of the greatest prophets of Israel. (Cf. 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19)

Though he was in the presence of God, Samuel is made to realise the need to consciously seek and listen to God’s Voice, and to respond: “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

With this same “listening attitude,” we pray with the Psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will!” (Cf. Ps 40)

Can I be a ‘real Seeker of God and of His Kingdom?’

Embracing Jesus, the Prince of Life, would ensure the inheritance of eternity.

Let us become a true seeker of the Lord with the right motives and proper intentions.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Mortal sin requires full knowledge and complete consent.

It presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God’s law. (CCC # 1859)

“Be ready to meet the Lord even when ‘donkeys are lost or you are busy counting at the table!’

(Based on 1 Sam 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 and Mk 2:13-17 – Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An old lady loved visiting antique shops.

One day while browsing one, she came across a beautiful old Singer-style sewing machine…
… the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal.

When she saw it she whispered a simple prayer: ‘God, I’d love something like that for my place.’

A couple of days later, as she was walking out her front door on her way to work when she saw a pile of junk by the roadside.

She stopped, stunned!

There in the rubbish stood an old Singer-style sewing machine…
… the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal.

On it hung a sign that said:
“In good condition— anyone can take.”

God is a God of surprises!

He visits us even in the most ordinary situations of life.

Are we open to meet and experience the Lord, in our everyday – simple and ordinary – situations of life?

The readings of the day present two people who encounter the Call of the Lord in their “routines of life!”
… Saul, who would become the first king of Israel
… Levi, who would become an apostle of Christ

The people of Israel had remained adamant and stubborn in their demand for a king…
… just like all other nations of the world (Cf. 1 Sam 8:19-20)

They would thus move away from the Kingship of the Lord – obstinate to follow their own wills

Yet, God doesn’t forsake them

He provides a king from among them – the Divine Wisdom of preparing the people to receive Christ as the Ultimate King

Saul is chosen in an ordinary and regular context of life.

The reading describes how Saul is sent by his father to search for “lost donkeys!”

“Now the asses of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the asses.” (1 Sam 9:3).

In the East, asses/donkeys are a valuable property – indispensable for farm-work and travelling.

They were valuable to their owners, since they were their mode of transportation.
They were even a symbol of peace and wealth (Esau sent to Jacob, his brother “twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys” – Gen 32:14 – in order to appease him)

As Saul moves from place to place, in search of “lost donkeys” he is encountered by Samuel, the prophet, who would be instructed to anoint Saul as the king of Israel.

‘When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall rule over my people.” (1 Sam 3:17)

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 2:13-17) presents Jesus, who is sent by His Father, to search for “lost sheep” and “sick patients!”

“Jesus said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’ (Mk 2:17)

Levi was “busy at table counting taxes”…
… with his own worldly interests and concerns
… surrounded by people who hated tax-collectors like him, and looked down on him, in contempt and rejection

It is interesting to see…
… that even in a situation of “donkeys being lost”, God can intervene in human lives!

Even though Saul was only looking for “donkeys”, God was in search of Saul!

It is interesting to see…
… that even in a situation of “counting the taxes at table”, God can intervene in human lives!

Even though Levi was only looking for “taxes”, Jesus was in search of Levi!

Do we find ourselves in situations of “lost donkeys”…
… searching for wealth and means of comfort in life?
… searching for peace and satisfaction in life?

Do we find ourselves “busy at table counting taxes?”
… busy with many worldly concerns and worries?
… busy in being surrounded by people who reject and hate us?

Then let us know and understand that even in such ordinary situations of “lost donkeys” and being “busy at table counting taxes”…
… can become occasions when God wants to anoint us with His Oil of Graces and Gladness! (Cf. 1 Sam 10:1)
… can become moments when God wants to address you and tell you, “Follow me”! (Cf. Mk 2:14)

God is looking for you…
… even if you are not thinking much about Him!

Jesus wants you to follow Him closer…
… even if you are not much ready for it and busy with the affairs of the world!

Yes, God is a God of surprises!

He visits us even in the most ordinary situations of life.

Are we open to meet and experience the Lord, in our everyday – simple and ordinary – situations of life?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

The gravity of sins is more or less great: murder is graver than theft.

One must also take into account who is wronged: violence against parents is in itself graver than violence against a stranger. (CCC # 1858)

“Remain open to the Presence of the Lord and do what is right always!”

(Based on 1 Sam 8:4-7, 10-22a and Mk 2:1-12 – Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A social worker – known for his many deeds of selfless service – was being honoured at a public function.

On being asked, what was his philosophy that made him to reach out to the needy, despite the many challenges, persecutions and oppositions, he answered:
“My philosophy is simple!

I have always trusted in the maxim: ‘What is right need not be popular always…
… and what is popular need not be right always!

Holding onto this philosophy has always helped me…
… not to waver in my decisions with wrong influences – even when there was immense pressure
… not to be discouraged when I know it was right – even when the whole world did not agree!”

Do we hold on to doing what is right…
… even if we those are not popular?

The people of Israel in the Old Testament chose popularity over doing what was right…
… and thus would go against the Mind of God!

The First reading is this account of the people of Israel demanding for a “king”…
… in order to ‘identify themselves with all the surrounding nations’ and thus gaining in popularity and reputation

“…Now appoint for us a king to govern us like all the nations.” (1 Sam 8:5)

Israel was called “to be holy!”

“You shall be holy to me; for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” (Lev 20:26)

The word for “Holy” in Hebrew is “Qadosh”

“Qadosh” literally means “to be set apart for a special purpose!”

Thus, the people of Israel were to have a distinct identity among all the nations of Israel, with the Lord God as their Only King (“The Lord will reign for ever and ever” – Exo 15:18)…
… and they His Chosen People – set apart to walk in His Paths!

“And I will take you for my people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exo 6:7)

But the people failed to hold on this “right” perspective of their calling…
… and sought after “popularity” and identification as the other nations!

“No! but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations…
… and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles!” (1 Sam 8:19-20)

What about our lives?

Do we allow “right things and right deeds” to have priority…
… do we give greater preference to the “popular ones” even if they are not right?

As Christians, we are called “to be different from the world” and not allow ourselves to be diluted and corrupted by the wrong influences of the world
… “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17:16)

Do we allow the Lord to be the Sole and Sovereign King of our lives?

The Israelites by demanding for a king were rejecting God – “…they have rejected me from being king over them.” (1 Sam 8:7)

Every time, we run after things which may be popular, but not right in the eyes of the Lord…
… we are rejecting the Kingship of God!

Every time, we go against the Virtues of the Kingdom in order to “please others or to fulfil our selfish desires”…
.. we fail to allow God to reign over us!

Every time, we disobey the commands and wishes of the Lord in order “to remain in good stead and in the well-liked and trendy books of others”…
… we end up dethroning God, as the King of our lives!

The Gospel of the Day (Mk 2:1-12) presents some of the Scribes who remained closed to the “right things” that Jesus did – healing of the paralytic: spiritually and physically…
… and were unwilling to usher in the Reign of God in their lives!

When hearts are closed, one fails to see the Presence of God – just like the people of Israel and the Scribes

When minds are unwilling to learn, one becomes rebellious and agitated – just like the people of Israel and the Scribes.

Let us hold on – firmly and with conviction – to the philosophy: ‘What is right need not be popular always, and what is popular need not be right always!’…
… and allow the Lord to always be the King of kings of our hearts, so that “we can sing forever of the Love of the Lord!” (Ps 89:1)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments, corresponding to the answer of Jesus to the rich young man:

“Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother.” (CCC # 1858)

“Staying close to God, the Source of our strength!”

(Based on 1 Sam 4:1-11 and Mk 1:40-45 – Thursday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

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

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

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

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


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

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


Am in danger of “being shut down” due to “low-battery life?”
>> Is my life today in need of “recharging” by dwelling with the Source of our life?


The 1st Book of Samuel today gives us an important lesson on the danger of being away from the Source of our life…
… through the example of Hophni and Phinehas, the priestly sons of Eli, the priest.


The Bible describes them as people who “had no regard for the Lord”
>> “The sons of Eli were worthless men; they had no regard for the Lord.” (1 Sam 2:12)


They abused their office of priesthood in a number of ways:
>> They took more than their share of the meat from the animals that were brought to the sanctuary as sacrifices (Cf 1 Sam 2:13-14)
>> They often took their portion at the wrong time during the sacrifice (Cf 1 Sam 2: 15-16)
>> They lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (Cf 1 Sam 2:22)

Even though they were warned by their father Eli, these sons failed to give any regard and respect to his admonitions. (Cf. 1 Sam 2:22-25)


Continual and wilful disobedience to rules and laws – even minor ones – always takes one’s heart away from God…
… leading gradually to a fall from one’s commitment.


The reading of the day presents the disturbing incident of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines and the death of Phinehas and Hophni (1 Sam 4:1-11).


The incident teaches some important and crucial spiritual reminders:

1. Depend not on human wisdom; rather trust in God’s Word

The Israelites lost around four thousand people on the battlefield against the Philistines (Cf 1 Sam 4:2b).

On returning back, as they evaluated the defeat, they made a consultation only among themselves…
… even though Samuel, the prophet of God was available (Cf 1 Sam 3:19-4:1)
>> They least bothered to find what was the Mind of God or to seek for His Guidance!


In our moments of decision-making and of evaluation, do we only take refuge in human knowledge and wisdom…
… or do we allow ourselves to consult the Mind of God and to learn from Him – primarily through prayer?
>> As the book of Proverbs says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” (Prov 3:5)


2. Do not misuse/manipulate Divine Graces in one’s own personal ways and means

Without knowing the mind of the Lord, the Israelites decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant in their midst, for gaining victory.
>> The purpose to bring the Ark was not to honour or glorify the Name of the Lord, nor to ascribe dependence on the Lord…
… rather, when they ran out of all human resources – as a last resort – they sought to manipulate Divine Graces in their own way.


This is a great reminder for all of us to follow and obey the Holy Rubrics and Instructions of our Faith and Liturgy as instructed by the Church …
… instead of “creatively using or avoiding” rituals and ceremonies as per our own conveniences
>> Giving Supreme Glory and Honour to God in humble submission to the teachings of the Church ought to be the motto in everything that we do!


3. Do not expect God’s Holy blessings without repenting and turning to Him
>> When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the camp of Israel, the two priests – Phinehas and Hophni – were accompanying.

These priests were very much in sin and transgression…
… and yet, without repenting they would handle the Divine Ark!


Seeking to receive God’s Holy Sacraments in a state of sin and without repentance can cause harm…
… instead of receiving blessings.

St Paul echoes this fearful reality when he says: “Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
>> For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (I Cor 11:28-30)


Do I prepare myself well in order to receive the Blessings of the Lord…?
… especially an honest examination of conscience – with repentance – for the Sacrament of Confession
… a meaningful and sincere preparation for the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist


Each of us are invited to live a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord at all times
>> As the leper, in the Gospel (Mk 1:40-45) would beseech the Lord, “If you will, you can make me clean”…
… may always first seek and allow God’s Will in our life, in order to receive His Healing and His Blessings


Let us remember that in our life, “we lose the charge and power when we stay away from God, the Source of our strength!
>> Let us avoid the danger of “being shut down” due to “low-battery life and instead “recharge” ourselves by earnestly praying: “Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy!”


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
>> For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met:
>> “Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter…
… and which is also committed with full knowledge
… and deliberate consent.” (CCC # 1857)
—————

“Seeking Jesus, the Essence of our life!”

(Based on 1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20 and Mk 1:29-39 – Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A young boy went to his Uncle’s house for a few days of vacation.
His uncle was a scientist.

One day, the scientist-uncle told the boy, “Today we are going the method of obtaining petrol”

The boy was super-excited

He enjoyed fast cars and racing games.
And so, he was pretty curious to know how petrol was obtained.

They went to a place where oil was dug.

The boy looked in amazement at all the works being done – the digging into the earth, the huge pipes making their way into the depths, the extraction process!

After quite a while, the boy, pretty dejected approached his uncle and asked:
“I thought, you told me, we are going to see petrol being obtained.
But all that I find here, is that they are extracting oil!

Where is the petrol?”

At that time, the scientist-Uncle began to explain to the boy:
“Son! Remember, you never dig petrol!
You only dig for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!
Search not for petrol – which is a byproduct…
… Look rather for the oil, which is the essence!

Is our Christian life sometimes similar?

Are we looking often only for the material goods and products from the Lord…
… or do we seek primarily for Jesus and His Kingdom?
We need to check and examine : Have we discovered the “Real” Jesus in our life?

The Gospel of the Day presents before us this great challenge: To identify the real Jesus!

The Gospel reading is a description of the Lord’s ministry as per St Mark’s account.

Jesus is engaged in His proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

He is proving Himself to be a person who is of the supernatural and the extraordinary realm.

He teaches the Scriptures with deep authority and conviction…
… People hear God speaking in their lives!

He silences and expels the forces of evil and influences the nature…
… People experience the Divine force in their lives!

He infuses life into the dead and proclaims his great power…
… People come across the marvellous works of the Lord!

He exercises His healing over the sick and the suffering…
… People witness His glorious control and supremacy!

People are…
… swayed over His mighty works
… super-excited by His amazing wonders
… overwhelmed with His wonderful deeds

But such occasions are the times of great testing and trial for anyone..

The easiest moments of losing oneself is in the midst of immense success!

The most tempting times of losing one’s focus is when there are widespread victories!

The Lord was surrounded by immense recognition and successes.

The crowds were thronging around Him and His popularity ratings were soaring.

But, just as the tree of success must be deeply grounded & rooted in the soil of stability and firmness…

So also, the Lord was fully aware of His goals and mission.

And so the Gospel of St Mark would explicitly point out the actions of the Lord…
‘Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed’ (Mk 1: 35)

‘He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose I have come”‘ (Mk 1: 38)

The Lord points out to the people and to His disciples the priorities of His Life – Being in communion with His Heavenly Father and Spreading the Kingdom of God!

He doesn’t get over-awed with success!
He reminds His disciples and His people to seek the “real” Jesus!

It’s a moment for us to check and examine our own lives: Am I following the “Real” Jesus?

Is Jesus merely a source of healings and remedies in my moments of physical sicknesses…
… or has He become the true balm and consolation in my spiritual health and well-being?

Is Jesus only like a call-centre agent whom I seek in order to fix some problems of life…
… or Has He become genuinely the treasure and the priceless fortune of my Life?

Is Jesus simply a solution and answer when crisis hits my life and things go badly…
… or has He become authentically the greatest powerhouse and thrust of my Life?

Am I following the “Real” Jesus?

Or is it merely…
… a Jesus of quick-fix solutions?
… a Jesus who is a problem-solver?
… a Jesus who is remembered in times of trials alone?
… a Jesus who is expected to give all answers to my confusions?

The people and the disciples, as we see in the Gospel, seemed happy and satisfied to seek Jesus who performs wonders.

Surely, wonders and sensational deeds are good.

But they are not to be an end in itself….
They are not to be made the primary motto.
Miracles and marvels ought to become a launching pad for a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Let us not reduce the greatness of Jesus to just miracles…

Let us not bring down the immensity of Jesus to just physical needs.

Let us rather, seek…
… the True and Living Lord for a wholesome & integral growth for eternity.
… the Compassionate and Powerful Lord to grow in holiness & sanctity.

Just like digging is done for oil…
… and petrol is later, extracted from it, through a process of distillation!

We need to search first for Jesus and His Kingdom (Mt 6:33)
… and all other things – which are a byproduct – will be given to us

Yes, let’s not merely run after ‘byproducts’…
… let us rather seek Jesus, Who is the Essence!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

When the will sets itself upon something that is of its nature incompatible with the charity that orients man toward his ultimate end, then the sin is mortal by its very object
… whether it contradicts the love of God, such as blasphemy or perjury
… or the love of neighbor, such as homicide or adultery.
But when the sinner’s will is set upon something that of its nature involves a disorder…

… but is not opposed to the love of God and neighbor, such as thoughtless chatter or immoderate laughter and the like, such sins are venial. (CCC # 1856)

“Holding on to the Lord, and victory will be ours!”

(Based on 1 Sam 1:9-20 and Mk 1:21-28 – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

One of the very beautiful descriptions of a “Prophet” goes thus:

A prophet is someone…
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

This description finds its expression in the lives of Prophets in the Bible

They were people…
… who offered great comfort and consolation to those in difficulty and distress

At the same time, they were people…
… who outrightly condemned those who led a comfortable life – away from God and His Commandments
… who vehemently opposed the ways of those who oppressed the poor

Jesus is the “Prophet of all prophets!”

The perfection and the fullness of all prophets!
And so, undoubtedly, Jesus, by His Prophetic Ministry also greatly upheld the principle of being the one…
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

The Gospel of the Day presents such an action of encounter…
… where on side a group of people, who are listening to Jesus, are comforted
… while on the other side, some are extremely disturbed by the Prophetic Presence of Jesus!

An encounter between the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God

Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and addressing the people. (Mk 1:21)

His prophetic teaching is full of power and conviction!

When one is deeply convinced of one’s beliefs, it overflows into one’s words and actions

As He taught the people, Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out,” What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” (Mk 1: 24)

Where there is light, darkness cannot stand too long…

Imagine this situation…

Jesus had been preaching for a while in the synagogue.

All people were in rapt attention & awe, listening to His gracious words.

But in the midst of them.. was this man, with an unclean spirit.

He also was patiently hearing…

But as the bold words flowed from Jesus, the spirit within this man began to disturb.

The Lord’s Voice…
… began to reverberate his heart and mind…

He began to get agitated.

And finally, he could no longer tolerate and with a massive and shrieking voice, he cried, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?!”

The cry of the man is not something in isolation….

This cry is often repeated by all of us too: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are living a life of coziness and comforts…

And we are encountered with situations of misery of people..
We hear the words of the Lord to reach out to them in compassion and love.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are living a life in sin, bad habits and without even a sense of guilt…

And we are encountered by caring people who remind us of our need to give up such things…
We hear the words of the Lord to renew and mend our lives in purity and holiness.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

When we are going through our life without proper sacraments and religious practices…

And we are encountered by constant exhortations to deepen our spiritual life…
We hear the words of the Lord to return to Him in humility and repentance.
But, often we cry out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

Often, we are happy to remain with the spirit of luxury, the spirit of casualness, the spirit of indifference, the spirit of lukewarmness, the spirit of pleasures etc…

We don’t like being disturbed.

We don’t like being questioned.
We don’t like being shaken up.

If we are, we get agitated and irritated… we resist and we get wild.

We even shout out: “What have you got to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”

But, in all such situations, the Lord wants to empower us with His powerful & bold words, “QUIET! Come out of him” (Mk 1: 25)

Yes, Jesus the Prophet, mightily challenges all of us!

He is the Great Prophet
… who comforts the disturbed
… and disturbs the comforted!

Our life is a constant warfare with the forces of the evil and the spirit of darkness.

It’s a battle that rages strongly…

It’s a combat that is highly engrossing.

But let us not be afraid…
The powerful and awe-inspiring Lord is on our side!

Let us hold on to Him, and victory will be ours!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

Mortal sin, by attacking the vital principle within us – that is, charity – necessitates a new initiative of God’s mercy…

… and a conversion of heart which is normally accomplished within the setting of the sacrament of reconciliation. (CCC # 1856)

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

(Based on the Baptism of the Lord)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Feast of the Baptism!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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

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

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

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

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

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

Do you see what I see?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As the image began to appear more clear!

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

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

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

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

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

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

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

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

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

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

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

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

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

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, like the Magi…

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

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

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

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

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

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

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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

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

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