“Preparing our hearts to receive His Word as He wishes, in our life, and seeking to live, in total accord with Him!”

(Based on Is 11:1-10, Rom 15:4-9 and Mt 3:1-12 – 2nd Sunday in Advent)

It was December in the year 1903.

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

They were very much thrilled!

They telegraphed this message Katherine, their sister, informing her of the great invention:

“We have actually flown 120 feet! Will be home for Christmas”

The sister was also super-excited.

She rushed to the editor of the local newspaper, to share the great news and showed him the telegraph message.

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

Oops…

The Editor had completely missed the big news, isn’t it?

The big news was that “man had flown for the first time in history!!”

But he totally “missed the point!”

How often is this our experience too in life -missing the important points and settling for lower ones!

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

Isn’t it?

Something similar had happened to the people of Israel as well…

God had promised them of the coming of the Messiah…
… but they “missed the point”..
… and thus, failed to recognise the Saviour He came!

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

This is what John the Baptist in today’s Gospel will point out…
… that people “missed the important points” in life!

And so he calls them “to repent” and come back to realise and recognize the priorities of life!

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

The Gospel of St Matthew says that John the Baptist…
… wore a clothing made of camel’s hair
… had a leather belt around his waist
… had food of locusts and wild honey (Mt 3: 4)

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

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

They “missed the point!”

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

Jesus also will echo this aspect when He will tell later in His ministry:
“I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognise him; but did to him, whatever they pleased” (Mt 17: 12)

John the Baptist realised that the people were “missing the point” with respect to…
… having a false hope in their patriarchal faith
… understanding the law and the prophets

That’s why, he tells the people – quoting the patriarch Abraham and the prophet Isaiah –
… “Do not presume to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father'” (Mt 3:9a)
… “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths” (Mt 3: 3b)

The people of Israel had perhaps taken for granted…
… that their great heritage – consisting of great patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – would be credited to them, for their salvation!
… that the oracles of the prophets – like Isaiah – did not apply to their life and they could go on living a life as they pleased!

But John the Baptist…

The fearless prophet
The unassuming forerunner
The uncompromising martyr
… would challenge them with the Kingdom ‘ringtone’: “Repent!” (Mt 3:2)

All his life would be an echo of this Kingdom Ringtone – “Repent”

… “Repent” – for you have “missed the point” of living as per the commandments of the Lord

… “Repent” – for you have “missed the point” in failing to recognise the Truth and Power of the Lord

… “Repent” – for you have “missed the point” by giving priority to your own whims and fancies of life

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

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

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

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

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

This is more true as we prepare for Christmas…

CHRIST is the BIG POINT of Christmas

But perhaps…
… we “miss the point” by giving much priority to only external decorations and festivities
… we “miss the point” by forwarding Advent greetings, but failing to practise them ourselves
… we “miss the point” by commercialising this whole season, and failing to dare to grow spiritually

Yes, let us dare not “miss Him!”

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

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONTRITION

When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity).

Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible. (CCC #1452)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 03: BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:26-27) “Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children…”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
Zechariah and Elizabeth – faithful and sincere in every aspect – are faced with the ‘societal humiliation” since they are barren. Yet…
… they remain faithful to the Lord, performing all their duties with utmost sincerity
… they waited in hope before the Lord, knowing that God has His beautiful plan and time!

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

Am I faithful to my life of prayer, even though there are various setbacks that I face?
Can I trust in the plans of God, even in moments of darkness, doubts and disappointments?

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Spend ten minutes in the Presence of God, offering all the struggles to the Heart of the Lord
Renew your hope in the Lord, by saying, “Jesus, I trust in You!”

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, help me to remain faithful to you, even in my moments of struggles, knowing that Your Divine Providence, will always help me encounter the ‘ray of joy, beyond the clouds of disappointments,’ Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Being inspired by St Francis Xavier and experiencing ‘the Divine tug of the string’ for strength in life!”

(Based on Solemnity of St Francis Xavier – Patron Saint of Missions)

A story is told of a blind boy who was flying a kite.

He enjoyed this pastime along with others of his own age.

A passer-by, knowing him and wanting to mildly tease the blind-fellow, said:
“Hey, boy! Do you know where is your kite?

You don’t know whether it is on the ground or up in the sky, do you?”

“Oh yes,” said the blind lad, “I do know! It is now quite a fair height up in the air.”

“How do you know that?” asked the passer-by, “you surely can’t see it.”

The boy replied, “I can’t see it, it is true, but I can feel the tug of the string!”

The ‘tug’ of the string help the boy to realise the presence of the kite and to sense its height in the air!

The awareness of the presence of the Divine power in our lives, is such…

One may not be able to always see the presence of the Divine, but the believer can surely experience its power and strength!

This experience of “the Divine tug of the string” keeps the life of the believer moving forward and helps to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life.

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation by Jesus to grow deeper in this “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in our life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

After having summoned and authorized the disciples, Jesus sends them ahead of Him, to the places of mission.

The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement…
… Whatever we do, we need to make it as an act of proclaiming God’s abundant blessings!
… Whatever work we take up, we need to make it a preaching of God’s amazing providence!

Such an act of Preaching and Proclamation makes it mandatory that one grows deeper in the “awareness and dependence” on Jesus in the life as a missionary of the Kingdom of God.

The act of proclamation needs the “awareness” that I am continuing the Great Mission work that has Jesus as the “Initiator”, the “Sustainer” and the “Finale!”

The act of preaching needs the “dependency” on the Lord to realise that the Lord alone can provide all the graces, strength and courage for the mission!

This is what was epitomized by St Francis Xavier, whose feast we celebrate today.

This Patron of the Missions was filled with a tremendous zeal for salvation of souls and contained in him a contagious enthusiasm of giving Christ to all.

One of his testimonial statement, while undertaking missionary activity in Japan, goes thus:
“Sometimes I have lost my voice and strength altogether with repeating again and again the Credo and the other forms.”

The following quotes of this Dynamic Missionary Saint is also an inspiration for all of us…

“It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken”

“It is impossible to find a saint who did not take the two P’s seriously: prayer and penance”
… and seek to grow deeper in our missionary commitment!

Yes, one needs to feel the “tug and the pull of the Divine Lord”…when one goes through
… hardships and difficulties in being a missionary of the Kingdom, in hostile situations
… problems and challenges as we seek to live a true Christian life in the modern world
… meaninglessness or emptiness as we go through the ‘deserts’ and ‘darkness’ in life

And it is this experience of “the Divine tug of the string” that keeps the life of the believer moving forward and to depend on the Divine Presence for strength in life!

Happy Feast of St Francis Xavier!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONTRITION

Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place.

Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” (CCC #1451)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 02: GOD IS PERSONALLY CARING FOR YOU!

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:28) “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you!”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
This is the greeting of Angel Gabriel to Mary, reminding humanity…
… of the immense love of God for every individual person!
… of the continual Presence of God in every situation of life!
… of the Divine Invitation of the Lord, to a life of holiness and purity

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME, THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

Am I growing in the conviction that God loves me just as I am and am I aware of His Faithful Presence with me?
Do I respond affirmatively to the invitation of the Lord to be Holy and Pure?

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

1. Identify three incidents in life wherein I have experienced God’s Love and Presence, and thank the Lord
2. Be inspired by Mamma Mary, and ask for the gift of purity – in thoughts, words and deeds

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I thank You for Your Personal Care for me and Your constant presence in all the situations of my life, help me to deepen my life of holiness and purity, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Hearkening to the Words of the Lord, in our journey of faith: ‘Just have Faith in Me and Obey My words!’”

(Based on Is 29:17-24 and Mt 9:27-31 – Friday of the 1st Week in Advent)

A little child, during a forest expedition, was asked by his father to get across a letter urgently to the village.

The father pointed over a trail, over which the boy had never gone.

“But Father” protested the child, “I have never been through this way.
I do not even see the path that will reach our village.

Will it be reasonable for me to travel along this path? “

“Do you see the trail” replied the father, “as far as that big tree down there?”

The boy replied, “Oh, yes, I do see that far”

“Well” continued the father, “when you get there by the tree, you will see the trail a little further ahead; and so on, until you get within sight of the houses of our village.

Just have faith in me and obey my words!”

This is the journey of our Christian life…
… where the element of faith has to take over the aspect of seeing!
… where the element of obedience has to take over the aspect of rationality!

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful exposition into these insights, which are highly essential for our life as a Disciple of Christ and a Missionary of His Kingdom.

The Gospel passage under consideration is the healing of the two blind men in the Gospel of St Matthew (Mt 9: 27-31)

One of the strange aspects that we could notice in this incident is what happens after the healing has taken place.

St Matthew says that, after their eyes were opened, “Jesus sternly charged them, ‘See that no one knows it'” (Mt 9:30)

He forbids the two men from making his fame known to others.

The Greek word that is used here for “sternly charged” is very interesting and revealing.

St Mathew uses the word, “embrimaomai”.

“Embri-mao-mai” literally means to snort with anger/displeasure (like a horse)!

In other words, Jesus “roared with rage” when He ordered the men to not proclaim about Him.

Why did Jesus adopt such an “angry stance”?

The Jewish people were longing for a Messiah who would save them from the pagan Roman Rulers.

Their understanding of the Messiah was purely from a temporal perspective – a prince who would wage a war and destroy the Roman enemies

If it was known outside that the Messiah, the much-awaited King had arrived, many Jews would undoubtedly seek to enthrone Him.

They would make efforts to usher in a physical kingdom with a violent expulsion of the Roman rulers!

We see such a tendency on many occasions in the Gospels, but more explicitly after the multiplication of the loaves in the Gospel of St John

“Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry Him off to make Him King, He withdrew to the mountain alone” (Jn 6:15)

But, such a move would have jeopardized the Mission of the Lord!

He came not to be a king as any other king…
… rather He, the King of kings, came to reign over the hearts and lives of people!

He came not to be someone who would merely rescue from material oppression…
… rather, He came to be the Saviour who would free the world from sin and every bondage!

It is also to be seen that the two blind men addressed Jesus as “the Son of David” (Mt 9:27b)

This was the first time, in the Gospel of St Matthew, that Jesus was proclaimed by someone as “Son of David”

“Son of David” clearly pointed that Jesus was the Messiah.

The two blind men were confessing that Jesus is the Messiah!

Therefore, if the two men, excited and overjoyed as they were, with their miraculous healing, had gone around proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah…
… there was a grave danger, that the people would be instigated to a rebellion against the Romans

(Such an explanation is also supported by the fact that while healing or performing wonders among the Gentiles, Jesus did not forbid them.

The Gentiles, unlike the Jews, did not have any Messianic expectation as such.

For eg: After healing the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus tells him, “Go home to your family and announce to them, all that the Lord in His pity has done for you” – Mk 5:19)

There is also another point of consideration…

Jesus was the Perfect Physician.

He knew that the blind, when healed, cannot be exposed to the light, all on a sudden.

The exposure to the Light has to be gradual.

Jesus, the doctor-par-excellance and the Light of the World (Jn 9:5) knew, that there was great danger, if these spiritually blind would try to immediately go and spread about their experience with the Light

The Light would only end up harming them and also those to whom they preached!

And therefore, “Jesus sternly charged them, ‘See that no one knows it'” (Mt 9:30)

What do these things entail for us?

A very important principle as Missionary of Christ and His Kingdom is implied here:
“Go only when we are sent to and to whom we are sent to”

This is one of the important basics of any publicly ministry of the Kingdom!

We need to know and realize…

The Mission belongs not to me…
… the Mission belongs to the Lord
The works and ministry are not my initiatives…
… they are solely entrusted to me by the Lord

It is His Work…

It is His Ministry…
It is His Mission!

We are to be His active instruments!
We are to be His lively tools!
We are to be His dynamic channels!

This realization is highly essential for an effective and faithful Missionary life.

Such a realization, therefore, directly implies the necessity of Faith and Obedience!

Yes, our life as a missionary ought to be one..
… where the element of faith has to take over the aspect of seeing!
… where the element of obedience has to take over the aspect of rationality!

May our Blessed Lord touch and open our eyes, to “see the trail” that is on ahead of us, in our journey of faith…
… and may hearken to His Words, “Just have Faith in Me and Obey My words!”

On this First Friday of the last month of 2022, let us renew our consecration, obedience and love in the Sacred Heart of our Blessed Lord.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE ACTS OF THE PENITENT

“Penance requires . . . the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite of heart, confess with the lips…

… and practice complete humility and fruitful satisfaction. (CCC #1450)

(A journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!)

DAY 01: GOD IS CALLING YOU!

BIBLE VERSE
(Lk 1:26) “In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth”

CONTEXT OF THE BIBLE VERSE
The Angel Gabriel comes to Mary – seeking Her consent – to allow Heaven to dwell in Her Womb, and to become the instrument of giving birth to the Salvation of the World!

WHAT IS CHRIST SPEAKING TO ME THROUGH THIS BIBLE VERSE?

Am I ready to say Yes to the call of Jesus and “give a place for Heaven to dwell” in me?
Am I ready to be an instrument of “giving birth to Christ” in the situations of my life?

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE CHRIST, THIS CHRISTMAS?

Listen to the voice of Jesus, calling you to live in holiness – and say Yes to Him!
Pick one virtue you need to grow in – and “give birth to this Virtue” in the real life situation

LET’S PRAY
Lord Jesus – like Mamma Mary – help me to listen to Your Voice and to respond to Your call with a firm and joyful Yes, Amen!

Let us celebrate Christ, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

INTRODUCTION

The month of December is here.

The last month of the year, with its good news of festivities and joys.

Today, we enter into a journey – of 25 days – 25 Days of preparation for Christmas!

This journey is an invitation…
… to experience God’s continual Presence in our life – despite the struggles we face
… to see the Hand of God at every stage of our life – including our apparent failures and setbacks
… to renew our commitment to the Lord and His Kingdom – to imitate Christ in our life!

I welcome all of you to this exciting journey titled, “CELEBRATING CHRIST, THE WORD!” – a journey through Verses from the Bible – with practical applications – to Love Jesus & Live Jesus!

Venerable Fulton Sheen beautifully reminds us: “There are two births of Christ…
… one unto the world in Bethlehem
… the other in the soul, when it is spiritually reborn.

People think of the former much more than the later, and celebrate it every year…
… but the spiritual Bethlehem is equally momentous!

THIS… SECOND BETHLEHEM… [IS]… THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP OF THE INDIVIDUAL HEART TO THE LORD CHRIST!”

Let us celebrate Christ, the Word, this Christmas, and live like Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Having the courage to walk the teachings of Christ in our day to day life!”

(Based on Is 26:1-6 and Mt 7:21, 24-27 – Thursday of the 1st Week in Advent)

A Christian who was converted from Judaism was sharing his testimony.

As he shared his views on various preachers whom he had met during the course of conversion, he made a comment:
“The sermons of some preachers used to be magnificent…
… but their life would be so inconsistent and incompatible to what they spoke from the pulpit!

This would make me think about these preachers in my mind in the following way:
‘When they were at the pulpit, I wished they would never leave it!

But when they were out of the pulpit, I wished they would never enter it again!”

That’s why, when I decided to become a Christian, I took a resolution:
‘My Halakah (Jewish term to describe one’s way of “walking”) should always follow my Haggadah (Jewish term to describe ‘the teaching”)!

What about us?

“Does our Halakah follow our Haggadah?”

Life judges us, on the basis of how well does our preaching and practicing co-ordinate & complement each other.

Life challenges us to bridge the gap between the two essentials of life – one’s talking and one’s walking the talk!

The Gospel of the Day is an invitation to reflect on the words of Jesus:
“Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the Will of My Father, Who is in heaven” (Mt 7:21)

Our Christian Life is often an experience…
… where we find many professing the faith, but failing to practise!

How often does this situation arise in our own lives and situations too…
We pledge ourselves at trendy events, for the cause of the poor…but we fail to help…

Many other people remain quite unnoticed…but become forerunners for the cause of the poor!

We make a big show and be popular as a helpful person…but we fail in some genuine needs..

Many other people remain quite unnoticed…but are present with their full force to render help!

We make many resolutions on new year days or birthdays…but fail to materialize them…

Many other people remain quite unnoticed…but are able to make many amendments and changes!

We make many promises to the Lord during feast days or novena times…but fail to live up…

Many other people remain quite unnoticed… but render much love to the Lord through the year!

We all experience this “I will do”…
… but “I did not do” experiences in life.

Am I also part of this category of “Nominal” Christians?

On the personal Faith Level, this trend is seen more distinctly and vividly…

People claim themselves to be Catholics…
… but appear in church only on grand feast days!

People appreciate the Catholic teaching…
… but support moral laws which go directly against!

People assert having dedicated their lives to God…
… but fail to find time for God and prayer!

People declare loving God above all…
… but fail to reject pleasures which hurts and pains Him!

People profess and make vows to God…
… but neglect to even try to keep up those promises!

But the Lord clearly declares, on Who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven: “he does the Will of my Father“

Therefore, the proposition is clear:

It is not pompous words that will grant life, but carrying out the Will of the Father!
It is not fancy talk that will confer true happiness, but practising the Will of the Father!
It is not flowery language that will accord blessings, but fulfilling the Will of the Father!

How are we to observe the Will of the Father?

St. Paul explains how we should set about trying to do the Father’s will:
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)

Like Christ…
… when we dare to be merciful and compassionate, we can do the Father’s Will
… when we prioritize other’s interests over selfish ones, we can do the Father’s Will
… when we empty ourselves and became obedient, we can do the Father’s Will

It is not only good news “proclaimed” but good news “practiced”…
… that will win others to the glorious freedom of forgiveness of sins!

Let us examine sincerely in this Season of Advent…
… and wherever needed, amend our lives

Let us have the courage to take and practise the resolution:
‘My Halakah (one’s way of “walking”) should always follow my Haggadah (“the teaching”)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF FORGIVENESS

The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness.
He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:
God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,

and I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (CCC #1449)

“Like St Andrew, may we too, become people who “Introduce many to Christ!”

(Based on the Feast of St Andrew, the Apostle)

“I command you for the last time…make your sacrifice to our gods” yelled Aegeas, the pagan judge.

“Certainly no!” was the reply back, “I sacrifice daily to The Almighty God, the one and true God.

Not the flesh of oxen and the blood of goats do I offer, but the unspotted Lamb upon the altar.

All the faithful partake of His flesh, yet the Lamb remains unharmed and living!”

Exceedingly angered by that adamant refusal, the judge commanded the rebel to be thrown into prison.

The supporters of the rebel, who stood outside the judging quarters, raised an uproar to free him.

But the one who was punished, personally calmed the mob, and earnestly pleaded with them to desist…
… as he was hastening towards an ardently desired crown of martyrdom.

When he was led to the place of martyrdom, on beholding the cross from far, he cried out:
“O Good Cross… so long desired and now set up for my longing soul, I confidently, with rejoicing come to you!

Exultingly receive me, a disciple of Him who hung on you.”

Within a few moments, he was tied to the cross – an X-shaped Cross!

For two days, he hung there, alive…
…. unceasingly proclaiming the Teachings of Christ, until he passed on to Him, whose likeness in death, he so ardently desired!

This brave martyr of Christ was St Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today.

A few years back, this valiant martyr, St Andrew, had received the call of the Lord, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4: 19)

The name “Andrew” in Greek means “manly” or “a person of valour”.

St Andrew was from Bethsaida, in Galilee.

He was a fisherman, by trade and a former disciple of John the Baptist.

St Andrew is said to have been martyred at Patras in southern Greece on a cross which was in the shape of an “X”.

This type of cross has long been known as “St Andrew’s cross.”
St Andrew’s Cross, is depicted, on the national flag of Scotland.

One of the wonderful things that we learn from St Andrew is his wonderful quality of being a “Introducer to Christ”, as seen in the various instances of the Gospel

It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ”, his brother Peter (Jn 1: 40-42)
“We have found the Messiah” (Jn 1:41) were the words with which he introduced Jesus to his brother

It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ”, the little boy with the five loaves and two fish, which would be later, multiplied for five thousand men! (Jn 6: 5-13)
“There is a little boy, who has five barley loaves and two fish?” (Jn 6:9) were the words with which he introduced Jesus to the little boy

It was St Andrew who “introduced to Christ” the Greeks who had come up to worship at the feast, at the request of Philip (Jn 12: 20-23)
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (Jn 12: 23) were the words with which Jesus reacted when he was introduced to the Greeks.

Thus, we see that St Andrew became an instrument and an active medium of “Introducing to Christ”
many people.

As a Christian, this ought to be one great quality and duty that we ought to follow – “Introducing to Christ” many people, like St Andrew.

We are on the last day of the month of November, and as we enter into December…
… this can be one of the beautiful practical resolutions, that we can, do, all the 25 days of this Advent Season, in preparation for the Birth of Christ, into our hearts and life

“Introducing to Christ”

How can I take up this task of “Introducing to Christ”?

Many around us long to hear a word of encouragement in their brokenness, receive a word of consolation in their struggles and encounter a smile of hope in their helplessness

Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His love, to His message of hope, to His treasury of providence?

Many around us have immersed themselves into the murky waters of sin, immorality, injustice and insensitivity to people and nature

Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His ocean of mercy, to His fountain of justice and to His abundance of warmth?

Many around us have separated themselves and live in isolation – from people in relationships, from the Church and Her teachings, from the responsibilities and duties of their works and the society.

Can I “Introduce them to Christ” – to His dimension of wholeness in relations, to His Life-giving Sacraments and to His instruction of being faithful?

St Andrew heard the call of the Lord – “to follow Him”

He was touched by His love and was filled with a passion for His Master

He was zealous to bring many more to the Love of Jesus
He was even willing, to lay down his life, in imitation of his Master, for love of Him

We too, have heard the call of the Lord – “to follow Him”

Are we touched by His love and was filled with a passion for His Master?

Are we zealous to bring many more to the Love of Jesus?
Are we also, willing, to lay down our life, in imitation of our Master, for love of Him?

May St Andrew intercede for us and inspire us, by his tremendous love for the Master…
… And may we too, like him, become people who “Introduce many to Christ!”

Happy Feast of St Andrew, the zealous Apostle who “Introduced many to Christ!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF FORGIVENESS

Beneath the changes in discipline and celebration that this sacrament has undergone over the centuries, the same fundamental structure is to be discerned.
It comprises two equally essential elements: on the one hand, the acts of the man who undergoes conversion through the action of the Holy Spirit: namely, contrition, confession, and satisfaction; on the other, God’s action through the intervention of the Church.
The Church, who through the bishop and his priests forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ and determines the manner of satisfaction, also prays for the sinner and does penance with him.

Thus the sinner is healed and re-established in ecclesial communion. (CCC #1448)

“Singing with joy, even when the clouds of hardships pour down its rains!”

(Based on Is 11:1-10 and Lk 10:21-24 – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Advent, Year 1)

A lady, who was known to be a devout Christian, was undergoing a long time of suffering.

As she was visited by some of her friends who came to console here, she was heard to be commenting:
“I have a beautiful robin that sings outside my window.

This bird strengthens me.”

Then with a bigger smile, she continued:
“I like him, because he sings in the rain!
When the storm has silenced almost, all other birds…
… the robin sings on!
And that’s how my life is!”

The lady – who herself was suffering and going through the storms of life – found great inspiration in the robin…
… the one which sings, even in any storm or rain!

That’s the life of a Christian!

Anyone can sing, when its sunshine…
… but when the clouds of hardships pour out the rain, can we sing?

The Gospel of the Day, presents Jesus Who is rejoicing in the Spirit…
… “In the same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, ‘I thank you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth..’” (Lk 10: 21)

Jesus always displayed a great sense of joy and enthusiasm

He was a picture of calmness and serenity.

This was owing to His intimate relationship with His Father – His Abba!

He, of course, had His Own struggles…
… Rejection by His own people at Nazareth (Lk 4: 28-29)
… Very often facing the criticism of the people (Lk 5:30)
… Constantly being put under the scanner with questions (Lk 5:33)
… Facing the wrath of many religious leaders (Lk 6: 7, 11)

But none of these “storms” or “rains” prevented the Lord from singing the praises of His Father…
… and rejoicing in the Spirit

And He invites His disciples to also understand the great privilege they have received to experience the Love of the Father:
“Blessed are the eyes which see what you see…” (Lk 10: 23)

As followers of Jesus, we are also given the privilege to always be “people, who rejoice in the Spirit”…
… “people who can sing, even when it’s raining or in the midst of a storm!”

Are we often spending our days in sadness and complaint?

Or can we also become conscious of the many blessings, God showers on us… and thus rejoice!

Are we constantly looking for the negatives in our relationships?

Or can we also seek to treasure people, just for who they are, and begin to love them more!

Are we feeling that life is a burden and thus fail to have peace of mind and lightness of heart?

Or can we also begin to understand that as a Christian, we have the privilege to understand how God mightily works in our life, and is constantly showering His Love and Mercy on us!

Let us learn to imitate, Jesus, our Master, Who constantly “rejoiced in the Spirit”
… and thus make our Christian Life, a beautiful witness of God’s Love and Compassion.

Let’s listen to the words of St Mother Teresa of Kolkatta:
“Joy is a net of love by which we catch souls!”

Yes…
Anyone can sing, when its sunshine…
… but can we still sing when the clouds of hardships pours down it’s rains?

As we continue to nourish our spiritual lives in this Season of Advent, let us make a conscious choice to rise above our depressive and anxiety-filled situations…
… and to make our lives, a truly joyful one!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE SACRAMENT OF FORGIVENESS

Over the centuries, the concrete form in which the Church has exercised this power received from the Lord has varied considerably.
During the first centuries the reconciliation of Christians who had committed particularly grave sins after their Baptism (for example, idolatry, murder, or adultery) was tied to a very rigorous discipline, according to which penitents had to do public penance for their sins, often for years, before receiving reconciliation.
To this “order of penitents” (which concerned only certain grave sins), one was only rarely admitted and in certain regions only once in a lifetime.
During the seventh century Irish missionaries, inspired by the Eastern monastic tradition, took to continental Europe the “private” practice of penance, which does not require public and prolonged completion of penitential works before reconciliation with the Church.
From that time on, the sacrament has been performed in secret between penitent and priest.
This new practice envisioned the possibility of repetition and so opened the way to a regular frequenting of this sacrament.
It allowed the forgiveness of grave sins and venial sins to be integrated into one sacramental celebration.

In its main lines this is the form of penance that the Church has practiced down to our day. (CCC #1447)