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

(Based on Isa 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 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!

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
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

The practice of all the virtues is animated and inspired by charity, which “binds everything together in perfect harmony”…
… it is the form of the virtues; it articulates and orders them among themselves

… it is the source and the goal of their Christian practice. (CCC # 1827)

“Daring to know the Lord more and to help each other more!”

(Based on Isa 25:6-10a and Mt 15:29-37 – Wednesday of the 1st Week in Advent)

Picnics are a time of great fun and enjoyment.

They enrich relationships, nurture relaxation and foster a spirit of joy and peace.

Most of us have been part of picnics…
… either from schools/parishes / as a family / as a community / as a group of friends.

A picnic becomes an occasion to share… to care…
… and to also dare to know each other more.

The Gospel of the Day is a lovely occasion of a Picnic…
… A picnic with Jesus.

A picnic basically has some essential elements…

1. A nice location
2. Joyful interactions
3. Good food
4. A sense of satisfaction and contentment

Our picnic with Jesus in today’s Gospel passage has all these elements.

Come…let’s join Jesus…
… in this wonderful time of a picnic.

1. A nice location
   The mood of a picnic is very often regulated by the choice of the place we make.

It should be something exciting, something scenic and something to involve ourselves in.

The location that Jesus chooses for this picnic is a Mountain (Mt 15:29)

A mountain is certainly an exciting place…
… a scenic location and moves our hearts to get involved in its beauty.

The mountain was one of the favourite places of the Lord.

This high altitude place was where Jesus could strengthen His attitude towards His mission.
He would spend hours of the night in communion with His Father on the mountains.

And so, He invites us to join with Him on the mountains…
… To relax in His love and to experience the coolness of His presence.
… To raise our thoughts to higher levels and overcome the worldly concerns.

2. Joyful interactions
   Great crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute and many others. They placed them at His feet and He cured them (Mt 15:30)

The picnic with Jesus, on the mountain, becomes an occasion of cure and restoration.

On the mountain, Jesus becomes a fountain of healing and the source of joy.

3. Good food
   Food is one of the best parts of a picnic.

And the Lord lavishes abundant food to all those who were there with Him on the mountain.

Then, He took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves and gave them to His disciples, who in turn, gave them to the crowds (Mt 15:36)

It seemed to be a situation of starvation and hunger.

But the Lord converts this grim situation into an occasion of contentment and blessing.
His compassionate love overflows into a lavish multiplication of the loaves and the fish!

4. A sense of satisfaction and contentment:
   Every picnic ideally should end on a note of great fulfilment and bliss.

The picnic with Jesus on the mountain, where >> He healed a lot of people, spoke His Life-giving words and blessed them with abundant food, becomes moments of happiness.
“They all ate and were satisfied…” (Lk 15:37)

It had been a lovely time for the people in this picnic with the Lord.

They had the picnic…
… in a nice scenic location of the mountain
… with many joyful interactions with Jesus, who healed and cured many.
… with good food, in lavishness, provided by the Lord Himself.
… with a great sense of satisfaction and deep fulfilment.

Prophet Isaiah foretold: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples, a feast of rich food…
… then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth!” (Cf. Is 25:6-8)

The Lord invites us to join with Him in a picnic with Him…

To go to the mountain of prayer and intimacy
To have joyful interactions with Him and receive His spiritual, emotional and physical healings.
To be blessed with the good food of His Holy Eucharist and His nourishing Word.
To have a great satisfaction in being filled with immense peace and serenity.

Let us enjoy the picnic with the Lord & make our lives a beautiful one…
… to share… to care

And to also dare to know the Lord more and to help each other more.

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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

If I have not charity,” says the Apostle, “I am nothing.”
Whatever my privilege, service, or even virtue, “if I have not charity, I gain nothing.”
Charity is superior to all the virtues.
It is the first of the theological virtues: “So faith, hope, charity abide, these three.

But the greatest of these is charity. (CCC # 1826)

“Making a conscious choice to rise above our depressive and anxiety-filled situations, and making our lives, a truly joyful one!”

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

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
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

The Apostle Paul has given an incomparable depiction of charity:
“Charity is patient and kind, charity is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude.
Charity does not insist on its own way…
… it is not irritable or resentful
… it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
Charity bears all things…
… believes all things
… hopes all things

… endures all things.” (CCC # 1825)

“Combining strong belief in the Lord with good behaviour, to experience God’s mighty interventions in life!”

(Based on Isa 2:1-5 and Mt 8:5-11 – Monday of the 1st Week in Advent)

A preacher of the Word of God once said:
“There are two parts of the Gospel…
… the first part is called as ‘believing’
… the second part is called as ‘behaving’

When the first part joins hands with the second part, great miracles take place in life!”

How true!

When ‘strong belief’ in the Lord combines with ‘good behaviour,’ we experience God’s mighty interventions in life!

The Gospel of the Day is a wonderful incident of a man who combined “his deep faith with amazing actions of faith”…
… and thus experienced the mighty intervention of the Lord in his life.

As we enter into the Season of Advent, we are presented with the incident of the healing of the Centurion’s servant.

Jesus lavishes His appreciation for the wonderful display of faith.

This is a wonderful story of an amazing man with an amazing belief, who displays his faith in an amazing way!

1. The Centurion was an amazing person
   Centurions were responsible for commanding a ‘century,’ which was a unit of the Roman army consisting of around 80 to 100 soldiers.

They were well-respected for their leadership, discipline, and authority within the Roman military hierarchy.
They worked for the Roman Empire and were Gentiles.

This Centurion in the Gospel, however, was amazing, because of the fact, that he was very much concerned about his slave.

This was rare indeed.

In the Roman Empire, slaves had no rights.

They could be mistreated and even put to death.
It was said that “when your animals are old, you throw them out to die. You do the same with your slaves.”

So this is the amazing aspect about this amazing Centurion – He cared very much about his slave!

2. The centurion displayed an amazing faith
   The Centurion came to Jesus asking and pleading for help.

But when Jesus said that He would come to his house and heal him, the centurion was quick to answer him, “I am not worthy to have you under my roof” (Mt 8:8)

The centurion exhibits the spirit of a military man.
A soldier’s way of thinking is extremely logical and to the point:

When an order is given, instant obedience is expected.

His thought pattern was clear: “My commanding power goes beyond the realms of space. My presence or absence is no excuse for my soldiers to disobey!”

The Centurion fully believed that Jesus was a mighty commander with all powers subjected to Him.

And so a word was enough for the healing to take place!

3. The Centurion received an amazing response
   This amazing expression of faith was enough for Jesus to admire and appreciate Him.

Jesus was astonished by this wonderful demonstration of confidence: “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel, have I found such faith” (Mt 8: 10)

We have seen many instances of people praising and appreciating the works and wonders of Jesus.

But, it’s one of those rare occasions, when Jesus publicly acknowledges and asserts the glorious faith of the one seeking for help.

The Lord, indeed, celebrates and commends this remarkable display of faith…
… and in turn, presents us with a compelling challenge to reflect on our faith journey!

In times…
…when we find ourselves amid a sea of negativity and discouragement
…when we face potentially devastating failures and despair
…when the daily struggles of life weigh heavily on us, leading to feelings of dejections

Can we also boldly say, “Only say a word, Lord… and I will be healed!”

As a famous saying goes, “It is easy to praise the Lord…
… But it is truly a challenge to receive praises from the Lord!”

When we have confidence in our love for God, we receive admiration from Him!

Through Prophet Isaiah, we are called to ascend the mountain of faith and to allow the Lord’s mountain to be established as the highest in the our life…
… to make sure that we give the highest priority to the Lord in everything we do

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord… come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!” (Cf. Isa 2:3,5)

Yes, we are made to realise that it’s not just enough to have a “belief at the lip-level”…
… but we need to translate them into good behaviour!

Indeed, when our strong belief in the Lord combines with our good behaviour, we experience God’s mighty interventions in 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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

Christ died out of love for us, while we were still “enemies.”
The Lord asks us to love as he does, even our enemies…
… to make ourselves the neighbor of those farthest away

… and to love children and the poor as Christ himself. (CCC # 1825)

“‘Being vigilant’ in preventing every ‘enemy’ from invading the ‘Great Walls of holiness!'”

(Based on Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7, 1 Cor 1:3-9 and Mk 13:33-37 – 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B)

In ancient China, the people desired security from the various enemies that surrounded them.

The result of this deep desire?
>> The Great Wall of China.
It’s 30 feet high, 18 feet thick, and more than 2400 km (1500 miles) long!

The goal was to build an impenetrable defense…
… too high to climb over
… too thick to break down
… and too long to go around.

But during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times.

How was it possible?

It wasn’t the wall’s fault.
>> The barbarians never climbed it
>> They never broke through it
>> They never even went around it.

They didn’t have to.
All they did was bribe a gatekeeper and march through an open door.

Those who guarded the gate had been bribed!
>> While the people sat comfortably behind the security of the wall…
… they failed to teach their children integrity and patriotism.
>> So they sold out to the enemy.
>> And the enemy invaded their land.


“Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom” is the famous saying!

The Gospel of the Day is an important teaching to “stay faithful to our Master” and strong reminder to “remain vigilant.”


We are on the first day of the Season of Advent.

In the Church, there are six different liturgical seasons.
1. THE SEASON OF ADVENT is a time to become aware of God’s deep faithfulness and preparing our
hearts to receive Him more deeply into our lives.
2. THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS invites us to experience, thank and cherish the intervention of God in our lives and to grow deeper in the understanding of the ‘Emmanuel God’ – the God Who is with us!
3. THE SEASON OF LENT invites us to focus on the reality of sin and make repentance.
4. THE SEASON OF HOLY TRIDUUM invites to focus and experience the passion, death and Resurrection of our Blessed Lord.
5. THE SEASON OF EASTER invites us to focus on the mighty power of God through His Resurrection and the New life that He promises.
6. THE SEASON OF THE ORDINARY TIMES invites us to focus on the daily life and teachings of Jesus and draw practical conclusions for our life.


Today we begin the new Liturgical Year.
(The Readings for the Liturgical Year 2023-24: Sundays: Year B
and Week Days: Year II)

The Liturgical Year beautifully unfolds the Mystery of Christ, the cycle of the year…
… and the Church invites and calls all of us to live His mystery in our own lives!


Today is the starting of the Season of Advent – a time offered to all of us, to prepare meaningfully for the coming of Christ. Christ comes to us in…
(1) History – His Life, Death and Resurrection
(2) Mystery – The Sacraments that are offered to us
(3) Glory – His Final Coming

Advent is a time to wake up from the slumber of sin to a life of grace and blessing.

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming”…
… which is a translation of the Greek word “parousia”


The central theme of the reading of the Day is Jesus’ warning to each one of us to be alert, watchful and prepared because Christ’s Second Coming can occur at any time.

We are invited to examine ourselves in asking…
>> Am I casually wasting away my life, without giving enough attention to my spiritual life?
>> Am I spending my time enjoying in vain, without paying attention to the higher things of life?
>> Am I dozing off in lethargy and laziness and failing to carry out my Christian responsibilities?


The Gospel gives a call to be awake and alert in life with an illustration of a master entrusting great responsibility to his servants (Cf. Mk 13:33-37)

Wandering land-owners and wayfaring masters were a common thing in the time of Jesus.
>> Large land-property owners often lived elsewhere, leaving their servants in charge of caring for and carrying on the business, as if the owners were still present.

This kind of a situation was a test for the servants who were made in-charge.

The absence of the master was a test of the faithfulness of the servant.
>> The real test of the honesty of students happens when the teacher is absent in the exam hall.
>> The real test of the conduct of children happens when the parents are away from the house.
>> The real test of the character of employees happens when the boss is not observing or monitoring them.


The real test of the faithfulness and commitment of the servant happens when the master or the land-owner is away, and is not in a position to keep an eye on them…
>> Would they be faithful daily, or would they wait until they heard the master was about to return and then quickly get things in order?
>> Would they engage in malpractices and fraudulent activities or would they conduct themselves in truthfulness and sincerity?

The time of the return of the Master was unknown.
>> And this called for alertness and watchfulness at all times. Our whole life too, ought to be drenched in preparation and vigilance.


Often, we tend to allow laxity and sloppiness to dominate our lives.
We tend to become people “who allow ourselves to be bribed with comforts and pleasures of this world!”

>> Though we sense the enemies of sins and transgressions encroaching into our lives…
… we “accept the bribe” of making many excuses and postpone the need to repent.

>> Though we sense the adversaries of indifference and unconcern intruding our relationships…
… we “accept the bribe” of not taking the lead to improve our contacts and slip into more hatred.

>> Though we sense the foes of abuses and corruption infiltrating our society…
… we “accept the bribe” of passing the responsibility onto others and promote those evils by our apathy and lack of concern.


This Season of Advent is a call to renew our commitment and consecration to the Lord.

St Paul invites us to understand the remarkable faithfulness and the call of the Lord: “He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful…!” (1 Cor 1:8-9)


The Lord wishes to come into our hearts…
>> He will fulfil His promise of coming into us, when we do our part of being watchful and prepared…
Prophet Isaiah reminds the assurance of the Lord: “You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways…” (Is 64:5)


Advent is a reminder and a call, to “get back to the basics” – to get back Jesus and His love and message back in our festivities and celebration of His Nativity.

Let us not to get lost in the glamour and glitz of this Sacred Season that the Church offers
>> Instead, grow deeper in the Love of the Lord…
… and be able to truly make December 25, not merely a calendar event – rather “an experience of the Lord being born in our hearts!”

As St. Thomas Aquinas: “Without God, I can’t. Without me, He won’t.”
>> Let us become…
… more watchful, more prayerful.


Let us stop “accepting the bribes of sin and comforts and pleasures”
>> Instead let us “be vigilant” in preventing every “enemy” from invading the “Great Walls of holiness!”


Wish you a Blessed Season of Advent!

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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
>> Fruit of the Spirit and fullness of the Law, charity keeps the commandments of God and his Christ:
“Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.” (CCC # 1824)
——-

“Being spirited and passionate people for God and His Kingdom!”

(Based on Dan 7:15-27 and Lk 21:34-36 – Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time)

All of us have had the experience of utilizing certain things or products which work quite fine for some time….but as time passes, becomes less effective or less efficient.

A ceiling fan/ table fan, after few months or years, tends to be less forceful…
A fast-processing computer after few months of years, tends to slow down…
Colourful clothes after a few washes or usage, tends to lose their initial glean and shine…

This is called as “Dissipation”.

A similar aspect could be visible in our spiritual lives as well!

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder to examine this aspect in our lives…
… and to make amends, in order to revitalise and revive our lives.

The Gospel begins with the verse “But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation…” (Lk 21:34)

Dissipation is strong word which could have several parallel understandings…

With respect to morality:
Dissipation refers to an overindulgence in sensual pleasures.

With respect to behaviour:
Dissipation refers to a conduct that shows one is interested only in pleasure, money, etc.

With respect to economics:
Dissipation refers to an act of using all or a lot of money, time, etc., in a foolish way.

With respect to physics:
Dissipation refers to a physical process by which energy becomes not only unavailable but irrecoverable in any form.

Dissipation is a tendency…
… to squander away enthusiasm because of allowing monotony to creep into life.
… to lose vitality as a result of being indulged in continuous immoral behaviours
… to leak-out the energy and vigour in oneself, in small amounts and thus become lifeless
… to become disinterested and dispirited due to constant exposure to luxury and comforts

Dissipation is a terrible malady that has badly affected many people in the Bible…

The people during Noah’s time were dissipated with eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage…
… although God had sent out a warning of their destruction through Noah.

The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah were dissipated with extremely immoral and corrupt practices…
… even though the people were given a forewarning of their possible.

The people of Israel were dissipated with frustration and dissatisfaction while travelling in the desert…
… and failed to understand the providential hand of God.

The disciples of Jesus were dissipated with sadness, shattering of hopes and brokenness after the death of Jesus…
… and failed to believe and trust in His great promises.

We have a call to examine our lives and check whether we too have fallen into a state of “dissipation”…

Maybe my prayer life is “dissipated” due to various distractions, excuses of lack of time, complaints of being tired or just simply a lack of interest…

Maybe my personal intimacy with God is “dissipated” since I don’t experience any joyful or experiential feelings or because some of my expectations of God are not met…

Maybe my relationships with people is “dissipated” due to some friction or misunderstanding or an indifference that has sneaked in without any particular reason.

Maybe my family/community life is “dissipated” because I feel disinterested or not so enthusiastic in going beyond some of my personal comforts or I feel lonely in not feeling accepted or loved.

Dissipation can be a tendency that can steal into our lives very stealthily and can drain away much of our energy, eagerness and passion.

In the book of Revelations, the Lord has this complaint, “…I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first” (Rev 2:4-5)

Let us seek to renew our initial fervour and zeal.

Let us challenge ourselves to revive our zest and interest.

The Lord deserves not “dissipated” people, but “spirited” and “passionate” people!

Today we are concluding this Liturgical Year…
… and stepping into the New Liturgical Year – with ‘Year B’ Readings on Sundays and ‘Cycle 2’ for the Weekdays

This Liturgical Year has taken us through various phases in our life of faith…
… with the Readings constantly reminding us that, that “God is with us!”

Let us thank the Lord for this Liturgical Year – for all His Blessings, Graces, Protection…
… and as we start a New Year in our Life – Liturgically – let us surrender ourselves totally to the Providence of our Loving Lord, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother
… as we continually give heed to the words of our Lord, “And behold, I am coming soon!” (Rev 22:7)

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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

By loving one another, the disciples imitate the love of Jesus which they themselves receive.
Whence Jesus says: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.”

And again: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (CCC # 1823)

“Seeking to win the Christian test of Endurance by throwing ourselves into the Enduring Power of God’s Word!”

(Based on Dan 7:2-14 and Lk 21:29-33 – Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

“Endurance” is the name of an American reality television program.

Contestants of Endurance live in a remote location and participate in various mental and physical challenges.

The outcome of the competitions determines which players are eliminated.

The winners receive an all-expenses paid vacation package to an exotic location as the prize.

Christian Life is also a test of Endurance!

Unlike a reality show, it is real life…

There are various mental, spiritual, emotional and physical challenges

Unlike an-all expenses paid vacation package as a prize…
… the Christian test of Endurance rewards Eternal Life.

Are we ready to rise to the challenge of this Christian Life of Endurance?

In this life of bravery and dare, we have the strength of an Enduring Factor – God’s Word!
“Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will endure forever” (Lk 21: 33)

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation to being committed to the Christian Life of Endurance by trusting always in the Enduring Word of God!

Words have immense power and potential.
They can cut
They can hurt
They can heal
They can build
They can make
They can break
They can crush
They can console

God’s Word has ultimate control and infinite power.

God’s Promises through His words are forever.

This is clearly manifested when we travel through the pages of the Bible…

Abraham was called to a distant and unknown land.

He was promised descendants as many as the stars of the sky and the sand on the shore.
But nothing worthwhile seemed to be happening…
… God’s word seemed barren and infertile.

Yet, the enduring faith and the enduring trust of Abraham prevailed at the opportune time…

God’s Word came to fulfilment and great completion

Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

Moses was called to become the liberator of a nation.

He was promised complete guidance and absolute direction from God.
But often during the journey of liberation, Moses had to face the ire of the people.
… God’s word seemed empty and betraying.

Yet, the enduring conviction and the enduring confidence of Moses got him through…

God’s Word displayed great glory and a mighty witness.

Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

Job was blessed with immense comforts and vast riches.

He was however permitted to be tested by Satan and lost much of his security and wellbeing.
Hopelessness and wrenching despair seemed to be his best companion…
… God’s Word seemed to be abandoning and deserting him.

Yet, the enduring tenacity and the enduring perseverance of Job prevailed to the end…

God’s Word showered him with great and marvellous riches.

Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

What is my faith, trust and hope in God’s Word?

In moments of life-crushing events and soul-hurting situations…

Do I endure and trust in the enduring and eternal power of God’s Word?

In times when the asteroids of bad luck crash against the surface of my life…

Do I endure and remain firm in the enduring and everlasting strength of God’s Word?

In times when my family, community and my world gets reduced to total splinters…

Do I endure and be positive in the enduring and emphatic might of God’s Word?

The Lord has promised each one of us, immense blessings and graces through His Word.

At times…
… there are delays in the fulfilment of God’s Word, as in the case of Abraham
… there are frustrations in the following of God’s Word, as in the case of Moses
… there are misunderstandings in the listening of God’s Word, as in the case of Job

But the Lord invites us to remain Faithful, Trusting and Patient!

Let us seek to win the Christian test of Endurance…
… by throwing ourselves into the Enduring Power of God’s Word!

Yes, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but His words will endure forever”

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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

Jesus makes charity the new commandment.

By loving his own “to the end,” he makes manifest the Father’s love which he receives. (CCC # 1823)

“Being inspired by St Andrew, the zealous Apostle who “Introduced many to Christ!”

(Based on 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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

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
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake…

… and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. (CCC # 1822)

“Holding firm to our Crucified Lord and persevering in faithfulness to our Persecuted Master!”

(Based on Dan 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 and Lk 21:12-19 – Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

The Nicene Creed – also called Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed – is a Christian statement of faith
>> The Creed – in general – is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major Protestant churches.

This Creed was first composed and adapted at the First Council of Nicea in 325 AD.

One of the standout aspects – hardly ever brought to light – is about the participants of this Council of Nicea.

Many of the participants – of the approximately 318 Council participants – had lost an eye or lost a hand or limped on a leg…
… as a result of the torture they suffered for their Christian faith!

These bishops who met at Nicea had just come out of an extremely challenging time of intense persecution by the Romans…
… having lived through the cruelty of the Emperors Diocletian (ruling 284-305) and Maximian (ruling 286-305)

According to one ancient writer Theodoret (393-457), “the Council looked like an assembled army of martyrs!”


The Nicean Council was thus, not merely a gathering of intellectuals – discussing and deliberating; rather was a holy coming together of passionate individuals…
… who lived the Faith
… who suffered for the Faith
… and who wished everyone in the future, grows and lives the Faith, with utmost faithfulness!

These ancient people travelled to Nicea with broken bodies to formulate what was worth living and dying for!


This is the reality of Christianity

Every follower of Christ is reminded to joyfully accept a life of struggle and suffering, in order to discover the true joys of Faith!
>> Every joy in life is accompanied by the companionship of some pain and suffering.

This is the reality of life.


Christian life is an affirmation of this reality.

The joy of being a Christian is accompanied by the cross of pain and suffering.

The Gospel of the Day reminds us of this factor: Experiencing…
… the mighty power of God in the midst of weaknesses of life.
… the splendid joy of God in the thick of persecutions of life.
… the serene peace of God in the middle of terrors of life.


The Lord continues His discourse on the signs of the end times and the forthcoming persecutions that will be the lot of those who believe and follow Him.

Jesus doesn’t tone down in any measure in warning of the future calamities that will befall on His followers:
“They will seize and persecute you… They will hand you over to synagogues and prison…
They will lead you before kings and governors…
>> You will be handed over by your parents, brothers, relatives and friends…
You will be put to death… You will be hated by all…” (Lk 21: 12-18)

The list of persecutions is too long, right?


For those who consider Christianity as an easy stroll in the part, this is a shocker!

For those who consider following Christ as comfort on a bed of roses, this is a stunner!


Sometimes our faith in Christ remains merely a statement on paper.

As Baptized people – whether as infants or as adults – we’ve the duty to grow in the grace bestowed on us.
>> To follow Christ is a privilege granted to us.
>> To become His Disciples is a special opportunity conferred on us.

But we often squander away the blessings that the Lord gives us without realizing its worth.


As a Christian and a follower of Christ…

We love His blessings…
… but get depressed when pains or sufferings come our way.

We crave for joy…
… but get irritated when things don’t go in the way we wish.

We seek for a comfortable life…
… but get wild with Him when we lose some luxuries.


The Lord however, invites us to a life of deeper perseverance and courage: “By your perseverance, you will secure your lives” (Lk 21: 19)

For the one who believes in Christ…
>> Every sickness, can be a moment to experience the Lord as a Healer.
>> Every financial crisis, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Provider.
>> Every spiritual struggle, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Saviour.
>> Every rupture in relationship, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Unifier.
>> Every encounter in failure, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Sovereign Lord
>> Every doubt of the future, can be a moment to experience the Lord as the Supreme Master


All these affirmations will remain peripheral and theoretical, unless we trust in the Lord.

Many might say…
… “I don’t believe in a God who allows calamities and persecutions.”
… “I don’t want a relation with a God who permits suffering and pains.”

But this is where challenge of our Baptismal Consecration comes to fruition…
>> To be with the Lord, in total commitment, when the going gets tough.
>> To remain united with the Lord, in complete faithfulness, when the road gets bumpy.

In the words of Kahlil Gibran, the writer:
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars”


Jesus has shown us the path in the Way of the Cross.
Jesus has broken Himself for us in the Holy Eucharist.
>> In Him is True Life.
>> In Him is Genuine Peace.
>> In Him is Everlasting Happiness.

Let us hold firm to our Crucified Lord and persevere in faithfulness to our Persecuted Master.


With joy and passion, in the words of the Nicene Creed, let us unceasingly proclaim:
“I believe in One God…
… and the life of the world to come, Amen!”


God Bless! Live Jesus!


– Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
📧 reflectioncapsules@gmail.com
Bengaluru, India

—————————–
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
>> Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour.
>> Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one.
>> Dream that the more you struggle, the more you prove the love that you bear your God…
… and the more you will rejoice one day with your Beloved, in a happiness and rapture that can never end. (CCC # 1821)
——–

“Allowing Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords to adorn the Temple of our lives!”

(Based on Dan 2:31-45 and Lk 21:5-11 – Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“God himself cannot sink this ship!”

“The captain can, by simply moving an electric switch, instantly close all the doors, practically making the vessel unsinkable”
“We believe that the ship is unsinkable.”

These were some of the comments and claims that were made about Titanic – the largest ship in the first half of the 1900s

But all these proud and arrogant assertions found a watery grave, with the sinking of the Titanic on the morning of 15th April 1912…
… killing over one thousand five hundred people.

It was a massive tragedy of the loss of many lives.

Indeed, a very sad moment!

But it was also a horrific lesson to humankind on the need to be aware of her limitations.

It was also a torrid warning to generations on the need to be on the guard, always.

“Being on the watch” is a necessity and a basic requirement in every sphere of human life!

The Gospel of the Day presents this message of being vigilant and alert in our lives.

Gazing on the glorious Temple of Jerusalem, Jesus makes a prophetic saying:
“As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Lk 21:6)

These words would have come as a big shocker and a tantalizing scandal to His listeners.

Who would have thought that the Titanic would ever sink?

To think of the Jerusalem Temple being totally destroyed was a case next to impossible.

The Jerusalem Temple was the holiest shrine of the Jews.
The Jerusalem Temple was the pulse and the heartbeat of the Jewish Faith.
The Jerusalem Temple was the greatest source of joy and pride for the Jews.

Any attack or any destruction of this Great Edifice of Faith was unimaginable and intolerable.

Yet, Jesus makes this powerful and daring prophecy.

What is the structure and edifice of joy and pride in our lives?

Is it a structure…
… of fat bank-balances and transient fame and popularity
… of remarkable public positions and offices of high ranking
… of enjoying life with temporary pleasures and passing addictions?

All too often we have heard people saying:

“I have enough money and I am happy with my life!

Just enjoy today to the max. Who knows what happens tomorrow?”

“The status that I am in today, is a result of my hard work and labour.

Why should anyone interfere in my private life to prevent me from enjoying it in my own style?”

History teaches us that structures built without the Power and Grace of God is bound to fall.

The Tower of Babel is a classic example from the Bible. (Gen 11: 4-9)

Built on human pride and aspiration, it had a catastrophic collapse

The lives of many people are also a lesson for us – Samson, King Saul, King Solomon, Judas.
They had their moments of great glory and splendour.

But when pride and self-interest crept into their lives, they lost the touch of God’s hand!

We may glory and shine in beauty for some time, by just banking on our capabilities.

But unless we remain in firm obedience and faithful commitment to the Lord, we are bound to fail!

None of us are, and can be unsinkable!

An obstinate stand that I can manage my life by myself is hazardous.
A proud feeling that no power in the world can shake me is dangerous.
An arrogant outlook that I am the sole master of my future and destiny is perilous.

Yes, let God be God in our lives!

Let Him enthrone the highest place and the privileged position in our lives.

May Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords adorn the Temple of our lives.

With Him we can shine forever.
With Him we can stand forever.
With Him we can glory forever.

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 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do His Will.
In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere “to the end”…

… and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God’s eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ. (CCC # 1821)