“Responding positively and with gratitude to God – acknowledging His Mercy – and raising our hearts to say, ‘Thank you, Lord!’”

(Based on 2 Kings 5:14-17, 2 Tim 2:8-13 and Lk 17:11-19 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

A catechism teacher conducted a small exercise in her 5th standard class on the Gospel Passage found in Lk 17:11-19 – the healing of the ten lepers.

She asked the students to tell what could be some of the reasons as to why the lepers did not return to thank Jesus.

The following were some of the reasons that emerged:

One waited to see if the cure was real
One waited to see if the healing would last
One said that actually, I was already fairly okay and it was just a matter of a few days, to be fine
One said that he would see Jesus later as he wanted to meet his family first
One began to contend that he never really had leprosy and it was only a minor patch
One was so excited that he began to tell to everyone on the way about the miracle, but forgot Jesus!

Well, we really do not know what the actual reasons were…

But the question is placed before all of us: “Are we going to be like the nine who found some excuses
and failed to thank the Lord?
… or can we be like the one who came back to thank the Lord?

The Gospel of the Day presents this interesting incident before us…
… reminding us to become persons of gratitude, to our Grateful and Generous God!

The healing of the ten lepers is a unique incident found only in the Gospel of St Luke.

This healing incident once again shows the Power of God’s Word – which goes beyond space and touch

When the lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us,” the Lord just says to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” (Cf. Lk 17:13-14)

There is no stretching of the hand, no touch, no discussion about faith.

This teaches us an important lesson that God Heals in the way, He Wills!

Therefore, when we come to Him with our prayer of petitions, let us allow His Will to be done!

The Greek word, “Eleison” meaning “Have Mercy” is a cry of anguish beseeching for God’s Help!

It’s a word we use at the start of the Holy Mass – pointing to our cry and longing for God’s Mercy!

The question of the Lord, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”(Lk 17:17) is not just a question to know the physical presence of those who were healed…
… It is a cry of the Heart of God Who longs for human beings

In the book of Genesis, we read God asking, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9)
From the Cross, our Blessed Lord cried out, “I thirst!” (Jn 19:28)
In the last book of the Bible, the Lord, tells, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev 3:20)

Yes…
… the Lord longs to have our presence with Him!
… the Lord misses us much, when we fail to go to Him!

God, in His Benevolence, blesses us with so many good things in our life… so many Graces!
We have a duty to respond by offering our heart filled with gratitude and a life of thankful service

As the beautiful hymn goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise what the Lord has done!”

In the Old Testament, we read about Naaman, the Syrian (Cf. 2 Kings 5:14-17), who marvellously experienced the power of God in his life…
… and who returns back in gratitude to Elisha, through whom God had worked mightily!

Yes… in life, we often face many “leprous situations” of sicknesses, tragedies, tensions etc

Amidst all these uncertainties of life, can we still “raise our hearts to God in gratitude” and tell Him, “Thank you Lord for everything!”

It is beautifully said, “It is not too difficult to praise the Lord when all goes on well. But amid hardships and difficulties, can we still raise our hands and say, ‘Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!’”

St Francis de Sales, the Doctor of Love, teaches us: “If it is God’s Will that the remedies overcome the sickness, return to God with thanks and humility; if it be God’s Will that the sickness overcome the remedies, bless God with patience!”

Let us respond positively and with gratitude to God …
… Acknowledging His Mercy, let us raise our hearts and say,
“Thank you, Lord!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The presence of Christ by the power of his word and the Holy Spirit

The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of the consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsist.

Christ is present whole and entire in each of the species and whole and entire in each of their parts, in such a way that the breaking of the bread does not divide Christ. (CCC #1377)

Reflection Capsules will not be sent this week from Oct 03-Oct 07, 2022 as I am making my personal Retreat.

Request your prayers for me and my co-priests, in Retreat.

I assure my prayers.

Let us continually grow in the Love of the Lord and share His Love to one another!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“As Christians, being ready to unconditionally shine forth – making a difference in the world around!”

(Based on Gal 1:6-12 and Lk 10:25-37 – Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An important program was to be held in the Church Auditorium – the felicitation of all the members who had served for more than 10 years, on the occasion of the Decennial Jubilee Celebrations of the Parish.

The parish priest called for the auditorium in-charge to make a real-time check of the maintenance in the auditorium:
“Since this is a major event, and it has been a long time that we have not had a program, I would like oversee the arrangements by myself”
(The auditorium had been unused for many months, due to the pandemic situation)

When they reached the auditorium, the priest asked all the lights to be put on, to make a check of the light system.

As the lights were put on…
… some of the lights were totally not working – blacked out completely
… a good number of them were blinking – on and off, on and off
… only a few were shining brightly – sparkling and dazzling

Seeing this, the priest made a comment: “Perhaps, this is how many Christians are today

Some don’t radiate Christ’s light at all – living selfish lives, thinking of themselves alone!
Some emit some light, occasionally – looking more to their comforts and situations!
And only a few brightly shine forth – doing selfless acts of making Christ’s Presence radiant!”

How about us?

Which category of light do we belong to?
… fully blacked out – in selfishness?
… occasionally glowing – as per situations and comfort levels?
… unconditionally shining forth – making a difference in the world around?

The Gospel of the Day is the narration of a very popular parable – the Parable of the Good Samaritan – that helps us reflect on these aspects of life.

The parables of Jesus leave a deep impression on the mind of its readers.

One such parable that makes a strong impact on the listeners and provides much food for thought is the one in the Gospel of the Day – the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”.

This is a parable familiar to most of us…
This is a parable, probably enacted by many of us…
This is a parable easily widely reflected by all of us…

We shall consider this parable of the Good Samaritan from the perspective of 3 life-philosophies that are reflected through 3 characters in the story…

1. The Philosophy of the Robber: “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”
   In the story, we find that the man who was “going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among the robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Lk 10: 30)

The robbers had been probably waiting, in hiding, for an innocent traveller – for a potential booty of money and treasure.

We do not know their background… who they were, why were they engaged in this sort of dishonesty…

But one thing is known…. They had an understanding that “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”

Are we sometimes like these robbers…?

Stealing from the fruits of other’s labours and trampling upon their rights, in order to have a comfortable life
Subtly discriminating others – especially the poor, the helpless, the voiceless – and furnishing our life with luxuries
Passively or actively ignoring the rights that are due to others – and making our lives more easy and relaxed and fun

2. The Philosophy of the Priest and the Levite: “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”
   In the story, we find that the Priest and the Levite “passed by on the opposite side” (Lk 10: 31-32)
   These religious leaders were probably more occupied with the requirements and duties of their office.

We do not know what exactly these preoccupations were…
… why they couldn’t translate the stipulations of the law into actual practise of mercy and compassion.

But one thing is known… They had an understanding that “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”

Are we sometimes like these Priests and Levites…?

Overly busy with our own works and duties that leaves us too occupied to even make an attempt to extend an extra helping hand
Falsely understood notions of religion and piety which limits itself to the safe zones of worship but does not dare to step out into the challenging waters of service and compassionate actions.
Fearful of going against set-patterns and rigid-systems and being indifferent and casual in being a doer of God’s Word

3. The Philosophy of the Samaritan: “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”
   In the story, we find that the Samaritan goes out of his way – “approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged him. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him” (Lk 10: 34)

This Samaritan was probably aware that he was greatly risking his life and also that he was engaging in helping his enemy (Since Jews considered Samaritans as enemies)

We do not know the way in which he calmed all his basic instincts of wanting to see his enemy in pain or the natural tendency of “running away” from a situation of risk and “unwanted troubles”

But one thing is known… He had an understanding that “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”

Can I always try to be like this Samaritan…?

Taking upon the risk of one’s own life and one’s comforts and be willing to help and reach out persons in distress – be it physically, mentally or spiritually.
Going against my natural instincts of harming enemies or being indifferent, and instead displaying a tender heart of mercy and compassion to those who have none to care for.
Being willing to make a sacrifice of what belongs to me – my time, my possessions, my plans – in order to help another experience that there is still a “lot of goodness” in the good world that the Good God has created

Jesus endorsed the Philosophy of the Samaritan and said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

The onus is now on each one of us…

Do we have a destructive philosophy of “What you have is mine, and I will take it!”…
… and remain in the shadows of wickedness, corruption and cheating?

Do we have the indifferent philosophy of “What is mine is mine, and I will keep it”…
… and get decayed in the stagnant waters of ritualism, being over-busy and woefully uncharitable?

Or can we have the Divine Philosophy of “What is mine is also yours, and I will share it”…
… and be radiant in the brightness of love, compassion and mercy…
… and thus imitate the life of the Ultimate Good Samaritan – Jesus, our Saviour and Master!

St Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians: “And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men…” (Gal 6:9-10)

Let us honestly examine how is our Christian life…
… fully blacked out – in selfishness?
… occasionally glowing – as per situations and comfort levels?
… unconditionally shining forth – making a difference in the world around?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The sacrificial memorial of Christ and of his Body, the Church

The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring:
“Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God…
… and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood.

This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.” (CCC #1376)

“Being willing to have our ‘faces to the coal’ in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4, 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14 and Lk 17:5-10 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

It was the time of World War II.

There was an urgency for England to increase its coal production.

The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill exhorted the labour leaders to extend their support towards this requirement.
At the end of his exhortation, he asked them to visualize (picture in their mind)…
… a victory parade that would be held at the end of the war.

He said that, first in the parade would come…

The sailors…who had managed the tensions at sea, with great courage.
Next would come the soldiers… who had proven their mettle by their bravery.
Then would come the pilots… who had displayed immense aerial skills.
All of these would be welcomed and acknowledged with great cheer and applause.

Last of all, would come along, the long line of…
… sweat-soaked and soot-smeared men in their miner’s caps.

Seeing them, someone from the crowd would ask:
“Hey! Where were all of you, during the tense days of our struggle?”

And from the hoarse ten thousands of throats would come the answer:
“We were deep in the earth, with our faces to the coal!”

The sailors, the soldiers and the pilots had glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but the miners, working deep in the coal mines, were always hidden and away from the limelight.

But very often, it is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, are we willing to be the people who have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of the day, is this invitation to have our “faces to the coal”…
… by becoming “servants” in the service of the Kingdom!

Servanthood is an important dimension in being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Lord narrates the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant. In this parable, Jesus tells about a servant who works all day long out in the field, or out taking care of the flock.

And after he works all day long, he comes into the house…

Is he expected to sit down and rest and eat his own meal? No

Rather, he is required to serve his master by providing him the meal first.

And after doing all that work – all day long – there’s no word of thanks, no gratitude.
Jesus closes out this parable by saying that the servant was unprofitable because he only did what he was told to do.

Is it something practical?

Is it something easy?

The Gospel of the Day seems to be demanding much from a servant…
A servant…
… who works whole day long ploughing in the field or tending the sheep…
… who delays his needs and instead prepares and serves meals for his master…
… who after all his works, doesn’t expect words of gratitude…

The Parable is surely a tough one!

But, the One who preached this Parable is not a mere preacher, but is the One Who practised!

Jesus, the one who preached this Parable, practised perfectly, this life of being a servant.

He is the Servant, Who works in the field ploughing…
…sowing the seed of the Word of God, ploughing the Gospel in the hearts of people and toiling in the hot sun of oppositions and mockery

He is the Servant, Who tends the sheep in the field…
…providing pasture for His people, protecting them from the wolves of the evil and going after any of the sheep which are lost in the wilderness

He is the Servant, who prepares a meal and serves at table…
…nourishing those at table with His own body, strengthening them with His own blood and constantly reinforcing in the journey of life

How are we to be such a servant of the Lord?

1. Having a mind of being a servant of God:
   The world of a servant centres not around himself, but around the Master.

Whatever pleases the Master, the servant does.

If we truly acknowledge God as our Master, then we too…
…will do the works which please Him
…will think and seek to do His Will
…will speak the words which are worthy of His grace

2. Being committed in this task of being His servant
   The world of a servant centres on total availability and openness to the needs of the Master.

Whatever is the Will of the Master, the servant is docile and alert.

If we truly accept God as our Master, then we too…
…will give ourselves to Him totally at all times
…will place His priorities over ours
…will avoid anything that blocks my complete service of Him

The call is to be a servant…who is dedicated and selfless.

Jesus is our model and example in being a Servant.

It’s a demand placed on us.

In working for the Kingdom of God, there are different roles which have glamour and glory attached to their work…
… but we always need to be willing to be like the ‘miners’ – working deep in the mines – hidden and away from the limelight.

It is the work of such people who have their “faces to the coal”…
… which become the foundation and support in accomplishments of mission!

As Christians, let us be willing to have our “faces to the coal”…
… in accomplishing the mission of the Kingdom of God.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The presence of Christ by the power of his word and the Holy Spirit

It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament.
The Church Fathers strongly affirmed the faith of the Church in the efficacy of the Word of Christ and of the action of the Holy Spirit to bring about this conversion.
Thus St. John Chrysostom declares: It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but He who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered.
St. Ambrose says: “Be convinced that this is not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the blessing nature itself is changed.

Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before? It is no less a feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature!” (CCC #1375)

“Being inspired by St Therese of Child Jesus – the Li’l Big Saint – to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!”

(Based on Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 and Lk 10:17-24 – Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Feast of St Therese of Child Jesus)

“Yes, I have discovered my vocation! In the heart of the Church, I will be love”

• From the “Story of a Soul” – the Autobiography of the Little Flower

These words of great joy and exhilaration exhibit the essence of a Grand Discovery.
A Young Person had discovered her grand vocation!

The Church had discovered a grand saint!

Grand was the life that was lived.

Grand still more were the graces that followed…

A grand saint enshrined in a quiet life but adorned with much love and affection…

A saint who inspires many…
A saint who is loved by many…
A saint who induces much joy…
… St Theresa of Child Jesus – popularly known as the Little Flower of Liseux.

We live in an age that relishes and appreciates insights related to growth, maturity, accountability and responsibility.

There is a love to hear “high” theology….
There is a craze to talk “systematic” thoughts…
There is an interest to discuss “complex” spiritualties…

Not that these are bad or not to be promoted…but these “mature” talks ought not to take one away from the basic aim of true spirituality: Love God and Loving Neighbour!

There is a tendency that these “advanced” talks get jammed with only peripheral talks…
… and fail to translate into true action & deeds.

It is here, that our Little Saint of the Day – St Therese of Child Jesus (popularly known as the “Little Flower’) invites us to find a new freshness and sparkle in Spirituality.

She is the Little Saint who dared to love the Big God!
She is the Big Saint who presents to us the Little Way!

This Little Way of the Big Li’l Saint resonates with the Gospel of the Day (Lk 10:17-24) when Jesus invites and declares that…
….”I give You praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth… you have revealed them to the childlike” (Lk 10: 21a)’

For a child, everything is big!

The toys that one plays…
The food that one eats…
The houses that one sees…

Even the ones who take care… and especially, the ones closes to the child – probably, the parents – are very big too!

They mean everything to the child.
They signify the ultimate for the Child.

This is the child-likeness to which ‘The Little Flower’ grew.

Her child-likeness had God as the Centre of her world…

God meant everything for this Little Saint.
God signified the ultimate for this Little Saint!

She saw herself as ‘a child’ but energized by God who directed her journey in faith.
Her child-likeness does not promote childishness or immaturity or passivity.

Her child-likeness, instead encourages deeper trust and maturity and enthusiasm.

This spirituality of the Little Way sounds too simple….and too little…

But in fact and in practice, is a highly challenging one!
This is the spirituality of ‘child-likeness’: To have at the Centre and as the Ultimate, the One who can provide everything – God!

Is God the centre of my world…
… when I get drunk with a sinful and immoral life?
… when I get over dependant on my material riches?
… when I bank upon my own wisdom in my works?
… when I insist on doing my will, over the Will of God?

Little Therese of Child Jesus, the Little Saint is also the Big Saint of Love!

After a period of great inner trial and turmoil, she discovered her vocation to be love!

All her actions were laced with love.
All her words were filled with love.

The Little lover of God invites us…
…. to adorn all our words with love
… to embrace all our actions with love
… to beautify all our thoughts with love…

It could be…
… speaking with friends
…interacting with fellow workers
…discussing some business matters
… enjoying with family members..

It could be…
… doing household works
… handling massive finances
… studying various subjects
… performing some spiritual activities

It could be…
… thinking some philosophical views
… reflecting about some people
… considering about some situations
… imagining some circumstances
… dreaming some visions

Whatever…whatever!
Whatever be our words..or actions…or thoughts….let them be embellished in LOVE!

The Little Way… Sounds simple, but not so simple in practise, right?

Yet, there is much simplicity…
… ‘cos God remains at the centre of every effort and attempt!

There is much sentimentality, no doubt.

There is much simplicity, no doubt.

But with or without all those feelings, the Little Way simply tells us to have God at the Centre of Everything…and do all in Love!

Love demands a fidelity in the countless mundane ‘little’ things of daily life

The Little Way doesn’t eliminate Heroism, rather it’s brought within the reach of the poor.

The rains of love showers every aspect of ordinary everyday life.

The Little Flower dares to throw “petals” at the Loving Lord…

These petals are even considered “worthless petals” by the world – a little sacrifice, a gentle smile, a kind word, an appreciative action!

Sometimes, these “worthless petals” are nothing more than a faithful effort.

But this fact of “having tried”, a good will “to do good”…. all these petals please the Lord!

Let us join the Little Saint to tread the Little Way.

She promised to “shower roses” on the way to those who dare…

As we enter into the new month of October – the month of the Holy Rosary – as a child, let us hold the hands of Mamma Mary…
… and be inspired by St Therese – the Li’l Big Saint – to love deeper the Big Big God of Love!

Let us “live Love to give Love!”!

Let us “live Jesus to give Jesus!”

Happy Feast of the Beautiful Little Flower!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The presence of Christ by the power of his word and the Holy Spirit

The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique.
It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as “the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.”
In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.”

“This presence is called ‘real’ – by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be ‘real’ too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present! (CCC #1374)

“Using the Gift of God’s Grace to gain life, blessings and happiness!”

(Based on Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 and Lk 10:13-16 – Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Founder’s Day of the MSFS Congregation)

The year 1821.

The Parish of Le Chatelard, in the Archdiocese of Chambery.

Two fervent and austere priests, spent a week in praying, preaching and inviting people for a Mission Service.

But the parishioners remained indifferent.
There was an air of unwelcome apathy.

The people misused the freedom of salvation that was offered to them.

The two priests, however, had to make a choice: Of either continuing preaching or of “shaking off the dust!”

The priests – who were hopeful, zealous and committed – set out, in imitation of Jesus, their Master, to the foot of the mountains to pray for the conversion of people.

“They have gone to pray & fast for your conversion” was the reply the curious parishioners received on enquiry of their whereabouts.

Grace worked…
Intercession proved powerful!

The two saintly priests were called back by the people…
… and the mission in the Parish resumed with much deep fervour and enthusiasm!

One of the two missionaries was Fr Peter Marie Mermier
(the other was his missions companion, Fr Joseph Favre)

Fr Peter Marie Mermier is the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)…
… known as the Fransalians!

This daring founder – a dynamic missionary – had many incidents in his life, which made him to experience the power and presence of the Spirit in the missions.

As it is said, “Problems love to haunt missionaries, but Providence lures them to depend on Him, for healing!”

“When the world says, “Give up”, hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time!’”

Yes, nothing can shake a Missionary who is firmly grounded on Jesus, the Rock and has eyes gazed on the Jesus, the Crucified!

Today – on the Founder’s Day of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) – the death anniversary of the Venerable Servant of God, Fr Peter Marie Mermier (Sep 30, 1862)…
… the Gospel of the day is a call to use every opportunity that is provided by the Lord – before judgement is pronounced on us!

The Gospel speaks about how the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were given the freedom and the choice to become part of the Kingdom of God…
… but they chose to reject and refused the Saving Message.

And Jesus has harsh words reserved for such kind of an attitude – “WOE TO YOU!“

The word “woe” in Greek is “oh-hoo-aai” or “ouvai!”

The figure of speech is onomatopoeia – it means what it sounds like.

It is a word of pain!
It is the sound someone makes when they are hurt or are grieved.

When the Lord proclaims a WOE over these cities, there’s a great deal of anguish amplified with a sense of pain.

The Lord was pained that these cities received wonderful opportunity to hear God’s saving message…
… but failed to turn to God in repentance.

The Lord was pained that these cities received great chances to see God’s miraculous deeds and wonders…
… but failed to turn to God in penance.

The Lord was pained that these cities received exclusive occasions to receive God’s salvific graces…
… but failed to turn to God in humility.

The Lord today challenges us to make an examination of our lives:
God lavishes many graces on me through regular chances to hear God’s word through the Bible, retreats, recollections, talks, spiritual magazines etc…

Am I using these chances to grow in my spiritual life?
… or am I wasting away many of such chances?

Is freedom used?

Or misused?

God showers many opportunities for me to avoid sin…
…. by giving me inspiring and holy thoughts
… by a constant urging to be good through my parents, superiors, family and community members and other people in my life…

Am I using these opportunities to foster my holiness?
… or am I frittering away much of such opportunities?

Is freedom used…?
… or misused?

God bestows many occasions to become a powerful witness to His love and His Gospel through different means like…
… preaching the Word
… celebrating or participating in the Eucharist and in the other Sacraments
… helping others in their needs and difficulties, praying for various people
… living a integral life in the society based on the Gospel values etc.

Am I using these occasions to strengthen my Christian life?
… or am I throwing away many of such occasions?

Is freedom used…?
… or Misused?

The example of the three cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum is before us and the condemnation of Jesus, because of their lacklustre response is also before us.

Freedom is the great gift of God…
… and God totally respects the use or the misuse of this precious gift.

Are we going to use this Gift to gain life, blessings and happiness…?
… or are we going to misuse this Gift to receive death, curses and sadness?

Today we specially seek the intercession of St Jerome
(St Jerome who was very well-versed in Scripture, is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin – the translation that became known as the Vulgate – and his commentaries on the Scriptures.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” are the famous words of exhortation of St Jerome, the doctor of the Church)

May his words, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”
… be an inspiration for all of us!”

When we experience people who misuse freedom…
… let us remember that “nothing can shake a missionary who is firmly grounded on Jesus, the Rock and has eyes gazed on the Jesus, the Crucified” and always cry out, “I want missions!”

Let us also be inspired by the words of Ven. Fr Peter Marie Mermier
“The most virtuous (people) avoid sin and great faults…
… but they are careless in the practice of virtue.”

“It is not enough to avoid evil but it is necessary to do good
… The love of God is efficacious.
There is nothing as strong and as active as love. It is a devouring fire!”

And with respect to prayer…
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!
… instead of enlightening, it blinds;
… instead of healing, it kills!
But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Happy Founder’s Day to all the FRANSALIANS – Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The presence of Christ by the power of his word and the Holy Spirit

“Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us,” is present in many ways to his Church: in his word, in his Church’s prayer, “where two or three are gathered in my name,” in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned, in the sacraments of which he is the author, in the sacrifice of the Mass, and in the person of the minister. >> But “He is present… most especially in the Eucharistic species.” (CCC #1373)

“Seeking the help of the Archangels in our spiritual life and orienting our lives more towards heaven!”

(Based on the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael – Archangels)

An elderly parish priest was walking in the portico of the Church, when he came across a couple of young boys.

They were standing in front of the mighty statue of St Michael.

As they stood admiring the majestic figure, the younger one said to his elder brother, “Hey look, what a might sword!

This is the sword, which Mummy told, with which this great saint would thrust into the devil isn’t it?”

The elder one nodded and exclaimed, “Yeah! And see how triumphantly he crushes the head of Satan! Wow!”

Seeing their excitement, the priest approached them and commended, “How wonderful to see these little boys who are well taught in the teachings of the Church!

Blessed is this family!”

The story goes on to say that the priest took them in the Church and taught them the beautiful prayer to St Michael (which he asked them to recite after the Holy Mass):
“St. Michael the Archangel, Defend us in this day of battle!
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him we humbly pray,
And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
By the Power of God, Cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits
Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls, Amen!”

Today, the Feast of the Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael- is a reminder by the Church to learn more about our Catholic Faith and to grow in celebrating and living this faith, in our daily living.

Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)

In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.

The Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.

1. St. Michael
   The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”

St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”

He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour, crushing the head of Satan.
He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist”

St Michael makes an appearance in the Bible on four occasions:

In Dan 10:13 and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.
In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.
In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.

What does St Michael teach us?
… St Michael teaches us to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan
… St Michael teaches us to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
… St Michael teaches us to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.

2. St Gabriel
   The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”

St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”

He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.
He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Baptism”

St Gabriel makes an appearance three times in the Bible:

In Dan 8:15–26 and 9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions
In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God

What does St Gabriel teach us?
… St Gabriel invites us to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.
… St Gabriel invites us to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.
… St Gabriel invites us to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.

3. St Raphael
   The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”

St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”

He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.
He is also known as the “Patron Saint of the Sacrament of Reconciliation”

St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:

St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.

What does St Raphael teach us?
… St Raphael inspires us to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
… St Raphael inspires us to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
… St Raphael inspires us to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.

Modern trends often seek to downplay some of the traditional Catholic beliefs…
… the belief in the Angels, being one of them, perhaps!

But, this Feast is a great reminder for us to be reminded that the Catholic Teachings (like the teaching on Angels) are…
… Scripturally rooted
… Traditionally verified
… Logically reasonable
… and spiritually nourishing!

May this Feast of the three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael – help us to grow in our love for our heavenly friends…
… and orient our lives more towards heaven!

The Lord wants us to grow in holiness.
The Lord wants us to be protected in His care.
The Lord wants to be fearless in being His beloved Child.

May the Archangels help us in this our journey of life.

Happy Feast of the Heavenly Protectors!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The sacrificial memorial of Christ and of his Body, the Church

St. Augustine admirably summed up this doctrine that moves us to an ever more complete participation in our Redeemer’s sacrifice which we celebrate in the Eucharist:
This wholly redeemed city, the assembly and society of the saints, is offered to God as a universal sacrifice by the high priest who in the form of a slave went so far as to offer himself for us in his Passion, to make us the Body of so great a head
Such is the sacrifice of Christians: “we who are many are one Body in Christ”

The Church continues to reproduce this sacrifice in the sacrament of the altar so well-known to believers wherein it is evident to them that in what she offers she herself is offered. (CCC #1372)

“Following the Lord more sincerely and more passionately!”

(Based on Job 9:1-12, 14-16 and Lk 9:57-62 – Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

An very elderly priest was celebrating his platinum jubilee of his priestly ordination.

The 90-year old priest, during the felicitation program was asked:
“You have lived such an inspiring priestly life.
What advice would you like to give to the younger generation of Christians and especially priests?”

With a feeble yet firm voice, the nonagenarian replied:
“Just a simple formula…
Look to Jesus! Listen to Jesus! Learn of Jesus!”

What a lovely piece of advice, isn’t it?

Looking to Jesus…
Listening to Jesus…
Learning of Jesus….
… are simple yet effective means to follow the Lord, with deeper commitment and zeal.

The Gospel of the Day is this call of the Lord to follow Him more closely…
… and to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian

The Gospel passage presents three people who seek to follow the Lord.

These three, present before us…
… three aspects of hurdles/barriers in following the Lord.

These are:

1. Comforts
2. Convenience
3. Distractions
4. A “comfortable style” of following the Lord

The first person comes up to Jesus and says: “I will follow you wherever you go” (Lk 9: 57)

But Jesus reminds him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His Head” (Lk 9: 58a)

This man had probably heard or seen the Lord…
… as a mighty miracle-worker
… as a popular preacher
… as a laudable leader

These were “comforts” that would be assured in following Jesus

And so perhaps, the man chose this “comfortable style of following the Lord!”

But the Lord prohibits from seeking Him for the sake of comforts alone!

2. A “convenient style” of following the Lord

The second person is asked by the Lord to “Follow” Him (Lk 9: 59b)

But he replies, “Let me first go and bury my father” (Lk 9: 59b)

“Bury my father” was a Jewish (Arabic) way of saying….
… one must stay in one’s house till the death of the father and settle the inheritance of the property.

The man was yielding into to conveniences in following the Lord…
… “when I am convenient in my family, I will follow You”
… “when I am convenient in my personal life, I will follow You”

3. A “distractive style” of following the Lord

The third person said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me say farewell to my home” (Lk 9:61)

But Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what is left behind, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9: 62)

This person had the goodwill to follow Jesus…
… but was distracted in his motivation.

We need to introspect our motivations and motives in being a Christian…

Is my following of the Lord of a “comfortable style”…
… looking for only the comforts of prosperity and material riches…?
… being close to the Lord only in times of comfort…?

Is my following of the Lord of a “convenient style”…
… seeking to be with the Lord only when I “feel like”
… adjusting my relationship with God as per my needs and conveniences

Is my following of the Lord of a “distractive style”…
… easily straying away from the path with worldly attractions
… failing to do the Will of God owing to distractive habits and tendencies

The Lord longs to have us following Him…
… more sincerely and more passionately!

May we always….
… Look to Jesus!
… Listen to Jesus!
… Learn of Jesus!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The sacrificial memorial of Christ and of his Body, the Church

The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithful departed who “have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified,” so that they may be able to enter into the light and peace of Christ:
Put this body anywhere! Don’t trouble yourselves about it! I simply ask you to remember me at the Lord’s altar wherever you are.
Then, we pray [in the anaphora] for the holy fathers and bishops who have fallen asleep, and in general for all who have fallen asleep before us, in the belief that it is a great benefit to the souls on whose behalf the supplication is offered, while the holy and tremendous Victim is present

By offering to God our supplications for those who have fallen asleep, if they have sinned, we offer Christ sacrificed for the sins of all, and so render favourable, for them and for us, the God who loves man. (CCC #1371)

“Seeking to be followers of the Zealous and Passionate Lord and being determined to have our every decision, in the spiritual realm, to be actually materialised!”

(Based on Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 and Lk 9:51-56 – Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A classic riddle, known to most of us, goes thus….

There were 5 frogs sitting on a fence, at the edge of the river.
3 of them, decided to jump.
How many are left on the fence?

Well, the answer (without any twists or catch…) is simple…
… 5

Why 5?

Simply, because, of the 5 frogs, the 3 of them only DECIDED to jump!
It is not mentioned whether they actually jumped!

Every decision need not have to be actually materialised!

It is not necessary that every decision is really actualised!

This aspect is very true and often found in our lives, isn’t it?

Many of us at the start of the New Year, would have “decided” many resolutions…
… How many of us are fulfilling them? (Hopefully, some of us, at least remember what they were!)

At the end of a good retreat, perhaps many of us “decided” to cultivate some good spiritual practices…
… How many of are able to still say that, “yes, I am faithfully following them?”

Having made a meaningful confession, we would have “decided” to part ways with some sinful habits…
… How many of us are zealously resistant in yielding to those former ways?

We constantly find ourselves, at a loss in translating…
… our decisions into practise
… our determinations into realistic actions.

This is where, we need to look up to our Blessed Lord, Who not just “decided and was determined”…
… but also lived them – with zeal and passion!

The Gospel of the Day is this crucial moment in the life of Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Luke…
… when “he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Lk 9: 51)

Jerusalem is an important dimension in the theology of the Gospel of St Luke.

All the events in the life of Jesus are oriented towards this city – the city of His ancestor David

The whole Gospel begins and ends in Jerusalem…
… begins in the Jerusalem Temple (Zechariah meeting Angel – Lk 1: 5ff)
… ends in the Jerusalem Temple (Apostles continually in the Temple – Lk 24:53)

The infancy story of Jesus in the Gospel, also begins and ends in Jerusalem…
… begins in the Jerusalem Temple (Zechariah meeting Angel – Lk 1: 5ff)
… ends with Joseph and Mary finding Jesus in the Temple ( Lk 2:42-52)

Further…
The Temptations of Jesus in this Gospel (unlike in St Matthew) ends in Jerusalem (Lk 4: 9-13)

The whole public ministry of Jesus, in this Gospel, is a “journey towards Jerusalem”…
… culminating in His passion, death and resurrection!

Why is ‘Jerusalem’ so central to St Luke?

One of the reasons, was because, this Gospel was primarily written for the Gentile Christians (non-Jews).

(Historically, it was a time of persecution, with the Jerusalem Temple being destroyed)

Jerusalem was the centre of the Jewish religion!

God had promised many blessings to the Jewish nation.
But now, even the centre of the religion – Jerusalem – had been under persecution!

What message where the Gentile Christians drawing from this “unfortunate” incident of Jerusalem being captured?

Has God forgotten His promises to the people of Israel?
Were the people of Israel abandoned by the Lord Yahweh?

It is in this context, that St Luke places “Jerusalem” at the centre of his message.
And tells the people…
… that God has not abandoned His people
… that God’s ways though not understood, are always for our good!

And thus, we see Jesus marching, with “determination and decisiveness” towards Jerusalem!
His “determination and decisiveness” was not merely in words…
… instead, was lived out with zeal and passion!

The message of the Gospel is powerful and vivid before us….
Just like the city of “Jerusalem”, we may often find ourselves to feel…
… that my life is full of suffering and struggles
… that my life has no future or is hopeless
… that I am abandoned by everyone, even perhaps by God, in my difficult moments

But the Lord, invites and challenges us, to move…
… with “determination and decisiveness” towards this “Jerusalem” of our life!

Jesus did not shy away from the hard way of life…
… and He expects, all of us, His followers to also imitate Him!

It’s easy to take decisions….
… but we need to translate them into concrete expressions!

Let us seek to be followers of the Zealous and Passionate Lord….
… and be determined to have our every decision, in the spiritual realm, to be actually materialised!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The sacrificial memorial of Christ and of his Body, the Church

To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. In communion with and commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.

In the Eucharist the Church is as it were at the foot of the cross with Mary, united with the offering and intercession of Christ. (CCC #1370)

“Firmly trusting and relaxing in the arms of our Caring and Loving Heavenly Father!”

(Based on Job 1:6-12 and Lk 9:46-50 – Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A little boy once came to his Daddy, one night.

He confessed a mistake that he had done during the course of the day.

Then kneeling at Daddy’s feet, the child, with hands folded, prayed with tears:
“Dear God, make me a man – like Daddy – wise and strong.
I know You can!”

This innocent gesture touched the father very much.
He had a profound realisation of his deep limitations and the child’s high expectations

Then when the child had slept, the father knelt beside his bed.

Confessing his sins, and praying with a low-bowed head, made this prayer:
“O God, make me a child – like my sweet child here – pure, guileless, trusting in You with a faith sincere.
I know You can!”

We all grow up in life – physically, socially, psychologically etc…

But sometimes this “growing up” fails to preserve the “growth” that is already witnessed in little children – openness, sincerity, trust and spontaneity.

Can we dare, as adults, to “grow” into being a Child?

The Gospel of the Day is an elegant presentation by Jesus on the “necessary attitude” that is required for a valid entry into the Kingdom of Heaven: a child-like nature.

Jesus says, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” (Lk 9: 47)

In the Gospel of Mathew, we read, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18: 3)

One of the grave dangers in the process of “growing- up” is the tendency to lose our “natural child-like” traits.

A child is someone who is born with many inherent qualities.

But in the process of “becoming an adult,” we abandon many of those.

This ‘abandonment’ could be because…
… of the upbringing in the society or the culture we live
… or the various experiences that we go through as we grow up

As a child, we would be free to express our emotions
… but as we grow up, we tend to hold them up all within (only to burst out one day!)

As a child, we would trust and depend easily on those who care for us
.. but as we grow up, we become fearful or disbelieving towards those same persons

As a child, we would be eased to live in the present moment, enjoying and relaxing
… but as we grow up, we fall into the trap of the past and cringed with the fear of the future.

The Lord invites us to have a “renewal of our minds” and to retrieve back the ‘lost’ child-like faith and trust.

It takes courage and dare to make efforts to let go of our “matured egoistic” tendencies in order to depend more on our Heavenly Father.

The process usually is encountered by resistance…

Why should I depend on someone…
… I am mature enough to think for myself

Why should I become humble…
… I have my own desires to be satisfied to

These could be some of the thought-patterns that one stumbles into, in giving heed to the call of the Lord to “be like a child”.

Our Lord Himself is the greatest model and example in learning to have a “child-like” faith…

St Paul tells in his letter to the Philippians, ” … though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, a thing to be grasped.
Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2: 6-8)

A child-like faith also prompts to place one’s trust totally in the Lord, knowing that He is the Source and End of all…
… as beautifully displayed by Job, during his great ordeal, when he exclaimed: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return;
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

May we be privileged to be graced with the gift of being “like children”…
… and thus be able to firmly trust and relax in the arms of our Caring and Loving Heavenly Father
… and live a life of humility and trust!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – The sacrificial memorial of Christ and of his Body, the Church

The whole Church is united with the offering and intercession of Christ.
Since he has the ministry of Peter in the Church, the Pope is associated with every celebration of the Eucharist, wherein he is named as the sign and servant of the unity of the universal Church.
The bishop of the place is always responsible for the Eucharist, even when a priest presides…
… the bishop’s name is mentioned to signify his presidency over the particular Church, in the midst of his presbyterium and with the assistance of deacons.
The community intercedes also for all ministers who, for it and with it, offer the Eucharistic sacrifice:
“Let only that Eucharist be regarded as legitimate, which is celebrated under [the presidency of] the bishop or him to whom he has entrusted it.”
Through the ministry of priests, the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful is completed in union with the sacrifice of Christ the only Mediator…
… which in the Eucharist is offered through the priests’ hands in the name of the whole Church

… in an unbloody and sacramental manner until the Lord himself comes. (CCC #1369)