“Seeking to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!”

(Based on Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Tim 6:11-16 and Lk 16:19-31 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Schindler’s List is a 1993 American epic historical period drama film, which received 7 Oscar awards.

This movie is based on the true story of a Catholic businessman, Oskar Schindler, who lived in Poland during the 2nd World War.

After a life of initial notoriety, in which he made a lot of money, by betraying his own people, Schindler, later realized the horrors of the Nazi rule.

He began to use his wealth and influence…
… to save Jews from the holocaust.

By the end of the war, he was reduced to having very little money
But in the process, had managed to save hundreds of Jews from being killed.

The last scene of the movie depicts, Schindler being thanked by the people whom he had saved.

But suddenly, Schindler began to weep!

Looking around at the people who were rescued, he exclaimed: “I could have done so much more!”

Holding up his gold watch, he moaned, “This could have bought someone’s freedom!”

He wished that he could have started sooner in helping people so that many more could have been rescued!

His self-centeredness had caused failure in saving many more people!

It was an agonizing experience of the negative effects of “indifference in life” and the “sin of omission!”

We need to examine our life and check:

Am I a person who misses out on doing the good we can?
Do I fail to reach out to the needy, even though I am able?
Has self-centredness become a way of life for me?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful message to look deeper into these aspects of our life…
… and seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

The parable of the rich man “who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day,” and of Lazarus, “full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Cf. Lk 16:19-21)
… is a remarkable story that challenges us to get out of our “zones of comfort and indifference!”

The ways of the world constantly allure us…
… to be “clothed in purple and fine linen” (Lk 16:19) and to be self-centred: An attitude of just going about with our business and not considering other’s needs
… to be “feasting sumptuously” (Lk 16:19) and to look to only one’s own comforts and needs: An attitude of not caring about others, when I have my own cares to be attended to!
… to be neglecting “a poor man, lying at the gate” (Lk 16:20) and to avoid the cry of the needy: An attitude of wilfully rejecting the ones who extend their hands for help and assistance!

But the Christian way of life is a challenge to this “rich man’s style of living”

There can be no excuse given to us…
… if we miss out on doing the good we can!
… if we fail to reach out to the needy, even though we are able!
… if self-centeredness has become a way of life for us!

Time is short, and our life is limited!

Prophet Amos, in the First Reading, very powerfully warns and reminds all those who are complacent and lethargic: “Woe to the complacent in Zion!

Lying upon beds of ivory…
… stretched comfortably on their couches
… they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall!” (Amos 6:1a)

And as St Paul exhorts, let us always pursue righteousness and holiness of life:
“But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called…
… when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:11-12)

Let us begin today, with no further delay…
To do the good we can…
… in the best way we can!
… to all the people we are able!
… in every situation that is possible!

So that we would not have to regretfully say “I could have done so much more!”

Let our lives be totally offered to the Lord, Who alone is the source of every Goodness and Mercy.

Let us seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!

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 Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church.
The Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of her Head.
With Him, she herself is offered whole and entire.
She unites herself to his intercession with the Father for all men.
In the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of his Body.
The lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value.
Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with His offering.
In the catacombs, the Church is often represented as a woman in prayer, arms outstretched in the praying position.

Like Christ who stretched out his arms on the cross, through Him, with Him, and in Him, she offers herself and intercedes for all men. (CCC #1368)

“Asking the Grace to remain ever faithful to the Lord and be loyal to His Love and His Kingdom!”

(Based on Eccles 11:9-12:8 and Lk 9:43-45 – Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

“Julius Caesar” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.

It is one of several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history.

The life of Julius Caesar engrossingly proceeds with placing a great trust in his best friend Brutus.
Brutus, though his closest and most trusted friend, was albeit a misled man.

Therefore, among the conspirators who finally assassinated the Roman leader on March 15, 44 was Brutus as well.

Caesar had not only trusted him, but also favoured Brutus as his own son.

Roman history tells that Caesar had first resisted the onslaught of his assassins.

But when he saw his beloved Brutus among them, with his dagger draw, the Roman Emperor ceased to struggle and withdraw every attempt of resistance.

He pulled the top part of his robe over the face and asked the infamous question, “Et tu, Brute?”
(You too, Brutus?)

“YOU TOO, BRUTUS?”
… A question which cuts across the marrows of the bones and the pierces the depths of the heart, to express disgust and contempt of the deadly human vice of betrayal!
… A question which cuts across civilizations and generations, to show forth the abhorrence and the detestation of the wicked trait of disloyalty!

The Gospel of the Day presents a mighty warning by Jesus on the danger of we becoming betrayers to Him and His Love!

Jesus tells His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands!” (Lk 9: 44)

Jesus gives a forewarning to His disciples on the sword of betrayal that would be his painful lot.

This betrayal had to be faced on different levels..
… an act of betrayal through a kiss by Judas Iscariot
… acts of denial by Peter, His close disciple
… acts of abandonment by His other disciples
… acts of rejection by the chief priests and elders
… acts of passivity by the people for whom He had served

Today our Lord poses the same question: Am I betraying Him in my acts and deeds?

Is the Lord, calling us by name, asking us, “Et tu,_ ? “You too, ?”

Do I betray the Lord…
… by failing to avoid occasions of sin and constantly moving away from doing His Will?
… with my words of unpleasantness, judgmental nature and destructively critical?
… by being unkind, unforgiving and harbouring grudge by my actions?
… by causing harm to others and being insincere in my works?

Let us ask the Grace to remain ever faithful to the Lord and be loyal to His Love and His Kingdom.

As St Philip Neri, let us also pray:
“Watch me, O Lord, this day; for, abandoned to myself, I shall surely betray thee.”

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 sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: “The Victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered Himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.”

“In this Divine Sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” (CCC #1367)

“Turning towards the Lord – the Sun of our life – and walking, with joy, looking to Him, and radiating His Love!”

(Based on Eccles 3:1-11 and Lk 9:18-22 – Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Nature teaches and inspires us!

One of the beautiful lessons we learn from nature is from one of the most amazing flowers – The Sunflower!

The Sunflowers literally ‘follows the sun!’
(Technically, it is called “heliotropism” i.e. ‘sun turning’)

They turn to the sun, following it all day…
… from its rising in the east to its setting in the west!

It is even found that on a cloudy day…
… if any glimpse of the sun appears, the sunflower finds and follows it!

The sunflower is a beautiful symbol of our spiritual journey…
… of how, we need to constantly ‘look to the Lord’, the Sun of our Life!
… of how, we need to always ‘follow the Lord’, the Sun of our existence!

This “looking to the Lord” and “following the Lord” finds its practical expression…
… in a life of prayer!

The Gospel of the Day presents before us with St Luke’s version of the familiar passage, of Jesus asking His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?”…
… beginning with “Jesus praying in solitude…” (Lk 9:18)

The Gospel of Luke is also known as the Gospel of Prayer.
He highlights the aspect of Jesus spending time in prayer….

At the time of His Baptism, Jesus prays (Lk 3:21)
At the time after a ministry of healing, Jesus goes to pray (Lk 5:16)
At the choosing of the Twelve, Jesus spends the night in prayer (Lk 6:12)
At the time of the Transfiguration on the mountain, Jesus was praying (Lk 9:28)
At the request of His disciples, Jesus teaches them the ideal and the model prayer (Lk 11:1)
At the garden of Gethsemane, before being led to His passion and sufferings, Jesus prayed (Lk 22:41)
At the final breath, in the agony and pain of His imminent death on the Cross, Jesus makes a prayer (Lk 23:46)

The ‘Praying Master’ through the ‘Gospel of Prayer’ exhorts us to some crucial and practical aspects of our life:

Do I spend special time in prayer…
… before important and critical times and decisions of our life?

Do I enjoy spending time in prayer…
… and seeking to grow in my relationship with God, our Father?

Do I cling to God in intense and deep prayer…
… in our time of suffering and pains?

Do I make prayer a way of life and rhythmic…
… with every moment of my day?

It is only when we build a strong rock-solid foundation of prayer that we can be bold in witnessing our faith!

The world may have varied responses to the question, “Who do people say that I am?”

Many saw only the zeal and fiery exhortations on repentance…
… and identified Him with John the Baptist
Many saw only His mighty acts and deeds…
… and considered Him as Elijah
Many saw only His authoritative power in preaching…
… and considered Him a Prophet
But they failed to see Jesus truly as the One He really was – The SON OF GOD!

It is only when we are in prayer that we can know the Lord more… and deeper!

The deeper understanding of Jesus can be experienced only through our moments of prayer.

How is our life of prayer?
… Personal
… In the Family/Community

Personally, we must make it a point to spend at least sometime, daily, in prayer

As a family/community also, we must make a priority, daily, to come together in the presence of the Lord!

Personally, we will have a lot of activities and feelings to keep us away; but we must still be faithful to our time of prayer

As a family/community also, there would come many things to give us excuses; but we must still be insistent on having our time of prayer together!

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of the need to be aware that there is a “time for everything in life”…
… and invites all of us to find the beauty of life, by knowing the mind of the Lord deeper: “He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man’s mind, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end!” (Eccles 3:11)

This discover of the beauty of life is augmented by a life of prayer!

Today we also seek the intercession of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and be inspired by his words:

“Prayer is the best weapon we possess. It is the key that opens the heart of God.”
“Let us glance at the Divine Master who prayed in the Garden and we will discover the true ladder which unites the earth to Heaven…
… We will discover that humility, contrition and prayer make the distance between man and God disappear, and act in such a way that God descends to man, and man ascends to God, so that they end up understanding, loving and possessing one another.”

The Lord encounters each one of us today personally and puts forward the question,
“Who do YOU say that I am?”

Let us, “like the sunflower, that follows every movement of the sun”…
… turn towards the Lord and walk, with joy, looking to Him, and radiating His Love!

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 Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, because it is its memorial and because it applies its fruit:
[Christ], our Lord and God, was once and for all to offer Himself to God the Father by His death on the altar of the cross, to accomplish there an everlasting redemption.
But because His priesthood was not to end with his death, at the Last Supper “on the night when He was betrayed,” [He wanted] to leave to His beloved spouse the Church a visible sacrifice (as the nature of man demands)…
… by which the bloody sacrifice which He was to accomplish once for all on the cross would be re-presented, its memory perpetuated until the end of the world

… and its salutary power be applied to the forgiveness of the sins we daily commit (CCC #1366)

“Radiating the Mighty Presence of Jesus in our lives!”

(Based on Eccles 1:2-11 and Lk 9:7-9 – Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Fred Bock was one of the most renowned, recognized and respected Christian music composers, arrange, studio musician, organist, pianist, choral director and music publisher.

One of his famous write-ups (read and known to many of us) titled “One Solitary Life” goes thus…
“Born in an obscure village, He was the child of a peasant woman.
He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty years old, and then for three years He travelled around the county…
… stopping long enough to talk and to listen to people, and help where He could.

He never wrote a book
He never had a hit record
He never went to college
He never ran for public office
He never had a family or owned a house.
He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself.

But when He was only thirty-three years old, the tide of public opinion turned against Him, and His friends rejected Him.

When He was arrested, very few wanted anything to do with Him.
After the trial, He was executed by the state along with admitted thieves.
Only because a generous friend offered his own cemetery plot was there any place to bury Him.

This all happened nineteen centuries ago, and yet today HE is the leading figure of the human race, and the ultimate example of Love.

Now it is no exaggeration to say that all the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever set sail, all the rulers that have ever ruled, all the kings that have ever reigned on this earth…
… all put together have not affected the life of man on earth like One Solitary Life!”

Undoubtedly, we know on whom is this write- up on…… Jesus, of Nazareth!

A Man who was hidden in the shadows of ignorance…
… yet enjoys the title of being the Most Famous Person in the World!
A Man who sought fame from His works…
… yet enjoys the privilege of being the Most Impressive Person in the World!

Do we know Him?
Do we REALLY know Him?
… or do we, like King Herod, in the Gospel of the Day, end up asking, ” Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

When we scan through the pages of the Gospel of St Luke from Chapters 4-9, we find that Jesus was acquiring new heights of fame, popularity and public acclaim.

His words and teachings were…
… ringing in the bells of transformation
… challenging the integrity of the religious leaders and civil authorities
… providing a cushion of hope and encouragement to the lost and the marginalised

His acts of wonders and powers were…
… instilling excitement in the lives of people
… causing the people to have reminiscences of the great prophets of old

As a result the people began to discuss and to say, “John has been raised from the dead; Elijah has appeared; one of the ancient prophets has arisen” (Lk 9:8)

Such rumours, reports and recounts caused a lot of worry for King Herod.

The flames of anxiety were scorching his mind…
The waves of guilt were drowning his heart…

And therefore, with a highly guilty conscience, in fear and trembling, King Herod puts forward his theory on the Dilemma of this Mysterious Divine Person, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about Whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

The enigmatic personality of Jesus was casting clouds of fear and guilt over King Herod!

The charismatic work of our Blessed Lord was plunging King Herod into the ocean of haunting and forgettable memories!

Yet, King Herod failed to establish a relationship with our Blessed Lord.

His mind failed to move beyond the realms of wonder and amazement, to wanting a bonding with the Messiah!
His heart failed to cut across the barriers of doubts and anxiety, to forge a yearning to receive a touch of the Saviour!

Is our life also sadly moving along the same lines, as that of King Herod…?

Is our life of sin and our life of not wanting to take the risk of trusting Him, just like King Herod, causing us to miss out on cherishing a relationship with our Blessed Lord?

To King Herod….
… Jesus only remained a mysterious and stupefying character
… Jesus only remained a person who disturbed his conscience

King Herod was unable to…
… accept Jesus as His Saviour
… accept Jesus as the Lord of his life

We also have surely heard a lot about this wonderful Divine Person named Jesus.
… But has He been able to capture our minds and hearts and do we co-operate with Him to be possessed by His love?

We also have had ample opportunities to grow in our spiritual life and to be receiving a number of teachings on His Divine Word
… But has the Word of God truly become the rule and the guiding principle of our life?

It’s nice to be attracted to the power of God…
… to praise His wonders
… to be amazed at His awesome deeds.

But it’s just not enough to remain at this peripheral level.

Our Blessed Lord came…
… not to simply amaze, but to attend to our sins and failures
… not to simply charm, but to challenge our lethargic lives

He wishes that we truly embrace Him…
… as the Lord of our lives
… as our Personal Saviour and Master

Jesus who lived a “Solitary Life” has made a great impact on the world

May our personal life also give testimony to this fact…
… and let us truly radiate the Mighty Presence of Jesus in our lives!

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

Because it is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the Eucharist is also a sacrifice.
The sacrificial character of the Eucharist is manifested in the very words of institution: “This is my body which is given for you” and “This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood.”

In the Eucharist Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which he “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (CCC #1365)

“Being inspired and seeking the intercession of St Mathew, and being an ‘Aim-day-co’ – the one who tells ‘Turn this Way’ to many people in our lives!”

(Based on the Feast of St Mathew)

An interesting story is said of a Christian Missionary woman who had been doing the work of evangelization among a native group of tribals.

After she had been with them for a while, and after the natives had experienced the Power of the Lord…
… they gave her a new name: “Aim-day-co”

The Chief of the Tribe, in explaining the name, said: “In our tribe, when we see anyone taking a wrong route/road, we call out “Aim-day-co”

It means, “Turn this way!”

Our sister came from a far-away land and found us all on the wrong road.
She sensed that we were in great danger of losing our souls.

So she stood and said “Turn this Way”…
… and pointed to Jesus!

May God bless “Aim-day-co”!

Are we ready to be an “Aim-day-co” in the lives of people?

The Gospel of the Day (Mt 9:9-13) presents Jesus Who became an “AIM DAY CO” in the life of St Mathew…
… and today, on the Feast day of St Mathew, we celebrate, how, in turn, this Great Saint has become an “Aim-day-co” to all of us, by his Gospel!

One of the important and essential dimensions of an encounter with our Blessed Lord is the “transformation effect” on the person.

If one has had a genuine encounter with Him…
… one cannot be passive
… one cannot just remain the same

Either one shakes off the dust of sin and slackness and follows Him in sincerity
… or one tries to cast Him off from life and adamantly remains in one’s own desires!

Either one takes radical decisions in life and orients one’s conduct in accordance with His Will
… or one seeks to do away with all Divine inspirations and obstinately sticks firm to one’s personal interests!

In any case, an “encounter with the Lord” causes an effect in life – either for the good or towards rejecting the impulses of Divine Goodness.

Do I respond positively and emphatically to the call of the Lord…
… or do I sink into an attitude of grumbling, complaining and disinterestedness?

On this feast day of St Matthew, the Apostle, the Gospel of the day presents these two “contrasting reactions” in the encounter with Jesus…

Matthew…. who hears the call of the Lord – “Follow Me” (Mt 9: 9)

The Pharisees… who observe the lavishness of God’s mercy and react with grumbling and complaining (Mt 9: 11)

Jesus very emphatically declares, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12)

This verse is the key to understand and gauge the style of reaction, when we encounter the Lord…

The one who needs Him – will relish Him!
The one who feels no need of Him- will reject Him!

The one who acknowledges that one is sick, weak and in need of God’s grace and mercy – will find in Him a Saviour!

The one who vehemently says that one is all fine, self-motivated and strong willed – will fail to find any consolation in Him!

Here then is a wonderful check-meter to test my passion, my longing and my intensity of love for the Lord…

Have I discovered that by myself I cannot achieve everything that life demands of me….?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the answer to my problem and a solution to the puzzles of my life!

Do I realise that as a human person, I often fall into the snares of sin and can get easily caught up in evil traps…?
… and in the Lord alone, I have the antidote to sin and a remedy to overcome the pitfalls of wickedness!

St Mathew presents a beautiful picture, of embracing the Lord fully into life because He realised and discovered the intimate need of the Lord in his life.

He experienced Jesus as an “Aim-day-co” – the One Who told him “Turn this Way”…
… away from the ways of sin and Turn towards the Way of Salvation!
… away from the ways of corruption and Turn towards the Way of Christ!

Let us be inspired by him and seek his intercession and imitate his example in surrendering ourselves totally to the Sovereignty of our Blessed Lord…

And thus be an “Aim-day-co” – the one who tells “Turn this Way”…
… to many people in our lives!

Happy Feast of St Matthew!

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

In the New Testament, the memorial takes on new meaning.
When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ’s Passover, and it is made present the sacrifice Christ offered once for all on the cross remains ever present.

“As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which ‘Christ our Pasch has been sacrificed’ is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out. (CCC #1364)

“Choosing the ‘Good Book’ of God’s Word and living it in our lives!”

(Based on Prov 21:1-6, 10-13 and Lk 8:19-21 – Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

There was a wealthy old man, who on one of his birthdays invited his servants to his house, to receive gifts.

“Which will you have” he asked, addressing the security guard, “the Bible or the two thousand-rupee note?”

“I would have taken the Bible, but I cannot read, so I think the money will do me good” came the reply.

“And you?” he asked the gardener.

“My poor wife is so ill that I sadly need the money,” responded the gardener.

“You can surely read”, said the old man to the cook, “Will you have the Bible?”

“I can read, Sir” she replied, “but I never get the time. Moreover, the money will fetch me a fine dress”

Finally to the table-boy, the master said, “My boy, will you take this money and replace your old clothes with a new pair of fine dress?”

“Thank you Sir” said the young boy, “but my mother used to read to me the Bible when I was small, at home. I still have good memories of that, and therefore would like to have that Good Book, please…”

“God bless you, my boy!” said the old man, “and may your wise choice bring you more riches and blessings”

As the boy received the Bible, and unclasped its covers, a bright gold piece rolled to the floor.
Quickly turning its pages, he found them thickly interleaved with bank notes!

The other servants, discovering the mistake of their worldly desires, hastily departed, in sadness!

The one who makes a choice to live by the Word of God, receives blessings galore – spiritual and material.
… Spiritually, with gifts and graces to love the Lord more and live a life in deeper union with Him
.. Materially, with a grace to be satisfied with the needs of life and trusting on the Providence of God

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus exhorting to make a choice for God’s Word in one’s life…
… and to tune one’s conduct in accord with the Will of God, in order to be graced and blessed by Him.

One of the primary focus of Jesus, in His teachings as well in His life, was to shift the focus from the mere peripherals of life…

Often, we are deeply prejudiced, limited, caught-up, with the external factors of life.

We are unable to transcend just material dimensions…

This applies to any of the aspects in life…

We get stuck with our own customs, cultures, languages, races, castes etc, and fail to move beyond them…
… and see the possibilities of cherishing and nurturing these differences

We remain fixated in our own mentalities, conditioned set-ups and set patterns of lifestyles…
… and fail to recognize that life can be greatly celebrated by valuing others opinions and adopting a lifestyle in tune with God’s Will

This principle Jesus also applies to his own material and physical relationships.

He defines a new understanding of familial relationship and bonding: A relationship based on those who “hear God’s Word and do It” (Lk 8: 21)

What a wonderful invitation this is, isn’t it?

Jesus says, that we can be part of His family… be His own!

This is a lovely invitation extended to each of us…

Shall we not welcome this invitation with glad hearts and follow the exhortation of the Lord – to Hear His Word and to Live It?”

The book of Proverbs reminds us: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice!” (Prov 21:2-3)

Let us seek to move beyond the peripherals of life and focus our attention on the higher and important demands of life.

The Lord’s assurance is with us, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6: 33)

Let us make a choice, not simply for worldly desires…
… instead choose the “Good Book” of God’s Word and live it in our lives.

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

In the sense of Sacred Scripture, the memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men.
In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real.

This is how Israel understands its liberation from Egypt: every time Passover is celebrated, the Exodus events are made present to the memory of believers so that they may conform their lives to them. (CCC #1363)

“Letting the light of Christ’s Love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!”

(Based on Prov 3:27-34 and Lk 8:16-18 – Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

One of the beautiful hymns known to many of us is: “Shine Jesus Shine!”

A stanza in this very popular hymn states:
“As we gaze on Your Kingly Brightness
So our faces display Your Likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your Story
Shine on me, shine on me!”

Yes, each one of us are expected to “mirror the Light of Christ, by our lives!”

Is my life mirroring the Light of Christ to others?

In the Gospel of the Day, Jesus tells to His disciples:
“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed; rather he puts it on a lamp stand, so that people coming in may see the light…” (Lk 8:16)

This passage in the Gospel of St. Luke is just preceded by the Parable of the Sower (Lk 8: 4-15).

The parable of the Sower beautifully illustrates the various modes of reception of the Word of God.

When the Word of God is welcomed and received with an open heart, one is able to bear fruit…
… fruit in abundance.
A person, who receives God’s Word with an open heart and a receptive mind…
… is able to reflect it in one’s life.

And this is where, a Christian Life resembles a magnifying glass which allows God’s Word to pass through and kindles others with the fire of His love!

We need to be an open and active medium allowing God to permeate through us, in order to let others experience His Love!

Do I…
… allow God’s word to work in me, so that the depressed may experience God’s light of joy and happiness?
… sanction God’s power to direct me, so that the suffering humanity may experience God’s light of healing?
… permit the seed of God’s word to take root in me, so that the sinful may experience God’s light of mercy?
… agree to the authority of God to control me, so that the weak may experience God’s light of strength?
… let God’s commandments to guide me, so that the wayward may experience God’s light of acceptance?

Jesus says, “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a bowl or puts it under the bed…”

Times have changed drastically however…

Earlier times, one used to be proud to call oneself as a Christian and witness boldly to be known as one.

Today, perhaps, many of us feel a tweak and go a bit uncomfortable when called publicly as a Christian!

What was a matter a pride some years has today possibly become a matter of awkwardness and uneasiness.

How well do I witness the Light of Christian Faith to the world outside?

There are many tiny yet significant gestures and practical actions by which we may be hiding the Christian Light in us, with a bowl, and not allowing it to shine forth…

Feeling ashamed to bow publicly before the Blessed Sacrament or as we enter a Church…
Feeling uneasy to make a sign of the cross or say prayers before meals when many are there…
Feeling embarrassed to be called a Christian or a Consecrated person in a secular surrounding…

Feeling disinterested to carry a Bible or wear a crucifix around the neck or hold on to a rosary etc…
Feeling strange to either wear or avoid certain dresses or habits, especially thinking what will others feel…
Feeling awkward to say about Jesus or the Gospel virtues to our friends, thinking that our thoughts are naive…
Feeling bored to participate in the Sacraments and show no interest in making extra efforts to prepare for them…

There are many more occasions wherein we may be losing out a chance to witness Christ and His Love!

The nature of the sun, is to shine upon and enliven the whole earth.

But if one puts a magnifying glass in the rays of the sun over a paper, this light of the sun will turn into fire.

The nature of God’s Love is to shine upon and enliven the whole universe.

But if we act as a magnifying glass, united with Jesus, our Lord, this light of God’s Love will turn to fire!

Let us follow God’s Will deeply and closely in our lives…
… and let the light of Christ’s Love to burn and blaze like a radiating fire through our lives!

Shine, Jesus, Shine!

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 Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the making present and the sacramental offering of his unique sacrifice, in the liturgy of the Church which is his Body.

In all the Eucharistic Prayers we find after the words of institution a prayer called the anamnesis or memorial. (CCC #1362)

“Doing things in life not to please people; rather to please Christ, our Master!”

(Based on Amos 8:4-7, 1 Tim 2:1-8 and Lk 16:1-13 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

A new ticket collector had been appointed at a suburban railway station and commenced his duties during a severe spell of wintry weather.

As a Christian – being very conscientious and meticulous in the discharge of his duties – he insisted all the passengers to produce (display) their season tickets as they passed through the gate of the station.

His predecessor had got to know most of the regular passengers and allowed them to pass without asking them to show their season tickets.

After a few days, as the new ticket collector continued to insist on all season tickets being shown, one of the travellers said to him one evening, ‘You’re not at all popular with the travelling public, Sir.’

Pointing to an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in his office, the ticket collector, with deep conviction, replied: “I don’t mind that!

It’s my God with whom I want to be popular…
… it’s only His approval that I desire in everything I do!”

Do I desire to seek the approval of God in everything that I do?

Do I do things in life to please Christ, my Master…
… or to please people and win their applause?

The Gospel of the Day is a sharp reminder on the need for us to take our spiritual life more seriously…
… have a greater zeal for spiritual matters than even those with worldly desires
…. Make a radical choice for the Lord and Him alone, as the treasure of our life!

Jesus speaks of the parable of the dishonest steward.

The steward, who was working under a rich man, has been reported for deceitful service (Lk 16:1)

He realized that his job would be terminated very shortly!

He needed to produce his accounts.
… it was a situation of tension for him!

But this steward was a wise and shrewd person!
He did not allow the tense situation to overpower him!

Instead, he became the master of the situation and became a controller of the entire crisis-situation…

His brain worked super-fast… his shrewdness gained momentum!

He called his master’s debtors, and his pen was set to work…

The debt of one hundred jars of olive oil, was manipulated to fifty…

The debt of hundred measures of wheat was reduced to eighty…

Well… all this sounds interesting…
… with this shrewd steward and his crafty style of management.

But what is the message in for us?

One important message that we can take home is that…
… the steward was ever alert and prepared to take any risks and chances, to ensure a good future!

He never went into a lethargic or casual mode!
The shrewd steward was ever-prepared to face the future!

What about us?

Are we prepared…
… in our spiritual life?
… to meet our God?

The shrewd steward never allowed the “attitude of lethargy” to conquer him.

He was pro-active.

He was courageous.

He was bold.

Here then, is the challenge for us…

If this is what the steward could do, to earn those things that are temporary…
… how much more should we be doing for those things that count for eternity?

If this is what the steward could do, to please his boss & for a secure future life…
… should we not be doing much more, to please God?

Sometimes, it’s incredible to see the great efforts undertaken by people to gain expertise and mastery in the skills of the world…

Sportspersons practise for many hours to sharpen their skills…
Singers and musicians put in many hours of practise to gain proficiency…
Students preparing for competitive exams spend nights & days to crack the tests…

Do we put that same kind of love, energy and creativity…
… into building up the Church
… into contributing to the Kingdom of God
… and into the things that are to serve God?

We can’t afford to get lethargic in matters related to God, to eternal life, to spirituality etc.

However, many of the times, we take things for granted…

Skipping prayer time or spiritual exercises… (We are tired!)
Failing to read sometime of Word of God… (We have so many other works!)
Missing the Sunday Holy Eucharist… (We get that as the only day to relax more!)
Failing to go for confessions… (We say that anyway God will understand me!)
Not caring much about our spiritual life… (We remark that God is after all, lenient and nice!)

The Parable of the shrewd steward might have some negative shades…

But it has a very relevant and challenging tone to shake us off from our “attitude of lethargy” to Life.

Let us do things in life not to please people and win their applause…
… rather to please Christ, our Master!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EUCHARIST IN THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION – Thanksgiving and praise to the Father

The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of praise by which the Church sings the glory of God in the name of all creation.

This sacrifice of praise is possible only through Christ: He unites the faithful to His person, to His praise, and to his intercession, so that the sacrifice of praise to the Father is offered through Christ and with Him, to be accepted in Him. (CCC #1361)

“Submitting ourselves to this mysterious power and strength of God’s Word!”

(Based on 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49 and Lk 8:4-15 – Saturday of the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A devout woman, once bought a Bible in her native language.

She was very much afraid of her husband who was deadly against God and sent forth atheistic vibrations.

In fear, she would read the Bible in his absence, and would stealthily hide it away from his presence and sight.

One day, however, by mistake, she failed to hide the Holy Book, and her husband saw it on the table.

Without saying anything, the husband opened the pages of the Bible, scanned through some and read a few lines.
As the wife stood, a little away – stunned and trembling- not knowing what he would tell her, the husband said, “Hmmm… This seems to be a good book!”

And it so happened, that every night, the man demanded for That Book when he returned back from office.

A few weeks later, the man suggested his wife that he wished to meet her parents, as for nearly 3 years, he had stayed away from them.

A tremendous and miraculous wonder had taken place.

The woman’s persistent faith had been rewarded…
The man’s heart had been finely melted…
The relationship had been restored…

That’s the power of the Word!

The Word can work in unexpected ways…
The Word can transform in unknown places…
The Word can bear fruits in unexplored areas…

Are we ready to sow the Word, everywhere, any time?

Are we open to allow the Word to work, anywhere, any time?

The Gospel of the Day is the classic presentation of the power of the Word through the Parable of the Sower and its explanation.

This is a parable that, probably we have read, reflected and meditated several times.

One of the striking messages of this Popular Parable is the “unknown, unexpected and unexplored” manner in which the Word is sown.

Going through the various places in which the Seed was sown would probably make one to say..
… “why was it that so much Seed was simply wasted – on the wayside, on the rock, among the thorns – places where there was hardly any possibility of growth?”

… “Why was it that the Sower was so unscientific, so lacking in common sense and so careless in simply broadcasting the precious seeds haphazardly?”

Probably, a logical answer and a reasonable explanation to these questions is to be found in the fact that the Seed has a tremendous power and potential.

And therefore, the Sower ‘takes the risk’ of broadcasting the Seed everywhere.

This then is the challenge that is thrown open to us also…

Can I be a person who is willing to “broadcast” the seed of God’s Word even in the most unfavourable or the most unexpected areas – to people who are hostile, arrogant or even closed?
Can I be a person who does not count the fruits in advance or get discouraged and disappointed at the possible failures in the future; instead boldly sow the Seeds of goodness, kindness and service?

The Book of Isaiah 55:11 says, “… My Word that goes out from My Mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

We need to submit ourselves to this mysterious power and strength of God’s Word…
… and be willing to “sow them” generously…
… to all
… at all times!

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 Sacramental Sacrifice Thanksgiving, Memorial, Presence

We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice.
In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts of his creation, bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ…
… have become the body and blood of Christ.

Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present. (CCC #1357)

“With deep piety, profound conviction and committed service to one another, let us profess and say: ‘Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!’”

(Based on 1 Cor 15:12-20 and Lk 8:1-3 – Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A story is said of an elderly priest who was known for his deep piety, committed service and profound conviction in preaching.

His old age had rendered him nearly blind and he even found it quite hard to breathe normally…
… and in fact, struggled to speak even in whispers!

However, despite his old age, he loved to visit prayer meetings to speak about the love of Christ.
He would take the help of the catechist to get his message delivered to the people

Once, while preaching, he repeated the sentence:
“Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!”

The catechist, thinking that the priest had made a mistake… reminded and whispered to him, “Father, you have already said that statement twice!”

The priest, turning to the catechist said in a strong tone, “Yes, I know I have said it twice, and I will say it once again!”

And so saying, with a firm and convinced voice, he told the people, “Jesus Christ is precious and He loves you very much!”

The priest re-iterated to the people of the Love of God, and How Precious He is!

Have we discovered and tasted the deep Love of God in our lives?

Do we treasure our Blessed Lord as Precious and follow Him with conviction and courage?

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful narrative of a group of people – women, in particular – who experience the Love of the Lord, and considered Him as precious and worthy to be followed!

This passage is a strong narration by St Luke who presents Jesus, the true liberator, breaking some new ground in granting a new status to the discriminated and oppressed class of women.
“Accompanying Him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities…..and many others who provided them out of their resources” (Lk 8:1)

Women who had been healed and had experienced the Goodness of the Lord, accompany Him in His mission…
… and supported Him with their resources.

We can take a couple of lessons from these few, yet significant words from the Gospel of St Luke:

1. Broken to Blossom
   Jesus broke some societal traditions to help people to blossom people and experience genuine freedom and liberty.

Women were generally kept out of public life…

They were forbidden from reading the Sacred Scriptures.
They were mainly reduced to mere onlookers, and not participants in the Sabbath worship.
They had a specially designated outer court at the synagogue, which was located beneath the court for men.

But Jesus loved to break open… to let free… and to allow people to blossom!

Jesus permitted Mary of Bethany to sit at His feet (Lk 10: 39)
Jesus touched a little girl who was dead and restored her to life (Lk 8:54)
Jesus allowed Himself to be touched by a woman in hemorrhage (Lk 8:44)
Jesus engaged in a life-transforming conversation with the woman at the well (Jn 4:7-26)
Jesus let the sinful woman to wash his feet, and shower his feet with kisses of love (Lk 7: 38)
Jesus had strong words for the practice of divorce which had reduced women to mere objects (Mt 19:3-9)

The Lord showed Himself as being precious and declared that He loved everyone very much – including the rejected and the oppressed!

Do I let unhealthy and inhuman practices or mentalities to govern my life…
… or am I ready to break free and blossom?

Do I give in to societal pressures in following certain norms or thought-patterns…
… even if they are harmful?

Do I fail to be bold and courageous to initiate a change in attitudes…
… to achieve genuine liberation?

2. Transformed to Tread!
   The women who were touched by the Lord, had found greater meaning in their life and they accompanied the Lord in His ministry and mission.

They were not people who only sought favours; they rather happily extended gratitude and thankfulness.
They were not people who wanted Jesus in order to get something from Him; they rather had much to give to the Lord in return.
They were not people who lived for mere material needs; they, in fact, focussed their attention on the higher values of life and of the Kingdom!

These women were willing to respond to the Precious Love of the Lord and prove with acts of service that even they loved the Lord very much!

What is my response to the Lord who has showered my life with many blessings at crucial moments of my life…

Do I tread in His path after having been transformed with His Grace?
Do I get stuck with seeking only material favours and fail to allow them to lead me to a deeper God-experience?
Do I only remain with the prayer of intercession and prayer of asking, but not grow higher to prayer of thanksgiving and prayer of praise?

We live in times when the cry for deeper respect and genuine esteem for women is on a high.

You and I can make a great change in our society, by our attitude and our determination, with the Grace of God!

Let us cast away barriers which reduce people to mere objects…
… which yokes people, especially women.
Let us imitate Jesus the liberator to ‘break open to blossom’…
… and also grow in our commitment to ‘tread after having been transformed by Him!’

As St Francis de Sales says, “The Love of God is calm, peaceful, and tranquil, and so the work done for its sake, even in worldly things…
… is gentle, trustful, and quiet!”

Let us never forget that “Jesus Christ is precious and He loves us very much!”

Let these words be repeated constantly in our life, with deep piety, profound conviction and committed service to one another!

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 – Thanksgiving and praise to the Father

The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God…
… for all His benefits, for all that He has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification.

Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving.” (CCC #1360)