“Allowing the fire of God’s Love that has been kindled in us at Baptism, to blaze in us, setting many other souls on fire for love of God!”

(Based on the Baptism of the Lord)

An incident is told about St Katherine of Alexandria.

Katherine was a noble and learned young woman in this cultural hub of the ancient world of the 4th century.

She was a Christian.
She had attained a lot of popularity in the town of Alexandria.

This was the time of the persecution of Christians by Emperor Maxentius.
Christians were given only two options:

Worshipping the emperor (which would violate the First Commandment)…
… or being put to death

The Governor of Alexandria also came up with another plan to humiliate and discourage the Christians.

He invited Katherine to debate a group of fifteen (some say 50) of the best pagan philosophers and orators…
… hoping that this dispute would refute all her pro-Christian arguments and thus morally discourage other Christians as well!

Katherine accepted the challenge.
They gathered in the governor’s palace and the discussion began.

But the plan backfired.
Instead of Katherine being converted, several members of the panel (some sources say all members)
were converted!

They asked for baptism immediately, so as to receive God’s Grace into their souls.

But the governor was furious and condemned them all to immediate death.

To that, Katherine with concern and care assured all the new converts that since they so sincerely desired to receive the sacrament…
… their own blood would take the place of water, and their own martyrdoms would take the place of baptism.

Those men were willing to give up everything else, for their life and friendship with Jesus Christ!

That’s the power of God’s Love!

And that’s the Power of Witnessing to God’s Love!

The fire of God’s Love that was kindled in St Katherine of Alexandria, at Baptism…
… continued to blaze in her, setting many other souls on fire for love of God!

Does the Fire of Love, that had been kindled in us, at our Baptism…
… continue to blaze powerfully in us?

Or has the fire been diminished and lessened?

Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus…
… with an invitation: To “fan into flames” (Cf. 2 Tim 1:6) the fire of God’s Love that has been kindled in us, at our Baptism!

The event of the Baptism of the Lord is narrated in all the Synoptic Gospels…
… and the Gospel of St John mentions the experience of St John the Baptist at the Baptism of Jesus.

One important aspect that the Baptism of Jesus teaches us is that, it is the first public manifestation of Christ…
… and is a foreshadowing of the Saving Action that would be fully accomplished on the Cross.

On the Cross, our Blessed Lord will totally identify Himself with sinners…
… by embracing the enormous weight of humanity’s sinfulness

At Baptism, by submersion into the waters of River Jordan, Jesus identifies Himself with sinners, and embraces everyone to a New Life in Him!
… the immersion into the waters of Jordan symbolises His Death!
… the rising from the deep waters symbolise His Resurrection!

St Ambrose reminds us: “The Lord was Baptized, not to be cleansed Himself, but to cleanse the waters…
… so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ which knew no sin, might have the power of Baptism!”

The Baptism of Jesus, then, is the great reminder to all humanity:

1. We are all sinners, and we can find Mercy only in Jesus, the Saviour of the world
2. We are all bestowed with the gift of being a child of God, and called to live in holiness

Today is a day when we need to examine and renew our life, in the light of these two aspects…
… What are the weak spots of sins in my life, and can I make a resolution today to give them up?
… Do I daily nurture my life of holiness, by consciously practising virtues that I need to grow in?
… Have I embraced Jesus as the only Master of my life, and do I give priority to God’s Will in my life?
… Do I manifest Christ’s love in all my deeds, and thus draw many people to God’s Kingdom?

Venerable Fulton Sheen wonderfully illustrates the importance of the Rite of Baptism: “It may be objected, what good does a little water do, when poured upon the head of a child?

The water in the boiler can do nothing of and by itself, nor can the water on the head of a child.
But when the water in the boiler is united to the mind of an engineer, it can drive an engine across a continent or a ship across the sea.
… so too, when water is united to the Power of God, it can do more than change a crystal into life. It can take a creature and convert him into a child of God!”

The Baptism of Jesus is a reminder to all of us of our Mission to live as “Alter Christus – Another Christ!”

His deeds of compassion and love, ought to be imitated by all of us, in our works
His words of transformation and love, ought to be echoed by all of us, in our interactions
His acts of self-giving and forgiveness, ought to be emulated, in our relationships with one another

St John’s Gospel would beautifully recount: “But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God!” (Jn 1:12-13)

Yes, the fire of God’s Love that has been kindled in us at Baptism…
… ought to continue to blaze in us, setting many other souls on fire for love of God!

Happy Feast to all of us, baptized with our Dearest Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
SOCIETIES OF APOSTOLIC LIFE
Alongside the different forms of consecrated life are “societies of apostolic life whose members without religious vows pursue the particular apostolic purpose of their society…
… and lead a life as brothers or sisters in common according to a particular manner of life, strive for the perfection of charity through the observance of the constitutions.

Among these there are societies in which the members embrace the evangelical counsels” according to their constitutions (CCC # 930)

“Sailing together with the Lord over the clean waters of humility and meekness!”

(Based on 1 Jn 5:14-21 and Jn 3:22-30 – Saturday after Epiphany)

Greek mythology has a character named Narcissus, who was renowned for his beauty.
He was exceptionally proud; so much that he even disdained those who loved him!

One day, Narcissus was attracted to a pool of water.

He saw his reflection in the water and fell in love with it.

He failed to realize that it was only an image!

Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, he fell and drowned in the waters!

An obsessive love of his own-self drowned him!
A true appreciation and genuine love of oneself is highly important and needed.

But when this self-directed love crosses the boundary, it can lead to obsession and fixation!

Are we in any way getting drowned, as a result of excessive love for our self?

The Gospel of the day invites and challenges us to ponder over this aspect by presenting the dramatically humble personality of John the Baptist!

One of the most supreme and vital messages that we learn from the life of John the Baptist is Humility – a virtue in direct contrast to the dangerous vice of Pride!

This is what we learn from the life of St John the Baptist.

He sought not his own way, but the way of the One who sent him.
He wanted not his light to shine, but the Light of Him who sent him.

The Gospel of the day has a scene of a dispute arising. John the Baptist, by his bold preaching and his radical life-style, had attracted many disciples.

Some of these disciples come and told John: “Rabbi, the One who was with you across the Jordan, to Whom you testified, here He is baptizing, and everyone is coming to Him” (Jn 3:26)

These disciples of John seem so resentful of Jesus that they don’t even mention His name!

These disciples of John are distressed that Jesus and His disciples are more successful!
These disciples of John are irritated that their Master has not come up with any remedy yet!

There seemed anxiety in their voice…

There seemed anger in their tone!

John had preached about repentance… baptized… and had pointed to the coming Messiah.

This should have been a time for John’s disciples to celebrate, now that Jesus was coming to the forefront!

But they forgot an important aspect of ministry… that we are doing all for HIM!

The disciples of John, perhaps, sought “narcissistic” attention to their own ministry…

They, perhaps, adopted a “narcissistic” style in their works and activities…
… looking into just themselves and their interests
… seeking to fulfil only their objectives and motives

But John the Baptist remains unperturbed and undisturbed.

He displays an angelic countenance of humility!

As St Augustine says: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”

Like a good coach, who drills discipline and restraint into “his men”, John tells his disciples: “Let’s get back to the basics!”

John reminds His disciples that His ministry is not of his own, but received from God!
John reminds that He is not to take centre-stage, but only the One greater than him!
John reminds that He was not to be the Messiah, but only the forerunner of the Messiah!

John reminds His disciples that He is only the friend of the bridegroom… (Jn 3:29)

In our life, it is easy for us to lose our focus from the Lord and have a “narcissistic” style of preferences for ourselves…

In our works, we forget the blessings that the Lord has showered on us, and instead attribute all successes to our own talents and abilities.
In our ministry, we lose sight of the Lord, the real purposes of our vocation and the mission, and instead seek to fulfil our personal agenda and motives.

It is easy to bask in the glory of popularity and fame.

It is satisfying to enjoy the sunshine of reputations and recognitions.

But let them never lead us to have a “narcissistic” approach of just “looking into” ourselves.

Let us have the humility to accept that it is God’s power being manifested in our works.
Let us have the acceptance that it is God’s graces that has lifted us to a high position.

Yes, “drown” not in the murky waters of pride, egoism and selfishness…

Rather “sail” together with the Lord over the clean waters of humility and meekness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
SECULAR INSTITUTES

“A secular institute is an institute of consecrated life in which the Christian faithful living in the world strive for the perfection of charity and work for the sanctification of the world especially from within.”
By a “life perfectly and entirely consecrated to [such] sanctification,” the members of these institutes share in the Church’s task of evangelization, “in the world and from within the world,” where their presence acts as “leaven in the world.”
“Their witness of a Christian life” aims “to order temporal things according to God and inform the world with the power of the gospel.”

They commit themselves to the evangelical counsels by sacred bonds and observe among themselves the communion and fellowship appropriate to their “particular secular way of life” (CCC # 928-929)

“Extending to the Lord our hands… our hearts… our lives…!

(Based on 1 Jn 5:5-13 and Lk 5:12-16 – Friday after Epiphany)

Life sometimes is quite strange!

Often, when things go all well, and it seems that everything is fine
… disasters strike in life.

This is the experience of many of us in our lives.

Think of a man who is in his early thirties…
He has a wonderful wife, with two lovely children.

It’s a home with a lot of joy and happiness.

One day, the man comes back home after work – he is a mason.
On coming back, he informs his wife of a tiny sore that has been nagging him for sometime

This sore had turned a bit reddish after the heavy day’s of work.

With much insistence and persuasion by the wife, the man agrees to show it to a doctor.

After the initial check-up, the doctor tells them: “Well, the sore certainly has grown a bit. I have some of my initial observations, but I need to work on them still.

Why don’t you stay up here in the hospital for a few days, so that I can further examine?”

And so he agrees.

As days pass, the sore gets more infectious.
The doctor now is ready with his well-studied and examined decision… “I am sorry to inform you… but you are infected with… Leprosy!”

Hearing this, the man is terrified. Leprosy, he knew, was not just an ordinary sickness.

It was a slow death sentence – distanced from family, distanced from society, distanced from self!

Imagine that situation of the happy living family!
The man is now to leave his wife and children; his land and work…
… He is to go and live with people who were afflicted with a similar disease.

This was the law of the land.
This was the regulation practised in this area.

The Law required the lepers to keep as far away as possible from all healthy people.

Whenever someone drew near who did not have leprosy, the leper was supposed to shout,
“Unclean! Unclean!”

So, with a heavy heart and a crushed spirit, the man leaves his loving wife and two children.

He goes off alone… to rot!
He goes off alone… to die!

He couldn’t even have an animal for a companion.

If he touched even a dog, the dog had to be killed so that it did not carry the disease back into the city.

Life as a leper was just too horrible and miserable.

Life sometimes is indeed quite strange!

The Gospel of the Day presents one such leper… A man who was “full of leprosy” (Lk 5:12)

One fine day, however, this leper looks up and sees a small group of people following a Man.

That Man, the leader, he comes to know… is Jesus.

The leper has heard about Jesus.

He would wish to hear Him.
But the Law did not permit to go close!

As the group passes their way, this leper remembers what the Law taught Him.

And he begins to shout, “Unclean! Unclean! I have leprosy! Stay away from me! Unclean!”

But then a strange thing happens! Jesus keeps coming closer to him.

His shout increases… louder goes his cries…”Unclean, Unclean!”

But Jesus keeps coming closer and closer… till He has reached the leper!

The leper has now been afflicted for many years. He misses his family very deeply.

He knows he is at the edge of life
… undergoing a slow death!

But…
… Before him, now stands, someone, Who he has heard, has tremendous power!
… Before him, now stands, someone, Who he has heard, can unshackle any bondage!

And so, with tears filling his eyes and dread filling his shocked face, he asks, “Lord, if you will,
you can make me clean!” (Lk 5:12)

It was a cry of agony.

It was a wail of immense anguish.

He had suffered much.

He had been separated from loved ones for long.
Now he wanted a deliverance.
He wanted freedom from the captivity.

He wanted a wholesome life in his loathsome existence!

And then comes the spectacular words of Jesus, “I will. Be clean!” (Lk 5:13)

The Lord touches him!

His body was touched! His heart was healed! His soul was cleansed!

Life was restored! Happiness was returned!

Do you and I also feel sometimes like a leper?

Situations of happiness being snatched away
Moments of love and affection being afflicted
Times of joy, serenity and calmness being affected
Unloved? Rejected? Despised? Abused? Helpless? Hopeless? Dying?

We may be going through hard times

We may feel that life is unfair to us
We may feel that existence is meaningless

But…
… The Lord wants to restore us!
… He wants to make us whole again!

Life is strange…
… but the Power of the Lord is more strong!

Life is complicated…
… but the Grace of the Lord is more compelling!

The Lord is here to touch us!
Let’s extend to Him our hands… our hearts… our lives…!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
RELIGIOUS LIFE

Religious life was born in the East during the first centuries of Christianity.
Lived within institutes canonically erected by the Church, it is distinguished from other forms of consecrated life by its liturgical character, public profession of the evangelical counsels, fraternal life led in common, and witness given to the union of Christ with the Church.
Religious life derives from the mystery of the Church. It is a gift she has received from her Lord, a gift she offers as a stable way of life to the faithful called by God to profess the counsels. Thus, the Church can both show forth Christ and acknowledge herself to be the Saviour’s bride. Religious life in its various forms is called to signify the very charity of God in the language of our time.
All religious, whether exempt or not, take their place among the collaborators of the diocesan bishop in his pastoral duty.
From the outset of the work of evangelization, the missionary “planting” and expansion of the Church require the presence of the religious life in all its forms.

“History witnesses to the outstanding service rendered by religious families in the propagation of the faith and in the formation of new Churches: from the ancient monastic institutions to the medieval orders, all the way to the more recent congregations. (CCC # 925-927)

“Entrusting our lives into the care of the Great Carpenter of Nazareth…!”

(Based on 1 Jn 4:19-5:4 and Lk 4:14-22 – Thursday after Epiphany)

A carpenter is a person who works with wood.

The carpenter uses various tools and implements to shape, chisel, carve and cut into the pieces of wood.
… gives new shapes
… repairs the broken ones
… polishes the rough edges etc.

The Gospel of the Day is an encounter with such a Carpenter.
… He is no ordinary one
… He is the Great Carpenter of Nazareth: JESUS!

Jesus is in His hometown of Nazareth.

He walks into the synagogue, as was His custom.
He is handed over the book of prophet Isaiah and reads a prophetic passage.

All were amazed at His gracious words, and they began to ask each other, “Is not this Joseph’s son” (Lk 4:22)

Yeah, Jesus was the Son of Joseph, the carpenter!

And this Child of Joseph was also a carpenter!

The people…
… would have murmured this statement to belittle Jesus.
… would have referred Him so, because of their bias and prejudice.
… perhaps called Him that way to show that He was just ordinary – one of them.

But what the people murmured or muttered or grumbled was indeed true…

Even, later on, the people would say, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary…” (Mk 6: 3)

Truly, Jesus is the Carpenter

Not just an ordinary one, but the Great Carpenter of Nazareth!

The Jewish people were in great expectation of a Messiah.

Their concept of a Messiah would have been of one who is very powerful, kingly, majestic etc.

But Jesus, the Messiah doesn’t ornament Himself with all such expected grandeur.

He doesn’t robe Himself with a showy magnificence or armour Himself with majestic works.

He takes the role of a Carpenter.

He identified Himself with the common people
He became one with humanity with hard labour and gritty toil.

On one of the tombstones, in Great Britain, there is an epitaph written for a man named Thomas Cobb.

It says, “Here lies Thomas Cobb, who mended shoes to the glory of God, for 40 years.”

Yes, glory and honour can be rendered to God in any activity – small or great, menial or expert!

What is my understanding of the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me?

Am I aware that in all works – small and great – I can give glory to God?
Do I perform all my tasks, with a Sacred Sense that it’s an extension of God’s creative works?

A carpenter’s work is to fashion new things from ordinary wood and also to repair things that have been damaged.

The Great Carpenter of Nazareth is wanting to do the same in our lives

He wants to create us anew and refashion our lives.
He wants to give new shape and utility to our brokenness and damaged parts of life.

Are we ready to let the Great Carpenter of Nazareth to work in our lives?

Hammer in some of the nails of discipline and virtues?
Chisel away sin and other unwanted portions of our life?
Polish some places of life that have lost its sheen and shine?
Drill in some screws to tighten the lethargic and sluggish areas of life?
Level some habits in us that can restore the balance of our spirituality?
Measure some of our activities to determine how much exactly is needed?

In Mt 12:20, we read, “… he will not break a bruised reed…”

We, all of us have our brokenness in life… damages in relations… bruises in thoughts.
But the Great Carpenter assures that He will not let our bruised reeds be broken!
He wants to mend us

He wants to repair us

He wants to fashion us anew!

As a stanza in one of the lesser-known carol titled, “Behold a little Child” goes…
Christ, Master Carpenter, We come rough-hewn to thee;
At last, through wood and nails, Thou mad’st us whole and free;
In this thy world remake us, planned, To truer beauty of thine hand.

Yes, the Spirit of the Lord is upon this Great Carpenter of Galilee, “… to bring glad tidings to the poor; Liberty to the captives; Recovery of sight to the blind; Let the oppressed go free; To proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord’’ (Lk 4: 18-19)

Knock… Knock… The Carpenter is already here…

Let’s open the door to Him…
… no matter, even if the door itself is also damaged!

Let us entrust our lives into the care of the Great Carpenter of Nazareth…!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
CONSECRATED VIRGINS

From apostolic times, Christian virgins, called by the Lord to cling only to Him with greater freedom of heart, body, and spirit, have decided with the Church’s approval to live in a state of virginity “for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.”
Virgins who, committed to the holy plan of following Christ more closely, are consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop according to the approved liturgical rite, are betrothed mystically to Christ, the Son of God, and are dedicated to the service of the Church.”
By this solemn rite (consecratio virginum), the virgin is “constituted… a sacred person, a transcendent sign of the Church’s love for Christ, and an eschatological image of this heavenly Bride of Christ and of the life to come.”
“As with other forms of consecrated life, “the order of virgins establishes the woman living in the world (or the nun) in prayer, penance, service of her brethren, and apostolic activity, according to the state of life and spiritual gifts given to her.”

Consecrated virgins can form themselves into associations to observe their commitment more faithfully. (CCC # 922-924)

“Lifting up our sagging and weary spirits, opening our hearts and lives to Him and hearing Him say, ‘Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!’”

(Based on 1 Jn 4:7-10 and Mk 6:34-44 – Wednesday after Epiphany)

Played with li’l children?

When elders play some game, with little children, we usually change some rules of the game.

It could be a game of cricket, or football or just passing the ball etc…

We relax some of the rules to make it easy for the child to enjoy the game a little more.

Sometimes for fun, we even, play badly, so that the child may win…
Sometimes, we even make some adjustments and act as if we don’t know how to play well
Sometimes, we even play, as if we are losing very badly so that the child may enjoy more

We do a bit of “acting” and do some pretence, to see the reaction of the children.

Well… for the Lord, we are li’l Children

And no doubt, He too loves to play some tricks with us, His Kids!

The Gospel of the Day is an example of how the Lord loves having “some fun” with us, His Little Kids…

The Lord has performed a stupendous multiplication of the five loaves and two fish among the five thousand men (Mk 6: 34-44). He then makes His disciples get onto a boat, while He retires to enjoy His precious moments with His Abba Father on the mountains, to pray. (Mk 6:45-46)

It’s at that time, the disciples, who are out in the sea, traveling on the boat, face a great storm.

As the disciples are struggling against the waves that hit them and the gushes of wind lashing against their boat, Jesus comes walking on the sea, towards them.

Mark’s Gospel is very particular in mentioning a strangely overlooked statement: “He meant to pass by them” (Mk 6: 48b)

Another translation of this sentence would read, “He intended to pass them by!”

Now, that’s strange, right?

The disciples are struggling for life and are in deep danger
… And does the Lord wish to just pass them by?

The boat is to capsize, and it’s a terrible resistance against the forces of nature
… And does the Lord just want to pass them by?

Did He not see them?

Or does He not care?

Well… this is where we introduce the aspect of the Lord having some “fun” with His children!

On another occasion, also, Jesus would do something similar…

On the road to Emmaus, with the two disciples, as they reach closer to their destination, Jesus does a similar “prank.” “As they approached the village to which they were going,

Jesus gave the impression that he was going on further” (Lk 24:28)

Yet, on both occasions
…when Jesus is called up, He responds positively.

In the boat, when the disciples saw Jesus intended to pass them by, they cried out in fear.

And this prayer – of fear and worry – was heard by the Lord, and He responds!
On the way to Emmaus, when the two saw that Jesus was going away, they requested His Presence.
And this prayer – of earnestness and desire – was heard by the Lord, and He responds!

Similar situations here…

The Lord in a sort of a “prank”
… intends to pass by.

It seems apparently, that He is not so interested in their concerns…

Yet, when they call out to Him… He responds!

Just like elders, while playing with children, who “act” for some time….
Jesus’ “acting” of being disinterested or “not knowing what to do” pays off…

The disciples reach out to Him in earnest prayer
… and a miracle is performed!

The Lord seems to pass by, not because He is not interested in us.

The Lord acts as if He is passing by, not because He does not care for us.
It is rather just His way of making us to also reach out to Him in prayer.

Divine disposition does not do away with human actions

Divine help does not rule out human initiatives.

We are not to sit back and wait in passivity for God’s help

We are to call out on Him, in prayer, in faith, in love!

Our lives sometimes have to face the consequence of this “prank” or “acting” of the Lord.

We struggle in the boats of our life, against dreadful storms of problems
We row hard with all our might, and sometimes feel that it’s going to be the end of our life

We get frightened and are afraid that somehow the waves will have the better of ourselves.

We row hard with all our might
We get frightened and are afraid

And the Lord, just “seems” to pass by.

But when we cry out in deep anguish and fear
… the Lord hears!

Our anxiety and fears itself become a prayer in the Presence of the Lord!

Is our life passing through deadly storms of faithlessness and isolation?

Are the dreadful waves of hardships and miseries assaulting us?

Does it seem that the Lord is “just passing by?”

Lift up the sagging and weary spirits…

The Lord is very much with us!

Let’s open our hearts and lives to Him
… and hear Him say, “Take courage, it is I… Do not be afraid!” (Mk 6:50)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE EREMITIC LIFE

Without always professing the three evangelical counsels publicly, hermits “devote their life to the praise of God and salvation of the world through a stricter separation from the world, the silence of solitude and assiduous prayer and penance.”
They manifest to everyone the interior aspect of the mystery of the Church, that is, personal intimacy with Christ. Hidden from the eyes of men, the life of the hermit is a silent preaching of the Lord, to whom he has surrendered his life simply because he is everything to him.

Here is a particular call to find in the desert, in the thick of spiritual battle, the glory of the Crucified One. (CCC # 920-921)

“Throwing ourselves entirely into the care of our Divine Compassionate Shepherd!”

(Based on 1 Jn 4:7-10 and Mk 6:34-44 – Tuesday after Epiphany)

One of the easiest doubts that crop up in our daily life is the “doubt in our abilities.”

How can I do the job?
How can I be expected to study so much?
How can I ever succeed in such a situation?
… etc.

Such a doubting of our abilities can leave many of our plans and aspirations to be at a standstill…

The Gospel of the Day brings us face-to-face with such kind of a situation – a situation of “doubts in abilities.”

It was a late evening…
The Lord had finished preaching the Word of God to a large crowd of people.

The disciples sensed that it had got too late and requested the Lord to send the people away so that they could fetch some food for themselves.

“This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” (Mk 6: 36)

But the Lord had different plans… as always!

The Lord loves to challenge us in our comforts
The Lord loves to let loose our lethargic leanings
The Lord loves to instigate our insipid inhibitions

He tells the disciples, “You give them something to eat” (Mk 6: 37)

This statement came as a shocker for the disciples. “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” (Mk 6:37)

The disciples were not prepared to accept the challenge of the Lord

They perhaps thought from a financial point of view…
It would be too expensive to feed so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a sociological point of view…
It would be too impractical to handle so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

They perhaps thought from a comfort point of view…
It would be a botheration for us to look after so many!
… And doubting their ability, they thought – “How can it be possible?”

Logic sometimes tells us that some things are too hard.

Reason sometimes prompts us that some situations are too bad.
Brain sometimes puts forward that some circumstances are beyond our control.

But the Lord invites them to look at the strength of their ability… which is He Himself!

When problems come, we often “doubt our abilities” because we look only into ourselves…

We fail to look to the Lord, Who is the solution to our problems.

When difficulties encompass us, we often “doubt our abilities” because we think that we are the master of everything…
We fall short of recognizing the power of God, which is, in fact, our true strength.
When crisis befalls us, we often “doubt our abilities,” because we get totally tensed and worried within ourselves…

We do not look up and see the hand of God, waiting to lead and guide us.

The Disciples, who were “doubting their abilities”, finally let themselves into the ways of the Lord…

And then the miracle happened!

When we entrust everything into God’s hands, miracles occur

When we have faith in the mighty Providence of the Lord, wonders take place

Before the Lord… logic can dissolve!

Before the Lord… reason can be floored!
Before the Lord… brains can be put to shame!

Yes…
… Life will continue to challenge us with problems, wherein we “doubt our abilities.”
… Life will always ambush us with painful difficulties, wherein we “doubt our abilities.”

Let all those moments, be a chance for us to allow the Lord to multiply His blessings in us.
Let all those occasions, be an opportunity for us to let the Lord increase His grace in us.

As St Paul of the Cross tells us, “Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of His goodness, where every failing will be cancelled, and every anxiety turned into love.”

Let us throw ourselves entirely into the care of our Divine Compassionate Shepherd!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
ONE GREAT TREE, WITH MANY BRANCHES

“From the God-given seed of the counsels a wonderful and wide-spreading tree has grown up in the field of the Lord, branching out into various forms of the religious life lived in solitude or in community.
Different religious families have come into existence in which spiritual resources are multiplied for the progress in holiness of their members and for the good of the entire Body of Christ.”
From the very beginning of the Church there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater liberty, and to imitate him more closely, by practicing the evangelical counsels.
They led lives dedicated to God, each in his own way.
Many of them, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, became hermits or founded religious families. These the Church, by virtue of her authority, gladly accepted and approved.

Bishops will always strive to discern new gifts of consecrated life granted to the Church by the Holy Spirit; the approval of new forms of consecrated life is reserved to the Apostolic See (CCC # 917-919)

“Becoming a powerful witness of Jesus, the Light of the Nations!”

(Based on 1 Jn 3:22-4:6 and Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 – Monday after Epiphany)

One of the subtle, taken-for-granted, yet successful techniques in life, is “withdrawal.”

(This “withdrawal” is NOT in the psychological sense of alienating oneself or going into an isolated state of mind)

This technique of “withdrawal” is seen in many areas of life…

While playing chess, as part of a smart strategy, one “withdraws” some of the pieces, to have better control over the game.

This withdrawal is to alter the line of attack…
This withdrawal is to plan a new approach to win the game…

While driving a bike through heavy traffic, one “withdraws” one’s vehicle for some time, by slowing down…

This withdrawal is to allow a little more space ahead so that we can overtake faster
This withdrawal, by slowing down for few seconds, helps to find more empty spaces to go ahead faster

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not a sign of weakness or surrender

Rather, it’s a tactic to plan better and enhance organizing.

Withdrawal, as a technique, is not an indication of admitting defeat or submissiveness

Rather, it’s a method to make more progress and find better ways out.

The Gospel of the Day begins with a mention of ‘withdrawal’ by Jesus…
“When He heard that John had been arrested, [Jesus] withdrew to Galilee” (Mt 4:12)

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus was preaching about the message of repentance.

King Herod, in Jerusalem, had to also face the “naked truths” of the preaching of John.

Living in immorality, King Herod had been strongly condemned for his actions, by John
Practising adultery, King Herod had been angered greatly by the bold exhortation of John

And so, King Herod had John the Baptist arrested.

The “Voice” had been stifled!
The “Voice” was suppressed!

St Matthew, however, says, that on hearing of John’s arrest, “Jesus withdrew!”

Was it a withdrawal out of fear?
Was it a withdrawal because Jesus got intimidated by King Herod?

Surely No!

Why was it not an act of fear? Because…
… Galilee, the place where Jesus withdrew, was equally a dangerous place since it was also under King Herod’s rule
… Jesus would display a far greater exhibition of courage, bravery and boldness than even John, by His ministry of Authentic Preaching and Awe-inspiring wondrous deeds.
… God in His Divine plan wanted Jesus to perform much of His ministry in the Gentile region of Galilee.
Galilee was certainly not the most obvious place for the Messiah to begin His ministry

Galilee was part of the Northern Kingdom of the nation, which was ruled by ungodly kings
The population was mixed in race and looked down upon by the Jews of Judah and Jerusalem.
The people of Galilee were considered to be somewhat pagan in their spiritual life.

Yet, as part of His Divine strategy, Jesus “withdraws” to this most improbable place of Galilee to launch His ministry of Spiritual Revolution of the world.

Life sometimes makes us to “withdraw”…

In a situation of trouble and crisis, we need to sometimes “withdraw” and find time with the Lord, in order to assess and evaluate our circumstances.
In our dealings with others, we need to sometimes “withdraw” some of our words, expressions and feelings, to preserve and strengthen our relationships.
In our careers or future planning, we need to sometimes “withdraw” so that we can give some time for ourselves and thus be able to perform better.

Life is not always rosy, and life is not always a cakewalk.

Difficulties and struggles are ready to very often pounce on us.
Crisis and situations of terror are waiting to grab us by the neck.

Just like our Dear Lord, who is the perfect strategist and the ideal planner, we too need to take control of our lives, by giving time for “ourselves” even if needed to “withdraw”

This withdrawal is not a retreat into depression…
… rather a time of preparation with the Lord.
This withdrawal is not falling into anxieties…
… rather a time of charging with the power of God

Let us become a powerful witness of Jesus, the Light of the Nations!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
EVANGELICAL COUNSELS, CONSECRATED LIFE

Christ proposes the evangelical counsels, in their great variety, to every disciple.
The perfection of charity, to which all the faithful are called, entails for those who freely follow the call to consecrated life the obligation of practicing chastity in celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom, poverty and obedience.
It is the profession of these counsels, within a permanent state of life recognized by the Church, that characterizes the life consecrated to God.
The religious state is thus one way of experiencing a “more intimate” consecration, rooted in Baptism and dedicated totally to God.
In the consecrated life, Christ’s faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly, to give themselves to God who is loved above all…

… and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come (CCC # 915-916)

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

(Based on the Epiphany of the Lord)

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

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

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

Do you see what I see?”

Seeing his excitement, the others also gathered to see the Glass Painting.

But they could see nothing of the Cross!

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

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

But little Peter kept shouting: “Do you see what I see?”

The others kept nodding their heads in negation.

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

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

But could you please… help us to see what you see?”

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

And then… like a great revelation, they all saw JESUS…
… His Face
… His Arms outstretched on the Cross

As the image began to appear clearer!

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

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

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

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

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

It is from the Greek word “Epiphaneia”

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What do we seek in life?

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

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

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

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

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

But Divine Providence soon brought them back on track.

The star once again led them, and they reached the Great King enthroned on the Wooden Throne of the Manger!

(pre-figuring the enthronement of the Lord, later, on the Wooden Throne of the Cross!)

What about us?

Where do we seek the Lord?
Do we faithfully follow the Star of inspiration, that the Lord continually sends…
… Through His Commandments, Teachings of the Church, many people in our lives and the situations of life

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

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

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

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

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

What about us?

What gifts do we offer to the Lord?

In the Holy Mass…

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

In our life…

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

The Lord desires and deserves the best gifts from us.

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

The Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful invitation for us:

To examine, purify and strengthen…
… the focusses and priorities of our life.

Yes, like the Magi…

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

Our life may sometimes resemble a jumbled mass of confusion

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

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

And then…
… like an Epiphany, we will be able to see the Presence of God in our Lives!
May we all, thus, with astonishment and gratitude exclaim: “This is Epiphany!”

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

God bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE CONSECRATED LIFE

“The state of life which is constituted by the profession of the evangelical counsels, while not entering into the hierarchical structure of the Church…

… belongs undeniably to her life and holiness.” (CCC # 914)

“Holding the hands of our Blessed Mamma Mary, the Mother of God and marching forward joyfully and fervently on the path of Faith and Love in this New Year 2022”

(Based on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God – New Year’s Day)

A medical thermometer, also known as the clinical thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of the body.

This device helps us to check the heat in the body

When the heat goes up, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we have fever.

When the heat goes low, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say we have gone cold.

When the heat remains average, and the thermometer level indicates so, we say that we are normal.
The thermometer helps us to examine and check our physical health and vigour.

Our spiritual life also needs such kind of a thermometer to check our spiritual health!

The heat levels, however, give a different indication, unlike the physical bodies.

When we are filled with God’s power and enthusiastic, the thermometer shows a high level.

When we are cast down with problems, the thermometer shows a low level.
When we are just pulling on with life, the thermometer shows a lukewarm level.

What is the level on our Spiritual Thermometer at this point of time?

We are on the first day of the New Year… and on the 8th day after Christmas – the Octave Day.

We notice that the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the celebrations and merriment of the
Festival are waning down…

The Crib and the Christmas Tree and the brightly shining stars have faded away
The large number of people in Church for Christmas have reduced to a slender one today
The joy and devout mood of the faithful which was on high, has slowly reduced

Is the message of Christmas slowly being left behind…?

But the Church still dynamically and emphatically keeps up the True Spirit of Christmas.

This Octave Day of Christmas fittingly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is
a reminder to this fact
… that Christmas is not a one-day event; rather a celebration for life.
… that spiritual exercises and movements can’t be limited; rather need to overflow every day

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a dogma of the Church and Devotion to Mary is one of the great treasures of the Church.

However, often, there are many doubts arising and controversies created over Mary, being considered and called as the Mother of God.

But the logic is pretty simple and easy to understand actually
Premise 1: Mary is the Mother of Jesus
Premise 2: Jesus is fully God and fully Man
Conclusion: Mary is the Mother of Jesus, fully God and fully Man.
And therefore, Mary is the Mother of God!

In honouring Mamma Mary with this title, we acknowledge, and give glory to Jesus, fully God and fully Man. In addressing Mamma Mary with this identity, we proclaim and declare the divinity and humanity of Jesus emphatically. Thus, the Title – Mary, Mother of God
– is an excellent proclamation of our basic aspect of faith – Jesus is both God and Man!

The Motherhood of Blessed Mamma has many implications for us…

1. We are assured of Maternal protection and care in our journey towards the Lord when we face crises, problems and difficulties.
2. We are challenged to respond to God’s inspirations, just as She said “Yes” to God’s call to be a partner in the salvation of the world.
3. We are invited to be faithful and committed in being united with Jesus, in the face of any hardships and troubles that come our way.
4. We are exhorted to be committed and focussed on Jesus and Him alone and to make His Life as the aim, the goal and the foundation of our life.

On this first day of the New Year 2022, the Lord invites us to check and examine our Spiritual Health on the Spiritual Thermometer.

Am I fervent and zealous in my commitment and consecration?

Am I passionate and ardent in my Love for Jesus, my Lord?
Am I charitable and caring in my dealings with my brothers and sisters?

Blessed Mamma, the Mother of God invites us to hold Her hands and march forward joyfully and fervently on the Path of Faith and Love.

Wish you a Very Happy Feast of Blessed Mamma!
Wish you a Blessed and Holy New Year 2022!

God Bless! Let us always… Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
PARTICIPATION IN CHRIST’S KINGLY OFFICE

The laity can also feel called, or be in fact called, to cooperate with their pastors in the service of the ecclesial community, for the sake of its growth and life.
This can be done through the exercise of different kinds of ministries according to the grace and Charisms which the Lord has been pleased to bestow on them.”
In the Church, “lay members of the Christian faithful can cooperate in the exercise of this power [of governance] in accord with the norm of law.”
And so the Church provides for their presence at particular councils, diocesan synods, pastoral councils; the exercise in solidum of the pastoral care of a parish, collaboration in finance committees, and participation in ecclesiastical tribunals, etc.

The faithful should “distinguish carefully between the rights and the duties which they have as belonging to the Church and those which fall to them as members of the human society. They will strive to unite the two harmoniously, remembering that in every temporal affair they are to be guided by a Christian conscience, since no human activity, even of the temporal order, can be withdrawn from God’s dominion. (CCC # 908-909)

“Readying to usher in the New Year, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us!”

(Based on 1 Jn 2:12-17 and Lk 2:36-40 – Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas)

Let’s play a game together.

(I know, it will be a bit impractical to play… yet, let’s give it a try)
As they say, “there is no harm in trying to achieve something worthwhile in life!”

The name of the game is “Guess the Word!”

Ok… Ready?

Here we go… All that you need to do is to “Guess which word I am thinking now…!”

Yeah, you read it right… Just guess the Word that I am thinking of… now!

Did I hear someone say “God?”

Well… You are wrong!

“New Year?”

… Wrong again!

Hmmm… “Resolution?”… “Cross?”… “Celebration?”… “Chocolate?”… “Christmas?”

Sorry… but they are wrong

Another try? … Ok

“Selfie?”… “Food”… “Suffering?”… “Mass?”… “Books?”… “Flower?”… “Sleeping?”
… or some other words?

Well… sad to say… all your guesses turned out to be wrong!

The right answer
… the word that I am thinking of now is “Pencil!”

Did anyone get it right?

I doubt…

If you ask me, why was I thinking of a “pencil”
… I will say, “Well, just simply! No reason”

It would have taken you a very long time to guess that word…
… and probably, you would even have never guessed that word!

Not that it was too difficult or something abstract…

But simply because there is almost no other way you can think the Word that I have in mind, unless I myself tell it to you!

The point of this game is… “The Word that was thought” will be known only if it is “revealed!”
… Is it not?

Now let’s take this concept of “Guessing the Word” to the Divine Realm…

Human Beings at every point of time in every civilization, every culture, have sought to know and establish a link and relationship with the Divine
… to know what is the mind of the Divine
… to guess what is the plan of the Almighty
… to discern what is the thought of the Supernatural

Some philosophers sought to crack this code by drawing out many theories

Some sages and prophets spent time in deep contemplation and wrote many literature
Some noble thinkers dedicated their entire lives to put forward doctrines and teachings

Some of these we call it as religions.

Some as way of life.

Some as philosophies of life.
But none of them were able to know and discern the Divine clearly.

It was just as we played the “guessing the word” game…

Many guesses were attempted… some were close… yet, none were fully right!

The Word in the mind of the Divine would be known only if it is revealed!
And that spectacular instant of revelation is what we call as Incarnation of the Word!

The Divine Historic Moment when the Almighty revealed His Word is called Incarnation!

We read in today’s Gospel reading… John 1: 14, “And the Word became flesh!”

The Word in the mind of God took human form in Jesus!

Jesus is the visible, the revealed and the manifested Word of God!

Jesus is the Son of God… Jesus is God, the Son!
Jesus is the Word made flesh… Jesus is God in human flesh!

What is the impact of this most unique and most spectacular event of history… Incarnation?

Humanity which had strayed has found another chance to be re-united.
Human beings steeped in sin were provided with an opportunity to be redeemed.
Humanity is empowered not with abstract human teachings, but by the Divine Person

This is what makes Christianity different from all other ways of life or religions

This is what makes Christianity unique among all other philosophies of life

It is utter absurdity for philosophers, for the Infinite to become finite

It is purely mythical for the naturalist, for the Transcendent to be understood
It is totally unscientific for the rationalist, for Fullness to be reduced to limitedness

But This is The Truth.

This is the Reality.

In Incarnation, the God of Love was now wrapped in human flesh.
… the Almightiness of God moved in a human arm.
… the Love of God now beat in a human heart.
… the Wisdom of God now spoke from human lips.
… the Mercy of God reached forth from human hands.

You and I are the beneficiaries of knowing the answer of this game “Guessing the Word” which humanity was engaged with the Divine, for centuries!

Jesus is that answer!

And Jesus can be the answer to all the problems and difficulties of our lives.

Have we allowed Him – Jesus, the Word – to take flesh in ourselves?

Have we permitted Him – Jesus the Word – to have an impact in our lifestyle?
Have we consented to Him – Jesus, the Word – to become the totality of our lives?

We are on the last day of this year 2021
… and at the threshold of yet another New Year.

As we thank the Lord for the gift of this year…
… with its ups and downs
… with its learnings and experiences
… with its joyful events and sad moments

Let us also realize that…
… There can be no spectacular resolve
… There can be no greater discovery
… There can be no better resolution
… There can be no higher decision
… than to allow JESUS, THE WORD to take firm and absolute control of our lives!

Are we ready to usher in the New Year 2022, with Jesus, the Word taking complete flesh in us?

Yes, He is The Only Way… The Only Truth… The Only Life – JESUS, THE WORD REVEALED AND MADE FLESH!

Thank You, Lord, for the Year 2021 that has gone by.

We seek to be Holier and “belonging to You more” in this New Year 2022!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
PARTICIPATION IN CHRIST’S KINGLY OFFICE

By his obedience unto death, Christ communicated to his disciples the gift of royal freedom, so that they might “by the self-abnegation of a holy life, overcome the reign of sin in themselves”
That man is rightly called a king who makes his own body an obedient subject and, by governing himself with suitable rigor, refuses to let his passions breed rebellion in his soul, for he exercises a kind of royal power over himself.
And because he knows how to rule his own person as king, so too does he sit as its judge. He will not let himself be imprisoned by sin, or thrown headlong into wickedness.
“Moreover, by uniting their forces let the laity so remedy the institutions and conditions of the world when the latter are an inducement to sin, that these may be conformed to the norms of justice…

… favouring rather than hindering the practice of virtue. By so doing they will impregnate culture and human works with a moral value. (CCC # 908-909)