“Being ready to shape our destiny as per God’s Holy and Perfect Will!”

(Based on 1 Cor 9:19-27 and Jn 12:20-32 – Feast of St John de Britto)

Destiny is shaped by moments of decision!

It was the year 1673 in Portugal.

A young man of 26 was on the verge of taking a strong and serious decision.
He was just a little over a decade, as member, in the Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

His superiors deemed it right to send this vibrant and dynamic person to the missions in India
It was a dangerous mission…
… It was a difficult mission

A destiny was to be shaped
A decision had to be made

The mother of this young and fervent person, feared the life of her beloved son.

Years back, she had experienced the mighty healing touch of the Lord, in the recovery of her son, from the point of death.

She had then, vested her son for a year, in a dress worn by the Jesuit fathers.

But now, she was afraid of losing her son again…
She knew mission to India meant death…
She knew mission away from the native was fatal…

She tried her best to persuade and influence to prevent him from going to the land of death…

But her son was determined….
He had decided to give up His life entirely for the Lord – body, mind and spirit

With deep courage and conviction, he answered:
“God, who called me from the world into religious life, now calls me from Portugal to India”

He had set His eyes on the Kingdom of heaven…
… and not limited by earthly life…

He had set His heart on the designs of God’s Will…
… and not restricted by human desires…

He had made a decision…
…a decision to shape destiny…according to God’s Will!

Just two decades later, on 4th February, 1693, this brave and committed person was executed for the sake of Christ.

The name of the person is St John de Britto, whose feast we celebrate today.

He followed the footsteps of his Beloved Master who had echoed the words:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it only remains a seed; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24)

To be a witness for the Kingdom of God is the call and duty of every Christian.
It is a decision to be made
It is a decision to be lived
It is a decision to be nurtured

Christ made this decision of being entirely and wholly dedicated to His mission

And He invites His disciples – His followers – to also commit themselves to the mission

Jesus had many occasions and chances to escape from this dedication…

He could have chosen to enjoy popularity and fame arising out of His mighty deeds…

But He made a “decision” to not compromise on the truths and convictions

He could have chosen to dilute some of His teachings and make life more “cosier”…

But He made a “decision” to remain firm and grounded on the fundamentals of eternity

He could have chosen to forego some of His values and have some “adjustments”…

But He made a “decision” to be faithful and loyal to the mission and duties entrusted to Him

Our life as a witness for Christ and His Kingdom is sometimes greatly influenced and prejudiced…

We sometimes don’t mind…
… being a little relaxing on some Church teachings…
… making some adjustments to remain popular and not have a bad name…
… diluting some values in order to appear as secular and sociable…

The Church is often under tremendous pressure to change some of Her moral teachings
The Church is often under blatant attacks to alter some of Her time-and-tested values

Most often, the motive behind all such attacks are a ‘life of ease’, a ‘life of comfort’, a ‘life of personal satisfaction’ etc…

Christ today, however, needs witnesses who are willing to undergo pains and persecutions…

The Martyr St John de Britto gave up…
… His native land
… His personal desires
… His family ties
… His very life itself…

All for the sake of Christ and His Love
All for the sake of the Kingdom and its values
All for the sake of His Church and Her teachings

In his words, “Not to answer the vocation as I ought, would be to provoke the justice of God”

Let us be true and faithful to the vocation we have received and the way of life we have chosen…
Christ needs martyrs who are willing to…
… live His teachings
… teach His teachings

Christ needs martyrs who are willing to give up their…
… physical life in the face of being persecuted for Him
… economic life and depend on Him as the true treasure
… social life to bear insults and humiliations to live His values

Yes, Destiny is shaped by moments of decision!

Are we – you and I – ready to shape our destiny as per God’s Holy and Perfect Will?

What is our decision?

Happy Feast of St John de Britto!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
The term “flesh” refers to man in his state of weakness and mortality.

The “resurrection of the flesh” (the literal formulation of the Apostles’ Creed) means not only that the immortal soul will live on after death, but that even our “mortal body” will come to life again
Belief in the resurrection of the dead has been an essential element of the Christian faith from its beginnings. “The confidence of Christians is the resurrection of the dead; believing this we live.”

How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (CCC # 990-991)

“Proclaiming the wonders and marvels of God in our lives and being a zealous missionary of the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…
… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.

While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house…
… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:

“I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.

Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:

“Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:

“Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.

I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.

Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”

As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission

This requires that we be just the way we are…
… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…
… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.

The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.

There were crowds of people following Him…
There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…
… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)

The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.

Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus
Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus
Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus

But as the saying goes…
“Challenges are what makes life interesting…
… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”

Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…

He remained courageous and determined.
He not only chooses the Twelve…
… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…
… with an authority over unclean spirits
… to proclaim the Kingdom of God
… to preach repentance and peace

In this mission journey, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…
“… to take nothing for the journey…
… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” (Mk 6: 8-10)

The Twelve were to learn…
… to totally depend on the Lord
… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures

Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…
… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally depend on the Lord and have the Lord as my Courage and Strength…
…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I get easily discouraged and disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…
… or do I know for sure that even with all my flaws and weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?

Christian missionary life is a journey

There may be times when we feel we are not doing enough
There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His shoulders assures us:
“I have always known about your flaws…
… and I take advantage of that.

Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”

Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way

And if we entrust ourselves totally to Him…
… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!

Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…
… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Blaise, a saint who is invoked for throat ailments.

In some churches, a blessing of the throats take place (which can also be – in these pandemic times – be done in our homes, by the head of the family)…

Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Let us use our throats to proclaim the wonders and marvels of God in our lives…
… and be a zealous missionary of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
“I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY”

The Christian Creed – the profession of our faith in God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in God’s creative, saving, and sanctifying action…

… in the proclamation of the resurrection of the dead on the last day and in life everlasting (CCC # 988)

“Proclaiming the wonders and marvels of God in our lives and being a zealous missionary of the Lord!”

(Based on 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13 – Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time)

A common story is told of a water bearer who had two large pots…
… each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it.
>> While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house…
… the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments
>> But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.


After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer:
>> “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.

The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”

The pot replied: “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house.
>> Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer without being disturbed said plainly:
>> “Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the path along your side.”

As they went up the hill, the cracked pot took notice of the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path.

At the end of the trail, the bearer said to the pot:
>> “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.
>> I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them.

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.
>> Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house!”


As a Christian, each of us are expected to perform our role in mission
>> This requires that we be just the way we are…
… but totally offered to the Hands of the Master, knowing for sure that He will supplement all our flaws with His Grace!


The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus sending out the Twelve on a mission…
… with the tender invitation to depend on Him totally.


The ministry of Jesus had gained a lot of popularity.
>> There were crowds of people following Him…
>> There were multitudes of persons attracted to Him…

But of all these, Jesus had chosen the Twelve…
… who would be with Him and to be sent out (Mk 3:14)

The ministry of Jesus had also gained a lot of opposition.
>> Many of the religious leaders were greatly taken aback by the raw authoritative power of Jesus
>> Many of the Scribes and Pharisees were greatly offended by the blunt and open challenges by Jesus
>> Many of the local and family people were greatly scandalized by the boldness and courage of Jesus


But as the saying goes…
“Challenges are what makes life interesting…
… and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!”

Though opposition and challenges were raging hard against the ministry of Jesus…
>> He remained courageous and determined.
>> He not only chooses the Twelve…
… but He also sends them on a mission

A mission…
… with an authority over unclean spirits
… to proclaim the Kingdom of God
… to preach repentance and peace


In this mission journey, the Lord gave a few instructions and principles…
“… to take nothing for the journey…
… whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place…” (Mk 6: 8-10)

The Twelve were to learn…
… to totally depend on the Lord
… to not get discouraged even in the face of apparent flaws and failures


Each of us, by virtue of our following Christ, is a missionary…
… we have a duty entrusted to us – a duty for the Kingdom of God

Do I totally depend on the Lord and have the Lord as my Courage and Strength…
…or do I tend to get self-reliant and too proud on my own talents and potentials, with no room for the Lord?

Do I get easily discouraged and disheartened when things don’t go as I plan or when I feel that I am not being “successful” in what I am doing…
… or do I know for sure that even with all my flaws and weaknesses, the Lord will employ me for His Glory, if I trust in Him?


Christian missionary life is a journey
>> There may be times when we feel we are not doing enough
>> There will be situations when we feel that I am not living up to my expectations

But the Lord, Who is holding us, over His shoulders assures us:
“I have always known about your flaws…
… and I take advantage of that.
>> Just be the way you are – but offer yourself to me totally and trust in me – and you will participate in my plan of bringing Beauty to the House of God!”


Yes, the Lord plants flower seeds of joy, peace and love on the way
>> And if we entrust ourselves totally to Him…
… even our flaws, can become occasions to have these seeds to bloom and bless others!


Shall we – in the words of St Francis de Sales – “Be what we are, and be at its best”…
… offering our lives to the Lord wholly?


Today we celebrate the Feast of St Blaise, a saint who is invoked for throat ailments.

In some churches, a blessing of the throats take place (which can also be – in these pandemic times – be done in our homes, by the head of the family)…

Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil.
>> In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”


Let us use our throats to proclaim the wonders and marvels of God in our lives…
… and be a zealous missionary of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!


——————————–
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
“I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY”
>> The Christian Creed – the profession of our faith in God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in God’s creative, saving, and sanctifying action…
… in the proclamation of the resurrection of the dead on the last day and in life everlasting (CCC # 988)
——————————–

“Growing in our conviction of ‘belongingness’ to the Lord and being fearless and courageous in giving ‘external expression to our Faith!’”

(Based on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

In a session, for a gathering of priests and religious – as part of the Day of Consecrated Life – the speaker asked: “Can anyone please tell me in a word, what your idea of consecration is?”

An elderly sister, sitting right on the first row, stood up…

The speaker motioned to her… to answer

The sister – who had much experience in life working in mission areas – held out a blank sheet of paper…

And replied: “Consecration is nothing but to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet of paper…
… and let God fill it in, as He will
… and be joyful and at peace!”

That is indeed a beautiful way of understanding Consecration, isn’t it?

A total surrender to God’s Will and being joyful

A complete submission to God’s Ways and remaining at peace!

Today on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord…

As Christians, we are reminded to grow in our “conviction of belonging to the Lord”…
… and to be fearless and courageous in allowing God to take complete control of our lives!

Today is also a day when we celebrate the ‘Consecrated Way of Life.’

Consecration is giving oneself to the Lord wholly.

Consecration is seeking to be pure – completely – in heart and mind.

The Gospel of the Day presents St Joseph and Mother Mary presenting Jesus in the Temple.
“When the days were completed for their purification, according to the Law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22)

We are on the 40th Day after Christmas, the Nativity of Jesus.

The Book of Exodus spoke of the need of this presentation and consecration of the first-born child…
“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb…
If your son ask you later on, ‘What does this mean’, you shall tell him, ‘ With a strong hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the land of slavery….'” (Ex 12: 2, 14)

The act of presentation in the Temple…
… represented fulfilling of God’s command..
… recalled God’s deed of deliverance from slavery…
… reminded the deep love of God for His people…

The presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is also another reminder of the “ordinariness” of the Lord, in His incarnation…

Jesus was known as the child of “ordinary” human parents!
Jesus took birth and grew up in “ordinary” conditions and circumstances!
Jesus lived His life in an “ordinary” family situation!

By Baptism, all of us are also consecrated to the Lord…

Some of us, have also made a deeper consecration by the profession of vows…

The meaning of this consecration, also, derives from the consecration of the Lord…

We are “ordinary” by our sinful nature…
… yet the Lord exalts us to live a pure and holy life.

We are “ordinary” by our human nature…
… yet the Lord wishes to join with His Divine nature

We are “ordinary” in our deeds and works…
… yet the Lord wants to be His Kingdom partners

Our consecration…
… is a deep call and invitation to live a Holy Life
… is a loving obligation and sacred duty to be fully committed to Him

Each of us – whether single or in family life, whether a priest or a religious –
… ought to BELONG TO THE LORD AND TO HIM ALONE!

We are all consecrated and offered to the Lord.

Let us hold the hands of St Joseph and Mamma Mary, and renew our consecration to the Lord.

This is a day…
… to renew our commitment and zeal for the Lord
… to rekindle the fire of our love and faith in the Lord
… to restore our initial enthusiasm and interest for the Lord
… to revitalize our knowledge and comprehension of the Lord

Life will constantly take us to situations where we will face tough and hard moments.

Can we allow the Lord to fill the “papers of our life” – the canvas of our life – the way He wishes…
… and bowing before His Holy Will – say Yes to Him – and live in joy and peace?

May we grow in our conviction of our “belongingness” to the Lord…
… and be fearless and courageous in giving “external expression to our Faith!”

Yes, let us pray: “Lord, I belong to You and to You alone, Amen!”

Happy Feast to all us, who are consecrated to the Lord, by our Baptism…
… specially to the Consecrated, by virtue of the evangelical vows!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE POWER OF THE KEYS

The Creed links “the forgiveness of sins” with its profession of faith in the Holy Spirit, for the risen Christ entrusted to the apostles the power to forgive sins when he gave them the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins: it unites us to Christ, who died and rose, and gives us the Holy Spirit.
By Christ’s will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized and exercises it through bishops and priests normally in the sacrament of Penance.

“In the forgiveness of sins, both priests and sacraments are instruments which our Lord Jesus Christ, the only author and liberal giver of salvation, wills to use in order to efface our sins and give us the grace of justification” (CCC # 984-987)

“Offering our world of burdens to Jesus and feeling energetic and enthusiastic!”

(Based on 2 Sam 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3 and Mk 5:21-43 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

A person came to a spiritual counsellor to share his difficulties and problems of life.

During the break of the counselling session, as the two took a walk in the garden area, the person who was had come to share the difficulties, noticed a large statue of the Atlas.

(The Statue of Atlas is of a well-built man, who with all his muscles straining…
… is holding the world upon his shoulders)

Seeing that statue of Atlas who was struggling to hold the world, the man told the counsellor:
“Do you see that man struggling to hold the world on his shoulders?

That’s exactly how I feel in my life as well!

The burden of the whole world seems to be on my shoulders and I feel exasperated!”

The counsellor gave a gentle smile to the man and asked him to have his eyes on the other side of the street.
“Look at that statue,” said the counsellor.

The man noticed, at a distance, the statue of Infant Jesus…
… Who was holding the world (globe) in His Hands.

And the counsellor continued:
“We have a choice in life!

We can either follow Atlas and feel as if the entire world of burden is placed on my shoulders…
… and thus feel exasperated and exhausted!

Or we can follow Jesus and offer our world of burdens to Him, Who will hold it in His Hands…
… and thus feel energetic and enthusiastic!

The Gospel of the Day recounts two people who had an encounter with Jesus, and offered their world of burdens to Him, …
… and thus felt energetic and enthusiastic!

Sicknesses and diseases are great interrupters in life…
… they enter into the house of life, without knocking at the doors
… they disrupt many plans and aspirations
… they reduce the hope for the future

The Gospel is a narration of two persons who encountered this interruption in life…

1. Jairus’ daughter – on the death bed – would have dashed many hopes of their family
2. The long suffering of the woman – with haemorrhage – would have crushed her aspirations

Both these two persons – Jairus and the Woman with the haemorrhage underwent similar struggles….

One had tremendous mental agony as a result of worry for his beloved child…
The other had also tremendous physical agony along with her mental and social stigmas…

Both their sufferings had reached a saturation point of tolerance…

Both of them were struggling immensely to swim across the ocean of agony and pain…

But both these persons also displayed a similar sort of faith in the Lord….
“Seeing Jesus, Jairus fell at His feet and pleaded earnestly with Him…” ( Mk 5:22)
“…realizing what had happened to her, the woman approached Jesus in fear and trembling; fell down before Jesus and told Him the whole truth” (Mk5: 33)

They both “offered their world of burdens” to Jesus…
… in deep faith and trust…
… with much love and devotion
… with great expectations and hopes

The “offering of their burdens” was a sign of total submission and surrender

Jairus offered himself to the power and mercy of the Lord…
The woman with haemorrhage offered herself to the compassion and love of the Lord…
This made them to experience the power of the Lord.

When we offer ourselves fully to the holy and precious Will of the Lord…
… we come in contact with His Divine Providence and Wonder

When we submit ourselves to the mighty power and providence of God…
…we experience His Divine Strength and Courage

When we surrender ourselves to the dominion and sovereignty of God…
… we encounter His marvellous presence and guidance

Our Christian Life – with all its challenges – places before us choices:

We can either feel that the entire world of burden is placed on our shoulders…
… and thus feel exasperated and exhausted!

Or we can offer our world of burdens to Jesus, telling Him, “’Here I am Lord; here’s my life. I give you my world, the whole world’…
… and thus feel energetic and enthusiastic!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism

There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive.
“There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest.
Christ Who died for all men desires that in His Church, the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin.
Catechesis strives to awaken and nourish in the faithful faith in the incomparable greatness of the risen Christ’s gift to His Church: the mission and the power to forgive sins through the ministry of the Apostles and their successors
The Lord wills that His disciples possess a tremendous power: that His lowly servants accomplish in His Name all that He did when He was on earth.
Priests have received from God a power that He has given neither to angels nor to archangels –
God above confirms what priests do here below.
Were there no forgiveness of sins in the Church, there would be no hope of life to come or eternal liberation.

Let us thank God who has given his Church such a gift!” (CCC # 982-983)

“Imitating and following Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!”

(Based on 2 Sam 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 and Mk 5:1-20 – Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in His great ministry of bringing the Kingdom of God to many…
… of healing
… of rebuking the evil spirits
… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

And today He enters a Gentile territory…
… They came to the other side of the sea to the territory of Gerasenes” (Mk 5: 1)

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

As He enters the territory of Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man “who came from the tombs with an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2)

St Mark describes the hard state that the man was in…
… dwelling among the tombs
… none could restrain him
… bound in chains

Sometimes, in life, we too find ourselves in such a situation…
… though not physically, but mentally, socially and spiritually!

In all such “possessed” situations of life…
… are we ready to encounter the presence of the Lord?

In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…
…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

In the chained situations of emptiness in my spiritual life…
…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Freedom of Faith and Revival?

In the broken moments of frustrations and despair…
…. Do I encounter the Lord to receive the Restoration of Encouragement and Support?

St Mark goes on to describe the state of the demoniac…
… how he would hurt himself with stones (Mk 5: 5)
… how he cried out loudly to the Lord (Mk 5:7)
… how he pleaded the Lord to not chase away from that comfort zone (Mk 5:10)

We need to ask ourselves…

Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers…?
… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?
… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?
… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?
… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage declares His intentions of going to other towns (Mk 5:18)…
… and also exhorts the demoniac who was healed to remain in his place, and to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mk 5: 19-20).

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing

And He also inspires and exhorts those who have been touched by Him, to become a witness to His Works and His Kingdom

Do I imitate the Lord…
…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?
… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

This Altruism of Jesus challenges us…
… to be willing to change our lives, go beyond our zones of comfort and help the needy with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!
…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…
… which made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

St Gregory the Great says, “He is not wise to me who is wise in words only, but he who is wise in deeds.”

Let us seek the intercession of St John Bosco, on this Feast Day, for this Grace of “recognizing the Presence of the Lord in our lives and avoiding any relapse”…
… and give heed to his words:
“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things

Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is.
Enliven your faith, which is essential to understand and achieve piety.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE POWER OF THE KEYS

After his Resurrection, Christ sent his apostles “so that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations.”
The apostles and their successors carry out this “ministry of reconciliation,” not only by announcing to men God’s forgiveness merited for us by Christ…
… and calling them to conversion and faith; but also by communicating to them the forgiveness of sins in Baptism, and reconciling them with God and with the Church through the power of the keys, received from Christ
[The Church] has received the keys of the Kingdom of heaven so that, in her, sins may be forgiven through Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit’s action.

In this Church, the soul dead through sin comes back to life in order to live with Christ, whose grace has saved us. (CCC # 981)

“Making a choice for the Lord – the One Who strengthens us in every rejection – as the Love of our Life!”

(Based on Jer 1:4-5, 17-19, 1 Cor 12:31-13:13 and Lk 4:21-30 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

Mobile phones come with various features

One of the feature – especially in the older versions of phones – is the dictionary mode.

In this dictionary mode, if one types the word, “rejected”…
… it appears as “selected!”

Try it if you wish…

Well… the same is true when we type in the word “rejected” in the Divine mode…
… before the Lord!

• He converts every “reject” to a “select”…
• He converts our “rejection” to a “selection” for grace and sanctification
• He converts our “rejection” to a “selection” for purification and strengthening.

Are we ready to offer all our “rejection” to the Lord…
… so that He can convert them into a “selection” unto Him?

One of the most painful words in perhaps the whole of dictionary is the word … “Rejection”

And this is perhaps one word, that has been experienced in life, by most of us.. if not all.

• Most of us have felt the sting of rejection…
• Most of us can recollect instances and situations of rejection even now…
• Most of feel a twinge within ourselves when we hear this word ‘rejection’…

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus, our Master undergoing the painful experience of ‘rejection’.

The background of the Gospel passage of the day is that Jesus is in the Synagogue at Nazareth at the beginning of His ministry.

Being handed over the Scripture from the book of Isaiah, Jesus spoke of the fulfilment of the text that was read:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor….” (Lk 4:18)

The graciousness of His words and the eloquence of His speech attracted the audience to Himself.

The first impression was surely a wonderful impression…
… but as time would prove, it is not always the best and lasting impression.

When He began to teach the people of how God has brought His salvation and the message of hope to not just the Jews, but the Gentiles also, murmurs of rejection began to crop up.

• The message of straight talk to the heart, which affected their inner lives, caused uneasiness to His listeners.

• The delivery of the truth which had a direct bearing upon their lives and attitudes, caused edginess to arise among His listeners.

And so, there happened a conversion…
… a conversion, not for the good, but for the bad!
• They were converted from having a good opinion of Jesus to forming a detestable view on Him
• They were converted from nodding their heads in approval to shaking their heads and clenching their fists in refutation and denial.

How true a picture is this of many a human nature….

We appreciate those persons who speak what we wish to speak…
… but deny those who speak against us, even if they speak the truth!

We encourage those people who harp the same tune that we wish to hear…
… but terribly denounce those who play the melody for a genuine transformation!

The Lord was rejected!

And He Himself testified to this naked reality:
“No prophet is accepted in his own native place” (Lk 4: 24)

The Gospel of John presents this reality in a more dramatic manner:
“He came to His own and His own rejected Him!” (Jn 1:11)

Rejection is a part of each of our lives…

And the rejection is much greater and true, when one stands for the truth and the values of the Gospel!

• We get rejected by our friends who don’t approve when we seek to live a holier lives…
• We get rejected by the society which is unable to appreciate those wanting a sanctified life…

But the Lord assures us… “In all your rejection, look up to me!”
“There was no one who was rejected as I was…

I was rejected when I was born…
I was rejected when I lived…
I was rejected when I died….”

Our hearts – with the experiences of life – may perhaps be a canvas of much agony of rejection.

But the Lord today invites us to go to Him and seek solace, healing and consolation from Him.

Let us always remember that in the Divine Mode…
… every “rejected” turns into a “selected!”

He Who was rejected, is the Lord of acceptance!

He Who was rejected, is the Saviour of hope!
He Who was rejected, is the God of healing!

Let us choose Him as the Lord and Love of our Life!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
ONE BAPTISM FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

In the battle against our inclination towards evil, who could be brave and watchful enough to escape every wound of sin?
“If the Church has the power to forgive sins, then Baptism cannot be her only means of using the keys of the Kingdom of heaven received from Jesus Christ.
The Church must be able to forgive all penitents their offenses, even if they should sin until the last moment of their lives.”
It is through the sacrament of Penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church
Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers “a laborious kind of baptism.”
This sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after Baptism…

… just as Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn (CCC # 979-980)

“Avoiding the plank of transient assurances and ‘embracing the Rock of Everlasting Refuge!’”

(Based on 2 Sam 12:1-7, 10-17 and Mk 4:35-41 – Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time)

A captain of a ship – quite deep rooted in his faith and love for Christ – was addressing a group of teenage boys and girls.

He told them:
“My dear young ones! Do not get swayed by your emotions and feelings, in your life of faith.

When you are struggling in the waters of sin, and you try to get closer to hold the hands of Jesus, you know what does the devil do?

He holds out a plank of ‘false feelings and assurances’ and says – ‘Get on to this… and you will feel better!
And when you lose focus from Jesus and step on to that ‘plank,’ he pulls it out…
… and your state of life will be worse than before!

Therefore my friends, remember always…
… Depend not on false feelings. Depend on Your Faith!
… Lose not your focus from Jesus. Allow His Hands to uphold you!

Avoid the plank of transient assurances. Embrace the Rock of Everlasting Refuge!”

The Gospel of the Day is a beautiful encounter of the disciples experiencing “the waves of struggles”…
… and being reminded to “Embrace the Rock of Everlasting Refuge!”

It’s a very late evening… nearing midnight…

The disciples along with Jesus, who have embarked on a boat, are caught in the midst of a heavy storm.
“A violent squall came up and the waves were breaking over the boat…” (Mk 4: 36)

Some of the disciples were fishermen.

They had been many years at the sea.
They had often suffered the fury and vehemence of nature
They had been greatly used to many storms and tempests at sea.

But this storm seemed to be too fierce and too ferocious.

The disciples feared greatly!
The disciples panicked very much!

With death bells ringing in their ears, and a dreadful end before their eyes…
… the disciples were shocked to see Jesus, unmoved and unperturbed.

The Gospel says that “Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion” (Mk 4:38)

In the moment of their deep anguish and helpless, the disciples cry out:
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mk 4:38)

The boat could capsize anytime and all of them could be drowned soon…

The storms could lash brutally and the waves could overturn them any moment…

Time was fast running…

But Jesus seemed totally unfazed!

Jesus seemed totally disinterested!
So they cried out to Jesus… Lord, do you not care?!

How many times have we screamed similar words to God:
“Lord, do you not care?”

Lord, do you not care… that my family member is so sick?
Lord, do you not care… that I feel totally alone and miserable in my life?
Lord, do you not care… that my marriage is failing and my family is breaking up?
Lord, do you not care… that am without a job now and the future ahead is so bleak?
Lord, do you not care… that my life seems so meaningless and without any purpose?
Lord, do you not care… that I am plunged to loneliness and abandoned by all my friends?
Lord, do you not care that I encounter only failures, dejection and rejection in my endevours?

When we look into the Gospel, it is amazing to know whose plan it was, in the first place to make this boat journey…

When we re-read the Gospel passage, we find the answer…
Mk 4:35 says, “On that day, as evening drew near, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side!’”

Ah…..
Shall we read that again?

… JESUS said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side!”

The idea to go in the boat was not that of the disciples…

The idea to go in the boat was that of JESUS!

The encounter with the storms was not some accident!

The stumbling into the violent waves was not some unlucky thing!

It had a purpose!
It had a meaning!
It had an intention!

For the disciples, it was a moment of terror…
… But the Lord used this terrorizing time to teach them to have faith in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of immense crisis…
… But the Lord used this critical moment, to teach them to trust in Him!

For the disciples, it was a time of dreadful fear…
… But the Lord used this fearful circumstance, to teach them to believe in Him!

The disciples – who had stepped on the “plank of fear”- were given a lesson: Lose not your focus from Jesus. His Hands will uphold you always!

Our moments of struggle are a time of testing…
Our moments of struggle are a time of learning…

Testing of our genuine faith… learning of deeper trusting!
Testing of our real convictions… learning of profound dependence!

Let us deepen our trust in the Lord especially in moments of crisis, so that as St Paul assures us, we can be ‘ambassadors of the new creation’:
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor 5:17)

When life takes us through the “waves of sin and struggle,” let us not get fascinated by the devil’s allurement to step on the plank of “false feelings and assurances”

Instead let us avoid the plank of transient assurances…
… and “embrace the Rock of Everlasting Refuge!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
ONE BAPTISM FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to faith and Baptism: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Baptism is the first and chief Sacrament of forgiveness of sins…
… because it unites us with Christ, Who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that “we too might walk in newness of life.”
“When we made our first profession of faith while receiving the holy Baptism that cleansed us, the forgiveness we received then was so full and complete that there remained in us absolutely nothing left to efface…
… neither original sin nor offenses committed by our own will, nor was there left any penalty to suffer in order to expiate them.

Yet the Grace of Baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of nature. On the contrary, we must still combat the movements of concupiscence that never cease leading us into evil! (CCC # 977-978)

“Nurturing and growing in the tasks that are entrusted to us – in the little or big way – that God graces us, and bringing glory and honour to our Supremely Glorious and Omnipotent God!”

(Based on 2 Sam 11:1-10, 13-17 and Mk 4:26-34 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time)

The Indian folklores of Akbar-Birbal are popular.

Here is one…

Once King Akbar asked his prime minister, Birbal, “Who is greater, me or God?”
This minister Birbal was very clever and prudent person.

Without hesitation, he answered, “You are, Your Majesty.”
Though the king was flattered, he asked, “How can that be?”

“Well, you see, Your Majesty”, replied the smart minister, “If you do not like someone, you can banish him from your kingdom very easily.

However, how can God banish anyone from His Kingdom?

Where can He send him?
The whole universe is God’s Kingdom!”

With one answer, the minister had apparently achieved two goals:

Pleased his King – by affirming his greatness by telling of the ‘power’ to banish
Told the truth – by acknowledging God’s total sovereignty

This little incident speaks to us of the supreme Glory and Omnipotence of God and His Kingdom.

The Gospel of the Day presents Jesus teaching to us on the nature and characteristics of the Kingdom of God, with the help of parables.

One aspect that we need to note here is the usage of parables in the teaching ministry of Jesus.

It could be said that if Jesus had a grammar teacher, then, probably the teacher would have been extremely proud of this Student!

Jesus used a lot of metaphors, similes, illustrations and parables in His teachings.

Therefore we need to be aware and careful when we read and understand this ‘technique’ of the Lord:

Such parables and examples were not to be taken in the literal sense, but in its figurative sense
Such metaphors were presented by Jesus to emphasise on a particular aspect of a teaching

Such illustrations were not meant to be closed-reflections; rather, they were to be means of allowing a person to explore and delve deeper into the mystery that was being explained.

The teachings connected to God and His Kingdom are mysteries…. divine and lofty.

Metaphors and parables are the meaningful expressions of these mysteries.
They are never complete by themselves… Yet, they are rich and meaningful.

They induce emotions.
They help to situate culturally.
They unite people together in a common search.

And this is the essence of true religiosity: fostering one’s search and longing for the Divine.

By presenting the parables, Jesus triggers our minds to open up to the vastness of the reality of God and to foster our desire to seek Him more, in our everyday living and circumstances.

For a true seeker of God, every situation of life becomes a parable from God, revealing His Supreme Providence.

For a genuine searcher of the Divine, every circumstance and person in life, becomes an illustration from the Lord, to know His Presence and Will

Do I consider my life as a “beautiful parable” from God, and seek to find the Divine elements in it?

Do I reflect on the circumstances of my life – joyful, painful, sorrowful, sinful – as a “wonderful illustration” from the Lord, inviting me to see His Presence and fostering my own relationship with Him?

The two parables of the Day present to us, figuratively, some aspects of the Kingdom of God:

1. The Parable of the Kingdom of God as the seed that is sown, sprouted and giving a rich harvest, without being in the grasp of the awareness of the one who sows

What does this parable teach?

a. The duty of the one who sows, even if one is unaware how the growth-process happens

Am I active and energetic in being an agent of the Kingdom of God – by speaking of Christ, by living His Gospel values, by freeing our lives from sin – even if I fail to understand ‘how’ would this help in the growth process of the Kingdom?

b. The glory of the growth of the seed, taking its own time and conveying the message of patience and persistence

Am I patient when success doesn’t come to me immediately and do I continue to be persevering in my efforts – of prayer, of duty, of my responsibilities – even if it takes a longer time than I expect?

c. The assurance that the growth of the seed, fostered by earthly elements, nevertheless, given by the power and grace of God.

Am I faithful to the duties that I need to do and then totally depend on the mighty hand of God in order to experience success and see the fruits of my labour? As the Psalmist says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain, who build” (Ps 127: 1)

2. The Parable of the mustard Seed as the Seed that is the smallest when sown, yet grows on to be the greatest of all shrubs, and becomes a shelter for the birds of the air
   What does this parable teach?

a. The little things of life also have the potency to develop to give the greatest results, since God is the Author of such successes and accomplishments

Am I convinced that even if my resources – be it talents or time or income or personnel or anything else – are too small or insignificant, they can still become powerful means for the growth of God’s Kingdom, if we are faithful and depend totally on His grace?

b. The external growth and triumphs that are achieved, in turn, ought to become a source of help and solace for the others (as the birds of the air take nest in the huge mustard shrubs)

Do the achievements of my life – small or big- help me to become a person who reaches out in support and solace, to the needy ones?

c. An element of surprise and wonder is present in every act of nature – the little mustard seed, which would otherwise have been trampled upon as something too ordinary, amazes by its extraordinary growth

Am I able to trust in the “surprising and astonishing” wonders that the Lord can perform in ‘any’ situation of my life?

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas – the great Doctor and Theologian…

Towards the end of his life – this great learned person who had written much on the Lord – during prayer…
… Christ is said to have told him, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labour?”

Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord.”

He humbled himself before the Great God to allow God’s Light to always shine through him!

All of us are part of the Project ‘Kingdom of God’.

Let us seek the intercession of St Thomas Aquinas, as we nurture and grow in the tasks that are entrusted to us – in the little or big way – that God graces us…
… and thus bring glory and honour to our Supremely Glorious and Omnipotent God!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

The Apostle’s Creed associates faith in the forgiveness of sins not only with faith in the Holy Spirit, but also with faith in the Church and in the communion of saints.
It was when He gave the Holy Spirit to His apostles that the Risen Christ conferred on them His own Divine Power to forgive sins:

“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (CCC # 976)

“Letting the ‘light of God’s Love’ shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!”

(Based on 2 Sam 7:18-19, 24-29 and Mk 4:21-25: Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year II)

An incident is narrated in the life of St Thomas Aquinas, whose feast we celebrated on Jan 28.

One day when St Thomas Aquinas was preaching to the local people on the love of God, he observed an old woman listening attentively to his every word.

The old woman impressed the great saint by her simplicity, attentiveness and keenness.

Inspired by her eagerness to learn more about God whom she loved so dearly, he said to the people:
“It is better to be this unlearned woman, loving God with all her heart…
… than the most learned theologian lacking love!”

The lady was able to let the “light of God’s Love” shine through her life of simplicity and passionate tenderness.

We are all invited to lead a saintly life – filled with love – and allow others to experience the Light of God’s love!

Our Christian life exhorts us to be glowing with a holy life, to let others to see the Radiance of God’s Peace!

The Gospel of the Day is an exhortation and a reminder by Jesus to become a “light to the other”

Jesus presents a simple parable, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not on a stand?” (Mk 4: 21)

In the ancient world, people did not have electricity like we have today.

Most homes would contain several oil lamps because olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.

The oil lamps were the main source of light in every home.

These ancient lamps were usually oval shaped, and flat on top.

They were normally made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronze and sometimes even of gold.

Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

The Lord presents this common example of the Lamp to highlight…
… that Christian lives also ought to shine and glow
… that Gospel values cannot remain hidden and concealed
… that the power of light, however, little, can dispel the gloominess of darkness

The world we live in is often in darkness and in obscurity.

As Christians, we have a duty and an obligation to hold alight the lamp.

The world often runs into the darkness of sin and evil practices…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my holy and sanctified life?

Many people are often forced to remain in the shadows of guilt, shame and abuse…
… Can I be a lamp, bringing them to Christ’s light by my prayers, sacrifices and good works?

King David in the Old Testament, humbles himself before the awesome majesty and power of God.

He acknowledges the great Mercy and Providence of God in his life and with sincerity, seeks to be led by the Power of God in his life:
“Now therefore may it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue forever before Thee; for Thou, O Lord God, hast spoken, and with Thy blessing shall the house of Thy servant be blessed for ever!” (2 Sam 7:29)

When we humble ourselves before the mighty power of God, we allow His light to shine through us.

Our lives become “a glowing and fragrant lamp of God’s Light” when we acknowledge His Great Presence in our lives and allow ourselves to be totally dependent on Him!

The Lord invites us…
…. to let His light to pass through our actions, deeds and activities.
… to let His light illumine our thoughts, visions and mentalities.

Let us understand that, “it is better to be an unlearned person, loving God with all her heart…
… than to be the most learned theologian lacking love!

And thus, may we let the “light of God’s Love” shine through our life of simplicity and passionate tenderness!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

---

Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MARY – ESCHATOLOGICAL ICON OF THE CHURCH

After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude than by looking to Mary.
In Her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own “pilgrimage of faith,” and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey.
There, “in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity,” “in the communion of all the saints,” the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of Her Lord and as her own mother.
In the meantime the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come.

Likewise she shines forth on earth until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God (CCC # 972)