Brenda was a young yet fearful woman who, once, joined her friends in rock climbing.

Although scared, she put on the gear, took a hold on the rope and started up the face of that steep rock cliff.

As she climbed higher, the safety rope snapped against Brenda’s eye and knocked out her contact lens!

Down went the contact lens

… and down went also her clarity in vision

… and her hopes!!

Of course, she looked and looked and looked, hoping it had landed somewhere close… but it just wasn’t there.

>> She was desperate and began to get upset, so she prayed to the Lord to help her to find it.

When she managed get to the top, she sat down, despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for the rest of them to make it up the face of the cliff.

She looked out across range after range of mountains, thinking of that Bible verse that says, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.”

She thought, “Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.”

>> Finally, they walked down the trail to the bottom.

At the bottom there was a new party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff.

One of them shouted out, “Hey, you guys! Anybody lost a contact lens?”

Well, that was startling enough, but how was it that the climber saw it?

An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it!

A miracle?

>> An unbelievable story?

Well.. anyway, later, when Brenda told her father, who was a cartoonist, this incredible story, he drew a picture of an ant lugging and carrying that contact lens with the words:

“Lord, I don’t know why You want me to carry this thing!

I can’t eat it, and it’s awfully heavy…

But if this is what You want me to do, I’ll carry it for You.”

Wow! Those are amazing words isn’t it?

One may not always realise the reason for many things in life…

… may not see any good in it

… may even feel it too heavy

>> But, if one trusts in the mighty and loving Providence of the Lord, the same burden or load will be a reason for a miracle!

Are you and I, carrying a heavy burden today?

Feeling the worthlessness of it?

>> Trust in God… He has a beautiful plan and purpose!

Hard to trust that?

Then look closer into the life of the wonderful Saint of the Day – St Joseph!

>> A person who was called for the most strangest and unique assignments in the world…

>> A person who would have often wondered what really is going on in his life…

And yet, a person, who firmly clung on to what was given to him…embracing the Will of God!

St Joseph is certainly, one of the most remarkable personalities in the entire Bible.

>> A person who never spoke in the Bible… but one who spoke volumes of deep trust, confidence and obedience through his life.

>> A person who is not noted for any flashy or spectacular incidents…but one whose personality shines bright for the promptness and immediacy in carrying out what God wanted of him.

St Joseph was tremendously blessed!

>> The one who had the absolute privilege of being closest to two of the Most Holiest Persons in this world – Jesus and Mother Mary!

>> The one who had the pristine honour of rendering the first adoration and worship of Baby Jesus at His birth in this world!

But with blessing also comes duty and responsibility!

And St Joseph is a brilliant example and model to doing one’s duties and responsibilities…

>> He sacrificed a possible life of worldly glory… in accepting to be the caretaking father of Jesus.

>> He cast away his doubts and possibilities of shame… in accepting Mary as his wife, despite the tremendous societal and religious pressure on him.

>> He bore every difficulty and endured many miseries… in helping Jesus, the Son of God to be born and to ensure safety for the Divine Child and Mother.

>> He went beyond all shades of comfort and walked the path of thorny hardships… in ensuring the Holy Family was protected from harmful powers.

>> Here is a Saint…

… who challenges us to be totally and firmly faithful in carrying out the mission of God – be it small, unnoticed, unglamorous or insignificant.

… who shatters our mind in wanting to have pleasures and comforts, by letting go of one’s personal gains and even logical reasoning, in order to preserve and promote the Plans of God.

Life tosses us, time and again…

… with hardships, doubts, misunderstandings, uncertainty, fear… and even remain unrecognised!

>> But through all these experiences, St Joseph invites us… to trust in the Lord, with a deep sense of serenity and confidence!

Yes, we may not always understand why things are thrust on us…

But let us be inspired by St Joseph, to unmistakably hold on, in doing God’s Will in our lives!

>> God’s Will may not be comprehended…but it certainly will hold us close to the Heart of the Lord!

>> God’s Will may not always appear to be clear… but it certainly will be a major factor in carrying out the plan of God for us, in our lives!

Yes, let this be our encouraging prayer:

“Lord, I don’t know why You want me to carry this thing!

I can’t eat it, and it’s awfully heavy…

But if this is what You want me to do, I’ll carry it for You.”

May we join St Francis de Sales, who made this beautiful prayer, to St Joseph:

“Glorious St Joseph, spouse of Mary, grant us thy paternal protection, we beseech thee by the heart of Jesus Christ.

>> O thou, whose power extends to all our necessities and can render possible for us the most impossible things, open thy fatherly eyes to the needs of thy children.

In the trouble and distress which afflicts us, we confidently have recourse to thee.

>> Deign to take under your charitable charge this important and difficult matter, cause of our worries.

Make its happy outcome be for God’s glory and for the good of His devoted servants. Amen!”

Happy Feast of the Just Saint, St Joseph!

>> Let us rejoice with his Beloved Son Jesus and his Beautiful wife and our Mother, Mary!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “What more remains for us to say now, except that we cannot doubt at all that this glorious saint (St Joseph) has great influence in heaven…

… Oh how happy shall we be, if we can merit a share in his holy intercession!

>> He will obtain for us, if we have confidence in him, a holy growth in all kinds of virtues, but especially in those that we have found that he possessed in a higher degree than any others…

… which are most holy purity of body and mind, the most lovable virtue of humility, constancy, courage and perseverance!

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A. What is it?

>> “Dei Verbum” is the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 18 November 1965

>> The phrase “Dei Verbum” is Latin for “Word of God”

>> It is one of the smallest Vatican II Documents (26 paragraphs or roughly 3,000

words in Latin)

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Dei Verbum” addresses the Catholic Church’s beliefs in regards to Sacred Scripture.

>> “Dei Verbum” is laid out into 6 Chapters:

1. Chapter 1: Divine Revelation Itself

>> Speaking on the Nature of Revelation, this chapter demonstrates God’s desire to communicate with human beings, revealing the mystery of the Divine Will.

>> It offers a summary of the Salvation History

>> It also emphasizes the Truth of this Revelation and the fact that it is accomplished in such a way that human beings can comprehend it.

2. Chapter 2: Transmission of Divine Revelation

>> The Truth of Revelation, is rooted in Christ’s very person and in his own proclamation of the Gospel; having commissioned the Apostles to carry it forward…, the truth of the

Gospel also lies in the Apostolic Tradition.

>> Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal devotion and

reverence”.

>> Tradition and Scripture make up a single Sacred deposit of the Word of God

3. Chapter 3: Sacred Scripture: Its Divine Inspiration and Interpretation

>> It affirms the importance of both- the Old Testament and New Testament

>> It adopts the threefold-process of the Formation of the Gospels with the three levels: (i) the time of the Historical Jesus (ii) The oral preaching of the earliest apostles (iii) The time of the Evangelists

4. Chapter 4: The Old Testament

>> The plan of salvation was spoken through the authors of the Old Testament.

>> Its purpose was to prepare for the coming of the Christ and to show to all, how God interacts and deals with mankind in justice and mercy.

>> God wisely arranged for the New Testament to be hidden in the Old, and the Old to be made manifest in the New. While Christ made the new covenant with His blood, the Old Testament sheds light on and explains this mystery.

5. Chapter 5: The New Testament

>> The New Testament stands as a Perpetual and Divine Witness to the Reality of Salvation.

>> The Gospel Authors wrote about things handed on by word of mouth or in writing, sometimes a synthesis, sometimes as a proclamation, but always the honest truth about Jesus.

6. Chapter 6: Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church

>> The Church has always venerated the scripture together with the Tradition as the supreme Rule of Faith.

>> The Church encourages the study of the Church Fathers as well as those exegetes who so well illuminate the teaching within the scriptures.

>> Individuals should read with enthusiasm, following the mind of the Church.

>> All clergy must read the scriptures with diligence. The same is encouraged for the laity and Religious. All faithful should not forget that prayer should always be the companion to reading God’s Word.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Dei Verbum” is considered as one of the important achievements of the Vatican Council II since its implications is for the treatment of Sacred Scripture itself.

>> It accords rightful significance to the Bible as the special locus of Divine Communication or Divine Revelation.

2. It presents three key principles of Catholic biblical interpretation:

(i) Pay attention to the content and unity of all the Sacred Scriptures.

(ii) Read and interpret the Bible within the living tradition of the Church.

(iii) Keep in mind the coherence of all the truths of revelation

3. The understanding from “Dei Verbum” is enshrined in the Catechism of the catholic Church (CCC), affirming reading Scripture for its four classical sense – the literal sense, and then the spiritual sense divided into three: the allegorical, tropological, and anagogical senses.

>> The allegorical sense (Typology) concerns how the Old and New Testaments relate, the tropological sense is the moral sense, and the anagogical sense concerns the soul’s progress to heaven.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Dei Verbum” for this Season of Lent?

1. Making it a Daily Habit to Read the Bible

2. Studying the Bible and going deeper into understanding the meaning of Scripture in our daily life

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Set apart a time, daily, to read God’s Word.

>> Just as our meals become a daily “must”, so should the Bible be part of our daily “sustenance for strength”

>> “Ignorance of Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” says St Jerome

>> Christ is the primary and ultimate revelation of God. So the more we read and reflect on Scripture, the more we can know Him and love Him

2. Learn, practise and revive the Catholic Tradition of the “Lectio Divina”(= a Latin term, means “divine reading”)

(i) The first stage is LECTIO (reading): Read any passage of the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us

(ii) The second stage is MEDITATIO (reflection): Think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us

(iii) The third stage is ORATIO (response): Leave thinking aside and simply let the heart to speak to God.

(iv) The final stage is CONTEMPLATIO (rest): Let go of our own ideas, plans and meditations and also holy words and thoughts. Simply rest in the Word of God and listen, to God, who speaks within us with a still small voice.

>> As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within and this will have a profound effect on the way we actually live.

May this Lent and the familiarity with “Dei Verbum” – the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation – help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

(The Full Text of “Dei Verbum” can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

A. What is it?

>> “Veritatis Splendor” is an Encyclical by Pope St John Paul II, promulgated on August 6, 1993

>> “Veritatis Splendor” is a Latin phrase which means “The Splendour of Truth”

>>

B. What does it speak of?

>> “Veritatis Splendor” responds to questions of Moral Theology that had been raised during the post-conciliar period of the Church (events after the Vatican II Council of 1962-65).

>> These questions revolve around human’s ability to discern good, the existence of evil, the role of human freedom and human conscience, mortal sin, and the Authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in guiding people.

>> “Veritatis Splendor”, while acknowledging that everyone makes a fundamental choice for or against Christ, also reiterates that certain acts (i.e., mortal sins) represent a fundamental choice against Christ – and potentially forever, unless one repented.

>> “Veritatis Splendor” consists of three chapters:

(I) Teacher, What Good Must I Do

>> Christ and the answer to the question about morality

(II) Do Not Be Conformed to this World

>> The Church and the discernment of certain tendencies in present-day moral theology

(III) Lest the Cross of Christ be emptied of its Power

>> Moral good for the life of the Church and of the world

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Veritatis Splendor” speaks against the danger of moral relativism

>> Moral Relativism is the tendency to view reality as being “all relative” – “there are no absolute values”, “any judgment you make is your judgment from your point of view and there is no objective point of view”.

>> Pope Benedict XVI called this “moral relativism” as a poison

>> “Veritatis Splendor” begins by asserting that there are indeed absolute truths accessible to all persons.

2. “Veritatis Splendor” reminds us of the reality of intrinsically evil acts

>> This means that certain acts are always wrong, and that there are never circumstances in which they may be permitted if done knowingly and intentionally

>> It is never permissible to intend directly something which contradicts a moral order.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Veritatis Splendor” for this Season of Lent?

1. Become aware of the danger of “moral relativism” and how it is very much spread in the thought-philosophies of the world around us

2. Realize the gravity of mortal sin and how we must be defiant in staying away from it

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Study and reflect more on the Catholic Teachings, so that we don’t get strayed away by the “attractive modern” philosophies, which tend to neutralize truth

2. Make “Examination of Conscience” a part of one’s daily timetable

May this Lent and the familiarity with this Encyclical “Veritatis Splendor” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(The Full Text of the “Veritatis Splendor” can be found at:

>> http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_06081993_veritatis-splendor.html)

A. What is it?

>> “Introduction to the Devout Life” is a Spiritual Classic written by St Francis de Sales, published in 1609.

>> “The Introduction” is a compilation of letters and notes used in the Spiritual Direction of his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy.

>> The writings of the book are addressed to the title, “Philothea” (= Lover of God)

>> Pope Pius XI at the declaration of St Francis de Sales as the Patron Saint of Catholic Writers and Journalists in 1923, wrote about the “Introduction to the Devout Life”:

… “Would that this book – the most perfect of its kind in the judgment of his contemporaries, as it was at one time in the hands of all – were now read by all, so that true piety might everywhere flourish again, and the Church of God might rejoice in seeing sanctity common among her sons.”

B. What does it speak of?

>> The “Introduction to the Devout Life” is a practical guide and exhortation to all people, to life a life of holiness.

>> It is also an excellent reference in Spiritual Direction.

>> The “Introduction to the Devout Life” consists of Five Parts:

1. Part I: Attaining a Firm Resolution to the Devout Life

>> It speaks of the nature of True Devotion and how all are called to it

>> The necessity of a Spiritual Guide for progress in the Devout Life is emphasized

>> “Purifying the soul” is the first step, and towards this, 10 mediations are provided

2. Part II: Prayer and the Sacraments

>> The necessity of Prayer and how it starts with “placing oneself in the Presence of God” is explained.

>>It also touches up the topics of Holy Communion, Invocation and Meditation with the Saints, Spiritual Bouquets, Retreats, Aridity in Prayer and the Word of God.

3. Part III: The Practice of Virtue

>> It explains how to practice individual virtues like Patience, Meekness, Humility, Obedience, Chastity, and Poverty.

>> It outlines 3 themes: (i) Discerning which virtues to work on (ii) Practising individual virtues in everyday life (iii) Remaining devout in dealings with society.

4. Part IV: Some Ordinary Temptations and how to overcome them

>> This is the “troubleshooting guide” or “snares of the enemy,” which explains what Philothea – the reader – can do when he/she encounters certain stumbling blocks.

5. Part V: Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion

>> The last part speaks of an “annual review,” which St. Francis de Sales recommends undergoing every year around the time of the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism.

>> Philothea – the reader – is encouraged to examine oneself closely, to give thanks for all signs of progress – however tiny – and frankly acknowledge where one has slowed down the progress through willfulness or sloth.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. A call for all people towards Holiness

>> St Francis de Sales says: “My purpose is to instruct those who live in town, within families, or at court, and are obliged to live an ordinary life as to outward appearances…

… It is an error, or rather a heresy, to wish to banish the devout life from the regiment of soldiers, the mechanic’s shop, the court of princes, or the home of married people… Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life.”

>> This passage from St. Francis de Sales was a major inspiration to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council and stands behind one of the central exhortations of Vatican II – “The Universal Call to Holiness.”

2. The daily examples/articles/experiences of life are used remind/teach about the Presence of God

>> This was the “Jesus style” – using familiar experiences of the people, to teach a religious truth, through a parable or metaphor.

>> The “Introduction to the Devout Life” has incidents taken from the Bible and the biographies of Saints. It also makes use of stories and natural science information (especially from the writings of Greek philosopher, Aristotle and the Roman author, Pliny the Elder)

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from the “Introduction to the Devout Life” for this Season of Lent?

1. Aspiring towards holiness

2. Growing in the Little Virtues – Patience, Humility, Gentleness, Simplicity, Honesty, and Hospitality

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Thank God for the state of life that we are in, and realize that God is calling us to sanctify and make holy, each work that we do, specific to our vocation

>> Let every duty and responsibility that we do – little or big – be seen and done, as steps towards holiness and sanctity; hence, “do everything in love – Bloom where you are planted!”

2. Identify our “root vice” (= the negative tendency in us, which causes/leads to other sins)

>> Consciously practise the opposite “root virtue”

>> Daily make an Examination of Conscience to check the progress

>> If successful – in humility – thank God.

>> If not successful, never be discouraged – instead, seek to practise the same “root virtue”, the following day.

May this Lent and the familiarity with this Spiritual Classic by St Francis de Sales, “Introduction to the Devout Life” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

(The Full Text of the “Introduction to the Devout Life” can be found at:

>> http://www.philothea.de/devout-english.html)

The following story is known to us, perhaps in different forms…

A gentleman who was walking down the streets of a city was greatly interested too look at the street children – many of whom were carrying smaller children upon their backs – and managing at the same time to play their games.

“It is too bad,” said the gentleman to one little fellow, “that you have to carry such a heavy burden!”

“He’s no burden, Sir!” came the quick reply; “he’s my brother.”

The child who was carrying his younger sibling, did not count the pain or the difficulty in carrying; instead embraced the situation joyfully.

“He’s no burden, Sir… he’s my brother” – is a phrase that ought to strike a chord in our hearts.

As Christians, we need to make this journey…

… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!

… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!

The Gospel of the Day is an powerful exhortation by Jesus to make this transition from considering people as a “burden” and “stress”…

… and instead look at them as “brothers and sisters”, extending the Christian virtue of unconditional love to all.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, continues to pull down barriers of “comfort and coziness” by challenging His disciples to rise above the normal standards of the world.

Today He speaks on the aspect of “Love”.

Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human person.

The dictionaries define love as being ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’ or a ‘feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection’.

Generally speaking, love is considered only to be a human ’emotion or feeling’.

>> It is something that is usually understood as being “felt” or “sensed” or “experienced”.

Jesus surely did consider “love” as an emotion and a feeling.

Therefore…

• He loved the company of people….

• He cherished affection of those who followed Him…

• He treasured relationships and fostered friendships with all…

But beyond these “external” dimensions of Love…

… Our Blessed Lord taught and showed a higher aspect of love.

Love, not just being a “feeling ” but ” love as a “decision”.

>> Love, not just being a “sensation” but love as a “commitment”

Therefore Jesus would say, “For if you love only those who love you, what recompense will you have?” (Mt 5: 46)

Love, when understood only as a “feeling” or an “emotion” can get reduced to being just an “object” or a “thing”

• Just as one exchanges goods with each other… love is also exchanged with one another.

• Just as one shares one’s belongings and possessions with one another… love is also shared with one another

• Just as one gives and takes things from each other… love is also given and taken from each other

But the Lord presents a higher understanding of love and demands a much supreme expression of love from His followers: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5: 48)

Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling” and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment”.

When someone hurts us, we don’t “feel” like loving…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is a “daring decision”

When someone continues to be lukewarm, we don’t have any “emotions” of love…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person”, because love is an “absolute allegiance”

When someone continues to cause pain, we don’t “experience” any love…

>> But Jesus says, “Love that person” because love is a “challenging commitment”

Now this teaching certainly irks our “normal” understanding.

• How can I possibly love someone who has hurt and killed me, mentally?

• How can I be expected to show love to someone who still hurts me, even intentionally?

• How can I be told to love people who have no regard for me at all and treat me as an object?

It seems to be an impossibility.

>> It seems to be absurd.

But let us look to the Crucified Lord…

… and we have the perfect example of this Love being lived in actuality!

Jesus on the Cross shows that love is to be a “daring decision”, an “absolute allegiance” and a “challenging commitment”!

Love to be a “virtue” has to surpass the ordinary realms of being “an emotion” and “feeling”…

… and transcend to being a “radical decision” and a “faithful commitment”.

>> One may not be able to “show” love…

… but can we still, at least pray and wish for the good of the person?

>> One may not be able to “talk” freely to the one who has hurt…

… but can we still, at least refrain from wanting bad to happen to that person?

>> One may not be able to “resist” from having bad feelings when encountering one’s enemy… … but can we still, at least offer the person to the Mercy of God?

This teaching certainly seems to be a big “burden” and a significant “stress”

But this is where, we need to make a journey…

… of considering people not as a “burden” but as a brother!

… of considering people not as a “stress” but as a sister!

The Lord has walked through this journey.

He is still with us, to accompany us.

• This journey may be hard

• This journey may be hurting

• This journey may be painful

But the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you!” (2 Cor 12: 9)

Let us trust Him!

>> Let us be courageous in Him!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Quotable-quote-a-day-with-St Francis de Sales (SFS) – “ The measure of love is to love without measure!”

——————————–

A. What is it?

>> “Gaudium et Spes” is one of the four Major Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.

>> It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on Dec 7, 1965 – the day the Council ended.

>> The title “Gaudium et Spes” is a Latin phrase which means “The Joys and Hopes”

>> It is the longest of all the documents of Vatican II

B. What does it speak of?

>> The chief focus of “Gaudium et Spes” is on how the Church is to seek to provide meaningful answers to the questions people have about life.

The following are the major highlights of this important document of Vatican II

Introduction: The Situation of Men in the Modern World

>> Traditions and values are being lost. Moral conflicts are escalating as a result of a false way of living, and people’s moral conscience is playing less role. Oppression and neglect for the poor is escalating.

>> The world is capable of acts that uplift life and acts that destroy life. There is an addiction to material things. Yet, there are many who desire to know what the purpose of life is.

>> “Gaudium et Spes”, addressing all people of the world, confidently proclaims that Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, is the answer to all the perplexing questions that plague humankind today

Part I: The Church and Man’s Calling:

>> To be a human and Christian today is to read the signs of the times, seek common values and proclaim Jesus Christ.

I. The Dignity of the Human Person: The dignity of being human, stems from being created in God’s image. There is a law of love written in our hearts – an inner voice that calls us to love God and humanity. In following Jesus, we learn to love in such a way that our truest self is revealed.

II. The Community of Mankind: God creates humans to be together. Human community reflects Trinitarian community. We must learn to love and respect those who think differently than us. Each of us is responsible to fulfill the call to live justly, and to walk in love always.

III. Man’s Activity throughout the World: A person is truly valued by “who they are”, not by “what they do”. Whatever is done to promote justice and dignity is infinitely more valuable than what is technologically created. The hope of the world rests in love.

IV. The Role of the Church in the Modern World: The Church is the sign of the presence of God. The Church exists because of God’s love for us. The Church’s greatest responsibility and challenge is to promote and attain unity. We need to enter into honest discussion with mutual love and respect. Christ was, is, and always will be the Center of the Church. A concise Ecclesiology of the Church as “leaven” in the world is manifested.

Part II: Some Problems of Special Urgency

I. Fostering the Nobility of Marriage and the Family: Society is harmed by polygamy, divorce, free-love, excessive self-love, and improper use of birth control. Sacramental married life is a covenantal love of man and woman, created by God. Love in marriage is Divinely Ordained and is expressed through holy sex and lived out, in raising a family. All life comes from God and is therefore, Sacred.

II. The Proper Development of Culture: Growth in natural human and social science, as well as communications and technology, provide a means to change culture positively and negatively. The Church must remain faithful to its Traditions and be responsive to its universal mission.

III. Economic and Social Life: There is more than enough available to the world to provide for the needs of humanity. A just world seeks to provide opportunity for all to grow intellectually and morally. The concept of work also implies, how we can serve one another.

IV The Life of the Political Community: Authority must function as a moral force and not as a tyranny. The truest duty, politically, is to oppose injustice, oppression, and intolerance. The work of the Church is to preach the Faith and teach social doctrines. The Church has the right and responsibility to pass moral judgments on society when the salvation of souls is at stake.

V The Fostering of Peace and the Promotion of a Community of Nations: Peace is not the absence of war. Peace is directly relevant to people’s ability to love. Peace requires sincere respect for others and an effort to see that the basic human needs of others is met. Peace flows from Christ. Peace is not possible where these exist: injustice, economic inequality, thirst for power, or disregard for human life.

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. “Gaudium et Spes” appeals to all people to not be afraid of seeking to find the “true meaning of life”

>> We are often lost in the uncertainties, worries and cares of the world. The Document calls to “go deeper” and thus live a meaningful and purposeful life

>> This meaning is to find its fullness in a “Life in Christ” – Who is “the Key, the Censer and the End of all of human history” (GS, 10).

2. The Church is called to be a sign of unity

>> Today an honest and critical analysis of the Church can make us to confess that there a lot of factors of disunity: language, rite, social-status, caste, region etc

>> We are challenged to resolve these differences – despite the mighty challenge before us – so that we can truly witness ourselves as “The One Body of Christ!”

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Gaudium et Spes” for this Season of Lent?

1. Discovering Jesus as the “Greatest Meaning of our Life” and thus like the disciples have the “Eureka-shout” – “We have found the Messiah!” (Jn 2: 41)

2. Be a person who fosters unity and facilitates reconciliation

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Make an honest examination of life and draw a list of the priorities of our life; and thus check if God tops the list.

>> If not, what we need to do to have “First things First” – God as the Most Important Person and Goal of my life

2. Everyday make an “Examination of Conscience” and have the courage to forgive and be reconciled with those to whom we are not in good terms.

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Second Vatican Council Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World “Gaudium et Spes” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Full Text of Gaudium et Spes can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html

A. What is it?

>> “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is one of the four Major Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.

>> It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 4 December 1963.

>> The title “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is derived from the opening lines of the Document and means “This Sacred Council”

>> Liturgy was the first topic that was discussed at the Second Vatican Council

B. What does it speak of?

>> The purpose of “Sacrosanctum Concilium” is to achieve greater Lay Participation in the Church’s liturgy.

>> This Constitution on the Liturgy is divided into 7 chapters:

1. General Principles for the Restoration and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy

>> Jesus Christ is the Source of the Sacred Liturgy, which is the public worship of the Church. The sacred liturgy allows us to experience the heavenly liturgy on earth

>> The faithful must come to the liturgy with the proper dispositions, by fully, actively, and consciously engaging in the liturgical celebration – participating both internally and externally. Both Clergy and Laity must be instructed in the nature and practice of the liturgy since It is a communal event.

2. The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist

>> The Holy Eucharist perpetuates the sacrifice of the Cross.

>> At every Mass, the Lay Faithful join the Priest in offering the Divine Victim, and in doing so, they must offer themselves also that they might enter into a more perfect communion with God and each other.

>> The “Treasures of the Bible” must be lavishly poured out at every Mass. The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist form a single, united act of worship.

3. The Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals

>> The purpose of the Sacraments is threefold: Give worship to God, Build up

the Body of Christ, and Sanctify humanity.

4. The Divine Office

>> The Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, is the public prayer of the whole Church.

>> It offers Praise to God, intercedes for the entire world, and sanctifies each day and must be prayed with attention and devotion so as to nourish piety and personal prayer.

5. The Liturgical Year

>> The Church unfolds the entire Mystery of Christ throughout the liturgical year in order to allow the faithful to receive the Riches of Christ.

>> The Church honours the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints by celebrating their feast days and acknowledging their merits, examples, intercession, and love.

6. Sacred Music

>> Sacred music is a “treasure of inestimable value” that gives Glory to God and helps to sanctify the faithful. It also enhances prayer and contributes to the solemnity of the sacred liturgy.

>> Gregorian chant retains “pride of place” in the liturgy, but other kinds of sacred music are allowed and encouraged.

7. Sacred Art and Sacred Furnishings

>> Works of Sacred Art must be protected and cultivated so that they may be “worthy, becoming, and beautiful signs and symbols of things supernatural.”

C. Pointers for Reflections

1. The Document calls for a “full and active participation” by all in the Sacred Liturgy

>> In our local language/parlance, we sometimes say, “I am going to SEE Mass”. This statement/attitude is to undergo a revolutionary change, as we are all PARTICIPANTS at the Holy Mass.

>> The “passivity” during liturgy has to be transformed to an “active participation”, so as to derive the full fruits of the Sacred Mysteries.

2. “Sacrosanctum Concilium” speaks of retaining sound tradition whilst being open to legitimate progress

>> The Document provides a balance between two strong extreme trends seen today in the Church (a) Make Liturgy “relevant” by making it appealing or sometimes, sadly, even entertaining (b) Make Liturgy insular and almost museum-like, with a rigid fixation on mysterious details.

>> The history of the Liturgy, down through the centuries, shows organic development and the Document affirms and exhorts to understand the True Nature of Sacred Liturgy: It is the saving action of Jesus Christ in his Church.

D. What virtues/points can we pick up from “Sacrosanctum Concilium” for this Season of Lent?

1. Give the Holy Eucharist the greatest and the highest place in our life of Faith

2. Prepare well to participate in the Holy Mass

E. Tips to practice these virtues

1. Make sure to attend Mass on all Sundays and Days of Obligation, and to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, as often as possible (personally as well as a family/community)

>> Fall in love with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, so as to derive strength and power from this “Source, Strength and Summit” of our Life!

2. Read the Scriptures (1st Reading/Psalm/2nd Reading/Gospel) before going for the Holy Mass

>> Look into how these Readings affect – personally and practically

>> Offer all the situations of one’s life, at the Holy Mass.

>> Receive Jesus – in the Word and Eucharist – with much devotion and love

>> Learn to Live (practise) the fruits of the Eucharist, in day-to-day life

May this Lent and the familiarity with the Second Vatican Council Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy “Sacrosanctum Concilium” help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Full Text of Sacrosanctum Concilium can be found at:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html