“Being ready to give ourselves entirely to the Lord – to the Spirit of God – and allow Him to renew us!’”

(Based on Acts 4:23-31 and Jn 3:1-8 – Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

A businessman, once, wanted to sell his vast old castle along with his property.

The massive building had, however, been empty for months and needed many repairs.

Uninhabited for many years, and been prone to many thieves, vandals and natural calamities, there was a lot of damage to the building.
Doors had been damaged
Windows had been smashed
The interiors were badly damaged

As he showed a prospective buyer the building and the property, this businessman took pains to explain…
… that he would replace the broken windows
… bring in the engineering crew to correct any structural damage
… and clean out the garbage.

But the one who came to buy had other plans. “Forget about the repairs,” the buyer said without giving heed to what the businessman was saying.

“When I buy this place, I’m going to build something completely different. I am not interested in the building alone; I want the entire site!”

The businessman was worried about the many repairs he had to do before he undertook the deal.

But the one who came to buy was interested more in the land – the site itself – than the building and the minor repair works.

Something similar happens when we seek to hand over the property of our lives to God.

We, get perplexed and worried over the many little aspects

But the Lord is interested in our entire life
He demands a total transformation.
He requires a complete conversion.

This is what the Gospel of the Day also points to – “No one can enter the Kingdom of God, without being born of the water and the spirit” (Jn 3:5)

Jesus is in conversation with Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews.

The Gospel is particular to point out that “he came to Jesus at night” (Jn 3:2)

Nicodemus finds three mentions in the Gospel of St John.

One, in this meeting with the Lord. (Jn 3: 1ff)
The second, in discussion with the chief priests and Pharisees who were discussing the origins of Jesus, the Messiah (Jn 7: 45-52)
The third, at the burial of Jesus, along with Joseph of Arimathea (Jn 19: 38-41)

In all these three occasions, we find an element of darkness that is associated

It was in the darkness of a night when Nicodemus first came to meet Jesus…
Second, Nicodemus was in a discussion of darkness that made plans to eliminate Jesus
Third, Nicodemus buries the body of Jesus in the darkness of nature and human folly

Darkness would seek to get associated with Nicodemus every time…

But Jesus, the light of the world, invited Nicodemus to move to the light
… “those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God” (Jn 3:21)

Jesus invites Nicodemus to experience and live the Truth…
… that one needs to be born from above to see the Kingdom of God
… that one needs to be born of the water and the spirit to enter the Kingdom of God

The same invitation is rendered to each one of us.

We too may often be finding ourselves in the “darkness”

But Jesus, the Light of the world invites us to embrace Him wholly and to undergo a complete transformation.

What is needed is to let the Spirit of God work in ways that He wants

We need to have complete openness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit.

We need to allow the Spirit of God, “the Wind [to] blow where it wills…’’ (Jn 3: 8)

When the early Church went through moments of persecution and hardships, they allowed themselves to be guided and led by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Offering their struggles, they prayed to the Lord; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit
“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness…
… while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken…
… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness!” (Acts 4:29-31)

Yes, when we make a complete offering of our lives to the Lord…
… we are filled with Power and Courage!

The Lord seeks the complete property of our lives.

We may be worried about the complications in which a transformation is possible

We may be thinking, how can I, with so many complications in life, have a true conversion

But the One who comes to occupy our lives has other plans…

He says “When I occupy your life, I’m going to build something completely different.

I am not interested in the externals; I want your entire self…
… the whole life!”

Are we ready and willing to give ourselves entirely to the Lord – to the Spirit of God – and allow Him to “make us anew and renewed?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The political community has a duty to honour the family, to assist it, and to ensure especially:
… the freedom to establish a family
… have children

… and bring them up in keeping with the family’s own moral and religious convictions. (CCC # 2211)

“Renewing our commitment to a life of holiness, offering our weaknesses and sins totally to the unfathomable Mercy of God and becoming a Missionary of Mercy to all!”

(Based on the Second Sunday of Easter – Sunday of Divine Mercy)

St. John Maria Vianney is the patron saint of priests.

As a model priest, he helped all the needy in his parish or in the region around him.

Once, word was sent to him that a very sick man of his parish was seeking to make confession.

However, this man was pretty far off from the place where the church was.

It was a time when vehicles were too sparse.
The climate was bitter cold and the rain storm was blowing in.

But the zeal in the heart of the Saintly Priest was still greater.

So, he picked up his cloak and started his walk to the sick man’s house.

The freezing cold pierced through his frail bones
The lashing winds wrenched his body in frosty pain
Yet, St John Vianney trekked on!

Finally he reached the house of the sick man.

By the time he arrived, St Vianney himself was shivering and wobbly with high fever.

He fell so ill, that he had to hear the confession, lying down, beside the sick man’s bed.
Many in fact, even thought, that the priest was more sick than the penitent ill-man!

It was the personal experiences of God’s Mercy that helped St John Vianney to share God’s immense mercy!

God’s Mercy always reaches out – to the one who is in need, to the one who seeks!

All of us are to have an experience of the Lord’s forgiving love and be a Missionary of Mercy

Pope St John Paul II beautifully tells us: “Divine Mercy! This is the Easter Gift that the Church receives from the Risen Christ and offers to Humanity at the dawn of the third millennium!”

Today as we celebrate God’s Mercy – on this Divine Mercy Sunday – we are presented with the example of St Thomas, the Apostle, who is a consolation to all who face uncertainties in spiritual life

St Thomas sometimes is considered by others, as being “adamant” and “proud.”

But…
… it was his search for convictions in life that made him seek for a proof for the Lord’s appearance
… it was his desire for certainty in life that caused him to doubt the words of his companions

When we go through the life of St Thomas as seen in the Gospels, we encounter a person…
… constantly displaying courage
… expressing commitment
… and seeking for convictions.

It was probably St Thomas who first expressed his desire to give up his life for the Lord and His Kingdom… “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11: 16)

He becomes a motivation for all those who follow Christ, to be bold and brave and even to give up one’s life for the Lord and His Kingdom

St Thomas also had the simplicity and the openness to ask Jesus, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5)

He becomes a consolation to all those who face genuine uncertainties in spiritual life and encourages to remain like a child – in openness, simplicity and frankness.

St Thomas refused to trust the words of his companions on the issue of the Jesus’ Resurrection.

He knew that many of his companions had impulsive reactions and therefore, could not be believed for their words.

Therefore, he insisted that his belief in Christ’s Resurrection would depend only on His personal experience with the Lord
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25)

He becomes a refuge for all those who grapple with spiritual anxieties – lack of consolation in prayer life, deep longing to experience God and many confusions regarding spiritual teachings and faith experiences

St Thomas is a shining beacon of courage.

He had his doubts.

But once cleared, he became a person of immense conviction.

It was the personal experience of God’s Mercy that helped St Thomas to cry out with conviction: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) and to share God’s immense mercy to others!

This intimate experience made him to travel across many lands to give witness to Jesus, His Lord and Master…
… and even to give up His life, in martyrdom!

The Feast of the Divine Mercy is an invitation for all of us to plunge into the ocean of God’s Mercy…
… even though often we are crushed under the weight of sin, struggles, failures and helplessness!

Let’s remember “the ocean of God’s Mercy is greater than all our sins, failures and weaknesses!”

St Faustina, in The Diary, reminds us the Mind of the Lord: “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.

On that day the very depths of My Tender Mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of Graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy.

The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment!”

Let this Feast of the Divine Mercy be an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to a life of holiness, offer our weaknesses and sins totally to the unfathomable Mercy of God…
… and with this personal experience of God’s Mercy, become a Missionary of Mercy to all!

Happy Feast of the Mercy of the Lord!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Civil authority should consider it a grave duty “to acknowledge the true nature of marriage and the family…

… to protect and foster them, to safeguard public morality, and promote domestic prosperity.” (CCC # 2210)

“Being assured that the Lord, Who has entrusted His task to us, will continue to trust in us!”

(Based on Acts 4:13-21 and Mk 16:9-15 – Saturday of the Easter Octave)

There are moments when a man’s secret tells his whole story.

One such secret lay, not on a golden throne, not in papal documents…
… but in a small, time-worn crucifix…
… tucked quietly inside the cassock of a man who had just been made Pope.

Years ago, as a young priest in Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio visited the deathbed of an old confessor…
… a priest who had spent countless hours listening, forgiving, and healing broken souls.

There, beside that humble man, Fr. Jorge felt something stir.

And as he left, he looked at the crucifix the dying priest used to hold during every confession.

He paused…
… looked around
… and quietly, he took it!

Years later, as Pope Francis, he admitted:
“I stole it…!

But it’s the crucifix of a great forgiver.

I carry it with me always.

When a bad thought comes, or when I feel troubled…
… I reach into my pocket and touch that cross. >> It reminds me of God’s mercy.
It gives me courage!”

He didn’t steal gold.
He didn’t steal power.

He ‘stole mercy.’
And mercy became the mission for life for Pope Francis!

Today, as the world mourns and bells toll over Rome, we remember ‘the Pope of Mercy,’ who led…
… not with perfection, but with presence
… not with certainties, but with compassion

He didn’t hide his wounds…
… he let Christ shine through them; thus giving heed to Christ’s mandate of proclamation!

The Gospel of the Day recounts the mandate given to the Apostles by Jesus, the Master, to spread His Gospel to the entire nations:
“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15)

We are on the Saturday of the Easter Octave.

Over the last few days, we have meditated on the various Resurrection accounts from the various Gospel narratives.

The encounter of the women, on the way back from the tomb (Mt 28: 8-15)
The encounter by Mary of Magdalene, calling her by name (Jn 20: 11-18)
The encounter of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, with the Risen Lord, at the breaking of bread (Lk 24: 13-35)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord in the closed room (Lk 24: 35-48)
The encounter of the Apostles with the Risen Lord by the Sea of Tiberias (Jn 21: 1-14)

Today, in the Gospel of St Mark, we have a sort of summary of the many Resurrection narratives, closing with the mission mandate of the Lord…
… to “go into all the world” and reach out the saving Word of the Lord.

In all these various Resurrection narratives that are mentioned in today’s Gospel…
… one common element is seen: A mention of unbelief or uncertainty of the disciples.

When Mary Magdalene saw the Lord and reported this to the disciples…
… “but when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it” (Mk 16:11)

When the two disciples on the way to Emmaus spoke of the Risen Lord’s appearance to them, “they did not believe them” either (Mk 16: 13)
… but later the Lord appeared to the disciples themselves and “rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed…” (Mk 16: 14, NABRE)

The disciples found it hard to accept and believe in the Resurrection of the Lord.

They had been rebuked often by the Lord, during His earthly ministry.
Now they are again chided for their lack of faith, even after His Resurrection.

Despite this less intensity in their belief, the Risen Lord entrusts them with His mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

Despite this little strength in their faith, the Risen Lord, hands over to them His task of preaching the Word of God to all the nations.

That’s the trust of the Lord in His disciples.

It’s His conviction that “I will be with them
… and above all, I trust them!”

Like the disciples, we too may and will have our moments of…
… variations in faith
… slackening in trust
… and slipping in hope

In all this, let us be assured that the Lord, Who has entrusted His task to us, will continue to trust in us, and assures His presence with us.

We are weak…
We are fragile…
The Lord knows these aspects in us, much better than we ourselves.

He knew all this, even of the Apostles.

Yet, He wholly trusted them.

And He wholly trusts us too!

The disciples would grow in the strength of this trust and would become courageous and powerful…
… to give witness to the Risen Lord – even when put through trials and tribulations.

After all, “the Gospel was never meant to be whispered in safe rooms – it was born to be shouted in wounded streets!”

This bold witness even surprised many people, including the religious leaders:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus!” (Acts 4:13)

Their conviction made them to profess the Lord in all what they did:
“But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge…
… for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard!’” (Acts 4:19-20)

We live in the midst of a modern generation screaming with ‘apparent and peripheral solutions!’

Let us be Christians….
… who don’t stammer for answers; instead, strongly shout out God’s Love!

Today, we lay to rest Pope Francis – a shepherd whose heart burned with the fire of mercy.

He showed us that holiness is not about standing tall – but about kneeling low.
He reminded us that even a trembling voice can thunder with the Gospel when spoken in love.

And now, as he returns to His Faithful Master, let us carry forward the crucifix he held close to his heart…
… not just the one in his pocket,
… but the One nailed to our hearts – the Risen Christ, who still believes in us.

Don’t wait to be flawless.

Just be faithful.

Don’t wait to feel ready.

Just say “Here I am.”

Because the same Jesus who trusted Peter and the other apostles…
… who trusted Jorge Mario Bergoglio – Pope Francis…
… trusts you!

Rest in Peace, our Holy Father Pope Francis!

Grazie, Papa Francesco!

Blessed Easter to all of you!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Civil authority should consider it a grave duty “to acknowledge the true nature of marriage and the family…

… to protect and foster them, to safeguard public morality, and promote domestic prosperity.” (CCC # 2210)

“Bowing in gratitude and awe before the Mystery of the Risen Lord and trusting the One, Who holds everything together!”

(Based on Acts 3:11-26 and Lk 24:35-48 – Thursday of the Easter Octave)

March 13, 2013.
The whole world waited with bated breath.

The white smoke rose. “Habemus Papam!”

But what stunned the world was not just the name – Francis!

It was the moment Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio – Pope Francis – stepped out on that famed Sacred balcony…
… looked at the sea of people…
… and did something, no Pope had ever done before.

He bowed.

And he asked:
“Prima che il Vescovo benedice il popolo…
… vi chiedo, che voi pregate il Signore perché mi benedica.
Facciamo in silenzio questa preghiera di voi su di me.”

(Before the Bishop blesses the people…
… I ask you, to pray to the Lord to bless me

Let us silently say this prayer of yours over me)

The Vicar of Christ — the one who had the whole Church behind him —
… began his papacy by acknowledging the Mystery before him.

“Per favore… pregate per me.”
(“Please… pray for me.”)

Not power.
Not prestige.

But trembling humility.
Because Mystery doesn’t make us proud…
… it makes us bow.

He knew that the journey of leading the Church was not about control, but surrender.

It’s not about explaining everything…
… but trusting the One, Who holds everything together.

The disciples too stood before a Mystery – the Risen Lord…
… and like Pope Francis on that balcony
… they were not filled with answers, but with awe and fear.

But Jesus came not to explain, but to embrace.

Mystery isn’t meant to be mastered; it’s meant to be met.

Mysteries are indeed powerful and can be life-transforming!

The Gospel of the Day presents this powerful dimension of the Apostles…
… encountering the Mystery of the Resurrection, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lord, risen from the dead!

The Resurrection Day of the Lord was perhaps the most baffling, confusing and puzzling day in the lives of the Apostles.

Just a few days back, they had witnessed the horrifying and painful death of their Beloved Master.

In their weakness, and fearing for their life, they had abandoned their Master.

Yet, heart of heart, these disciples would have been tremendously affected…
…at the loss of the One who had brought new hopes and expectations to their lives.

But now, the strange and surprising reports of the tomb being empty…
… and the Lord appearing to two on the way to Emmaus, have confused the poor disciples.

They were being told that the empty tomb wasn’t proof – it was a promise…
… a promise that fear doesn’t have the final word.

Yet, they remained baffled!

It’s in this state of fear, confusion that Jesus comes in their midst and appears to them.
“But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost” ( Lk 24: 37)

The disciples were face to face with a Mystery – the mystery of Jesus Christ, Resurrected.

And every mystery can cause two reactions…
… a fervent fear leading to veneration and devotion
… or a nauseating aversion leading to hatred and abhorrence.

The disciples were initially filled with a lot of fear and were startled deeply.

But as they slowly were in the presence of the Great Mystery…
… their hearts began to be filled with joy and holiness.

They began to realise that the Risen Lord doesn’t appear to perfect people…
… He appears to those who stay faithful, even with questions!

We are also witnesses to the Great Mystery of the Resurrection

What is our reaction?

Are we filled with fear and fail to live a life of true witnessing?
… or are we filled with the calm and serenity that the Risen Lord promises?

There is a need to make an honest examination of our lives…

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about joy and happiness

Do I radiate this joy to others…
… or do others only come across angry faces, irritated behaviour and unpleasant conduct in me?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about trust and confidence

Do I display this faith and belief…
… especially when we face many problems and crisis in life, to stand firm in hope?

The Mystery of the Risen Lord is about call to a new way of life…

Am I courageous to embrace this new way of life in the Risen Lord…
… and be willing to do away with my sinful tendencies to fall away from God’s Presence?

The Risen Lord is in our midst, as He was with the Apostles…
… especially in His Most Holy Eucharist
… especially in His Holy Word of God.

Let us grow in love of the Mystery of the Risen Lord…
… and seek to live it, more fully and more meaningfully in our lives.

Let us bow in gratitude and awe before the Mystery of the Risen Lord…
… knowing that life is not about control, but surrender.

It’s not about explaining everything…
… but trusting the One, Who holds everything together!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

Following the principle of subsidiarity…

… larger communities should take care not to usurp the family’s prerogatives or interfere in its life. (CCC # 2209)

“Allowing the Risen Jesus to rekindle our hearts, and set us running – with joy – to proclaim His saving love!

(Based on Acts 3:1-10 and Lk 24:13-35 – Wednesday in the Octave of Easter)

In the vibrant summer of 2013, millions of young hearts from around the globe…
… gathered on the shores of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for World Youth Day.

The energy was electric.
The songs, the flags, the languages – all so different – yet all beating to the same rhythm of hope.

And in the centre of it all stood a newly elected shepherd of the Church
…. Pope Francis
… standing before the crowd of over three million, lifted his voice and thundered across generations:
Go, do not be afraid, and serve!”

Those words weren’t just a theme.

They were a summons.
A wake-up call.
A resurrection cry to a sleeping world.

One of the many hearts pierced that day was a young Italian actress named Beatrice Fazi.

She had left the Church years earlier, disillusioned, disappointed, and drifting.

She came to Rio curious, but carrying the weight of years spent walking away from God.

But that night… something happened.

In the Vigil under the stars, as Pope Francis spoke of Christ walking beside the young…
… calling them to live for others
… she wept.

And later, in an interview with Vatican News, she said:
“I came here lost, just walking through life.
But I leave here running – because I met Him again.”

(Source: Vatican News, World Youth Day 2013 Coverage)

Beatrice came to Rio ‘like the disciples to Emmaus’…
… wounded, wandering, weary.

But in the presence of the Risen Lord – through His Word, His Church, and His Vicar
… her feet caught fire.

And that, dear brothers and sisters, is the invitation before us today: Will we just keep walking through life… tired, disappointed, half-believing?

Or can we allow the Risen Jesus to rekindle our hearts, and set us running – with joy – to proclaim His saving love?

The Gospel of the Day presents two disciples who “walk away from home” in disinterest and dejection
… but later “who run towards home” with enthusiasm and passion!

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion
The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

The encounter of Jesus to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus is one of the classic Resurrection encounters.

This incident appears only in the Gospel of St Luke.

The unnamed disciples have been shaken up very badly over the incidents over the last week in Jerusalem.

Like the Apostles, these disciples also would have been severely affected

Their Master, Jesus, in whom they had trusted, and they had followed, underwent a shameful death – that of a criminal.

It was humiliating…
… to be called as followers of a Criminal
It was abasing…
… to be called to as followers of a Blasphemer

Added to that, the accounts of some women who had seen the Empty Tomb of the Lord, added to greater confusion.

Life seemed to be dealing harshly with them

Gloom had descended into their hearts
Grim had taken over their lives.

And so they “walked” disappointed and dejected
… away from “home” – Jerusalem – to a village named Emmaus.

But this “walk” in sadness and gloom, was soon to become a life-transforming event!

Moments of hardships often become moments to encounter the deep love of the Lord!

Situations of dejections often become situations to experience the immense mercy of God!

Jesus met them, explained the Scriptures to them and finally in the house, broke the bread
… “and their eyes were opened!” (Lk 24:30-31)

Their gloom was taken away
Their mourning was converted
Their sadness was chased away

This experience “had to be shared”
… This experience “had to be recounted”

And so these disciples, who had “encountered” the Lord
… now “ran!”

The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion

The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness

How is our life?

Are we merely “walking” through activities and works in life, in dissipation
… or are we “running” through our duties and responsibilities filled with joy and hope?

Are we merely “walking” passively in our spiritual life and our Christian witnessing…
… or are we “running” boldly and enthusiastically, overflowing with happiness and love?

The Lord walks with us…
… on our every journey, in our every activity

But seldom do we see Him
… seldom do we “feel” His presence!

Those disciples realised this “feeling” of the Lord being with them at the Breaking of the Bread…

There lies the key
… there lies the open secret

The realization of the Presence of the Lord is guaranteed and facilitated by a meaningful participation in the Lord’s Body and Blood – at the Holy Eucharist!

The Lord in the Holy Eucharist, calls and invites us – to experience Him, to encounter Him…
… to be transformed by Him!

May the Lord help us to overcome our “lethargic and uninterested walking” in spiritual life…
… and allow the Risen Jesus to rekindle our hearts, and set us running – with joy – to proclaim His saving love!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Fourth Commandment – The Family and the society

The family must be helped and defended by appropriate social measures.
Where families cannot fulfill their responsibilities…

… other social bodies have the duty of helping them and of supporting the institution of the family. (CCC # 2209)