Tag: god

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful… to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

24 THE FOUR LAST THINGS: A JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY

❇️ WHAT ARE THEY

The Four Last Things refer to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell, which are central to Catholic eschatology – the study of the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

💀 Death: Death is not just the end of earthly life but the transition to life after death.

Christ’s Resurrection affirms this reality of New Life, and invites us to live in hope and joy.

⚖️ Judgment: After death, each person will face the judgment seat of Christ, where deeds and choices in life will be examined, leading to either eternal reward or punishment.

Scriptures such as Mt 25:31-46, Rev 20:11-15, and 2 Cor 5:10 emphasize the accountability of every individual before God’s judgment seat.

🌌 Heaven: Heaven is the state of eternal bliss and communion with God for those who have lived in accordance with His Will, experiencing the fullness of joy and love.

Heaven as the dwelling place of God, and the Blessed, is found throughout Scripture, including Rev 21-22, where the heavenly Jerusalem and the eternal bliss of the Redeemed is described

🔥 Hell: Hell is the state of eternal separation from God, chosen by those who reject His love and mercy, leading to eternal suffering and torment.

Hell as a state of eternal separation from God and the consequences of unrepentant sin can be found in passages like Mt 25:41, Lk 16:19-31 and Rev 20:10.

📘 CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (CCC)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) provides profound insights into the Four Last Things:

Death: CCC 1006-1014 emphasizes the Christian understanding of death as the end of earthly life and the beginning of the soul’s journey to God, where it will be judged based on its deeds.

Judgment: CCC 1021-1051 explores the particular judgment that each soul undergoes immediately after death, as well as the final judgment at the end of time, where all will be revealed before God.

Heaven: CCC 1023-1029 delves into the theological concept of Heaven, describing it as the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings for happiness and communion with God.

Hell: CCC 1033-1037 addresses the reality of Hell, presenting it as the consequence of freely chosen sin and rejection of God’s love, highlighting the seriousness of moral choices and the need for repentance.

🌀 SIGNIFICANCE & IMPORTANCE

💡 Personal Reflection: Contemplating the Four Last Things invites us to reflect on the purpose of life, the reality of our mortality, and the eternal destiny of our lives

💡 Readiness for Holiness: Understanding these realities encourages us to live virtuously, seek reconciliation through the sacraments, and be spiritually prepared for the moment of death and judgment.

💡 Urgency of Salvation: The awareness of Heaven and Hell motivates us to strive for holiness, repentance, and conversion, recognizing the urgency of salvation.

💡 Merciful Justice: God’s judgment is both just and merciful, offering the opportunity for repentance and redemption while reminding us of the consequences of unrepentant sin.

💡 Eternal Perspective: Keeping the Four Last Things in mind helps us prioritize eternal values over temporal ones, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a longing for heavenly rewards.

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

🔷 Prayer and Sacraments: Regular prayer, participation in the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist, and living a sacramental life are essential for spiritual readiness.

🔷 Moral Living: Embracing moral virtues, practicing charity, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and avoiding sin are fundamental for a life oriented towards Heaven.

🔷 Hope and Trust: Cultivating a deep trust in God’s mercy, embracing hope in His promises, and seeking His grace are pillars of spiritual preparation for the afterlife.

🔷 Devotional Practices: Devotions such as the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and prayers for the souls in purgatory are integral to Catholic spirituality, addressing themes of death, judgment, and the afterlife.

🔷 Catholic Art and Symbolism: Throughout history, Catholic art and symbolism have depicted through paintings, sculptures, and liturgical symbols, illustrating the realities of death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell.

🔷 Conversion and Repentance: Continuous conversion, sincere repentance for sins, and striving for holiness are paths to reconciling with God and preparing for judgment.

🔷 Community and Fellowship: Engaging in Christian community, supporting one another in faith, and journeying together towards Heaven strengthen our spiritual journey.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Daily Examination: Reflect daily on your life, actions, and spiritual progress, seeking growth in virtue and walking with God’s Will.

💠 Liturgy and Devotions: Participate actively in liturgical celebrations, devotions, and practices that deepen your understanding of the Four Last Things and their significance.

💠 Study and Reflection: Read and study Catholic teachings on eschatology, engage in spiritual reading, and seek guidance from spiritual mentors or directors.

💠 Intercessory Prayers: Pray for the souls of the faithful departed – for those in purgatory – and for the grace of final perseverance for yourself and others.

💠 Living Faithfully: Live each day with faith, hope, and love, embracing the teachings of Christ and His Church, and trusting in His mercy and providence.

May the contemplation of the Four Last Things inspire us to live faithfully, seek God’s mercy, and strive for eternal happiness with Him.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful…to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

23 THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: EMPOWERING THE FAITHFUL

❇️ WHAT ARE THEY?

THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT are special graces bestowed upon believers to empower them for a life of faith and service.

These gifts are:

🔶 Wisdom: The ability to discern and choose what is true, good, and in accordance with God’s will.

🔶 Understanding: The capacity to grasp the deeper meaning of faith and divine mysteries.

🔶 Counsel (Right Judgment): The gift of prudence, enabling individuals to make wise decisions guided by the Holy Spirit.

🔶 Fortitude (Courage): Strength of character to endure trials and difficulties with courage and perseverance.

🔶 Knowledge: The gift of insight into the truths of faith and the mysteries of God’s creation.

🔶 Piety (Reverence): A deep sense of reverence and devotion towards God and others.

🔶 Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): A reverent fear of offending God and a profound sense of wonder and awe in His presence.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

💡 Scriptural Foundation: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are outlined in Isaiah 11:2-3, where they are described as the qualities possessed by the Messiah. They are also referenced in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of St. Paul.

💡 Development in Tradition: The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, elaborated on the significance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

💡 Magisterial Teachings: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1830-1831) affirms the importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the spiritual life of the faithful, highlighting their role in sanctification and mission.

💡 Papal Encyclicals: Various papal documents, including Pope St. John Paul II’s “Dominum et Vivificantem” (On the Holy Spirit), underscore the relevance and importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Church and the world.

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Empowerment for Mission: The gifts of the Holy Spirit empower believers to bear witness to Christ and spread the Gospel message effectively.

🔷 Guidance and Discernment: They provide guidance and discernment in making decisions and navigating the complexities of life according to God’s will.

🔷 Strength in Adversity: The gifts of the Holy Spirit fortify believers with courage and strength to face challenges and trials in their faith journey.

🔷 Deepening of Faith: They facilitate a deeper understanding of the truths of the faith and a richer experience of God’s presence in one’s life.

🔷 Fruitfulness in Service: By cooperating with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, believers become more fruitful in their service to others and in building up the Kingdom of God.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Prayer and Surrender: Cultivate a spirit of prayer and surrender to the Holy Spirit, inviting His guidance and empowerment in your life.

💠 Study and Reflection: Engage in spiritual reading and reflection to deepen your understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they operate in the Christian life.

💠 Act in Faith: Step out in faith and put the gifts of the Holy Spirit into action in your daily life, trusting in God’s grace and guidance.

💠 Community and Fellowship: Seek the support and encouragement of fellow believers in nurturing and exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

May THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT be embraced by all believers as divine graces that empower them for a life of faith, service, and mission in the world.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love, and be faithful… to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

05 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS (WAY OF THE CROSS)

❇️ WHAT IS IT?
The Stations of the Cross, or the Way of the Cross, is a heart-touching Catholic devotion inviting believers to accompany Jesus Christ on His journey from condemnation to Crucifixion.

Comprising of 14 stations, each represents a specific event, to reflect deeply on Christ’s path to Calvary.
This transformative experience fosters a personal connection to His ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.

This devotion is an immersive experience for all Catholics, providing a transformative means of spiritual reflection and growth.
… cultivating a personal connection to the pivotal events of Christ’s Passion
… and a richer understanding of the redemptive narrative.

🌀 HISTORY
Pilgrimage Origins: The inception of the Stations can be traced back to pilgrims in the Holy Land retracing Jesus’ steps.

As early as the 4th century, St. Jerome documented pilgrims visiting sacred sites, laying the foundation for this devotion.

Franciscan Formalization: The Franciscans played a pivotal role in structuring the devotion in the 17th century, organizing the 14 Stations.

St. Leonard of Port Maurice, a Franciscan, further popularized the devotion in the 18th century.

Church Adoption: The Catholic Church formally embraced the Stations, incorporating them into the rich legacy of Lenten practices.

Pope Clement XII enriched the devotion in the 18th century, encouraging its observance as a potent means of spiritual reflection.

🔷 THE 14 STATIONS
✝️ Jesus is Condemned to Death: Reflect on Christ’s unjust condemnation, recognizing the weight of innocence unfairly burdened.

✝️ Jesus Takes Up His Cross: Contemplate Jesus embracing the instrument of His sacrifice, symbolizing His redemptive mission.

✝️ Jesus Falls the First Time: Witness the vulnerability of Christ as He stumbles under the weight of our sins.

✝️ Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother: Share in the poignant encounter between Jesus and Mary, acknowledging the deep maternal connection.

✝️ Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross: Ponder the unexpected assistance Jesus receives, inviting reflection on communal support.

✝️ Veronica Wipes Jesus’ Face: Delve into the compassionate act of Veronica, embodying kindness amid Christ’s suffering.

✝️ Jesus Falls the Second Time: Acknowledge the enduring physical and spiritual struggle as Jesus stumbles once more.

✝️ Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem: Reflect on Jesus’ empathy towards the mourning women, teaching lessons of compassion.

✝️ Jesus Falls the Third Time: Consider the profound resilience of Jesus in the face of overwhelming adversity.

✝️ Jesus is Stripped of His Garments: Contemplate the stripping of Jesus’ garments, revealing vulnerability and humility.

✝️ Jesus is Nailed to the Cross: Enter into the solemnity of Jesus’ crucifixion, recognizing the depth of His sacrifice.

✝️ Jesus Dies on the Cross: Witness the culmination of Christ’s redemptive act, embracing the profound mystery of God’s love.

✝️ Jesus’ Body is Taken Down from the Cross: Reflect on the tender moment as Jesus’ lifeless body is removed, signifying the end of His earthly journey.

✝️ Jesus is Laid in the Tomb: Contemplate the stillness of Jesus in the tomb, awaiting the glory of Resurrection.

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Sacred Meditation: The devotion offers a unique combination of visual and prayerful meditation on each step of Christ’s suffering, providing a profound way to connect with His sacrificial love.

Biblical Reflection: Rooted in the Gospel accounts of Christ’s Passion and rich traditional accounts, the Stations facilitate contemplative reflection on the scriptural narrative, deepening one’s understanding of the redemptive story.

Universal Participation: The Stations are versatile, allowing for individual or communal practice, providing a universal and accessible means for Catholics to engage in the contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice.

Timeless Devotion: Traditionally observed during Lent, the devotion transcends time, offering continuous spiritual enrichment and a deeper connection to Christ’s love.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS
Personalized Reflection: Delve into the significance of specific stations, by personalising each step and allowing the weight of each step to resonate in your heart.

Community Connection: Engage in praying the Stations as a community/family for a shared faith experience, fostering a sense of community and collective devotion.

Consistent Practice: Integrate this devotion into your routine, whether on a weekly basis or as part of your Lenten observance, for sustained spiritual growth

Gain of Indulgence: Devoutly praying the Stations of the Cross, by following the ordinary conditions, along with praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, gains a plenary Indulgence

Accompaniment with Mother Mary: Pray the Stations, by holding the hands of Mother Mary and walking with Her on the journey of Her Beloved Son’s Way of Agony!

May the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross) be a transformative journey, drawing us closer to the boundless love of Jesus Christ.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  • Bengaluru, India
  • reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

⏩ CATHOLIC CARTRIDGE – A series to learn, revive, love and be faithful… to our Catholic Faith!

Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFSLeave a comment

02 THE ANGELUS

❇️ WHAT IS IT?
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer recited three times daily – dawn, noon, and dusk.

It commemorates the Annunciation, involving the Angelus Domini (This is the opening versicle in Latin – “The Angel of the Lord”), three Hail Marys, and a concluding prayer…
… reflecting on key moments in the life of Jesus and Mary.

🌀 HISTORY

  1. It is considered that in the 11th Century, the Franciscan monks had the custom of saying Three Hail Marys, along with the bell that was rung, at their Evening Prayer.

The Three Hail Marys was to honour “the immaculate Virgin Mother and to preserve a perfect purity of mind, heart and body, in the midst of the dangers that are encountered in the world”

This practise was also encouraged among the lay people, especially by St Bonaventure.

  1. Another tradition also says that in the time when England was occupied by the Normans…

In order to control the people, the Normans rang a curfew bell at the end of each day. This was to remind the people to put off all fires, get out of the streets and go back and retire to their homes.

While this was not aimed for prayer, nevertheless this bell got associated with the evening prayer time, which included saying the Hail Mary.

This practice of the bell to be rung at the close of the day, continued, even after the end of the invasion.
The Bishop had encouraged the people: “We exhort you every day, when you hear three short interrupted peals of the bell, at the beginning of the curfew (or, in places where you do not hear it, at vesper time or nightfall) you say with all possible devotion, kneeling wherever you may be, the Angelic Salutation three times at each peal, so as to say it nine times in all”

  1. In 1318 in Italy, there began the practice of saying the Hail Mary, on rising in the morning.

This habit probably came from the monks, who included the Hail Mary in the prayers they said before their workday began.

  1. In 1456, Pope Calisstus III directed the ringing of church bells every day at noon and that Catholics pray three Hail Marys.

The Pope exhorted the faithful to use the noonday prayers to pray for peace in the context of the 15th-century invasion of Europe by the Turks.
The bell rung at noontime became known as the “Peace” bell

  1. The Angelus became a prayer as we know today, towards the end of the 16th century…
    …with three Hail Marys, and short verses in between (called versicles), ending with a prayer.

It was first published in modern form in a catechism around 1560 in Venice.

🙏🏻SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Angelus reminds us of the Angel Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary, Mary’s Fiat, the Incarnation and Our Lord’s passion and resurrection.

It is repeated as a holy invitation, calling us to prayer and meditation.

The Angelus is said kneeling
(symbolic of our humility “to welcome and accept the Will of God to take flesh in us”)

Pope Benedict XIV directed that the Angelus should be recited while standing on Saturday evening and all day on Sunday (to honour and commemorate the Triumphant Resurrection of the Lord)
He also exhorted that, during the Easter Season, the Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven) be said instead of the Angelus.

There is also the practise of focussing…
… the Angelus in the morning: On the Resurrection
… the Angelus at noon time: On the Passion
… the Angelus at evening: On the Incarnation.

The Three-times recitation of the Angelus calls Christians…
… to interrupt the daily, earthly routines
… to turn to thoughts of God, of the Blessed Mother, and of eternity
… and to respond to the call of the Lord to “pray unceasingly and at all times” (Lk 18: 1, 1 Thess 5:17)

The Angelus is a meditation on the Bible – to recall the Salvation History

We meditate on the words of Mother Mary who called herself the “handmaid of the Lord”
We tell God that we are willing to do His Will, just as Mother Mary did
We invite the Lord “to take flesh” in all our actions and thoughts

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS
💠 Seek to daily recite three times the Angelus – morning, noon and night (especially, if possible, as a family or a community)

💠 Thank the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – for the Salvation History and especially recall the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord and the

💠 Make an examination of the conscience – reviewing the activities done up to that moment…
(a) Thanking Him for His Graces
(b) Asking pardon for faults
(c) Resolving to do better

💠 Seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother to always say “Yes” to God’s Will

Let us grow in our devotion and love for the Lord, by the faithful and prayerful recitation of the Angelus!

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

  • Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
    Bengaluru, India
    📧 reflectioncapsules@gmail.com