The Mystery of Death ("Gaudium et Spes": On the Church in the Modern World - nn. 18. 22)

 

From the Second Vatican Council's pastoral constitution "Gaudium et spes" on the Church in the modern world

 

The Mystery of Death

 In the face of death the enigma of human existence reaches its climax. Man is not only the victim of pain and the progressive deterioration of his body; he is also, and more deeply, tormented by the fear of final extinction. But the instinctive judgement of his heart is right when he shrinks from, and rejects, the idea of a total collapse and definitive end of his own person. He carries within him the seed of eternity, which cannot be reduced to matter alone, and so he rebels against death. All efforts of technology, however useful they may be, cannot calm his anxieties; the biological extension of his life-span cannot satisfy the desire inescapably present in his heart for a life beyond this life.

Imagination is completely helpless when confronted with death. Yet the Church, instructed by divine revelation, affirms that man has been created by God for a destiny of happiness beyond the reach of earthly trials. Moreover, the Christian faith teaches that bodily death, to which man would not have been subject if he had not sinned, will be conquered; the almighty and merciful Saviour will restore man to the wholeness that he had lost through his own fault. God has called man, and still calls him, to be united in his whole being in perpetual communion with himself in the immortality of the divine life. This victory has been gained for us by the risen Christ, who by his own death has freed man from death.

Faith, presented with solid arguments, offers every thinking person the answer to his questionings concerning his future destiny. At the same time, it enables him to be one in Christ with his loved ones who have been taken from him by death and gives him hope that they have entered into true life with God.  

Certainly, the Christian is faced with the necessity, and the duty, of fighting against evil through many trials, and of undergoing death. But by entering into the paschal mystery and being made like Christ in death, he will look forward, strong in hope, to the resurrection.

This is true not only of Christians but also of all men of good will in whose heart grace is invisibly at work. Since Christ died for all men, and the ultimate vocation of man is in fact one, that is, a divine vocation, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being united with this paschal mystery in a way known only to God.

Such is the great mystery of man, enlightening believers through the Christian revelation. Through Christ and in Christ light is thrown on the enigma of pain and death which overwhelms us without his Gospel to teach us. Christ has risen, destroying death by his own death; he has given us the free gift of life so that as sons in the Son we may cry out in the Spirit, saying: Abba, Father!

 

 

The Transforming Word: Dt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28 (4) B

 

The Transforming Word

Dt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28 (4) B

“Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul, alleluia” (DO)

The Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus spoke with authority. He didn't just speak the truth; he was the Truth Incarnate. What was the authority of Jesus? It was not the authority of tyranny; it was the authority of companionship. It was not the authority of omnipotence; it was the authority of a vulnerability that is shared and transformed into hospitality. When Jesus spoke, his word brought a difference. He spoke the words of life. The psalmist says that the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps 119:105). And it is a sure foundation that we can build our lives upon (2 Tim 3:16) it.

In the Biblical understanding, to speak a word, is to release energy – a powerful, personal force. God created the universe and sustains, through a word “Amen” that is spoken. The prophets spoke his word and that brought conversion. God himself became one of us in Jesus to speak to us of his own self. Such Word is a word of hope, a word that promises, a word that gives dignity and sets us free and heals us. Jesus is the Word who sets people free.

Can we ourselves also look for ordinary ways to speak that word of strength and hope to others? Believing that Jesus’ own words have the power to change, ask how we ourselves use words, not just at the special unique times, but in life, generally. Do we use words in a way that brings strength to others, to lead them more into trust, to bring them healing because they are words of forgiveness? Or do we use words to put others down? Instead of empowering others, do our words tend towards disrespect? This is the authority we too have to offer those we are with. Indeed, in the end, it is the only authority we carry. Let us be ever generous with this authority we have in the name of Jesus.

At every Eucharist we say, “Only say the word, and my soul shall be healed”. It is more than just a liturgical formula. It is a cry from the depths of our own stories. We long with all our being to hear the word of God. The word that will take away our shame and guilt, and affirm us, to reassure us, to set us free. Some of us might be spending our whole life looking for, and waiting for that word.

 The word that we most long to hear is the word that says to us that life is worth living – that our life is worth living. For is not this one of the deepest questions with which we struggle: is life for us or against us? It is a question that lurks underneath many of our other experiences – and particularly those of sickness - “How could God let this happen? Am I sick because I have done wrong? How could God be loving me if he has allowed all this to happen?” How many times do we hear people say, “It seems so unfair! The touch of Jesus holds all these questions arising out of our struggles, asking, “Are you for me or against me?” Yet, when our cry meets Jesus, it will all be calm and quiet.  All we need to do is to come before him as we are.

 We are privileged to share strengthening words to hold the struggles of people who are trying to find meaning in their life since a long time alone! Often, we may not have word to give, and the silence is hard to bear! On these occasions we are reminded powerfully that the word which truly sets people free comes alone from the Spirit of God who whispers the word of freedom in people’s hearts in its own way and in its own time. “The word of God has the power to teach us truth, and to lead us in righteousness (Ps 119:9-11); “It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hb 4:12). May the compassionate word comfort us in the passion days of the bruised Christ.

Ordinary Made Fishers of Men: “Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the action of the liturgy…” [(SC nn 7-8) DO]

 

Ordinary Made Fishers of Men

Jonah 3:1-5,10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20 (3) B

“Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the action of the liturgy…” (SC nn 7-8) DO

J

Jesus called a small group of people to become his disciples and he gave them a mission – “to catch people for the kingdom of God”. He chose ordinary fishermen. They did not have wealth, special education, nor social status in society. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, and Jesus wanted them to do extraordinarily things after his ascension. Following the call “Follow me”, they were to toil in this world, human society, with all its uncertainties, vicissitudes, and dangers. The fish they sought were human souls. The net which they let down at the Divine command was the gospel to bring it to all souls. 

The response was cheerful compliance. There was no objection, no hesitation, no condition, not even an inquiry. It was willing, contented obedience to authoritative binding. This compliance was immediate and self-sacrificing leaving all their nets, kindred, occupation, in order that they might follow Jesus. Christ has called us and is still calling us. The burden of his appeal is “Come after me!” Receiving salvation seek that you may be the means of saving others. And bear in mind that he demands a complete surrender, that he will not be satisfied unless we are dedicated to him. We will have something to give up in following Christ, like the fishermen of Galilee.

In Christian call, diligence is an important duty. And God is sure to acknowledge it and bless it while Satan is ever ready to defeat. It is very much observant in certain stories of the Bible. Moses was called to bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt when he was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. Gideon was summoned to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites when he was threshing wheat by the wine-press. Saul was called by Samuel and was anointed with oil to be captain over the Lord's inheritance when he was searching for the lost asses of his father. God called David to the high office of shepherd of his people Israel when he was tending a few sheep in the wilderness. And in the same way it is with all the prophets.

Today Jesus is calling us with a great sense of urgency and immediacy. The Kingdom of God is here and now and its fulfillment is at hand. How might our lives be sensitive to the immediacy of God’s kingdom inviting non-Christians to our salvation? The Dogmatic constitution (LG. nn 2.16) professes that God himself is not far from those other who seek the unknown God in darkness and shadows, for it is he who gives to all men life and inspiration and ….as savior desires all men to be saved. Eternal salvation is open to those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church but seek God with a sincere heart…… by the dictates of their conscience.

 The skill and patience and vigilance of the fishermen was to watch and labor for souls. We need to have the same skill and diligence. The message of Christ was simple: repent and believe in the Gospel, the Good News. May his Good News save our baptized souls in order to save the souls not knowing Christ.  let us be prepared for this, and count the cost. But, for our soul’s sake and salvation for others, let nothing hinder us from faith and consecration. Jesus stands by us.

 

 

త్రిత్వం – సృష్టి (TRINITY - CREATION)

 

త్రిత్వం – సృష్టి

ఏవం త్రయం త్రయం ఏవం ఏవత్రయం త్రయఏవం

స్థితం ప్రజ్ఞం స్థితప్రజ్ఞం ప్రజ్ఞమూలం మూలప్రజ్ఞం

ధ్యానం ఆత్మానం శాసనం సర్వమూలం ప్రారబ్ధం

కుమారంవాక్యం వాక్యంసృష్టం విశ్వం భువనం గఘనం

వాక్యం రూపం నిరూపం ఆకారం సకారం సాకారం

యుగం యుగయుగ యుగం జగం జగజగ జగం

తరం తరతర తరం

 కాలం కాలాకాల సర్వకాలారంభం సర్వాoతరంభం

కారణం కారకం పదార్ధం పదార్ధకారణం కారణపదార్ధం

జీవరూపం రూపజీవం మూలరూపం సర్వమూల రూపం  

దీపంద్వీపం కాంతంతారకం అగాధ౦ ప్రమేయం ప్రమోదం

జీవం ప్రవేశం జాగృతం చేతనం  జీవన ప్రమోదం  

జీవి రూపం రూపిజీవం మూలజీవం జీవిమూలం

వెలుగు తేజం తేజ రూపం తేజమూలం మూలతేజం

శూన్యశక్తి శక్తిశూన్యం శూన్యమూలం మూలశూన్యo

వాయుశక్తి శక్తివాయుం వాయుస్థితి

మూలవాయుం వాయుమూలం

జలశక్తి శక్తిజలం జలరూపం మూలజలం జలమూలo

జీవపదార్ధం పదార్ధజీవం పదార్ధరూపం

మూలపదార్ధం పదార్ధమూలం

ఏవం త్రయం త్రయం ఏవం ఏవత్రయం త్రయఏవం

"COME AND SEE" : 1 Sam 3:3b–10,19; 1 Cor 6:13c–15a,17–20; Jn 1:35–42 (2) B

 

 

“COME AND SEE”

1 Sam 3:3b–10,19; 1 Cor 6:13c–15a,17–20; Jn 1:35–42 (2) B

Today’s reading from the Gospel of John immediately follows John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus and his identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Having been baptized by John, Jesus begins to gather his followers. The first followers sought out Jesus because of the testimony and witness of John the Baptist.

But then, it is Jesus who initiated the calling his followers by his very appearance. It is the divine initiative. It is always God who takes the first step. When the human mind begins to seek and the human heart begins to long, God comes to meet us far more than half way. God does not leave a man or woman to search and search until he or she comes to him. God goes out to meet the mankind as St. Augustine said, “We could not even have begun to seek for God unless he had already found us”. When we go to God, we do not go to one who hides himself and keeps us at a distance. We go to the one who stands waiting for us and who even takes the initiative by coming to meet us on the road.

Jesus asked the disciples, “What are you looking for?” We need to apply this question to ourselves. And it would be well if every now and again we are to ask ourselves: What am I looking for? What’s my aim and goal? What am I really trying to get out of life? Some are searching for material security. They would like a position which is safe, money enough to meet the needs of life. This is not a wrong aim, but it is a low aim, and an inadequate thing to which to direct all life. 

Some are searching for a career, for power, prominence, prestige, for a place to fit the talents and the abilities they believe themselves to have, for an opportunity to do the work they believe themselves capable of doing. If this be directed by motives of personal ambition it can be a bad aim. If it be directed by motives of the service to the poor and needy it can be a high aim. But it is not enough, for its horizon is limited by time and by the world. Some are searching for some kind of peace, for something to enable them to live at peace with themselves, and at peace with God, and at peace with others. This is the search for God. Jesus can only supply and help us to meet this aim.

The disciples asked, “Rabbi, where do you live”? Jesus said, “Come and see!”. His invitation “Come and see” is an invitation not only to come and talk, but to come and find the things that he alone could reveal to us. It is to see and experience the way to God the Father in him – the only way, the truth and the life, life eternal. Whoever comes to him and experiences him, can never return to the old way of life. Life becomes celebration in the storms and colors of life.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Ps 34:8)

 

The Lord has made known his Salvation

Is 60:1-6 Eph 3:2-3a,5-6 Mt 2:1-12 (Epiphany)

The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.”  We also commemorate the three kings - Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar who worshipped the Lord Jesus offering their gifts. The Church considers the gifts they offered as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death. However, it is manifested that God has decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ. Our salvation is in and through Christ Jesus.

History shows that Herod and his family became Jewish in order to rule in Palestine under the protection of Rome. So, Herod was always suspected by the Jews as being a Jew in name only, but not committed to Yahweh. In 40 BC the Roman Senate declared that Herod was vassal king in Palestine, answering ultimately to Rome. Herod spent most of his reign trying to protect himself from being overthrown.

Herod and the magi offer a study in contrasts. Herod was a Jew in name but a pagan in all things. The Magi were pagans in name, but acted like sincere Jews seeking the One who was the summit of God's plan for mankind. St. John of the Cross, would reflect on his own life in a way that was similar to the lives of the ancient magi as well as the lives of all who seek the Lord. It is very clear in the words of the Psalmist, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Ps 42:1).

The three kings represent the Gentiles’ search for the savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world. They also represent our search for Jesus. Were the three kings wise? The Scripture calls them wise. Certainly, they were wise, wiser than any other. Because they were willing to leave their lands, their comforts, and journey to find the great King whose birth was announced by the star. They were wise in as much as they were seeking the Savior of the world leaving the worldly pleasures and luxuries.

We journey to God leaving everything and considering God alone is everything. But where exactly are we going to find Him? We really don't know!! He is in all and countless more places. If we are wise, we will spend our lives seeking him here and now, wherever he is. Yes, at times, we might find ourselves seeking him in the wrong place, like king Herod. We must have started a career that is wrong for us. We may have to break a relationship that is unhealthy for us. But if we are attune to God's Word, he will set us straight and direct us to the course we need to follow and complete.

The wise men followed the direction of the Scripture and went toward Bethlehem, having neither convoy nor encouragement of any company. If we desire to seek Christ we must resolve to go after him alone. At times he will renew directions and encouragement as they stand in need like the star which for a time disappeared, and appeared again to the magi. God supplies correct directions. Today our directing star is nothing but the word of God. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. (Ps 119:105). For he alone knows plans for us, for omur well-being and not for destruction (Jer 29:11). The Holy Spirit will guide us through the Word of God to our destiny destined by God in the Savior.