Day 16

Extend your mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His Mercy from us?

-- St Vincent de Paul

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. - Eph 4:4-6

Got nothing to say.

Gospel : "I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper." - Luke 12:59
Ominous words these. But what they actually mean is that Jesus valued reconciliation above dragging someone to court. If we do not reconcile, this is the end we must reach at the Final Judgement. 

 A Peep Into Vatican II

To whoever who thought that Catholicism is an isolated religion which doesn't acknowledge the presence of any other religion and is hateful of all the other religions, go ahead and read the Second Vatican Council document, Nostra Aetate. A beautiful excerpt from the same is below:

Religions, however, that are bound up with an advanced culture have struggled to answer the same questions by means of more refined concepts and a more developed language. Thus in Hinduism, men contemplate the divine mystery and express it through an inexhaustible abundance of myths and through searching philosophical inquiry. They seek freedom from the anguish of our human condition either through ascetical practices or profound meditation or a flight to God with love and trust. Again, Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination. Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing "ways," comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites. The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men. Indeed, she proclaims, and ever must proclaim Christ "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), in whom men may find the fullness of religious life, in whom God has reconciled all things to Himself.

 

 See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

 

 

Catholic Fun Trivia 

 

Saint Joseph of Cupertino is one of the saints who had the gift of levitation. You know... he could fly! And you thought only Superman could do it? Well atleast for the gift of flying, its worth being a saint!

 And One More Thing...

Which are the newly declared saints?

Answer of yesterday's question : Jesus of Nazareth

Day 15

This is a Friend who will not terrify you, who will not abandon you. Hope in Him, and Heaven is yours!

-- St Joseph Cafasso

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, - Eph 3:17

Faith Again....

Gospel : Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; - Luke 12:51

A division between those who'll accept Him and His message and those who'll reject Him.

 A Peep Into Vatican II

We all love to say that we love God. It is so easy just to say that and get the holier-than-thou feeling. The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium tell us what must be happening if we actually do love God:

"God is love, and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in Him". But, God pours out his love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us; thus the first and most necessary gift is love, by which we love God above all things and our neighbor because of God. Indeed, in order that love, as good seed may grow and bring forth fruit in the soul, each one of the faithful must willingly hear the Word of God and accept His Will, and must complete what God has begun by their own actions with the help of God's grace. These actions consist in the use of the sacraments and in a special way the Eucharist, frequent participation in the sacred action of the Liturgy, application of oneself to prayer, self-abnegation, lively fraternal service and the constant exercise of all the virtues. For charity, as the bond of perfection and the fullness of the law, rules over all the means of attaining holiness and gives life to these same means. It is charity which guides us to our final end. It is the love of God and the love of one's neighbor which points out the true disciple of Christ. 42

 

 

 See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

 

Click For Larger Image

 

Catholic Fun Trivia 

Late Pope John Paul II use to sneak out of Vatican to ski in the Italian Mountains. And you thought being a Pope was boring?

 And One More Thing...

Pope Benedict XVI has written 3 parts of a book, the third part is about to be released. What is the name of this book?

Answer of yesterday's question : Matthias

Day 14

It was a weird day for me today. Struggling to do God's will. Learnt a lesson or two.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.  - Eph 2:10

Through Church...

Gospel : Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. - Luke 12:48

We'd better get our act together.

 A Peep Into Vatican II

Modern man, the Church hasn't forgotten you. Whoever thinks that the Church is only for the oldies, read the following from Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium Et Spes:

 

 Modern man is on the road to a more thorough development of his own personality, and to a growing discovery and vindication of his own rights. Since it has been entrusted to the Church to reveal the mystery of God, Who is the ultimate goal of man, she opens up to man at the same time the meaning of his own existence, that is, the innermost truth about himself. The Church truly knows that only God, Whom she serves, meets the deepest longings of the human heart, which is never fully satisfied by what this world has to offer.

 

 See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

There are so many distorted notions of a family in today's world that I had to put this.

 

 

Catholic Fun Trivia

The Superior General of the Society of Jesus is known as 'The Black Pope'

 

Pope meets the Black Pope

 

And One More Thing...

 

Who replaced Judas Iscariot?

 

Answer of yesterday's question:

1. Sacred Scripture
2. Sacred Tradition
3. Living Magisterium
   

Day 13

Little late to do this post. But I had to sleep early last night to wake up early for a cause which actually didn't happen.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. - Eph 2:18

It is through Jesus, what we get the Spirit, through Him that we are able to reach the Father.

Gospel : ...truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them. - Luke 12:37

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be served by the Lord.

 A Peep Into Vatican II

The Catholic Church stands on the Sacred Scriptures as well as the Sacred Traditions, a dividing point between us and our Protestant brothers. This is a point that is picked by Protestants as an argument to prove the Catholics wrong. But the Second Vatican Council document, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum has to say the following which can be quiet enlightening:

 

 For Sacred Scripture is the word of God inasmuch as it is consigned to writing under the inspiration of the divine Spirit, while sacred tradition takes the word of God entrusted by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and hands it on to their successors in its full purity, so that led by the light of the Spirit of truth, they may in proclaiming it preserve this word of God faithfully, explain it, and make it more widely known.

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia 

   The Three Powers of the Soul

And One More Thing...

The 3 pillars of the Church Authority are? (hint: two are already mentioned here.)

Answer of yesterday's question : Castel Gandolfo

Day 12

Its the twelfth day of the Year of Faith and I must say that I cannot understand the whole phobia about confession that grips our Catholic community. The doubts like what a priest will think about us once we confess our sins or will he reveal our deep dark secrets to other are not only senseless but also baseless. Haven't you heard about the Seal Of Confession? Anyway do check out the See See See.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading :For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - Eph 2:8

Grace is a GIFT, obtained throught FAITH.

Gospel : "And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry." - Luke 12:19

So often have I said that to my soul and so often have I been proven a fool...

 A Peep Into Vatican II

Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office Of Bishops in the Church, Christus Dominus, Proclaimed By His Holiness, Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965 has the following to say about confessions:

Pastors should also be mindful of how much the sacrament of Penance contributes to developing the Christian life and, therefore, should always make themselves available to hear the confessions of the faithful. If necessary, they should invite the assistance of priests who are experienced in various languages.

 

 

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

  

 

Catholic Fun Trivia

There is an Archdiocese of the Military Services, which is a border-less Archdiocese spread throughout the world and headquartered in Washington, D.C, USA. The Chaplains move around with the armed forces wherever they go, sometimes right into the battlefield. Know more about the Archdiocese on their website.

And One More Thing...

Where does the Pope go for his summer vacations?

Answer of yesterday's question : Blessed Pope John Paul II, who was then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Cracow and Pope Benedict XVI who was then Fr. Joseph Ratzinger a professor at University of Münster.

Day 11

Today is World Mission Sunday. A day when the collection in the mass from every parish is collected to send to the various mission places in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania where the Faith is still taking baby steps. To read the letter of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on Mission Sunday click here.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : ...and he shall bear their iniquities. - Is 53:11

These verses speak of the Servant who endured sufferings and bore the sins of all. The ultimate Servant, who is our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Second Reading : Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Heb 4:16
 
Why hesitate? Let us with confidence draw near to God.

Gospel : "but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." - Mark 10:40

Seek not positions and designations, do your assigned tasks and let Jesus prepare a place for you.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

There is a decree that came out of the Second Vatican Council, which is specifically meant for mission works and missionary activities. Our Church at its core is a missionary Church and her primary goal is to spread the Word to the ends of the earth. And keeping that in mind, here's an excerpt from Decree Ad Gentes On The Mission Activity Of The Church:

Although every disciple of Christ, as far in him lies, has the duty of spreading the Faith,(1) Christ the Lord always calls whomever He will from among the number of His disciples, to be with Him and to be sent by Him to preach to the nations (cf. Mark 3:13). Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, who distributes the charismata as He wills for the common good (1 Cor. 12:11), He inspires the missionary vocation in the hearts of individuals, and at the same time He raises up in the Church certain institutes(2) which take as their own special task the duty of preaching the Gospel, a duty belonging to the whole Church. - 23

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia 

Ashes used on Ash Wednesday are blessed palms from the previous year which have been burned.

And One More Thing...

Two participants of the Second Vatican Council who became popes in the future. Name both.

Answer of yesterday's question : Below is a chasuble... 

Day 10

God must be loved first, in order that one's neighbor, too, may be loved in God.-- St Bernard

 It's day 10 of the Year of Faith, and it has been a spiritually fulfilling day for me, had a wonderful mass and a great time of personal reflection.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all. - Eph 1:22-23

Christ not only the head of all creation, He is also the head of the Church.

Gospel : "for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." - Luke 12:12

If you let the Him teach you ofcourse.

 A Peep Into Vatican II

If you have happened to come across the phrase "Spirit of Vatican II", you must be thinking that it means a kind of mental state where someone or some community has been Second Vatican Council-ized. Well it actually means someone who interprets the Vatican II documents in a different and in some case a contradictory way than that of what the documents were meant to convey. So the next time you meet a fellow faithful, make sure you don't ask, "Hey! Can you feel the Spirit? Of Vatican II!"

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia 

KNOCK THEM DEAD!

It was a tradition to confirm a pope's death by knocking him gently on the head and calling him by his Christian name.

And One More Thing...

What is a chasuble?

Answer of yesterday's question : The "Church Fathers" are not the local parish priests. They are the early theologians/priests/saints/bishops/teachers who where writers and teachers that help pave a path for the formation of the Church and Theology on the whole.

Day 9

The 9th day of the Year of Faith was a real test of faith for me, as I struggled throughout the day with workload, but God helped me a lot to go through it. Today is the feast day of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues. I've never heard their names, not even sure whether I can pronounce them, but a little Google search revealed that both saints were priests and companions from the 17th centuary, North America. Both suffered brutality and a subsequent martyrdom. Read here to know more about them.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit - Eph 1:13

Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. What more do you need?

Gospel : "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." - Luke 12:4

And sometimes all we care for is the flesh.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

Pope meets group of veterans Council Fathers of Vatican II

 

 Yes many of them are still alive!

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

And One More Thing...

 

What does the term 'Church Fathers' mean?

 

 Answer of yesterday's question : Again read first paragraph of this post.

Day 8

Its the feast of Saint Luke today. Saint Luke, the Evangelist was a doctor and was a gentile(non-Jew). He was the disciple of Paul, and also turned into a historian by writing the Gospel of Luke with historic accuracy.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. - 2Tim 4:17

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength!

Gospel : Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. - Luke 10:3

We too in today's world are lambs among wolves.

A Peep Into Vatican II

 Date : 1962–1965
Convoked by : Pope John XXIII
Presided by : Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI
Attendance : up to 2625
Topics of discussion : The Church in itself, in relation to ecumenism and other religions, in relation to the modern world, renewal, liturgy, etc.

Documents and statements     

Four Constitutions:

    Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation)
    Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
    Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)
    Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)

Nine decrees:

    Ad Gentes (Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity)
    Apostolicam Actuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity)
    Christus Dominus (Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church)
    Inter Mirifica (Decree on the Means of Social Communication)
    Optatam Totius (Decree on the Training of Priests)
    Orientalium Ecclesiarum (Decree on the Catholic Oriental Churches)
    Perfectae Caritatis (Decree on the Up-to-date Renewal of Religious Life)
    Presbyterorum Ordinis (Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests)
    Unitatis Redintegratio (Decree on Ecumenism)

Three declarations:

    Dignitatis Humanae (Declaration on Religious Liberty)
    Gravissimum Educationis (Declaration on Christian Education)
    Nostra Aetate (Declaration on the Church's Relations with Non-Christian Religions)

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia 

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? - Not no one! its Michael. Micha-El means 'Like God'

And One More Thing...

 

There's another feast of a saint tomorrow! Do you know which one?

 

 Answer of yesterday's question : Read first paragraph of this post.

Day 7

I kept wondering why the priest wore a red chasuble and  then came to know that today is the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch. I don't know anything about this saint but this is what Wikipedia says about him:


Ignatius of Antioch was among the Apostolic Fathers, was the third Bishop of Antioch, and was a student of John the Apostle.


Well, on that note lets get back to work.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  - Gal 5:25

Walking by the Spirit...

Gospel : "Woe to you! for you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it." - Luke 11:44

My Bible Commentary reads like this: The rigid observation of the Law itself does little harm, but it can lead to pride so that some pharisees take on an attitude of complacency, their sole aim being prestige in the eyes of people. Such people gradually start resembling the unknown tombs.

A Peep Into Vatican II

We all know that the Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. One speaks of the beginning of the world and is an account of the Jews of olden times and the other is about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. To some both the testaments may seem disjoint. But the Old Testament is very much connected to the New Testament. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, talks about it too:

The plan of salvation foretold by the sacred authors, recounted and explained by them, is found as the true word of God in the books of the Old Testament: these books, therefore, written under divine inspiration, remain permanently valuable. "For all that was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). -SC 14

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

The Church is not anti-science, though science seems to be anti-church. Check out the list of priests who were also scientists.

And One More Thing...

Which Saint's feast are we going to celebrate tomorrow?

Answer of yesterday's question: St. John of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen

The Sixth Day

The sixth went in a flurry of activities, but inspite of all the work load, I still managed to find some simple spiritual time for myself. Oh, and I goofed up the first reading in today's mass, got stuck on one of the words. Which reminds me I need to brush up my Gujarati.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love. - Gal 5:6

Faith Rules. Period.

Gospel : You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?  - Luke 11:40

And thus knows the Maker the innermost secrets of my heart. Clean the outside, but don't forget the inside.

A Peep Into Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council may be celebrating its Golden Jubilee having completed 50 years, but it by no means has lost relevance in today's world. And that can be seen in one of its documents, a declaration to be precise, titled Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium Et Spes. It speaks of the growing knowledge of the human mind, the vastness of our developments and understandings of things around us. It speaks of the exceptional growth that has been experienced in the past century. The dawn of media, the arrival of technologies, the breakthrough in medical science, all enhancing the lives of humans. But it also has words of wisdom and caution to offer. The following quote could not have been more true in today's time.

Although the world of today has a very vivid awareness of its unity and of how one man depends on another in needful solidarity, it is most grievously torn into opposing camps by conflicting forces.

  See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

Saint Tron

There is a Saint Tron! Honest! He's the patron saint of gamers I think...

And One More Thing...

Which are the two saints who have recently been made the doctors of the Church?

Answer of yesterday's question :  It has been named after Pope Gregory I (r. 590-604), though not necessarily composed by him.

Fifth Day...

Today is the feast day of St Teresa of Avila, an exceptional saint, a Carmelite nun and one of the Doctors of the Church. Find more about this exceptional woman of God here.

On with the entry now!

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.- Gal 4:31

We are free, through Christ. A free generation.

Second Reading : For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nin'eveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation. - Luke 11:30

A sign for all of us to repent, believe and come back to our Lord.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

We already discussed about the mass and various rites, now let's shed some light upon music. Music is an integral part of any liturgy, it adds to the worship and brings out the yearnings of the soul. Sacred Music as it is called, the music employed within a mass is not just any music, it should serve the soul purpose of bridging the gap between the human and Divine. In The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, it is mentioned that a choir is not only encouraged, special training in music to the missionaries and seminarians is also required. Holy Mother, The Church also encourages those steeped in music to turn towards composition of music to add to treasures of music that the Church possesses.

Composers, filled with the Christian spirit, should feel that their vocation is to cultivate sacred music and increase its store of treasures.

Let them produce compositions which have the qualities proper to genuine sacred music, not confining themselves to works which can be sung only by large choirs, but providing also for the needs of small choirs and for the active participation of the entire assembly of the faithful. - SC, 121

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

  The stiff square thing made of either stiff linen, canvas or now a days of plastic which is used to cover on the top of a chalice is called a pall. A pall goes right about a paten, in which the host used in consecration rests, and the paten goes on the top of a purificator which rests above the chalice.

And One More Thing...

Why are Gregorian Chants called 'Gregorian'?


Answer of yesterday's question : In the Church of India, there are 3 Liturgical Rites 1. Latin Rite 2. Syro Malankarese Rite 3. Syro Malabarese Rite

Day Four...

Today is the first Sunday of the Year of Faith, and I enjoyed it in a fine spiritual way. I had a wonderful time in the mass and had a beautiful and funny conversation with Jesus. All in all, it was a spiritually uplifting day!

And here is today's entry.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.- Wis 7:7

It is a beautiful thing to pray for wisdom.

Second Reading : For the word of God is living and active... - Heb 4:12

Need I say more?

Gospel : Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27

It's only through God's Grace that we attain the Heaven.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

Remember in the first post I wrote about a Second Vatican Council document, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium? Well if you don't its okay. Today, I wanted to shed some light on the different rites in the Catholic Church. Most of the Catholics are of the Latin Rite, but  apart from the Latin Rite, there are 21 other Rites accepted and actively used within the Catholic Faith. So, you might wonder which of these rites are the best or of highest honor and so on. You will be surprised to know that the Catholic Church regards all rites equally, which can read here:

Lastly, in faithful obedience to tradition, the sacred Council declares that holy Mother Church holds all lawfully acknowledged rites to be of equal right and dignity; that she wishes to preserve them in the future and to foster them in every way. - Socrosantum Concilium, 4

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

 

Catholic Fun Trivia

St. Isidore of Sevilla

Did you know there's a Patron Saint of Internet!!! Its Saint Isidore of Seville, a sixth century saint! So next time you have internet problems, you know whom to pray to! ;)

And One More Thing...

How many Rites are there in India and which are they? It's an easy one!

Answer of yesterday's question : Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Forgiveness, Kindness, Humility.

On The Third Day...

I had a calm and prayerful day today, contemplating on the various aspects of faith and religion, and again was bombarded with many news and articles on the Year of Faith. Its wonderful to see how Catholics across the world are using various media to spread The Word and evangelize and reach out to many.

Let us proceed with today's entry.

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.- Gal 3:26

Sons(daughters) of God through faith.

Gospel : "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" - Luke 11:27

Don't only hear the word, keep it too.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

The Second Vatican Council in addition to making the Eucharistic Mass a more active and participatory celebration for all, also brought back the importance of the Sacred Scriptures and urged its usage and study. Before the Council the Bible had taken a back seat in Catholicism, but in the Council the Sacred Scriptures were brought back to the main stream and there importance was reiterated. A document name Dei Verbum ("Word of God"), Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation was another such document that was a product of the Second Vatican Council which shed light on the importance of scriptures in the life of the faithful. Here's an excerpt:

The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ."

We as Catholics should not shy away from delving deeper into the scriptures and learning them by heart. And read Dei Verbum too, it is a short but power packed document.

  See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

 Remember how Raphael helped Tobias find a wife? Well if you are looking for a virtuous girl or a righteous man, say this prayer to Saint Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings & Catholic Singles.

And One More Thing...

We all know very well about the Seven Deadly Sins, but do you know all the Seven Cardinal Virtues?

Answer of yesterday's question: Daniel 10

Step Two

Day two, and the hype and euphoria are still on! It was nice to read and see about the opening of the Year of Faith by Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI and see Scott Hahn speak on Catechism and the Year of Faith. Hearts are burning together and there is a strong yearning to seek the Face of God.

Lets proceed with today's segments!

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : Now it is evident that no man is justified before God by the law; for "He who through faith is righteous shall live"- Gal 3:11

Righteous through FAITH!

Gospel : He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. - Luke 11:23

Its high time we choose our sides, or they'll be chosen for us.

A Peep Into Vatican II 

There is another interesting document that was released on 4th December, 1963 during the Second Vatican Council, a peculiar document called Inter Mirifica, Decree on the Media of Social Communications. It was the first of it's kind document to focus on Social Media. It is a short document with just two chapters and can be read online on the Vatican website.

The 10th paragraph reads:

Those who make use of the media of communications, especially the young, should take steps to accustom themselves to moderation and self-control in their regard. They should, moreover, endeavor to deepen their understanding of what they see, hear or read. They should discuss these matters with their teachers and experts, and learn to pass sound judgements on them. Parents should remember that they have a most serious duty to guard carefully lest shows, publications and other things of this sort, which may be morally harmful, enter their homes or affect their children under other circumstances.

I urge you all to read the document and follow it.

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

Beware the seat

The wages of a heresy is death on the toilet seat! Don't believe me? Read on about how the Arius, the Heretic Who Died of a Wretched Bowel Problem.

And One More Thing...

When does Michael, The Archangel first appear in the Bible?

Answer of yesterday's question : John 11:35 (Go open your bible and read why, because I am not telling why.)

Faith begins where understanding stops and it is Faith that restarts understanding taking it deeper.

The Journey Begins...

The Year of the Faith has finally begun, and I praise God for giving me and all us this blessed opportunity of being present and alive during this historic moment in the history of the Church. Celebrating 50 years of the Second Vatican Council isn't a small feat, Catholicism has seen many ups and downs during all these years, but the Faith is still alive and strong.

Through prayer and contemplation I have been inspired to document, and maintain a  spiritual journal during this Year of Faith. So from today, till the end of the year, I am going write a post each day, sharing my spiritual explorations and endeavors.

So let us begin...

Verses That Struck Me

In today's readings the verses that struck me the most were:

First Reading : Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?- Gal 3:3
No! I don't want to end up with flesh. What about you?

Gospel : if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! - Luke 11:13
 "... to those who ask him" To those who ask him! Why didn't I ask?

A Peep Into Vatican II 

Today morning I attended the mass at my parish. The mass was in Gujarati, my mother tongue as well as the local language. And it is all thanks to the Second Vatican Council that we have masses celebrated in the vernacular. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, was a document released by the Second Vatican Council  on December 4, 1963. The paragraph 54 of this document reads

“In Masses which are celebrated with the people, a suitable place may be allotted to their mother tongue. This is to apply in the first place, to the readings and to the Common Prayer. But also as local conditions may warrant, to those parts which pertain to the people. Nevertheless steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.”

Though we may here have totally done away with the Latin parts, we should all be thankful to the Second Vatican Council for giving us the Eucharistic Celebration, in languages in which we may participate to the fullest.

See See See (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Catholic Fun Trivia

Cheers

"From man's sweat and God's love, beer came into the world." - St Arnold of Metz, The patron Saint of Brewers.

And One More Thing...

WHEN DID JESUS CRY? - Answer in next post!