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!