Chesterton for the Day...

Our monks go robed in rain and snow,

But the heart of flame therein, 

But you go clothed in feasts and flames, 

When all is ice within;

                             

-G. K. Chesterton

They shall be one, as We are...

I have reproduced here the beautiful homily which Pope Benedict XVI gave on the Feast of the Pentecost. It shows his depth of wisdom and the keen insight he has into our current culture.

Babel, is the description of a kingdom in which people have concentrated so much power they think they no longer need depend on a God who is far away. They believe they are so powerful they can build their own way to heaven in order to open the gates and put themselves in God's place. But it's precisely at this moment that something strange and unusual happens. While they are working to build the tower, they suddenly realise they are working against one another. While trying to be like God, they run the risk of not even being human – because they've lost an essential element of being human: the ability to agree, to understand one another and to work together.

Progress and science have given us the power to dominate the forces of nature, to manipulate the elements, to reproduce living things, almost to the point of manufacturing humans themselves. In this situation, praying to God appears outmoded, pointless, because we can build and create whatever we want. 

We don't realize we are reliving the same experience as Babel. It's true, we have multiplied the possibilities of communicating, of possessing information, of transmitting news – but can we say our ability to understand each other has increased? Or, paradoxically, do we understand each other even less?  

He concludes by saying, "Unity can only exist as a gift of God's Spirit." 

“This is what happened at Pentecost.” 

I think we must believe that even today the Spirit moves and makes unity possible. Under Pope Benedict's rule, we have already seen the Anglicans return to Rome. Now, (I hope) the SSPX will soon join our fold. To whom can we credit this to, if not to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and Peter's successor.

Pope Benedict XVI, long may he reign!

Wither goest thou...Lord?

Quo vadis Domine?

According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter was fleeing from likely crucifixion in Rome, and along the road outside the city he meets a risen Jesus. Peter asks Jesus "Quo vadis?", to which He replies, "Romam vado iterum crucifigi." ("I am going to Rome to be crucified again"). Peter, thereby gains the courage to continue his ministry and returns to the city, to eventually be martyred by being crucified upside-down.

 Umm...

Christian walk requires a constant status update from the Almighty- are we are going where we want in the Lord's name or are we are going where the Lord wants us to go.

The first statement implies a good intent, a desire to do good and the second implied God's work. What the difference, you ask?


Plentiful!!!


All of God's work is good, but not all good work is from God's. Sounds heretical? Let me show you why not.


Saul was a devout, learned Pharisee rather (in)famous for his persecution of the followers of 'The Way' in Acts 8:1-3. Not only were they perverting the Jewish religion, they were deceiving thousands of Jews into their new community. He was doing a lot of good work...for God.


But was this really God's will? God's work? 


We all know what happened next. The Damascus moment...course correction...and finally, St.Paul, Pillar of the Church. God's work brings forth good fruit.


This dilemma is a particular plague for those of us who love to serve and find great joy in giving. We tend to take on more good causes, missions, ministries than what we have been called to do. God doesn't like deceiving you. He let's you have your way till you realise that things are getting too much and you don't know what you have done wrong. Where are all the fruits of my labour?


Of course, this must not be confused with those who are called to tireless service. St.Anthony of Padua, Blessed Mother Therese of Calcutta, St. Terese of Avila, in fact lot of the saints have been called to labour deep and long in the Lord's vineyard. The difference between them and what I am referring to is a) it was the Lord's calling (not just one's good intent alone), b) because it is the Lord who calls, he provides you with adequate strength and grace to carry out the appointed task. He goes ahead of you and prepares the field for you to sow the good seed. A mission from the Lord always brings forth the Fruits of the Spirit and strong virtue takes deep root.


On the other hand, a classical sign of just plain 'ol good work is, if after all the good work you have done you find yourself worn-out, perpetually tired, grumpy, irritable, with no time or patience for your spouse and family. That would be a good time to ask, "Quo Vadis, Domine." 


...and take the course correction, of course.

One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

Those of us who live in lands that are predominately non-Christian would feel very deeply the painful disadvantage of being a minority believer. The pressure to conform and reject the overt signs and practices of our Faith is as subtle as it is overpowering. This is, of course, in countries where freedom of religion and worship is permitted at the very least. In places of state religion or the reigning fashion of militant atheism, life becomes even more oppressive.

But even yet, we have a choice. If we choose to hide our Christian identity behind a secular facade, then know that the gradual erosion of your faith, morals and religious mores is inevitable. The mask will, in time, become a part of your face. This choice is not always evident. Many a time we subconsciously (or consciously) leave our Conscience and Faith at home before we head off to work, play or anywhere.


You can see it in the little things. Those of us who still keep the Friday abstinence face an uncomfortable choice at the Friday team lunch; to compromise and enjoy the scrumptious Beef Bolognese in peace or order the fish salad and get everybody uncomfortable while we explain why Fridays are no-meat days for Catholics.

Why Lord! WHY!!!

This is why we have the Catholic Church. The Visible of the Invisible. Universal yet Personal. Holy and Sanctifying. Never changing, ever new...

I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church 

The Church reflects her spouse like the moon, a lesser light to borrow and reflect the brilliance of the Sun. It is not her own light but the light of the One who gave up his life for her. She brings all to a single union under her mantle. Even in the middle of the desert, her grace can reach you. She strengthens her own for she knows the wolves of the wild show no mercy. She bring fellowship, hope and belonging to those who seek to live out the Truth in daily living. She is the assurance that you are not alone. That there are thousands upon thousands who live, love and breathe the gospel. She extends over three realms and yet she is One. She is alive, vibrant and growing;  and the gates of Hades shall never prevail over her. 

She is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church 

Salve Regina

This blessed Marian month of May...

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.

V/ Christ, have mercy.
R/ Christ, have mercy.

V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.

V/ Christ, hear us.
R/ Christ, graciously hear us.

V/ God, the Father of Heaven,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ God, the Holy Spirit,
R/ have mercy on us.

V/ Holy Trinity, One God,
R/ have mercy on us.

R/ for ff: pray for us.

Holy Mary,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Heath of the Sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of Peace,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ spare us, O Lord,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.
R/ have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R/ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Grant, we beseech you, O Lord God, that we your servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. 

Through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.

Fruits or Gifts?

In the daily course of our walk with Christ, we sometimes face a few conundrums...

Like fruits or gifts?

 The perfect weight loss program!

Oh my! Can anyone resist one of these...

To specify; Fruits or Gifts...of the Spirit, of course!

Gifts of the Spirit are those wonderful, supernatural stuff that Superheros have in abundance. In 'The X-Files' terminology, definitely paranormal. A few commonly known ones...
Speaking in tongues- I speak a language I don't know
Interpreation of tongues- I translate a language I don't understand
Visions- I can see the future
Miracles- impossible is nothing
Healing- Doctor? Who needs one!

And so on and so forth. Gifts are endowed on us by the sheer virtue of being children of God and being a part of his Church. They are renewed and strengthened by a healthy sacramental life. Any baptised Christian can exercise any of the gifts. The catch being, it is to be used to build up the Church.

What about the fruits? They are characteristics of the new you in Christ. When Christ promised, you will be a new creation, He meant it. Not in metaphorical terms but in the literal and absolute sense. eg:
Love- Jesus's look of love after Peter denied him (Lk 22:61-62)
Joy- Apostles rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41)
Peace- "At the bottom of my chalice there was peace, always peace" - St. Therese of Lisieux on her sufferings
and patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, faithfulness in long suffering, modesty, mildness, self-control and chastity. 

Fruits describe you, describe what you have become. Utterly, Christ-like.

Fruits, like in nature, are a product of time, effort and patience. They are not just handed to us, they are a product of continuous working by both the Father and us. The continuous pruning by Abba and our continual surrender to him. Is it easy? No.

Is it worth it? Absolutely

It is by your fruits that the Gates of Heaven open unto you. Remember Matt 7:22! They prophesied, cast of out demons, worked miracles in Jesus's name! All those wonderous gifts of the Holy Spirit! The Master called them evil doers and wolves in sheep's clothing.

Why were the wielders of the Gifts shunned? I don't really know. It could be that they grew proud of their gifts and in their hearts, exalted themselves; the Sin of Lucifer. It could be that they loved the gifts more deeply than the Giftor. It could be the catch, that they did not use their gifts to build the Church but misused it for their own ends.


Then, there were those who did not quite understand what the Lord was talking about (Matt 25:35).

Then the upright will say to him in reply, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome, lacking clothes and clothe you?

When did we find you sick or in prison and go to see you?"

What you did unto others, you did unto the Lord. Love, kindness, generosity, faithfulness etc, all fruits of the Holy Spirit. I don't think any of the saints ever prayed for gifts;, instead they prayed for fortitude in the face of persecution, patience in the midst of trail, faith in the face of fear, love for their enemies. Even Mary, the Mother of God did not have any miracles to show during her entire lifetime. There seems to be some wisdom hidden here...

To desire or to pray for the gifts of the Spirit is not a bad thing. It is to build the Church that the Spirit clothes Christians with power from above. But with all things that bring power, the human heart is easily corruptable. Seek first the holiness of God and desire to bring forth plentiful fruit and the gifts will come to you, without your asking.

Stay with us, Lord

One of the most beautiful, inscriptions that I have seen outside an Adoration chapel is the one at St. Patrick's Church, Bangalore.


It is from Luke 24:29

"Stay with us, Lord"

I don't know which pulls at my heart most. The scripture which echos the cry of my heart or the response of the Almighty in the exposed monstrance. 

Luke 24 is the story of the forlorn disciples on the road to Emmaus. The scripture says that the disciples were walking in the evening and that's when Jesus came beside them. It is possible that darkness overtook them on the way and 'their eyes were prevented from seeing him'. As the disciples neared the village, Jesus made as if to go further but they pressed him to stay with them. He accepted and during the breaking of the bread he revealed himself as the Lord


I have often been in that place where God seemed dead and absent. Darkness has a funny way of obscuring the truth. Our despair, confusion, loss, guilt and shame all have a way of keeping our heart from perceiving the Beloved beside us. That's when we have a choice. To entreat him or to give in to the darkness.

When in despair; stay with us, Lord 

When in sadness; stay with us, Lord

When all hope is lost; stay with us, Lord

When I am ready to be found; stay with us, Lord

In Silence and Contemplation

I never before heard this definition of contemplation.

"Contemplation is not a series of particular experiences but a process whereby little by little we are transformed in God"

 It is beautiful...
How is contemplation different from meditation? Look to Mary to see how it works. She treasured up the words of the shepherds and the wise men and pondered (meditated) them in her heart (Luke 2:19). But she contemplated most the Word she carried in her womb. Contemplation begins where our efforts end. It is the prayer of intent where we allow God to do unto us as he wills i.e. transform us into his image. 

I remember this beautiful part from the Disney animated movie, 'Up'; where Ellie and Carl are in their own worlds, reading their respective books when Carl drops his hand over his armrest and Ellie reaches out and holds it. She sensed it without even looking.

A place of intimacy, a state of being, a knowing without saying

This is contemplation...where words fail and beautiful thoughts dry up and feelings end.
This is contemplation...when my deeds matter not and my intentions are laid bare.
This is contemplation...when nothing I can say or do or think will ever come nearly close to expressing my desire for him. So, my desire itself becomes my prayer. And it can only be expressed in silence.

In the beginning, God spoke the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This Word, God repeats in an eternal silence and in silence must it ever be heard by the soul.  

                          -Prayer of Silence, Carmelite Friars

 The tragedy of our times is that silence is hunted, pursued and punished. It is mistakenly marked as the sign of loneliness. No, loneliness is just mask under which we hide all the noise within. Solitude is the fruit of silence. And into that still, dark night; darkest before dawn, the Beloved comes to his own and everything changes.

Return to the Fathers and to Orthodoxy

Today, is my dearest father's birthday. My prayers and thanks to almighty God for the gift of this saintly man for a dad and to the even greater gift of imparting his faith to his children.

I thought this would be my good deed-for-the-day to read up on his saint's biography- St. Athanasius the Great

St. Athanasius, Bishop, Eastern Church Father and Doctor of the Church

He is considered the 'father of orthodoxy' for having defended the true faith against the Arian heresy (Christ is not consubstantial with the Father).

Strangely enough, orthodoxy is one enduring theme that has been cropping quite frequently over the past few days. My visit to one of the remote outbacks in India (read Unum Dies's post) revealed a whole host of liturgical irregularities all in the name of localisation and indigenisation. 

As St. Paul says it is important to be become everything to everyone in order to bring Christ to all (1 Cor 9:22), that privilege does not extend to the mass or the liturgy. The mass and liturgy were put together by divine revelation which is why there are direct parallels to the worship described in the Book of Revelations. Neither man nor angel can tinker with what God has designed else 'let him understand that he will incur the wrath of Almighty God and of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul.'

And the wrath of God is heavy indeed (2 Samuel 6:6). David chose the convenient way of transporting the Ark of the Covenant by oxen instead of carrying it on the shoulders of Levites. Uzzah paid for this transgression with his life!

It is enough that we are invited to partake in the mystery of the mass and the Eucharist. For the grace we receive transcends all human understanding. To bring in human innovations, is to 'dumb-down' the mass which neither enlightens the mind to God's wisdom nor adds to the mystical nature of the mass. 

        "Cultivate a deep reverence for His house"

(Refer John 2:12 onwards)

Our reverence must mean that we do not turn the Father's house into a rock concert (heavy,loud distracting mass songs), a fellowship gathering (sign of peace rapidly dissolving into extended small talk and bustle), a talent show (liturgical dance), quasi-secular worship (practices from other religions reprogrammed for Christian worship)...

There is a time and place for gospel rock concerts, christian fellowship, gospel choreography and inter-religious dialogue. The Holy Mass is not one of them.

To the pillar of the Church and the father of orthodoxy we pray

O Holy father Athanasius,

like a pillar of orthodoxy

you refuted the heretical nonsense of Arius

by insisting that the Father and the Son are equal in essence.

O venerable father, beg Christ our God to save our souls.

"Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God" ~at the Council of Nicæa (c. 325)