Peace at heart for a good Lent

Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness (James 3:18). In other words, Peace is the seed-ground for holiness.

We have at our heart the bitterness of jealousy, or a self-seeking ambition, competitions, intentional hatred, and quarrels; they are all against peace, both the inner peace and peace among people.  Often they are self-projections, or self-centered claims. At times we cover up truth with lies. we may not take notice of them because they may have become normal, and 'required' ways. They even take a noble face in the name of ministries and are well justified. Thus we have become 'good' pseudo-charismatic, pseudo-catholic, and pseudo-Christians. We are unfortunately very comfortable because, often, these are put into dialogue only in closed and like-minded community (nowadays most often in cyber-communities).

We are able to do every kind of thing, we may be possessing influential positions, we may have powerful voice, but only in peace we can have the right doing, right position, and right voice and deliberations, and thus come to the attitudes of Christ. Thus, peace is a challenge and testimony of the heart. To test holiness, we need to check how peaceful we are, and how peacefully we approach life and its events. Perhaps it reminds us of Martha 'worried of many things.' One thing is necessary, ie being faithful to the commitment that the Lord has entrusted at present. Peacefully listen to him in the same commitment and the journey that is ongoing. Sometime our restless attitude of doing many 'spiritual works' itself may be  taking away our peace. What must be done, and how they must be done... all are our worries. 

It is a confidence in the accompanying presence of God, where we can say that nothing will ever disturb, I will not be shaken (Ps 30; Ps 16: 8). It is not on our success and fast results, but a confidence in the work of the Lord, and our fidelity and trust on to him. If we truly knows that God lives our lives will be of calmness. he says " be still and know that I am God (Ps 46: 10). Our troubles begin when we take up a 'saviourship' for ourselves.

Even today the question of Jesus asks us to look at our becoming of His self: "How much longer must I be with you?" (Mt 17:17)

It is an invitation for a new birth for our own experience of ever continuing actions of God in our life (experiencing the kingdom of God), and also to invite others to this great banquet of the generously available actions of God in and through us (sharing the kingdom of God).

Preparation for Easter is a preparation for a new creation. We see the new waters, and the Light of Life rises as the first born of new creation.

Our Lenten fast often limits to a number of 'what to avoid.' Fasting should not end up in a material fasting. It has no value unless it helps us in a graceful self-emptying process. Fasting is not looking for some blessings-because-of-my-fasting. It is also not intended for a spiritual or physical 'fitness.' the time of fasting  is an effort to put on the virtues of Christ, and ultimately to put on Christ himself.   

Uninstallation of Apps or running away from situations is not a right way of fasting. A prudent disciplined way of growth is what is to be well learned  here. To pick up some (needed) virtues and make efforts to practice them would be a sincere path. It is really a hard work more than avoiding some liked-things. Imagine taking efforts to love, being kind, forgiving ... as possible everyday. It is a liberative growth process. Trusting onto grace it is an effort to chose to love, chose to forgive, chose to shed tears if they are held within and kept frozen. Grace will moisturize the dryness, melt anger and hatred, and guide jealousy and pride. It is the path of God to chose for peace. That is how the messenger of God brings the good tidings, and proclaims peace (Is 52:7). Then the world knows that the lord still acts.

Of course we might fail, but trusting onto the grace and walk through the struggle is the Way of the Cross. Christ never puts us into shame in case of failures. Not failing is not what Christ expects us to learn form the path of his cross. It is the lessons of trust that we must learn from Christ because he is with us. Let all my being bless his holy name, thus begins Psalm 103. God is praised because he has formed us from the soil of the earth (Ps 103:14). The accompanying presence offers us the path to peacefulness. How can we walk this path unless we do not have gratitude, acceptance, and joyful surrender. In fact it is in this process peace emerges which is offered as a gift. In peacefulness we are constantly encouraged, not led to despair and fear. So the season of Lent is a season of finding ourselves, and finding Christ in us. Christ also is born from the seed of the Word sown in peace, because peace is in the hearts of people of good will. "Peace signifies an abundant, or flourishing life" (Pope Francis).

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I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, I cried to you for help

and you, my God, have healed me.

O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead,

restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him,

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts a moment; his favor all through life.

At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

I said to myself in my good fortune:

Nothing will ever disturb me.

Your favor had set me on a mountain fastness,

then you hid your face and I was put to confusion.

To you, Lord, I cried,

to my God I made appeal:

What profit would my death be, my going to the grave?

Can dust give you praise or proclaim your truth?

The Lord listened and had pity.

The Lord came to my help.

For me you have changed my mourning into dancing,

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

So my soul sings psalms to you unceasingly.

O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever. 

(Psalm 30)

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In Malayalam സമാധാനപാതേ ഒരു നോമ്പ് യാത്ര 

Catholicity of Jesus

The culture and religion of the time of Jesus would keep some as 'sinners' and enemies. The elite claimed higher holiness, more perfect ritual and moral correctness, and specially 'preferred' status. They kept themselves away from anything and anyone that was 'unclean.' Instead, Jesus welcomed them all, all who wished to  come to him. They were all the children of God. He could extend himself to them, or he could see them all in himself. Thus loving oneself and loving others became one and the same process. That was the catholicity Jesus showed.