Good morning good people,
May the Lord give you peace, blessings, and good health in the Holy Spirit. It is 08th August 2025.
Do We Want to Live Joyfully?
We celebrate today the memorial of St. Dominic, a priest who founded the Dominican Order—called the Order of Preachers—to help city dwellers face their spiritual challenges through education and truth. He beautifully summarized the essence of spiritual welfare in these words:
“Arm yourself with prayer instead of a sword; be clothed with humility instead of fine raiment.”
We reflect on Deuteronomy 4:32–40 and Matthew 16:24–28.
God does not enter violently or forcefully into our lives. He reveals Himself through love, mercy, and through His Only Son, Jesus. God enters our lives daily. It is purely our focus, attention, and willingness that allow us to recognize His presence.
God writes an intimate letter of life to each one of us. It is right there—near our hearts. Do we have the courage to open it and listen to its lines of love?
“Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?” (Deut 4:32)
Our true identity is revealed only by listening to the voice of God echoed in Jesus.
Our prosperity and longevity come by keeping the statutes of the Lord.
“Keep His statutes… so that you and your children may prosper.” (Deut 4:40)
The time has come to acknowledge, like Moses: “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other.” (Deut 4:39)
The Gospel reminds us: life is not diminished by suffering and pain—it is enhanced and enshrined by it. By surrendering our lives constantly to God and sacrificing for the common good, we gain the strength to carry our own crosses.
But when we impose our crosses on the shoulders of others or run away from them altogether, we fall into emptiness, meaninglessness, and a shallow pleasure in the things of the world.
Nothing else can offer true joy, except living for truth, justice, peace, and love. Constant and wilful deprivation of our cravings and greed allows the river of life to run deep and wide.
Life is the only gift with which we can enliven someone else’s.
May we make every effort to bring happiness to others—
for it is in giving joy that we find our own. God bless you. Have a lovely day.