"Seeking to have a life that is sinless and hope that is endless!"

 Seeking to have a life that is sinless and hope that is endless!"

(Based on 2 Cor 3:4-11 and Mt 5:17-19 - Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Here is an interesting read....

First dentistry became painless;

Then bicycles chainless

The latest steel rustless,

And probably laws, enforceless.

Next, cookery became fireless,

Telegraphy wireless,

Cigars nicotineless

And tennis courts, grassless

Soon oranges were seedless,

The proper diet, fatless,

The motor roads dustless,

And coffee, caffeineless.

Our times are such that there are many advancements made as a result of great technology.

However a danger has also appeared in rendering things to be made "­­­____less"

Our prayers seem to be devotionless

Charity heartless

Preaching depthless

And religiosity, faithless!

While it's wonderful to allow technology and modern techniques to make our life 'easier and relaxing'...

... it's a grave danger to allow the same "relaxing and easing" tendency to overpower our spiritual endeavours!

The Gospel of the day is a warning by the Lord to be wary of this inclination to "relax" and "loosen" things which are pertaining to God and thus be exposed to the risk of being "lowered" in the eyes of God.

"Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven... “(Mt 5: 19)

The Lord addresses Himself as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Mt 5:18)

God, in the Old Testament, while delivering the commandments to the people of Israel...

... had strictly enjoined on them to keep His decrees and laws close to their hearts and to follow them carefully:

"But take care, as you value your lives! Do not forget the things which you yourselves have seen, or let them slip from your heart as long as you live; teach them, rather, to your children and to your children's children." (Dt 4:9)

But as time passed on and generations went by, the intensity in the following of these commandments drastically reduced.

>> The laws began to lose their original spirit and motive.

>> The instructions of the Lord were abandoned for their spiritual value

>> The commandments began to be followed more from a social perspective

There began a "loosing" and "relaxing" of the commandments and the laws of the Lord!

The Greek word for "relaxing", that Jesus speaks of in referring to the commandments of God is a word - "luo".

This word "luo" can imply different meanings:

>> It could be to break up or to demolish or to destroy that which is bound up firmly.

>> It could be the loosening of the bond of matrimony between a husband and wife

>> It could be to loosen any person or thing that is tied or fastened to something

>> It could be the undoing or dissolving of anything or any thought or idea.

>> It could be to annul or subvert something especially laws or authority.

This "luo" is a grave danger to which all of us are also exposed to...

>> The danger to allow lethargy to troop in, in the name of "easiness"

>> The danger to allow lukewarmness to creep in, in the name of "convenience"

>> The danger to allow sluggishness to dominate, in the name of "broadmindedness"

The Lord today invites us to examine and probe into areas of our life that needs a real "tightening" and "intensification"

Has my prayer life become relaxed and casual...

>> Can I "tighten" it up, to grow in deeper communion with the Lord?

Has my participation in the Holy Eucharist become too monotonous and more "ritualistic"...

>> Can I "intensify" my preparation and participation in this most sacred act of the world?

Has my reading of the Word of God taken a backseat or lost its significance in my daily life...

>> Can I "tighten" it up, in order to draw strength from the mighty sword of God's Word?

Has my relationship with my fellow people and the needy ones, devoid charity and kindness...

>> Can I "intensify" with a truer interest in their concerns and making a difference in their lives?

Let us seek to have and live...

A life that is sinless...

A faith that is fearless...

An enthusiasm that is limitless...

A joy that is deceitless...

And a hope that is endless!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

NATO launches Arctic exercises, pledges protection of Finland

03 June 2023
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NATO launches Arctic exercises, pledges protection of Finland

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have kicked off military exercises with a pledge to defend their newest member, Finland, which is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since becoming part of the Western alliance in April. Nearly 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States – as well as NATO applicant Sweden – joined approximately 6,500 Finnish troops and some 1,000 vehicles for exercises this week, which mark Finland’s biggest modern-time land-force drill above the Arctic Circle.

Overseeing NATO exercises just a two-hour drive from the Russian border at one of Europe’s largest artillery training grounds in Rovajarvi, northern Finland, US Army Major-General Gregory Anderson from the 10th Mountain Division said his country stood ready to defend Finland.Some 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries are also participating in Arctic Challenge 2023 exercises, according to NATO Air Command.

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The addition of Finland to the NATO bloc has more than doubled the length of the border the military alliance shares with Russia amid increasing tension between Moscow and the West following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Sweden is Finland’s closest military partner and it was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that convinced Sweden and Finland last year to ditch long-held policies of military non-alignment and seek the security of NATO’s collective defence commitment.

Finland formally joined NATO on April 4, drawing a threat from Moscow of “counter-measures”. Sweden hopes to be a NATO member by the time of the alliance’s summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• NATO Founded: 4 April 1949, Washington, D.C., United States;
• NATO Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi

03 June 2023
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India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi

India and Vietnam recently held the 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi, underscoring their commitment to sustaining a secure maritime environment amidst growing Chinese aggression in the region. The dialogue brought together senior officials from both countries, focusing on reinforcing regional and international mechanisms to enhance comprehensive maritime security. This article explores the significance of the maritime security dialogue and the various aspects that make maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam crucial.

Addressing Regional Concerns

China's assertive actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns among neighboring countries, including India and Vietnam. Both nations are directly affected by China's territorial claims and activities. Maritime cooperation enables them to collaborate, strengthen their positions, and collectively address disputes while upholding international law. By joining forces, India and Vietnam aim to counterbalance Chinese influence and maintain stability, security, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Strengthening Strategic Partnership

Maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam serves as a cornerstone for their strategic partnership. It fosters shared interests and objectives, contributing to regional stability, economic growth, energy security, and the safeguarding of maritime interests. By engaging in comprehensive maritime security initiatives, the two countries deepen their bilateral ties and enhance their broader engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Maintaining Maritime Domain Awareness

Collaborative efforts in maritime surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint patrolling bolster the maritime domain awareness of both India and Vietnam. This heightened awareness enables them to combat illicit activities such as illegal fishing, territorial encroachments, and expansion of military presence. Additionally, it strengthens their ability to counter common security threats like terrorism and piracy. Through information sharing, joint exercises, and capacity building, the two countries enhance their preparedness and responsiveness in safeguarding their maritime interests.

Energy Security

Maritime cooperation opens avenues for joint exploration and development of offshore energy resources. By leveraging their combined efforts, India and Vietnam enhance their energy security and reduce dependence on external sources. Cooperation in this domain contributes to sustainable development and mitigates the risks associated with energy supply vulnerabilities.

Economic Connectivity

In light of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India and Vietnam can utilize their maritime cooperation to develop alternative economic corridors and connectivity projects. By offering viable alternatives to the BRI, the two countries can enhance regional economic integration, diversify trade routes, and reduce dependency on China's infrastructure initiatives. Maritime cooperation not only facilitates trade facilitation and economic growth but also fosters connectivity and promotes the development of maritime infrastructure.