HIDDEN MANNA

The Holy Bible says, “……I will declare openly that they belong to me. (Revelation 3:5)

Seated near the Temple treasury Jesus watched those who dropped their gifts; and as He knew His time was drawing close to be handed over to the authorities He continued instructing His disciples to be on guard against the Teachers of The Law.  After the crowd had dispersed, in came a poor widow cheerfully dropping all that she had and with great contentment walked off.  That coin could have perhaps fed her while she was hungry it was her only possession which she treasured in the Temple Box-a symbol of offering herself to God. She heard the Lord’s rhythmic voice which lyrics that to gain the most glorious and priceless jewel from God- Kingdom of Heaven, one has to totally give away all that he/she possesses; that helped her to deposit those two coins so courageously into the Treasury. With her pale figure and humility her act of generosity would have gone unnoticed had the Lord not drew His disciples attention saying, “I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all the others. For the others offered their gifts from what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, gave all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4) Definitely His words amazed His disciples as they witnessed those heavy moneybags the rich had deposited.

In The Book of Deuteronomy, the Sovereign Lord strictly instructed the people of Israel to take care of widows, children and strangers to uphold equal dignity for them in the society. In front of Jesus, the rich were offering their best to God. We often see that those who possess the worldly wealth offer it in generous amounts to their places of worship,  overlooking their duties towards the underprivileged. In their attempts to impress God by their huge amounts as offerings; they fail to understand what exactly God desires from their wealth. One cannot own God or the Kingdom of Heaven by merely donating lumps of amount to build a wealthy place of worship for the Sovereign Lord.

Perhaps Jesus Christ was explaining the valuable reward that waits for the one who generously obeys the Law of self emptiness. Few days later, Jesus of Nazareth gave away everything, emptying Himself in exchange for us who are the most precious and honorable in His sight. In order to set us free from this present evil age Christ gave Himself for our sins in obedience to the will of God our Father. “Becoming a curse for us, Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings.”(Galatians 3:13) He gave Himself to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us pure who belonged solely to Him. “We are all purified from sin by the offering that Jesus made of His own body once and for all.” (Hebrew 10:10)

His idea is not to withdraw people from the world but to redeem the world inclusive of all what it contains. Unlike St. John the Baptist who lived a reclusive life, concentrating on preparing everyone to welcome the arrival of Savior, Lord Jesus lived a life mingling with those who approached Him. With pure simplicity He accepted the invitation to a rich man’s banquet; so also He did not refuse a meal at the house of a tax-collector. Moved with love and compassion, he accepted sinners; narrated parables to explain the beauty of the Kingdom of God which was at hand to one and all. He accepted the triumphant journey and also the accuses that were thrown at Him when He was sentenced to death.

Let us worship the Merciful Father who loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have Eternal Life. For God did not sent His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Savior.

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

Part 1

The Holy Bible says “…….Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:19)

One day Lord Jesus was teaching the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law.

A man from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.”

Jesus knew there were some in the crowd who were looking for a trap to catch Him as they were displeased about the truth in every message He had spoke and conveyed.

Since His time had not yet come to be handed over to His enemies, Christ said that He had not been given the authority to judge or divide their property.

“My Kingdom does not belong to this world” clears the above statement ; and Jesus took this apt opportunity to explain to the people about greed and false refuge on the worldly richness on the pretext of a better future as He went on to say, “Watch out and guard yourself from every kind of greed.”

Then Jesus told them this parable:  “There was once a rich one who had land which bore good crops.  He began to think to himself, ‘I haven’t anywhere to keep my crops.  What can I do?  This is what I will do.’ he told himself.  ‘I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store my corn and all my other goods.  Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years.  Take life easy, eat, drink and enjoy yourself!  But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?”

And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight.”  (Luke 12 :16–21)

This parable indicates a man who loses his peace and becomes restless due to his great riches; as he is unable to find a place to keep all his crops safe.

Sovereign Lord says, “I am angry with them, because of their greed…..” (Isaiah 57)

Worrying about money will lead to loss of health and sleep. One who loves this wealth, cannot be judged innocent as his efforts to get rich have led him astray to sin. The greed to possessions has been cause of ruin and disasters to many. The charm of excess money is a trap that every fool falls into.

Here too the rich man forgot about God and his co-brothers, when his land produced good harvest.

The Sovereign Lord says, “Each year bring to the house of the Lord your God the first corn that you harvest.” (Exodus 23:19)

Again His Holy Law commands, “Set aside a tithe --  a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)

Therefore it is our duty to use our wealth as the Most High commands, as it will do more good than accumulating it for ourselves.

The words, “All my crops” clearly indicates the selfishness of the rich man. It is evident that he had no intention of presenting an offering to God or selflessly giving to the poor.

You may claim that it is your hard work and it is you yourself  who deserve the fruit of your labor.

Without God’s approval and assistance can we gain anything in this world? Without the co-operation and the timely support of your family members, how many days can you continue your work?

The Holy Words reminds us that there is nothing that you can claim for yourselves. Didn’t God give you everything you have?  Well, then how can you boast as if what you have were not a gift.” (1 Cor 4)

Remember then, that like the rich man of this parable, if you also boast and forget your loved ones who supported you, the moment salary/ profits reaches you; then you are not far from the road that lead you to misfortune and God’s light will not shine through your hard work.

If you have faith in Christ, you ought to follow His righteous teaching in the interest of your own benefit. Be sure to utilize your wealth accordingly to the Will of God.

“Honor the Lord by making Him an offering from the best of all that your land produces.” (Prov. 3:9)

The rich man in the parable had decided to take life easy with his richness leading him to laziness – eat, drink and enjoy.  When God provides you opportunities like health, skills, talents, to work hard throughout your life, you can earn and help others who are sick and are not able to work even for their daily needs. 

Despise those who are lazy and who lavish their lives in foolish manner.

God teaches us that by sharing a part of wealth to those needy around us; we accumulate riches in heaven.

Whenever possible  do good to those who need it the most. “Giving to the poor can make up for sin, just as water can put out blazing fire. Anyone who responds to others with acts of kindness is thinking of the future, because he will find help if ever he falls on hard times. (Sirach 3:30)

                                                                                       (to be continued)

With Love filled Blessings

Your Sister In Christ

THE PARABLE OF PHARISEE AND THE TAX-COLLECTOR

The Holy Bible says, “I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” (Matthew 9:13)

Jesus also told this parable to the people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. “Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax-collector. 

“The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer like everybody else.  I thank you that I am not like that tax-collector over there. I fast two days a week, and I give you a tenth of all my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, ‘God, have pity on me, a sinner!’  I tell you,” said Jesus, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home.  For everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great.”

(Luke 18:9-14)

This parable considers the different characters and attitude of mankind who go to the Temple to reconcile with God.  The Gospel of St. Luke include many parables which make a comparison between two kinds of people, for e.g. Rich man and Lazarus,  Martha & Mary, The Two House builders, the parable of two sons etc.   

The Pharisee elucidates his good deeds to God in a manner to justifying himself. Usually the Jewish people fasted only twice or thrice in a year. With an intention of scorning his listeners, the Pharisee began to add up all his good actions saying, “I fast and pray twice a week.”   He elaborates his generosity as he proudly boasts to God, “…I give you a tenth of all my income.”

On the other hand, the tax collector stood afar, lowly, bowed down his head confessing his weakness and asking forgiveness seeking shelter in the merits of God’s mercy.  The tax collector was conscious about his wrong doings and he knew God is full of mercy and he will be forgiven.  As per their custom he beat his breast symbolizing his repentance.

The Holy Bible says, “A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart, a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things.” 

It is clearly evident that the Pharisee, who was justifying himself by trusting in his deeds only, never had refuge in God; nor reverence to God, he believed it was all because of his ability. 

Whereas the tax collector was totally submissive to God’s grace. 

Sacrifice and generosity are commendable and since the Pharisee was exercising his good deeds at the high level he might have thought, “What is wrong in publishing my good deeds?”

Lord Jesus too fasted for forty days, and also appreciated the widow who gave all that she had.  

He explained that all sacrificial deeds without love and done with the intention of gaining public approval is futile and does not have any value in the eyes of God, the Father. 

In his small prayer the Pharisee used four times the word ‘I’ which showcases his boastfulness and nature of under estimating others publicly. 

Our Lord said that these things will not have any reward from the Father in Heaven.  He will see what you do in private like the tax collector, will impartially reward you.

They both entered the Temple to get deliverance from their sins.  But Lord Jesus specifically concluded the parable by saying, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home.”   The Pharisee believed that because of his good deeds he was made right with God.  He trusts in himself for his forgiveness. Christianity teaches us that it is not with our good deeds but that only through the merits of the sacrificial death of Lord Jesus we get forgiveness of our sins and salvation of mankind.

“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith.  It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”  (Eph. 2:8-9)

THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED

The Holy Bible says, “So, then, my brothers, try even harder to make God’s call and His choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. In this way you will be given full right to enter the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Jesus went on to say, “The Kingdom of God is like this.  A man scatters seed in his field. He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing.  Yet he does not know how it happens.  The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit, first the tender stalk appears, then the ear, and finally the ear full of corn.  When the corn is ripe, the man starts cutting it with his sickle, because harvest time has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)

In this parable Lord Jesus said the seed is the Kingdom of God that resembles the Blessed Trinity and where there is His righteousness, one can enjoy the presence of Kingdom of God.  In His presence He announced the Kingdom of God is among us.  After the incarnation of Lord Jesus, people were enlightened with more heavenly knowledge of true God and the work of His Power. 

Though He was teaching and explaining how the Kingdom of God spreads and produces fruit, it is gift from God.  Man cannot grow a plant or produce fruit in a tree, all that he can do is only prepare the soil and spread the seeds, providing water and manure as per requirement.  The seed naturally sprouts and become a plant. 

Similarly a preacher or teacher can only give the Word of God.  The giver is not the one who produces fruit in the listener.  The Bible explains the power of the Word of God in St. Paul’s letter to Hebrews.  To make it clear Jesus pointed out in parables saying the sower sleeps at night and is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. 

Similarly, it is not the skill or talent of a man’s work but it is the Word of God which is alive and active.  When we read or hear the Word of God, the Lord is working and He proves that the Word of God is truly alive and active by performing healings and granting repentance, peace, unity and transformation in the lives of the listeners.  Here the sower waits patiently for the seed to sprout and produce fruit.

God clearly proves that “No farmer goes on constantly ploughing his fields and getting them ready for sowing.” 

Similarly Lord Jesus said “The Word of God which you heard or spoke will definitely produce the fruit of the Kingdom of God.”  “It is useless to work so hard for a living, getting up very early and going to bed late.  For the Lord provides for those He loves while they are asleep.”

So seek refuge in the Lord after you complete your responsibilities.

The preachers and givers must be ready to accept that if the listeners produce fruit it is the work of the right hand of God.  God attracts them through Jesus Christ – “If God wills, only then a farmer can reap the harvest.”  This should not misconstrued that a God’s servant should be lazy and give up hard work as how God does His part, His servant too has his share in preparing the field and sowing the Word of God. 

In short, God is the provider of all circumstances to grow freely.   It is our duty to give the Word of God to others.  Each one is called for His discipleship. That is the purpose and plan of God.

By this parable Lord Jesus tells us the like the farmer who waits patiently after sowing the seeds in the fields, we should also do our duty of giving the Word of God to others and wait patiently.  Do not be worried or tensed thinking about the fruit of your work rather just as God makes the seeds to sprout and grow to bear fruits, likewise it is the Word of God that will move the heart of the listeners and transform them.  

Just as after the plant has grown full the man collects the harvest, so also when the Word of God is sown throughout the world at the appropriate time God will send His angels to gather the harvest. 

So dear devotees of Christ, be joyful that you have been called to be a part in the Lord’s work and do not be worried thinking about the outcome of your work, rather diligently and sincerely do your duty and leave the rest to God, He will surely bless your work according to your efforts and as per His Divine plan.

A PRAYER

Dear Jesus, thank you for teaching us in a simple method to grasp deeply the secrets of the Kingdom of God. Awaken me to complete my duties on time and like a farmer, patiently await the fruits. Since the Kingdom of God is life in Holy Spirit so make me worthy to receive your Holy Spirit granting a love filled and righteous life to me and all. Amen!

                                                                                     

Act for the day

Let us offer today’s Holy Rosary to courageously resist  the seductions of the world, evil companions and bad habits, so that every evil will be replaced with love and goodness.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ.

 Kindly Note:

As per the message from God of KLWC, our team will be conducting an in-house fasting prayer service from the 3^rd Oct 2015 to 4^th Oct 2015.  Your Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are welcome.

COMMUNION OF FRIENDS

The Holy Bible says, “For everyone who asks will receive, and he who seeks will find;  and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks.” (Luke 11:10)

Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you should go to a friend’s house at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine who is on a journey has just come to my house, and I haven’t got any food for him!’ And suppose your friend should answer from inside, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’  Well, what then? I tell you that even if he will not get up and give you the bread because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.’

(Luke 11:5-8)

Let us meditate on this parable:

At midnight the arrival of an unexpected friend, made the host slight discomfort since there was not enough food to serve him. The host is hurriedly rushing to his neighbor who is a good friend for his need and knocking confidently on his door.

After initial refusals stating some reasons, the neighbor friend gets up and helps his friend who is in need.

The Lord through this parable mentions three individuals to his disciples so as to describe to us the meaningful prayer that the Lord taught us.

The one who is asleep, represent the Heavenly Father. The host signifies Lord Jesus the Mediator and the traveler indicates us.  Here the Lord explains the relation between God and Man in a different manner.

When we pray to Abba father, Lord Jesus always mediates on our behalf.

“For there is one God and one mediator, between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim.2:5)

He teaches us that we can approach God as a friend at anytime and at any occasion.

“The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with a friend.” (Exodus 33:11)

The Old Testament refers Moses and Abraham as ‘friend.’

In New Testament, Lord Jesus often referred to his disciples and devotees and addressed them as ‘my friend.’

“The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. Instead I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” (John 15:13-15)

When we love each other, we have become God’s friends and then Father will give us whatever we ask! Amen!

Through this parable Lord gives us an invitation to love God as a friend and a wonderful message that prayer is an expression of our emotion of love.

1 Cor.13, teaches us that love is freedom, joy, submission etc..

When we share our sorrows or joy, it brings along the bright light of comforting love.

The outline of the parable teaches us that prayer should never be considered as a ritual concept or a traditional custom which is uninteresting and tedious to practice. Prayer ought to be a communication with God which something He is never tired of.

Repeated knocking shows the depth of our relationship with God.

 Confidence blossoming from the deep rooted love they have for each other is very clear. Therefore the word ‘disturbance’ has no importance at all.

The Bible describes that true friends never keep his anger.

Last but not the least, there is one more important teaching hidden in this parable.

We read that the host is asking his friend for three loaves of bread, which he receives and secondly the mediator is interceding for his friend who is in hunger.

This sentence teaches us the accuracy of prayer. An open and frank heart is essential for a fruitful relationship. The clarity while speaking to your friend also gets noticed. The prayer taught by our Lord Jesus has crystal clear accuracy in short perfection and the treasure hold. 

Your intention of a soaking prayer should make you grow in mutual love of God and man. If you pray for evil desires and selfish motives God may not answer.

“And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures.” (James 4: 3)

Above verse from the Holy Scriptures instructs us we should not continue or remain in such prayers which arise from our selfishness but persuade ourselves and be quick to change our intentions.

One of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of prayer. Intercessory prayer is the expression to God’s command to “Love one another.”

“First of all then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests and thanksgiving be offered to God for all the people.” (1Tim.2:1)

Let us conclude with a testimony:

I had been in Mumbai to help my friend who underwent a surgery on the palm. During the course of my stay, I heard about KLWC prayer and had the opportunity to attend this marvelous intercessory prayer regularly every Saturday for a year. During my days in Kuwait, I had experienced the Holy Spirit but was unable to enliven the experience due to the situations of my life.

I appreciate the praise and worship of KLWC which is filled with heavenly power and sanctity of the Holy Spirit which infuses life into me.

During the Praise and Worship, when I lifted my hands and said ‘Alleluia’, tears began to overflow from my eyes and I could experience a current flowing through my hands. I attained peace, courage; the Lord’s loving mercy and gift of forgiveness, which enabled me to total deliverance.

The active and alive Word of God proclaimed every Saturday began to heal me physically and mentally. Myself, a mother of two children, was addicted to chain smoking and would be annoyed at the very instance someone would advice me against it.

But when the Word of God pierced through my ears right into my heart, the Lord gave me the grace to reject everything which was displeasing Him and it broke every chain of evil habits that had enslaved me and healing me from chronic diseases.

“Confess your sins and turn towards the right path. Wash off the sin from your heart, if you do these, you will get well.” (Sirach)

I was suffering from asthma for the past 8 years and for 10 years was subjected to severe pain from corns in the feet. The merciful Lord called out my name and healed me during a Saturday service.

I will admire the works of My God and proclaim His mighty deeds. It is the life giving Word of God and the intercessory prayers of anointed Sister that healed me. Praise the Lord!!

                                                -----Archived from Nov’1994 Issue, LWE 2000

PARABLE ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN 

The Bible says, “Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Rev. 19:9)

Jesus often spoke to the public using parables. Parables were used as an easy and interesting way to understand the morals hidden in the message. According to the ages, their traditional customs and common methods of life were indicated in these parables.

Most of His public was the Pharisees, Jews, Priests and disciples.  Since the Greatest Teacher, did not want his listeners to be professors or doctorates, but wished his words and teachings to penetrate into their hearts deeply and shake their attitude. His one and only intention was to give them a contrite heart.

That’s why even today when we read or meditate the parables, it touches and pierces our attitude.

Jesus gives individual message in His teachings, so that we can be conscious about our thoughts and deeds.

"At that time the Kingdom of Heaven will be like this. Once there were ten girls who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any extra oil with them, while the wise ones took containers full of oils for their lamps. The bridegroom was late in coming, so the girls began to nod and fall asleep. "It was already midnight when the cry rang out. 'Here is the bridegroom! Come and meet him! ‘The ten girls woke up and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones said to the wise ones, "Let us have some of your oil, because our lamps are going out."  "No, indeed" the wise ones answered, "there is not enough for you and for us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves." So the foolish ones went off to buy some oil; and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived! The five girls who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast and the door was closed. Later the other girls arrived. "Sir, sir! Let us in!" they cried out. 'Certainly not! I don't know you.' the bridegroom answered.  And Jesus concluded, "Be on your guard, then, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matt. 25:1-13)

Procession has an important role in Jews’ festival. As per their tradition, the bridegroom and his companions would arrive at the bride’s place with a lit lamp in their hands. No prior information would be given to the bride’s family or home. Since they usually arrive late night, the bride and her group would wait wide awake with their lamps lit. Once the bridegroom arrives to take them, they both return with a procession to the bridegroom’s house.

Everyone who joins the procession must hold a bright lit lamp and those who failed to do so would be considered an insult to the bridegroom.

In this parable, the banquet hall is compared to the Kingdom of God.   The ten girls represent the bride’s family members.The arrival of the bridegroom represents the second coming of our Lord Jesus.

In the Book of Revelation 19:9, we read, “Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”

In short, girls who did not have the oil in their lamp were disqualified from the feast and were called foolish. Though they tried borrowing oil from the wise girls, they were not successful lest the wise girls’ lamps too run short of oil.

What does the author convey to us?

The second coming of Jesus would be sudden and unexpected. To enter the specially prepared and adorned Kingdom of God, every faithful mankind need to possess a ever shining lamp prepared by the glow of their life i.e. the careful, virtual life by obeying His commandments.

“Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it:  Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matt: 22:27)

In Luke 14:28, the Bible says, “If one of you is planning to build a tower, he sits down first and works out what it will cost, to see if he has enough money to finish the job.”

“When Judgement Day comes, many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord! In Your Name we spoke God’s message, by your name we drove out demons and performed many miracles!’ Then I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people.’ ’’ (Matt. 7:22-23)

Similarly, we read in the parable that after the door was closed, the girls were knocking and pleading to the bridegroom to let them in but the bridegroom answers, “Certainly not! I don’t know you.”

As a virgin oil is extracted from the source and processed, so also a proper devotional life pleasing God produces the oil to keep our lamps (heart) shining brightly and this burning light is the result of various timely corrections, teachings, instructions through the readings of the Holy Bible, even scolding’s from  parents and spiritual teachers. This virgin oil that is processed within each of us cannot be borrowed.

If all these corrections  have been happily accepted and brought changes in your life pattern then you will be invited to enjoy the wedding feast of the Lamb and if you refuse, reject or are careless about the corrections you will be disqualified from entering the banquet hall.

It is certain that our Lord Jesus will come again to judge the people but the year, day or time will not be published. It will be a day of individual judgment too.

So unlike the foolish girls, let us value the invitation, and fulfill our responsibilities with an aim to light and bright the lamp, taking care to fill it with the most pure oil, so that we are ready to accept the bridegroom and join His procession.

May God bless you to be vigilant at all times and give you the courage to fulfill the responsibility of your status. May He make you wise enough to take a good decision till we enter the Feast of the Lamb.