THE EMPTY TOMB

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the entrance.  She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!”

Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb.  The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent over and saw the linen wrappings, but he did not go in.  Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb.  He saw the linen wrappings lying there and the cloth which had been round Jesus’ head.  It was not lying with the linen wrappings but was rolled up by itself.  Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.  (They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.)  Then the disciples went back home.

(John 20 : 1 – 10)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

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 favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

THE TRANSFIGURATION

Six days later, Jesus took with Him, Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone.  As they looked on, a change came over Jesus; His face was shining like the sun, and His clothes were dazzling white.  Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.  So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”

While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to Him!” 

When the disciples heard the voice they were so terrified, they threw themselves face downwards on the ground.  Jesus came to them and touched them, “Get up,” He said, “Don’t be afraid.”  So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus.

As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death.”

(Matthew 17:1-9)

This is the Word of Lord

Thanks be to the God

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 favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYING TAXES

The Holy Bible says, “...then Jesus said to them, “Well, then, pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor; and pay God what belongs to God.”  (Matthew 22:21)

We are all aware how the Pharisees kept an eagle’s eye on Jesus Christ’s public life to uncover faults in Him. The Roman Emperor issued a Law enacting that all should deposit the temple tax in the treasury that could rebuild the destructed Temple. This change was against the traditional belief of the Christian Jews who believed that taxes should be paid to God and His Temple and rebellion began to spread and question against the Jewish Christians disloyalty. On this background the Pharisees gathered some of their people and sent them along with Herod’s group to trap Jesus Christ with questions.

They asked Jesus, “What do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?” (Matthew 22:17). The question, though, very simple, Lord Jesus saw through their evil intention.  Aware of their corruptness, Jesus did not take any of their side because if He would speak in favour of Caesar, He would be declared an enemy of the public and labelled as anti-patriot.  And if Lord would answer as it is not lawful paying taxes to Emperor then He could be easily handed over to the authorities in charges of conspiracy and be put to death. Lord Jesus’ mission of Salvation was above all this. He was not on this earth to be politically right or to help in political liberalization.  Jesus’ insight knew that their intention was not based on God or Caesar but it was God and Caesar. Therefore Lord Jesus summons, “Show Me the coin for paying the tax!” When they brought it He asked again, “Whose face and title are these?”  When they answered, “It belongs to the “Emperor”.  Lord Jesus concluded by saying, “Give therefore to the Emperor his dues and to God the things that belong to God.”

The ruler had the right to impose the law of taxes and the public were to accept the amended Law and pay the rightful Tax with the currency imposed by Him. It was the duty of a man (civilian) to obey and pay His dues to God who had dominance over him. A Christian has a dual citizenship- He is a citizen of His country as well as a citizen of Heaven. As a habitant of the earth (country) He is as expected to contribute along with the authorities for the betterment of the society in alignment to loving and serving his motherland in a spirit of truth, gratitude and justice.

Take for instance another occasion in the Holy Bible. When the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the Temple Tax?” Here instead of offending the public Jesus Christ handled the situation in a practical manner. He tells Peter, “Go to the lake and drop a line. Pull up the first fish you hook and you will find a coin in its mouth.  That will be enough to pay our taxes.”  (Matthew 17:24-27) He instructs Peter to work and get enough money to pay the taxes for both Jesus and himself. Through Peter, Jesus Christ teaches and instructs that we ought to work hard and that every person has a duty towards God and the nation. Our expression of love to our country is evident when it benefits from our co-operation and in our eagerness to develop and built it.  An honest citizen will defend his/her country at the cost of their life. A good Christian honours both God and citizen by paying his dues to both. 

Through this incident our Lord Jesus teaches us about the value of honesty during tax payment. Instead of performing a miracle that could produce sufficient coins to pay the authorities which would have resulted in Peter not taking any physical effort; contradictory to all this Jesus enlightens us that we are called to work hard for our sustenance and pay our dues in a truthful and  sincere light. Jesus Christ never performed any miracle to showcase His popularity or power; instead His deep intention while performing miracles was to fulfil the purpose of the God’s Mission through Him.  

Expecting a miracle in our daily life is also a dishonest and easy act.  The Lord need not perform a miracle when He has freely provided all requirements to achieve our goal in life.  He will definitely come to our help when we approach Him in faith and trust Him in our deep distresses and troubles.  All that we have belongs to God the Supreme Creator and the Source of existence. So whatever you do towards your nation and God in His Name will make you entitled for an eternal reward.  

So let us give our dues cheerfully and honestly as Jesus taught, “Giving to Caesar is giving to God.”

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

CHRISTEN SECTION

PETER BRINGS TABITHA BACK TO LIFE

Peter, the Apostle went travelling to different cities preaching about Lord Jesus and healing the sick.

In the city of Joppa, there was a devout woman named Tabitha, who had the reputation of being kind and generous. One day she succumbs to her sickness and died. So the Christians of that city sent for Peter. On his arrival, they showed him where the dead body was laid. The people crowded in the room also showed Peter the various clothes Tabitha had made for the poor.

Peter, then, asked everyone to leave. Being alone in the room, he knelt down and began praying. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!”

She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter reached over and helped her get up. Then he called all the believers, including the widows, and presented her alive to them.

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 

HOW GOOD IT IS TO BE HERE

The Holy Bible says, “Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.” (Phil 3:13)

When we realize that our pursuit after perishable pleasures which gifted us unhealed wounds, cruel memories of guilt, past buried burning stories and unforgettable incidents, often takes away our peace and sleep.  How long have you been on sleeping pills or intoxicants?  How long has it been since you had a peaceful meal with your beloved ones?

Knowingly or unexpectedly when the True Light enters our hearts we wish to turn back from our past lives.  You may be confused on how to begin a new life.

 This is what happened in Saul’s (St. Paul) life.  During  his journey of persecuting the followers of Lord,  he found great divinity when he encountered Jesus Christ and he exclaimed, “Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.”   He acknowledged that the knowledge of Christ Jesus is more valuable and for its sake, he threw away his fame, success in status, honor and power; and considered it all as mere refuse when he gained the life in Christ. 

In short, he courageously took decision not to continue with the past journey which was full of brutality and atrocities.  He became a born again person.

There arises a question from a repentant heart, ‘Do I need to go to the past pattern of life?’

When you study the life of saints, you can often observe similar questions arising in their past lives too and they sternly took a new and virtuous life with its pain joyfully.  Refer lives of familiar St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine, etc. 

Today when you go through this blog you too may come upon similar queries.  There are certain spiritual shores waiting to answer your queries which is the result of some constant and untiring effort of certain hands always behind to lead and guide. 

If there was a time when you were enticed by the world and its passion now is the time to let God’s spirit take charge of you. 

Spiritual hard work and genuine submissiveness are most important for the success of new life.  It is sure that life will be more bright, sanctified and fragrant if spiritually lifted to the heavenly space than the life in dark valleys of the world. 

A true example is the transfiguration of Lord Jesus witnessed by the disciples.   When Lord Jesus was praying on Mount Tabor the disciples saw His face changed its appearance and His clothes became dazzling white.  (Luke 9:28)  There Peter, as if he lost all allurement to pleasures of his life in the valley, exclaimed, “Master, how good it is that we are here.” (Luke 9:33) and he was in a hurry to make tents to be there.

 It echoes - do we really want to go back?  He insists Jesus - Let us be here. 

Such spiritual flights are required in every body’s life – ready to forget the past filthy life and to strive hard, pay the price of sacrifice, to achieve the life that God gifted us.

 Do I need to go back to black magic, gambling, fights, war, bribery, idol worship, witchcraft, immoral life, sexual passions, etc, . What have I gained? Tears of many would be possibly pleading for justice to God against me like Saul’s life.

Let us begin our journey to spirituality seeking the shore of experiencing God in depth.  The Way is Jesus Christ and let your feet be led by the Word of God which is the guiding lamp. 

During your journey of life when you reach the shore of repentance ask yourself, “Do I want to go back to the old self?” 

Let your burning heart take a good and favorable decision of not turning back to our old selves.  It will surely produce the heavenly fragrance of courage.  

May the good God grant you His courage and discernment to walk in the heavenly light and to be the fragrance of Christ Jesus. 

The Holy Bible says, “The hope in Christ does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.”  (Rom 5:5)

Act for the day

Through the intercession of Mother Mary, let us offer a Holy Rosary to take a right decision.

With Love Filled Blessings,

Your  Sister in Christ

MEASURING LINE

The Holy Bible says, “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Phil. 4:13)

During the time of Herod the king of Judaea, there was a priest named Zechariah, a descendant of Aaron. His wife was Elizabeth, who also belonged to a priestly family. Both of them were upright in the sight of God and observed all the laws and regulations blamelessly. 

Even after praying for long years they had no children because she was barren and both were very old.  Yet he used to pray fervently to God for a child.  God answered his prayer though it took years to bring it to accomplishment. 

God wanted Zechariah, like Father Abraham, to have deep-rooted faith by praying and hoping from God. A Messenger of God once appeared to Zechariah and said, “God has heard your prayers and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son…….  He will be a great man in the Lord’s sight.” 

Even though he was faithful, he could not believe it because both of them were advanced in years.  (Luke 1)

Here we can observe that Zechariah is limiting God’s power with human measuring line.  He had fixed a date and day for God to act.  When his date got over, his faith also diminished.  We have also compressed our time in various portions of our life. Interest and accuracy in measuring the time brings numerous failures against our Heavenly blessings and due to these we are the victims of losing faith. 

When we try to keep control of  God in our time limitation, it is wise to recollect the marvelous words the Holy Spirit that inspires St. Peter, “But do not forget one thing my friends, there is no difference in the Lord’s sight between one day and a thousand years,  to Him the two are the same.  The Lord is not slow to do what He has promised as some think, instead He is patient with you because He does not anyone to be destroyed, but He wants us to turn away from sin.” (2 Pet 3:8-9)

God has promised that He will help you, yes, surely He will come, but it is not mentioned when or how.  He wishes all of us to be in His Hands safely and fearlessly as how a child is secure in its mother’s arms. 

Dear ones, there arises certain reasons just to lose our faith.  God said, “Ask and you shall receive.”  We keep on complaining that ‘I have been asking God for quite long time and receive nothing in return, but only disappointment.’  Through this it is sure that the Lord is teaching you to pray in a proper manner.

“When you stand and pray forgive anything you may have against anyone so that your Father in Heaven will forgive the wrongs you have done.”

If your prayers are not answered check your conscience, whether there is any unforgiveness in you against anyone, also be sure to check if others have any hurt feelings towards you, because both can block the flow of God’s blessings upon you. 

“And when you ask you do not receive it because your motives are bad, you ask for things to use for your own temporal pleasures.”  So check whether your prayers are according to the plan and purpose of Almighty God’s law.  The Lord might have answered already your prayers in a different way. He might have transformed your problem as an instrument to shower His grace upon you keeping your virtues safe.

“My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.”  (2 Cor. 12 :9)

So we misinterpret, that when we are weak, God’s power is also weak but the Holy verses say that His Power is Greatest when you are weak. The symptoms may still trouble you, but to face and overcome that trouble He showers might and grace which can lead you to a peaceful life.

We are sure that it is true that God hears our prayer and also we know that He gives what we ask from Him.  Like Zechariah, God may want you to become a good intercessor to grant you unshaken foundation of faith.  Through tests, God will reveal His secret plans for you.

Peter was a brave and pious apostle.  Once while the apostles were going in a boat, Peter saw Lord Jesus coming to them walking on the water. Being delighted at the sight Peter said to the Lord, “Master shall I come to you?” as he too wanted to walk on the water.  And the Lord said to him, “Come.”  Looking at Jesus he began his journey.

 

Soon the devil diverted his eyes from the Lord and inspired him to look at the deep waters.  Satan, the most cunning one, has his eyes always fixed on people who believe in true God. When Peter was looking at Jesus and walking there was no fear of depth of water or the blowing waves.  The moment satan diverted Peter’s eyes from the Lord, he began to sink.

  Similarly, when sudden sickness, hardships, failures, brokenness occurs in the lives of faithful people of God, as a faith test -- the evil thoughts arising within us develops a situation tion of hopelessness whereby we tend to lose our faith in the Lord. 

Therefore the Holy Bible says, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”  (Heb 12 :2)

During hardships and temptations, if you fix your eyes on Lord Jesus than measuring the depth of the disasters then surely it helps to drive away satan and his plan of destroying your life. So it is noteworthy to acknowledge the Holy Verses, “Don’t think that the Lord is too weak to save you or too deaf to hear your call for help.” (Isaiah 59:1)

He invites you, “Come to Me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and put it on you, and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load that I will put on you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Dear ones, as how Jesus fixed His eyes on the One who send Him and carried the Cross according to His Will, to conquer death and save us from the Wicked similarly, be proud that we are believers of His law and followers of the victorious Lord.  We do not need to get frightened to face the failed satan who pretends to be very strong and brave like a roaring lion.  It is our challenge to defeat him with our faith as a shield.  Speak out to him the appropriate Word of God which is the double edge sword, which can dissolve Him from you. 

To know God, you need to be intellectual in the Word of God.                       

“Be alert! Be on watch, your enemy the devil roams around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”   (1 Pet 5 : 8)

So guard your faith by reciting prayers, memorizing & meditating the word of God and being grateful to the Lord at all times will enable you to safeguard your faith deeper.  “…. Because every child of God is able to defeat the world.  And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith.”  (1 John 5 : 4)

Let us reminisce the love of that Heavenly Father, who did not keep back His Only Son and the Sacrificial Love of His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

“For God 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.” (John3:16)

 

Let us wind up this session by reading the vision of Prophet Zechariah. This vision proves how God protects His people from the enemy:

In another vision I saw a man with a measuring-line in his hand.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“To measure Jerusalem,” he answered, to see how long and how wide it is.”

Then I saw the angel who had been speaking to me step forward, and another angel came to meet him. The first one said to the other, “Run and tell that young man with the measuring-line that there are going to be so many people and so much livestock in Jerusalem that it will be too big to have walls. The Lord has promised that He Himself will be a wall of fire round the city to protect it and that He will live there in all His Glory.” (Zechariah 2:1-5)

So let us tune our hearts from misevaluating and underestimating God as well as mankind. The Lord has promised that He himself will be a protecting wall of fire around us and live within us in all His Glory.

Act for the day

Through the intercession of the Most Holy Mother, let us offer the Holy Rosary to grant us the grace to constantly fix our eyes on her Son, our Lord Jesus.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ.

A CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

When devout people talk, what they say always makes sense….. (Sirach 27:11)

The Parable of the Two Sons

“Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the elder one and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’  ‘I don’t want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes, sir,’ he answered, but he did not go. Which one of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The elder one,” they answered.

So Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. For John the Baptist came to you showing the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.  (Matthew 21:28-32)

Here we can see two types of response to a call.

The father lovingly approaches the elder son to go to the vineyard but he refuses.  The initial refusal may be due to various reasons like non-acceptance or grudge towards his father or other priorities; but later on he has a change of mind and he obey his father. But he later rethought about it, changed his attitude about disobeying his father and finally obeys.

Whereas the other son, in his appearance though seemed polite  yet went on to disobey his father. Though he accepted the request gladly yet did not fulfill to what he agreed. His response is like those people who want to please others only with their lips, but in reality they are unwilling to do any good or to help others. 

They forget that they are defaming themselves by not keeping their words.

“Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ – anything else you say comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

“All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.” (James 3:7)

Both the sons are equally wrong in their words and deeds. This nature is common when we are called to certain duties.

Let us take the example of a marital life which is a call for two persons from different families and backgrounds.  In the presence of God, reverently and obediently both the bride and the groom, accepts the vows and agrees to fulfill the duties towards each other.

But as life moves on, how many of us succeed in taking true pain to follow the vows and promises that help us in attaining the blessings towards our family life.

Through the parable we observe that those who say no to the call and push themselves back and later when change their minds and accept it will be honored as a righteous person and given a seat in the front. He would be honored as a righteous person, who ran the race and worked hard to fulfill his duty. Remember always that our help, our deeds should be punctual and timely so that it may be useful and fruitful, just as God our Father provides us everything at the proper and appropriate time.

Dear devotees, if we Biblically see Luke 19, a man called Zacchaeus said Yes to his call and obtained forgiveness and salvation and he received the honor, richness and long life.

Due to fear, even Peter said, “I don’t know Him,” and ran away from the truth.  Again he repents and came back to his call and completed his duty accepting death on a cross upside down.

Apart from these two types there are people who accept the call by answering Yes and go ahead, work hard for the Lord and pay the price of sacrifice and obtain their crown. They are given the title of  Saints.

Reverse situation can be painful. There are people who respond with a No and remain adamant and lead a life against the will of God. They are called as sinners.

“When devout people talk, what they say always makes sense, but foolish people are always contradicting themselves.” (Sirach 27:11)

One who is steady in his words, will be success in his work. You must have a firm decision in mind that what you speak or promise is to be completed on right time and in the right manner so as to get approved from the Father above. Only a sincere heart person can balance both his/her words and deeds.  Simultaneously in this parable both fail, one either in words and the other in deeds.

For e.g. when a needy person approaches asking for help, you console him by saying that you will do the needful. But when the time comes for your words to turn into action, you turn and escape. This is truly unfair.  

On the other   hand some say a no but later change their mind to help. It is better that though we say No but later change our attitude and do the right thing.

Since this parable is in regards to the call for discipleship, here the father represents St. John the Baptist who is reminding people of God’s call.

Why do I fail to do my duty? Why can’t anyone truly enjoy my work?

Majority of mankind are unable to keep up their words and deeds. If you go through the life of Christ Jesus we can see his Words and Deeds go hand in hand.  

All His words were proved in His actions.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us who reminds us to follow him. Through this parable the Lord tells us to follow Him.

  

                                                   A PRAYER

Lord Jesus, light of my life thank you for refreshing my mind through Your words. You have sent me to this earth, to go and work in your vineyard. Knowingly and unknowingly, cunningly and through cheating I became the work of evil. Like the first son, grant me the grace to live like a saint by respond to your call sincerely and by complete the work bearing the loss of it.  May the Light of Your Word and deeds remain in my remaining life. I pray to my Loving Father in the Name of Jesus. Amen!

THE FIRST LETTER FROM ST. PETER

A LIVING HOPE

A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message-“What message shall I proclaim?” I asked. “Proclaim that all mankind are like grass, they last no longer than wild flowers.” (Isaiah 40 : 6)

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of His great mercy, He gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death.  This fills us with a living hope, and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people.  He keeps them for you in heaven where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away.  They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God’s power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while, because of the many kinds of trials you suffer.  There purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine.  Even gold, which can be destroyed is tested by fire and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold must also be tested, so that it may endure.  They you will receive praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed.  You love him although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him.  So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, because you are receiving the salvation of your souls which is the purpose of your faith in him. 

It was concerning this salvation that the prophets made careful search and investigations and they prophesied about this gift which God would give you.  They tried to find out when the time would be and how it would come.  This was the time to which Christ’s Spirit in them was pointing in predicting the sufferings that Christ would have to endure and the glory that would follow.  God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announce the good news by the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.  These are things which even the angels would like to understand.

So then have your minds ready for action.  Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessings which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Be obedient to God and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those who desires you had when you were still ignorant. Instead be holy in all that you do just as God who called you is holy.  The scripture says, “Be holy because I am holy.”

You call him Father, when you pray to God who judges all people by the same standard according to what each one has done.  So then spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him.  For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors.  It was not something that can be destroyed such as silver or gold, it was the costly sacrifice of Christ who was like a lamb without defect or flaw.  He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake.  Through him you believe in God who raised him from death and gave him glory, and so your faith and hope are fixed on God.

Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.  For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal.  As the scripture says, “All mankind are like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”  This word is the Good News that was proclaimed to you.

(1 Peter1:3-25)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God.