LENTEN MESSAGE

MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS

The Holy Bible says, “You (God) will trample our sins and refute and send them to the bottom of the sea!”  (Micah 7:19)

We often have the inclination to exchange our identities from one to another. The human mind has the tendency to seek liberty and free will. Among us exists some individuals who find pleasure among the company of their parents and elders, fulfilling their responsibility, endure them to great extents in virtue of obedience; on the other hand the younger generation even before attaining maturity, urges to have their will and wish over than that of their parents and elders. Christ Jesus narrated a parable to the Pharisees who accused Him for being available and dining with the sinners. Though the story is familiar and famous for the lesson of humanity; it is particularly targeted for families. Any Lent or Lenten activities would be incomplete without meditating this parable. God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ has explained His Father’s Infinite Love so beautifully. The curtain rises on this parable with a loyal father and his two sons; both vary from each other in thoughts and personality. The younger son, immature in his thoughts and decisions, wishes to fly high to seek the fleeting pleasures and fulfil his dreams easily. Restrictions and discipline that arose from fatherly care and concern begins to suffocate him and he approaches father for his share in property.  Taking it, he goes far off to enjoy it entirely. On the contrary, the elder son, being very thoughtful and concerned about his father and family; fulfilling his responsibilities was more important to him that his self-seeking desires or dreams.  The third most important lesson observed is the impartial equal love of the father towards both his sons. As the story progresses into years the awaiting father sees his younger son returning. The Holy Scriptures describes the wayward journey of his. He exhausted himself of all the money and had no food to survive. Living and eating food with the pigs brought some sense of what he was reduced to. He visualised the servants of his father who would have plenty of delicious food to eat and drink. This encouraged him to get up and return to his loving father. Do you think his act of conversion was true? He made up his mind to return when he was crushed under hunger, lack of wealth and devoid of friends or any source of luxury or lavishness. However, we can say he decided to return. Let us, nevertheless, turn to God with an intention to fulfil our transitory requirements; but with intent of a holy life; believing that the perfect way for our daily requirements would search their way to us. In this day and age, we, the prodigals fail to return home. The reasons could be many starting from our lack of courage, sensitiveness to feeling ashamed or the worthless prestige. This parable counsels us never to conceal any of our wrongdoings, encourages us to return to our family and apologise. Resembling to the younger son, due to lack of knowledge or patience to endurance, tired of the corrections or advices of parents or elders could have made you take the extreme step. Whatsoever may be the reason, get up and go right back to the right path where there would be someone eagerly waiting to welcome you back. Make up your mind to put an end to ruining your valuable life. Liberty from discipline at home, elders will surely reach and you can enjoy it at the right time. As the parable concludes, we read how the Merciful Father runs out to hug his beloved son, without letting him say a word. All that mattered to the loving Father was the return of his son and restoration of the family. Upon the arrival of his son, he orders a banquet and marks it as an occasion of great celebration that included everyone dancing and rejoicing; while the son might have wondered upon the unusual feast of happiness.

Dear parents, God wishes that you own a heart to welcome your children when they return to you rather than hurt them out of your happiness and sadness. As for the elder son, his reaction can be considered expected; as it was natural for him to feel unwanted during those moments.  Being an open hearted person, his anger, hurt feelings, resentment, and envy all proved his possessiveness. But there too, the loving Father, takes a moment to console the elder one, “My son, you are with me always and everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate and rejoice. This brother of yours was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.” Dear elders, let us not come to the conclusion that a change in your integrity thinking all your sacrifice will go in vain. A great reward for your deeds waits solely for you! The father wholeheartedly forgives his prodigal son prior to his confession. This is identity of the heavenly Father’s merciful forgiveness to each sinner willingly returning to Him; all the while being aware that he will fall again but with no compromise in the great depth of the relationship.

Our Heavenly Father bestows His grace upon us, saying, “Be merciful to accept one another as how he accepted his prodigal son.”

Let us ponder over your part in this heart touching parable. Are you the donning the role of the Father or elder son or the younger son. Are you the one who strengthens the weak, uplifts the downfallen or a light to those in dark; or one that gives up your own dreams to restore your family. Let us with complete sense be determined to say, “I will courageously break all walls, run to my Father, saying-‘Father, I have sinned against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Reach out to live where true love and joy co exist; be sure that your Lenten resolutions will go on and continue even after the celebrations of the Holy Easter. May the Almighty God and Eternal Father grant you a contrite heart; and your leg will take steps towards His weeping heart. It is only your presence that can transform the weeping into a joyous celebration and feast.

“The Lord is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love….. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honour him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us.”  (Psalms 103) He forgives, approaches us with kindness and compassion that can rebuild us. The father in this parable respects his son’s desire to live his life on his own terms. Though the Father knew what would be in store for his son, if he fulfilled his demand; yet proceeded to give freedom. Our Father in Heaven knows that endowing us with liberty is the only way to receive love from us and at certain times allows to our demands; so that we will learn through the hard way. Freedom of choice, if taken in a selfish way might turn out to be risky. St. Paul says, “If anyone of us is in Christ he is a new creation.” So was the prodigal son, all transformed and liberated from self centric desires. This Lenten season when we thoroughly confess through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, never doubt if you are worthy to be forgiven; instead believe that the old has passed away. Lord Jesus is waiting for you, stretching His arms and granting the forgiveness that you badly need this moment. Never reflect on your past cause it has been eradicated from your history. All this has been extended by God in His merciful act.

Meanwhile, continue your penances, overcome the weaknesses, take a new step towards His Holy Way to follow Him and declare to others the merciful marvellous works He has done in your life.

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

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

REPENT- YOU SHALL LIVE

However, as the Scripture says, “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing that God prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)

Our Holy Bible says that Jesus have come in order that you may have life.

Since you have truly accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you belong to His Family Tree.

We all know that the branches have to stay together with the tree to produce its fruits.  You may notice that the branches need not have much effort. It has to just hold the fruit.

Similarly, when you are united with Lord Jesus, he tells you to just carry the fruits and gifts, and give it away. Everybody dreams for a fruitful life.

When we produce life-giving fruit and share it with other people, we obtain incomparable contentment and deep joy within. It is our beloved Father’s dream that we shall all come together and grow in Jesus as  mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’ full stature.

How can we fulfill our Father’s dream?

There was a time in my life when faith was followed as a dedicated ritualism. The rules and intellectual pattern of life were imprinted on my brain. The fulfillment of the rituals was followed traditionally as an example to my family.  As a schedule of my busy life loaded with night duties, upbringing of my children and home management there was no time for a refreshed sleep or any other leisure.  Years passed, and with the hectic schedule taking a load on my health, I ended up with a severe spinal ailment and my decayed body was thrown to the hands of surgeons.

Thanks be to God!  As how He divided the day from night, changes occurred in my life too. Due to the sickness I was subjected to experience the Lord’s work in my life.

My intellectual faith began to give way to a much renowned spiritual growth which transformed and inspired me to see Jesus, as a constant companion in my sickness and loneliness and place him in the center of my heart.  Lord Jesus transformed and enlightened me to see my faith in a more lively manner and I was able to take a stern decision to grow in His Knowledge and power. 

“Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with Him. Keep your roots deep in Him, build your lives on Him and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.” (Col 2: 6-7)

I began to converse with the Lord as a close person and began to relax myself in him as He caressed and fondled me. All my worries regarding the illness, losing a high paid job, returning to India with unfulfilled plans, anxiety of my children’s future took a backseat, I felt as light as if I was in the air. Every moment I silently pleaded Him to anoint me with his power and Spirit. I wanted Him to teach me, guide and to have self control over my life so that I could love and accept everyone. 

The inspiration by the Divine Lord led me to the Bible more often.  I began to read it faithfully and memorize it, noting down the daily message and making a small prayer out of it. From one sentence, I proceeded to memorize five verses a day. Doing this helped me to obey the Word of God too. The hours I spend with the Holy Scriptures rejuvenated me and it assisted me to listen to the inner voice by paying keen attention to the Lord.

I experienced the anointment of the Holy Spirit in different forms like, the feel of His mighty power pouring through my body, and sometimes in the form of a cool and warm breeze. There were times when I experienced passing currant and infilling of some fluid in my spine. I truly experienced a spiritual warfare within me.

Exactly by 104 days of my residing in the proximity of my Lord and with my sincere co-operation, I was promoted to his discipleship. Praise the Lord!!

From being His mere ritual follower I was transformed to be His chosen one, to spread His message and deliver the ones in darkness.

As how the Lord fed those five thousand people, who stayed and spend days with hunger and thirst, for life giving Word of God, He will quench the people who are hungry and thirsty for healing and deliverance. 

Our beloved Father wishes everyone to be saved and come to know the truth.

Whoever is being attracted by Almighty God through Jesus Christ brought to me was unaided.  

Glory and Honor to the Blessed Trinity!!! Amen!!

 Let’s go through a testimony from a couple:

My husband and I set out to Bombay with a desire to go abroad. We started a business and flourished. With the thought that a little bit of alcohol will surely help to develop better appetite and relax the weariness of the body, I inculcated this habit which later piled up disasters for me. Distraction over distraction, anxiety over sickness lined up.  Debts and poverty became close associate of mine. Having received the stamp of being a sick woman, I took refuge on bed. Unbearable breathlessness, chest pain, body ache, heaviness and weakness of the body often crippled me. Sorrow, depression, pent up anger occupied my heart.

Externally and Internally I was subjected to all failures which were the consequences of my evil deeds. Relatives and friends drifted apart. It was at this instance that the thought to end my life crossed my mind.

At the time of drowning, one clings to any blade of green grass which comes in sight.

So also, accompanied by my husband we came to attend the prayer service. The Holy Words spoken there seemed to be specially prepared and served for me.

The comforting words greatly fondled me. It infused a great change in my life. I also participated in the special pray-over for the sick.  From a couple of years, I was troubled by a certain burden impinging in my heart, but as sister placed her hand over me, all my heaviness and uneasiness reduced. I was totally absorbed in this experience.

Dear faithful ones,  All sickness evident on my body vanished and I received sound health and awakens of mind. My miraculous change astonished everyone.

I had great anger and hatred towards my husband. The thought of self-superiority subsided in me.  My husband was blessed with self-control and the luster of bad habits dimmed down.

We experienced the Love of God through single prayer itself.

He gave back the job, good health and spiritual peace blossomed. Daily Bible reading and family prayer along with proper observance of sacramental life were gained. Bad word, bad songs, were replaced by spiritual songs and psalms on my lips. Mighty progress was observed in my children’s studies and attitude. Here my husband too glorifies the name of the Lord.

Dear Ones, not a single organ in my body was free from illness and I fall short of words to describe my state of depression and heaviness. Numerous inhuman traces flung in me. But the words of the Savior Jesus lead me towards the truth. I realized that I had already received all the fruits of having destroyed my body -the temple of God.

As I reconciled my waywardness, my mind and body hurriedly moved towards my Heavenly Father, when I realized the meaning of unconditional love of the God. Mighty blessing of repentance filled in me. The evil of alcoholism lingering from past 35 years drifted apart. It was obtained only with the true help of my Savior and the heart rending prayer of KLWC which set me free from Satan’s slavery. Alleluia! Glory to God! Alleluia!! Thank You Jesus. 

Accompany of alcohol like smoking and other bad practices departed one after another. In the awakeness of the Holy Spirit I began to put into practice joy, peace, compassion and other godly virtues.

Today we belong to God and He alone is our Lord.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He, who follows me, shall never walk in darkness. He will have the light of eternal life.”

This light of immense love reduced to ashes all my sins and saved our life from death. We pray that by His eternal mercy our good Lord may set all free. O my Lord, may this experience lead other shattered families to Salvation. Praise the Lord! Amen!         (Feb-March 1996 edition of LWE 2000)

Beloved in Christ, God helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of trouble using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.    

A CALL TO REPENTANCE

PART III

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.”

 (2 Cor. 5:17)

We have learnt that, the more you invite the Holy Spirit; the more you will be aware of those areas of your life where Jesus is not fully revealed in you.

Whenever you begin to feel, that life is a failure, remember, the power of God’s forgiving love as expressed on Calvary. Then praise Him for a while. God’s unconditional love will shower upon you. You don’t have to stay stuck with guilt.

Sin has a power to hold us down and to block the unconditional love of God. This is how we hide when we feel guilty.

Repentance has a power to lift us up again and release the flow of God’s love into us.

“If we live in the light – just as He is in the light--- then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from every sin.” (1 John 1:7)

After John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus continued the call for repentance. “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!”      (Mark 4:17)

Repentance is an ongoing process. Regularly reading and meditating the Word of God, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you accordingly to His Will is the process.

Christ Jesus says, if My words remain in you and you abide in Me, then you shall ask for anything you wish and you shall have it.

“If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn.” (Heb 4:7)

Again in the Bible, Jesus says: “How wrong you are! It is because you don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power.” (Matt.22:29)

Meditating on the above holy verses we realize the importance of a repentant heart.

Repentance is intellectual; Repentance of the Samaritan woman acknowledged that she listened to the Word of God and accepted her mistakes.  (John 4)

“After you had punished us; we hung our head in grief.” (Jer. 31:19)

Repentance is emotional: “When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to cry.” (Nehe.8:9)

“Just when the cock crowed a second time, Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will say, that you do not know me.” And he broke down and cried. (Mark 14:72)

A discerned person himself takes the decision to have true repentance.

Here it is wise to remember the prodigal son. (Luke 15:17-18)

“Return to God is the Biblical message to one and all.”

Let us invite Christ Jesus into our hearts and venerate Him as Lord and Savior. Ask Him for the Holy Spirit to enlighten. Invite and enthrone Jesus as your Lord. Allow the majestic power to rule you. He knows what to break and rebuild.

He will do it and make you a new being. These are all the work of our Loving Father, who calls us to enjoy a life in its fullness in His Kingdom.

Let us obey to the voice shouting in the desert (Luke 3:4-6) and break the mountains which are the pride, prejudice, disobedience, hatred, greed etc., demolish the hills that represent our immoral behaviors, depraved, dishonesty etc., and fill the valleys that indicate the Loneliness, gloominess, depression, spiritual weakness within us and smoothen the path of our life with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to-- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and mind must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. (Eph. 4: 22-24)

“The One who sits on the Throne said, “And now I make all things new!” ……These words are true and can be trusted…….I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it.  Whoever wins the victory, will receive this from me. I will be his God and he will be My son.” (Rev.21:5-6)

Glory to God!!! Amen!!!

A CALL TO Repentance

PART II

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

 "The Lord told me to go and buy myself some linen shorts and to put them on; but He told me not to put them in water. So I brought them and put them on.  Then the Lord spoke to me again, and said, “Go to the River Euphrates and hide the shorts in a hole in the rocks.” So I went and hid them near the Euphrates.

Sometime later the Lord told me to go back to the Euphrates and get the shorts. So I went back, and when I found the place where I had hidden them, I saw they were ruined and were no longer any good.

Then the Lord spoke to me again. He said, “This is how I will destroy the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. These evil people have refused to obey me. They have been as stubborn and wicked as ever and worshipped and served other gods. So then, they will become like these shorts that are no longer any good. Just as shorts fit tightly around the waist, so I intended all the people of Israel and Judah to hold tightly to me. I did this so that they would be my people and would bring praise and honor to my name.” (Jer. 13:1-11)

Even our little deeds, our thoughts can destroy and break our relation from the Blessed Trinity. Thus, we ourselves destroy our soul, mind and body. Every cell in our body gets reacted and destroyed.

We will become a slave of many diseases; even medicines can’t heal us totally.

Meanwhile, some go in search of black magic and other demonic power. It brings many disasters due to God’s anger.

Let’s go through a testimony

The revival experience of my life began on the 23^rd June 1991. My family was attracted to God and we were lead by the Holy Spirit to the prayer service. My family was totally enslaved to black magic and sorcery. When we were prayed over, a great flow of strength filled in me and my husband. We were totally astonished and our faithless hearts were shaken.

“Therefore, this says the Lord, “I am against your magic bands with which you hunt the souls and I will rip them off from your arms.” (Ezekiel 13:20)

After the pray over itself, the Lord’s grace gave us the strength to rip off and discard all the objects of black magic and sorcery. God also blessed me to attend the prayer continuously. I learnt to thank and praise Lord. All the obstacles which used to prevent me from attending the prayer meeting completely vanished.

Being Christian, my husband was practicing idol worship and black magic.

Both of us used to attend the prayer regularly and the Word of God granted us peace and cheerfulness. Hearing the Word of God, we received the Holy Spirit which helped us to realize our dark paths. Lord Jesus washed out all our sins with true repentance.

Here the Scripture says, “The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death, the light will shine.” (Matt. 4:16)

Lord Jesus had performed countless miracles in my life.

The spectacles I began to use at the age of 23 were removed by the Lord at the age of 53. Praise the Lord!

Since childhood, I had a hearing problem and the Divine Healer restored my hearing. Alleluia!! Praise the Lord!!!

Dear friends, Apart from the physical healings, He also gave me the courage to face people as well my life problems. Glory to God!!

Being illiterate, I found it hard to communicate with people. But today, with great pride, I can tell you my Lord Jesus has given me the grace to read the Holy Bible and prayer books. Praise the Lord.

“How wonderful are the things the Lord does! All who are delighted with them want to understand them. All He does is full of honor and majesty; His righteousness is eternal.” (Psalm 111.2-3)

After the demise of my husband, there is no one to earn in our family, yet the Lord provides our requirements.  Also the mighty Lord has blessed me with the cheerfulness to praise and thank Him joyfully for the mental sickness that runs in my family.

Just as shorts fit tightly around the waist, so I intended all the people of Israel and Judah to hold tightly to me. I did this so that they would be my people and would bring praise and honor to my name.” (Jer. 13:11)

I can say that, “Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. And those who seek refuge with the Lord lack nothing good.”

My three sons were victims of mental illness and had to undergo shock therapy and various other treatments. When we accepted Lord Jesus and partook in the prayer service and began to do family prayer. I found numerous changes in my children like unity and tolerance among themselves and enlightenment of the brain.  As the disease began to cease, I brought my younger son aged 22 yrs, to the prayer service for a pray-over.

Following 4^th Saturday, it was announced: ‘Person by name ___ was granted total deliverance and gifted a job.’ It came true within 10 days. He also had a vision in which Lord Jesus was proceeding towards him from a great distance. Now he is an earning member in my family. Praise the Lord!

As the above scripture says, when the family held on to God tightly, He granted the grace of repentance and forgiven their past and delivered this family.

The awareness of our sins leads us to repentance. Sometimes we find it hard to say, “I am a sinner.” We may claim there is no sin in me or comparatively I am a better person.

But what does the Holy Bible reveal?

It reveals that: “All have turned away from God; they have all gone wrong. No one does what is right, not even one.” (Romans 3:12)

Again the Book of Truth says, “There is no one who does not sin.” (1 Kings 8: 46)

Once again the Holy Bible reminds us, “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and there is no truth in us.” (1John 1:8)

In ancient times, through many prophets, God call us to repentance.

God says, “Listen to what I am saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. ……..otherwise you will be destroyed.” (Isaiah 1:10)

“But even now,” says the Lord “repent sincerely and return to me.” (Joel2:12)

To the Prophet Jeremiah, Lord asked him to go and buy a clay jar. He told him to take some elders and some of the older priests and go through Potsherd Gate to proclaim the message.

“Listen to what , I, the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel have to say, ‘I am going to bring such a disaster because the people have abandoned Me and defiled this place by offering sacrifices here to other gods.” Then the Lord asked Jeremiah to break the jar in front of the people and tell them “I will break this people and their city and it will be like these broken clay jar, that cannot be put together again.” (Jeremiah 19)

Gospel of Luke (3) also warns us: “If you don’t turn away from your sins, you too will be destroyed in a sudden disaster.”

John the Baptist insists us the same, unless we repent, we will not enter the Kingdom of God.

“If you want to, you can keep the Lord’s commands. You can decide whether you will be loyal to Him or not. He has placed fire and water before you; reach out and take whichever you want. You have a choice between life and death; you will get whichever you choose.” (Sirach 15:15-17)

A CALL TO Repentance

The Holy Bible says, “When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

In the beginning, God created the universe, and He looked at everything He had made and He was very pleased.                                              (Genesis 1:1-31)

Then a war broke out in Heaven. Michael and His Angels fought against the dragon that disobeyed and dishonored God. The dragon was defeated. He and his companions lost their place in heaven and were not allowed in any longer.

The huge dragon was thrown out (i.e.) ancient serpent called the devil or satan that deceived the whole world. (Rev 12)

“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy.”  (John 10:10)

That’s how the vices entered the world and it has become the pathetic state, as what it is today. Disobedience, grudge, hatred and all evil some seeped into the human race.

“Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, He has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit and malice. They gossip and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. They know that God’s law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.” (Romans 1: 28-32)

The above scripture from the Holy Bible shows us a clear picture of the ancient, diseased world that did not have the knowledge of Lord Jesus the Savior. If this is how the Holy Bible described the ancient world, how do we describe the current state of this world?

Media and our environment draws a image of the world we live in and we can definitely call it as much more dreaded and diseased place which rejects the Savior Jesus Christ and His plan of Salvation.

God created Man with perfect health and divine loving form in unique relation with soul, mind and body.

But today, it’s sad to mention that he is living as a deadly creature merely enslaved to the deceased world.

Can we please turn our ears to the universe? You and I can hear a groaning voice of the world. Yes, the world is groaning…… she is wounded, weak; her heart is bursting and breaking with pus pouring wounds all over. Her skin all eaten up and cannot resist anymore.

Still her pride announces, “I am smart enough. I can destroy and kill all the truth holders.”  She is still challenging. Her pride and ego goes before her deepest fall.

This is the state of the deadly dragon today.

The one who believes in Lord Jesus and sacrifices his life for The Lord are accounted as weak and foolish in the eyes of the world.

It is correctly mentioned in the Holy Bible that God purposely chose the weak and common people for Him.

 “God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. (1 Cor. 1:27-28)

“Someone is shouting in the desert: Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. All mankind will see God’s salvation!”  (Luke 3: 4-6)

Since we ourselves brought the present condition of our life, the Holy Bible says, “Just as you were the one determined to turn away from God, now turn back and serve Him with ten times more determination.” (Baruch)

The one who brought these calamities upon you will rescue and bring you everlasting joy.

So let us prepare the way for the King and make a humble and contrite heart to obey and live in Him as per His Way.

 The Way is none other than REPENTANCE.

This gift from God is truly the work of the Holy Spirit. Though we turned back from the Lord, He is still ready to assist us. When we take the name of the eternal God and praise Him, we are filled with His Loving Kindness.

The kindness and compassion from the Holy Spirit takes us to the way, to examine our conscience before the Lord. The Divine Spirit inspires us to humble ourselves so as to lead us to the grace of repentance, by pleading for forgiveness along with us.

This enables Lord Jesus to act quickly to bring changes in our life, which is impossible for us to do without his Divine help.

We are unable to see the objects and dust in a room unless there is light. Similarly, this is what happens. We are unable to see the engulfed darkness of our heart unless we let in the ray of God’s light in it.

“Let there be light and then light appeared.” Alleluia

With this light God was pleased and he separated the light from the darkness. And with is light we can see the misery of our heart.

Let’s peep through our heart.

Whoever has tasted the eternal Love of God gets the grace to evaluate their life.

The one who is anointed by God’s Love prefers, as the Holy Bible mentions,

“He preferred to suffer with God’s people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while.” (Heb. 11:25)

Though the above phrase refers to Prophet Moses, it’s applicable to us too.

The selfishness and self centered method of life due to pride, to win the race you are after for fame and acceptance, neglecting and refusing God’s care and protection, as well as, disgracing and hurting God gifted well wishers,  brings its side effects in our life. We are soaked in numerous misfortunes, various illness, loneliness, self hatred, tiresome life, tremendous floating fears, insomnia, restlessness, stomach issues etc.and mental depression.

I too once lead a life measured  by the commandments. I was regular in my prayers and duties towards God. Since I did not trouble anyone there was no enemies, had no interest in gossips and made sure that grudge had no place in my heart. I was aware and fulfilled the duties towards my family, neighbors and relatives accordingly. Externally and Internally, I was free from sin against God and my people.

When my spinal bones were weak and decaying, I was advised bed rest. Medical report words were regurgitating. The last straw of hope of my future too was eaten up when I was insisted that a breakdown may happen anytime.

Those bedridden moments of pain and hopelessness were finely tuned by God into self examination moments. When the light of the Holy Spirit showered abundantly in me, I realized that my heart was full of cobwebs, which had to be cleaned thoroughly. The divine light toured me to every nook and corner of my heart, valley, mountains thorns and bushes and the rough and tough roads. I had loved my God as per the commandments but failed to realize that in every small sadness, anxieties, fear and worries made the Lord in me weak and I mistrust Him. Expecting the visit of my relatives during my crushed moments, and being disappointed, I filed numerous complaints to Lord in my mind against them, forgetting that it was His will to build me in His Plan. I was drawn into common fears, anxiety regarding the future of my two daughters, again forgetting that God has gifted me with the spirit of courage and that He is the provider of my life.

I realized that I had sinned truly against my God, myself and others. I began to confess that I am a great sinner and I had to out-rid it. 

Thus when I sat and meditated the love of God, He poured out His love to me and made me clean and granted me a new heart and life.

                                                                                    (TO BE CONTINUED)