AS THE YEAR FADES BY….

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

At the onset of every New Year, it has been a very familiar and easy task to promise God, ourselves and our dear ones that we would be a better person in the coming year. Spiritual progress in every effort, expectations of richness, promotions, appreciations, sound health of mind and body are some of the desires that make up almost everyone’s wish list.

With great enthusiasm, determination and a handful of promises we gladly mark our entry in the young New Year, but as months pass by our eagerness and fortitude begin to fade; turning us into victims of failure and melancholy.

The Holy Bible says, “Don’t deliberately torture yourself by giving into depression…..don’t worry all the time. Worry never did anybody good and it has destroyed many people. It will make you old before your time.” (Sirach 30:21-24)

When His anger was about to destroy the sinful Sodom, God remembered Abraham’s nephew Lot and send His messengers to save him. When hesitant to obey the messengers, Lot and his family were carried by them out of the city.

Then one of the angels said, “Run for your lives! Don’t look back and don’t stop in the valley. Run to the hills, so that you won’t be killed.”

Yes ,dear faithful readers of Living Word, for the past seven months you were led by the message  of the Word Incarnate by me. Am sure that these words  have truly, strongly inspired and influenced your mind and heart; creating assurance and great hope for a simple yet holy way to create a new joyful life and atmosphere.

Through this everyday interaction I could make you realize your miseries and awareness for the cause of it. Due to certain carelessness, derailment from your responsibilities, be it owing to unfavored circumstances, consciously or unconsciously the significance of being a truthful individual to God and self was diminished.

Let your heart not be troubled!

In the present day , you have been united with Jesus Christ, your Savior and Master, who skilled you to live in love with a mind leaning to charity.

Whoever joins to Christ faithfully with an earnest heart is a new person.

You may ask how?

I tell you, for the reason that those who decide to work with Lord Jesus, the light, who is capable to illuminate your darkened area with His brightening Light; by forgiving your errors. For those who thirst for His way His power comforts and consoles.

For His merit, God the Father of mercy, pardons your past trespass events; once again accepting you as  His child. We are made worthy to turn to our Sovereign Lord, who through the passion of Christ not only changed us from enemies into His friends but also handed us the task of making others His friends.

Christ Jesus, without any stain or sin, came down to this earth as per the Will of God, to share the burden of our sins and sicknesses, setting us free. Today, He stands as a mediator between us and God to speak about our good deeds and allow us to merit and share in God’s righteousness.

Let us pronounce His mighty name and glorious deeds.

Just as the angel warned Lot and his family, our guardian angel too constantly advices us when we fall into the bad mood of regurgitating the past sorrowful events.

Don’t look back and stop! Get up! Go forward like a cheerful person with a pleasing attitude that will bless you with a long and worthy life.

I take great pleasure to honor and appreciate St.Paul for his zealous heart filled with Evangelic Spirit  and true conversion from his precedent  malicious past. He, who was a persecutor of the Church himself says—such person can only be righteous and profited in the sight of the world by obeying the commandments of the Law. The very hour he understood the knowledge of Christ is much more valuable than his past life, St. Paul reckoned everything as a complete loss and threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to be absolutely united in Him.

He says boldly, “I have no longer a righteousness of my own; but the righteousness that comes from God is based on faith.”

What matters is your faith which can lead you to hope and generosity; generating the energy to run towards  your goal. He strived hard to win the prize that had already been won for him by Jesus Christ.

Salvation of our soul is the occupation given by God our Father. Let us also run towards the goal to save our soul. A constant spiritual labor is very essential for the success of this run especially when we come across various trials, hardships, failures, rejections etc.. and to overcome the evil which arises from flesh, actions of the devil that surround us.

Like a good soldier, we need to fight against the temptations of sin and overcome the evil one. For this very reason, we ought to focus our direction to God by knowing Him and ceaselessly continue doing good to burn your lamp of faith.

Today being the last day of the year, let us take a look at ourselves and check on our actions and self examine how well we scored in our race this year,  that is passing from us now. It is the right occasion to invite forgiveness for all those duties we failed to do. It is also the best time to scrutinize our errors and selfishness; to check our conscience and our reactions at the time of crises etc..

Meanwhile let us not forget that it is also the right moment to thank God for His abundance mercy, protection. For granting us each day each of the year- irrespective of whether we thanked Him or not.  His caressing comfort we often fail to acknowledge and His leniency to us – His children.

As a resolution, if possible make a promise to God that you will own a personal Bible and take some time out to read a passage daily. During those days when tough and fatigue takes over your routine, do promise that you will not sleep unless you take the Holy Bible to flip the pages and hold it tightly across your heart.

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

CHRISTEEN SECTION

THE LITTLE MORNING STAR

Here is the Heavenly Father

all His angels He did gather

See He is instructing them

to fly down to earth from heavenly realm.

“Go to the world on Christmas eve

Grant them joy, love and peace.”

One little angel behind the door;

wanted to take the Lord’s blessings to the poor.

But Father would not allow the little fellow

To fly to the world down below

So the Little Angel to go on his mission

Again went to the Father to ask permission;

Seeing the Little Angel’s desire;

Father said, “Go, if you so aspire.”

The Little Angel in all his merry

Began to skip and make hurry!

But Father told the little one

“My dear, return before the sun is down.”

On Christmas Eve the little one flew

With the wind which loudly blew.

He kissed the lilies, played with the bees;

He caressed the ripples and swung on the trees.

Showered blessings on children around;

Tenderly touched a baby sleeping sound.

He wiped the tears and blossomed flowers;

Flew over huts, palaces and towers.

As the sun began to go down

He decided to return to heavenly town.

A house he found on the way;

Dark, sorrowful and from town far away.

Blessings were not remaining with him

For he had already given away everything.

He gazed at the sky and cheered up

As he saw shining stars high up;

Off he flew and plucked a star;

and placed it in the house so far.

Seeing the brightness he became happy

Was overjoyed truly truly !

Days later, the angel did hear

The sound of trumpets loud and clear;

Heavenly Dad was on an inspection round

To check and see if everything was sound.

The Angel saw a hole from where he had plucked the star;

And began to tremble and cry, while Father was still so far.

Mother Mary approached the little one,

And asked the angel the reason;

Our little friend narrated everything

And on conclusion began weeping.

She took the angel in Her arms;

Told him to be silent and calm.

She removed a star from Her gown;

And told him to fix it down.

In the meantime Father came;

Saw the star and realized the game.

He tapped the little Angel’s shoulder

told him, “Be happy, and don’t bother;

happy are you from today;

this star will lead and show the way.

It’s a sign of love in the sky so far;

In your memory, it will be called:

“The Little Morning Star”

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

 TOWARDS GREATER  HOPE….

The Holy Bible says, “The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.”        (Isaiah 11:1)

The history of Salvation is the ceaseless effort of God, who apparently wanted to bring back those who drifted away from Him. Thanks to this glorious event of Christmas, eternal hopes were incarnated in order that a new era comprising the Lord’s natives  may be brought into existence.  

The Holy Church continues its efforts to lead people to Salvation, a journey that originated from Christ. Praises to the glorified Lord now and forever for His love filled indescribable grace that He showers on those who are despised, weary, exhausted and on those who had no one to seek refuge in.  His everlasting mercy and unbounded grace is the Mystery hidden within it.

When the events of the Good News unfolded, it was not broadcasted to those who were sleeping peacefully in the palatial palaces of Jerusalem, instead the celestial angels brought the news and gladdened the hearts of some meek shepherds, who spent sleepless nights, taking care of their little lambs in open fields.

Thus, the Word that existed with God from the beginning descended into this universe impart life to it. Jesus Christ- the Word alone is the light of all mankind. All who accept this Light is set free from the drudgery of darkness. He will abide in those who believe in His Name and be their guide forever.

The Lord, born in human likeness, dwelt along those sunk in deep darkness of sin and even today is in search of a human heart to reside and impart the ever-shining Light of Eternal Life.

So let us give up our evil and dark ways; walk His Holy Path which is lit up with the light of truth. Just as the hurriedness of the shepherds to see the long awaited Messiah, let us too hurry to spread the Good News to the far ends of the universe.

May this year ending feast strengthen you to reach out to others the Good News that opens the doors of peace and happiness.

Let us bow down in adoration to the Most Loving Father, pleading for His Light, Love and Mercy for all mankind. Allow the little but most holy and powerful hands of Infant to have a touch to sanctify our thoughts, words ,actions and affections; so we may please God and all whom He wishes.

Holy Mary intercede and guard our mind, heart and sense that we may not be stained with sin or any occasions of sin. Amen!!

May the peace and joy of Christ and blessing of the advancing New Year reach out to you!

With Love filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

IN PRAISE OF GOD’S GOODNESS

“Give thanks to the Lord because He is good;

His love is eternal!

Repeat these words in praise to the Lord

all you whom He has saved.

He has rescued you from your enemies

and has brought you back from foreign countries,

from east and west, from north and south.

Some wandered in the trackless desert

and could not find their way to a city to live in.

They were hungry and thirsty and had given up all hope.

Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,

and he saved them from their distress.

He led them by a straight road

to a city where they could live.

They must thank the Lord for His constant love

for the wonderful things He did for them,

He satisfies those who are thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things.

Some were living in gloom and darkness,

prisoners suffering in chains,

because they had rebelled against the

commands of Almighty God

and had rejected His instructions.

They were worn out from hard work;

they would fall down, and no one would help.

Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,

and He saved them from their distress.

He brought them out of their gloom and darkness

and broke their chains in pieces.

They must thank the Lord for His constant love,

for the wonderful things He did for them.

He breaks down doors of bronze

and smashes iron bars.

Some were fools suffering because of their sins

and because of their evil;

they couldn’t stand the sight of food

and were close to death.

Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,

and He saved them from their distress.

He healed them with His command

and saved them from the grave.

They must thank the Lord for His constant love,

for the wonderful things He did for them.

They must thank Him with sacrifices,

and with songs of joy must tell all that He has done.

(Psalms 107:1-22)

CHILDREN OF GOD

See how much the Father had loved us!  His love is so great that we are called God’s children – and so, in fact, we are.  This is why the world doesn’t know us: it has not known God.  My dear friends, we are now God’s children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become.   But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He really is.   Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure. 

Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law.  You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in Him.   So everyone who lives in union with Christ doesn’t continue to sin, but whoever continues to sin has never seen Him or known Him.  

Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. Whoever continues to sin belongs to the devil, because the devil has sinned from the very beginning.   The Son of God appeared for this very reason to destroy what the devil had done.

Whoever is the child of God does not continue to sin, for God’s very nature is in him, and because God is His Father He cannot continue to sin. This is the clear difference between God’s children and the devil’s children: anyone who does not do what is right or does not love his brother is not God’s child.  

                                                                                        (1 John 3 : 1 – 10)

This is the Word of the Lord!

Thanks be to God!

ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, And peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased!”

There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

And peace on earth to those with

whom He is pleased!” 

(Luke 2:8-14)

There were thousands of angels appointed for Queen Mary during her journey to Bethlehem. After the courtiers of heaven had celebrated the birth of God in Bethlehem, some of them were dispatched immediately to different places in order to announce the joyful news according to the Divine Will.

The Holy Prince, St. Michael betook himself to the Holy Patriarch in limbo announcing how the only-begotten of the Eternal Father, was   already born in the world and was resting humble and meek; as they had prophesized.

It was also the most joyful day for St. Anne and Joachim for their long banishment, the message their daughter held in her arms—the Son of God. They all composed and sang new songs of adoration and worshipped in His Holy presence. Gloria!!

Meanwhile, some angels that attended and guarded the Heavenly Mother were send to St. Elizabeth and her son John. On hearing the news of the birth of the Redeemer, the prudent mother and her son, though tender in age; prostrated themselves upon the earth and adored their God made man in spirit and truth. St.Elizabeth conveyed her request to our Holy Queen, through the angels to adore her Most Holy son on their behalf.

Amongst all, the shepherds who were watching their flock at the time of the birth of Christ were patiently blessed. (Luke 2:8) It is not only because they accepted the labor and inconvenience of their calling but also because being poor, humble and despised by the world; they belonged in sincerity and uprightness of heart, fervently hoped and longed for the coming of the Messiah. They kept on speaking and discoursing about Him among themselves. Also, they were removed from the richness, vanity, passions of the world and far from any cunningness. So they were merited to be called and invited as the first fruits of the Saints by the Savior Himself.

He manifested Himself by those whom He wished to be praised, served and adored. Archangel Gabriel was sent to them in human form and with great splendor. (Luke 2:10-12)

At these words of the angel, suddenly appeared a great multitude of the celestial army, who in voices of sweet harmony; sang to the most High their verses:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

And peace on earth to those with

whom He is pleased!”

In the angelic vision, the humble and fortunate shepherds were filled with divine enlightenment. Their fervent longing to make certain of the blessings and to witness with their own eyes—the Most High Mystery!

As they were free from the arrogant wisdom of the world they believed in the proof of the Majesty King. They were illuminated by the Divine Light and in innocence they hurried to the cave. On entering the cave, they found Mary, Joseph and the Holy Infant lying in a manger. They recognized and acknowledged the truth of what they had heard of the child. Prostrating themselves on the earth they adored the Word made Flesh.

They were no more ignorant; but as the wise and prudent men they adored, acknowledged and magnified Him as the True God and Man; joyfully confessing that He is the Restorer and Redeemer of the entire human race.

The Heavenly Mother of the child took notice of all that they did, interiorly and exteriorly and pondered over them in their soul. (Luke 2:19)

She instructed them to persevere in the divine Love and in service of the Most High. They too conversed with her; and showed that they understood many of the mysteries.

The Queen send them off- full of Heavenly grace and consolation.

Dear devotees of Christ, I humbly request you to go through the message deeply and meditate the qualities of the shepherds which truly pleased God and made them worthy to receive His reward.

Our advent journey of this year comes to an end and the events will led to the birth of our Savior. We see the prophecies, promises and prayers of the Old Testament being fulfilled.

Blessed Mary accepted her mission with uncompromising humility, obedience, charity and poverty. She acted with unwavering faith and trust!---why?-All because she believed that God would fulfill the Word He had spoken.

How do you make your life as an offering to God along with your family?

The faithful God will never forsake you because He allowed us to enter His Covenant.

Dark days are not withstanding; He brings the springs to us. Though the door to darkness is closed He bursts open the doors of His Everlasting Light!

So let us move confidently to the new path that leads to and from the door; Path that leads to peace and happiness. Let us revive our methods to transform ourselves.

Let us kneel down without any hesitation; overcoming our sickness in front of the Mighty Restorer!

Let us go to the manger every day, with high reverence, kneel down, kiss His footsteps asking pardon for our shameful arrogant behavior. Remember that whoever knelt down and adored Him were enlightened and merited by His knowledge and humility.

Let us leave our pride and prejudice at the feet of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. It is the time to think of new resolutions; sitting under the heavenly Light- the Best Gift of the Season!

So stay filled with hope, reciting few prayers like those mentioned below that can assist you to take the right decisions in the coming years.

Infant Jesus, poor and simple

Bless me and grant my petition!

Infant Jesus, humble and obedient

Bless me and grant my petition!

Infant Jesus, silent and recollected

Bless me and grant my petition!

Infant Jesus, inflamed with love for me

Bless me and grant my petition!

Conclude the prayer with Three Hail Mary and Three Gloria!

Season’s Greetings!!

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

GOD WILL RESCUE JERUSALEM

How wonderful it is to see

a messenger coming across the mountains,

bringing good news, the news of peace!

He announces the victory and says to Zion,

“Your God is King!”

Those who guard the city are shouting,

shouting together for joy!

They can see with their own eyes

The return of the Lord to Zion!

Break into shouts of joy,

You ruins of Jerusalem!

The lord will rescue His city

And comfort His people.

The Lord will use His holy power;

He will save His people,

And the world will see it.

(Isaiah 52:7-10)

***************************************************************************

THE WORD OF LIFE

“Before the world was created, the Word already existed; He was with God. And He was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

God sent His messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. This was the real light – the light that comes into the world and shines on all mankind.

The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own country, but His own people did not receive Him. Some, however did receive Him, and believed in Him; so He gave them the right to become God’s children. They did not become God’s children by natural means that is being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father.

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw His glory, the glory which He received as the Father’s Only Son.

John spoke about Him. He cried out, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘He comes after me, but He is greater than I am, because He existed before I was born.’ ”

Out of the fullness of His grace he blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. God gave the law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father’s side, he has made Him known.”   (John 1:1-18)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to Lord Jesus Christ!  Amen