CHRISTEEN SECTION

TRUE FRIEND

Timmy was the only child of her parents; studying in sixth standard she was a good athlete who was very much loved by her classmates.  A quality that separated her from other children was the swiftness of her brain that was faster than her sporty legs.  She loved the appreciation and love that was showered on her by her friends. In order to keep that intact she induced a cunning trick – distribution of sweets.  One day, as usual she ran to the nearest sweet shop on her way to school and brought an extra quantity than the regular packet. On getting extra sweets than usual her friends praised her and she was happy with the extra attention and admiration. When it was time to return home, her friends noticed that Timmy was not her usual self. A pinch of guilt crept into her. Her mother too noticed the change. Her daughter, who otherwise would be jumping and dancing  to be back, today pretended sick and covered herself to sleep.  By evening too she was aloof and it was time for daddy to return from work. On other days, she would eagerly wait for him but today was different. She did not have the courage to face her dad nor to rush to his lap to play or to tell how her day went by. She heard the doorbell ring; and as soon as dad came in he began to call her. Slowly gathering courage she walked up to the front room where both mom and dad stood facing her. “I had told you to take your allotted pocket money; why did you take extra amount?” asked daddy fumingly. There it was!! Finally the moment that Timmy feared!! But she stood there pretending innocence and unaware of what dad was talking. When she saw that he was very angry and would punish her she began to shed tears and agreed to her misdeed.  Mom added to the conversation, “Why did you do so? If you had asked your dad, would he not have given it to you?”    Timmy cried so bitterly that mother was convinced that she was sorry and regretful for her mistake. Dad continued sternly, “From tomorrow you shall be deprived from your pocket money.  Let me warn you do not repeat this again.”  She went back to her room; angry at her parents, thinking, “Why did they have to discontinue my pocket money? How will I face my friends without sweets? How will I find a way out?”  With such gush of thoughts  she slowly faded off to sleep.

The next day, Timmy accompanied Tessy, a neighbor and her classmate. When the entire group of friends gathered, they were busy discussing homework and projects. It was then Tessy realized that she had not yet completed a portion of the calculation her teacher had given her.  Opening her bag, she took out the notebook and asked some of her friend’s help. Meanwhile Timmy who was in her own world, all worrying about what had happened the previous day, was near  sitting near friend’s bag and her eyes immediately noticed some money. There was the solution to her problems. She cunningly looked around; lifted the note and ran off to the nearest shop and brought a handful of sweets to everyone including Tessy. Each one retreated to their classrooms, after deciding where to meet for lunch break. During the interval Tessy searched her bag restlessly for the note that mother had  given her to buy lunch from the canteen. She searched between the pages of her books to all the pouches in her bag; but it was empty. Asking pardon to the Lord for her carelessness; she prayed in her hunger.  The bell rang and class resumed. After some time Tessy fell down unconscious. When Timmy enquired, she was shocked to know that her friend was suffering from high fever .  Her heart ached to know that Tessy had to skip her lunch as she lost the money. Timmy realized that her bad deeds were wrecking others life; and it was time that she mended her ways. She took a firm decision never to repeat such cruel acts; and in her heart, prayed to Lord Jesus to comfort her dear friend. From the principal’s office she telephoned her mother who took Tessy home and cared for her. Meanwhile Timmy with a sincere repentant heart confessed her act to her mother, who attentively listened and reviewed her daughter’s conduct. Amidst her sobs, she hugged mother, promising her and self never again to indulge in any such acts.

Next day Timmy went to her friend to tell her about the previous day’s happenings. She was sure that Tessy would be disappointed with her and go about telling her misdeeds to all. Instead Tessy replied, “Our Lord Jesus, has taught us to forgive our enemies; you though are my best friend, I extend my forgiveness to you. Never mind! Past is past! Let us spend our time in prayer in the chapel and studies; rather than run to the nearest sweet shop.”

Then they joined in, asking forgiveness to Lord Jesus for the sins of self, and those among students. They were filled with great happiness, joy and tranquility. The love, compassion and patience of Lord Jesus, who was wounded and bruised for our transgression sprouted in them.  Dear children, your minds may lead you to bad habits and paths very quickly. Evaluate your daily deeds today itself and beg forgiveness to Lord Jesus, and strive to make a new path in truth.

A SHORT PRAYER

O Little Jesus who lived according to the will of the Father and who set an example for us, make my hearts like yours. It seeks pleasure in self glory, selfish motives, disobedience, and many things that is not worthy in Your eyes. Grant me the strength to obey faithfully your laws even in my little deeds; the grace to request forgiveness without hesitation; and to extend forgiveness wholeheartedly to those who require if from my end.   Loving Father, grant that I and all students may be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to be sincere in all our actions. Pour out your Divine Mercy on all of us and help to wash ourselves clean from all our wrongdoing. Heavenly Mother, intercede for us to your Divine Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.

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