COMMUNION OF FRIENDS

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

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

(Luke 11:5-8)

Let us meditate on this parable:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeated knocking shows the depth of our relationship with God.

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

The Bible describes that true friends never keep his anger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us conclude with a testimony:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Joys of Human Life

Having independent means or working for a living- both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.

A man’s name can be preserved if he has children or if he establishes a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way.

Owning lives stock and orchard’s will make you famous, but it is better to have a wife you love.

Wine and music can make you happy, but a happy marriage is even better.

Flutes and harps make fine music, but a pleasant voice is better than either.

Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as new growth in the spring.

You can’t go wrong with a good friend or neighbor, but an intelligent wife is better than either.

Brothers and helpers are good to have in times of trouble, but it will be an even greater help you have made a practice of giving to the poor.

Gold and silver provides security, but good advice is better.

Wealth and strength give confidence, but the fear of the Lord can give you even greater confidence.

When you fear the Lord you need nothing more; it is all the support you need.

The fear of the Lord is like a rich garden of blessings, you could not want a more glorious shelter. 

(Sirach 40:18-26)

                                                         

   MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

VALOR OF VITAL TIDINGS

Part II

The Bible says, “But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor Him as Lord.”     (1 Pet.3:15)

There are many who based on human strength promises and try hard not to fall into evil deeds but are unsuccessful. Such persons  will be successful in their hard work only when they are anointed by the Holy Spirit.

It is for a reason, that St. Paul states, “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and for the future. (1Tim.4:8)

Many approach me with a common doubt that “once after experiencing the Holy Spirit vividly and then if we fall down it is said that thereafter it is difficult to lead ourselves to repentance once again"

Dear Readers, you too may be at times troubled by the same miserable state of life. Do not be disheartened!

There may be numerous instances when we tumble down but with great care you have to protect this precious treasure because if it is lost it is difficult to regain it.

The Bible says,“You are always resisting the Holy Spirit.(Acts.7:51)

Again it is mentioned “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 4:30)

God the Father does not send His Spirit on one who has the habit of arguing and justifying his wrong doings. Holy Spirit abides in a heart of humility.

“But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the Scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Since the Spirit is the power of God-who is full of love and truth.

“…….because I am gentle and humble in spirit.” (Matt. 11:29)

So even after we receive the Holy Spirit, if we lead a life against the Will of God, we are guilty of grieving the Holy Spirit.

Whoever wishes to abide in the Holy Spirit and wish to lead a prosperous life, ought to keep themselves free from pride and justification nature.

“So we beg you, our brothers, to do even more. Make it your aim to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before.” (1 Thess. 4:10-11)

Again the Holy Bible instructs, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly and work to earn their own living.” (2 Thess. 3:12)

When we continuously interfere and accuse others, we tend to lose the peace within us and make others sad.

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit.  Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately.” (Matt 1:18-19)

Taking a right decision Joseph saved Mary from public disgrace and he too was right in God’s sight.

“For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God’s light; they tasted heaven’s gift and received their share of Holy Spirit; they knew from experience that God’s word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing Him to public shame.” (Heb. 6:4-6)

In Greek the word ‘impossible’ translates to ‘adunatos’; which means very very difficult. Though you have grieved the Holy Spirit, you may still have a chance to receive it but the probability of you grieving the Spirit and moving away from it is even more.

Anger and hatred has a main role in grieving the Holy Spirit.

How can we protect the Holy Spirit?

I feel it would be appropriate to share few of my instances from my experience to you all.

When we pray fervently the Holy Spirit descends to being union with our own spirit.

The fuel burns to ashes releasing gas which pushes the rocket, so to overcome the gravitational pull and ascend upwards. The fuel region burns off completely releasing the rocket into space.

Similarly, in the fire of the Holy Spirit our bodily desires and sins begin to burn and reduce to ashes when we praise God. By overcoming the gravitational net of worldly passions, we have to ascend to the height of goodness and purity, enabling us to see divine visions. Then we are filled with the glory of God and gain hope. At times you feel being lifted up to heaven. This is definitely a divine experience.

Dear faithful ones, if you accept Jesus, as your personal Lord and Savior and honor and Praise Him willingly, we will be granted with the strength to stand upright in trials and hardships in life.

Didn’t Jesus say, “The world will make you suffer, but be brave, I have defeated the world.”  (John 16:33)

Praise the Lord!

When you encounter trials, you may feel that it may completely destroy you.

In such moments, when our patience is tested, Lord speaks to us in silence-“Dear Child, will you abandon me? Wait in patience till I intervene.”

Hence with great faith and hope along with enduring patience, if we stay firm in prayer, devoid of depression, then this promise is surely at hand.

Always remember the enduring patience of those who led through the valley of tears and the divine blessings they received.

Lord does not give His Spirit by measure hence, we all have to be filled with it.

The Holy Bible says, “Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18)

Ask and you shall receive. So let’s ask Abba Father to fill us with His constant love, save us and give us the grace to seek and find Him- the eternal Truth.

‘Do not take away your Spirit from me in Jesus’ Name I pray!

GOD OF COMFORT

The Lord says, "The spirit is willing but the body is weak so let us watch and pray that we will not fall into temptation."  (Matt. 26:41)

“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it that you are looking for? (John 20:13)

Everyone is crying for something or the other, there are numerous persons, things or situations that make us cry and the list would be long.

Children cry in the absence of their mother or to express their hunger and aches.

Teenagers cry at the drop of a hat for heart breaks, broken dreams, failures, fights with friends etc…

As years pass, along with us our list of unhappiness also increases. Joblessness, insecurity, hardships, poverty, sickness, lack of prosperity, wayward life, irresponsible life partner, childlessness, bad habits, demise of loved ones etc..Some are depressed due to the fact that are trapped in a net of bad habits, friends and can’t overcome it.

Where do we cry?

Little ones cry in front of their mother or anyone who can they feel can understand and fulfill their needs. Teenagers run into their room to seeking refuge or to any place where they are free to express themselves. Some go to their good friends. It is natural that we have to express ourselves when we are about to shed a tear or when our heart is burdened. 

Elderly people would mostly find refuge in their neighbors or relatives. Some share it with those whom they are close to and some rely on alcohol, drugs and smoking.

Others divert their mind towards television, excessive food consumption and online addiction.

Are we truly relieved? Have we been successful in solving our problems?

We are only successful in getting temporarily relief. Sometimes the person we trust or seek comfort might publicize our pain or even blame us.

What does the Good News tell us regarding it?

This is what the Lord says, “A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.” (Jer. 31:15) She was crying to the Lord who could truly comfort and answer her. The  Lord who heard her cry says, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears for your work will be rewarded."

Again Ephraim is weeping in front of God. The Lord answers,"I have surely heard Ephraim mourning.”

“You have disciplined me like an unruly calf and I have been disciplined. Restore me and I will return, because You are my Lord, my God.”

In his repentance after being astray he cries to God Saying, “My heart is heavy. I am humiliated and ashamed because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”

God moves with compassion to his confession and says, “Ephraim, you are my dear son. The child in whom I delight.”

Though I often spoke against him, I will still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him. I have great compassion for him.

My dear ones in Christ, If we cry in front of our Lord, who can truly understand the depth of our pain, He will surely call us by our name. He takes our pain and sorrows. He can neither laugh nor blame or publish it because He alone can read our mind because He is our Creator. He rewards us with a permanent solution.

Remember in your deepest grief that God is not absent, but He is planning our redemption. It is wise to make up your mind and walk towards the Son of God, who cries for our every need to God our Father, the True Provider. He is the one and only source where we can find solace.

Every soul has its own sorrow! How then can we humans mutually comfort each other? When such situation arises, our words of advice and comfort can only be laced with some selfishness or pain aligned with our experiences of our lives.

You may be the wandering prodigal son, away from all your well wishers, seeking your pleasures. They may be sad about you, may be your  hot tempered decisions might have made your parents/ loved ones paralytic or to mental disturbances.

The Bible clearly says, “If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in Me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied round his neck and be drowned in the deep sea. How terrible for the world that these are things that make people lose their faith! Such things will always happen –but how terrible for the one who causes them!”  (Matt. 18:6-7)

“Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!” (Matt. 5:4)

If you move forward with a new and confident heart His outstretched arms will hug you and He will embrace you. He will abolish all your sorrows in His Heart. Then He will lead you to the quiet pools of fresh water and give you new strength and guide you to the right path along with His staff. His Honor love and goodness will follow all your life. Let not your heart be troubled. He invites you even if you are far away from him.

“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.” (Matt. 11: 28-29)

                                                  LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, you had lifted up all your deep distress and sorrows to Abba Father and prayed ‘Let Your Will be done.’ 

Look upon me with your comforting heart into my teary eyes and distressed heart. You had instructed your disciples to be vigilant and pray so as to not fall into temptation.

Yes, my gracious Lord, grant me to overcome all habituated nature which rewards me/my family and community, confusion and dispute. Draw my hardened heart towards your heart in which dwells all the fullness of divinity and which the Father was well pleased. 

Enter into the midst of my family and make it Your own and let your Holy Spirit inspire us, soon one cry may resound from home to nations.

May the Triumphant Heart of Jesus and Holy Spirit increase our faith to take the right decision at all times of trials. This we pray in Jesus’ name.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation

Peace and Victim of sinners, Pray for us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us

St. Anthony of Padua, Pray for us. Amen!

                                                                                                                                                                                                           LORD OF PARDON

            The Lord says, “I will never turn away, anyone who comes to me.” (  Jn.6:37)

 This is the supplication of a man, who has offended God, his Creator.

God is just --- He rewards the good and punishes the wicked. He is also merciful as born out of book of Books and history of mankind.

He has made assurance of pardon to sinners who are repentant. God asked sinners  to be humble and to acknowledge their sins and to be sorry for them. "If  we acknowledge our sins , He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquities." (1 John 1:9)

If we say that we have not sinned, we make God out to be a liar, and His Word is not in us.

We shall not hesitate to seek pardon and mercy of God. We should go to Him, the moment we fall into sin.

"Delay not be converted to the Lord and differ it not from day to day, for His wrath shall come on a sudden." (Eccl 5: 8-9)

God listens to the prayers of a humble penitent sinner.

 "A humble and contrite heart O God! Thou will not despise." (Psalm 50:19)

Be frank to admit your sins and hide them not when you confess them and ask forgiveness for them. 

"He that hides his sin shall not proper, but he that shall confess and forsake them shall obtain mercy." (Prov 28:13)

The Lord Himself spoke of the joy of a pardoned sinner. "There will be joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents more than over ninety-nine, who have no need for repentance." (Luke 15:7)

The Apostles themselves understood the measure to obtain pardon.

"Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be bloated out." (Acts. 3:19)

Since we all are sinners it is required to approach  the channel of grace of pardon in the Sacrament of Penance. Our Lord Christ after His Resurrection appeared to the Apostles and given them the power to forgive sins. 

"Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you shall forgive, they shall be forgiven and whose sins shall retain, they are retained. (John 20:23)

                                                STORIES OF PARDON

Keep in mind dear ones in Christ, that these stories concern the goodness of our Lord, who is always dispose to forgive, repentant sinners.

Story I
There was  once a man with two children. The younger one went to his father saying, "Father, give me the property that shall belong to me." So then the father divided his possession between the two children and the younger of the two went afar; travelling to another town, where he wasted the possession which he inherited. Famine reigned in that place and the young man suffered so much that he had to get employment in a piggery.The time came, he had to eat even what was offered to the pigs.

In his moments of quiet and contemplation, he began to think about his home. "In my home there is abundant food, while here I am suffering from hunger. It would be better  that I return to my father to ask him forgiveness for my foolishness." And he kept his promise to return to his home. Meeting his father he said," Father, I am not worthy to be called your son because I have  sinned against you and Heaven".

Father was profuse in grant of pardon to his son, who was repentant of his sins.

He even prepared a banquet to celebrate the return of the son who had left him and sinned. The elder son became envious and told his father, "Father, for many years I have stayed with you, serving you but you have not prepared such a banquet as you have offered to my brother. 

The father pacified him saying, "Son, we have to rejoice because your brother had been separated from us and he has now come back to our midst."

Synopsis

The Father in the story is the picture of our Sovereign Lord. The prodigal son is a mirror of man who have sinned against Him. 

A sinner who repents of his sins and goes back to God and promises to live a new life in His grace will obtain pardon for his sins.

Story II

There was a man in Jerusalem about 38 years of age, who was suffering from a scare disease. He was one of the sick who went to the pool of Bethzatha. Many who were deaf, lame, blind and paralytic were waiting for the descent of an angel of  God, who would cure them of their ailments. 

Jesus was passing by and He saw the man down his disease. "Do you want to get cured?" asked Jesus and the answered, "Lord, nobody will help me to go down the pool because I have always been left behind whenever the water moves."

Jesus told him, "Arise and Walk!"

Immediately the sick man stood up and got healed. But it was a Sabbath day --- a day of rest for the Jews. They therefore got mad at Jesus asking the cured man, "Who was it that healed you?"

The same man went to the temple and Jesus met him. The Lord told him," Now you are cured and don't ever sin again for something worse may happen to you."

Synopsis

This story again is one of pardon granted by the Sovereign Lord, to those who admit their weakness and are repentant of their sins.

After being sorry for the sins and obtaining pardon of the Lord, it is wise that the sinner does not go back to the place or occasion of sin.

The Lord is merciful to those who really repent. 

Beads of the Sacred Heart

Soul of Christ, sanctify me

                                                    Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the sides of Christ, wash me,

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Good Jesus, hear me, within Your wounds, hide me 

Suffer me not to be separate from You,

From the Malignant enemy, defend me and

Bid me come to You that with Your Saints  

                              I may praise God for all eternity. Amen. 

Jesus meek and humble of heart

Make my heart unto yours.

Sweet Heart of Jesus, Be my love

Sweet Heart of Mary, Be my salvation.