CHRISTEEN SECTION

My Spirit rejoices in my Lord as I, your Sister in Christ, congratulate and extend my heartfelt gratitude to one and all that regularly read, send prayer requests, pour thanksgivings and encourage us.

I take this opportunity to appreciate all the young children, who painstakingly partook in the Advent activities. May the gracious Father, our loving dad bestow His love upon each one; accepting the most valuable treasures of the little buds and may it be transported and distributed to the entire planet via His Heavenly Messengers in accordance to His Holy Will.

I have pre-poned this week’s CHRISTEEN SECTION to today, as we are already in the Christmas week and it is the apt moment to keep ready your return gifts to our Lord, the Word Incarnate.

Let us propose one more effort to the little ones to complete the entire advent activities and craft it into presentable manner.

Be sure to compile and neatly note your whole advent activities into a small book.  Do acquire a gift wrapper to wrap the book. A handmade greeting card attached to the gift would be an added advantage. As you engross yourself, keep your lips busy too with Christmas Hymns. Also do not forget lighting the four candles of the Advent wreath.

Do you remember how the three Magi Kings brought themselves and their presents to the King of Universe?

The three Magi Kings of the east entered the cave that housed the Manger and prostrated themselves upon the earth while they worshipped and adored the Holy Infant acknowledging Him as the True God and man; the Savior of the human race.

They were filled with enlightenment and congratulated our Queen as Mother of God and St. Joseph for his good fortune on being chosen as the spouse of the Mother of God. The Heavenly Mother received their gifts and offered it to the Infant Jesus on each one’s behalf.

Do you know what the Holy Mother gave them in return?

She provided them some of the clothes in which she had wrapped the Infant God; for she neither had nor could have had anything greater visible pledges of esteem to enrich them at their departure.

They received the relics with such reverence and esteem that they encased them in gold and other precious stones in order to sustain them ever after.

They believed in the coming of God into the world and their own countries. They performed great miracle with these relics.

On taking leave of her, the three Kings from their inmost heart besot to the Holy Mother and St. Joseph not to forget them. With the blessings of Infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph, they departed.

Dear viewers of KLWC, So also let us be blessed by offering ourselves, our property and possessions and all that we have to the Mother and Sweet Jesus and prostrate upon the earth in worship and in His adoration.

Meanwhile let the children also imitate the elders in prostrating themselves; offering all their happiness, gifts, talents etc and their life ahead while worshiping and adoring the Holy Infant.

As I sign off, let me extend my sanctified Christmas Greetings to one and all.

With Love-Filled Blessings..

A RETREAT TO SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTMAS

PART I

How perfect are the deeds of God, how dependable His words! He is like a shield for all those who seek His protection. The Lord alone is God; God alone is our defence. He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my path safe. He makes me sure-footed as a deer; He keeps me safe on the mountains. He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow. O Lord, You protect me and save me; your care has made me great, and your power has kept me safe.   (Psalms 18)

May the God of KLWC, grant the readers an atmosphere filled with love, joy and mutual trust, throughout this Christmas season.

A family is the basic foundation of a community and most ancient human movement. Though officially we have many public holidays round the year, a day granted by our Creator, exclusively to tighten the knots of a Christian family is the birth-day of the King of Peace.

But this truth and realization gets covered by the dust of the hustle and bustle of the daily toil of our life. 

When a child is born to a couple, the foundation of their race gets firmly established. The day is dedicated and celebrated by parents and everyone in the family to welcome the arrival of the little one.

This Christmas season take some time out of your hectic schedule to meditate about the infant and his life situations.

It was only after his engagement to Mary, did Joseph realize that she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a just and noble man, decided to break off the engagement secretly. However, while he was thinking about this an angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Joseph, a descendant of David, do not hesitate to accept Mary as your wife.” …..And Joseph without any doubt accepted Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18)

When Joseph received the news that Virgin Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, he was totally amazed, but when he was comforted by the Heavenly power, Joseph obeyed the Sovereign God’s message to be with Mary and safeguard her always.

Here let us analyze the situation of the Holy Family contrast to that of ours. Even the poorest of the poor have a tiny dwelling to call their home and give birth to their child in it. As far as we are concerned, we are surrounded by the best medical assistance, doctors, specialists appointed readily. Nowadays, how much ever comfort God provides us, we parents and our children can never quit our whimper and grumbling.

However the birth place of the first child of the first Holy Family, who is peace of every family, the Infant Jesus was born in an ordinary manger. Dry hay which is the fodder for the cattle was the bed for the Prince of Heaven to lay. The little Jesus who is the cornerstone of the family had a more discomfort life.

The first visitors to the new born child were some poor shepherds, who got the heavenly message while watching their flocks that freezing night. When they arrived at the Holy Nativity, they saw the child sleeping peacefully, wrapped in swaddling clothes, devoid of any warm garment. They also visualized his mother sitting gracefully engrossed in God’s love amidst the poverty and Joseph in great patience, courageously safeguarding the mother and child.

The arrival of the three wise men and their adoration to the Holy King, created  splendid atmosphere of lordship and grandeur to the King of Kings. 

Dear devotees, this is the Christmas that we ought to celebrate.

But how do our Christmas celebrations begin and end?

The star, tree, decorations, sweets even the crib that could be handmade by the members of the family, are being included in the shopping lists.

All this purchases are being a replacement for the blessed togetherness of the family, the sacrifices and the valuable inputs and discussions for the arrival of the Holy King.

The competition for the best crib and the Christmas tree awarded by the community also snatches away the reverence of Christmas.

Wearing the latest trend, shopping the most up-to-date gadget, renovating the house etc. without spiritual preparations, shrinks the richness of the real Holy Nativity.

Some like to immerse themselves in the Spirit of Christmas by throwing a banquet of the finest meat and drinks for those who are ready to dance to their tune; eat and drink till each one is out of their senses!

Another fraction of people who indulge in indecent acts and visit clubs are also not very few.

Are we not misusing the holy word ‘Christmas’?

                                                                                                            (to be continued…)

With Love Filled Blessings

Your Sister in Christ 

A NEW NAME

PART II

My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and you may be in good health -- 
as I know you are well in spirit. (3 John : 2)

Click here for the earlier part.

When God stretches His hands to bless you, your family too will attain His grace and be blessed through you.

As the Holy Bible says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your family.” (Acts 16:31)

When Abraham believed in God’s covenant; his family too was blessed. 

Similarly, when Jacob was staying with his father-in-law, the Almighty God blessed Laban and all that he had in abundance.

When Jacob was ready to leave his house, Laban said to him, “Let me say this: I have learnt by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” (Genesis 30:27)

Laban was amazed to see the miraculous prosperity he achieved through Jacob.

Are you lamenting? Is poverty rampant in your family? Are you in bed of tears due to sickness? Are you broken hearted?

Do not lose hope, the Lord who blessed Laban for the sake of Jacob, will surely bless your family for your sake.

Dear young children, always remember that you can be the source of your family’s prosperity. Do regularly ask the Lor d to place His hands upon you, and enjoy the bountiful blessings that will flow into you and submerge your family members too.

It is a noble act to receive blessings from your parents too; dear parents, make it a practice to lay your hands upon your children while blessing them; couples in the family too can lay their hands and bless one another. This small but dignified act will surround your family with the Supreme Love and unity of God and aid you to experience the peace of God. Almighty Lord will bless parents, to be proud of your children, while they learn to remain in love and loyalty to you.

As you experience the hand of God over you, His blessing will follow and reflect in your daily life. Be it the people around you or the workplace. Your superiors will be blessed, as God brings prosperity to your work.

Let us reach out to the Holy Bible where it mentions about a young man Joseph, whose brothers had plotted against him and had him thrown into a dry well to die. Joseph was pious and he loved God dearly and faithfully. The Lord in turn blessed him and he prospered in all that he did. God blessed the Egyptians for the sake of his servant Joseph.

As mentioned earlier, there was a stage in my life when I had to sacrifice my family, my home and everything I possessed in this life in the light of the Holy Gospel.

All those brothers and sisters, who helped me sincerely during those days, have been and still being blessed abundantly by Lord. Broken families were rejoined, sick with good health; those who were jobless were blessed with good jobs and are in high positions today. Peace and joy were showered immeasurably.

Dear devotees, I can assure you that the Lord who blessed those who sheltered God’s chosen daughter, will surely bless, sanctify and uphold your family.

God who blessed whole of Egypt through a slave, will surely bless your place of work and all your colleagues.

Almighty God who blessed Laban through Jacob, will surely prosper you and your family members.  

With the Divine Hands upon you, no curses will touch you. The fear of curses from your ancestors will vanish in his Precious Blood.

Once the Israelites camped in the plain Moab and Balak the King of Moab was terribly afraid of those people. He sent his people to Baalam the prophet to curse the Israelites. Balaam was confused and looked at the Lord. The Lord said Balaam “Do not go with these men and do not put a curse on the people of Israel, because they have my blessing” (Numbers 22:12)

Again the king took Balaam to another place to curse the Israelites once again Balaam looked at Lord and after receiving the command of God he said “I have been instructed to bless, and when God blesses I cannot call it back”. “I  forsee that Israel’s future will bring her no misfortune or trouble the Lord their God is with them”. (Numbers 23:20-21).

Yes if you are under the blessing of God and give due reverence, no curse or evil can afflict you and also your ancestors debts will also be cleared through your blessings.

Let us pray

Jesus, King of the family, sent your Holy Spirit upon each family of this world to bring peace and forgiveness among us to eradicate the brokenness and weakness of  our soul, mind and body, bondage of hereditary curses, debts and illness especially psychological disorders.  

Mother Mary Queen of the Family, send your holy legion that under your command and by your power, they may pursue the evil spirit, resist their bold attacks and drive them into the abyss of eternal home. Amen!

With Love Filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

FAMILY – A PLACE OF EXTREME BLISS

PART II

The Bible says, “…Therefore what God has joined together, let men not separate.”  (Matt. 19:6)

Lord Jesus loved His people and his disciples more than his own life, but for all those love what response did he receive?

His lips knew no blames; He did not take refuge in loneliness. In spite of the sorrow that even His disciples did not see Lord Jesus the way He was, He refrained deviating from His aim till the end and fulfilled all His work patiently.

The Cross of Calvary is the true measuring rod of this love. To realize the attitude with which the Lord who suffered utmost pain, we have to visualize the Cross. Similarly, if we receive the Cross of our daily life by visualizing them in the same way, then our relationships will be like the full moon, which shines even in the dark. For this we may have to ask and receive Christ’s attitude daily.

It was not for His own interest that Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself and received the Cross.

The Cross standing aloft reflects two major values

He Forgot Himself and He Sacrificed Himself

In marital relation too, the Love of Christ demands a similar attitude that man should sacrifice his interests and woman should forget her own pleasures. It is better if this is imbibed by us.

No man or woman can satisfy their life partner by giving one’s own love because everyone seeks and desires the same boundless love for themselves.

From the weak heart as big as a fist, we can offer only our weak love but great satisfaction and happiness will bloom if we daily imbibe and share the Eternal Love, which flows from the King of Love.

Love is not something that can be stolen or snatched.

When love begins to flow from undying springs, then it fails to get limited within the search for momentary happiness or desire to get anything in return.

If marital relation begins to take refuge in worldly emotions or evolves to be self oriented then these relations will turn out to be mere objects to satisfy emotions alone.

When couples begin to live freely with Godly thoughts, then all their emotional problems tend to melt and flow into nothingness.

Relationships will be strengthened when we realize that love means responsibilities that arise from mutual decisions.

Dear Ones, the hurt feelings you have inflicted on your life partner may be very deep, but don’t worry, only the sorrowful passions of our Lord Jesus can heal them. Neither person nor medicine can heal the wounds.

The path you seek and the victory we achieved may perhaps lead us to a guilty conscience with moments of downfall which are natural to human life,but what holds importance is how we handle them.

If we begin to waste our days with an attitude that the days are near, cipher and if we whisper that they are unsold, then the healing becomes impossible. There may be moments of argument and opposition in one’s life. In such moments, if you could cool down for a moment and turn to the Lord for guidance, give a thought to your responsibilities, then God will surely help you.

Personal relationship with Jesus i.e. personal prayer is essential to draw strength and hold united to deal the crisis in marital life.

The Holy Bible directs that “An excellent wife wakes up early in the morning and glorify God. Giving first priority to God is the initial responsibility of every wife.

Similarly the Holy Bible  states, “It is his practice to get up early and pray aloud to God His Creator asking the most High to forgive his sins. He prays with gratitude for his needs and increases his knowledge by reading the Word of God.” (Sirach 39:5-9)

The fact that husband and wife speak to Jesus individually everyday itself is a mighty blessing. Then the Holy Spirit will bless both of them with the required graces to sanctify their relationship, thus helping the couple to move in unity towards God. By mutually surrendering themselves, offences will be pardoned and bruises will be healed. Holy Spirit will train them with the manner to pray and to behave themselves with each other. When they together begin to seek the Will of God, the words of the Bible will be proved true:

“Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven.” ( Matt 18:19)

Again the Lord says, “I will make my home with my people and live among them.” (2 Cor. 6:16)

Yes dear ones, what a mighty blessing has Father promised through our marital relation!

How then can we who neglect such blessing expect his prosperity?

God says, “Man should not separate what God has united.” We should not forget that sitting at the right side of the Father, Jesus will intercede for us and the Holy Spirit by his instruction and advices will guide us to walk on the true path.  If we co-operate with them, we will be able to turn ourselves into sacrificial offering as two candles burning in flames of true sacrifice.

He further says, “If you wish to, you will be able to obey the commandments. Whether you should be faithful or not, depends on your will.” (Sirach 15:15)

Christ will give you the strength just like Tobias and Joseph, the descendant of David, we shall also set aside all our depression and loneliness and accept our life partner from the hands of the Almighty. If you ceaselessly strive and seek help from the Lord of Hope, then you will be transformed into a cactus growing beside streams of life giving water.

By reading this message together and by casting away all the old lullabies of life, may God bless you in abundant grace to accept each other. Amen!

FAMILY – A PLACE OF EXTREME BLISS

PART I

The Bible says, “…Therefore what God has joined together, let men not separate.”  (Matt. 19:6)

Books and articles describing family life and included relationships are easily available. But those which are useful in leading these relations of love to improvement and one burning with an attitude of sacrifice, thus imparting greater depths of spirituality in Godly ways are rarely available. I pray in Christ, those who read these words may spread the fragrance of love and purity.

Dear ones in Christ ages have passed since the initial sacred marital life started. The Holy Bible teaches that “God our Father realized that it is not good for man to stay alone and so He made a most appropriate partner for him, out of his own flesh and bones that is woman.” (Gen 2:22)

Thus God the spirit of unity uprooted loneliness and put us together in his unity. Lord appointed first man and woman as husband and wife. So that by taking refuge in Christ and by being filled with God’s Love, they can there after instill that love in one’s life partner.

After filling in the relations, when the spirit of Christ begins to build unity among couples, only then life turns out to be truly harmonious, lyrical and united.

Thus, they can spread and build a wide canopy, perfect and complete this world by partaking in the work of creation. The foundation of matrimonial relationship was thus laid down. The Bible says  “Since this matter comes from the Lord, it’s not for us to speak ill or well about it." God also gave the guidance required for the successes of this relationship. (Genesis 24:50) 

“God was with them.”

In the Gospel, Jesus has given an ideal example portraying of the good of these relationship. The Bible describes both the wise one who built his house by digging deep on strong rock and also the foolish one who built his house on sand. “The house built on strong rock withheld the mighty wind and storm.

 But in adverse condition, the house built on sand fell flat on the ground with a loud crash.”(Luke. 6:46-49)

Jesus was not teaching us to build a house but was revealing to us the need to begin life on a strong foundation. The Holy Bible says “How happy you will be if you put it into practice.” (John 13:17)

One who desires to be victorious will surely live according to this direction. Then we will receive God’s grace which will enable us to resist all pleasures of life. Jesus Christ says “Dear children how wrong you are! It is because you don’t know the scriptures or Gods power.” (Mat.22:29)

Yes dear ones, like the unity prevailing in the blessed trinity, every couple should be united as one with the Lord.

The firmness of marital life lies in the extend of union it has with God. Where prayer is lifted up, there the marital relation too will be fixed up in love.

The Holy Bible says, “A family divided against itself falls apart.” (Luke 11:17)

It further states that the family that prays together stays together.

The Bible says in Old Testament, “Tri-chords are hard to break.” (Eccl. 4:12) These words teach us that marital relations can never be limited to two individuals alone. Through various examples, the Holy Bible clearly teaches that the strong hands and divine guidance of an unseen Holy Priest (Lord Jesus) is of utmost importance amidst them.

Lord himself says, “The maintenance of this relationship is impossible for human heart.” (Mark 10:27)  But it is very simple for your Heavenly Father, who always desires to see you in unity.

So dear ones, aren’t these words giving us supernatural hope for maintaining our marital relationship?

Through the Holy Spirit, Lord is ever ready to give us anything we ask for and even more.

Knowing the appropriate Word of God and by submitting to the will of his parents, Tobias, their only son decided to receive his life partner. He very well knew that the girl he was going to receive had been married seven times and each time, her husband died on the first night itself, but, believing she was made for him, accepted her from God’s hand.

On the wedding night, when they were alone in their chamber, Tobias told his life partner, “Come let us pray for God’s mercy.”

He further prayed, “I am receiving her not by bodily desire, but by innocent love alone. Have mercy on us; grant that we may grow old together.” Then they both said “Amen” and concluded. (Tobit 8:7-8)

The following chapter, it is mentioned that the Lord blessed them with a life of perfection in His sight.

This is an example of an ideal marital life given by our Heavenly Father.

The Lord said to Joseph, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife.” (Matt. 1:20)

Inspite of being believers, in order to follow this modern world we have long back trespassed God’s direction. Therefore, all the holy relations are in a pitiful state today.

Isn’t it wise to check our life once again? Is there any need for hesitation regarding the correction of our mistakes?

Many disasters have occurred in our lives because we have not accepted our life partner as he or she is and due to lack of mutual prayer.

Didn’t you wander for years together with complaint lodged on your lips?

How many times have you cursed the person who brought the proposal to you?

How many times have you repeatedly complained that ‘the cause of all your troubles was due to the carelessness on the part of your parents? Had they given a second thought to the proposal, you could have married another better person?’What all misunderstandings, so many doubts right from the day you got married?

The opponent (partner) then begins, “From the day I began my life with you…… I am left with nothing except my cries and grinding of teeth. You are in a state of numbness…What is remaining now? There will be no changes in these …….”

Lack of contentment, hatred, numbness of life etc. begin to develop and to add to all these arrives a disregard towards the Creator.

However God our Father does not desire all this from his children. He is always waiting by to see the unity and love of His children. He wishes that we take leave from these narcotics of selfishness and live free from its side effects which are rejection and loneliness.

Father says, “As Christ loved, so also you should love one another.” (John 15: 12)

(to be continued…..)

GOD OF PATIENCE

Way to receive blessings: 

Part I

"May God the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus."

The nature of Lord is to forgive. Lord desires to give us this same nature because, Holy Bible says, "Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4)

Through His Glory, He has given us the very great and precious gifts He promised,so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world and may come to share the divine nature.
"And so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people.He keeps them for you in heaven,where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away." (1 Peter 1:4)
As a  way of  peace, forgiveness is the attribute handed down by our Lord. St.Paul exhorts us that through faith and enduring patience,by not losing our eagerness, we too shall become worthy to receive His promise like our faithful forefathers.

As asked by God, Moses went into the presence of King Pharaoh who was on the constant look out to nab his life.  As he put into practice the quality of patience, God the Father  Himself encouraged Moses and as promised helped him to deliver the people of Israel. Similarly, Lord may ask us too, to approach people who nurture maleficence for us within them. Hence, patience itself, winds its way towards Lord's grace.

Joseph of the Old Testament is an ideal example before us. Due to jealousy, his brothers sold him as a slave. Joseph who had reached Potipher's house in search of refuge, was compelled by his wife to delve into sin. But Joseph who was righteous and God fearing, did not succumb into her force and so she became furious and her false statements led her husband to misunderstand Joseph who was put into the dungeon by him. Joseph who endured everything calmly and patiently, was blessed by God. (Gen.39)

Similarly, we may  also encounter such difficulties from those related to us or our society. We may be falling prey to false accusations. Dear friends, memorizing the life of Joseph in such  moments of pain would be beneficial to us. 

Joseph said to his brothers, "You plotted evil against me,but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened." (Gen 50:20)
Yes dear ones, no matter whatever accusations and insults we may have to face, if we wait patiently then, Lord will definitely grant us upliftment. The greater the extent of endurance, the greater will be the blessings following it. 

Dear ones in Christ, is it sufficient to limit ourselves to just these examples of endurance? Certainly not! The Holy Bible says to us " Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any  of you has a complaint against some one. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." (Col  3: 13)

Giving a thought to the forgiving love of Jesus Christ will definitely serve as a guideline towards a holy and noble life. The Gospel of St.Luke vividly  describes the behavior of Christ towards Judas who ran forward to kiss Him which was a mere sign for the soldiers to identify Jesus. Looking straight into his eyes, Jesus asked, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?" (Lk 22:48). Similarly, we may be deceived through flattery or some other evil tricks, by those who were dear to us and those to whom we rendered selfless help. In times of sorrow due to discredit, with an attitude similar to that of Christ if we wait patiently for the Lord to intervene, then Lord will surely adorn us with the crown of victory. If we patiently receive the resulting mocking and insults, then Christ our King and Mediator who is seated at the right hand side of the Throne of Glory will surely not abandon His followers. The Holy Scripture says, "This is your hour to act when the power of darkness rules." (Lk 22: 53) Hence do not allow satan to take the upper hand of us. (Eph 4:27)
Because those who thrive in hatred, jealousy and grudge are ruled over by darkness. 

Holy Bible says,"God is love." (1 John 4:16). Hence those deeds devoid of love do not come from God, instead they belong to satan who is the enemy of God. Again the Holy Bible refers "He is not a God of confusion but of harmony and peace." (1 Cor 14:33)

Needless to say, Lord is not pleased with quarrel mongers. Lord is abounding in forgiveness, hence Lord does not reside in him who does not forgive.
These proves that lack of  forgiveness snaps our relationship with God. Instead if we forgive,we shall be able to reside within His Grace.
                                                                                                                               


                                                         Conclusion Prayer:
Abba Father, the greatest forgiver, thanks for opening my mind towards your light, in my thoughts, in my deeds and in my actions.
                                                         Prayer for Repentance:
O! Lord have pity on me  and deliver me. Come to my aid. O Lord do not rebuke me in your anger nor punish me in your fury. I am completely worn out. Have mercy on me. I am completely worn out. Have mercy on me. I am aware that my sins will be punished and mistakes will not go unnoticed. O Lord, give peace to my restless soul. Merciful God,in my present situation, I need a heart yearning for repentance. Grant me the grace so that I can see the seriousness of my sinful situation. Amen.

O Jesus,give us thy Sacred Heart as a pledge of Thy love and place of refuge that we may find there a secure repose during our life and sweet comfort at the hour of our death.

              Sacred Heart of Jesus, we love you.
              Sacred Heart of Jesus, thy kingdom come.
              Jesus meek and humble of heart, 
              Make my heart unto thine. 
              Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.