LENTEN MESSAGE

IN MEMORY OF HER

Jesus said, “I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven….”  (Luke 7:47)

Lord Jesus was invited by a Pharisee named Simon for a meal at his home, when a woman rushed in with a jar full of perfume and sat by his feet. She would wet His feet with her tears; dry them with her hair, kiss them and pour the perfume on His Holy Feet. The sight was enough for Simon to silently judge the woman and Lord Jesus on the basis of their Laws. The Righteous Lord, who was aware of justice as well as His host’s thoughts, took this as an instance to remove the veil of false teachings from their eyes. 

The Holy Bible says: Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Yes, Teacher,” he said, “tell me.” “There were two men who owned money to a money-lender,” Jesus began. “One owned him five hundred silver coins, and the other owned him fifty. Neither of them could pay back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Which one, then, will love him more?” “I suppose,” answered Simon, “that it would be the one who was forgiven more.” “You are right,” said Jesus. (Luke 7:40-43)

Here Jesus Christ indicated that while the woman resembled the man who owned five hundred silver coins and Simon to the one with fifty silver coins; it was He, the Lord Himself who portrayed the role of the owner. He explained them, “She believed she was offered more concession, so showed more love to the Master who forgave all her sins.” Jesus turned to her saying, “Your sins are forgiven.” The feeble and pathetic nature of some Pharisees was that they considered themselves so upright that there was hardly any scope for them to repent. Their minds were always ready to justify themselves that it was unable to prepare them towards the essence of repentance and its benefits.

 Though seated beside Lord Jesus, Simon never wholeheartedly accepted or acknowledged Him as the Son of God who has the authority to forgive the sins of mankind and set them free. This Pharisee in fact symbolises all those people who confess Lord Jesus only with their lips and those who have shut the doors of their hearts to be far away from what they converse. Jesus Christ came to invite sinners to Salvation. Here, the woman and Simon identify with the Lord in a truly different manner. The Pharisees pretend to be righteous all the time and even if they tend to commit a sin; their belief that they can be purified by carrying out the Laws overpowers them; they are anything but adamant to receive the redemption that came through Christ.  It is impossible to obtain repentance and its freedom if one cannot evaluate their deeds in light. Being a host, Simon failed in his hospitality that befit Lord Jesus.

Dear readers, I would like to draw your attention to a unique character of Jesus Christ. In the entire description we are thoroughly versed with the Pharisee’s name; but look, the name of the woman is not mentioned or revealed. Our Lord never publishes the name of the sinners. The prime message is, “I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven….”  (Luke 7:47) Only when you realize and appreciate that you have received freely plenty from God, can you love Sovereign God more than everything. But if an individual thinks that everything he/she has achieved is only through self effort, they cannot imbibe the merciful love of Jesus. This parable can be summed up in two ways:  

1) one who loves God wholeheartedly receives more love and forgiveness.

2) we ought to love God so much because He showed  us so much love and forgiveness.

This parable has amazingly described the beautiful relation between God and man! Out of His fount of mercy and unconditional love we are showered countless and inexpressible blessings every moment. But if we continue to be ingratitude and freeze our hearts from loving Him we would not grow in His love and forgiveness. St. Paul says, “....God has shown us how much He loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. By His sacrificial death we are now put right with God; how much more then will we be saved by Him from God’s anger. We were God’s enemies, but He made us His friends through the death of His Son.” (Romans 5:8-10) But there were also many Pharisees who sought Salvation through Lord Jesus Christ. During a journey Saul, in spite of being a Pharisee, after his interaction with Jesus Christ, wrote a new history. “For no one is put right in God’s sight by doing what the Law requires; what the law does is to make man know that he has sinned.”(Romans 3:20)

What guarantee do you have in your confidential friends? Who is there to love and forgive you without publishing your name or deeds? There is no replacement for the love and relief that Jesus Christ offers. Dear ones in Christ, what is there in your claypot? Adversities? Brokenness? Struggles? Etc.  Let us imitate her deed faithfully by being with Jesus Christ, who has the power to forgive and re-mold your clay-pot. He will certainly give you rest and a light heart that can sing a new song of His mercy and thanksgiving. Let us cry out in one accord for the Will of God. May His Spirit of Mercy fall upon the universe; to crush and sweep off the ancient serpent family.

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

VICTORY PRIZE

The Holy Bible says, “….Israel’s Holy God is great, and He lives among His people.”  (Isaiah 12:8)

PART ONE

Our daily life is buzzing with so many activities and filled with priorities to fulfil before the day ends and we fail to ponder over our blessings or to spend some time with our loving Saviour. We fail to understand the necessity of our Lord’s presence in our busy schedules. Lord Jesus too worked constantly, yet He made it clear on various instances that His prime priority was to meet the Father and fulfil His desire. In every crowd, His eyes searched for the neediest, afflicted ones and His heart yearned to set them free in order to honour God His Father. Aware of the emotion’s that ruled the heart’s of the poor, Lord Jesus moved with compassion to make them happy. His enemies were tight lipped by his wise teachings.

Let us take the instance when Lord Jesus was invited to a leading Pharisee’s home for a meal. The crowd gathered were busy merry- making, while our Lord was seated in the centre. The plan of God for His Son to be there, was to set free a man who was seated far in a corner, with his body swollen and heart filled with the bitter pain of loneliness. Lord Jesus gazed into the man’s heart; He healed him with just a consoling pat and sent him away. “Do not be worried and upset! I am your true friend and refuge. Go in peace!” The divine Lord’s look exchanged silent words of reassurance with the troubled heart conveying comfort and happiness. Lord Jesus calls all of us to His side to draw our share of joy, peace and love of the Father which are the true essence to survive on this earth; the fruits of its goodness and be the share of true eternal life. We are all created to be happy. We often ask our loved ones what they desire as a gift over our preferred choices; so that it is useful to them.  It is indeed truly heart touching to see our Lord Jesus in the last day of His mission with a profound departure pain encouraging His disciples, saying, “Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete.” (John 16:24); Lord Jesus observed that they did not respond to Him.

Yes dear readers, sometimes owing to our inner confusion, we fail to understand other’s emotions. We may pray fervently but there are times when we don’t know what to pray for. Lord Jesus, who knows every human heart says to us, “Be still, know that I am your God.” He comforts us in our miserable and pitiable state. After being seated at the right side of the Father, He continues His work saying, “Listen, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into His house and eat with Him and He will eat with Me.”  (Revelation 19:20) We, too in this earthly life, must have come across situations when we were made to wait after knocking; its instances like these that make us impatient and irritated; and we almost consider the waiting more of a nuisance. But look at our Lord! Untiringly Lord Jesus waits near the door of every human heart for a response. He is knocking continuously to enter into your life, invite you to sit near Him and to share all that is in your life; to brighten up your bitterness, furthermore to comfort and hug you. He wants to help you to live and be victorious enough to achieve the prize. St. Paul teaches us that this is the time to run the best of your race. He said, “I have done my best in the race.  I have run the full distance and I have kept the faith and now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

(to be continued..)

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYING TAXES

The Holy Bible says, “...then Jesus said to them, “Well, then, pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor; and pay God what belongs to God.”  (Matthew 22:21)

We are all aware how the Pharisees kept an eagle’s eye on Jesus Christ’s public life to uncover faults in Him. The Roman Emperor issued a Law enacting that all should deposit the temple tax in the treasury that could rebuild the destructed Temple. This change was against the traditional belief of the Christian Jews who believed that taxes should be paid to God and His Temple and rebellion began to spread and question against the Jewish Christians disloyalty. On this background the Pharisees gathered some of their people and sent them along with Herod’s group to trap Jesus Christ with questions.

They asked Jesus, “What do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?” (Matthew 22:17). The question, though, very simple, Lord Jesus saw through their evil intention.  Aware of their corruptness, Jesus did not take any of their side because if He would speak in favour of Caesar, He would be declared an enemy of the public and labelled as anti-patriot.  And if Lord would answer as it is not lawful paying taxes to Emperor then He could be easily handed over to the authorities in charges of conspiracy and be put to death. Lord Jesus’ mission of Salvation was above all this. He was not on this earth to be politically right or to help in political liberalization.  Jesus’ insight knew that their intention was not based on God or Caesar but it was God and Caesar. Therefore Lord Jesus summons, “Show Me the coin for paying the tax!” When they brought it He asked again, “Whose face and title are these?”  When they answered, “It belongs to the “Emperor”.  Lord Jesus concluded by saying, “Give therefore to the Emperor his dues and to God the things that belong to God.”

The ruler had the right to impose the law of taxes and the public were to accept the amended Law and pay the rightful Tax with the currency imposed by Him. It was the duty of a man (civilian) to obey and pay His dues to God who had dominance over him. A Christian has a dual citizenship- He is a citizen of His country as well as a citizen of Heaven. As a habitant of the earth (country) He is as expected to contribute along with the authorities for the betterment of the society in alignment to loving and serving his motherland in a spirit of truth, gratitude and justice.

Take for instance another occasion in the Holy Bible. When the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the Temple Tax?” Here instead of offending the public Jesus Christ handled the situation in a practical manner. He tells Peter, “Go to the lake and drop a line. Pull up the first fish you hook and you will find a coin in its mouth.  That will be enough to pay our taxes.”  (Matthew 17:24-27) He instructs Peter to work and get enough money to pay the taxes for both Jesus and himself. Through Peter, Jesus Christ teaches and instructs that we ought to work hard and that every person has a duty towards God and the nation. Our expression of love to our country is evident when it benefits from our co-operation and in our eagerness to develop and built it.  An honest citizen will defend his/her country at the cost of their life. A good Christian honours both God and citizen by paying his dues to both. 

Through this incident our Lord Jesus teaches us about the value of honesty during tax payment. Instead of performing a miracle that could produce sufficient coins to pay the authorities which would have resulted in Peter not taking any physical effort; contradictory to all this Jesus enlightens us that we are called to work hard for our sustenance and pay our dues in a truthful and  sincere light. Jesus Christ never performed any miracle to showcase His popularity or power; instead His deep intention while performing miracles was to fulfil the purpose of the God’s Mission through Him.  

Expecting a miracle in our daily life is also a dishonest and easy act.  The Lord need not perform a miracle when He has freely provided all requirements to achieve our goal in life.  He will definitely come to our help when we approach Him in faith and trust Him in our deep distresses and troubles.  All that we have belongs to God the Supreme Creator and the Source of existence. So whatever you do towards your nation and God in His Name will make you entitled for an eternal reward.  

So let us give our dues cheerfully and honestly as Jesus taught, “Giving to Caesar is giving to God.”

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

       THE LOST SHEEP

Christ’s approach towards the tax-collectors and sinner’s were far beyond the understanding of the Pharisees and the teachers of Law, who were both annoyed and impatient when Lord Jesus dined and stayed in their houses. Their narrow mind would argue and provoke questions against the Lord and His teachings.  

One day understanding their increasing intolerance, Lord Jesus began like this:

Lord Jesus said “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them what does he do? He leaves other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and goes looking for the one that got lost until he finds it. When he finds it he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders and carries it back home. And he calls his friends and neighbours and says to them I am so happy, I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate! In the same way, I tell you there will be more joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent. [Luke 15:4-7]

Lord Jesus did not speak anything against or argued with anyone; instead He explained His way of life to them.

It was the nature of the Pharisees to blame certain people, not because of any wrongdoing but merely because they belonged to a certain tribe or towns, or since they did particular work etc...

The Samaritans were considered outcasts because of their town, while tax-collectors were under the category of sinners because of the nature of their work.

Lord Jesus on the other hand, neither supported nor encouraged their certain customs. He knew His  mission was to attract all kinds of people to the divine truth, to save and set free the oppressed.

He went to their homes to be with them as an example to impart God’s impartial Love.

That again does not mean that our Lord loved only the outcasts. He had a large group of rich Jewish people too who followed Him.

Through the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus symbolises himself as the good shepherd and trying to identify people with love and depth of relationships.

The depth of a relationship can be well understood by the example of our families. Let’s assume a mother with five children; and one of them is disabled. It is understood that she spends more amount of time with her sick child, caress and nursing him, more than the other four. She will not neglect the sick child, saying she has four good and healthy ones; instead she will sacrifice her food and sleep to be by his/ her side; praying fervently and carry out charity to please God for extra favour.

Just as a patient is in need of a doctor; so also is he who is sick or lost his way naively or mistaken his way to the shepherd. He might have followed some stranger, and been stuck up in thorns and bushes impossible to comeback. The moment a good Shepherd comes to know that one of his sheep is lost, instantly he goes in search of him, as he knows that there are chances that his lost one would be attacked by wild animals or a cruel foe that could endanger it; and he could no longer see or love the lost one.

Lord Jesus proclaims that “I am the Good Shepherd who is willing to die for the sheep”(John 10:11) .  He says that a good shepherd helps the wandered one and is even ready to give his own life to save him.  Lord Jesus concludes this parable by giving us the most thoughtful saying, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people, who do not need to repent.”(Luke:15- 7)

There is vast difference between the number ninety-nine and one. Why does Lord Jesus specifically give us such variable numbers?

Through this He may be emphasising that the sincere depth of love is much more valuable than our mere accounts.  A sacrificial love does not keep the account of gain or loss.  Our gracious Lord wants every soul to return to Him, because He has paid the most valuable price for him/her and already brought them back to His kingdom. 

Lord Jesus insists that every sinner must repent and turn to God and share in his inheritance. An example to us He made himself so humble, refusing all His glory, loved every sinner and diseased ones and approached them by even visiting their homes, accepting what they served. 

He explained the truth to them, in order to draw them to His Fathers’ kingdom. 

In the Old Testament Sovereign God stands in place of the shepherd as He says “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep… I will look for those that are lost and bring back those who wander off…bandage those that are hurt and heal those that are sick”.[Ezekiel 34:15-16].

The Son of God, Lord Jesus went in search of sinners amongst the tax-collectors and Samaritans, afflicted and the diseased ones to their homes. The Loving   Father organised His mighty plan of Salvation and the Son continued as per His will; handed over to St. Peter and other disciples and  still continue all over the world. So we who are the followers of Christ are also called and bound to continue the mission without breaking its chain.

St. Paul through his letters grants us a zealous apostolic spirit filled heart to search and bring back the oppressed and save what is lost.  St. Peter, the Good Shepherd appealed to us to be the shepherd of the flock that God gave us and to take care of it willingly as God wants us to, and not unwillingly. “Do your work not for mere pay but from a real desire to serve.”(1 Peter 5:2-3)

Let us pause a while claiming to be the devotees of the Good Shepherd.

How many sheep are there in your surroundings waiting for your help?

How many of them could you bring back to health?

Are you still a lost sheep or shepherd?

As per God said “My people turned away from Me, the spring of fresh water and they have dug cisterns, cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all.” (Jeremiah 2:13)

Or are you deaf and blind towards the voice and guidance of the true shepherds appointed by God? 

Have you turned against the mission of catching man due to false trap of devil’s kingdom?

Whatever and however you may be still the hope awaits you. Today may be an acceptable day/time to wake up and with a repentant heart run to your group of sheep awaiting, looking for you and missing you.

Dear faithful devotees as how Lord asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?; every moment of your life bestowing His divine love and unfailing mercy Lord asks you, “Dear xyz,  daughter/son of----“Do you love me?, Do you love me,? Do you love me? Take care of my sheep”

Practice every day few minutes to pray for your co-brothers, pray for the sins of the world and take courage to share the loving kindness of your Lord to someone who needs it ……

With loved filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ