DEAD TO SIN BUT ALIVE IN UNION WITH CHRIST

For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with His death.  By our baptism, then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.

For since we have become one with Him in dying as He did, in the same way we shall be one with Him by being raised to life as He was.  And we know that our old being bas been put to death with Christ on His cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin.  For when a person dies, he is set free from the power of sin.  Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.  For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again – death will no longer rule over Him. And so, because He died, sin has no power over Him; and now He lives His life in fellowship with God.  In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus.

Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self.  Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes.  Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God’s grace.

(Romans 6 : 3 – 14)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be 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 favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

CHRISTEN SECTION

THE GREAT TAX COLLECTOR- ZACCHAEUS

Long time back in Jericho; Two thousand years ago

Lived a man whose Zacchaeus was name;

Who was rich had status and fame.

Still he lacked peace in his family;

Neither was there love nor joy or unity.

To see Jesus was his plan; but he was a short little man

So he ran ahead to see, and climbed a Sycamore tree.

To see Jesus was his desire;

Burning in him like a jungle fire.

When Jesus reached below the tree there;

He lifted his head and gave a loving stare;

And said to him, “Hurry down!”

For his house was chosen in that town.

For He should stay there that day

To show Zacchaeus the Salvation way.

The people around began to grumble,

But from Father’s will, Jesus did not stumble;

For Zacchaeus was proof for man;

To see God’s love for the sinner clan.

Zacchaeus stood and said to Christ:

“Sir, I’ll return the robbed rights;

To poor I’ll give half my belongings;

To pay back the ones I’m longing.”

Jesus smiled and stood up to say:

“Salvation has come to this house today.”

By giving everything when he did surrender;

Jesus gave peace and threw his sins never to remember;

For the Son of Man came to seek

To save the lost, the humble and the meek.

(Luke 19:1-9)

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

 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

THE EYES OF MERCY

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Precious Gift of Mother Mary to us.

The birth of a child is an occasion of great joy, but the fact remains that we are all born out of original sin.

Mary’s soul was the most beautiful design created by God after the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, a most supreme and worthy present of Himself that an Omnipotent God ever did in this world.

There is no doubt that God blessed Mary with His grace as She was chosen to be the Mother of God but even before She was conferred with the Most Holy position She was adorned with the sanctity that was fit for this dignity.

St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that the Most Blessed Virgin was so full of grace, that from the beginning her beautiful soul belonged to God. Secondly the grace overflowed to her body, as She merited to cloth the Eternal Word with Her most pure flesh. Thirdly, She was filled to think of the benefit of all, so that all might gain from the Salvation.

Let us joyfully witness Her presence in our day to day life as She was the first one to be loved and honored by God.

Let me share two of the many incidents that Mother Mary stood as a rock and guardian in my time of distress during my journey of life.

My elder daughter, born underweight, was kept in the incubator for almost nine days all the while losing her health to various infections. Holding onto Holy Rosary and Novenas of the Blessed Mary, I was granted extra courage to discharge her against medical advice, as it was unbearable to see the little one suffer. I brought the nine day old tiny bundle to my humble abode, laying her beneath my altar, totally surrendering to Mother Mary to take charge of her.

Lifting my cry of anguish and abandoning food and sleep for the next 3 days and 2 nights, my eyes were fixed on the Blessed Virgin and my child. Miraculously my child began to regain her health and soon we were even provided with a home doctor to keep a timely check on her.  

Once again with heartfelt gratitude I offered her to Mother Mary, with a prayer that my child be Hers. Till date she is safe in Mother’s hands and able to overcome all trials and tribulations in her life. I offer all my honor and glory to my Beloved Mother.

A complication arose during the fifth month of my second pregnancy. A scan revealed an acute cyst had formed over the foetus which blocked my child’s breath. After few days of observation, my gynecologist suggested as the matter was getting worse there was only one way out; to undergo a surgery.  Asking me to prepare myself mentally, she added that the surgery would be a risky one. They took a special written consent from us stating that they would not be held responsible had the child been injured during the procedure.

Apart from the regular prayers, I switched to recital of efficacious novenas to my Trustworthy Mother.  All my co-staffs too realizing the seriousness of the situation joined me with fasting and prayers. They equipped all the needs be it imparting courage to donating blood etc;

Here too my cry of anguish and distress reached the Queen of Mercy; as I could experience her assistance on the operation table. She kept me safe throughout and moreover the foetus in my womb was safe and sound. That moment I promised the Blessed Mother that my child and myself would be indebted to You and Your Son Jesus Christ throughout our life.

The Merciful Eyes of Mother Mary cannot forsake those who invoke Her.

Dear mothers, I assure you that whatever may be the condition of your children today, offer them to this Trustworthy Mother, she would keep them safe from all misfortunes.

Dear devotees of Christ, let me request you never to leave our Mother at the conclusion of the October month.

She requires our life to spread the message of Salvation; while we need her help every second of our life to overcome the temptations of the evil one.

A word of guidance to all the parents: Pray regularly to Mother Mary for the welfare of your children and family members; imbibe in children the practice of reciting small prayers like (Holy Mary, we love you, be with us); make a habit of gifting your children Rosary Prayer booklets and Rosaries, medals and permit them to carry it along with them devoutly.

You may not find a companion to recite the Holy Rosary; but let me remind you that Mary is always present when you recite it and your Guardian Angel would assist you to complete the recital.

Every ‘Salutation’ of Hail Mary will drive out your sorrows, fear letting in  a peace that only God can provide.

O Mary! Our Tender Mother, Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.  Amen.

With Love filled Blessings,

Your Sister in Christ

Kindly Note:

As per the message from God of KLWC, our team will be conducting an in-house Night Vigil service from 11 pm (1/11/2015) to 6 am (2/11/2015)   Your Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are welcome.

ADORATION IN SPIRIT

Part II

God is Spirit, and only by the power of His Spirit can people worship Him as he really is. (John 4:24)

Lord Jesus speaks of the fundamental values of adoration to a Samaritan Woman who had been offering false worship throughout her life.

During the service of Almighty God, Jesus Christ came to a small town Sychar near Jacob’s well which was famous. Jesus was tired out by the journey and sat down near the well when disciples had gone to get food.

A Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink of water.”

Since He was a Jew and she being a Samaritan, she refused to give him water.(untouchability)

Jesus answered, “If only you knew what God gives and who is it that is asking you water, you would ask Him, and He would give you life-giving water. Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks the water that I give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become a spring which will provide him with life-giving water and give him eternal life.”

“Sir,” the woman said “Give me that water! Then I will never be thirsty again nor will I have to come here to draw water.”

“Go and call your husband,” Jesus told her, “and come back.”

She answered, “I have not got a husband.”

Jesus replied, “You are right when you say that you haven’t got a husband. You have been married to five men, and the man you live with now is not really your husband. You have told me the truth.”

“I see you are a prophet, Sir,” the woman said.  “My Samaritan ancestors worshiped God on these mountains, but you Jews say that Jerusalem is the place where we should worship God.”

Jesus said to her, “Believe Me, woman, the time will come when people will not worship the Father either on this mountain or Jerusalem. You Samaritans do not really know whom you worship; but we Jews know whom we worship, because it is from the Jews that salvation comes. The time is coming, is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as He really is, offering Him the true worship that he wants. God is Spirit and only by the power of His Spirit can people worship Him as He really is."

The woman said, “I know the Messiah will come, and when He comes, He will tell us everything.”

Jesus answered, “I am He, I who am talking with you.”

The woman went back to the town and said to the people there, “Come and see the man who told me everything I have ever done.”

“Could He be the Messiah?”

So the people left the town and went to Jesus. Many of the Samaritans in that town believed in Jesus because the woman had said. As per their request, Jesus stayed with them for two days serving His Father.

Many more believed because of His message and they said to the woman, “We believe now, not because of what you said, but we ourselves have heard Him, and we know that he really is the Savior of the world.”

Jesus did not speak about the worthless manner of adoration handed down by the traditional customs. Instead He revealed to her the truth about God, His Spirit and how he has to be worshiped by the help the Spirit alone.

Rather remaining concealed under the veil of false traditional worship, the people of God have to instead courageously step forward towards true spiritual adoration.

In this age wherein, the power of the Holy Spirit is abounding and plentiful adoration is the appropriate time to express one’s personal love and affection towards His Lord and God. We ought to advent a custom of awaking our Spirit daily and offering true worship to our Lord.

By the usage of the verse, “The Lord whom I worship in Spirit”
 St. Paul the loyal soldier of faith clearly reveals the dignity and priority that he offers towards True Adoration in his own life.

We should not push aside adoration merely as a conduct of worship to be offered once a week or once a month. Adoration or true praise to God has to spring forth within one’s heart in every moment of our life.

In all his letters St. Paul gives priority to adoration in Spirit. “Pray at all occasions as the Spirit leads. (Eph. 6: 18)

On another occasion, the Holy Bible says that it is “we who worship God, by means of His Spirit, who have received true circumcision.” (Phil. 3:3)

Again through the letters Holy Bible teaches one as to how we ought to pattern our life.

“……….be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with words of psalms, hymns, sacred songs and sing hymns and songs to the Lord with praise in your heart. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ always give thanks for everything to God the Father. (Eph. 5:18-20)

The instructions given by St. Jude the loyal servant of Jesus Christ, to the chosen people of God, is indeed worth paying attention to:

“My Friends, keep yourself in the love of God by praying in the power of the Holy Spirit and thus keep building yourself upon your most Sacred Faith. (Jude 1:20)

Some of the virtues to be instilled in moments of adoration in spirit are stated above are indeed evident. True Adoration includes usage of psalms, praises, sacred songs, prayer notes, advice and gift of tongues.

God fearing friends, with an attitude of contempt we often nearly tend to neglect these glorious and precious deed of true adoration. With a pure conscience, by making the word of God as our basic foundation we the children of God have to retreat from injustice and false ways of life.

We shall surrender ourselves as justifiable and appropriate objects of True Adoration.

Our Lord, who is truth himself, merely desires an honest and true adoration from us. At all times and occasions we have to try and always offer true adoration to our Heavenly Father. Like the Samaritan woman let us pause a minute in our busy schedule and lend an ear to the truth and wisdom revealed by Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Hence let’s take leave from mere exhibiting ways of worship and false tradition . Through these deeds of ours may the Lord’s holy name attain glory ever more.

Because the Lord is Holy and worthy to be praised, He is adorable and high above all other gods. So to worship Him is an Honor for us.

Beautiful words fill my mind as I compose the song for the King. Like the pen of a good writer my tongue is ready with a poem. (Psalms 45:1)

May the Holy Lord of Israel be worshiped till the end of age.

O sovereign Lord Holy and True Blessing,

Glory, wisdom and Thanksgiving,

Honor and power and might be to our God

forever and ever. Amen!