A SONG OF THANKSGIVING

I give you thanks, O Lord and King;

I praise you as my God and Saviour.

I give you thanks,

For you have helped me and protected me.

You have rescued me from death,

from dangerous lies and slander.

You helped me when no one else would;

in your great mercy you saved me

from the many troubles I have known:

from the glaring hatred of my enemies,

who wanted to put an end to my life;

from suffocation in oppressive smoke

rising from fires that I did not light;

from death itself;

from vicious slander reported to the king.

I was once brought face to face with death;

enemies surrounded me everywhere.

I looked for someone to help me,

but there was no one there.

But the, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are

and what you have done in times past.

I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you,

That you save them from their enemies.

Then from here on earth I prayed to you

to rescue me from death.

I prayed, “O Lord, you are my father;

do not abandon me to my troubles

when I am helpless against arrogant enemies.

I will always praise you

and sing hymns of thanksgiving.”

You answered my prayer,

and saved me from the threat of destruction.

and so I thank you and praise you.

O Lord, I praise you!

(Sirach 51:1 -12)

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

A BENEDICTION

Now, then, give praise to the God of the universe, who has done great things everywhere, who brings us up from the time we are born, and deals with us mercifully.  May He give us happiness and allow us to have peace in Israel for ever.  May He continue His Mercy to us and rescue us in our time of need.

....May God bless everyone who gives attention to these teachings.  Whoever takes them to heart will become wise.  Whoever lives by them will be strong enough for any occasion, because he will be walking in the light of the Lord.

(Sirach 50:22-24,28-29)

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

CHRISTEEN SECTION

DUTIES TO PARENTS

Children, listen to me; I am your father. Do what I tell you and you will be safe, for the Lord has given fathers authority over their children and given children the obligation to obey their mothers.  If you respect your father, you can make up for your sins, and if you honour your mother, you are earning great wealth.  If you respect your father, one day your own children will make you happy; the Lord will hear your prayers.  If you obey the Lord by honouring your father and making your mother happy, you will live a long life.  Obey your parents as if you were their slave.  Honour your father in everything you do and say, so that you may receive his blessings.  When parents give their blessings, they give strength to their children’s homes, but when they curse their children, they destroy the very foundations.

(Sir 3:1-9)

ARE THEY HAPPY

The Holy Bible says, “A stubborn person will be burdened down with troubles. (Sirach 3:27)

Blessed by God’s grace are those who capable to view all the events and incidents of this small world and daily life through the spiritual aspect cause that’s God’s perceptive of our actions. Those who perceive those tearful days of life as a spiritual carnival, the acceptance of the lost days as God’s plan and purpose and the deep wounds as the drops of anointing oil of comfort achieve immense success in their life.

A lady approaching me for prayer sighed deeply as she murmured her petition, “Dear Sister, I have nobody and am all alone. My husband passed away when my children were very young. Children now are grown up, settled and busy in their world.  They have no time to visit me or inquire about my whereabouts. They send me more than enough money, not knowing that my happiness and comfort does not lie in it. Can you pray to your God to gift my remaining days to my children and to call me to His land.”  

Her request moved my heart.

The Holy Bible says, “Honor your father with all your heart, and never forget how your mother suffered when you were born. Remember that you owe your life to them. How can you ever repay them for all they have done for you?” (Sirach 7:27-28)

How soon do we forget the teachings of God our Father, who honor and care every parent individually? How often we forget His instruction to us children, to visualize and consider parents as our own eyes?

A visit to any old age homes or a peep into verandah of most homes highlights the sight of old parents, lonely and unhappy, awaiting the arrival of their own children, all desiring for few words of comfort and acceptance.  All their anxiety face and tearful eyes yearn patiently to get a glimpse of their dear children.

Some parents have more deadly fate. They do no longer wish to see the cruel and frustrated face of their children.  Their parenting  is questioned every now and then, when their children who they brought up with so much love , accuse and corrects them not considering  their sacrifices.  Arguments and accusations are shot down at parents who get depressed, adding more meaninglessness to their sunset phase.  A sight so heart breaking but so common these days.

Let us turn to the Gospel of St. John. In the scripture we hear a voice saying to Jesus, “I have no one.” Read it on and we learn about the man who was ill for 38 years , lying helpless with no one to help. (John 5)

Dear ones do not just consider the incident as a mere miracle. Through this chapter, may the Word of God help you listen to the cry of your parents who broke their life to pieces for your sake, your bright future.

Question yourself, “What all have I rejected for my parents? Have I given up anything for their welfare and comfort?

Unless you return their favor, seven times, it will not be counted in the shore of blessings, because the Holy Bible says, “Respect your father and your mother, as I, the Lord your God, command you, so that all may go well with you and so that you may live a long time in the land I am giving you.” (Deu. 5:16)

Dear ones, the wounds will not be healed by verbal comfort and prayers. Along with it, it is mandatory  to add a loving approach, compassionate look, merciful fondle and a heartfelt embrace. Above all, it is utmost necessary to have a safe and sound place and the feel of belonging to it.

By denying them of their above rights and packing them off to old age home, throwing them out forcibly to the nearby shed etc, in their sunset phase will shake the foundation of your own family, as the Holy Bible again mentions, “when parents give their blessing, they give strength to their children’s home, but when they curse their children, they destroy the very foundations.” (Sirach 3:9)

If you have forsaken your parents, for your very own selfish motives, pleasure and convenience and denied and stripped them off the due care and protection they ought to receive,  and  their tears reach the altar of the Most High God, remember as per God’s Law you are indebted to them and a price has to be paid for every account that God holds you responsible.

When you flourish in life, do not forget to look into the account book of God, opened for you, that clearly indicates the struggles and sacrifice they carried on their shoulders and the anxiety in their heart to bring you up.  They have tuned you to believe, to live and love, to forgive and forget, to be polite and accept everything,; if you  such have parental upbringing experience, do praise and thank God now without further delay.

Instead of stretching out your money bags towards them or feed them out of duty or visit them once or twice a year to delight them and others; open your hearts truly, give them a better position in your family and reside them in your heart.  It is good to remember, that there are many indebted loving stories within you to share with them and to make their soul peaceful at the same time making your life secured.

Your shoulder bears the very genuine fact of this parental debt from God, who wants us to be blessed by the fruits of His children. They loved you more than their life and everything in it, and lifted their hands to God always for your sake.

Let us utter a Living word to them not forgetting the very fact that parents are the visible God of our life.

If they have completed their journey and passed away, always remember to pray and offer the sacrifice for the salvation of their soul.

“Never seek honor for yourself at your father’s expense; it is not to your credit if he is dishonored. Your own honor comes from the respect that you show to your father. If children do not honor their mothers, it is their own disgrace. My son, take care of your father when he grows old; give him no cause for worry as long as he lives. Be sympathetic even if his mind fails him; don’t look down on him just because you are strong and healthy. The Lord will not forget the kindness you showed to your father; it will help you to make up for your sins. When you are in trouble, the Lord will remember your kindness and will help you;  your sins will melt away like frost in warm sunshine. Whoever abandons his parents or gives them cause for anger may as well be cursing the Lord; he is already under the Lord’s curse. (Sirach 3:10-16)

With Love filled blessings,
your Sister in Christ

A CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

When devout people talk, what they say always makes sense….. (Sirach 27:11)

The Parable of the Two Sons

“Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the elder one and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’  ‘I don’t want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes, sir,’ he answered, but he did not go. Which one of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The elder one,” they answered.

So Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. For John the Baptist came to you showing the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.  (Matthew 21:28-32)

Here we can see two types of response to a call.

The father lovingly approaches the elder son to go to the vineyard but he refuses.  The initial refusal may be due to various reasons like non-acceptance or grudge towards his father or other priorities; but later on he has a change of mind and he obey his father. But he later rethought about it, changed his attitude about disobeying his father and finally obeys.

Whereas the other son, in his appearance though seemed polite  yet went on to disobey his father. Though he accepted the request gladly yet did not fulfill to what he agreed. His response is like those people who want to please others only with their lips, but in reality they are unwilling to do any good or to help others. 

They forget that they are defaming themselves by not keeping their words.

“Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ – anything else you say comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

“All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.” (James 3:7)

Both the sons are equally wrong in their words and deeds. This nature is common when we are called to certain duties.

Let us take the example of a marital life which is a call for two persons from different families and backgrounds.  In the presence of God, reverently and obediently both the bride and the groom, accepts the vows and agrees to fulfill the duties towards each other.

But as life moves on, how many of us succeed in taking true pain to follow the vows and promises that help us in attaining the blessings towards our family life.

Through the parable we observe that those who say no to the call and push themselves back and later when change their minds and accept it will be honored as a righteous person and given a seat in the front. He would be honored as a righteous person, who ran the race and worked hard to fulfill his duty. Remember always that our help, our deeds should be punctual and timely so that it may be useful and fruitful, just as God our Father provides us everything at the proper and appropriate time.

Dear devotees, if we Biblically see Luke 19, a man called Zacchaeus said Yes to his call and obtained forgiveness and salvation and he received the honor, richness and long life.

Due to fear, even Peter said, “I don’t know Him,” and ran away from the truth.  Again he repents and came back to his call and completed his duty accepting death on a cross upside down.

Apart from these two types there are people who accept the call by answering Yes and go ahead, work hard for the Lord and pay the price of sacrifice and obtain their crown. They are given the title of  Saints.

Reverse situation can be painful. There are people who respond with a No and remain adamant and lead a life against the will of God. They are called as sinners.

“When devout people talk, what they say always makes sense, but foolish people are always contradicting themselves.” (Sirach 27:11)

One who is steady in his words, will be success in his work. You must have a firm decision in mind that what you speak or promise is to be completed on right time and in the right manner so as to get approved from the Father above. Only a sincere heart person can balance both his/her words and deeds.  Simultaneously in this parable both fail, one either in words and the other in deeds.

For e.g. when a needy person approaches asking for help, you console him by saying that you will do the needful. But when the time comes for your words to turn into action, you turn and escape. This is truly unfair.  

On the other   hand some say a no but later change their mind to help. It is better that though we say No but later change our attitude and do the right thing.

Since this parable is in regards to the call for discipleship, here the father represents St. John the Baptist who is reminding people of God’s call.

Why do I fail to do my duty? Why can’t anyone truly enjoy my work?

Majority of mankind are unable to keep up their words and deeds. If you go through the life of Christ Jesus we can see his Words and Deeds go hand in hand.  

All His words were proved in His actions.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us who reminds us to follow him. Through this parable the Lord tells us to follow Him.

  

                                                   A PRAYER

Lord Jesus, light of my life thank you for refreshing my mind through Your words. You have sent me to this earth, to go and work in your vineyard. Knowingly and unknowingly, cunningly and through cheating I became the work of evil. Like the first son, grant me the grace to live like a saint by respond to your call sincerely and by complete the work bearing the loss of it.  May the Light of Your Word and deeds remain in my remaining life. I pray to my Loving Father in the Name of Jesus. Amen!

A FRIENDLY PASSENGER

The Holy Bible says, “….God has made you His friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure and faultless, into His presence. (Col. 1:22)

Lets us read about Job and his three true friends and also meditate on what the Holy Bible instructs us about friendship.

Three of Job’s friends were Eliphaz from the city of Teman, Bildad from the land of Shuah and Zophar from the land of Naamah.  When they heard how much Job had been suffering, they decided to go and comfort him.  While they were still a long way off, they saw Job but did not recognize him.  When they did, they began to weep and wail, tearing their clothes in grief and throwing dust into the air and on their heads.  Then they sat there on the ground with him for 7 days and nights without saying a word because they saw how much he was suffering.                      (Job 2:11-13)

FRIENDSHIP

If you are a polite and courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people.  Exchange greetings with many, but take advice from only one person out of a thousand.  When you make friends don’t be too quick to trust them make sure that they have proved themselves.  Some people will be your friends only when it is convenient for them, but they won’t stand by you in trouble.  Others will fall out with you over some arguments and then embarrass you by letting everyone know about it.  Others will sit at your table as long as things are going well; they will stick to you like your shadow and give orders to your servants, but they will not stand by you in trouble.  If your situation takes a turn for the worse, they will turn against you, and you won’t be able to find them anywhere. 

Stay away from your enemies and be on guard against your friends. A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure. Nothing else is as valuable; there is no way of putting a price on it.  A loyal friend is like a medicine that keeps you in good health.  Only those who fear the Lord can find such a friend.  A person who fears the Lord can make real friendships, because he will treat his friends as he does himself because his friends will also fear the Lord.  (Sirach 6)

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!