(This posting is more relevant for those who are familiar with this beautiful form of prayer. For more details about rosary, visit http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm)
I want to share some tips while praying rosary, or rather, it applies to any prayer we make. It need not be taken as authentic, coz it is a result of my reflection during my prayer time. The "some people" I refer below very much include me too, as I look back at 9 years of my walk with the Lord.
1. What should be the speed of saying a prayer?
a. Some people say vocal prayers as if in tongues. It is so fast that Mother Mary and God the Father (I assume) find it very difficult to follow it, and fall in utter confusion. ;)
b. Some are better. They say the prayer fairly fast, but as they say it their mind try to follow the words. It helps, but still it is very likely that we miss the meaning.
c. Some people are very slow; probably because of the bad experiences (a) and (b) they go to the other extreme. They think that praying slowly pleases God. In this attempt they even distract the others who are praying with them. The mind has to wait for some time before the words follow it. Mind finds it difficult to connect the beginnning to end of a sentence.
d. To my understanding and experience, words should go hand in hand with the mind. Words are to help our mind, and not to distract it. Words cannot gauarantee to express the true state of the mind. If mind wanders in between, words must wait. By practising this, "words get aware of its importance and will wait for its dear friend mind, and vice versa." The Lord who looks at the heart takes delight in such a prayer, and in the one who prays. This benefits us and we grow in His relationship and in love towards God and Mother Mary.
It is true that when we pray as a group, words cannot wait for the mind. But the sincere prayer of type (d) by others will help our minds not to wander. Also, the above said kind of prayer must be practised during personal prayer time.
2. What about intentions, mysteries during rosary?
a. When we meditate about a mystery, we must truly spend some time in meditation. All the mysteries are Word of God Himself (I like to say Himself rather than itelf). They do have relevance in our personal and community life. I experience His healing, consolation and power during this excercise.
b. It is a good practice to offer our prayer intentions during each mystery. Our Mother too prays with us for all these intentions. But be careful... out of zeal many a time our mind is so engrossed in "pushing" those intentions to Heaven even when we say "Our Father" and "Hail Mary".
c. When we say "Our Father", we are speaking to Our Father, and nothing else. It is not a time of meditating the mysteries or raising our intentions. Let the mysteries (though they are Word of God) not distract us from our personal, intimate talk with the Father. Mean it every word, for it is the prayer taught by God.... it is the greatest prayer we can ever make to God. We don't know better words to express our love for Him, seek His kingdom and righteousness, raise our petitions, receive deliverance, healing and protection, and to declare that all kingdom, authority, praise and glory belongs to Him. Let the intentions "offered" in the beginning, stay as "offering" and not as endless cycle of "offering at His feet, taking back in hand and again offering."
Same is the case with "Hail Mary". It is your time and prayer with our Beloved Mother. She knows how to add to our intentions her Powerful Intercession. Take that time to grow in her love and care rather than worry about our needs.
I thank God for rosary and other prayers recommended by the Church. Even those who do not know how to use beautiful and eloquent words to pray can get benefited. When we do it contemplatively and meaningfully, it is new every time, we find the fresh streams of Living Waters flowing to us.
+ Hail Jesus + ... + Ave Maria +
Prayerfully yours......
Binu Asokan.
Monday 5 June, 2006
The Good Shepherd
Once upon a time, there was a lamb. It was amongst a flock of hundred on a countryside. It was happy with the best shepherd in the country. He took care of the flock, led them to the most beautiful green pastures, and took them to the sweetest of fresh waters.
The shepherd was very fond of this lamb; as he was of the other ninety-nine. Whenever the lamb heard His voice, it would leap with joy and run towards him. And it always found comfort and rest on the bosom of the shepherd.
Time went on and days passed by, and as the lamb was growing it started getting disturbed by the distractions of the world around and the growing curiosity to experience new things. "I am not supposed to be bound by these restrictions. I want freedom!! I want to go anywhere I want, and to have anything I like to eat and drink." Growing enthusiasm to explore greener pastures and to enjoy freedom led it to think of even breaking the boundaries and flee. And one day it did!!!
The gates of a new sizzling world opened before the lamb. The new world impressed it with its amazing colours, pastures much more beautiful than those the shepherd would lead the flock to, and waters that tasted sweeter. It had stomachful of food and drink, and merried around in its newly found place.
Though tasty and sweet, it realized that these food and drink were not so really satisfying its hunger and thirst. And the fun he had here could not match the joyful company of the other ninety nine. And above all, it dearly missed the loving smile and caring hands of the shepherd. "How good I used to feel in his presence!!! And how lonely I am now!!"
The lamb wanted to return to the shepherd and his flock. But soon it realized that it has lost the way. It did not know which direction to go. The way was rough, and it got tired as it went around madly looking for the right way. And then it happened.... It got caught in a thorny bush. It tried to get out, but all efforts were in vain. Every time it tried, the cuts in the body got deeper, and it lost all its hope. Overcome with weakness, fear and tiredness, it fell unconscious.
After a while the lamb opened the eyes. It found itself no longer in that thorny bush, but in a cozy green riverside. It was pleasantly surprised to see his loving shepherd soaking his towel in the cool waters. He came back soon. There were cuts in his hands. He got those while rescuing the lamb. The lamb watched him cleaning the wounds gently and kissing them with his typical tender love. Seeing that it regained consciousness, he gave it a beautiful smile. His eyes were not complaining, but were full of joy, for at last he found out his dear one.
The lamb, initially embarrassed to have showed up in this pathetic situation, now regained confidence and asked its dear shepherd - "How did you find me?" "I was noting the change in your attitudes. So I was keeping an eye over you, for I did not want to lose you. I love you so much!!" It listened to him as he replied with his eyes filled. The lamb too could not stop tears falling.
"When I saw you running away I called you. But your ears were closed to my voice. I followed you, leaving behind the other ninety-nine, for how do you think I can stay happy without you my little one?!!!" The shepherd gave it a warm hug, which the lamb could never forget in its lifetime. He carried it on his shoulders. When they reached home, the other ninety-nine saw him dancing and shouting with joy - "I've found it, I've found my dear one.." They joined the shepherd in celebration and welcomed back the lost lamb they loved so dearly.
What a good shepherd he is!!! Even now when he finds some of his sheep behaving indifferently, he ensures them of his great love. Or when some are lost, he walks miles to find them out. He doesn't lay aside any effort to bring them back. He strengthens with his love those good sheep which obey him, teaches them how to be better in character. He entrusts them with others, which need more attention. With a shepherd like him, they don't have anything to worry about. Neither thieves nor wild animals could do any harm to them, for the shepherd protects them and keeps them in safe places.
Today this tender love, care and protection of the GOOD SHEPHERD speaks in silence to His sheep - "Where are you going? I have the Words of Eternal Life. And I am the Way the Truth and the Life. I am the Good Shepherd, and I even lay my life for you. And you shall not be in want..." - Jn 6:68, Jn 14:11, Jn 10:11, Ps 23:1
The shepherd was very fond of this lamb; as he was of the other ninety-nine. Whenever the lamb heard His voice, it would leap with joy and run towards him. And it always found comfort and rest on the bosom of the shepherd.
Time went on and days passed by, and as the lamb was growing it started getting disturbed by the distractions of the world around and the growing curiosity to experience new things. "I am not supposed to be bound by these restrictions. I want freedom!! I want to go anywhere I want, and to have anything I like to eat and drink." Growing enthusiasm to explore greener pastures and to enjoy freedom led it to think of even breaking the boundaries and flee. And one day it did!!!
The gates of a new sizzling world opened before the lamb. The new world impressed it with its amazing colours, pastures much more beautiful than those the shepherd would lead the flock to, and waters that tasted sweeter. It had stomachful of food and drink, and merried around in its newly found place.
Though tasty and sweet, it realized that these food and drink were not so really satisfying its hunger and thirst. And the fun he had here could not match the joyful company of the other ninety nine. And above all, it dearly missed the loving smile and caring hands of the shepherd. "How good I used to feel in his presence!!! And how lonely I am now!!"
The lamb wanted to return to the shepherd and his flock. But soon it realized that it has lost the way. It did not know which direction to go. The way was rough, and it got tired as it went around madly looking for the right way. And then it happened.... It got caught in a thorny bush. It tried to get out, but all efforts were in vain. Every time it tried, the cuts in the body got deeper, and it lost all its hope. Overcome with weakness, fear and tiredness, it fell unconscious.
After a while the lamb opened the eyes. It found itself no longer in that thorny bush, but in a cozy green riverside. It was pleasantly surprised to see his loving shepherd soaking his towel in the cool waters. He came back soon. There were cuts in his hands. He got those while rescuing the lamb. The lamb watched him cleaning the wounds gently and kissing them with his typical tender love. Seeing that it regained consciousness, he gave it a beautiful smile. His eyes were not complaining, but were full of joy, for at last he found out his dear one.
The lamb, initially embarrassed to have showed up in this pathetic situation, now regained confidence and asked its dear shepherd - "How did you find me?" "I was noting the change in your attitudes. So I was keeping an eye over you, for I did not want to lose you. I love you so much!!" It listened to him as he replied with his eyes filled. The lamb too could not stop tears falling.
"When I saw you running away I called you. But your ears were closed to my voice. I followed you, leaving behind the other ninety-nine, for how do you think I can stay happy without you my little one?!!!" The shepherd gave it a warm hug, which the lamb could never forget in its lifetime. He carried it on his shoulders. When they reached home, the other ninety-nine saw him dancing and shouting with joy - "I've found it, I've found my dear one.." They joined the shepherd in celebration and welcomed back the lost lamb they loved so dearly.
What a good shepherd he is!!! Even now when he finds some of his sheep behaving indifferently, he ensures them of his great love. Or when some are lost, he walks miles to find them out. He doesn't lay aside any effort to bring them back. He strengthens with his love those good sheep which obey him, teaches them how to be better in character. He entrusts them with others, which need more attention. With a shepherd like him, they don't have anything to worry about. Neither thieves nor wild animals could do any harm to them, for the shepherd protects them and keeps them in safe places.
Today this tender love, care and protection of the GOOD SHEPHERD speaks in silence to His sheep - "Where are you going? I have the Words of Eternal Life. And I am the Way the Truth and the Life. I am the Good Shepherd, and I even lay my life for you. And you shall not be in want..." - Jn 6:68, Jn 14:11, Jn 10:11, Ps 23:1
Thursday 1 June, 2006
A Strange Answer
From my own personal experience, I am sure that any believer who has taken Christianity seriously has faced countless doubts about the various aspects of faith - sometimes about even the basics. This happens at various stages of our spiritual growth. When one doubt is cleared (after a period of struggle with it), next one comes. This question had no relevance before, but when the earlier one is clear now, it has popped up.
Even as we struggle with these questions, a strange assurance keeps us move forward. ie. The answer will be found. "Seek, and you shall find... everyone who seeks finds.." - Mat 7:7,8. He has revealed His ways before, He will do it again for me.
The disciples of John the Baptist were placed in a strange situation. Wanna know what? Once their teacher pointed his finger at a man named Jesus and told them - (John 1:29-34)
And now the same teacher, a prophet of God, has asked them to get a confirmation from Jesus about Himself!!! And this happened when Jesus became very famous after He raised from the dead the son of a window in a place called Nain.
Luke chapter 7:17-19
I am sure the disciples of John got confused. They fully trusted John. They had spent quite some time with him, saw him, heard him, watched him carefully... and truly believed that he was a man of God, speaking God's message. His ultimate mission as they knew was to prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah, the Son of God. And they saw him clearly pointing to Jesus with great conviction that He is the lamb of God. He even saw the testimony of the Spirit as was promised to him by the Father. They were preparing themselves for the time when their teacher would ask them to join Jesus and His other disciples. Now why is he in doubt?? Or should we really wait for someone else?? But people say Jesus is doing a lot of miracles and signs, and why doubt Him??
And they went to meet Jesus.
What to expect now? Will Jesus give a theological sermon explaining the eternal truths? Or will Jesus rebuke St. John the Baptist in harsh words about his lack of faith? Imagine what was going through the minds of Apostles, all the people gathered there, the Pharisees and Scribes (who were waiting to criticize Him), and the disciples of John themselves?
Oh!!! What is He doing now? Did He not hear the question? Or is He trying to evade the questions and distract the people by doing miracles?
I see!!! He was giving them an answer. It was a fullfilment of the prophesy from Isiah 61:1-2
By fulfilling the promise and prophesy about the Messiah, Jesus confirmed His identity. His actions always underscored His teachings. He taught with authority, and a genuine seeker of truth gets enough confirmation as he opens his ears to His Words, and his eyes to see Him and His works.
Jesus once tells the Pharisees who questioned Him - (37) "If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; (38) but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize (and understand) that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37-38)
Now the people thought that Jesus would rebuke John the Baptist. But they got a totally different response from Jesus. He said:
O.. Oh!!!! If it's so, then how did he doubt Jesus??
I can't help admiring the wisdom of John. He knew who Jesus is. He did not need any confirmation to believe that Jesus was the "One who is to come". His disciples too believed it, because they were sure about the integrity of John, whom they regarded as a prophet. But John knew that it was not enough. He wanted his disciples to have a "personal experience" of Jesus. A time will come when his testimony alone cannot keep them in faith. Every believer must go through the struggle of questions about the truth, and must explore and experience this truth themselves. And John, as a wise and loving teacher and guide, allowed his disciples to go through this struggle, only to come back to him confirmed in their faith and full of joy.
Many Samaritans came to know Jesus through the sinner woman who had a personal encounter with Jesus at a place called Sychar in Samaria. John 4:4-42
And this is what it is written in the end.
We lament about people who leave the faith and Church so often. These days I read that many people got confused when they read the book "Da Vinci Code", and that more and more youngsters who read "Harry Potter" series ended up developing hatred for Jesus. A large chunk of Christians in this world are Christians by chance, and not by choice. I am sure that prople leave Christianity because they have not had a personal encounter with Jesus. If we do not help our children and youth have a kerygmatic experience (experiencing the salvation through a real conversion of heart, accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Master, and experiencing the works of the Holy Spirit), no amount of Catechesis (teaching to those who who already believe and experience God) will help them in their trying times to hold on to a faith they have never experienced.
'The more you believe, the more you understand; and the more you understand, the more questions we face. The more questions we face, the more hard we seek. The more hard we seek, the more we understand. The more we understand, the more we believe...'
Even as we struggle with these questions, a strange assurance keeps us move forward. ie. The answer will be found. "Seek, and you shall find... everyone who seeks finds.." - Mat 7:7,8. He has revealed His ways before, He will do it again for me.
The disciples of John the Baptist were placed in a strange situation. Wanna know what? Once their teacher pointed his finger at a man named Jesus and told them - (John 1:29-34)
29 "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
30 He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'
31 I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."
32 John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.
33 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.'
34 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
30 He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'
31 I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."
32 John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.
33 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.'
34 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
And now the same teacher, a prophet of God, has asked them to get a confirmation from Jesus about Himself!!! And this happened when Jesus became very famous after He raised from the dead the son of a window in a place called Nain.
Luke chapter 7:17-19
17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
18 The disciples of John told him about all these things. John summoned two of his disciples
19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
18 The disciples of John told him about all these things. John summoned two of his disciples
19 and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
I am sure the disciples of John got confused. They fully trusted John. They had spent quite some time with him, saw him, heard him, watched him carefully... and truly believed that he was a man of God, speaking God's message. His ultimate mission as they knew was to prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah, the Son of God. And they saw him clearly pointing to Jesus with great conviction that He is the lamb of God. He even saw the testimony of the Spirit as was promised to him by the Father. They were preparing themselves for the time when their teacher would ask them to join Jesus and His other disciples. Now why is he in doubt?? Or should we really wait for someone else?? But people say Jesus is doing a lot of miracles and signs, and why doubt Him??
And they went to meet Jesus.
20 When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'"
What to expect now? Will Jesus give a theological sermon explaining the eternal truths? Or will Jesus rebuke St. John the Baptist in harsh words about his lack of faith? Imagine what was going through the minds of Apostles, all the people gathered there, the Pharisees and Scribes (who were waiting to criticize Him), and the disciples of John themselves?
21 At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind.
Oh!!! What is He doing now? Did He not hear the question? Or is He trying to evade the questions and distract the people by doing miracles?
22 And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
23 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
23 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
I see!!! He was giving them an answer. It was a fullfilment of the prophesy from Isiah 61:1-2
(1) "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, (2) to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn;"
By fulfilling the promise and prophesy about the Messiah, Jesus confirmed His identity. His actions always underscored His teachings. He taught with authority, and a genuine seeker of truth gets enough confirmation as he opens his ears to His Words, and his eyes to see Him and His works.
Jesus once tells the Pharisees who questioned Him - (37) "If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; (38) but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize (and understand) that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37-38)
Now the people thought that Jesus would rebuke John the Baptist. But they got a totally different response from Jesus. He said:
26 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
27 This is the one about whom scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.'
28 I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29 (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God;
30 but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
27 This is the one about whom scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.'
28 I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
29 (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God;
30 but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
O.. Oh!!!! If it's so, then how did he doubt Jesus??
I can't help admiring the wisdom of John. He knew who Jesus is. He did not need any confirmation to believe that Jesus was the "One who is to come". His disciples too believed it, because they were sure about the integrity of John, whom they regarded as a prophet. But John knew that it was not enough. He wanted his disciples to have a "personal experience" of Jesus. A time will come when his testimony alone cannot keep them in faith. Every believer must go through the struggle of questions about the truth, and must explore and experience this truth themselves. And John, as a wise and loving teacher and guide, allowed his disciples to go through this struggle, only to come back to him confirmed in their faith and full of joy.
Many Samaritans came to know Jesus through the sinner woman who had a personal encounter with Jesus at a place called Sychar in Samaria. John 4:4-42
And this is what it is written in the end.
(41) Many more began to believe in him because of his word, (42) and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world."
We lament about people who leave the faith and Church so often. These days I read that many people got confused when they read the book "Da Vinci Code", and that more and more youngsters who read "Harry Potter" series ended up developing hatred for Jesus. A large chunk of Christians in this world are Christians by chance, and not by choice. I am sure that prople leave Christianity because they have not had a personal encounter with Jesus. If we do not help our children and youth have a kerygmatic experience (experiencing the salvation through a real conversion of heart, accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Master, and experiencing the works of the Holy Spirit), no amount of Catechesis (teaching to those who who already believe and experience God) will help them in their trying times to hold on to a faith they have never experienced.
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