Articles About 2 Jesus Youth Leaders in a Malayalam Weekly Publication

Please go through the articles published in Sunday Shalom about two of the Jesus Youth leaders. It is very much inspiring

Spiritual Tune of the Youth - On Adv. Raiju Varghese, the International Coordinator of Jesus Youth

The Advertiser for Christ - On Shelton Pinheiro, the Coordinator of Rex Band, Jesus Youth's Music & Audio Visual Outreach Ministry

Bishop Thomas Tobin Sends 'An Open Letter to Inactive Catholics'

Recently, I wrote about a letter the Bishop sent to all in his Diocese in US whom he appropriately called "inactive Catholics" rather than "fallen away." The letter was an example of the heart of a true shepherd. It would be a great template for Bishops around the country. This Bishop's leadership as a successor of the Apostles reflects his Episcopal motto, "strong, loving, wise," which is taken from Paul's admonition to his young disciple Timothy in his second letter.

- Deacon Keith Fournier

http://www.catholiconline.com/national/national_story.php?id=39581

It's worth reading!!!

Lessons Learnt During Praise & Worship Ministry - II

Dear all,

(Continuation of the previous posting with the subject "Lessons Learnt During Praise & Worship Ministry - I")

• (Not a real incident. This is for example only)
  In the Indo-Pak border the Army captain was pressing on hard to contain the infiltration problem. He had two companies of army posted at two key locations. The captain instructed the commanders of the 2 groups (each with 10 members) to shout "Vande Mataram" when they need to charge towards the enemy. When the time came, the commander of the 1st group thought - "Why should I waste my energy in shouting 'Vande Mataram'. No one in my group doubts my patriotism. So he said the slogan "Vande Mataram" but with an average voice. The group members felt that the commander is less confident, eventhough the enemy group were only 8 soldiers. Though they did their best, they got terribly assaluted by the enemy who charged upon them with full josh. Meanwhile the other commander was facing an enemy group of 15 people. He shouted "VANDE MAATARAM" with all of his heart, mind, spirit and strength. The group members could feel patriotism in the air... they were all set to lay their lives for their MOTHERLAND. It look less than 5 minutes only to finish all the 15 of the enemies without losing even 1 soldier, managing with minor injuries only. Thus everyone realized that the command to shout VANDE MAATARAM was not jusst meant to give honour to the country, but also to give strength and victory to themseslves.
• Some people think that Christian life is one that is very peaceful. NO.... It's the fiercest battlefield, in which you are not going to get enough rest until you finish the race. Here the enemy doesn't sleep. But the good news is that our Heavenly Father is always at work, and so is Jesus (John 5:17). To keep going, we should frequently confess with our lips our God, the name of Jesus and the salvation that He brought us. This confession of faith reassures our faith and the faith of the community. The voice of the world is loud, with the enemy ready to deceive us with his lies, and to be in focus we need to raise our voices uttering the truth.
• In fact praising our Creator is far more meaningful and fitting than to shout slogans for the motherland. "The HOLY ONE of Israel inhabits within the praises of His people." (Psalm 22:3). How much more it re-vitalizes those who utter His praises!! How much more it scares and scatters the enemy!!
• A good time of Praise and Worship prepares the way for the WORD OF GOD to produce 100 fold fruits - repentence, healings, deliverance, decision makings, reception of spiritual gifts/charisms etc.
• Two things that the Worship Leader/Team should go after - Presence of the LORD, Anointing. One is not independent of another, one brings the other.
• Music Ministry plays an important role here. Though people call it Music Ministry, it is or rather should be in fact Worship Ministry. Music in itself does no good here if it does not lead one to Praise and to Worship. A well known worship song puts it most beautifully - "I bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required... You search much deeper within, through the way things appear... You're looking into my heart. I'm coming back to the 'heart of worship' that is all about YOU... all about you, JESUS"
• If a song is sung just as a song rather than as a praise/worship, it does not help much to experience the Presence of the LORD and his Anointing.
• You can't command Anointing of the LORD by the choice of your words and songs, but your humility and thirst for it can. "Water flows only towards the low-lying area."
• What is the role of the Music Ministry?
  
  • Is it to sing/play songs? No
  • Is it to sing praises? Yes, but that's not enough!
  • It is to lead people to praise and worship the LORD. They must not only praise & worship, but should help the entire congregation to do so
• So, their role is to complement the Worship Leader's job to help the congregation sing praises and offer worship to the LORD, with apt songs.
• Worship leader with his words declares "ABOUT THE LORD", His works, His nature and qualities that encourage the congregation to praise the LORD; Music Ministry complements with songs of praise.
• Worship leader with his words helps the congregation to utter words of love, honour and worship "TO THE LORD"; Music Ministry does the same with songs of worship.
• Until recently I thought that songs of praise are fast numbers and songs of worship are slow and soothing songs. I was not clear the difference between praise and worship, until I saw this link http://www.reference.com/motif/Society/difference-between-praise-worship.
  
  "The difference between praise and worship is that the praise is usually comprised of songs that talk about the goodness of God. The songs also sing about what the Lord has done for us and what the promises of God are. The songs talk about how good the Lord is. Worship are songs that are singing directly to God. You are singing about how you adore Him, thank him, trust him, admire him, exalt him, etc. Another way to show that you are worshiping God is to do what the word of God says that you are supposed to do. A great example of someone showing that they are worshiping God is when the Lord says in the bible to love your neighbors as yourselves. When a person begins to love someone that is unlovable you are worshiping God with your actions."

(More to come in the next edition)

Lessons Learnt During Praise & Worship Ministry - I

Dear all,

"Let us give thanks to the LORD our God.... It is right to give Him thanks and praise" (Roman Missal)

I am back here to share what I've learnt while being in the team leading worship ministry.

In the initial years, when I was in MA College of Engg, whenever I had to lead the Praise & Worship, it was almost entirely spontaneous. I was not even sure whether it is right to plan things (I was of the opinion that there is no need to plan and everything will be revealed on time.) At that time I was a little careless about how the group responded to the way I was leading. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it was not. I was a little avert to using tips and tricks in order to make the session interesting. To me it was like interfering with the work of the Holy Spirit.

It was when I came to Mumbai and started ministering to a youth prayer group in Mulund (sometime in 2002-03) that I realized that leading a P & W session needs a lot of preparation. Years with Jesus Youth Mumbai taught me a few lessons on this which I wish to share with you all. I hope that this will be of some use to the new Jesus Youth leaders, those in the parish choirs, the new leadership in KEY Army and so on.

I don't attempt to present a research paper on Praise & Worship. You will find detailed presentation on the net. As in my earlier posts on "Lessons Learnt .." series, you will find several things doubtful or inconsistent, and so feel free to disagree with my views.

• Praise and Worship is a beautiful way of responding to God's infinite love, glory, providence, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and all that He really is, with all the superlative qualities.
• The praises that we offer is something that cannot match what He rightly deserves.
• A layperson who is not used to Praise & Worship may find it awkward. One might wonder if any god would require his creation to shout praises to him; and if so, how praise-hungry god he is!! But things are a bit different...
• All the heavenly beings (Angels and Saints) constantly see the beatific vision of the One Almighty God!!! They can't help constantly praising Him whose glory and goodness has no measure!! Nobody compels them. They do so because they are really know what they are doing!
• "God so loved this world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not persish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) "To those who accepted Him, to those who believe in his name, he gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12). By praising and worshipping God who made all this possible, we are already doing what we will be doing in heaven for eternity.
• Our praises & worship do not add anything to the "intrinsic glory" of God or subtract anything from this glory by not doing it. But the "extrinsic glory" (glory that needs to be duly acknowledged by the creation) is not perfect; rather it's minimal compared to what He deserves. By way of our Praise & Worship, we are privileged to participate in increasing the extrinsic glory of God.
• The last person who is benefited by hearing our shouts of praise or the seeing the moments of worship will be God. Our praises confirms our faith and that of the congregation. Our worship brings us closer in intimacy with the LORD. It renders our enemy powerless. The power of God is released abundantly that breaks the bondages and set ourselves free.

(To be continued)

Just Missed!!!

Dear all,

While the Jubilee excitement is in the air, I missed by a day something that is of great importance to me.

It was on 21st October 1996, the last day of Campus Meet '96 at Nirmala College (Muvattupuzha, Kareala), that I first ever made an act of commitment to the LORD. I was not sure what I was doing, I had never had any plans to do such a thing before coming there. The last day last session was led by Manoj Sunny chettan, who talked about Jesus Youth movement, its Catholic roots, Charismatic spirituality etc. Many of the things I did not understand. But when he asked us on the previous day (20th) to write on a piece of paper the names of those who hurt me and whom I need to forgive, I did so, and I was a bit surprised when we were asked to surrender those people to the Lord and tear the paper down. But with the 3 grace-filled days, I was really responding positively to the sessions, and I honestly and earnestly obeyed. On the final day (21st), Manojettan asked us to write down a few decisions that we all want to take. I think I made a decision to surrender my life to the LORD and to be faithful to Him. And I asked Him the grace to keep the commitments, because I knew I didn't have a strong will power.

(I heard after the programme from some leaders that that programme was not as fruitful as it was expected. I don't know all those things. What I know is that the LORD touched me and blessed me through it. Praise Jesus!!)

So, it's 14th anniversary just passed after making my first commitment to the LORD. In Biblical terms, 2 Sabbath Years have gone by. It is inviting me to thank, introspect, correct, hope and march ahead along with the cloud of witnesses around me, many of those belonging to Jesus Youth movement. Say one prayer for me as you read this.

Happy Jubilee!!

Lessons Learnt while Helping the Choir

Dear all,

Being a shy person by nature and with a lot of stage-fright, it was only out of sheer need that I started becoming a part of the Music Ministry in Jesus Youth Mumbai, sometime from year 2003. Stage fright is to a little measure still there with me, but I could really see myself experiencing a tremendous healing in this area, especially when I go out on stage to sing. I shared this to encourage people who strongly feel that this is your ministry, but have lots of fear in mind.

Now I am back with something to share with you on the lessons I learnt over these years while helping in the Music Ministry. As I said about the "Mass lessons" this too is a reflection on my experience, and I am not presenting this as general rules.

• I am part of something larger than my talent / aspirations / ambitions / glory etc. etc.I've heard that when a Eucharist is celebrated, the whole heavens come down around the altar to watch the awe-inspiring mysteries of the Trinity, Incarnation, [Birth, Life, Passion, Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ], Redemption, Transubstantiation and so on. In a smaller measure though, something similar happens during Eucharistic Adoration, Bible Proclamation, further down to Praise & Worship / Rosary etc. Nobody attending the service has come to listen to 'my voice', but my voice can be instrumental in lifting their hearts to God and His mighty presence along with the heavenly hosts.
• I am there to support the Liturgy or the specific ministry such as Word of God sharing, Praise & Worship etc.
  In the case of Mass, what I can do best is to choose the songs that suits to the theme of the Bible Readings and the Homily. I find that the Priests truly admire our effort to complement their job of putting a message across to the people of God. I might have better songs in my kitty, but they might have nothing to do with the day's theme. The same is the case when someone else is leading the Adoration, Praise & Worship etc. The beauty of the service doubles when everyone gives their best "in one accord".
• I am there to lead the people of God to greater intimacy with the LORD
  To the extent possible, I must avoid singing songs that very few or no one in the congregation knows. I must realize that majority of the congregation wants to join with us in singing. Of course there are occasions where this can be violated, for example during moments of intense worship, and only one or two lines are sung in repetition. But for most of the time, if we cannot teach the song to the congregation in advance, it will end up leading people to distraction.
• I must not be a distraction
  If I attempt fancy things to get noticed and appreciated, even if that goes extremely well there is a chance of I distracting the congregation. I must pray hard for the anointing so that when I sing they must lift up their eyes and ears to Jesus, and not down to me.
• When I prepare in prayer for the service, I must pray for the entire service, and not just for my role.
  This has happened with me several times. I prepare for the Adoration & Healing Service part where I am supposed to sing. But the service also includes Mass, Novena, Confession, Counseling etc. Our prayers must be to bring people to the experience of God's love, repentance, healing and deliverance. When I am praying for the people to be touched by God only when I sing, I forget the Power of the Mass, Power of the Intercession of the Saint whose the Novena is and so on; and I also forget the need to pray for the Priest, the Altar Ministers, other Choir members, the Congregation as a whole etc. and even the Priest who sit for Confession and the Elders who sit for counseling. It's the ministry of the Church, not just mine.
• I must know my sinfulness as well as the willingness of God to work through me
  I think it is self-explanatory. I should not forget what I am. But I should also remember that He is a generous Daddy who wants us to take part in His work. Jesus said to the disciples before He multiplied the loaves & fish - "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." (Mat 14:16 http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew14.htm). Trust in His Words and serve Him, for multitudes will be fed through you

A Jubilee Decision

In this Jubilee Year, I am making a decision very special to me. My patron saint is St. Martin de Porres (http://magnificat.ca/cal/engl/11-03.htm). His story is worth said, that can move the heart of the hardest nature. I am known by my saint's name only in my Mulund circles only, where I got baptized in the year 2002. It sometimes pricks my conscience that even I remember him very rarely. But in these days of real blessings of the Jubilee, I have decided to remind myself and others that I am born again as "Martin", with great deal of his intercession, and above all the intercession of Mary our mother. I will be glad if anyone starts addressing me as Martin. I am sure that if someone calls me Martin when I am in the state of sin, that itself would make me run to the confessional.

The biggest detail I've ever got about St Martin was a book I read on him which is not more than 100 pages. But as I read it sometime in 1999, I knew that he is going to be my patron saint if I ever get baptized. One small book was enough to build a strong bond between us!! I received baptism on 8th September 2002 (solemnity of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, and also a Sunday), an on the same year I received my first Sacrament of Penance, First Holy Communion and Holy Confirmation. Our Bishop was coming on November 10th to give the First Holy Communion and Confirmation to the children. Since I was receiving both, Fr. Joju the parish priest said that Confirmation is generally given after Communion. But in the Solemn Celebration, Communion is at the last and Confirmation is in the middle. Since I am receiving both, I was advised to receive Communion in the previous Sunday itself. That was November 3rd 2002 Sunday, which was also the Feast of St. Martin de Porres!!!! Praise God!

Before I disclosed that I wanted to have my name as Martin, some of my prayer group members got a message that Martin is the name shown to them. That was a joyful confirmation.

This is thus my first mail with the changed signature, through which I want to proclaim to myself and to the world about what I am called to be.

On Contemplative Prayer

Dear all,

In the trail I have pasted a chapter from the well known book "The Way to Perfection" written by St. Teresa of Jesus. If you are interested in reading the e-book, you access it here - http://www.ccel.org/ccel/teresa/way.html

This book is very helpful for those who want to grow in intimate friendship with Jesus in prayer.

---

Taken from The Way to Perfection (St Teresa of Jesus, Avila)

CHAPTER 17
How not all souls are fitted for contemplation and how some take long to attain it. True humility will walk happily along the road by which the Lord leads it.

I seem now to be beginning my treatment of prayer, but there still remains a little for me to say, which is of great importance because it has to do with humility, and in this house that is necessary.

For humility is the principal virtue which must be practised by those who pray, and, as I have said, it is very fitting that you should try to learn how to practise it often: that is one of the chief things to remember about it and it is very necessary that it should be known by all who practise prayer. How can anyone who is truly humble think herself as good as those who become contemplatives? God, it is true, by His goodness and mercy, can make her so; but my advice is that she should always sit down in the lowest place, for that is what the Lord instructed us to do and taught us by His own example. Let such a one make herself ready for God to lead her by this road if He so wills; if He does not, the whole point of true humility is that she should consider herself happy in serving the servants of the Lord and in praising Him. For she deserves to be a slave of the devils in hell; yet His Majesty has brought her here to live among His servants.

I do not say this without good reason, for, as I have said, it is very important for us to realize that God does not lead us all by the same road, and perhaps she who believes herself to be going along the lowest of roads is the highest in the Lord’s eyes. So it does not follow that, because all of us in this house practise prayer, we are all perforce to be contemplatives. That is impossible; and those of us who are not would be greatly discouraged if we did not grasp the truth that contemplation is something given by God, and, as it is not necessary for salvation and God does not ask it of us before He gives us our reward, we must not suppose that anyone else will require it of us. We shall not fail to attain perfection if we do what has been said here; we may, in fact, gain much more merit, because what we do will cost us more labour; the Lord will be treating us like those who are strong and will be laying up for us all that we cannot enjoy in this life. Let us not be discouraged, then, and give up prayer or cease doing what the rest do; for the Lord sometimes tarries long, and gives us as great rewards all at once as He has been giving to others over many years.

I myself spent over fourteen years without ever being able to meditate except while reading. There must be many people like this, and others who cannot meditate even after reading, but can only recite vocal prayers, in which they chiefly occupy themselves and take a certain pleasure. Some find their thoughts wandering so much that they cannot concentrate upon the same thing, but are always restless, to such an extent that, if they try to fix their thoughts upon God, they are attacked by a thousand foolish ideas and scruples and doubts concerning the Faith.

I know a very old woman, leading a most excellent life—I wish mine were like hers—a penitent and a great servant of God, who for many years has been spending hours and hours in vocal prayer, but from mental prayer can get no help at all; the most she can do is to dwell upon each of her vocal prayers as she says them.

There are a great many other people just like this; if they are humble, they will not, I think, be any the worse off in the end, but very much in the same state as those who enjoy numerous consolations. In one way they may feel safer, for we cannot tell if consolations come from God or are sent by the devil. If they are not of God, they are the more dangerous; for the chief object of the devil’s work on earth is to fill us with pride. If they are of God, there is no reason for fear, for they bring humility with them, as I explained in my other book at great length. Others 53walk in humility, and always suspect that if they fail to receive consolations the fault is theirs, and are always most anxious to make progress. They never see a person shedding a tear without thinking themselves very backward in God’s service unless they are doing the same, whereas they may perhaps be much more advanced. For tears, though good, are not invariably signs of perfection; there is always greater safety in humility, mortification, detachment and other virtues.

There is no reason for fear, and you must not be afraid that you will fail to attain the perfection of the greatest contemplatives. Saint Martha was holy, but we are not told that she was a contemplative. What more do you want than to be able to grow to be like that blessed woman, who was worthy to receive Christ our Lord so often in her house, and to prepare meals for Him, and to serve Him and perhaps to eat at table with Him? If she had been absorbed in devotion [all the time], as the Magdalen was, there would have been no one to prepare a meal for this Divine Guest. Now remember that this little community is Saint Martha’s house and that there must be people of all kinds here. Nuns who are called to the active life must not murmur at others who are very much absorbed in contemplation, for contemplatives know that, though they themselves may be silent, the Lord will speak for them, and this, as a rule, makes them forget themselves and everything else.

Remember that there must be someone to cook the meals and count yourselves happy in being able to serve like Martha. Reflect that true humility consists to a great extent in being ready for what the Lord desires to do with you and happy that He should do it, and in always considering yourselves unworthy to be called His servants. If contemplation and mental and vocal prayer and tending the sick and serving in the house and working at even the lowliest tasks are of service to the Guest who comes to stay with us and to eat and take His recreation with us, what should it matter to us if we do one of these things rather than another?

I do not mean that it is for us to say what we shall do, but that we must do our best in everything, for the choice is not ours but the Lord’s. If after many years He is pleased to give each of us her office, it will be a curious kind of humility for you to wish to choose; let the Lord of the house do that, for He is wise and powerful and knows what is fitting for you and for Himself as well. Be sure that, if you do what lies in your power and prepare yourself for high contemplation with the perfection aforementioned, then, if He does not grant it you (and I think He will not fail to do so if you have true detachment and humility), it will be because He has laid up this joy for you so as to give it you in Heaven, and because, as I have said elsewhere, He is pleased to treat you like people who are strong and give you a cross to bear on earth like that which His Majesty Himself always bore. What better sign of friendship is there than for Him to give you what He gave Himself? It might well be that you would not have had so great a reward from contemplation. His judgments are His own; we must not meddle in them.

It is indeed a good thing that the choice is not ours; for, if it were, we should think it the more restful life and all become great contemplatives. Oh, how much we gain if we have no desire to gain what seems to us best and so have no fear of losing, since God never permits a truly mortified person to lose anything except when such loss will bring him greater gain!

Sin, Righteousness and Condemnation - Part 2

(See Part 1)

If my article inspires at least one person to approach God with confidence in spite of all unworthiness and sinfulness, I would regard that this mission of mine is fruitful.

The final words of a leader, a prophet or a saint are considered precious by the followers and those who regard him, and thus carry special significance. Though every single Word uttered by Jesus were precious, inspired and inspiring, the last things that he did were of very high importance. For example, He cried out to the Father commending His spirit unto Him. Similarly, the mutual entrusting of His mother (the woman) and the disciple whom he loved most, forgiveness offered to those who persecuted and mocked at Him etc. etc. So also is the final discourse that he gave to the disciples during the Passover meal.

It is very much noticeable that it was the first time we see in the Scriptures where Jesus spent so much time talking about the Holy Spirit and the way He was going to guide the Church. The promise of the Spirit was given not with any reservations, since Jesus knew and clearly foretold that a few moments from then that he was going to be betrayed, handed over, left alone and denied by the disciples. Instead, the Spirit was promised based on the infinite merits He himself earned for them (and us) being born as a man in flesh like us, endured temptations as we do (well, in its highest form), and living a life pleasing His Father in perfect and uncompromising obedience that even cost him his own life, offering it as a perfect sacrifice in atonement of all the sins of the entire mankind.

Point 1: The Holy Spirit was promised to the disciples at a time when they were not so strong in faith; rather, they were to receive strength and power through faith once they would receive the same Spirit (Acts 1:8). So don't worry if you are stumbling often in the walk with God. The promise of the Spirit is still with you as long as you are a disciple (a person who has made a choice / decision to answer to His call, to be disciplined, trained and enabled by the Master). Your discipline is not going to earn you the Spirit, but the Spirit who has been given to you will enable you to become his perfect disciple.

When I first read the passage of our discussion (John 16:7-13), I was a little surprised about the 3 things that the Spirit would convict the world of - Sin, Righteousness and Condemnation. Well, what's so big deal about these 3 things? Aren't they obvious? I thought I had already known well about these subjects. But being a neophyte, recently converted into this new faith from a totally different background, I knew one thing then; that there are so many things beyond my understanding. All those first 20 odd years of my life, I lived in total ignorance about God. It had never seemed obvious to me that someone like God ever existed. Then on one fine evening in the premises of St. George's Cathederal sitting with my classmate, I saw with fearful surprise that my friend is talking to Jesus in plain coloquial Malayalam language, as casually as he talks with me, with hardly any doubt that he is being heard. He was interceding for me, and I could experience the consoling presence of God who was lifting the burden gradually from my heavy laden heart. Weeks later, I was hearing more and more about this Jesus Christ from a few of my friends who too have experienced the manifest presence and power of Jesus, even through physical and mental healing. Again later, CAMPUS MEET '96 helped me walk a few steps ahead. And I cannot forget that evening when 3 of us were praying together in the class room Vimalagiri school when I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now I knew that I am just at the doorstep of a whole new and exciting world of which I had very little idea.

Thus, I was sure that there must be a lot of misconceptions I had (and the world has) about the above mentioned 3 things, which can be cleared only in the light of the wisdom that God grants through the Spirit. God gave me a thirst to explore the truth with all my strength right in the beginning of my walk with the him. "Seek, and you shall find...", I was certain that so will be it. If God is ready to reveal himself, then will he not be ready to share his wisdom? more so when he has encouraged us to seek him, his kingdom and his righteousness? So this thirst made me read the Bible, which I think I could read entirely in the span of a few months, along with a few wonderful books that helped me a lot to get me familiar with the exciting truths of this new world, which I came to know as being called "the Kingdom of God". It took me several years to understand what I am attempting to comment on, about the above 3 things; and I know that my understanding is very small. This is a humble attempt, and I hope to do so gradually in the upcoming mails, as and when the time permits. I invite all of you to read these, benefit from them if they are from God, correct them whenever it is from my ignorance or pride. I am sure that if not others, at least I will be benefited from this exercise. I hope to research on this more than ever before.

- To be Continued

Sin, Righteousness and Condemnation

As we read in John 16, Jesus tells the disciples in His discourse on the eve of the Passover:

7. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
9. sin, because they do not believe in me;
10. righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;
11. condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12. "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
13. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

I have always wanted to write about these verses, coz not only that I've always drawn inspirations from them, but also got a few insights, which so far have been deep within me in an unorganized manner. My effort with this attempt to pen them down is to bring the unorganized into an organized one. May God's Spirit guide me, for in the beginning God uttered His Word, and the order was established in the previously orderless world.

My personal God experience began around 12 years back. It was marked by a radical conversion and a total transformation. When I look back, I always envy myself for the abundant grace I was showered upon, to overcome the challenges I had to face in my initial years. When I see myself off-late struggling hard even on the basic things of personal renewal, I once again long to go through a radical conversion and transformation.

With my experience regarding sin and grace, God has taught me a lot over these years. Those were really tough lessons though. When I read the Word of God - the Mirror that can show our true image, as St. James put - I see my ugly face (made ugly due to sin) getting beautiful and bright when the divine cosmetic - grace - is applied.

I know that I am not presenting anything new to those who have experienced God in the variety of unique ways that God alone can think and comprehend of. For it's an eternal truth that we are experiencing salvation by grace, received through faith, and expressed in good works. But it's still awe-inspiring every moment, and never ceases to marvel the ones who seek God's mysterious ways. How can a man who trod a long way into the path of sin be able to stand in the righteousness of God without walking the entire way back home? But it's still true, for the ways and measures of God are totally different from those of man, as we read in the book of Isaiah 55.

6. Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near.
7. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; Let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
9. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

- To be Continued

On Sharing My Faith

I generally have a tendency to shy away from the responsibility of sharing my faith with my friends. The reasons, or rather, excuses are quite usual – They may feel that I am trying to convert them, or, their impression about me may be lost, they may think that I am offending their sentiments. I always wonder what the right thing I must start with is.

There have been occasions when I was involved in discussion with a (secular) set of friends on some burning issue, say sexual morality, and some of them completely disagree with my views. Now whatever argument I put forward to them, either they have a counter-argument, or they simply disagree. Most of the time it boils down to the same question - "Who decides/defines what is right and wrong?"

Have you ever been in such a situation? If so, I don’t know how you must have handled the situation. But I have mixed success in conveying my views. I notice one thing in general. Without bringing God into any discussion on moral issues, the arguments look weak and empty according to me. Had there been no God, many things I consider illegitimate today could be considered legitimate, and many values I stand for would be absolutely foolish. And it's very difficult to prove to an atheist that God exists, no matter how logical my attempt is in putting my views.

I used to wonder why is it that God who is so real and present to me is a matter of foolishness for others. Well the answer is very clear. Even I did not come to faith because I heard someone explaining about God logically (though today I realize that all logic applied objectively and in unbiased manner proves the existence of God). Yeah… I have heard people sharing about God, and his unfathomable and unconditional love. I have heard them sharing their testimonies of how God shows his providence in their daily life. I have witnessed the power of God working through them, when the cancers and AIDS get healed, blind people see, the deaf ones hear, and the lame walk. Their sharings and witnessing life have invited me to try this faith myself, when I could myself truly experience that awesome love that transformed my whole life. I have experienced the hand of God working on me for the past 11 years. Instead of sharing experiences, if they had tried to convince me with logical conclusions, I don’t think I could have ever experienced God and his love.

So… it requires experience to believe in God. And one can experience God only when He reveals himself to him or her. Bible says – "Because he is found by those who test him not, and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him." (Wisdom 1:2)

What makes someone seek God? Well, every man experiences in his soul, a deep craving for God. He can sense it, but may not understand what this craving is for, or may not acknowledge it. It usually happens that the soul is unable to find God, and his pride may tend to give up this search after some time. Pride works, saying – "I will not accept anyone or any idea which I could not experience in my whole life." A theist (a person who believes that God exists) may not necessarily have experienced God. If his soul manages to triumph over pride, and accepts that there could be many things that is beyond its understanding, and hopes that the One whom it craves for really exists. And when it ultimately experiences God personally and intimately, faith is built up on the experience, and not on logical explanations.

The state of a soul that has not experienced God is like a man who is shut in a big dark room for years, and craves for freedom. One day he hears someone shouting from outside the room that the door is unlocked and it opens to outside world where he will find freedom and light. He is filled with hope, but he suddenly experieces the presence of a tall dark creature beside him, saying that the messenger is trying to fool him, and it’s better not to reach to the door and try to open it, for the fear of disappointment.

Here, the captive man is the soul of the person, the dark creature is his pride, and the messenger is a person who had experienced God and shares his testimony with him. The soul will be naturally drawn to God and respond to Him. To reach to the door of faith and to open it, one has to defeat his pride. But it is always wise according to me, to do so by hope, even if you are not so sure whether the door will open. For you have nothing to lose. If the door will not open, you may get disappointed, that’s all. Nothing worse will happen, and you are losing nothing. But if it does open, you have used your only option to see freedom and light.

Paul says in the letter to Romans chapter 8

19. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God;
20. for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope
21. that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
23. and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

So, what God has taught me is very simple:- Don't spend too much time in arguments with my friends. I must trust in God and use words of wisdom whenever required, but that's not enough. I must share my experience of Jesus with them and invite them to experience the same. I must pray fervently for them so that God may open the doors of opportunities in their life where they become more receptive to the Word of God and welcome him into their lives.

Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

My dear friend, in Jesus' never-failing name I invite you his beautiful kingdom, and I can assure you that you will not get disappointed. He is the answer to all our needs - spiritual, psychological, physical, material. He is a loving Father, who sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ into this world to wash our sins with his precious blood, so that we may be worthy to enter the Kingdom of God, where we will live forever. I know what I am saying, if you are feeling right now how crazy I am. He is the One whom your soul craves for. He knows the deepest desires of your heart. He is Love Unlimited, and for a seeking heart, He is just a simple prayer away.

For the scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." (Romans 10:11)

God bless you!!!

God's Smile

My younger son Joshua is now almost 5 months old. One of the most noticeable thing about him is - you can immediately say if you have ever spent some time with him - that he is a smiling beauty. He smiles at anyone and everyone. To me he gives some of the most delightful moments with his cute innocent smile, that often conveys a lot of things - Love, Expectation, Innocence, Peace, Joy, Holiness.....

At times I tell Neethu - "Look, this is how God smiles! Of course, His smile must be even more beautiful; for He is the most innocent, most loving, the seat of all righteousness, peace and joy."

Jesus took delight in little infants. Scriptures depict the beautiful incident when He praised the Father for hiding the wisdom of His Kingdom from the wise and the learned, and instead revealing it to children.

And the Kingdom of God is... Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. And that's why we find it difficult to smile like Joshua does.

On the Feast of St. Martin de Porres

Again a JOYnet posting dated 03-Nov-2004

Today is the feast of St. Martin de Porres, the Negro Saint. He is someone who has deeply inspired me, so much... may be more than any other saint. I was always fond of, or rather, hungry of reading the life of saints. There are many such biographies that laid a solid foundation of faith for building up core convictions regarding faith and morals. To cite a few, St. Francis of Assissi, St. Therese of Lisiex, St. Antony of Padua, St. Antony Mary Clarette, St. Padre Pio, St. Dominic Savio, St. John Maria Vianni, St Catherine of Sienna and so on. Some of these biographies give a very detailed description of various phases and situations they went through, which has really helped me a lot. But I don't know how a 100-odd paged simple biography of St. Martin could make such a difference in my life much more than all the others!!!! to the point that when I received Holy Baptism in 2002 September, I could not think of any other name for me than MARTIN... Yes my dear brothers and sisters, today is the feast not only of St Martin de Porres, but mine also!!! Also is today the 2nd anniversary of my First Holy Communion... Praise the Lord.. Before my Baptism, someone in our prayer group, who was unaware that St Martin is my favourite saint, suggested this name for me. Well that was no less than a confirmation for me.

Martin was the son of a poor negro woman and a rich & noble father. Right from His childhood, he grew in conviction that he was "a child of God, and thus hier to God, and joint hier with Christ". Thus rather than getting angry towards the elite people who would unjustly discriminate people racially, he always looked at and rejoiced at the Master who knows no prejudice. Right from childhood he practised charity. On the way to market, he was not reluctant to give away the "hard-earned money" of his mother to the beggars and those less fortunate than him. He could see the Divine Mendicant in them and served his best. He used to pray for hours in his small room. When his family went through troubled times he was forced to discontinue stuies and joined a surgeon as an assistant where he quickly learnt his job and found joy in serving the sick. The town soon realized the potential of the young chap when they saw Martin him the wound with quickness and precision and easing the pain of a person carried (in great agony) to the dispensary when the doctor was away. His loved ones saw a great career ahead for him as a medical assistant; but Martin had chosen a better career for him - the lowliest in the sight of man, but the greatest before God. "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." (Mt 20:26-27) He wished to be servant in the nearby poor Dominican Monastery "to serve the servants of God". The friends and relatives tried to dissuade him, and even to threaten him. "But," - the author puts, I really like this sentence - "his decision was firm, and simple. And such decisions taken in simplicity could rarely be disuaded from."

Simplicity was the hallmark of our Saint. The monastery authorities could not understand why such a committed and potential person chose to be a servant. They offered him to prepare for Holy Orders, "but our saint considered himself too unworthy of such a great previlege". In the monastery he did all the mean duties with so much of joy. Everytime anyone finds himself in some problem or need, it was referred to Martin when everything else fails; for he had solution for all. When the monks started witnessing the miracles that the Lord kept on performing through him, they realized that there is a little saint living in their midst. He was very compassionate. Healings used to happen when our saint serves the sick a glass of water or a vegetable salad. He used to distribute food among the poor who would gather in front of the monastery. Without looking at the number of loaves left in the basket, he used to distribute. The loaves would finish only after the last hand stretched towards him was full. It was a usual sight of Martin feeding stray animals. Sometimes it is seen a dog, cat and a rat eating from the same vessel. When the House faced the problem of "rat population explosion" and brothers complained, Martin confessed - "It was my mistake. I didn't take enough care to feed the poor rats". He then had an "agreement" with the rats that all the rats would be fed by Martin in a "rat-shed" and the rats in turn would not trouble the brothers any more. "The rats gracefully agreed and kept their promise".

Martin was blessed with so many spiritual gifts, such as BILOCATION. People from various parts of the world experienced the love and affection and care of Martin, though he never left his hometown Lima of Peru. Once as he returned from some place, he saw the brothers mourning the death of a close friend of Martin. He had wished Martin to be there before he died. Martin said - "How can he die. I am going to wake him up." He entered the room and said. "Brother, I have come as you wished. Now in the name of Jesus, you stand up." He came back to life to the surprise of the Brothers. Immediately, displaying an act of utter simplicity, he remembered the promise to the rats, and went to do it, leaving all the onlookers marvelled by the miracle, and even more by this simplicity.

Martin prophesied his death about 4 days before he died. The whole of Peru as well as from outside flocked to get a glimpse of the Living Saint. He had "Heavenly Visitors" (Blessed Virgin and St Dominic) when the earthly elite had to wait to get an appointment with him. He died the beautiful death promised to the Chosen Ones.

For those who want to know more about Martin, pls go through...

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm02.htm
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=306
http://magnificat.ca/cal/engl/11-03.htm

On the Feast of St. Luke

Here is again a JOYnet posting dated 19-Oct-2004

A striking feature of Luke's gospel is the open invitation to all to receive mighty healings not only in body, but also in spirit and broken hearts. As I understand, no other evangelist has unveiled this face of Jesus as the Total Healer in every realm of human life as much as Luke did. When I started experiencing the irresistable love of Jesus in my life, I was a little hesitant, because neither I nor the people who knew me had a good impression about me. I, out of my ignorance thought that God is unaware of my past (looks silly right???). How can someone so good love someone else so bad!!! But slowly through His humble servants as God encouraged me to read the Gospel.... I was so amazed by the FORGIVING and HEALING LOVE of Jesus.

Here are a very few examples I can remember.

• Healing the servant of the centurion (Lk 7:1-10). (Very special to me as I am from a Hindu family)
• The parable of the lost lamb (Lk 15:1-7)
• The parable of the lost coin (Lk 15:8-10)
• The parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32)
• Healing and forgiving words to the sinner woman who washed His feet (Lk 7:36-50)
• Jesus calling Sacceus (Lk 19:1-10)

For people deeply hurt by lack of confidence, rejection, insecurity, guilty conscience, failure, sinfulness, fear, for all brokenness in spirit, mind and body, Dr. Luke prescribes Jesus as THE MEDICINE. Luke is a true doctor who knows the faculties God gives to the human doctors, as also their limitations. Thank you St. Luke, for God used you to bring our broken selves to the Divine Doctor.

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.

'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."

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?"

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."

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.)

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.

A Love Letter from Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven

My most beloved son/daughter,

Listen! the Lord who made you, who formed you in the womb (Is.44:1-2) says, you are mine (Is.44:21) before I formed you in the womb I knew you (Jer.1:5). I knit you together in your mother's womb (Ps.139:13). Your life & everything belongs to me (Ez13:4). I created you in my image (Gen.1:26). You are precious in my sight & honoured & I love you (Is.43:4). I have written your name on the palm of my hands (Is.49:16) You are my dear son, the child I delight in (Jer.32:20).

When you were a child I loved you (Hos.11:1). It was I who taught you to walk. I took you up in my arms. I picked you up & held you to my cheek. I bent down to you & fed you (Hos11:3,4). I have cared for you from the time you were born. I will take care of you until you are old & your hair is grey. I made you, I will care for you (Is.46:4). Even if your mother forgets, yet i will never forget you (Is.49:15). I think of you with love, my heart goes out to you (Jer.31:20). I will shield you & guard you as the apple of my eye (Due.32:10) & hide you in the shadow of my wings (Ps.17:6). I will be always with you (Ps.23:4). The mountains may depart & the hills be removed but my steadfast love shall not depart from you (Is.54:10). I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have continued my faithfulness to you (Jer.31:3). My unfailing love & mercy never ceases (Lam.3:22). You shall be my treasured possession(Ex.19:5).

I have hidden you in the shadow of my hand (Is.51:16). I will never let you be defeated & put to shame (Ps.31:1). Who are your adversaries? (Is.50:8) I will give you success (Neh.2:20). fight against whoever fights you (Is.49:25). I am willing to die for you (10:15) The one who fights against you will fail (Is.54:15). You shall not be shaken (Ps.63:6). Your mind & body may grow weak, butI will hold you near to me to strengthen you (Ps.73:26-28). It is I who bandaged you when you were hurt & healed you when you were sick (Ez.34:16). I am there to draw you up from all hidden dangers & from all deadly diseases (Ps.16:8,9). In times of trouble, I will shelter you & will keep you safe in my temple (Ps.,27:5). I have heard your cry. I know all about your sufferings (Ex.3:7). I heard your groaning (Ex.2:24). I know how troubled you are; I have kept a record of your tears (Ps.56:8). I am near you when you are broken hearted (Ps.34:18). I will come near you when you call on me (Lam.3:57).

I have plans for you, plans to bring you prosperity & not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for (Jer.29:11). Surely there is a future for you & your hope will not be cut off(Prov.23:18). When you turn to the right or when you turn to yht left, your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, "this is the way, walk in it" (Is.30:21). I will help you to speak & I will tell you what to say (Ex.20:8). Therefore seek me with the sincerity of heart (Wis.1:1). Is there anything I failed to do for you? (Is.5:4) But you rebelled against me & would not listen yo me(Ex.18:23). You did not call upon me, but you have been weary of me (Is.43:2). I would rather see you repent & live (Ex.18:23). I myself will search for you & bring you back (Ex.34:12). Why are you downcast? (Gen.4:6). How I wanted to accept you as my son & give you a dlightful land, the most beautiful heritage of all nations; I wanted you to call me, my Father & never again turn away from me (Jer.3:19).

I will sweep away your trangressions like a cloud & your sins like mist (Is.44:22). I will forgive your inequity & remember your sin no more (Jer.31:34). I will tread yopur iniquities under foot. I will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea (Mica.7:19). The former things shall not be remembered or come to mind (Is65:17). I am deeply moved for you (Jer.31:20). Return to me (Is.44:22). I will rejoice in doing good to you (Jer.32:41). Return to me. I will not look on you in anger, for i am merciful, I will not be angry forever (Jer.3:12). I wait to be gracious on you (Is.30:18). I will restore your fortunes (Jer.32:44).I will renew you in my love (Zep.3:17).

Just obey my voice in what I say to you & all will go well with you (Jet.38:20). Listen to my voice & do all that I command you. So shall you be mine & I will be yours (Jer.11:4). You shall be my treasured possession out of all the people (Ex.19:5). You shall go to all to whom I send you. Do not be afraid of any (Jer.1:7-8). You will rise on wings like eagles;you will run & not get weary; you will walk & not grow weak (Is.40:31). Therefore awake, awake, put on your strength (Is.51:1). Arise, shine for your light has come & the glory of the Lord has risen up on you (Is.60:1). Go to heal the broken hearted (Is.61:1) to proclaim the year of my favor (Lk.4:19). Won't you go for me? (Is.6:8).

Most affectionately

Your own heavenly Father (Abba)

("This letter from Abba Father, was received when I was in South Africa, preaching the word of God there in June 2002. Reading the message again & again, we get a personal touch of God, resulting in inner healing & joy of heart." - Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V. C.)

A Strange Letter

A letter written to a person on death row by the father of the man whom the former had killed:

You are probably surprised that I, of all people, am writing a letter to you, but I ask you to read it in its entirety and consider its request seriously. As the father of the man whom you took part in murdering, I have something very important to say to you. I forgive you. With all my heart, I forgive you. I realize it may be hard for you to believe, but I really do. At your trial, when you confessed to your part in the events that cost my son his life and asked for my forgiveness, I immediately granted you that forgiving love from my heart.

I can only hope you believe me and will accept my forgiveness. But this is not all I have to say to you. I want to make you an offer: I want you to become my adopted child. You see, my son who died was my only child, and I now want to share my life with you and leave my riches to you.

This may not make sense to you or anyone else, but I believe you are worth the offer.

I have arranged matters so that if you will receive my offer of forgiveness,not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you also will be set free from your imprisonment, and your sentence of death will be dismissed. At that point, you will become my adopted child and heir to all my riches.

I realize this is a risky offer for me to make to you -- you might be tempted to reject my offer completely -- but I make it to you without reservation. Also, I realize it may seem foolish to make such an offer to one who cost my son his life, but I have a great love and an unchangeable forgiveness in my heart for you.

Finally, you may be concerned that once you accept my offer you may do something to cause you to be denied your rights as an heir to my wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I can forgive you for your part in my son's death, I can forgive you for anything. I know you never will be perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to receive my offer.

Besides, I believe that once you have accepted my offer and begin to experience the riches that will come to you from me, that your primary (though not always) response will be gratitude and loyalty. Some would call me foolish for my offer to you, but I wish for you to call me your father.

Love,
God

Courtesy - Author Unknown