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Vol. - 6 | Issue - 12 | Monthly | March 2013

Love & forgiveness - Gift of Easter..................... ................... 4 - Fr. Pancha SVD Lent, a time to forgive ................................................... 7 - Fr. Abu SVD Saint of the Month - St. Joseph ...................................... 10 - Dn. Niran Veigas SVD Words of Life .... .................................................... 11-15 (Reflections on Sunday Readings) Know your Bible - ....................................................... 16 - Fr. Walty SVD Our Faith Journy III.............................................................18 - Josephine Fernandes, Andheri Look Within - To Discover What is Without ....................... 21 - Roque Raay, Neerude DCC News ............................................................ 23 -25 Bible Quiz.........................................................................26 The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and not the official stand or view of the Divine Call Centre Mulki. 3
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Reflections for Life Every person desires to love and to be loved. The real beginning of human life itself takes place in love. God created us in love and he created us that we love him. St John in his letters expresses and explains that the very nature of God is love. God is love and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them (Jn4:16b). It is not that he has a virtue to love but he is full of love, he is the spring of love, for he is Love himself. Thats why St.John continues, Love has been perfected among us in this: That we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world(1Jn 4:17).So then, what is love? God has created us into his image and likeness (Gen1:26-27), the image of his love. Then what is this love, it does not contain in, only looking like him but in being like him! Having a heart like him a heart of flesh, compassion, gentleness, kindness, meekness, tolerance and forgiveness. These are part of God being loving towards us and the entire humanity. We love because he first loved us (1Jn 4:19).

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS GIFTS OF EASTER

LOVE
For, In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1Jn 4:10).
Divine Inspiration

Those who love look beyond themselves. We go beyond our mere human needs and desires, not only care for ourselves but also care for our brothers and sisters. Which means, love is to be manifested in life giving, life-saving actions and not remain only in words. For, Jesus himself said, No greater love a man can love than to lay down ones life for his friends (Jn 15:13). Mothers love Fr. Pancha is manifested in her various ways of loving the SVD child and attending to its needs ,like feeding, washing, caressing fondling, comforting, hugging, lifting ,correcting and so on. Gestures of love confirm your ability to love and be a loving person. If we do not show our love in action then we become liars. It contains in loving your brother and sister who is next to you and not merely loving the Lord on the altar or in the church. Those who say, I Love God, and hate their brothers or sisters are liars: for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they seen cannot love God whom they have not seen (1 Jn 4:20). Hence, love is that you live daily in relation to one another with a human heart in which God abides. He prompts us to love others in concrete life enhancing words and actions (gestures). Jesus not only spoke and taught the people about love of his Father but showed it through his compassionate gestures 4
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Reflections for Life and confirmed what he said. All his healings, miracles and teachings were fountains of love flowing from his compassionate heart to every needy, weak, sickly and sinful person. For, In this is love, not that we loved god but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1Jn 4:10). What type of love we are called to live with? Its a unique love that is taught and lived by Jesus. But I say to you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you: so that you may be children of your Father in heaven: for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous (Mt 5:44-45).This love we read and contemplate in endless volumes on the cross. He loved us so much that to the extent of laying down his life on the cross for sinful and unfaithful humanity. His love enabled him to pray for all those who have, are and will be persecuting him in future and won the great forgiveness from the cross. Hence, this love is not momentary, passing and infatuated love but true and lasting love. Only when we grow with such love we truly become children of God and God dwells in us. For Jesus himself explaining the commandment of love said Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to make our home with them (Jn 14:23). Only by becoming truly a loving person and by loving one another genuinely we become true Disciples of Christ. For he says, I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (Jn 13:34-35) St.Paul elaborates on love in his letter to the Corinthians. Love is patient: love is kind: love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way: it is not irritable or resentful: It does not rejoice in wrong doing: but
Divine Inspiration

rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never ends (1Cor 13:4-8a). As we rightly say that God is love and true and genuine love is Godly. Hence, we can say Jesus is love, Jesus is patient, and Jesus is kind and so on. Once we grow in this nature of love then we grow in our god-image and grow in holiness. For this, all that is unloving should be cleared from our heart, thought, behaviour and attitudes. Lent helps us to purify our heart of all that is uncharitable and unholy. It also helps us to be more loving and more Christ like provided we make use of the Lenten graces properly. We are soaked in Gods love. And grace through out this season If we become loving, then the other great gift that we receive through Lent is the ability to forgive. To forgive someone is the harder task to many, simply because they are in want of a loving heart. Lent is the most apropriate time to reflect on ones own weaknesses and sinfulness through a right examination of conscience. A sincere acceptance of ones own faults and weaknesses that lead one to sin. But a true repentance would win Gods favour and could acquire Gods forgiveness through a good confession. Its a time of experience in abundance Gods merciful and forgiving love. And allowing the hardened, angered and revengeful heart to be touched by Jesus our Saviour that we too become forgiving towards others. The other day I met a person who came for counseling. The person had some deep hurt feelings of the past who was insulted by someone in the public during the celebration. He was so angry and wanted to take revenge, either by damaging the name of that family and even thinking of killing that person. He was boiling from within, his face looked sad, dull and tensed. He was restless while sharing. A few times he was tightening his fist with anger, hatred with the 5
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Reflections for Life desire to pay back. After some time of sharing, I asked him whether he could sleep well in the nights. He confessed that for the last three years he hardly enjoyed a good sleep. While asked him, What was he feeling towards that person? He said, he had only hatred and considered him as his worst enemy. I again asked him, what would he do if he meets at that movement just in front of him. He said that he would hammer him with all his strength till he bleeds and dies. Then I asked him to look at the cross and requested him to kneel down. I too knelt with him and prayed quietly looking at the Lord and listening to him. After a while I saw the man was in bitter tears. When I asked him, what was happening and what was the Lord telling him, he just held me crying aloud and said, I must forgive my enemy. I must love him, Jesus forgives me and loves me form the cross. He wanted to forgive that man who had hurt him. The very thought of forgiveness brought in his face joy, relief and brightness. Yes if we look at the Lord with our heart our faces will become radiant, our entire life will be illumined. He enables us to be free of guilt, anger and shame (Ps 34:5).It is not so much my counseling but the Lord on the cross does wonders in our life. That man went with a determination to go and reconcile with that person and seek forgiveness and grant forgiveness. Now he sleeps well and has become a graceful Christian. In Lent if we take enough time to look at the cross with all our heart, love, faith and gratitude we all will be touched by his forgiving love and he will enable us to be forgiving. Forgiveness is a free gift of God to us his children. Yes, at times he will chastise us just to discipline us, but he loves us thousand times more, for, he loves us so deeply. Love endures, forgives and accepts others unconditionally. The more love you have in your heart, the better forgiving person you will be. One who is capable of forgiving others, is the healthiest, happiest and holier person. We are forgiven by the Lord that we may forgive others. Gods free gift of forgiveness is for giving it freely to others. Gods forgiveness flows into our hearts only when we forgive others. Thats why Jesus taught us to pray rightly with a right and generous disposition to forgive others. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors (Mt 6:12). He, he explains it plainly, For, if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your
Divine Inspiration

trespasses (Mt 6: 14-15). To forgive genuinely we need a loving heart. Only a loving heart understands the struggle and emotional state of another and can have compassion for them. God is compassion and love, slow to anger but rich in mercy (Ps 103:8). Thats why he asks us to forgive others not only with the words of mouth and shake hands, but forgive from the heart. (Mt18:35). Jesus could say from his heart from the cross, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Lk 23:34). That was the highest part of his mission to manifest Gods heart of love and forgiveness to the humankind. What is the Lent meant for? Lent is a great gift of God through the church to enable us to savour the unending love of God and his goodness. As the Psalmist says, O taste and see that the Lord is good and happy are those who take refuge in Him (Ps 34:8). Through various pious Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and abstinence from some comforts, we can give up what is bad, ugly and unholy and take genuine refuge in Him by accepting Him totally as our Lord and our Saviour. This would lead us closer to Him, and being chosen to Him will help us to have a heart like him: a heart of great love and forgiveness. This could help us to celebrate with a liberated heart the true joy of Easter not only the Resurrection of the Lord alone but also of each one of us in Him. Then we love more like Jesus, we forgive all the time like Jesus and could live like another Jesus in todays world. Let us keep our past of wrongs, sinfulness or wickedness in the tomb and rise with Him, with a new heart, new mind and be a new being in Him, Let us carry forward our mission by sharing the Easter gifts of love and forgiveness to all.

From darkness T E S T I M O N Y to Light

I did my five days of retreat at DCC, where I felt real touch of the Lord. My weak faith was strengthened. I had a lot of fear of darkness. During the infilling of the Spirit I experienced the power of the Spirit. Now my fear of darkness has vanished. I am completely healed from my wounds. Out of the depths when I called HE answered Me. Praise you Jesus. - Sr. M. Roshni Almeida SRA, Shimoga 6
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Faith in Focus

Lent, a time to forgive

Lent is a time to turn back to God. Forgiving others is the simplest way to please God. It is difficult to forgive but not impossible to forgive. God is a forgiving God. This forgiveness is a pure grace from God. We do not merit it. We need not pay anything to merit forgiveness, no penance, no good works and no promise to be ever faithful. We are forgiven unconditionally because of Christ. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Mat 6:14-15). So what do these verses mean? Forgiveness is a matter of grace. If we do not forgive we cannot fully experience Gods forgiveness. In other words, we continue to feel condemned, guilty and unworthy if we do not forgive others as our Heavenly Father has forgiven us. Jesus tells us about a certain money lender to whom two men owed money. A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more? Simon answered, I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater
Divine Inspiration

debt. And Jesus said to him, You have judged rightly (Luke 7:41-43). If you are forgiven, youll love much. You are able to forgive because you are forgiven. If you Fr. Abu, SVD are not able to forgive, that means you have accepted the forgiveness of your Heavenly Father. If the Father has forgiven you, you become a very loving person. You cannot have fellowship with God when you have a grudge against your brother/sister. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift (Mat 5:23-24). That is why St. John asks us, Those who say, I love God, and hate their brothers or sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen (1 John 4:20). God forgives those who forgive. If you do not forgive you are not forgiven, if you do not love, you are not loved. This is Gods justice. When you resist forgiving someone, you are hurting yourself
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Faith in Focus

more. When you forgive, peace, joy and Gods blessings flow into you like a river! 1. Forgiveness for Freedom: The vengeful will face the Lords vengeance, for he keeps a strict account of their sins (Sir 28:1). A lady had come to Divine for retreat. The members of her family were of the opinion that she was possessed with a demon and was taken to many places of occult practices. She used to scream aloud gnashing her teeth whenever praise and worship was conducted or Holy Eucharist was exposed for adoration. During the forgiveness and reconciliation sessions she started to weep and shed tears for a long time. Later on she became absolutely calm and peaceful. At the end of the retreat she shared her life experiences. She was not a Christian before her marriage. When her husband loved and married her, her in-laws did not accept her into the family. They were making fun of her as a person of lower caste. The torture was so much that she tried to commit suicide many times but survived. Then they made stories that she is possessed with evil spirits and took her to many magician for deliverance. Those magicians hit her with brooms and kept burning coals on her body. Then they forced her to say that she is possessed. She was not allowed to meet her parents and sibling. With all this torture, rejections and loneliness, she had become psychological ill and was behaving strangely. Now that she forgave, a divine peace filled her soul and body. It is said not forgiving
Divine Inspiration

someone is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die. An unforgiving person gives an opportunity for the devil to enter his heart with envy, anger, revenge and hatred. It leads to all vices that bind a person spiritually and blocks his spiritual growth. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Col 3:13). 2. Forgiveness for growth: When one forgives others, he understands oneself better. We all falter, no one is perfect and we need to say sorry many times. When I do not forgive I am not able forgive myself. If God would have judged us for our sins, we would be condemned today. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered (Ps 130:3-4). God extends His grace. for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Mat 26:28). A person who had severe skin allergy and arthritis had visited Divine Call Centre, for residential retreat. He was managing a well known school in a city. He had tried all sorts of medication to get rid of his arthritis and skin allergy but nothing worked. During the retreat his arthritis pain disappeared and skin allergy almost nil. He says it was during the forgiveness and reconciliation session, he realized the great hatred he had towards his mother for her
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Faith in Focus

secret drinking habits and towards his siblings for not sharing the family property with him since he did not care for his parents. He worked hard and became a rich man but he could not see his siblings face to face. All this revenge had taken the form of arthritis and skin allergy. When he forgave them and reconciled with them, he was healed. And in anger his Lord handed him (unforgiving servant) over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart (Mat 18:34-35). 3. Forgiveness makes you divine: Great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa of Kolkotta, Pope John Paul II, Maria Goretti and Benedict XVI have given us great living examples of forgiveness. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. No, if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink (Rom 12:19-20). Joseph was betrayed

by his ten brothers and they had tried to kill him but when he became the Prime Minister of Pharaoh, he was mindful of his brothers and their families. But Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones (Gen 50:1921). Forgiveness becomes easy when you believe like Joseph that God is always on your side. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25). As you progress in your Lenten observances, just pause for a while and see whether you need to forgive someone. Is it too long that you have held someone as not trust worthy? Is there someone you have judged that he would not repent and turn back? We forgive because we are forgiven and that we really love our Lord who forgives all taking upon Himself the price of their sins. Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you have forgiven me, a sinner from the cross. Give me the grace to forgive and pray for those who dislike and hate me. Amen.

T E S T I M O N Y

God healed me
With half hearted I came to DCC to do my 5 days retreat. During this retreat God chose me to be His child again. I experience the healing of my feet, which used to swell since September 2012. I could see Abba Father, Mother Mary and Jesus descending down to the earth. Thank you Lord for giving me such a great experience. Special thanks to all the SVD Fathers and pray for their mission. Lord Jesus, Thank and Praise you. - Deepika Perreira, Malad, Mumbai
Divine Inspiration

T E S T I M O N Y

With the Lord, I am at Peace

I got the opportunity to attend the retreat at DCC after crossing so many hurdles. My grandson had skin allergy. I was not at peace for long time. I prayed to Jesus and He answered me. Now he is 90% cured. The Word of the Lord is the right medicine any ailments. And now I am at peace. I adore you Lord! - Marshal Lobo, Mumbai 9
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SAINT OF THE MONTH

St. Joseph; An Instrument of Gods Salvation

All of us do believe that life is a gift which is given to each one of us and every life on this earth has a vocation to pursue. The vocation of every person is To be Holy and blameless before Him in Love. (Eph 1:4b). St. Joseph, an ordinary Jew from Nazareth in Galilee, a carpenter by profession, like all other Jews, he was a believer and kept all the customs and practices of the law of the scribe, discerning his vocation to be the foster father of Jesus who will save his people from their sin (Mt 1:21). In the Old Testament, God called leaders, patriarchs, prophets and priests directly or indirectly and gave them the mission to be carried out. Certainly, Joseph was not called in such a dramatic manner but his call was very special and unique than all the others. With all his virtues he probably looked forward to live a peaceful life. St. Joseph :- Instrument of Gods salvation: St. Joseph was chosen to be the powerful instrument of Gods plan of salvation. His cooperation furthered the plan of God for the redemption of human kind. All are called to share in the redemptive work of salvation. St. Joseph realizing his vocation committed himself totally by accepting Mary has his wife and giving the dignity of the parenthood to Jesus Christ. Every commitment demands the labour sufferings that would bear abundant fruits in due season. This was realized in the virtues that are manifested in the person of St. Joseph. St. Joseph :- an abode of virtues J JUSTICE: Prophet Amos speaks of Justice as a ruling over of what is right or wrong. St. Joseph was a Just man, in the fact that not only he discerned what is right but he always chose the right course of action in life. He was Just that he paid due respect to God; by actively responding to the message by the angel of God. And to the people; by not letting Mary in the public disgrace.
Divine Inspiration

O - OBEDIENCE : St. Joseph obeyed Gods will with simple, humble and entirely with a single eye to the glory of God alone. In the hands of God he was the most docile instrument. S SILENCE : St. Josephs silence was a complete and perfect elimination of himself. This quality which strengthened him to perfection. E EMPTINESS: St. Joseph had exceptional vocation as vowed to the total and absolute service of God and his mother. P POVERTY : St. Joseph never enjoyed worldly comforts but led a hard life. He possessed two incomparable wealth Jesus and Mary. H HARD WORKER : St. Joseph was a hard working man. He worked willingly and whole-heartedly. He counted no costs and took no reward. St. Joseph :- Model for each one of us: He was a chosen one, a preferred one, called to be a unique state of life. He was meek, gentle and humble. He didnt show any sort of irritation when he assailed by storms of doubt and temptation. He gave his comforts and conveniences to fulfill Gods mission. He was a man of faith and courage. His faith often led him to an unknown destiny but he undertook his journey to those unknown places with great courage trusting in providence of God. He was a man of deep prayer. In every moment he turned towards God in prayer. PRAYER: O Almighty ever loving God, we thank you for giving us St. Joseph has a Patron of this Universal Church. He holds every virtue of yours. He is a living and perfect book, always lay open before us. Give us the same grace of aiming at perfection with fervor, perseverance, and great humility, which makes us least in our own opinion and great in your sight, like the life of St. Joseph. O heart of St. Joseph, so kind and indulgent, make my heart like unto yours. Dn. Niran Veigas SVD 10
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Words of Life

03 MARCH, 2013 Ex.3:1-8a, 13-15;

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT I Cor.10:1-6, 10-12; Lk.13:1-9

THEME: REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOOD NEWS! Repent and believe in the good news, are the words said while smearing ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday. Repentance indeed is the central message of this season of Lent. Today, once again all three readings remind us of Repentance Metanoia, change of ones mind and heart. First Reading: (Ex.3:1-8a, 13-15) Throughout human history God has been calling individuals and communities to repentance, return and renewal. In the first reading today we find God calling Moses from the burning bush. Moses, like any other convict, has murdered an Egyptian and is fleeing for fear of his life. God commissions Moses to forget his past and return to his enslaved people. God is involved in history and comes down to lead his people from slavery to freedom. He says, I have observed the misery of my peopleI have heard their cry Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them (Ex.3:7-8). Second Reading: (I Cor.10:1-6, 10-12) The context of the reading is that the community at Corinth mistakenly believed that by undergoing baptism and celebrating Eucharist they automatically earn salvation. Paul alludes to Exodus and compares baptism and Eucharist to the two events when they passed through the cloud and when they were miraculously nourished with manna and water, respectively. He adds, Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness (1 Cor.10:5). Thus, Paul warns his community that they must be and do something more than merely depending on the sacraments of salvation. Gospel Reading: (Lk.13:1-9) The two disasters mentioned in Lukes gospel are not found elsewhere one Pilate killing the Galileans, the other eighteen being killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them. The point Jesus wishes to
Divine Inspiration

make here is that God alone is the Author of Life and He wants us all to repent and renew our lives although we are free to do so or not. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did (Lk.13:3, 5). We are a fallen race, said St. Augustine, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23). Hardness of heart is just one facet of our sinfulness. There is no tyranny like the tyranny of sin; no slavery like the slavery to sin in all its varied forms. Therefore, time and again God calls us for repentance! People often tend to say, God will surely punish me for my sin! People think of God as a strict judge, who would not let even the smallest sin go unpunished. However, let us understand the parable of the fig tree in the second part of the gospel today. The fig tree is planted in the vineyard an ideal place for it to grow. If it does not grow there, it couldnt grow anywhere. Moreover, a fig tree takes three years to mature and bear fruit. If it doesnt, it probably wont bear fruit at all! When the owner of the vineyard suggests cutting down the tree, the gardener (Jesus), says, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it (Lk.13:8). God gives us a second chance! Lent is certainly the best time to prune, dig, water, add manure and bear fruit in our lives. Gardener Jesus unfailingly nourishes us with His own body and blood at the Eucharist and other sacraments. However, Paul exhorts us, So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall (I Cor.10:12). Let us be aware of false securities! Let us return to the Lord! Let us Repent and believe in the good news! PRAYER: Lord, grant me your grace to repent with all my heart and return to you. You alone are my compassion and love. You alone forgive all my iniquity and heal all my diseases. Amen. Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD
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Words of Life

10th March 2013 Joshua 5:9-12; 2Cor 5:17-21;

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Theme: Saints have a past, Sinners have a future

The parable of the Prodigal Son is the greatest short story in the history of humankind. It has inspired innumerable sinners to become saints. Saints have a past and sinners have a future. The son had made up his mind to return after reaching a rock bottom in his sinful life. I will get up and go to my father He also decided to say three things to his father, (1) Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. (2) I am no longer worthy to be called your son. (3) Treat me like one of your hired hands. But when the prodigal son reaches the father, he doesnt get an opportunity to say that he is to be treated like one of the hired workers. Rather all merciful father orders his servants to bring the robe, the ring and the sandals; and to make a big feast to celebrate the return of his beloved son. The son had a wrong notion of the fathers love for him. He thought his father would forgive him because he is going to ask his forgiveness. He was mistaken that his father would forgive him conditionally. Whereas, his fathers love was unconditional, limitless and everlasting. How beautifully Jesus portrays the love of His Heavenly Father in this parable. He summarizes the scriptures in this parable to give a true picture of the Heavenly Father. The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you (Jer 31:3). His love never changes even when we go away from Him and sin, For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you (Is 54:10). How often we think that God will reject us because we sin? I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Is 43:25). God forgives me all the time, even before I have sinned. Only thing I need to do is to get up and go to my Father to experience His merciful love.
Divine Inspiration

Even the elder son also had a wrong notion of forgiveness. He did not agree with the way his father forgave his younger brother. According to him the return of the prodigal son was shame relived and hence it is a cause for consolation that he is still alive but no reason for celebration as the prodigal son has come back empty handed. For the all merciful father that is no cause to diminish his love for his son. If we have such distorted notion of the Heavenly Father it is time to correct it now. Let us celebrate that God is waiting to welcome sinners. They need to have no merits to enter Heaven, but only the willingness to get up and say, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. The vestments of todays liturgy are rose. They remind us that today is a Laetare Sunday (Rejoicing Sunday). This rejoicing arises after making a good confession. Let us come to our merciful Father and experience His unconditional love. Those of us who are fortunate to be like the elder son (not to go astray in life) also join the Heavenly Father to rejoice that sinners are being forgiven and welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Saints have a past, sinners have a future. St. Paul gives us a reason to rejoice (second reading), All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us (2Cor 5:18-19). Let us continue to bring people to make them realize the love of the Father. The first reading is the celebration of the first Passover in the Promised Land for the Israelites (Josh 5:912). Let us pray: Heavenly Father, I have sinned against you and I do know that you are waiting for me with open arms for my return. I repent of my sins. My greatest purpose in life is to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. - Fr. Abu SVD 12
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Words of Life 17th March 2013

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Is 43:16-21 Phil 3:8-14 Jn8:1-11

Theme: Gods love and forgiveness reforms us

Man may go away from God and from his commandments and norms: yet, God is ever compassionate, always forgiving and gentle. He is always true to His nature. God gave to humankind commandments that by obeying them he may value him and human beings and in the process grow in their humanness .This would help him/her to grow also in his/her holiness and spiritual nature. But human being is selfish and self righteous in many of their ways and have misused the commandments or teachings of the law and used them to condemn others and find fault with the simple and the weaker section of people. But the divine merciful nature of God is active and protects and saves the weaker and sinful people .Lent is a time to experience deeply the faithful love of God even at our worst, unfaithful and sinful times. Our God always desires to save us and restores us and reform us into His very image in which He has created us. The first reading from the book of Isaiah manifests the heart of God. He considers us his people as He considered the Israelites as his chosen ones whom He formed Himself (Is43:21) and to save them from the slavery and clutches of the Egyptians. He made a way in the sea a path in the mighty waters (Is 43:16) .He will not remember our sins for ever, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He says, do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old (Is 43:18) and He is ready to renew and remake them granting them fresh waters from His divine springs, I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth . I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Is 43:19). Every sinner has a hope in the hands of our Creator. But it is important that we too express our faith in Him and our desire to be restored. Miracles will take place with His touch. In life, it is normal that we human beings go wrong many a times. Different people and
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things become the focus and centre or our life. We value other momentary and passing things and run after them. We invest and even waste money, time and other resources after them. But there is a time when all those things become just a block and distraction in life and even become the cause of pain, loss and unending suffering and peacelessness. St Paul out of his own personal experience says that without Christ everything else has no meaning. I regard everything is loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as rubbish.. (Phil 3:8-9). Lent is a time to return to the lord who is the only true and lasting treasure of our lives, Jesus Himself. The gospal reading of today is a master piece of that all surpassing love and mercy of the Father revealed through Jesus Christ. The sinful woman when she was dragged to the feet of Jesus to be condemned and stoned to death in shame, Jesus stands by her and reforms her to be a pure and graceful child of God. The Pharisees were hard hearted people and lived by rules and regulations unmindful of who Jesus was and what He came to stand for. Jesus mercifully and compassionately makes the sinful woman stand with a divine strength and makes the accusers run away in shame. Even they could have repented at His feet. But they went away from His presence and the divine gift of forgiveness. Let us go to Jesus, to be touched, blessed and forgiven by Him. Prayer: Lord make us fall on our knees in your presence and repent for our sins. We believe that you are our Saviour .Teach us to be merciful towards our brothers and sisters in their weaker moments. Help us to lead people to you, not to be condemned but be blessed by you. Amen Fr.Francis Fernandes,SVD
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Words of Life 24th March 2013

PASSION SUNDAY Phil.2:6-11 Lk.22:14- 23:56

Readings: Is 50:4-7

Theme: Let us welcome Jesus in a triumphant entry into our hearts.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an asss colt (Jn 12:13-15)! The royal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem echoes many details from the life of the ancient kings of Israel and contemporary history. The crowd around Jesus was aware of King Solomons royal procession on Davids royal mule as he was taken to be anointed as king. Through this royal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the people accepted him as the Royal King of their lives. The first reading from the book of Isaiah speaks of the third servant song indicating to us about Jesus Christ. Jesus as Messiah accepted the role of suffering which the Father had designated for Him. He is to preach the message of Gods mercy to people. Isaiah further continues saying that He would experience torture and rejection. In the original authors mind, the servant was probably a figure for the people of Israel, or for a faithful remnant within the people. Jesus saw aspects of His own life and mission foreshadowed in the Servant Songs, and the Church refers to them in this time of solemn meditation on the climax of Jesus life. In the second reading St. Paul quotes an old liturgical hymn in which the Judeo-Christians expressed their faith in true humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Though Jesus was in the form of God humbled Himself in order to become man and bring salvation to all of and later He regained the hidden Divine glory in His resurrection. As Christians we accepted Jesus in true Divinity and humanity and also we have faith that Jesus was obedient to the
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Father. Through this perfect obedience He brought for us Gods forgiveness and made us loving children of God. Lukes passion account is the only one of the four Gospels that gives more than one or two verses to the Way of the Cross that Jesus travelled from the place where He was condemned to the barren hill of Golgotha where He was crucified (Luke 23:26-32). Along the road we are told: Simon is pressed into service to carry Jesus cross; a large number of people including women followed Him; Jesus stops to interact with the women who are weeping for Him; two other men, both criminals, are led out with him to be executed. What a diverse collection of people, all literally and figuratively caught up in the following of Jesus the challenging, not always voluntary, and sometimes bewildering path of discipleship. We celebrate these feasts every year as a reminder that Jesus knows what were going through because He went through it before us. Enter into Holy Week in a spirit of prayer. Pay attention to the Scriptures. Often our own problems are mirrored in the events of Jesus Passion. Think about some of the lessemphasized Stations of the Cross (Jesus is rejected. Jesus falls for the second time.) and reflect on how you have experienced these events. Jesus last words in Lukes passion are, Father, into your hands I commend My spirit. These words are perhaps our best response to the difficult times in our lives. We are forever in Gods hands. Knowing this in the depths of our beings gives us all the assurance we need. It doesnt make the bad times go away, but it does promise that the darkness will not triumph. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the king of my life. Help me to welcome you in my heart with a kingly triumphant entry. Amen. Fr. Maxim Pinto, SVD
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Words of Life
31st MARCH, 2013

EASTER SUNDAY
Col.3:1-4; Jn.20:1-9 Theme: : ALLELUIA! JESUS IS TRULY RISEN!

Acts.10:34a, 37-43;

No resurrection; no Christianity. It is fundamental and basic to Christianity. Faith minus the resurrection, Jesus is like another Mahatma like Gandhi or Buddha. Several years ago I had a dialogue with a young man. He asked me several questions particularly on resurrection. Is this resurrection real? Is it historical? Did Jesus Christ rise at all from the dead? He kept on asking questions after questions. Perhaps some of us might be having lots of questions and doubts on resurrection. However, resurrection is Gods action and not a human one. It transcends history. That Jesus of Nazareth lived is a fact of history. However, resurrection is a mystery. What does Easter tell us today? Our Easter proclamation today, must tell us three bodies of Jesus that is; on Maundy Thursday we perceive a bent body of Jesus - washing His disciples feet, Good Friday reveals a broken body stretched out on the cross and Easter Sunday unveils the spiritual body of Jesus Christ. The church a body of Christ must relive these three bodies today. The disciples of Jesus did the same as we heard in all the three readings. In the first reading the apostle Peter gives a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the second reading Paul invites us to live as people of new creation in Christ. In the gospel we heard about Mary Magdalene and about the other disciples, Peter and John. Here, Jesus choice of Mary Magdalene as prime witness to resurrection is really puzzling! In the gospel, the story is of course about Jesus resurrection about what happened to Him. And yet, when we read it, it is all about the disciples of Jesus. Certainly, something
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has happened to Jesus. That is what we are celebrating today. No doubt about it. But the story is really about what happened to them disciples - that they believed. What happened to them? What did they believe? They didnt believe in the empty tomb. In fact, the empty tomb is not a proof for resurrection, but they believed that Jesus is truly Risen! This is what happened to them - their faith or the presence of the risen Lord made all the difference in their lives! They became a new creation, a transformed people, people of Easter and people of resurrection. Hence, resurrection is really real! Today, you and I are called to do the same - To believe in Jesus; above all to believe in His resurrection. Belief in resurrection is not easyit never was! Our life has its ups and downs. It is full of contradictions: such as - light and darkness, sun and shadow, good and evil, sickness and health, progress and regress, falling and rising, Good Friday and Easter. However, for those who believe, this Easter or the resurrection of our Lord tells us that one day good will overcome, that light will triumph, that up will prevail over down, the up of the resurrection over the down of the cross! Therefore, first let us place our trust in the resurrection of our Lord and then let us pursue our questions and doubts. Let us be loving disciples like Mary Magdalene and spirit filled disciples like, Peter and John, whom we encountered in the gospel today. Also, let us be like Paul, who says, God who raised Jesus, will raise us also with Jesus Amen. Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in you and your resurrection. Transform me by the power of your resurrection. Amen. - Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD
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Know your Bible

- 43

LA M E N T A T I O N S

What happens when a nation turns its back on God; when it acknowledges God but does not honour Him as God? What consequences it has to face when it twists, distorts, or even forbids the proclamation of the truths of His Word? What lessons are there for you and for me as individuals and as community of believers in dealing with the aftermath of rebellion? How can we reconstruct the shambles of life and make it worth living again? If you are seeking answers for these questions, the book of Lamentations throws a lot of light by letting you know that no matter how far you have gone from the Lord His tender mercies are always available to make a U-tern in your life. You just need to know how to tap into His mercies which are new every morning and make a new beginning. The book of Lamentations teaches you just that which you are looking for. A lament is an expression of grief, of mourning, of sorrow. Surely we have been there at one time or another. Perhaps some of us have been there more than others. We feel sometimes as if life is one continual lament. You know the feeling, don't you? The pain and the guilt for what we did, should have done, or didn't do. And then to make matters worse, we think there is no sorrow like our sorrow-and a twinge of envy creeps into our hearts as we look at those who have what we've dreamed of and missed. As we go through each chapter of this book let us try to draw some inspiration to brighten our lives. Chapter One: Dont Ignore God's Designs Prophet Jeremiah who is considered to be the author of the Book of Lamentations describes all of the suffering that befell the Jewish people at the time of the destruction of the Temple. Eichah! How is it possible? The proud majestic city of Jerusalem, in ruins! Her inhabitants in exile! Her enemies rejoicing!" (1:1) The sages point out the similarity of the word "Eichah" (How!) and the word "Ayecha?" in Genesis when God asks "Where are you, Adam?" (Gen 3:9) The answer
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to Jeremiah's question - How did it happen? - is that the Jewish people disregarded the Almighty, just as Adam did in Fr. Walty SVD the Garden of Eden. Jeremiah also paints a vivid portrait of a widow crying in the night, tears on her cheeks, with no one to comfort her, forsaken by all her friends. Likewise, Judah has been exiled and dwells in slavery among the nations, while Zion sits in mourning and desolation, missing the myriad pilgrims who would swarm her gates. Jerusalem remembers the bitter destruction, the glorious era that preceded it, and the fact that no nation came to her aid. On the contrary, the allies they depended on backed out, and rejoiced over Jerusalem's desolation. Jeremiah describes the enemy army entering the Temple, and the people of Jerusalem dying of hunger. To all who pass by, Jerusalem cries- "May you not suffer as I have!." (1:12) Is there anything to compare this to? The suffering of Jews throughout history including the Holocaust, is beyond any historical comparison. But the prophet reveals the cause of the suffering. Jerusalem did not have the foresight to contemplate the result of her degeneration. By forgetting her destiny she tumbled all the way down. The plight of Jerusalem described in this chapter is a stark reminder for us that when we deliberately ignore God's designs and follow our own selfish desires, we walk towards our own destruction. Chapter two: Own up Responsibility In broad strokes, the prophet pictures the glory of Israel thrown from heaven to the ground. Jerusalem is on fire. The prophet pictures children dying of hunger, begging their mothers for food, before expiring on their mothers bosom. There is no comparison in history to comfort you with, proclaims the prophet. All the nations clap and 16
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Know your Bible whistle in disbelief: "Is this the glorious, beautiful Jerusalem that was the joy of all the land?!" (2:15) Israel's enemies open their mouths, whistle and gnash their teeth in satisfaction- "This is the event we have waited for and have finally gotten to see." (2:16) What was the cause of Israel's suffering? False prophets lulled them into a false sense of security. More appropriately, they allowed themselves to be lured into a false sense of security by disobeying the commands of Yahweh. The Jews beseech the Almighty: "Look at what You have done!" (2:20a) The prophet replies: "Fellow Jews murdered (the prophet Zechariah) in the Temple courtyard for rebuking them about their deeds."(2:20b) Don't forget the other side of the coin! In short he advises them: Don't blame God for the consequences of your failures rather turn to Him for help by acknowledging your sin. Chapter Three: Trust in the Mercy of God Jeremiah cries over the fact that he witnessed punishment that previous prophets had only warned of. Jeremiah was chosen to express the pain of Jewish suffering. He sees his life as dark, as God has closed the windows of Heaven before his prayers. Jeremiah has been ambushed as by a bear or lion, and is now the laughingstock of his people who ridiculed his prophesies. They embittered his life and broke his teeth. He feels no inner peace. He has no future, yet he still hasn't lost his faith. From the depth of his pain, he turns to the Almighty in prayer. "Remember me and all of my suffering!" (3:56-57) Suddenly he finds inspiration and comfort! Jeremiah is consoled. God's kindness and mercy never ends. (3:22-23) Miracles surround us constantly in life. God is good to those who trust in Him and seek Him out. One must never give up hope and always wait for God's salvation that will eventually come! (3:25-26) Suffering brings us to the realization that we have free will and we should cry over our mistakes and misdeeds - the cause of all suffering. When we make a personal introspection of our deeds and fully return to God, we shall admit our responsibility. Then God will hear our prayers, fight our fights, and make us witnesses to see His justice. (3:58; Ps. 91:7-8) Chapter Four: Be Accountable for all your Deeds. This chapter begins with another kind of description of Jerusalem's destruction. "The gold was tarnished, the shine of the Temple darkened"
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(4:1). The precious stones (the Jewish people) thrown into the streets! Precious Jewish children are given over to cruel enemies. Their tongues stuck to their throats in thirst and no one gives them bread. The pampered children who were used to delicacies are now picking in the garbage dump. Their bodies so ravaged by hunger as to be unrecognizable. Their faces are darker than soot. Their skin shrivelled on their bones. The victims of the sword were better off than those who starved to death in agony. Merciful women cooked their own children! The nations and their kings could not believe their eyes. The chapter ends with a prophesy of the Second Temple's destruction - "Rejoice and be glad O daughter Edom..!" (4:21) - and there is a consolation that in the end "You will drink from the same cup of retribution. Zion - your sins are atoned and you will suffer no more."(4:22b) Yes, everyone has to give an account of all the deeds from which no one can ever escape. Chapter Five: Let God be in control of your Life "Remember O Lord what has befallen us!" (5:1).The last chapter is one loud outcry of prayer, faith and hope. Remember what has happened to us and see our degradation. Strangers have taken our inheritance; our houses are occupied by others. We must pay to drink our water and buy our own firewood. Young and old are mercilessly destroyed by hunger. Our joy turned to mourning. Our crown fell off our heads. Lamentations ends with a description of a desolate Mount Zion with foxes wandering freely about her holy abode. "For this do our hearts ache and our eyes dim." (5:17) However, the book ends with a fervent prayer for the future: "May You, Almighty, forever rule on Your throne for all generations. Why have You forsaken your people for so long?" And our final request: "Return us unto You and we will return ; Renew our days as of old!" (5:19-21) This again reminds us that ultimately God is in control and He restores the things according to His plan and purpose as St. Paul boldly states "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28) (Please send your comments or questions to dencymen@gmail.com or call me: Ph.- 09880382518)

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Christian Family

Our Faith Journey - III

FAITH & WORD OF GOD
Josephine Fernandes, Andheri

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, Follow me and I will make you fish for people. And they immediately left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boats mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. (Mk 1:16-20). Here, in this calling of the disciples we experience the Power of Gods Word; the spoken Word is followed by immediate action. And they immediately left their nets and followed him, they followed Jesus immediately ... how quick, how immediate was their action in obedience to Gods Word. Did they know Jesus? Did they know that he was God? Did they know he was the Son of God? Did they know that he was the Christ, the Messiah, the Chosen one who was to come? Did they know their future by leaving their fishing business and simply following him? They did not
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know him yet! They did not know where Jesus was calling them. When he said follow me and I will make you fish for people did they even understand what Jesus meant by these words; fish for people? Yet they followed him immediately, leaving everything behind. Did they not even want go home to get a few of their belongings? It was the Power of His Word. They simply followed him in faith. There is power in Gods word; thus the Word was spoken and the entire universe was created from a formless void (Genesis ch 1). In Genesis chapter 1, in the narration of creation of the universe, each time God spoke the Word, let there be... and it was, it happened, it was thus created. The Word of God can create out of nothingness to wholeness, out of nothingness to fullness, out of nothingness to newness; thats the Power of Gods Word. The Power is seen, the Power is felt; the tremendous Power of Gods Word creates. It makes things happen within us and around us. But what is our response to the Word? Are we responding to the Word in faith? Faith opens the door to every healing; spiritual, emotional, and physical. Our faith in Christ through His Word opens to us the door of salvation. When we accept Gods Word in faith, we accept our salvation. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved (Rom10:10). Just as St.Paul tells us in Galatians 3:11, now it is evident that no one is justified before God by
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Christian Family

the law; for The one who is righteous will live by faith. Faith we know is a grace, a gift of God we receive at the time of our baptism when we are immersed into Gods Spirit; our faith journey begins then, we begin to live by faith. This faith has to be well nourished and we have to allow it to grow. It needs a fertile soil to grow. And what is the soil we can give it and thus allow it to feed and grow on? The Word of God is the best manure for our faith to grow and produce fruit in abundance. For without faith it is impossible to have a relationship with God. Living in faith is to have complete and total dependence on God. But if we do not know God how can we have a relationship with him, how can we depend on him, how can we place our trust in the one we do not know? And how do we get to know God? It is only through his Word we get to know the loving nature of our God. The Holy Scriptures teaches us and helps us grow in faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Heb 11:6). We are not only called to hear the word of God but we are called to trust in his word, knowing and believing that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for every training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16). It is only when we have faith in his word and start trusting Gods word we can share a wonderful and intimate relationship with God, our relationship should become that of love and of
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trust. We can submit our lives to him fully through this wonderful relationship of Trust. We can open ourselves to him totally accepting his plan and purpose, his will in our life and all this can come about only through our faith. The life of every individual depends upon his or her faith. Here faith we refer to is the Christian faith, our faith in God our loving Father and in His Son Jesus Christ our only Saviour; our faith in his death and resurrection. Faith is the root of Christianity and the core of our spirituality. Christian life apart from faith is meaningless and void. There are many baptised Christians or Catholics who live their Christian life but their faith is dead, they are just present in body at the Eucharistic meal but with a dead faith. When asked, they know something about Christ since they had learnt in their early childhood but their faith is at a zero level, they can be very easily swayed by the worldly influences. Hence theres need to revive our faith, theres need to strengthen our faith, theres need to have a deep, true and lasting relationship with God. And what can be better than in this present year of faith which our Holy Father has placed before us; to help us grow in faith and be true witnesses of Christ to those around us. The measure to test our faith can be the measure of our love for God and His Word. How is your relationship with God and others? Do you share an intimate relationship with Christ? Is Jesus someone truly present to you? Do you meet him personally at every Eucharistic meal, can you touch him or does he touch your life each day? Do you personally experience him at every Sacrament? The answer to all these questions is common and it is faith, yes in faith
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we touch Jesus at every Eucharistic celebration. Through our faith in Christ we can affirm that He touches our life every moment. Every moment he works miracles in our life; can we see these miracles, do we experience them? Only a life truly based on faith will experience his wonders every moment. Every breath that we take is in itself a constant miracle. He watches over us very closely. He loves us very dearly. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love will not depart from you says the Lord God in Isaiah 54:10. The Word is present, the Word is alive, the Word is active as the book of Hebrews tells us chapter 4:12, The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intensions of the heart. But it depends on how much we receive the word with faith, it is not just enough to hear the word but it is important to keep it, to act upon it, to put it into practice (Mt 7:24). God speaks to each one of us through his word, His word is Spirit and it is life (Jn 6:63). God speaks to those who are eager and anxious to listen to his word. He leads, teaches, instructs and guides us through his word. The Word of God not only nourishes our faith but also gradually transforms us into new beings, into new creations (2 Cor 5:17). The word of God is full of promises and these promises can be effective in our lives only if we live by His word, the word of God should be infused in our life which will thus strengthen our faith, our belief, our trust in God. Gods word never returns to him empty, it fulfils, it accomplishes all that is spoken; it fulfils every promise that is made. But God needs our faith for we are co-workers of God. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17). Let us then in this year of faith nourish and strengthen our faith through the Word of God by not just hearing it but by obeying His Word.
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Correct Answers of January Months Bible Quiz

1. Isiah 2. 46 years 3. Sychar 4. Andrew 5. Zechariah 6. Malchus 7. 300 8. Become the children of God 9. Purification 10. Nicodemus 11. John 14:6 12. Joy, Joy may be complete 13. Lay down ones life 14. Disciple 15. Mary Magdalene Correct Answers were given by: Sr. Treesa OP, Bela; Annette DMello, Shirva; Sr. Mary Lilia OCD, Kankanady; Anushka Sharma, Indore; Utkarsh Sharma, Indore; Sr. Linus, Haryana; Sr. Jose Mary, Kankanady; Lydia Noronha, Urva; Helen Sequeira, Mumbai; Rose Joseph, Moodbidri; Dominican Sisters, Pakshikere First Prize: Lydia Noronha, Urva Second Prize: Dominican Sisters, Pakshikere

February Months Correct Answers of Bible Quiz

1. Naim 3. Three 5. Pontius Pilate 7. Three loaves 9. Cleophas to Jesus 11. Joanna 13. Death, Kingdom of 14. Emperor Augustus 2. LK 10:27 4. Moses and Elijah 6. Abijah 8.Moses and prophets 10. Gannesaret 12. Jairus God 15. Arimathea

Correct Answers were given by:

Sr. Julie SJSM, Palimar; Richard Gomes, Padangady; Lydia Noronha, Ashoknagar; M. Henrita, Kotekar; Helen Sequeira, Mulund; Peter DSouza, Jeppu; Maria Niketan Convent, Belvai Anushka Sharma, Indore; Utkasrsh Sharma, Indore Sr. Benny Corea, Mangalore; Sr. Rosy DSouza, Mangalore; Deepa Rodrigues, Padangady; Quintilla Colaco, Kadri; Vincent Gomes, Padangady; Ms. Annette DMello, Shirva: Sr. Rose DSouza, Shanthi Dham: Sr. Navya Prashanthi, Kinnigoli. Frist prize Second Prize20 M. Henrita, Kotekar Sr. Rosy D'Souza, Mangalore
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A man who loves God never falls prey to his senses. But they are capable of mastering them with Gods grace. And when they do this they become enlightened.

Every human being created by God is absolutely strong, intelligent and with lot of potential. He keeps on growing and actualizing. His body, soul and personality are integral and full of grace and heavenly qualities. Though we are very tiny creatures before our Supreme Creator; God has shared with us His own Godly qualities and capacities. He has given us understanding of the society and the ability to adopt, adjust and live in the society. He has given us energy to shoulder political responsibilities. He has given us tremendous powers as far as discoveries, inventions and explorations are concerned. The intelligence and common sense we have is extraordinary. Every one of us is blessed with a unique personality with a different character with length, breadth and ways to measure that personality. He shapes everyones personality in a very different way. And together with this He has given us the capacity and qualities to enter into our own selves deeply and have a journey inside ourselves;
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which is never ending. By doing so we are capable of understanding ourselves both within and without. This is one of the greatest gifts and talents that we have as human beings. This is a very special gift. This is not being given to any other creature on this planet or any vegetation. When we make use of this talent and see ourselves clearly from inside and understand our outsides; we are into something very special that is called, spiritual management. Spiritual management means listening and obeying the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church, and by learning the greatest truths which the greatest book ever in the world has to teach us; the Holy Bible; and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit trying to increase and rejuvenate our faith in God. Spiritual management is believing and having absolute faith in the greatest truth; that is Hebrews 13.8:..Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for ever. This sentence is not only a sentence 21
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which belongs to a particular language with its alphabets, grammar and vocabulary, but it is the ultimate culmination of the universal truth. There is no other truth compared to this. When we follow this truth very deeply from our insides and have reverence to it and believe in it, it automatically shows up in all our thinking, attitudes and individualities outside. Our dedication to our inner selves is announced by our actions, words and deeds. If Jesus is real for us from inside he will be always real for us from without too. Our belief and faith in Jesus who is expected to be the essence of our souls fills us with everything that is christlike. Again spiritual management means following Hebrews 13.9:..Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you from the right way. Its good to receive inner strength from Gods grace.. It is always good for us to be convinced of this platitude. If we have integrity from within we have integrity from without. If we have light from within we are surely enlightened from outside. If we are happy from within, we are undoubtedly happy from outside. So we know that we have the strength and grace of God inside and why worry so much about our outer selves? When we are clean inside, we are also clean outside. When we are strong within we are also strong from without. There fore some spiritual people have told us that, Internal Clarity Leads To External Solutions. All of us expect success in life. We long for our businesses to prosper, we all want to win every race and be number one in anything that we lay our hands on. This desire and thinking is always good. But if our life has only these motives to go ahead in life without having any values, spiritual or otherwise, on top of these, then we are not heading anywhere. Our goals must be subjugated to our values and they must crown the goals. Otherwise our life ends only in satisfying our aims in life which do not give much meaning or help us manage ourselves spiritually. When our values together with our aspirations help us to serve the society and other human beings, it means that we have clarity inside and meaning for our life. The summary is found in Hebrews again:13.16:.Do not forget to do
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good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God. This way when we take up any work be it small or big, there must be a spiritual side to it. We think of too many rules and principles and axioms to run our life but if there is no integrity, what have we got? Big projects and policies to function them are not useful. What we need to do is to reassess our values regularly. Value clarification is what is needed. When we are unable to see our values from within, we also remain blind to everything what is outside. When our insight is pure and clear we are in a position to change or retain things from our external life giving us a chance to lay a sold foundation. Our spiritual buildings will have a rock-solid base. A clear vision or mission must always emanate from inside. And this makes us to change our habits and attitudes about success, name and fame and the love of money. Hebrews 13.5: says.Keep your lives free from money, and be satisfied with what you have. We really do not need much success in life in order to be happy. Some people are truly very happy with whatever they have. And they drink a little cup of happiness. What we need is a clear definition of happiness or a simple understanding of it. We do not need any proof, witness or documents for our values. What we need is a clear thinking and understanding of what we are going to do. When we are good inside we also will be good all around. A man who loves God never falls prey to his senses. But they are capable of mastering them with Gods grace. And when they do this they become enlightened. Understanding something from outside is like inspecting a seed from outside but understanding something from inside is knowing its kernel. Therefore my dear friend, peep inside yourself. The true Word of God that is Jesus Christ the son of God himself is living there. Find him, hold on to him and live him. If you do not find, look for him. Meet him, talk to him, love him, and make him your friend. You do not have to do anything else right now. He is always there inside you and he takes care of you in all ways. He is your internal clarity and external as well. 22
March 2013

DCC News

SCHOOL RETREATS BY DCC, KARNAD, MULKI

On 22nd January 2013, Fr. Francis along with Dn. Lloyd organised a day of prayer and value education to Neerude High School students. There were about two hundred students. Their participation and co-operation was really excellent. They showed keen interest in spiritual matters and very obedient. Later, February 4th, Fr. Francis along with Dn. Niran conducted a day long retreat for Christian students at Udyavar Church English Medium School. It was indeed a great experience to pray, share faith and create interest in them a deep thirst for God, Word of God and prayer. Children expressed their love for Jesus and thirst for prayers.

RETREAT AT UPPER KASARKOD CHURCH, HONNAVAR

A four-day retreat was held at St. Sebastian Church, Upper Kasarkod, Honnavar, from 14th to 17th January, 2013. This retreat was conducted by Divine Call Centre, Karnad, Mulki, preached by Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD, accompanied by Bro. Elias and Bro. Osmond. Hundreds of people attended the retreat from all over the place. It was followed by the annual feast of the Church. There was a grand procession on the last day of the retreat on 17th January, 2013. On 19th January, Saturday, the solemn feast of St. Sebastian was celebrated with a festive mass at 10.30am with thousands of people attending the mass and concelebrated by many priests. It was indeed a wonderful spiritual experience for all those who gathered on these days.

YOUTH PROGRAMMES BY DCC WITH DMPT TEAM

On 26th January 2013, one day animation programme was conducted for the confirmation students at Mundkur Church from 9 am to 3 pm. Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD was the priest in-charge of this programme, duly assisted by DMPT Youth Team. This was held in view of preparing the students to receive confirmation on the following day. On the same day Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD conducted a short programme for the ICYM Youth of Pezar Varado from 4 pm to 8pm. He gave a talk on Faith and conducted an hour-long healing service for the youngsters. It was indeed a wonderful spiritual experience for all of them.
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March 2013

DCC News

ONE DAY RETREAT AT PEZAR CHURCH

On Feb 03, 2013, Sunday, one day retreat was held at Pezar Church. It was preached by Fr. Abraham Dsouza SVD, Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD and accompanied by Bro. Clifford Dsouza. The retreat began with the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 8.15 am and

concluded at 5 pm in the evening. There were talks on faith and other praise and worship sessions and Eucharistic adoration. All those who attended the retreat experienced the mighty miracles by the Lord and received plenty of blessings by the Lord.

THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH FREINADEMETZ (FIRST SVD MISSIONARY TO CHINA)

The solemn feast of St. Joseph Freinademetz was celebrated on 02 Feb, 2013 at Divine Call Centre, Karnad, Mulki. St. Joseph Freinademetz was the other person, who was canonized by Pope John Paul II along with St. Arnold Janssen (SVD Founder) on 5 October, 2003. Fr. Salvadore Serrao SVD was the main celebrant for the festive mass, concelebrated by many other SVD Priests. Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD preached a beautiful homily describing the life and mission of the saint. There were also other programmes like an audio-visual shown to the people on the life and mission of the saint. All those who had gathered on the day were greatly blessed by the Lord through the intercession of St. Joseph Freinademetz.

My Priestly vocation strengthened

T E S T I M O N Y

Atmosphere here at DCC is very much helps to pray. One week retreat helped very much to deepen my Priestly call. Inner healing, deliverance and re-kindling of the Spirit helped me to change my heart and turn towards God who has called me. Glorify you Jesus. - Br. Alwin Christopher, Belgaum Diocese
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March 2013

SENIOR CITIZENS SPECIAL RETREAT AT DCC

Consequently for the third year now, a special retreat for the Senior Citizens was held at Divine Call Centre from 27th to 31st January, 2013. Many of the senior citizens from all around the place had gathered for this special retreat. There were special talks for them on growing old gracefully, sufferings, faith and other topics. All those who had come for the retreat felt the deep touch of the Lord and experienced mighty miracles and blessings from the Lord.

DCC COLLABORATORS DAY

On Feb 01, 2013, we had a short gathering of all the collaborators of Divine Call Centre, Karnad, Mulki. Collaborators included all the preachers, volunteers, musicians, singers, intercessors and all those are immediately connected with the centre and its ministry. Fr. Nelson Pinto OCD, was the main speaker of the day. He gave a two hour long input session on the beginnings and the development of the Charismatic Movement in the Catholic Church. After the input session, solemn Eucharistic celebration was held and it was followed by a short gathering with games and sharing. At the end there was a sumptuous meal for all.

Jesus completely healed my daughter

T E S T I M O N Y

Thank you God for giving me the grace to attend this retreat. I had attended one retreat last June along with my daughter, she had severe food allergy. She was unable to eat eggs, fish, milk, curd etc., The moment she used to eat she would complain about the stomach pain and then vomit. After attending the 5 days retreat at DCC, she has been completely healed. Now she is able to eat everything without problem. Thank you Jesus, Praise you Jesus. Veera Mathias, Moodbidri
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March 2013

BIBLE QUIZ

March 2013, Gospel of Mark

1. 2. On the day of the feast of the Unleavened Bread, the Passover lamb is sacrificed? This is my Son, the beloved, listen to Him, a voice came from the clouds who were present at the time of Jesus Transfiguration?_____________________________________________ 3. 4. 5. 6. What is the meaning of Corban? Whoever is not against us is for us. Who said to whom? Jesus heals a blind man in Jericho named Bartimaeus, son of The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Write the Chapter and the verse 7. 8. 9. Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean. Who said these words Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James and bought spices to anoint Jesus. I will strike the , and the will be scattered.

10. The poor widow contributed to the treasury of the temple. 11. Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of the Christ will by no means lose the reward. Who said to whom? 12. Whose ear was cut off with a sword at the arrest of Jesus? 13. You are the Messiah. Name the place where Peter makes the declaration about Jesus . 14. Jesus heals the Gerasene demoniac from the unclean spirits, what was the name of that unclean spirit? 15. To love ones neighbour as oneself is much more important than all and

Conditions:
1. Write your answers big and in clear writings. This quiz is open to all. 2. You could send more than one entry, but at least one should be on our magazine sheet. 3. Your answers should reach us by 15th of March 2013. 4. Result will be published in the Marchs issue. 5. There will be I and II prize, which has to be collected from Divine Call Centre. 6. With the full details you can also send your answers to our email: dccbiblequiz@gmail.com 7. Editors decision would be final and binding.

Please send your details along with the answer

Name

....................................................... Address ....................................................... ....................................................... ....................................................... Phone .......................................................

Send your answers to:Bible Quiz , Divine Call Centre, Opp. Gandhi Maidan, Karnad, Mulki, Mangalore- 574154
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March 2013