True offering

Micah 6“What shall I bring when I come to Yahweh and bow down before God the most high? Shall I come with burnt offerings, with sacrifices of yearling calves? 7Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams, with an overabundance of oil libations? Should I offer my firstborn for my sins, the fruit of my body for my wrongdoing?”
 8“You have been told, O man, what is good and what Yahweh requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.




One of my best friends, a hindu, survived a tumour in his brain. He and his family had thanks giving offerings to make at many temples. When he went to the Meenakshi Ammen temple at Madurai, he asked me to accompany him. For me, it was one wonderful chance to visit the old city of temples and to see the art and culture of that dearly beloved historical town once more.

While being there, I was fondly reminded of the rich spiritual tradition our country has.How much of importance and significance we Indians give to stay close to God and remain spiritually clean.

Yes, indeed, What Micah 6 : 8 reveals is very true, what our God our Lord want from us is to be just and compassionate and walk humbly with God.

All the faith and religion is solely for this purpose, we will learn with experience of compassion. No amount of rituals or practices or fasting wont save us unless and until our mind accept that truth and delight in it.

The picture is that of an young bride, who got married at the temple when I was there. May all her wish come true and she be happy. Or rather May she have the grace and wisdom to be happy no matter what life bring for her.  

Jasmine

Jasmines are flowers offered to God in worship. South Indian women  wear them on their hair too.

A beautiful sight, a beautiful feel.

My favorite of all the flowers for worship. Simple and regal. Its sweet fragrance a nostalgia. Always.

Colors of life

At the seminary where I have a class, we planned a photo-shoot for making Christmas cards for the coming season. I took around 220 pictures of each students and the priests there. But unfortunately the pictures did not come good. I pushed my old camera to the extreme for better quality and it took a lot of unwanted colors, making each frame a mockery. A disappointing venture, especially when I am in no position to replace my old camera. 

No matter how bad or hard life's circumstances be, if we stay close to GOD and keep our thoughts in Him in everything we think and do, things gotta turn around. That's our belief. The blind man who called out to Jesus, "Son of David.." was granted his wish. Jesus merely asked him, "...What is that you wish that I do for you.."

So basically, it's all about our faith. That, He can do everything. Everything is possible for Him, if we keep ourselves worthy for His Divine grace.

I wish for my two friends, who has told me that their peace is wrecked, that they find their harmony soon. May they have the grace and strength to win over everything that is wrecking their peace.

Thank You

After a few weeks I went to Lady Of Ransom yesterday early morning. I enjoyed the cool lonely walk up to the church from the highway. Seeing the bright colored dome of the church from a distance was very consoling and comforting. 

Being a week day, there were not many in and around the church. The schools kids were just about arriving to the school which is in the church compound itself. Those who come early were playing around in the Rosary park. 

I had a special mention of my mother whose death anniversary was last week. Like me she too was a frequent visitor at Lady Of Ransom. As I sat there in the freshly painted and polished inside of the church, I was grateful, that I got an opportunity to teach "Accounting" again to a batch of seminary students, of the very congregation which was my mother's favorite. Since I had moved away from that subject to "Art and Art History" lately, I was happy I take up that classes, even with considerable strain on my time. 

Thank you Mary at Vallarpadam, You with Your infinite grace and bearing help us to be true to ourselves and our faith.

Smile

Sorry to admit, but I do not have any more of fresh pictures from Vallarpadam. Not surprised though, its been over five weeks since I went there. Work mostly, on Sundays too.

Come to think of it, I have been blessed with one of the best opportunity of work at one hand, but on the other hand I have a lot of troubles to deal with.

That's more or less how my life has been, a mixture of both at the same time - good and bad, happiness and sadness, weakness and strength...

With age, I have learned to be strong with Lord, never to let anguish overtake me... (Smile)..but its not easy...(Smile).

Inspiration

Dr. Bettina Topoll, Germany.

An inspiration, to live. We all have our own troubles in life, Jesus and our Faith in Him is our Way to live our life without letting the troubles get the better of us.

“Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

A honour to have met you Doctor. You are a true inspiration indeed. May our Lord keep you well and let you be an inspiration to many around you.