Saturday, April 7, 2012

“Easter” is the Good news to the universe " !!


  Easter greetings in the name of triune God.  For Today’s Easter meditation please turn your Bible with me, Gospel according to John 20:1-18. But we would focus only on ver. 1, 11-13,and 16-18.
  All the gospel writers refer the passage, which we have just read. Mt.28:1-10; Mk.16:1-10 and Lk.24:1-12 All of them give much importance to this incident. The central truth of these passages is the fulcrum of our Christian faith-Easter.
The background of the fourth gospel could be traced back in the various religious movements and philosophies like Platonism, Stoicism, of the early century. Many heresies about Jesus had developed during the period.
  After three and a half years of glorious ministry, Jesus was crucified. He died on the cross and buried in the tomb. But interestingly Jesus resurrected and came out of the tomb overcoming the human strategies. Chapter 20 talks about that great event, which is the centre of the Christian faith. Vs.1-10 talks about the Mary’s visit to the tomb of Jesus and found the open tomb. She reported to Peter and John about open tomb and absence of Jesus’ body in the tomb. They came and enter in to the tomb and see the linen cloth and napkin in the tomb. Then Peter and John went back to their homes!!  ...but...she alone standing near the tomb, weeping and crying.. what is the reason behind.
Magdala is one of the towns in the province of Galilee. Mary is from that city. Jesus had cast out seven demons from her, that time onwards she became his follower. All the gospels report Mary’s visit to the tomb during the dawn. Synoptic gospels say that Mary came with a company of women. But her name is mentioned first among all women in the synoptic. However, john’s gospel mentions that she went to the tomb alone. Here I would like to draw your attention to Mary Magdalene who went to tomb early in the morning. What made her to take a risky step like this?
Mary Magdalene a model of unparallel love
  Verse 11-13 narrates Mary’s discovery of the empty tomb. The gospel of Jesus does not end with his death and burial. The crucified Christ overcomes the death. The best evidence for his resurrection is the empty tomb and his appearance to his disciples in various occasions. The word ‘But’ contrasts Mary’s behaviour with Peter and John who have left the tomb. Only John’s gospel tells us about “weeping Mary” at the tomb. The Greek word Klaio used for weeping means ‘expressed profound grief’, ‘violent emotion’, ‘loudly cries out’, etc.
When male disciples were shut the door and sitting and chatting inside the house. But this Marry rush to the tomb of Jesus, she wanted to express her loyalty, gratitude and love to Jesus, her saviour. Once she was suffered by demonic possession. In Lk. Ch 8:2, we see that Jesus cast out 7 demons from her. According to Jewish culture demonic possession is the curse and they become out cast in the society. She was hopeless and isolated from the socio-religious realm. By the physical weakness, she was cut off from everywhere. But Jesus gives her hope and He made her something from nothing. He restored things what were lost in marry. Yes, dear beloved- these are the reasons of her love. She expresses her thanks at the suitable time in an appropriate way.
“There was a poor shepherd, who was unexpectedly elevated to the position of king. During the course of time he became prominent among surrounding nation by defeating them. Once he got a great victory. This king expressed his thanks and loyalty to his God by dancing publically with his servants. Seeing this dancing the queen got an angry and tried to stop him. Queen asked king why you are acting like a vulgar fellow shamelessly. The king answered to queen  ....“honey I was noteworthy to the prince of this nation and your husband, but by the grace of my God I came thus far...” Once I was nothing and neglected by my parents and brothers. I was a big zero before others, but my almighty lifted up me as a hero. He is none other than David, the second king of Israel. dear beloved in Christ I believed this is the story of most of us. This unshaken love was the driven force behind Mary’s early morning visit to tomb of Jesus. Dear, what about our gratitude towards our God?
Marry is a symbol of taking risky steps for faith.
Fear is the common phenomenon, which everyone faces. But Bible says, perfect love drives out fear. Do you know the pathetic situation of women in the 1st century Judaism?. Ladies were oppressed and ill-treated in the socio-religious realms. But we see that marry magdalin was different character. Let’s see what were the things she had to fear about?.
A) Feminity: Marry was an ordinary woman from the small city of Galilee. Even men are fearful to go in lonely cemetery in the early morning. No women dare to go in the early morning, even in noon time..? but here one women going a cemetery. B) Darkness and Tomb also a great challenge: no one was willing to visit tomb in this time according to schollers this dawn means 3-6 am. But she is willing to visit tomb at any time because her love and gratitude compelled her to did so. C) Roman soldiers: in Mtt. 27:65 we can see that Pilate gave a group of soldiers for keeping the tomb and body of Jesus. Merry was the eyewitness of crucifixion and presence of numberless cruel Roman soldiers. D) Big Rock and Roman Imperial Seal. This stone would require several strong men to open it. But by the super strong faith and determination she overcomes all the above mentioned hindrances. She was not bothered about the consequences from the various places.
My dear, most of us face much type of problems in our Christian journey. It may be economical crisis, rejection from our own family or society. Let me encourage you that, only by the fearless faith and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome all the stumbling blocks and problems. When we read Rom.:35-38, Apostles pictures certain things and asks.. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ?.  In the read passage we can see three questions by two. “why are you weeping:” (Vs..11.13,15) here we can see the result of her weeping. The creator of the universe directly called her name ‘Merry..’  He directly appointed her for a great mission that is to proclaim the good news- Easter- to the world. She is the 1st missionary among disciple and NT church. She came with a news ‘ I have seen the Lord’ from her only the world heard the fundamental truth of the NT church . Easter is the most importent News in the World. This is not a   ritual and yearly celebration but resurrection is a daily episode and personal experience of all believers...
Lets’ examine ourselves. What is our response to God in various difficult satiations? Is it Easter is a yearly ritual or personal experience in our daily life?  The Holy Spirit helps us to face all problems and courage for a fruitful Christian journey.  Amen
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Prepared by Prasad. V Abraham.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Faith of Eunice and Lois is the base of Timothy’s Triumphant Mission


2. Timothy  Ch. 1:3-7


Faith of Eunice and Lois is the base of Timothy’s Triumphant Mission
Ø Faith and Prayer of our Mothers is the Dynamic Power.
Ø Responsible parents should be a model for Children

          Today’s our mediation text is the opening statement of what is entitled Paul's second letter to Timothy. Paul had written his second letter to timothy while he was in Rome. This is the kind of greeting with which most Pauline letters open. Apostle’s Paul’s main aim was to instruct timothy with regard to the heresies that were multiplying around and within the church, and to encourage him in the midst of all the trials which would come up on him as a Christian and as an official of the church.  These verses begin with an expression of gratitude for Timothy's faith.
The theme of remembering is strong in these verses, as Paul remembers Timothy's faith and urges him to both remember it and teach it. This is not a casual recall of past information, but the recollection of meaningful stories that have shaped personal and communal identity.
          The past is made alive and powerful for the present so that it can shape the future. There is intense emotion connected to this act of remembering. Paul prays for Timothy constantly, remembering his tears and longing to see him. Memory and prayer are connected. As Paul remembers Timothy's tears, praying for him constantly, he stands with him, sharing in his suffering before God. He is also described as having a stable faith that goes back to his ancestors. Elsewhere in the Pauline letters, the disconnect between Paul's Jewish past and his Christian faith is emphasized (Gal 2:15-21; Phil 3:4-9). Here the author stresses the stability and the antiquity of Paul's faith and the importance of the Christian household in assuring the transmission of the truth faith.
Paul in vs. 3 reminds Timothy about the sincere and unqualified faith of his mother, Eunice and grandmother, Lois that laid the base for Timothy’s faith. In fact Paul reminds timothy that he recognizes the gift of God that timothy had was not just because of the laying of hands during his ordination but also due to the faith that laid the foundation by his mother and grand mother. The life of a mother is considered as a high level of spirituality. It is entirely different from the spirituality that men experience. Parent’s life and prayers will challenge their children. The tears of the mothers and suggestions of fathers become a dynamic driving force. As mother in training a child is the most creative effort of a woman.  Her task is similar to an artist that shapes a sculpture. She has to do the task of transforming a child into a person by giving constant care and love.
          Every person has a similar memory to recall about the faith of one’s mother in their life. The Hannah’s prayer and dedication led to the birth of Samuel and victory of his ministry. Faithful life and prayer of Elizabeth and the righteous of Zachariah before God is led the birth if John the Baptist. The transformation of the church father Augustine was influenced by the faith and prayer of his mother Monica. But as part of the patriarchal society, we too are reluctant to recognize the role, encouragement of women.  Influenced by the dualistic pattern, our theology too is intoxicated with patriarchal nuances. We often remember the church fathers who participated in formulating the theological doctrines in the church councils but we forget or hesitant to remember the contribution of many women in our lives.
          From the biblical passage we saw the great transformation caused by women in the life of Timothy. Though women are traditionally branded as weak and vulnerable, here their faith, as Paul mentioned, is sincere and strong.  It had resulted in the formation of a great leader and a bishop. Does our faith make any change in others? Does our faith cause any transformation in our society? The faith and vision of a simple woman named Agnes who was later fondly called by others as Mother Teresa had resulted in the formation of whole order of Missionaries of Charity. For many of us Faith has become mere museum pieces impotent to make any fruitful result in our society. If we can live as a ‘Membership Christian’ without faith, but not a ‘Fellowship Christian’ likes Timothy. So pray for your beloved children, you alone the responsible for their future…!!
Prepared by Lijo.J Edited and posted by. Prasad V Abraham, Valanjavattom
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Shalom: Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…th...

Shalom: Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…th...: Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !... : Jonah chapter 4: 3-10 Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !!....

MARRY MAGDALIN ...IN MASTER'S TOMB....??

                                          MARRY MAGDALIN ...IN MASTER'S TOMB....??



Praise the Lord . I greet you in the name of triune God.   
For Today’s short meditation please turn your Bible with me, Gospel according to John 20:1-18. Vs. 1, 11-13,and 16-18.    
        The central truth of this story is the fulcrum of our Christian faith and mission.                 
   Insignificant one for God’s Significant Mission
The background of the fourth gospel could be traced back in the various religious movements and philosophies like Platonism, Stoicism, of the early century. In the opening words of this gospel, John asserted full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ.  After three and a half years of glorious ministry, Jesus was crucified. He died on the cross and buried in the tomb. But interestingly Jesus resurrected and came out of the tomb, overcome all the human strategies made against His resurrection.
Chapter 20 talks about that great event, which is the centre of the Christian faith. Vs.1-10 talks about the Mary’s visit to the tomb of Jesus and found the open tomb. She reported to Peter and John about open tomb so they came and enter in to the tomb and see the linen cloth and napkin in the tomb. Then, Peter and John went back to their own safety zone!.
Magdala is one of the towns in the province of Galilee. Mary is from that city. Jesus had cast out seven demons from her, that time onwards she became his follower. Here I would like to draw your attention to Mary Magdalene who went to tomb early in the morning. What made her to take a risky step like this?

Mary Magdalene a woman of devotion and unparallel  love
  Verse 11-13, narrates Mary’s discovery of the empty tomb. The gospel of Jesus does not end with his death and burial. The best evidence for his resurrection is the empty tomb and his appearance to his disciples in various occasions. The word ‘But’ contrasts Mary’s behaviour with Peter and John who have left from the tomb. Only John’s gospel tells us about “weeping Mary” at the tomb. The Greek word Klaio  using for weeping means ‘expressed profound grief’, ‘violent emotion’, ‘loudly cries out’, etc. The followers of Jesus could not visit to the tomb on the Sabbath because to make the journey in Sabbath would break the law.
When male disciples were shut the door and sitting and chatting. But this Marry rush to the tomb of Jesus, she had a strong desire to see Him at any cost. She wanted to express her loyalty, gratitude and love to Jesus, her saviour. Once she was suffered by demonic possession .In Lk. Ch 8:2, we see that Jesus cast out 7 demons from her. According to Jewish culture demonic possession is the curse and they become out cast in the society. She was hopeless and isolated from the socio-religious realm. By the physical weakness, she was cut off from everywhere. But Jesus gives her hope and He made her something from nothing. He restored things what were lost in marry. Today she is not only free from the bondage of demon but also from the mental depression and socio-religious oppressions. Yes, dear beloved- these are the reasons of her love, devotion and gratitude towards her saviour. She expresses her thanks at the suitable time in an appropriate way.
‘There was a poor shepherd, who was unexpectedly elevated to the position of king. During the course of time he became prominent among surrounding nation by defeating them. Once he got a great victory. This king expressed his thanks and loyalty to his God by dancing publically with his servants. Seeing this dancing the queen got an angry and tried to stop him. Queen asked king why you are acting like a vulgar fellow shamelessly. The king answered to queen, “honey... I was not worthy to the prince of this nation and your husband, but by the grace of my God I came thus far...” Once I was nothing.. and neglected by my parents and brothers. I was a big zero before others, but my almighty lifted up me as a Hero” !!. He is none other than David, the 2nd  king of Israel. Dear beloved in Christ I believed this is the story of most of us. This unshaken love was the driven force behind Mary’s early morning visit to tomb of Jesus.    Dear, what is our gratitude and devotion towards our loving God??

Marry magdalin symbol of courage and boldness .  Let’s see what were the things she had to fear about?.
femininity: marry was an ordinary woman .Even men are fearful to go in lonely cemetery in the early morning. No women dare to go in the early morning, even in noon time..? but here one women going a cemetery.
Darkness and Tomb also a great challenge:    No one was willing to visit tomb in this time according to scholars this dawn means 3-6 am. But she is willing to visit tomb at any time because her love and gratitude compelled her to did so.
Roman soldiers: in Mtt. 27:65.  Pilate gave a group of cruel soldiers for keeping the tomb and body of Jesus.
Big Rock and Roman imperial Seal. She overcomes all the above mentioned hindrances. She was not bothered about the consequences from the various places.  My dear believers, most of us are facing many of problems in our Christian journey. It may be economical crisis, sick, rejection from our own family or society. Let me encourage you that, only by the fearless faith and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome all the stumbling blocks and problems. When we read Rom.:35-38, Apostle pictures certain things and asking.... who shall separate us from the love of Christ? We can see that, only weeping marry could talk with Jesus and angels. John and peter saw only linen cloth buy she saw the author of the universe. What is our response to God in various difficult satiations?              Prepared  by. Prasad Abraham valanjavattom

Friday, October 21, 2011

Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !...

Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !...: Jonah chapter 4: 3-10 Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !!. Ø Temptation to temporary protections Ø Unexpected Atta...

Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !...

Shalom: Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !...: Jonah chapter 4: 3-10 Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !!. Ø Temptation to temporary protections Ø Unexpected Atta...

Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !!.


Jonah chapter 4: 3-10
 Human temptation for temporary shelters…than God !!.

Ø Temptation to temporary protections

Ø   Unexpected Attacks by unpredicted time

Ø Self-centered life leads to self-destructions
  
Jonah could not accept that the Lord has forgiven the people of Nineveh. He finds a place outside the city and settled down and waited to see what would happen to the city. He was probably still hoping that God would change his mind and take action against the city. As he waited, Jonah made himself a temporary shelter and God graciously caused a bush to grow up around him and giving protection from burning sun. Jonah greatly cherished the shelter of this bush.
While Jonah waited for the judgment of God to fall upon Nineveh, the Lord sent a worm to eat the bush. At the same time, the Lord sent a strong wind and extreme heat. Without the shade of the bush, Jonah struck by the sun with all its intensity. He weakened under the heat. Jonah cried out to God to take his life because he was angry that the Lord had taken the bush from him.
When asked by God if it was right to be angry about the bush. Interestingly, Jonah responded by telling to the Lord that he has every right to be angry, even to the point of death. From Jonah’s perspective, things couldn’t have been any worse. He was in a foreign land .The heat was intolerable. God seemed unjust. As far as Jonah was concerned, the only thing that had gone his way in the last few weeks was that the bush grows up around him. Now God had even taken that from him.
See, how Jonah claimed this bush as his own, and how he failed to surrender all he had to the Lord. The Lord not only has the right to give, he also has the right to take away. How often do we receive the blessings from God and claim them as ours. There are days when all our plans seem to get changed, we have to admit that we get upset and become short-tempered. The fact of the matter is nothing is ours. It belongs to the Lord who can choose to do with everything as he pleases. We must learn to let him do whatever he pleases with all the blessings he has given us.
The Lord questions Jonah’s concern for the bush. Why had he shown concern for this bush and no concern ever for the eternal destiny of an entire city? The people had been held in spiritual darkness. For so long that they could not distinguish their right from their left .In other words, they did not even know the difference between right and wrong any more. In reality, the question of God to Jonah was this “why are you so concerned about your temporary comforts and completely ignore those who perish all around you?”  
The world in which we live resembles the city of Nineveh. It is filled with people who do not know their right from their left. Many people do not know the truth of God. Here what is our response to this situation? Are we like Jonah, who spent his time wrapped up in his own world, which is concerned only about our personal comfort? Our possessions are real blessing from God, but they must not take us away from the will of God.
When the children of Israel wandered through the desert, God fed them day after day with manna from heaven. One of the things the Lord told his people was that they needed for each day. Any manna left over would spoil. In this way had to rely upon the Lord on a daily basis. God knew human nature was such that it would always be grasping for more. If his people were permitted to accumulate possessions, their lusts would soon get the best of them and nothing else would matter.
The question that each of us must ask ourselves is, what is our bush when compared with that of Jonah? What is it that consumes our time, energy, talents and money and takes us away from time in the Word and service for God to account of our life? How will our priorities measure up to God’s expectations? Will they be in tune with the priorities of God?

May the Triune God Help us to surrender for His will and help to find out what would be the bush in our personal life which is leading us away from God’s expectations. Amen

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JWP. edited  by   Prasad V Abraham, Valanjavattom