Vachanolsavam

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Prayer of month

Lord God, who controls and guides the world, we place all the travellers in your gracious... Read More

Children's corner

FORGIVE John lived a luxurious life. It was the time when he was immersed in... Read More

Editor's blog

Jesus, after conquering death and triumphantly resurrecting, comes into the midst of his... Read More

Saint of month

Christina, renowned as the Virgin Martyr, was born in a noble family in Tuscany. Her... Read More

Papal message

Encyclical Letter Lumen Fidei Of The Supreme Pontiff Francis To The Bishops Priests And... Read More

Children's corner

WAIT FOR THE CALL

FORGIVE John lived a luxurious life. It was the time when he was immersed in lasciviousness and the lavishness of mundane life. Once his brother had a fight with another person. The fight became so bitter that the adversary murdered John’s brother. This made John burn with the thirst for vengeance. He wanted to somehow annihilate the man who killed his brother. He took a decision and to carry out his plan he hid a weapon in his dress. His mind was full of vengeful thoughts. It was a Good Friday. The Way of the Cross Procession was moving on the street. To avoid the procession, he took a narrow by-lane. On the lane he met the man who had killed his brother. John brought out the dagger he had hidden in his dress. He held the killer of his brother by his collar and lifted the dagger to plunge it into the chest of the killer. The man fell at the feet of John and pleaded with him: “Forgive me in the name of Jesus. I admit I had done a big crime. Please forgive me!” He cried loudly. John’s feet got wet from the tears of the killer. John brought the dagger down. There was complete silence for some time. John suddenly thought about the Passion and Suffering of Jesus. Soon he came out of his thoughts of vengeance. He held the hands of the killer and lifted him. He told him: “Whatever somebody asks me in the name of Jesus will not be rejected by me. Not only I spare your life but I extend my friendship to you.” The killer asked for the forgiveness of John for his thoughtless act. John not only forgave him but also he became his friend. John repented for his past iniquities. He went to the nearby Benedictine Ashram church. He knelt before the crucifix and prayed with a repentant heart. He became a new creation. Through constant prayers and meditations John grew in sanctity. Then he became a Benedictine monk. It is this John who later became St. John Gwalbert. John later founded 12 ashrams. Our God had asked for forgiveness from his adversaries. Even during the crucifixion, Jesus taught us the path of forgiveness. Even as he was hanging on three nails on the cross and dying with excruciating pain, Jesus prays to his father for his persecutors: “Father, forgive them’ they don’t know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). The life of the first martyr who followed the path of Jesus was formed in the path of forgiveness. When he exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes, they flamed with anger and they expelled him from the city and cast stones at him. Then he prayed like this: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. Stephen thus became a model for all to emulate. My dear Friends, let us learn to forgive. Let us forgive all those who troubled us, tormented us and accused us. With Love Br. Joy With love, Br. Joy J Pynadath