VAIDYAN- The Healer (Lyrics-English)

VAIDYAN- THE HEALER
CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL SONGS
Lyrics:  Fr.Michael Koottumkal MCBS 
Music:  Nelson Peter
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Song  1.(Lk.24.13-)   
Koode  nadannavan  kurbaanayaanennu
Kandariyaan  enthe  vaikiyithra?
Kuppayil  kandathu  maanikyamaanennu
manassilaakkaan  enthe  madichathithra?
                  (Koode nadannavan..Chorus)
Gothambumanikalkkaananda nirvruthi
Thiruvosthiyaakaan podinjidumpol!
Gothambu thundum  araadhyapaathram
Kurbaanayaayi  vaazhthappedumpol !
Daivam orukkiya sneham vilampidunneram
Kurbaanayaayidum manushyane kaanum.
                         (Koode nadannavan…)
Paazhmulam thandum  sthuthigeetham paadum
Chanku  thulayum  thyaagamettaalum!
Novu  nalkiya  nanmakalorkkave
Novicha manushyane namicheedaam!
Daivam orukkiya sneham vilampidunneram kurbaanayaayidum jeevitham kaanum.
                         (Koode nadannavan…)
Daivam orukkiya sneham vilampidum neram
Kurbaanayaayidum srusthiye kaanum.
Daivam orukkiya sneham vilampiya sneham
Kurbaanayaayithaa daivaththin sneham!
-----------------------------------
Why  are you so late to see and know that
your  co-walker a Holy Qurbana  is!
Why  are you so late to understand that
You  saw in Wastebin a Pearl was!

Wheat corns  are happy when
They are  destroyed for becoming a Host !
A piece of Wheat Loaf  is made
worthy of praise When it is blessed!
When we share/supply this love that God for us cooked ,
We will see persons as  living Qurbana -   .

Even if the heart of a useless bamboo is pierced in,
It will sing praise songs too!
When we remember the good that the sufferings brought
We will respect and praise the persons who pained us.
When we share/supply this love that God for us cooked ,
We will see lives as   living Qurbana - .
When we share/supply this love that God for us cooked ,
We will see Creatures as  living Qurbana -  .
God prepared love, shared the love and
God’s love has become Qurbana for us
(=like that of a mother in the kitchen)
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Song 2.  Communion song
Eeshoye ente eeshoye
Ninne sweekaricheedaan  vannidunnu njaan
Thaanirangi varename..
Jeevante  jeevane  praana naadhane
Hrudayam thurannu njaan vilikkunnu..
Jeevante appame divyakaarunyame
Hrudayam thurannu njaan vilikkunnu
Hrudayaadhinaadhanaay vaazhename..
..Chorus..
Thaanu vannavane thaazhmayaakkenamenne
Virunnu tharunnavane snehaththin virunnaakkane.

Manassu pankuvacheedaan maarodu cherkkename
Maaraaththa dukhangal maaycheedane
Murivetta manassil marunnaakane
Porukkaan marannathil kshamayaayu nirayename.
..chorus..
Sneham  pakarnnu  nalkaan  sneham  niraykkename
Kaanaaththa nin mukham  kaatti ththarane
Dairaraam/Sahacharaam  manushyaril  ninroopam kaanave ..
cheyyuvaan  marannava  njaan  manassode cheythidaam.
----------------------------------------------
Jesus, My Jesus
I come to you to receive you.
Please come down to me.
O my life, O my all
With opened Hearts I call upon you.
 O Eucharist , The Bread  of Life,
With opened Hearts I call upon you,
Stay in my Heart as my sweetheart.

Chorus: O  down to earth came God,
Make me a humble one, or  rather humility .
O God wo invites me to Heavenly Feast
Make me a banquet of Love.

Take me to your chest so that I may share my mind .
Remove my immovable sorrows.
Be medicine in my hurt mind.
Be forgiveness in the places where I forgot to forgive
Chorus:

Fill me with love so that I may share  love with others
Show me your face which I have  not yet seen.
When I see your face in my poor fellow-beings
I will wholeheartedly  do what I forgot to do .-----------------------------------------------
Song 3
Manassil  madhurima  pakarum
Thirumozhikal kelkkuvaan
Manassile maalinyamellaam
 maaykkuvaan manassaaku naadhaa..
                 krupayekidu varamekidu
                 thavadaana maari choriyu
                 hallelluya.. Halleluya
vachanamen thamoveedhikalil
aathmaavin divya jyothissaakaan
vachanathilennum thiruhitham kaanaan
thiruhithathinoppam charicheeduvaan
                    Krupayekidu…..
Thinmakal  nirayumen  maanassathil
Shudhi  varuthum theekkanalupole
Vachanamaay  vannu vaasamaakku
Vachanaprakaashamekuken  naadhaa..
-----------------------------------
Mind me to clean, O Lord , all that is dirty
 in my  mind to hear  the Word of God
that gives sweetness in my mind .
   Give me your grace, give me your gifts
   Shower upon me the rain of Grace
   Halleluya  hallelluya

In order that the word of God
 may  be a holy star of  Holy Sprirt  in my dark ways,
In order that I  see the divine will in Holy Scriptures
And  walk according to the will of God
   Give me your grace, give me your gifts
  Shower upon me the rain of Grace
  Halleluya  hallelluya

Come to my mind that is full of ugliness
Like a fire stick that purifies.
Come to me with your Word
And spread in me the light of Word
------------------------------------------------
Song 4
Appathin roopamaay, aliyum orosthiyaay
Adiyangal munpil anayuvone
Paapikal njangal parishudhan munpil
Aaraadhanakkaay anicherrnu nilppoo
     Daivathin snehame divyakaarunyame
    Nine pukazhtheedunnu.
    Snehathin nirave swargeeya appame
    Sthothrangalekidunnu.
   Aaraadhana  aaraadhana
   Aathmaavin niravileeeyaaraadhana..

Mathivaruvolam  ninne pukazhthaan
Marthyaayussin maathrakal pora
Saadhyamaakunnolam sthuthi paaduvaan aaraadhanakkaay nin munpilethi..
                       Chorus
Anthyam vareyum koode nadannu
Marthyaayussin maalukalakatti
Lokaanthyatholavum koodeyaakuvaan
Kurbaanayaay nee kanmunpileththi.
----------------------------------------------
In the form of a bread, a Host that dissolves
You are coming in front of us!
We , the sinners have come together  before  you            to adore you  o ,sacredness
O !  the love of God, the Eucharist
We praise you
The  fulfillness of love, O  heavenly bread
We give you praises.
Adoration, adoration ..giving you
In the fullness of my spirit  adoration.

To praise you as much  as you deserve
Moments of  our life is not enough .
To praise you as much as we can
We have come before you for Adoration

Till the end of your life you walked with humankind
And took away the sorrows of human lives
To be with us till the end of the world
You have come in front of us as Qurbana.
--------------------------------------------
Song 5. Offertory
Hrudayamaam thalikayil
Jeevitha kanikalumaay
Arppanam cheyyaananayave
Abel muthalakhilarum
Arppicha balikalormmayil
Daivame sweekarikkename
Kara theer nna kaazhchayaay mattane

Ettam  nallathu thannu
Anugraha varsham niracha
Poorvika maathruka pole
Njaanuminnekaam ninakkaay
Enne muzhuvan ninakkaay

Swantham jeevan thane
Thaathante pakkal thanna
Yeshuvin maathruka pole
Njaanuminnekaam ninakkaay
Enne muzhuvan ninakkaay
----------------------------------------------
In the Plate of Heart
With the fruits of life
When  i come to offer
I have the memories of  all
forefathers from Abel who gave you sacrifices
O God, the father , receive my offerings
And make them  unblemished .

Following  the Example of the forefathers
 Who gave the best to you
and got the grace filled upon them
I too give to you
Me and myself completely.

Following the Example of Jesus
who gave his own life  to The father
I too give to you
Me and myself completely.

--------------------------------------
Song 6
Daivam vaazhthiyone Enthinu njaan pazhi parayenam? Daivam pukazhthiyone Enthinu njaan ikazhtheedanam?
Daivam kanakamaakkiyone  Enthinu njaan kalankithanaakkenam?
Daivam tholilettunnavane Enthinu njaan nilamparishaakkanam?
Aparante valarchayil manassu nirayanam
Aathmeeya valarchayathaakanam
            Daivam karuthunnathalle
           Kaaval vilakkaavunnathalle?
           Athu kaanaathenthe njaan
           pathivaayaparante vidhiyaalanaakunnu?
Daivam thiranjeduththavane
Enthinu njaan thiraskarikkenam?
Daivam omanikkunnavanil
Enthinu njaan vishamithanaakanam?
          Aparante valarchayil ….
Daivam karunayekunnavane
Enthinu njaan kalleriyenam?
Daivam vazhi nadathuvonil
enthinu njaan thadassamekenam?.Aparante…..
---------------------------------------------
Why should I speak ill of him
 who is  blessed by God ?
Why should I denigrate a person
Who is praised by God?
Why should I make him
who Is made Gold by God a stain?
why should I throw down upon him
whom God carries upon in  his shoulder ?
In the growth of others my mind should be happy
And that should be the spiritual growth.
   GOD CONSIDERS EACH  PERSON AND
   BECOMES WATCH LIGHT FOR HIM
   WITHOUT SEEING THAT WHY I AM JUDGING
  THE OTHER PERSON REGULARLY?
Why  should I  reject him
Who is selectd by God?
Why should I be unhappy in him
Who is very much loved by God?
    GOD CONSIDERS….
Why should I throw stones at him
Who is mercifully looked by God?
Why should I block the way of him
who is guided by God all the way?
--------------------------------------
Song 7
Kunnolam saubhaagyam
Innennil thannaalum
Ponnolam priyamode
Karutheedaam eeshoye
Pala naalaay parayanamennu njaan
Karuthiyathaam  kaaryangal
Priyamode ullu thurannu njaan
Paranjeedunnen 
Priyamullen eeshomishihaaye(2)

Sampaththin meshakkarike Laasar mukhamevide kaanaan?
Kalleriyum janamadhyathil
Kshamayenthennengane ariyaan?
Annennil thannu  nee
Kashtathayude varuthikkaalam
Aathmeeeyathayude pillathottil
Annangane karagathamaay
Vidhivaakkil muriyum manassil
Kshamayude paadam priyamaay!
         Karththave kanivaay kelkkaname
         Aathmeeya sthithiyonnaraiyaname
Mohangal meychoru vazhiyil
Athmeeyamoolyangal chornnu
Nettathin eeyal prabhayil
Praarthanakal adhika ppattaay
Annennil thannu nee
Shoonyathayude venalkkaalam
Aathmeeyathayude srothass thudaraan
Annennil preranayundaay
Van nilayil chennaal polum maruvazhiyilloru naalum!
              Karththaave piriyaan idayaakkaruthe
              Aathmeeya santhathiyaakkaname!
-------------------------------------------------
Even if I am blessed with a mountain like blessings
I will consider you so sweet like a precious gold, o Jesus..
What I wanted to tell you since long ,
 I tell you now openly and very dearly, o sweet Jesus.

How can I see the face of  Lazar
Near the desk of Richness ?
In the middle of stoning people
How can I learn  forgiveness?
At that time you gave in me
A period  of  pain and emptiness.
That was turned to be a cradle of spirituality.
Hurt by the judging words of others
Felt the lesson of forgiveness as dearest.
        Lord, hear  me patiently
         See the spiritual state of  me .

Led through the ways by  the desires,
Spiritual assets were lost.
In the blitz of  temporal gains
Prayers were considered as –unnessesary.
At that time you gave in me
A desert experience of emptiness.
That motivated me
To go back to the spiritual resources.
Even if I reach a high position
Will not take a way other than spiritual.
         O lord, allow not to separate from you
        Make me a child of you..
-------------------------------------------------
Song 8
Kanthurakkumpol kani kandidaan
Karththaave kanmunpil venam. 
Kanthurakkumpol  kanikandidaan
Karthaave nee munpil venam
Kadanam  chollumpol  kaathorthirikkaan
Karthaave nee arikil venam
Kaalidarumpol  karangalilenthaan
Karthaave  nee koode venam.

Chumadeduthu thalarunna tholinu
Oru kaithaangaay varenam
Vazhi nadannalayumpol vazhiyampalamaay
Vishramam nee enikkekeedanam
Thunayaarumillenna thonnal thirakalil
Shaanthamaakkaan nee kaniyenam(2)

Oru kochu kaiththiri koodeyullorkkaay
Koluththaanaay kazhivu tharenam
Thoolika thumpaal korunna vaakkukal
Sankeerththanaglaakkenam
Kazhivukalaay  cheyyunna kaaryangal
Varangalaay karuthaan manassarulenam.
-------------------------------------------------
When i open my eyes to see ,o Lord
You should be there in front of me.
When I share my sorrows, o Lord
You should be near  to hear me.
When I fall down, to carry me, o Lord
You should me with me.

Come to me as a helping hand
to the paining shoulder which carries a huge burden.
When I am tired of walking a long way
Give me your  shelter to rest.
When the tiding thoughts of loneliness surround me
Help me to overcome them.

Make me able  to light a small lamp for others.
Help me so that what I write may be  Psalms for you
Help me to think that what I do is
 because of your gift and not of my  ability.
-------------------------------------------------
Song 9
Jerusalem nerkkulla yaathrayil
Swargeeya jerusalem jeevitha yaathrayil
Tharkkangalkkilla sthaanam
Purappurathadiyinmel thee padarumpol
Vaachakakkasarthukalkkilla neram

Aaraanu valiyavan ennulla chodyangal
Aathmeeya vazhikalil shathru sharangal
Thaalanthu thannavan thaangiyillenkil
Thakarnnu veezhum swapnappaalkkudam.

Neram pularilla ennulla vaakkukal
Kurudamanassin jalpanangal
Adhipanaay annyare  thaazhthuvone
Daivam thakarkkum ; pulari varum!
-------------------------------------------------On the way to Jerusalem..
The way of life to Heavenly Jerusalem..
There is no place for dispute.
When the fire swallows the top of the house
There is no time for great discussions there.
The Questions like who is the best etc
Are the arrows from the enemy in the spiritual way
If the giver of the Talent is not taking hold of it
The milk pot of dreams will be collapsed and destroyed.

“The Day will not be arisen”
Are the words of blind .
He who tramples upon others with power
Will be destroyed by the Lord
And will surely come a morning of Freedom.
------------------------------------------------- 
Song 10
Ere pratheekshakalode njaan nattu nanacha poovanikal
Oru kochu veyilil karinjunangunnathin vyasanam
Thaanguvaanullil karuththinnu nalkane naadhaa

Kazhinju poyathaam kaalam
Oru kozhinjathaam poovu pole
Jeevitha thadaththiladiyum
Pathiye kaala pravaahaththil cherum.

Maunaththin muriyilirunnu
Manassin bhaaramirakki  njaan
Vedana maattunna vaidyan
Neeyoruvan ente naadhan
-------------------------------------------------
O God give me the courage to suffer the pain
Of  drying  up the plants of my dreams
 in a small sun light which I had planted
and nurtured with  lots of expectations.

Time in Past  like a flower that sheds
Will deposit itself at the platform of life.
And then will slowly join in the flow of time.

Sitting in the room of silence through  prayer
I have unloaded the burden of my mind.
O God, The Healer -who moves away the pain
You alone are my Lord.
-------------------------------------------------Song 11
Thirikal eriyum thiru althaarayil
Theeraasnehaththin thirikal ethra
Pookkal alankarikkum ponvediyil
Punyathin pookkal ethra?
Swayamorukki ani cheru janame
Baliyanakkaanani cheru

Poovinte parimalam paraisarvyaapakam
Poopol nammalum sannidhe nilkkanam
Punnyathin pookkalaal parimalam  thoovanam
Balivedi alankaricheedenam
Jeevitham baliyaanennorma venam.

Thiriyude jeevitham thapaguna shobhitham
Thiripol nammalum erinjangu theeranam
Snehathin thirikalaal velicham parathanam
Balivedi alankaricheedenam
Jeevitham baliyaanennormma venam.
-------------------------------------------------How many  candles of unending love are there
On the Altar where so many   Candles are burning ?
How  many flowers of  virtues are there
On the Altar which is decorated with so many flowers?
Prepare yourselves, O people of God
Join to celebrate the mass.

The fragrance  of Flower spreads  the surroundings.
We should be like flowers at the presence of God.
With good deeds we should spread the fragrance of God.
We should decorate the Alter .
And should remember that the life is a Mass Celebration.

The life of Candle is full of  lighting characteristics.
Like a candle we should also burn out for others.
We should shed light with the candles of love.
We should decorate the Altar
And should remember that the life is a Mass Celebration
-------------------------------------------------
Song 12
Punchirippookkalaal sodarahruththathil
Poomazhapozhikkunna punnyam
Sankadam thingiya kannukal kaanumpol
Kanmani pol karuthunna punnyam
Kaavalillaaththorkku maalaakhayaakumpol
Punchirikkunnathu swargadoothar
 Swargam ividekku thaanirangum
Nee nirvahikkum daiveeka dauthyam!

Pookkal viriyum nimishangalil
Poompaattakal poovileththum
Sneham nirayum hrudayangalil
Poompaattapol manujareththum
Sneham thenkanamaay nukarum
Punnyaththin poompodikal paraththum
Swargeeyavaadiyil paaripparakum maalaakhamaar!
   Swargam ividekku thaanirangum
   Nee nirvahikkum daiveeka dauthyam!

Daivam vaazhum hrudayangalil
Maarivillaay punnyam theliyum
Daivam vaazhum hruyangalil
Sapthapunnyangal theliyum
Nanmakal vinprabha chaarththum
Punnyaththin ponkanam  perum
Bhoomiyil saundaryamengum nirakkum mazhavillukal!
Swargam ividekku thaanirangum
Nee nirvahikkum daiveeka dauthyam!
-------------------------------------------------
It is a virtue to shower a flowery rain of smile
 in the hearts of others.
It is a virtue to consider one as pupil/ apple of my eye
When one’s eye is burdened with sorrows.
Angels in Heaven smile when you become
angel for  those who do not have guardians.
Heaven comes down to Earth.
You do a  heavenly act.

When the flowers  blossom
The butterflies come to the flowers.
When a heart is filled with love
People will come like butterflies .
They will receive love like honey.
They will spread the pollen grains of virtue.
Angels will sing and fly in the garden of heaven!
Heaven comes down to Earth.
You do a  heavenly act.

In the hearts of those in whom God lives
The virtues will shine like rainbow.
Seven virtues will be visible in them
as seven colours of  rainbow.
Good deeds will add golden ray to it.
Each deed will carry a ray of virtue.
The rainbows will add beauty to the earth and nature.
Heaven comes down to Earth.
You do a  heavenly act
-------------------------------------------------

Why this..?

i wonder why only the 'sensational sins' are well/ill spoken even in retreat centres.
Is Social morality not a subject of demand or God is not for that??
Is God a reason for Mounting money for Human beings..
സഹജരെ ദ്രോഹിക്കുന്ന അപരാധം എന്ന വിഷയം കേള്‍ക്കാന്‍ അല്ലല്ലോ അല്ലെ ആരും ധ്യാന കേന്ദ്രം തേടുന്നത് ..
ജീവിതത്തിലെ സ്വന്തം കുറ്റം കൊണ്ട് പോലും വരുത്തി വച്ച പ്രശ്നം തീര്‍ക്കാനും എങ്ങനെയും അല്പം രോഗശാന്തി, മനശാന്തി, സാമ്പത്തിക നേട്ടം, കടം മാറല്‍ എന്നിവയൊക്കെ നേടാനും അല്ലെ ?
മറ്റു മനുഷ്യനും ദൈവ സൃഷ്ടിയാണെന്ന ചിന്തയാല്‍ അപരനെ ബഹുമാനിക്കുന്ന, വില മതിക്കുന്ന മനം മാറ്റത്തിലേക്ക് ...ധ്യാനങ്ങളും ആരാധനകളും ഉപദേശങ്ങളും നയിച്ചിരുന്നെങ്കില്‍ ...!!!!

Easter Greetings

Wish you all a Joyful Easter

"Be a little lamb of God!"

13. 2 nd Sunday in Liturgical Year  A (John 1:29-34) 16th January 2011

"Be a little lamb of God!"
 

Dear sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,

In last week’s homily we heard about the baptism of Jesus. Today we will learn about the John (the Baptist)’s testimony of Jesus.

Just as a testimonial certificate is important for children at school, or serves as a reference for people seeking jobs, so too was John’s testimony of Jesus important in introducing Jesus’ as the Messiah and spreading the word about his upcoming ministry.  Since John was able to touch many people with his spirit-filled preaching and baptismal ministry, his testimony about Jesus was crucial in introducing Jesus to the masses. John’s grace and humility is evinced by the fact that he introduced Jesus as the Messiah, when in fact Jesus Himself had come to John seeking to be baptized by him. In verse 34 we read of John’s proclamation of Jesus: "…..  He is the Son of God."

I would now like to turn only to the opening words of today’s Gospel. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, he described Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world“. John knew that Jesus, the incarnate God, was willing to suffer for the sins of humanity unto His death.

We hear the very same words of John the Baptist in every Mass when the priest raises the Host and says:  “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world"

For the Jews , the audience of that time - that was a very familiar and meaningful description. As Jews, they knew from the stories in the Old Testament, that a lamb slaughtered as a sacrifice, could propitiate God.

Jesus was not merely a lamb that was unwillingly led to "slaughter". He knew exactly what would happen to Him. He was wholeheartedly prepared to accept the sufferings for the salvation of mankind.

The story of Jesus – the Lamb of God, reminds me of one of my own experiences. A few years ago, a group of 30 boys , including myself, made a trip to a waterfall in the southern part of India. As we neared the waterfall, all of us ran to the nearest viewpoint to get a better view of the fall. About six of us in our group were more adventurous than the rest of us and climbed up to a dangerous spot designated as “Prohibited Area”. The rest of us were anxious about them. We called out and warned them, but they were too far away to hear us and the sound of the falls was very loud. Sensing urgency, a friend of mine – a good man, ran behind them at the risk of treading on slippery rocks, to persuade them to turn back.  On their way back, they were confronted by three angry policemen, who started to beat them up. The first one to take on the beatings was my friend who had gone to fetch this group back Despite arguing that he was innocent, my friend was inflicted with even more pain due to the beatings. Although others in the group felt sorry for him, they didn’t want to endure his pain.. he had to silently endure all the pain himself.

The story of the Lamb of God, reminds me of this friend of mine who suffered for his friends. He was a lamb that was sacrificed for the sake of his friends.

People who are “Lambs of God,"  do good to others despite knowing well they may be punished. When we do good to others, but reap punishment, misunderstanding or hatred in reward, we really become the Lambs of God. We should be proud of being followers and friends of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Across time there have always been people who takes upon themselves the sufferings of the masses, for example, the people who risked their lives, to promote human rights. But Jesus – he not only took on our sufferings, but redeemed mankind of all sins, and died on the Cross to save the world.

In this context, I see such selfless people who live in countries where misconception, superstition and illiteracy etc. are prevalent.  Despite all the good work they do, they are often ridiculed and despised by the local people and greedy politicians .To endure trials and tribulations when walking the path of truth and love for the sake of this world and humanity is the true sign of a "Lamb of God" and becoming His follower.

Let us be happy and courageous, when we do good for others despite being rewarded with shame and disgrace - because we as Christians are called to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God.

The history of the world, has shown us that future generations are destined to suffer for the sins of their predecessors. Let us live a life so good that our future generation will not have to bear our sins.

“Always strive to be a little Lamb of God!" Amen!

Star like Jesus .. Christmas Thought for School Children

 Dear children!
On 25 December, we celebrate one among  the great festivals of the year - Christmas. At Christmas we celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
At Christmas we'll see the Christmas tree, the star and the manger etc. Christmas is related with  many signs and symbols. All these symbols remind us of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. We are often unaware of these symbols and characters and their  role in the  Christmas.

Here we think a little only  about stars. We try to understand the meaning of the stars.
A star stood over the stable of Bethlehem. It showed the shepherds the way to the crib. It was a Guide to the Incarnate God.
In our everyday life we often talk of “stars”. A famous actor or singer is a star. If one can do something particularly well, he is a star. Here is the star as a symbol   of luxury, celebrity and wealth. A ‘5 star hotel’ indicates that it is a luxury hotel.
All these things we do not find there  when we talk about the Christmas star. The star of the stable of Bethlehem is a symbol for  simplicity, love for people, for Jesus - the Son of God.
Let this star shine in our lives. Then we will also ‘star’ in this real world.
Let us  come to the  silence of mind , so that our heart is open for him  whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas: Jesus.
He wants to show us the way - and we want to give him space in our lives, our families and our community.

I wish u all a happy  and peaceful Christmas.

19.12.2010- Let others live in peace, As Joseph did - mt.1.18-24

19.12.2010- Let others live  in peace, As Joseph did - mt.1.18-24
When we ask children to play a role from  the Bible, many like to take the role of Joseph.
The reason is very simple; there is no dialogue in the Bible for Joseph, although he is an important person. A man with bearded face and quiet character –I too like to play this role. Yes, I've also played the role of Joseph as I was in the seminary. I was regularly Joseph in the seminary Programmes  for many years.
I think it is right that no word is uttered by  him in the Bible, although he is an important person in the Play  of God's plan.
God, in His plan, prepared Joseph and Mary for the birth of Jesus. Mary, the girl from Judea, is chosen to give birth to   Jesus. Joseph was chosen as one of the’ care taker’  of Jesus and Mary. Joseph, from the Dynasty of King David, was the person engaged to Mary. The role of Joseph helped  a lot Jesus’ boyhood days to complete as God wished. He was one who did actualize whatever is told by God to do .
 Firstly, in his restless minutes of Anxiety, he  gets the answer from God to receive  Mary as his wife.
Secondly -after the birth of Jesus, when Herod wanted to kill Infant  Jesus,  Joseph gets  advice to seek refuge in Egypt.
Thirdly,  after Herod's death, God told him to come back to Israel.
Joseph was an obedient man towards God in all these situations.

Today we examine only the narration  of his first response  to Mary and to  God's plan.
As we read, before Joseph and Mary having lived together,  Mary seemed having  a child by the Holy Spirit in her Womb(mt.1, 18). At that time, for a woman to have a child previous to her marriage, was  suicidal - As  it is considered an act against marital trust ie. Adultery , she was supposed to be thrown down by  stone until her last breath. Joseph, surely, had known about this Jewish law ,as he was a Jew. Joseph was but just and did not want her to be stoned. Joseph had 2 choices-let her live or let her die by stoning. Joseph chose the first one. Although he might have sleepless  nights of anxiety, Joseph did  not  choose to let her  wife die. He wanted Mary to live. A man who loves other people and lets them  live.

This figure of  Joseph stands  against  people who are always looking for the problems of others and pretending  to be judges of the entire world and people.

We are in a world where there are people who think that only what they are doing is right. The fanatic people in  Taliban and Afghanistan terrifies/threatens me and you. Every week we hear brutal stories of court proceedings in the Court of Taliban, etc.

In these Months,  Time Magazine had written in the Cover story of a girl who underwent brutal suppression of her husband’s family which took away her nose and ears. Only when people are not loving or human  friendly, man can do such acts against human beings.

When a man gets a weapon, naturally  he uses it. But Joseph is not so. He remains calm and does not use  the weapon against Maria to destroy her life.
But, we are often not so. In families, Working  Places, etc, we are eager to find something false from our fellow human beings. Even  about  little things we are worried. We are people who do not lose a chance to use the weapon against other people when we have a weapon against him or her.

If we are always eager  to see only the wrong deeds  of others , always laughing at the little mistakes  of other people, we are far away from Joseph’s role model.
Joseph is a real spiritual  man who does always very positive.

Let us cherish  the message of today's gospel in our hearts - Let others live in peace, as Joseph did.
Joseph is a model for all people, not just for role-play , rather  a model to follow  in life. Amen

5.12.2010 / 2 nd Advent Sunday / Mt.3:1 - 12

   ..Repentence - A way to Bethlehem ..
Dear sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,

It snows a lot in these days.
Therefore, since 1 week ,we had to drive  our vehicles here along the streets with great difficulty .
Here plays the snowplough  a great role.

When a snow plough clears away the snow and often sprinkles salt along the street, we are happy and have no fear.
The more cleared are the roads ,the  easier the ride is.
As the  snowplough has a great role in this forthcoming Winter season, today-on 2 Advent Sunday in the Liturgical year, we see the great role of the forerunner of Jesus, i.e. John -the Baptist.
 
Advent is the time for preparing for the birth of Jesus and the arrival of Jesus in our hearts.
In today's Gospel we see a person who prepared the people.
John the Baptist is the central figure in today's Gospel.
His example is the message for us today.
 
John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus.
Although he was from a priestly family, he did not live alike. He lived in deserts and had the life style like that of the ‘ aborigines’. He had the  robe made of camel hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, grasshoppers and wild honey were his food (Cf.Mt.3.4). Thus we read in the Gospel.
But his words were spiritually strong and powerful. Many have gone to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by him.

His life and his preaching was spiritual enough to move  ‘the- then- Jews’ from their sinful ways to turn back. His message was mostly about "repentence" ...''Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand''(Mt.3.2). He was a real prophet who knew that Jesus was the Son of God. Therefore, he says: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Mt.3.11)

He was a true prophet who had the awareness of the reality . Although a large group  followed him, he was ready to accept Jesus and his power. Therefore, he says, "I baptize you with water as a sign of repentance. But he who comes after me is mightier than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals (Mt.3.11). "The example of a proper humility.
John the Baptist is also one, as Jesus , who speaks unkindly with the then Pharisees and Sadducees because of  their hypocrisy and arrogance. He calls them as vipers.
He advised his audience to bring fruits of repentance (Mt.3.8)

Snow in winter is white, but on the trees there are no fruits below the snow in winter.

The preparation time for the arrival of Jesus must not be so.

With the symbols and the signs we use to look at the meaning of the season and to remind especially the advent  time, we do not have to abide by the customs. But the religious symbols and signs should   help our lives to improve a bit better as  Jesus wishes them   to be.

‘The Green Wreath’(=Adventkranz), a symbol of life and unity - can have no meaning even if one celebrates it very festive  with a life without hope and unity in life .
Although  the light of the four Advent candles  intends to show the gradual rise to the full light of Christmas, it means nothing if one has not the right way and no real faith in God's light or has no good relations  with other people, although he celebrates it very festive.

As we celebrate this Advent, we ask ourselves "Am I a little more loving with my God and my fellow human beings"
The more intensive is the  preparation, the better the result is.
 

If we have a little remembrance that we are not  hundred percent in God's way ,

 we are on the way to Bethlehem, that is the way of repentance.
Amen
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1. Advent Sunday (28/11/2010)

Mt.24.37- 44 "Vigilant life journey"

Dear sisters and brothers in Jesus,

Many of you ask me, "Do you freeze up?" It is  getting cold now. Slowly begins a new season. Winter is very near. Something similar  takes place  in the Liturgical  Year also:  Today begins – liturgically  viewing  - a new season, called “Advent”.

The Advent has a two fold character: on the one hand, preparation time for the Christmas fest with the great  memory of the first coming of the Son of God to the people. On the other hand, the Christmas season at the same time draws by this commemoration of the heart towards the expectation of the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time. In both aspects, the Advent is a time of devoted and joyful expectation.

During last winter I was in Grafenau, where I learned German driving rules and  obtained the German driving  license. Many hours I was driving on snowy roads. I think it's not easy to drive  car  in  winter in the Bavarian Forest . You have to be very cautious and careful that no accident takes place. Yet, beside the road there are traffic sign boards  to help us with their different signs and symbols. If paths are not clear or  very narrow, traffic signs play a major role.
Today's Gospel is like a sign board. It talks about vigilance and preparedness. The traffic sign of our lives is the Word of God. It is always important to look at it. . Our life is a journey, that we must proceed with caution.

 Be vigilant! (Mt.24, 42) - Jesus says. The reason for this is that we do not know on which day our Lord comes (mt.24, 42). Jesus compares his arrival with the arrival of a thief.

We humans know nothing about the divine plans of His second coming. What we can say with certainty is that we all will go away from here. But the time for this is unclear for us. Important is our life here on earth. Who lives here with  good deeds and good thinking can expect the arrival of Jesus happily.

"Be   prepared ..." (mt.24, 43) says the Lord. The two words vigilance and preparedness are closely linked. Who is vigilant in life is also prepared for the arrival of Jesus.

The words of Jesus has always something more to say lively  , so also  today – i.e vigilance in this life.

We know that the signs of the times always talk about vigilance.
I sometimes watch TV shows. There are many surveys. If something has gone wrong,  Media reporters immediately ask "why?". We call the media so often , in this regard, as "watch dog". If problems are found, they conduct “voting  " also.

When something happens wrong, we people need to be careful and ask ourselves why it happened. In most cases, problems arise from situations in which we were not vigilant. If we destroy the Earth, the Earth retaliates in the same coin. When God-given goals are misled, there results problems for us. For example: AIDS a sign of vigilance against "unlimited Sexual  freedom,   diseases because of the atomic reaction  ,  poison in our food etc ... .. - These are all signs of times and requires vigilance in our lives.

Thoughts on  vigilance and readiness for the arrival of Jesus must help us to improve our  lives.  If we live our lives eco friendly, human  friendly and life-friendly , we are alert and ready for his arrival.

...A King who does not save Himself ...Lk.23.35-43

Nov. 21.Sunday – Christ, the King

 ... "The Little Prince" - I think there is none here who has not heard about  this Title. From childhood, this is  well known and loved by us. Children like to play the role of prince and king, princess and queen.  World History has witnessed many kings and queens. But we usually associate them with negative stories. They are often known for their luxury and for efforts to save their own life, not the lives of their subjects or their fellow human beings. The image of a king is always connected with powerful deeds.

Today we hear from a very different king. Although he has all the power he uses it not for his own salvation. He is the right king and an example for all kings. This is the central message of today..

Jesus was and is the  king of the world. The Jews wanted to make him their king. They have seen his miracles, for example the feeding of 5,000 people etc . They thought that if Jesus is their king, people need not be  hungry or thirsty and everything would be all right. But Jesus was not willing for  the kingship. When he knew that people wanted him as king, he went away through the crowd. He was not longing for  a kingship in the earthly sense. He only wanted  to save the poor, the mourners and the hungry.

But Jesus was the King . When asked by Pilate, Jesus declares that he is a king. But he says quite clearly and openly that his kingdom is not of this world (Joh.18.36). “If it were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I would not be delivered to the Jews” - as we read in John's Gospel (18.36). Here we find a king who makes no effort to save himself. (With the writing, 'This is the king of the Jews, the Jews wanted to mock Jesus.) If a king is attacked and conquered , then usually go away his people permanently  and they no longer exist for him.. With Jesus it is different, his group  or people became stronger and larger. That's the difference between a king of this world and Jesus.

Kings are not elected. They normally come from a family by way of power  through   inheritance. Jesus is also one that we don’t choose, rather he chose us. He is our king. To  his disciples he said once that he had chosen them and not in the other way.
We are chosen by our King Jesus. Jesus’ Kingship is not to suppress the  people, but  to love and let live . He has shown us this with his life. He loved all people from the heart. He was not a king, who showed his power before the whole world. He wanted people to lead  towards his father.

His way is not that of oppression, but of liberation. Oppression robs freedom from people. In many countries there exists the rule of oppression- we  read about it in the newspapers. But those who stand for the freedom of people until death,  follows Jesus’ way of Kingship.

 In today's Gospel we see that Jesus could have helped himself. The soldiers and the thief on the left side have laughed at Jesus: "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!" (Lk.23, 37)

Today when we celebrate the day of Christ the King, it is important that we look at the whole world. Let people  be under  God's Kingdom, where people have the freedom to eat, to speak, to live etc ? We know that many problems exist in the world is because of the misunderstanding/wrong understanding of Rule and Kingship. Many  people understand kingship and rule wrong, e.g Terrorism, Communism without faith in God, oppression in countries ruled by soldiers. ... etc. There, the kingship of Jesus is not a role model.

We have a Festival called ‘Onam’ .in  Kerala, a state-in South India- There is a legend behind this festival . It is in memory of a king, under whose reign  all people were equal and happy.

When we think today of  Jesus as our King, let us learn from him.  Amen