The Resurrection of the Lord!

“The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world while the choirs of heaven sing for ever to your glory”, states the Easter Preface. How true. Verily, the joy of the resurrection is what brings such gladness and peace that nothing or no one else can.

Indeed, how glorious is the resurrection! And our Holy Father Pope Benedict the XVI in his URBI ET ORBI message at Easter this year (from which I will quote liberally for the benefit of those who may not have read/heard it) aptly says, “Easter morning brings us news that is ancient yet ever new: Christ is risen! The echo of this event, which issued forth from Jerusalem twenty centuries ago, continues to resound in the Church…”

“The resurrection of Christ is not the fruit of speculation or mystical experience: it is an event which, while it surpasses history, nevertheless happens at a precise moment in history and leaves an indelible mark upon it. The light which dazzled the guards keeping watch over Jesus’ tomb has traversed time and space. It is a different kind of light, a divine light, that has rent asunder the darkness of death and has brought to the world the splendor of God, the splendor of Truth and Goodness,” our Pope adds.

With faithless eyes there indeed is much darkness around us – the corruption scandals, the persecution of Christians in many places, the violence in many lands, the natural disasters striking with deathly blows, the crippling poverty around us. And yet to the eyes of faith, we see that the darkness and ‘sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality’.

We are reminded of the scriptures telling us about creation in the book of Genesis… the formless void and the darkness and chaos that characterized it. And yet, even there, the Triune God reigned supreme. And He spoke order and beauty into the chaos. Our intercessory prayers this month begins with reflections on the creation scriptures, as we pray for the darkness that surrounds us, and we welcome in faith “the Light of Christ” to dispel it.

“Just as the sun’s rays in springtime cause the buds on the branches of the trees to sprout and open up, so the radiance that streams forth from Christ’s resurrection gives strength and meaning to every human hope, to every expectation, wish and plan”, states our Holy Father. He continues in his Easter message, “Dear brothers and sisters! The risen Christ is journeying ahead of us towards the new heavens and the new earth (cf. Rev 21:1), in which we shall all finally live as one family, as sons of the same Father. He is with us until the end of time. Let us walk behind him, in this wounded world, singing Alleluia. In our hearts there is joy and sorrow, on our faces there are smiles and tears. Such is our earthly reality. But Christ is risen, he is alive and he walks with us. For this reason we sing and we walk, faithfully carrying out our task in this world with our gaze fixed on heaven.”

May the Holy Spirit be with us as we prepare our hearts for the feast of Pentecost and a renewal and sanctification of our spirit, mind and body by His power. May Mary our Blessed Mother be with us, in this ‘her own month of May’. May our Blessed John Paul II intercede for us as we endeavor to remain in Christ’s merciful heart.

Peace be with you!

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

As I write this, I pray for all our families that we be open to the Holy Spirit, to melt us, mould us and fashion us, modelled on the Holy Family of Nazareth.

“Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts” exhorts St Paul to the Colossians (3:15) in today’s second reading. How true! If we have to have peace in our world, in our country, in our city, in our neighbourhood, in our housing society, in our home… it must first start in the hearts of you and me. For too long many of us have put on masks that ‘all is well’, but deep down in our hearts we harbour pain, hurt, anger and unforgiveness. May the Child of Peace, with His gentle touch restore our peace.

Pope Benedict XVI in his Christmas midnight Mass homily echoes this sentiment, “God has appeared – as a child. It is in this guise that he pits himself against all violence and brings a message that is peace. At this hour, when the world is continually threatened by violence in so many places and in so many different ways, when over and over again there are oppressors’ rods and bloodstained cloaks (Isaiah 9), we cry out to the Lord: O mighty God, you have appeared as a child and you have revealed yourself to us as the One who loves us, the One through whom love will triumph. And you have shown us that we must be peacemakers with you. We love your childish estate, your powerlessness, but we suffer from the continuing presence of violence in the world, and so we also ask you: manifest your power, O God. In this time of ours, in this world of ours, cause the oppressors’ rods, the cloaks rolled in blood and the footgear of battle to be burned, so that your peace may triumph in this world of ours.”

And so this month, we focus our prayer on this one aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit – PEACE – as we pray for the peace which the world cannot give (Jn14:27), which is endless (Isaiah 9:7) and which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

1st January is also the World Day of Peace. The Pope in his message for this day writes, “I would like therefore to devote this message for the XLV World Day of Peace 2012 to the theme of education: “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace”, in the conviction that the young, with their enthusiasm and idealism, can offer new hope to the world.” He specifically focuses on the family and educational institutions. “We are living in a world where families, and life itself, are constantly threatened and not infrequently fragmented”, he adds.

The world, the flesh and/or the devil seem to be stealing our peace… BUT, Psalm 29:11 assures us “The Lord will bless his people with peace”. May we not lose hope but trust in His mercy as we pray ‘earnestly’ and ‘fervently’ for peace, especially in our homes and our hearts. We pray also for peace among believers in Jesus Christ, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that we “may be one… so that the world may believe” in Jesus by our witness (Jn 17:21).

May the Prince of Peace whose Birth we celebrate and for whose return we hope, lead us (Is 11:6). May Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, accompany us.

Planted & Built up

“Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (Col 2:7)

The theme that the youth in Spain and the world over are celebrating at the time of penning this letter seems to be so apt in this ‘crazy’ world around. Everything seems to be in a tailspin - the financial markets reflect the shaky position of the US markets and their European counterparts, while, closer home, the political scenario in India continues to be in a tizzy due to the effects and the after-effects of a corrupt system. We truly seem to be a society on “shaky ground”.

And the journey from ‘shaky ground’ to ‘holy ground’ appears to be what the Lord continually calls us to make. From the call to Moses from the burning bush to the call to our youth to be “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ” the Lord invites us to be “firm in the faith”. Reflecting on this verse, in his letter to the young people, our Holy Father writes, “wherever individuals and nations accept God’s presence, worship him in truth and listen to his voice, then the civilization of love is being built, a civilization in which the dignity of all is respected, and communion increases, with all its benefits.”

But how do we get individuals and nations to accept His presence and worship Him. Romans 10:14 serves as a pointer to us.

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?

The responsibility of the proclaimer is tremendous, the joy and reward even greater. And every baptised is called to be a proclaimer. Paul VI clearly stated “To evangelize, is the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her profound identity” (Evangelium nuntiandi, no. 14). How privileged are we to share the good news… to share in the saving work of our Saviour and Lord.

Thus this month we focus our fervent prayer (James 5:16) for the Proclamation Outreach at Mount Mary’s Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai. As thousands upon thousands come to seek the blessings of the Blessed Mother on her birthday, may they discover the Saviour of Mary in whom her ‘spirit rejoices’ (Luke 1:47) as she loving whispers to them to ‘do whatever He tells’ (John 2:5).

We pray that the Holy Spirit, the ‘chief agent of evangelisation’, prepares the soil of the hearts of the proclaimers (to respond generously with their time, their respect and their love) as well as those to whom they are sent (that they have a ‘restless’ and open heart) so that they will bear fruit in “hundred fold” (Mark 4:8).

We thank God in faith-filled anticipation that the hills of the Mount will be covered with “beautiful feet of those bringing the good news” (Rom 10:15) as volunteers, counsellors, proclaimers are drawn by the Lord of the Harvest for His glory alone. Mary our Mother, guide our steps as you guided and taught the Child Jesus. May our teachers and proclaimers truly ‘witness to the beauty of the Gospel with the joy of faith’ (Intentions of the Holy Father for the month of September).

All for the Glory of God!

As I pen this few lines to you, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – which I feel is possibly the REAL “Valentine’s Day”, I can indeed feel the surge of love in my heart for my Saviour “who loved me and gave His life for me” (Gal 2:20).

The surge of our hearts, however, must be accompanied by the equal and opposite reaction of our hearts recoiling from sin as we cry the words from the book of Hosea, “My heart recoils within me” when confronted by the thought of ‘going against love’ … which effectively is what sin is.

In the recent past our newspaper and electronic media are buzzing with the news of corruption scandals and fasts. As we reflect on these goings on, and try to discern what the Spirit is saying to us through this, two verses spring out from Scripture;

“You will not let your holy one know corruption” (Ps 16:10)
“Is this the fast that I seek” (Isaiah 58: 5)

While the former Scripture verse refers to bodily corruption, the same can be applied to spiritual corruption as well. If we truly walk in the way of the Lord and yield to His Will then the Holy Spirit shall keep us from all corruption.

The “fast” that the Lord seeks from us, is not only abstinence and fasting from food products, but also one of depriving our ego and starving our pride… so that we can truly be the bread broken for others.

Both these are the essence of the Lord’s Prayer on which we reflect and pray throughout this month. Obedience, flowing out of love, to the Will of God and the readiness to die for love of neighbour, are the two elements that make us “alter Christus (other Christs)”. “On these hang the law and the prophets” (Mt 22:40)

This July, let us therefore, truly make the Lord’s Prayer, “our prayer”… so that the “our” in the “our father” comes alive by the power of His Spirit. So that we have the willingness to fast from elements that the Spirit shows us – my pride, my attitude, my desire to jump to conclusions, my stinginess and lack of charity, my eagerness to rush to judge and condemn others, my criticizing nature, my desire for self-glory, etc.

I urge us all, myself included, to spend a few extra moments each day when you pray, to ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas of “corruption” in your life that need His burning and purifying love. Pray also for the grace to fast from areas of pride and self; that truly the Lord will “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’ as we journey on the path to holiness, which is Christ Himself.

May all we do be for the “Greater Glory of God” and may St Ignatius and the other saints whose feasts we celebrate this month, pray for us. Be with us Mary along the way.

Lent 2011

“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7)

As news swirls all around of corruption, scams and scandals of various hues, I notice myself quickly jumping to judge and condemn. It is so easy to look at the speck, while gingerly dodging the beam in our own eye (Mt 7:3). God’s Word tells us, in what can be viewed as both brutally honest to those in denial and yet calmingly reassuring to those bordering on scrupulosity, that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23).

Sin (‘hamartia’ in Greek) means to miss the mark. Even the best sharpshooters tend to miss the mark sometimes, we falsely reassure ourselves. But our mandate from our Lord is very clear, “Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). Perfect 10/10. Bulls-eye.

For this, rigorous training is need. And Grace. In some sense, that sums up ‘Lent’.

As Pope Benedict XVI in his message for Lent 2011 writes, “The Lenten period, which leads us to the celebration of Holy Easter, is for the Church a most valuable and important liturgical time. As she awaits the definitive encounter with her Spouse in the eternal Easter, the Church community, assiduous in prayer and charitable works, intensifies her journey in purifying the spirit, so as to draw more abundantly from the Mystery of Redemption the new life in Christ the Lord.

He chooses for his theme “You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him.”(Col 2: 12) though which he urges us to rediscover our Baptism, so as to renew our acceptance of the Grace that God bestowed upon us at that moment, thus illuminating and guiding all of our actions. He continues, “Through the traditional practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, which are an expression of our commitment to conversion, Lent teaches us how to live the love of Christ in an ever more radical way”.

“By rendering our table poorer and by bearing some form of deprivation – and not just what is in excess – fasting, far from being depressing, opens us ever more to God and to the needs of others, thus allowing love of God to become also love of our neighbour (Mk 12: 31). The practice of almsgiving is a reminder of God’s primacy and turns our attention towards others, so that we may rediscover how good our Father is, and receive his mercy. By meditating and internalizing the Word in order to live it every day, we learn a precious and irreplaceable form of prayer; by attentively listening to God, who continues to speak to our hearts, we nourish the itinerary of faith initiated on the day of our Baptism”, he writes.

This month as we focus our prayer and efforts not to “miss the mark”, by leaning on Grace and disciplining ourselves, we pray especially for our youth. As Pope Pius XII said, “The sin of the century is the loss of the sense of sin”.

We pray and fast, for ourselves and our young people, that we move out of the trap of relativism and focus ourselves on the Way, the Truth and the Life. In the words of our beloved Pope, “May our Lenten journey, in which we are invited to contemplate the Mystery of the Cross, reproduce within us “the pattern of his death” (Ph 3: 10), so as to effect a deep conversion in our lives.”

A Magnificent way to start the year!

My Soul exults in the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour…
For the Mighty One has done great things for me, And holy is his name

Mary’s magnificat (Lk 1:46-49) gives us a wonderful disposition with which to start the New Year. An attitude of praise and gratitude. And a true and deep understanding of our identity and purpose ‘in Christ’.

“First of all, I have no hesitation in saying that all pastoral initiatives must be set in relation to holiness.” The words of our earlier Holy Father at the start of the New Millennium continue to ring true as we commence our New Year. Pope John Paul II stresses “the call to holiness” as “an intrinsic and essential aspect”. He continues in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, “This is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thes 4:3). It is a duty which concerns not only certain Christians: All the Christian faithful, of whatever state or rank, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). This ideal of perfection must not be misunderstood as if it involved some kind of extraordinary existence, possible only for a few “uncommon heroes” of holiness. The ways of holiness are many, according to the vocation of each individual. The time has come to re-propose wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard of ordinary Christian living.” (NMI #30,31)

It is towards this end that our intercession this month focuses on praying with renewed fervour for our sanctification. And not only for ourselves, but also that of our communities, our land and our Church. Let us, as intercessors, humbly and boldly take our place, lest the Lord say, “And I sought for anyone among them who would … stand in the breach before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” (Ez. 22:30)

We also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate each one of you and your continued zeal for intercession. Month-on-month we are edified by your enthusiasm and the feedback we get. Many are going through ‘the valley’ but the grace of God continues to ‘lift our heads’ (Ps 3:3). As we ‘labour’ in prayer for our Church – this month with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Catholic Apologetics Programs – we know that our ‘labour is not in vain’ (1 Cor 15:58).

Pope John Paul II continues, “This training in holiness calls for a Christian life distinguished above all in the art of prayer.” (NMI#32) “Our Christian communities must become genuine “schools” of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion, until the heart truly “falls in love”.

How grateful we are to the Holy Spirit, our sanctifier, who has inspired the Church to begin every New Year honouring Mary–the Mother of God. A model of holiness and prayer. May her blessings and prayers be with us throughout this year as we ‘press on’ (Phil 3:12) to ‘sanctify ourselves’ confident that ‘tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among’ us (Joshua 3:5). Let us boldly say “I know not what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future.” Wish you a Holy New Year ahead.

Year End Musings

As I sit to write this year’s last letter on a day which many celebrate as Thanksgiving Day, my mind rejoices with the psalmist who says “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart” (Ps 138:1). Indeed there is so much to praise and thank God for, as we come to the end of this year.

Some interesting thoughts come to mind: For a finite year we thank an infinite God, for a year coming to an end we thank a God who is from everlasting to everlasting (Ps 103:17), as the year becomes ‘old’, our God’s mercies are ever new (Lam 3:23). How blessed we are! Halleluiah!!!

“Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5) our Lord assures us, as we come to the end of the old year. We pray for a renewed heart and renewed spirit (Ps 51:10), a renewed mind (Rom 12:2) and renewed bodies. In addition, this month, we pray for a renewed sense of responsibility as citizens; both as citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20) as well citizens of our planet Earth.

Pope Benedict XVI’s opened this year 2010 by choosing the theme: If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation.As we come to the end of this year, it is for each of us, especially those in Mumbai where the Archdiocese has adopted the theme ‘Care for Creation’, to examine our role in this regard. To the 3 Rs of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ our Pope adds a fourth, ‘Respect’.

“Respect for creation is of immense consequence”. Our Pope continues “Man’s inhumanity to man has given rise to numerous threats to peace - wars, acts of terrorism, and violations of human rights. Yet no less troubling are the threats arising from the neglect – if not downright misuse – of the earth and the natural goods that God has given us. For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen “that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying””.

This month as we celebrate the birth of the firstborn of all creation (Col.1:15) we bring to the manger our promise to respect creation. How amazing that He, through whom and for whom all things in heaven and on earth were created (Col.1:16), chose to be born in an ‘eco-friendly’ manner – a cave for his shelter, straw for his bed, animals for company, the night sky with the bright star overhead. May we too uncomplicate our Christmas celebrations.

Santa Claus didn’t die on the cross for us. May we always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. May we, in this season of giving, celebrate Him who sent us His Son (John 3:16), celebrate Him who emptied Himself (Phil 2:7) and celebrate Him who gives us a variety of gifts (1 Cor 12:4).

O Come let us adore Him. Christ the Lord. Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

December 2010

Would you please join us in saying just a one line prayer, every day of the month? Each prayer here is backed up with a special line from the Bible. We KNOW that prayer changes things, do join us in making a positive change in the world we live in!

Day/Date Interceding According to the Mind of Christ

Wed

1/12/2010
Luke 2:7And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn

This month we travel to the manger and meditate on how the Lord of all creation chose to be born in the midst of creation, a cave for His home, the warmth of the animals to keep away the cold, a manger for His crib. Let us ask Him to give us the grace to forsake greed and wisdom to overcome our selfish attitude, causing the present perils of global warming and disruption in global climate conditions
Thu

2/12/2010
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased

Let our Christmas celebrations be one where we open our festivities to the Prince of Peace – Christ our Lord. May we put Christ back into our celebration giving Him all the glory, honour and praise that is due to Him and Him alone. As we pray, ‘Come, Lord Jesus and fill my heart with Your peace’, let us pray specially for our Catholic Gymkhanas and other organizations that plan events and activities this festive season, that the focus is on Jesus rather than fun and revelry which could lead many, specially our youth, into sin
Fri

3/12/2010
Matt 16:26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life

Feast of St. Francis Xavier, principal patron of our Archdiocese. Through his intercession, may the Church see her role as proclaimer of the Good News to unbelievers in word and deed,that the Gospel be relevant to those seeking the truth. We pray for misguided youth focussed on making money and career their god; may the truth set them free. We also pray for boldness, wisdom, discernment and compassion for all those involved in the Proclamation Outreach praying with non-Christians every Sunday at Mt Mary’s Basilica, Bandra
Sat

4/12/2010
Rom 8:22 We know that the whole creation is groaning in travail together until now

Pope Benedict XVI’s theme for World Day of Peace was: If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation. Let us pray that we take the Pope’s message to heart: ‘Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because ‘creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God’s works’, and its preservation has now become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind’ and pray that all men may become sensitive to the threats arising from the neglect – if not downright misuse – of the earth and the natural resources God has given us
Sun

5/12/2010
Rom 8:21 Because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God

Second Sunday of Advent. We lift up to God the degradation of the environment by some groups of peoples who exploit the environment; may we as Christians reflect today on the message of our Pope on World Peace Day - For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen ‘that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying’, and pray that as we protect the environment it reflects our love for the Creator who we will meet one day
Mon

6/12/2010
Psalm 68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling

Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him; through his intercession we pray that God gives us a generous heart this season and always, to reach out to widows/orphans and those in need, bringing cheer to their lives. May we always remember that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’.
Tue

7/12/2010
Rom 8:19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God

In his Encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI notes that integral human development is closely linked to the obligations which flow from man’s relationship with the natural environment. Let us pray that world leaders and policy makers from every nation may see the environment as God’s gift to all people, and that the policies they make benefit all men especially the poor, knowing the responsibility they have as stewards of natural resources which are to be shared with all humanity, especially the poor, and future generations
Wed

8/12/2010
Luke 1:48 For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - In the Apostolic Constitution ‘Ineffabilis Deus’ of 8 December, 1854, Pius IX pronounced that the Blessed Virgin Mary ‘in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin’. We pray we too, by grace, may be kept from sin now and at the hour of our death. Pray that those who are ensnared in sin and vice may experience the liberating love of Jesus
Thu

9/12/2010
Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation

” I am your merciful mother, the merciful mother of all of you who live united in this land, and of all mankind, of all those who love me , of those who cry to me, of those who seek me, of those who have confidence in me.” Feast of St. John Diego, to whom our Lady appeared in Mexico City as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her apparition was the turning point in the Americas where thousand upon thousand were baptised and came to the knowledge of Jesus. Through her intercession, we pray for our city to experience the saving power of the Gospel and come to the knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Fri

10/12/2010
Ps 8:4-5 When I look at your heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you have established; what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him

Contemplating the beauty of creation inspires us to recognize the love of the Creator that Love which ‘moves the sun and the other stars’ – extract from the message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of the World Day of Peace. Let us pray for atheists, especially among the intelligentsia, that as they behold creation, they may recognize God as the author of it all.
Sat

11/12/2010
Col 1:5 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation

We pray for all those displaced, those people who are forced by the degradation of their natural habitat to forsake it – and often their possessions as well – in order to face the dangers and uncertainties of forced displacement. Many have become ‘environmental refugees’; may we not close our eyes to their plight but join hands with those engaged in fighting these human rights issues, so that the rights of the affected people may not be trampled upon. Let us rise in prayer and action
Sun

12/12/2010
Isa 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined

Third Sunday of Advent. Also the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of America. In 1531, a ‘Lady from Heaven’ appeared to a humble Native American at Tepeyac, a hill northwest of what is now Mexico City. Through her intercession we pray for the youth of America that they may be enlightened, be saved from the ills and excesses of their culture and offer their lives in the service of the church. Pray for the leadership in America that they lead the developed economies, by example, in reducing their carbon footprint and emissions
Mon

13/12/2010
Isaiah 58: 10 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness

We lift up the ‘Inner Healing Ministry’ and the ‘Joyful Noise’ ministry helping many to be free from various types of bondage and darkness; may God grant grace and protection to the ministry members
Tue

14/12/2009
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse

(Source:LINK) What happens to your plastic bags and your disposable coffee mugs, mug caps, disposable forks, knives, spoons, plates, boxes and all the other plastic that you throw away on a daily basis? Consider these statistics: Over time they break down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers (CNN). Some end up in land fills. Plastic bags find their way into the sea via sewage pipes, choke and kill coral reefs by blocking sunlight, birds become terminally entangled (World Wildlife Fund), Plastic bags account for over 10% of the debris washed up on the Coastline. Pray that God would enlighten our hearts and minds to use items that need not be discarded on a daily basis, but those that can be re-used repeatedly. Lord begin with me
Wed

15/12/2010
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them

Biblical Revelation made us see that nature is a gift of the Creator, who gave it an inbuilt order and enabled man to draw from it the principles needed to ‘till it and keep it’ - Extract from the message of his holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of the world day of peace 1 January 2010. Let us pray that man would act as God’s co-worker rather than setting himself up in place of God, thus ending up provoking a rebellion on the part of nature, and thus bearing its adverse consequences. Let us also pray that we would exercise responsible stewardship over creation, to care for it and to cultivate it
Thu

16/12/2010
Gen 1:31a And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good

The Church has a responsibility towards creation, and she considers it her duty to exercise that responsibility in public life, in order to protect earth, water and air as gifts of God the Creator meant for everyone, and above all to save mankind from the danger of self-destruction - Extract from the message of his holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of the world day of peace 1 January 2010. Pray that those in authority in our communities may be torchbearers giving us an example by leading the way and helping our young people be good stewards of creation
Fri

17/12/2010
Gen 2:19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name

In fast lift up the FBB and the members of the Sanctuary Intercessors for protection from every evil force, pray for the world wide ministry of the FBB operating in many countries, that God would raise up many intercessors for the church and that all provisions and needs be met
Sat

18/12/2010
Matt 25:36b I was sick and you visited me

We lift up the sick, lonely and home bound members of our community; during the festive season may they feel the presence of God as we visit and reach out to them. Pray especially for those who have lost a loved one and will feel the deepest pain at Christmas time
Sun

19/12/2010
Matt 25:45 Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me

Fourth Sunday of Advent. For all the times that we have ignored Christ in our brethren rising out of selfishness and hurt, we pray for those of us who find it difficult to forgive, that God’s mercy and the grace of the Holy Spirit may lead us, during this season of peace and goodwill, to break dividing walls and mend relationships even if it means dying to oneself and saying sorry
Mon

20/12/2010
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth

Pray that the light of God would expose scams in our city where there is corruption and also nexus between builders and politicians
Tue

21/12/2010
Gen 1: 3 And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light

Today let us thank God for the light we enjoy each day, that we might behold and cherish all of His creation
Wed

22/12/2010
Gen 1:10a God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas

Give glory and praise to God for all of His creation, the beautiful planet earth we live in and the water and air that He provides for us
Thu

23/12/2010
Gen 1:12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit

Today thank God for the provision He has made for the earth to bear the different fruits we enjoy and the crops that form our daily bread
Fri

24/12/2010
Gen 1:20 And God said, let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the firmament of the heavens

Glorify the Lord for the beauty of the different varieties of birds and fishes each with a different colour and beauty that He has made
Sat

25/12/2010
Luke 2:19 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them

Nativity of our Lord. This Christmas, like the shepherds who on receiving the good news went to worship Him, may we too find time from the hustle and bustle of the day and spend time worshiping and adoring our Lord incarnate, who is the TRUE and ONLY ‘reason for the season’. May we cherish the gift of family today
Sun

26/12/2010
Luke 2:33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him

Feast of the Holy Family. We pray that truly the Holy Spirit will reign in our homes and that rooted and grounded in love and strengthened on the Word and Sacraments, our families will grow strong in the One who saved us. Let us tell our loved ones today, ‘I appreciate you’
Mon

27/12/2010
John 20:8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed

Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist. Through his intercession, we pray for a personal encounter of each Christian with Christ this Christmas time. May we encounter Him in the silence of our hearts as well as in sharing our festive joy with the least, the last and the lost
Tue

28/12/2010
Mt 2:18 A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children;… because they were no more

Feast of the Holy Innocents. We pray for the unborn child, the voiceless and most innocent victim in today’s world, that all those in the ‘abortion industry’ may be convicted by Christ about their wrongdoings and may they find mercy in Him. Pray for the persecuted Church.
Wed

29/12/2010
Luke 2:27 The parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law

Pray for the grace for families to make a resolution to commit time for family prayer in the new year. May the Holy Spirit empower them
Thu

30/12/2010
Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him

Pray for grace for those, especially youth, resolving to give up evil habits/addictions in the new year. May the Holy Spirit empower them
Fri

31/12/2010
Psalm 106:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever

As we complete this year with its ups and downs, one thing is constant – the steadfast love of the Lord. Let us pray ‘Thank You Lord’ and always have a heart of praise as we welcome the Lord of Eternity into this New Year and always. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Holy Father’s Intentions for the Month (Pray for these intentions daily)
General Intention:That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us to generous help.

Missionary Intention: That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to his gospel of peace, brotherhood, and justice.

—
This ‘Intercession Diary’ has the approval and blessings of the Bishops’ Team of the Archdiocese and contains intentions of the Cardinal and Bishops of Mumbai. Vetted by Fr Byron Mendonca, Assistant Parish Priest, Mt Carmel Church, Mumbai, India. All scripture passages are taken from Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Please contact Royston@Glorify-God.com for any feedback.

November 2010

Do join us in saying just a one line prayer, every day of the month. Each prayer backed with a special line from the Bible. We KNOW that prayer changes things, do join us in making a positive change in the world we live in!

Day/Date Interceding According to the Mind of Christ – 2nd Anniversary of Intercession Diary
Mon
1/11/2010 Rev 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates
All Saints’ Day – In the early Church, Christians would celebrate the anniversary of a martyr’s death for Christ (known as the saint’s “birth day”) by having an All-Night Vigil and then celebrating the Eucharist over their tomb or the shrine at their place of martyrdom. Today as we remember all the saints, known and unknown; we pray that, through their intercession, the testimony of love offered by them may fortify us Christians in our devotion to God and neighbor, imitating Christ who came to serve and not to be served

Tue
2/11/2010 Wis 3:1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them
All Souls’ Day is also known as the ‘Feast of All Souls’, commemoration of all the departed faithful. Today, let us remember the departed members in our families knowing that one day we will be with them in the glory and majesty of God’s holy presence. Pray for the holy souls in purgatory through the Eucharist/Rosary/Divine Mercy Chaplet,etc. Pray specially for souls who may have no one to pray for them.

Wed
3/11/2010 Acts 1:8a But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
We lift up the VII National Charismatic Convection of Hindi/Marathi Prayer Groups, from the 5th – 7th Nov at Mira Road, Mumbai; may God overshadow this convention with His Holy Spirit so that all arrangements would be scripted by the Him and the glory of the Lord would fill the place, making those days grace filled and power filled. May each participant come away blessed and filled with His love.

Thu
4/11/2010 Rom 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord
Feast Day of St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop - In 1576, when Milan was visited by the plague, he went about giving directions for accommodating the sick and burying the dead, avoiding no danger and sparing no expense. He visited all the neighboring parishes where the contagion raged, distributing money, providing accommodation for the sick, and punishing those, especially the clergy, who were remiss in discharging their duties. Let us pray for the property cell/civic cells/social activists in our Archdiocese; may God continue to grant them wisdom and discernment to seek His plans to work out every strategy on both fronts - prayer and action. Pray for a spirit of brotherly affection that as a united front we would be able to solve every issue that affects our community through the power of the Gospel

Fri
5/11/2010 Exod 21:14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him treacherously, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die
Let us offer to the Lord through the Eucharist the souls of children aborted today and in the past, that God may release them into His Holy dwelling. We also pray for mercy and enlightenment for those supporting abortions and for the entire abortion industry and lobby groups. We pray in a special way for our brethren celebrating Diwali that they may encounter the light of Christ, possibly even in and through us.

Sat
6/11/2010 John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly
We lift up our city and pray that the light of Christ would and reveal the hidden secrets of those contemplating terrorist activities to disrupt the peace of the city. We pray that the Light of Jesus help them to realize the folly of their effort; we also pray for our security agencies.

Sun
7/11/2010 Ps 133:3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life for evermore
Let us through the Eucharist thank God for the unity that we see among our Chief Shepherd Cardinal Oswald Gracias and the Auxiliary Bishops; we pray for them and protection for this unity and that we would continue to receive the commanded blessings of the Lord

Mon
8/11/2010 Mal 4:2 But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings
We lift every Catholic home in our parish; we pray for a spirit of unity and love to prevail among parents and children so that God’s presence in our families would become an oasis for a broken world around us to experience Christ’s healing and compassionate touch

Tue
9/11/2010 2 Cor 6:18 And I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty
We pray for unity among our priests and religious – especially between parish priest and their teams We also pray especially for those priests and religious who are finding it difficult to submit to authority, that they would be obedient to their superiors.

Wed
10/11/2010 Matt 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Feast of St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor, an uncompromising defender from heresy - One of the major Gnostic religions, Manicheans fleeing before the Vandals had come to Rome in 439 and secretly organized there; Leo learned of this around 443, and proceeded against them by holding a public debate with their representatives, burning their books, and warning the Roman Christians against them. Through his intercession pray for boldness and a spirit of clarity for those involved in Catholic apologetics, a field of Christian theology which has for its purpose the explanation and defence of the faith. May the Holy Spirit prepare the soil, that their plans may bear much fruit for God’s glory. Today let us pray that all associations in our Archdiocese would put away all differences and work together for the common good of each other in unity and brotherly affection bringing glory to Christ and a visible witness of His Body – the Bride His Church

Thu
11/11/2010 2 Tim 2:22 So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart
Feast of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop. As a soldier, just before a battle with the Gauls at Worms, Martin determined that his faith prohibited him from fighting, saying, “I am a soldier of Christ. I cannot fight”. Through his intercession we pray for all our youth and youth cells in our Archdiocese; may God give them grace to have determination and direction in their lives to make decisions based on the Gospel

Fri
12/11/2010 Psalm 93:1 The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty
Today we begin the Novena to Christ the King as we lift each of the intentions for the day, we suggest you recite One Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be daily, followed by the Novena Prayer: O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King And Ruler of all nations. We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things. Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth. Guard us we pray Most Faithful One. Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment. Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against you. Jesus, You are the King of Mercy. We have deserved Your Just Judgment. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Your Great Mercy. O most awe-inspiring King, We bow before You and pray; May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, come on earth. Amen. Day1 intention: Pray for Pope Benedict the XVI and the cardinal of Bishops specially those who are perfect of the various Congregation that Christ would reign in the office instructed to them and they would make His Lordship manifest through their teaching an pastoral work.
Feast of St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr - Great were the virtues of the saint. As a boy he shunned the usual games of childhood, prayed much, and lost no opportunity of assisting at the Divine services. Through his intercession, we pray for altar servers and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our Archdiocese

Sat
13/11/2010 Pslam 104: 1,2 O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment.
“The Church in Mumbai, light to the nations and the glory of God’s Holy People” – Vision Statement, Archdiocese of Bombay, Synod 2000. Day2 intention: Pray that Jesus would reign in the heart of each of us in the city of Mumbai, so that we would be instruments of ushering in His Kingdom and establishing his reign in our midst, so that the Light of Christ would dispel the darkness around us

Sun
14/11/2010 Ps 139:13 For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb
Today as we celebrate Children’s Day in our country, we lift up the children in our Archdiocese. Day3 intention: Pray for every child that they would find their hope met in the Saviour. We pray specially for every Catholic/ Christian child in our Archdiocese that God would create a hunger in their hearts for the things of heaven, and a desire to make Jesus the Lord of their lives., helping them grow to be men and women of integrity, growing in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Mon
15/11/2010 Pro 8:32 And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways
Day4 intention: Pray for our priests that they may be holy and pure. We specially pray for those who are tormented by temptation and struggling with sin. Pray for the grace that they would experience deliverance form these powers of darkness, bringing them to the marvelous light of Christ and the joy of serving Him and His people with gladness, bringing hope to those caught in the hopelessness of sin

Tue
16/11/2010 Ps 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul
Day5 intention: Pray for those serving in the church as lay ministers, those involved heading various ministries, those in pastoral councils, those in various associations, those serving as cantors, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, etc. We pray that each of them would renew their commitment to Christ by making Him Lord of their lives so that their service to the Body of Christ would be a reflection of His love

Wed
17/11/2010 Rev 2:3 I know you are enduring patently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary
Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Day6 intention: We pray that our youth would make Jesus the Lord of their lives, shunning the passions of this world for a greater passion of loving Christ above all else for the greater glory of God and the good of His people

Thu
18/11/2010 Luke 9:48 And he said to them, Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me
Children all over the world, especially in the poorer countries, are subject to trafficking and sexual perversions, as they are the most vulnerable. Day7 intention: We pray that the Holy Spirit be the consolation of these children and that He convicts the evil doers of their sin

Fri
19/11/2010 Acts 2:44,45 All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
A day of fast. Day8 intention: Pray for families in our Archdiocese that each family would enthrone Jesus as Lord of their homes, allowing Jesus and His Word to permeate every facet of our lives - choice of relationships, jobs, careers, friends, recreation, etc. thereby joining our hearts together as one big family in our Archdiocese so that all may know that we are Christians by our love.

Sat
20/11/2010 Rev 7:17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water
Day9 intention: Pray that the Proclamation Cell in our Archdiocese would function under the Lordship of Jesus and that the Holy Spirit empower and equip them to carry out the work of evangelisation. We pray for each baptised Christian to realise their call to proclamation.

Sun
21/11/2010 Phil 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
Today as the Universal Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King, may we as individuals enthrone Him in our hearts and homes and give Him the place that is rightly His. Come Lord Jesus and take your place. Worship in silence the Eucharistic Lord.

Mon
22/11/2010 Ps 100:1,2 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Feast of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians and Church music. We pray for the cantors, choirs and music ministries in our Church that the Holy Spirit will anoint their voices and instruments, so that in all they do, they will give glory to God and lead others into His presence.

Tue
23/11/2010 John 8:36 Whom the son sets free is free indeed.
We pray for those in bondage (to chemicals, abusive relationships, pornography, television, harmful music, etc.) to experience the freedom of Christ. We pray for the Joyful Noise and Inner Healing Ministries that they may experience the protection and fruitfulness of the Lord.

Wed
24/11/2010 Rev 2:26 He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations
Feast of St. Andrew Dung-Lac and his 116 companions, Vietnam - These 117 saints died under persecutions of Christians that in fact lasted from 1625 to 1886 and cost about 13,000 lives. Through their intercession we pray that the suffering Church in India and the world would have new strength from the Father of Light from whom all good things come and for the conversion of persecutors of the Church

Thu
25/11/2010 Ps 136:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
Thanksgiving Day in many parts of the world. Let us pray for an attitude of gratitude both today and every day of our lives; especially with those we take for granted in our own homes and neighbourhoods.

Fri
26/11/2010 Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives … Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful
A day of fast - lift the Night Vigil (27th Nov) at St. Andrew’s College Chapel, Bandra. We spend the night in thanksgiving for the blessings the Lord has bestowed on us; may God anoint those leading as they prepare to lead His people in praise, worship and intercession

Sat
27/11/2010 Rev 5:13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all therein, saying, To him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might for ever and ever
As we stand at the threshold of a new liturgical year, we thank God for the many spiritual graces and blessings He has showered upon us this past year. We pray that He gives us the grace to live in this passing world with our eyes set on the world which will never end.

Sun
28/11/2010 Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus
Advent Sunday - As the Church prepares for the season of Advent, we pray that we would be sensitive to the signs of the time preparing our hearts and homes for Him who is to come, praying “Come Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and into our homes and into our world”

Mon
29/11/2010 Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain
We pray for a disposition of humility during this season of Advent. That we may not be caught up in the glamour and glitz of life, but that we may shed our pride and egos as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord who was born in a stable.

Tue
30/11/2010 John 1:41 We have found the Messiah
As we celebrate the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, we pray for the burden of evangelizing/re-evangelizing our own households. Following the example of Andrew who introduced Peter to Jesus, may we bring the joy of an encounter with the Lord, to our own brothers and sisters, our own parents, children, relatives, our colleagues, neighbours and within our larger family – the world. May the Holy Spirit, the chief agent of evangelization, give us the grace to witness by our lives, that we be true bearers of the light and not counter-witnesses.

Holy Father’s Intentions for the Month (Pray for these intentions daily)
General Intention:That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.
Missionary Intention: That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God.

—
This ‘Intercession Diary’ has the approval and blessings of the Bishops’ Team of the Archdiocese and contains intentions of the Cardinal and Bishops of Mumbai. Vetted by Fr Byron Mendonca, Assistant Parish Priest, Mt Carmel Church, Mumbai, India. All scripture passages are taken from Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Please contact Royston@Glorify-God.com for any feedback.

The Lord be with you… (and you say?)

The Lord be with you.

And before we mechanically say in our minds, “And also with you”, I would like you (and me) to pause and reflect on these words we hear so very often.

Do we realize the importance of these words? Or are we become so numbed by the pressures of the day and the noises around us, that instead of having goose-bumps every time we hear these words, we rattle off our response like a well-rehearsed formula.

“The Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28) said the angel to Mary. And the process of the greatest miracle in history began when Mary replied with her ‘FIAT’ (yes). Another recent “miracle” reminded us of the power of ‘God with us’.

Yes, the term “miracle” was used liberally, the world over, by the so-called ‘secular’ media when they reported the rescue of the trapped miners from the Copiapo mines in Chile. Amidst fireworks and flags and banners and buntings and noise and gaiety one could not miss the presence of the clasped hands, the clutched rosaries, the pictures of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the well-worn Bibles, the quick signs of the cross, the bended knees, the T-shirts carrying in bold letters ‘gracias, senor’ (thank you, Lord). All this in full glare of the world-wide media (one channel alone reported over 7 million viewers). All well summed up in the words of one of the 33 miners when they were still trapped, “There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here.”

How wonderfully reassuring to know that God is with us, He never leaves us or forsakes us (Deut 31:6). Even in our deepest, darkest moments he is there (Ps 23:4). In the case of the Chilean miners the outcome was jubilant; in some cases the end-result seems cruel, harsh, unbearable, tragic. The true miracle is in the journey… where He walks with us. In our joys and in our sorrows, He is with us. Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14, Mt 1:23).

As we, this month, enter into the liturgical new year of the Church with the season on Advent, may we be alive and alert to His presence in our lives. He is with us. He walks with us. He dwells in us. In all His greatness, splendour and majesty (Psalm 104:1,2), the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, abides (Jn 15:5) with His people.

This month as we celebrate the feast of Christ the Universal King, let us truly make Him the king of our hearts, our lives and our homes.

May the Lordship of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom be our hearts greatest desire and may the Holy Spirit our helper (Jn 14:26) help us to make it a reality.

Next Page »