[JOYnet] Pune JY's
Hi, Any JY's in Pune. Please contact me immediately. Love Prayers Jennifer === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections - 3rd Sunday of Lent - March 23, 2003
Dear Friend, If we were to look at people today we could broadly categorize them into people who observe the law and people who break the law. Unfortunately the number of those who challenge the law and break the law would seem to be increasing at the moment. Especially when it comes to God's laws, precepts and commandments, there seem to be many who feel these laws are outdated and can be broken at will. Do we care about the Law? Or is our attitude: Who cares? May we have a discerning week-end! - Fr. Jude - --- Sunday Reflections: Third Sunday of Lent Observing the Law23-03-2003 Readings: Exodus 20: 1-17 1 Corinthians 1: 22-25 John 2: 13-25 In today's first reading we hear the Ten Commandments. If we look at history we know that all peoples, nations and cultures have had their own laws handed down by tradition. As expressed law, the Ten Commandments were not the first code of ethics written. What was different about this code was that it involved the reality of love. Unlike other religions in the Ancient Near East, the Hebrews combined together their religious beliefs and moral living. The Ten Commandments are the core of the law and the Jewish Scriptures. They implied a special relationship between God and his people and also took for granted that God would give his people a deeper and deeper understanding into their content and implications. The first three commandments provide direct regulations and guidelines about the people's relationship with their God, and the last seven deal with the peoples relationships among themselves and with others, but with one great difference. In other codes existing at that time, violation constituted a crime against one's fellow human being; in the Bible, it was a crime against God himself- thus it was a total different orientation given by the Ten Commandments. Each time we are tempted to break the law or bend it to our convenience, it would be good to remind ourselves that this is God's law and not something man-made. It comes from God's initiative, which is the foundation for this law: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery... I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other God except me.. Secondly, we could remind ourselves that God did not give the Ten Commandments for his sake but for ours. We are the gainers when we observe them and losers when we break them. In other words God gave the Ten Commandments out of love for us and not in order to keep control over us; they are the guidelines to our own happiness not His! If they are a gift of God we need to be grateful for this gift. If however we look at them only as a task and an obligation that restricts our freedom we will be likely to ignore them at our own risk. The Ten Commandments On 3rd February 1959 10,000 metres above the Atlantic, Captain Lynch took a last look at the flight panel of the Boeing 707. The co-pilot was studying a map. Captain Lynch decided to stretch his legs, thinking that the worst was over. Shortly after leaving Paris they had run into a 120 kph headwind. But by now they had climbed above the storm. The captain made his way down the aisle between the rows of seats. All the passengers still had the seatbelts fastened. At the back a baby was crying in its mother's arms and the captain reassured her saying, It will be better now. Your baby will be able to sleep. Just then Captain felt the right wing tip and he was thrown against the seats on the right hand side. At the same moment all the lights in the plane went out. Next he found himself lying on the floor. At least he thought it was the floor. But then he realised it was the ceiling he was on. The Boeing was on its back. He also knew it was dropping like a stone head first. He began to make his way back to the cockpit. He decided to try to hold the plane at 2,000 metres. He could see the sea through the night. The co-pilot had been knocked unconscious. He came to again and he and the captain managed to bring the Boeing to the horizontal. A few more seconds and the plane would have crashed. The whole incident lasted four minutes. What caused it? While the co-pilot was studying the map he did not notice the blue light on the indicator panel warning that the automatic pilot had stopped working. God has given us an indicator panel to guide us through life and prevent us from getting turned upside down and crashing. That indicator panel is the Commandments. The Commandments are a gift from God to help us enjoy life by not getting lost along the way. Not only are they a gift from God but they are also a sensible way to live. Author Unknown Proper orientation to the Law is what the Gospel is all about. While the people lived in houses and tents God did not need a physical
Re: [JOYnet] Need Blood Immediately
Hi, Your need is very urgent. Can u let us know what is the blood group that is needed? We can then contact the donors accordingly. Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: Mariza Vaz [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2003 10:47 PM Subject: [JOYnet] Need Blood Immediately Hi JY, Praise The Lord ! My colleagues cousin who is 12 years old is suffering from Blood Cancer, he is in need of 40 bottles of blood for his operation on Saturday, do you'll know anyone who the family can get in touch with for Blood..Let me know ASAP. Do keep him his family in prayers Mariza Vaz, Mumbai === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] === === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
[JOYnet] Fasting during Lent
A different approach to Fasting Lenten fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television.? But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus' healing touch this Lent.? Below are some suggestions you may want to consider. Fast from anger and hatred.? Give your family an extra dose of love each day. Fast from judging others.? Before making any judgements, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults. Fast from discouragement.? Hold on to Jesus' promise that He has a perfect plan for your life Fast from complaining.? When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you. Fast from resentment or bitterness.? Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you. Fast from spending to much money.! ? Try to reduce your spending by ten percent and give those savings to the poor. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections: 1st Sunday Of Lent - March 09, 2003
Dear Friend, Every day of our life we are called upon to make choices. At times we make choices of things that are not good and can hurt us because we do not clearly see their consequences or because we are tempted by the pleasure of the moment. All of us are tempted and temptations in themselves are not bad, it is how we deal with temptations that make all the difference. Temptations test us and reveal the stuff we are made of. One would like to think that only sinners are tempted yet the fact remains that the holier people are, the greater is the temptation. Even Jesus was tempted. May we be renewed in spirit this weekend! - Fr. Jude - --- Sunday Reflections: First Sunday of Lent Renewing the Covenant 09-03-2003 Readings: Genesis 9 : 8-15 1 Peter 3 : 18 - 22 Mark 1 : 12 - 15 The first reading of today reminds us of the covenant, the agreement between God and Noah immediately after the flood. From ancient times people made all sorts of agreements, between village and village, tribe and tribe, individual and individual. Even today agreements and pacts are made between different parties, groups and nations. We all understand that agreements are generally made between persons and parties basically equal to each other; there is a give and take, a yielding and an agreeing to; and both parties are expected to keep the terms of the agreement. The agreement with God and Noah was different. There was no equality between the two and the promises were one-sided. God promised never again to destroy humankind, he bound himself but asked nothing in return from Noah. The only reason for this agreement, this covenant was God's great love for humankind. God gave a sign of this covenant to his people. Here is a sign of the covenant I make between myself and you. I set my bow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. This symbol of God's covenant, the rainbow, would be a sign of peace for all peoples. Before the covenant, evil had been on the increase since Adam's sin and Cain's murder of his brother Abel. God had sent the flood to destroy that evil age and permit a new beginning with a new creation. God's covenant with Noah assured humanity of a future. Other covenants would follow each with its own symbol. The sign of the covenant between God and Abraham would be circumcision; while that with Moses would be the Sabbath observance. All those covenants were between God and a chosen group of people. The final covenant would be in and through Jesus Christ, between God and all people, and the sign of that covenant would be baptism, by which all would be made sons of God. We may be tempted at times to believe that God is out to get us, but He cannot do so because he has tied his destiny to ours. He sees us not as sinners but as his loveable children. God's View One weekend while barnstorming airplane rides, my pilot husband took up a farmer for a thirty minutes sightseeing flight. Not a word was spoken during the whole time, as they both looked down on the incredibly beautiful summer countryside. Climbing out of the plane later, the man turned to my husband and drawled, Now I know why the Lord has so much patience with this old world. He has a better view of it than we got. Mrs. R.L.Weeks from 'Tonic for the Heart' by Frank Mihalic The Gospel of today from Mark begins with the words: The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days and was tempted by Satan. The same spirit, so gloriously present at Jesus' baptism drove Jesus out into the desert to be tempted by the evil one. Yes, it is the Spirit that led Jesus to be tested. Tests are not there to make us fail, but, as with athletes and students, to make us better and stronger. In Jesus' case this test would be between him and Satan. On Jesus' part there were compelling reasons why the devil would be allowed to tempt him. Just as the first Adam brought sin upon the human race by succumbing to the temptation of Satan, so Jesus, the second Adam, would redeem us all from sin by overcoming the temptations of Satan. Jesus also wanted to teach us by example. The Gospel tells us that he was led into the desert. On the one hand the desert was a place where the people felt closest to God. In the desert the Israelites had received the law; in the desert they had become a covenanted people, in the desert they had been fed with spiritual food and been given spiritual drink. On the other hand the people also considered the desert a place for wild beasts and the place where Satan ruled. At that time wild beasts symbolized demons. At his baptism Jesus had experienced the divine world in the voice of his Father and the appearance of the Spirit. In the desert Jesus would now experience the demonic world. We could ask the question: But
[JOYnet] Ash Wednesday Reflections - March 05, 2003
Dear Friend, Once again we begin the season of Lent with this Ash Wednesday celebration. Lent as we know is a time for repentance and renewal yet the preface of Lent will call it the joyful season of Lent. We should remind ourselves that originally Lent was a time for preparation for Baptism and for Easter. Later on as the practice of adult Baptisms died out, it became a time of baptismal renewal as well as a time of repentance and a proximate preparation for Easter. As we begin this new season may we find our joy in coming back to the Lord. Have 'prayer-filled' weekend! -Fr. Jude Sunday Reflections: Ash Wednesday Repent and Believe 05-03-2003 Readings: Joel 2: 12-18 2 Corinthians 5: 20 - 6:2 Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 The first reading from the prophet Joel reminds us that sometimes God invited the people of Israel to come back to Him through the great disasters that befell them. Come back to me with all your heart, fasting weeping and mourning. Scriptures tell us that the people of Israel time and again abandoned God and sometimes, in order to bring them back to the right path, God allowed misfortunes to fall upon them. It was after one such disaster that the prophet Joel conveyed to the people the message that God would come to their rescue. The disaster that befell the Israelites at that time was the invasion of locusts, that came in large numbers from the desert and devoured everything. The people were devastated and the prophet Joel called them to prayer and to penance. He assured them that if them came back to Yahweh, Yahweh would provide them with food they needed. He reminded them that every one should do penance, the priests and the laity, the young and the old, even the children. They needed to ask God's pardon as a family, as one community and God would forgive them all. Today, an evil far worse than locusts besets individuals and humankind. This evil is sin. Sin destroys the life we have received from God at our baptism, it destroys the good we have done in our lives by increasing the evil around us; it destroys our community and human family especially the unity that is needed that we might live in peace and harmony. Today we are confronted by the specter of war, of terrorism, of famine and disease. We may not like to admit it but all these are the result of our sin. Every sin, even the most private sin, adds to the suffering and misery in this world, just as the tiniest good deed draws down God's blessings on the whole of humankind and makes us a better people. We have to acknowledge that we are responsible for the world and the sins of our lives have created the fragmented world we live in. We are invited as individuals and as a community to repent and humbly acknowledge our sinfulness. The Nail Post A father wanted his son to really understand the importance of making right choices, of obeying and doing what's right. And so if his son made a bad choice or a wrong decision, he gives him a hammer and a nail to take out into the backyard and pound into a fence post. Every day the son went through the whole day making good decisions, he'd let the boy go out and take out one of those nails. Until the boy was fifteen, there were always two or three nails in the post, -seemed he'd be nailing new ones as often as he'd pull out others. The youth started to mature and make better decisions and finally one day all the nails were removed from the post. That was when his dad took him back and said, I want you to notice something about the post. The son looked at the post for a moment and realized that all the nails that once were driven in and then later removed had left small holes in the post. The holes were the remaining effects of the nails. His dad said, I want to tell you something son, about bad choices and decisions. Even though you may be totally forgiven from your bad choices or decisions, and there are no nails visible, there are the remaining effects, the consequences, of those choices or decisions; just like the holes in that fencepost. Author Unknown The Gospel of today speaks to us of three paths that can lead us back to God: prayer, fasting and alms. However Jesus reminds us that these three practices by themselves will not lead us to God unless we perform them with a humble heart. We can perform them diligently but from the wrong motives: out of a sense of pride, we are better than the rest; we can do the external routine while our hearts are far from God; we can get involved in them ritualistically so that others may notice our good works. We all know the ulterior motives we can have even when doing the best of good works. Lent is a time for renewing our prayer life. But when we pray, do not pray to be seen or heard by others. We are reminded in today's gospel. But when you pray, go to your private room and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father, who is in that secret place, and your father who sees all that
Fw: [JOYnet] Don't fall and get fractured
of God unnecessarily only to prove one's point. God is in control of every situation whether be it Love marriage or Arranged. But important is whether we give Him the first place in our lives. This is important. If we fail to do that we will only be shattered. Because nothing can hold together if the bond of unity, Christ himself is missing. May Christ be the center of every marriage. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: Wilson Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:28 AM Subject: Re: [JOYnet] Don't fall and get fractured Hi Friends, Sebastian inspired me to share my experience as well. My parents asked my permission to look for a girl. I said it is you decided everything until now. So you will choose my girl. They were very happy hearing that. I was in Singapore that time. They arranged marriage and informed me the date of betrothal and wedding!! I did not even saw a photo my girl. I took leave and got married to the same girl. She is a true gift for me from God. When my parents were planing, here in Singapore there was a prayer group praying for me to guide my parents to choose the best. How God acted? Believe.. what you are going to read is true .. That time there was another strong proposal for my girl from a rich family. They have decided to fix that. The day before giving world they all went to Church and prayed. That night my father -in-law saw a dream of cremation and he was there. He got scared and rejected that proposal. Next choice (but God's first choice) was mine. The same they did. All went to Church and prayed one day before giving us word. That night he dreamt a marriage feast. He was walking around and talking to everyone happily. They FIXED my proposal.. Let me repeat the words of Sebastian Blessed are those who get married with the one selected by God for you. Blessed are those who wait and discern Gods plans before falling and get fractured. Praise the Lord Wilson Thomas Singapore - Original Message - From: Sebastian Kakkasseri [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 6:44 PM Subject: [JOYnet] Don't fall and get fractured Dear Gigu, i forward it to u as my previous mails are not coming in joynet. tk seb This is my own story Before my marriage, one of my friends brought a proposal for me from Kuwait. She was also working here. We introduced each other, talked, understood each other etc. etc.. Then What? Next step is decision making, but before that discernment. I prayed to God, but didnt get any discernment (I didnt know the tricks of Dr.Sindhu). Then I made a suggestion, let us leave it for our parents to make the final decision, until that we will wait(I am also tricky know?). My discernment was this that God will speak through our parents. Later our parents started enquiries, discussions etc. and finally they disagreed each other for some silly reasons. Now we had two choices. (1) We are matured, have good jobs and can insist our parents to forget about the disagreements and to go ahead with wedding arrangements. Or (2) To obey our parents and keep our relationship as good friends. I selected the 2nd one (that was my discerning point) and called her to inform it. I was little bit scared because I didnt know her stand. But for my surprise, before I start, she was advising me to select the 2nd as she already selected it. You might be laughing, .as...wearefools. Am I right? But I would like to mention a few points. We were not lovers, means no commitments. So there was no disappointment also. I was well aware about Gods plans, though it was not clear for me. So no chance for any jumps or falls. Blessed are those who get married with the one selected by God for you. Blessed are those who wait and discern Gods plans before falling and get fractured. (Dont worry if anybody fractured already, Lord can repair even a fractured relationship) Sebastian Kuwait _ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] === === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing
Re: [JOYnet] Re: [Joynet] Falling in love before mariage is wrong
the one who understands both perfectly and will take away all the misunderstandings owing to which many marriages break-up. How many couples like Tobias start their married life by surrendering their partner and themselves to the will of God. How many continue their personal prayer and family prayer after marriage? Love marriage or arranged marriage is not the criteria for a happy and successful marriage. There is a saying wherein Husbands Wives are called each other's better half's but these two halves can only remain together as one when they are bonded by a strong hold i.e. Christ...shud I say Jesus ka majbooth jodh hain tutega nahin. When the most important PERSON is missing who holds the couples together how can they survive the storms of life?? they will only split and separate. May God give wisdom to all the newly weds and those who will be joined in the wedlock soon to prepare themselves to receive Christ and be rest assured that He is in control of their lives. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - Original Message - From: Godwin Manuel(IST) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Christopher D'Souza [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 12:43 PM Subject: RE: [JOYnet] Re: [Joynet] Falling in love before marriage is wrong I appreciate your views Christopher as they were very much logical and substantial before arriving at any solid conclusion. Falling in love is merely not a standard procedure (my personal view) that is available as off-the-shelf product. Many of us who have gone this way would have really felt the pain and agony that resulted from it. Falling in love is an art of its own - a divine art which should not be confused with fantasies of this world - finding the right partner which involves individual tastes of both parties, basic attraction, emotion and a whole host of other faculties. Before anybody could fall into an genuine love affair, he or she does not even think of how short this relation is going to work out, rather they are prepared to carry on until the end. What I meant to say is each of them is committing themself to the other in all means and expect this to continue into the eternal. Now, what needs our attention is how much are we prepared to invite Jesus into this relationship? Are we going to seek His intervention before deciding to give onself to the other? This is the crucial link that binds any genuine relationship and which many couples ignore. And that's the crux of the matter of our discussion. How do we know that he/she is the chosen one from the beginning of time to become our lifepartner ? Here we need a lot of prayers and discernment before we could take a decision. I personally feel, without getting the concent from our Lord Jesus (in many ways He has decided for us), it is always better to wait n wait n waitand at His appointed time, it would be revealed to us. Thank you Christopher and ye friends in Christ for this wonderful session. In Jesus, Godwin, Fujairah. -Original Message- From: Christopher D'Souza [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:17 AM To: JoYNet Cc: Wilson Thomas; PRADEEP GEORGE Subject: Re: [JOYnet] Re: [Joynet] Falling in love before marriage is wrong Dear JYs I am not yet married, but would like to share my views ...I am assuming that we are speaking of falling in love in the context of looking for a marriage partner ... If I decide based on emotional assent, is it falling in love? If I make my decision after intellectual consent, am I avoiding the pitfalls of 'falling in love'? (Wo)Man is an integrated whole...comprising body, mind and spirit. If acting on emotions alone is wrong, then merely consenting with one's intellect could also be wrong. To expect only the intellectual part of me (or my that of my parents)to consent and expect not a stir from my emotions is to stoically deny that God has given me an endocrine system as he has given me a digestive or nervous system. To be swayed only by emotional highs without using my mental faculties is to make a decision as reliable as the shifting sands. What is needed is a balance of all our faculties - in this way we make a decision of a human being fully alive in the glory of God (St Ireneaus). It is like...my mind says 'Compatible, good family, suitable educated, sipritual , a JY :-) etc.. My feelings say 'Wow, it feels good , happy to be around with him, her., lots of peace..etc. My will says 'Im going ahead and making the decision'..This may not happen in every case but we need to remember that we are human beings holding a divine treasure and not purely spirit in nature .. What is most important is that we find the partner of God's choosing...the one in this perfect will for us. To me the question of falling in love is not the main one...It is how prepared I am
Re: [JOYnet] TODAY`S SAINT........
Hello Joyful people, Today we also celebrate the feast of St. Valentine. Can anyone give a brief history about this saint and why all over the world this day is celebrated. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: rose maria [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 5:08 PM Subject: [JOYnet] TODAY`S SAINT February 14, 2003 Sts. Cyril and Methodius (d. 869; d. 884) Because their father was an officer in a part of Greece inhabited by many Slavs, these two Greek brothers ultimately became missionaries, teachers and patrons of the Slavic peoples. After a brilliant course of studies, Cyril (called Constantine until he became a monk shortly before his death) refused the governorship of a district such as his brother had accepted among the Slavic-speaking population. He withdrew to a monastery where his brother Methodius had become a monk after some years in a governmental post. A decisive change in their lives occurred when the Duke of Moravia (present-day Czech Republic) asked the Eastern Emperor Michael for political independence from German rule and ecclesiastical autonomy (having their own clergy and liturgy). Cyril and Methodius undertook the missionary task. Cyril's first work was to invent an alphabet, still used in some Eastern liturgies. His followers probably formed the Cyrillic alphabet (for example, modern Russian) from Greek capital letters. Together they translated the Gospels, the psalter, Paul's letters and the liturgical books into Slavonic, and composed a Slavonic liturgy, highly irregular then. That and their free use of the vernacular in preaching led to opposition from the German clergy. The bishop refused to consecrate Slavic bishops and priests, and Cyril was forced to appeal to Rome. On the visit to Rome, he and Methodius had the joy of seeing their new liturgy approved by Pope Adrian II. Cyril, long an invalid, died in Rome 50 days after taking the monastic habit. Methodius continued mission work for 16 more years. He was papal legate for all the Slavic peoples, consecrated a bishop and then given an ancient see (now in the Czech Republic). When much of their former territory was removed from their jurisdiction, the Bavarian bishops retaliated with a violent storm of accusation against Methodius. As a result, Emperor Louis the German exiled Methodius for three years. Pope John VIII secured his release. The Frankish clergy, still smarting, continued their accusations, and Methodius had to go to Rome to defend himself against charges of heresy and uphold his use of the Slavonic liturgy. He was again vindicated. Legend has it that in a feverish period of activity, Methodius translated the whole Bible into Slavonic in eight months. He died on Tuesday of Holy Week, surrounded by his disciples, in his cathedral church. Opposition continued after his death, and the work of the brothers in Moravia was brought to an end and their disciples scattered. But the expulsions had the beneficial effect of spreading the spiritual, liturgical and cultural work of the brothers to Bulgaria, Bohemia and southern Poland. Patrons of Moravia, and specially venerated by Catholic Czechs, Slovaks, Croatians, Orthodox Serbians and Bulgarians, Cyril and Methodius are eminently fitted to guard the long-desired unity of East and West. In 1980, Pope John Paul II named them additional co-patrons of Europe (with Benedict). PATRONAGE: Bohemia, Bulgaria,Czechoslovakia,ecumenism,Moravia,Unity of Eastern and Western Churches,Yugoslavia Comment: Holiness means reacting to human life with God's love: human life as it is, crisscrossed with the political and the cultural, the beautiful and the ugly, the selfish and the saintly. For Cyril and Methodius much of their daily cross had to do with the language of the liturgy. They are not saints because they got the liturgy into Slavonic, but because they did so with the courage and humility of Christ. REFLECTION: Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not involve the faith or the good of the whole community. Rather she respects and fosters the spiritual adornments and gifts of the various races and peoples Provided that the substantial unity of the Roman rite is maintained, the revision of liturgical books should allow for legitimate variations and adaptations to different groups, religions, and peoples, especially in mission lands (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 37, 38). - With Yahoo! Mail you can get a bigger mailbox -- choose a size that fits your needs === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections - 6th Sunday In Ordinary Time - February 16, 2003
Dear Friend, There are times when we feel sick for no apparent reason. Maybe we have been under medication for several months with no sign of recovery; maybe we have been from doctor to doctor trying to find a remedy for our ailment to no avail. Could it be that there is something wrong within us? Could we be seeking for a physical remedy to a spiritual illness? Do we stand in need of being set free from sin? Have a healing week-end! Fr. Jude - --- Sunday Reflections: Sixth Sunday of the Year Lord if you want you can..? 16-02-2003 Readings: Leviticus 13: 1-2, 45-46 1Corinthians 10: 31--11: 1Mark 1: 40-45 We know that the Jews had a number of laws with regard to what was clean and unclean, what they could eat and what they should not touch, and these laws were given to them to lead a healthy life. The numerous references in Jewish scriptures to forms of skin diseases, to leprosy, as in today's passage from Leviticus, one of the old testament books of the laws, point out to the Jews fear of the disease, particularly the danger of contagion. The only safeguard against contagion was to demand the stricken person's isolation. The very word leper came to mean outcast. Unfortunately the sickness came to be seen as a divine punishment. It was in that context, more than the context of hygienic concerns, that Leviticus dealt with. Bodily integrity was necessary for worship of Yahweh. There are perhaps two messages that we could find in this first reading from Leviticus. On the one hand one can immediately sense the harshness of the treatment meted out to lepers of that time. They had to show themselves to the priest, and if the priest declared that it was leprosy then the person was segregated from the community. The leper had to dress in torn clothes, keep their hair unkempt as people in mourning. They were sent out of the camp and had to live in the wilderness, and if anyone happened to pass nearby they had to shout: Unclean,. unclean. Only death brought relief to their misery. We would find this treatment inhuman and alien to our way of thinking as leprosy is curable today. But we find a similar treatment being meted out to Aids victims today. People treat them as untouchables of society and leave them to their fate. We know that this is not the Christian attitude and we need to examine and change our attitudes and consequent behaviour towards victims of these kinds of diseases. Perhaps there is a deeper meaning of the passage that we need to reflect upon. While leprosy is a bodily ailment, the consequences of that sickness are a reflection of what happens to us when we sin. Just as leprosy brought about loneliness and cut the lepers from their community and their family and friends, so sin, even the most secret sin, cuts us away from God and distances us from our brothers and sisters in the community. Outwardly, we may continue to take part in the various activities of the Christian community: we can pray and sing with them but ours is an empty voice; we can listen to God's word but it falls on stony ground; we can be present at the Eucharist but not be nourished by it. We may not admit it, but sin affects us within, and in our relationship with our brothers and sisters. She's got eczema of the soul! Norman Vincent Peale once related that after the morning service one Sunday a woman came up to the pastor and said, I listened to your sermon, but I want to tell you that I itch all over. The pastor smiled and replied, I have had many results from my sermons, but that's the most remarkable one I've ever had. She ignored the pastor's remark and continued, It's a strange thing. I itch a great deal, but I itch worse when I come to church. I sometimes feel I should not come to church because I itch so badly. She continued, I've taken it up with my doctor. I just itch all the time, and it shows up as a kind of eczema on my arm. She then bared her arm and pointed, Take a look at that. The pastor became interested in the woman and asked for the name of her doctor, who turned out to be even more interesting. The doctor explained that this woman had a low-grade fever most of the time, about 100 degrees. What's wrong with her? the pastor asked. She says she itches all over. Yes the doctor said., she's got eczema. But I didn't see any evidence of it. Oh, the doctor replied, it isn't on her arms. It's on her insides. It's in the mind. She has eczema of the soul. I never heard of that disease, the pastor remarked. And you won't find it on any list of diseases, the doctor stated, but that's what is wrong with her -eczema of the soul. The pastor asked how she got it and the doctor replied, This woman has a virulent, violent hatred for her sister. She feels that her sister defrauded her when they probated their father's will. She hasn't spoken to
[JOYnet] My testimony....All Thanks to the Awesome God.
Hi Good morning to all, Yesterday was a very hectic day at work. Upon that my mind was very restless. Somehow I wasn't able to concentrate. I thought today I might miss my Mass but maybe Christ knew that my restless soul needed some peace so He made it possible for me to attend Mass. As I reached the Church, I saw the Grotto of our Lady was decorated and there were people praying the Rosary. I was astonished at first but then thought there must be something. I proceeded to the Church and saw there was Choir (normally during the daily Masses, the choir is not present only 2 persons sing over the mike). The Church altar was beautifully decorated. The crowd in the Church was huge. Then the priest comes on the Altar and declares that today we celebrate the World day of the sick the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. And then I got the answer to all my questions. I was so happy that I didn't miss such a solemn Mass of the feast of my Mother who appeared in Lourdes years back. The Mass was very beautiful. The priest anointed each of us with the Holy oil and gave the public blessing which is given during the sacrament of anointing of the sick. The priest said a prayer of healing as he applied the oil over our forehead. It was a beautiful experience and towards the end of it I felt very peaceful. I am sharing this with you all because for me it was another experience of Christ's love and I want to thank God for loving me so much. Whenever I have felt lost, lonely, restless, confused, sad, I go to Him and I experience peace. Sometimes it is not even possible for me to come in His presence because at times I focus too much on my problems but He makes a way for me and brings me in His presence. And yesterday was one such experience. During the fellowship meeting after Mass, I could freely praise and thank Him and my heart was filled so much with joy. There are so many things for which I want to thank God, the list is endlessBut I would like to mention the most important thing that changed my life completely, you can say a turning point in my life that is HE SAVED ME, yes He saved me. I was a sheep who had lost my way but the Good shepherd found me back and gave me a family, the LEGION OF MARY. I can proudly say I belong to this Family because Christ gave this family to me and through this family I received everything which I missed, love, fellowship, support, confidence, wisdom, security, you name it everything. I developed as a person, the hidden qualities and talents within me came to the surface. From an introvert a low confident person, I became a person of confidence and person who believes in oneself. I have learned to be humble person and am still learning. I developed the qualities of a leader. From an irresponsible person, I became a responsible person. I use to hate myself once upon a time and lost all hopes. But today I love myself because I believe in the words of the Lord, that I am His precious child. Christ has become my hope now. Today I want to thank the Lord for giving Himself to me and for giving His Mother who always guided me to Him. Truly it is spoken of her To Jesus through Mary which has become a part of my life. Mama taught me to love Jesus, the way she loved Him. Do what He says were her words to me. Today I want to thank God for the family of Legion of Mary where Mary is my Mother and the members my brothers and sisters and together we are led to experience the Love of Christ. I also learned that along with us we have to get everyone else we encounter to Him. That is the mission for which He has called us. Save others, Save ourselves. We are taught never to give up hope, never. It is our duty to show Christ to many and while performing this duty I have come so much closer to the Lord. All thanks to God for this for He kept opening new ways for me to know Him better. This is my testimony to the Lord who saved me even when I was a sinner. And after I became a part of this family, the process of purification began and the process is still on. I want to thank each and every person who led me more closer to the Lord. Especially this fellowship of the Joynet because of whom I am encouraged to testify the marvelous deeds of my Lord. This encouragement has come only after reading so many joynetters testifying what Christ has done for them. And I am not ashamed to speak about His love which is His blessing. Thanks for patiently reading till the end. And pray for me that with the passing of every day, I will take a step closer to my Lord and receive the strength from Him to fulfill the mission for which He has called me in this life. Love Prayers Jennifer February 11, 2003 Our Lady of Lourdes On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This began
[JOYnet] JY's in Missouri
Hi, If they are any JY's in Missouri, please let me know. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai Contentment comes not from great wealth but from few wants. === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
[JOYnet] Re : Sex before marriage is permissible? is it Sin?
Hello Joyful people, The answer to the Question is No. Before marriage involving in Sexual activity is a sin. If we see in the context of the Bible, the following verses clearly states that it is a sin. Moreover the society condemns this act but it is a sorry state that in such a situation the woman is brought to fault whereas the men move Scott free. 'Matt 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.' 'Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.' 'Matt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.' 'Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.' 'Rom 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.' 'Hebrews 12:16 - That there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. Comment: There is no record anywhere here that Esau was a sexually +immoral; person (fornicator?) other than the fact that he had contracted marriages that were unlawful.' '1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.' '1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.' '1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.' '1 Cor 6:13 6:13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Cor 6:18 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. '1 Cor 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. '2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.' 'Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' 2Co 12:21 - lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. Re 19:2 - For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. Dictionary meaning of the word Fornication : an act of sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons: The word fornication had a lowly beginning suitable to what has long been the low moral status of the act to which it refers. The Latin word fornix, from which fornicti, the ancestor of fornication, is derived, meant a vault, an arch. The term also referred to a vaulted cellar or similar place where prostitutes plied their trade. This sense of fornix in Late Latin yielded the verb fornicr, to commit fornication, from which is derived fornicti, whoredom, fornication. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1852 There are a great many kinds of sins. Scripture provides several lists of them. The Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.127 1853 Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself; they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sins, or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are
[JOYnet] Re : Sex before marriage is permissible? is it Sin?
Hello Joyful people, The answer to the Question is No. Before marriage involving in Sexual activity is a sin. If we see in the context of the Bible, the following verses clearly states that it is a sin. Moreover the society condemns this act but it is a sorry state that in such a situation the woman is brought to fault whereas the men move Scott free. 'Matt 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.' 'Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.' 'Matt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.' 'Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.' 'Rom 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.' 'Hebrews 12:16 - That there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. Comment: There is no record anywhere here that Esau was a sexually +immoral; person (fornicator?) other than the fact that he had contracted marriages that were unlawful.' '1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.' '1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.' '1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.' '1 Cor 6:13 6:13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Cor 6:18 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. '1 Cor 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. '2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.' 'Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' 2Co 12:21 - lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. Re 19:2 - For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. Dictionary meaning of the word Fornication : an act of sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons: The word fornication had a lowly beginning suitable to what has long been the low moral status of the act to which it refers. The Latin word fornix, from which fornicti, the ancestor of fornication, is derived, meant a vault, an arch. The term also referred to a vaulted cellar or similar place where prostitutes plied their trade. This sense of fornix in Late Latin yielded the verb fornicr, to commit fornication, from which is derived fornicti, whoredom, fornication. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1852 There are a great many kinds of sins. Scripture provides several lists of them. The Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.127 1853 Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself; they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sins, or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections - 3rd Sunday Of The Year In Ordinary Time - January 26, 2003
Dear Friend, We sometimes notice that people have really changed and are not what they used to be. Is it possible to change? Conversion and repentance is the same as change. We know that we are constantly called to repentance. Since we keep slipping back into our old ways, what can really bring about a true conversion in us? Does God expect us to change as well? Have a transforming weekend! -Fr. Jude - --- Sunday Reflections: Third Sunday of the YearRepent or else. ? 26-01-2003 Readings: Jonah 3: 1-5, 101 Corinthians 7: 29-31 Mark 1: 14-20 In the first reading we hear the word of God addressed to Jonah the prophet telling him to go to Niniveh to ask the people to repent. We know Jonah's story - he was a reluctant prophet and did not want to go on this difficult mission, so he went in the opposite direction, wanting to escape the Lord's command, with disastrous consequences. Finally chastened, he went to the people and preached to them. He threatened them and warned them: Only forty days more and Niniveh is going to be destroyed. He did not expect the people to listen to him and believe him, but the people listened and believed and repented! God accepted their repentance and saved them from the disaster. Strangely, Jonah was disappointed that the people were not punished, upset, that they had repented! We know the point of the Jonah story: God wants all people to repent that their sins may be forgiven and God longs to forgive anyone who repents. Jonah and the Jews of his time thought differently. Since the people of Niniveh had caused a lot of harm to the people of Israel, they thought God should punish them rather than forgive them. When Jonah preached he did not say God would forgive them if they repented he rather threatened them with God's punishment and when God forgave the Ninivites he complained bitterly against God. Jonah is a perfect example of how we so often expect God to act like us and punish those who do not fall in line; those who cause us harm; those whom we cannot see eye to eye with. We believe in justice for others but mercy towards us! But our God is a God of mercy and compassion ever ready to forgive. He is more ready to forgive than we are to repent of our sins. He can take our sinfulness and change it into a moment of grace if we let him do so. Turning evil to good A lady once showed Ruskin a costly handkerchief on which had fallen a large blot of ink. What a shame! she moaned. It is absolutely good for nothing now. It is totally spoiled. Ruskin said nothing but asked to borrow the handkerchief for a day. The next day he handed it to her without a word, and the lady delightedly saw that, using the blot as a starting point, the great artist had designed an intriguing pattern on that corner of the handkerchief. Now it was actually worth more than it had ever been before the blot had disfigured it. Bruno Hagspiel from -Tonic from the Heart in 1000 Bottles Today's gospel stresses Jesus' call to repentance, which is repeated time and again in the gospels: Repent and believe in the good news, the Kingdom of God is close at hand! It is the same call that Jonah preached to the people of his time and yet it is different. While Jonah threatened them and warned them of the impending disaster if they did not repent, Jesus on the other hand invites, urges and pleads with every one to turn away from sin, not out of fear of being punished, but for a much higher motive, to enable them to enter the Kingdom of God. We notice that there are two distinct parts to this invitation: 'to repent', that is to break away from sin and its consequences, which is what the word conversion means, and the second part: 'to believe in the good news', namely to accept Jesus' teachings and follow him. Both go hand in hand and one without the other does not make sense. If we are to follow Jesus Christ we have to repent, we have to change, we have to be converted. Conversion means changing one's direction, retracing one's steps and if by sin we have moved away from God then we are called to turn around and walk in God's direction, come closer to him. If we persist in our old ways, then we have not really been converted. For some this conversion is a radical right about turn, for others it is a gradual moving away from doing our thing to doing God's will and living fully for him. This conversion is a life-time process and implies a true change of heart. Sometimes we might be complacent with external peripheral changes but our heart is really not converted. They can't take away my thoughts! A girl had been quite naughty. Because she wouldn't say she was sorry, her mother had punished her by taking away her toys and sending her to bed. When her father came from work he went upstairs to see her, and said he was sure, if she would only apologise, mother would serve her supper and return her toys.
[JOYnet] Is anything impossible for God?
is able to do far more than we would dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20 TLB Love Prayers Jennifer The way of obedience is the way of blessing. === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
[JOYnet] Luck, fate do they exist??
Hello Joynetters, There was this one question that came to my mind which I would like to share with u all and request your comments on the same. Should a Christian believe in Luck, fate?? Does Luck, fate really at play in human life?? Awaiting your replies. Love Prayers Jennifer The way of obedience is the way of blessing. === This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===
Re: [JOYnet] Faith in adversities.
Hi JY's, A very powerful testimony. Sanju is right we have to face the world and tell the world about the Good News - Jesus Christ, the only Saviour and not be scared of the persecution cause Christ has gained a victory for us already. As Christians, He has placed a special mission on us to win souls for Him. Infact though I get a lot of opportunity in witnessing about Christ's love, it is this fear that most of the time creates a block for me. I know that it is the will of Christ for all of us to proclaim the Good news in our feild of work and activities. And denying this will of God is denying God Himself. We need to read a lot about the life of saints ask for their intercessions who will definitely inspire us and encourage us to be more courageous specially when Christians are being persecuted world over. I always make this prayer everyday Christ make me Your instrument cause I feel that our worth is only if we are useful for Him otherwise our life is worthless. Also I would like to refer here the mail of Bensi Chacko - Pala achayan's Son. Today as I was just pondering over something what one of my friend said about me (it was a compliment) and as I was thinking suddenly a thought occurred to me which I would like to share with you all - Lord, I am only dust but when Your hand is upon me then I am transformed into a Precious Stone. By ourselves we are nothing but when Christ is with us then we become like a strong mountain who will never get defeated by any storm, lightening, thunder or any adversity. This is the promise of the Lord Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the rest shall be given to you. We need not worry what we will eat or drink or what will happen or when this problem will stop or when our lives will be peaceful because these things will be taken care by the Lord, they are for God to worry. What we have to worry is how can we be an instrument of God. We should seek more opportunities where we can witness Christ's love to those who don't know about the saving grace of the Lord and who have become slaves to the evil one because of their weaknesses. We have to tell them the Good news that Christ has come to deliver them and then pray for them but only praying is not enough, we have to evangelize. If we are are ashamed of Christ then He shall be ashamed of us too. Let us pray to the Lord to bless us with immemse courage to witness Christ in every area of our lives. Amen Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: Sanju Joseph [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 1:56 PM Subject: [JOYnet] Faith in adversities. Dear Bros and Sisters, An essential ingredient for making our faith to become complete is adversity and overwhelming problems. In other words faith tested in the furnace of adversities; becomes a powerful shield for us shielding us from the fiery arrows shot towards us by the evil one. We need to ask ourselves will I raise up for God no matter what the situation and the circumstance that challenges me. Let me share a true incident narrated by my brother and friend who works in the North India among hardcore Hindus and Muslims in Ajmer. This incident came in when we were discussing about the religious persecution in North India. I am sharing this to you bcos this had really boosted my faith and put a serious question - will I proclaim Jesus when my head is on the Guillotine ? I am praying God for this grace. Once we get the answer rightly we will become like those poor suicide bombers who has been so convinced(by the devil) about their cause to give their life. One main difference however in our case will be that we will give our life for the Kingdom of Lord Jesus Christ. St. Paul teaches that death is gain because it brings us into Christ's presence and unites us with Christ. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ( Phil 1 : 21). There was this person called Sunil Dutt; who could not sleep for 8 years.Someone suggested him to try boozing so as to get proper sleep. So in another one year he became a total alchoholic and a drug addict. It was at this time he was directed by someone to the church in which my friend works. It seems by the first day of prayer itself there was a major deliverance from that person and he could sleep peacefully from 9.30 pm to morning 6.30 ; the first time in 9 years . He wakes up the next day and goes to the gate of the church and loudly proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.From that day on Sunil, his wife and children decided to follow Jesus; except for his mother. Now the person belonged to an orthodox Hindu family from Uttar Pradesh and his mother brings the entire family to his house bcos he had become as Eesai (Christian). The million dollar question was put before him - Be with Christ or Out of the Family ?. He boldly says that He belongs to Jesus Christ. So the entire family writes him off
[JOYnet] This news may interest you
== ZENIT News Agency, The World Seen from Rome == Mother Teresa's Mystical Experiences: Origin of Her Work Letter Published Revealing Words of Christ ROME, NOV. 29, 2002 (Zenit.org).- It would be hard to understand Mother Teresa of Calcutta's work without being aware of the mystical experiences she had, which were the origin of her foundation of the Missionaries of Charity, and impelled her to don a sari and go out into the streets to care for the poorest of the poor. The visions she had were revealed by the religious in a letter addressed to Archbishop Ferdinand Perier of Calcutta, through her spiritual director, Jesuit Father Celeste Van Exem. The passages of her letter, dated Dec. 3, 1947, in which she reveals a disturbing interior struggle as well as the vision of what eventually would be her work, have now been published by Missionary of Charity Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, postulator of the cause of beatification, in an article that appears in ZENIT (Nov. 28 and today) and in the new Web page dedicated to the cause (www.motherteresacause.info). At that time, Mother Teresa worked in Calcutta, India, as a religious of the Sisters of Loreto. During her prayer, Christ asked her to go out into the streets and proclaim him among the abandoned of India, especially girls. How could I? she wrote. I have been and am very happy as a Loreto nun. To leave that what I love and expose myself to new labors and suffering, which will be great, to the laughingstock of so many, especially religious, to cling and choose deliberately the hard things of an Indian life, to loneliness and ignominy, to uncertainty? And all because Jesus wants it, because something is calling me to leave all and gather the few to live His life, to do His work in India. In her prayers, particularly her Communions, Jesus constantly asked her: 'Wilt thou refuse? When there was a question of Thy soul I did not think of Myself but gave Myself freely for thee on the Cross and now, what about thee? Wilt thou refuse? I want Indian nuns, victims of my love.' Mother Teresa explained all this in a letter to her spiritual director and to the archbishop. My own Jesus, what you ask is beyond me, the then Sister Mary Teresa responded. I can hardly understand half of the things you want. I am unworthy. I am sinful. I am weak. Go, Jesus, and find a more worthy soul, a more generous one. Are you afraid now to take one more step for Your Spouse, for Me, for souls? Christ said, according to the nun. Is your generosity grown cold? Am I a second to you? You did not die for souls. That is why you don't care what happens to them. Your heart was never drowned in sorrow as was my Mother's. We both gave our all for souls, and you? You are afraid that you will lose your vocation, you will become a secular, you will be wanting in perseverance. No -- your vocation is to love and suffer and save souls and by taking the step you will fulfil My Heart's desire for you. You will dress in simple Indian clothes or rather like My Mother dressed, simple and poor. Your present habit is holy because it is My symbol. Your sari will become holy because it will be My symbol, Christ insisted, according to the text. Jesus, my own Jesus, I am only Thine, the nun answered. I am so stupid. I do not know what to say, but do with me whatever you wish, as you wish, as long as you wish. I love you not for what you give, but for what You take. Jesus, why can't I be a perfect Loreto nun, a real victim of Your love here? Why can't I be like everybody else? Look at the hundreds of Loreto nuns who have served You perfectly, who are now with you. Why can't I walk the same path and come to you? She added: Don't allow me to be deceived, I am so afraid. This fear makes me see how much I love myself. I am afraid of the suffering that will come by living life in the Indian way, dressing like them, eating with them, sleeping with them, living with them without ever being able to do anything that I will. To what degree my own convenience has taken possession of my soul. Christ calmed her by describing what the future would be like: I want Indian nuns, Missionaries of Charity, who would be my fire of love amongst the poor, the sick, the dying, and the little children. The poor I want you to bring to me and the Sisters that would offer their lives as victims of My love will bring these souls to Me. You are, I know, the most incapable person, weak and sinful, but just because you are that, I want to use you for My glory. Will Thou refuse? 'Little one, give me souls, Jesus insisted, according to the nun. Give me the souls of the poor little street children. How it hurts, if you only knew, to see these poor children soiled with sin. I long for the purity of their love. If you would only answer and bring me these souls. Draw them away from the hands of the evil one. If you only knew how many little ones
[JOYnet] Re: Vastu Shastra
like vastu shastra, feng shui, horoscope and others and actually helping the evil one to shift our focus from Christ. This is a very sorry state of our lives if we find ourselves in a situation where we loose our focus on Christ because then we give the evil one the chance to destroy our lives. That is the consequence of following such mechanism but the consequence of following Christ only Christ is eternal peace, happiness and never ending life. May Christ be the centre of our Home and Family life and may His peace and love fill our homes abundantly. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - Original Message - From: Jennifer [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Joynet [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 9:58 AM Subject: Vastu Shastra Hi Joynetters, A very Good Morning to all. There was this one question in mind which I would like to share with you all. I am sure that many among you may have answer to this. It's about Vastu Shastra, the new thing that is become so popular among the Contractors and builders and also among many Christians. I somehow get a feeling that it is not good, that it is against our Christian faith. But then then it's just a feeling and there are no facts. How do I convince myself of this so that I can convince my fellow brothers about it's ill effects. There are Christians who place their altars in the position the Vastu Shastra suggests. Awaiting your replies. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Is God in control of our lives?
Hi Friends When God is in control of our lives then everyday is a miracle and the consequence is inexpressible joy, peace and comfort which no one can take away. May we give the control of our lives in the hands of Jesus. Allow Him to be the driver in our life's journey and we relax on the back seat enjoying the ride along with the bumps on the road without fear because the Lord is at our side and He is in control. Love Prayers Jennifer We live under the eye of God. There is no escape from that loving gaze. --MacRina Wiederkehr ~*~ Topic of the Week ~*~ During a workshop last week a participant asked me about my belief in God. She said she was at a spiritual crossroad and wondered how I had come todevelop my faith in a power greater than myself. My reply was simple: I've been led to believe one miracle at a time. There have been many times in my life when I've felt lonely and afraid and a miracle has occurred to remind me that a Divine presence is always protecting and directing my life. Sometimes these messages are like whispers -- a smile from a stranger during a difficult moment, or an unexpected phone call at the exact instant I needed support. Other times, the messages have been like a giant hammer hitting me over the head with a crystal clear message that I am not alone. This week I thought I'd share an amazing miracle story with you. Several years ago my friend Max and I were walking on my favorite beach. I had just ended a five year relationship and felt conflicted about my decision. Deep in my heart I knew it was the right choice, yet I kept feeling pulled to call my former partner to give it one more try. Max, being the good friend that she is, encouraged me to stay true to my heart and keep focused on my own self care and this new, emerging chapter of my life. Like so many of us who go through a life transition, I felt pulled in two different directions. My head said call him, and my heart said hold still and stay strong. I felt as though I was engaged in an emotional battle, struggling to keep peace between two feuding factions. Sometimes it's so difficult to trust our inner knowing when we're in emotional pain. As Max and I continued our, I said that I needed a sign to help me determine the right choice. Just then, I looked up and saw a beautiful man running toward us. He was strong, tanned, and had piercing blue eyes. When he passed us, Max and I looked at each otherand smiled, acknowledging his powerful energy. We continued our walk and eventually headed for the car to return home. Arriving at the parking lot, we sat down to put on our shoes and, taking one more look out over the ocean, I once again saw the handsome man running back down the beach. As my eyes followed him, he suddenly stopped, bent over and quickly began scratching something in the sand with his finger. After a few moments he finished and continued on his way. Max and I chuckled at our curiosity and immediately ran to see what he had written. When we arrived at the water's edge we found the words MENTAL TOUGHNESS scrawled in the sand. I stood looking at the words, feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up. The young man was nowhere in sight. Instantly I felt a sense of relief and reassurance. I had my message -- hold still and stay strong. Miracle stories like this one can serve to remind all of us that we are embraced by a loving presence, whether we realize it or not. When sitting at a spiritual crossroad, sometimes we just need to ask for a miracle to give us direction and a renewed sense of faith. Other times we can offer our faith to each other by sharing our own miracle stories. When I look back on that day at the beach, I know in my heart that the sign I received was not only meant for me, but for us all. ~*~ Take Action Challenge ~*~ If you're faced with a challenge or life decision, ask for a miracle and then pay close attention to your life. If you still don't know what to do, ask a close friend, family member or co-worker about a time when they experienced an event that felt like a miracle. You might just get the miracle you need from the person sitting next to you :). This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Urgent prayer support
Hello Friends I need your prayer support. Please pray that God's will may be done in a situation which is beyond my control. I am praying for the same I need your prayers too. Thanks in advance. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] !!!!GOD HAS HIS OWN WAYS!!!!
Hi Friends, This mail came to me at a time when I really needed God's assurance. May His assurance bring immense peace and tranqulity in our lives. Love Prayers Jennifer Isn't it amazing how God works in our lives! On a Saturday night severalweeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wifebefore he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answerthe phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a fewthings and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answeredright away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said thatit hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went ontheir merry ways. The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office,which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the man was talking about. Then theman said, It rang and rang, but I didn't answer. The pastor rememberedthe mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'dintended to call his wife. The man said, That's OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I wasplanning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed,'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a signnow.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID,and it said, 'Almighty God'. I was afraid to answer! The reason why it showed on the man's caller ID that the call came fromAlmighty God is because the church that the pastor attends is calledAlmighty God Tabernacle!! If you believe that God answers prayers then pass this on. God bless! READ EACH SENTENCE SLOWLY AND THINK ABOUT IT..AWESOME PRAYER: May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactlywhere you are meant to be. I believe that friends are quiet angels wholift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Vastu Shastra
Hi Joynetters, A very Good Morning to all. There was this one question in mind which I would like to share with you all. I am sure that many among you may have answer to this. It's about Vastu Shastra, the new thing that is become so popular among the Contractors and builders and also among many Christians. I somehow get a feeling that it is not good, that it is against our Christian faith. But then then it's just a feeling and there are no facts. How do I convince myself of this so that I can convince my fellow brothers about it's ill effects. There are Christians who place their altars in the position the Vastu Shastra suggests. Awaiting your replies. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] Query : God or Parents ??
There is a small correction in the first line of third para instead of Definitely obedience to God's will comes after obedience to parents it will be read thus Definitely obedience to God's will comes before obedience to parents. Dear Friends, This is a very tricky question? But if we delve a little deeply, we will understand. Firstly we should be sure whether what we understand is truly the will of God. Most of the times, our mind suggests that this is right and thats why its the will of God. We have to be very sure that what we feel is the will of God is truly His will or our will?? This can be done by regular prayer, fasting reading the Bible. Normally God's will is not revealed directly. He uses many channels like our friends, benefactors, office colleagues, priest, our councellors, our brothers, sisters, relatives or even our parents. Sometimes what we think is God's will, our parents might say it's not. Then instead of starting a heated argument, we should ponder and find out why our parents are against it? Maybe we will get our answer there. Definitely obedience to God's will come after obedience to parents. When we obey God, we can never disobey our parents. Our God will never allow that. But the evil one is very smart, he will use our family to bind us to do the will of God at times. But here we should remind ourselves of the word of God, I have come not to bring peace but division It may happen that when we obey God's will we may receive opposition from our near and dear ones. But the word of God says that it will happen. But if we ignore the will of God so that our family will be happy then that happiness won't be long lasting and we won't have peace of mind. We should never ignore the first commandment of God i.e. To love Him with all our heart, mind and soul the rest will follow. Sooner or later our parents will understand the calling of God. We can see this in the life of so many saints who left their homes, even disobeyed their parents to do the will of God and the best example is St. Francis of Assisi. I would like to add here that we cannot compare God's love with anyone not even our parents. His will for us is our good and for the good of all. Our parents don't know what lies in the future but God knows. But again we have to be cautious in finding His will for us. But one thing even we if we get opposition from our parents in doing the will of God, we should remember this one thing that we should not be rebellious with our parents cause thats not the spirit of God. Spirit of God is gentle and patient. We need to be patient and pray to God to give us the strenght to face the opposition and God will show us the way. I wud like to end with the following quote which I keep reminding myself always : God's will in God's ways will never lack God's supply. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Hi
Hi JYs, It's been after a long time that I written in Joynet. Congratulations Joynet for the 4th Birthday (belated). I was introduced to joynet by my friend which was last year in the month of October. After that there was no looking back. It is just like being a part of a big family. I came to know so many wonderful people who shared such beautiful relationship with the Lord and who encouraged me in my spiritual life. The JYs are like Angels who give me a helping hand in moments of depression, doubt and anxiety. I remember last year when I had decided at the nick of the time to come to Potta in December, it was these angels (Jason Welchy) who made the impossible possible. I keep thanking my Lord for them always. The wonderful experience I had there with the Lord will always be cherished. Thus I feel being a part of Joynet was God's way of bringing me one step more closer to Him. The association with Joynet has helped me tremendously in my journey of faith where most of my doubts about Christianity have been cleared and I thank God for it. Thanks God Bless. May we celebrate many such birthday's. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Life is beautiful
Hi Friends, We cannot predict about our life, but yes we have to learn from our life experiences not only ours but from others experiences too. And thus we will be prepared to face any kind of situation. Our Life is shortin these present times it has been shortened more. And in this short span of lifetime how can we make it beautiful. Its my experience that when we spend sometime with others specially the less fortunate, the sick and the aged and the neglected maybe in our own neighbourhood, and our family members, we can picture a beautiful sketch of our life. The happiness we wud give them will add colours to our life which will grow fonder with time and remain with us as unforgetful memories. Forwarding a beautiful story.hopefully it will encourage us to make our life and others lives beautiful. So sad but so beautiful.. In Phoenix, AZ. A 26-year-old mother stared down at her son who was dying of terminal leukaemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent she wanted her son to grow up and fulfil all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible. The leukaemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life? Mommy, I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up. Mom smiled back and said, Let's see if we can make your wish come true. Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast. Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept that no one could die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favour? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room? About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window. Sixteen fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, Chief, am I really a fireman now? Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand, the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing. He closed his eyes one last time. I was requested to send this to someone I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to other people you want to be blessed. Uplifting stories are one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue to uplift one another. May God Bless each and everyone. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED
[JOYnet] How to carry your burden
, and not in another. Luke 6:37-38 Jesus says, Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Think before you say impossible.
Hi JYs, Is anything Impossible for God...nothing at all. But there are so many things which we feel are Impossible just by looking at it. But is it correct to assume in the first instant itself that a particular thing is impossible without giving a try. I hopw the following story will make more sense to what I am saying Have a Great Day of Possibilities Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai Never underestimate your Clients' Complaint, no matter how funny it might be! This is a real story that happened between the customer of General Motors and its Customer-Care Executive. A complaint was received by the Pontiac Division of General Motors: This is the second time I have written to you, and I don't blame you for not answering me, because I sounded crazy, but it Is a fact that we have a tradition in our family of Ice-Cream for dessert after dinner each night. but the kind of ice cream varies so, every night, after we've eaten, the whole family votes on which kind of ice cream we should have and I drive down to the store to get it. It's also a fact that I recently purchased a new Pontiac and since then my trips to the store have created a problem. You see, every time I buy a vanilla ice-cream, when I start back from the store my car won't start. If I get any other kind of ice cream, the car starts just fine. I want you to know I'm serious about this question, no matter how silly it sounds What is there about a Pontiac that makes it not start when I get vanilla ice cream, and easy to start whenever I get any other kind? The Pontiac President was understandably skeptical about the letter, but sent an Engineer to check it out anyway. The latter was surprised to be greeted by a successful, obviously well educated man in a fine neighborhood. He had arranged to meet the man just after dinnertime, so the two hopped into the car and drove to the ice cream store. It was vanilla ice cream that night and, sure enough, after they came back to the car, it wouldn't start. The Engineer returned for three more nights. The first night, they got chocolate. The car started. The second night, he got strawberry. The car started. The third night he ordered vanilla. The car failed to start. Now the Engineer, being a logical man, refused to believe that this man's car was allergic to vanilla ice cream. He arranged, therefore, to continue his visits for as long as it took to solve the problem. And toward this end he began to take notes: he jotted down all sorts of data: time of day, type of gas uses, time to drive back and forth etc. In a short time, he had a clue: the man took less time to buy vanilla than any other flavor. Why? The answer was in the layout of the store. Vanilla, being the most popular flavor, was in a separate case at the front of the store for quick pickup. All the other flavors were kept in the back of the store at a different counter where it took considerably longer to check out the flavor. Now, the question for the Engineer was why the car wouldn't start when it took less time. Eureka - Time was now the problem - not the vanilla ice cream The engineer quickly came up with the answer: vapour lock. It was happening every night; but the extra time taken to get the other flavors allowed the engine to cool down sufficiently to start. When the man got vanilla, the engine was still too hot for the vapour lock to dissipate. Remember: Even crazy looking problems are sometimes real and all problems seem to be simple only when we find the solution with cool thinking. Don't just say its IMPOSSIBLE without putting a sincere effort... Observe the word IMPOSSIBLE carefully... Looking closer you will see, I'M POSSIBLE... What really matters is your attitude and your perception. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] The Blood of Jesus
Nothing But The Blood of Jesus/Psalm 55:23 One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: My fiancees past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not? The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins?... Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. = Psalm 55:23 My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue to pray for one another Here is the prayer: Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy Where there is! self doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] Re:
Yuppp!! this is what I beleive in too! Around two years back...when I had newly joined the prayer grp...I had similar experiences...Clash of views and opinions. At that time I was so tempted to leave the prayer grp...but my brother left me thinking with this simple reflection...what is your motive behind going for prayer meeting... are you going to experience the love of God and build a relationship with Himor are you going so that your opinions and views may be accepted! This kind of changed my whole outlook! And this has always acted as a check for mewhenever I'm not too pleased with with wots happening...I kinda ask myself Whom am I focusing on? on JESUS or on the material things! And then I ask the Spirit of The Living God to fall afresh on me and on the people around meso that I may understand the will of God! Luv n prayers, Jennifer D'souza Mumbai    From: sheril daniel To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [JOYnet] Re: Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 07:10:31 -0700 (PDT) In response to Anita's mail, I think that was an interesting story and very relevant too. I remember when we used to have prayer groups during my undergrad years in SME (Kottayam) and sometimes when someone did not agree with someone else's point of view or behaviour, especially when it was from the so called leaders I was tempted to stop coming for all those prayer meetings. I don't remember who it was but someone told gave me a lovely piece of advice. Don't let the focus of your prayer group be on anyone else but the 'real leader' Jesus Christ. Diversity will always be present in any group of people because we are all individuals and we all have our own beautiful way of thinking and reasoning. However when we concentrate on ourselves and our thoughts, when pride takes over, or when we become so narrow minded that we think only we are right, our original focus shifts to a new one. the new focus could be anything related to the group, it could be another individual, it could be one's own glorification, anything, but that is immaterial. what is important is that we realise what the point of our group meeting was in the first place and readjust our vision and our energies to our original focus point. with love in Jesus sheril daniel :) grahamstown, south africa anitha dsouza wrote:My dear friends, Just want to share with you a story for reflection. It would be nice if we could read the story carefully , think, pray and reflect about it and share our inspirations with our beautiful group…..which I am sure will help many of the prayer groups all round. So please do share your thoughts after you have gone through this, Once, there were two angels, the good one named Gabriel and the one who had stood against God whose name was Lucifer; both of them went on to tour the whole world. As they came across a small village, both of them happened to glance at a poor villager, ploughing his fields, singing joyfully the spiritual hymns that he had often heard in the church. They both knew that, he was a simple and a humble man, who was pure in heart and did no harm to anybody. Gabriel was indeed pleased to see him, so joyfully absorbed in his work and decided to reward him more, so that he would be an effective instruement of Christ. As the farmer went on ploughing, Gabriel threw down a little ‘ grace of evangelization’ towards his path. The farmer suddenly caught hold of the grace, gave thanks to the Lord , left his plough in the fields and ran into the village, with His new found mission to evangelize. Gabriel, being very pleased with the farmers response, challenged Lucifer, ‘See, how eager the Lords people are, to carry out their missions on earth. This person is going to be a great evangelizer and is going to draw more and more crowds towards the kingdom of heaven.’ At this challenge, Lucifer laughed out loudly, and threw back another challenge at Gabriel. ‘You say, this person is going to draw vast crowds towards the kingdom of heaven; You know what I will do? I will wait, till he goes to his village and starts telling everybody of his new found grace. And then, more and more people will be attracted towards him; and his teaching; he will make fellow believers and finally He will form a large group of people, who will gather every now and then for their fellowship gatherings, there will be praise and worship and singing of hymns in those gatherings……..’ Gabriel was indeed pleased when he heard all of this from Lucifer, He started imagining the great group which will focus on worshipping the Lord and telling others about their faith. It was then, that Lucifer continued his talk, ‘And when the group is all set and ready and well functioning, I will put my seeds of jealousy, greed for power, hatred and misunderstandings in that group, and start of with simple diversity of ideas which will later form into major arguments and finally when the group is disrupted, I will bring all those large crowds of people towards me. Thus
[JOYnet] GOD STILL AND ALWAYS WILL.....Power of Prayer!!
Hi dear Friends, Never underestimate the power of prayer..cause prayer is our weapon against the evil one and a sure hope in God's goodness that He will never fail usmay this story increase our Hope in God specially those who feel hopeless and depressed and have given up their faith in God. Amen GOD STILL AND ALWAYS WILL. Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can. John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, Do you have a grocery list?. Louise replied, Yes sir. O.K. he said, put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries. Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, I can't believe it. The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my Needs and I am leaving this in your hands. The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs. POWER OF PRAYER : When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer for the one who sent this to you. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. Don't break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on! When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you. When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard. You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth. It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride. We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give. Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older. Pass it on to your dear friends . . I just did. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] 26 Beautiful One-liners
-- 26 Beautiful One-liners 1. Give God what's right -- not what's left. 2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leadsto an endless hope. 3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. 4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. 5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma -- but never let him be the period. 6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period. 7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift. 8. When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report for duty. 9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church. 10. We don't change God's message -- His message changes us. 11. The church is prayer-conditioned. 12. When God ordains, He sustains. 13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning. 14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. 15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position. 16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible. 17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord. 18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive. 19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it. 20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back. 21. He who angers you controls you. 22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop. 23. Give Satan an inch; he'll be a ruler. 24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them; He'll clean them. 25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. 26. Read the Bible -- It will scare the hell out of you. Now take 60 seconds and give this a shot! Let's see Satan try to stop this one. All you do is: 1. Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, (e.g. LORD, God, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day) 2. Then forward to five relatives/friends. Within hours five people would have prayed for you, and you would have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves. What we do in life echoes in eternity I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!! Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians: 3:20 JESUS IS THE CEO OF MY LIFE!!! Of course this one is my personal favorite :-) Work like you do not need money, Love like you have never been hurt, And dance like no one is watching.!!! Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Help required !!
Dear YP's, A small group of youngsters in Mumbai have decided to make a small contribution in this Big world. As a preparation we have decided to train ourselves welland it does imply also that we have to be well equipped with the Arms Ammunitions of the Word of God. A small help required as in the forthcoming meeting we have to give a session and presentation on the Time management so that we can effectively spend time in the vineyard of the Lord inspite of our busy schedule at work .and bring Glory to His Heavenly Kingdom. If anyone has a presentation .or even an idea on effective Time Managementpls mail me ASAP. Thanks God Bless Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] Suicide : A Query (My comments)
Hi Jason JY's, A very good question I must say. I was just pondering over this question after the death of one of my parishioner last week. Since I was praying for his soul...and I wondered whether my prayers wud really help him??? And as I pondered over this question, a thought came to meour God is an awesome God.He is very loving and forgiving. When we as human beings, we pray for the souls feel that all souls shud be save..how much more will God the Creator must be wanting that all Souls shud be saved. We don't know what happens when a person faces death.I believe that in a fraction of time before the person breathes his last... God, most merciful gives the soul yet another chance to repent...and if the soul in those brief moments does repent ..will he still deserve hell Nothe soul will defintely be saved. And if the soul is in purgatory, then our prayers will help the soul to receive Heavenly glory so I feel that we should believe in the merciful Love of God which can never be comprehended by our human minds and keep praying for people who have died after commmitting suicide. Love Prayers Jennifer. Fernandes Mumbai Jason Herbert wrote: Dear JYs We have recently read the 2 Part mails of Father Thomas on whether Sucide is a Sin or not. It was really a wonderful sharing. I had recently been for a Retreat. There the Priest had mentioned that a Person committing Suicide is as good as Handing over ur Soul to the Satan. My Question is : Considering that a person commits Suicide and knowing that his Soul is as good as lost. Is then fruitful then praying for his Soul or would it be waste to do so Please note i am not saying that it is waste to pray for any1. But considering in this case of suicide or like euthanasia whatever the case may be would it be fruitful then to pray for that soul. I would really love ur views on this. urs in faith Jason Mumbai _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] The Pathway.........meaningful poem
When I came to the foot Of the cross,dear Lord, I was beaten,and worn, and tired; You lifted me with Your loving arms And left me,encouraged, inspired... When I longed to give up By the side of the road You taught me to love, and to pray... To live and have faith In Your wonderful grace In a strangely sweet infinite way... And, oh, how I praise Thee, My Savior and Lord, For the tears and the heartache I knew; The pain and the sorrow were all Part of a plan, And the pathway that led me... to You! Written by: Veronica Joan Joslyn Love Prayers Jennifer. F. Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Spider-man
Dear Joynetters, Hope you all are doing great...in the love of God! I want to share with you something that I shared with one of my Joynet friends...and she thought it would be great if I could share it with all the Joynetters...so here I go...it's quite big...so you will have to bear with me! I went for the movie spider man with some of my friendsn there was one particular line in that movie that struck me n that was With Great Power comes Greater responsibility At first I wondered...wot is in this line that's making me repeat it over n over...n as I was thinking about it...this is the inspiration that I received To have The Great Power is to know the truth...i.e to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ...which is a power that only our Father in heaven can give us (John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him) This truth that is revealed to us is that, JESUS alone is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6 - I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me). And that's when I felt that how blessed and privledged are we that God chose us to reveal this truth...By knowing the truth we are set free (John 8:32 - and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.) and so we know longer remain slaves of sin but become co-heirs with Christ (Galatians 4:7 - So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir) And when we are given so much...much more will we be demanded from us...Luke 12:48 -...Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. And hence our responsibility increases manifold! We become responsible to reach out to the ones who do not know The Truth, to the ones who are lost...to lead them to the right path...and this was the mission that Jesus entrusted to us...which is explicitly stated in Mark 16:15 - And he said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. First we were ignorant but now we have become wise and responsible through the knowledge that Christ reveals to us... Then I came to the realization...that how much more responsible have we to be for our actions then...as there are some who are looking upto us as an example...it could be that we may proclaim Christ through our lips...accepting HIM as our Lord and saviour, but our actions may tell a different story altogether...Romans 2:21 - says...you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? And that's when Jesus rightly says in Matthew 7:16 - You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:19 - Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. How much more are we responsible for the fruits that we bear! That's all for now... Take care, GOD BLESS YOU! Luv n prayers, Jennifer D'souza, Mumbai _ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Need some help!!
Dear Joynetters, Praise God! Hope you all are doing perfectly fine by the grace of God. Can any of you please help me with the lyrics and the chords of the hymn Yes lord My sister has just started playing the keyboard for the prayer meetings at the parish prayer groupand she wants to teach the praise and worship team, this hymnfor that she requires the chords and the full lyrics. I know some words of the hymn and have forgotten the othersas usual grin It goes like this... I am trading my sorrows I am trading my pain (i can't remember)...all for the Joy of the Lord Yes Lord, Yes lord, YES YES Lord,(4) Amen! la la la la, la la la la (4) Amen! Luv n prayers, Jennifer D'souza, Mumbai _ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] A simple story.
Dear Joynetters, Praise God! One of my friends sent me this story..thought I should share it with u guys.please do read it! It's beautiful! AFTER THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON, BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK. A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST, HE BEGAN, WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED. THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY. THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED, GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY HE WOULD THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE ALSO KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES. AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED. BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. THE FATHER, HE CONTINUED, KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US! OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE. WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM. THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. THAT WAS A NICE STORY, POLITELY STATED ONE OF THE BOYS, BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HISONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN. WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE, THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE, HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. YOU SEE-I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND. Romans 5: 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us I am one such person saved by this life line from God. Today I am one such a preacher too. When God saved me I didn't get a longer life in the normalpattern of life. It was a totally transformed life.(John 10:10b ; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full). Now I no more can drown in the sea of sinful life. I WALK ABOVE THEM, JUST LIKE PETER WALKED TOWARDS JESUS. I strongly counsel to you to take now, right now the life line that God is throwing to you to save you too and give you a life of liberty and joy and hope and peace and and and After reading this story...only one verse comes to my mind.Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever would beleives in Him will not perish but have eternal life! Intense and so real is His love! Luv n prayers, Jennifer D'souza, Mumbai _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL
[JOYnet] The Youth rally ...in Mumbai...a wonderful experience!!
Dear Joynetters, Praise God!! I am bubling with excitement even as I write this mail...We had gone for a youth rally yesterday, conducted by the Torch Bearers For Christ (TBC) the youth wing of the Bombay service team (Charismatic renewal in Mumbai). We were around a thousand youth from all over Mumbai...gathered to give praise to our Awesome God. And you can well...imagine a thousand youth dancing to the Gospel music...and it worked wonders with all the youth who were timid and shy...as they too couldn't resist dancing and singing to the Lord. There is this song that we learnt there...it goes like this...Some words are in the Mumbasa language (South Africa) and I have forgotten some...grin JAMBO, Jesus Loves You, Are You Happy,(...I forgot...) CARIBU, Into His Presence Why do you worry, HAKUNAMATTATA. Jambo - means Hello, Caribu - means Into His presence, Hakunamattata - means Why do you worry...(hope I got them all correct) Now to tell u guys...my personal experience...The theme of this rally was to Enthrone Jesus as the Lord over our lives (career, studies and relationships). Even after going for a retreat (a month ago) and surrendering my life to God...I somehow did not put Jesus on the throne of my life...and this rally came at the right time to remind me of the same. The speaker (Br. Victor) at the rally spoke about the 3 Ms in life...in view of enthroning Jesus in your relationships. He said the first M is Master...making Jesus the master of your life. The second M is Mission, Praying about the mission that God has called us for...coz..each one of us has come into this world for a purpose and plan. And after knowing our mission the last M...i.e the Mate...will fall in place. That is the life partner the Lord has in mind for us. But he said you have to soak every decision and every step that you take in prayersas this is the time of temptation... During the infilling of the Holy Spirit...as Br Derek spoke...I was touched...I was shown all the areas in my life...where I was not enthroning Jesus...especially in my relationships. It was difficult to believe that the Lord was calling me to give up certain friendships...but He said...Put ME first...and everything else will follow. It is a hard decision to give up these friendships...but just as another speaker, put it so well...by quoting the scripture from Jermiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. The Lord knows what He is asking of me and He will give me the grace and strength too! But I need ur prayers tooo... Thanks! God Bless You! Yours in Christ Jesus, Jennifer D'souza Mumbai _ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Birthday wishes...Thanks!!!
Dear Joynetters, This is Jennifer...from Mumbai. I have just joined the joynet...n it was so amazing to find my mail box flooded with mails from so many joynettrs wishing me on my birthday. I was just sharing with another Joynetter that how do I wish someone I dont know on their birthday...n he said wait till it is ur birthday...n u will know how to wish...and I now realize that...Though we are many...we are one body in Christ I thank and praise God for you all...who took the time off to wish me on my birthday! May God bless you! Luv n prayers, Jennifer Mumbai _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Urgent prayer
Dear Friends, Pls pray for me, I have missed a very important thing. Pls pray 3 hail Mary's and a pray to St. Anthony that I may be able to find it. Thanks Jennifer Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Prayer Request
Dear Friends, I request you all to Please say 3 Hail's for an Aunty of one of my close friends who will be getting her medical report today. Love Prayers Jennifer This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Fw: Sunday Reflections
Dear Friends, Forwarding the Sunday Reflections given by Fr. Jude Botelho. Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: Jude Botelho To: Jude (Freeserve) Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 5:44 AM Subject: Sunday Reflections 10-4-02 Dear Friend, All of us have had moments of frustration and disillusionment in our lives. These are moments when we felt like giving up and quitting. The disciples on the way to Emmaus were packing up and taking off. What is our reaction to our disillusionments? I would like to reflect on this theme with you. Wishing you an 'Emmaus' weekend! -Fr. Jude Sunday Reflections: 3rd Sunday of EasterApril 14th. 2002 Making sense of it all! Readings: Acts 2: 14; 22-28; 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35 . The ongoing theme of the Easter season is the peace that the risen Lord brings into the lives of those who believed in him. The present day battles in the Holy land, the scandals in the Church, the increase in crime all over the world, the ever-present threats of terrorism and war could tend to depress us. May His Word this Sunday renew hope in our lives! In the first reading we hear Peter preaching the first Christian sermon of the five recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. He gave it fearlessly on that first Pentecost and it contains in a nutshell what we are called to believe. It is centred on the idea that if we are loyal to the Lord, he will see us through, even though we may not see him physically. Peter proclaimed Jesus in the words of the sixteenth Psalm, which he saw as having foretold Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. Peter's preaching and witness is a wonderful testimony to the resurrection of the Lord because of the awesome transformation that was wrought in Peter himself. This impulsive, bumbling, vacillating frightened shaky man chosen to be the leader of the Apostles is completely transformed by the Spirit of the risen Lord which now has taken possession of him. Peter is now courageous, fearless, single-minded, loyal and ready to suffer for the Master. What the Lord did for Peter he continues to do for all believers who are transformed and changed into fearless evangelisers in the measure that they let the Lord take over their lives. The Gospel has one of the most beautiful stories of the post resurrection appearances of the risen Lord, the journey of the disciples to Emmaus. There are several insights that we can apply to our lives from this moving incident that is noted only in the Gospel of Luke. First of all we can note that the incident described tells us that the disciples to whom Jesus appeared were not the leaders but ordinary disciples, in fact we know only one by name Cleophas. The town mentioned, Emmaus was not well-known and till today there is a discussion about which of the possible six sites could be the Emmaus. Perhaps the point being made is the fact that Jesus can appear to any one whom he chooses to reveal himself to. His appearances were not restricted to the leaders but to unknown, ordinary followers as well. The fact that Emmaus was not popular also tells us that God reveals himself not only in popular holy places, like Lourdes. Fatima, Garabandal, Medjugorie but can reveal himself to us in the most insignificant of places, our hometown! Thirdly, the fact that Jesus joined them on the road is a forceful reminder that God comes to us along the journey of life, not necessarily in the temple or Church alone but often along the least expected paths that we travel along in life. Secondly, we are reminded that when Jesus joined them along the road they were not aware of who this stranger was though they let him join in the conversation. Jesus enquired: What are you discussing about ? That was enough for them to pour out what was uppermost in their thoughts at the moment. You must be the only stranger in Jerusalem, who does not know the things that have taken place there these days. They shared all their disappointments, their disillusionment, their shattered hopes and dreams about Jesus and the coming of the Messiah. What is happening between them and Jesus is a perfect model of prayer, with Jesus' help they are able to open up their hearts and place all before Jesus. Jesus in turn patiently listens to them and starts explaining and situating the recent events in the context of what had been written in the scriptures about Jesus. Yet they were slow to understand and accept all that Jesus said. They would have preferred to have things work out differently. They could not accept his passion and death and they refused to accept the resurrection though they had heard reports about it. In fact their way of coping with their disappointment was to withdraw from the company of the apostles and run away from Jerusalem. Their reaction is not very different from our own. We want things to go the way we want plan them or expect them to be, we cannot accept that God may
Re: [JOYnet] Teresa Neumann
Thanks Jase for sharing such a wonderful information of the Child of God -- Teresa Neumann. It has really touched my heart and i am sure all who who read her life story will also experience the same. God Bless you. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: Jase Jon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 2:11 AM Subject: [JOYnet] Teresa Neumann TERESA NEUMANN Teresa Neumann was born on Good Friday, April 8, 1898 in Konnersreuth, in northeastern Bavaria. She was the first child in a family of ten children. Her parents owned a small farm, but they were not exactly well off. Teresa's father supplemented the income by working as a tailor. Teresa's parents were devout Roman Catholics, as were the rest of the inhabitants of tiny Konnersreuth. Although Teresa received a strong Catholic education, there was never anything remarkable to set her apart from the rest of her peers. She was quiet, well behaved, but enjoyed games and good joke now and then. She had a great love of nature in all its forms, and especially enjoyed the companionship of the animals on the farm. She was robust in health and became a great help to her parents in raising her younger brothers and sisters. This became especially necessary when her father was conscripted to fight in World War I. She also did most of the farm work. Teresa found nothing too difficult, and enjoyed the heavy work farming entailed. But when a fire broke out in a neighbor's barn, Teresa spent two solid hours standing on a stool and lifting pails of water to a person higher up in the stable who was fighting the fire. She collapsed from exhaustion and fell to the floor. As a result she suffered partial paralysis and severe leg cramps from the fall. Even the most skillful doctors were unable to relieve her infirmities. But Teresa was not a quitter. She was so determined to recover from the affliction that she forced herself to do as much as she could with her disability. She fell repeatedly while she was at it, until one day she fell down the basement stairs. From this resulted a period of fainting spells and blindness. Confined to bed, she developed bedsores so deep her bones were exposed. Feeling herself a burden to her family whom she could no longer support, she offered herself to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus to suffer in true submission to Him for the conversion of sinners. She spent years in this condition. Although Teresa Neumann had been named after St.Teresa of Avila, she was personally devoted to St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, who had died the same year Teresa was born. On the day of Therese of Lisieux's beatification, on Sunday, April 29, 1923, at the exact moment the Pope beatified the French nun in Rome, Teresa Neumann completely received her eyesight back. When Blessed Therese of Lisieux was officially canonized a Saint on May 17, 1925, the Saint carried on a dialogue with Teresa Neumann. St. Therese asked her if she wanted to be completely cured. Teresa Neumann replied she only wanted what God wanted, whether that was to be sick or to be well. St. Therese told her not to be afraid, because she would suffer greatly in the future, but that she would help her from Heaven. When the conversation finished, Teresa rose from her bed completely cured, after six and a half years of paralysis and bedsores. Doctors attested to the instantaneousness of the cure, particularly of the deep bedsores which they saw vanish in seconds before their very eyes. On the First Friday of Lent, March 5, 1926, Teresa had a weak spell which confined her to bed. She then experienced a vision of Jesus with three of His Apostles on Mt. Olivet. After the vision, she noticed she was bleeding from her side, from a wound just above her heart. She hid the wound from her family, and washed her nightgown and bedclothes in secret so they wouldn't see the blood. However, the next Friday, March 12, Teresa went into ecstasy again, only this time one of her sisters was present in the room when it occurred. While Teresa was in ecstasy, the wound reopened and bled again. During this vision, Teresa saw Jesus being scourged at the pillar, after the command of Pontius Pilate. The same thing repeated on the third Friday of Lent, March 19, during which vision Teresa saw the Crown of Thorns cruelly fastened to Jesus's Head by the soldiers On the fourth Friday, March 26, in addition to the wound in her side, Teresa received the first of the nail Wounds, in her left hand. Her hand and her side bled so profusely she and her sister could no longer keep it a secret from their parents. During the vision on this day, Teresa saw Our Lord's tremendous suffering in dragging His Cross on His Shoulder all the way to Calvary where He would be crucified. At midnight on Holy Thursday, 1926, Teresa went into ecstasy and mystically underwent the entire
[JOYnet] Reflections -Good Friday
26-3-02 Dear Friend, He was a man of simple tastes and modest means. Born into a poor family, he learned a trade (carpenter, I understand) but never much used these skills. Instead, he taught, preached and gave comfort to those who were hurting. He loved his people deeply, without reserve, spoke of justice and love and asked that we all do the same. And it happened, as he feared it might, that some of these same people might betray him. People who didn't like his words decided to kill him to stop the truth from being uttered. You were thinking that I was talking about Jesus? Actually the person referred to is Oscar Romero, a Roman Catholic bishop in El Salvador, who was gunned down on March 24th. 1980, while celebrating the Eucharist. Good Friday goes on! Have a Blessed Friday! - Fr. Jude Reflections: Good Friday -March 29th. 2002 What's good about Good Friday? Readings: Isaiah 52: 13-53: 12;Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; Gospel: John 18: 1-19:42 The first reading from Isaiah foretells what the suffering servant of Yahweh will have to endure: a thing despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering, a man to make people screen their faces; he was despised and we took no account of him. Yet he is suffering not because of what he did but because of others. Ours were the sufferings he bore and ours the sorrows he carried. It tells the anguished story of those who are tortured, persecuted and subjected to violence. This reading is a commentary on the suffering that we can endure at one another's hands. How do we react to suffering? Some will do anything to avoid suffering You can ask me anything but don't ask me suffer I just can't take it!; others will grumble and complain about what is happening: Why do I have to suffer? All the others are enjoying life and I have the burden of taking care of my family. Life is so unfair!; still others will make sure that everyone knows they are suffering: If you only knew all that I have to put up with. If they had only a fraction of what I endure they would have broken down a long ago. Poor me, nobody cares! The suffering servant of Yahweh was burdened with the burden of others yet he bore it silently and without complaint, he never opened his mouth. He shows us the way to cope with suffering and violence with non violence and a silent acceptance, so very different from us. The last part of the reading reminds us that the suffering servant is not forgotten or abandoned by God. This is an announcement of belief and faith even in the face of hideous destruction of a human being. It acknowledges the one who suffers and his undying hope in God in his sufferings and it proclaims that this kind of suffering redeems and justifies others. Jesus has no hands and feet.! There was a poor peasant family that had worked for several years scrimping and saving to buy a piece of land of its own. Finally the day came and they took possession of it. The mother and the half dozen children gathered in the two room shack that would serve as their home, while the father walked the length and breadth of their land. He paced it out marking the four corners as boundaries, praying in joy and thanksgiving as he walked. As he rounded the last corner and laid a stone in place he noticed something sticking out from under a bush. He bent and scratched the earth, digging with his hands and soon unearthed the corpus from a crucifix. It had obviously been in the ground for some time. Its hands and arms were gone and its feet and legs missing. It was mangled, scratched cracked and the paint nearly gone. He picked it up and carried it back in his arms to the house and laid it on the table. The family stood around it looking at it in an awkward silence. The father explained that he had found it on their land. It was the first thing he dug out of their ground. What should they do with it? Should they take it to the Church and give it to the padre? Should they burn it? Should they bury it again? They all stood and looked at it. Finally the youngest spoke: Father I have an idea, why don't we hang it in the kitchen and put a sign underneath it? The father asked: What would you put on the sign? There was along silence and the corpus was hung with care on the white washed wall of the kitchen and a small piece of paper was tacked underneath by the little child. It read: Jesus has no hands and feet. Will you lend him yours? - Megan McKenna The letter to the Hebrews tell us that our high priest can sympathize with our weakness because he knew suffering. We are reminded that Christ suffered as we do and yet offered supplications in his agony with tears and loud cries to God. We are also reminded that Son though he was, he learned obedience through suffering. Suffering can destroy those without faith but suffering bound to Jesus can redeem, give dignity to suffering and restore others to life. John's account of the passion of Jesus is different from that
[JOYnet] Happy Easter
Dear Friends, Wishing you ALL and your Family a Very Blessed Easter. May the Risen Christ enlighten your lives and make it fruitful by His abundant graces. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] CUP OF COFFEE
CUP OF COFFEE A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life an how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second, she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, Tell me, what do you see? Carrots, eggs, and coffee, her daughter replied. She brought her daughter closer and asked her to feel the carrots.The daughter noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, the daughter observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked her daughter to sip the coffee.The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. Then the daughter asked, What does it mean, mother? Her mother explained, Each of these objects has faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hared, and unrelenting.However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior,but,after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. They changed the water. Which are you? she asked her daughter. When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I once have a fluid spirit, but after death, breakup, afinancial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot,it releases the fragrance and flavor. When things are at their worst, do I get better and change the situation around me? How do you handle adversity? When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? What gives you the greatest opportunity for long term happiness? That is your highest choice. May you be blessed and bless others By Always making your Highest Choice Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: [JOYnet] UNITED DIVINE MERCY
Dear JY's, I think what Jason suggested is real good and need of the time. There is so much of violence going on in so many parts of the world. At such time we can save this world by the very powerful weapon given to each one of us by God Almighty...and that is PRAYER. We all are sinners and there is no doubt about that but through Jesus we are saved. By dying for us on the cross he has paid the price for our sins and therefore by His grace we are saved. It is only the MERCY of God that can save us inspite of our sinful nature. This salvation is not ours alone because we know that Jesus died for all of us but there are so many of our brethren who don't know about this. I know it is difficult to reach all of the non believers. But then is there anything that is very difficult for God...nothing at all. God can reach out to all through our prayers. Our prayers is a channel for God to work in the lives of many people. Through our prayers we help God in bringing salvation to all. Let us therefore accept this invitation of prayer and decide a time collectively and help God in defeating the work of the Evil one once again. Let us together march ahead under the banner of the God Almighty proclaiming his mercy to all. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of JASON:) Sent: Monday, March 18, 2002 11:53 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [JOYnet] UNITED DIVINE MERCY Dear JYs We all know that soon after the Holy Week we commerate a Week to the Divine Mercy. Recently at CFD (online prayer grp) we had offered a whole Divine Mercy for Peace in the Middle East. I was wondering why dont we at JY have something like that. During the Divine Mercy let us pray unitedly at a particular point of time pray for peace in India. All we have to do is to agree on an hour on a particular day in the Divine Mercy Week within which all of us can recite the Divine Mercy. I know some of us may argue that they are in different time zones and whether is it practical to say the Divine Mercy at a time other than 3.00pm. Well accordingly to Father Paul... If we miss praying the Divine Mercy at 3.00pm, then it should not deter us from praying at all. We should remember that no matter at whatever point of time we are in, somewhere in the World it is 3.00pm. Keeping that in mind, we should pray the Divine Mercy daily. It would really be nice if we all could decide an hour on a particular day in the Divine Mercy Week within which we could all say the Divine Mercy together in unison for peace in our Country. Here is what we will be praying for: 1. Peace Unity in our Country. 2. For the Persecuted Christians in our Country and world wide. The latest issue of Zenit has this to add about Christians in India - Violence against Christians has also surged this year, with attacks reported weekly, the Washington Times noted Feb. 25. Recently, a mob of about 70 men attacked a group of children attending a catechism class in a church near Mysore, in south India. In other similar incidents, two church workers and a teen-age boy were shot at while praying; two missionaries were beaten while they were bicycling home; and a Christian cemetery was vandalized in Port Blair, in the Andaman Islands. On March 2, RSS activists set upon two Catholic priests while they were on their way to a police station to report on an attack on a Church-run school in Khurda, according to the SAR news agency. The day before, a mission station run by the Divine Word Society in Sanjeli, Gujarat, was ransacked and set ablaze by RSS and VHP activists. 3. For power of our Lord Jesus Christ to triumph over the power of Satan. Satan is working over time. We all know the increasing amount of Porn mails we are receiving. Here is the latest thing which I heard is somewhat like this - Apparently there is something mysterious which is happening in various non christians household. And it is slowly catching on. Apparently a person infront of two people keep a 'roti' tied up in cloth with some kumkum and some other ingredients. They perform puja. After 7 days, from that 1 roti u get two other roti's mysteriously. After that the two person take one roti each and perform the same puja. Each of them with 2 more people. And so forming a chain. They believe this to be a blessing from their God. When I heard it I thought it was fake. But when I heard my friends out of Mumbai talking about the same thing, I realisd that things may get out of hand. May the Lord reveal truth in this matter. Anyways it is just a suggestion. urs in faith Jason Mumbai. When you are DOWN to nothing ...God is UP to Something. This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections
Dear Friends, I am forwarding the Sunday reflection of Fr. Jude Botelho. Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: Jude Botelho To: Jude (Freeserve) Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 10:54 AM Subject: Sunday Reflections 28-2-02 Dear Friend, To people who are used to rains and floods water may not mean much but to people living in the desert areas water means everything, it is a blessing, a gift of God, the goodness of God itself. We also notice how even the words we use in everyday language have water connotations. A dull and boring speaker is said to be very dry; Humour that is not bubbly and infectious is spoken of as dry humour. When there is plenty of anything, we say things are flooding in. In the Bible water has been identified with life. Jesus too speaks of his Spirit, His life as life-giving water. I would like to reflect on this theme this Sunday. Have a satisfying weekend! -Fr. Jude Sunday Reflections: 3rd. Sunday of Lent -March 3rd. - For what do you thirst? Readings: Exodus 17: 3-7; Romans 5 1-2, 5-8; Gospel: John 4: 5-15; 19-26; 39-42 In the first reading from the Book of Exodus we read of the Israelites grumbling and complaining against Moses. Why did you bring us out of Egypt? they said. Was it so that we should die of thirst? They had left Egypt for the journey to the Promised Land. Now as they journey, their faith is put to the test as they experience thirst and are surrounded by dry desert rocks. This is not the first time they complain against God nor are they very different from us. When things go well people seldom think of God and blessings are taken for granted, but when things go wrong, when they experience trials and difficulties God is immediately blamed for the situation and questions are raised. Is the Lord with us or not? Yet God does not punish his people, he is patient with them and grants them their desire. He does the impossible for his people, He provides water from the rock. You must strike the rock, and water will flow from it so that the people might drink. Like the people of Israel, we too are invited to journey in faith from where we are to where God wants us to be. Perhaps we have started, we have moved on and taken for granted many of the blessings and gifts God has provided for us on our journey of life. The problem arrives when we come up against obstacles, when we do not get what we expect and desire, when our needs are not met. The people of Israel felt their life depended on water and not God himself. There are times when we confuse our apparent hungers for our real need and we seek to satisfy these apparent needs with things that don't really satisfy and we wonder why we are restless and still empty. St. Augustine reminds us: Our hearts are made for thee O God, and are restless until they rest in thee. Hermann Hesse's book 'Siddhartha' narrates the wanderings of a man in search of inner peace and self- realization. As a Brahmin boy Siddhartha had everything -intelligence, handsome features, wealth -but he was restless. So he renounced his family and set off to seek happiness. In succession he tried the asceticism of the Eastern monks, the way of enlightenment under the Buddha, the pleasures of sensual indulgence, and the luxuries of wealth, but all these only left him disappointed and disillusioned. Disgusted to the point of despair, Siddhartha considered committing suicide in a river, when he suddenly heard from the depths of his subconscious the holy word Om, that begins and ends all prayers. The remembrance of that word awakened Siddhartha's slumbering spirit to realize anew that all is divine and that loving devotion to the universe is the key to happiness. The water of the river helped him die a symbolic death to his old life of futility and emptiness and be born again to a new life of fulfillment and happiness. - A. Cylwicki The Gospel has the encounter between Jesus and the woman looking for water at the well at Sychar, in Samaria. Jesus is sitting by the well, tired by the journey, it is noon when the Samaritan woman comes all by her self to draw water from the well. The fact that she is alone at this odd hour perhaps is an indicator that she wants to avoid the crowds, other women, who perhaps disapprove of her shameful relationships. She comes because she is thirsty and needs water, but there is a deeper need, a need of acceptance and love that is not satisfied by her many irregular love-relationships. At the well there is Jesus who is also thirsty, not so much for water as for slaking this woman's real thirst. Strange as it might seem God is thirstier for us than we are for him! He needs us and so He comes to us in need. He asks the Samaritan woman Give me a drink. The woman's reaction is aggressive and she points out the barriers that exist between him, a Jewish male, and she a Samaritan woman, who should keep her distance. But Jesus goes beyond barriers that human beings create and quickly
[JOYnet] Fw: Ash Wednesday Reflections
Dear Friends, Today is a Blessed Day for all of us infact more rightly I should say a beginning for abundant of Blessings to fall on us. We need to be receptive however and never stop receiving graces because God doesn't stop giving ever. Today as I attended the Mass I remember the sermon of father which I would like to share with all of you. He said that we need to remember certain things as we begin the Holy days of Lent: 1) We can begin this season by repentance through the act of reconciliation which most of us normally do before Easter. 2) Fasting and Praying. When we fast it is very necessary that we pray also and thereafter nothing can stop God's graces to fall on us and our near dear ones. 3) Alms giving. Alms giving doesn't include giving of money and food only but something more precious than that.any guesses... yes u r right LOVE. Let us give more of us and our Love to all those who need it. Giving of LOVE especially to those we don't like would be the Best Almsgiving and definitely pleasing to God. We need to be Happy and not gloomy as we begin this beautiful season of Lent which reminds us of the great Victory of our Lord Jesus Christ and let us spend a little extra time with Him thanking Him for our Salvation. I am forwarding the Reflection on today's readings received from Fr. Jude. Have a Blessed Day and May God be with you All. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - --- 11-2-02 Dear Friend, On Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. What we recall are those words: Remember thou are dust and into dust thou shall return a solemn reminder of death, coupled with the ashes imposed on our forehead. Yet Lent need not be a gloomy season. Here are my reflections to get you started into the joyful season of Lenten. May His Spirit inspire -Fr. Jude - Ash Wednesday - February 13th 2002 Readings: Joel 2: 12-18 2 Corinthians 5: 20-6:2:2; Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 No doubt as we enter the season of Lent we are invited to repent and to turn back to the Lord. We are invited to make penance and to ask the Lord pardon for our sins. But the main focus is not and should not be on our sins and weaknesses that will only succeed in making us feel guilty, miserable and depressed. Rather we are asked to lift up our gaze on the Father who is full of mercy and forgiveness. May the word of God rekindle the fire of love in our hearts! The ritual ceremony of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of the ashes on our forehead. The church gives the celebrating priest two options of statements while imposing the ashes, either: Remember thou art dust and to into dust thou shall return. or Repent and believe in the Gospel. While the latter reminds us of our mission as Christians, the former reminds us of death that awaits us at the end of our life. Whether we like it or not we have to be ready to meet our maker. If I have lived each day for Him I have nothing to fear. Am I ready right now to meet Him? One tick at a time! A little watch was terrified at the thought of ticking away 60 seconds, times 60 times 24 hours, times 365 days. How would it manage? But the old large grandfather clock standing in the hallway smiled, Do not fret, my son. I have been going now for three generations, and my experience is that all you need to remember is this: you are expected to produce only one tick at a time. The first reading from the prophet Joel is an invitation to true repentance and reconciliation with our God. Come back to me with all your hearts! Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord for he is full of all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger and rich in forgiveness. The prophet points out that repentance does not consist in the external ritual, whatever it may be: putting on ashes, wearing torn garments, making penance or sacrifices. The core of repentance is coming back to the Lord, saying sorry to the person I have hurt and making amends for the pain I have caused. To show that we are genuinely sorry for what we have done, we fast, we pray, we make sacrifices and other acts of penance. But the latter without the former are empty and not pleasing to God. St. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Corinthians that the acceptable time is now, the present moment. Well, now is the favourable time: this is the moment of salvation. If we look at our lives most of us live in the past or in the future. So much of our lives is a regret for the past: Why did she say that, how could he have been so rude? How stupid of me to have made such a silly mistake? Why did that have to happen to me? If only that had happened. If not regrets for the past then we are worried and frightened about the future: Oh my God, what will I do if I loose my job, fail in my exam? What will happen to me if I fall sick with that dreadful disease? What will I do if. The good
[JOYnet] Ash Wednesday Reflections
Dear Friends, Today is a Blessed Day for all of us infact more rightly I should say a beginning for abundant of Blessings to fall on us. We need to be receptive however and never stop receiving graces because God doesn't stop giving ever. Today as I attended the Mass I remember the sermon of father which I would like to share with all of you. He said that we need to remember certain things as we begin the Holy days of Lent: 1) We can begin this season by repentance through the act of reconciliation which most of us normally do before Easter. 2) Fasting and Praying. When we fast it is very necessary that we pray also and thereafter nothing can stop God's graces to fall on us and our near dear ones. 3) Alms giving. Alms giving doesn't include giving of money and food only but something more precious than that.any guesses... yes u r right LOVE. Let us give more of us and our Love to all those who need it. Giving of LOVE especially to those we don't like would be the Best Almsgiving and definitely pleasing to God. We need to be Happy and not gloomy as we begin this beautiful season of Lent which reminds us of the great Victory of our Lord Jesus Christ and let us spend a little extra time with Him thanking Him for our Salvation. I am forwarding the Reflection on today's readings received from Fr. Jude. Have a Blessed Day and May God be with you All. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - --- 11-2-02 Dear Friend, On Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. What we recall are those words: Remember thou are dust and into dust thou shall return a solemn reminder of death, coupled with the ashes imposed on our forehead. Yet Lent need not be a gloomy season. Here are my reflections to get you started into the joyful season of Lenten. May His Spirit inspire -Fr. Jude - Ash Wednesday - February 13th 2002 Readings: Joel 2: 12-18 2 Corinthians 5: 20-6:2:2; Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 No doubt as we enter the season of Lent we are invited to repent and to turn back to the Lord. We are invited to make penance and to ask the Lord pardon for our sins. But the main focus is not and should not be on our sins and weaknesses that will only succeed in making us feel guilty, miserable and depressed. Rather we are asked to lift up our gaze on the Father who is full of mercy and forgiveness. May the word of God rekindle the fire of love in our hearts! The ritual ceremony of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of the ashes on our forehead. The church gives the celebrating priest two options of statements while imposing the ashes, either: Remember thou art dust and to into dust thou shall return. or Repent and believe in the Gospel. While the latter reminds us of our mission as Christians, the former reminds us of death that awaits us at the end of our life. Whether we like it or not we have to be ready to meet our maker. If I have lived each day for Him I have nothing to fear. Am I ready right now to meet Him? One tick at a time! A little watch was terrified at the thought of ticking away 60 seconds, times 60 times 24 hours, times 365 days. How would it manage? But the old large grandfather clock standing in the hallway smiled, Do not fret, my son. I have been going now for three generations, and my experience is that all you need to remember is this: you are expected to produce only one tick at a time. The first reading from the prophet Joel is an invitation to true repentance and reconciliation with our God. Come back to me with all your hearts! Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord for he is full of all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger and rich in forgiveness. The prophet points out that repentance does not consist in the external ritual, whatever it may be: putting on ashes, wearing torn garments, making penance or sacrifices. The core of repentance is coming back to the Lord, saying sorry to the person I have hurt and making amends for the pain I have caused. To show that we are genuinely sorry for what we have done, we fast, we pray, we make sacrifices and other acts of penance. But the latter without the former are empty and not pleasing to God. St. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Corinthians that the acceptable time is now, the present moment. Well, now is the favourable time: this is the moment of salvation. If we look at our lives most of us live in the past or in the future. So much of our lives is a regret for the past: Why did she say that, how could he have been so rude? How stupid of me to have made such a silly mistake? Why did that have to happen to me? If only that had happened. If not regrets for the past then we are worried and frightened about the future: Oh my God, what will I do if I loose my job, fail in my exam? What will happen to me if I fall sick with that dreadful disease? What will I do if. The good
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections
Dear Friends, I m forwarding the Sunday Reflections from Fr. Jude Bothelo. Have a Blessed Day in the Lord !! Love Prayers Jennifer Second Sunday of the Year 20-1-02 Theme:Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world Readings: First Reading: Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3 Gospel: John 1: 29-34 Dear Friend, As we begin the 'ordinary' season of the year, today's readings are similar to the ones we heard last Sunday, when we reflected on the Baptism of Jesus and our own baptismal calling. We continue to reflect on who Jesus is and his mission and who we are and what is our calling today. I would like to reflect on our task of being witnesses to Jesus the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Has Jesus really saved me? From what has he saved me? Does this 'lamb of God' mean anything to me today? Have a faith-filled week end. -Fr. Jude -- While the theme of the readings of this Sunday are similar to last Sunday a new element is the title John the Baptist gives to Jesus as he points him out to the crowd as the 'lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This title is so important that the Church uses the same daily in the Eucharistic liturgy just before we receive the Lord in communion. Behold the Lamb. May His word re-ignite our faith in Him! The first reading from the prophet Isaiah presents the servant of Yahweh and is taken from the second of the four hymns called the songs of the Servant of the Lord. All these hymns together give us a composite picture of the servant. The servant sums up the great figures of the past but his mission lies in the future. Through the image of the Servant of Yahweh Isaiah first of all applies the image to himself., he felt chosen from his mother's womb (Is 49,1) and he responded to that call generously: Here I am, send me! (Is.6,8). This image of the Servant of Yahweh also applied to the people of Israel. We find in Scripture that God calls the people of Israel time and again: my child, my servant. (Is 41, 8). The fullest application is seen in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who offers himself to be the servant of God and of his people. Even after the coming of Christ the meaning of Isaiah's prophecy is not exhausted and Paul refers to himself as the servant of Yahweh. The title he prefers to all others is servant of Jesus Christ (Rom1,1). Finally it will be the Church itself that will be seen as the Servant of Yahweh and every member of this church is called to be the Servant of Yahweh. The suffering servant of Isaiah is God-with-us, a beautiful person filled with the intense caring passion of God for the world. He brings out in everyone the good they are capable of. The mission and vocation of the suffering servant is to heal others by suffering and dying for them. If we are followers of the Lord Jesus then we have to strive to be faithful servants of Yahweh, witnessing to Him through our lives and being the light of the nations that will draw all peoples to God. In the second reading, St. Paul will remind the people in Corinth of the dignity of their calling. Corinth was a seaport city with all the evils which that name implies. The very name Corinth was used for sexual immorality; a Corinthianess was a prostitute; Corinthian's disease ' was venereal disease and to act like a Corinthian meant to engage in sexual promiscuity. When Paul preached at Corinth, amazingly these sinners believed. But they were still tempted to slide back to their sexual sins hence Paul kept writing to them to encourage them to persevere in their faith. He calls them the 'Holy people of Jesus Christ who are called to take their place among all the saints everywhere who pray to our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter what our past, our vocation is to be the holy people of God, our challenge is to live saintly lives.The response psalm will show us the way how this can be accomplished: Here I am Lord I come to do your will. Witnessing by living During the American Civil war, President Lincoln had a strapping atheletic young man as his secretary. In those days before office machinery, such a man would literally be pushing a pen or pencil. This particular man was not happy about it. He wanted to get out where the action was on the battlefield. He wanted to go and do great things for his country. He was quite willing to die if necessary. So he kept on complaining about the work he was doing, when he could be in uniform confronting the enemy. After hearing the usual complaint one day, Lincoln stared at him, rubbed his hands in his beard and said in his philosophical way, Young man as I see it, you are quite willing to die for your country, but you are not willing to live for it. - Quote In the Gospel John the Baptiser sees Jesus coming towards him and calls out: Look there! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John
Re: [JOYnet] Please Share your views!!
Hi Friends, I would like to share my views on this topic of accepting foods from the idols. Before even I use to think that there is no problem in accepting the food offered to idols simply because I din't have the nerve to tell my colleagues in the office and friends and I felt I would hurt them if I didn't accept but evrytime I did this my conscience would prick me and I would justify the act by saying a prayer of Blessing or as Biji mentioned invoke the precious Blood of Jesus. However, in my mind I always knew that I was a coward and was pleasing my friends but displeasing God but since I could justify my act I could cover up. Off late I had been to Potta (Divine Retreat Centre) for a REtreat and there Fr. Matthew pointed out that receiving the food offered to idols is wrong and not only wrong it's a sin against the first commandment of God. Well there and there I made a decision to give up this sinful act. The Word of God speaks about this at lenght. You can refer 1Corinthians 8, wherein St. Paul says in the first half that those who have a sound knowledge that there is only God and that the idols are not gods at all then he can eat the food offered to the idols since but then in the 2nd half he pointedly says that if our act induces the other beleiver who is not so strong in his faith or who doens't have enough knowledge of his faith then we would be responsible for the fall of that person. Again in 1 Corinthians 10 : 20 - 33, St. Paul says that when you are invited by a unbeliever for a meal, we are to eat what is set before us but if the persion says that the food was offered to idols, then it is better not to eat if for the sake of the person and our conscience sake. Again in the verse 33, St. Paul says that I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most of the people so they can be saved. Now this is a question to us., is my act of taking the prasad which my friend said is offered to idols do good to that friend of minewell yes that frind of mine will be pleased because he/she doesn't know the truth and though we know we haven't shared that to that friend so am I saving that soul or by my act I am agreeing with my friend that it is ok to pray to idols. what I feel is that God gives us an opportunity to evangelise in mall things but then we are so scared and we feel we are going to hurt the person that we decide to overlook the consequences of our action and commit an act which is very wrong in the eyes of God. Intead of evangelising and taking up the opportunity we ourselves fall prey. God has set apart a mission for each Christian to spread His good news to all but agin this is a question Are we actually Witnessing Him? Idol worship is not a part of Indian culture, it's a part of Indian worship. We can remind ourselves here what happened to the Isrealites when they accepted the worship of the idols. It began in a small way and then we know what happened. Again in 1Corinthians 10:14 - 22, St. Paul puts in very strongly and directly that we are not suppose to eat the food offered to idols. I agree what George said that whatever we eat is not going to make me impure but what comes from my heart i what makes me impure. The intention with what I am receiving the food offered to idols will make me impure (I hope what i said made any sense). In this chapter, St. Paul is very convinced when He says in verse 21 - 22: You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons also. You cannot share in the Lord's table and the table of the demons? Are we trying to make the Lord jealous? We are not stronger than He is, are we?. By accepting the food offered to idols we directly disobey the first commandment : Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Again we are suppose to witness Christ in every situation of our lives but if we reflect on Christ's life, we can see that He never compromised. Accepting the food offered to idols merely on the context of respecting the culture and tradition of the Hindus is what I feel is a compromise since we are a minority. Again I am not against respecting the culture and tradition of our country however what I feel is and correct me if I am wrong, idol worship is directly related to the Hindu Religion and is not a part of Indian culture. I think we need to differentiate between Religion and Culture. I really appreciate Josun's response in this particular situation and I feel that he proved to be a witness of Christ and that is what we as Christians suppose to be doing. We have to witness Christ not by compromising but by standing strong by our faith. Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: biji james [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 1:16 PM Subject: Re: [JOYnet] Please Share your views!! Dear Friends, What I do if I am in a situation like this is that I take the prasad and I
Re: [JOYnet] miracles
Dear Sony and All My Friends, What Sony shared with all of us was not just a Miracle. Moresoever it was a personal experience of God's saving power. It was an expression of thankfulness to our Beloved God who loves us more than we can ever imagine. His love knows no limits. God is always working in our lives and this only that person can tell who experiences the work of God in small things in life. When we loose something or when we are facing failure or tension or any problem and difficulty, God is more concerned that we are out of the same more than us. Here I would like to share my personal experience. I had been to Divine Retreat Centre last week along with Jason and his family (All Thanks to Welchy) and it was a wonderful experience and I would like to share one of the same. During counseling on the last day of the retreat as we were praising and thanking God, Sister revealed to me 2 names, one was my Cousin sister and I knew what God wanted me to pray for her however the other name she revealed was of my colleague in the office. I didn't know what I had to pray for her but as told by sister, I prayed for her simply by surrendering her to God and asking His will to be done. When I rejoined my office yesterday, I related the entire incident to her and she was taken aback. She confided to me that on Friday in the afternoon she was very tensed and was going through a very serious problem. She felt so much better when I told her that more than her God is worried about her and is so much willing to take care of her problems. This colleague of mine is a Non-Christian who knows very little of Jesus and Trinity. Our God is always with us whoever we are or wherever we are. Thank You Jesus Christ, my Saviour and my Lord for taking care of our problems and for your constant Love and Care for there is no one Like You. It's so nice to know that we have a Loving God who eyes are constantly watching us and whose hands are always stretched to hug us whenever we feel sad or depressed, who smiles with us when we are happy and wipes our tears when we cry, who is always by our side whenever we feel lonely and disturbed. Remember friends HE WAS ALWAYS WITH US AND WILL ALWAYS REMAIN BY OUR SIDE. Let us pray to God Almighty who humbled Himself so much for our sake., to open our eyes that we be able to see Him, to open our ears that we be able to hear Him, to open our hearts that we may experience His presence within us and feel his love alive in us whenever we listen to our heart beat. He is Always With Us only we have to believe that because where else can He go His dwelling place is our Heart. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: Sony Stanly [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2002 3:33 PM Subject: [JOYnet] miracles Dear friends in Joy Net, Wish you all a very Happy New Year. I am seeing every time when I am opening my hotmail so many mails from my friends in joy net with different nice stories and the miracles of the almighty to their life. Even in my life also my lord has done so many miracles in my life also. But from among all that miracles my lord has done for me a great miracle in my life is on 31st Dec-2001, that miracle I cannot forget ever in my life. My lord has given back my mother from death. You know if god's mercy was not there this year will be a sorrowful year for me. But my god has saved me from all the sorrows that can happen. You know on 31st December my mother was preparing foods for the party on 1st Jan 2002. when she was cooking the gas stove's one knob was burned and it was not working properly. So she asked to my brother what to do. Then my brother came and checked it and told that no problem you can use the other knob, but do not touch the other knob. Actually my brother was also not knowing about the danger in that. After saying to her this he went out. When my mother lighten the stove the fire has blown up like any thing. One second she was not knowing what to do. But the same time god has shown her one way. She was having one towel in her hand. She started to fan herself towards the fire with that towel which is in her hand. While doing that she started to call Jesus loudly and she off the gas cylinder. Then also the fire didn't stop. She started to praise the god loudly then automatically the fire off. My god did not allow the fire to burn even a hair of her body. Lets all praise god for the wonderful miracle he has done. My mother has seen the death so closely and came back to life. If we believe 'even the rock can move from its place.' This is what god has teached us right. It came true in my life. Praise god and thank god for all the miracle he has done in my life. I praise god for giving my mother back to me. With lots of love prayers, Sony Stanly Sharjah , U.A.E _ MSN Photos is the easiest way
[JOYnet] Merry Christmas
Dear Freinds Wishing you All a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. http://cards.crosswalk.com/cards/pickup/?cardno=9ms5ANeGgflog=no Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Urgent prayer needed
Dear Friends, One of my friend at office has lost his Cell phone. Kindly pray that he may be able to find it. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] FAVOUR
Hi Friends, Need a help. Can anyone help me with some real good Christmas Sites where i can beautiful Christmas cards, carols., etc. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai [demime 0.98e removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Jennifer Fernandes.vcf] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] We have lost our Nidhi
Dear Freinds Linda, I pray that the Good Lord, the giver of Life strenghten all the family members and freinds of Nidhi to accept this will of God. Eternal Rest grant unto her Soul, O Lord and Let Perpetual Light shine upon her and may her Souls rest in peace. Amen Love Prayers Jennifer - Original Message - From: Linda Kuriakose [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 6:47 PM Subject: [JOYnet] We have lost our Nidhi Dear brothers sisters, God has called Nidhi Rani of jy family back to her heavenly home on Friday (9th Nov).Plz pray for Nidhi's soul and for her sorrowing parents n sisters.Shewas a final year Engg student at MACE kothamangalam.She was an active Jesus Youth n core group mmber of our college.Nidhi had some breathing problem on Friday and died even before reaching the hospital.Today was her funeral at Kangirapilly ,her native place. Also pray for her classmates n dear ones at mace.many couldn't accept the situation yet and r very distressed n they r having Sem exams tomorrow. with love n prayers , linda, Kothamangalam. _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] One Million Rosaries for PEACE !
Hi, I suppose the timing for the Rosary in India would be from 6.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.today (13 October 2001) Kindly confirm the same ASAP. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: George, Vijy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Joynet' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2001 11:28 AM Subject: [JOYnet] One Million Rosaries for PEACE ! I apologize for the late notice of this project. I only received a copy of itthis morning after the second Mass. Fr. Kevin Vaillancourt On October 13, 2001 it is hoped that 1,000,000 people will pray the Rosary in fulfillment of Our Lady's request for world peace and the triumph of herImmaculate Heart. Your praying one just one Rosary can help make the goal of one million a reality. On October 13, 2001, please pray the Rosary during the following times (according to your time zone-those outside the United States are asked to coordinate your efforts to pray at the same time Catholics in the U.S. are doing so): 9:00 am to 10:00 am (Eastern) 8:00 am to 9:00 am (Central) where NOLA is 7:00 am to 8:00 am (Mountain) 6:00 am to 7:00 am ( Pacific) (TIMING FOR DUBAI IS 8 HOURS EARLIER THAN NOLA TIME.) Please help promote the One Million Rosaries for Peace by making photo copies of this note and distributing it, or by forwarding this email to nterested people or by calling fellow Catholics, urging them to take part in this important event.. May God bless our efforts! _ I WISH AND HOPE WE ALSO WILL TAKE PART IN THIS MISSION LOVE N PRAYERS VIJI DUBAI [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections
Dear Joynetters, I am forwarding the Reflections sent by Father Jude Botelho on the Sunday readings. Love Prayers Jennifer - --- Dear Friend, We live in difficult times and the events of the terrorist attacks last week only served to emphasise our insecurity and vulnerability. For many there is economic instability that adds to our day to day worries. Given these situations it seems natural that we should keep several options open and develop a sharp sense of how to use our limited resources, especially our financial ones. While we are astute in our financial deals and business sense when it comes to things of the spirit we cut a very sorry figure. I would like to reflect this weekend on our spiritual priorities and securities. My prayers go out to all who have been affected by last week's events. Have a healing weekend! Fr. Jude -- Sunday Reflections: 23-9-01- Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year Serving two Masters? Readings: Amos 8: 4-7 Timothy 1 Tim. 2: 1 Luke 16: 1-13 The first reading is from the Prophet Amos, also called God's angry prophet, the earliest writing prophet, who wrote near Bethlehem around 750 years before Christ. At that time there was an ever widening gap between the wealthy few and the destitute masses of the poor and he had the courage to protest openly against the materialistic, rich sophisticated leaders who were so greedy as to exploit the poor. Many of the Israelites were so greedy that their worship of God was merely a ritual they performed. The moment the ritual was over then they returned with glee to their sordid business world, eager to make more and more money at the expense of the poor. For them all was fair in business and so they used false weights and doctored the accounts to make a fast buck. It would seem that we are almost talking of our times and Amos could well be a prophet of our times! Amos was quite clear that social injustices were a blasphemy against God. Those who 'trample on the needy and try to suppress the poor of the country', those who make they money at the expense of the poor will be held responsible before God. Never will I forget a single thing you have done. Christianity is not a rushed forty-five minutes obligatory attendance of mass every Sunday followed by a week of commitment to business. Someone has estimated that an average Westerner of 70 years of age has spent 6 years eating, 11 years working, 8 years amusing himself, 24 sleeping, 5and a half washing and dressing , 3 years talking and six months in church! Is faith a priority in our lives? You brought pavement! There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money and he wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him. An angel hears his plea and appears to him. Sorry, but you can't take your wealth with you. The man implores the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules. The man continues to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappears and informs the man that God has decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed. Soon afterward he dies and shows up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. St. Peter seeing the suitcase says, Hold on, you can't bring that in here! But, the man explains to St. Peter that he has permission and asks him to verify his story with the Lord. Sure enough, St. Peter checks and comes back saying, You're right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I'm supposed to check its contents before letting it through. St. Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaims, You brought pavement? In today's Gospel Jesus puts before his disciples the parable of the rich man and his unjust steward. The steward was wasteful and not a good manager of the properties and business handed over to him by his boss and so he is fired by his boss. As soon as he realises that he is about to loose his job he acts quickly and in a business-like way to secure the best possible deal for himself and make sure that he will not fall on bad times. He uses his master's debtors to his own advantage. He is clever in gaining their goodwill by reducing their debt and at the same time he makes them sign the change contract so that he has a hold on them in case they think of telling on him. The debtors are scoundrels and so they oblige, the manager has no qualms as he does not want to beg or work later as he can squeeze his debtors and even the boss seems to be a smooth operator who is not shocked by what the manager has done but rather gives him credit for being enterprising. What
[JOYnet] Urgent help
Dear Friends in Christ, I am a member of an organisation in my parish called the Legion of Mary. We are thinking of organizing a One day Recollection on 2 October 2001. Legionaries from around 8 parishes will be partcipating in this Recollection. Can any one of you suggest any resource person's name preferably a Priest who can be available for an entire day for Recollection at Thane, St. John the Baptist Church on 2 October 2001. Awaiting your earliest reply. Thanks, Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Sunday Reflections from Fr. Jude Botelho
Dear Friends, I am forwarding the mail received from Fr. Jude Botelho. Please take time to read and reflect. Love Prayers Jennifer - --- Dear Friends, All of us have had the experience of finding something that we had lost. It could be a precious object, a wedding ring, it could be something that we had earlier, a talent or quality which we have recovered or a friend whom we have found again. It is truly a joyful experience. Have we though of the joy God experiences when He finds one of us who was lost? I would like to reflect on God's attitude towards those who come back to Him. Have an reconciling weekend! I will be out for a break to Austria till the end of this month. Do keep me in your prayers. Fr. Jude - Sunday Reflections:16-9-00- Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year The God of Mercy . Readings:Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14 Timothy 1 Tim. 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-32 Today's readings are rich in meaning and insight and it would be too much to reflect one every one in detail. Even the Gospel has three parables each is a complete meditation in itself, hence I will dwell at length on the last part of the Gospel, the well known story of the Prodigal son. Someone has said that even if we lost the whole of the Gospels and had only the parable of the Prodigal Son, we would have more than enough of a revelation of the Good News. May the reading challenge us to become a little more like the God we believe in. The first reading from the Book of Exodus speaks of one incident of a provoked God forgiving his people. Right through the Exodus God's people grumbled and complained about almost everything. They complained about the Egyptians, about the journey, about the food, about their leaders and about the promised land. Now when Moses was on Mt. Sinai they complained that Moses had abandoned them.. This was too much and God announced that he would destroy his people so Moses appealed to Him to forgive. Because of His loving kindness God forgives his people. In the second Reading Paul will remind his readers of his own personal history: how he had persecuted God's followers and yet God not only forgave him but made him his chosen disciple. Paul is ever grateful, as we ourselves should be, not only for God's mercy, but also because God does not keep a record of our wrongs. He not only forgives Paul but appoints him to a responsible service in His Church. How very different from us is God's reaction to sinners! Doomed for life? In one of the episodes of the comic strip Peanuts, Lucy has a helium-filled balloon which she gives to Snoopy saying I'm going for lunch Snoopy. Hold this for me. She puts the string of the balloon in his mouth and warns him, Whatever you do, don't let go of it! So Snoopy sits there motionless, holding the balloon. It must have been a long lunch, because eventually he falls asleep, still holding on to the balloon. During his nap he yawns and of course, the balloon takes off. In that twilight zone between sleeping and waking he realizes what just happened and is suddenly wide awake in panic. In the final frame he is walking along railroad track in the moonlight, with his belongings in a sack tied to a pole on his shoulder, saying to himself, Make one mistake and you are doomed for life! Charles Schulz The Gospel has been jokingly referred to as the case of the Lost and Found Department as it deals with things and people who are lost and found! What is important is to note the underlining theme of joy at finding what one has lost. It should be called God's Joy in finding and forgiving sinners. These stories went against the tradition, which never conceived of a God who went out in search of sinners. The Pharisees in fact had a saying that There is joy in heaven over one sinner who is obliterated before God. Maybe that is the way we ourselves think sometimes! The Gospel starts with the statement; The tax collectors and sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say and the Pharisees complained This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. We eat only with those we are very much at home with. We refuse food from a stranger, nor do we invite someone we don't like to share a meal with us. Jesus loved to share a meal with the sinners because he felt at home with them. This meal is a also a symbol of the Eucharist, which is given for us sinners, so nothing should keep us away from sharing in the Eucharist. After the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin comes the moving account of the prodigal son, more appropriately called the story of the Prodigal Father. While the sheep may have lost its way through carelessness and the coin was lost through no fault of its own, the son was lost because he chose to go his own way. We are responsible for being lost, we can't blame others, the devil, our genes, our God. We
[JOYnet] Jesus the Divine Healer
Dear Friends, God Hears our Prayers. He is with us especially when we are suffering. Isn't it enough for us to SMILE. JESUS the KING of kings leaving His heavenly glories is with us in our trials and sufferings. He is not remote from us, not very far that we cannot reach Him. In Deutronomy 31 : 8 : God says, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.. Again in Hebrews 13 : 5 : God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.. God is near us and we can easily reach out to Him only on one criteria - If we have FAITH. In the Gospel of Matthew 21 : 21 : Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If we have faith we can expereince God's powerful presence in our lives. He is with us and we can see Him only with our eyes of Faith. And therefore with faith when we ask for God's help, He answers us and we experience healing and growth in our Faith. After experiencing God's love in our lives, what are we required to do? Can I be a living Witness of His Power and Love. In Acts 26 : 22 : Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. Yes my borthers and sisters in Christ, I am posting the testimony of a sister in Christ who has experienced a mighty healing of the Lord in her Life. PRAISE the LORD. If you all remember I had posted a prayer request at Joynet on 29 August 2001 to pray for Sister Marina and her family. Marina's health is recovering and she is out of danger, THANKS be to the LORD, the DIVINE PHYSICIAN for nothing is impossible to Him. Please read the testimony and Praise God and offer Thanksgiving to the MIGHTY HEALER. I want to thank all each one of you in a special who prayed for the quick recovery of Marina. May God truly Bless all of you your families. I also wish to thank Aries who sent me a mail mentioning the links/e-mail id's of some very powerfull intercessors which was of great help. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: Eric, Shirley Sean Roy To: Jennifer Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2001 11:38 AM Subject: Re: Marina Dear Jennifer, I will definitely write a short testimony regarding Marina. I have never done a testimony before, so I hope it will be worth posting on the Joynet! Good news - Marina has come home, about a few days ago. Her headaches and dizziness are better but still continue, and her rehab work will have to go on for a long time, with physical and speech therapists attending on her. Thank you and all your friends again for your prayers. Will write soon. Love and God bless, Shirley. - Original Message - From: Eric, Shirley Sean Roy To: Jennifer Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 3:19 PM Subject: Re: Marina Dear Jennifer, I thank you most deeply for your prayers and the prayers of the vast network of your friends in Christ who interceded for my sister Marina. If you remember, she had a bad fall and sustained external and internal head injuries. I am so happy to tell you that she is very very much better. She walks (with a walker), talks coherently, eats better, and is getting back to normal, slowly but surely. Her headaches and some dizzy spells continue, but the doctor says these will take time to go. The main thing is that Marina is well again - when she was injured pretty badly about ten days ago. Praise the Lord! If you should need my prayers, Jennifer, at any time, please let me know. The power of prayer can never be overestimated! With warm regards and many thanks again. Shirley ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
Re: [JOYnet] Birthday of Mother Mary
Dear Friends, Let us all join our prayers and present a beautiful bouquet to Our Mother and make her happy on her birthday. Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: tom sheen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 11:34 AM Subject: [JOYnet] Birthday of Mother Mary MOTHER OF MARY PRAY FOR US IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ON HER BIRTHDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH LET'S MAKE A SPIRITUAL BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FOR HER BY READING THIS PRAYER. SEND THIS AROUND, AND PRAY THE HAIL MARY ONLY ONCE, AND, CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW MANY TIMES WE WILL MAKE HER HAPPY. LET'S DO IT. HAIL MARY FULL OF GRACE,THE LORD IS WITH YOU BLESSED ARE YOU AMONGST WOMEN,AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB JESUS. HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD,PRAY FOR US SINNERS, NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH AMEN. HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD BLESS ME NOW AND FOREVER. YOUR NAME IS EVER ON MY LIPS AND IN MY HEART IN DANGER,ANGUISH AND DOUBT, I CALL ON YOU, KEEP ME FROM LOSING MY WAY MAY YOU ALWAYS BE WITH ME TO GUIDE ME CONSTANTLY ON THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BLESSED MARY, GLORIOUS IN YOUR HOLINESS PROTECT ME AND THOSE I LOVE HERE ON EARTH AND OPEN THE GATES OF PARADISE TO US SO WE MAY JOIN YOU AT THE SIDE OF GOD. AMEN. SheenDubai, U.A.E Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org ** ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Are we willing to forgive
Dear Friends, I really agree with what the following parable is trying to convey us. Infact Jesus himself has taught us to Love and Forgive and we can see = that mostly in His actions. He loved all his disciples even those who = betrayed him. He had forgiven Peter and as a sign of His Love for him, = He made him the Rock of the Church. He not only forgived Peter but = bestowed upon Him a very important Responsiblity - the Rsponsibility of = his own Church. =20 We need to Forgive those who hurt us though it seems difficult in the = beginning but also here we need to remember that when Christ could = Forgive, we as Christians, followers of Christ can do it also. =20 Most of the times even if we decide to forgive it is difficult to forget = the incidence of hurt. Let me give an example here. If we are walking = in a forest and as we are walking if a thorn pricks our feet, what = shall we immediately do, ofcourse we will cry because of pain but for = how long. After sometime we will try to remove that thorn = from our feet though that period of removing the thorn will be painful. = But after the thorn is removed we shall experience healing. But if in = order to avoid the brief period of hurt we decide not to remove that = thorn then what will happen? The wound will become severe and probably = develop into puss. So you see this is what happens when we are = unwilling to forgive. =20 God is interested in our Decision and not our Feelings. Let's make a = decision to forgive all those who have hurt us at some point of time and = leave the rest to God. When we forgive we shall receive God's grace and = through His grace all our Hurtful memories will be washed away. Are we Ready to Forgive then and trust God to do the rest... Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai -= --- SAND ###STONE =20 =20 One fine Summer two friends were walking through the desert. In a = Specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the = other one in the face. The one, who got slapped, was hurt,but not taking it seriously, he wrote in the sand: TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME ON MY FACE.They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they = decided to take bath. The guy who got slapped and hurt started drowning and the = other friend saved him. After he recovered from the mishap, he wrote on a stone:TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE The friend who saved and = slapped his best friend, asked him, Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the = sand, and now you write on a stone? The other friend, smiling replied: When = a friend hurt us, we should write it down in the sand, where the wind of forgiveness take charge of erasing it away, and when something great happens, we should engrave it in a stone of memory in the heart, where = no wind can erase it =20 =20 1. Learn to write in the sand, when u have difference and hurted = feelings with ur friend. =20 =20 2. Learn to write in stone when ur friend has something done really good = to you. =20 [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Jennifer Fernandes.vcf] ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
Re: [JOYnet] The difference between sand and the stone
Dear Joynetters, I really agree with what George has tried to convey through this parable. We need to Forgive those who hurt us though it seems difficult in the beginning. Most of the times even if we decide to forgive it is difficult to forget the incidence of hurt. However God is interested in our Decision and not our Feelings. Let's make a decision to forgive all those who have hurt us at some point of time and leave the rest to God. When we forgive we shall receive God's grace and through His grace all our Hurtful memories will be washed away. Are we Ready to Forgive then and trust God to do the rest... Love Prayers Jennifer Mumbai - Original Message - From: George Joseph Fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 11:40 AM Subject: [JOYnet] The difference between sand and the stone SAND ###STONE One fine Summer two friends were walking through the desert. In a Specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one, who got slapped, was hurt,but not taking it seriously, he wrote in the sand: TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME ON MY FACE.They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take bath. The guy who got slapped and hurt started drowning and the other friend saved him. After he recovered from the mishap, he wrote on a stone:TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE The friend who saved and slapped his best friend, asked him, Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone? The other friend, smiling replied: When a friend hurt us, we should write it down in the sand, where the wind of forgiveness take charge of erasing it away, and when something great happens, we should engrave it in a stone of memory in the heart, where no wind can erase it 1. Learn to write in the sand, when u have difference and hurted feelings with ur friend. 2. Learn to write in stone when ur friend has something done really good to you. ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org ** ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Breath of God
Dear Friends, Kindly read through the mail and ponder on the message it conveys. Love Prayers Jennifer - --- Breath of God Life's a little thing! Robert Browning once wrote. But a little thing can mean a life. Even two lives. How well I remember. Two years ago in downtown Denver my friend, Scott Reasoner, and I saw something tiny and insignificant change the world, but no one else even seemed to notice. It was one of those beautiful Denver days. Crystal clear, no humidity, not a cloud in the sky. We decided to walk the ten blocks to an outdoor restaurant rather than take the shuttle bus that runs up and down the Sixteenth Street Mall. The restaurant, in the shape of a baseball diamond, was called The Blake Street Baseball Club. The tables were set appropriately on the grass infield. Many colorful pennants and flags hung limply overhead. As we sat outside, the sun continued to beat down on us, and it became increasingly hot. There wasn't a hint of a breeze, and heat radiated up from the tabletop. Nothing moved, except the waiters, of course. And they didn't move very fast, either. After lunch Scott and I started to walk back up the mall. We both noticed a mother and her young daughter walking out of a card shop toward the street. She was holding her daughter by the hand while reading a greeting card. It was immediately apparent to us that she was so engrossed in the card that she did not notice a shuttle bus moving toward her at a good clip. She and her daughter were one step away from disaster when Scott started to yell. He hadn't even gotten a word out when a breeze blew the card out of her hand and over her shoulder. She spun around and grabbed at the card, nearly knocking her daughter over. By the time she picked up the card from the ground and turned back around to cross the street, the shuttle bus had whizzed by her. She never even knew what almost happened. To this day two things continue to perplex me about this event. Where did that one spurt of wind come from to blow the card out of that young mother's hand? There had not been a whisper of wind at lunch or during our long walk back up the mall. Secondly, if Scott had been able to get his words out, the young mother might have looked up at us as they continued to walk into the bus. It was the wind that made her turn back to the card -- in the one direction that saved her life and that of her daughter. The passing bus did not create the wind. On the contrary, the wind came from the opposite direction. I have no doubt it was a breath from God protecting them both. But the awesomeness of this miracle is that she never knew. As we continued back to work, I wondered how God often acts in our lives without our being aware. The difference between life and death can very well be a little thing. ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Help
Dear Friends in Christ, I require a small help from your end. Since Novena to Our Lady is = started in our Parish from last week. To make the Liturgy more = interesting, the Parish Priest has suggested to enact the Theme of the = Mass during the Homily. The Theme of the Mass is Without Faith you = cannot give Justice. I would request if anyone here at Joynet can help = me with any story or song which can be enacted within 5 minutes. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Jennifer Fernandes.vcf] ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] The last supper
Dear Joynetters, I am forwarding this true story on the painting of Last Supper made by = Leonardo Da Vinci. Kindly ponder on the message it gives.=20 Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai -= --- The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, a noted Italian = artist; and the time engaged for its completion was seven years. The figures representing the twelve Apostles and Christ himself were painted from living persons. The life-model for the painting of the figure of Jesus was chosen first. When it was decided that Da Vinci would paint this great picture, hundreds and hundreds of young men were carefully viewed, in an endeavor = to find a face and personality exhibiting innocence and beauty, free from the = scars and signs of dissipation caused by sin. Finally, after weeks of laborious searching, a young man nineteen years = of age, was selected as a model for the portrayal of Christ. For six = months, Da Vinci worked on the reproduction of this leading character in his famous painting. During the next six years, Da Vinci continued his = labors on this sublimework of art. One by one, fitting persons were chosen to = represent each of the eleven Apostles; space being left for the painting of the = figure representing Judas Iscariot, as the final task of this masterpiece. This = was the Apostle, you remember, who betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of = silver, worth $16.96 in our present day currency. For weeks, Da Vinci searched for a man with a hard callous face, with a countenance marked by scars of avarice, deceit, hypocrisy, and crime; a face that would delineate a character, who would betray his best = friend. After many discouraging experiences, in searching for the type of person required to represent Judas, word came to Da Vinci that a man, whose appearance fully met his requirements, had been found in a dungeon in Rome, sentenced to die for a life of crime and murder. Da Vinci made the trip to Rome at once, and this man was brought out = from his imprisonment in the dungeon and led out into the light of the sun.=20 There Da Vinci saw before him a dark, swarthy man; his long, shaggy and = unkempt hair sprawled over his face, which betrayed a character of viciousness and complete ruin. At last, the famous painter had found the person he wanted to represent the character of Judas in his painting. By special permission from the king, this prisoner was carried to Milan where the picture was being painted; and for months he sat before Da = Vinci at appointed hours each day, as the gifted artist diligently continued his task of transmitting to his painting this base character in the picture representing the traitor and betrayer of our savior. As he finished his = last stroke, he turned to the guards and said, I have finished. You may take the = prisoner away. As the guards were leading their prisoner away, he suddenly broke loose from their control and rushed up to Da Vinci, crying as he did so, Oh, = Da Vinci, look at me! Do you not know who I am? Da Vinci, with the trained eyes of a great character student, carefully scrutinized the man, upon whose face he had constantly gazed for six months and replied, No, I had never seen you in my life, until you were brought before me out of the dungeon in Rome. Then, lifting his eyes toward heaven, the prisoner said, Oh, God, have = I fallen so low? Then turning toward the painter he cried, Leonardo Da Vinci! Look at me again, for I am the same man you painted just seven = years ago as the figure of Christ. Many lessons can be learned from this true story of the painting of The Last Supper. This is a story of how we often perceive others - how easily we overlook the Christ within the people we meet, and judge by outward appearances. This also strongly teaches the lesson of the effects of right or wrong thinking, on the life ofan individual.=20 Here was a young man whose character was so pure and unspoiled by the sins of the world, that he presented a countenance of innocence and beauty fit to be used for the painting of a representation of Christ. But within seven years, following the thoughts of sin and a life of crime, he was changed into a perfect picture of the most = traitorous character ever known in the history of the world. [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type audio/mid which had a name of blessed.mid] ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Fw: Now, we need your prayers - desperately (Urgent Prayer request)
Dear Joynetters, I am forwarding to you all an Urgent request for Prayer. Please pray for sister Marina and her family. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - Original Message - From: Eric, Shirley Sean Roy To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 11:26 AM Subject: Now, we need your prayers - desperately Dear Jennifer, I do not know you - neither did my sister Marina. But when she received your request for prayer, she forwarded it just the same to all of us - her relatives/friends. Now she desperately needs your prayers. Marina fell in her basement, her head hit the basement floor, and she suffered a severe injury. She has external bleeding, but what is far worse, she has internal bleeding of the head. She was admitted on Saturday 25th August into the ICU of a Toronto hospital (she, her husband and son live in Scarborough) where she is receiving intensive treatment. This is a fervent plea for your prayers and those of your relatives and friends. Marina is a lovely person, 65 years old, kind, loving, generous, always reaching out to others. I know I can count on your prayers and those of your near and dear. Thank you. And God bless. Shirley, Bandra, Mumbai. ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Trials in our lives
Dear Joynetters, I definitely do agree with Welchy Fernandes that Jesus is with us in our = trials and He suffers with us. =20 But what I also think is that there is a purpose for our sufferings. =20 James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face = trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith = develops perseverance.=20 We have all heard about the roller coaster Christianity. We're = loving Jesus one day but wondering if He's near us the next. We have one = of our best days but one of our worst the next. Why does this happen? = Many people relate the roller coaster Christianity with our fire for = the Lord. It may also be caused by trials we face on a daily basis. The = trials begin blocking our path and pile on top of each other. Soon a = mountain is formed and we lose sight of Jesus. Instead of climbing over = this mountain, we give up and throw ourselves a pity party at the base = of the mountain. Or maybe we are overtaken and buried under the falling = rocks of an avalanche. This is when our true Christianity surfaces. This = is when we see how mature we are in the Lord. Are we going to scale that = mountain at the cost of knowing Him more, or are we going to blame = everything on the devil and let our circumstance rule us?=20 It is so easy to love God when life is great. It is so easy to = live a life that testifies as a witness to unbelievers when we have = sufficient sleep, plenty of food, extra time, and much money. It is so = easy to do things for God as long as He blesses us. As long as we're = comfortable we're okay. Paul looked at the situation differently. = Through all his persecutions and multiple imprisonment's, Paul learned = to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). He also = wrote half a chapter in 2 Corinthians about the difficulties he had = faced. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in = great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, = imprisonment's and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and = hunger.having nothing, and yet possessing everything (2 Corinthians = 6:4-5,10). Take advantage of the difficulties you face. It is at this = time that you can grow. A rubber band can only hold something together = when it is stretched. A kite can only fly with resistance to the wind. = Our weaknesses are truly brought to light when we are out of our comfort = zone. So don't get all crazy and stressed when the waters get rough. = They shall pass and you soon will not even remember anymore. Don't just = survive; persevere. Get in the mind set that you don't have to survive. = Champions don't think like quitters or losers. Champions think like = champions. Conquerors think like conquerors. No, in all these things we = are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). Let = our true Christianity be worthy of praise, not disgrace Eagles soar above the storm=20 Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is=20 approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly=20 to some high spot and wait for the winds to come.=20 When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the=20 wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.=20 While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring=20 above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It=20 simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on=20 the winds that bring the storm.=20 When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us=20 will experience them - we can rise above them by=20 setting our minds and our belief toward God. The=20 storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's=20 power to lift us above them.=20 The Bible says, Those who hope in the Lord will renew=20 their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.=20 Isaiah 40:31 =20 Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Jennifer Fernandes.vcf] ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] Power of Tongue
Dear Friends, I received this inspiring mail from one of my friend which i thought i should share with all of you. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - --- We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders which He has wrought. Psalms 78:4 A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs asked him, Why did you continue jumping? Didn't you hear us? The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words ... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Author: Unknown ___ No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist tempation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting against it, not by giving in. That is why bad people, in a sense know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. C.S. Lewis (118) ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
[JOYnet] We have to be thankful for every situation in Life
Dear Friends, I understand by the mails that I have received that there is some trouble faced among the netters at Joynet. I have recently subscribed to this net and what i feel is that God sometimes allows situations and persons of these kinds to teach us few things. We need to be thankful to God for persons and situations like these who may like thorns and wait for God's plan to be fulfilled. God does things in his own time (I hope you all remember this Hymn - In His time) and what we need to do is pray and wait patiently for the Lord to act. I am not very good in explaining my point of view that's why I make use of Parables to make it more clear. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - --- Be Thankful For The Thorns Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come. What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. She has no idea what I'm feeling, thought Sandra. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child? Good afternoon, can I help you? The shop clerk's approach startled her. I ... I need an arrangement, stammered Sandra. For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? asked the shop clerk. I'm convinced that flowers tell stories, she continued. Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving? Not exactly! Sandra blurted out. In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, I have the perfect arrangement for you. Then the door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, Hi, Barbara ... let me get your order. She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped. There were no flowers! Want this in a box? asked the clerk. Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. Yes, please, Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again, she said as she gently tapped her chest. Uh, stammered Sandra, that lady just left with, uh ... she just left with no flowers! Right, said the clerk, I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that! exclaimed Sandra. Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today, explained the clerk. She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband, continued the clerk, and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel. So what did you do? asked Sandra. I learned to be thankful for thorns, answered the clerk quietly. I've always thanked God for good things in life and never to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others. Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God. Just then someone else walked in the shop. Hey, Phil! shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man. My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement ... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems! laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue
[JOYnet] Sunday Refelections - Fr. Jude Botelho
Dear Friends, I have forwarded the Reflections on Sunday readings by Fr. Jude Botelho. Love Prayers Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai - --- Dear Friend, When ever we go for a movie or a day out or go for a vacation we like to make our bookings well in advance so that we are not disappointed. Most people are not ready to leave important happenings to chance. Can we plan for the future? For that matter can we plan for the life to come? Is there any guaranteed assurance of eternal happiness with God? I would like to reflect with you on this theme this week. Have a blessed weekend! Jude Sunday Reflections: Twenty first Sunday of the Year 26-8-01 WHO WILL BE SAVED? Readings: Is 66:18-21 Heb 12: 5-7, 11-13 Lk 13:22-30 While human beings would like to live and enjoy life as it is unfolds, yet even in the midst of present enjoyment we become aware that it is not going to last for ever and that all good things come to an end. We ask ourselves: Isn't there a definite way by which we can take care of our future happiness? No advance bookings possible? No reservations? May His word enlighten our minds and hearts today. The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah is one of assurance and hope. God will save people from every tribe and nation, there are no hot-favourites of God, in fact every one is special in the eyes of God. To the people who were in exile, to the people who had lost hope, to the people who were wondering whether God had forgotten them, today's portion of Isaiah, the finale of the whole book, opens a vision of a glorious future to the whole human family. God will bring all people from all nations to the holy mountain of Jerusalem. Both Isaiah and the Responsorial Psalm highlight the teaching of Jesus that salvation extends beyond the borders of Israel. The second reading begins with words of encouragement. All who travel the journey of faith need encouragement. To encourage is to fill the heart. We can be encouraged by the kind word, a smile, a phone call, a letter, a flower, a note, a gift, a favourite food, a wink, a funny story, a handshake a hug or even a light touch. Encouragement is life to the soul and we all need it on our life journey and our God is a God of encouragement, who fills our hearts with life through a thousand ways even when we don't realise or acknowledge it. But there are times when we don't seem to feel God's encouragement especially in times of suffering. Why does God treat his children so poorly? The second reading shows us how we are to handle the sufferings that come our way. The author uses one word to sum it all: 'discipline'. My son, when the Lord corrects you, do not treat it lightly; do not get discouraged when he disciplines you. For the Lord trains the one that he loves and disciplines the one he acknowledges as his son. Has there been any father who does not train his son? When we are teaching our children disciple, we are teaching them how to suffer, yes, but also how to grow. What are the means of experiencing discipline as a means of growth? There are four - delaying of gratification, acceptance of responsibility, dedication to the truth and balancing. We can have various attitudes towards suffering, towards discipline. We can be simply resigned and accept it as coming not from a loving father but a powerful one; or we can accept it with grim determination of getting over it as soon as possible; or we can take it with self pity, 'Poor me'; or with resentment as coming from a God who's vindictive. But we can also accept it positively as coming for a loving father, who is teaching us something through the suffering, though at the moment we cannot see it. We have all seen children who are not disciplined and we sometimes ask ourselves: Don't the child's parents care about them? Aren't they concerned enough about their children to correct them? Yes, God cares for us! In the Gospel we have someone who asks Jesus the question about who will be saved? But the person asked the wrong question and so Jesus does not answer the question. The person should have rather asked, How do you get to be saved? Jesus made three points that are the message of today's liturgy: salvation requires effort; you should work out your salvation now at the present moment; and no one should be smug about salvation. Firstly with regard to effort we have to avoid two extremes. One extreme position believes that being a Catholic, being baptized; being a person of a religious heritage or faith is a sure ticket of admission. Not every one who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. The other extreme is to believe that one can earn salvation by our own efforts by some type of spiritual exercises alone. Jesus reminds us that we have to walk the narrow way, somewhere in between the two extremes: we cannot take salvation
[JOYnet] This will make you think
Dear all, I request you to read this mail when you have enough time and ponder on = the message it conveys. It definitely will add value to your life. Your's in Christ Jennifer Fernandes Mumbai -= --- This will make you think A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for = his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table = were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone = that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow = them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally = drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her = drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased at the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts, with much laughter and hilarity. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and = was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked = the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture = of Jesus . . A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes = were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words, In as much as ye have done it = unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me. No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of each student focused only = on the picture of Christ. [demime 0.97b removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Jennifer Fernandes.vcf] ** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org **
