"MY JESUS MY GOD"

THE PRAYER PLEASING TO GOD

Fr. Mathew Naikomparambil V C

The prayer "MY JESUS MY GOD," if said sincerely, is a prayer most pleasing to God, our father. The Father's love became man in the womb of Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit and that is Jesus, the Son of God. When we proclaim the name of Jesus, the only Son of God, the salvation that the Father intended for us, takes place.
"If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom 10:9)

THE NAME THAT PLEASED GOD

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1Jn 2:2). The Son of God became man to fulfill the will of his father. In Everything Jesus did the will of his father. He became obedient even to the death on the cross. "Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every Name. So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to The Glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11).

Those who accept Jesus, honor God our Father. Those who obey Jesus, obey God the Father. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God's wrath" (Jn 3:36).

Those who believe in Jesus and obey his word are not condemned (cf Jn 3:18). Proclaim the name of Jesus. Repeat "My Jesus, my God" with sincere love. Do it several times during the Day. Use the same prayer to offer praise to God for others. Pray for others. It is a prayer acceptable to God the father and to God the Son.

The name of Jesus is salvific. When the name of Jesus is proclaimed, diabolic bondages are broken. Healing of illness, miracles and wondrous signs take place through the name of Jesus. They happen through the merits of Jesus, through the merits of his death on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, we become filled with the Holy Spirit; we are transformed into a new creation.



SAY SEVERAL TIMES

Leader says the prayer, others repeat:

My Jesus, my God.
My Jesus, my Savior.
My Jesus, my Lord.
My Jesus, my All.
My Jesus, my Love.
My Jesus, the All sufficient.
Jesus, I love you.
Fill me with your love.
My Jesus, liberate all who are sick and sorrowful.
Praise to Jesus! Thanks to Jesus!
Jesus, fill all mankind with your Holy Spirit.
Jesus, transform me completely.
Thank you God! Thank you Jesus!


Examination of Conscience:

THE DESIRES OF THE HEART

Fr Mathew Naikomparambil VC


God's devotee prays:
"O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?"
(Ps 15:1)

Reply:
"Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart." (Ps 15:2).

The desires of the heart

Examine the impulses and movements of the heart. Foster the good and just desires. Reject all others. Give up everything that is not according to the word
and example of Jesus Christ.

1.) Think only what is good.
2.) Speak only the truth.
3.) Love everyone.
4 ) Hate no one.
5.) Praise God in every crisis; trust in him.
6.) Thank God for everything.
7.) Pray with thirst that the love of God and love of neighbor may fill us.
8.) Pray every day to receive an infilling of the Holy Spirit.
9.) Pray for all people all over the world.
10.) Live, act and pray for these intentions: the glory of God, world evangelization, and the conversion of sinners.

All the above - mentioned suggestions are the teachings of the bible. God will give us sublime thoughts and pure desires. In order to receive divine inspirations and good thoughts, it is necessary always to preserve the heart in repentance, humility and holiness.


The promises of Jesus

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"(Mt 5:3).

Interpretation

Do not depend on or delight in material gains, wealth or human abilities. Trust in and depend on God, and God's promises.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God"(Mt 5:8).

Interpretation

In a heart that banishes all selfish desires, the Holy Spirit will inspire and instill sublime and lofty desires. "Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the
Lord" (Rom 12:11).

Examine the desires of the heart, purify them and make them pleasing to God. He will then be glorified in us. Our life will become blessed.

Praying through the word of God

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting"(Ps
139:23,24).

O Holy God, give me a share in your great holiness. Loving Father, through the merits of the crucifixion of your only Son, Jesus Christ, give me complete salvation. Wash away all my sins and their guilt with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Send forth your Holy Spirit and make me a new person. Bless me so that I may live for the glory of God and for the salvation of all men and for eternal life.
Amen





The God of Revenge
The God of Compassion

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V C



God has great patience, great compassion. But he will also avenge himself on those who will not repent.

The Revenge of God

Will God avenge himself? Will he severely punish his creatures that he loves dearly? He leaves them free to sin according to their wish.

Human beings, unable to discern the everlasting providence and love of a God who loves them as the apple of his Eye; direct their lives according to their restricted human intellect.

It is a state in which they cannot discern or receive the help of a God for whom the past, present and future are One. Moreover, they become slaves to the evil temptations of the devil. As a result, there is the reign of sin and
Frustration in their life. The Spirit of God withdraws from such a life. This spells disaster.

Such people can also be saved

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he sent forth his word, and Healed them, and delivered them from destruction"(Ps 107:19-20).


Jesus is the rock of my refuge.
Jesus is my way of salvation.
Jesus is my deliverance from sin.
Jesus is my eternal life.

When we acknowledge and experience in our personal lives the above-mentioned Biblical truths, the God of compassion sends us forgiveness of our sins and integral salvation. And then, "The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore."
(Ps 121:6-7).

Let us repent, accept Jesus as our Lord, consult the Holy Spirit and decide to direct our lives accordingly. Then God's salvation will be experienced as his compassion and divine providence.

Prayer

Lord have mercy. We, our parents and our ancestors, disobeyed your law and sinned. Forgive us our offences and grant us pardon. Give us your word and your Holy Spirit. Give us the fear of the Lord. Give us the grace to hate sin and renounce it. Make us a new creation in Christ Jesus. Lord, do not take away your Holy Spirit from us. Do not abandon us to our sins, evil desires and self-will. Protect us always at night, during the day, in labor and in rest.

"He (the Lord)
Gives sleep to his beloved" (Ps 127:2).



"My Servant shall prosper"
(Is 52:13)

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V C


The greatest honor that can be given to God is that we constantly search for his plans for us and try to obey his will, always and everywhere.

In order that we may discern God's will for us, we have to be constantly in prayer, listening to his voice.

The will of God for all people is revealed clearly in the Holy Bible. God desires all men to be saved (cf 1 Tim 2:4) through faith in Jesus Christ because Jesus has paid the penalty for the sins of all by his sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary.

Jesus is not concerned about eternal salvation alone. Our temporal welfare and emotional stability are very much part of the Lord's primary concern for us.
"Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7).

Jesus says, "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God and believe in me"(Jn14:1). Jesus is our peace.

The Risen Lord, when he appeared to his disciples for the first time, said, "Peace be with you" (Jn 20:19). He had earlier stated: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you" (Jn 14:17).

In a broken and shattered world, peace is what humanity needs more than anything else. And Jesus "is our peace" (Eph2:14). Every believer is given the grace of forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God the Father, through faith in Jesus Christ.


Prosperity of every kind

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and, all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt 6:33). This then, is the will of God-that his children may "Prosper in every respect and be in good health, just as the soul prospers" (3 Jn 2). God wants that his children should have enough of food, clothing, shelter and every other need for the upbringing of their families.


A Healing God

Jesus always did the will of God. The Holy Spirit was always with him. Jesus was never ill; he was always healthy. This is God's will for every chosen person-to remain in sound health of body, mind and soul. In the book of Exodus 15:26, we have a powerful promise from God: "I am the God who heals you." Of course it is only when we obey his statutes and commandments that this promise holds good. Prosperity of every kind and the promise of good health are offered to every believer who obeys his words.

Fullness of the Holy Spirit

"Servant hood" or living the life of a servant of God is extremely pleasing to God. This is not to keep us slaves of God, but to prepare us for receiving "the abundant life" (Jn 10:10) which is the life in the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus when we die to ourselves. We will receive this abundant life when we surrender completely all our own plans to do the will of God. Listen to God's unfailing promise: "Indeed, upon my servants and my hand maids, I will pour out my Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. And I will work wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below" (Acts 2: 18-19).




Protection to God's chosen people (retaliation to the evil one) through The word of God

Life in the Holy Spirit, and other gifts of the Holy Spirit-physical health, mental well-being and material welfare are stolen and destroyed by the enemy, the devil who is a liar and a murderer.

Lord Jesus is empowering every believer to take authority over the enemy who has stolen and destroyed many of the good things that God has given to his people. The devil is the thief, "Yet if he is caught, he must pay back seven times more; he must give up everything he has"(Prov 6:31).

According to this verse of the book of Proverbs, the Christian believer can take authority over Satan, binding him and commanding him to pay back seven times what he has destroyed or stolen.

Great and loving is our God who has given such authority and privilege over the powers of darkness to protect his people from the snares and destruction of the evil one.



Message from the Holy Bible
For God's Young People

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V C




God speaks through the prophet Joel,

"Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message... and your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28).

God's plan for each and every young person

"Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone"(Joel :28).
This is God's plan for everybody, young and old - to be filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

How to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-20)

1.) By singing and praising, one can be filled with the Holy Spirit.

2.) By praising God for everything-especially for the sufferings of our life, so that we can receive inner healing, peace, joy and the Holy Spirit.

3.) By submitting to one another for the sake of Christ by which we will be formed into a community of love and mutual reverence.


God's plan for others through you and me
Jesus spoke to his illiterate fishermen-disciples,

"I will make you fishers of men" (Lk 5:10).

The above message is for everybody who is called by Jesus. Here is a revelation that God will lift every believer to continue his work on this earth-for the purpose of sanctifying the world.

Adam and Eve were the first parents of the whole human family (Genesis). When they disobeyed God, all mankind lost its original integrity and perfection given to them by God at the time of Creation. They lost the joy, peace and love they had before. Instead, fear, shame and feelings of guilt started tormenting them.

The whole posterity of Adam and Eve inherited the bondages of sin and other afflictions. David (King and prophet) writes,
"I have been evil from the day I was born...from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful." (Ps 51:5).

Cain and Abel

Cain, the elder son of Adam and Eve felt jealous of his only brother Abel, because Abel was more pleasing to God. Abel offered the best offerings to God (Genesis 4) while it was not so with Cain. Cain killed his brother Abel. Abel had to suffer, on account of the sins of his parents, the first parents of the world.

The above stories of sin, disobedience, jealousy, hatred and murder are Repeated to this day. Hence a lot of fear, anxiety, a lack of love and spiritual darkness have invaded each individual. The whole of mankind started looking for a Savior.

Jesus, the young man

Jesus, the young man, fully obedient to the will of the heavenly Father, was filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the prophet sent by the heavenly Father. John the Baptist, in conjunction with other prophets, was preparing the way for Jesus, the Son of God.
Jesus and John the Baptist - both were young as they started preaching. Both of them had to die in their young age, for doing the Father's will. This is telling and challenging enough for every youth to dedicate his life, for the liberation of humanity from sin, aiming at the salvation of the whole of mankind-"Not even one should perish," without knowing the Savior Jesus Christ.

God speaks to six youngsters in Medjugorje

At Medjugorje, in Bosnia (the former Yugoslavia), 6 youngsters started receiving heavenly apparitions and messages.
Mother Mary appeared to these young people several times. They were given the message to pray for mercy and deliverance for the whole world. They were to proclaim this message to the whole world.

They had to suffer a lot of persecution when they started to convey this message to others. They were suffering for the kingdom of God.

Believers around the world have responded very positively to these heavenly messages- by praying for mercy for the whole world, and by fasting on every Wednesday and Friday-by drinking only water and eating only one or two slices of bread.

Every sin has suicidal effects. It brings destruction upon oneself. We are asked to offer our sufferings, united with the sufferings of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and offer them to the heavenly Father, for the sanctification of the world.


Young people and Charismatic renewal

A group of college students of the Duqueine University (USA) received the initial anointing of the Holy Spirit. The present worldwide Catholic Charismatic renewal started with them in 1966. Even after 35 years, they are still at the forefront of charismatic renewal and evangelization.


Teenagers, chosen by God

In Fatima (Portugal) and Lourdes (France), God chose a few teenagers as torchbearers of his gospel message. They were taught to pray for the whole world and they had to communicate God's message to others (Bernadette in Lourdes; Lucy, Jacinta and Francis in Fatima)



The 'Little Flower'

Teresa of Lisieux in France, who died at age of 24, was chosen to be a Charismatic leader for the whole Church.

1.) By her charismatic prayers for the conversion of sinners.

2.) By her ambitious desire to go around the world, to preach Jesus Christ, which she achieved by her prayers for all the continents and all the countries of the world, praying for those who have gone stray from God.

3.) By offering her daily sufferings in union with the sufferings of Jesus for the conversion of all sinners.

4.) By her writings, which serve as a source of continuous teaching and inspiration for those who seek the wisdom of the Lord.


Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa had a great influence in drawing people to Jesus, by her self-sacrificing spirit of charity and service to the suffering people who were rejected by everybody else. In the prime of her youth, she surrendered her life to serve God and mankind.


Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti, from Italy, was a teenager who became a martyr for God's kingdom. She was killed brutally, stabbed nearly 30 times because she would obey God's word and keep herself pure, without committing sin. Alexander, the young man who murdered her, was converted by her heroic suffering and by her prayers for mercy.


False Prophets around the world

Over the course of human history, there have been false ideologies, spreading and influencing the human mind. Hitler was able to control the entire population of Germany, with the support of some leaders of other nations, for his revolutionary ideas concerning Aryan superiority and the future of the world. This led to World War II, and resulted in the killing of millions of people.


Jesus

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the heavenly Father except through me" (Jn 14:6).

Jesus again said,

"I am the light of the world. He who follows me does not walk in darkness." (Jn 8:12)

And again, he said,
"I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep." (Jn 10:11)


Promise of 'life in its fullness'

Jesus teaches, "The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life, life in all its fullness" (Jn 10:10). False prophets happen to be the source of division, wielding their wrong and perverting ideas and teachings, spreading many lies around the world.

Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve believed the lies of the devil who came to them in the form of the serpent and spoke to them. Their curiosity, which caused them to listen to the apparently beautiful presentation of new ideas, seemed pleasing to their human selfishness. They obeyed Satan and disobeyed God. Millions of people have gone away from God, because of wrong and false teachings of the world and of the devil, the sinister enemy of mankind.

To break down the lies, which the enemy, the devil is spreading, we need a lot of prophets through whom God can speak to his people directly and plainly. They speak in the name of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Young people called to become prophets

500 years before the birth of Christ, God spoke through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32).
This is the will of God for all, young and old, who believe in Jesus Christ.

1.) That they should become witnesses to a renewed life, transformed by the word of God, and by the Holy Spirit.

2.) That they should proclaim God's free gift of salvation- the free gift of eternal life through the merits of Jesus Christ. For the above work, God is waiting to shower the gift of the Holy Spirit upon all, both young and old.

Moses, the great leader of the people of God said,

"I wish that the Lord would give his spirit to all his people and make all of them shout like prophets" (Num 1:29).

God is waiting to do great miracles

God is waiting to work great miracles for you, and through you, for others. Joshua was a great leader, who was the successor to Moses, leading the people of Israel to the Promised Land of Canaan.

God unveils his plan to do great things for us and through us to many others. He speaks through Joshua, who said to the people:

"Purify yourselves, because tomorrow the Lord will perform miracles among you" (Josh 3:5).


How to keep yourself young always

By always praising and thanking the Lord for everything:

"Praise the Lord my soul
All my being praises your holy name!
He forgives all my sins
And heals all my diseases
He fills my life with all good things
So that I stay young and strong like an eagle
As far as the east is from the west
So far does he remove our sins from us" (Cf Ps 103)

Let us pray

Let us pray for all the young people in our country and all over the world, that they may be filled with divine love, joy and peace.
Lord, hear our prayers.
Let us pray for freedom from sin, sorrow and sickness for all, young and old.
Lord, hear our prayers.
We pray for great miracles in the lives of all the young people around the world.
Lord, hear our prayers.
Let Jesus, who is the light of the world; remove all the darkness and confusion from the hearts of the young people of the world. Let them be filled with the word of God and the truth about Jesus.
Lord, hear our prayers.

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy Youth" (Eccl 12:1)

Preaching the Word of God in
Russia

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil


Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil writes on the two months he spent in Russia and other European countries along with Fr. Kuriakose Punnolil VC, Fr. John Cheriyavely VC, Sr. Theresa FCC and Sr. Margarita Valappila, directing Spirit-filled Bible Conventions and Retreats.


It was on April 29th that we set out from Kerala to conduct retreats in Russia,Germany, Austria and France.

During the two-month-long preachings of the word of God, the Lord gave us several important God-experiences. Going to Russia, which had been under the communist regime for over seventy years, was an extremely pleasant experience. We were a six-member team: Fr Kuriakose Punnolil, Sr Margarita
(Germany), Sr Theresa, Mrs & Mr Conrad (Germany) and myself.

I am reminded of the fact that the entire Christian world had prayed unceasingly for very many years for the conversion of Russia. In Russia, ruled by communists for seventy years, christian values and faith have been utterly
destroyed. However, there is a sign of hope that a people in search of God is emerging in this country.

Bellaruse (White Russia) is one of the fifteen and odd independent countries that was separated from the Soviet Union. It is situated about 600 km away from Moscow. In St Judes Church at Las Dune in Bellaruse, we conducted a
five days retreat for 400 people. There were 80 high school students in the group. A college principal, who was healed of a 50-year-old pain in the neck, brought along 20 lecturers for the retreat the next day. That marked the
beginning of the work of evangelization. St Jude's Church where the retreat was conducted, was used for seven years as a stable under the communist regime. Fr. Marius, is the vicar of that Church. There were two young priests of the
Russian Orthodox Church who traveled 600 km from Moscow to attend the retreat. The blind saw; the deaf heard; the paralyzed were healed-those priests who personally witnessed these events said, "We too desire to go all over the
world and preach the word of God. Will you not pray for us?"


"The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few" (Mt 9:37)

In Russia and other European countries there must arise several Spirit-filled Preachers. Such people must be sent from India, too.

In the European countries there is great economic progress and, at the same time, great spiritual deterioration. Russia is economically, spiritually and educationally very backward. Seventy years of communist rule have reduced
Russia to a deplorable state. We could see several alcoholics roaming about on the streets. God, who is love, is inspiring and bringing about a renewal in Russia
through spiritual renewals and retreats.

Missionaries arise! Offer up prayers and supplications! May many preachers of the word of God be sent to Europe for the proclamation of the word!


Increasing desire for the word of God in Germany

Numerous German people, priests and religious are waiting eagerly for retreat teams from India.

The World War II had utterly destroyed Germany economically. But the hard-working and brilliant Germans changed the face of their country through hard toil and constant, sustained effort. However, because of unlimited individual freedom, numerous people have been plunged into spiritual blindness. They have strayed from the Christian faith and become slaves to material wealth and consumerism. Today the soul of Germany is crying for God.

Behold! The German people are thirsting for God. The German nation looks to India and says, "Come. We are thirsting for God. Give us the Holy Spirit to renew our broken personal relationships and shattered family ties".

All those involved in the work of evangelization in Germany are extremely happy.

On the 1st of May a very significant event took place in Bad Soden in Frankfurt. A new retreat center was blessed and opened. There are residential facilities for one hundred people in this retreat center. Already one residential retreat was conducted last May. This building, worth millions, was donated by a german lady, DocBlock, for Evangelization 2000 retreats. In 1992 when the potta team first conducted a retreat in Germany, there was a message that such a retreat house would be opened there. Seven years of prayer were necessary for that prophecy to be fulfilled. Moreover, Bible conventions led by various retreat teams were held during the last seven years. "Seek first the
kingdom of God and his justice and all the rest shall be added unto you" this word of God is fulfilled through the donation of this retreat house to Sr Margarita and team.


Another dream comes true

While Bible conventions were being held in Europe for the Keralites as well as for the natives, it was our earnest prayer that God may make it possible for
retreats to be conducted for the priests and religious of those countries. This prayer too was answered in 1999. A retreat was held at Kevelear for 103 germans-32 priests, 6 deacons and 65 nuns. Attending a retreat from 9 am to 9
pm was, as far as they were concerned, a totally new experience. All of them were blessed with a deep experience of Jesus and great joy in the Spirit to which they testified publicly. Following this retreat others were held for the
people in Germany, Austria and France. In each there were about 200-300 people who attended as residential or non-residential participants. Against the european background such a number making a retreat for five days at a stretch is a great wonder indeed!


Preaching the word of God in Austria

A five-days' retreat conducted at Sontagberg near Vienna in Austria for nearly 52 priests and nuns, turned out to be a great blessing. When we went to Vienna en route to Paris, more than 200 Austrians and Keralites had gathered in Fr.
Bruno's church to listen to the word of God.


God be praised! Heart-filled gratitude

World Evangelization, preaching of the word of God, conversion of sinners, inner healing, anointing of the Spirit of individuals and communities-all these are the
work of God the Spirit in the Church. God accepts the abilities and surrender of Persons. When we surrender our abilities, the Holy Spirit transforms them into gifts and charisms.

We need to thank, glorify and praise God for all the arrangements made for the ministry of the Word. All good gifts and blessings are from Him. Therefore, with all our love we say, Praise God, Praise Jesus, Praise Holy Spirit!

Numerous are the priests, sisters, lay leaders and other volunteers who gave generously of their hard labor, time, money and intercessory prayer in order to organize retreats and Bible conventions in India and abroad. To each one of
them, these humble servants offer their thanks in the name of Jesus. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15:57)

God reveals his glory

Those who stray from God are crushed by sin and sickness. Brokenness in the family is extremely painful and regrettable. In order to regenerate broken individuals and communities, God sends his messengers - preachers of the word of God. Through the ministry of the word and praying for the Holy Spirit, they help those broken in mind, heart and body to be renewed and to be transformed into evangelizers.

God of Wonders! Praise be to you

To bring those who have gone away from God, and are plunged in sin and grief, back to him, lead them to the salvation of Jesus - This itself is the greatest miracle. God gave us the grace to witness this miracle everywhere. He extended His constant protection to us. The safety we experienced on our journey and the care we received in every retreat center were amazing.
Gratefully,
Fr Mathew Naickomparambil V.C.


The Great Jubilee - Spiritual Advancement
Spiritual Expectations of the Year 2000

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil V. C.

"For the Grace of God has appeared, Bringing Salvation to All" (Tit. 2:11)

We are reading this issue of Vachanolsavam at a time when the grace and greatness of God are revealed to us in a special way for the salvation of all. Many thousands of people read Vachanolsavam and receive the light and grace of the Holy Spirit, recognizing and witnessing that Jesus is the Savior and they feel happy and fulfilled at that. Even while listening to the Word of God, many are receiving internal peace and tranquility and cure for physical maladies. They witness miraculous happenings and obtain the love of God. These are joyful things and that
is why nowadays people of all sorts, irrespective of caste, creed or religious affiliations, throng to partake in the retreats and read Vachanolsavam. Each one who comes to the retreat and reads the magazine gets blessing. This phenomenon has become a way for the positive and benevolent intervention of God and a fountain spring for graces in this era. To us, who are stepping into the third millennium, this development gives great hopes. We try hard and for long and are blessed with certain achievements. We bring out various publications. At this particular juncture, God has chosen us, our publications, and Vachanolsavam magazine, to spread at lightning speed, the Word of God, the Good News. Let us thank God for this great mercy on us.

We wish all the readers of Vachanolsavam the grace of the Holy Spirit, spiritual peace and tranquility and renewed faith. We pray for their well-being and prosperity. Let the omnipotent God bless abundantly all the readers of Vachanotsavam. Let Him shower on all of us His special, choicest blessings. Let Him instill in us spiritual gifts making us stronger in our faith so that we
march forward with confidence at this time of advancement of the Word of God. Praised be the name of Jesus! Praise be to the Father. Adoration to you, O Jesus! Hallelujah!!

The greatest revelation of these times is the Holy Spirit's highlighting to us the biblical messages indicating that God will render salvation to all and that He desires to give it to all. We read in Lk. 3:6, "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. "That this is the will and desire of God is shown in the first letter to Timothy. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." God does not want a single person to perish. "The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Therefore God prepares ways and avenues for repentance. These avenues are seen in the numerous retreats and conventions that are held these days and by taking part in them we receive salvation in plentiful and abundant measures. This is what God wants. Everyone should receive the saving graces of the Lord. Today there are 6 billion people, living in 200 countries spanning the five continents of the world and God wants the Good News to be spread to all of them without exception. You may ask whether it is possible for the omnipotent God to do it all by Himself. Of course, He can! But He wants the Good News to spread through us, the faithful believers. So present the Jesus we know and experience to others. Also share with others the Words of God that illuminated our lives. Thus, one with the other, the other with another, and so on the chain gets extended, each person becoming a link in propagating the Word of the Lord around the entire length and breadth of the universe. Also organize some groups and spread the biblical message. Teach the participants about the salvation Jesus offers. Inform them about the generous act of redemption, the absolution of sins that only Jesus offers. Tell them about the eternal and everlasting life He promises. What work is greater than this magnificent job of spreading the Good News? Jesus asks this stunning question: "For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life or what will they give in return for their life" (Matt. 16:26).

It is a matter of great joy, satisfaction and encouragement that at this point in time God is revealing the message of this spiritual salvation and eternal life to the people of different walks of life and faith. Today many, not only christians, but those baptized and not baptized belonging to other religious leanings take part in the retreats, read spiritual publications, receive the light of the Holy spirit, renew their lives and spiritually transform themselves. They become the living Witnesses of Jesus. With joy and happiness and without rest, everyday they proclaim their experiences to the eager multitudes. They gladly share the teachings of Our Lord with others.

I distinctly remember an incident that took place in Potta Ashram right in the beginning when conventions celebrating the Word of God commenced there. A non-christian came there to take part in the retreat. As he was a laborer on daily wages, he could not afford to come for the retreat everyday. But he came regularly on sundays to take part in the retreat proceedings. After attending the services on 4 sundays, he started hating his drinking habit. He soon got the grace to quit smoking, too. He also got relieved of his stomach ailment that was bothering him for long. His life soon transformed into one of joy and peace. Many miraculous changes took place in his life when he heard the word of the Lord. He experienced spiritual tranquility. His inner wounds were healed and he was filled with the joy and love of God. After a few weeks he started taking Vachanolsavam magazine to various households and getting new subscribers for the magazine.

He did that because the Holy Spirit, who gave him the necessary strength, joy and inspiration to do it, enlightened him. I still remember with a sense of wonder how that brother enrolled about 500 subscribers for Vachanolsavam magazine. He was not a highly educated man. He was just a laborer doing odd jobs; he was a drunkard once; he was a heavy smoker once; he had never experienced a peaceful life. But things changed. When he heard and listened to the witnesses proclaiming the miraculous changes brought in their lives by Jesus, when he read and understood the word of the Lord, he changed, he transformed. The Lord did wonders for him. His life was filled with the light and grace of the Holy Spirit. He was filled with burning missionary zeal.

Dear brethren, you may all have seen people of different faiths doing this kind of missionary work. You may even be one of them. If that were the case, let us praise the name of God, because this is a great blessing. Working for the greater glory of God, for the salvation of souls, for the repentance and change of heart of sinners, for preaching the word of God to those hitherto ignorant about it, to pray for and work earnestly in the evangelization process - all these are magnificent efforts. Once we might have lived and worked just to satisfy our stomach - our physical needs. But today things have changed for us. With God's love and care enveloping us, we have become zealous missionaries.

We have become the select, holy people of God. All these changes take place through the Word, while listening to the Word. When we accepted the Word, transformations occur in our lives, repentance come to us; we experience the strength of renewal, we are blessed with clear aims and objectives in our lives. We received the urge to spread the Gospel messages. It is not enough that we alone receive these special gifts of God.

Thousands, tens of thousands and millions too should obtain these blessings. It is reported that present day India has a population of 999 million. If it is so, all these 999 million should hear about Jesus, know Him, recognize Him as their Savior and Lord of the entire world. God will help them in this recognition and realization. He sends the Holy Spirit, performs miracles, shows signs of various sorts, cures physical and mental ills, gives peace in the family, and settles quarrels.

Dear people let us praise the Lord for this stage in our times; let us feel grateful to Him. God has chosen this as a very special age; and He has chosen us for a very special purpose. Listen to what He says, "You did not choose me but I chose you...the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name" (Jn.15: 16). This is a mighty promise. The very fact that you are reading this issue of vachanotsavam is a special chosen act of God. This choice is to know Him, to be filled with His infinite love, and to experience the God- head in your person. This choice is to witness Jesus and to preach the Good News to others. We can understand when we are told that Jesus chose 12 apostles. That was a very big choice. Later he chose, 72 people. From these 72, two each were sent to the towns to prepare the venues and retreat centers before Jesus and His disciples went there. And these chosen people were given powers to work miracles through the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!!

When we read that the apostles and the saints got such a divine selection, we can understand it. But it is a joyful experience that we have been chosen by God for this noble mission. Not only us, God is choosing thousands and millions of others for this work. Through our laborious efforts and our tolerance and sacrifices we should hope and pray for the change of heart of countless millions of sinners who still tread in darkness. That will be a commendable effort. We are at the portals of the year 2000, and God has bestowed on us some very great hopes. Our efforts never go in vain. Our prayers never go unanswered. There might be delay in getting answers to our requests, but answers will come. It is just a question of time. With this firm belief, let us pray for this century, for this millennium, in a very special way. Pray with the prompting and thoughts of the Holy Spirit. When we pray in this manner, in collaboration with the Holy Spirit and Jesus, God the
Father will heed that prayer and He will shower His choicest blessings on the countless millions of the world.

In Eph 4:10-18 we read how we withstand in our spiritual battles, in the battles against Satan. We are told how to fight and what Armour we should wear. Today we are in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Some political parties are terribly afraid even to hear the name of Jesus Christ. When they hear about the good News in the Bible, they pretend that they don't understand it. Some erroneous impressions have been created in their minds about conversions - that they are Forced. Under the circumstances, we ourselves need some determination, some insight and some knowledge. What does God want to achieve through us? The greatest thing is that all the faithful should receive the Holy Spirit and become witnesses to Jesus Christ. It is not enough to be witnesses proclaiming the mercies of God. But we must also live exemplary lives in which we behave with love, patience, mercy, affection and respect for one another. We should win the People for the Lord through our own impeccable lives. This attitude and understanding are very essential to do the missionary work for Christ. It is imperative to have this concept to become a real witness to Jesus. When we sit at table to eat with others, we pray loudly, "Dear Lord, you gave us this food; we thank you. We also pray for those who have nothing to eat. We thank you on everybody's behalf" When we pray in this manner, we are truly witnessing and proclaiming the presence of God. We are showing our gratitude to God. At such times speak for and on behalf of Jesus and tell the people about the miracles the Lord has wrought. These miracles may be the ones we read in Vachanotsavam or some other such publications. If you think the incidents you read about are true and convincing, tell others about them. When others listen to you, their spirituality will be touched and awakened and they will be freed from debilitating bonds; they will Be imbibed with peace; they will obtain the Holy Spirit. This is the benefit of witnessing and living unblemished lives of real witnesses.

So what can we do at present, in this age?

We become witnesses of Jesus in our private as well as social lives. Give the first place to Jesus. Do all your work in proper consultation with Jesus. This is the message to be carried out by all those who believe in Him. All, whether they are employed or unemployed, elders or children, should glorify the name of Jesus. Bear witness to Him. Invite Jesus into our lives and into the midst of our society. Conduct intercessory prayers; circulate our publications and other pamphlets, become active helpers in the spreading of the Biblical message. Learn the word,
Accept the word and share the Word. There are so many things waiting to be fulfilled through us.

God will give us the necessary strength. Each of these publications is preparing us for this noble work. God's grace has appeared for the redemption of all. Our sins are removed. We are freed from the bondages of sin. We are given a new vigor. God is giving us all these. Let us thank the Lord. Let us praise Him. Let us sing to Him hymns of gratitude. Hallelujah! Thank you, Oh Jesus!
Praises be to you, Oh Jesus!!

We are now entering the New Year. We are now standing at the glorious dawn of a new millennium. Each one of us must prepare a spiritual action plan, at least for this impending New Year. What all things am I going to do for my Lord? What are the things for which I have to prepare definite plans? Our New Year plan should, inter alia, should have the following: I will share the word of God with at least so many people; I will do my best to establish and develop prayer groups. How will I go about establishing these new groups? Have definite plans for all this. These can also be intercessory prayer groups. Through all these we experience spiritual growth and also the necessary experience to preach the Gospel of the Lord. To how many people will I preach? To how many people will I send the magazine? To how many people will I make the Holy Bible available? All these should become points to be included in our scheme. If we proceed according to the prepared schemes, we shall be able to achieve more than what we desire and hope for Jesus Christ and the Holy church and this can be seen in Eph. 3:20, "Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or
Imagine" Hallelujah!

We can also visit sick people and share the Good News with them. Go to a hospital. There you will meet patients and their relatives and friends. Ask them if you can pray for God's help. In your prayers, include the ones proclaiming that Jesus is the Savior, the one containing the message of promise of the Holy Spirit, the one assuring redemption and salvation offered by Jesus. When they hear these powerful prayers, at least a few will definitely have some change of heart and
Faith. Some will be spiritually awakened. Hallelujah! Praises to you, Oh Lord! So prepare an action plan for the New Year. Remember the plan and pray every day. Ask for the blessings of God so that our plan succeeds. Think there are thousands around us who are unfortunate, deprived and desperate without any ray of hope, mentally retarded, and helpless. We should find joy in serving such people. God loves such charitable acts on our part. You read about it in many places in the Holy Bible. So dear readers, we pray God the Almighty to do great things for you in
this New Year.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the grace to do good and continue doing the good work. It is the Holy Spirit that endows us with the thought to desire good and execute it to fruition. Therefore let the Holy Spirit shower on us His choicest blessings in this New Year and the new circumstances.