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This testimony is a deeply personal reflection on friendship, suffering, faith, and transformation. A Closer Walk with God Faith and Generosity of my friend For 23 years a very great friend named Ralph and I shared a house together. He was a more punctilious and better informed Catholic than I was. He frequently had votive masses said for friends and family who had anniversaries, and he was generous to people in difficulties, giving them money and a sympathetic ear. His Struggles, Pain and Fear He was also a chronic diabetic, injecting with insulin. We did many things together, attending mass, supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society and so on. He started to suffer agonizing pain in his feet and lower legs as the circulation in them began to fail and the nerves began to die. He told me he was afraid of the possibility of amputations if his feet got gangrene, for which there is no cure. Offering his Suffering to the Lord After some weeks, or perhaps it was a few months, I noticed that the fear had left his eyes in the times when we had to stop in the street because the pain in his feet and lower legs had grown so bad. I asked him why he was no longer afraid when I could see the pain was a permanent feature of his life and his health was steadily declining. He said it was because he was offering it up to God. This puzzled me because I knew nothing about this old devotional practice, and I couldn’t understand how it worked, but I thought: “well, if it helps him, that’s good.” A couple of times in the next 20 years we talked about this briefly. He explained that suffering can be offered to Jesus for him to use in the redemption of someone else, now, and that we can in this way walk in solidarity with Jesus as co-workers in his redemption of the world in our time, though he is now reigning with the Father in Heaven and interceding for us there. My friend's death and my journey of reflection Then Ralph suddenly died, and I found myself living alone for the first time. I began to review my life in radical ways. I found myself experiencing great sorrow for past sins in my life, going back to childhood, in the way I related to my parents and in other relationships. I experienced very deep remorse. This would happen perhaps a couple of times a week, when it was so severe that I would be overwhelmed by debilitating agony of heart and mind. My Struggles and Pain I would stand under my wall crucifix, often weeping bitterly. I would feel the pain of regret for my sins, not avoid it, ask pardon of Jesus, then ask him to take my suffering of great remorse and grief, and use it in his redeeming grace for someone else in the world who really needed grace right now. I found that I would almost feel the burden of suffering taken from me, and I could get on with my life until the next time this would happen, so that was a blessing. This pattern lasted for four and a half years, then came to an end My Relationship with Jesus I still suffer sometimes, of course, and offer it to Jesus. I noticed that I had developed a passionate and tender love of Jesus, for his own sufferings. He has become someone with whom I have a close personal relationship, rather than a distant almost Cosmic Public Figure. He is very real to me. I find I want very much to avoid causing him grief by the way I live. He came alive for me, in his humanity, because for the first time I regularly contemplated his sufferings, when offering my own to him for him to use. He is now the Love of my Life, and transforms my experience every day. He pours his grace into my life in great bounty. This change happened for me because I was prepared to share his sufferings in the way I have described. He gave me a heart of flesh instead of the heart of stone that had been mine. I experience his love every day. Max Broadbent Parishioner of St. Mary Pro-Cathedral Parish Christchurch, New Zealand

Discover the Catholic understanding of Marriage as a sacred sacrament which is a reflection of Christ love for his church What is the Catholic understanding of marriage? In Catholicism, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred sacrament. It is a divine covenant in which a baptized man and a baptized woman administer the sacrament to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. For Catholics, sacramental marriage mirrors the union of Christ with the Church, his mystical body, and is therefore regarded as an indissoluble union. The marriage rite typically takes place during a Mass, where a priest serves as the minister of the Eucharist and a witness to the couple’s mutual consent. This sacred union is not only a commitment between the husband and wife but also a means of sanctification. Through marriage, the couple is drawn into a deeper understanding of God’s love, fostering spiritual growth and holiness. M oreover, Catholic marriage is inherently ordered toward fruitfulness. The couple is called to welcome and raise children within the teachings of the Church, ensuring that the family becomes a living reflection of God’s love and grace.

The Healing Prayer of Forgiveness is a powerful prayer that brings emotional, spiritual, and even physical healing by asking forgiveness from God. Healing Prayer of Forgiveness Dear Lord Jesus, For the sake of your sorrowful passion, I ask you to forgive all my sins, especially those that I have allowed any form of sickness or disease to enter my body and harm my health. I humbly ask you to send forth the Holy Spirit’s gift of conviction and shine the light of truth into the deepest recesses of my soul, so that I may make a complete act of contrition before you now. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all my sins, especially for any unknown and hidden sins. I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I ask forgiveness for all the times I failed to make you Lord over my life. Forgive me for having other gods before me, for bowing and serving them; for taking your most holy name in vain and for failing to observe the Sabbath day of rest. Please forgive me for not honoring my father and mother, committing the sin of adultery or abortion, stealing, bearing false witness and coveting my neighbor’s spouse, property and possessions. Please forgive me for not loving you with my whole heart, mind, body, soul and spirit, for not loving my neighbour as myself and for disrespecting my body, the temple of your Holy Spirit. Please forgive me for not taking better care of my health, for eating unhealthy foods and poisoning my body with chemicals, drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and any other harmful substance or medication. Please forgive me for committing the sins of hypocrisy, intolerance, unforgiveness, ungratefulness, disbelief, deception, disobedience, envy, pride, fantasy, fornication, idolatry, impatience, division, dissension, offending others, hard-heartedness, hate, haughtiness, anger, rebellion, gambling, greed, intimidation, jealousy, perfectionism, judgmentalness, lust, manipulation, resentment, rudeness, sexual idolatry, sexual immorality, sexual impurity, sexual perversion, selfishness, self-centeredness, self-righteousness, self-pity, slander, worry, vanity, worldliness, witchcraft, addictions, dependencies, complaining, gossiping and all other forms of unrighteousness. Lord Jesus, I ask you to forgive me for all my sins, trespasses and transgressions and cover all my offenses with your most precious blood. Surround me with your light and penetrate the very depths of my being with your love. Let no area of darkness remain in me, but transform my whole being with the healing light of your infinite love. I make this prayer in your Precious Holy Name. Amen

Discover true happiness through Jesus' Beatitudes. This sermon contrasts worldly success with lasting joy in Christ, urging us to trust in God rather than fleeting comforts. Blessings and Woes: Choosing the Right Path Introduction What does it mean to be truly blessed? If you ask the world, you’ll get answers like: Having a comfortable life. Achieving success. Gaining recognition and praise. But today, Jesus presents a radically different message in Luke 6:20-26. He speaks of Blessings (Beatitudes) and Woes (Warnings)—two opposing paths that lead to two very different destinies. This is not just a nice spiritual reflection; it is a challenge to make a decisive moral choice about where we place our trust—in the world or in God. 1. The Beatitudes and the Woes: A Great Reversal CHOOSE Jesus’ four Beatitudes (Blessings) (Luke 6:20-22) stand in direct contrast to the four Woes (Luke 6:24-26). This mirrors the Covenant blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where Moses set before Israel life and death, blessing and curse. Jesus is calling His disciples to the same choice. Let’s look at these contrasts: Blessed are… Woe to… The Poor The Rich The Hungry The Satisfied The Weeping The Laughing The Persecuted T he Praised At first glance, this seems unfair. Is Jesus saying that wealth, food, joy, and recognition are evil? No! He is warning that these things become dangerous when they make us forget God and our need for His mercy. Practical Application: If you are wealthy, ask yourself: Do I use my blessings to serve others, or am I attached to them? If you are struggling, take courage: God sees you, and He promises eternal joy. Do not seek human approval more than God’s truth. 2. What Does it Mean to Be Truly Poor? When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor”, He does not only mean material poverty. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2546) teaches that spiritual poverty is an attitude of humility and trust in God. This means: Even the materially poor can be attached to the little they own. Even the wealthy can live in poverty of spirit if they rely completely on God. Jesus is calling us to detachment, not necessarily to give everything away, but to have hearts that are not enslaved by wealth. Practical Application: Ask yourself: If I lost everything today, would I still trust God? Practice generosity—not just with money, but with time, forgiveness, and love. Avoid the trap of believing that success equals happiness. 3. The Danger of False Security Jesus warns, "Woe to you who are rich… woe to you who laugh now" (Luke 6:24-26). This echoes the prophetic warnings in the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:6-20). Worldly wealth and success are not evil, but they become a curse when they: Make us selfish. Give us a false sense of security. Lead us to forget God and the demands of His covenant. Practical Application: Use your resources to serve the Kingdom of God, not just yourself. Remember that wealth is temporary—but eternal life is forever. Instead of seeking human praise, seek to do what is right before God. 4. The Cross is the Christian’s Path Being a disciple of Jesus means following His path—a path that led Him to rejection, suffering, and the cross. St. Peter reminds us: "If one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name" (1 Peter 4:15-16). St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote to early Christians, who were persecuted: "When Christians are hated by the world, they need greatness of soul, not just words." Practical Application: Do not be afraid to stand for your faith, even if others mock you. When facing struggles, unite your suffering with Christ’s. Be a witness to Christ, not just in words, but in actions. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice Jesus presents us today with two paths: ✔ One that leads to eternal blessing. ✔ One that leads to spiritual ruin. It is up to us to choose wisely. This week, let us: ✅ Examine our attachments—do they bring us closer to God or further from Him? ✅ Seek true joy in God alone. ✅ Be courageous in living our faith. May we be truly blessed, not by the world's standards, but by Christ’s.

Read an inspiring testimony of miraculous healing through faith. A journey from unbearable pain to divine restoration, showcasing the power of prayer and trust in Jesus Healed by His Grace: A Testimony of Faith and Healing Struggling with Unbearable Pain In 2020, I was experiencing severe pain in my leg, which made it incredibly difficult to carry out my daily routine. The pain was so unbearable that I often asked my daughter to stand on my leg to relieve the discomfort. While this provided some temporary relief, it was far from a solution. One day, by accident, my daughter stood on my knee instead of my leg. The pain that followed was excruciating—it left me unable to move and brought me to tears. This incident happened at 2 p.m., and I spent the next few hours in unbearable agony. Seeking Medical Help Without Relief At 6 p.m., my friend and her family came to visit me. Seeing my condition, they kindly accompanied me to see a doctor. The doctor prescribed some medication, but even after taking it, my pain persisted. That night, the pain was so intense that I couldn’t sleep. By midnight, overwhelmed and desperate, I cried out to the Lord with tears streaming down my face. I begged Him for healing and told Him, "Please heal me, or take me away." Exhausted and broken, I eventually drifted into sleep. A Divine Encounter in a Dream At around 2 a.m., I had a dream that changed everything. In my dream, I saw Jesus standing before me. He spoke to me lovingly, saying, “Get up, my girl. You can stand and move. Hold my hand. ”When I woke up, the room was silent, and I saw no one around. I looked at the altar in my room and said to Jesus, "You told me to get up, and I will try. Please hold my hand." With courage and faith, I made the effort to stand and move. The Miracle of Healing To my amazement, the pain was gone! I could move without any discomfort in my leg. It was a miracle—a moment of divine healing that filled me with immense joy and gratitude. Gratitude and Praise I am deeply thankful to Jesus for this incredible healing. This testimony is my way of praising and thanking God for His mercy and love in my life. Praise you and thank you, Jesus! Perpeth Prashant Fernandes Parishioner of St. Louis Church Dahisar, Mumbai Share your story If you are inspired by Perpeth Fernandes' story, feel free to share your own story with us Email to us your story at: jy2025withvincent@gmail.com In this Jubilee Year let us share God's love and mercy by sharing our faith or vocation stories Leave a comment below to share anything that inspired you about Perpeth Fernandes' Testimony comments debug टिप्पणियां एक टिप्पणी लिखें एक टिप्पणी लिखें अपने विचार साझा करें टिप्पणी करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें।

Discover the Catholic teaching on the Second Coming of Christ—a future event when Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Learn about its biblical foundation, signs of His coming, and how we are called to prepare with faith and hope for His glorious return WHEN WILL JESUS' "SECOND COMING" WILL TAKE PLACE? THE FUNDAMENTALIST POSITION One of the five “fundamentals” affirmed in the twelve—volume work entitled “The Fundamentals” published in 1909 is the belief in the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ. The second coming of Christ will signal the end of the world. That is why the imminent end of the world is one of the prominent themes in the preaching of fundamentalists. They base their belief in what is called the “eschatological” discourse of Jesus (Mk ch.13, Mt ch.24, Lk ch.21). THE CATHOLIC POSITION The Catholic position concerning the time of the “second coming” of Jesus and of the end of the world may be expressed in 3 statements. I. JESUS WILL COME AGAIN That Jesus will “come again to judge the living and dead” is one of the primary truths of the Catholic Faith. Catholics confess this truth every time they profess the Nicene—Constantinople Creed or the shorter Apostles’ Creed during the eucharistic celebration. 2. BUT WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN JESUS WILL COME 2.1. No precise date is given by Jesus in the Gospels Fundamentalists claim that Jesus’ coming is imminent, that it is close at hand, round the corner; it will take place soon. They claim that this doctrine is taught in the New Testament, especially in the eschatological discourse (discourse on the end) of Jesus. Let us, therefore, turn to the eschatological discourse and see whether in this discourse Jesus really did teach that the end of the world is imminent. Let us study the discourse as in the Gospel according to Mark. (1) The discourse is a very complex one written in the apocalyptic literary form. To unravel its message, we must recognize that in the discourse Jesus alternates between r speaking of the end of the world and the end of Jerusalem. (a) 13:1—4: Introduction; (b) 13:5—13: end of the world. (c) 13:14—23: end of Jerusalem; (d) 13:24—27: end of the world; (e) 13:28—31: end of Jerusalem; (f) 13:32—36: end of the world; (g) 13:37: Conclusion. (2) In the passages on the end of the world, Jesus states that no one knows when the end will take place, not even he himself; this is something known only to the Father. “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mk 13:32), same saying is found in Mt 24:36. Since Jesus says that he himself does not know the date, it is reasonable to conclude that he leaves no room for further useless questions from his disciples. (3) But Mk 13:30 says, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.” Does this verse not speak of an imminent end? No. (a) The verse appears in the passage on the end of Jerusalem and not on the end of the world. Truly, some of those who were listening to Jesus would be present when Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D.70. (b) The verse cannot refer to the end of the world, be cause if it did then Jesus’ words would be proved false, For the end of the world has not taken place till now, and that generation is long dead. 2.2 The “signs of the end” Fundamentalists consistently refer to certain “signs” that they find in the New Testament which they claim will announce or precede the end of the world. They find these “signs” not only in the eschatological discourse of Jesus but also in other texts of the New Testament, (1) What are the signs of the end? (a) In the eschatological discourse: * Wars and rumors of wars (Mk 13:7; Mt 24:6—7). * Earthquakes and famines (Mk 13:8). * Social disintegration (Mt 13:12; Mt 24:10). * Persecution of Christians (Mk 13:9—13; Mt 24:9—13). * Cosmic upheavals (Mk 13:24—25; Mt 24:29). (b) In other texts of the New Testament: * The preaching of the Gospel in the whole world (Mk 13:10; Mt 24:14). * The conversion of the nations and of the Jewish people (Rom 11:25—26). * The coming of the Antichrist and the departing from the true Faith (2 Thes 2:1—12). (2) Are the signs reliable indicators of the end of the world? Obviously not. (a) The signs mentioned in the eschatological discourse have been present in every century since the time of Jesus: wars, social disintegration, cosmic upheavals, resistance to the Gospel (anti-Christ), defections from the Faith. (b) The rest of the signs refer to a future that seems a long, long way off: * The preaching of the Gospel in the whole world: if we go by this sign, the end of the world is certainly not imminent, for if look at the present situation, a large portion of humans have not heard the Gospel. * The conversion of the nations and of the Jewish people: if this is a sign, then the end will certainly not take place in our lifetime, for there is no evidence of a world-wide turning to Jesus Christ. * The coming of the Antichrist and the departing from the true Faith: this sign is not special of our times, those who have opposed Christ and have abandoned the true Faith have, existed in all generations, as even a cursory reading of Church history will reveal. 2.3. Predictions of the end so far have proven false After the ascension of Jesus Christ, Christians in every generation and century have expected in vain the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ and the end of the world, (1) In the first century Christians, like Paul, believed that the second coming of Christ and the end of the world would take place during their lifetime. The letters of Paul to the Thessalonians clearly bears witness to this belief. In 1 Thessalonians written in A.D.52, Paul shared this apparently common belief (1 Thes 4:15). But his later letters reveal that he became reconciled to the fact that the second coming of Christ and the end of the world was not as imminent as he had previously thought! (1 Cor 15:23—24; Phil 3:20). (2) Since the first century till today Again and again in the history of the Church, there have arisen preachers/teachers who have announced the end of the world based on the “signs” which they found in the New Testament. And again and again, every one of such predictions has proved false. (a) Such predictions are the common themes of Christian fundamentalists in their preaching and in their writing. (b) Such predictions are the common themes of non— Christian fundamentalists, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The most significant failed predictions of the Jehovah’s Witnesses have been for the years 1914 and 1975. 3. THEREFORE WE ARE TO BE ALWAYS READY FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (1) Seeing that we do not know when the world will come to an end, much less than that end is imminent, what is to be our attitude and behaviour between now and then? For an answer we must turn to the conclusion of the eschatological discourse. Let us consider Mk 13:33—37. The passage begins with, “Take heed, watch and pray” and concludes with “And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.” Four times does the word “watch” appear in the passage. What is this from the part of Jesus but a call that we are to be continually ready for the end. Readiness today — and every day becomes a today — means readiness for the end whenever that will be. “O that today you would hear his voice! Harden not your hearts…”(Ps 95:7b—8a). (2) Even though Paul and the first Christians believed that Jesus would come again during their lifetime, Paul’s teaching on the second coming and the end of the world does not go beyond the teaching of Jesus. In 1 Thes 5:1—11 the Apostle states that the day of Jesus’ second coming is uncertain, and therefore “let us keep awake and be sober.” CONCLUSION What must be our attitude and behaviour between now and then? (1) Do not be taken in by preachers, teachers, and writers who by clever but deceptive words lead naive people to believe that the “signs” spoken of in the New Testament are taking place today, and therefore the end of the world will occur any day now. Such evangelists are simply confidence-tricksters for they play upon the gullibility and the fears of people and, like all con-men, end up by relieving people of their money; they amass a fortune by the sale of their literature. Such doomsday prophets are clearly deceivers, because they claim to know when the end will be, something that Jesus himself admitted he did not know. (2) Hear the words of Jesus and not the words of these religious deceivers. Do not speculate a]out “signs”, and when the end of the world will occur. Rather, be ready for the end of the world today. Put your life in order today: your relationship to God and your relationship to others! If full world ends today, you will be ready! This is be to be free, indeed! (3) Practically and more importantly, the end of a person’s life - the moment of death — is the end of the world as far as that person is concerned. To be ready for the end of the world s to be ready for the end of one’s life at death!

Pope Francis, 88, is undergoing intensive treatment for pneumonia and respiratory issues. His condition remains serious, but he is alert and receiving ongoing care. The global Catholic community unites in prayer for his recovery Pope Francis' Health Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has faced a significant health decline over the past few days. Initially admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for bronchitis, his condition rapidly worsened, progressing to bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican’s health update on February 22 revealed that Pope Francis had suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required immediate and intensive medical intervention, including high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions to address his worsening condition of anemia. Despite these treatments, Pope Francis remains in a serious condition, though he is still alert and has been seen sitting up. Medical experts remain cautious about his prognosis, though his ongoing care continues to be prioritized at the hospital. The Vatican has stated that his public engagements have been suspended for the time being, and there are no immediate plans for his return to public duties. During this challenging time, the global Catholic community has united in prayer for the Pope’s swift recovery. Special prayer services and masses have been held in Catholic Churches all over the world. Many faithful have expressed concern for the Holy Father, showing solidarity through various religious observances and prayers, hoping for his health to improve. Pope Francis continues to receive intensive medical care from a team of doctors and specialists. The Vatican has assured the public that all efforts are being made to stabilize his condition. For now, his health remains the focus, with updates expected as the medical team monitors his progress closely. As the situation develops, the Catholic Church and millions of its followers around the world are watching closely and praying for the Pope’s strength and recovery.

The Eucharist is the ultimate act of thanksgiving, as the very word Eucharist means “thanksgiving” in Greek. In every Mass, we give thanks to God for His love, mercy, and the gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. The Eucharist as Thanksgiving The word Eucharist itself comes from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. At its heart, the Eucharist is the Church’s greatest act of thanksgiving, offering praise and gratitude to God for His infinite love, mercy, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Every Mass is a celebration of gratitude, uniting the faithful with Christ’s perfect offering to the Father. Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist as Thanksgiving Throughout Scripture, thanksgiving is a central theme in worship. In the Old Testament, the Israelites offered sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His blessings and faithfulness (Psalm 107:1). The Passover meal, which Jesus transformed into the Eucharist, was itself a meal of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and gave thanks before breaking it and offering it to His disciples (Luke 22:19). This act of thanksgiving was not just a moment of gratitude but the foundation of the Eucharistic celebration, in which Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. The Eucharist as the Perfect Act of Thanksgiving The Eucharist is the Church’s response of gratitude for God’s greatest gift—Jesus Christ. Through His Death and Resurrection, Christ restored our relationship with God, and in the Mass, we join Him in offering perfect thanks. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this, stating: “The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God” (CCC 1360). Every Eucharistic prayer is filled with thanksgiving, as the priest proclaims: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” The congregation responds: “It is right and just.” This exchange highlights the central truth of the Eucharist—that giving thanks to God is both our duty and our joy. Living a Eucharistic Life of Gratitude The Eucharist is not only an act of thanksgiving during Mass but a call to live a life of gratitude every day. Those who receive the Body and Blood of Christ are invited to reflect His love in their actions, recognizing every blessing as a gift from God. True thanksgiving is expressed not just in words but in a life lived in love, service, and generosity toward others. St. Paul reminds us: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Eucharist strengthens us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, even in difficult times, by reminding us of God’s constant presence and grace. Conclusion The Eucharist is the ultimate act of thanksgiving, offering praise and gratitude to God for His love and salvation. It calls the faithful to a life of thankfulness, transforming hearts and deepening our communion with Christ. As we participate in the Eucharistic celebration, may we always approach the altar with hearts full of gratitude, recognizing the immeasurable gift of Christ’s sacrifice and presence among us.

Victory in the Wilderness: Jesus, the New Adam ✝️ As we enter Lent, we reflect on Jesus' triumph over temptation in the wilderness—a victory that reverses Adam’s failure. Where the first Adam fell, Christ, the New Adam, stood firm, paving the way for our redemption. His example teaches us how to resist temptation through prayer, fasting, and trust in God. Victory in the Wilderness: Jesus, the New Adam As we begin our Lenten journey, the Gospel for today invites us into the wilderness, where Jesus fasts and is tempted by the devil. This moment marks the beginning of His mission as the Saviour of the world. The wilderness, both a geographical location and a symbol of testing, is the place where Israel once failed but where Jesus triumphs. While Moses and the Israelites succumbed to temptation in the desert, Jesus emerges victorious, undoing the failure of humanity and inaugurating a renewed creation. This victory is also deeply connected to Adam, the first man. In the Book of Genesis, Adam was tempted in the Garden of Eden, surrounded by abundance, and yet he failed by giving in to Satan’s deception. In contrast, Jesus, the New Adam, faces temptation in the desolation of the wilderness, yet He remains faithful to God. Where Adam's disobedience led to the fall of humanity, Christ’s obedience paves the way for redemption. As St. Ambrose reflects, "As the first Adam was cast out of paradise and driven out into the wilderness, the second Adam came out of the wilderness and entered paradise. The damage is repaired by walking back over the same steps, and the divine order is restored by the return to origins." The First Temptation of Jesus The temptations of Christ are not random trials but direct challenges to His identity and mission. The first temptation appeals to the flesh: "Turn these stones into bread." The devil seeks to undermine Jesus’ trust in the Father by urging Him to use His divine power for His own needs. But Jesus responds with the Word of God: "Man shall not live by bread alone." This reminds us that our deepest hunger is not physical but spiritual, and only God can satisfy the longings of the human heart. The Second Temptation of Jesus The second temptation offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship of Satan. This is a test of power. The devil proposes an easier path—one without the Cross. But Jesus refuses to compromise. True kingship comes not from dominion but from obedience to God. He declares, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve." Third Temptation of Jesus The third temptation takes place at the pinnacle of the Temple. The devil urges Jesus to throw Himself down, suggesting that God will surely save Him. This is the temptation of presumption—demanding that God act on our terms. Jesus rebukes the devil: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." Faith is not about manipulating God but surrendering to His will. Luke presents these temptations in an order that culminates in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus will complete His mission. The battle does not end in the desert; the devil will return at an "opportune time." That moment comes in the Passion, where Christ, through obedience unto death, wins the definitive victory over sin and Satan. Lessons for Our Lenten Journey What does this passage teach us today? First, it reminds us that temptation is part of the Christian journey. Jesus was tempted, but He overcame by standing firm in God's Word. This is our weapon too. Second, it shows us that the devil always offers shortcuts—comfort without sacrifice, power without servanthood, glory without the Cross. But Jesus teaches us that true victory comes through faithfulness, not compromise. Finally, the passage calls us to rely on prayer and fasting. Jesus fasted for forty days, showing us that spiritual discipline strengthens us against the enemy. As we enter Lent, let us follow Jesus into the wilderness—not in fear but in faith. With Him, we can overcome temptation. With Him, we can triumph over sin. And with Him, we will one day enter the true Promised Land—the eternal paradise of God. Amen.

Discover powerful story of Greta Pillai from Muscat how she experienced guidance of the Holy Spirit in her life. Guided by the Holy Spirit: A Journey of Faith and Trust 🎉 Special Note: Today, we celebrate not just this incredible testimony of faith but also the birthday of Greta Pillai! Join us in wishing her a day filled with joy and blessings! 🎂 Facing Life’s Challenges Life has been a journey filled with ups and downs, with challenges that tested me in countless ways. At times, I felt lost and unsure of how to move forward. In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to the Lord in prayer—simple, heartfelt prayers asking the Holy Spirit to guide me. And the Lord answered, offering His help in ways I needed most. Daily Prayers for Grace My devotion to the Holy Spirit is strong and unwavering. I firmly believe the Lord has given us the Holy Spirit as our comforter and counselor. Each day, I pray for the grace to face life’s challenges, whether it’s physical pain, mental stress, or uncertainties about the future. Once I experienced a severe pain in my back, I turn to the Lord in prayer, asking for His help and if possible, healing. The healing did not come but he gave me grace to go through my daily activities. As God said to St. Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) God Answers in Unexpected Ways I have witnessed the Holy Spirit answering my prayers in ways I never anticipated. His help often comes through people who cross my path, offering encouragement, kindness, and strength just when I need it most.I remember a day when I was paralyzed with fear as a stray dog barked at me. Unable to move, I prayed to the Holy Spirit for courage. Almost immediately, someone came by and helped me face the situation. In moments like these, I deeply feel God’s presence, reassuring me that I am never alone. God often speaks and come through others, reminding us we are never alone. Trusting God’s Perfect Timing Sometimes, the answers to my prayers don’t come right away. Yet, I have learned to wait patiently, trusting that Jesus will respond in His perfect time. And without fail, He always does. God’s timing is perfect—even when we cannot see it, He is working for our good. God is Everywhere I sense God’s presence in the beauty of nature—the rustling of leaves, the vibrant colors of a sunset, and the gentle breeze. These moments remind me of His incredible love and creative power. They fill me with gratitude and awe, deepening my awareness of His presence in every aspect of life. Gratitude and Encouragement I thank God for all He has done and continues to do in my life. I am deeply grateful to Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit as my constant guide and helper. To anyone reading this, I want to encourage you: have faith, pray, and trust in Jesus. Even in the hardest times, He is always there, working everything out for your good. Greta Pillai Holy Spirit Church, Ghala, Muscat, Oman Greta, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂 May this special day be filled with joy, love, and the peace of the Lord. As you celebrate another year of life, may you continue to feel His presence guiding and blessing you in every step you take. Your faith and trust in God inspire all who hear your story, and today, we thank Him for the gift of your life. May He grant you abundant blessings, good health, and strength for the journey ahead. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you." (Numbers 6:24-25) With prayers and best wishes, Fr. Vincent Barboza "When life feels overwhelming, prayer becomes the anchor that steadies the soul" "Every prayer is heard; every moment of waiting is part of His plan" Share your story If you are inspired by Greta Pillai's story, feel free to share your own story with us Email to us your story at: jy2025withvincent@gmail.com In this Jubilee Year let us share God's love and mercy by sharing our faith and vocation stories Leave a comment below to wish Greta Pillai a happy birthday and share how her testimony has inspired you! comments debug टिप्पणियां एक टिप्पणी लिखें एक टिप्पणी लिखें Condividi i tuoi pensieri Scrivi il primo commento.

Bring Alive the Word of God is a journey to deepen our faith by immersing ourselves in Scripture. Discover how God’s Word speaks to us today, transforming hearts and lives. Through reflection, study, and practical application, we seek to make the Bible a living reality in our daily walk with Christ. BRING ALIVE THE WORD OF GOD TO BEAR FRUITS The gospel of John 1:1-3 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …..and all things were made through him.” If the word is God who created everything, including us, then it would be appropriate to keep that word in our hearts like Mary. The fitting place for the word of God should be in the person’s heart, mind, spirit, and soul and not in the “book.” The book is just a container to collect the word of God to be used for future but it lies there dormant. The real container or vessel for God’s words is the human person where it should live and should come alive. The end product of the word of God should always be the human person to whom it was addressed. Relationship between the human person and human word To understand better the relationship between the word of God and the human person, it is worth looking at the relationship between the human person and the human word. As human beings, we are gifted with the speech of a word. We communicate with other human beings and sometimes with other living beings in words. We express ourselves and our feelings through words. These words are our extension which goes out into the world. The Power of Words We communicate with the outside world through our words, and it is a powerful force given to us by God who created us in his image and likeness. (Gen 1:26-27). Our words have power. It has the power to do good or evil, to break or build, and to make happy or sad. Both ways we can use this tool for the good or detriment of others and ourselves. Words from others in our daily life Words do matter to us. Words are used in our relationships in family, office, community, and everywhere. Our relationship depends on our words and the words of others. We love and appreciate a person who uses words of love, affection, concern, care, motivation, courage, praise, thanks etc. Good words are effective for the speedy recovery of those who are sick. Beside them we also need positive words to keep us motivated and healthy What the word of God says about the human word There are scriptures from the old and new testaments telling us about the power of the human word. The power of the word is given to us by God and we are responsible for it how we use it. The word of God warns us against the wrong use of our words. James in his letter says “tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire.” (Jam 3:5). The small member of our body, the tongue can cause great damage to others. We should always be careful with our words before we speak because we are accountable for words which can do good or harm to other. There is no doubt why Jesus said, “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”(Mt 12:36). It is we who are responsible for others' well-being and destruction. What the scientific community say about the power of human word What the word of God has said already in the Scripture about the power of human words, scientific studies now confirm it. Some of the studies show the power of words and their effect on physical and mental well-being. It shows that positive and negative words not only affect us on a deep psychological level, but they have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives. There are other scientific experiment that says our words affect things like water, plants and other living beings. The Power of the Spoken Word Human beings have always expressed words in oral and written form. But the oral or spoken word is more effective than the written word. In the spoken word we see the words lively and effective. This form is used very effectively by teachers, preachers, orators, politicians, salespersons and actors to communicate and convince listeners. If the person is a good speaker, it is more effective. The more you master this skill more you are effective. The Oral Word of God in the Scripture The oral tradition of the Scripture shows us the powerful impact of the oral word of God in the life of the church. The word of God first existed in the oral form. The written word of God is a record of the oral word of God for the future generation. In case of Jesus we see him speaking to his people orally. At the later stage, his spoken words were put down in writing for the benefit of his future followers. We see the wonderful thing about the oral word of God in the first four centuries of the church. The believers without the written word of God were more effective and powerful in converting people to the Lord than now with the whole written word of God in the Bible. The written word of God in the Bible came into existence at the end of the fourth century when the Church at the Council of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397) declared 73 books as inspired. The early believers had the good news in the oral form in their hearts and minds. Through these spoken words they performed powerfully wonders and miracles to draw more people to the Lord. How to bring alive the word of God to bear fruits in our life? If we need miracles to happen in our life, we need to bring alive the word of God from the Bible. This we do it by reading the word of God daily. By reading the Bible daily, we bring the words out from the Bible into our hearts, minds, spirits and souls. By reading the word of God we are shifting it from the written form into the oral form which was the original form of our Lord. As the liturgy of the word in the Mass is a preparation for the liturgy of the bread, similarly daily reading of the word of God in our personal life will be preparation for rest of the day. The word of God meditated by us remains in our hearts and minds like the early believers which will help us to face any challenges of the day. The reading of the word of God should always be accompanied by prayer as Vat II in Dei Verbum 21 says “we speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine oracles.” Finally, do it as a daily exercise. Repeat some of the scripture passages which are comforting and edifying. When you feel low, the word of God will lift you. More than any human words, God’s word will be strong enough to motivate you. Instead of negative self-talk which keeps you back substitute it with the word of God which will help you to go through your day's journey. Do not allow anyone or anything around you to make you unhappy rather allow the Lord to make you happy for his words are very empowering to keep you happy.

Discover the inspiring work of Fr. Vincent Barboza, a Catholic Priest from Mumbai, dedicated to faith, service and sharing God's love. About Fr. Vincent Barboza Fr. Vincent Barboza is a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Bombay, currently serving in the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand. Raised in Mumbai, India, with roots in Mangalore, Karnataka, Fr. Vincent brings a rich blend of cultural heritage, spiritual dedication, and pastoral care to his ministry. Pastoral Ministry With over two decades of priestly service, Fr. Vincent has ministered to diverse parishes, focusing on nurturing faith communities through the sacraments, pastoral care, and faith-based programs. His pastoral assignments have included roles in Mumbai, New Zealand, and beyond, where he has passionately worked to build communities rooted in Christ. Faith Formation and Outreach Programmes Fr. Vincent is dedicated to empowering individuals to grow in their faith and live a Christ-centered life through: Faith Education: Courses on Catholic Evangelization, Apologetics and Theology. Spiritual Renewal: Retreats and seminars for personal and communal growth. Sacramental Guidance: Resources and teachings to deepen understanding of the sacraments. Youth Engagement: Programmes like spiritual sessions, value education, prayer methods and memory techniques for school students. Community Outreach: Providing theological insights and spiritual resources for individuals and groups, such as workshops for different communities on life skill and faith, visits to hospitals, rest homes, retired villages to offer spiritual support and sacraments and organizing charitable drives for food, clothing and education supplies. A Call to Serve Rooted in the Gospel call to be “the salt of the earth and light of the world” (Mt 5:13-16), Fr. Vincent’s ministry is dedicated to leading people closer to God through faith education, spiritual enrichment, and sacramental life. His mission is to inspire, guide, and walk alongside individuals on their journey toward Christ. Discover More Explore his vocation story , weekly reflections, inspiring testimonies, faith-filled videos and thoughtful blogs to engage more deeply with the Catholic faith and its teachings.