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Discover the powerful connection between prayer and medicine in healing. Explore scientific studies, faith-based benefits, and real-life examples of how spirituality supports physical well-being. Learn how faith, prayer, and medical treatment work together for holistic health Prayer and Medicine - The Healing Power of Faith and Science For centuries, physicians, psychologists, and sociologists have recognized the significant role of faith in healing. While medical advancements have transformed healthcare, the connection between spirituality and physical well-being remains profound. Scientific studies confirm that a combination of prayer, faith, and medicine contributes to overall health and recovery. The Science Behind Prayer and Healing Medical and scientific communities have discovered the great benefits that a healthy spiritual life can bring to physical health. From scientific experiments, we know that practices such as meditation and and other spiritual exercises create a sense of peace. Spirituality is a powerful tool to cope with illness, and faith and prayer can promote physical well-being. Numerous cases exist where sheer faith and will have led patients to recover from terminal illnesses or live longer than expected. These phenomena have now become the subject of scientific exploration. Dr. Dale A. Mathews affirms, "We cannot prove scientifically that God heals, but I believe we can prove that belief in God has a beneficial effect." He further states, "There is little doubt that healthy religious faith and practices can help people get better." The Role of the Eucharist and Church Attendance Countless studies show that people who attend church regularly enjoy better health. Meditation helps reduce stress-related diseases, and loving support groups contribute to longer, happier lives. A survey of 5,286 individuals in California, USA, found that church members have lower death rates than non-members, regardless of risk factors such as smoking, drinking, obesity, and inactivity. Additional findings include: Heart surgery patients find comfort and strength through religious faith. Churchgoers have lower blood pressure—by about 5mm—even after accounting for other health risks. Elderly individuals who regularly attend church are less depressed and physically healthier than those who do not attend or worship at home. Female patients who regarded God as a source of strength and comfort recovered faster from hip fractures and had lower depression rates than those with little faith. People of faith had fewer symptoms or better health outcomes in seven out of eight cancer studies, four out of five blood pressure studies, four out of six heart disease studies, and four out of five general health studies. Strong religious commitment is linked to lower rates of depression, alcoholism, addiction, and anxiety-related illnesses. Suicide rates were four times higher among non-churchgoers than regular church attendees. Scientific Experiments on Prayer While science does not advocate selling religion, several physicians pray privately for their patients or encourage discussions about faith. Some doctors arrange for spiritual counselors or allow time for prayer before major procedures.The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a "state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This holistic approach aligns with the understanding that medicine and faith work together in healing. The Union of Prayer and Medicine Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School described the "relaxation response," which involves repeating a word, phrase, or sound—like reciting the Rosary—to promote calmness and healing. Cardiologist Randolph Byrd conducted a study on 393 heart patients, dividing them into two groups. One group was prayed for by individuals nationwide, while the other was not. The patients did not know which group they belonged to. The results revealed that those who were prayed for had fewer complications, lower pneumonia rates, fewer cardiac arrests, less congestive heart failure, and required fewer antibiotics. The Role of Medical Professionals and Prayer God works through doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, and nurses to facilitate nature’s healing process. All of these individuals are ministers of healing, and prayer and medicine together form a powerful healing ministry. Scripture supports this view: "Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and it was God who established his profession." (Sirach 38:1) St. Paul even recommended wine for stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). Renowned French surgeon Andrew Palev once said, "I dressed the wounds, but God healed them." This perspective beautifully encapsulates the harmony between faith and medical science. Final Thoughts Prayer and medicine are not opposing forces but complementary ones. While medical treatment addresses physical ailments, faith provides emotional and spiritual strength. Whether through divine intervention or psychological benefits, prayer remains a powerful force in healing. As St. Augustine wisely advised, "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."

On this Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), we reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son—a story not just about one lost son, but two. One strays in reckless living, the other in self-righteousness. Yet, at the heart of it all is a father whose love and mercy know no bounds. The Merciful Father and the Call to Conversion On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, the Church invites us to rejoice as we journey toward Easter. But what is the source of our joy? It is the boundless mercy of our Heavenly Father, so powerfully illustrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) in today’s Gospel. Although the parable is commonly called The Prodigal Son, the true central figure of the story is the father, whose love and mercy extend to both of his sons. This parable is about two lost sons—one who is visibly lost and another who does not even realize his lostness. Both sons, in different ways, are distant from their father. It is a story that speaks to all of us, no matter where we are in our spiritual journey. Are we like the younger son, who strayed and now seeks to return? Or the elder son, who struggles with pride and self-righteousness? Above all, are we willing to imitate the father, whose mercy knows no bounds? 1. The Younger Son: A Journey from Sin to Conversion The younger son's story mirrors the experience of every sinner. He demands his inheritance, symbolically cutting himself off from his father, and squanders everything in reckless living. This "fascination of illusory freedom" leads him into extreme misery, culminating in the humiliation of tending swine—an image of spiritual destitution (Luke 15:13-15). Yet, conversion begins when he comes to his senses. He acknowledges not only his offense against his father but also against God (v. 18). This recognition of lost dignity marks the first step of repentance. As St. John Paul II noted in Dives in Misericordia, "At the center of the prodigal son's consciousness, the sense of lost dignity is emerging." True conversion is not just regret but a decision to return to the Father, seeking reconciliation. 2. The Father: The Image of Divine Mercy The father in this parable is unlike any earthly father. He does not wait for his son to arrive but runs to him—an undignified act for a man of his stature. His embrace and kisses precede the son’s confession, demonstrating unconditional love. More than just forgiving, he restores his son completely: the best robe (purity), the ring (authority), the sandals (freedom), and the fatted calf (celebration of new life). As John Paul II wrote, "The father of the prodigal son is faithful to his fatherhood, faithful to the love that he had always lavished on his son." God’s mercy is not mere tolerance; it is an active, joyful restoration. The return of the sinner is not met with grudging acceptance but with festivity. 3. The Older Son: A Warning Against Self-Righteousness While the parable begins with the younger son, it ends with the older one. His anger reveals a heart that, though physically close to the father, is spiritually distant. He sees himself as a servant, not a son, and resents his father’s mercy. Historically, he represents those who consider themselves righteous and resent God’s compassion toward sinners (Luke 18:9). John Paul II reminds us, "Every human being is also this elder brother." The older son’s attitude—his jealousy, hardness of heart, and blindness—mirrors the self-righteousness that can keep us from experiencing true joy. Just as the younger son needed to repent of his sins, the older son needed to repent of his pride and judgment. 4. The Open-Ended Invitation Unlike the younger son, whose story has a resolution, the elder son’s fate is left uncertain. Jesus deliberately leaves the ending open because it is not just a story—it is a question. Will the elder son recognize his lostness and join the celebration? Likewise, will we let go of pride, resentment, and judgment to accept God’s unconditional love? Conclusion: A Call to Conversion This parable is more than a tale of a wayward son; it is a mirror reflecting our own spiritual journeys. Whether we identify with the younger son who has wandered far or the elder son who believes he has stayed close, we are all called to conversion. The father’s invitation stands open: Come to the feast of mercy and rejoice in the love of God. Sunday Mass on 30 March 2025, 4th Sunday of Lent celebrated by Fr. Vincent Barboza at Holy Family Parish Church, Timaru, New Zealand

This healing Prayer is based on Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah is Jesus Christ. He suffered and died to pay price in full for our sins. It's a powerful prayer for healing of body, mind and spirit. Healing Prayer of Isaiah 53 Precious Lord Jesus, I thank you for your enduring love. You came into the world to set me free from the power of darkness. You embraced a violent death on the cross to pay the penalty on my behalf. You suffered the scourging at the pillar, taking the sickness of humanity upon your own flesh, so that I could be healed. I come before you now to place all my sins upon your cross and ask for your precious blood to wash me clean. I place the penalty for my sinfulness, all my sickness, diseases and infirmities upon your cross, and for the sake of your sorrowful passion, I ask to be set free. I accept your sacrifice and receive your gift of reconciliation. I confess your Lordship over every aspect of my life, heart, mind, body, soul and spirit. Through the power of your cross Lord Jesus, I now resist all forms of sin, sickness and disease. I say to all forms of sickness and disease caused by my own disobedience, that they are not God’s will for my life, and I enforce the power of the cross upon me. By the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I command all forms of sickness and disease to leave me immediately. Jesus bore my infirmities. He was wounded for my transgressions. By his stripes I am healed. No sickness, pain, death, fear or addiction shall ever lord over me again. The penalty has been paid in full. I have been ransomed and redeemed, sanctified and set free. In your precious Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

Discover the Jesus'mission of bring Good News to the poor, freeing captives, restoring sight and lifting the oppressed in the year of Jubilee "Living the Mission: Embracing Jesus’ Call in the Jubilee Year Today, we reflect on a profound moment in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus announces His mission to the world. In Luke 4:14-21, we read how Jesus, filled with the Spirit, returns to Galilee after His time in the wilderness. News of His teachings spreads like wildfire, and He is welcomed with admiration. When He enters the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, all eyes are on Him. He reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This moment is not just an announcement but an invitation—to recognize who Jesus is and what He came to do. Jesus’ Mission This passage reveals two profound truths: 1.It highlights the salvation God promises to His people. 2.It identifies Jesus as the one anointed by God to bring this salvation to life. In Jesus, the message and the messenger are one. He is the Good News. His words, His actions, and His very being embody the Good News. When Jesus speaks of liberation, healing, and hope, He is not describing a distant future. He is bringing that reality into the present. The Year of the Lord’s Favor When Jesus proclaims “the year of the Lord’s favor,” He refers to the Jubilee Year described in Leviticus 25. This was a sacred time observed every 50th year—a year of rest, restoration, and renewal. Debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. But Jesus takes this concept further. He ushers in a new era—an age of grace and redemption that begins with Him and extends into eternity. This is not merely about social or economic restoration. It is about the deeper liberation of our souls.The Jubilee Year reminded God’s people of His provision and their call to live as a community of love and equality. Similarly, as we celebrate the Jubilee Year this year, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the redemption Christ offers. It reminds us of the mercy and freedom we are invited to experience, not only in this life but in the fullness of eternal life. Living the Mission Today Jesus’ mission speaks directly to our lives today. He calls us to: •Bring Good News to the Poor: Jesus’ mission begins with the poor. The poor are not just those lacking material wealth but also the spiritually impoverished, the marginalized, and those yearning for God’s presence. In a world where inequality persists, we are challenged to be bearers of good news—to share resources, offer compassion, and affirm the dignity of every person. •Release to the Captives: Jesus speaks of freedom from all that binds us—sin, fear, addiction, and oppression. In the Jubilee spirit, we are called to break chains, advocate for justice, and stand with those who are voiceless. •Restore Sight to the Blind: This refers not only to physical healing but also to spiritual awakening. Many are blinded by pride, greed, or despair. Jesus restores sight, allowing us to see God’s truth and love. Let us open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters and to God’s presence in our lives. •Freedom to the Oppressed: Jesus identifies with the oppressed and lifts them up. In our communities, there are many who feel crushed by life’s burdens. We are called to be instruments of encouragement and hope, reflecting the compassion of Christ. •Proclaiming the Year of the Lord’s Favor: The Jubilee is a time to realign our lives with God’s will. Jesus proclaims that God’s favor is here and now. This is a call to repentance, renewal, and action. Conclusion “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” These words challenge us to recognize that the salvation Jesus offers is here and now. As we walk through this Jubilee Year, let us embrace His mission as our own. Let us be bearers of good news, agents of freedom, and witnesses to God’s unending mercy. May our lives proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Pope Francis’ Voice Heard in St. Peter’s Square: A Message of Gratitude On the evening of Thursday, March 6, at the start of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square around 9 p.m., the voice of Pope Francis was broadcast to those gathered. Speaking with a noticeably weakened voice, the Holy Father expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the prayers offered for his health. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. From the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” the Pope said. His words, despite his ongoing health struggles, served as a touching moment of connection with the faithful, reaffirming his spiritual presence even from the hospital. In an update on March 5, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope has not experienced any new episodes of respiratory distress and continues to follow his prescribed treatment plan. Throughout the day, he received high-flow oxygen therapy, with doctors set to resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight. His respiratory and motor physiotherapy sessions have also been increased, indicating continued efforts to aid his recovery. Despite these improvements, Vatican officials remain cautious, emphasizing that his prognosis is still uncertain due to the complexity of his condition. With the beginning of Lent marked by Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis was unable to preside over the ceremony in Rome as planned. However, he participated in a private blessing of the ashes from his apartment on the 10th floor of the hospital. A celebrant imposed the ashes on him, after which he received the Eucharist. Despite ongoing medical treatment, the Pope has remained engaged with his duties, dedicating time to work following the blessing. According to the Vatican, his pneumonia is progressing as expected under treatment, and he has not experienced any seizures in the past two days—an encouraging sign. However, doctors stress that a full evaluation of his recovery will take more time. While the Pope’s condition is improving, the Vatican continues to monitor him closely as he undergoes treatment.

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.

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.

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!

Learn about the Sacrament of Confirmation and its significance in the Christian journey. Discover its biblical foundation, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the role of sponsors, and how this sacrament strengthens faith and commitment to Christ. Confirmation Confirmation is the third sacrament of initiation and serves to "confirm" a baptized person in their faith. In our Archdiocese the Sacrament of Confirmation is administer at the age of 16 and above. For adult converts it is performed immediately after baptism . A bishop or priest normally performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in prayer and blessing and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, ”Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” In so "sealing" that person as a member of the church, the outward rite of confirmation signifies the inner presence of the Holy Spirit , who is believed to provide the strength to live out a life of faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation administered by Bishop Bosco Penha when Fr. Vincent Barboza was the Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Forsaken Church, Malad West, Mumbai The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. For pastoral reasons he may delegate a priest to administer the sacrament.

The question of whether God always heals is one that many believers wrestle with. While Scripture affirms that God is our healer, we also see instances where healing does not come in the way we expect. Sometimes, God heals instantly, other times through medicine, and in some cases, He allows suffering for a greater purpose. Does God always heal? We know that God has the power to heal, and throughout Scripture, we see many instances of miraculous healing. Jesus cured the blind, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead. Yet, we also see times when healing does not take place. Why does God heal some but not others? The truth is, God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). While He sometimes chooses to heal instantly, other times He allows suffering to remain for a greater purpose. St. Paul himself suffered from a “bodily ailment” while preaching (Galatians 4:13-14), and he even mentions leaving his companion Trophimus behind because he was too sick to travel (2 Timothy 4:20). Instead of promising a miraculous cure, Paul advised Timothy to take medicinal measures for his frequent stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23). This reminds us that God’s plan for healing does not always involve immediate miracles. Healing happens according to His will (James 4:14-15). Sometimes it is instantaneous, and sometimes it unfolds gradually, as seen in the blind man of Bethsaida , who regained his sight in stages (Mark 8:22-26). When healing does not come, it does not mean that God is absent. Rather, He gives us the grace to endure suffering, unite it with Christ’s passion, and trust that His plan is ultimately for our good. Whether through a miracle, medical treatment, or inner strength, God always brings healing—just not always in the way we expect.

Wisdom for Life Our Perspective is Defined by Our Expectations