The Gift of Calvary

Calvary...a small hill where the most holy one JESUS, God incarnated, laid down His life for humanity. Mankind turned away from God. Yet, God did not turn away; He can never turn away from His children. God the Father loves each one of us more than we can imagine. He loves us so much that He sends His only son, Jesus, in human form.
Jesus lived a very simple life when on earth. During His public life, He performed many miracles. He was kind and good to sinners. He invited all those who were burdened to go to Him for rest. Jesus revealed the heavenly Father's love for us by doing the Father's will.
The will of the Father was that Jesus should lay down his life as a sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. The wages of sin is death. Jesus was innocent, without even the tiniest trace of sin.
But He accepted death on a cross, which was the punishment given to criminals. Indeed, He carried the burden of our sins on His shoulder.
Jesus' death on the cross set us free....we are no longer slaves to sin, because God has sanctified us. The gift that He offers is eternal life!! For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ROM. 6: 22-23)
We can experience this precious gift of eternal redemption by believing that Jesus is the only Saviour. “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)

Aim Of Life

Human beings alone can plan in advance and work towards achieving goals. The stronger we aim at something, the higher is our achievement. The great number of sky scrapers, flats, factories, offices, farms, roads, dams and all other developments were possible only because of hard work. So if we were to do something good to the world, we’ll have to work hard. As students, the duty entrusted to you is to learn your lessons, and to work single- mindedly towards your goal.
Here’s an inspiring story for you. There lived a good artist named Thimanthes. He got his training under a master. One day he painted a beautiful picture. People praised him a lot. Thimanthes stood before his picture and became proud of it. He thought that the painting was his masterpiece and that he cannot do a better one again. His master noticed the tragedy and poured ink on the painting. Thimanthes was shocked and he ran towards his master angrily. He shouted “what have you done to my painting?” The master with his usual warmth said, “you can do better; there are many mistakes in your picture. I destroyed it so that you could improve your skills and make better paintings.” He obeyed his master and eventually became a very famous artist.
We see a lot of people around us who feel inadequate for many things. They naturally draw back and become idle. So let’s take a decision to work hard. Let’s toil whole-heartedly to achieve our aims.
We are in the beginning of a new academic year. Let’s set a goal and strive hard to realize that goal. Daily hard work should become the stepping stones to success. Also let the small victories not limit us from working towards greater heights.
With Love
P.V Marykutty

Shouldn't our Church have a ' C. R. P. F’???

In today's world, when we are faced with natural calamities and terrorist attacks, there are a group of people who strive to protect citizens, who selflessly help those who are victims in the tragedy, and even sometimes, they bring back a person from the brink of death!! These persons belong to what is known as either the ' rapid action force' or the 'central reserve police force'. It is the timely intervention and action of these people that reduces the catastrophic effects of such sudden disasters.

Today, it is imperative that the church has such a force. In the face of the spiritual tsunamis upsetting the life of God's people, such a force is extremely important as it would be able to protect and help them.

In the recent past, in one of the prominent publications in Kerala, a film start talked about her experiences. The above said star, who belonged to to the Catholic Church, happened to meet a non- Christian over the internet. Their relationship grew in leaps and bounds and soon , she gave up her Christian faith and got married. The article spoke about this lady's new life, family matters and beliefs in very flowery terms (the wrong was made to look right!). She denied the eternal life gained for us by Jesus Christ and spoke very highly about the 'faith' which suited her lifestyle. When we read the article , even though there may be nothing wrong as such, we should remember that God's word teaches us that the one who persuades us to deny Christ, has the spirit of the Antichrist (1John4:3). The above said magazine sells lakhs of copies in Kerala. Through the medium of this article, weeds are being sown in the hearts of our children. These weeds have influenced our children and youth, such that they are today walking the path of spiritual damnation and wrong relationships.


'Rathinirvedam', a Malayalam movie released in 1978, which led the youth into an immoral frenzy, has been remade today. The theme of the story is the relationship between a teen-aged boy and an older woman. Even though this film did not win any state, national or international award, this has been remade with fanfare!! Just think of how this film is destroying our children, who are temples of the Living God. For instance, just suppose a student who has watched this movie is paid attention to by his teacher, or if she cares about him, can you imagine what his mindset will be??!

Akin to this, there are many tsunamis that are beating a path towards the children of God and His church. Yet, we who are responsible are unaware about these ideas which destroy the spirit within men. It is only when the food imported from Japan is scanned with special devices that we can determine if there are traces of radiation in it. If we do not possess this device, we will consume this irradiated food. After some years, when the rates of cancers in the society increase, we will carry out studies....and determine the cause. But by then, a good number of people, already affected with the killer disease, would have lost their lives. The tsunamis which hit our shores did not cause much damage to our concrete jungle. But, what we should realize is that these killer waves snatched our children, our youth from within these concrete structures.

Those who reject the teachings of the church and on the other hand teach new beliefs are excommunicated from the church. We are told not to attend their groups or meetings. Despite that, the very persons whom we have prohibited, enter our home directly (via the television channels!), and preach their 'new' ideas.

Let us awake....to save our children, our youth, and our families from the killer waves which threaten them.
Are we not responsible to stand on God's side and speak for the Kingdom of God?? Is it not for this that God gave us wealth??...institutions??...magazines??

When Haman used his authority to try and destroy the Jews, Mordecai tells Esther that she must intervene for the sake of the Jewish people. Esther makes many excuses. At this juncture, the words which Mordecai spoke to Esther are relevant in today's world.

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, help will come from heaven to the Jews, and they will be saved, but you will die and your father's family will come to an end. Yet who knows-- maybe it was for a time like this that you were made queen!” (Esther 4:14)

If we who claim to believe in Jesus remain silent, the church in Kerala will have to pay a heavy price in the near future.

It is the best in various military sectors who are selected and trained to make up the Rapid Action Force. Why can't the church in Kerala give birth to a spiritual 'Action Force'?? It is imperative that a ‘spiritual action force ' is instituted by bringing together priests, nuns, and the laity to save our children, our young girls and boys.

May each diocese, each religious congregation, forge its own 'rapid action force'!!

May our lives be devoted to winning our society for Jesus.

Santhosh T.

Who is the Universal Hero?

The christeen team was conducting a seminar for children. As an introduction Mr. Robin the leading person asked a question to the children. Who is the universal hero? The answers surprised all the team members. According to them the outstanding Tamil Film star was the universal hero. You may have your answers too. Truly who is the universal hero? (Lord)
A person who is powerful in love outstanding in virtues, one who can help others, one who knows all others, can be considered as the Lord of the universe. His actions must be a model for all the humanity. Can we identify a person with all such strengths. Yes there is one person.
He was born as a humble child at Bethlehem. He grew up in wisdom, gave insight to many, did many miracles, welcomed children to his presence and said “Fear not, I am with you” Yes, He alone can be always with you.
As we understand the mighty power and goodness of Jesus let us accept him as the Lord and saviour of our life.
Let us sing with the angels
Lord Jesus
May you have
space in my heart always. come and stay with
me
Jesus!


With Love
P.V Marykutty

Jesus has heard me!

Make a Right Choice

Fr. Ciya Thomas. CSsR.

A small story is told about a monk in a book called “Stories that can Transform Your life”. It is about a young boy who wants to be a monk in an Ashram. This Ashram has a special requirement. All the monks in the Ashram need to maintain silence. They are allowed to speak only two words once in every two years.

When he finished his two years in the Ashram the superior gave him the permission to speak two words. “Food terrible” he said. Two years later again he was given permission to speak two words. “Bed lumpy” he answered. Again after two years later this young boy came before the superior and proclaimed “I quite”. The superior looked at this young boy and said, you know, it does not surprise me a bit. All you have done since you came here is complain, complain, complain. What if you were asked to share two words that describe your life? Would your focus be on the lumps, bumps and unfairness or on those things that are good, right and lovely?

“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart”.

This is true also with children who spent most of their time with TV and Internet.

Because what they see in these what they carry in their hearts. So it is affecting the way they relate to each other. In fact it is shaping a new style of life among the children.

Media tampers with our need. Children are no longer able to distinguish between need and desire. Our desires are presented as needs. Our traditions tell us to ‘love human and use things’ but today the media tell us to ‘love things and use people’. In my experience with children for the past few years has proved it.

Media is undoubtedly unparallel source of information and an education tool for children. At the same time there are also plenty of dangers involved. Just a few mouse clicks can lead a child into a sea of sexually explicit or violent and hate- filled material. Violence is something that we learn in our life, just like we learn mathematics and chemistry in schools. This is very much clear in the present forms of crimes and criminal activities. Several recent studies have shown that more than 60% of all TV programs content is related with violence and sex. Today’s theory of business is ‘show more blood on screens more selling’- just like the theory of ‘sex sells well’. As a result today we have increased number of crimes among teenagers and 15-20% of increase of suicides among teenagers. Addiction to Media has also led to more health problems among teenagers, like Obesity, Diabetics and other health hazards.

The impact of media is so intense that it has almost influenced parents, teachers, story tellers, religious teachers and care givers for children. So there are two options before us. The first, we positively recognize its usefulness and teach them to use it for making the child a better child of God and a better human being. Secondly, condemn and stop watching all kinds of violence and immoral programs at home as a means of entertainment.

How beautiful is Mother Mary!!!!!!!!!

I do not know how to read and write Malayalam. But by counseling I am sure that within two weeks I can learn Malayalam. I was having stage fear but now I am able to speak, in front of the audience. I am very happy to come here. I was having knee pain for last three years. Now I am happy to say that the pain is gone. Now I totally feel free. I am very thankful to God for blessing me. I could see Mother Mary while I was praying the Rosary.

Riya Roy

What a beautiful fragrance!!!

I am Diana Benny an eight standard student. When I had my vacations, my father told to me to go to Christeen for a retreat. On the first day, I just felt boring but at night I started feeling nice. Morning I said the rosary. When I said the ‘Ave Maria’ for some time with everybody, I don’t know exactly what happened to me but I could smell the fragrance of the lily flower. So, I stood up and my legs started shivering. Due to this experience, I believed in God. From that very moment I started praying properly. I then decided to pray for my dad as he was sick. On the last day I was very sad because I really did not want to go as I had got a lot of blessing and I wanted more blessings through christen retreat I am sure to come next time again. I could pray nicely due to Christeen retreat. On the second day I felt holy and as if I was living in a pleasant climate. Songs made me spiritual. I started knowing more and more about God. When I closed my eyes and felt very pleasant and nice so I started saying Ave Maria again and again. This is my experience.

I travelled from Mumbai with my little sister by Aero plane. I thank my parents for allowing us to come for the retreat.

Diana Benny

Children’s Problems and Parents Role

Rev. Dr. Chackochan Kalapura C.M.I

Parents bring children to Christeen for counseling. They want their children to be straightened out so that they may study all the 24 hours. Certain trends and problems can be identified and pointed out here for the consideration of the parents and teachers. Parents, too have a role, not in precipitating it, at least in solving it. Quite often the problems arise from outside. Anyway, the parents have a major role in solving the problems. Let us go through that.

     I. Changing Values

Some parents want their children to study all the time and that they should get the first rank always. Some mothers are so selfish that they can’t tolerate any other child getting higher rank or more marks than one’s own child. Now the marks children score, and later the money they earn are important for parents. Values shift from children to marks and money. Children are not as important as marks and money. If parents have such a misplaced and materialistic attitude and value systems, how will children get a proper and realistic values system?

     Children brought up in such a materialistic  value  system in which money is God, will reject and condemn their parents to mercy killing or reject them in some old age homes or sell them for spare parts to be replaced to other, once the parents lose their earning capacity.

     Parents have to become models of values, children are to practice. Children are God’s gifts and they are to be re-used as God’s children. It depends on his abilities, interests, aptitudes and likes. Parents and teachers together have to discern what god wants a child to become.

II. Resentment in Children

Children resent to the unrealistic expectations and extreme demands of parents. They have hatred towards the compelling parents, to the teachers who teach their difficult subjects and to the competing class – mates.

Children have to forgive them unconditionally. They have to forgive the parents, teachers and their class – mates. Hatred and resentment make children unworthy of receiving wisdom which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Without this wisdom, children can’t study and become somebody. Unless they are in holiness, they can’t receive the Holy Spirit and wisdom to study well. “ Wisdom will not enter a deceitful mind and will not remain in a sinful body” (Wis 1:4 -5)

III. Suicidal Tendency

A growing trend seen among the children of today is suicidal tendency at any slight provocation. It is a reflection of the value system of the parents, family and society. The supreme values of life are getting lost.

     Values of suffering in human life are to be made clear to children. Suicide to avoid a suffering is not the best and appreciable way of solving a problem. Life is more important and valuable than suffering.

3.  Sex. Stunt and Violence

Our media always project, sex, stunt and violence as something publicly appreciated. Children watch it in the TV and films and make experiments. Finally they land up in difficulties and spoil themselves.

     There should be proper censuring system. Commercialism should not be the only criterion. Money should not be the prime values and making money should not be the only motive. At home also the family has to make a censuring of the programmers to be watched.

IV. Having a Line

At present, it seems that, having a line is prestigious and covetable. It is seen even among the 5th standard girls. But the mothers are more worried if girls in our culture have boyfriends. In the West, the mothers are more worried if girls don’t have boyfriends. It is not so in our culture. Any way lines and love affairs keep their minds pre-occupied and dissipated.

They are distracted all the time and they can’t concentrate and study well. The Bible ask us not to arouse love before time as it is like fire (Song of Songs 8/6-8)

  V. Girls outstand

Now–a–days more girls go for higher education .Formerly more boys went to professional colleges. But now even in professional colleges the ratio is changing.

     The consequence, in short is that in future most of the educated girls may not get a husband above or equal to them in education, status and income. Sometimes boys may make more money than girls. Still the social status becomes a problem. Boys also have to go up in education not necessarily academic alone; it can be more in technical and Job – oriented fields.

VI. Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse

Some children are sexually misused and abused by elders, even by their parents. Such victims bear its scar in the personality. They in their confusion may resort to sexual malpractices like masturbation, self abuse and homosexuality. 

Parents and elders have to take children as God’s gifts, entrusted to your care. You have to help them to grow up as God’s children. Handle them with utmost care.

VII. Curses & Condemnation

Some children bear the wounds and scripts of the curse, condemnation and abusive words of parental society–parents, teachers and nuns have no right or permission to condemn or curse any child, however much naughty or trouble- making he or she is. We can advise them, scold them or punish them in the ordinary way, but all these for his good, and that too in a forgiving and loving attitude. We shouldn’t have any anger, hatred or revenge against any child. We can get angry but our anger shouldn’t last to the sunset as St. Paul says. We are always to forgive, bless and to accept them as they are. We should have the attitude of Jesus: “I too, don’t condemn you, go in peace, but sin no more”. We love children, at the same time, correct them lovingly.

And for that, the parents, teachers and elders have to set a model. We should be living models of the values and ideals children are to practice. Then only our words and advice will have the moral power to attract children and make them obey.