St.Alphonsa : The Life and Message of the saint

>> 10 November 2008

The newest Saint of India, Alphonsa, reveals that in the Cross the meaninglessness of suffering can give way to a profound experience of the love of God and neighbor in our daily lives. To read more visit: http://st-alphonsa.blogspot.com/

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SILENT SUFFERING

>> 09 July 2008

A saintly monk was leading a life of meditation near a village. The villagers used to give him food and respect his words of wisdom. One day the villagers rushed into his hermitage in a rage. They pushed a girl to his front and accused him of raping the girl as she had confessed before them that the monk was responsible for her pregnancy. He was innocent, but did not try to defend himself. He calmly asked them, "Is it so?" He readily agreed to support the girl in his hermitage. The villagers stopped feeding the sage and they started to ridicule him. To support him and the girl, the monk went to the forest and cut firewood. By selling the firewood, he could earn food for them. The girl delivered a baby and he supported them whole-heartedly.

Twelve years passed. Then, one day, the villagers came tearfully to the monk and begged his pardon for suspecting his sanctity. They had identified the culprit who had made the girl pregnant. He was now ready to accept the girl and child. The girl who was afraid of the miscreant had then told the name of the monk instead. The monk, without any excitement, repeated his earlier question "Is it so?" Then he entrusted the girl and the child to the villagers and silently resumed his meditation.

Silence is more powerful than argument. Jesus did not defend himself before the Priests, Pilate and Herod when the Jews accused him falsely. He silently suffered the Passion to redeem us from the clutches of sin.

Isaiah foretold the Passion of Christ in the words: "He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly; he never said a word. Like a lamb about to be slaughtered, like a sheep about to be sheared, he never said a word" {Isaiah 53:7}.

"When He was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but placed His hopes in God, the righteous Judge" {1 Peter 2:23}.

Jesus taught us, "Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven" {Matthew 4: 11, 12}.

Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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LINCOLN AND LIBERATION

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the sixteenth President of U.S.A, was a great philanthropist and champion of human rights and dignity. His long struggle against slavery led to the amendment of the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States of America. He was assassinated in 1865.

There is a popular legend about his early days. Once, Abraham Lincoln happened to see a slave auction. He was disgusted by the sights and sounds of buying and selling of human beings in public. He saw a young woman displayed for sale as a slave. Her eyes were filled with contempt on everyone around her. She showed signs of the intense sufferings she encountered throughout her life. When the bidding began, Lincoln offered a bid for her. He countered others' bids with larger amounts until he won. He paid the auctioneer the money and took title to the young woman. She stared at her new master with hatred. She asked him what he was going to do with her. Lincoln told her, "I'm going to set you fully free. You can say and do whatever you want and go anywhere you wish to." She was hearing such kind words for the first time.
"Then I'm coming with you!" she said with a smile.

Man was under the slavery of sin. Jesus redeemed us and made us God's children {Galatians 4: 3-5}. Jesus provides true and complete liberation to man. St. Paul says, "Freedom is what we have - Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again" {Galatians 5:1}.

Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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Why God allows pain and sufferings?

>> 24 June 2008

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.They talked about so many things and various subjects.When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things." The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:"You know what? Barbers do not exist.""How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber."I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!""No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me." "Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

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The Refiner's Fire

>> 20 June 2008

Malachi 3:3 says: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”


This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.


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How Much Does a Prayer Weigh

>> 29 May 2008

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work. They had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can." John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir." "Okay" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head. Then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scale went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it." The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales.

The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust.

Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list. It was instead a prayer which said: "Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, "It was worth every penny of it."

It was sometime later that the grocer discovered the scales were broken; therefore, only God knows how much a prayer weighs.


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The Donkey in the Well

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.yours too… Finally he decided since the animalwas old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. So, the farmer invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed shovels, and began to shovel dirt into the well.

All the other farm animals were very upset about this, because the donkey was their friend. But they discovered there was nothing they could do to help him. At first, when the donkey realized what was happening, he cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off, and take a step up on the dirt as it piled up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well, and trotted off!

MORAL: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. But each trouble can be a stepping stone. What happens to you isn't nearly as important as how you react to it. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not giving up! Shake it off, and take a step up!

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Best Mum

>> 17 May 2008

On Mother's Day, 2007, British national television ran an intriguing story. Peggy Bush's daughter had died, so Peggy absorbed the responsibility of caring for her daughter's three children while her son-in-law worked. Then, tragically, her son-in-law also died. With both parents gone, Peggy took her three grandchildren in and raised them as if they were her own.

In a world where wrong is glamorized and the lurid is presented as appealing, we seldom hear of the good things that happen. Yet this woman's love and sacrifice were recognized, acknowledged, and honored as the nation took note of her as Britain's "Best Mum" for 2007.

Most of the efforts, sacrifices, and ex-pressions of love our mothers have given us will not be the lead story on the news. Their recognition will be more personal. But what matters is not the scope of the appreciation but its genuineness.

On this special day, may we thank God for the mothers who have molded our hearts. As we honor them, we fulfill the truth of Proverbs 31:28, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." — Bill Crowder

A Christian mother's love contains
A gospel all its own,
Because the King of love has found
Her heart an ample throne. — Crawford

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True Trust

Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. — John 9:3

If you didn't know him, you might think Nick Vujicic has everything going for him. Nick has never had a sore arm. He's never had knee problems. He's never smashed his finger in a door, stubbed his toe, or banged his shin against a table leg.

But that's because Nick doesn't have a shin. Or a toe. Or a finger. Or a knee. Or an arm. Nick was born with no arms and no legs. Before you begin to feel sorry for Nick, read his words. "God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of 15 after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was 'so that the works of God may be revealed through him.' ... I now see that glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used." Nick travels the world to spread the gospel and love of Jesus.

Nick says, "If I can trust in God with my circumstances, then you can trust in God with your circumstances.... The greatest joy of all is having Jesus Christ in my life and living the godly purpose He has for me."

Can we say that? Can we look beyond our limitations and have the same trust in God that transformed a man with no arms or legs into a missionary for Jesus? — Dave Branon

Lord, shape my life as only You can,
Guiding each day by Your loving plan;
Take what You need and give what You will;
My life is Yours to use and to fill. — Branon



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A Child's Wonder

In 19th-century Scotland, a young mother observed her three-year-old son's inquisitive nature. It seemed he was curious about everything that moved or made a noise. James Clerk Maxwell would carry his boyhood wonder with him into a remarkable career in science. He went on to do groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism. Years later, Albert Einstein would say of Maxwell's work that it was "the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton."

From early childhood, religion touched all aspects of Maxwell's life. As a committed Christian, he prayed: "Teach us to study the works of Thy hands ... and strengthen our reason for Thy service." The boyhood cultivation of Maxwell's spiritual life and curiosity resulted in a lifetime of using science in service to the Creator.

The community of faith has always had the responsibility to nurture the talent of the younger generation and to orient their lives to the Lord, "that they may arise and declare [God's law] to their children, that they may set their hope in God" (Ps. 78:6-7).

Finding ways to encourage children's love for learning while establishing them in the faith is an important investment in the future. — Dennis Fisher



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GOD'S GAZE

>> 09 May 2008

A man was walking along a secluded road with his young son. On the way he found a golden chain lying on the road. He knew that it belonged to some earlier traveller but decided to steal it. He looked all around him to confirm that no one was watching his action. He picked up the precious chain and put it into his pocket. As they continued the journey the son asked him innocently, "Daddy, you looked all around you before picking up the chain. But why didn't you look upwards?" The innocent words of the child enlightened him. He realized that these words echoed the whisper of his conscience. He confessed, "I should have looked upwards - to heaven - and sought the will of God who was watching me. I have sinned." Transformed by his son's words, he entrusted the chain to the officer in the nearest police station.

The Bible reminds us, "The Lord sees everything you do. Wherever you go, he is watching" {Proverbs 5: 21}."The Lord sees what happens everywhere; He is watching us, whether we do good or evil" {Proverbs 15: 3}.

"He watches every step men take. There is no darkness dark enough to hide a sinner from God" {Job 34:21, 22}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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The Carpenter and the Little End Table

>> 06 May 2008

Once there was a young carpenter. His father was a master craftsman and had taught him how to make the finest furniture in the country.

The young carpenter decided to create a small end table for his room. He worked for several days making every little detail just perfect. It was absolutely the most beautiful table he had ever seen and he loved it with all his heart.

And then one day while the young carpenter was away; a wealthy banker came to visit. When he saw the table he just had to have it.

“It is the most beautiful table I’ve ever seen,” said the banker. “What do you want for it? I’ll pay anything!”

The salesman at first was reluctant, but when he saw the banker counting out money, he quickly forgot how much the young carpenter loved the table.

“It is worth at least $500, probably more,” said the salesman.

“I’ll give you twice that,” said the banker. “Never in my life have I seen such perfection.”

The banker carefully carried the table out to his carriage and drove off into the dark night.

The next day the young carpenter returned to the workshop.

“Father, where is my table?” asked the young carpenter.

The two searched everywhere, but the table was gone. Soon, the salesman arrived.

“Do you know what happened to my son’s table?” asked the father.

A big smile came over the salesman’s face, “I sold it for $1,000!”

He saw the disappointment in his face, “Did I not do well?”

“You did,” said the father. “Do you know who purchased the table? I wish to purchase it back.”

The salesman thought for a moment. I don’t know his name. He said he was a banker, but I have never seen him around here.”

“Very good,” said the father. “Go on and watch the store. I’ll take care of everything.”

The father walked to the back where his son was waiting. He put his arm around his son.

“Don’t worry. We will find your table,” said the father. “Get focused on your work.”

Many years passed and the father never found the table. After his father’s death, the young carpenter took over the family business and it became a major enterprise, hiring hundreds of craftsmen. He became very wealthy and known throughout the world for his fine work and generosity.

But no matter what success he had, he could never forget his little end table.

After a long and happy life, the now old carpenter was enjoying his final years. His son now ran the business. The old carpenter enjoyed the simple things in life like spending time with his grandson.

One day the two were visiting a flea market checking out the merchandise. Off in the corner of a booth, covered in dust, the old carpenter saw something familiar.

“It just can’t be,” said the old carpenter as he carefully wiped the cobwebs and dust away.

Although missing a leg and neglected for years, the old carpenter instantly recognized his little end table.

“What is it grandpa?” asked his grandson.

“This is best piece I ever made,” said the old carpenter.

“That old thing?” asked his grandson.

The old carpenter turned to his grandson with a smile on his face and tears in his eyes, “I love this table dearly and have looked for it for many years. It is perfect in my eyes.”

The grandson was confused. All he saw was a broken piece of junk.

“Come back to my workshop and let me show you what love can do,” said the old carpenter.

For several days the old carpenter carefully worked on his end table. He removed all the scars and blemishes and fixed all the broken parts. With his grandson at his side, the two perfectly restored the end table.

“Its beautiful Grandpa!”

The old carpenter put his arm around his grandson and the two admired their work.

“Let’s take it inside,” said the old carpenter.

Several days later, the old carpenter had a big banquet at his house. All the guests gathered around the little end table and admired its beauty. The old carpenter’s grandson explained how they had taken a broken piece of junk and made this perfect little table.

“Its so beautiful. I must have it!” said one of the guests.

“I’ll pay whatever price you require,” said another.

Soon the guests were bidding against each other over the little end table.

The old carpenter raised his hand and a hush fell on the room.

“Friends, thank you for your kind offers and admiration. But this table is not for sale. It was lost and neglected for many years and I never stopped searching for it. Now that it is back where it belongs, I will never lose it again. I love this little end table and it will stay with me forever.”

And so the little end table stayed with the old carpenter. Each time someone inquired about it, the old carpenter would happily recount the story of the table that was lost, but later found. It was broken, but now it was again and forever perfect.


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Heli, The Star of Bethlehem

On the third day of creation, God said, “Let there be lights in the heavens.” And according to His Word, the sun, moon and all the stars were created in the sky.

God loved each star and would often invite them into His presence and listen to all that they had done.

And then one day, He sent out a proclamation commanding all the stars to appear before Him. He would then select one for a very important purpose.


With eagerness, all the stars gathered in His throne room.

As they waited for God, some of the stars saw Amanda, the smallest star in the galaxy.

“Surely you don’t think that God would select you?” said Tariq, one of the largest stars.

“What could you possibly have to offer God?” added Vega, another prominent star.

“I am here because it is God’s will,” said Amanda.

Amanda made her way to the back of the room to watch the presentations.

God entered the room and all the stars worshipped Him.

And God spoke,

“I am sending my son into the world. I will select one star to announce his arrival. The greatest among you will proclaim his birth to the world.”

There was plenty of excitement in the throne room as each imagined what it would be like to have this great honor. They each came forward and presented their qualifications to God.

“I give light and heat to 15 planets and 27 moons. I am one of the largest stars in the galaxy. I would be very proud to announce your Son’s birth,” said Tariq.

“Very impressive indeed,” said God.

“Humans know me as the North Star. I have guided many sailors to their destination and have been a constant beacon of light for all travelers. Who would be better to mark the birth of your son?” said Polaris.

“Well done,” said God.

“I am one of the brightest stars. My light is seen all over this great galaxy. I can think of nothing more wonderful than to share my light with the earth,” said Sirius.

“Good job,” said God.

From the greatest to the brightest, all the stars presented themselves to God. They all told Him all the wonderful things that they had accomplished.

“Is there anyone else?” asked God. null

“Just me Lord,” said Amanda.

She humbly approached the throne and bowed.

“No planets or moons revolve around me and I guide no sailors home. My much larger and brighter brothers hide my light. But I joyfully do your will to the best of my ability. I am what you say I am. I will be what you say I will be,” said Amanda.

She bowed and returned to her spot at the back of the room.

There was a great silence in the throne room as everyone considered Amanda’s words.

After a long pause, Astra, one of the wisest of the stars, came forward.

“Lord, I am not worthy of such a great honor. Please select another.”

With that she bowed and left the throne room.

One by one, each star came forward and said the same words until only Amanda remained.

“Lord, I don’t understand. Why did they all leave?” asked Amanda.

“They all came forward to announce their own power and ability. You were the only one that proclaimed faith in my ability. You truly are the greatest star.”

“Thank you Lord,” said Amanda.

“From now on you will be called Heli,” said God. “You will proclaim my glory in the night sky for all to see.”

“I will do everything you say,” said Heli.

Heli took her place in the night sky above Bethlehem. For many months, she was the brightest and most beautiful star the world had ever seen.


When her mission was complete, God gave her a very special place of honor in the night sky. On a clear night you can still see her. She is not the biggest or the brightest, but she is still there, faithfully obeying God.

She truly is the greatest star.

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Heaven's Art Gallery

One night I dreamed I was standing with Jesus in front of a beautiful museum in heaven.

“Let’s go inside,” said Jesus. “I want to show you something.”

Adorning the walls were paintings, all masterpieces. Jesus explained that each one represents one human life. Every painting in the museum was abounding with love, grace, peace and passion. I was overwhelmed with joy as I gazed at each one. They all moved me deeply and I was aware of everything lacking in my life.

I asked Jesus, “Who could paint such things of beauty? Did you or the angels make these? Surely, no human could create such perfection.”

Jesus smiled, “These were all created by God’s children.”

“But how?” I asked. “It just isn’t possible.”

“With God’s help, anything is possible,” said Jesus. “Ordinary people who submitted their will to me created them. Whenever a heart is truly given to me in every way, that person’s life will become a masterpiece. Pride, selfishness, fear, greed, doubt, and unbelief will corrupt their painting. But someone who loves me with all of his or her spirit, mind and body will live a life worthy of display.”

We walked around the gallery admiring all the lives portrayed. After a while, Jesus said that was all there was to see here.

But I protested, “Surely there is more to see Lord. For you’ve shown me only a few.”

Jesus said, “Yes, there is more.”

He led me to the back of the museum and out into a massive warehouse. Stacked on pallets and laying in heaps on the floor were millions of paintings. I looked at a few and was disappointed. They were so poorly done. Some were torn, some were patched, and still others lay unfinished.

“What is this Lord?” I asked. “Surely these don’t belong here?”

“Yes my son, they do,” said Jesus. “For each one represents a precious life in progress.”

“But they are such pitiful paintings. Hardly worthy of a museum like this,” I argued.

“Yes, you are correct they are not worthy,” explained Jesus. “But my Father is very patient. Each person’s life has a chance to become a masterpiece. All these people as long as they live, can still see their life displayed in heaven’s art gallery.”

“How can this be?” I asked. “Surely not through their own efforts.”

“No, they will never do it on their own. They need only ask me and I will help,” said Jesus.

I timidly asked, “What will happen if they never ask?”

We walked to the very back of the warehouse and Jesus opened the doors. Off in the distance I saw stacks and stacks of paintings burning in massive piles. I turned to Jesus and there were tears on his cheek.

“All these tried it on their own. Actors & athletes, businessmen & butchers, executives & educators, preachers & politicians, moms & dads, rich & poor, foolish & wise – they are all here. As long as people keep trying under their own strength they will never be good enough. And their canvas will be thrown into the fire – never to be admired. What a terrible waste,” sighed Jesus.

I wept with him. It was such a tragic site.

Jesus closed the doors and we walked back into the warehouse.

I asked, “Lord is there hope for me?”

Jesus smiled, “Yes! Follow me.”

We walked into a small room that was empty except for a blank canvas sitting on an easel.

“What is this?” I asked.

“This canvas represents your life after it has been washed cleaned with my blood,” said Jesus.

I marveled at how beautiful it was. There was not one blemish or imperfection anywhere on my canvas. Jesus handed me a brush and paint.

“Make it whatever you wish,” said Jesus

I stood there for several minutes imagining all the things I could paint. I soon realized that I could do nothing that would ever be good enough for heaven’s art gallery.

“Lord, I want to create a masterpiece, but I just can’t.”

Disappointed, I handed the brush back to Jesus, but he stopped me. Wrapping his hand around the brush in my hand and putting his arm around me he said,

“Let’s make it together.”

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Twenty Dollars

>> 02 May 2008

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you - but first, let me do this."

He proceeded to crumple the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on theground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. Nomatter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are stillpriceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by ...WHO WE ARE.

You are special - don't ever forget it."



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The Sands of Forgiveness

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.

After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.



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A BOX OF KISSES


The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty.

He yelled at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside it?"

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said,"Oh, Daddy, it is not empty. I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

It is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for years and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.
In a very real sense, each of us as humans have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, friends, family and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

-- Reinhold Niebuhr

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A WILD CHASE

>> 25 April 2008

A lady sprinter of India won several prizes in racing competitions. She was very proud of her distinction in sports and believed that she was the fastest sprinter in her state. Once, while she was walking along a street, a thief snatched her golden necklace and ran away at full speed. She chased him and after much effort, approached him. Suddenly she was filled with the spirit of a sprinter in a tight race. She ran with all her might and easily overtook the thief but continued the race as if the finishing point was far away.

Later she realized the real situation and stopped. With a shock she turned back. But she could not trace the thief who had already escaped easily with the necklace through a different route.

The story illustrates the danger of getting intoxicated by unnecessary feelings of competition and envy. People often become crazy on seeing others in a better position or with better capabilities. Thoughtless efforts to surpass others may lead to loss and disaster. We must admit our limitations and respect others' achievements. That is the easy way to be healthy, happy and holy.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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GOD'S PLANS

>> 23 April 2008

A king had an earnest and honest minister. The king trusted him but disliked his frequent statement, "God gives everything for our own good."


Once they went together for hunting. While making a way through the forest by cutting the bushes with his sword, the king cut off the tip of his middle finger. They treated the wound using medicinal herbs and bandaged the wound to stop bleeding. As they finished the treatment, the minister made his usual remark, "God gives everything for our own good." The king was furious. "You are really cruel", he said, "I am in great pain and you say it is for good. You will say the same thing when I lose my head!" Filled with rage, he flung the minister into a dirty pit and raced off alone.

In the dense forest, the king was caught by a group of savages. They tied him up and carried him to their chieftain. They were celebrating a religious festival. They wanted to offer the king as a human sacrifice before their deity. As the rituals were progressing, the chief priest examined the 'offering' in detail and found out that the tip of his middle finger was missing. He declared that only perfect bodies without any defect would be acceptable as sacrifice before the deity. Hence the king was released. The king realized that the minister's statement was correct. So he returned to the pit and rescued the minister. The king narrated the events and apologized for his action. The minister repeated, "God gives everything for our own good."

The king asked for an explanation for this statement. The minister said, "If you had not put me in the pit, I would have been with you when the savages attacked and they would have sacrificed me instead of you!" The king now confessed with conviction, "You are correct. God gives everything for our own good."

God speaks through Jeremiah, "I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for {Jeremiah 29: 11}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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HANDSOME HANDS

>> 21 April 2008

A young mother in India had a one-year-old baby. As she was employed as a teacher, a girl was hired to look after the baby during day time.

One evening, as she was approaching her house, she saw fire engines speeding towards her home. She ran to reach her house which was on fire. The girl was crying aloud that the baby was still in the cradle in the burning house. The fire broke out when she had gone out of the house leaving the sleeping baby for a while. As the fire was intense, the girl could not enter the house to rescue the child in time. The fire fighters were trying their best to put out the blaze.

Without waiting for even a moment, the mother rushed into the burning house and reached the cradle. She fought the fire around her with her bare hands. Holding the child close to her chest, she came out of the raging fire. The child had only minor injuries as she was rescued in time. But the mother suffered severe burns. Her hands were badly burnt and she was rushed to the hospital. She recovered after prolonged treatment in intense pain but retained wide white patches and permanent deformities on her hands. But she did not disclose the incident to her daughter even when she grew up to adolescence.

Then, one day the daughter told her mother, "Mommy, your hands are really ugly. I do not want to see them." The mother was shocked. She knew that it was time to reveal everything. She told her daughter, "Yes, my hands look ugly and repulsive. But once they were as beautiful as yours. If I had tried to protect their beauty, you would not have been alive today." She then narrated the whole story.

The daughter was totally upset. She cried and fell down, embracing the feet of her mother. She went on kissing her mother's hand and told in tears, "Mommy, you have the most handsome hands on earth. I failed to see their beauty. Forgive me." She never forgot that her life was a gift from her mother.

Jesus accepted the path of the Passion and sacrificed His life to save us from the clutches of sin and the fire of hell. Let us thank Him, praise Him, love Him and adore Him as our Saviour, Lord and God.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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MAN AS MODEL

>> 18 April 2008

A boy was bothering his mother by going on asking silly questions. To keep him busy for a while, she tore a page from a magazine bearing a map of the world. She tore it into several irregular pieces and asked him to arrange the pieces in perfect order. To her surprise, the boy finished the work very soon and returned to her to report his achievement. She examined the arrangement. It was perfect. "How could you do it so soon, my son?" she asked with wonder. "It was very easy, mother," He replied, "On the other side of the map, there was the figure of a man. I made it alright and set it upside down. The map was ready".

This incident teaches an important lesson. If every man corrects himself, the world becomes perfect. Personal transformation is the first step to social harmony and world peace.

Jesus came to change man. Thus He could transform the world and its history.

When Zacchaeus transformed himself and decided to compensate for his evil actions, Jesus declared, "Salvation has come to this house today" {Luke 19: 9}.

St. Paul advises us to renew ourselves {Ephesians 4: 22-24, Colossians 3: 9, 10}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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NASA proves that the BIBLE is True!!!

>> 07 April 2008

NASA proves that the BIBLE is True!!!

For all you scientists out there and for all the students who have had ahard time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible here'ssomething that illustrates God's awesome creation and shows He is still in control.

Did you know that NASA's space programmers are busy proving that was hasbeen called 'myth' in the Bible is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President ofthe Curtis Engine Company in Baltimore, and a consultant in the spaceprogrammes, relates the following incident:

One of the most amazing things that God has for us today happenedrecently to our astronauts and space scientists at Green Belt, Maryland.They were checking out the positions of the sun, moon and planets out inspace where they would be 100, and 1000 years from now. We have to knowthis as we do not want a satellite to collide with any of these in itsorbits. We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of thesatellite and where the planets will be so the whole project will not bogdown. Computer measurements and data were run back and forth over thecenturies when suddenly it came to a halt, displaying a red signal, whichmeant that either there was something wrong with the information fed intoit or with the results as compared to the standards. They called in theservice department to check it out, and the technicians asked what was wrong.

The scientists had discovered that somewhere in space in elapsed time aday was missing. Nobody seemed able to come up with a solution to theproblem. Finally one of the team, a Christian, said: "You know, when Iwas still in Sunday School, they spoke about the sun standing still......."

While his colleagues didn't believe him, they did not have an answereither, so they said: "Show us." He got a Bible and opened it at thebook of Joshua where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for any onewith 'common sense'. There they read about the Lord saying to Joshua:"Fear them not, I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not be aman of them stands before thee." (Joshua 10:8).

Joshua was concerned because the enemy had surrounded him, and ifdarkness fell, they would overpower him. So Joshua asked the Lord to makethe sun stand still! That's right ­ "And the sun stood still and the moonstayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Isthis not written in the book of Ja'­sher? So the sun stood still in themidst of heaven and hastened not to go down about a whole day." (Joshua10:13).

The astronauts and scientists said: "There is the missing day!" Theychecked the computers going back into the time it was written and foundit, but it was not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing backin Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes ­ not a whole day. They readthe Bible again and there it was: "about (approximately) a day.." Theselittle words in the Bible were important, but they were still in trouble,because another 40 minutes were still unaccounted for, and this could mean trouble 1000 years from now. Forty minutes had to be found because it canbe multiplied many times over in orbits.

As the Christian employee thought about it, he remembered somewhere inthe Bible which said the sun went backwards. The scientists told him hewas out of his mind, but once again they opened the Book and read thesewords in 2 Kings.

Hezekiah, on his deathbed, was visited by the prophet, Isaiah, who toldhim he was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for some sign as proof.Isaiah said: "Shall the sun go forward ten degrees, or go back tendegrees?" And Hezekiah answered: "It is a light thing for the shadow togo down ten degrees; nay, but let the shadow return backwards tendegrees." And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord, and He brought theshadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial ofAhaz." (2 Kings 20:9 ­11).

Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! Twenty-three hours and twenty minutesin Joshua, plus 40 minutes in 2 Kings accounted for the missing day inthe universe!!!

Isn't this amazing? Our God is rubbing their noses in His Truth!

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LEATHER BOUND BIBLE

>> 05 April 2008

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.

Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study.

His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat Disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.

His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?


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DEATH, THE FRIEND

>> 26 March 2008

There is a story about a person who was afraid of death. He spent a long period in prayer and penance to please God. Then God appeared before him in a dream and asked his wish. He prayed to deliver him from death. God answered that death was inevitable for man and so this prayer could not be granted. He then requested God to give him a clear warning before his death. God agreed and vanished. Overjoyed, he started to lead a life of leisure and sinful pleasures, hoping to turn to God as soon as God issues a warning about impending death. In course of time, his hair became grey, skin got wrinkled, health deteriorated and his teeth were lost. Still he continued his sinful ways.


Finally at the moment of death, he had a vision of God, ready to declare his death and judge his deeds. The man complained, "Why didn't you warn me earlier? You have not kept your word!" God replied, "I gave you a series of warnings - your greying hair, wrinkling skin, failing health and falling teeth were the warning signals of an imminent end. But you ignored the warnings. Now you have to meet your fate."


Death often appears unexpectedly. At every moment of life, we must be prepared and ready to meet and greet death as a friend.

"You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life: then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?"{Luke 12:20}. Let us save our riches in heaven. {Luke 12:33}

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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POWER OF PROVIDENCE

Once upon a time, following a shipwreck, one of the crew managed to hold on to a wooden remnant of the ship and was washed ashore a desolate island. He stayed there for many months expecting a rescue by some other ship. He built a tent and started a new way of life. Most of the time he reached the beach and looked for signs of help from an approaching ship. He prayed fervently but his prayers were not answered for a long period. One day, feeling much depressed and disgusted, he stood at the beach, as usual, inspecting the horizon, expecting the appearance of a ship as an answer to his prayers. Suddenly, to his horror, he found that his tent was on fire. He rushed to the scene but was helpless. He cursed God and his fate, as his last possessions were lost in the fire. He returned to the beach, ready to commit suicide in the ocean. As he entered the water, he could see the flag of a distant ship. A boat was fast approaching him. The sailors arrived and rescued him. Back in the ship, he asked the captain how they could learn about his plight. The captain said, "We saw the fire and the smoke rising from that island. We sent the boat expecting some one there."


It was only then that he realized that God's ways are mysterious. He felt sorry for cursing God for letting his only possessions catch fire. He realized that the fire was God's signal to the sailors in a distant ship. He learned to trust His lasting love.

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." {Jeremiah 29:11}

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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EAGLETS' SCHOOL

The eagle is used as a model in the Bible to teach God's loving care for man. The eagle is a symbol of authority, beauty, care and strength. It has several unique features and practices. The female eagle chooses her mate only after he succeeds in a test of skill to recover the stick she drops down from different altitudes. This skill is essential in teaching the eaglets to fly. Eagles are completely committed to their mates and remain together till death.

After marriage, the eagle-couple work together and build a nest at a high altitude, inaccessible to other birds. The eggs are laid on soft and warm bedding. She pulls out soft fur from her own breast to adorn the bed. The baby eaglets enjoy the fine rest in the nice nest. When the eaglets reach a suitable age, the mother, with her wings as a broom sweeps out the soft things from the nest to make it hard. Later the eaglet is carried out of the nest, resting on her wide wings, into the open air. Without a notice, she flips over and drops the eaglet free in the air. The eaglet tries its best to fly and stay in the air. The father watches the training with deep concern. If an eaglet falls down tired, the father will quickly fly down and support it on its wings before it hits the ground. Gradually the training succeeds and the eaglets learn to fly and live independently.

God, like the eagle, may stir our nest and remove the comforts. He may drop us so that we may learn to survive. We need not fear as He is always near, ready to support us in every fall. The parable of the eagle teaches us to face the trials of life with firm faith in God's infinite love and mercy {Hebrews 12:6-11}, {Proverbs 3:11,12}, {Job 5:17,18}.

In the song of Moses recited to the Israelites {Deuteronomy 32:11}, we read, "Like an eagle teaching its young to fly, catching them safely on its spreading wings, the Lord kept Israel from falling."

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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AN ELEGANT ESCAPE

One day an old dog fell down into a barren well. The animal cried aloud. Its owner heard the cry but decided to abandon the dog, as it was very old and sick. The well was useless and so he decided to fill it with mud and bury the dog alive. His children and some workers came to his help. They began to shovel dirt into the well.
When each shovelful of dirt fell on his back, the dog would shake it off and take a step up. They continued to shovel dirt on top of the dog at maximum speed. But the dog continued to shake off the dirt and rise up from the well step by step. Soon, everyone was amazed as the dog stepped up over the edge of the well and happily reached his master, wagging his tail affectionately. The man felt very sorry for trying to bury his loving pet.

The smart dog teaches us a good lesson. In life, troubles, suffering and failures may fall on us like the dirt that fell on the dog. Let us not worry about them or feel hopeless. We should not let the troubles defeat us or bury us. We must shake them off and rise to the top, step by step, using every failure as a stepping-stone. Let us trust in God who will guide us through all our problems. A poet teaches the difference between pessimism and optimism thus:

"Two men looked out from prison bars;

One saw mud; the other saw stars."

Let us choose to look up to Heaven and rejoice in the Lord!

St. Paul advises, "Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart" {Philippians 4:6}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE SEVENTH WORD FROM THE CROSS

The seventh and last word of Jesus from the Cross was: "Father! In your hands I place my spirit!" {Luke 23:46}. This word symbolizes His entrance into Heaven and is addressed to His Heavenly Father to whom He returns after the successful completion of His sacred sacrifice for the redemption of man. With these words He surrendered His spirit to His Heavenly Father and His body to His beloved Mother who was standing with tearful eyes near the Cross.

These last words of Jesus were foretold in the Psalms, "I place myself in your care. You will save me, Lord; you are a faithful God" {Psalms 31: 5}. Prophet Isaiah had foretold in detail the Passion of 'the suffering servant' {Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12}. The last word of Jesus from the Cross, like the first, was a prayer addressed to His Father. It marked the perfect fulfilment of His mission as man for the redemption of man. He is the Lord of life and death. Hence He gave His life to the Father as a total surrender to the will of the Father.

In the early days of human history, Cain killed his brother, Abel. It is believed that Adam found the dead body of Abel and carried him to Eve and laid him on her lap. They witnessed the first death on earth, the consequence of their first sin. Here, the new Abel, Christ is put to death by His jealous brothers. Soon, His silent body will be laid on the lap of the new Eve, Holy Mary.

The death of Jesus was accompanied by violent reactions in nature- "The curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split apart, the graves broke open, and many of God's people who had died were raised to life" {Matthew 27: 51, 52}.

The seventh word is a declaration of His entrance into Heaven - a return to His glory after shedding even the last drop of His precious blood for the redemption of man. Jesus is the living and immortal God. He took birth as man, lived and died to give life to mortal man. Jesus had taught us, "The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them" {John 15: 13}. He performed what He preached. On this Good Friday, the Lamb of God was slain and all the prophecies were fulfilled. Let us praise Him and thank Him.
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE FOURTH WORD FROM THE CROSS

>> 19 March 2008

"My God, My God, why did you abandon me?"{Matthew 27: 46, Mark 15: 34}. These words were uttered by Jesus from the Cross when a mysterious darkness covered the earth at noon on the first Good Friday. He saw the darkness of man's sin, and experienced the spiritual effect of sin, a separation from God. Jesus felt that for a moment he was abandoned by his Father. This experience of solitude, an apparent abandonment by God, enabled Jesus to bear the burden of man's sin as He was "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" {John 1: 29}. The words of Jesus symbolize the agony of those who are in loneliness, apparently abandoned by God. Here Jesus acts as a mediator for sinners.


These words were foretold by David in his 'cry of anguish' in the Psalms which prophetically refer to His agony on the cross. {Psalms 22:1-21}. The darkness at noon was predicted by prophet Amos, "The time is coming when I will make the sun go down at noon and the earth grow dark in daytime. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken. I will turn your festivals into funerals and change your glad songs into cries of grief" {Amos 8: 9, 10}.

This is the fourth and central word of Jesus from the Cross. Jesus bears the burden of all the sins of humanity, and lives the complete human experience of a sinner separated from God, an experience of descending into a hell of horror, to free us from the clutches of sin. It is by His death that we are redeemed. The Divine nature of Jesus cannot be separated from his human nature, but He willed a withdrawal of His Father's face and all Divine consolation to suffer voluntarily in His human nature the spiritual effects and extreme penalty of sin committed by the whole humanity - that is loneliness or a sense of abandonment or rejection by God. His soul filled with loneliness as His eyes felt the darkness. He acted as a mediator for sinful humanity. The physical agony of crucifixion was insignificant when compared to the mental agony which He took upon Himself.

Archbishop Fulton. J. Sheen remarked, "Christ's cry was of the abandonment which He felt standing in a sinner's place, but it was not of despair. The soul that despairs never cries to God. This emptiness of humanity through sin, though He felt it as His own, was nevertheless spoken with a loud voice to indicate not despair, but rather hope that the sun would rise again and scatter the darkness { 'Life of Christ', St. Paul Publications }."
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE SIXTH WORD FROM THE CROSS

The sixth word of Jesus from the Cross, "It is finished" {John 19: 30} is a word of victory, declaring the successful completion of His worldly mission. It is a cry of joy and a farewell to the world. He accepted death not as a 'fate' but as a 'deed' by obediently surrendering to the will of His Father. It marked the end of His mission as man. God displayed His infinite love to man by the acts of creation, revelation and redemption. Through this word, Jesus states that His life as man was completed by faithfully fulfilling what His Heavenly Father had willed and had entrusted to Him. All the prophecies have been fulfilled in Him.


In His infinite mercy, God willed to restore man to his original glory. Our 'Fall' resulted when the disobedient Adam and the proud Eve disobeyed God at the tree of Eden. Jesus, the obedient new Adam, accompanied by the humble Virgin Mary, the second Eve, completed the redemption of man at the tree of the Cross. The Cross is the sacrament of salvation, a symbol of success in the Sacred Sacrifice by the Son of God for the redemption of man.

A similar statement of completion appears at the beginning and at the end of the Holy Bible. In the Book of Genesis, God completes and finishes the act of creation {Genesis 2:1, 2}. In the last chapter of Revelation, the creation of the 'New Heaven and the New Earth' after the end of the world is proclaimed by the words, "It is done!" {Revelation, 21: 6}. In His sixth word from the Cross, Jesus declares the completion of Redemption of man. It is time for the work of sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus finished His redemptive mission. But we are to follow Him, carrying our own crosses of sacrifice and penance. Unless there is a Good Friday in our lives, there will never be an Easter Sunday. Christ gets crucified again and again when we commit sins by our sinful thoughts, words, actions and omissions.

St. Peter reveals, "For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw"
{1 Peter 1: 18, 19}.
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE FIFTH WORD FROM THE CROSS

The fifth word of Jesus from the Cross, "I am thirsty" { John 19: 28 } is an ex-pression of the sufferings of God abandoned by man. The Creator needs the creations just as the shepherd needs his sheep.

In the state of severe suffering, intense pain and large loss of blood which Jesus was subjected to, physical thirst would be natural. Just before His crucifixion, He was offered a concoction of wine mixed with the drug, myrrh { Mark 15: 23, Matthew 27: 34 }. It was a drink usually given to criminals before crucifixion to reduce the sensation of pain by dulling the senses. But Jesus refused the drink as He preferred to willingly suffer the agony of the Passion in full for the redemption of humanity.

Here, hanging on the Cross, the God who created the galaxies in space, stationed the stars in the sky and placed the planets in their proper orbits, moans for the mercy of man! He created the clouds, oceans, rivers and waterfalls, divided the sea, brought water from the rock, walked over water, turned water into wine and wine into His blood. But at Calvary, He cries aloud for a drop of water to drink.

Jesus had declared,"Whoever is thirsty should come to me and drink. As the scripture says, 'Whoever believes in me, streams of life-giving water will pour out from his heart'" {John 7:37, 38}.

To the Samaritan woman, He had promised the Life-giving water. "Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring which will provide him with life-giving water and give him eternal life" { John 4: 10, 13, 14 }.
He could have quenched His thirst easily; by performing a miracle. But He did not do any miracle for Himself.

In response to the request of Jesus, the soldiers soaked a sponge with cheap, sour and bad wine (vinegar) and fixed it to the end of a stalk of hyssop and lifted it up to His lips. Jesus accepted it { John 19: 29 }. These events were foretold by Prophet David in his Psalms: "My throat is as dry as dust, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth" { Psalms 22:15 } and "When I was hungry, they gave me poison; When I was thirsty, they offered me vinegar" { Psalms 69:21 }.

The use of hyssop to bring the vinegar close to His mouth and in contact with His blood is seen as a sign of purification of man by His Sacred Sacrifice. Stalk of the hyssop plant was dipped in the blood of the Paschal lamb and used to apply the blood on the door-posts and the beam above the door to escape the avenging angel during the first Passover { Exodus 12: 21, 22 }. David wanted to be purified from his sins with hyssop { Psalms 51:7 }. The hyssop was prescribed in the Old Testament to sprinkle blood to cleanse lepers { Leviticus14: 1-7 }. Moses sealed the covenant by sprinkling blood using the hyssop { Hebrews 9: 18-22 }. It is believed that Jesus died on the cross at the time when the Chief Priest killed the Paschal lamb in the Temple. Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world { John 1:29 }. He was slain for our sins.

The thirst of Jesus was a yearning for souls, a thirst to transform, redeem and sanctify every human being. It gives us the message of Evangelization. Let us serve as humble instruments of Jesus to save the souls enslaved by Satan. Let us strive to serve and meet the needs of our suffering siblings. Let us be blessed to hear these words from Jesus, during the Final Judgment,
"I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink" { Matthew 25: 35 }.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

>> 08 March 2008

During the visitation by St. Mary, her elderly cousin Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Her son, John the Baptist, was baptized in her womb and jumped with joy. St. Elizabeth, filled with and inspired by the Holy Spirit, addressed St. Mary as 'my Lord's mother.' She exclaimed, "You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you bear! Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord's mother comes to visit me? {Luke 1: 42, 43}. The original word for 'Lord' used here in Hebrew is, "Adonai" and in Greek, "Kyrios". These mean "Lord God" (Yahweh). This is the equivalent of the salutation, "Holy Mary, Mother of God," which Catholics repeat in the Holy Rosary.

We firmly believe that St. Mary conceived Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through her, was born as man, Jesus Christ—the second person of the Holy Trinity, one-in-being (consubstantial) with the Father and the Holy spirit, and true God from true God. Jesus is true God and true man. In His person are united both a divine nature and a human nature. We believe that Jesus is a divine person, and this person is God. St.Mary is Jesus' Mother. Hence St.Mary is the mother of God. Mary is not just the Mother of Jesus' human nature alone - mothers are mothers of persons, not natures.

St. John wrote, "The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw His glory, the glory which He received as the Father's only Son." (John 1:14). St.Mary did not create the divine person of Jesus. He existed with the Father from all eternity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church expresses this truth in the following words: "In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly `Mother of God´ (Theotókos)" (CCC, no. 495).

The angel Gabriel informs St. Mary, "The holy child will be called the Son of God"{Luke,1: 35}. Mary is the Mother of the Son of God, or the Mother of God. She was protected by God from original sin. She was born in sanctity and grew in sanctity without even a shadow of sin, reflecting God's infinite sanctity and divinity.

Just as the moon reflects the brilliance of the sun, she reflects the glory and grace of God and reflects or transmits to us the grace of God, the Sun of Justice, Jesus.

In Christian tradition and faith, she is venerated as the 'Mother of God'. We must follow the great example of humility of our Blessed Mother, who said, "I am the Lord's servant; may it happen to me as you have said" {Luke 1: 38}. We must turn to her always as our own Mother, pleading, "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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GOD'S GIFTS

This story is adapted from a joke told by His Grace Mar Aprem, Metropolitan and Head of the Assyrian Church of the East in India.

A Bishop had a large and luxurious car. It was driven by a poor and old driver. Wherever they went, the Bishop received a royal reception but nobody cared about the poor driver. One day, while they were speeding, the limousine was hit by a truck. Both the Bishop and the driver died on the spot. They reached the Pearly Gates of Heaven.


A grand reception was accorded to the Bishop. St. Peter garlanded him and escorted him in a gorgeous procession to a splendid abode. The driver went in silently and located his room with difficulty. Later he met St. Peter and complained, "I had hoped that every one would be treated with equal honour here. But you totally neglected me while offering a majestic welcome to the Bishop who came with me. Heaven is not different from the earth. Your partiality is not pardonable."


Hearing this complaint, St. Peter laughed and consoled the driver, "Dear son, do not worry. Drivers arrive here every day. But the Bishop who came with you is the first Bishop we have received in a whole century! So we thought of celebrating his entry."

The story is not meant to belittle the merit of Bishops but to highlight the high standard of sanctity and perfection expected from a Bishop and others who have received God's special call, gifts and anointing. They are expected to exhibit a high degree of perfection in proportion to the magnitude of gifts received from God. Bishops, priests, nuns, catechists, evangelists and other lay leaders should show a response suited to their vocation for justification. This is reflected in the parable of the servants who received different amounts of gold coins (talents) narrated in the Gospel {Mathew 25: 14-30}. Each person receives different amounts of gifts according to his natural ability. The trading of the coins signifies that we must make faithful use of the spiritual gifts and opportunities received from God, for the service of God and man. One with greater capacity receives greater opportunity and has greater responsibility.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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MICHELANGELO'S ANGEL

The splendid statue of an angel holding a decorative candlestick (candelabrum) is a masterpiece of the renowned sculptor Michelangelo (1475-1564). He carved it out of a block of marble to decorate the tomb of St. Dominic at Bologna in Italy. Later he was asked how he could make the marvellous model from a shapeless stone. The gifted sculptor replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." In his opinion, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it." He added, "In every block of marble, I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it."

These statements illustrate an important insight. There is a virtuous angel within every person. To reveal this angel, we have to get rid of the vices and malice that mask the majestic model. Harmful habits, sinful actions and worldly desires often conceal the real angel within us. Let us transform ourselves to expose and express the exquisite angel in us. St. Paul advises, "So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to – the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy" {Ephesians, 4: 22-24}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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FEAST AND FAST


Gilbert Keith Chesterton and George Bernard Shaw were two contemporary British writers. Chesterton was a very fat man who loved eating. Shaw, on the other hand, was a strict vegetarian and was very thin and lean. The story goes that Chesterton once said to Shaw, "Looking at you, people would think there's a famine in England," to which Shaw responded, "Looking at you, they'd think you caused it!"


At the end of a monotonous meeting, the Chairman announced that the next item is the best part of any meeting - that is, 'eating'! Immediately the members rushed to the dining hall happily.


Food is a basic requirement of every living thing. God has provided enough resources on earth for every man's need but not for his greed. While several underprivileged people are exposed to constant poverty and frequent starvation, many rich people suffer from disorders associated with overeating such as obesity. Overeating and lack of activity are the major causes of obesity which may lead to very serious diseases such as heart-attack, diabetes and stroke.


There is a story about a person who complained to his doctor that he was not feeling hungry for about an hour after a meal. To reduce the weight of the extra obese person, the doctor prescribed two slices of bread in the morning and one at night. The patient sought a clarification- whether the bread should be eaten before the usual meal or after it!


The Holy Bible teaches us that over-eating or gluttony can be a sin. We must control our appetites but should not allow appetites to control us. If we fail to control our overeating habits, we may fail to control other bad habits such as addictions, anger, arrogance, envy, greed, lust and laziness. God has given us delicious and nutritious food. We may enjoy them- but only in moderation, using only appropriate quantities. Let us make sacrifices to feed the poor and hungry around us.


"Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags {Proverbs 23:20-21}.


Jesus concludes the parable of the rich fool who planned to build bigger barns to store his corn, with the words: But God said to him, "You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?"{Luke 12:16-21}. Practice of temperance and occasional fasting improves our physical, mental, moral, emotional and spiritual health.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE SACRED SACRIFICE ON THE HOLY CROSS

>> 07 March 2008

The Book of Genesis describes God's creation of the Garden of Eden. In the middle of the garden there were two trees. One was the tree of life whose fruit could give life or immortality. The other was the tree of knowledge (of good and evil) which brought death to man. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit of this tree and this sin caused their 'Fall'. They were sent away from the paradise of pleasure. God posted an angel with a flaming sword to prevent them from returning to the garden and eating the fruit of the Tree of Life which could have made man immortal, but in a state of sin. God wanted to redeem man and promised the redeemer (Jesus) who would crush the head of Satan {Genesis 3:15} and make man eligible for everlasting life in a heaven of happiness.


The tree of life was a symbol of the Cross on which Christ was crucified for the redemption of man through His generous gift of everlasting life. Several legends and paintings illustrate this truth. One legend says that the original 'tree of life' got uprooted from Eden during the Flood and later landed near Jerusalem. It was used as a bridge across a stream. When Jesus was sentenced to be crucified, the Romans searched in haste for a wood to make His cross. The tree used as the bridge was cut into two and joined to make the cross of Christ. Several variants of this legend are popular. They suggest the life-giving role of the Cross by relating it to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden.

Other legends assume that Golgotha, 'the place of the skull' {Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17}, where Jesus was crucified was the place where Adam's skull was buried. When the Cross was fixed to the ground, the skull was directly under the Cross. The sanctifying blood of Jesus directly dripped on Adam's skull and washed away his sins. This story signifies the redemption of Adam and his descendants who were waiting for centuries, for the sacred sacrifice of the Son of God on the Holy Cross. With his arms outstretched unto infinity, Jesus on the Cross embraced all humanity. Jesus taught us, "The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them" {John 15: 13}.
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS

Jesus Christ, the Living and Immortal God, by His life and death, gave life to us, the mortal men. The last seven sayings of the Saviour are recorded in the Gospels. The pulpit of His last words was the Holy Cross. The power of this eternal sermon could awaken even the dead from their graves. These seven words summarize the mystery of His life, mission and vision. The audience of this great sermon represented different sections of humanity - saints, sinners, soldiers, priests and Pharisees. The words may be arranged in the following order:

1. "Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing" {Luke 23:34}. The first word of Christ on the Cross was His prayer addressed to His Father imploring pardon for His enemies. He was pleading for the forgiveness of sinners in general.

2. "I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me" {Luke 23: 43}. His second word was an answer to the prayer of a penitent sinner, a pardon granted generously.

3. "He is your son." "She is your mother" {John 19:26, 27}. These were addressed to His loving Mother, St. Mary and dear disciple, St. John. Thus He assigned to His Mother, a spiritual motherhood of humanity.

4. "My God, My God, why did you abandon me?"{Matthew 27:46, Mark 15: 34}. This was uttered when a mysterious darkness covered the earth. It symbolizes the agony of those who are apparently abandoned by God. Here He acts as a mediator for sinners.

5. "I am thirsty" {John 19:28}. This displays the sufferings of God abandoned by man and is addressed to men. He thirsts for loving souls.

6. "It is finished" {John 19: 30}.The sixth word declares the completion of His worldly mission. It is a farewell to the world.

7. "Father! In your hands I place my spirit!" {Luke 23:46}. The last word symbolizes His entrance into Heaven and is addressed to His Heavenly Father to whom He returns after the successful completion of His sacred sacrifice.

Before Christ, the cross was a sign of sin and shame. His sacred sacrifice made the Cross the sacrament of salvation and the symbol of victory over sin and death. It is a sign of success and source of strength to us to lead a life of sacrifice, service and suffering. The Passion of Christ preaches the painful path to paradise.
By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE FIRST WORD FROM THE CROSS

Jesus sacrificed even the last drop of His precious and sanctifying blood for the redemption of the world. The first word of Jesus on the Cross was His prayer addressed to His Father pleading pardon for His enemies and persecutors:

"Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing" {Luke 23:34}.

Jesus prayed for everyone responsible for His Passion and Crucifixion including - the Jewish priests, Pharisees and the thief who ridiculed and despised Him, the Jews who pleaded for the release of Barabbas and cried for crucifying Him, Pilate who sentenced Him without justice, Roman soldiers who persecuted Him and gambled for His clothes, Peter who denied Him, the Apostles who deserted Him, Judas who betrayed Him and each one of us who, by our sinful thoughts, words and actions, crucified Him.

The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in Crucified Christ: "But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the Lord made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved" {Isaiah 53: 5, 6}.

His Divine love prevailed even at the height of His suffering. Jesus showed how to practice what He preached: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you'{Luke 6: 27, 28}; "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in Heaven"{Matthew 5: 44,45}. He taught us the lesson of forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us" {Matthew 6:12}.

Forgiveness is a divine quality. It is the secret of peace in personal, social and spiritual life. One who does not forgive and forget the defects and misdeeds of others creates a hell in one's own life and also in the lives of all around him.

Through these words, Jesus taught us the need, nature and strength of prayer and forgiveness. Every sin is an act by which Barabbas is preferred to Jesus and Jesus is crucified again. It is a nail thrust on the arms of Jesus, outstretched to bless us. If we happen to fall into sin, let us confess our sins and pray for the grace to trust in the infinite mercy of God.

Let us kneel at the foot of the Cross, the pulpit of love, and raise our hands to him, to praise Him, thank Him and adore Him.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE SECOND WORD FROM THE CROSS

The Gospel of Luke records that two criminals were crucified on either side of Jesus. Legends say that the thief crucified on His right side was Dismas and the one on His left was Gestas (Gesmas). Gestas was abusing Jesus continuously even while hanging on his cross. But Dismas was touched by the innocence of Jesus and by His prayer for forgiving His persecutors. He repented and rebuked Gestas for his blasphemous and cruel words to Jesus. Dismas prayed to Jesus, "Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!"{Luke 23:42}.This was his last prayer, perhaps it was also his first prayer. Jesus accepted and answered his prayer immediately, forgave his sins and offered him entry into Paradise. Jesus said to him, "I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me" {Luke 23:43}. Archbishop Fulton. J. Sheen remarked, "The thief died a thief, for he stole Paradise!" The thief acknowledged Jesus as his Saviour when all His disciples except John had deserted Him. Dismas could escort Jesus to Heaven.

There is a popular legend about the early days of Dismas. The Holy Family fleeing from Bethlehem to Egypt, to escape from the infanticide ordered by King Herod, sought refuge in a cave on the way. St. Mary requested the lady living there to give some water to bathe Baby Jesus. She readily gave it and collected the water in which Jesus was bathed. She then bathed her own baby, Dismas, a leper, in the same water. Dismas was immediately cured miraculously from leprosy. He was the son of a robber and later he joined his father's gang. The incident in his infancy was a symbol of the spiritual healing he was to receive in Calvary.

Prophet Isaiah had foretold, "He willingly gave his life and shared the fate of evil men. He took the place of many sinners and prayed that they might be forgiven" {Isaiah 53:12, Luke 22:37}. The crucifixion was a prototype of the Last Judgment, with the judge, Jesus at the centre and the thieves representing the saved and the lost, the two divisions of humanity, on either side.

The kind words of Jesus to the penitent sinner reflect the prophetic message of the Old Testament, "You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool" {Isaiah 1: 18}.

Jesus had said, "I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent."{Luke 15:7}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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THE THIRD WORD FROM THE CROSS

The Gospel of St. John narrates the words of Jesus from the Cross to His loving Mother and His dear disciple (St. John), who were standing close to the Cross. He said to His Mother, "He is your son" {John 19:26}. Then He said to St. John, "She is your mother" {John 19: 27}. Thus Jesus proclaimed His last will and testament. By giving a son to his beloved mother, he was entrusting the whole humanity to her tender maternal care and intercession. By gifting his dear disciple with a mother, He was giving a mother to the human race. St. Mary was with Jesus from the crib to the Cross. She co-operated in His redemptive mission from the womb to the tomb and guided the Church in its infancy. By these words He assures a shelter and support to His mother and gifts a Mother to His Church. By the words of Jesus from the Cross, Mary is anointed as the Mother of His Church, the mystical body of Christ, which He redeemed.

The words to His mother are regarded as her second Annunciation by God - calling her to become the spiritual mother of mankind. She thus became the universal mother, the new Eve. Jesus was her only son by the flesh. But the whole human race became her spiritual children by this anointing at the Cross. Jesus was giving us His mother, to be our Mother. Each one of us was represented by St. John at Calvary.

Traditionally it is believed that St. Mary consoled St. Peter who was in tears following his denial of Jesus. Her words transformed him and filled him with correct repentance, enabling him to take up the responsibility of leading the young church. Her presence at the Pentecost testifies her special role in strengthening the early church

Following the words of Jesus, "the disciple took her to live in his home" {John 19: 27}. Let us follow the disciple by bringing her into our home and life and venerating her blessed name in the Holy Rosary: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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PRACTISE BEFORE PREACHING

>> 27 February 2008

A boy was diagnosed to be diabetic. The Doctor gave a strict instruction that he should not eat sweets or sugar. His mother tried to persuade the boy to stop the practice of eating sweets. But she failed. So she took the boy to a saintly priest who was respected and obeyed by all. She requested him, "My son is diabetic. Kindly instruct him to stop the dangerous habit of eating sweets and sugar." The priest asked her to return with the boy after two weeks and promised that then he would give the necessary instructions to the boy. The mother was surprised but followed the directions. She returned with the boy after two weeks. The priest issued a stern warning and the boy readily agreed to follow the order. Later, out of curiosity, the mother asked the priest why he did not give the instruction during their first visit. "That is simple", he said, "When you came to me on the first day, I myself was in the habit of eating sugar and sweets. Unless and until I change my habit and practice this myself, how can I ask another person to follow my instruction?"

The story reminds us that example is better than precept. An ideal leader is one who "knows the way, shows the way and goes the way." A preacher who has the habit of smoking does not have the authority or credibility to ask others to quit the habit.

Society needs credible leaders who practice what they preach.

St. Paul advises, "Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions" {Philippians 4: 9}.

St. Paul says, "Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ" {1 Corinthians 11: 1}

Jesus said," I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you" {John 13: 15}. Jesus warns against the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, "So you must obey and follow everything they tell you to do; do not, however, imitate their actions, because they don't practise what they preach {Matthew, 23: 3}.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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A LOVING AND LOVELY GIFT

It was Christmas Eve. A small girl came to a jeweller’s shop. She pointed to a fine necklace displayed in the shelf and said that she wanted to buy it. The jeweller asked whether she had the money to pay for it. “Yes, I have,” she said, laying a packet of small coins on his table. He noticed that it amounted to only about ten rupees whereas the necklace was valued at thirty thousand rupees. Out of curiosity, he asked her why she wanted the necklace. She told him that she wanted to give it as a Christmas gift to her loving sister, who is looking after her after the death of their parents. The coins were from her piggy bank, her collection since last Christmas. She had been watching this necklace in the showroom for several days and was eagerly awaiting Christmas to purchase and present it to her sister.

He was deeply moved by the admirable affection of the innocent infant. He readily packed the necklace and gave it to her in exchange for her coins. She jumped with joy and ran home. She presented the gift to her sister. The elder sister assumed that the girl had stolen the necklace and scolded her. She dragged the girl to the shop and asked whether the article was stolen from there. The jeweler told her that he had sold it to the girl ant that she had made full payment for it.

It is remarked that during that Christmas, Jesus was born in the lives of all the three persons- the loving girl, the merciful jeweller and the truthful sister.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit the web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com


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