Christmas 2010 is beginning from the 1st Sunday of Advent on 28-11-2010

Another Christmas Season has just begun. Officially the Advent (awaiting for the Birth of Christ) starts on the 28th of November, 2010 by the Universal Catholic and other Churches. Though X-MAS comes every year, a true Christian must see that it does not end up in mere celebration, but it brings some new and special stuff in his/her spiritual life. Let us all devotees strive hard to make this Christmas special by observing this Christmas more meaningful than all the previous X-Mas we have celebrate in our lives.

Christians and the habit of Reading and Meditating The Holy Bible daily:

Holy Bible is the Book that has influenced the mankind more than any other books. No human can explain fully the greatness of this Book authored by the Most High God Himself. The Holy Bible is the Divine Word that is Lord Jesus Christ (St. Jn. 1:1). Many Christians specially the Catholics must make a self examination ‘whether one reads the Holy Bible (The Living Word of God) and meditates on it daily?’ It is very regrettable to find that the present generation gives very less importance to the Word of God. (We all know many portions and passages of the Bible!) As the Word of God is life-giving and illuminates ones path and serves as a lamp to one’s ways (Ps.119:105), it is highly advisable to start every day after reading at least some verses from the Holy Bible.

The Catholic families of Kerala were widely quoted by most people for their regular family prayers. It is a remarkable habit taught and trained by our parents and ancestors. But today’s comfort, luxury and entertainments are causing a big obstacle to this great habit of Evening Family prayers by all members.

Dear friend, if you do not maintain the habit of Praying with your full family (parents, wife & children) at least for some time regularly and Reading a small paragraph from the Holy Bible and meditating a little while, please start it from today… for the sake of your children, grand children and future generation.

May God Bless you and your family abundantly……!

The Souls in purgatory (the suffering Church)

The Church observes the month of November as the month of the saved souls in purgatory. The souls in Purgatory are considered as the 'suffering church'. The righteous souls (saints) who have fought a good war and completed the mission assigned by their Master in this world are known as the 'victorious Church' and the ones still living on this earth including you and me are the living Church. While the Church believes that the glorious ones (Saints) are glorifying and thanking the Creator and Savior unceasingly and interceding for the salvation of the living Church (the whole humanity), the suffering souls in the purgatory depend fully on the prayers of the faithful - as they cannot do anything for themselves as long as they are in that state.

So it is our duty and highly expected by our Savior, to pray and offer Sacraments for those souls as the Good Lord who is the peak of Mercy (also Justice) can show kindness to them against the intercessory prayers offered by the living Church. In return once they are elevated, they in turn intercede for the mankind.

It is very imperative for a devotee to remember his/her departed parents / grand parents /uncles /aunts / teachers /Priests / nuns / neighbors / friends / colleagues / .... every known souls throughout his/her life and pray for those souls, it is highly recommended to pray specially for those souls in the month of November without fail. All what one can do for a departed soul is offering prayer, penance and Sacraments. And no doubt the result will be highly rewarding.