Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Last Day of 2008

Click on the forward button above to see the video

and listen to the music...

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The dance of the School Children

of Kodaikanal in South India.

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May the peace of Jesus enlighten your life!

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Doing or saying something which will light a smile on someone we meet today will be a meaningful way of celebrating/sharing the experience of "Emmanuel" on the last day of the year, 2008.

Let us never forget to thank the Lord for the wonders he has worked in our lives in the year, 2008.

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Honouring the elders

Dance-form is a human expression

of praising, reverencing and glorifying God!

Click on the forward button above

to see the video and listen to the music...

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"Clap your hands, all peoples!

Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

Sing praises to God, sing praises!

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing praises with a psalm." (Psalm 47)

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Do I praise the New Born babe Jesus with a psalm?

Let me speak to Him in the language I know, express my feelings of joy and sorrow

and say: "Lord I praise you with the feeling that I experience just now."

Believe that you have offered to the Babe of Bethlehem a wonderful,

personal psalm of your life!

May the peace and joy of "Emmanuel"

be with you during this Christmas-season!

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Comments to: vmalpan@gmail.com

I thank the Lord for you, my friend!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Decemeber, 26 : 2008

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father." (Jn 1:14)

Wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas!

"He comes, comes, ever comes!"

May the God of this surpassing love and wonder, who came to us at Bethlehem and took us by the hand, bless you this Christmas and fill your lives, even in the darkest places, with his grace, compassion and love!

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May my gift to the Child Jesus today

be a gentle smile ,

a helping hand to anyone in need,

spending some quality time with those who are physically or mentally challenged,

giving an idea to spread the message of reconciliation and peace,

giving a gentle push to someone who wavers,

giving an ear to someone who wants to share,

contributing money to help a starving person to have a meal today,

and above all,

to be gratefully present to Jesus who has come among us and to learn from Him the real meaning of poverty.

"He comes, comes, ever comes!"

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas 2

Contemplating with the Blessed Trinity
In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius of Loyola begins the contemplation on the mystery of the Incarnation with the Trinity looking down on the world they have created out of love. It is in a horrible mess. What do the divine persons feel?Disgust? Rejection? Condemnation? None of these - their response is one of infinite compassion; they decide that one of them should enter into the very depths of this mess, take it all unconditionally to His heart, and so heal and save it from within. That what is Incarnation (God's coming in flesh)is all about: Emmanuel, 'God-with-us' in the heart of our lives and in the very midst of all the messiness of what it means to be human.
So, the feast of Christmas invites us to celebrate life in its fullness.
PEACE AND JOY OF CHRISTMAS!
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Thank you! Please do visit again.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Christmas 1

GOD'S LOVING PROVIDENCE IS ONLINE 24 HOURS OF THE DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK... Three lines of affirmation =I believe that divine guidance is always available to me... =I believe that I am capable of taking the right turn in the road… =I believe that God will show a way where there is no way…

Celebrating the feast of "Emmanuel (God-with-us) means to realize God's love is an "ever-online" service.

To log on to this online service just whisper the prayer: "Come Lord Jesus".

Wish you a peaceful Christmas full of Jesus Christ!

========================== Comments to: vmalpan@gmail.com

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Peaceful Christmas

Wish you one and all A PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL CHRISTMAS: 2008 AND A NEW YEAR (2009) FULL OF COMPASSION AND LOVE! =================== vmalpan@gmail.com

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Peaceful Christmas

Wish you one and all A PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL CHRISTMAS: 2008 AND A NEW YEAR (2009) FULL OF COMPASSION AND LOVE! =================== vmalpan@gmail.com

Friday, December 19, 2008

Peaceful Christmas

Wish you one and all A PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL CHRISTMAS: 2008 AND A NEW YEAR (2009) FULL OF COMPASSION AND LOVE! =================== vmalpan@gmail.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Peaceful Christmas

Wish you one and all
A PEACEFUL
AND JOYFUL
CHRISTMAS: 2008
AND
A NEW YEAR (2009)
FULL OF COMPASSION AND LOVE!
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Season of advent 12

Just click above

to see the video....

a beautiful mountain track in the hill district of Wayanad,

in the state of Kerala, India.

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Is Jesus Christ present in my advent preparation?

Have I allowed Jesus to enter my plans to celebrate Christmas this year?

If yes, what effect does it have in my life?

Have you not heard his silent steps?

Have you not heard his silent steps?

He comes, comes, ever comes...

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Season of Advent 11

(Photo: Roy M. Thottathil, S.J.) Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11 “The Spirit of the LORD GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour… I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” ******************************************** You are welcome to ponder over the question: Have I allowed Jesus to enter my life during this season of advent? If yes, what is its effect in my life? ****************************** Contact: vmalpan@gmail.com

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Season of Advent 9

Mother Mary's Narration of her Christmas Dream to Joseph
(As we prepare for the coming of the Lord the reading of this imaginary dream will open our eyes to the meaning of Christmas celebration)
"Joseph, I had a dream. I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birth day celebration of our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about four weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also.
The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel. Oh, it was beautiful. Every one was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, but not to our Son. Oh! I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate some one's birthday if they don't know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so happy, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -- not to be wanted at His won birthday party. I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real!"
(Author unknown)
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Friday, December 12, 2008

Season of Advent 8

(Photo: Rev. Roy M. Thottathil, SJ) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Every year the Church celebrates this holy season of ADVENT.
Every year we roll up all our NEEDS and YEARNINGS and faithful EXPECTATATIONS into one word: "COME".
And yet, what a strange word this is! After all, YOU HAVE ALREADY COME and pitched your tent among us. YOU have ALREADY shared our life with its joys, its pains and sufferings...
Could you approach any NEARER to us than you did when you became the "SON OF MAN"... one of us in all things...
In spite of all this we still pray, "COME LORD JESUS, come!
Slowly a light is beginning to dawn...!
But still you will COME AGAIN, because the fact that you have already come must continue to be revealed ever more clearly. It will become progressivley more manifest to the world that the heart of all things is already transformed, because you have taken them all to your HEART!
YOU MUST CONTINUE TO COME MORE AND MORE. What already has taken place in the roots of all reality must be made more and more apparent."
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"The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in you that is not yet Christ." (Thomas Merton)
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Thursday, December 11, 2008

Season of Advent 7

"Have you not heard his silent steps?
Have you not heard his silent steps?
He comes, comes, ever comes."
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The Mysterious One! (Sr.Lucy SDS: Salvatorian Sister who works among the mentally challenged persons) O mysterious one! Among all the illness You are the mysterious one My friend Cancer! You welcomed me into your mysteriousness, To experience your depth To experience your deep pain To experience your powerfulness.... I dived into your depths, darkness I dived into disappointments I dived into isolation I dived into powerlessness..... Yes, you are the mysterious one! You made me realize that I am OK You made me realize that I am cared and loved You made me realize that I am wanted further You made me realize that I am under the providential care of the Almighty. But you shock me with treatments You shock me with more sicknesses You shock me with new diet You shock me with new experiences O mysterious one! I met so many in the hospitals some stayed short and some long I met Children gripped by you You get into their blood, brain, eyes… at their blooming age I met young boys and girls at the threshold of their life devastated by you I met mothers, young and old leaving before they have loved their children enough I met men, young and old, you grasped their mouth, throat... causing a big ? mark! Yes, you are mysterious! You get into everyone - rich, poor, young and old. You want me to be your slave But I will fight you By finding power in the powerful Trusting in the trustworthy Rejoicing in the Giver of Joy. Yes I will fight you again and again Until I stand up to you successfully....
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Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Heal us as you only can!
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Contact E-Mail id: vmalpan@gmail.com

"Thou mastering me God ...."

"Thou mastering me God! giver of breath and bread; World's strand, sway of the sea; Lord of living and dead; Thou hast bound bones and veins in me, fastened me flesh, And after it almost unmade, what with dread, Thy doing: and dost thou touch me afresh? Over again I feel thy finger and find thee." From The Wreck of the Deutschland by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Season of Advent 6

Christmas Humour!
(Genuine humour keeps us in good spirit)
Alex was five; all his Christmas presents were always signed, 'from Father Christmas.' A little while after Alex had opened all his presents on Christmas morning, we became aware that he was looking quite down in the mouth for no obvious reason. 'What's the matter, Al?' I asked. 'Ummmm, 'replied Alex slowly, 'I really hoped that you and Mummy would give me something for Christmas.'
On the Sunday before Christmas Reverend Billy Graham was walking down Highland street in Mt Holly, North Carolina on his way to see a parishioner. However, he wanted to post a parcel urgently so he asked a young boy where he could find the post office. When the boy had directed him, Reverend Graham thanked him and said, 'If you'll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven.' The boy replied, 'I think I'll give your sermon a miss. If you don't even know your way to the post office, how will you lead me to heaven?'
It was just before Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was in the dock, 'What are you charged with?' The prisoner replied, 'Doing my Christmas shopping too early.' 'That's no crime', said the magistrate. 'Just how early were you doing this shopping?' 'Before the shop opened', answered the prisoner.
It was Christmas Eve in at the meat counter and a woman was anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the hope of finding a large one. In desperation she called over a shop assistant and said, 'Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?' 'No, madam, 'he replied, 'they're all dead.'
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CHALLENGING REFLECTIONS

This Jesus Challenges Me [I do not know, and He tells me: REMEMBER AND RELIVE… I am afraid, and He tells me: TAKE COURAGE… I am furious, and He tells me: FORGIVE… I have doubts, and He tells me: HAVE CONFIDENCE… I FEEL RESTLESS, AND He tells me: BE CALM… I prefer to go my own way, and He tells me: COME AND FOLLOW ME… I make my own plans, and He tells me: FORGET ABOUT THEM… I want security, and He tells me: I PROMISE YOU ABSOLUTELY NOTHING… I like to live my own life and He tells me: LOSE YOUR LIFE… I believe I am good, and He tells me: GOOD IS NOT SUFFICIENT… I like to boss, and He tells me: SERVE… I like to command others and He tells me: OBEY… I like to understand and He tells me: BELIEVE… I like clarity and He tells me PARABLES… I like poetry and He speaks to me in REALITIES… I like tranquility and He likes me to be DISTURBED… I like violence and He says: PEACE BE WITH YOU… I think of revenge and He says: OFFER THE OTHER CHEEK… I like to remain hidden and He says: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE… No, I don’t understand this Jesus, He provokes me; He confuses me… I would like to follow another Master who would be more certain and less demanding. But I experienced almost the same as Peter: “I do not know of anyone else, WHO HAS THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE.” ]
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Indian Prayer 2

From Tagore's Gitanjali
"Moment's Indulgence I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by thy side. The works that I have in hand I will finish afterwards. Away from the sight of thy face my heart knows no rest nor respite, and my work becomes an endless toil in a shoreless sea of toil. Today the summer has come at my window with its sighs and murmurs; and the bees are plying their minstrelsy at the court of the flowering grove. Now it is time to sit quite, face to face with thee, and to sing dedication of life in this silent and overflowing leisure." ******************** Little Flute "Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life. This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new. At the immortal touch of thy hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable. Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still thou pourest, and still there is room to fill. "
================================================================= Rabindranath Tagore (Indian) Poet, Philosopher, Musician, Writer, Educator, Nobel Laureate (1861-1941)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Season of Advent 5

Preparing the way for the Lord...
Jesus Loves Me This I Know

(When I read this story this morning something clicked within me. Tears of joy and compassion rolled down my cheeks. So I thought of sharing this with you all). The Lord comes, comes ever comes!

Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard the plane going from LA to Chicago, lugging my laptop and overstuffed briefcase.
It was the first leg of an important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, and I was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up on. Half wishing, half praying I muttered, "Please God, do me a favor; let there be an empty seat next to mine, I don't need any distractions."
I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor Traveling Unattended.
The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead.He'd probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought.
Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will answer any of your questions, okay?"
Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice, straight up and down. "Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about seven years old." "I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded. "Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him pictures.
"Because I'm six." "I was way off, huh?" The captains' voice came over the speakers, "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff." Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines roared.
I leaned over, "Right about now, I usually say a prayer. I asked God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to protect us." "Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid because my mama's already in Heaven."
"I'm sorry." I said. "Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted off. "I'm sorry you don't have your mama here." My briefcase jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed to do.
"Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the Pacific. "Where are they going?" "Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me." "Doing what?" he asked. "Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna Does your dad ever take you fishing?" "I don't have a dad," Michael sadly responded.
Only six years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase under my seat.
"Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little. "Sure," I said, "let me take you there." I showed him how to work the "Occupied" sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile "That sink shoots water everywhere!" The attendants smiled.
Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag. Poor kid.
While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back anytime!" For a while he stared at the manila envelope. "What are you thinking?" I asked Michael.
He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was.
"What's the matter buddy?" I asked. All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will I go?"
"Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with animals."
"Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee sooooo....."
Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high, he was in a good place. "You've got a great voice," I told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that."
"Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my grandma's," he said "My grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir." "Well, I'll bet you can sing there, too. The two of you will be running that choir."
The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle.
Michael and I stayed seated. "Are you gonna go with me?" he asked. "I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him. Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the jetway.
All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor. Michael stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears. "What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want." He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!"
I tried to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor. "Is that you, baby?"
I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the warmth in her voice. "Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need a hug, baby. Let go of that nice man" She knelt beside Michael and me.
Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms. "You've got folks waiting for you out there, Michael. Do you know that you've got aunts, and uncles and cousins?"
She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming.
Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was right.
Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me -- this I know..." Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and reached for his grandma.
As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From the size of the crowed, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael.
A tall man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It no longer applied. As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the seat next to mine this time...And I smiled. ~By Jerry Seiden~
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Sunday, December 7, 2008

SEASON OF ADVENT 4 - Art and Spirituality 2

"The world into which the Lord comes" Painting by Rev. Roy M. Thottathil, S.J.

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Celebrating the Season of Advent

"For Christians, Advent is a time of reflection about the amazing gift that God gave to us in the person of His Son who came to live among us on earth. It is also an opportunity to restore Jesus to His rightful place as the center of our holiday celebrations! Advent is, appropriately, both somber and joyful!The prevailing themes of the Advent season and the symbolism behind the activities which churches and families share are expectation and hope, preparation and peace, joy and sharing, and most of all, love. These themes are represented in the 5 candles of the Advent wreath. On each Sunday marking a new week in Advent, a candle is lit on the wreath (including candles from previous weeks) until we arrive at the snow-white center candle which stands for Christ! All Advent activities and traditions are grounded in the truth of Scripture...even though the symbolism and stories surrounding them have changed over time. The focus continues to be the great news that the Messiah was and is coming and how we live out our heartfelt longing for both.The practice of lighting Advent candles began in Germany by non-Christians. They lit candles surrounded by evergreen branches in their windows on cold winter nights to signify their hope for the coming warmth and light of spring! Later, German Lutherans kept the practice alive and gradually the symbolism of the Advent wreath was added: evergreens represent everlasting life (because they do not die during winter) and Christian growth; the wreath is a symbol of God's unending love and of victory; candles represent Christ, the light of the world, and their purple or blue color signify the royalty of Jesus our King! Another tradition saying is that the four candles signify the 4000 years of waiting from Adam and Eve until, at long last, Jesus' birth."

(From: http://www.teachingmom.com/features/adventhistory.html )

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The Lord comes, comes, ever comes...! Do visit this blog again. Thank you very much. E-Mail id: vmalpan@gmail.com

Scenes from nature

See and believe... See and believe... See and believe... See and believe... See and believe!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Season of Advent 3 : Art and Spirituality 1

Painting and write-up by Rev. Roy M. Thottathil, S.J. Art and Spirituality Art is essentially spiritual because human beings are essentially spiritual beings. There is an urge in everybody to surpass the external and material into a realm deeper and beyond. I consider this inclination as a primal spiritual urge of Man to attempt to transcend himself and his situations. To a great extent this is achieved through artistic expression. The spiritual in art gives expression to what is deeper and beyond, the invisible and incomprehensible reality. A sense of mystery in the life in which we live is integral to human consciousness. It is a basic primitive consciousness with which we search the ‘ground of our being’[1]. I am not attributing ‘spiritual’ elements to artistic practice; rather I see the spiritual as the essence of artistic expression. The term ‘spiritual’ is not necessarily seen in association with any religious faith or doctrine, even though various religious tenets have an influence in the understanding of it. Artistic creations and ritualistic practices used the same process in many of the early traditions. Art has been an integral part of religious worships and faith expressions in both major and folk religions. In modern times, art is not purely religious. However, at same time in modern and contemporary art there is a dimension of spirituality, as its inner dynamism and in its power of expression which I believe can be understood as the salient feature of modern contemporary art; even though artists may not recognise it as spiritual. Paul Tillich said that “everything in human culture has a religious dimension” (Tillich, 1989, p. 166). The religious dimension he stated is in a broader sense, not as the activities of a group in which the direct relation to a divine being is expressed in ritual and doctrinal symbols. Religion in this sense, (which I call as spiritual consciousness), “can appear in all expressions of man’s cultural activity, both in the created works and in the creating persons” (Tillich, 1989, p. 167). I consider that every artistic process is a process of liberation. An artist, through his works, liberates himself and the viewers from the illusions of surface and images. The concept of liberation encompasses all aspects of life in relation to the inner and outer world. It is not negating the outer reality, but detaching ourselves from its falsification and getting into the elementary substance where we come in touch with the essence of the reality. Thomas Merton[2] stated, “In art we find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”. Giving up and finding out is the inner working of art. This is a constant process of stripping away of ego like in prayer. Art is a retreat into one’s own self, where one is confronted with the inner mysterious world. Retreat is inner pilgrimage to one’s own centre where there is an ability to have close contact with the sacred self. In a pilgrimage place one is faced with the reality of the mystery which is both inside and outside of oneself. [1] This phrase is often used by Paul Tillich in his writings and later by John Robinson in ‘Honest to God’ (1963), his chapter three is entitled ‘the ground of our being’. [2] Thomas Merton (1915-1968) a Trappist monk, was a prolific poet, a social activist, a student of comparative religion and author of numerous acclaimed works on spirituality. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact: vmalpan@gmail.com

Friday, December 5, 2008

Season of Advent 2

The Lord Speaks... "Have you not heard His silent Voice? Have you not heard His silent Voice? He speaks , speaks, ever speaks." *************************************** Let us silently and prayerfully listen to the following lines: The Lord speaks through my consciousness... The Lord speaks through my conscience... The Lord speaks through my brother/sister... The Lord speaks through my parents... The Lord speaks through my friends, enemies, ... The Lord speaks through my personal experiences... The Lord speaks through my surroundings... The Lord speaks through the world events... The Lord speaks through people who suffer... The Lord speaks through people who are persecuted... The Lord speaks through the whole universe... "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." ------------------------------------------ Just say a prayer from the heart. Amen! ------------------------------------------ My E-Mail: vmalpan@gmail.com

Thursday, December 4, 2008

SEASON OF ADVENT 1

The Lord Comes... "Have you not heard His silent steps? Have you not heard His silent steps? He comes, comes, ever comes." -------------------------------------------- The word "ADVENT" means "Coming". It has already become a symbol of the Lord's coming into our lives. If only we are able to listen to His silent steps! Daily He walks into our lives... Daily He speaks to us through our brothers and sisters... Especially those who are poor and downtrodden, those who are internally displaced in their own country due to war and violence and unjust political upheavals, those who are refugees in other countries... "He comes, comes, ever comes." Let us see! Let us listen! Let us repond to the Lord who ever breaks into our lives...! Whisper a prayer! Amen! ------------------------------------------- Contact: vmalpan@gmail.com Thank you very much indeed!

Pope John XXIII

Pope John XXIII (1958-1963)
Quotes:
A peaceful man does more good than a learned one.
Anybody can be Pope; the proof of this is that I have become one.
Born poor, but of honored and humble people, I am particularly proud to die poor.
Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams.
Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.
Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.
Every man has the right to life, to bodily integrity. Here I am at the end of the road and at the top of the heap.
I am able to follow my own death step by step. Now I move softly towards the end.
I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart.
It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.
It is now for the Catholic Church to bend herself to her work with calmness and generosity.
It is for you to observe her with renewed and friendly attention.
It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope.
Italians come to ruin most generally in three ways, women, gambling, and farming. My family chose the slowest one.
Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.
See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.
The council now beginning rises in the Church like the daybreak, a forerunner of most splendid light.
The family is the first essential cell of human society.
The feelings of my smallness and my nothingness always kept me good company.
The true and solid peace of nations consists not in equality of arms, but in mutual trust alone.
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From: brainyquote.com
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Your comments to: vmalpan@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

PICTURE MEDITATION 4

From Bolivia Spend sometime prayerfully looking at and listening to the fotos in this post: Whisper a prayer for peace and reconciliation... Amen! Pope Benedict XVI in Lourdes (September 2008) Rio De Janeiro CREATION: African Painting ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Contact E-Mail: vmalpan@gmail.com Please do not hesitate to send me a comment. Thank you! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, December 1, 2008

Contemporary World - Genuine Fighting Spirit

Victory of Barack Obama Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation's first black president Tuesday night ( 04 November, 2008) in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. A huge crowd in Grant Park in Obama's home town of Chicago erupted in jubilation at the news of his victory. Some wept. As the 44th president, Obama will move into the Oval Office as leader of a country that is almost certainly in recession, and fighting two long wars, one in Iraq, the other in Afghanistan.
Excerpts from Obama’s Acceptance Speech “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer… It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America… It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America… I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead… But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.” John McCain
With a gracious nod to Barack Obama, John McCain acknowledged defeat and urged his supporters to move beyond partisan differences to put country first … "I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president," McCain said as he conceded the presidency he has sought for a decade. The four-term Arizona senator added: "These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face."…
He implored his backers to fall in line behind Obama and put aside partisan bickering.
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The lives of these two great men teach us how to fight with real spirit and to accept victory or defeat with great sense of reconciliation and peace.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Inspiring Addresses

American President Abraham Lincoln's Most Famous Gettysburg Address: November 19, 1863
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this
continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or
any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met
on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of
that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that
that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should
do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we
can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who
struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or
detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,
but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work
which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that
from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for
which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation,
under God, shall have a new birth of freedom --
and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. "
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Abraham Lincoln's Farewell Address
Springfield, IllinoisFebruary 11, 1861
When Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, to start his inaugural journey for Washington, D.C., he paid an unforgettable tribute to his friends and neighbors in what is known today as the Farewell Address. Lincoln spoke these famous, emotion-charged words as he boarded a special presidential train at the Great Western Railroad station, now a restored Lincoln visitor site. The day Lincoln saw this depot for the last time he recognized most of the people in the huge crowd gathered outside. Ahead of him was war, death, and enduring fame; behind him were the warm-hearted people who provoked this response:
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"My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of
sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I
owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed
from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one
is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return,
with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.
Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I
cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who
can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us
confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as
I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate
farewell. "
============================= Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler.
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