volume: XXii issue: 10 mARCH 2020

CONTENTS

MARCH 2020 Volume: XXII Issue: 10

“I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Ps 51:4) 05 - Thomas Jacob Being made clean again 07 - Pope Francis Love –you will succeed 09 - Rev Fr George Panackal VC Restore broken relationships - Rev Fr Mathew Elavumkal VC Chairman 11 Rev. Dr Augustine Vallooran VC Lord teach us to pray Printer & Publisher 15 - Rev Dr John Prince Puthenpurackal VC Rev. Dr Philip Nedumthuruthil VC

Chief Editor “As gold in the furnace, He proved them” (Wis 3:6) Rev. Fr Mathew Thadathil VC 19 - Rev Dr Augustine Vallooran VC General Manager Y. Ousepachan Surrendering to God’s will Editor 25 - Dr Remila George Thomas Jacob

Section Editors Leaving a Blessing Sr Savio CSA 29 - Maria Sangeetha Maria Sangeetha Cover Design 27 Mejo to News 28 Layout Sijo Sunny Kids Corner Printing 32 Divine Printers & Publishers Address 13, 14, Divine Voice, 18, 24, Testimonies Divine Retreat Centre, 31, 34 Muringoor P.O., Chalakudy - 680 309, Kerala, India, Ph: 0480 2708413, 2708513

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 3 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life - that life was made manifest and we saw it and testify to it” (1 Jn 1:1-2).

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Address for Correspondence The Chief Editor, Divine Voice (English) Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor P.O. Chalakudy - 680 309, Kerala - INDIA

4 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice EDITORIAL “I have sInned and done what Is evIl In your sIght” (Ps 51:4) epent and believe in the good news” (Mk 1:15) knocked of his horse and brought face to face with his “Ris Jesus’ invitation as He begins His ministry. own sinfulness and need for a Saviour. “All of us have Repentance comes from the Greek metanoia, which sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 8:23) literally translates a “change of mind”– a conversion Paul declares. Everyone has sinned—and so the frst of heart away from sin and towards God. Without the step in becoming truly holy is honestly admitting our frst step of being truthful there can be, no subsequent sinfulness and humbly seeking God’s mercy. steps that efect change. For example, if a man has an addiction to alcohol, and claims not to have one, All God’s promises in the Scriptures are fulflled for he will never take the necessary steps to overcome us ultimately in Jesus Christ and His death on the the addiction. The frst step needed in overcoming cross for us sinners, “In this God proved His love for this addiction is to admit that he does have addiction. us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for In order for the twofold movement of contrition and us.”(Rom 5:8). He has freely shed His blood for us and resolve to efect change, it must be genuine; lest we thus we belong to Him now more than sheep belong to go through the motions of appearing contrite (sorry for the shepherd or coins to a woman (Lk 15:4-10). Thus our sin), and actual resolve to change never matures He will never stop searching for us until He fnds us into much of anything. and brings us to Himself. Just as Jesus extended His hand to Peter to save him from drowning in the sea, Only genuine contrition that abides in the humble, Jesus extends His hand to each of us to save us from honest, and truthful heart awakens the soul in its depth. sin. It is our act of faith each day, each moment, that Why is it very important to admit wrong that we do and we grasp that hand and are drawn from our pride, take responsibility for it? Because as Jesus illustrates selfshness, and ignorance. The chance to repent exists in the parable of the Prodigal son (Lk 15:17-19), God in this life. Yet each person has to join the battle. then takes that desire to amend our lives and makes it Within the parables of the Found Coin, the Found possible with His grace. St Paul, writing to Timothy, Sheep and the Forgiving Father (Lk 15:3-32), there is does not put on airs about his personal sanctity, but the loss, the fnding and repentance, forgiveness, and he is brutally honest about his own sinful actions and then the immediate celebration, illustrating the close his personal responsibility for them, “I was formerly a connection of the Sacraments of Penance and Holy blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I Eucharist. These parables expand the connection of received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief” God with His loving gifts and how at times we turn (I Tim 1:13). This honest acknowledgement opens him and lose our way, but God will always be there, loving to receive the merciful love of Jesus who came into the us, meeting us with His mercy and forgiveness when world “to call sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32). we come in repentance. As the Book of Sirach says, “The prayer of the humble Jesus’ unrelenting search for us continues in every pierces the clouds; it will not desist until the Most High Eucharist where He renews His own sacrifce on the altar, responds” (Sir 35:21). It’s the prayer of the humble to bring us closer to His own heart of love. He wants to one which pierces the clouds and reaches God’s heal and transform our broken world through us. His grace throne. The Lord doesn’t play favourites or let people in the Eucharist is both light and strength to make that of the hook just because of their worldly or religious journey back to Him at every moment of our lives. Let status. St Paul had to learn this lesson, for before his us begin our journey back to Him, always ready to take own conversion, he was a self- righteous Pharisee, the very frst step of acknowledging our sins and personal convinced that he knew God’s will and was pleasing responsibility, and honestly praying, “I have sinned and Him with his eforts to persecute the early Church. By done what is evil in your sight” (Ps 51:4) the end of his life Paul was able to speak of having fnished the race and kept the faith, thus meriting a crown of righteousness—but this only happened because he humbly accepted the Gospel after he was Editor

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 5 At the DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE Muringoor - Potta Forthcoming Special Retreats in 2020 (in English)

1 Mar – 6...... Lenten Retreat 26 Apr – 1 May ...... Inner Healing Retreat

8 Mar – 13 ...... Lenten Retreat 3 May – 8 ...... Inner Healing Retreat

15 Mar – 20 ...... Lenten Retreat

10 May – 15 ...... Inner Healing Retreat 22 Mar – 27 ...... Lenten Retreat

17 May – 22 ...... Inner Healing Retreat 29 Mar – 3 Apr ...... Lenten Retreat

5 Apr – 10 ...... Passover Retreat 24 May – 29 ...... National Youth Retreat -

12 Apr -17 ...... Inner Healing Retreat Retreat for Couples, Youth, Children,

19 Apr – 24 ...... Inner Healing Retreat

and Bible Nursery for Tiny Tots Inner Healing Retreat for Priests and

Religious Sisters 31 May – 5 Jun ...... Inner Healing Retreat

Please note During the week not mentioned above, usual retreats will be held. Retreats for Children and Bible Nursery for Tiny-tots will be held as usual every week Every week the retreatants are permitted to leave by 2 pm on Friday after the Anointing Service.

------For more information please contact ------FR AUGUSTINE VALLOORAN VC Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Chalakudy 680 309, Kerala, India. Ph: 0480 2708098, 2708193

6 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters, he was prohibited to do –, and, when he found ord, if you wish, you can make me clean,” Him “he fell prostrate, pleaded with Him, and “L(Lk 5:12) is the request addressed to Jesus said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” by a leper. This man does not only ask to be cured, (v. 12). All that this man does and says, who was but to be “purifed,” that is, to be healed integrally, considered impure, is an expression of his faith! He in body and in heart. In fact, leprosy was considered recognizes the power of Jesus: he is sure He has the a sort of curse from God, of profound impurity. The power to cure him and that all depends on His will. leper had to keep himself far from everyone; he This faith is the strength that enabled him to break could not access the Temple or any divine service. every convention and seek the encounter with Jesus He was far from God and far from men. These and, kneeling before Him, he calls Him “Lord.” The people had sad lives! leper’s supplication shows that when we present ourselves to Jesus long speeches are not necessary. “The prayer of faith will save the sick” (Jas 5:15) A few words sufce, though accompanied by full Despite this, that leper was not resigned either to confdence in His omnipotence and in His goodness. his sickness or to the dispositions that made of him In fact, to entrust ourselves to the will of God means someone excluded. To reach Jesus, he did not fear to submit to His infnite mercy. I will also share to infringe the law and to enter the city – something something personal with you. In the evening, before

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 77 MEssAgE we throw it there, but we avoid touching his hand. And we forget that that is the body of Christ! Jesus teaches us not to be afraid to touch the poor and the excluded, because He is in them. To touch a poor man can purify us of hypocrisy and render us anxious for his condition. Touch the excluded. A Christian does not exclude anyone, but gives a place to everyone.

“You who once were far of have been brought near” (Eph 2:13) After curing the leper, Jesus sternly charges him not to speak about it with anyone, but says to him: “Go, show yourself to the priest and ofer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” (v. 44). This disposition of Jesus shows at least three things. The frst: the grace that acts in us does not seek sensationalism. It usually Jesus teaches us not to be afraid to touch moves with discretion and without clamour. To the poor and the excluded, because He is medicate our wounds and to guide us on the way of in them. holiness it works moulding patiently our heart on the Lord’s Heart, so as to assume increasingly His going to bed, I pray this brief prayer: “Lord, if you thoughts and sentiments. The second: by having will, you can cleanse me!” And I pray fve “Our the healing that happened verifed ofcially by the Fathers,” one for each wound of Jesus, because priests and celebrating an expiatory sacrifce, the Jesus has purifed us with His wounds. You can leper is readmitted in the community of believers also do it at home, and say: “Lord, if you will, and in social life. His reintegration completes the you can cleanse me!” –and think of Jesus’ wounds healing. As he himself had supplicated, now he is and say an “Our Father for each one of them. And completely purifed! Finally, by presenting himself Jesus always listens to us. to the priests the leper renders them testimony regarding Jesus and His messianic authority. The “Stir up one another to love and good works” strength of compassion with which Jesus cured the (Heb 10:24) leper led the faith of this man to open himself to Jesus is profoundly afected by this man; Mark’s the mission. He was excluded, now he is one of us. Gospel underscores that “moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to Prayer him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” (1:41). Jesus’ Let us think of ourselves, of our miseries … Each gesture accompanies His words and renders His one has their own. We think with sincerity. How teaching more explicit. Against the dispositions many times we cover them with the hypocrisy of the Law of Moses, which prohibited coming of “good manners.” Let us choose to be alone, close to a leper (cf. Lev 13:45-46), Jesus stretches to kneel before God and pray: “Lord, if you will, His hand and even touches him. How many times you can make me clean!” Do it every evening we meet a poor man who comes to us! We can before going to bed. And now we say together this even be generous, we can have compassion, but beautiful prayer: “Lord, if you will, you can make usually we do not touch him. We ofer him money, me clean!”

8 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Rev Fr George Panackal VC

od gave us life in this world in order to grow avail. They also made some vows, gave oferings Gin love. All that God has given are all meant to certain churches and yet none of these helped for us to grow in love. And whatever he has not them. given are also to make us realize the need to grow in love. If God has given me everything I Finally he came to Divine for the retreat to fnd needed, then I don’t need anyone, because I am out what he should do to have children. He asked self-sufcient, lacking nothing. I don’t therefore the Lord, what shall I do to have children? What have to communicate with anyone. I won’t have to are the obstacles in my life that prevent me from deal with anybody. I am complete in myself. Our having children? He was sitting in the retreat hall shortcomings mean a lot for our spiritual growth. with these questions in his mind. Suddenly he They are allowed by God. God’s plan is that all of heard this Bible verse being proclaimed from the us grow in love. stage, “Let love be your highest goal.”

“I treasure your word in my heart” (Ps 119:11) He treasured that Bible verse and took it in his Years ago, a gentleman came from Thrissur for heart. From that moment onwards, he removed a retreat at Divine. He was running a jewelry from his mind the thought of having children and shop. Though married for thirty years, he had no instead began to think how he can grow more in children. Being fnancially sound, they had tried love. After the retreat, he sat with his wife and all kinds of medical treatments, but this was of no discussed this question. Initially they thought

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 9 ARTIcLE back to the habit again. One day a thought came to his mind as to how he can grow in love. He then abandoned the question of how to break the habit of drinking. Instead, he kept on sincerely asking himself the question how he can increase his love for others. Suddenly some thoughts started popping up in his mind. Firstly he thought about his son who was mentally challenged. He was very upset and angry about this child. He was unable to accept the condition of his own son. He thought all his future plans were shattered because of this child. All his dreams about the future had For the first time, he gladly started crumbling since this boy was born. He was accepted his son from the hands not therefore able to accept the condition of the of Jesus and began to love him child or love him enough. When he saw the other wholeheartedly. Then something children of his son’s age going to school, he would miraculous happened. He was feel very upset and ask himself why God did this fully released from the bondage to him. Though he was blessed with a child, he of addiction to alcohol. was not able to receive him from God’s hands. that they loved everyone; they had no hatred or Now many thoughts began to cross his mind. If bitterness towards anybody. When they repeatedly my son was intelligent and talented it would have asked themselves the question, certain higher been easy for me to love and accept him. When thoughts crossed their minds which urged them to others speak highly about my son, I would have grow more in love. They visited an orphanage and felt proud of him. In the case of my son, no matter started doing some service there on Sundays. They how much love I give him, I am not going to also began to fnancially support the orphanage. get back anything from him. Then a challenging Before they completed serving there for two years, thought came up in his mind. Can I love those who God blessed them with a child. Now they have fve are unable to love me back? For the frst time, he children. Jesus blessed them with many children gladly accepted his son from the hands of Jesus removing all the obstacles from their life. and began to love him wholeheartedly. He now spends with him at least an hour every day. Then “Love, expecting nothing in return” (Lk 6:35) something miraculous happened. He was fully This is the change that happened to a couple when released from the bondage of addiction to alcohol. they asked how to grow in love. They began to love those who are not their own, and from whom they “Pursue love” (I Cor 14:1) can expect nothing. It is so easy to love someone Let love be your aim in life. When we sit in the when you are sure to get back their love. What is presence of God with the question how we can difcult is to love somebody who is unable to give increase in love, the Lord will reveal to us all our you anything in return. thoughts that are contrary to the principle of love. Once a person, who was an alcoholic, came for a He will begin to give you numerous blessings. retreat. He honestly wanted to free himself from the addiction. He had tried hard many times and Prayer could manage to stay away from drinking for Jesus, teach me to love. Give me a loving heart. a couple of months, but after that he would fall Fill me with your love. Amen.

10 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Rev Fr Mathew Elavumkal VC

he key to a happy and secure life is maintaining establish a loving relationship with God. Anyone Tgood relationship with everyone around us. having a broken relationship with God will also Sanctifcation of relationships is an important aspect experience problems being in touch with oneself, of spiritual life as well as temporal life. This is not with other persons, creatures, nature, and with the just with human relationships but, more importantly, entire universe, leading to difculties in getting our relationship with God. We restore our relationship along well with persons and circumstances. Such a with God mainly through prayer, devout reception of person is likely to meet failures in life. They will Sacraments, and leading a life according to the Word not be able to gracefully accept adverse realities of of God. life, and thus develop a negative approach towards them. In some cases, this causes allergic reactions Faith is fundamental to living such a life. We need or discomforts in the body. This might even lead to have strong faith in God. Our faith should be to situation in which our mind develops some sort true, frm and pure. It is through such a faith that we of avoidance towards the outside world. Having a

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 11 ARTIcLE right relationship with God is essential to set right all got into a depression. He would not talk to anyone. other relationships. Some of his friends from India took care of him. At this point, his parents visited me again with prayer A young man went abroad for studies. Since he a request. When the boy had insisted, they had also did not have enough money, he took some loans fnally thought that if their son got a job, the entire and arranged some funds through many sources family would be saved from fnancial difculties. including selling his mother’s wedding chain, to They began to fear losing their son too. pay for his travel to Canada for study. Soon after reaching Canada he realized that he could not get I had some retreat programmes in Canada during acclimatized to the extreme cold weather there. He those days. This young man was living in an area was determined to go to Canada despite the advice far away from the locations where the retreats of his parents who were not happy about it because were conducted. Of all the places I had to go for of their fnancial constraints. Being the only son in my ministry, Toronto was the city closest to his the family he had grown up being a very stubborn location. So I asked him to meet me at Toronto if person who would never take no for an answer. that is possible. With great difculty he came there to see me. I told him bluntly that he had taken a very selfsh decision. You only thought of your will, your self-will. And that is your main mistake. You built up your dreams without giving any thought about your family members. You think that it is because of your own ability and self-will that brought you this opportunity to get to Canada. You don’t see it as God’s gift. I advised him to change his attitude and attend a retreat to get God’s anointing. He followed my instructions and attended the retreat. Jesus touched him. After the retreat he met me and burst into tears. He was convinced that his way of Once we re-establish our life needed to change. He made a good confession relationship with God, everything and reconciled with God. He began to grow in his else will fall in place and fit faith life. together well The reason why we are not able to get used to the He has two sisters who also are students, and the nature and the forces of nature is often because parents were already hard-pressed to meet the cracks have developed in our relationship with God. expenses for their studies. The family had sought Once we re-establish our relationship with God, my counsel when the boy’s overseas study proposal everything else will fall in place and ft together well. was being considered, and I advised that it be Let us honestly examine our conscience. Are all my dropped. Then sought counsel from yet another relationships in order? Is there anything wrong with priest too, a retreat preacher, who also advised not my relationship with God? Do I have true faith in to go abroad. His parents tried to convince the boy God? Is my faith frm enough? Is it genuine and to drop his plan of study abroad; yet eventually they pure? had to give in to his wish. He used to say that people disagree with him because they do not love him. He Prayer took a decision on his own to go to Canada. When Lord Jesus, we pray with your apostles: Increase our the weather was unfavourable for him, everyone faith. We pray like the father of the epileptic boy including the university professors advised him to whom the apostles could not heal: Jesus, we believe. go back home. With that, he was very upset and Help our unbelief! Bless us Lord to see miracles

12 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice TEsTIMOnIEs

MONISHA IMMACULATE, CHENNAI “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS” (II COR 12:9) am twenty three years of age, and a software engineer by profession. My mother I used to tell me that when I was in her womb she attended a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre. In the month of July 2019 I was feeling depressed due to my sins and was not sure of God’s plan about my future. I also had continuous sneezing due to allergic rhinitis (an irritation and infammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose) for twenty years and underwent various kinds of medication for the same. I also sufered from sleeplessness. Then I attended three retreats in Tamil and a few retreats in English. At my frst retreat, after confession, I felt consolation as I received an assurance of total absolution for my sins. At every adoration session I could feel the comforting grace of God fowing in me and I felt immense joy and peace. During the inner healing service, God spoke to me in His words that He would help me take the decision that I was uncertain about. He healed me from my sneezing disorder, allergic rhinitis and I am sleeping well. I was blessed with the gift of tongues and received the Holy Spirit I was longing for. My faith increased tremendously by listening to the Word of God: “What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will He not with him also give us everything else?” (Rm 8:31-32). Now I know my future is safe in His hands. I could submit myself to His mighty will. I will be His beloved daughter and a witness to Him all through my life to strengthen others. I praise and thank God. “THEN HE SAID, ‘THE GOD OF OUR ANCESTORS HAS CHOSEN YOU TO KNOW HIS WILL, TO SEE THE RIGHTEOUS ONE AND TO HEAR HIS OWN VOICE; FOR YOU WILL BE HIS WITNESS TO ALL THE WORLD OF WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN AND HEARD” (ACTS 22:14-15).

MERLIN D’SOUZA, MUMBAI MUMBAI “WHEN THE WINE GAVE OUT, THE MOTHER OF JESUS SAID TO HIM, “THEY HAVE NO WINE.” AND JESUS SAID TO HER, “WOMAN, WHAT CONCERN IS THAT TO YOU AND TO ME? MY HOUR HAS NOT YET COME.” HIS MOTHER SAID TO THE SERVANTS, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU” (JN 2:3-5) ue to some reason or the othe r my marriage was not taking place. My ailing Dparents were worried about my marriage. When I reached forties, at times I felt that God has not chosen any one for me. But I kept praying to Jesus and Mother Mary with faith that my prayer be answered. I used to call Tabor Ashram and Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala for prayers. In May 2018 my parents who were ailing for a very long time expired and I went into depression but did not lose hope in God. One day, unexpectedly from nowhere a person came up to me with a proposal and things went on positively. I got married to him in March 2019. My husband is professionally qualifed, caring and understanding just the way I expected him to be. I thank my late parents for their blessings showered on me and for interceding for me with the Almighty. I thank Jesus and Mary who made the seemingly impossible possible. I also thank Almighty God for issuing a passport for my husband despite hindrances in police verifcation. I praise and thank Jesus and Mother Mary for all other numerous favours received. “AS A YOUNG MAN MARRIES A YOUNG WOMAN, SO WILL YOUR BUILDER MARRY YOU; AS A BRIDEGROOM REJOICES OVER HIS BRIDE, SO WILL YOUR GOD REJOICE OVER YOU” (Is 62:5).

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 13 TEsTIMOnIEs

ZINIA S.V. CARDOZO, GOA “EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY, I FEAR NO EVIL; FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF —THEY COMFORT ME” (PS 23:4)

am ffty seven years old. I am married and I have two daughters who are Imarried. On 6 September 1999 when I was thirty seven years of age I was diagnosed with brain tumor in the pituitary gland. I had symptoms of headache for a few years and when I stopped getting my monthly periods I consulted a doctor in Kuwait who suggested a surgery. I wanted to go to India to be with my family and consult doctors there also. When I had to undergo the surgery my mother, sister and her family, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, uncles and aunties attended retreats at DRC and prayed for me. Prayer requests were sent to Divine Prayer Tower for a successful surgery and healing. Although I went through a tough time my operation was successful and I was able to return home after being in the hospital for a month. I continued to pray reciting Jesus’ words: “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it” (Jn 14:14). The follow-up visit to the doctor and MRIs did not show any recurrence. While I was in the hospital my mother-in-law made a vow that if I was able to return home walking after the operation she would send me to Divine Retreat Centre for a thanksgiving retreat. Due to short duration of vacations and other busy schedules I was unable to fulfl her promise until 2019 when I along with my husband retired and left Kuwait for good and went back to our little village in Goa. Then my husband and I attended a retreat at DRC in the frst week of September 2019 to thank the Lord and to fulfl my mother-in-law’s vow. In fact, during the many years that I spent in Kuwait, God blessed us with good health and job and both my daughters who got married recently are doing well. This retreat was an occasion to remember all the blessings I received from God and thank Him wholeheartedly. We really experienced the great power of God. Over the years I was sufering from pain in my back and shoulder. I could not raise my left arm above my head. During the healing service my name was called out along with the others I was instantly healed of the pain in my shoulder. At that retreat my husband and I were completely transformed and went home flled with God’s Spirit. We praise and thank God for all His blessings. “YOU SHOW ME THE PATH OF LIFE. IN YOUR PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY; IN YOUR RIGHT HAND ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE” (Ps 16:11).

BRENDA GOMES, GOA “TAKE DELIGHT IN THE LORD, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART” (PS 37:4)

am forty seven years old and a mother of two children. My son sufers Ifrom autism since birth and that was the reason I attended retreats at Divine Retreat Centre in 2002, 2007 and 2019. At my frst retreat I was not able to concentrate much though I had a desire ‘to pray and become spiritually strong.’ During the second retreat God helped me to be attentive and I was flled with the Holy Spirit and I thanked God for fulflling my desire. This enabled me to go through my troubles. My husband sufered perianal abscess for nearly a year and we requested Fr Augustine Vallooran to pray for us. After that a fourth operation was conducted he was healed completely. My husband and I along with our children attended a thanksgiving retreat at DRC in October 2019. We praise and thank Jesus for everything. “THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; IN HIM MY HEART TRUSTS; SO I AM HELPED, AND MY HEART EXULTS, AND WITH MY SONG I GIVE THANKS TO HIM” (Ps 28:7).

14 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice omeone wisely advised: “When you go Rev Dr John Prince Sfor proclaiming the word of God, even as Puthenpurackal VC you carry the Good News in one hand, carry a newspaper too in the other”. It’s true, we who about things that happened generations ago, are called to proclaim God’s message to the without telling them why it is still important ends of the earth, should be aware of the context today and how it is relevant for them. in which this Good News becomes relevant in this day, age and time. We cannot be ignorant Likewise too, when we pray this must be the of the circumstances and challenges which the reality. It brings us hence, to the important commoners of today are facing, or start talking question, - Do we know to pray? St Paul says

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 1515 ARTIcLE something worth pondering: “Likewise the Spirit helps bereaved person or family, do we ever us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as stand and say a lot of things? There is a we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too consolation that our presence brings, a deep for words” (Rom 8:28). Here St Paul, the apostle sigh that escapes unknowingly from our who zealously proclaimed His Word, is telling us that lips, in the tears that well up in our eyes even a sigh is a meaningful prayer. which will always be worth a thousand words.

We may come across or may have already come across, similar situations in our lives as well. We may have entered God’s presence in a condition of utter helplessness, wordlessness and hopelessness. What words can express what we want the Lord to do for us? Are not the tears that fall in His presence a prayer? Is not the sigh of our spirit which wordlessly says, “Lord! I can fnd no way out of this situation,” a beftting prayer? Where there are too many words, usually there is very little heart in them. It’s true, isn’t it? When we pray vocally for others, do we really feel To grow in prayer and to understand His their pain? Do we really mean what we will for us, what we need is to join our are asking for? Or is it just that what we hearts to His. are saying sounds good and appropriate We need to contemplate; do we tend to use a lot of when others hear it? That when they hear words when we pray? Jesus says: “When you are it, they would state among themselves, praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles how eloquent we are and how well do; for they think that they will be heard because of versed we are at praying. their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father I call to mind an incident during the knows what you need before you ask him” (Mt 6:7,8). time when I was in Potta Ashram. One And again, “This people honour me with their lips, but person came running to where I was their hearts are far from me” (Mt 15:8). These teachings counselling another person, with a are a clear indication, by the Lord Himself, that words bundle of pamphlets. When I asked what don’t make a prayer. When we use too many words only the pamphlets are about, he said they because it will impress our hearers, the condemnation were pamphlets of the Novena devotion that Jesus imputes to the Gentiles will very much fall on to our Lady of Veilankanni. When I went us as well. Words that don’t proceed from the heart are through the pamphlet, the frst paragraph meaningless. If our hearts are far away from God, let us of it described the many miracles not presume that words can bridge the gap. (healings, success in endeavours etc.) Let’s consider this: when we go to pay condolence to a that had been witnessed by those who

1616 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice ARTIcLE printed and distributed ten thousand copies of the Let’s contemplate, how much love and faith pamphlet and in the second half was mentioned we put in a single word? It is said about Jesus, the adversities (accidents, deaths etc.) that “Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and had befallen those who had not followed the said to him ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened’” instruction. So this person, supposedly to ward (Mk 7:34). With this prayer of Jesus the deaf of the wrath of God, had printed ten thousand man who had an impediment in his speech copies. Then while wondering where he could could hear and talk. We read, “And immediately distribute so many pamphlets, he thought of his ears were opened, his tongue was released, Potta Ashram to be the best place. and he spoke plainly” (Mk 7:35). A prayer that proceeded out of love, consisting of a mere sigh Well these days people have taken to WhatsApp and a word was answered there and then. Again for this. People have begun to forward, Rosaries, at the tomb of Lazarus we see Jesus weeping and Novenas and prayers that should be circulated sighing with a few words (which He even while to certain number of people within a stipulated uttering, tells the Father in heaven that He knows period of time to obtain blessings. It warns of He needn’t use, for He knows His Father hears, perils if one fails to comply and are promised but only to strengthen the faith of the onlookers) blessings otherwise. raising Lazarus to life (Jn 11:41-45).

It perplexes me, is our God a God of bargain? Also we see in Luke chapter 18, a prayer of In fact, I even wonder at the perception such faith being answered. The blind man believed people have about God Himself. If we comply that Jesus was the promised Messiah they had with their instructions, God will be pleased been waiting for and addresses Him accordingly and bless us; and if we don’t, He will punish (“Jesus, son of David have mercy on me”) out of us. In fact, has God mentioned anything about faith. In the same Gospel we read Jesus narrate such numbers anywhere in the Bible? Has God the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. stated the number of novenas, the number of Jesus contrasts both of them. The Pharisee was pamphlets, and the number of WhatsApp or being self-righteous and using a lot of words, e-mail forwards of prayers that we should make, supposedly to impress God and whoever may so that He may answer our prayers? be listening, “But the tax collector, standing far of, would not even look up to heaven, but was Let’s understand, how many who take up such beating his breast and saying, ‘God be merciful endeavours will be able to pray ten rosaries to me, a sinner!’” (Lk 18:13). We see also St a day with equal devotion? Can we assure Paul saying, “Wretched man that I am! Who ourselves that the love and devotion with which will rescue me from this body of death?” we prayed the frst Hail Mary would be the (Rom 7:24). St Paul surrenders totally before same when we pray the last? So, will the prayer the Lord confessing his helplessness. that proceeds from our lips, simply to fnish a number, reach up to heaven? Prayer is a relationship; words are needed but not always, not everywhere and, not too many. Of course by all this I don’t mean we should not To grow in prayer and to understand His will pray Rosaries or Novenas. What I mean is that for us, what we need is to join our hearts to His. when we pray, it should be from the heart, be it And when that happens, it is a prayer that heaven a single word or even a sigh. itself, if need be, will come down to answer.

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 1717 TEsTIMOnIEs

ORLINDA L. SEQUEIRA, GOA “THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRONGHOLD OF MY LIFE; OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?” (PS 27:1)

am a widow for the past twenty years and a mother to three loving I children. I was teaching English and Social Science for the past ffty years. I enjoy helping people and doing social work. My husband was jobless. He had a drinking problem and was suspicious by nature. On the other hand I lacked self confdence as I was tall and dark complexioned. I had a hard life and fought against it with prayer and sufering. My sole aim was to keep my marriage bond and provide my three children stability and a loving home. I felt that my life was a struggle. I attended a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre in 1997 along with my children. At this retreat I heard God whispering in my ears, “Your colour, your shape I made according to my plan. I love and care for you.” He made me understand the meaning of His words: “I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon” (Song 1:5). I received inner healing. My name was called out and I felt a glow and warmth and my confdence was renewed. After the retreat I started reading the Divine Voice magazines and other spiritual books. It helped me to forgive my husband and pray constantly. My husband gave up drinking and turned to God. He passed away in 2000. God lifted me up to be able to help others and face the challenges of life. At present I am teaching at the Seminary of Our Lady at Saligao, Goa. I am also working among the old, widows and those who need help, specially the neglected and marginalized persons. My faith is strengthened for God works in me and does all things for those who put their trust in Him (cf Rm 8:28). Mother Mary is my strength. Time spent in personal prayer, Holy Rosary and before the Blessed Sacrament nourishes me and keeps me going. In the frst week of September 2019 I attended my second retreat at DRC and was drawn closer to God. “FATHER OF ORPHANS AND PROTECTOR OF WIDOWS IS GOD IN HIS HOLY HABITATION” (Ps 68:5).

KAVITA ABNAWE, MUMBAI “LET US COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING; LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO HIM WITH SONGS OF PRAISE! FOR THE LORD IS A GREAT GOD, AND A GREAT KING ABOVE ALL GODS” (PS 95:2-3) am thirty fve years of age and working as a Human Resource Ofcer I in a private limited company I was sufering from thyroid cancer which was diagnosed on 12 March 2012. I underwent treatment for four years and I was tired of continuing it and burdened with the hospital bills. I then attended a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre in September 2015. During the healing service with the Blessed Sacrament exposed I ofered thanksgiving adoration to the Holy Eucharistic Lord and I received healing from the Lord. After that retreat all my test reports were normal. On 26 November 2015 my doctor fnally informed me that my report is normal and I did not have to get admitted in hospital again. I praise and thank God for healing me. “AND ONE CALLED TO ANOTHER AND SAID: “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD OF HOSTS; THE WHOLE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS GLORY” (Is 6:3).

18 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Rev Dr Augustine Vallooran VC

ent is the sacred season of honest soul- was led into the desert to be tempted by satan. Lsearching and sincere turning to the Lord. The temptations were moments for Him to The words of the prophet ring in our ears: “Let reafrm His loving surrender to His Father and us search and examine our ways, and return to commitment to the mission entrusted to Him. the Lord!” (Lam 3:40). The sinful compromises “The God of peace will quickly crush Satan made, the unholy motives, selfsh strains in under your feet” (Rom 16:20) relationships, godless pursuits will all be brought to light by the rays of the Holy Spirit when we The frst temptation of Jesus was to use His place ourselves before the searchlight of the own miraculous powers to satisfy the needs of Lord. The deceitful attempts of satan would be His body. He fasted forty days and forty nights. identifed in order to make our conversion to the Naturally He felt an acute hunger. He did not have Lord complete so that the Lord may be able to the strength required to go down the mountain usher in the kingdom of heaven into our lives. and procure some food. A spontaneous thought Jesus, after He was anointed by the Holy Spirit would have occurred to Him – ‘Why not change

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 19 ARTIcLE the stones to loaves of bread’. After their marriage. The wife had a problem with the mother- all, the limestone rocks on top of in-law. She felt the elder lady could not accept her and was that Mount of Temptations even trying to make her life difcult at every opportunity. She today look like rounded loaves of would complain to her husband who wasn’t able to fnd any bread. Jesus immediately discerned solution. He would always plead with her to understand his that satan was at work by playing mother and overlook the ofences. Gradually, she was getting on His instincts and suggesting this tired,not only of the persecutions of the elderly lady, but of proposition in His mind. what she thought was the indiference of her husband to her. She realised more and more that her husband was showing Unwavering commitment to His more concern to his aged mother. Father rushed the Divine word into His heart. “Man does not live by bread alone” (Mt 4:4). He could defeat the trap of satan by the power of the wisdom of God. St Peter warns us, “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent, the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him” (I Pet 5:8,9). We should not imagine that the devil came to Jesus as a dark dramatic fgure with two horns and a tail. That There are needs, desires and passions is an artistic picturisation of the of the human body and mind which evil force of satan. He comes in are to be surrendered to God. These much more subtle ways. There are avenues through which satan in a are people who argue that satan very subtle way can invade us. is only a mere evil power. The scriptures defnitely clarify that the devil is an intelligent vicious On the birthday of the mother-in-law, her husband held a entity cleverly trying to lead man celebration which she thought, was too extravagant. She felt away from God. When Jesus was at betrayed and thought it was time she asserted herself. The the weakest moment of His bodily anger that was brewing in her heart exploded and that night power, because of long fasting and she said to him that he had to make a choice between her and sufering intense hunger, satan his mother. If hechose her, he had to come away with her to chose to strike. Satan knows when a diferent apartment, or else she would go to reside with her we are at our weakest. parents. There was a big fght. The next morning she packed her bags and left to her parents’ house. “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Mt 10:16) A year after this incident, he came for the retreat and explained everything to me. I called the wife and explained I remember a couple who were to both of them how they gave opportunity to satan and going through a break down in how the evil power has destroyed their marriage. This is

20 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice ARTIcLE the warning the word of God is evil suggestion that Jesus throw Himself down reminding giving us. “Be angry but do not Him of the dramatic promise that angels would rush to carry sin; do not let the sun set on your Him and the admiring crowds would stand in awe of Him. anger, and do not leave room for Crowd is always a temptation for a leader and popularity is a the devil” (Eph 4:2,27). There are great attraction. That exactly was what was ofered to Jesus. needs, desires and passions of the human body and mind which are to This, in fact, was not a once-and-for-all temptation for the be surrendered to God. These are Lord. It would re-emerge every now and then. After Jesus fed avenues through which satan in a the multitudes, we hear of how they were looking to make Him very subtle way can invade us. their king.“Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry Him of to make Him king, He withdrew again to “Not by might, nor by power, but the mountain alone” (Jn 6:15). His own relatives tempted Him by my Spirit” (Zech 4:6) to look for popularity by publicisingHis miraculous powers. They said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that your Man is a social being. He has an disciples also may see the works you are doing. No one works urge within him to reach out to in secret if he wants to be known publicly. If you do these others. It is bound to be so because things, manifest yourself to the world” (Jn 7:3,4). Jesus did God said “It is not good for man to not accept their ideas. be alone” (Gen 2:18). Relationships grow into neighbourhoods, and Counting on the power of the mob was never God’s intent or societies, and cities. Leaders will; neither did God consider crowd-pulling as the success emerge and fnd their power of leadership. The book of Judges recounts how God gives in pulling crowds towards Gideon the mission to gather an army and deliver the Israelites themselves. Overconfdence in the from their enemies. Gideon takes the command of the Lord power of the mob drains out the very seriously and gathers a large army of thirty thousand dependence on God. One seeks to fnd his identity in the people around. We read in the account of the Tower of Babel how the people rallied together with a plan, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and so make a name for ourselves” (Gen 11:4). God had clearly been removed from their vision of life. Tower of Babel is a temptation of people of all times.

This was the temptation presented The work of salvation is God’s own to Jesus when the devil took achievement and what God needs is Him in a fight of imagination men and women totally surrendered to the parapet of the Temple of to Him that He may work and be Jerusalem. There was given the glorified through them.

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 21 ARTIcLE brave men to fght the Midianites. God however, you prepared for me... ‘As is written of me in did not approve Gideon’s plan and asked him to the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O downsize the number of soldiers again and again. God’’” (Heb 10:5-7). Jesus had to make sure Each time Gideon would argue that God should that the human body would never drag Him understand that the Midianites were mighty into rebellion against His divine nature. He had warriors and formidable opponents. God stood taken upon Himself all the weight of sin of the frm and insisted that he should have only three humankind and He surrendered the power of sin hundred soldiers.We read God’s explanation: to the Father in prayer. “You have too many soldiers with you for me to deliver Midian into their power, lest Israel vaunt Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of the one itself against me and say, ‘My own power saved who sent me and to fnish His work” (Jn 4:34). me’” (Judg 7:2). In prayer He made sure that He was united with His Father. “The One who sent me is with me. The work of salvation is God’s own achievement He has not left me alone, because I always do and what God needs is men and women totally what is pleasing to him.” (Jn 8:29). Even the surrendered to Him that He may work and be words He spoke He said were not of His own but glorifed through them. It was a simple virgin was what the Father wanted Him to say. “The girl that He chose to be the mother of His Son. word you hear is not mine but that of the Father When fve loaves of bread and two fsh were who sent me” (Jn 14:24). He had therefore, the ofered, He could feed the multitude of fve confdence that even if those whom He chose thousands to their satisfaction. When a family would abandon Him, His Father would be was ready to obey the Lord to fll the jars with faithfully present to Him. “Behold, the hour is water, He could change it to wine of superior coming and has arrived when each of you will quality than what was usually served. Jesus be scattered to his own home and you will leave waited for Martha to open the tomb of Lazarus me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father in humble obedience for Him to raise the dead is with me” (Jn 16:32). man to life. Whenever human beings come to the Lord surrendering their lives, God is able The temptation of satan was, for Jesus to abandon to work wonders of salvation in the world. the Father and surrender Himself to satan with Wherever men and women stubbornly cling on an incredible promise. “Then the devil took to their own power and capability, they become Him up to a very high mountain, and showed opaque to God’s activity. The words of Jesus Him all the kingdoms of the world in their is relevant for all times: “You shall not put the magnifcence, and he said to Him, ‘All these I Lord, your God, to the test” (Mt 4:7). shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me’ ” (Mt 4:8,9). Jesus knew this was an ofer out of the Way of the Cross. The “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to magnitude of the agony of the Cross Jesus had put confdence in princes” (Ps 118:9) always seen before Him as the goal of His life. There were times He was even frightened about The third temptation of Jesus is the ultimate test. it. In Gethsemane when He was overwhelmed At the incarnation, the Lord had taken human by the prospect of His passion and death, His fesh but He had made a defnitive decision. blood vessels even broke that He sweated blood. As the letter to the Hebrews tells us, “When He surrendered His life to the will of the Father He came into the world, He said…‘A body “Not my will; let your will be done” (Lk 22:42).

22 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice ARTIcLE On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was well aware that He was going to face His ultimate destiny and He revealed it to His disciples. Simon Peter not being able to comprehend the way of rejection and sufering protested: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt 16:22). Jesus discerned there the temptation of satan and rebuked him saying, “Get behind me, satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (v. 23).

All through His public ministry, Jesus was intent on the goal of His paschal mystery and He revealed it to His disciples that He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified. But His words were never hopeless but always lit with a clear vision of the Resurrection. Every temptation is an opportunity to He was absolutely confident that reaffirm our commitment to God. His Father would never break Him but would make Him victorious by saving the world and raising Him up in glory. Therefore He out in three dimensions - in one’s relationship to oneself, could reject the temptation of to others, and to God. In all these three dimensions, our satan in clear terms without the lives must be surrendered to God in a perfect way. Every slightest hesitation. “Get away, temptation is an opportunity to reafrm our commitment to satan!” (Mt 4:10). God.

The words of Jesus shall always Prayer ring in our ears. “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him Lord Jesus, you are our High Priest of heaven and you alone shall you serve” (Mt 4:10). came to this earth to accompany us. You are perfect and yet The three temptations of Jesus understand our every weakness. You have been tested in every were attempts of satan to distract way and yet you remained perfect, faithful and holy. We pray the Lord from the focus of His life may your presence and the power of your Holy Spirit guide on His mission to do the will of us through our sojourn on this earth that our faith might be His Father. Jesus won victory in a proved through every challenge and give you glory. Amen. very decisive way. This victory is a lesson for us. Human life is lived

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 23 TEsTIMOnIEs

SAMMY FURTADO, GOA “I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME, YOU ARE MINE” (IS 43:1) am forty fve years old, a seaman by profession and a devoted Catholic I deeply rooted in Christ and I have great devotion to Mother Mary. I attended my frst retreat at Divine Retreat Centre in 2000. My mother was in search for a right life partner for me according to the will of God. I was also praying for the same intention. “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Mt 18:19-20). When I went to Divine Retreat Centre for my second retreat in 2001 I met a young girl, Precilla. By complete surrender and through prayers at the feet of the Lord it was manifested that she was destined to become my wife. Since then we are living happily, we have two children and God has blessed us abundantly. I believe that everything happens to us according to God’s plan. I keep sharing my blessing with my family members, friends and others to witness to God’s favour. I now testify this miracle for the glory of God and for people to enhance their faith. At the retreat I attended in the frst week of September 2019 my mother-in-law who came with us was healed of pain in her right knee during the physical healing service. “FOR SURELY I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, SAYS THE LORD, PLANS FOR YOUR WELFARE AND NOT FOR HARM, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE WITH HOPE” (Jer 29:11).

ALWYN D’SOUZA, MUMBAI “I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE ANSWERED ME, AND DELIVERED ME FROM ALL MY FEARS. LOOK TO HIM, AND BE RADIANT; SO YOUR FACES SHALL NEVER BE ASHAMED” (PS 34:5-6) was sufering from chronic eczema for six years, from 2007 to 2013 Iand it had spread all over my body from head to toe. It used to itch a lot and was painful even during sleep. We consulted many doctors but nothing worked. In 2013 I attended a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre. I was touched by the Word of God: “I have carved your name on the palm of my hand” (cf Is 49:16) and I thanked Him. During the inner healing service I experienced the touch of Jesus and I had a speedy recovery in just one month. Due to property disputes my father went into business loss. All his family members discarded him and even sent him away from his own house that he had built. Thereafter he started drinking and smoking which became a bad habit. Eventually he had health complications. He also had diabetes which made matters worse. After he passed away I was furious with my father’s relatives and harboured hate against them for almost eight years. On 30 August 2019 once again I attended a retreat at DRC. During the inner healing service I saw the face of Jesus covered with blood in the Blessed Sacrament. As I looked at Jesus intently I received grace to forgive everyone. I praise and thank Jesus for this experience. “YOU SHALL NOT TAKE VENGEANCE OR BEAR A GRUDGE AGAINST ANY OF YOUR PEOPLE, BUT YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF: I AM THE LORD” (Lev 19:18).

24 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Dr Remila George

sat with a young lady I have known a long time. A time where he came to accept how he had been ILife has been a struggle for her especially the past living, and he came to see new possibilities and few years. Hard and unavoidable circumstances, warm assurance came over him. When we go joined with some personal mistakes and bad through life with various situations and struggles; judgments had landed her in situations more when we accept the situations from God’s hand and difcult than she had to face. We have been out of surrender, new light foods our lives. Hope emerges, contact though I have ofered more prayers for her. God’s abiding grace accompanies us through all our struggles even when are not aware. That happens “Understand what the will of the Lord is” when we surrender to God’s will. (Eph 5:17) In Capernaum there was an ofcial whose son was She called out of the blue to see me to have a sick. We are not told what he was sufering from but talk. When she arrived I was taken aback by her there was no diagnosis and treatment was in vain as demeanour. Something powerful had happened he approached death’s door (Jn 4:46-47). The father to her. The old anger and hurt were gone. She being a man of means spared no efort to get the expressed hope and excitement about the future. best help available to care for his beloved son, but She was beginning to come to terms with her life. once again the eforts seemed futile and hardly any She began accepting the situations from God’s hand. change was noticeable. He was going to lose his son St Paul had a dramatic before and after experience. to sickness.

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 2525 ARTIcLE “Hope does not disappoint us” (Rom 5:5) When we fnd ourselves at the end the rope, faith takes over. Sufering is the litmus test of faith and Most of us will be able to empathize with his it’s said that many people lose their faith at the situation. We all know that the most important crucial juncture. thing is obtaining the cure. It sets us on a desperate search for cure. However, God does Faith is ceding total control to God. Trusting that not leave us without any hope. He has made a He knows best even when things don’t always covenant with us, thereby giving us hope and work out favourably. Jesus saw such faith in the grace. He has not abandoned us to ourselves. He ofcial and brought out God’s will for his son by has not left us orphans (Jn14:18). God was aware healing him. that despite the, under the drive of autonomy and independence the human beings seek after, “In all circumstances take up the shield of there is still that primeval flial attachment to faith” (Eph 6:16)

What’s extraordinary here is not the miraculous healing of the boy, but the faith of the father. Thus we see John goes on to say that the ofcial and his family came to believe in Jesus Christ (Jn 4:53). We might be led to think that the ofcial and his family began to believe Jesus after the miracle, this is not true. It was faith that guided them all along. If not for faith, would the ofcial have made the long journey to encounter Jesus? And after all this trouble what if Jesus declined? This is what makes this passage stand out as a journey of faith. Do we have faith because we achieve a goal or do we achieve the goal because we have faith? Take a moment and allow this question to I should realize and believe that I know sink in. This is vital in our lives. Faith does not that God will always give me what’s best always merit the achievement of our desires there for me even if that means the exact might be occasions when we don’t get the desires opposite of what I think is good for me. fulflled no matter how strong our faith is. On such occasions we are likely to feel discouraged Him. St Augustine best expressed this intuitive and even disillusioned. We might be tempted to knowledge, when he said, “Our hearts were made give up our faith. It is at this point we should for you Lord, and they are restless until they rest realize and believe that I know that God will in you.” always give what’s best for me even if that means the exact opposite of what I think is good for me. While this desire has within each of us, it’s We must always remember to turn to, “Prayer, through faith that we can understand, channelize Patience and Hope.” In Praise, in the beautiful and ultimately fulfl it. Sickness is perhaps the moment of God’s presence we will experience strongest channel God uses to wake us to the joy and peace in our hearts. This is the testimony reality of our frailty and dependence on Him. of faith we are all called to give.

26 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice Doctrine is renewed with roots frmly planted in church law, which include the abuse of minors. The magisterium, Pope says congregation’s work, he said, is part of an efort Vatican City - Christian doctrine is not modifed to “in the right direction” of updating norms so that keep up with passing times nor is it rigidly closed in procedures can be more efective in responding to on itself; Pope Francis told members and advisers of “new situations and issues.” He encouraged them the doctrinal congregation. “It is a dynamic reality to continue “with frmness” and proceed with “rigor that, staying faithful to its foundation, is renewed and transparency” in safeguarding the sanctity of the from generation to generation and is summed up in sacraments and those whose human dignity has been one face, one body and one name -- the risen Jesus violated. Christ,” he said. The Pope told them that is was thanks to the Risen Christ that the Christian faith Pope Francis: The world needs Catholics who go throws its doors wide open to every person and his or out, proclaim Jesus her needs. That is why handing on the faith “demands Vatican City - Pope Francis spoke about the need for taking into account the person receiving it,” and that Catholics to be active in going out to announce the this person be known and loved, he said. In fact, faith of Jesus Christ to the world. “The world needs the congregation was using its plenary to discuss Christians who let themselves be moved, who never a document on the care of people experiencing the tire of walking the streets of life, to bring everyone the critical stages of a terminal illness. The aim of the consoling word of Jesus,” he said. “Every baptized document, said Cardinal Luis Ladaria, congregation person has received the vocation to proclaim,” he prefect, is to reiterate “the fundamentals” of church added “– to proclaim something, to proclaim Jesus – teaching and ofer “precise and concrete pastoral the vocation to the evangelizing mission: to proclaim guidelines” regarding the care and assistance of Jesus!” “Paralysis does not suit Christian witness those at a very “delicate and crucial” stage in life. and the mission of the Church.” He advised parishes Pope Francis said their refections were essential, and other communities in the Church “to encourage particularly at a time when the modern era “is the commitment of young people, families and progressively eroding the understanding of what the elderly, so that everyone can have a Christian makes human life precious” by judging the value or experience, living the life and mission of the Church worthiness of life according to how useful or efcient as protagonists.” In his address, Pope Francis also that person may be. The Pope praised the work done spoke about amazement. He said, “The ability to be by hospices and asked them to continue to be places amazed at the things around us promotes religious where professionals practice a “therapy of dignity” experience and makes encounter with the Lord with commitment, love and respect for life. He also fruitful.” The inability to be amazed, on the other underlined how important human relationships and hand, can make people indiferent, he added. interactions are in caring for the terminally ill, and how that approach must operate from a duty “to Not by numbers: Women religious fnding new never abandon anyone facing an incurable disease.” ways to minister and collaborate The pope also thanked the congregation for its work Vatican City - Loreto Sister Patricia Murray, studying the revision of norms concerning “delicta executive secretary of the women’s International graviora,” that is, “more grave crimes” against Union of Superiors General view of the ofce she

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 2727 nEWs presently holds is that God put her there, her religious Bishops oppose India’s new proposed abortion law community put her there and a huge network of New Delhi, India - The Government of India has women religious around the globe put her there. That approved a bill that increases the limit allowed network -- related to, but broader than the UISG, an for abortion from 20 to 24 weeks. The Medical organization of some 2,000 superiors of religious orders Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2020 has of women -- is where Sister Murray sees the “God of already aroused the reactions of the “pro life” groups surprises” at work. “On one level, we’re perceived and of the Catholic Church who consider human as diminishing,” since global numbers are declining, life an inviolable gift from God, from conception “but on another level, in growing close to one another, to natural death. The “Prolife Committee” of the we are mirroring a new reality that the world today Council of Catholic Bishops of Kerala, convened an needs” to counteract a situation in which people are emergency meeting on the issue, took sides against increasingly divided and focused on protecting what is the law. The body of the Indian Catholic Church and “theirs,” she said. “For me, these small communities, the Council’s Commission for the family, chaired by inter-congregation communities are the mustard seeds, Bishop Paul Mulassery of Quillon, emphasizes the the leaven of a new way of living,” Sister Murray said. risk that “The government order prepares a conducive According to Vatican statistics released in 2019, there atmosphere for unbridled abortion”. “There is no are close to 650,000 women religious in the world; diference - underline the bishops - between an unborn there were more than 720,000 in 2010. Their numbers child and a newborn baby”. India allows abortion continue to increase in Africa and Asia, but to decline up to the 20th week, but extends it in case of feotal in the rest of the world. “Religious life is always meant malformation and risk of death for the pregnant to be prophetic, so in other words, it’s always meant mother. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar argues to be responding to where the greatest need is,” she that the bill is a “progressive” reform since it will said. “It calls for discernment, for knowing how we guarantee “safe termination of pregnancy and will also are to be and where we are to be.” “In the parts of the give women of reproductive age the right over their world where, in a sense, greater numbers are needed bodies”. According to the politician, the extension of because one is helping to build up the local church, in the limit of up to 24 weeks “will help rape victims, terms of its institutions and so forth, the numbers are girls with disabilities and minors who may not realize there,” she said. “In other parts of the world, where they are pregnant until the last minute.” The Kerala we’re called to be more a leaven or a mustard seed pro-life committee announces that it will organize a -- living among people and nurturing life and being demonstration against the law at the state level. The part of the Christian community, and bringing our gifts group criticizes the law that will replace the 1971 to the Christian community but also receiving from Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The latter the gifts of others -- then we’re a diferent kind of allowed for abortion up to the 12th week. “Already presence.” In Europe and North America, for instance, the period has been extended up to 20 - he highlights she said, “God provides many good Catholic laymen - now they want to increase it up to 24. This will only and laywomen” who can teach in Catholic schools, lead to one result: foeticide and manslaughter”. Dr so “we sisters are called to move on” to places where Pascoal Carvalho, a Mumbai doctor and member of there is no one else. So, they work with migrants and the Pontifcal Academy for Life, comments: “ There refugees, victims of human trafcking, the homeless can never be a right time for killing someone. Society and people who are lonely or have lost a sense of itself takes another step back and leans more towards meaning in their lives. scant respect for life and the defenceless”.

28 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice journey. Ultimately he would stand at Mount Nebo, the threshold of the Promised Land and feel the satisfaction of having accomplished that supreme mission that God trusted him with. Parenting is a mission and nothing less than that. We often identify a person by his or her profession. What is required of us as professionals contrasts much with what is required of us as missionaries and parents. A profession has specifc work timings and it is for earning money for material sustenance and social standing. A missionary is one who has committed his entire life, every minute and energy towards a higher cause. We have heroic stories of missionaries who ventured into new and even hostile areas and would ofer their talents, their strength and ultimately their lives in conveying the saving Maria Sangeetha love of Jesus. We may have understood the success very mother is like Moses. She does not of our life by our professional achievements. God, “Eenter the Promised Land. She prepares a however, has sent each one into this world with a world she will not see.” These words of Pope Paul mission. If we succeed in our profession and fail in VI can be extended to include the powerful role our mission, it would be the ultimate and defning that both parents have, in leading their children to a tragedy of our lives. future of hope God has prepared for them. The primary mission of the parent, as it was with The people of Israel were in slavery for over four Moses, is to be the hands and heart and wisdom of centuries. Their lot seemed irredeemable. It is then God, providing, protecting, guiding their children that God appeared to the fugitive Moses telling him, as God’s own children and fnally handing them “I have witnessed the afiction of my people in Egypt over to the future, seeking no returns but the reward and have heard their cry against their taskmasters, of having fulflled one’s earthly mission. so I know well what they are sufering. Therefore I The frst dimension of the Parenting Mission is to have come down to rescue them from the power of be Witnesses of Prayer. The psalmist declares: the Egyptians and lead them up from that land into “Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers a good and spacious land, a land fowing with milk toil in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Everything we ofer to and honey” (Ex 3:7,8). God declares that He was our children becomes a blessing to them only when going to come down and rescue and recompense we have built them up in prayer. There is power in them richly. What in fact God does is to send Moses prayer. Moses leading the people of Israel constantly in His place, as His instrument! Moses was a most faced challenges. When the people of Israel were unlikely leader, proving to be both impulsive and thirsty, sick, hungry, unhappy, and in every trial, cowardly. Yet as God had chosen him, the Lord they turned to Moses. He in turn cried out to God accompanied him and equipped him in every way in prayer and then set out to act as guided by God. to fulfl the mission. This was possible because He lead the people in partnership with God. So also, Moses completely surrendered himself to God. parenting is partnership with the Father God. When He had to lead a grumbling and rebellious people, God gives a mission, He provides the strength and taking care of their every need, facing their ire wisdom and every grace, including the material whenever they were dissatisfed, protecting them requirements for raising children. Consult God. Be from formidable enemies and sharing their arduous an advocate for your children.

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 2929 ARTIcLE As Witnesses of Prayer, our ‘approach to prayer’ faithful church-goers, money could still be god. matters. Is our attitude one of desperation or of When we despise the poor and stand in awe of the faith? When our children see us transformed by rich, when we set before our children the rich and prayer to be peaceful and joyful, they would seek to the successful as the models for their lives, children pray. If, in spite of prayer, we remain stressed, bitter will begin to prioritise money over God and all and sad, they would never want to pray. We must relationships eventually. For some, their job is their be watchful in prayer not to magnify the problem, god. They do not have time for Church or family. detailing to God how impossible it is. Instead we For some pleasure is their god. They would be need to marvel at God who is the supreme problem well on time for a movie but not for Mass. They solver who loves you, who cares for you and make elaborate plans for holidays and dining while for whom nothing is impossible. Scripture says Church remains that obligatory burden. Children “Rejoice in the Lord… The Lord is near. Have no learn from what you treasure. If values of honesty, anxiety at all, but in everything, with thanksgiving, respect and sacrifce are honoured, children are make your requests known to God” (Phil 4:4-7). bound to pursue the way of faith that is professed. Additionally, when your children see you praying Fourthly, we must be Witnesses of Love. Love is through your problem, they inherit the greatest the ultimate authority and a compelling force. When wealth – to handle the dark days in their lives. a child feels loved, he or she also feels obliged by Secondly, we must become Witnesses of Faith love. In the tough years of parenting, if your child in sufering. Praying and having faith are related. must obey you, it would not be because they think Yet not all who pray have faith! Scripture plainly you are wiser, but because they feel bound not to explains that “Faith is the evidence of things break your heart that beats for them. unseen” (Heb 11:1). So faith is, in fact, the response Ultimately, love opens the way for the Holy Spirit of love to God in times of sufering. to work. They will begin to see that higher saving Mission isn’t mission unless there are obstacles, love of Jesus fltering through your person. challenges and heartbreaks and martyrdom Witnessing love happens through the exercises of (sacrifces). Mother Mary was called ‘favoured 1) Forgiveness – train your children to forgive and by God’. One would envision a type of ‘Queen not to harbour animosities. Forgive your spouse and Mother’ seated on a throne and entitled to the those who have let you down. Make a practice of highest privileges. Yet we see the entire journey of calling your children daily in an exercise of making Mary was marked by sufering and deprivations. peace. She would be deprived of the comfort of being 2) Make time for your children. You may be earning surrounded by family during childbirth. She must for your children but if you have deprived them of face the uncertainties of a refugee. She would your presence, you have made them the poorest of raise her Son and not have the privilege of seeing children him married or having children, rich, popular and 3) See God in the other. Train them to see with the successful. She must instead accompany Him eyes of God. as He is rejected, betrayed and dragged through 4) Never give up on your children, on your spouse, condemnation and death on the Cross. on faith, on goodness. That is satan’s goal for you. How much have we sufered for our children? Every Jesus insists that the key of efective prayer is to never tear is an investment we make for our children. We tired or discouraged in prayer (Lk 18:1). also thus prepare them to sufer and strengthen Scripture describes Moses thus: “Dear to God and them for the long haul. human beings, Moses, whose memory is a blessing” Thirdly, we must be Witnesses by Life Values. (Sir 45:1). As we accept the mission of parenting from Who is your personal God? What do you look to God and honour it as God’s own mission, our lives as the source of your security and value? For many and memories will live forever and be a blessing.

30 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice TEsTIMOnY

SANJAY LOY MISQUITH, MANGALORE “SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART; TEST ME AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS. SEE IF THERE IS ANY WICKED WAY IN ME, AND LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING.” (PS 23-24) am married and I have a child. I have been living and working in Dubai I for thirteen years. My frst retreat at Divine Retreat Centre was in 2011 and I had been there fve times. I had a bad habit of drinking alcohol and chewing tobacco since I was sixteen years of age and I could not give it up. I sufered from diabetes, cholesterol and poor eyesight. My parents told me to stop drinking and I also tried to give up but could not do so. Though I attended three retreats at DRC earlier my aunt advised me to attend a retreat there again. I went there in December 2017 and that was my fourth retreat. By listening to the Word of God and after a good confession I could take a decision not to touch alcohol and tobacco. God helped me and I got delivered from the habit of drinking alcohol, chewing tobacco. I was healed completely of cholesterol, diabetes and my eyesight has improved. “IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, ASK FOR WHATEVER YOU WISH, AND IT WILL BE DONE FOR YOU” (Jn 15:6-7).

Statement of ownership and other particulars about newspaper entitled Divine Voice (English) as required to be published under rule 8 of the registration of newspaper (Central Rules 1956). Form IV 1. Place of Publication Divine Retreat Centre 2. Language and Periodicity of Publication English Monthly 3. Printer’s Name Fr. Philip Nedumthuruthil V.C. Nationality Indian Address Divine Retreat Centre Muringoor, Chalakudy 680309 4. Publisher’s name Fr. Philip Nedumthuruthil V.C. Nationality Indian Address Divine Retreat Centre Muringoor, Chalakudy 680309 5. Editor’s name Fr. Mathew Tadathil V.C. Nationality Indian Address Divine Retreat Centre Muringoor, Chalakudy 680309 6. Name and address of individuals who Fr. Philip Nedumthuruthil V.C. own the newspaper and partners or Divine Retreat Centre shareholders holding more than one Muringoor, Chalakudy 680309 percent of the total capital

I, Fr. Philip Nedumthuruthil V.C. hereby declare that the particulars that are given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd/ Date: Signature of Publisher

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 31 Be Usually we display family pictures in our homes. But in Gen 12:2 Bob’s home we fnd this

Bob: I know all of them. They are Jacob, his father Isaac and his grandparents, Abraham and Sarah. They are our Patriarchs. My grandfather tells me many stories about them. Abraham lived about 2000 years Before Christ (BC) whereas we live in a time those many years After Christ (AD =Anno Domini). It is amazing to learn about the Faith of Abraham, Meekness of Isaac and Jacob’s strong desire for blessings. Good. Who does the Bible say that God blessed frst on earth? FATHER ABRAHAM ! (Gen 12:2), God’s faithful friend! God revealed Himself in the Bible as the God of Abraham and Jesus is called The Son of Abraham. THE STORY OF FATHER ABRAHAM: Four thousand years ago a person, native of ‘Ur’ of Chaldees, which is now Iraq (old name Mesopotamia), was in search of the True God. As God said in Jer 29:13-14, “When you search for me, you will fnd me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you fnd me,” God met this Iraqi man. His name was Abram which means the exalted father. Later God named him Abraham meaning The Father of all nations. Abraham was flled with boundless joy when the God whom he was searching for came to him and spoke to him. He said to himself, “What more reason (or proof) do I need to believe in Him as True God! God gave him reason to believe (in Him) that his faith was based on a solid foundation. So, the faith of Abraham made him righteous (good). God was pleased with Abraham and called him for His work (God’s Mission). God wanted to start a ‘Royal Nation’ (I Pt 2:9-10) with Abraham to work among all the nations. It was ‘by faith’ Abraham responded to God’s call with loving and total obedience (Heb 11:8-9). Then God spoke to him about His plan and made a ‘Covenant’ (agreement) with three-fold promises. 1. The Land to live (a kingdom– Canaan). 2. The descendants as many as the stars of Heaven to make him famous as Great Nation. 3. Blessings: “I will bless you…and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Abraham’s obedience will become world-wide blessing. Even today, we bless each other saying, “God bless you”; “May God bless you”; “You are blessed”, “You are a blessing!” Jesus spoke of faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (Mt 17:20). How much faith father Abraham had? When God called Abraham he went with faith, climbing and crossing over many mountains and fnally God made him reach Mount Zion, the city of the living God (Heb 12:22). So, we can say that Abraham’s faith is the size of Mount Zion! 32 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice His faith was so powerful to keep him strong to bear a child even at the age of hundred years. His faith became stronger to be ready on God’s command to sacrifce his only beloved son. His faith grew strongest that he got his son back unharmed. His faith was supernatural to accept God’s promise of descendants as numerous as the stars of Heaven and to become the father of all nations. Abraham is blessed and worthy to be called The Father of the Son of God, Jesus. He passed all the tests of faith. Now you tell me how great is the faith of Abraham? Jesus said that Abraham is in Heaven and the rich man saw poor Lazarus on his bosom and called out to him, “Father Abraham…” (Lk 16:19-31). Even in Heaven he is Father Abraham – Father of all those having faith - his faith is ‘Living Faith.’ Great! Our second Patriarch ISAAC, the son of the Promise Isaac is ‘the son of Abraham and the promise of God.’ He is a ‘type of Jesus Christ and the Church’. He was meek like Jesus, the Lamb of God. There is only one dialogue of Isaac with his father Abraham recorded in the Bible, that too in reference to the ‘Lamb’ of sacrifce. (Gen 22:7-8). Isaac showed a faith in God that was surpassed only by that of his father. There is no mention of Isaac struggling when Abraham bound him or of surprise when God provided a ram instead. The test of faith seemed to have been for both Abraham and Isaac, and they both passed with fying colours. Isaac showed perfect obedience to God through his human father Abraham, like Jesus “became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Isaac had two sons: Esau and Jacob. Our third Patriarch JACOB (God renamed him Israel) • What does the name Jacob remind you of? • Blessings, Lentil Soup, Tasty food, Jacob’s well, Jacob’s ladder at Bethel, Jacob Wrestling with God … Mother: Good! Like Jacob you all desire blessings. You might have learnt the life story of Jacob in your Bible classes. Jacob cheated his brother Esau and deceived his father Isaac. Of course, he did these to get blessings. The Blessing he got from his father is “May the God of Abraham Bless you abundantly. May the kingdoms honour you. May your brothers serve you.” To escape Esau’s fury, Isaac sent Jacob to Laban, his maternal uncle in Paddan Aram. The house of Laban was blessed with the arrival of Jacob. Jacob was cheated by his uncle. But Jacob was shrewd, foresighted and successful! By then he understood that the birthright, inheritance and blessing are all gifts of God, given by His grace, and not because of any merit on his part. In fact Jacob learned that the only way to struggle with God is to cling to him and not let Him go (cf Ps 91:14). It is only when Jacob realised this truth and became obedient to God the blessings he received from his father Isaac became fruitful in him. God wrestled with Jacob and could not defeat him. By this Jacob made true the promise given to his mother when he was in her womb, “…the one shall be stronger than the other” (Gen 25:23). Now he demanded BLESSINGS from God. God blessed him by giving a new name - ‘ISRAEL’ which means ‘One who rules over Angels and Men and overcomes them.’ His hip bone was dislocated so that he cannot run away from the challenges. Finally the moment came – Jacob meeting Esau – reunion of brothers: Esau approached in the distance and Jacob walked to the front of his camp and bowed to his brother seven times. Seeing this display of respect, Esau’s mercy was kindled. He ran toward Jacob, hugged and kissed him, and wept – “How very good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Ps 133).

Blessings to us: God said to Abraham, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” God’s blessings are fresh every morning for us (Lam 3:23-24). So, let us be faithful and obedient to God, to be a blessing to all.

Divine Voice MARCH 2020 33 TEsTIMOnY

IVAN GONZAGO, BANGALORE “GOD IS FAITHFUL, AND HE WILL NOT LET YOU BE TESTED BEYOND YOUR STRENGTH, BUT WITH THE TESTING HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE WAY OUT SO THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ENDURE IT” (I COR 10:13) am sixty one years old and I have a son and a daughter who are both working. IMy wife is a housewife and I am retired from service. I worked in many places in India in the glass industry for twenty fve years. In 1994 I attended a retreat at Divine Retreat Centre with my wife and four year old son. I was then a chain smoker and used to smoke around ten packets of cigarettes daily. During the adoration, the priest made an announcement, “A person in pink shirt who has a packet of cigarettes in his shirt pocket to come forward and surrender it in the container placed near the altar.” At frst I did not get up but sat there and looked around. Soon I realised that it was me. Then the priest said it a second time and I quietly got up and went forward and threw the pack of cigarettes into the box. Due to smoking I was having severe problem in my lungs. During the healing service my Lord touched me. I received the grace to stop smoking for the past twenty fve years and my lungs are completely healed. I praise and thank our Lord Jesus Christ. “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS” (II Cor 12:9).

Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor P.O. Chalakudy, Kerala – 680309, India, Tel:0480 – 2708098 / 2702613, Fax 0480 – 2708097 DIVINE INSTITUTE OF BIBLE SPIRITUALITY conducts two residential courses on Bible. These courses are designed as a spiritual journey through all the books of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The Institute provides an opportunity to study the Sacred Scripture in an atmosphere of prayer and meditation. Renowned Scholars take classes on Bible expounding the words and events of the Bible elucidating their messages. The courses are open to Priests, Religious and Laity and are organized in view of their spiritual growth and efective ministry.

Short Term Course (English) Long Term Course (English) 19 April 2020 – 31 May 2020 19 July 2020 – 14 March 2021

Prior registration (required) Rs. 100/- Prior registration (required) Rs. 500/- Course Fee payable on arrival* Rs. 5,000/- Course Fee payable on arrival* Rs. 30,000/-

* Includes boarding and lodging costs

For further details contact: Director, Divine Institute of Bible & Spirituality Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor P.O., Chalakudy, Kerala – 680309, India Email: [email protected] | Website: www.drcm.org | Tel: 0480-2708098

34 MARCH 2020 Divine Voice For further details contact: Director, Divine Institute of Bible & Spirituality Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor P.O., Chalakudy, Kerala – 680309, India Email: [email protected] | Website: www.drcm.org | Tel: 0480-2708098