Monday, June 27, 2011

26th World Youth Convention of Catholics to be held in Madrid, Spain from 16th August, 2011

World Youth Day (WYD) was started by Pope John Paul II in 1886 to spread the love and fellowship of Lord Christ. This year's WYD congress is to be held at Madrid in Spain from August 16 to 21, 2011. Millions of Catholic youth from around the globe will gather in the Love of the Lord for this convention to share and understand the greatness of different cultures and to renew their strong faith in the Lord our Savior.

pope Benedict the XVI has extended his invitation to the Catholic youth of the world to make this mega annual event a grand success by their prayerful presence, live faith and heavenly charity. The Church in Spain is making all necessary arrangements to experience the joy of sharing and serving the faithful of the Divine Master...!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Nilackal St Thomas Church - World's First Christian Ecumenical Church...!

The Christian Church named St. Thomas Church is the first Christian Ecumenical Church in the world. It is situated on the hill slopes of Nilackal in the western ghats in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala in South India. It was established 30 years ago by the Bishops of Catholic rites, Jacobite, Orthodox, Marthoma, CSI etc jointly. It is built at the place where Apostle St Thomas first established one of the seven and a half Churches about 2000 years ago. Before the construction of this Church an old 'Cross' believed to be a part of the old Church was found. People belonging to most Christian denominations and even people belonging to other religions go to this Church to receive many favors.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Evangelisation Is A Task For All Faithful Of The Church

"The joy of producing the faith in the Church of Rome". This is the theme of the closure of the Pastoral Year of Rome by Pope Benedict the XVI.

In this congress, the Holy Father highlighted the necessity of proclaiming the "Good News" of Lord Jesus Christ to the far corners of the world.

It is the duty and a joyful experience when we share our God given faith with others and show them the path to salvation and eternal world.

Let's be proud of our Faith first and attract others to the Lord's Church by our noble and service-minded lives.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Greed for Money, Power, Position and worldly affairs

Even many chosen and ordained servants today forget at whose servicee they are. Many Priests and Pastors run for position, power and wealth. Some times they behave even more shamefully than pagans. Are they lacking the discernment of the Holy Spirit?

When a priest is elevated as a Bishop, he is expected to become more humble and graceful. He should renounce the world more and get attached to the heaven. If such 'Pastors' lead the Church, how far their tenure will be fruitful and pleasing to the 'ONE' that called them...?

The faithful must pray fervently for the spiritual leaders. Because they will be tormented by the satan more than anyone else and they need more strength to withstand such temptations.

One thing is clear and known to one and all. No position or power or reccomendation or status or wealth shall take any one to Heaven...!

Friday, April 29, 2011

World is ending on May 21, 2011 or December 21, 2012..?

When will the world end...? When is the earth coming to an end...? When is the dooms day...! These are the questions asked by many people afraid of dying or not interested to leave the comfort / happiness / pleasures of this life and all the wealth and properties that they have amassed in this world....!

There are many predictions regarding the end of the world in 2011 or 2012. Some strongly make predictions that it is on the 21st of May 2011 the world will end. But many others are of the opinion that it is on the 21st of December, 2012  the dooms day is falling. Many Scientists are also supporting these prediction as they have a number of reasons to put forward. Hence most people in general are under the grip of some fear about the end of man's life on this earth and/or the earth's coming to an end...!

Should we believe these predictions about the end of the world and fear about these?
The whole world will come to an end one day. It is very very true as it is categorically said by the Universal Master, Jesus Christ...! But HE has made it very clear in the Holy Bible that no man or angel knows the day and hour of the end of the ages and the second coming of the Saviour Jesus to take HIS faithful to the Ever lasting Kingdom.

We need to make a self examination, whether we are eligible to face our Master...? He may come today....! He may come now- this moment...! You and I may never again get another chance to prepare...! This is the acceptable time.... This is the time for Salvation...!

On the other hand, there are some who oppose the end of the world. They are just stubborn like those people who lived and marooned during the time of Noah. When warnings are issued, it is our duty to heed them. There are many indications given in the Holy Bible about the end days. We are, no doubt passing through them. When we see all these things happen, we need to realize that HIS Coming is at hand and try to prepare ourselves to face the Lord with confidence.

Dear Friend, do not panic...but do not neglect...Please...! Let's mend our ways... let's leave all the wrong ways, deceit, lies, murder, thirst for flesh, power and money. For we may not get many warnings...!

The Compassionate and Loving Saviour who have paid preciously for our souls wants and wishes us to join HIM in HIS eternal Kingdom...!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sunday Sermons ‘of the Priests, by the Priests, for the Priests’…!

The Mother Church has issued instructions to the Parish Priests around the world to give a brief explanation of the Gospel and other Bible readings to the parishners depending upon the need and situation of their Parishes at least on Sundays. It is good to see many Priests fulfill this instruction and use their God-given talent of delivering some Biblical Message. I have seen some successful Priests making prior preparation on the Topic, in the light of the Most Holy Spirit. It is quite unfortunate to see some Christian Priests misuse this privilege by performing some ‘oral exercise’ irrelevant to the topic of the day or the community and thus test the patience of the gathered congregation. Those adamant priests, even if it is brought to their notice, never try to make a self examination of the issue or make necessary correction to this practice. In contrary, they further punish the congregation by prolonging their ‘sermon’ even though many devotees leave the Church…!
Priests do know the Words of the Lord, “You cannot do anything without me”. When anyone’s intention is for personal name, fame or appreciation, the Lord’s intervention is not sought and hence it is absent there. Then how can such messages move the hearts and lives of the people…?
Dear Rev Father, forgive me please…if you do not have the gift of powerful speaking … It is not a great problem. Accept the fact the you are lacking it instead of comparing with another Priest…! Even few words spoken with the support of the most Holy Spirit is much better than a lengthy 'Spiritless sermon'. So please submit completely before the Good Lord and ask HIM humbly – who will grant it in plenty to you and the lives of the flock entrusted to your care WILL change by HIS Grace…!!! It is not important "how long you spoke, but how you spoke"!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Do not lie to the Lord in Prayer / Holy Mass...!

When we are in Prayer or Participating in a Holy Mass, never make any prayers with just the lips, without your full attention. For example during the Holy Mass, the Priest says, "Lift up your hearts" and the congregation says in one voice, "we lift them up to the LORD" and then the Priest says, "Let us give thanks to the Lord our God" and the response of the participants is, "It is right to give HIM thanks and Praise."

Many devotees without realizing the meaning of these sayings simply say these responses with the crowd. Is it not a lie...? So, when we say, we have lifted up our hearts to heaven, understand what we are saying and try to truly 'lift up the hearts to GOD'. All responses must come from the heart - and not from the mouth, because the Lord may not like lip services....!

Likewise, when we sing hymns and songs in the Church or at homes, meditate and sing understanding the proper lyrics. Spiritual Devotional songs are not just for the melody or tune, they are also prayers from the depth of the hearts....!

So when we recite or read a Prayer, Let the words and phrases come from our hearts...like...

"Our Father who are in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name....."or "Hail Mary, Full of Grace..." or "Glory be to the Father...."

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter is Over, But its Promise remains ... for ever...!

Dear visitor, EASTER GREETINGS to you and your near and dear ones.

One more Easter is just over. But we must be aware that the Promises from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ remains for ever and ever...! The defeat of the death and satan is for ever. The victory of the 'Holy Blood' of the Lord over evil is also for ever. Hence we need to be courages and hopeful. Our Lord has borne all our afflictions on HIS Body... to minimise our pains...!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Please Observe the Most Holy Days as holy and blessed differently.

Starting today (Maundy / Holy Thursday), till Easter Sunday these three days are very Holy. All the Faithful of the Lord Jesus Christ are humbly requested to observe these days with difference inwardly and outwardly.

Please avoid loud talks, jokes, arguments, anger etc and spend these days in silence and meditation maximum possibly. Please avoid any gatherings, celebrations, parties, etc even if held by non- christians and make them realize how much reverence we give for these days by your exemplary activities ...!

All those who missed to make a confession or to pray the 'way of the Cross' can make use of these days. If on these days, you are forced to work, proclaim your love for your Lord who saved you with HIS passion by observing quiet and exposing a mourning face.

Even if you do not want to love Lord Jesus, please do not hate HIM... and increase HIS passions.


Monday, April 18, 2011

Good Friday/ The Holiest Day of Human Redemption/ The Greatest Sacrifice in the universe.

Good Friday is observed as a Day of Sorrow in every nook and corner of the world. It is a holiday for the whole earth. The entire world, without any Religious or racial difference is sad on that Day as the Savior of the humanity sacrificed HIS precious and invaluable Life on the Cross to redeem the entire people and to make them inherit the ‘Kingdom of GOD’. The Good Friday is observed as a Holy Day of fasting and complete abstinance.

Some non-Christian people raise a doubt, why the day on which the Savior died is called as Good Friday by the Christians...? It is the Best day of all days, as on this day only the 'Salvation' and 'Life Eternal'that was Promised by the Almighty God through HIS Profets and Faithful was 'Gifted' to the human race...! What a Great Love ... the Heavenly Father's Love...!

On this day many Christian denominations like Catholics, adore the 'Holy Cross' on which the Saviour of the world hung. Some Christian denominations interupt this as idol worship. The cross, used by the lord to redeem the mankind is not considered and believed as as an idol but as the Blessed 'Alter' chosen by the Lord to make this 'Supreme Sacrifice'

You believe it or not, I have been witnessing since my childhood, even the nature shows its pain over the death of its Creator and showers in the afternoons of Good Fridays … even though this day falls in summer in India…! It is a great miracle unnoticed by any researchers… happening since long…!

Maundy (Holy)Thursday/ The Last Supper Day/ The gruesome Day on which the Master was betrayed by His Disciple

On Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), All Churches across the globe commemorate the Last Supper of the Lord. It was on that Day the Lord established the ‘Sacrament of the Holy Mass’ and the 'Holy Eucharist'. The Lord’s humility is depicted in all Churches during the Holy Service. The Priest washes the feet of twelve faithful as the Lord washed the feet of His twelve disciples on the last supper day before He was betrayed and caught in Gethsemane. This act of the Divine Master demands from HIS followers to practice the virtue of humility.

Some Catholic Christian ancestors in Kerala used to make 'unleavened loaves' and wine called as pulippillatha pesaha appam and palu (also called as Kurisappam or Indri Appam) and the eldest in the family used to serve it on the night of this day. They used to invite their relatives and neighbours. And during the night they used to spend the whole night before the Holy Eucharist or at their homes by reading the Holy Bible and Pana (a traditional spiritual Malayalam book about the Passion and Crucifixion of the Lord)

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Enter the Holy Week, the very precious time in the Christian Calander devoutly

The Holy Week is the most important and Holy time in the Christian Liturgical Calendar. It is the last week of the Lent. It starts with Palm Sunday and ends on the Holy Saturday. Palm Sunday is also known as 'Passion Sunday'. This week offers a final opportunity for the ‘lost lamb’ to return to the ‘flock’ of the Good Shepherd for gaining eternal life, which is a ‘free gift’ from the Divine Savior. Those faithful failed to make a good confession in the past (for weeks, months or years) can utilize this golden chance to make it and wash their sins (however great they are…!) free of cost, in the Mercy of the Redeemer of the humanity.

In the Holy Week, the Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and the GOOD FRIDAY are the most Holy Days that are to be observed with extreme Penance, Prayer, Abstinence, Forgiveness and Charity. These days are holidays in most countries and it is advisable to spend these days in devotion. It is very essential for every Christian to observe these days with silence as days of mourning and thus indirectly profess our Faith and Love for our Savior Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us all strive to make use of this Holy Days to return to our Ever Loving Beloved Divine Father, who is anxiously waiting for the prodigal son's home return.

Who knows whether we will get one more chance, if we miss this...!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

How to Pray the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in Heaven"

As the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father in Heaven, Holy be your Name.....") is the most important of all prayers, it is better if certain body language gestures are observed while making this Prayer.

When ever a devotee is making this Prayer, he/she should be aware that the Lord Jesus is also making this prayer with him/her. So understand the importance of this Prayer, as this is the only Prayer taught by the Divine Master and so Pray with complete confidence and full faith in the Almighty Divine Father as a child asks some thing to its father.

Hence whenever this Prayer is said, remember that we are humbly praying to the Almighty Divine Father who is the Creator and Master of alll...!

It is highly desirable to stand or kneel and stretch and keep both hands open while saying the Lord's Prayer, during Holy Mass, public prayers or during individual personal prayers.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Prayer Requests: We will Pray for anyone/anything. Submit your Prayer needs and see Miracles...!

We are not righteous. We are not eligible to be called as worthy or good. But we have strong FAITH in the Divine Master and we do believe and know that anything asked to the Almighty Father in HIS HOLY NAME, with Faith will be answered...! If you want us to pray for your needs... anything...like... health, wealth, peace, future of children, work, freedom from satanic attacks ... anything..., we are willing to do it for you. It is free.

Please Post your Prayer Needs here in this Page...!

Note: Once you receive the favors, Please do not forget to post your witness here.

God Bless...!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Major Arch Bishop Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil is called for Eternal Reward

Syro-Malabar Catholic Church's head and Major Arch Bishop of Ernakulam - Angamaly Diocese, Mar Varkey Vithayathil is called by the Divine Master for Eternal Reward today. He was 84 years. He suffered a heart attack while offering a Holy mass at the Cardinal's Chapel this afternoon. The funeral is to be done after ten days, an announcement was made by the spokesperson Rev Fr Paul Thelekat. His body will be preserved in the Little Flower Hospital mortuary at Angamaly till the funeral is carried out. He was in the Most High God's sevice as a Priest for nearly 57 years...! Though such news of departure is always difficult for us to accept, we must submit fully to the Holy Will of the Divine Master.

Friday, March 18, 2011

When you Pray the 'Way of the Cross' do it with meditation and penence

How to Pray the 'Way of the Cross'...and when to say the 'Way of the Cross'...?

Catholics and some Christian denominations offer the 'Way of the Cross' very often especially during the Holy Season of Lent. It is strongly advisable to meditate and pray this prayer of the Lord's Passion on all the days of the lent if possible. If not possible, it is essential to offer this prayer at least once in a week during the days of lint-preferably on Fridays. As far as possible it is appreciable to make this prayer in the Church, as a community.

When we make this special Prayer to meditate the inexplicable sufferings of our Lord, it is appreciable and more effective when done with little penance. For instance in most Churches the fourteen (now-a-days 15) Stations of the Cross is set up. When we are making that particular Prayer, we need to walk through the stations as far as possible. During the Prayer after announcing each Station when all say; "We adore You O' Christ....", we should physically adore our Savior at least kneeling on both legs and bowing the head. If possible prostating is highly valued...!

When this Prayer is held inside a Church, after the seventh Station when we go to the eighth place which is on the other side of the Church, never forget to show proper reverence to the Eucharistic Lord by bowing/kneeling/prostrating....!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Lenten Season 2011; Get Ready for Self examination and Purification

The Season of Lent for 2011 is approaching. For Syrian Christians of the East it starts on the 7th of March (Monday) and for most other global Christian communities this year,s Lent starts on March 9th that is on the Ash Wednesday.

The season of Lent gives us an opportunity to make self examination of the condition of our spiritual life and soul. On Ash Wednesday, ash is applied on the foreheads of the devotees by the Priest saying, "Man, you are dust and unto dust you shall return".

When we are busy with material satisfaction and worldly affairs, most of us do not dare to think when we shall return to the soil. We all know that human life on this earth has no guarantee at all..! But we seldom care to bother on what path is our life traveling. (I am not at all sure that I will be alive tomorrow to post another topic on this blog or you shall be alive to read it.) I am not writing this to scare anyone, but to remind the followers of Lord Jesus Christ, that every Christian should be ready to go to his/her heavenly abode which is permanent and for which we are called. It is high time for today's Christian to ask oneself 'whether we are fit to be called Christians'...?

So let us not just tolerate this Lenten season but celebrate it with joy nor endure it with a sigh but enjoy it as it is a golden opportunity granted by the Lord to check our relationship with HIM and increase in our Spiritual lives...!

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Identity of a Christian: How a Follower of Lord Jesus Christ should live.

The population statistics show that the total number of Christians in the world is more than two billion. But it is for the individual to examine really how many are trying to live this short life on this planet, adhering to the teachings of the Divine Master. If at least 10 percent of the Christians lead a Christian life, seeing their exemplary lifestyle others (non-Christians & atheists) will be attracted towards Christianity and the Lord will be Glorified greatly. 

We know 2000 years ago the first Christian Population was just less than 100. That least number lived like CHRISTIANS and people from all walks of life started joining them to live a simple life even willing to face hardships in Love and Unity! 

It is quite unfortunate to see that many Christians bearing the holy names of Saints, Maryers, Prophets, and Angels are leading a mere materialistic and fully worldly life, doing all sorts of shameful activities that the pagans do for amassing huge wealth and thus bring disgrace to the ONE Who redeemed them shedding even the last drop of HIS Precious Blood. 

The greatest tragedy of this era is that even many Priests, Religious and Pastors who proclaim the Gospel and Preach about the Divine salvation are under the clutches of greed for money which is the most powerful weapon of satan to destroy even the Chosen Ones.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

While Entering a Church what one must remember. How to enter a Catholic Church..?

WHILE ENTERING THE CHURCH or CHAPEL, never forget that you are entering the BUSY COURT of the ALMIGHTY LORD...! Even though none can see with the naked eyes, There are numerous ANGELS and SAINTS who adore and worship the LORD unceasingly and gladly in every CHURCH or PLACE where HE is Sits in the Throne of Glory. {Can one meet a lone VIP without attendants and assistants...?}. When we enter the office of a dignified civil or political leader, how much respect we try to show him/her for granting us an interview? Can you meet the head of your country without an appointment... however great you (you think !) are...? Think...!

As the compassionate Lord is always willing to meet / bless HIS devotees without any time restrictions or reservations... do not take it for cheap or simple. There is no one in the universe greater than HIM.

Suppose an ordinary man is invited by a governor for a dinner how much gratitude and excitement this man will have! Or if the President of your country gives an appointment to you to meet him/her at his camp office, and allow you to spend some time with him, how much privileged you will be! Just imagine...! If a very important person says you are his close friend, how much happiness you will have !

Any one can any time visit the Almighty - without any prior permission or appointment !! How Merciful and Kind HE is...! So, when you enter a CHURCH especially where the MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT in the Tabernacle is venerated, Prostate in front of IT with utmost humility or Adore IT fully bending the full body or kneel before IT with the Belief that you are adoring and worshiping 'the KING of KINGS'. Then you slowly and respectfully go and occupy an appropriate place.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Epiphany of the Lord Jesus 2nd January 2011. Happy New Year 2011...!

I wish you dear reader of my blog, from the bottom of my heart that you and your near and dear ones have a "HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL AND BLESSED NEW YEAR 2011"

Thanks to the Lord, that you and me are alive to read and write in 2011 too...!

God Bless All...,


Today the Christian world is celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus. Epiphany means 'manifestation'. Lord Jesus revealed HIS manifestation to the three wise men of the East (three kings) who desired to see HIM
. They traveled miles with lots of hardships to see the lord and worship HIM. This solemn feast is celebrated on the second Sunday after Christmas world over. HE is visible to those who seek HIM...!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Greatest Birth under the sun: The greatest Miracle of God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU, dear friend!

The earth on which we live has witnessed billions of child births. All the great and small, wise and vise, kings and beggars, leaders and followers, saints and sinners, rich and poor, handsome and ugly, men and women have taken their precious 'one-time only' birth on this planet some where and some time. You and me too are born in some parts of this world. But the birth the earth has witnessed at Bethlehem some 2010 years ago in a small manger at a cold winter night is accepted and recognised as the greatest child birth for ever and ever. It was not a mere human being like you and me that was born there then. It was the Holy human incarnation of the Almighty God !

How can the most high God take birth from a humble virgin? That too in the humblest and poorest circumstances! All the works of God are marvellous! All HIS actions are miracles before our eyes! But I feel HIS incarnation in this world in search of HIS people to liberate and grant them HIS paradise is the greatest of all HIS miracles!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

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

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

Thursday, November 25, 2010

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

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

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

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

May God Bless you and your family abundantly……!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Souls in purgatory (the suffering Church)

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

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

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

Monday, October 25, 2010

WHICH IS THE GREATEST NAME EVER GIVEN OR HEARD IN THE UNIVERSE? JESUS

Most people of the Humanity in the Universe know that the Greatest Name ever given in the history of the universe is the Most Holy Name: *JESUS !*. This is the Name of the Savior of the Humanity. The Holy Name of the Incarnate God Himself. The Holy Name which has complete authority in the entire universe. The only Name capable of granting everlasting life in Heaven.

So how to say or utter that Holy Name of Jesus...? In my humble opinion, I greatly feel that the greatest name of the Greatest and True God of the universe should be uttered with the highest Reverence and titles. When we say the names of worldly people with their titles and surnames, why don't we say the Lord's Holy name with due titles, when HE has many...?

It is quite unfortunate to note that this Very Holy Name of the Divine Master is used by His own chosen people without any special respect or titles! When we know sufficiently how to utter the name of a human leader adding many titles, prefixes and suffixes to his/her name to please him/her, I wonder why we (even the devotees) enunciate the Most High Lord’s Holy Name without any least reverence…! For example, we say, President Abraham Lincoln, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Mr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, etc… A faithful will never call a Pope or Bishop merely by his name. We say Holy Father Benedict the XVI and the normal world at least says Pope or Pontiff Benedict XVI. Likewise, when our Visakhapatnam bishop visited our St Ann’s Catholic Church, Kakinada, he was addressed as His Excellency Dr. Kagithapu Mariadass or Right Reverend Dr. K Mariadass. The non-Christian community addresses him by saying Arch Bishop Dr. K. Mariadass MSFS; DD JUD.

The same is maintained the world-over by all denominations when they come to show their respect to their Bishops or Priests. Many Syrian Christian Bishops in Kerala are affectionately and respectfully called with a title ‘Mar’ (meaning holy) example Major Arch Bishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil, Major Arch Bishop Mar Baselios Cleemis etc… I have never seen in my entire life someone calling a priest by his bare name in India particularly in Kerala. A priest or pastor is addressed as Rev Fr Thomas Choorackal or Fr Sebastian Edakkarotte or Rev Dr Dinakaran or Rev Bishop K. P. Yohannan. The regrettable part is that I see almost all of these Fathers and Pastors calling their Most High Master just JESUS…!

I strongly feel that the Divine Master must be called at least as Lord JESUS or JESUS the Savior. I suggest when we call upon our Lord in prayer we must add at least one of HIS additional Titles or Adjectives with strong devotion and love to the Name of our Lord even if they are not mentioned in the prayer books. For Example, where ever there is only 'Jesus' mentioned I request the devotees to call Lord Jesus or Christ Jesus or Jesus Son of God or Jesus Master of the Universe....!

If we observe closely how people belonging to other religions say the names of their prophets or Gods, it is enough to open the eyes of the Christians to give due respect to the Holy Name of JESUS the son of Almighty God…!!!

I used to watch a devotional program telecast on Surya TV (a leading television network in Malayalam) which shared the positive outlook of different religions by learned and famous Hindu Pundits, Islamic Scholars, and Christian Priests/Pastors. I was happy when I watched the Hindu Swamis and Muslim Clerics pronouncing the names of their idols with a lot of honor as Bhagavan (God) Sri/Shri (a word used in India with respect before a name) Rama Chandra Murthy, Bhagavan Sri Krishna and noticed the Muslims never call their Prophet Muhammad (Mohammed) without the title ‘Prophet’. And I was delighted to watch seeing the Islamic scholars always call their God “Parama Karunyavanaya Allahu” (Most Merciful Allah) or “Sarva Shakthanaya Allahu” (Allah the Almighty). Whenever a Christian Priest or Pastor used their Master’s name they repeatedly simply said ‘Jesus’ (as if they were saying the name of some children or their colleagues)…! It is very unfortunate and saddening. Let me hope that hereafter the devotees of Lord Jesus Christ use HIS most powerful, holy, and greatest Name with due respect and veneration.