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2008 Prayer Group "Eucharistic Flame"

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

January 4, 2008

Bible word John 1.43-51

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, Follow me. Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Nathanael asked. Come and see, said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false. How do you know me? Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you. Then Nathanael declared, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel. Jesus said, You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You shall see greater things than that. He then added, I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
today we will reflect on the great call of Nathanael. When Jesus saw Nathanael, Jesus said: "There is no duplicity in him".
We are at the very beginning of the new year. Let us ask for the grace to be good in our heart all the time. Let us try to be original in our life all the time.
May God bless you all the time during this new year.

Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph Vadakkel

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

January 11, 2008

Bible word Luke 5.12-16

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing, he said. Be clean! And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them. Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus’ concern for the leper is strongly highlighted in this passage. His deepest wish is to get a healing from our Lord Jesus Christ. The leper’s words clearly express his deep faith. He said: “If you want, you can cure me”. His faith led to a wonderful result - he received the great healing.
Today we can ask for His wonderful healing in our family and for us personally, too; for the spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Only one requirement is demanded: “Deep faith!” The Bible says: “Believe in God, you and your family will be saved.”

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting full of power and grace.
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph Vadakkel

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

January 18, 2008

Bible word Mark 1.29-39

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: Everyone is looking for you! Jesus replied, Let us go somewhere else- to the nearby villages- so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come. So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Jesus expressed His love in different forms. Today’s reflection is that He expressed His love in the form of healing. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with fever. Jesus healed her.
One time, a preacher was sharing this passage with us and he explained to us why Jesus went to Simon’s mother-in-law’s house and healed her; namely, because Simon was always with Jesus.
When I was reflecting on this fact, I discovered that this is very obvious in my family, too. Many priests and sisters are very often visiting my family’s house, because I and my sister are working for the kingdom of God.
My dear brothers and sisters, let’s make an effort to belong more to the kingdom of God. Then Jesus will be a frequent visitor in our house.

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting with full of grace and joy.
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph Vadakkel

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

January 25, 2008

Bible word Mathew 16.15-18

But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel for our prayer meeting about the proclamation of the kingdom of God. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to the every creature” so by these words Jesus give us the responsibility to the work for his kingdom. How we can work on it, by different ways, such as prayer and support. So you will be a good christen all the time.

I wish you a good time and much blessing
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph Vadakkel

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

February 1, 2008

Bible word Mark 4.26-34

He also said, This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn- first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. Again he said, What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade. With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
we can observe very clearly that Jesus spoke about everything in parables, because the parable is a very good instrument for conveying God’s message.
Jesus speaks about the mustard seed that when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all seeds on the earth, but once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of the plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.
It means that the faith in Jesus takes hold of a person, producing fruits of good work. What we want to watch out for are things like jealousy, pride, greed, and injustice working against the power of God’s work.
But God is faithful and when we confess our sins He will forgive and His forgiveness is total.
I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting,
Your loving P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

February 8, 2008

Bible word Mathew 6.1-6

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
We have already entered the lent season. Let us prepare in our hearts. The bible words give us a very suitable answer to the question, “How can we prepare our hearts? Jesus says, when you give alms, there is no need to make it known to everybody. The Father who sees it in secret will repay you. When you pray and when you make fasting, there is no need to make it known publicly. God will reward you. It means that God knows our hearts and our deeds, he will reward us. I would like to share an experience with you. One time I was praying very silently that I would like to get a chance to speak during the bible conventions. Many thousands of people are attending these conventions. I didn’t tell anybody and I was praying very silently for my wish. My prayers were answered after one week. The leader came to my centre and invited me to talk in that convention. He told me that they had received the message from Jesus to invite me for that programme - praise the Lord! God sees and knows everything - our wish, our prayers and deeds.

So I wish you a graceful prayer meeting
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

February 15, 2008

Bible word Mathew 5.20-26

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,

Jesus’ words always help us and encourage us. Our spiritual growth is very much based on reconciliation. Actually, it is a purification of the heart and mind. This Lenten time we can use to examine ourselves very profoundly to find out about our life, and repair and renew our life. The best material for the repair of our house is reconciliation, and not judging others. More prayers and silence will help us to understand the depths of ourselves and to find God’s grace in our life.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

February 22, 2008

Bible word Mathew 16.13-19

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Reflection:

It is very natural that sometimes we ask questions in our daily life. Today we are reflecting about the question which Jesus asked his disciples when He went to the region of Caesarea Philippi. “Who do people say the son of Man is?"
The disciples gave different answers but Peter gave the right answer: “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God”. It is very interesting that we know the right answer. The most interesting and touching point is that this answer is the answer to all our questions. We can believe and trust in God. As a human being we find it sometimes difficult to believe in God’s loving, healing presence with us. But actually God is with us and he knows us very well.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

February 29, 2008

Bible word Mathew 12.28-34

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognised by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus is telling us to love our God with all our heart, with all our soul and with our entire mind. The same thing in our neighbors. Actually, it is a deep question how to love God more. The only answer I can tell you is just take a look in your life and reflect on it then you will find out that in the peak moments, God touches our life. It will make a very great effect in our life and will lead us to God’s love. When we love God more, then it is very easy to love our neighbor.

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

March 7, 2008

Bible word John 5.17-30

Jesus said to them, My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working. For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus gave them this answer: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no-one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
today we are reflecting about the above bible passage, especially about the first sentence: Jesus answered them, "My father is always working and I too must work”. When we think more deeply about this word, of course, it will bring great solutions for our life. In our daily life we have plenty of questions and because we have so many questions our mind may not be at rest or peace and may be disturbed many a time. However, our loving Jesus gave us the very right answer for all our questions: "My father is working and I too must work". It means that we can wait for the answers which will be given by the Lord, we will receive the very positive response from our Lord, and our prayers will not be a waste. The Bible says, "Believe in God and you and your family will be saved.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting with much blessing.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

March 14, 2008

Bible word John 8.1-11

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered round him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, Woman, where are they? Has no-one condemned you? No-one, sir, she said. Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus’ word is always touching and guiding our life. In the Gospel reflection of today, we can observe this point very clearly. They told him, “Teacher this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do you say?” Jesus answered them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The result was very surprising - all left. If we keep these words in our heart we will not simply judge others, because we all are not fully perfect. During this Lenten season we can ask God for his compassionate heart and look at everything through the eyes of Jesus.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting, God bless you all.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

March 28, 2008

Bible word Luke 24.35-48

Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, Do you have anything here to eat? They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
whenever Jesus appeared he greeted his apostle saying “Peace be with you”. The apostles were extremely afraid when Jesus was arrested and crucified. They were troubled and disappointed by the death of Jesus. They needed to be encouraged and re-organized. By eating a piece of baked fish and showing them his hands and feet, Jesus clearly proved to his apostles that everything written about him in the Law of Moses, in the prophets and psalms had been fulfilled. From now on all of them are to be witness to this truth. What kind of peace does risen Christ give? The peace that Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble or conflict but rather the confidence that he is there with us always in this life’s journey. Following Jesus is a journey from suffering to glory.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting with full of grace.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

April 4, 2008

Bible word Luke 1.26-38

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; his kingdom will never end. How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said. Then the angel left her.

Reflection:

The feast of the Annunciation is one of the most important feasts in the church calendar. We celebrate the actual incarnation of the savior - the Word made flesh in the womb of His mother Mary. Here, the “angelic salutation” of Gabriel to Mary “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” and Mary's response “let it be done according to the will of God" are stated.
My dear brothers and sisters, our beloved Mother Mary was full of grace, so that she totally accepted God’s will in her life. Today we can also ask God to give us the special blessing, so that we can also lead a graceful life. Mother Mary is our beloved mother, and she is also the queen of the world. Our mother is the queen of the world, and consequently we are princes and princesses.

I wish you a graceful prayer time.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

April 11, 2008

Bible word John 6.30-35

So they asked him, What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Sir, they said, from now on give us this bread. Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Reflection:

Jesus said to them “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst”.
My dear brothers and sisters, when we look at the world we can very clearly observe that people in poor countries suffer from hunger. They are hungry for the food. On the other hand the rich country people are hungry for the love, concern and the meaning of life. There is only one answer: Jesus is the bread of life. When we follow Jesus, we find a meaning in life and we find his true and unconditional love. When we ask about the poor people, the answer is to SHARE. Then everybody will be happy and no longer hungry.

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting with full of grace.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

April 25, 2008

Bible word John 14.1-12

'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. My Father's house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know2 my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father''? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,

we like to be happy all the time, but sometimes it is very difficult, because our heart is troubled due to various reasons. Many times we cannot clearly see the way in our life and don't know in which direction to carry on. Today’s Bible words give us a very wonderful solution for our life. Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not let your heart be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me”. He also said, “I am the way and the truth and the life”.

I wish you a very graceful prayer meeting and pray for me and my evangelization programs in Europe from June to August.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

May 2, 2008

Bible word Roma 8.28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
these bible words are so powerful and touching. The bible says, if we love God, God will make everything so perfect. In our life we sometimes feel pain, suffering, misunderstanding etc. Whatever happens in our life God will look after us. Believe, God has a better plan for our life and he will make it more beautiful!
I would like to share one of the experiences with you which recently happened in my life. You all know that we have a new Eucharistic flame evangelization centre in the Philippines. It is already blessed by the bishop. During the last months I was praying for that God would open another, powerful way for the evangelization. By a radio program in the Philippines I came to know a Philippine woman who is very much devoted to the Eucharist and evangelization. She owns a mountain with ten thousand Mahogany trees and she was praying for 22 years for this mountain to become a prayer mountain. By God’s grace I met this person and we have already started praying in the mountains. Many people are coming and get healings. By this experience I came to know that God will make everything perfect on earth and he has a plan. Everything will turn out for our best.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

May 9, 2008

Bible word Roma 8.31

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,
we all have our own definition of life. The church says, we are pilgrims to the kingdom of God. On our journey we have an aim and we have a destination. Here on earth we have to do something beautiful for God and beautiful for man. During our life journey we sometimes feel empty, troubled and unloved. In this situation we ask ourselves: How can we be happy all the time? It is the big question for many. I have noticed that some people are happy all the time, though they have troubles and pains, too. A few days ago, I read an article by a medical doctor. He was writing about his experience in his clinic with two severe cancer patients. They both came for treatment and one person was very happy and the other one was very sad. Both were suffering from the same sickness. After a few months they both died because of the cancer, but the happy one kept his good mood until his death and the other was so sad until he died. The person who was happy was a strong believer and fully trusted in God.
My dear brothers and sisters, whatever happens in our life, there is no need to worry. God has a plan for our life and if God is with us who can be against us?

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting full of grace.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

May 23, 2008

Bible word Mark 8.34

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Reflection:

Jesus said, “take the daily cross and follow him”. Many times we are happy to say, "I like to follow Jesus", and there is only one requirement, namely to take the daily cross. We all have our daily cross. Jesus said: “Take”. How can we take it? This is a matter of our attitude. When we read the books of saints one point is very much highlighted: the positive attitude of the cross.
One day one Indian sister came with me for my radio program and explained her God experiences. She told us that her parents died when she was young and she gradually found her dad and mum in God. Ever since she feels that she is the happiest person in the world.
My dear brothers and sisters, we can ask for the grace to carry our personal daily cross with a positive attitude.

I wish you a very fruitful prayer meeting.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

June 6, 2008

Bible word John 15.1-10

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we can reflect today about these great, kind words of Jesus that are so empowering in our daily life. Jesus is the wine and we are the branches. There is a deep connection with the branches. We can be happy that we are the branches. In our daily life sometimes we are happy and sometimes we are sad. The question is: "How can we keep up the cheerfulness all the time?" To do so we need a new way of looking and a new perceptive of life. When we have negative and painful experiences in our life, we can always keep in our heart that “it is a pruning experience” and that "my loving and almighty God will allow only good things for me". If we have a close look at our life, we will be able to observe it.

I wish you a very graceful prayer meeting, and God bless you all.
Your loving brother in christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

August 15, 2008

Bible word Luke 1.39-56

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!
And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, even as he said to our fathers. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Reflection:

Dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,

our beloved mother Mary is the perfect model for our life in all our life situations. She helps us and shows us how to walk in our daily life by deep faith in God. In our daily life we are facing many situations. Some are happy, some are not so happy, but if we walk by faith, we are able to find a meaning in all our periods of life. The Holy Mary was always guided by the Holy Spirit. Her service mind was part of her humble life. She was travelling to the hill country of Judea to visit and serve her cousin Elizabeth. Her cousin Elizabeth also was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Today we can ask God for the special grace to be led by the Holy Spirit in all the moments of our life and we can learn the humility and service mind of Mother Mary.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

August 22, 2008

Bible word Mathew 16.13-20

Our loving Jesus asked his disciples a very personal question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter gave a very touching answer to him: “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.” Jesus liked his answer and made a beautiful comment by saying to him that it was reveiled to him by the Holy Spirit. Peter gave the right answer, because he spent time with Jesus, knew him well and was a living witness. The Holy Spirit was strongly working in him.
In our daily life we are facing many problems and different situations. In all our life situations we can say that we have a loving and caring God and he will take care of us and our problems. Of course, it is not easy and Jesus knows it. This is why Jesus said: “I will give you a supporter, it is the Holy Spirit”. Let us ask for more power of the Holy Spirit, so that our daily life is led by the Holy Spirit.

I wish you a very joyful prayer meeting,
your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

August 29, 2008

Bible word Mathew 25.14-30

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Reflection:

Dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks about the talents. Actually, we all have different talents. They are given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. We also have spiritual talents such as compassion, love, care, etc. How can we develop the spiritual talents? By practicing, doing good things to others, saying good words to others, showing sympathy to others and by celebrating the Eucharist. Jesus said himself: “Do this in memory of me.”

Let us ask today for the grace to develop our physical talents as well as our spiritual talents.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

September 5, 2008

Bible word Luke 4.38-41

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, You are the Son of God! But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.

Reflection:
Dear loving brothers and sisters,
If we read the bible very carefully we can notice the wonderful compassion of Jesus. His love is clearly expressed by each of his actions. Whoever comes to Jesus will have new hope and new joy. One time Jesus visited Peter’s mother-in-law who was suffering from a severe fever. Jesus healed her. Jesus is the son of the living God. He was not only working two thousand years before and has stopped now, but he is still working.

During one of my Eucharistic flame retreats one woman came to me and said: “Father Joseph, because of many reasons I lost all my hope last week, but now I have new hope.”
Jesus is our hope; Jesus is our perfect model.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

September 12, 2008

Bible word Luke 6.12-19

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil1 spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

Reflection:

Dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus called his disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God. The disciples became powerful instruments of the kingdom of God. We all have a call: a call for family life, a call for religious life and all calls are relevant and significant. It does not matter what kind of call it is, but it depends on the deepness of our relationship with our loving God how our call will develop, whether we cause astonishment and everything will be super or not. Jesus said, I am the vine and you are the branches. If a branch is separated from the vine, it will become dry and fruitless, but if it is connected with the vine stock it will produce lots of fruit. Prayer is the basic means to connect our life with the Lord. Jesus spent a lot of time praying. Perhaps we do not take the time to pray in our busy, daily life. No one will say I have no time for eating. Prayer is our spiritual food and nourishes our life.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

September 19, 2008

Bible word Luke 7.36-50

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

Reflection:

My dear loving brothers and sisters,
Jesus always shows the wonderful mercy. Of course, it is the Divine mercy. A Pharisee invited Jesus for dinner. Jesus accepted it and the Pharisee prepared everything. But on that occasion a sinful woman came and showed her love to Jesus. It was a deep love coming from the bottom of her heart. She washed his feet with perfume and kissed his feet. All these actions express her wonderful gratitude of her heart to Jesus. She received the great reward: Jesus forgave all her sins.
Here, we can see that all our sins will be forgiven, if we show our deep love for God. Our confession is the way and love is the decisive criteria.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

September 26, 2008

Bible word Luke 12.22-31

Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Reflection:

Jesus wishes that we are happy all the time, but actually many things happen in our life. Immediately we lose the joy. Then the question comes: “How can we regain the joy?” We can trust in our wonderful God during our daily life. The bible says, “Believe in God, you will see the glory of God.” Jesus says: “I will give my joy in you, then your joy will be complete.” Today’s bible words highlight that we have to look at our surrounding and learn from the birds. When we notice with how much our heavenly father provides them, then we can understand that he will take good care of our life. So, my dear loving brothers and sisters, we can totally depend on God’s providence and enjoy the wonderful care of God in our daily life.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

October 3, 2008

Bible word: Mark 10.28-31

Peter said to him: We have left everything to follow you! Itell you the truth, Jesus replied, no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this presend age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters,

sometimes we think: Why are we working for Jesus? Will there be a reward? Of course, there is an answer. Not only we, but also our beloved leader Peter asked this question. Jesus answered, whatever somebody gives up for the sake of the Gospel will be multiplied by hundred times and that those people will additionally receive eternal life.

I am so happy that many people are helping me and supporting me with our Eucharistic flame evangelisation - the prayer group leaders, coordinators, etc. I want to tell you that God will reward you. Perhaps we have a daily cross, but Jesus said: “Take the daily cross and follow me.”

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Prayer Meeting "Eucharistic Flame"

October 10, 2008

Bible word: Luke 17.11-19

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, habe pity on us! When he saw them, he said: Go, show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising Got in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked: Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no-one found to return and give praise to God exept this foreigner? Then he said to him, Rise and go; your faith has made you well.

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
My dear loving brothers and sisters Jesus really wishes that our spirit of giving thanks grows more and more. This passage provides a clear proof for that. One time, ten leprosy persons came to Jesus and asked for healing. Jesus prayed for them and during the time of the journey they all received the healing. After the healing only one healed person came back to Jesus and said thanks to him. Jesus asked him, where the others were.

If we just regard our life, we see very clearly that we have received a lot of blessing and graces from our Lord Jesus Christ. But are we really thankful in our heart to the Lord? If we are even thankful for the smallest things in our life we are well on our way to please God and to have more merits in our life.

I wish you a prayer meeting full of grace and love.
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

October 17^th, 2008

Bible reading: Luke 10, 1-9

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'

Reflection:

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Jesus appointed seventy-two persons and sent them ahead of him to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "the harvest is abundand, but the labourers are few. " And he told them to totally rely on God´s providence. This ist the time we have to think about our great mission. In all situations in our life we can witness the kingdom of God. Recently our beloved Pope spoke about the financial crisis of the world. He said that it would be a warning for the people who totally trust in money. At anytime money can disappear an is nothing. Only the trust in the Lord ist stable and complete. We can remember the words of St. Faustina, "Trust in the Lord and do good to the people".

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting,
Your loving brother,
P. Joseph

EUCHARISTIC FLAME PRAYER MEETING

October 24^th, 2008

Bible reading: Mt 22:34-40
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Reflections

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

God gave us two basic commandments for our life:

(1) love the Lord with full power and strength

(2) love the neighbours the same way.
The following deep question emerges in our life: How can I love God, if sometimes, I do not even feel the slightest sign of his presence? I would like to give a small answer which might help you very much in your life. Many times we ask ourselves this question, sometimes very silently and sometimes very spontaneously. Most of the time we go to sleep without a clear answer. However, there is an answer for it. By this small reflection I would like to share the answer with you; perhaps it is the biggest answer for the life.
On Sunday, 28^th September about 3.30 pm I was thinking about planting rice. Why did I think about it? Maybe because one day one person gave me one sack of rice for my centre. I was thinking about the rice plant. The owner of the land plants the rice seed. It grows by the tender care of the nature, but many times the seed plant is wondering where the owner who planted it on this earth is? The seed plant wishes to see the owner of the land every day, but only a few times he comes. Many times the seed plant sees many farmers coming and doing different kinds of work, like cutting the grass and spreading the manure. One day the seed plant receives the deep insight that the owner is very much alive. Although he is not visiting the seed plant very often he is behind everything and he sends different farmers for looking after the seed plant. The owner is there and he is controlling everything - “Jesus is the son of the living God.”
The second commandment also causes some problems for us. How can I love my neighbours very well if they create problems in our life? I would like to tell you one of my experiences. I have family near my centre who has five children. Sometimes during the night they sing with very loud voices and the neighbours cannot sleep. One time I was so irritated. After a while I thought: Let them enjoy themselves. They are my brothers. When the feeling came to my mind that they are my brothers my bad feelings almost disappeared and the next day I was able to smile at them in a very friendly way.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting and God bless you all,
your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic Flame Prayer Meeting

October 31, 2008

Bible reading: Luke 6: 12-16:
Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Reflections:
My dear brothers and sisters,
“Prayer is the power.” Today´s bible words give us the deep insight. Jesus is our model of prayer. He spends very much time with the Lord during prayer. Sometimes he went to the mountains an lonely places for the prayer, to make deep intimacy and connection with God. The bible reads that after the prayer he selected the disciples. Today we can think about our prayer life and keep in our heart that “who prays together stays together”. I know many families who say family prayers every day. They are growing spiritually and financially etc. A tree needs the sunlight, manure and water. In our spiritual life we need the Eucharist – that is our sun. In addition we need prayer and reflections.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting and God bless you all,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic Flame Prayer Meeting

7^th November 2008

Bible words: Luke 15:1-10
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable: Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness an go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends an neighbours, saying “rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Reflection:
My dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus clearly says that it is very important to repent your sins. The entire heaven is filled with happiness about it. He uses two very touching parables in this context: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin. Each parable focuses on one item that goes missing and is found again. One famous spiritual writer said if the whole bible were to get lost and only chapter 15 of the Gospel of St. Luke remained, the essential message of the entire Bible would still be preserved. It emphatically illustrates to us God’s inexplicable and infinite love to save everybody whom He created according to His image and likeness. We can think about our life and we can ask ourselves: How near am I to God? What are the areas of my life to be corrected by the grace of God?

I wish you a joyful prayer meeting full of grace
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic Flame Prayer Meeting

14^th November 2008

Bible words: Luke 18:35-43
As he approached Jericho, a blind ma was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, be asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy won me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” he said, “lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying god; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Reflection:
The blind man by the roadside is helpless and depends on the generosity of others. Jesus came to him and asked him what he wanted from him. Immediately, the blind beggar replied, that he wanted his eyesight, because he knew very well that he was blind. And Jesus knew that he wanted to see again, but he was asking him. This is very relevant for our reflection. Although Jesus knows that the man is blind he asks him for his wish. Perhaps we have said many times in our life that God knows what we want. So why does he ask for my wish and why do I have to tell him my wish? This bible passage is a clear proof that God knows our wishes, looks at them and wants to fulfil our wishes, but at the same time he wants to hear from ourselves what is wrong with us and how he can help us. God is a loving and living God. The blind man exactly knows what is wrong with him. He is aware of his blindness. We can look at our life and maybe we discover that we are also blind in many areas of our life without realizing it. For example we can ask ourselves: Are we doing good things for others? Are we saying good words to others? We can try to find out our blindness and ask Jesus to heal that part of our life.

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting full of joy.
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

November 21, 2008

Bible reading: Mt. 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his gory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, i was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in Prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Then he will say to those at his left hand, you that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me noting to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. Then they also will answer, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you? Then he will answer them, truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Reflections:
My dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s bible words give us the basic requirements for pleasing God and, at the same time, for entering the way to heaven. Some basic requirements we fulfil heartily here on this earth and this will help us to smooth the way for reaching the kingdom of God. God said: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me”. These words have a deep meaning. In our surroundings we see people, which are hungry for the Lord. What can we do? Hungry for the genuine love, hungry for the care, acceptance, etc. We can do something in these situations and this will have great effects. Jesus said, “What you did for these fellow men you did for me.” A touching incident happened in the life of St. Faustina. One time a stranger came for food and she gave him immediately something to eat and drink. After eating this man disappeared. It was Jesus.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

November 28, 2008

Bible words: John 6:1-15
After This Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowed kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with the disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip: Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat? He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him: Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter´s brother, said to him: There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people? Jesus said,: Make the people sit down. Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, be distributed them to those who were seated, so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples: Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost. So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say: This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Reflections:
Dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel speaks about the deep compassion and love of Jesus - the compassion and love Jesus is ready to show to me and you, too. Jesus said, “I will be with you until the end of the world.” So we have hope in our life, it is a lifelong hope; nobody in the world can give us the lifelong hope, but only our God.
The people were listening to the word of God and it filled their heart. The fire seed touched their heart, so that they were listening to the word of God till late in the evening. Their heart was full, but the stomach was empty. Jesus did not neglect their hunger and provided them with sufficient food by performing a miracle.
This gives us a very touching insight in our life: Jesus will take care of all our needs. Our duty is to listen to the word of God and fully trust in His words. Then we will see the Glory of God in our daily life.

I wish you a graceful prayer meeting,
Your loving brother in Christ
P. Joseph

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

December 5, 2008

Bible words: Mt 9, 27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly: Have mercy on us, Son of David! When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them: Do you believe that LI am able to do this? They said to him: Yes, Lord. Then he touched their eyes and said: According to your faith let it be done to you. And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them: See that no one knows of this. But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him.

Reflections:
My dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,
Two blind men came to Jesus and asking him for a great favour. They wanted to have their eyesight restored. It was their deep wish to see, and Jesus asked them: “Do you believe that I can heal you?” They said: “Yes.” Jesus replied: “Let it be done according to your faith”. The blind men had a very good faith and received the wonderful healing from Jesus. Here we can see that the miracle happened according to their faith. This has a meaning to me and to you. We are asking for many things, many intentions in our life and we are quite aware of it. But we should ask ourselves the following questions: What kind of faith have we got? Are we also aware of the intensity of our faith? How we are going to deepen our faith? It is true that we cannot deepen our faith by our own ability. We need the help of the Holy Spirit.

I wish you a very graceful prayer meeting.
Your loving brother in Christ,
P. Joseph

(I am very happy to inform you about my doctoral defence which will take place on Tuesday, 9th December at 2pm (Manila time), which is 7am European time, and I would like to ask for your valuable prayers – thank you.)

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

December 12, 2008

Bible words: Luke 1, 26-38
In the six month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greetings this might be. Te angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will e holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Reflections:
My dear loving brothers and sisters,
The God experience of our beloved mother Mary tells us something great for our life. The angel Gabriel was send from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph. The angel announced the glad news to Mother Mary. Even though it was glad news, Mary asked: “How will it happen?” The angel gave the right answer to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and God’s power will rest upon you”.
In our life we think many times how God is going to work in our life, and what way he is going to use! We have many questions but there is one right answer we can keep in our heart: All the time the Holy Spirit can help us and God can find a way for us.

I wish you a pleasant prayer meeting full of power of the Holy Spirit,
Your loving brother in Christ,
P. Joseph

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

December 19, 2008

Reflections:
My dear loving brothers and sisters,
Now we are reaching the climax mood of Christmas. Let us pray to Jesus and mother Mary to give us a new blessing and a new insight for this Christmas time. God can make miracles and wonders in our life. This is clearly shown in the life of mother Mary. She asked the angel, “How will it happen that I have a child?” The answer of the angel is touching and inspiring for our daily life. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and God’s power will rest upon you”. The Holy Spirit is so wonderful in our life. Let us ask for the power and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

I wish you a very graceful prayer meeting filled with love and grace.

Thanks for your deep prayer for me for my doctoral defense. You prayer was a great help. By the grace of God I passed my doctoral studies with distinction. Praise the Lord.

I wish you a joyful Christmas,
Your loving brother in Christ,
P. Joseph Vadakkel

Eucharistic flame prayer meeting

December 26, 2008

Bible words: John 1: 1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come in to being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming in to the world.
He was in the world, and the world came in to being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of god, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen god. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Reflections:
My dear loving brothers and sisters,
I wish you a graceful Christmas time with much blessing. Christmas gives us a new hope and a new way of thinking. New hope is very powerful. “I am with you until the end of the world”. Many times we are thinking that difficulties and problems are constantly accompanying us in our life. Even though we are facing these problems we still can believe that God is with us - “Emmanuel”. So we can prepare our hearts to receive our Lord. When He comes in our life we will get a new heart and a new mind. Every day we are preparing our food. In the same way we can prepare ourselves every day, little by little, to keep Jesus’ fire in our hearts.
On Christmas day I will specially for you. This Christmas time I am going to india to spend some time with my congregation and my parents. I will back in the second week of January. Meanwhile you are free to choose any bible words you like for the prayer meetings. After my return to Manila I will start writing the bible reflecions again.

God bless you.
Happy Christmas and a joyful new year
Your Loving P. Joseph