Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
The Green Bible by Melvyn Brown
THE BIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTALISTS
By Melvyn Brown
There are signs the green environment has started to blur on the world scene. Snow-caps are melting, seas and oceans are rising, the Ozone hole is getting larger. Decades of proliferation to save the planet decades of loose sanctions and intrepid database have definitely resulted in global crises. What is the cure? Not moderation or over-stressing, but faith and belief.
“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31. “And God said,” Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, upon earth.” Genesis 1:11.
Reading this we are truly blessed. God gave us the Garden of Eden, we read of Noah’s ark and the Olive branch. How about the Oak tree under which Abraham met with angels, or, about the tree standing by the Waterside (Psalms). The environmentalist today needs to take notes from the Bible of the mechanisms bound to the green evolution: From nature’s selection, growth, mutation and change.
Jesus is spoken of as the true vine. The Kingdom of Heaven as a mustard seed which grows into a tree “where birds can nest”. Christ dies on a cross of wood. Mary Magdalene mistakes the Lord for a gardener.
Never underestimate the hidden green wealth of wisdom in the Bible. There are many passages on the green earth ingrained to battle the stress and paranoia of those who feel the end is near. The environment will overcome pollution in the air and water if we believe that ‘God helps those who help themselves’. Our honest willingness to meet the conflict of global warming with trust in Him and a sincere desire to make a difference, will win the day. Let research and planning besiege the shores of spiritual strength to choose the right projects and implement practical systems to being change. Tougher environmental laws and regulations are the need of the hour. Mindsets must be blown away.
Let us keep the grass green, as it was for over a billion years. In the Gospel of Mark, 6:39: “Then he commanded them all to sit down by companies upon the green grass. Have the faith and trust of King David. Marvel at his gratefulness to appreciate what he saw: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters…” Psalm of David 23:2.
Jeremiah, who the Lord appointed as prophet to the nations, said, “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jer. 17:8. The awaking call is that environmentalists can find wealth of green information and wisdom in the Bible. Reading the Good News before a board meeting, a rally, an event, the proposal of a scheme, will be to repackage the effort with God on one’s side.
Thursday, 16 April 2015
Sunday, 12 April 2015
Divine Mercy Sunday
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY AT ST. MARY’S RIPON STREET by Melvyn Brown
The greatest moment in modern Catholicism is the first Sunday after Easter when we celebrate, as Jesus wanted, the Feast of Divine Mercy. A new path has been shown to us for an abundant Christian life. This morning at St. Mary's Church, Ripon Street, I noticed the beautiful side altar decoration with the image of Divine Mercy. The icon of Jesus was prominently featured in the church, compelling every devotee and the faithful feel the Lord’s Presence.
We are called to be holy and holiness is what we strive to achieve. Today, many in the congregation seemed to understand the singleness of God’s purpose for all mankind: to spread His Message of Divine Mercy as told to St. Faustina, to say the Chaplet of Mercy, the 3 O’Clock prayer and to make the Novena, especially for sinners.
I was inspired to compose a Prayer for Divine Mercy.
“God of Mercy and compassion I turn to you in trust and with confidence, that only you can understand the pain I endure, the fear I live with, the agony of my weak spirit. Forgive me my sins, Lord Jesus, heal the wounds I bear. ( state your intention).
Make me a true and faithful believer in Your trust, for Your Divine Mercy. One God in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. (say 3 Our Father. 3 Hail Mary. 3 Glory be.)
Chapel of Divine Mercy
3, Elliot Road, Calcutta - 700016
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Video: Movie about St. Faustina
APOSTLE OF DIVINE MERCY
http://www.ignatius.com/Products/FAU2-M/faustina-the-apostle-of-divine-mercy.aspx
Dolores and Bob Raised Hope
Dolores and Bob Raised Hope by Melvyn Brown
Today, let us spare sometime looking into the life of an American couple, Dolores and Bob Hope. Bob was a unique comedian who laid the ground rules, punch lines and the know how when to roll out the laughter. There were many comedians before Bob Hope but, not any as having the modern edge to creative and spontaneous jokes. Our generation loved him, even when he teamed up with Crooner Bing Crosby in many Hollywood musicals.
Bob's adorable wife, Dolores, was born in Harlem and worked as a professional singer in New York City. She married Bob Hope in 1934. Dolores was a Catholic woman with a heart of gold. Besides her signing contracts, she adopted four children.
Husband and wife were often seen together in television shows, on tours, entertaining American troops. When Dolores sang "Silent Night" to GI's many were moved to tears. She loved God. She helped others to enrich their lives, and was the champion of Catholic charities. The Los Angeles Archdiocese benefited from her generous donations.
Pope John Paul II blest Bob and Dolores with the honour, Knight and Dame of St. Gregory the Great. Dolores revived her singing career in 1993, and recorded 5 albums. Dolores Hope died in 2011 at the age of 102.
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Wednesday, 8 April 2015
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