English

My dear brothers and sisters, I am confidently able to say that truly ‘I am the chosen one’. As the word tells, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Jesus tells us a parable about the wedding banquet, where the King sends his slaves to call all the invited guests. But none of the guests took the invitation seriously and refuse to attend the banquet. The King was enraged and sent his slaves again to call all those who were on the streets, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. But the King noticed a man who was not wearing a wedding robe. So he was bound and thrown into the outer darkness - Matthew. 22:1-13. Though this parable, Jesus explains that “Many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew. 22:14.

“The Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” – Isaiah. 7:14. This prophecy of Isaiah has come true in the life of Mother Mary when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and said, “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you will name him Jesus” – Luke. 1:31. Thus, the virgin conceived and bore a son and named him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us” – Matthew. 1:23.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John. 1:1. “And this Word became flesh and lived among us.” – John. 1:14.

Most of us think worldly wisdom has more weight & value. Today science provides new gadgets and inventions everyday which attract the minds of young and even the older ones. Parents like to educate their children to the maximum for which they are ready to spend any amount of money. Mostly to acquire status in the society, good future and good job. But happiness does not come from our education, position, power or money. True happiness comes from the DIVINE WISDOM. Word of God tells us “Happy are those who find wisdom and those who get understanding for her income is better than silver. She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life in her right hand, in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Those who hold her fast are called happy” (Prov. 3:13-18)

Just yesterday, someone told me, years ago, a priest visited them and prayed for the family. The poor family had nothing to give to him except a few coins. The priest got angry with them for giving him so little, so he refused to take that money and told them to buy peanuts and give to the children. This incident reminded me of what Jesus had said about the poor widow, in the gospels. “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny”. Then he called his disciples and said to them “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury, for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mk. 12:42-22).