tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49918375808014707342024-02-21T02:01:29.936-08:00MORAL STORIESA blog on morals, short moral stories, humorous anecdotes, christian parables, inspirational illustrations, children's funny fables, Bible sermons, retreat reflections, incidents, examples, personality development, wise words, brainy quotes and personal development for kids, students, teachers, preachers, speakers, catechists, priests and evangelists.Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-26207268792996815522018-12-02T20:49:00.000-08:002018-12-02T20:49:09.780-08:00SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSOR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSOR</h1>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An emperor had no
children. He decided to select a suitable successor to his throne from the boys
of his empire. He proclaimed that the interested boys should assemble in the
palace in the morning on a specified date. When the boys arrived, he said,
“There is a simple test for you. I will give a seed to each of you. You must
take it home and carefully plant it in a pot. Tend it giving all possible care
and bring the pot to me at the same time next year. I will examine the pots and
adopt the winner as my successor to the throne of this vast empire.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys
carried the seeds home and planted them. One of the boys found that his seed
did not sprout even though he gave all possible care. He continued to tend the
pot and water it daily, but could not get any result. The others tended their
plantlets with the utmost care and could grow beautiful and healthy plants in
their pots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of their plants
developed buds and flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After one
year, all the boys reached the palace to proudly display the result of their
sustained effort. The poor boy alone sat there without any plant to display.
The emperor examined each pot and resumed his throne. He summoned the boy who
could not grow the plant to come near him. The other boys laughed at the poor
boy who was holding his barren pot. The king stood up and declared, “I had
given each of you a seed after cooking it by prolonged and vigorous boiling in
water to destroy its viability and assure that it would not grow at all. But
all of you except this honest young man have managed to raise plants using your
own seeds to impress me and gain the throne by fraudulent means. Honesty,
truthfulness, courage and integrity are the qualities I expected in my
successor. Only this boy has succeeded in the test. Hence I proclaim that he shall
be my successor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emperor embraced
the boy. The other boys left the scene in shame.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honesty is the best policy. It is
a good rule that we should be faithful and truthful in every action - both big
and small.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
true Christian should not tell a lie even if telling the truth may cause loss,
suffering or pain. We should not tell a lie even if telling the lie may give us
money, power or pleasure. St. Paul advises, "No more lying, then! Everyone
must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we are all members together
in the body of Christ" {Ephesians 4: 25}.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Jesus said,
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"
{John 8: 32}.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The Bible reminds us, "The Lord sees everything you do.
Wherever you go, he is watching" {Proverbs 5: 21}."The Lord sees
what happens everywhere; He is watching us, whether we do good or evil"
{Proverbs 15: 3}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">………………………………………………………………………</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally and Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Maniparambil, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 354 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-68730588979231143942018-05-01T02:50:00.000-07:002018-08-28T07:20:37.987-07:00WIT AND WISDOM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
WIT AND WISDOM</h1>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Archbishop Angelo Roncalli
(later, Pope Saint John XXIII, 1881 - 1963), </span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">had a keen sense of humour, even while holding positions of authority. His humour, openness, generosity, warmth and wisdom,
made many people love him and call him, ‘Good Pope John’. He was Canonized</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> on 27 April
2014.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
becoming the Pope, he had served as Apostolic Nuncio to France. In the course
of the meal during a banquet, he offered an apple to his neighbour, a woman in
a dramatically low-cut gown. “Do take it, Madame, please do,” he urged in his
typically genial way. “It was only after Eve ate the apple that she became
aware of how little she had on.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Another
time, he greeted a lean and ascetic-looking visitor with a sigh and the
comment: “We will both have to say a prayer to God, beseeching him to remove
half my excess fat to give it to you!”</span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How many people work at the Vatican?” a
reporter asked Pope St. John XXIII. “Oh, no more than half of them,” the Pope
replied with a wink.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a cardinal complained to Pope John that a
rise in Vatican salaries meant a particular worker, an usher, earned as much as
the cardinal, the pope remarked: "That usher has 10 children; I hope a
cardinal doesn't have any."</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> On
another occasion, a prelate of the Curia of Vatican told Pope St. John XXIII
that it would be “absolutely impossible” to open the Second Vatican Council by
1963. “Fine, we’ll open it in 1962,” Pope John answered. And they did it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>When
asked what he expected from the Council, he moved towards the window and made a
gesture as if to open it and said that he expected a little fresh air from the
Council. “We must shake off the imperial dust that has accumulated on the
throne of St. Peter since Constantine” he added.</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visiting
a hospital, he asked a boy what he wanted to be when he grew up. The boy said, “Either
a policeman or a Pope.” "I would go in for the police if I were you,"
the Pope said. "Anyone can become a Pope; look at me!"</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> One
evening, Pope St. John XXIII went to visit a friend at the hospital of the Holy
Spirit. In a flutter, the mother superior in charge of the hospital introduced
herself, “Most Holy Father, I am the superior of the Holy Spirit!” To which
Pope John replied, “Well, I must say you’re lucky. What a job! I’m only the
Vicar of Christ,<span style="background: white;"> just the servant of the
servants of God</span>!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Pope
St. John XXIII struck the same humorous note on Christmas Day in 1959, when he
visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison. He told the inmates that he came as their
brother—and confided that one of his relatives had served a sentence for
poaching. Pope John radiated so much goodness and sincerity that there was not
a dry eye in the place by the time he finished speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> On
another occasion, one prisoner refused to see him. Learning that the man had
murdered his wife, Pope John persuaded the guard to let him enter the inmate’s
cell. Then he opened a hearty conversation with these words: “You know, I’ve
never been married. But if I had married, I too might have killed my wife.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reminded that by protocol the Pope has
to dine alone, he complained that if he dined alone, he would appear like a
seminarian under punishment. He said, “I have read the Gospel over carefully without
finding a single passage which prescribes that one should eat alone. As we
know, Jesus loved to eat in company.”</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once,
the Pope remarked, “Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best
improve with age.” <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On another occasion, he said, “It
is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”</span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…………………………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally and Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Maniparambil, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
This is Story No. 353 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-70619629863623602652018-05-01T02:44:00.000-07:002018-05-01T03:26:27.453-07:00MEETING GOD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
MEETING GOD</h1>
<div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An old man and a small child
reached a park one evening. They sat on the same bench. The child smiled and
shared his chocolates with the old man. The old man had a bottle of water with
him which he happily shared with the child. They started to talk about several
silly matters. The old man narrated some interesting stories which the child
enjoyed very much. The child sang a few songs which the old man appreciated
very much. As the sun was setting, they parted, embracing each other and promising
to come there every day. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching home, the child told his mother,
“Mommy, I met God today. His hair was silver-coloured and was very old. He was
full of love and told me a lot of nice stories. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old man reached his home
and told his son, “Today, I met God in the park.” His son did not believe the
old man’s words. Then the old man continued, “He is just a little child. He was
very affectionate and kind to me. We had a very interesting time together,
today.”</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is said that </span></b><b><span style="background: #fefdfa; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">in bringing up children, we must spend on them half as much
money and twice as much time. Jesse Jackson said, "Your children need your
presence more than your presents." H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said,
"Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep."</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King David sang in the Psalms, “Children are a
gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing {Psalms 127: 3}. Jesus said,
"Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of
heaven belongs to such as these" {Matthew 19: 14}. That is the
beauty of the innocence of infancy. That is the true spirit of Christianity as
Christ intended it to be.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #fefdfa; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">
Jesus loved children. When His disciples argued among
themselves to decide who among them was the greatest, Jesus introduced a child
and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you
will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven
is the one who humbles himself and becomes like the child. And whoever welcomes
in my name one such child as this, welcomes me” {Matthew 18:2-5}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our duty to give
gratitude, love, respect, service and support to our elderly relatives. We must
take care of them and provide for them especially in their old age, illness and
need. By our love and service, we can add days to their life and add life to
their days.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #fefdfa; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worried over the lack of love
among some Corinthians, St. Paul wrote to them his famous words of wisdom about
real love, "I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of
angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a
clanging bell" {1Corinthians 13: 1-13}.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is the language that Jesus
taught his disciples as the universal medium for evangelization. Love can be
heard by the deaf, seen by the blind and felt even by the newborn and the
mentally retarded.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> We
may give without loving; but we cannot love without giving. Love is giving all
we can. Love is like a smile - neither have any value unless given away. Karl
Menninger said, "Love cures people - both the ones who give it and
the ones who receive it." Mother Teresa said, "It is not
how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally and Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Maniparambil, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
This is Story No. 352 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-37166535009453327762017-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:002017-08-10T07:46:07.400-07:00A RECKLESS ATTACK <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
A RECKLESS ATTACK</h1>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Tony and Teena were recently married
couples. They lived in a South Indian village. A month after their wedding, Tony
had to go abroad to work in a foreign country. There was no one to stay with
Teena. Her close friend, Meena invited her to stay with her. Teena closed their
house and moved to her friend’s house in the town. Meena had a small child, who
was very fond of Teena. Teena was very affectionate to the child and was eager
to look after every need of the child with tender love and care. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Tony returned to their home after several
months. Teena and Tony reopened their house, cleaned it and started to live
there. The next day, he went to town and could return only by dusk. When he
neared their house, he heard the loud sound of Teena. Obviously, she was on the
phone, speaking to someone. Out of curiosity, Tony secretly listened to the
words of his wife. He was shocked to hear her words. She was talking very
affectionately to someone on the phone and stated that she loved that person
more than anything else in this world. She even made the sound of a loving
kiss. Tony could not bear this. He believed that she had a secret lover and was
sharing intimate moments with him. Furiously, he grabbed a heavy stick and gave
an unexpected heavy blow on her head. She gave a loud cry and fell down,
fainted. Filled with rage, Tony took the phone and listened silently, hoping to
identify the criminal. There was a repeated enquiry from an excited lady through the phone,
“Teena, Teena, what happened to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Tony asked her, “Who are you?” The
caller introduced herself as Meena, the close friend of Teena. She said, “Teena
was talking to my child for a long time and I was listening to their intimate talk.
Suddenly, Teena made a loud cry and stopped her talk. What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Tony was totally upset. He
realized that he had foolishly misunderstood his wife and misinterpreted her
sweet talk to the innocent infant. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">He felt
extremely sorry for reacting impulsively to Teena’s innocent act of affection and
inflicting a serious injury on his dear and loving wife.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">
Teena was rushed to the hospital in his car. She had to undergo a major
surgery. After weeks of intensive treatment, she recovered and returned to their
home, but her hair had to be shaved off prior to the surgery. Her head retained
marks of the trauma. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> A moment of misunderstanding or
misinterpretation may be very disastrous and may make a couple forget the
millions of memorable moments in their life </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and lead to erroneous or dangerous
conclusions and decisions. It is wrong to draw conclusions until we know all
the facts. His Grace the Most Rev. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya
Metropolitan and former Head of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, once remarked
humorously, “Three unmarried girls are responsible for most of the troubles in
the world. These miscreants are: Misunderstanding, Misinterpretation and
Misrepresentation.” Because these three words start with ‘Mis’, they were
described humorously by the Metropolitan as ‘Miss’ troublemakers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Prejudice, discrimination, racism,
judgement by external appearances and
impulsive reactions have plagued humanity for centuries. Such biased judgements
do not reflect truth or reality. We must use just judgement and intelligent interpretations
to arrive at sensible conclusions and wise decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus teaches us the dangers of wrongly
judging others. </span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Jesus taught, “Do not judge others, so that God will not
judge you, for God will judge you in the same way as you judge others, and He
will apply to you the same rules you apply to others” {Matthew 7: 1, 2}.
“Do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God
will forgive you.”{Luke 6:37}.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When we point one finger at another
person, three other fingers on the same hand point towards us. Often we fail to
notice our own imperfections when we watch the defects and sins of others. When
we are harsh in judging others, we become unable to receive mercy and
compassion.</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> St. James advises, “Remember this, my dear
brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to
become angry” {James 1: 19}. St. Paul says, “Get rid of all bitterness,
passion and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any
sort. Instead be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one
another, as God has forgiven you through Christ” {Ephesians 4: 31, 32}.</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Holy Bible teaches, “There is no
excuse for unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall. Wait, and be
patient, and later you will be glad you did” {Sirach 1: 22, 23}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“If you cannot
control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to
attack” {Proverbs 25: 28}. “It is better to be patient than powerful. It is
better to win control over yourself than over whole cities” {Proverbs 16:
32}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Let us remember that ‘ANGER’ is only one
letter short of ‘DANGER’. Robert Green Ingersoll said, “Anger blows out the
lamp of the mind.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Whatever is begun in anger ends in
shame.” Lord Buddha taught, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal
with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets
burnt.”
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Let us
seek God’s blessings and request Him to purify our heads, hearts, hands and
habits.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">………………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></a></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></a></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 351 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-70956945855659499742017-04-12T22:14:00.000-07:002017-04-12T23:19:11.605-07:00THE GOOD GOATHERD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE GOOD GOATHERD</h1>
<div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> In an Indian village, a good
goatherd had a goat farm with over a hundred goats. He loved them and they
adored him. They could recognise his call and respond by running to him and
surrounding him. He used to feed them with love and care. When any goat had an
injury, he used to nurse it with compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> One day he had to go to the town to
buy essential articles for the farm. He fed the goats with affection, locked
the gate of the farm, and left for the town.
When he returned, he was shocked to find the door of the farm lying opened.
Rushing into the farm, he found that all the goats were missing. Obviously,
some thief had sneaked into the farm and stolen his dear goats. He ran out of
the farm house and asked the villagers about the lost goats. No one could help
him. They rushed through the road connecting the village to the town and
enquired everywhere about the missing goats.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> One person told that he had seen a truck full
of goats proceeding from the village towards the town. They informed the police
and rushed to the town. They found the truck full of goats parked near a hotel.
The driver and his assistants were having their dinner in the hotel. They asked
the driver, but he claimed that the goats were his own. By that time, the
police also arrived there. The police questioned the driver but he was firm in
his stand. The driver asked the owner of the lost sheep whether he had any
evidence to prove that the goats in the truck belonged to him. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The goatherd boldly told the
driver and the police, “My goats can recognise me and my voice. I shall call
them and if they respond by running to me, you can be sure that the goats are
mine. Everyone agreed. They moved towards the truck. The police asked the
driver to open the bars surrounding the truck. The goatherd called his flock in
a loud and loving tone. Suddenly, all the goats jumped out of the truck and ran
to him. They surrounded him and he patted them with affection. The police
arrested the thieves and let the loving goatherd go to his farm with the
recovered flock of goats. The villagers celebrated the victory and returned to
their village jubilantly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Holy Bible describes
Jesus as the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep - the whole humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jesus
said, “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep” {John 10:
11}. “I know my sheep and they know me. And I am willing to die for them” {John
10: 14, 15}. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I
give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away
from me” {John 10: 27, 28}. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">…………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students,
catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
This is Story No. 350 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-83156868975497394732017-04-11T11:06:00.000-07:002017-04-11T11:06:26.936-07:00SMILING SAINTS <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
SMILING SAINTS</h1>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Saint Euphrasia Eluvathingal (1877-1952)
was a pious nun of a Carmelite Convent in Kerala, India. She was canonized by
Pope Francis on 23 November, 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Once,
St. Euphrasia had an appointment with a Dental Doctor. She told the Doctor that
she had severe tooth-pain and requested him to extract all her teeth. The
Doctor remarked that all the teeth could not be extracted together. He said he
would examine her teeth carefully and extract them one by one, if necessary. He
asked her to open her mouth wide. As she opened her mouth, the Doctor burst
into laughter as there was only a single tooth remaining in her mouth. The rest
of her teeth had been removed earlier. She joined him in the laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor of
England, was sentenced to be beheaded in 1535 for supporting the Pope’s order
against the King’s decision to remarry while his wife was still alive. As St.
Thomas More was about to mount the scaffold to attain martyrdom, he said to the
executioner humorously, “I pray you, Mr. Lieutenant, see me safe up and for my
coming down, I can shift for myself.” He positioned his beard so that it wouldn’t
be harmed while he was beheaded. He said with a smile, “My short neck may
impede the blade. My beard has not offended the king. Don’t cut it.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Archbishop Angelo Roncalli (later,
Pope Saint John XXIII, 1881 - 1963), was appointed as apostolic nuncio to
France. In the course of the meal during a banquet, he offered an apple to his
neighbour, a woman in a dramatically low-cut gown. “Do take it, Madame, please
do,” he urged in his typically genial way. “It was only after Eve ate the apple
that she became aware of how little she had on.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Another time, he greeted an ascetic-looking
visitor with a sigh and the comment: “We will both have to say a prayer to God,
beseeching him to remove half my excess fat to give it to you!”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> “How many people work at the
Vatican?” a reporter asked Pope St. John XXIII. “Oh, no more than half of
them,” the Pope replied with a wink.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> On another occasion, a Curia official told
Pope St. John XXIII that it would be “absolutely impossible” to open the Second
Vatican Council by 1963. “Fine, we’ll open it in 1962,” Pope John answered. And
they did.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Then there was the time
Pope St. John XXIII visited the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. All in a flutter,
the religious sister in charge introduced herself, “Most Holy Father, I am the
superior of the Holy Spirit!” To which Pope John replied, “Well, I must say
you’re lucky. I’m only the Vicar of Christ!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Pope St.
John XXIII struck the same humorous note on Christmas Day in 1959, when he
visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison. He told the inmates that he came as their
brother—and confided that one of his relatives had served a sentence for
poaching. Pope John radiated so much goodness and sincerity that there was not
a dry eye in the place by the time he finished speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> On another occasion,
though, one prisoner refused to see him. Learning that the man had murdered his
wife, Pope John persuaded the guard to let him inside the inmate’s cell. Then
he opened with these words: “You know, I’ve never been married. But if I had
married, I might have killed my wife, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Pope
Saint John Paul II the Great (1920 – 2005) also showed a talent for humorous
remarks. To keep fit amid the demands and stresses of the papacy, he had a
small swimming pool put in at the papal summer residence. When some people
questioned the expense, he answered, “A conclave would cost a lot more.” The
humorous remark was about the need for another conclave to elect a new Pope if
he happens to die by ill health and lack of exercise!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> An American Bishop, recalling Pope St. John
Paul’s amazing memory for names and faces, told of returning to Rome after
having put on weight since his previous visit. “Is your diocese growing?” the pope
inquired. The obese Bishop assured him that it was indeed expanding. “So is the
Bishop,” said Pope John Paul with a twinkle in his eye.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> St.
Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582) was distinguished by a playful wit and a keen
sense of humour. St. Teresa once prayed, “From silly </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">devotions</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, and from
sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us”! <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> There is a common misconception that saints
are generally rough and tough and would never laugh or enjoy a joke. Saints are
innocent like infants and they can enjoy harmless humour like children. Several
saints have loved to play and laugh and make others laugh with their witty
remarks and sense of humour, but they were careful not to commit a sin.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Holy Bible teaches, “Being cheerful keeps
you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time” {Proverbs 17: 22}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. Paul says, “May you always be joyful in
your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!” {Philippians 4: 4}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">……………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India.
For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students,
catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 349 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-40858064528921712122017-04-07T01:05:00.000-07:002017-04-07T01:05:22.556-07:00THE SECRET SPICE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE SECRET SPICE</h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> A girl was watching her mother
cooking a dish in the kitchen. On the shelf, there were several containers,
neatly </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">labelled</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, each containing a component like salt, sugar, oil, vinegar or a
spice. She opened the lids of the containers in a definite order and added the
required amount of each ingredient into the cooking vessel which was heated on
a stove. Finally, she opened a container and looked inside for a while and then
closed it. Then she served the delicious dish to everyone with great love. The
children relished the dishes with a smile. This happened every day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> One day, the mother was too
sick to cook. Her daughter agreed to do the cooking. She followed the mother’s
recipe. The girl examined the labels of every container while trying to follow
the directions of her mother. She found that the last vessel did not carry a
label and so ignored it. She placed the cooking vessel on the stove and put on
the flame.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> When the dish was getting
ready, out of curiosity, she opened the unlabelled vessel, which her mother used
to open, observe and close like a ritual every day. She was surprised to find
in that vessel, a small card on which was written a short verse from the Holy
Bible, </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Do all your work in love” {1 Corinthians 16: 14}. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Now she </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">realised</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> how her mother used
to serve their food with love every time after reading the message in the last
vessel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .05in; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">favourite</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> motto of </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">St.
Mother Teresa of Kolkata (1910 – 1997) </span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">was:
"Do small things with great love."</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .05in; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">…………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 348 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-2600761275813670932017-04-06T23:57:00.000-07:002017-04-07T00:38:04.537-07:00PARABLE OF THE PENCIL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
PARABLE OF THE PENCIL<b style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> In the earlier days of space
research, a space research centre had to devise a method to enable astronauts
to write in the special conditions of outer space such as zero-gravity. A team
of scientists proposed an expensive project to develop special pens for use in
space. While the proposal was being presented before the staff, a young
scientist stood up and asked, “I have a humble suggestion. Instead of spending
such a large amount to develop a special pen, why don’t we try to use an
ordinary pencil?” The suggestion was received with great applause. Initial
trials proved that a pencil could work well in conditions of zero-gravity and
some early space travellers used it. Later, it was feared that the fine particles
of graphite from the eroding lead can conduct electricity and may adversely
affect the operation of delicate electronic control systems in the closed
conditions of a space-ship and so better substitutes were fabricated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> A great teacher gifted a pencil
to each of his students and asked them to list the lessons of life that they
could learn from a pencil. The major messages they presented were the
following:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1…Each pencil has a
definite purpose. It draws a line as it moves forward. This line becomes
specific letters, words, phrases, sentences and a finally, a unique presentation
with a meaningful message.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Every person is a special noble creation of
God with a particular purpose, role and mission in the world. By our life and
actions, we have to fulfil the intention of the Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">2…A pencil permits to
be held and guided by a hand to perform with perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We must be ready to
be guided by the will, words and hands of God. We must be humble and ready to surrender
ourselves to the will of God. That is the only way to achieve great things in
life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">3…A pencil leaves a definite mark on the surface on which it moves. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">By doing our duties with dedication, we must leave our mark on every
situation we are involved in and every person we interact with. That is the
mark of our Creator which He uses to change the world through each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">4…The most important
part of a pencil is its inside. The lead made of graphite is what enables it to
leave a mark on the surface on which it moves. The decorated outer wooden
portion may have visible beauty, but appearances can be deceptive. The quality
of the pencil is decided by the inner lead. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The eternal soul
within us is more important than the perishable body which houses it. The inner
beauty and virtue of a person cannot be judged by his external appearance.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">5…A pencil is
used along with an eraser. Sometimes, the eraser is attached to the other end
of a pencil. Though a mark of correction may remain, the eraser enables
immediate correction of any mistake made. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We may make
mistakes in life as “to err is human”. But a noble man corrects his error at
the earliest. We must learn from our mistakes and proceed in pursuit of
perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">6…A pencil has to be
sharpened and polished frequently to serve its function with perfection. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Human life requires occasional
painful sharpening to achieve its goal. Sharpening of human life is through the
adversities and painful experiences man may have to endure in life. They lead
to physical, mental and spiritual strengthening and regeneration. Adversity is
the best university.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">7…Applying too much
pressure on a pencil while writing can break the tip of the lead causing great
damage and hindrance to smooth writing. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Unnecessary stress
and strain from vaulting ambition may damage our life and progress. When we are
ready to accept the will of God, life becomes steady, pleasant and enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata
said, “We are all pencils in the hand of God.”</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">…………………………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
This is Story No. 347 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-16604432453338920852017-04-03T22:50:00.000-07:002017-04-03T22:50:00.027-07:00POETS IN PAIN <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
POETS IN PAIN</h1>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Robert
Browning (</span></b></span><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1812 – 1889), <span class="apple-converted-space">was a
renowned English poet and play-wright, </span>one of the foremost<span class="apple-converted-space"> Victorian poets,</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">known for his great
works such as ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’. Elizabeth Barret </span></span>(1806
– 1861),<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">
daughter of </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Edward Moulton Barrett</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">was one of the most prominent English poets
of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> Victorian era</span>,
popular in Britain and the United States during her lifetime.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> She started writing poems at
the young age of six. At the age of fifteen she became sick with immobility and
intense pain in her head and spine following a riding accident and later
developed severe lung problems, possibly due to tuberculosis. She was
administered pain-killers derived from opium such as morphine which intensified
her illness. She was mostly bedridden. Still she wrote excellent poems. She was
the eldest of twelve children. Her father had forbidden his children to marry.
Impressed by the quality of her poetry and out of sympathy for her disability,
Robert Browning loved her intensely. They used to correspond regularly through
letters. As her father would not approve their marriage, they married secretly
in 1846 and migrated to Italy. Her father was angry at her and refused to
communicate with her forever. He rejected her only son and cut her from his
will. </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">she used to
write to her father frequently, begging his pardon. But he refused to open or
read her letters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> On the day of their 11<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary, she received a packet from her father. Hoping that her
father had finally forgiven her and sent her a loving gift, she gladly opened
the packet. She was shocked to find in that packet all the letters she had sent
him during the last ten years, begging his forgiveness, returned, still
unopened. Robert Browning read those letters and remarked painfully, “Had he
opened and read at least one of these loving letters, he would definitely have
forgiven us and loved us.”</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Elizabeth Barrett died in Florence, in her
husband's arms.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive
us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to
us” {Matthew 6: 12}. He added, “If you forgive others the wrongs they have done
to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive
others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done” {Matthew 6:
14, 15}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. Paul advises, “Get rid of
all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more
hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one
another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ”
{Ephesians 4: 31, 32}. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> When God forgives us, He casts our sins into
the sea of everlasting forgetfulness. Billy Graham said that many of the patients
in hospitals would be healed if they were ready to forgive and forget the
errors of others. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Alexander Pope, in his work, ‘An
Essay on Criticism’, wrote: “</span>To err is human; to forgive divine.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">…………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University
of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John and Neil
John, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 346 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-42687202003065058542017-04-02T21:57:00.000-07:002017-04-02T21:57:40.441-07:00AN ALTRUISTIC ANGEL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
AN ALTRUISTIC ANGEL<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> A very poor girl was working as
a nurse in a private hospital. A patient admitted to the hospital suddenly
became seriously ill and had to be shifted to a major hospital to save his life. The
administrator of the hospital insisted that the patient could be discharged only
after he had paid his dues completely. The amount in the bill was too big for
that poor family. They requested that they may be allowed some time to raise
the amount as they were very poor and the patient was critically ill. But the
administrator was adamant. The patient’s wife was in tears. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The nurse, who had just arrived for duty,
learned the gravity of the situation and made a personal plea to the
administrator. But the management wanted the money immediately and was not
ready to show any mercy. She quickly removed her golden bangle and deposited it
in the cash counter and asked to discharge the patient without any delay. The
critically ill patient was then shifted to the major hospital and his life was
saved. The bangle was her only valuable possession but she was ready to donate
it to save a poor patient. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The bold and timely action of the loving
nurse caught the attention of the doctor on duty. He was immensely impressed by
her charity. He was a very rich man but was reluctant to act when the patient’s
life was in danger. He was enlightened by her act of affection. He told his
friend, Dr. D. John, “Today I saw Jesus. He is a girl!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The wealthy doctor went home and
told his parents about his desire to marry the nurse. His loving parents accepted
the proposal and held discussions with the nurse and her parents. Their wedding
was celebrated in the presence of their friends and relatives. This incident
was quoted by Dr. D. John during a talk in Shalom TV. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <span style="background: #FEFDFA;">Jesus
taught,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>“My commandment is this:
love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can have for
his friends is to give his life for them”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>{John<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>15:12, 13}. St. John reminds us, “My
children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love,
which shows itself in action” {1<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>John<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>3:18}.</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Worried over the lack of love among
some Corinthians, St. Paul wrote to them his famous words of wisdom about real
love, "I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of
angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging
bell..." {1 Corinthians 13: 1-13}. "Do not forget to do
good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God”
{Hebrews<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>13: 16}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Love
is the language that Jesus taught his disciples as the universal medium for evangelization.
Love can be heard by the deaf, seen by the blind and felt even by the new-born
and the mentally retarded.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We
may give without loving; but we cannot love without giving. Love is giving all
we can. Love is like a smile - neither have any value unless given away. Karl
Menninger said, "Love cures people - both the ones who give it and
the ones who receive it." Mother Teresa said, "It is not
how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">……………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">© By: Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science &
Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S.
John and Neil John, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No. 345 in the second site. Please click ‘Older
Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in
these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read
stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-31103418444896556202017-03-28T04:05:00.000-07:002017-03-28T04:05:04.899-07:00A SACRED SACRIFICE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
A SACRED SACRIFICE</h1>
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> In the 1950s, an
eleven-year-old little girl who had recently received her First Holy Communion
was praying in a corner of a church when an army of atheists invaded the
church. The captain ordered to fire at the Tabernacle. It was broken brutally.
He threw the Ciborium, <span style="background: white;">a chalice-like vessel
used to contain the Blessed Sacrament<span class="apple-converted-space">,</span></span>
angrily to the floor. The particles of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Hosts) spilled
out and were scattered on the floor. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Luke was
arrested and imprisoned in a dark bunker used to store coal in the church. From
that bunker, he could see through a small hole, the Sanctuary and the 32 Hosts
scattered on the floor. The atheist army left the church to persecute the
Christian Faithful in the village. They did not notice the little girl who was
still praying silently in a dark corner, with tears rolling down her cheeks, seeing
the sacrileges committed against her Lord, Jesus. She left the church silently,
in tears.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The girl had been taught by her
catechist that she should receive only a single Host in a day and that she
should never touch the Holy Eucharist except with her tongue. The priest
remained in the dark bunker, praying to God to forgive the sacrilegious actions
of the offenders. Next day, early in the
morning, the priest saw the little girl silently sneak into the church. She moved
towards the Sanctuary and prayed silently for an hour with tearful eyes, with her
hands clasped together in prayer. Then she knelt down, bent over and received a
Holy Host with her tongue. She prayed for some more time and quietly left the
church. She continued this bold and pious act every day. On the last day, she
came as usual and knelt down before the last Host lying on the ground and
prayed with folded hands. Suddenly, a soldier entered the church and saw her.
In a rage, he fired a bullet at her. She fell down, wounded and bleeding
profusely. With all her might, she crawled towards the last Host and consumed
it with her weak tongue. Then she fell down, dead, as a true martyr for Jesus.
The priest witnessed her heroic martyrdom. Later, he was released and had to
leave the country. He made this incident known to the world. Venerable Archbishop
Fulton John Sheen heard about this incident when he was a Seminarian. He was
deeply moved by this true story of heroic martyrdom and made a vow to spend an
hour in deep prayer before the Holy Eucharist every day. He practiced this till
his death in 1979, in memory of this little martyr, who displayed heroic
courage and zeal to proclaim her faith in the Holy Eucharist, the source of
energy, grace and love. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Most Blessed Sacrament is the
Sacrament of Sacraments and a Sacred Sacrifice. By the Blessed Sacrament, we
unite ourselves to Christ. Under the appearances of bread and wine, Lord Jesus
Christ is contained, offered and received by the Faithful. We believe that
Jesus is really, truly and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. The
Blessed Sacrament is a great miracle. The Eucharist is the source and summit of
Christian life. It is a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is
a Sacrament of love, a sign of unity and a bond of charity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. John, the Apostle of love, teaches,
“There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear” {1 John 4: 18}.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">© By: <b>Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>, Former Professor,
St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>
and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is Story No<b>. 344</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older
Posts’</b> at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click <b>'Newer Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer
stories in these sites. Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to
read stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-25266500781619897222016-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:002016-09-22T08:52:20.192-07:00PEDIATRIC DOSE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
PEDIATRIC DOSE</h1>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">
A child studying in the first standard developed severe fever at night. His
mother searched the shelf for a pediatric syrup of paracetamol. But the bottle
was almost empty. She had a stock of tablets of paracetamol (500 mg). The child
liked plantains very much. His mother broke a tablet into halves, peeled a
plantain carefully and pushed one half of the tablet (250 mg) into the
plantain. She covered the fruit with the peel and gave it to the child. Later, to
know whether her trick had worked, she asked him, “How was the plantain, dear?”
He replied, “The plantain was delicious, Mommy, but the seed was bitter. So I
spat out the seed and ate the fruit.”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A vain lady asked the Vicar, “Father,
today I spent a lot of time before the mirror, watching my image and wondering
how beautiful I am. Is that misbehaviour, Father?” The Vicar told her, “Your
action has a different name. It was not misbehaviour; it was a case of
misunderstanding!”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">
A young man had to return
alone to the place of his work in a distant country, a week after his wedding.
He wrote his first loving letter to his beloved wife with his own hands to give
it a personal touch. In the letter, he addressed her as ‘my better half.’ But
unfortunately, he had a very bad and illegible handwriting. She read his loving
address as: MY BITTER HALF’. That initiated a quarrel which gradually
intensified and ended in their divorce.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">
A moment of misunderstanding
or misinterpretation may be very disastrous and may make a couple forget the
millions of memorable moments spent
together. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> It
is wrong to draw conclusions until we know all the facts. His Grace the Most
Rev. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan and former Head of
the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, once remarked humorously, “Three unmarried girls
are responsible for most of the troubles in the world. These miscreants are: <b>Misunderstanding,
Misinterpretation and Misrepresentation</b>.” Because these three words start
with ‘Mis’, they were described humorously by the Metropolitan as ‘Miss’
troublemakers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">…………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">© By: <b>Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo.
S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil
John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral
stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and
preachers, kindly visit our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
This is Story No<b>. 343</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older
Posts’</b> at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and
click <b>'Newer Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer
stories in these sites. Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to
read stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-73308268617524938002016-08-04T08:23:00.000-07:002016-09-08T22:41:34.487-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE PERFECT PAIR OF SANDALS</h1>
<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"> A fashionable lady entered a footwear store in search of a pair of new sandals for her use. She tried every sample available in the store but none of them seemed to suit her feet. Disappointed, she was about to leave the store when she noticed a pair lying near the entrance. She put them on and was delighted to find that the pair suited her perfectly. She enquired about its price. The manager told her, “It is free. You can use them”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">The lady was surprised and asked, “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<h1 align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"> The manager said, “That was the pair you had on your feet when you came in. You removed them to try the new sandals.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> We may be in a similar situation when we worry about our present predicament on seeing better options elsewhere. We may feel that we should have received a more rewarding job, a more comfortable house, a more beautiful spouse etc. Let us realize that God has given each of us the best gifts that suit us most. Let us thank God for the blessings received.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">By Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.</span></div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-38655229863373883512016-05-07T04:12:00.000-07:002016-05-07T04:12:20.944-07:00CONFESSION IN A CROWDED TRAIN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
CONFESSION IN A CROWDED TRAIN</h1>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Monsignor C. J. Varkey, the late
Spiritual Director of Shalom Ministries, India, was once travelling in a train
from Mangalore (The Parasuram Express) to South Kerala for conducting a
Convention. After a prayer, he started a conversation with the person occupying
the opposite seat. He learned that the man was returning from the Central Jail
at Kannur after completing a term of imprisonment following conviction for
murder by the Court. The Father understood that the man was a Catholic and
needed a confession. The priest invited him for a confession but he resisted,
explaining that he hated priests. On further enquiry, he revealed to the priest
that he had approached three priests for confession but they had ruthlessly
turned down his request, labelling him as a murderer. The compartment was full
of passengers. Suddenly, Mgr. Varkey knelt down at the feet of the ex-prisoner
and kissed his legs, begging his pardon for the priests who had denied him the
Sacrament of reconciliation. Seeing a priest in cassock falling at his feet in
front of a large number of fellow passengers, the man was transformed totally and
immediately confessed his sins in tears before the priest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Late Mgr. C J Varkey was
born on 11th June 1921 in the Diocese of Pala in Kerala, South India. He was ordained
priest on March 16, 1947 for the Diocese of Calicut. Later, in 1953, he was
chosen to serve the newly formed Diocese of Thamarassery. Rev. Fr. C J Varkey,
who was aware of the spiritual needs of his parishioners, founded the
Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate (MSMI) on Sept 8th, 1962.
He rendered 16 long years of service in the parish of Kulathuvayal. In 1973, he took charge as the full time
Director of MSMI congregation and stayed at its Generalate in Kulathuvayal
thereafter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> In 1976-77, Rev Fr. Varkey came
into the charismatic renewal movement and by divine inspiration, conducted
charismatic retreats along with MSMI sisters. Seeing the great number of people
coming into the experience of God, he decided to start a retreat centre. Thus
in 1985, the Nirmala Retreat Centre (NRC) was started in Kulathuvayal. NRC
became instrumental in inspiring many Consecrated and lay people to serve in the
preaching ministry of the Catholic Church. A small group of young people,
transformed by Catholic charismatic renewal, used to come together regularly to
pray under the spiritual guidance of Msgr. C. J. Varkey. This group, developed into the renowned ‘Shalom
Ministries’. Shalom ministries have illuminated the lives of millions across
the globe through a number of publications, television programmes and other new
media initiatives. The ministry organizes retreats and leadership conferences
inviting people to open their lives to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Mgr. C J Varkey served as the
Spiritual Director of Shalom Ministries till his death. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">During the
60th year of his ordination, on 4th January, 2007 the title of Monsignor was
conferred on Father Varkey. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">On 24th June, 2009, at 6.10pm Mgr. C.J Varkey left for
his heavenly abode. His mortal remains were brought to the Generalate of MSMI
Congregation in Kulathuvayal and were solemnly buried there.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FEFDFA; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> God offers His mercy, love and
forgiveness in the Holy Sacrament of reconciliation. God says to us:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Now, let's
settle this matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean
as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool"</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> {Isaiah</span> <b>1</b>: 18}.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> When God forgives our sins, he casts our sins into an
ocean of mercy, kindness, forgiveness and forgetfulness. St. Isaac the Syrian
taught, <b>"Our sins are as so many grains of sand cast into the
ocean of God's mercy."</b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Jesus
had said,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent."</b>{Luke <b>15</b>: 7}.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Archbishop
Fulton. J. Sheen says about the confessional in the Church, "In it is to
be found the Sacred Heart of the forgiving Christ forgiving sinners through the
uplifted hand of His priest as He once forgave through His own uplifted hands
on the Cross." It is said that the <b>Church is a hospital for sinners;
not a museum for saints.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">……………………………………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
342</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-76606851305863866622016-04-29T06:20:00.000-07:002017-03-28T04:06:36.377-07:00THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b> The wise men from the east who had
followed the divine star visited and worshipped Baby Jesus and presented their
gifts to Him. They were directed by God in a dream to return by another route. An
angel asked Joseph to escape to Egypt with Mary and Baby Jesus immediately. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> King Herod, who was expecting
the return of the wise men to his palace, became furious when he realized that
they had tricked him. He ordered a massive infanticide. All male children in Bethlehem
and its neighbourhood who were two years old and younger were ordered to be
killed. The king’s armed soldiers set out to kill the innocent infants
mercilessly {Matthew 2: 1-17}. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> There is a charming legend
about the exile of the Holy Family to Egypt. The king’s soldiers learned that
some families had escaped from Bethlehem and chased them. Though the Holy
Family had moved away from Bethlehem, they were aware that the soldiers would
come after them. They were tired and exhausted, but continued their journey to
save the Holy Child. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> On the way, they saw a group
of farmers sowing seeds of grains in their field. Joseph asked for some water
to drink, which they gave gladly. Joseph and Mary refilled their leather
bottles with water for the long journey. The senior farmer asked them about the
purpose of their hurried journey. Joseph told them about the king’s order to
murder the children. The farmers were shocked to hear this and they promised
that they would deny having seen the Holy Family, if questioned by the
approaching soldiers. St. Mary sternly forbid them from telling a lie even if
it would save their lives. She asked them to have firm faith in Almighty God
and be truthful throughout life.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> The Holy Family thankfully bid farewell to the
kind and compassionate farmers and resumed their tiring journey. The farmers
returned to their field. They were filled with wonder to see a marvellous miracle before their eyes. The
seeds that they had sown a few minutes ago had miraculously sprouted and sprang
up suddenly, the grains had ripened instantaneously and the fields were now
ready for harvest soon after the seeds were sown. They thanked God for the
miraculous harvest and praised the sanctity of the Holy Family. They brought
their harvest tools and started reaping the farm, singing the traditional songs
of praise. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> A group of armed soldiers on
horseback approached the reaping farmers and enquired about a family with a
baby who went along that way. The senior farmer told them that they had met a
family with a child when they were sowing the seeds in that farm and had
provided them with drinking water and that was the last family to pass that
way. Thus the farmers could talk with truthfulness and save the Holy family. The
soldiers surveyed the fields which were being reaped and told to themselves, “If
they had seen the family at the time of sawing, they cannot be the people we
are searching for, as it is now the time of reaping what they sowed.” They
returned to Bethlehem, leaving the Holy family to continue their flight to
Egypt.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> We should speak only the
truth. When words are manipulated to get our own way, even deviating from truth
and righteousness, we go wrong. Jesus taught us, "Just say 'Yes' or 'No' -
anything else you say comes from the evil one" {Matthew 5:
37}.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">
Honesty is the best policy. It is a good rule that we should be
faithful and truthful in every action - both big and small. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b>
A true Christian should not tell a lie even if telling the truth
may cause loss, suffering or pain. We should not tell a lie even if telling the
lie may give us money, power or pleasure. St. Paul advises, "No more
lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we
are all members together in the body of Christ" {Ephesians 4:
25}.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">……………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
341</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-35694234722237509422016-04-25T18:29:00.000-07:002016-04-25T18:29:30.082-07:00THE ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF TEACHING <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF TEACHING</h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(By Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Former Professor of Marine Biochemistry and
Research Guide,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Department
of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cochin
University of Science and Technology, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We gather information
through the sense organs. The relative contribution of each faculty is: <b>1 %</b> through taste, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.5 %</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> through
touch, <b>3.5 %</b> through smell, <b>11 %</b> through hearing and <b>83 %</b>
through sight. This shows the importance of visual and verbal media in
classroom communication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A…TEACHING
APPLIANCES <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1…OVERHEAD
PROJECTOR<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Words and figures are either written
with marker pens or printed on transparent sheets for projection. The choice of
colours and contrast need special attention. Highlighting of major ideas is
more effective than crowding of ideas. The size of letters should be adjusted
to enable clear reading by all in the hall. Use of pointer or laser pointer is
essential while explaining a point but avoid projecting the full text of a
lecture and reading the matter without eye contact with the audience. Switch
off the projector when not in use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2…COMPUTER-AIDED
PROJECTION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Teaching materials prepared using
programmes like <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘PowerPoint’
and ‘Flash’ and projected directly onto the screen (eg. Using LCD or LED
projector) are becoming very common. The choice of colour and size of letters,
background colours, animation and sound effects requires careful planning and
trial before every presentation.
Highlighting of major ideas with minimum words and clear illustrations
is better than excessive writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3…CHALK
BOARD <st1:stockticker w:st="on">AND</st1:stockticker> WHITE BOARD<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Use of writing boards requires
careful planning and practice.
Special attention should be given to the size, colour and depth of letters. The
space between letters, words and lines should be adjusted for clear and easy
reading even by those seated at the back of the audience. Underlining or use of
special and brilliant colours can highlight salient points. Avoid excessive
writing and present the major points with minimum words and effective
illustrations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avoid errors
in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Use a pointer to explain without
obstruction. Erase the writing after explaining each idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B…LOW-COST
AND NO-COST VISUAL MEDIA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> During a lecture, visual media may be
exhibited to draw the attention of the audience. These include objects,
specimens, models, photos, pictures, diagrams, charts, graphs, maps etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
presentation should be relevant and clearly visible to everyone. Use of flannel
graph requires careful preparation. Clearly written words, neatly drawn
diagrams, etc. on drawing paper with pieces of emery paper glued to the back
can be effectively projected on a spread sheet of flannel and exhibited before
the audience with good versatility. The materials can be removed and replaced
by new sheets easily during a lecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C…TEACHER AS
AN AUDIOVISUAL MEDIUM <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Display a positive attitude of interest
and enthusiasm and begin the lecture by greeting the audience with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The teacher
should be clearly visible to the audience. While lecturing your eyes should
observe the face of everyone in the audience. Based on the feedback you receive
from their faces, modify the presentation suitably. Avoid unnecessary focus on
the notes or the projected material. Display a pleasant facial expression as a
reflection of a positive and pleasant attitude to the subject and the audience.
The facial expression should change naturally to suit the topic being
presented. Avoid unnecessary gestures, distracting mannerisms and stereotyped
movements. Your movements before the audience should be meaningful, natural and
purposeful. Practise in front of a tall mirror or a close friend and use the
feedback to correct your posture and movements during a lecture.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D…VERBAL
MEDIA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Modulate the volume, pitch, tone and pace
of the voice for a natural and conversational style of presentation. The
lecture should be clearly audible to everyone in the audience. Vary the pace or
speed of presentation to suit the grasping ability of the audience and the
complexity of the subject. Avoid very rapid talk. Occasional pause and
repetition may be needed to introduce novel and difficult ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The language must be simple, pleasing
and interesting. Use correct, meaningful and short sentences. Use a simple,
direct, pleasing and interesting natural style and avoid a hard or bombastic
style. The pronunciation should be correct, clear and natural and not
overstylish or erroneous. Use a tape-recorder or a friend’s guidance to
evaluate and modify your voice and mode of presentation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Your response to the questions from the
audience must be encouraging and tolerant. Invite questions and clarifications
with confidence. If the answer to a question is not known to you, display the
humility to accept your inability and seek an expert’s opinion to get the
correct answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Explanations of difficult concepts
should be simple, varied and meaningful and at the correct level of the
audience. Present suitable examples,
incidents and experiences to explain difficult ideas. They should be relevant,
familiar, interesting, simple and brief and capable of arousing curiosity. Use
relevant anecdotes and short stories to make your narration interesting and
meaningful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Develop and display a strong sense of
humour and maintain a healthy, pleasant relationship with the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">E…PLANNING
AND PREPARATON<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Effective teaching needs intensive
planning and extensive preparation. Suitable teaching media have to be designed
and prepared sufficiently early. Illustrative anecdotes and examples are very
helpful to clarify difficult ideas. The
ideas and media should be arranged and presented in a logical sequence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The matter and manner of presentation
should be appropriate to the needs and background of the audience. Management
of time needs special attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">F…CONCLUSION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The conclusion should include a
summary of the salient points presented and suggestions to apply the
information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
creative efforts and constant practice we can develop efficient and effective
skills of communication for an impressive presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
340</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-84297089840755465622015-11-20T07:45:00.001-08:002017-03-03T21:57:48.472-08:00FAILING FAMILIES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
FAILING FAMILIES<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="ML">Tom told his
friend Alex, “I am going to divorce my wife.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ML" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex asked, “Why?
Whose fault is it?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="ML">Tom said, “50% of the fault is
my wife’s.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ML" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then whose is the
other 50%?” Alex asked.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ML" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tom replied, “That
is her mother’s !” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="ML">A </span>little <span lang="ML">boy was studying his lessons at home. His mother was cooking in the
kitchen. He asked her, “Mommy, can divorce come before marriage?” She said,
“Never.” He continued, "But Mommy, see this book. Here divorce appears before
marriage."</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="ML"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="ML"> She examined the book and </span>explained with a smile,<span lang="ML"> “But that is a dictionary, dear. It never happens in real life.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="ML">A teacher asked
the students of a Sunday school to list the </span>seven <span lang="ML">Sacraments
in a note book</span> as part of a test<span lang="ML">. One student spelt
matrimony as <b>‘MATRIMONEY’</b>. The teacher asked him why he made this
mistake. He replied, “It is not a mistake. That is the way it should be
written, because many people consider <b>‘MONEY</b></span><b>’</b><span lang="ML"> to be the most important component of married life.</span> Financial
problems may disturb a family. <span lang="ML">Differences in opinion and outlook
are natural when two different persons live together. </span>P<span lang="ML">roblems</span>
can be<span lang="ML"> solved easily </span>by a free and frank<span lang="ML">
discuss</span>ion<span lang="ML"> in an atmosphere of love. Instead, minor
problems </span>may<span lang="ML"> grow and assume larger dimensions when others
get involved in it and complicate the situation. Many quarrels </span>which
start on minor<span lang="ML"> issues </span>may<span lang="ML"> flare up</span>, leading to<span lang="ML"> </span>violence or<span lang="ML"> divorce.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Man was created in the image of
God. The first family was created by God in the image of heaven. It is God’s
wish that every family should remain as a heaven of happiness. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Real happiness results only when there is close
co-operation and mutual respect between partners. Otherwise the better half<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>becomes the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>bitter half. In several oriental
Christian churches, during the sacrament of matrimony, the priest adorns both
the husband and the wife with the matrimonial ring. It symbolizes that the
spouse is received from God. Matrimony is thus a union of three - the husband,
wife and God. Marriages are conceived in heaven and celebrated on earth. The
ideal family is an image of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Husband and wife are equal
before God and have equal rights and responsibilities to make their family a
heaven of happiness. They should render hearty support to each other even
during disappointment, disability, discomfort, distress, disease or
disaster. Matrimony is a sacred sacrament, a source of divine grace.
Marital partners participate in God's act of creation. Their attitudes and
actions should be complementary and not contradictory. The five letters in
the word ‘FAMILY’ represent the first letters of the words in the meaningful
phrase- ‘Father And Mother In Love, Year-round’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Marital
love is a great gift of God. It should be active year-round. It should be active,
constant, continuous and equally strong during all seasons of the year - lasting
till the last moment of life.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> To the Pharisees’ question
about divorce, Jesus answered, “Man must not separate, then, what God has
joined together” {Matthew <b>19</b>: 4 – 6, </span><span lang="ML" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mark <b>10</b>: 9</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxelUvN6aWfr0IGypJ5RGzYpqkvueb1Y2sWBTp9GbcgnTnGsWjbHvh-SkHbKcla1uUSc23oM0dDmYBqdtLo8FrQT6NEWG4PpfFVHvHh6W1U-SDkIfpekBA7LtQHbtTrpM_2RdIb-oOkxs/s1600/Divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxelUvN6aWfr0IGypJ5RGzYpqkvueb1Y2sWBTp9GbcgnTnGsWjbHvh-SkHbKcla1uUSc23oM0dDmYBqdtLo8FrQT6NEWG4PpfFVHvHh6W1U-SDkIfpekBA7LtQHbtTrpM_2RdIb-oOkxs/s320/Divorce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPYOXdU8szGXgu4-E6SprY-KsWYiCEww3g_1epbqdBmPsrzdTUE6AWbjukjh-r5OnzULzO1hMsIjYjiNyTqg4DT88Lr7RVAynG_md5kaopESDsFm-ZvuoalnRrli8zgMF01sFPIEFz6I/s1600/Divorce%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPYOXdU8szGXgu4-E6SprY-KsWYiCEww3g_1epbqdBmPsrzdTUE6AWbjukjh-r5OnzULzO1hMsIjYjiNyTqg4DT88Lr7RVAynG_md5kaopESDsFm-ZvuoalnRrli8zgMF01sFPIEFz6I/s320/Divorce%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">…………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
339</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-30724476057960847842015-08-13T23:24:00.000-07:002016-10-10T00:12:07.913-07:00FIVE FIGHTING FINGERS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
FIVE FIGHTING FINGERS<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The
five fingers on a hand had a heated argument one day. Each finger argued that
he was the most important member of their family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The thumb
finger started his claim: “I am absolutely essential for eating, writing and
for grasping any object by the hand. Moreover, holding the thumb up is a
universal symbol of victory. I am sucked by babies and then I shower motherly
affection and consolation on them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The index
(fore) finger was the next to speak. He argued, “I am essential to point to any
object and to accuse a person. Speakers use me to express ideas emphatically
and to point at people with power. I am raised above all of you to indicate
that a thing is the first and the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The middle finger asserted, "I am definitely
the longest among us and so I am the natural leader of this family. I have the
maximum dignity and I always have two of you to guard me on either side. You
cannot question my status or stature.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The ring
finger said, “I am the symbol of love, romance, marriage and family life. I am
decorated with a golden ring during engagement and marriage, the greatest and
most memorable moments of one’s life. I shine among you like a king wearing a royal,
golden crown.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The
little finger was waiting for his chance. He said, “I am the smallest, but I am
not the least or the last. As the baby of the family, I deserve special care
and consideration. Undoubtedly I am the most beautiful finger with a lovely
tenderness and a lively grace. When the hands are folded during a prayer or
expression of respect, I stay in front of all of you as the leader. Obviously,
I am the greatest.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The
arguments continued and they were about to start a physical fight, when the
owner of the hand intervened to make peace. He convinced them that each finger
was equally important. He told them, “Each of you is essential to me. Each of
you is helpless and useless without the assistance of the others. God created
you differently but when you act together, you can achieve what is impossible
individually. No one is weak or unimportant. Each one has unique abilities and
importance. We can achieve victory only by a collective effort, close
cooperation and team-work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">For example, when you act in harmony, you can operate
different tools and equipment, make novel and wonderful articles, construct
objects and buildings, create artistic works of great beauty, play musical
instruments and help others who need your assistance.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The
enlightened fingers promised that they would remain in harmony and cooperate to
help others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> St. Paul
emphasises the importance of different organs in the human body and of
individuals in the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ {1 Corinthians 12:
12-31}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
338</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-67061234331926945392015-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:002015-07-14T10:46:21.131-07:00A WISE WIFE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
A WISE WIFE</h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Beruriah was the
learned, intelligent, pious, tactful, witty and wise wife of the saintly Jewish
Rabbi, Meir who lived in the second century AD. On a Sabbath day, while Rabbi
Meir was teaching in the house of study, his two beloved sons died accidentally.
The Sabbath is observed as a very special and precious day by all devout Jews.
Beruriah did not want to grieve her husband on the Holy Sabbath day. She
decided to wait till the end of the rituals of Sabbath to convey the tragic
news to her husband. She also wanted to soften his sorrow and prevent a sudden
shock to him by following an intelligent and tactful approach. She laid the
dead bodies of their sons on a couch in the upper room of their residence and
covered the still bodies with a sheet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> When the
Rabbi returned from the Academy after the Sabbath, he enquired about their
sons, but she hid the news tactfully till he had completed the rituals of the
Jewish religious ceremony of Havdalah. It involves the use of the five
senses-tasting the wine, smelling sweet spices, seeing the light of the
Havdalah candle, feeling the heat of its flame, and hearing the blessings. He
pronounced the prescribed Blessings and finished the customary evening meal to mark
the ceremonial end of the Sabbath. She then told him calmly, “A few years ago,
a friend had given me a treasure of two precious ornaments to be kept under
safe custody. I used to appreciate the treasure and love them as if they were
our own. But now the real owner of the treasure wants it back and has come to
claim his property. Kindly advise me whether I should return them to the owner
or not.” The Rabbi ruled emphatically, “You should return the treasure without
any hesitation. That is the prime duty of one who holds a deposit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> She then led him through
the stairs to the upper room and gently removed the sheet covering the precious
bodies of their beloved children. She said, tearfully, “These are the ornaments
God gave to us in trust to keep under our safe custody. He has now taken them
back.” He expressed great grief and cried, but she reminded him of his earlier
direction that one who holds a deposit should readily return it to the owner as
soon as he demands it. She quoted the
following verse from the Book of Job: <b>“The Lord gave, and now He has taken
away. May His name be praised!”</b> {Job <b>1</b>: 21}.This tactful approach
reduced his grief and he praised the wisdom of his wife which illuminated him
and enabled him to withstand the great tragedy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Life
after death is a reality. In the heaven of happiness reserved for the
righteous, we will meet our loving Lord who created us to be with Him forever.</span>
It is said that when we are born, we cry and the people around us rejoice. When
we die, people cry, and, if we are saved, we rejoice! Man’s way
leads to a hopeless end while God’s way leads to an endless hope.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone is equal before death
as death comes to all - great and small {Job <b>3</b>: 13-19}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> The
world is like a garden and every person is like a precious flower. But God, the
owner of the garden, has the right to pluck the flowers of his choice. That is
what happens when our dear ones die. Death is a moment of sorrow for everyone
close to the dead person. In the sorrow, we may cry and complain to God why he
has taken our dear ones away from us. But let us believe that one dies when he
is called by God to His abode. Often the best flowers are plucked earlier.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: #FEFDFA; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">……………………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
337</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer Posts'</b> at
the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites. Please click on a
word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-30334180243626242342015-06-15T01:49:00.000-07:002015-06-15T01:49:02.728-07:00A CRY AGAINST CRUELTY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
A CRY AGAINST CRUELTY<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> St. Telemachus (St. Almachius)
was a saintly ascetic of Asia Minor in present day Turkey. Once, during his
prayer, he received a divine inspiration to travel to Rome and preach the
Gospel. When he reached Rome, the citizens of Rome were celebrating the victory
of Rome over the Goths. Moving along with the marching crowd, he reached the
Colosseum in Rome on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 404 A.D. He remembered the
countless Christian martyrs who were killed and eaten by hungry lions in the
Colosseum during the period of religious persecution in Rome. The Colosseum
remained as a place for the public exhibition of cruel duels. Gladiatorial
fights were common in the Roman amphitheatre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> The
gladiators’ fight to amuse the crowd was about to begin. Two armed gladiators
bowed before Emperor Honorius. They vowed to fight till one of them died. They
approached each other for the fierce combat. Seeing the gruesome scene,
Telemachus stood up from his seat in the gallery and cried aloud, “In the name
of Christ, stop this killing.” The people laughed at him and said he was mad. But
he jumped over the wall and sprang down into the arena. He stood between the
combatant gladiators and repeated his request at the top of his voice. The
audience became violent and threw stones at Telemachus, cursing him for
interrupting their savage entertainment. The stones rained upon the saint from
the furious spectators. He was stabbed to death by one of the gladiators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> There was a solemn silence as the
audience witnessed the tragic death. The scene opened the eyes of the
spectators and turned their hearts. They realised the cruelty of their conduct
and left the gallery silently, one by one. The last words of Telemachus echoed
in the Collosseum. The emperor, Honorius was greatly moved and left his seat in
silence. The gladiators saw the empty gallery and stopped the fight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Influenced by the Saint’s sacrifice, the
Emperor soon issued a proclamation banning all gladiatorial fights and cruel entertainments
involving murder of men. That was the end of killing in the Roman Colosseum.
But Telemachus had to sacrifice his life to achieve this great victory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Telemachus was canonised as a Saint for his
heroic stance and sacrifice for protecting the dignity of life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> “Happy
are those who work for peace; God will call them His children” {Matthew <b>5</b>:
7}. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus taught
us, <b>“My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The
greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them”</b>
{John <b>15</b>: 12, 13}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> St. John reminds us, “My
children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love,
which shows itself in action” {<b>1</b> John <b>3</b>:18}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
336</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-36926683833022592352015-05-10T22:17:00.001-07:002015-07-02T04:46:34.314-07:00HE IS HERE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
HE IS HERE</h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> An atheist teacher was very
eager to spread his views against the existence of God, among his students. One
day he eloquently taught his students against their faith in God. He was proud
and glad that he had proved before them that God did not exist.
Victoriously he wrote the summary of his sermon on the black board in large
capital letters<b>: “GOD IS NOWHERE.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> But in his excitement, unknowingly, he
happened to leave a little more space in between the letters <b>W</b> and <b>H</b> when he wrote the word, <b>‘NOWHERE.’<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> He then jubilantly asked his
students to read aloud the concluding sentence on the board. The innocent
students read aloud,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“GOD IS NOW HERE.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The atheist was lost for words.
He left the class sadly as the students had publicly denied his concept. The
students apparently reiterated their firm faith in the loving God who is now
present there, with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> A teacher once overheard the
dialogue between two innocent infants in a school. One asked the other, “How
many Gods are there?” The other child replied confidently, “Only one.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“How can you be
so sure?” asked the first student.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The second one
said, “God fills the whole world, oceans and the sky above. So there is no
space for another God!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The teacher felt enlightened.
The simple kids had provided a clear answer to an important question which the
teacher had been trying to answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> God is the Omnipresent, Omnipotent,
Omniscient and Omnibenevolent. He is infinitely intelligent, virtuous, truthful
and perfect. He is eternal, immortal and infinite. He is our creator,
sustainer, guardian, provider, and protector. He is the final and most just judge
of our actions.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> An orphan boy, staying in an
orphanage was the captain of the football team of his school. The team achieved
a remarkable victory in an inter school football competition. He had played
exceptionally well. The parents and siblings of all the players except the
orphan boy were present in the gallery, applauding the players. Every member of
the team was awarded a prize in recognition of the outstanding performance of
the team. The orphan boy was very sad as he had no relative to appreciate him. Desperately,
he threw his prize into a bush near his orphanage. Later, the warden of the
orphanage learned about this action and tried his best to console him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A believer finds in God a loving
father and a beloved friend. He enjoys
the affection and care of God at every moment of his life, especially during
periods of trials, tribulations, pain and distress. But an atheist suffers the
sadness of an orphan in difficult situations. He may find it difficult to bear
the bitterness of solitude and agony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> King David says, “Fools say to themselves,
‘There is no God’…”{Psalms <b>14</b>: 1, <b>53</b>: 1}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> “To
be wise, you must first have reverence for the Lord. If you know the Holy One,
you have understanding’ {Proverbs <b>9</b>:
10}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“The way to become wise is to honour the Lord” {Psalms <b>111</b>: 10}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord” {Job <b>28</b>: 28}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself” {Proverbs <b>15</b>: 33}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the
Lord” {Proverbs <b>1</b>: 7}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
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Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-78134792050773035352015-05-10T22:11:00.000-07:002015-07-02T06:32:31.724-07:00THE BOOK OF NATURE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE BOOK OF NATURE</h1>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> An inspector was formally inspecting a school
in Kerala, South India. He entered a class where the teacher was teaching geography
with the help of a globe. The children got up and greeted him with respect. The
inspector asked the students, “What is the name of this town?” They answered together, “Kottayam.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The next question was, “In which state is
Kottayam situated?” They answered, “Kerala.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He asked again, “To which country does Kerala
belong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“India”,
they answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He then asked them, “Where is
India?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few
students said, “In Asia”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Next, he asked, “Where is Asia”? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two students
said, “In the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> His final question was, “And where is the
world?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A bright
student stood up and answered clearly, <b>“In
the hands of God.” <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The inspector was greatly
impressed by the confident reply of the student.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Universe is like an open book, spread out
before us by the Creator. It is a treasure-house revealing the majestic,
miraculous and mysterious works of an infinite intelligence,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>God</b>. Looking at the exquisite
elegance and harmonious variety of nature, including the beauty of butterflies
and the fragrance of flowers, poets and scientists have praised the glory of
the Creator. Let us read the book of nature, with a sincere vision and a
genuine mission to learn the truth. The truth shall enlighten us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
great poet of Malayalam, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, in his famous poem entitled,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>“PSALM”</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(</span><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">സങ്കീർത്തനം</span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">)<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ചന്തമേറിയ</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">പൂവിലും</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ശബളാഭമാം</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ശലഭത്തിലും</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">സന്തതം</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">കരതാരിയന്നൊരു</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ചിത്രചാതുരി</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">കാട്ടിയും</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ഹന്ത</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ചാരുകടാക്ഷമാലകൾ</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">അർക്കരശ്മിയിൽ</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">നീട്ടിയും</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">ചിന്തയാം</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">മണിമന്ദിരത്തിൽ</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">വിളങ്ങുമീശനെ</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">വാഴ്ത്തുവിൻ</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">.”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(</span></b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BYAtk6DxQ#t=44"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5BYAtk6DxQ#t=44</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> These
wise words may be translated as:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“In the blooms
very beautiful and in butterflies which are beauteous,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Ever showing the
artistry of His skilful hands which are marvellous,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And extending
His kindly gaze through the brilliant rays of the blazing sun,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Praise the God
who resides and shines in the mansion of human reflection.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Translator: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> “To
be wise, you must first have reverence for the Lord. If you know the Holy One,
you have understanding’ {Proverbs <b>9</b>:
10}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“The way to become wise is to honour the Lord” {Psalms <b>111</b>: 10}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord” {Job <b>28</b>: 28}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself” {Proverbs <b>15</b>: 33}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the
Lord” {Proverbs <b>1</b>: 7}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">………………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">© By: <b>Prof. Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former
Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue,
Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>,
Former Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This is Story No<b>.
334</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-17364084939012689882015-05-02T10:33:00.000-07:002015-08-24T04:11:49.274-07:00ARROGANCE AND ARGUMENTS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
ARROGANCE AND ARGUMENTS</h1>
<div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
This is an entirely fictitious story. A ship was moving at night. There
was thick fog all around and visibility was very poor. The ship lost its course
and moved eastwards. The captain and the crew were vigilant and very alert as
they were off course. Suddenly they saw a light at a distance. They watched it carefully
and were alarmed as it was proceeding directly towards them. The captain was
sure that it was another ship that had lost its course in the heavy fog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
They sent a stern message to the
other ship that was apparently approaching them rapidly, “Divert your course twenty
five degrees to the North immediately or you will hit us.” The reply was quick
and sharp. “We cannot change our course. You must turn through twenty five
degrees to the South immediately.” The Captain was furious. He shouted angrily,
“This is the captain warning you. Change your course to the North. Avoid a
collision.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> The
reply was frantic, “There is no way, Captain. This is a light house. Turn to
South and save yourselves.” The Captain realised the danger and the gravity of
the situation. He put away his ego and promptly turned the ship away from the
shore in time and averted a major accident by his timely action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> We
behave like the captain when we insist that others should change their course
to suit our convenience. The situation may become explosive due to the stubbornness
of the persons involved. Often a solution to a conflict is easy if one is ready
to sacrifice his egotism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
<span style="background: white;">Dale Carnegie, in his famous book
entitled ‘How to win friends and influence people’ says </span>that no one wins
in an argument<span style="background: white;"> and that the best way to win an
argument is to avoid it. A slight flexibility in our behaviour may help to
avert serious arguments in life, especially in family life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin: 12pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Let
us remember that ‘ANGER’ is only one letter short of ‘DANGER’. Robert Green Ingersoll
said, “Anger blows out the lamp of the mind.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Whatever
is begun in anger ends in shame.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin: 12pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
Lord Buddha taught, “Holding on to anger is like
grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the
one who gets burnt.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
The Holy Bible advises, “There is no excuse for
unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall. Wait and be patient, and
later you will be glad you did” {Sirach 1: 22, 23}. “If you cannot control
your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack”
{Proverbs 25: 28}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin: 12pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Let us avoid angry
arguments with others which increase the distance between the hearts, sometimes
to such a great extent that a return to the former state of friendship becomes
difficult or impossible.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe_aAE-01Xt-R9H6mYRJeu2JJ3RIaTXnuET8ZfXpVQDe5f7_HtUWXDfs4EM1DpICkYiEvNe12VbL9XnDM98x0t0D5uP18Zs_3TGMBNVBFKzoYmSTsTrYXsDxNPPz0mey71FoQNEbJCHE/s1600/Light+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe_aAE-01Xt-R9H6mYRJeu2JJ3RIaTXnuET8ZfXpVQDe5f7_HtUWXDfs4EM1DpICkYiEvNe12VbL9XnDM98x0t0D5uP18Zs_3TGMBNVBFKzoYmSTsTrYXsDxNPPz0mey71FoQNEbJCHE/s320/Light+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">……………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">© By: <b>Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>, Former
Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">
This is Story No<b>.
333</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-20231700391634367052015-05-01T23:05:00.000-07:002015-05-02T00:11:41.600-07:00THE PRAYING HANDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
THE PRAYING HANDS</h1>
<div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) was a renowned artist,
engraver and painter who lived in Nuremberg in Germany. His famous works
include ‘St. Sebastian at the Column’, ‘Young Hare’ and ‘The Praying Hands.’ There
is a very popular story behind the creation of ‘The Praying Hands’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
Albrecht Durer worked with his
close friend, Franz Knigstein in Nuremberg. They aspired deeply to study the
art of painting. But being very poor they had to work hard and could not find
time or money to fulfil their cherished dreams. Finally they found a solution
to their problem. They decided that one of them should work and earn money to
support both of them while the other would study. When he becomes a rich and successful
artist, he would in turn support his friend to pursue his studies. They tossed
a coin and Albrecht won. He went to study in the famous art schools in European
cities while his friend, Franz Knigstein started manual work to support them.
He had to toil hard in a blacksmith’s workshop for several years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
When Albrecht returned after
completing his studies, he was shocked to find that his friend’s sensitive fingers
had become bruised, calloused, deformed, gnarled, stiffened and twisted by
years of hard manual labour. Kingstein’s
fingers were now unfit to perform the delicate brush strokes necessary for fine
painting. But Kingstein was not worried or depressed. He rejoiced sincerely at
his friend’s success in his career. One day Albrecht Durer witnessed with great
grief, his friend praying with his folded hands. As a mark of gratitude and
affection, he painted his friend’s ruined hands, displaying the gnarled fingers,
worn and torn with toil, intertwined in prayer, displaying the wrinkles and
other signs of hard manual labour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> The painting displayed the silent and selfless
sacrifice of a true friend who was loving and loyal and was ready to suffer for
the benefit of his loving friend. This famous painting is thus an eloquent
memento of lofty love, brotherhood, friendship, gratitude and sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">In his farewell
speech to the elders of Ephesus, St. Paul says, “I have shown you in all things
that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words
that the Lord Jesus Himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in
receiving’” {Acts <b>20</b>:35}.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Jesus demonstrated God’s infinite love by suffering
public humiliation, agonizing pain and death on the Cross at Calvary to save
humanity from the clutches of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> Jesus taught, <b>“My commandment
is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can
have for his friends is to give his life for them”</b> {John <b>15</b>:12, 13}. St. John reminds us, “My
children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love,
which shows itself in action” {<b>1</b> John
<b>3</b>:18}.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh480pPWdxldEvRnweB36hm5HtLWAasFAURzgpUl1wQhs4vw46UjM3GBF7OPcw65N0Gy3NWnolVoZL020LGo3H4G2HRILlVGYx-pi5kzGNBsG6h7bpNvWyWMuEqs8C_sqOYN5H4RpbJIJY/s1600/Praying+Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh480pPWdxldEvRnweB36hm5HtLWAasFAURzgpUl1wQhs4vw46UjM3GBF7OPcw65N0Gy3NWnolVoZL020LGo3H4G2HRILlVGYx-pi5kzGNBsG6h7bpNvWyWMuEqs8C_sqOYN5H4RpbJIJY/s1600/Praying+Hands.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">……………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">© By: <b>Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>, Former
Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is Story No<b>.
332</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4991837580801470734.post-58343631743368985892015-04-23T01:36:00.000-07:002015-04-23T02:00:12.039-07:00PATH OF TRUTH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
PATH OF TRUTH</h1>
<div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> A catechist told his students, “Children,
next Sunday, we will learn about a very important quality of Christian life. Please
come prepared for the class by reading chapter No. <b>17</b> of the Gospel according to <b>St.
Mark</b>.” The students readily agreed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> The next week, the catechist
asked, “I had given you homework last week. Those who have read that chapter
may please raise their hands.” Most of the students gladly raised their hands.
He told them, “Today we will learn about truthfulness. You have proved that you
need this class because the Gospel of St. Mark contains only <b>SIXTEEN</b> chapters!” The students who
raised their hands felt ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"> We should speak only the truth. When
words are manipulated to get our own way, even deviating from truth and
righteousness, we go wrong. Jesus taught us, "Just say 'Yes' or 'No' -
anything else you say comes from the evil one" {Matthew <b>5</b>: 37}.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
Honesty is the best policy. It is a good rule that we should be
faithful and truthful in every action - both big and small. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
A true Christian should not tell a lie even if telling the truth
may cause loss, suffering or pain. We should not tell a lie even if telling the
lie may give us money, power or pleasure. St. Paul advises, "No more
lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we
are all members together in the body of Christ" {Ephesians <b>4</b>:
25}.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
“Lying is an ugly blot on a person’s character,
but ignorant people do it all the time. A thief is better than a habitual liar,
but both are headed for ruin. A liar has no honour. He lives in constant
disgrace.” {Sirach <b>20</b>:24-26}. “Honest people will lead a full,
happy life” {Proverbs <b>28</b>:20}. Jesus said, "You will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free" {John <b>8</b>: 32}.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 253, 250); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
The Bible reminds us, "The Lord sees everything you do.
Wherever you go, he is watching" {Proverbs <b>5</b>: 21}."The
Lord sees what happens everywhere; He is watching us, whether we do good or
evil" {Proverbs <b>15</b>: 3}.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZiC88A8XWs9ZxkbrRzmJuwgNTWw60zxroGeQSatAzE6HnAREDKuPtC6YgAcFa5FP9poONgSaufHSM4dOVy7iZs1uquQ9hNVA_6Qn4Zfas-udZ73FTTK1fIwBPNdaeDD96To8KtJ_3fA/s1600/Mark+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZiC88A8XWs9ZxkbrRzmJuwgNTWw60zxroGeQSatAzE6HnAREDKuPtC6YgAcFa5FP9poONgSaufHSM4dOVy7iZs1uquQ9hNVA_6Qn4Zfas-udZ73FTTK1fIwBPNdaeDD96To8KtJ_3fA/s1600/Mark+17.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 13.65pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">………………………………………………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">© By: <b>Prof.
Dr. Babu Philip</b>, Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India, Prof. <b>Mrs. Rajamma Babu</b>, Former
Professor, St. Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, <b>Leo. S. John</b>, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and <b>Neil John</b>, Alfeen Public
School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and
anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit
our web-sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://www.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://christian.moral-stories.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://christian.moral-stories.com</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is Story No<b>.
331</b> in the second site. Please click <b>‘Older Posts’</b> at
the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click <b>'Newer
Posts'</b> at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in these sites.
Please click on a word in the <b>'Story Themes'</b> to read stories
on that theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dr. Babu Philiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17434543783706265537noreply@blogger.com0