MORAL STORIES

A HYMN FROM THE HEART

Christians of Kerala in India are familiar with several meaningful and powerful hymns composed by a great evangelist, the late Sadhu Kochu kunju Upadesi (M. I. Varghese). He had to face severe ordeals, poverty, ridicule and loneliness in his life.

Once , when he was away on his regular missionary work, his loving son (Samuel kutty) died unexpectedly. Returning home, he was shocked to see the sad scene. With tears flowing from his eyes, he sang aloud a hearty hymn, spontaneously. It is frequently sung with devotion in all churches of Kerala even today.

It starts with the words “ Dukhathinte paanapaathram- Karthavente kayyil thannaal, …” in Malayalam. The first lines may be translated thus and sung in the traditional tune:

“ If my Lord offers a chalice

Full of worries into my hands,

I will accept it with pleasure

And sing 'Hallelujah' with thanks.

My father will never offer

Anything that is harmful I'm sure.

He may give me moments of pain;

Still He loves me beyond measure!”

The spontaneous words of the great evangelist continue to instil faith and consolation into millions of believers during moments of pain and grief.

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By Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India

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