PERSISTENT PRAYER
St. Augustine (A.D.
354-430) was born at Tagaste, in Algeria in North Africa. His father, Patricius
was a non-Christian and alcoholic with a
violent temper who was unfaithful to his wife, St. Monica. She was a pious,
virtuous and saintly Christian lady. Augustine grew up as a notoriously
rebellious teenager with an immoral character.
St. Monica prayed
incessantly for the transformation of her husband and son. She endured all
trials with patience, kindness and gentleness. As an answer to her fervent
prayers, Patricius became a pious and principled
Christian in the last year of his life. But Augustine continued his arrogant
and immoral lifestyle. He was 17 years old when his father died. Monica
continued her incessant prayers, sacrifices and frequent fasting for her son's conversion
and sanctification.
Once she met St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan and expressed her concern
for her son. He consoled her, affirming that it was impossible that a son over
whom she had shed so much tears would perish and that he would certainly return
to the faith. Augustine was influenced by the preaching of St. Ambrose. One
day, he heard a child- like voice asking him to "pick up and read".
He opened the Bible and the words of St. Paul in Romans 13: 13-14 captured his attention. It read "Let us conduct
ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of the day - no orgies or
drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. But take up
the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful
nature and satisfying its desires."
These words transformed
him totally. He left his worldly ways and erroneous philosophy and turned to
God. He returned to the Christian faith and was baptized by St. Ambrose in A.D. 387. St. Monica's
sacred soul departed soon after Augustine's transformation. Augustine decided
to lead a life of celibacy and devote himself to the service of God. He became
a priest in 391 and was ordained as the Bishop of Hippo in 395. He served the
Church and the people in this capacity for 35 years. With his deep faith,
thorough knowledge of philosophy and theology and extraordinary eloquence, he
could eradicate heresies and write treatises on theology, philosophy, morality
and spirituality. His laid theological foundations on topics such as God's
grace, free will and original sin. He was called to eternal rest on 28 August
430 and was canonized by the Catholic Church. He was declared as a 'Doctor of
the Church'. He was one of the most prolific and influential theologians of the
Church.
The beautiful and popular
hymn in Malayalam, "Onnu vilichaal odiyente arikilethum..." is an
expression of God's mercy in answering the fervent prayers and cries of His
believers and His grace in reforming and transforming His children with His
words and blessings. {Album:
Shalom(Malayalam), Lyricist: Baby John Kalayanthani, Music: Peter Cheranelloor,
Singers: Kester & Radhika Thilak}
The lyrics of the hymn
have been translated here. It may be sung in the original melodious tune
available in the following music /video sites on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SkdX8FAq49g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1hIjA7hP8x8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qbWwbJfFPc&feature=player_detailpage&list=PL11C5CD8C609AB5CF
Translation
of the Lyrics of "Onnu vilichaal odiyente arikilethum..."
from Malayalam to English (Translator: Dr. Babu Philip)
from Malayalam to English (Translator: Dr. Babu Philip)
He will rush to my side when I just call Him;
He will open my heart when I just praise Him.
If I cry, He will console and wipe my tears
Oh! what a gift of love, my Jesus;
Oh! what a gift of love, my Jesus! (He will rush....Jesus!)
............................................................................................
He will hold my hands in my weakness;
And lead me with support and kindness.(x 2)
He will pacify me and heal my wounds;
What a gift of love, my Jesus;
Oh! What a gift of love, my Jesus. (He will rush...Jesus!)
................................................................................................
He will invite me to follow His path;
With His words of grace, He will light my path. (x 2)
He will strengthen me and shower His blessings;
What a gift of love, my Jesus;
Oh! What a gift of love, my Jesus. (He will rush...Jesus!)
..........................................................................................
© By: Dr. Babu Philip,
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, St. Antony's Public
School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil
John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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