By Sr. Mary Thadavanal msmhc –
It may sound to the reader unrealistic a fable but it is the truth for the one who believes. How many have believed and passed through the eye of the world whom visionaries have seen centuries before. “I saw a huge number, impossible for anyone to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe, and language; they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands… these are people who have been through the great trial; they have washed their robes white again in the blood of the Lamb… they will never hunger or thirst again; sun and scorching wind will never plague them because the Lamb who is at the heart of the throne will be their shepherd and will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Rev 7:9,14,16).
Those who have believed have passed before our eyes as well… Popes in succession: John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis; then Mother Teresa and others from different parts of the country, among who are unsung heroes who have lived away from the limelight, radiating a different kind of light for those who had eyes to see.
Untouched by this reality or being driven by other cravings how many toil hard for hours, sweating out anxious moments, to get to the best job, to capture the right chair, to arrive at the forefront of exaltation which would ensure a comfortable life and pinnacle of worldly success from where they watch proudly their names engraved on water which looks like marble slabs. “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord “Jer 17:7 and follows his paths. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” who consults God every moment for everything. “Blessed are the merciful”, who shall be given mercy by the living God, deleting all their offenses and making their souls radiant with his glory. “Blessed are the pure in heart”, who will see God in the simplicity of their lives and experience inexplicable joy in his presence. “Blessed are those who are persecuted and spoken all kinds of calumny against”, their reward will be the God of glory and majesty for all eternity.
Lessons from the Bible
God’s Word is alive and active. It is sharper than a double-edged sword, and penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12). We hear Jesus saying, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
This Word of life makes me think of Anil Kant, a one-time film actor who is now actively involved in evangelical ministry. An encounter with Jesus through his Word changed his life completely. It is interesting to read this extract I have cited from the internet, “Anil’s prayer had always been asatoma sadgamaya, tamaso maa jyothir gamaya, mrithyur maa amrutham gamaya (take me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to eternity). As he was praying and flipping the pages of the Bible, a verse came in front of him from John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.
That very moment it was as if all the questions were answered instantly. Anil kept aside all the doubts and fears which were in his mind and invited Jesus into his heart. A powerful presence of God descended upon him and Anil experienced a heavy burden removed and the truth set him free”. Numerous people across the globe have been touched and transformed by God’s Word.
Part III: In the Bible, You Meet the Saviour of Your Life
Sr. Mary Thadavanal MSMHC is former Mother General of MSMHC Congregation
Amen