“THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD
FALLS ON THE CONGREGATION”
Our Lord Jesus Christ sprinkled His Most precious Blood on the congregation
gathered for the Sunday prayer service at St. Anthony’ s School ground,
Sec-9, Faridabad on 28th of August. Many saw bloodstains on their clothes
and were awestruck. Jesus had sanctified them with his precious blood,
forgiving their sins. About 20-25 persons came on the stage (the group photo above)
displaying the bloodstains on their clothes: some were very dark and
fresh, some were big spots, some small fine droplets, others were little
faded or absorbed into the clothes, or were not quite visible due to
the dark colour of their clothes.
Few minutes earlier, that day, some outstanding miracles had happened.
One was a 3-yr old eunuch child who became a girl. Another was that
of a boy who had an epileptic fits during the proclamation of the Word
(on the Gospel of Luke 9:37-43) and had become totally
unconscious. His gaze was fixed and his body had become cold and stiff.
Looking at the serious condition of the child, a volunteer brought him
to the stage, holding him in her arms. Mrs. Mani called the Holy name
of Jesus into his ears and praised the Almighty God. His eyes opened
suddenly and he was given water to drink. Within a few minutes he got
up and everybody saw him walking on the stage. All this time his mother
was crying thinking that her son was dead. All started praising God
believing that only Jesus can restore back life to the dead. Those who
had witnessed this miracle at close quarters had their faith in Jesus
boosted up. This provided the background for the unexpected miracle
of the precious Blood of our Lord, which reinforced their faith in Jesus
and renewed their relationship with Him.
While singing the bhajan, Mrs. Mani had the
vision of a blazing fire coming from the heart of our Lord and filling
the whole area under the tent, and a big dove hovering around the stage.
Then she saw the loving yet stern gaze of our Lord Jesus Christ standing
on the stage with his blood soaked hands; He opened his arms and sprinkled
his precious Blood on the people twice. But whatever she saw in the
vision became a reality as testified by the spots of blood, big and
small on the clothes of the people. This unheard miracle had a deep
impact on the believers - some were crying, others were kissing the
blood spots, while others stared at the stains on their own clothes
and on every other person’s blood stains. Many persons stood up and
came forward to the stage to display the stains. Later, an old lady
wearing a white printed saree came to show the number 9 (in the photo
below)
written at two places as if written with a finger soaked in blood (one
big and the other small) “Truly Jesus is alive. Our God is the God of
the living, not of the dead.” He is still living among his believers
working wonders and gathering the sheep of his flock to lead them to
eternal life. Do you believe from the depth of your heart that He
is a living God, and that nothing is impossible for Him? Jesus says,
“Do not doubt but believe” and assures that “blessed are those who have
not seen and yet have come to believe”.(Cf. Jn. 20:27,29)
BLOOD IN THE
OLD TESTAMENT In the Old
Testament, the Blood of the bulls and spotless lambs was the most
important element the Israelites used in their ritual, purification
ceremonies and other feasts. Blood has, first of all, life in it, the very
essence of any being. The blood was a potent medium of communication, a
living sign of covenantal relationship of Yahweh with the people of
Israel. It acted as a sign of protection for the people of Israel.
Though the people of Israel experienced salvation and knew the God who
saved them, their knowledge of God, who saved them repeatedly, was
limited. The salvation in the beginning was intended as protection from
the death of the first-born, it did not have a personal dimension at all.
The Israelites never understood the aspect of a complete liberation, an
experience of being freed personally from the slavery of sin and
death. BLOOD OF CHRIST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
In the New Testament,
the sacrifice of Christ explicitly reveals the mystery of God’s love
towards human being. The shedding of Christ’s Blood on the Cross brought
complete and permanent liberation to his believers from the slavery of sin
and death. He is the spotless Lamb by whose Blood the whole humanity is
being washed and made a new creation. He continues to extend to us those
fruits of redemption: joy, peace and reconciliation. Even today His Blood
continues to give life and forgiveness to those who receive Him in the
Eucharist and in faith. But the Blood of Christ will change their hearts
and their lives only when they allow it to act in them to enter into a new
relationship between the Creator and the created. Definitely this new bond
of relationship calls for a deeper love and communion, a call to give life
to the other even at the cost of one’s own life; a hidden invitation to
martyrdom because the Blood of Christ is the strength of the martyrs. This
is what the book of Revelation states. “But they have
conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.”
(Revelation 12:11) The Blood that
flowed from the side of Jesus on the Cross flows down even today
sanctifying the entire world protecting them from the grip of evil. That
Blood eloquently speaks of healing, healing completely the entire humanity
making it whole and perfect. He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins
once and for all (Jn. 1:29) “He loves us and has washed away our sins by
His Blood” (Rev. 1:5) “For if the blood of goats and
bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who
have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without
blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the
living God!” (Hebrews 9:11-14) Yes, the blood
of Christ enables us to worship the true God and His Blood is used to
reconcile us with the Father and with others. This Blood has been offered
to us as a life-giving fountain to wash our sin and impurity away.
(Zech. 13:1) “...for you(Jesus) were slaughtered
and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and
language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and
priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.”
(Revelation 5:9-10) As St. Maria De
Mathias, the Apostle of the Precious Blood says, “He gave it all, He gave
it for all and He does not cease to give it. Like a fountain or rather
like a life-giving river accessible for all, it flows on and out to all
the children of Adam, going with them abundantly at every moment of their
mortal life in order to sanctify them and bring them to eternal
happiness.” “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!”
(Revelation 5:12) THE INCREDIBLE MIRACLE
REPEATED ON SEPT. 4TH On
September 4th, the following Sunday, Our Lord sprinkled His Precious Blood
again on the congregation at the same place. 70-odd people stood up and
most of them came forward to the stage to display the stains on their
clothes. This time, while singing the bhajan, Mrs. Mani had the
vision of a red light filling the whole area under the tent, Our Lord on a
big cross just in the middle of the tent, and Blood oozing out from His
side pierced with a lance falling down on the people. As soon as this
vision was announced all of them started examining their clothes
anxiously. The vision had become a reality. Many newcomers (around 60% of
the people) present were astounded to find the blood spots on their
clothes. Shortly, a lady discovered blood on her fingertip and cried out
in tears. She gave her testimony on the stage while many people rushed to
have a closer look at the blood mark on her hand.
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PERSONALITY
PROFILE STEPHEN THE MARTYR
Around the world, the gospel has
most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of the martyrs.
Before people can give their lives for the gospel, however, they must
first live in their lives for the gospel. One way God trains His servants
is to place them in insignificant positions. Their desire to serve Christ
is translated into the reality of serving others. Stephen was an effective
administrator and messenger before becoming a martyr.
Stephen was named one of the managers of food
distribution in the early church. Long before violent persecution broke
out against Christians, there was already social ostracism. Jews who
accepted Jesus as Messiah were usually cut off from their families. As a
result, the believers depended on each other for support. The sharing of
homes, food, and resources was both a practical and necessary mark of the
early church. Eventually, the number of believers made it necessary to
organize the sharing. People were being overlooked. There were complaints.
Those chosen to help manage were chosen for their integrity, wisdom, and
sensitivity to God. Stephen besides being a
good administrator was also a powerful speaker. When confronted in the
Temple by various antagonistic groups, Stephen’s logic in responding was
convincing. This is clear from the defence he made before the high
council. He presented a summary of the Jews’ own history and made powerful
applications that stung his listeners. During his defence Stephen must
have known he was speaking his own death sentence. Members of the council
could not stand to have their evil motives exposed. They stoned him to
death while he prayed for their forgiveness. His final words show how much
like Jesus he had become in a short time. His death had a lasting impact
on young Saul (Paul) of Tarsus, who would move from being a violent
persecutor of Christians to being one of the greatest champions of the
gospel the church has known. Stephen’s life is a continual challenge to
all Christians. Because he was the first to die for the faith, his
sacrifice raises questions: How many risks do we take in being Jesus’
followers? Would we be willing to die for him? Are we really willing to
live for him? Strengths and Accomplishments: One of seven leaders chosen to supervise food
distribution to the needy in the early church. Known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and
power, and for the Spirit’s presence in his life. Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater. First to give his life for the
gospel. Lessons from his life: Striving for excellence in small assignments prepares one
for greater responsibilities. Real
understanding of God always leads to practical and compassionate actions
toward people. Vital Statistics: v Where:
Jerusalem
Church responsibilities: Deacon - distributing food to the
needy Contemporaries:
Paul, Caiaphas, Gamaliel, and the apostles Key verse: – “While they were stoning
Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down
and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
When he had said this, he died.” (Acts 7:59-60) Mentioned
in: Stephen’s story is told in Acts 6:3-8:2. He is also
mentioned in Acts 11:19; 22:20.
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BIBLE
QUIZ XVII.THE GOSPEL OF MARK- Key Places
Mark’s Gospel was the first Gospel written. John Mark, the author of
this Gospel, was not one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, but he accompanied
Paul on his first missionary journey(Acts 13:13). Of the four Gospels,
Mark’s narrative is the most chronological - that is, most of the stories
are positioned in the order they actually occurred. Though the shortest of
the four, the Gospel of Mark contains the most events: it is
action-packed. Most of this action centers in Galilee, where Jesus began
his ministry. Capernaum served as his base of operation from which he
would go out to cities like Bethsaida, Gennesareth, Tyre and Sidon, and
Caesarea Philippi. After his ministry in Galilee and the surrounding
regions, Jesus headed for Jerusalem.
Now you have to locate (all
occurrences) all the places given below in the Gospel of
Mark: 1. Bethany 6. Jerusalem 2. Bethsaida 7. Jordan 3.
Capernaum 8. Nazareth 4. Caesarea Philippi 9. Tyre 5. Jericho
10.Gennesaret |
Answers to Last month’s
Quiz XVI. THE PASSION AND DEATH OF
JESUS Answers are typed in bold with
location: 1. “Greetings! Rabbi!”(Mt. 26:49) by
Judas. 2. “Hail! King of the Jews!” (Mt.27:29)
said by governor’s soldiers. 3. “He has
blasphemed! Why do we still need
witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy.”(Mt.
26:65) by high priest. 4. “He saved others; he
cannot save himself. He is the King of
Israel; let him come down from the cross
now, and we will believe in him.” (Mt.
27:42) by the chief priests with scribes and elders. 5. “Are you
the King of the Jews?”(Mt.27:11) by Pilate, the
governor. 6. “Even though I must die with you, I
will not deny you.”(Mt. 26:33) by Peter. 7. “ I
am innocent of this man’s blood;
See to it yourselves.”(Mt. 27:24) by Pilate. 8. “Surely
not I, Rabbi?”(Mt. 26:25) by Judas. 9. “Truly
this man was God’s Son!”(Mt.27:54)
by the centurion and other guards with him. |
Send Your Answers to: JEEVAN
DHAM, H.No. 696/ Sec-22, Faridabad-121005, Haryana.
Rules to be followed: 1. Answers may be sent by post or
e-mail latest by the end of the month. Answers received after that
will not be considered. 2. You should clearly specify your name
and postal address. Mention the quiz number and title before the
answers written in order. 3. Prizes will be awarded to the
winners of three consecutive quizzes. 4. Answers and winners of
each quiz will be published in the subsequent issue of the
newsletter.
Thanks for taking the Quiz! Good
Luck! |
PICTURE OF THE CROWD
AUG-14
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A)MY
HANDICAPPED DAUGHTER WALKS THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD!
Praise be to Jesus! Thanks be to Jesus! “ I
love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my
deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, my
stronghold…. the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.
(Psalms 18:1, 32) I firmly believe in the words of
Jesus, “What is impossible for mortal is possible for God”. (Luke 18:27)
That is why when God gives strength to a disabled or a handicapped person
to walk all are awestruck at such a miracle. This happened with me too
when I saw my polio crippled daughter walking without any support by the
grace of Almighty God. My daughter Divya aged 11 years was struck by
polio when she was just 9 months old. She could never ever walk without
support as her one leg was shorter, weaker and leaner than the other leg.
She used to drag herself on the ground. I took her to few
polio-eradication camps in Faridabad and Agra and to several hospitals
including the Kalavati Hospital in New Delhi where she was given electric
shocks. Even after providing her with specially made high heel shoe for
her shorter leg, she could not walk because her leg was too weak to take
her body weight. For the past one year we had been to AIIMS several times
in order to make callipers for her but in vain. One of our neighbours
advised me to attend the Sunday healing prayer service assuring me of my
daughter being healed if I had faith in God. That weekend we all came
together to JEEVAN DHAM and heard the powerful Word of God and the
awe-inspiring testimonies of the believers. The first Sunday itself, Divya
felt the healing touch of Jesus. She started regaining strength in her
weaker leg. Surprisingly, we got her callipers made from Safdarjung
Hospital. What we have been trying for a year, we got it in a few days
through God’s grace. But today, after about two months, when the lady on
the stage announced that the Merciful God is giving strength to those who
have difficulty in walking, trusting in Him I removed the callipers on her
leg and asked her to stand up and walk. Amazingly, she could balance her
legs well and she got the inner strength and confidence to walk. I could
not believe my eyes. She was walking straight towards the stage without
any support. Where doctors had given up, God showed His glory through the
power of His Eternal Word. Alleluia! Kaanti(mother), Divya New
Delhi Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and
you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”(Luke
11:9)
B) THROUGH THE
POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD, THEY GOT THE STRENGTH TO WALK AND LEFT THEIR
WALKING STICKS!
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