Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.'s August 2015 Monthly Reflection - “DECLARE HIS MARVELOUS DEEDS AMONG ALL PEOPLES” (Psalm 96:3) , [繁體中文版 / 简体中文版, DEUTSC
"We are placed on this earth that our lives may be a blessing to those around us. Through our lives and our words, we bless others. Words reveal what is held in the heart. “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke6:45) If there is deep faith in our hearts, we will make a great and welcome difference in the lives of those who are suffering. When we cling to faith, we will be used by God to fulfill His mission of spreading the light of hope to this world."
"In life, many things can go wrong. We get sad when things do not happen the way we want it to. We are angry when others step on our toes. We are desperate when our plans do not materialize. We are frustrated and upset when we are unable to control and maneouvre things our way. When we do not see anything good ahead for us, we lose hope instantly. The Word of God instructs us how to face such struggles in life."
"Sufferings and setbacks are indeed the moments when God is waiting to enter into our lives and become part of our struggles. Jesus says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” (Revelations 3:20) A moment of struggle can awaken us to the faithful love of God that waits to redeem us. However, we need to open the door of our heart to let Him in. “Dining with the Lord” is a symbol of celebration in the Bible. The Lord is waiting to enter into the difficult moments of our lives to turn them all into a celebration. What is required here is a faith with which we open the door for Him who waits for us to let Him in…As St. Paul assures us, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) We need to experience and understand how God is leading me by the hand changing my sadness to joy. “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) This is when we become the bearers of good news at all times as we have been assured that God is working in our lives. When we realize and acknowledge this in our lives then we will bring healing and hope to other weary and wounded souls with the message of our words."
"It is good to introspect on this important aspect of our faith. Do we really believe in God, particularly when things go wrong?... A person who has deep genuine faith and firm trust in God will always speak words of hope. Whoever we are, whatever may be our profession, if we identify ourselves as disciples of Jesus, we are vested with the responsibility to always speak the Good News. We are meant to be prophets who declare the hope in a God who is good and who turns everything for the good."
"When faith is strong, no matter what adversities arise, one will continue to be hopeful in God - confident in a positive outcome. For this is what God is always pointing us to, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) When a person of faith gives expression to his thoughts and feelings, it will always be with belief and hope in God’s Goodness, Love, and Mercy. For what we believe in is what we will speak. The words of such men and women will always be a blessing to others, leading others to turn to God in times of need. This is the faith we are called to possess, a faith that generates faith."