It has been a great blessing for me to know in the person of HG Gee Varghese Mar Ivanios of blessed memory. During his life time, a collection of Thirumeni's homilies were shared in the form of a short book by Mar Baselios Dayara (Monastery) in Malayalam 'Maunathinte Lavaniyam' -' Glorious Silence'.
Fr. George Thankachan of U.K was kind enough to translate this first chapter. May Thirumeni’s prayers continue to guide us to knowing the will of the Lord in our lives
The ten days of vigil are the days of waiting for the feast of Pentecost. And these days are to be seen as significant as the Passion Week in the life of the Church. It is a verse from the gospel of St. Luke that forms the basis of these days of vigil. “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high”. (Luke 24:49). It is the advocate, also the Spirit of Truth, who is being longed for. (John 14:16).
1) It is in the baptism that the meaning of the first word is understood. The coming down of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes upon anyone who accepts Christ as promised by Him. This gift is given to everyone who believes in Him.
Fr. George Thankachan of U.K was kind enough to translate this first chapter. May Thirumeni’s prayers continue to guide us to knowing the will of the Lord in our lives
GROW IN GOODNESS
The ten days of vigil are the days of waiting for the feast of Pentecost. And these days are to be seen as significant as the Passion Week in the life of the Church. It is a verse from the gospel of St. Luke that forms the basis of these days of vigil. “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high”. (Luke 24:49). It is the advocate, also the Spirit of Truth, who is being longed for. (John 14:16).
Let us think about a question often raised among us. What is it for the one who has been anointed with the Holy Spirit in holy Baptism that one should wait for? The answer begins with a counter question. One’s baptismal status can be known by referring to the baptism register. But how can it be known whether the power of the Holy Spirit has always guided one’s deeds? How can a Christian say that the Holy Spirit dwells in us? St Paul, the apostle answers to this question: “Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21) It is when we comply with goodness that we grow in spirit. It is for renewing the strength and for growing in virtue that we wait upon in prayer.
There is a more elucidating example. In one of the prayers in the text of Holy Eucharist there is a verse saying “May the Holy Spirit come, dwell and overflow”. These words are helpful to explain the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2) The second term is to dwell. Or to be filled with. The growth in goodness is its symbol. It is here that one’s faith life is nurtured. It hints to a holy and righteous living. Growing in goodness means a lifestyle in accordance with the Spirit. It is about an advocate, who is a Spirit that that is said to have been sent to, a presence who comforts, cares and guides us aptly. He would guide us in Truth and Justice. The way and the truth is the Lord. It is to the Lord that the Spirit leads us. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to grow to the stature of Christ. The spirit convinces us of the sin, righteousness and judgement. (John 16:8). A saintly life means to be conscious of one’s sin and to grow in good by keeping the holiness of Christ. Ultimately, it is the love of virtue.
This the root of holiness in life. “If you love me, you will abide by my commandments” (John 14:15). To comply with the command is to obey God. Faith, obedience, and holiness, when combined together begets Love. The sense of guilt takes us to the zeal of faith. It is God’s righteousness that brings us to obedience. Being mindful of Judgment helps us grow in the holiness. These three are not essential in human love. It is when inspired by the Holy Spirit that one is able to live in God’s love. It is when one abides by the command of God that one lives with God’s love. The deed of faith is obedience. Today’s Christian life like Naiyyppam. (Ghee bread). There is no ghee in it at all. Ours are the deeds without Christ. The sign of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is our obedience to goodness. The second level is not just the same for all, rather, being filled in accordance with one’s deeds.
As per the Holy Bible, all those who have baptised are known as saints. We all are called to sainthood. The Christians must be able to take up the challenge of yielding to the Spirit. For that, the power of the Spirit is required. We should wait for getting our spiritual strength renewed. The holy Church must take the days of vigil more seriously
3) Overflowing” is the third stage. It is such human that we call saints. The good ending and the real Christian fullness are the life overflowing with the fruit of Spirit by growing in the Holy Spirt. Please remember what Mahatma Gandhi had told Stanley Jones which goes thus: “Instead of mere preaching, you live the gospel; and people will follow you”.
It is like the birth of a baby. Being 'Born Again' is in Baptism. 'Growing' is by means of the Christian deeds. Overflowing God’s love (holy life) is its fullness. Mere birth is not enough, every child must grow. Just getting of the Holy Spirit in Baptism is not sufficient, but that we have to grow and to be full. That is what we are looking for.
It is like the birth of a baby. Being 'Born Again' is in Baptism. 'Growing' is by means of the Christian deeds. Overflowing God’s love (holy life) is its fullness. Mere birth is not enough, every child must grow. Just getting of the Holy Spirit in Baptism is not sufficient, but that we have to grow and to be full. That is what we are looking for.
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