Editorial
"Will You Go For
Me?"
Some time ago a rich young
man came to me during a retreat. With tears streaming from his eyes and
a choking voice, he said, "Father I want to live. Atleast now I must live
like a man. I must do something for God." During the course of his conversation,
he said, "My father had amassed immense wealth - bar hotels and big business
ventures. All of a sudden he died of a heart attack leaving me all this
wealth. In my imprudence I lived a wayward life. Yet I still possess much
wealth. But in my factories and in my business field I have no peace. I
drink heavily but I cannot sleep. It is to get some peace that I have come
for this retreat. During these five days when I listened to the word of
God, my heart was burning within me. As a Hindu, I never had the occasion
to hear the word of God". Sharing his experiences, he continued, "My life
hitherto was only for this world. This word of God touched me: 'You were
taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and
deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the sprit of your minds, and
to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness
of God in true righteousness and holiness'"(Eph 4:22-24).
In one hand was a Bible
held close to his heart. In the other was a heap of Vachanolsavam. With
him was his wife with the child in her arms. He continued, "Last night
I could not sleep. Not because of fear. I could hear someone speaking in
my ear. 'Who will go for me?' This morning when Father mentioned those
words during Holy Mass, I realised they were from the Bible, the words
spoken by God". I prayed for that young man who had decided to spend the
rest of his life for God, for Jesus. "Go in peace," I said. "From today
God will guide you." He walked away with happiness gleaming in his eyes
and peace radiating from his face.
What this world, that is
running after wealth, the comforts of life and all kinds of debauchery,
needs is peace. It is only Jesus who can give this world and every human
heart perfect peace. Perfect peace can be attained only when we live a
life in Jesus. When we share the word of Jesus and his love with others,
we become his apostles. Then we experience the fullness of happiness .
The Samaritan woman who came to know and experience Jesus, spread that
good news throughout her village. There is peace only in Jesus; our problems
have a solution only in him. There are crores of people in this world who
do not know this truth. "But how are they to call on one in whom they have
not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never
heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how
are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful
are the feet of those who bring good news!'"(Rom 10:14-15)
If each one of us can bring
at least one person close to Jesus during this month, become his witness
through a life that befits the children of God, by the end of this month
there will be a good many people who will have found salvation and peace
in Jesus.
Out of the six lakh villages
in India, the Gospel has not penetrated 5 1/2 lakh villages as yet. The
people there have not even heard of Jesus or his divine message. This is
a great challenge to those who know the word of God and walk in its path.
Give the knowledge of the eternal salvation of Jesus to the ignorant and
unknown people of the northern and north-eastern states of India. It is
gratifying that several people have come forward to preach the word of
God in the favourable climate of Kerala. Compared to other parts of India,
there are more preachers than is necessary in Kerala.
How many will be ready?
However, to leave one's own country and family, like our Patriarch Abraham
(cf Gen 12:1), and set out- giving up the security of a settled life and
bear witness to Jesus in unfavorable climates and circumstances- It is
here that our faith is put to the test.
Are we prepared to proclaim
the Gospel caught in the vortex of opposition and persecution? Are we not
inclined to stand up for the Lord only when all goes well? We cannot any
more wait to meet the challenge this situation poses to our life style.
-Editor