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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." (Mathew 5:3)
"Keep the joy of loving the poor and share this
joy with all you meet."- Mother Teresa
"He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for
his good deed" (Proverbs 19:17).
Joy in the world of poor can’t match with money in the bank of the rich. Has not
God chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of kingdom which
he promised to those who love Him." (James 2:5). God commanded, "For you have
been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress"
(Isaiah 25:4). Jesus says, "Let the man with 2 tunics share with him who has
none, and let him who has food do likewise" (Luke 3:11).
The modern world tries to ignore and neglect the poor in all walks of life. Poor
is an anathema for the rich. "The righteous is concerned for the rights of the
poor, the wicked does not understand such concern" (Proverbs 29:7).
THE HOLY FIRE, THE GREATEST MIRACLES IN CHRISTIANITY AND AUTHENTICATION OF
ORTHODOX FAITH THAT BENDED FOR THE POOR!
The Holy fire is the most renowned miracle of Christianity that consistently
continues from the first century at the time of Pontius Pilate, the Roman
Governor at the time of resurrection of Jesus. Eye witnesses say, "On holy
Saturday, believers gather in great crowds in the church of the holy Sepulchre
(church of resurrection) in Jerusalem. For on this day, fire comes down from
heaven and puts fire on lamps in the church." It takes place every single year,
at the same time, and on the same spot - the tomb of Jesus Christ where he rose
from the dead. Fire lit firstly on the two candles in the hand of the Patriarch
of Greek orthodox church in Jerusalem. One particular year, the church
authorities didn’t allow the poor people to enter inside the church at the time
of the Holy Fire. The poor people gathered around the church and were crying to
Jesus to let them witness the fire. The gathering inside the church was
anxiously waiting in prayer for the holy fire to be lit on the candles with
Ecclesiastical orders of different cues. They all waited and waited till the
appointed time 2 AM - Easter Sunday. But suddenly with a great thunder, the
outer wall of the church had opened and stretched the hand of Jesus with the
holy fire to be lit on the candles of the poor.
"I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers
and sisters, you were refusing to help me" (Mathew 25:45).
Jesus, let us see you in the poor and serve them as though we serve you. We pray for all those who are poor and despised, distressed in jobs, society, churches, in politics, and all arenas of life. May those who treat the poor as equal be blessed. May those who are in the service of the under- privileged be blessed. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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