Nothing like innocent, childlike praise at the CCR Fest -2012. Mumbai Kids Praise (Psalm 8:2).
Monthly Archives: January 2014
The Opening Day Praise & Worship
The Opening Day Praise & Worship by the All-Mumbai Team with Titus Menezes leading God’s people in worship.
The 40 yrs Ruby Fest – Opening Ceremony of the CCR, Mumbai, Feb 2012
The Opening Ceremony of the 40 Year Ruby Fest of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal In Mumbai, India. Watch all the PG leaders, Zonal Leaders, Youth Leaders participate in the grand entrance procession as well as the special invitees which includes Bp. Valerian D’Souza. And yes, your last glimpse of Fr. Rufus Pereira before he left us to be with the Lord! Also, the all Mumbai Praise & Worship team in attendance. Also watch the special felicitation to all the past BST Chairpersons and those who have contributed to the CCR in the past in significant ways.
The 40 Year Journey of the CCR In Mumbai, India – What next ? (Video)
The above opening talk was given on the occasion of the 40 yr jubilee celebrations of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Mumbai, India, on 3rd & 4th February, 2012. It describes the next vital and important step that God requires from every true believing Christian in his walk with God – entering into God’s Rest here and now.
(We apologize for the low video quality and weak editing wherein some portions of the talk got cut here and there. However, the complete talk is available in text form under the same title below this – see under events)
The 40 Year Journey – What Next? (Text – talk)
(Opening talk by Ian D’Souza at the Ruby Jubilee CCR Convention held in Mumbai, India, on 3rd & 4th February, 2012)
The purpose of this opening talk is to interpret the spiritual journey of the CCR (its people) over the last 40 yrs and discover what God wants for us ahead.
In your program brochures you will find an article titled “the 40 years gone by”. There we have traced a brief history of the past, as to how the renewal started from very humble beginnings. We are privileged to have the two people God used to bring the renewal to Mumbai from the US 40 yrs ago, right here in our midst – They are none other than Minoo & Luz Maria Engineer! It has always amazed me that the Lord should ever choose human instruments to carry out His work here on earth. We are well aware that He does not need us, but chooses to include us in His plans, which is nothing but a privilege. Continue reading
The Gay Identity: Fact or Fiction?
Written by David F. Prosen, LMHC
(Reproduced by permission from http://www.catholictherapists.com/)
Are people born gay or do they choose to be gay? Both sides of this debate use this same question in an attempt to prove their position. After all, if people are born gay, then we assume God created them this way. If this is true then it must be okay. On the other hand, if people choose to be gay then they can choose to be straight. Problem solved. Right?
It’s really not that simple. This question is misleading because it is really two separate questions and the answer to both is, “no”. Continue reading
Choosing the good portion “at His Feet”
Glimpses into the life of Mary the worshipper
What is Worship? Worship is expressing your love for God. The Bible says that loving God is the most important thing we can do. When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment, he answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). When we express our love for God (in every possible way) we are worshipping him. Our English word ‘Worship’ means ‘worth-ship’, denoting the worthiness of an individual to receive special honour in accordance with that worth. In other words, Christ being the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, is worthy of everything that we can give to someone who is of the status of the Most High! Continue reading
Does God Accept Me?
There are two questions that every believing Christian must settle as soon as possible.(1) Does God fully accept me and
(2) If so, upon what basis does He do so?
This is crucial. While studying this vital subject we need to look closely at some scriptures that talk about this.
- (Eph 1:5-6 RSV) – He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
- (Eph 1:5-6 NKJV) – Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
Some translations use the word “grace freely bestowed” while others translate it as “grace by which we are accepted”. The root Greek word used for both is the same = “Charis / Charitoo” which means that you can translate it either way. The conclusion is clear – The Father has accepted us in the Beloved (Christ) by grace alone. Continue reading
The Bible Speaks Today – Itching Ears
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching (doctrine), but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Has this time come? Does the Word that is preached these days divide between soul and spirit? Does it upset our comfort zones? No one likes to be uncomfortable in their own homes. Nor do people like to be uncomfortable in the prayer meeting or the Church. Many today resist teaching that is direct and convicting because many do not want to hear that there is something wrong with the lifestyle they live, or perhaps even the doctrine they hold. Should the church adjust so as not to offend? Recently I had to point out to a young Christian about watching movies that glorified witchcraft and the occult. It turned out to be a tussle as he did not see why such a fuss was being made when everyone his age was watching the same. Continue reading
Cleansing of the Temple
Bishops and priests getting a lashing from the Holy Father?? I stared in disbelief at the news article in front of me from the “Vatican Insider” as reported by Andrea Tornielli, Vatican City, dated 16th January 2014. After years of cover-up and shameless scandals related to money, power and sex, this tirade by the Pope was like a welcome breath of fresh air. However, it also brought home the sombre reality and frailty of man – any man – clergy or laity notwithstanding. The excellently written article by Andrea needs no interference from my part, so I have reproduced it completely in italics below.
At this morning’s homily in St. Martha’s House, Francis asked: “are we all ashamed of those scandals, of those failings of priests, bishops, laity?” Continue reading
The Beacon 