The Dead Queen and her Son

Written by (Raphael de danceprince)

Episode 1

 

One day, a king was killed by his own son, far far away in a very peaceful small village surrounded by mountains, there was a very wise king who had two grown sons. The two sons was very obedient to their father, likewise the queen.

When the king was getting old, it was time for him to choose who will be the heir to the throne, it was a very hard decision for him because the two sons were born on same day, they were twins,

 One of the sons was more loved by his father, which means that the king will definitely hand over the throne to the son he love before his death.

So one fateful night while the king was far asleep, one of his son took a knife and sneaked into the kings room, he checked and realized that no one was watching, so he went closer to his father and stabbed his father with a knife, immediately the king open his eyes and saw that it was his own son who stabbed him’

“Ahhh, my son why did you do this, the king managed to speak while struggling with his life.

“Am sorry father, I have to do this. I need the throne, the son replied.

“Ahhhh, my son if the throne is yours, then let the gods grant it to you, but if the throne is not yours, then let the gods show you no mercy, the king said and died.this story is written by Raphael.Creative.Pen

The son quickly took the knife and placed it silently on the hand of the queen who was also asleep, making it look like the queen was responsible for the evil act.

The son sneaked out of the room without been noticed by any guards.

The next morning, very early. As tradition demands, the guards went to wake the king like usual, but they met the king dead, and found a knife in the hands of the queen who was sleeping.

“Oh no, they freeze. The king is dead, everyone!!! The king has been killed by the queen, the guards shouted.

Soon everyone at the palace gathered at the king room to witness the incident, including the two sons of the king.

“Please am innocent, I did not kill the king, I don’t have any idea how the knife got into my hands, the queen cried.

Shut your mouth woman, the evidence is already in your hands, you killed my father, the first son said to his mother.

No my son, I can never do such an evil thing your father, please trust me, the queen begged.

The second son went closer to the queen and said, “Mom please tell me the truth, are you responsible for this?

“Please look into my eyes, do you think I can hurt an ant, or even talk of killing a human being, the queen said.

“Please everyone my mother is innocent, like how do you people think she can do such an act, she is innocent, the second son said politely.

“And how do you know she is innocent, when she has a knife in her hands, the first son said to his brother.

Justice for the king!! Justice for the king!!! The people began shouting, then a palace elder came and instructed everyone to stay quiet.

“” as our tradition demands, who ever kills must be killed in revenge, so let the queen be buried alive, the elder said.

Click http://youngmedos.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-dead-queen-and-her-son-episode-2.html 

for episode two

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Lessons from Matthias' Appointment and Jesus' Intercessory Prayer

Dear friends,

In reflecting on today's Gospel passage (John 17:11), we are reminded of valuable lessons from Matthias' appointment and Jesus' powerful prayer for his followers.

Last Sunday, Jesus emphasized the importance of bearing lasting fruits through love for one another. Loving as Jesus loved requires us to emulate God's impartiality, allowing rain to fall on both the good and the bad (Matthew 5:45). This inclusive love extends beyond language, race, or religion, exemplified when the Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius, an uncircumcised Gentile (Acts 10:45). St. John warns that genuine love is a hallmark of knowing God (1 John 4:7-8).

Today's First Reading highlights Judas Iscariot's betrayal, driven by love for money over friendship. Reflecting on this, we must examine our hearts and repent of any similar tendencies. St. John continues to emphasize the imperative of love, stating that abiding in love signifies abiding in God (1 John 4:16).

Jesus' prayer in today's Gospel teaches us profound truths:

**1. "Holy Father, Keep Them In Your Name..." (John 17:11)**

Jesus prays for our steadfastness and resilience as disciples, urging us to remain faithful even amid life's challenges. This fidelity reflects true friendship—loyalty in both good times and bad. The selection of Matthias, chosen for his unwavering commitment throughout Jesus' ministry, underscores the importance of enduring faithfulness.

**2. "That They May Be One, Even As We Are One." (John 17:11)**

Unity among believers is paramount, yet divisions persist. Jesus prays for our unity, stressing that love among brethren is a testimony to our discipleship. Disunity within the Church contradicts our call to love one another and undermines our witness to the world (1 Corinthians 6:6-7).

**3. "Leave Them in The World But Keep Them From The Evil One." (John 17:15)**

Jesus acknowledges the challenges we face in the world but prays for our protection from evil. This prayer reminds us that our faith invites hostility yet sustains the world through our witness. Let us trust in God's safeguarding amidst spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:12).

**4. "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." (John 17:17)**

Jesus prays for our sanctification through God's truth, found in His Word. This underscores the importance of studying and spreading the Gospel. As we celebrate World Communications Day, let us use media to evangelize truth and counter falsehoods.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, make us agents of unity, love, and holiness in your Church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May we embrace these lessons and strive for unity, fidelity, and sanctification in our Christian journey.

God bless you abundantly,

Fr. Abu

The Power of Prayer: A Remedy for Sorrow"

Dear friends,

In reflecting on today's (11th May, 2024)Gospel passage (John 16:23), we are reminded of the importance of prayer as an antidote for sorrow. Jesus encourages us to ask the Father for what we need, assuring us that our prayers will be answered and our joy made complete.

Here are some key lessons from today's readings:

1. **Prayer Brings Joy:** When we pray, we unload our burdens, calm our nerves, and alleviate our fears. Prayer is not just about asking for things; it is a spiritual and therapeutic practice that brings us closer to God and fills us with joy.

2. **God is King of All the Earth:** Despite the challenges and injustices we may witness in the world, we must remember that God reigns over all. Surrendering our problems to Him through prayer brings us comfort and reassurance.

3. **Pray with Expectation:** True prayer involves trust and expectation. We must believe that God hears our prayers and is working for our good, even when circumstances may seem challenging.

4. **Be Prayerful and Humble:** Like Apollos in the First Reading, we should be open to learning and growing in our faith. Being prayerful and humble allows us to deepen our understanding of God's ways and share His truth with others.

Let us pray:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your presence and ignite in us your sacred fire. Help us to approach prayer with faith and expectation, knowing that you hear us and will answer according to your will. Guide us in our journey of faith, that we may grow in wisdom and understanding. Amen.

Amid life's challenges, let us choose happiness and live with a positive mindset, trusting in God's plan for us.

God bless you abundantly,

Fr. Abu

*NOTHING LASTS FOREVER; SORROW TURNS INTO JOY*

*NOTHING LASTS FOREVER; SORROW TURNS INTO JOY*

*“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20)*

Life is in a state of constant motion. These days, I am fascinated by the speed of time. One minute, it is morning, and before one blinks, it is night. I sit down to write the day’s reflection, and when I think I have only sat for a few minutes, I realise I have just spent the last three hours pondering the points in the readings. The book of Ecclesiastes was correct when it stated that: “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven… a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). Regardless of the season, you are in today; it will not last forever. In today’s first reading, Paul enjoyed a period of peace for a year and six months, but when Gallio became proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on him. Nothing lasts, as Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage; even if we face sorrow, it will turn into joy. This brings us to our lessons today:

 

*1. Consider Your Sufferings for God as Labour Pains:* A few days ago, Jesus told us: “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world; therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19). As long as we let our light shine as God’s children, we cannot escape moments of persecution. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus likens these persecutions to the pains a woman feels when she is about to give birth: “When a woman is in travail, she has sorrow because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; your hearts will rejoice…” (John 16:20-23). It is not easy to be a Christian in a world that has rejected God. Nevertheless, when you experience sorrow, do not give up on God because moments of joy will follow. 

*2. Our Hearts Remain Restless, Insatiable Until We Get Home:* Just as nothing in life lasts forever, nothing on earth gives us permanent satisfaction. We are always in need of something. It appears there is a vacuum in our hearts; our desires are never met. The more we get, the more we need. Jesus tells us today: “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day, you will ask nothing of me.” (John 16:22-23). We can only experience brief moments of happiness because many things can take away our joy on earth, but no one will take away our joy when we get to heaven. Jesus says, “On that day, you will ask nothing of me.” We would not ask for anything because we would lack nothing. Whatever joy the world can give you is nothing compared to the joy of heaven.

*3. Have No Fear, God is King of All The Earth:* Today’s Psalm sings: “God is King of all the earth.” This statement takes into cognisance Paul’s experience in today’s First Reading. God told Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). In as much as there would be moments of pain (as Jesus said in today’s Gospel passage), God is a Good Shepherd; He will not stand idly to watch the wolf destroy the sheep under His care. Remember that God is still in charge of this world. When Paul was brought before the tribunal, he didn’t even have to utter a word. His enemies ended up fighting themselves. After this experience, Paul remained for many days before leaving that city. Paul left not because anyone drove him away but because he wanted to continue spreading the Good news. As long as your hands are clean, keep doing what is right. God will protect you.

*Let us pray:* Come, O Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Friday of the 6th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 18:9-18, Ps. 47:2-7, John 16:20-23).*

Fr. Abu