Sunday, 12 May 2024

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