I had a vision of a cripple. I heard the devil torturing, accusing and condemning him. He tried to crawl but the devil pushed and slapped him. He was helpless and hopeless. Then Jesus gave him a set of crutches. He began to walk and he was happy.

After the fall of Adam and Eve, all generations were crippled. They were cruelly treated by the devil which tried to ensnare the children of God. Through the lie and deceit of the devil, whose temptation was called 'an apple', of which from the outward looks too tempting and delicious to resist, caused the fall of all generation of mankind. This was more than just the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. Satan told Adam and Eve that they would be able to see good and evil! Yes! Good and evil, they did see. Had they able to made decision in favor of their souls and for all generation of human being ? The Devil knew the weaknesses of man. The temptation was indeed, like a delicious apple that they can't resist. By being able to see good and evil, Adam and Eve, just like little ignorant children who can't handle treasure. The first strategy, the Devil employs was to draw, then attracts mankind to the material values and treasures of this world. Mankind, that are hopelessly drawn to the things of this world, became Satan's slave. By then they, would not be able to live without these things. Material, became a god or goddesses of their lives. In fact, they were in bondage, even when they tried to do what is wise, yet they could not. Men ignorantly and carelessly, committed sins or turned away from God, without caring for the 'heart' of God, but regretted their actions later. Trapped by the devil, men were at his mercy and could not stand up and walk normally again.

Then Jesus died and the chains of slavery and bondage were broken, those who wish to walk again were given walking sticks to continue the journey home. Although they could never be the same as when God first created man, at least, they were free from enslavement. Even after the death of Jesus, though the world is cleansed from sin, still the voice of God was far from our ears. Our spiritual sight was not completely restored.

We still have to pay the price as long as we are still in this world. This price is like the deadly Aids virus, incurable. But Jesus continues to supply medications and care for us and death is the beginning of a fuller life with God.

THE BEGINNING OT INTENSIVE PURIFICATION

Purification takes place on earth, with or without our knowing. Many consecrated people were once sinners who served the world, loved the values and wisdom of this world, living a life of hypocrisy (We hide our sins and boast about our virtues). Living a life of pride and conceit, caring only for the finest materials in their lives. Suddenly, along the road of life they found a divine friend and their relationship became closer and closer. They began to love and serve God and lived by the virtues and wisdom of their divine friend, Jesus. They continued to walk the journey of faith and light. Although darkness cast its shadows on them but God's light overpowered the darkness. They began to rely and trust in God. They ardently loved and served Him faithfully.

Many had experienced this intimate friendship with Jesus Christ. In faith and unexplained mystery, He came to our hearts. By His compassion and His divine mercy, we were saved and considered worthy.

What grace! What bosom of privileges! Given by Christ to all who responded to Jesus Christ's, 'thirst' as He was battling with His final breathe on the cruel cross, that brought victory to men and heaven. Through the living, eternal victory won by Christ, death was finally conquered because never before existed, a man resurrected from death. In Jesus we die to our sinful selves, denied our bodies sinful desires, and surrender ourselves to God to quench and feed our hungry souls. This unlimited and unconditional love, cannot be found in even parents, spouses, children or best friends.

There are people who feed their souls with deathly food and all fruits of evil. They torture the soul and put it in solitary confinement so that its cries cannot be heard. So without the cries of their conscience, they enjoy themselves seeking material gains through greed, cheating, robbery and all kinds of vice. These take the place of God in their lives, the God who created them and provides for them.

Just like the cripple, enslaved and trapped by the devil or like those living among serpents and wild animals are in danger of being hurt. In the dark we cannot see the wounds inflicted and they get worse. We do not realize the continuous hurt inflicted by the serpents for it is too dark. We feel the pains but soon are immune and we do not bother anymore. Many bitten by snakes develop antibodies against the venom and they treat the evil and cruel serpents as their companions and friends. They refuse to come to the light as they are so used to living in the dark.

We were once in sin, in such bondage that there was no way of escape. We could not find our way out but only through Jesus. The devil would only bow to the power and majestic glory of Jesus, who represented all human beings. Even the name of Jesus, spoken in faith will subdue the evil one.

When Jesus comes knocking at our door, within which the serpent dwells, if we response to Jesus and say, 'Yes Jesus, my life is in a mess. I am living in fear. Please come in'. As soon as you open your door, holy light will enter to brighten and warm the cold room. Jesus is the light. Enthrone Him in your house and let Him light up your house. The devil will hide and flee. First he will hide in any corner or hidden enclosure but as Jesus walks into each and every room, all nooks and corners are lit up and Jesus reclaim our soul and we become the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, do not limit Jesus to only a certain areas of our heart but allow Him to stroll around the house-fix our broken doors and windows, our broken-self. Let His hands, feet, heart and words overpower our words and will. Let Him take control of His property and we have everything to benefit. We will dwell in an organized, clean, perfumed house with tender breezes, peace and harmony within. What a marvelous experience it will be. We live in a free yet perfect dwelling of God's kingdom.

Praise be to God. Glory be, to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.