Parable of Somu and Chelliah

(GB Message)

Somu and Chelliah were two poor men who could not afford more than two meals a day. However, they were the best of friends and met once a week for a wonderful time of fellowship. They would bring small gifts for each other that they would mutually enjoy. For instance, one time, Somu brought a piece of pickle that he had saved for his friend while Chelliah gave him five pieces of sunda vaththal.

One day Chelliah told his friend, “I have an offer for a good job in the Railway Department. Except that I will miss you, I would like to accept the job.” Somu encouraged him to accept it and so Chelliah accepted the job. He was posted in Udumalaipettai that was quite a distance from Somu’s place. With a heavy heart Chelliah left for his place of work.

Hallowed be Thy Name Part 2

(GB Message)

This is the second and concluding part of this study. In the first part we saw the following:

• The meaning of the word ‘Hallowed’ (Hagiazo, Hagiamos)
• God alone is holy by nature
• God’s people fail Him time and again, profaning His name

In this part, let us look at some more thoughts related to the prayer, “Hallowed be Thy name.”

Heaven is for Sanctified People
God is teaching His chosen people, to prepare them to be heavenly citizens, and this is going to happen sooner or later according to His will. Most of us who are progressing in the spiritual life have learned that God is applying His filter in various stages to salvage the genuine from the worthless. Still His aim is not to condemn but to teach and prepare a holy people. Not all submit themselves to God’s will. Instead they attempt to make God adjust to their attitudes. As they progress on their spiritual pilgrimage, they find that God’s teachings narrow down and become sharper and more concentrated. That is the implication of the narrow way (gate).

Sanctification is a spiritual stage of purification. Without sanctification, no one can hope to please God.