Saint Karas

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In the vita St. Bemwah wrote, "I'll let you know my brethren what happened one day. I heard a voice calling me three times. When I paid attention I realized the voice was a heavenly call, as I looked up and said, Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening."

The voice commanded me "get up Bemwah and hurry to the wilderness where you will meet Anbba Karas, so that you may take his blessing, as he is so precious to Me more than anyone else as He worked very hard to serve Me, and I will be with you".

I left my church and walked alone into the wilderness with great happiness. I didn’t know where to go, but I knew for sure that God, who ordered me, would get me there. After several days of walking, and after I met three other anchorites, I finally reached my destination, I arrived at a cave. When I announced my arrival. a voice came from inside saying, "It is good that you came today Anbba Bemwah, God's saint, the one who was worthy to shroud the holy body of St. Hillaria the daughter of the great King Zenon".

I entered the cave and was staring at this person for a long while, as he was venerable and full of awe. His face was a very lighted; he had a long beard with only a few black strands and was wearing a poor dress. He was thin, with soft voice and had a walking staff.

He said, "You came to me today and brought death with you, and I have been waiting for you for a long time my beloved one". When I asked him about his name and how long he had been in this wilderness?, he said, "my name is Karas, I haven't seen no one for 57 years, and I have been waiting for you anxiously and happily".

At the end of my first day Anbba Karas, became sick with a high fever and On the following day while he was lying down unable to move. A great light, brighter than the sunlight, was shining upon the cave entrance. A lighted figure wearing white cloth as bright as the sun entered holding a shiny cross on his right hand. I was sitting by 'Anbba Karas' feet and was very scared. This person stepped forward toward Anbba Karas and touched his face with the cross. He spoke with Anbba Karas for a while, then blessed him and left. When I inquired about this glorified person?, he said, this is our Lord and master Jesus Christ, He comes to me everyday, talks to me, blesses me, and then He leaves. I then asked him if I can get blessed from my lord Jesus Christ as well..?. He said, "Before you leave this place, you will see the Lord Jesus in His glory and He will bless you and talk to you as well".

saint karas's death
On the 8th day of Epip, Anbba Karas health was deteriorating by the mid-day, a great light appeared and filled the cave. The Savior of the universe entered, preceded by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and many other angels with six wings seraphim accompanied by prayers, hymns and great smell of incense from everywhere. I was sitting by Anbba Karas feet while our Lord Jesus Christ in all His glory was at Anbba Karas's head , who held our Savior's right hand. Anbba Karas, asked Jesus Christ if He can bless me because he came from very far, for this day?. The Lord looked at me and said, "May My peace be with you Bemwah, what you saw and heard today, will be written in the books and preached by you. But for you, My beloved Karas, every human that knows your vita and mentions your name on earth, will have My peace on them and I will count them with the martyrs and the saints. Everyone that offer wine, bread, incense, oil or candles in your name, I will reward them twofold in the Kingdom of Heaven. Anyone who feeds the hungry or gives drink to the thirsty, or clothes to the needy or welcomes a stranger on your name, I will reward them double in My kingdom. And who writes your vita I will write their name in the Book of Life. Anyone who shows mercy on your anniversary, I will give them what no eye had ever seen and, what no ear had ever heard and what any heart ever felt. Now, my beloved Karas, I want you to ask Me for something that I can do for you before your departure.

Upon his request, David the Prophet came holding his harp in his hand and he was singing the psalm "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 117:24. Anbba Karas then asked if he can do the ten cords together with the tune and melody. David moved his harp and start singing, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 16:15". Anbba Karas soul departed from his blessed body to the bosom of our Good Savior, who took it and presented it to the Michael (archangel).

I, then, kissed the body of my father Anbba Karas and prepared him for burial. The Glorious Lord pointed to me to leave the cave. The Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by His angels, left in front of my father's soul accompanied by songs and hymns. Our Glorious Lord then sealed the entrance shut, I watched as the cave entrance disappear and became part of the mountain, and they all disappeared in happiness.

Conversion of Paul

Paul on the road  to Damascus

Paul's conversion experience is discussed in both Paul's own letters and in the book known by the title Acts of the Apostles. In both instances, the conversion experience is described to be miraculous or revelatory in nature. According to both sources, Paul never met Jesus before Jesus's crucifixion and was not a follower of Jesus before the crucifixion; instead he persecuted the early Christians. Although Paul refers to himself as an "Apostle" of Jesus, it is clear that Paul was not one of "The Twelve" (1 Corinthians 9:1-2). Rather, Paul's conversion occurred after Jesus's crucifixion, and the accounts of Paul's conversion experience describe it as miraculous, supernatural, or otherwise revelatory in nature.

                                     

Paul's life before conversion

Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a "zealous" Pharisee who "intensely persecuted" the followers of Jesus. Some scholars argue that Paul was a member of the "Zealot" party. Says Paul in his Epistle to the Galatians (1:13-14):

                            “For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” – Galatians 1:13-14, New International Version

Paul also discusses his pre-conversion life in his Epistle to the Philippians (3:4-6), and his participation in the stoning of Stephen (first martyr for Christ) is described in Acts 7:57-8:3

Paul's life after conversion

Acts of the Apostles discusses Paul's conversion experience at three different points in the text. Compared with the accounts in Paul's letters, the Acts accounts are far more detailed. According to the accounts in Acts, around the year 36, Paul was on his way from Jerusalem for Syrian Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, with the intention of returning them as prisoners for questioning and possible execution. The journey is interrupted when Paul sees a blinding light, and communicates directly with a divine voice.

Acts 9 tells the story of Paul's conversion as a third-person narrative:

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. (Acts 9:3-9)

                                               

The account continues with a description of Ananias of Damascus receiving a divine revelation instructing him to visit Saul at the house of Judas on the Street Called Straight and there lay hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias is initially reluctant, having heard about Saul's persecution, but obeys the divine command:

"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

But the Lord said to Ananias,

 "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Paul on trial before Agrippa:

Acts' second telling of Paul's conversion occurs in a speech Paul gives when he is arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 22:6-21). Paul addresses the crowd and tells them of his conversion, with a description essentially the same as that in Acts 9, but with slight differences. For example, Acts 9:7 notes that Paul's companions did not see who he was speaking to, while Acts 22:9 indicates that they did share in seeing the light (see also Differences between the accounts, below). This speech was most likely originally in Aramaic, with the passage here being a Greek translation and summary. The speech is clearly tailored for its Jewish audience, with stress being placed in 22:12 on Ananias' good reputation among Damascene Jews, rather than on his Christianity.

                                     

Acts' third discussion of Paul's conversion occurs when Paul addresses King Agrippa, defending himself against the accusations of antinomianism that have been made against him (Acts 26:12-18). This account is briefer than the others. The speech here is again tailored for its audience, emphasizing what a Roman ruler would understand: the need to obey a heavenly vision (26:19); and reassuring Agrippa that Christians were not a secret society (26:26).

Is anything too difficult for God?

Paul was a murderer; yet God made him a vessel of great wonder who did great things in the name of the Lord. Paul led the first persecution against the first century Christians; yet He was given the grace to carry the greatest missionary journeys. Our Lord and our God is waiting for you to come to His presence. Be bold to enter the Holy of Holies through the precious Blood of our Lord.

Read | John 15:4-6
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV


Today’s passage encourages us to stay connected to Jesus. The image of Him as the vine and believers as the branches helps us understand that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is possible to accept His salvation yet still act out of the “flesh,” distracted or separated from His direction and power. All believers find their focus wandering at times, but some have strayed so far that it’s hard to see their way back.

If you find your heart loyal to something besides Christ, it is vital to acknowledge that this has happened. Identify which attitudes or activities are drawing you away from Jesus. Then repent and get whatever help is necessary to set aside diversions, insecurity, worldly desires, or anything else that draws your attention away from the Lord.

Once the distraction is gone, refocus on Jesus by reading the Word, praying, learning from biblical messages, and spending time with godly friends who will encourage you. After living outside of God’s best for a while, it can be hard to discipline yourself to function as the Lord desires. But He promises to walk by your side to strengthen you and supply all your needs (Phil. 4:19).

As Hebrews 12:1 urges, let us “lay aside every encumbrance . . . and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Don’t delay. Acknowledge any area, sin, or stronghold that is keeping you from living passionately and fully for Christ. Following His plan—with His strength—is the way to peace, joy, and contentment in life. Ask for His help and commit to action. There is nothing like living “at full throttle” for God.

1. Love Your Enemies
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? (Matthew 5:43-47 )

2. Don't Worry About The Future
Sometimes insightful sayings seem obvious once you hear them - I think that is the case here. Live in the moment you're in! 
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:34)

3. How To Treat Others
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

4. The Most Important Commandment
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

5. Spiritual Greatness
“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

6. Gaining The World, Losing Your Soul
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38)

7. The Kingdom Of God Is Not Physical
“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

8. God Loves Everyone
This very well known passage is actually a quote from Jesus.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)

9. Ask, Seek, Knock
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

10. His Claim To Be God
Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:63-64)