Thanksgiving of Fr. Xavier James on his Birthday.

On the Birthday

Today as I complete 39 years in the world and step into 40 I bow my head in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the beautiful life He has given to me. I am grateful to the Lord for the many good people He has blessed me with in my life. I am thankful for the many good things that have happened in my life. With the Psalmist I too extol the Lord in saying “I thank you for the wonder of my being” (Ps.139:14). I thank Jesus for though I was unworthy, He still chose me and appointed me as Priest to do His will and the will of the Father. That is why I chose my motto: “To be with Him and to be with them”.  I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for the indwelling presence in me and also keeping me enthusiastic, energetic and cheerful to spread the joy which he gives to me and to all who come in contact with me. I always feel the motherly help of our Blessed Virgin Mary and whenever I want to pray, her prayer is always on my lips.  I enjoy the warmth and affection of our Blessed Mother every moment in my life. She motivates me to be more humble, obedient and charitable to others.  I thank St. Joseph too who always inspires me to work hard and helps me to be caretaker of the people entrusted to me by God through my Archbishop. I am grateful to his intercessions because I was ordained on his feast day.

After being in the educational ministry in the schools and boardings, also being in socio-pastoral ministry in parishes, I thank the Lord for giving this new task of beginning a new mission in this unknown vicinity. I feel contented besides the activities I undertake for this mission, I also give more time for my growth as person. Through the Grace of God I have enough time to pray whether it is the Office of the Church, reciting the Holy Rosary, celebrating the Eucharist, Personal prayer and reflection. I do all these with joy in my heart and with conviction. I am what I am through my relationship with Jesus and the strength He gives me or else I am nobody. I also find time to read and prepare proper sermons and talks which help me first and also many people. I could be creative and use my novelty to be effective pastor and preacher of the Word of God and also animator of the worshiping community. I thank you all for coming into my life and encouraging me.  I will continue to serve you and be an instrument in the precious hands of the Lord. (Xavier James on the 12^th Jan 2014)