Message from the Metropolitan

Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

Let us all praise God for His grace that we experienced in the Maramon convention of 2009.  Following the call for prayer, ‘Lord, by Thy grace transform the world,’ by WCC, the Maramon convention’s main topic of thought was ‘Renewal of the household of God.’  Bishop Dantalle’s inaugural address was very noteworthy.  We too have to experience the glory of our Lord’s Cross as did Simon of Cyrene.  In the midst of crises, the solace the Cross of Christ offers is unfathomable.  Simon did not choose the Cross.  The Cross chose Simon.  But through apportioning, Simon was finding out the glory and truth of the cross that was entrusted to him.  The cross gave blessedness to the transformation.  The callings that followed it reflect God’s instruction to go out into the world, thereby entrusting the mission to His servants.  Our Lord who says, ‘Go forth,’ walks with us to strengthen us to overcome the crises.  Let us pray that this calling becomes the cause for the renewal of God’s household through the meditations of this year’s convention.

During the 18th century, the forefathers of the Mar Thoma Church were called out and separated from society.  They became the models of meaningful Christian lives.  Those who were called out entered into the society and fulfilled their responsibilities.  They, like Abraham, moved to the area where God entrusted them to go.  This journey had the luminance of God’s grace.  God is with us today too.  Nothing is impossible for God.  He is with us till the end of the world.  God has spoken once, that power belongs to Him.  We heard again.  Along with David, let us say, “Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your hearts in Him.  God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62.8).
Grace be with you all.

Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan