Message from the Metropolitan
Dearly beloved in the Lord,
Let us all praise God for His grace that we experienced in the Maramon convention. 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 Simon of Cyrene. In the midst of crises the solace the Cross 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.
We peacefully passed couple of months of the year. During these times we have witnessed various Churches sharing the Word of God with sincere hearts. We have now entered into the Lenten season. Lent is a period for active responses. In the first phase of Lenten days we meditate the new responses we got from different situations. A Jewish leper sees Jesus as the remedy for all his needs. The gentile centurion finds the Lord as the remedy for the needs of his family. Four young men, seeing Jesus as the remedy for their helpless friend, came near the Lord after overcoming the obstacles with faith. Observing their faith, the Lord responded actively. Thus we need to show in the Lenten season, active responses. Let us prayerfully enter into active responses for the calls of life at various phases, giving importance to true faith.
When we enter into the financial year, what I want to remind first of all is about the Housing Project we started this year for the needy members of the Mar Thoma Church. Those who are interested must submit their applications within the stipulated time limit.
Many teachers who were working in our educational institutions are retiring from active service on the 31st of March. Two Vicar Generals and nine clergymen retired from active service. We value and appreciate their longtime services and dedication. At the same time we pray for the abundant presence of God’s grace in their retired life.
India is preparing to face a general election. When political polarizations occur, thrust must not be given for the idea of who will defeat whom. Importance should be given to the idea of how they can form a government that stands for the prosperity of the nation and its people. Let us pray for change that may strengthen the prevailing of goodness.
We pay our respect and homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the defense of the nation’s safety. We pray for the bereaved families of those heroes.
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 life. 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” (Psalms 62:8).
Grace be with you all.
Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan