November-2009
In the month of October, we celebrated family Sunday and dedicated our families for the glory of God. As we complete the first decade of the 21st century, let us be reminded of our responsibilities to the church and society. This decade saw India make rapid strides in science and technology, and we were able to share our achievements with other nations. It was a thrilling experience for us to share the discovery of the presence of water on the moon with other nations, who are involved in space research. I congratulate the Indian scientists and government on this great achievement.
Economic recession of this decade paved the way for the formation of the G-8 group. Economic devastation in America and the decline of American banks raised fears among other nations. The G-8 nations met and discussed the issue and took several precautionary measures to resolve this situation. India is not a member of the G-8 nations but we are special invitees in this political arrangement, resulting in the G-8 re-arranged as G-20. India’s participation in the G-20 group is commendable like our achievements in ‘CHANDRAYAN’. The leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries helped India sustain its economic foundation.
Farmers of India should understand the positive impact of the Asian agreement in our agriculture based economy. Some people are uncertain about the nuclear agreement to overcome India’s energy woes. Though Kerala is not under a severe energy shortage, other states are suffering especially during winter and summer. In the next decade, we need to clarify the doubts surrounding both the Nuclear and Asian agreements to reform our economy.
In the first half of October, I was able to visit mission fields in North India and participate in the annual day meetings.. I also visited Raipur parish in Chhattisgarh and celebrated Holy Communion. During this trip, I visited and renewed my friendship with former Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Jogi, who is recuperating after a road accident. I recollect Mr. Ajit Jogi’s (then Indore Collector) help during the initial stages of our mission field in Ksipra, Madhya Pradesh, and I assured him of our prayers. Our church member, Mr. Joy Oommen is serving as the Chief Secretary of this troubled state and his service is commendable.
I congratulate Christu Bandukulam Higher Secondary school for their effective mission and witness in Madhya Pradesh. From Satna, I came back to Hyderabad via Bhopal and attended the Meeting of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) as a guest. Happy to note that six hundred delegates attended the meeting and studied the priorities of evangelism in India. I visited the bereaved family members of late Andhra Predesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy and offered our consolation and prayers. I praise God for enabling me to complete the 15 day long journey and bringing me back in good health.
Rev. A.T. Chacko, who was one of the founding members of Satna Christukulam Ashram is now seriously sick. His co workers Rev. M. M. Abraham and family, Mr.Kuriachan and Rev. M. P. Thomas are all in poor health due to old age. Church and the Evangelistic association bear the responsibility of remembering them in our prayers, in their sickness and extend our helping hand.
During November and December dioceses and parishes are making arrangements for gospel preaching. Beyond the vested interest of the individuals and organizations, church should be vigilant about proclaiming the pure gospel. The proclamation of the early church as we read in Mark’s gospel “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the son of God.” (MK.1.1). Early church proclaimed this with five words that were “Jesus Christ son of God and the Savior". (IXTYC Iesùs Christòs Theòu Uiòs Sotèr). They used five alphabets from the Greek language, which is IXTYC meaning fish. They used the picture of the fish as a code language to communicate this. This was the official symbol of the church until the conversion of an empire Constantine. Even today we can see the picture of fish along with the angels on the walls of old church buildings in India. This reflects the ancient traditions of Indian churches. This is the gospel for the world. Gospel is not just proclamation alone, but we need to share the gospel through our life experiences.
Though the land owner has agreed to give few acres of land for the development of the hospital guidance centre at Velloor at half the market value, we still need Rupees Eighty lakhs for this cause. Happy to note that Chennai – Bangalore diocese has decided to join with the Velloor parish on this project and work has begun. You can send your donations to the Office bearers of Velloor parish and the Diocese for this project against a receipt. As mentioned in the last issue of Tharaka, previous staff members are not authorized to collect money.
As we enter November, we meditate on the promising children, who are the future of our church. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”. And he also said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. Lord accepts and loves children. Do not forget that church and the family includes children. Some scholars and gospel preachers teach that, ‘let the children select their own religion and philosophy as they grow’. This is not acceptable; we need to rethink and correct this teaching. Christian family and the church provide the foundation for the children to grow in the knowledge and grace of God. Baptism symbolizes God accepting us into his grace. Opposing this and taking re baptism is apostasy and negation of grace.
This month, we celebrate Sanctification of the church, Renewal of the church and Unity Sunday. Before Christmas, we meditate on the annunciation to Zechariah and Mary about the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. Through these we meditate on the history of two model families who believed nothing is impossible for God. Let us prepare ourselves for the new year by trusting God, who makes the impossible possible.
Let us recall God’s advice to St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you” and let this promise strengthen us to work for his glory.
Grace be with you all,
Dr.Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan,
Poolatheen.
October 23, 2009.