FROM VICAR'S DESK

Greetings to all the family members of the Perth Mar Thoma Church, 

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:4-11.

In an age where we are under constant threats and the growing intolerance among religious communities, faith communities, political, social and cultural life is alarming. It is here where we must find the message and meaning of Christ’s Life, the day when the Infinite became finite for us. I wish and pray that this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations will be meaningful and the true message of Christmas will be known to the communities around us. Leaving all familiar situations is the call of Christmas to unfamiliar situations. The gospel portions we meditate during the Christmas season portrays challenges, to leave, to let go all that give satisfaction and security. What was so influential that whom God called to be a part of His salvation history had to let go off all these things? It was because they were deeply rooted in their faith that they were always safe in the righteous hands of their Almighty. This faith was what drove them to complete their journey and give to the world a Saviour, a King who rode on a donkey, given the crown of thorns and who was raised to the Throne of the Cross and who re-wrote Life’s meaning though His resurrection. This journey of Christ was that which should inspire us to travel deep into the less travelled roads of life. We have to move from Faith as a mere epistemology to Faith as an experience, this is how we unravel the mysteries of Christ revealed to us. This is Christmas.

December 1st Sunday – We enter the 25 days lent (December 1st to December 25th) also known as the Nativity Lent (Yeldo Nombu). It is a time to renew our way of life, a time to rethink and evaluate ourselves. To make space in our busy lives and stubborn hearts for Christ to be born. – We meditate the Birth of John the Baptist, the mystery child, who had a short role to make way for the Saviour of this world.

December 2nd Sunday – We ponder upon Angel Gabriels Annunciation to Jospeh, the silent father who endured everything without uttering a word of disbelief or dissatisfaction. But stood faithful to Gods plan of redemption.

3rd Sunday -December 21st is Mar Thoma Church Day- The church on this day remembers the life of Apostle Thomas, the Apostle to India who was a witness to Christs resurrection and the greatest confession said “My Lord and My God”.

December 25th, We celebrate the Birth of our Lord. Where our Immanuel took the human form to be amongst us. He chose the simplest of ways and surroundings so that everyone can come to the stable. Where do we stand today as witnesses and missionaries of this great event that challenged and continues to challenge the great minds.

December 4th Sunday– We will be meditating how as a community our call is to become the salt and the light of the earth.

December 31st – Watchnight Service- To witness, to give thanks, to look back- to renew- to be transformed and enter the new year.

I urge all parish members to utilise the season of Grace into becoming grace personified to those in need around us. I urge all parish members to participate in all meetings and especially in the Holy Qurbana Service on all Sundays. I urge you all to pray for our outreach programmes. Let us work together for the spiritual and social upliftment through our mission and witness. The parish is God’s working place, allow Him to work through us. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a hope filled New Year. God bless us all. Amen.

 His Servant in His Ministry,
Manoj Mathews Achen