VICAR’S MESSAGE – MAY 2022
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Greetings. We have completed yet another Lenten season. I invite you to reflect on the ecclesial life of the church, as we move forward in our spiritual journey, juxtaposing to the life and mission of the church. The Apostle Paul, architect and builder of the church, had several metaphors describing his view of the Church. He saw the Church as the Body of Christ. This can be observed in Colossians 1:18, 24. In his major epistles, he didn’t mention that the Church was the body of Christ, rather, Christians belonged to the body of Christ. In comparison to this, Paul opines that Jesus Christ is the head and Lord over the Church. When Paul refers to Body, he is stressing that the Christian community is to be a body, with special focus on the individual and his/her responsibility within the community. Each Christian is considered to be a member of this body. Just as each part of the body has a significance and specific function, we too, as the body of Christ, need to understand the diversities in the faith community. There needs to be unity in diversity.
The integrity of the witness of the church and its presence in the community is very important today. We live in a time where we see a tainting in the very identity of the church. It is having a negative impact on the church worldwide. We need to remember the early church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, and pursue a reform in our lives. Reform doesn’t necessarily mean a complete change; it also means to go back to the roots. We need to protect the orthodoxy (true faith) of the universal church. It starts from the individual. Let us pursue spiritual excellence through strengthening our relationship with the Lord, and through a critical self-reflection. If we want the world to change, it needs to begin with us.
We are also quickly approaching the summer. I draw your attention to the various programs, ministries, and conferences being organized on the parish, center/regional, and Diocesan levels. The Diocese is also offering different mission opportunities this summer. More information will be communicated later.
I wish the very best to those preparing for their Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, Professional Exams, Entrance exams, Final Exams, and College Applications. Praying for God’s blessing upon their future endeavors.
I am happy to address you through the website of the San Antonio Mar Thoma Congregation, Texas. I thank God for the ministry of Rev. George Abraham (Kalloopara) & family during their tenure serving this parish. May God guide and bless them as they will be ministering in our Diocese.
God willing, I hope to meet you all soon. The church is a family of families. Let us work together for the glory of God, and with the intention of bearing fruit for His Kingdom. Please remember me in prayers. I assure my prayers for all.
May the grace, mercy, and blessings of the Holy Trinity with us all.
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Greetings. We have completed yet another Lenten season. I invite you to reflect on the ecclesial life of the church, as we move forward in our spiritual journey, juxtaposing to the life and mission of the church. The Apostle Paul, architect and builder of the church, had several metaphors describing his view of the Church. He saw the Church as the Body of Christ. This can be observed in Colossians 1:18, 24. In his major epistles, he didn’t mention that the Church was the body of Christ, rather, Christians belonged to the body of Christ. In comparison to this, Paul opines that Jesus Christ is the head and Lord over the Church. When Paul refers to Body, he is stressing that the Christian community is to be a body, with special focus on the individual and his/her responsibility within the community. Each Christian is considered to be a member of this body. Just as each part of the body has a significance and specific function, we too, as the body of Christ, need to understand the diversities in the faith community. There needs to be unity in diversity.
The integrity of the witness of the church and its presence in the community is very important today. We live in a time where we see a tainting in the very identity of the church. It is having a negative impact on the church worldwide. We need to remember the early church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, and pursue a reform in our lives. Reform doesn’t necessarily mean a complete change; it also means to go back to the roots. We need to protect the orthodoxy (true faith) of the universal church. It starts from the individual. Let us pursue spiritual excellence through strengthening our relationship with the Lord, and through a critical self-reflection. If we want the world to change, it needs to begin with us.
We are also quickly approaching the summer. I draw your attention to the various programs, ministries, and conferences being organized on the parish, center/regional, and Diocesan levels. The Diocese is also offering different mission opportunities this summer. More information will be communicated later.
I wish the very best to those preparing for their Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, Professional Exams, Entrance exams, Final Exams, and College Applications. Praying for God’s blessing upon their future endeavors.
I am happy to address you through the website of the San Antonio Mar Thoma Congregation, Texas. I thank God for the ministry of Rev. George Abraham (Kalloopara) & family during their tenure serving this parish. May God guide and bless them as they will be ministering in our Diocese.
God willing, I hope to meet you all soon. The church is a family of families. Let us work together for the glory of God, and with the intention of bearing fruit for His Kingdom. Please remember me in prayers. I assure my prayers for all.
May the grace, mercy, and blessings of the Holy Trinity with us all.
5/2/2022
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Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dennis Abraham Vicar |