Carmel Mar Thoma Church

We have entered in to the second half of the year. The time flies and the seasons are changing in rotation. This part of the world is enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool of the summer rain. Greenery and vegetation are seen everywhere. What a difference the rain makes! When it falls, we can hardly recognize the landscape where earlier, there was not a blade of grass to be seen. Green grass carpets what had previously been bare earth. What a transformation!

The rain has been described in the Bible as ‘God’s gift to a thirsty world’. Though we have to pay for water to be piped to our homes, rain is something that can not be purchased. It is absolutely free. Paul and Barnabas reminded to the people of Lystra: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons…..”(Acts 14:17). To Jeremiah God alone is the one who sends rain. “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?...No, it is you, O Lord our God”(Jere:14:22). Isaiah 44:3 says, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my spirit on your offspring and my blessings on your descendants”.

Rain is one of the symbols used in the Bible for the Holy Spirit. The rain falls and nourishes the land. The Hebrew word used for ‘nourish’ is gadal which means to make great or to magnify. It is the spirit of God who nourishes and makes us great – helps us to lead a fruitful life, bearing and giving the fruit of the Spirit. Some aspire to wealth and possessions as the landmarks of greatness of life. But there is no wealth greater than a good character and no possession is as wonderful as the fruit of the Spirit. Let us look to the almighty God, take the warmth in and be filled with the Holy Spirit and bear fruit for the glory of His name wherever we are placed.

I appreciate all the students, teachers and parents who participate VBS this year. May God help everybody to serve one another in God’s Big Backyard. Our Diocesan bishop will be visiting us in the third week end of July. Our parish is entering in to the 25th year of its inception. Let us thank God for all the blessings we have received in the past as a faith community. Our Parish Retreat is scheduled from 8th -10th of August at Singing Hills, New Hampshire. I urge each family to participate in the event and enjoy the spiritual fellowship together.

May all our students have a joyous vacation and a blessed academic year ahead.

Yours in Christ’s Service

Rev.Jacob K.Mathew

June 1, 2008.