Carmel Mar Thoma Church

April – 2008

Dearly beloved in Christ,

You might have noticed the lilies in the fields and the gardens, a plant which is seasonal and seems having a very transitory life on earth. During the inclement weather, the small plant withers and after few days we even do not know the place where it has been. But after few months, when the weather favours, it begins to sprout from its tuber on the ground and in due course beautiful flower blossoms giving amenity and mirth to others.

A group of women made their way to the tomb very early in the morning as the first day of the week began to dawn (Matt: 28:1). They were anxious to offer a last expression of loyalty to Him by anointing His body. Their burden was “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But to their surprise, found the stone had been rolled away from its entrance and received the good news of their Lord’s resurrection from the dead. They along with the disciples witnessed the most glorious dawn in human history. There was a radiance in the golden light of that morning which the world had never witnessed before and that radiance has touched every dawn that the world has known ever since.

Many are afraid of death and mystery that surrounds it. Some consider death as the end of everything. But by Jesus’ resurrection, death has been conquered and hence there is nothing to fear. Therefore Saint Paul challenges “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ……thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”(I Cori: 15: 55-57). Jesus’ empty tomb shows all our tears to be lies and all our hopes to be true. It has brought ‘life and immortality to light’ and is the assurance of eternity. Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…..” (John: 11:25). Let us be confirmed about the eternal life that we can enjoy with our Lord after this transient life and lead a victorious life with the risen Lord in all spheres of our life conquering the vile of the evil.

From this issue on, we are bringing out our News Letter quarterly. The programs for the next three months are included and you can pre-plan and join the activities of our parish and her organizations. I appreciate you for your prayerful participation in the Passion Week services. May the Risen Lord strengthen us to be his witnesses and help us to move onwards our spiritual journey in utmost faith and hope.

Yours in Christ’s Service,
Jacob Mathew Achen.
April 1, 2008.