Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I am very glad to write my first message through our parish bulletin 'Bethel Herald' in this new quarter.
I take this opportunity to thank all the parish members for the support, love and the prayers extended to us after I assumed the office of Vicar of Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore.
June 19th was my 'Deacon Ordination' day, and July 9th is my 'Kassessa Ordination' day. As I observe these days in my ministry, I remember how the almighty Lord has helped and guided me to complete the last 22 years in the ministry of the Mar Thoma Church, enabling me to enter the 23rd year of my priesthood.
In this financial year, as a parish, we are planning to conduct many programmes at the parish level under the leadership of the parish executive committee and various organisations. These include study programmes, cultural programmes, spiritual gatherings, medical awareness programmes, retreats and more. We need the active participation of all the parish members to achieve good result from these programmes. We must also extend our support to the Chennai - Bangalore Diocese, especially to the mission work of the entire Diocese.
This quarter the theme of the 'Bethel Herald' is 'mission and ministry of the church in a changing world'. The mission and ministry of the church in a changing world is to remain faithful to God's word while responding to new challenges with love and wisdom. As society changes, the church is called to spread hope, serve the needy, promote Justice, and guide people in truth. It must adapt its methods, not its message, reaching people through modern ways while holding firmly to its spiritual values. Ultimately, the church's mission is to be a light in the world, showing Christ's love in every situation.
The well-known writer Khalil Gibran, in his book 'The Prophet' offers an answer to the question, 'what is religion and religiosity'? Religion is our response to the 'transcendent' (God), whom we encounter at every moment in our lives. We can experience the 'transcendent' (God) in each day and in every moment of our activities. In Gibran's words "God is playing with the children, walking in the cloud, outstretching the arms in the lightning, descending in the rain, smiling in the flowers, and rising and waving His hands in the trees". Feeling the 'transcendent' (God) in the subtle experience of life and responding to it meaningfully is what is meant by religion.
The prophet Isaiah in his book chapter 1 speaks about the pseudo religiosity of the people of Judea and Jerusalem. The God of life always challenges the false spirituality of the people and calls them to practice true spirituality and authentic worship in their daily life in relation with God, people and society. The text also narrates the Judgement they face when they continue the practice of the pseudo spirituality, but it concludes with a message of hope and restoration for the people.
May the Lord help us to lead a true mission and spirituality in our daily life and it became authentic in our daily affairs with other people and the society. God bless you all.
With love and prayers,
Rev. George John
Vicar
Meet Our Vicars.
Rev. George John Vicar & President
