Dear Families of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey

We are soon approaching passion week, where we remember & meditate on the suffering on our Lord, and His journey to the cross. For the past month, the church has exhorted the faithful to spend time in fasting, almsgiving, prayer, and service, in the struggle for spiritual renewal. The theologian Walter Brueggemann opines lent as “a way other than our own.” 

The fast of Great Lent challenges us to think outside our circle, and consider the other. This confronts our worldview, especially the concept of “me” in a culture that contains elements on settling for common, generics ideas, along with features of patriotism, consumerism, fear, violence, & affluence. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is a clear reminder of the selfless character needed when we call ourselves the ‘disciples of Christ.’ 

A Christ-centered life challenges us to consider our conventional standards, compromises, and to live a life of discipline, obedience, and following our true Christian identity and calling. Last year, during the Diocesan MTVEA conference, H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos articulated: “our neighbor is not another, but rather, an extension of my very own self.” I encourage the faithful, of all generations, to participate in the Sandhya Namaskaram prayers and services arranged for spiritual growth. 

This month, H.G. the Valiya Metropolitan Mar Chrysostom celebrates the birth centenary. Let us thank God for Thirumeni’s ministry, and continue to pray for Thirumeni.

Christ has died…Christ has risen…Christ will come again! Let us celebrate new life in Christ and experience renewal. 

Sincerely,

Dennis Achen (Youth Chaplain)