My dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ of the Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph,
We have now entered the second quarter of the year 2016. We completed yet another lent season in our life. As Christians, we are continuously being challenged in our faith, in the backdrop of the rise of secularism and its values, particularly here in the west.
The ideologies of political correctness and bigotry dominate mainline news and media today, and have had an impact on our lives. We are combating morals & ethics which are contradictory to the essence of Christ-centered living. We should not stray away from Christ’s mandate to be His witnesses (in words & deeds), even when the social climate does not harbor our witness. The gospel of Jesus Christ was accepted by many people; at the same time, it was offensive to some people. We need to understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ (good news) is something that is meant to be told to the world, even if some do not listen. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of[b] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NRSV)
We believe in the risen Christ, who will come again. Let us live in Christian hope, and be persistent in our Christian witness, until His second coming. Let us take our spiritual life more seriously, be persistent in growing spiritually, and meditate on the cross all the days of our life.
Our Diocesan Bishop, Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Thirumeni is being transferred to India this month. Let us thank God for Thirumeni’s ministry and servant leadership in this diocese for the past 7 years. Our new Diocesan Bishop is Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. Let us pray for God’s blessings as the new bishop begins to lead this diocese.
May the blessings of God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit be with you all!
Yours in Christ,
Palm Sunday, 3/20/2016 Rev. Dennis Abraham
Philadelphia Youth Chaplain