April, 2010
Dearly beloved in Christ,
The words of Henry Milman's 19th century hymn captures the peaks and thoughts of that holy week;
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, thy power, and reign.
The one who rides goes on to die and is resurrected and that is the Good News. This brings hope that all pasion experiences have the possibility of resurrection. While the passion of Jesus is understood as part of God's mission in this world, resurrection assures us of God's control on history. Hence resurrection affirms that God is in control of the consummation of the mission process. Jesus' prayer in Gethsamene, "Father if possible let this cup of suffering be taken away", is the prayer that always reminds us of human pain and struggle while taking up the task of mission in this world. A conscious decision to take up the 'cups' which may conveniently be avoided, is an imperative step in participating in the mission of God. We as members of the Church are entrusted such a task to take up the 'cups'. Hence mission is no longer shaped by the Church; rather the Church is shaped by the mission of God in order to make it viable for carrying out the mission of God.
The new office bearers and executive committee are taking charge this month. While I thank all the office bearers of our Church for their selfless service rendered last year I welcome all the new office bearers to work as co-workers in the mission of God. In this process it is not 'I' but 'We' as a community that is significant in carrying out the mission of God. May God bless us all.
With prayerful regards,
Rev. Abraham Mathew.
Our Achen and family
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