The Vicar's Message

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I congratulate and appreciate all who work for the success of the virtual church.

Let me start with the Cross and the Resurrection. The Cross is the wellspring of another Koinonia (fellowship) — a human community where all divisions are risen above. The Resurrection, in turn, becomes another creation history. Amidst confusion, the Cross and Resurrection carry hope to a human community where suffering and torment are overwhelmed by the power of Love and Hope.

The world has been experiencing a crucial season. We have known the reality of quarantine, confinement, and lockdown. The Latin root of the word ‘quarantine’ signifies ‘forty’ — and the Word of God clearly presents forty as a period of change and transformation:

• During Noah’s time, the flood endured 40 days.
• For 40 years, Moses lived in exile.
• For 40 days Moses remained on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments.
• For 40 years the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness.
• Prophet Elijah travelled 40 days to reach Mount Horeb.
• Jesus fasted for 40 days.

So it is a time of preparing a person, or a people, to make an essential change. Christ Jesus also spent time in solitude and isolation away from crowded places — at the time of temptation (Luke 4:1), withdrawing to deserted places to pray (Luke 5:16), and before selecting the twelve (Luke 6:12). On the Cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Yet the risen Lord promised his followers, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Even in the midst of quarantine, lockdown, or isolation, we are not alone. Through prayer and meditation, one can experience the Divine presence. Return to the family altar together — family prayer is a great blessing where we find togetherness and fellowship. Christ promises us that everything works together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28).

Prayer is a powerful weapon that God has handed to us, and the present situation demands a great deal of prayer. Each of us should dedicate time for personal and family prayer, and find time to be part of the various prayer fellowships arranged by our church and sister organisations. Let us not make excuses about busy schedules — we can reorganise our time to find room for everything.

May this time bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation, and our world. Praying and waiting for God’s mercy upon the land and the people, and remembering all of you especially in our prayers.