My Dear Parish Family,
Greetings to you all in the precious Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Once again, I count it as a great privilege to address you through this Parish Bulletin.
Let me begin with two statements from Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.
“I am the light of the world (John 8:12) and
“You are the light of the world (Mathew 5:14)
This ‘I AM’ statement was made while Jesus and a vast multitude of people gathered for the feast of Tabernacles. It was one of the major festivals celebrated each year. The main ceremony during the Feast of Tabernacle was the ‘illumination of the Temple’. When the huge lamps of the temple were lit at night, they shined light all over Jerusalem. But the next morning, all the man-made lights will begin to flicker and die. At this juncture, Jesus stood and cried out “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”. By this statement, Jesus offers Himself as a guide to a world lost in darkness.
Again, Jesus compares his followers to light, saying ‘you are the light of the world’, which cannot be hidden. No one puts a lamp under a bowl because a lamp is designed to help people see in dark places. Our circumstances are an opportunity to shine brightly for the Lord and share God’s overcoming truth with those around us.
As we continue our faith journey, we will still encounter darkness in life. We will still be tried as “gold is tested on the fiery furnace” to test the true mettle of our faith. By our faithful endurance, we shall overcome all trials and tribulations. As people of HOPE, we are challenged to bring hope to those who find life wearisome and dreary. As people of LIGHT, let us lighten up the lives of people who have lost their way to what is just and right. As people of JOY, let us share the joy of Christ with those who are sad and lonely.
“Rivers do not drink their own water, Trees do not eat their own fruit, The Sun does not shine on itself and Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you” (Pope Francis).
Let me extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all St. James family for your support, prayers, and care during our service over here. You have been so good and so kind to us. But please don’t stop praying for us because your prayers will make a difference in our ministry.
With much pleasure and prayers, I wholeheartedly welcome Rev. Ajith Varghese and his family to the St. James Family. I wish him a fruitful ministry in and around our parish and community. May the Good Lord enable him to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to him prayerfully and faithfully, by depending on God’s wisdom.
In Christ’s Service,
JOSEPH CHACKO ACHEN
