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First Sunday after New Sunday
Jesus turned water into wine; he provided lunch for thousands; and in this passage, even after his glorious resurrection we see him caring for his own by providing them with what they need. In the same warm, companionable way, Jesus is with us now, asking, “Do you love me?” How will you respond? Whether it is an honest “no,” a “give me a bit more time,” or an unequivocal “yes,” today He wants to share his gifts of nourishment and life with us. He wants us to care for others with nothing less than his own love. As we conclude meditating on this Evengalion reading, let’s go out in the…
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New Sunday (1st Sunday after Resurrection)
Jesus Knows What Thomas Need: He Knows What We Need We are sometimes scornful of Thomas, giving him the nickname “doubting Thomas”. But he is not unlike many of us. He needs the data. He needs the visuals. He needs to touch Jesus’ wounds in order for his faith to take root and grow. Jesus accepts that. He knows what we need. What do we need from Jesus in order for our faith to bloom? Tell Jesus. And wait, watch and wonder!
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Kyamtho (Easter Sunday)
The Lord is risen! Indeed He is risen! Resurrection gives hope for the humanity. Despite Christ is risen, our struggle to follow Christ will continue with all our fears and doubts. But the good news is, He is risen! He is risen to give us a new beginning… He is risen to remind us that goodness is more powerful than evil… He is risen to remind us that love is more powerful than hatred… He is risen to remind us that faith is more powerful than doubt and despair…
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Pas’aho/ Maundy Thursday
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Sam’yo Sunday/ Blind Receives Sight
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K’fiptho Sunday/ healing the crippled woman
The wounds of people’s infirmities rarely escape Jesus’ notice and he was always ready to offer a healing touch. The woman in the story was walking around the church bend over, to see how the world looks from her vantage point. How does it feel to walk that way? What are the burdens that weigh you down and bend you over? Take a deep breath and stand up straight, offering your burdens to God. Stretch out your hands in praise to God, who declares you have been “set free!” Feel the tightness and pain, in your heart and on your body parts. Breathe in and breathe out slowly. Each time…
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The Sacrament of Confession; 21st Century perspectives
Receiving Christ in communion during the Holy Eucharist is the foundation of living in communion with God, with people, with nature, and with the whole creation. Any act which breaks our communion with God and with God’s creation can be described as a serious sin. Sin is historically viewed as staying off the path, and getting lost from the communion of God. It is for this reason that in most of the Orthodox churches examination of conscience (if necessary going to sacramental confession) is an integral part of the preparation for communion. However, unlike an instant or ritualistic practice confession is an ongoing process of trying to see our life,…
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Passion Week and Easter Liturgy in Malayalam, English and in English Transliteration
Dearly beloved in Christ, With great gratitude to the Almighty Father, the long term need of Malankara Syrian Orthodox faithful living outside Kerala to have Liturgical translations especially for the younger generation who are not familiar with Malayalam has been fulfilled by the St. Gregorious Indian Orthodox Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This work has been originally compiled by Very Rev. Lazarus Ramban. We thank almighty Father for helping Very Rev. Lazarus Ramban for accomplishing this work. Although this is not an official or authorized translation of the Church, prima facie this is very helpful for the non-native speakers of Malayalam to meaningfully participate in the Passion Week and Easter Services. However,…
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Healing the Paralytic/ M’Saryo Sunday
In the story of healing the paralytic, there were two categories of people around Jesus; those who were ‘hearing God’s words’ (they think they are close to God and listening to the Word!) but indirectly ‘blocking’ the needy from reaching God. The second category is those who helped the paralytic to reach God; those who are helping the needy to reach God. Who are we? Are we blocking (directly or indirectly) the needy from reaching God? or Are we helping the ‘needy’ to reach God to receive healing and blessings?
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Touching the Untouchable! Reflections on Garbo Sunday
The study of the Bible is absolutely necessary for the nourishment of Christian life. The facts which the Scriptures present are the basis of faith in the Trinitarian God. Acquaintance with these prophetic and devotional facts in the light of the contemporary world realities is the only sensible means to imbibe and disseminate a true dynamic Christian faith. The nourishment of the Scriptures is necessary to the spiritual life as that of food to the body. The following Bible study is based on the Gospel reading on the ‘Sunday of the Leper’ from St. Luke 5: 12-16; and St. Luke 4: 40-42. And it happened when He was in a…