A Message from Our Vicar | Mar Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Church

Rev. Fr. Georgekutty Abraham

Vicar, Mar Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Church

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
— Jeremiah 1:7-8

For Christians these are challenging times not just for one denomination or a specific sector, but for the entire range of Christian churches throughout the world. The last two decades of sudden prosperity and the financial freedom that came with it declined the need for many to seek God. Instead of giving thanks to God for his blessings, we, from the pulpit to the pews, have become more relaxed and permissive to the moral decline of our society.

It appears that many have lost their call and the understanding of the purpose for God to send his only begotten son to this world to die on the cross of Calvary. As I see what is happening to the Christian churches and its leaders today, resonates the word God spoke to Jeremiah at his call:

"See I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
— Jeremiah 1:10

These do feel like times that we are being shaken by the Almighty in order that we might be awakened to be closer to God. Now is the time for us to renew our hearts and restore our faith to be better spokesmen for the word of God. This is the time for us to build and plant for the kingdom of God. As God's word says:

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who ask you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
— 1 Peter 3:15

For others to see that hope in us we must sanctify our hearts. This hope prepares us for an eternal life, and this hope separates us, not from sinners but from sin.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
— Romans 6:23

"Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it."
— Ecclesiastes 12:7

However, death is only the end of a temporary life that opens a passage to our eternal life. But the big question is, are we ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Let me reiterate the message of Apostle Paul to Corinthians:

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
— 2 Corinthians 5:10

Therefore let us be prepared and make sure that we are among the few who are saved and not among the many who are lost.

God help us to sanctify our hearts and prepare our souls to do the will of the Father for our eternal life.

Rev. Fr. Georgekutty Abraham

Vicar, Mar Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Church