Message of the Month

As we step into the month of September, we are greeted with the jubilant celebrations of St. Mary’s birth and the discovery of the Holy Cross (Sleeba Perunnal). These events, seemingly disparate, are intricately woven into the divine tapestry of salvation.

The Gospel of Nativity of Mary recounts the birth of Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, with great joy and awe. Born to Joachim and Anna, Mary’s life was marked by humility and acceptance, as seen in her response to Angel Gabriel’s message. Following is a transcript from The Gospel of Nativity of Mary:
“The blessed and glorious ever-virgin Mary, sprung from the royal stock and family of David, born in the city of Nazareth, was brought up at Jerusalem in the temple of the Lord. Her father was named Joachim, and her mother Anna. Her father’s house was from Galilee and the city of Nazareth, but her mother’s family from Bethlehem. Their life was guileless and right before the Lord, and irreproachable and pious before men. For they divided all their substance into three parts. One part they spent upon the temple and the temple servants; another they distributed to strangers and the poor; the third they reserved, for themselves and the necessities of their family.”

Thus we can see that her parents’ selfless nature and devotion to God were passed down to Mary, shaping her into the Mother of our Lord.

Queen Helen’s quest for the Holy Cross from Rome to Jerusalem exemplifies a similar willingness and dedication. Her determination and perseverance led to the discovery of the Cross, which was buried beneath a temple by the Jews, which is now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This momentous event marked a significant turning point in Christian history, reaffirming the faith of believers and inspiring generations to come through various hymns, readings like Promiyon-Sedra of our Holy Liturgy.

These two events may seem contradictory, but they are, in fact, interconnected aspects of our faith. The mystery of the Incarnation reveals God’s infinite love, where He chose to become human, experiencing both joy and sorrow. This divine mystery invites us to participate, embracing the joy of God’s love even amidst suffering.

As we celebrate these feasts, let us remember that our lives’ joys and sorrows are part of a larger narrative – God’s love and mercy. May we offer our lives as sacrifices of praise, trusting that God will use our pain for the greater good.

May the birth of Saint Mary and the finding of the Holy Cross inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love, embracing the divine plan with courage and hope. Amen.

Yours in His Service

Fr. Ansal John

(Asst. Vicar)