Message of the Month

Dearly Beloved,
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. As St. Paul declares, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The early Church Fathers, in their reflections, affirmed this as the moment of divine victory over sin and death. St. Athanasius in his On the Incarnation writes: “He endured death and made it of no account, and by the grace of the resurrection He abolished it as utterly as straw is consumed by fire.” This victory calls us to live in the newness of life, embodying the resurrection hope in our daily existence.
Witnessing the Resurrection in Our Lives
Easter is not just an event to be celebrated but a reality to be lived. St. Augustine reminds us, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.” This means that as Christians, we are called to be agents of hope, justice, and love in our world today. In the context of India’s socio-political realities, how can the Christian faith be made manifest?
Commitment to Peace and Reconciliation
St. Cyprian of Carthage wrote: “Peace must be preserved with all one’s strength, nor should the unity of the Church be rent.” In an India often divided by religious, political, and caste-based tensions, the message of Easter calls us to be ambassadors of peace. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, we reflect the love of Christ who came to unite, not divide.
St. John Chrysostom exhorts: “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.” Jesus’ resurrection is a call to care for the least among us—the poor, the oppressed, and the voiceless. In India, where economic disparity and social injustices persist, Christian faith must be visible in acts of charity, social work, and advocacy for the rights of the downtrodden.
Tertullian once remarked: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” While India is home to a rich religious diversity, Christians are sometimes called to bear witness to their faith amid challenges. This does not mean aggressive proselytization but a steadfast, joyful, and humble testimony of Christ’s love, engaging in respectful interfaith dialogue and standing for truth and righteousness.
St. Irenaeus teaches: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” In a time where corruption and ethical compromises are often seen in public life, Christian witness must shine through honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The challenges of modern society also include the increasing issue of drug abuse and the struggles of teenagers with their identity, including questions of sexual orientation. St. Basil the Great warns against the destruction caused by addiction: “Nothing is so hostile to the soul as the distraction of the senses when overindulged.” The Church must provide support, guidance, and a loving presence to those struggling with substance abuse, fostering rehabilitation programs and pastoral care.
St. Gregory of Nyssa reminds us: “Let all things be done with love.” While the Church upholds moral teachings, it is essential to approach young people with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to walk with them in their journey, ensuring they feel valued, heard, and supported in a world that often confuses identity with worth.
The joy of Easter is a commissioning—to go forth and be witnesses of the Resurrection. As St. Ignatius of Antioch urged: “It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one.” May our Easter celebration not remain within the church walls but inspire us to live out the Gospel in the public square, offering the hope of Christ to our nation. Let us all rejoice in his resurrection and proclaim the good news along with the departed saints and the departed souls, saying: Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Yours in His Service
Fr. Ansal John
(Asst. Vicar)