Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ who transforms human situations

Hebrews: 13-1-8
 
                    Let’s reflect three themes from the given portion.

Significance of hospitality 
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:1-2). Even though all the Holy Scriptures demand the extension of hospitality to all especially to the poor, needy, stranger and the vulnerable its actual practice is far away from the standard expected by God. Most of the Asian and African cities, towns and villages are continued to be plagued by poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and severe discriminations. Hospitality is not merely receiving somebody with a smiling face or giving some charity to the needy around. Hospitality is the heart and practice of the gospel. Christian hospitality which proceeds from the magnanimous hospitality of God, concerns the ‘other,’ the stranger, the outsider and the foreigner. Extending the hospitality means serving Jesus. The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35f make it clear, every act of kindness done to any one in need is done to Christ himself. The church has to receive everyone as if that person is Christ.
Significance of the purity of Marriage
We frequently hear about disintegration in marriage relationships. Same sex marriages and living together without legal and ecclesial marriages are also on the increase. Marriage is not to be defiled. We are not to commit sexual immorality and thus defile ourselves. God will judge the sexually immoral and the adulterous. The words of Hebrew writer remind us “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept pure”. God invites us to follow his directions which are based on biblical principles.
Significance of Sharing 
The author warns us “keep your lives free from the love of money” v.5.  We read in 1 Timothy 6:10 “love of money is a root cause of all kinds of evil”. When we have a love of money and possessions, it is because we are not appreciating what we have. We need to stop be accumulators and be good givers and sharers. 

                                Prayer
 Lord, help us to lead a holy life by sharing our blessings with our fellow beings. Amen  

                             THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
                      Love one another  as I have loved you          

                    Sheeja Thomas, Santhigiri Ashram, Aluva


Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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