Reflections

    Called to be a witness  Bible Reading: 2 Kings 7: 3 -11 Key verse:  Vs 9 : But then they said to each other, “We shouldn't be doing this! We have good news, and we shouldn't keep it to ourselves DEVOTION In 2 Kings 7, we witness a dramatic reversal of fortune for the people of Samaria. Besieged by the Syrian army, they faced starvation and imminent death. Yet, amidst this despair, a glimmer of hope emerged through the prophet Elisha's prophetic word and the unwavering faith of four lepers. The four lepers, ostracized and isolated, found themselves in a desperate situation. Their physical condition mirrored the spiritual and emotional state of the nation. Yet, in their despair, they chose to trust in God. They acknowledged their impending doom but recognized that their current circumstances could not be worse. This realization led them to take a bold step of obedience, venturing into the Syrian camp. Elisha's prophetic word played a crucial role in inspiring the l...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: James  5:13-20 Key verse:  vs16  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.   DEVOTION  We often think of prayer as something we do in times of need. Yet, James  5:13-20 challenges us to see prayer as a way of life—a constant communion with God in every circumstance. Whether we face difficulties, rejoice in blessings, or suffer sickness, prayer is the channel through which we remain connected to our Heavenly Father. James begins by asking, "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray." Prayer is not just a last resort when life overwhelms us—it is the first step. In times of trouble, prayer anchors us to God, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength. On the other hand, when life brings joy and celebration, we are called to pray through praise, singing songs that express our gratitude for God's goodness. Prayer in every season reflects a life that is centered on God. It's a...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading:St. Matthew 6:5–15  Key verse:   “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “ St. Matthew 6:5–6 DEVOTION Whenever we use the Lord’s prayer we’re united with Christians down the centuries and across the world. Christ starts off the model prayer by addressing who we are praying to.  We are praying to the Creator of the Universe who is still our loving Father.  We have the privilege of coming to Him directly with our needs.  It is literally impossible to describe what prayer is. It is the sigh of the soul; it is one of the most beautiful words that mankind has ever used. Ultimately, pr...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: Ephesians  3:14-21 Key verse:  : For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:14,15)   DEVOTION The temple devoted to the Roman goddess Diana, centered in Ephesus, ranked among the seven wonders of the ancient world. In such an unlikely city, a tiny Christian community was in existence during Paul’s time. He preaches in this area for a couple of years, and many miracles and wonders were the hallmarks of Paul’s ministry there.  The selected passage is titled as Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians. Paul used prayer to constantly commune with God. Several facets encompass Paul’s poignant prayer that we can also adopt to shape our prayers as we commune with God. Posture  – Paul bows down before the Father in prayer as he recounts God’s abundant provision upon his mission. Paul understands that his ministry requires him to pray humbly. Our ...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: Acts 12: 5-10 Key verse:  (5) So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. DEVOTION In Acts 12, while Peter was in prison, the church was earnestly praying for him. The night before his trial, Peter, who was heavily guarded and in chains, was woken up by the angel of the Lord, released from his chains and escaped the prison, running to those he knew were praying for him, to share his testimony.  In verse 5, the Greek word used here for “earnest,”ektenōs, comes from a verb that means to stretch or extend out. Luke, the author of book of the Acts according to church tradition, paints us a picture of the desperation and intensity the Church prayed with for Peter: a stretching of their prayers, reaching out to the Lord in faith because they knew only He would be able to do what they could not.  The fervency with which the Church prayed should both inspire and challenge us. We can pr...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-17 Key verse:  vs12  Hannah was praying in her heart and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. DEVOTION “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess  5:17 ).  Through prayer, we invite God’s presence into our lives and circumstances.  We see this in today’s passage, where Hannah is “pouring out [her] soul before the Lord” (vs 15).  Hannah did not have any children. Not only that, Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, would taunt and make fun of Hannah about this.  These were difficult circumstances. But Hannah’s faith in God was not dependent on her circumstances.  She held on to what she knew to be true about her God – that He is good and faithful.   Hannah’s requests were not granted immediately.  This is the case with many of our prayers.  Although our circumstances may not change right away, continuous communion with God changes us – for the better.  In vs 28,...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: Phil 4:4-7 Key verse:  vs6 In nothing be anxious :but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto  God    DEVOTION Prayer is constant communication with God. Philippians 4:4-7 calls us to "rejoice in the Lord always" and to bring our requests to God through prayer and petition. However, prayer is not just about asking for things; it’s about recognizing God’s constant presence in our lives. When we pray, we align our hearts with His will, allowing His peace to guard us. In moments of anxiety or uncertainty, we’re reminded to "not be anxious about anything," but to bring everything before God in prayer. This constant dialogue with the Lord roots us in His grace, transforming our fears into trust and our doubts into faith. When we pray, we must PRAY with Praise, thanking God for His mercy and provision. In Repentance, we come before Him with honesty and vulnerab...

  Prayer: Constant Communion with God Bible Reading: Daniel  6: 10-14 Key verse:  Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed giving thanks to his God just as he had done before.   DEVOTION E.M Bounds, an American Christian author wrote, “We can do nothing without prayer. Our praying needs to be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistence which will not be denied, and a courage that never fails”. Daniel, a chief minister in Babylon understood the importance of prayer- constant communion with God. Daniel 6:10 reads, “Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously”. This verse illustrates Daniel’s devotion to regular time with his Creator, despite persecution. While we may not face death threats, we are distracted and pre...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God Bible Reading: John 6:52-58 Key verse:  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:54 DEVOTION As we are repeating the ‘Prayer of Confession’ after the celebrant or the ordained minister, we are confirming our commitment to the faith and resetting our minds after asking forgiveness for our sins, in thoughts, words, and deeds. In other words, we are receiving the Holy Elements with a renewed heart and reaffirmed faith which leads to renewed and fruitful life. But with modern living and life situations, we tend to repeat the prayer of confession without real commitment, or even concentration, as it’s a group event. Remember, in the olden days, Christians used to prepare themselves, starting with previous evening or night and took the Holy Communion with fasting, dedication, and prayers. The number of such individuals has dwindled much, and we attend the Holy E...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God Bible Reading: Matthew 26:26-29 Key verse:  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (Matthew 26:26) DEVOTION Matthew 26: 26-29 discusses the salvation of the human soul. God Almighty, who is omniscient, foresaw the fall of humankind and instituted a way of salvation for the human soul even before the foundation of the world. According to Romans 6:23, sin results in death, but God grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth with the mission of giving His life as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, fulfilling John the Baptist’s proclamation of Him as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). Salvation serves to bring believers into the Kingdom of God, also known as the "Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus conveyed this concept to His disciples using a series of parables, such as the Parable of the Sow...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God Bible Reading: Matthew 26:26-29 Key verse:  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (Matthew 26:26) DEVOTION Matthew 26: 26-29 discusses the salvation of the human soul. God Almighty, who is omniscient, foresaw the fall of humankind and instituted a way of salvation for the human soul even before the foundation of the world. According to Romans 6:23, sin results in death, but God grants eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth with the mission of giving His life as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, fulfilling John the Baptist’s proclamation of Him as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). Salvation serves to bring believers into the Kingdom of God, also known as the "Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus conveyed this concept to His disciples using a series of parables, such as the Parable of the Sow...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God   Bible Reading: I Corinthians 11:23-30   Key verse:  For those who eat and drink without discerning    the body of Christ eat and drink judgement on themselves. (1 Cor:  11: 29 )   DEVOTION In 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, Paul gives clear guidance on church worship, particularly the Lord’s Supper. He urges believers to proclaim Christ’s death whenever they gather and celebrate this Holy covenant. We must examine ourselves before partaking in this Qurbana which is indeed a foretaste of the kingdom of God that is to come and get established. Communion unites believers in Christ, renews our commitment to God, and calls us to repent and become a new creation. Paul teaches that through communion, we partake in Christ’s sacrifice and proclaim His death until His return. Christ’s sacrificial death reconciles us with God, preparing us for His second coming and the establishment of His kingdom. Paul urges ...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God   Bible Reading: Exodus 12:21-28 Key verse:  “It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.” (Exodus 12: 27)   DEVOTION   Exodus 12:21-28 recounts the institution of the Passover, marking Israel’s liberation from Egyptian slavery. The text reveals a God who liberates, who invites us to His table, and who meets us in worship. This narrative helps to envision how God’s saving acts invite people into a deeper relationship, shaping their faith and worship. The Passover tells us that God sides with the marginalized and leads them toward freedom. The Passover event declares that God’s power is greater than the systems that seek to enslave, and that God’s ultimate purpose is the liberation of all people from whatever holds them captive. The communal nature of the Passover meal emphasizes solidarity among t...

  Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47 Key verse:  Acts  2:42  " They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Devotion T he Holy Qurbana, or Eucharist, is a deeply sacred sacrament, offering us a foretaste of the kingdom of God. Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, it’s a profound experience of grace and communion. Jesus said He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes (Luke  22:15-16 ). In this sacrament, we are invited into a divine promise—a glimpse of the ultimate feast where all are united in His love. Acts 2:42-47 beautifully illustrates how the early church lived out this promise. Their commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread was more than routine; it was a heartfelt embrace of Christ's presence and a testament to their unity. They shared their resources, cared for each other's needs, ...

  Holy Qurbana—Foretaste of the Kingdom of God   Today’s Bible text: St. John 6:26-35   Key Verse:  “ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. — John 6:26-35 DEVOTION In John 6:26-35, Jesus speaks to the crowd after performing the miracle of feeding the five thousand. They come to Him seeking more bread, but He challenges their motives, and redirects their focus from physical sustenance to spiritual nourishment that He only can provide. The bread He offers is not like the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness (Jn.  6:35 ), which was temporary. In the Holy Communion, we partake in Christ Himself, receiving His grace and life into our souls. Just as bread and wine sustain our physical bodies, Christ's body and blood sustain us spiritually. They are the means by which we are united with Him and with one another in His body. The act of partaking in Holy Communion is also...

  Holy Qurbana—Foretaste of the Kingdom of God   Today’s Bible text: Genesis  22:10-17   Key Verse:  “Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.”  — Genesis  22:10-11   DEVOTION The story of Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 can be seen as a symbolic expression of the sacrificial love of God revealed in Christ. God asked Abraham to offer his son, a command that echoes through the ages as a picture of ultimate trust, obedience, and sacrifice. Yet at the crucial moment, God intervenes, sparing Isaac and providing a ram for the offering in his place. This pivotal moment foreshadows the greatest act of love, where God Himself would provide the ultimate sacrifice; His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The theme of sacrifice outlines our understanding of God’s plan of salvation. It also connects deeply with the meaning...

  Model for the Generations   Today’s Bible text: Titus 2:6-11 Key Verse: …the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11 DEVOTION Apostle Paul’s epistle to Titus serves as a guide for maintaining sound doctrine and Christian conduct. In Titus 2:1-11, St. Paul provides practical guidelines for different demographic groups within the church, underscoring the need for both doctrine and lifestyle to align with Christian values. These instructions on how different groups within the church should live out their faith, emphasizes that sound doctrine should shape both belief and behaviour. By addressing different age and social groups, Paul shows that every member has a role in nurturing according to the doctrines.  The term "sound doctrine" derived from Greek word "hygiaino" implies teachings that promote spiritual health and well-being. This serves as a foundation for godly living, where what one believes directly impacts how one behaves. I...

  Model for generations   Bible portion: Luke: 2:25-35   Key Verse:   “there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him” (Luke 2:25)   Devotion In Luke 2:25-35, the evangelist introduces Simeon, an elderly devout man, who waited for the "consolation of Israel." The narrative is from a time when Israel lived under Roman rule, stripped of political autonomy and subject to the whims of an empire that controlled their land, culture, and religious practices. Simeon's anticipation of the Messiah symbolizes yearning for liberation from bondages. Simeon represents a generation that remembers a free Israel, a people who have lived through oppression and domination. His actions and words embody hope for deliverance, not merely spiritual but also in a socio-political sense. The "consolation of Israel" is more than a personal salvation; it is a restoration of...