Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the name our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! By the grace of God, we had one more opportunity to participate in the Lent, Passion and Easter Services. As we are moving ahead with our life and ministry, let us be encouraged and challenged by the resurrected Christ. Resurrection is the victory over death and all the forces of evil. The victorious Christ should be our motivating factor, not any worldly things.

St. Paul described church as the body of Christ. The term Body of Christ actually refers to the members of His church. True believers in Christ together form the body of Christ.  Mark 14:22 says, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take it; this is my body." This symbolic act is the beginning of the Communion Service which Christians accept as a remembrance that they are a part of the body of Jesus Christ due to Jesus' death on the cross. The body of Christ, like any human body, is comprised of many parts. There are different organs in the body and when left alone are useless, but when together and connected make up the entire body. In 1Corinthians 12:12-14 Paul describes, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body –.” Each Christian is a part of the body of Christ! In Ephesians 1:22-23, "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

Every Christian possesses a gift and is called to use it in the service within the body to build up the body of Christ, to strengthen the body and to carry out its purpose in the world (1Corinthians 12:27-28). Each member of the body of Christ is also called to serve the church through his or her natural gifts and abilities. This service is offered out of devotion to Christ for the sacrifice He has made on the cross, providing them with eternal life in heaven. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body strong!

Body of Christ - Personal Application

As a part of the church, what can we do to enhance the body of Christ? The body is a holy entity and is to be respected and treated with complete honor and care. The Bible provides several action principles for building up the body of Christ:

• You are called to promote truth and unity - Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

• You are called to service - 1Corinthians 12:4-11 outlines the importance of using your God-given spiritual gift. Your gift is unique and equally important. It is essential to the body that you use your special gift in service to God.

• You are called to share Jesus - Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…" As part of the body of Christ, you are to share your life-changing story with others!

• You are called to worship – Psalm 92:1-2, "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,.." 

• You are called to love one another - 1John 4:11, "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Are you a member contributing towards the action principles for building up the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to peace and unity within the body? Do you worship regularly? Take a moment to evaluate your life in the light of these principles. Let us pray together:

"Heavenly Father, Thank you for making me part of Your Body. It is my desire to be an active member of Your church by serving, promoting unity and sharing my faith with others. Give me opportunities to accomplish these things for Your glory! Use me LORD! Amen.

Let us enjoy as members of the body of Christ and with a new spirit, let us be  witnesses of Christ our risen Savior and Lord.

I thank all the office bearers for their dedicated work and may the Heavenly Father shower all His blessings upon them. I am very happy to welcome the new committee in our joint ministry for the Glory of God.

May God’s blessings be upon each and every member of our Parish.

Yours in the holy name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Daniel Varghese Achen