An Easter message from the Bishop of Madhya Kerala and Moderator of the Church of South India, Thomas K Oommen.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whose death and resurrection, we count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God!
The fact that Easter reminds us about the victory of life over death is very relevant in our local context where the social, political, religious and cultural spaces are dominated by the forces of death. Resurrection, being a continuing experience where we unite with life and fight against structures, systems and forces of death, let us continue to engage in this battle. I am sure that our Church and society expect the same from each one of us.
As Servants of God, anointed by God to engage in the ministry of promoting life, we might be feeling disappointed at the direction our society is heading towards. Easter challenges us to gain the courage and move out of our closed doors to proclaim the Gospel of life, whatever is the cost. Let this Easter help us to remain united and work towards ushering in the realm of God, an alternative culture founded on justice, love and peace. Yes, another world is possible!
As we wrestle with fear and anxiety caused by various systems and forces that try to thwart life around us, Easter gives us the courage to ask, “O Death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” Easter gives us the answer to our question, “Who will roll the stone for us? Easter gives us the peace that is possible only through the wounded hands. The Church needs this courage, this answer and this assurance.
May I thank you for your love and prayers for me, my family and for the Church of South India, particularly for the Diocese of Madhya Kerala. May we all stand united in faith, hope and love, and trusting upon His grace, let us toil toward leading our flock, so that together with them we build an “Easter Community”.
I take this opportunity to bring Easter Greetings to your good self and all your dear ones. Please be assured of my prayers.
Wishing your good self a meaningful season of Easter and praying for you,
Yours-in-His Service
The Most Revd Thomas K. Oommen