Category: Fr. Abraham’s Weekly Column

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Today is the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (more commonly known by its former name: Corpus Christi Feast). It is a powerful reminder of the why of our Sunday Eucharistic gathering: celebration of the Real Presence of Christ in our midst! It is very easy to think of the presence of Christ limiting it to Holy Communion primarily. But the Church teaches us clearly that there are four ways in which Christ is present in the Eucharist.  They are:

1)    in the gathering of the people, because “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst;”

2)    in the presider of the Mass because every priest is acting “in persona Christi” or in the person of Christ;

3)    in the Word proclaimed during Mass because it is God speaking to us about His saving message;

4)    and in the Holy Communion because it is the real Presence of Jesus in the sacred species of bread and wine.

May this Feast make us more conscious of His manifold Presence at every Eucharistic celebration and appreciate it more, to participate more consciously.

Corpus Christi feast is also an invitation to reflect on the social dimensions of the Eucharist. It calls on the faithful to recognize Christ in the marginalized and needy and to be nourished by Christ’s body and blood to serve them effectively. This echoes the Vatican II document “Lumen Gentium,” which describes the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life.” Our Community of St. Matthias is particularly known for our attentiveness to this social dimension of the Eucharist. Our Vincent De Paul Society is the visible face of our commitment and concern for the less fortunate in our midst.

Last week, our parish hosted the annual gathering of all the Social Ministers of various parishes of our Diocese of Metuchen. Maria Hunter, the Diocesan Director of the Office of Parish Social Ministry, organized this as she has been doing for some 25 years. Social ministers from different parishes came for getting to know each other, sharing a meal and their experiences, and for exploring ways and means to help the poor more easily and efficiently. I found that this gathering provided “nourishment” for mind, body, spirit, and ministry!

Bishop Checchio and Mr. Tony Kearns, the Chancellor of the Diocese, were with us to share their thoughts and give us encouragement. It was very encouraging for us all to hear the stories that many social ministers shared about so many individuals receiving help during challenging circumstances in their lives. Our own Vincent De Paul Society leaders shared very touching stories of helping those in need in our area. I wish to thank our Vincent De Paul Society for their very hard work to care for those in desperate need for our help. Thanks to our parishioners who give so generously to this important ministry of social concerns. We are truly living out the social dimension of the Holy Eucharist. We become the Body of Christ, not only when we say Amen while receiving Holy Communion, but also when we accept and care for the larger Body of Christ – the least of our brothers and sisters around us. 

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Most Holy Trinity Sunday

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and grandfathers. Coming a month after Mother’s Day, it is only natural for some to compare these two wonderful events. You may have heard the response of a child when asked to describe Father’s Day: “Father’s Day is like Mother’s Day, except the gift is cheaper.” If that is true, then it is a sad truth, because it is not easy being a dad. There are many fine Dads in our congregation, and we want to honor them today. Many fathers are role models like St. Thomas More and St. Louis Martin (the father of the Little Flower), heroes of our Faith.

Even in these days when mothers are doing so much for the family, fathers are expected to be the providers for and the protectors of the family.  They are also supposed to be attuned emotionally and spiritually to their wives and children and to be able to balance careers with family life.  Fathers struggle to overcome temptation and conflict.  They make sacrifices day after day for their families.  They try to give their youngsters the kind of model that surely they deserve above all else, a model of goodness, holiness, faith, trust in God, and fidelity to the teachings of the Church.  This is what Father’s Day should remind us of.   This is a time for all fathers to reflect upon their duties as responsible and well-integrated men.  True fatherhood demands commitment.  Commitment demands maturity, sacrifice, and love.  Fatherhood also demands responsibility.  Every true father will take responsibility for all of his actions.  Our nation has an urgent need for good fathers.

But while the idea of fatherhood is a good one, the reality we see on earth is sometimes quite different.  Some fathers abandon their children, beat them, ridicule or ignore them, abuse them, and damage them psychologically for life. Even good fathers have their limits.  Unfortunately, we unduly sentimentalize fatherhood, the media often ridicule and make fun of it, and some treat it with contempt.  We are reminded time after time of the number of children growing up fatherless because their fathers have abandoned them or their fathers have been unfaithful. This day is a reminder of what all fathers should be.

Yet, the very term ‘Father’ is what we use both for earthly fathers and for our heavenly Father. A favorite gift for Father’s Day is the cap emblazoned with the words “World’s Greatest Dad.”  You may see more of them on the heads of proud fathers everywhere.  There is one dad, however, who doesn’t always get a lot of honor on Father’s Day.  That is the “World’s Greatest Dad,” OUR HEAVENLY FATHER (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6).

William Wordsworth said: “Father! – to God himself we cannot give a holier name.” God is our spiritual Daddy, actively involved in all areas of our lives.  It is He on Whom we lean in times of pain and hurt; it is He on Whom we call in times of need; it is He Who provides for us in all ways — practical, emotional, and spiritual.  He wants us to think of Him as “Dad.”  This being so, let us take this Father’s Day to honor Him, the REAL “World’s Greatest Dad.”  Many of us pray the “Our Father” day after day, without paying attention to, or experiencing, the love and providence of our Heavenly Father.  Let us pray the Our Father always realizing the meaning of each clause and experiencing the love of our Heavenly Father for us.  May all earthly fathers draw strength from their Heavenly Father!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Pentecost Sunday

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Happy Feast of Pentecost! Pentecost is considered the watershed event in Christianity. The Acts of the Apostles recounts the story of the original Pentecost when the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary, gathered in the Upper Room, were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in different tongues (Acts 2). Peter’s speech that day brought about three thousand people to the way of Jesus. (Acts 2:41).  A small body of believers was empowered to be evangelizers as the Holy Spirit filled them. And the Church began to grow.

During my homily last Sunday, I mentioned a group of Jesus Youth who had asked me for permission to use our Church today for prayer and worship time to celebrate Pentecost. Some of our parishioners asked me about this group. So I thought of writing briefly about them.

“Jesus Youth” (JY) is an international Catholic movement that challenges young people to live a meaningful, creative, and fulfilling life. This life begins with a personal, loving encounter with Jesus and continues as they grow in a joyful spirituality within a community of like-minded friends. It had its beginnings in Kerala, India, and evolved as an active part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the state in the late 1970s. In 1985, the International Year of Youth, a number of youth groups came together under a single name, Jesus Youth. Jesus Youth is approved by the Vatican and is present in over 40 countries.

JY is known for its spirituality that promotes an active Catholic lifestyle that is relevant to a young layperson facing the challenges of life. The movement follows a lifestyle modelled on the life of Jesus Christ, based on the Six Pillars of Spirituality:

  • Prayer: At the heart of the movement is a daily ‘quiet time’ with the Lord that leads to an experience of a loving friendship with Jesus and fosters a joyful attitude to life.
  • Word of God: A regular time for a meditative reading of the Sacred Scripture helps to shape one’s life according to God’s will.
  • Sacramental Life: Frequent and active participation in the seven Sacraments, with emphasis on the Eucharist and Confession
  • Fellowship: Christian life is a call to live the life of the Trinity in communion with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ through mutual support, encouragement and gentle correction.
  • Evangelization: Fruit of an active life with Jesus is a joyful commitment to witnessing, sharing the person and message of Jesus with others. This commitment to evangelization is central to the life of every member of Jesus Youth.
  • Option for the Poor: Willingness to serve those in need and a preferential option for the poor are the signs of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I have personally known many JY members some of whom are members of our own parish. They are like leaven in the bread that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20–21. I have always been edified by these youth and young adults who live a life of discipleship in their families and work place. In the name of the parish community of St. Matthias, I’m very happy to welcome the Jesus Youth of New Jersey to use our church for their Pentecost celebration of prayer, praise and fellowship.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Hearty congratulations to our St. Matthias Graduates of the Class of 2025! Each year as we celebrate graduation, we all–parents, school administration, faculty, staff, the Principal, and the priests-go through mixed feelings. Joy and pride at the successful school life completion of these young boys and girls, whose holistic formation was entrusted to us. Sadness and even grief at missing their constant presence as they leave us for their next phase of life’s journey. But we wish them God’s blessings and pray that each of them will become the best version of what God wants them to be.

As we know, this is the graduation season for hundreds of thousands of students all over our country.  But many of them will not have the unique way of celebrating graduation as our 8th graders had here at St. Matthias School: celebrating it with the Holy Mass, followed by the graduation ceremony. The involvement and participation of the graduates in reading, singing, and leading the prayer of petitions brought joy and pride to their families, the faculty, and the administration of the school. The Pre-K and Kindergarten graduation ceremonies also will have the unique Catholic touch, though without Mass. This way of celebrating the graduation gives a distinct identity and message to our children and parents. The catholic identity makes us realize that we continue to further the mission of Jesus Christ through Catholic education. St. Matthias School’s motto, “Faith, Caring and Excellence,” puts our Catholic faith first without diminishing the importance given to caring for the person and striving for excellence in all aspects of school education. Many students received awards for academics and for various other achievements. St. John Paul II rightly said: “The mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students…”

We are also aware, as mentioned in earlier editions of the bulletin, that Mrs. Mary Lynch, our Principal, who has been nurturing these graduates as well as all the students of St. Matthias, will be leaving us. Though I had requested her to reconsider her decision to resign, I respect her decision and I wish to thank her, in the name of all, for her dedication to St. Matthias School. She has been associated with this school for over a decade in various capacities. After a beautiful surprise farewell party for her, she wrote to the faculty and parish staff: “The last 12 years being a part of St. Matthias has been a blessing for me.  I will always attribute my life being changed by Sister Jean when she called and asked if I wanted to be HSA president.  Who would have thought that would have led to me subbing here, teaching here, and then becoming principal.  I love giving my all to everyone here at St. Matthias School… I will definitely miss being here every day….” Thank you Mrs. Lynch, and may God’s grace continue to accompany you.

It is also well known that my own transition was announced as I will take up my next assignment at Our Lady of Peace parish, Fords, on August 1st. Hence I too experience the mixed feelings of joy of fulfilment in the pastoral ministry, and sadness at leaving this beautiful community of St. Matthias. But no matter where we all will move to, we are all part of the People of God and so we will carry our Catholic faith and heritage as well as keep the flag of St. Matthias flying high.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is the feast of Philip Neri, who is the patron saint of joy and laughter. I wish to reflect with you on this important theme. On May 14, the Feast of our patron Saint Matthias, the gospel reading had this line from Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” (John 15: 11). In the following chapter, Jesus said, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you” (John 16:22). Jesus was a joyful person (though this topic is not often highlighted nor preached about sufficiently) and Philip Neri followed that joyful spirit in his own life. So let us look at each:

Do the gospels contain indications that Jesus was joyful or humorous? Yes. The verse I quoted above (John 15:11) was said by Jesus at the last supper, just before his agony in the garden, all the while aware of his impending betrayal, torture, and crucifixion. He was conscious of the personal joy in his heart, and he wanted to pass it on to his disciples and to us.

Gospels testifies that during his years of ministry, little children came to Jesus, and mothers brought their babies to him, and he took to them easily. If Jesus were to be a serious person, children would not have gone to him. Years ago I read a book titled “The humor of Jesus,” where the author showed how Jesus used the kind of humor prevalent in the Jewish society of that time, which was exaggerated comparison. Things like a “camel going through the eye of a needle,” “a blind leading a blind and both falling down,” or a “log in your neighbor’s eye” were very humorous to his audiences, and we can assume that they roared in laughter.

St. Philip Neri realized that Jesus was truly anointed with the oil of gladness and so wanted to make this joy of Jesus his own. St. Philip Neri was known as the “Second Apostle of Rome” for his extraordinary evangelical work in 16th-century Rome. He was well known to have had a remarkable sense of humor and a great love for laughter. He used to show up to important events with half his beard shaved or give incorrect walking directions to his disciples to have a laugh at their expense. He would read a book of jokes to enjoy himself as well as regale others with laughter. He believed that these behaviors helped him to connect with other people through being present and humble.

St. Philip Neri founded the Confederation of Oratories of Saint Philip Neri (Latin: Confoederatio Oratorii Sancti Philippi Nerii), abbreviated C.O. and commonly known as the Oratorians. Theirs is a Catholic society of apostolic life of pontifical right for men (priests and religious brothers), living in community. In our own diocese we are privileged to have the Oratorians at St. Ann, St. Joseph, and Blessed Sacrament Shrine – all in Raritan, and at Holy Trinity in Bridgewater. We wish them a very happy feast of their patron. We can ask ourselves: How can we be apostles of joy today? St. Philip suggests, “Have all the fun you want, but just don’t offend God.” We can also keep in mind the words of St. Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4-6).

We will have a picture of a smiling Jesus in our church so that we can be reminded to keep His  joy in our hearts and be joyful as Jesus was.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

By now, we have heard a lot about our new Pope – Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The excitement continues with the totally unexpected choice of an American pope by the Cardinals who attended the Conclave. Though the new Pope is American, now he belongs to the whole world. As one commentator said, one-third of his life was in the US, one-third in Rome, and one-third in Peru. His varied experience – missionary life in Peru, work in the Vatican Dicastry, and American upbringing – will have a bearing on his ability to steer the bark of Peter for years to come.

What is less known may be that he belongs to an order or religious congregation. As we know, Pope Francis was a Jesuit. Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian, and the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to become a pope. The Augustinian Order, fundamentally based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and later of St. Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo (354 – 430 A.D.), was founded to live and promote the spirit of community as lived by the first Christian communities (Acts of the Apostles 4, 32-35). It was founded in 1244, when Pope Innocent IV united various groups of hermits in service to the Universal Church as a community of Mendicant Friars. The Order, from its very beginning, has recognized Saint Augustine of Hippo as its father, teacher, and spiritual guide, not only because it has received the “Rule” and the name of the Order from him, but also because it has received from him its doctrine and spirituality.

In his very address to the world as he first appeared at the balcony of St. Peter’s Vatican, Pope Leo said: I am an Augustinian, a son of Saint Augustine, who once said, “With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.”  In this sense, all of us can journey together toward the homeland that God has prepared for us.” That brings so much hope and good feeling about the new papacy. In his first homily the next day of the election, the pope pledged to be a “faithful administrator” of the Catholic church and outlined that the church needs to continue its “missionary outreach.”

These words resonated with me personally as I was a missionary back in India for many years. In our American context, we can easily relate to his exhortation to be a missionary church. “A lack of faith,” Pope Leo underscored, “is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.” Today, he observed, “there are many settings in which Jesus, although appreciated as a man, is reduced to a kind of charismatic leader or superman.”

Acknowledging this happens “not only among non-believers but also among many baptized Christians,” Pope Leo warned that, as such, they “end up living, at this level, in a state of practical atheism.” With this in mind, Pope Leo reassured the congregation, “This is the world that has been entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour.” “Therefore,” he continued, “it is essential that we too repeat, with Peter: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”

We thank God for the gift of this pope, this son of our land, as the chief shepherd of the People of God for the whole world. May God continue to use him as the worthy successor of St. Peter.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Today is Happy Mother’s Day! And the World Day of Prayer for Vocations! These two occasions, converging this year on the fourth Sunday of Easter, have a special significance. Today’s gospel is about Jesus the good shepherd, and so today is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Every year on this fourth Sunday of Easter, the gospel gives insight into Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd who said about his sheep: “I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand..” (John 10:27-28).

How appropriate that the shepherding qualities are lived by the mothers. A shepherding mother guides, nurtures, and protects her children, providing love, support, and wise counsel. She is a source of strength and guidance, helping them navigate life’s challenges to grow in maturity. Shepherding mothers offer encouragement and counsel, and love them unconditionally. We have so many such mothers and grandmothers in our lives and in our community. We salute them today for their vocation to motherhood. We want them to know how much we appreciate their selfless dedication to nurturing their children, young and not so young. We cannot forget many other women who may not have children of their own and yet do a lot of shepherding: mothers who have adopted, step-mothers, teachers, counselors, catechists, godmothers, etc. We remember all of them and ask for God’s continued blessings upon them. We also pray this day for those who struggled to be a mother, those who, because of circumstances, could not be a mother, and for those who have experienced miscarriages, stillbirths, crib deaths, or the death of a child because of illness, accident, or violence.

Today, the church all over the world prays for vocations. As Catholics, we firmly believe that God has a plan for our lives! He calls some to marriage, some to the priesthood, and others to religious life or to live as generous single people. In one of the homilies by St. John Paul II said: “Jesus has a specific task in life for each and every one of us. Each one of us is hand-picked, called by name by Jesus! There is no one among us who does not have a divine vocation! Some are called audibly by God, but the usual kind of call is internal, through the inner working of the Spirit.” Fully living our own vocations—and teaching young people how to discern God’s call—is a serious duty, but also a joyful one. During this week, please encourage the young people in your life—children, grandchildren, students, and friends—to be open if God calls them to priesthood or religious life.

The feast of St. Matthias, our Parish Patron, is on May 14. Though it falls on a weekday, we need to be reminded of the importance of this saint who was chosen to replace Judas. Even a week ago, some people asked me about confusing St. Matthias with St. Matthew. I explained. The Acts of the Apostles 1:12-26 narrates beautifully why the 11 Apostles felt that they had to have a 12th one. St. Peter said that they had to “choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,  beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” There were two candidates who met these two conditions. Therefore “they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26) and Matthias was chosen by lot. Our Patron saint invites us to imitate him by being with Jesus and being a witness of the resurrection of Jesus.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Third Sunday of Easter

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Today is the fourth day in May, and many of us know this date as Star Wars Day because of the phrase, “May the force be with you,” used by Jedi masters in the Star Wars movies. While not officially declared, the holiday has been embraced by fans and the Walt Disney Company. I have seen our school students having fun on this day in the past when it fell on a weekday.

I always smile at this phrase of Jedi “May the force be with you,” because even though the sci-fi community in general does not acknowledge the existence of God, this phrase sounds to me, as a clear admission that there is a higher power beyond their control and as their way of surrendering the outcome of a dangerous mission to this higher power they name as “Force” that we Christians name as God or Jesus Christ.

Today, we conclude the Novendiales or Novena in memory of Pope Francis, whose passing brought an unprecedented focus on the Catholic Church in general, and the papacy of Francis in particular. As I mentioned in my homily, it is very important and beneficial for us to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. Some asked me about the criticisms of Francis. My only answer is that Jesus himself was criticized, so why are we surprised that Pope Francis is also criticized? And on every point of criticism, I pointed out that Francis was doing exactly the mind of Jesus, even when it brought about some ambiguity and confusion which was meant to make us all rethink and re-evaluate our own attitudes. Therefore, let us reflect on how we might personally have grown because of his words, writings, and witness.

What made Pope Francis so endearing to the whole world? As the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergolio was unpopular with many Argentine politicians because he had been a staunch and brave critic of the corruption and economic inequality there. During Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970’s, he was sent into de facto exile in Frankfurt, Germany, and then to the remote Córdoba, Argentina. These difficult years shaped his compassionate worldview and strengthened his resolve to stand with those facing injustice.

Besides his political activism, what often endeared Pope Francis to all was his simplicity, coupled with his tireless immersion in poor communities.  The world saw the way he was able to blend in with the very ordinary people. While his actions of humility and simplicity raised many eyebrows in the establishment, he became all the more endearing to the world. Asking for a blessing from the crowds at his first appearance as pope, refusing to live in the luxurious penthouse of the papal apartments and choosing the modest two-room suite in the Vatican’s Saint Martha guesthouse, carrying his own luggage and paying his own hotel bills, washing the feet of women and even non catholic prisoners, driving a modest, 20-year-old white Renault, wearing the black leather shoes instead of the traditional red papal footwear, … the list goes on, a list that made him very unique in the history of the papacy.

But his teachings and writings have promoted a spirituality that is easy for even the very ordinary folks to understand and relate to. All of us can learn a lot from Pope Francis to be simple and humble. We too can spread the joy of the gospel as he did so warm-heartedly. May he rest in peace.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Sunday of Divine Mercy

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Last Monday morning, we all woke up to the sad and shocking news of the death of Pope Francis. Ever since, there has been constant coverage about his life, achievements, and legacy, and speculations about his successor. We, the Catholic Community of St. Matthias, mourn his death, as we thank God for the gift he was to the Church and to the world, for the many ways he has inspired the whole world with his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to Jesus Christ. To the church, he was a reformer who made the church more welcoming and inclusive. To the world, he was a voice that called for unity, peace, and justice, especially championing the cause of those marginalized.

All this media coverage about the life and legacy of Pope Francis is truly a time of evangelization. The world is coming to know more about Jesus Christ and His mission in and through the church, and especially through the papacy. We thank God for the good shepherding that Pope Francis gave to the church and the world.

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Francis always preached mercy, but more importantly, he practiced it. He showed everybody, in a very tangible way, the endless capacity of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Proclaiming the special Jubilee Year of Mercy of 2016, Francis reminded us that the name of God is “mercy” (Exodus 34:6) and asked us all to enter the great ocean of God’s mercy: “How many are the expressions of mercy with which God encounters us? They are numerous and it is impossible to describe them all, for the mercy of God continually increases. God never tires of showing us mercy and we should never take for granted the opportunity to receive, seek, and desire this mercy. It is something always new, which inspires awe and wonder as we see God’s immense creativity in the ways he comes to meet us.”

We know that today’s feast was instituted by St. John Paul II, in order to realize the depth of the mercy of God for each one of us personally. Saint Faustina’s diary entry # 206 has these words Jesus told her: “On the day of My feast, the Feast of Mercy, you will go through the whole world and bring fainting souls to the spring of My mercy.  I shall heal and strengthen them”. Pope Francis has been an ardent promoter of divine mercy. His first book as pope is titled: The Name of God is Mercy. Four years ago, on the 90th anniversary (1931-2021) of the first apparition to St. Faustina. Pope exhorted all to “pass on the fire of Jesus’ merciful love.”

And yet, today’s gospel is about doubting the resurrection of Jesus by one of the 12 Apostles! Presenting the famous profession of Faith from Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” the Gospel illustrates how Jesus showed his mercy to this doubting apostle and emphasizes the importance of faith and surrender. Please read elsewhere in today’s bulletin what St. Thomas accomplished with his reaffirmed faith converting many in the south of India who continue to live and pass on the same faith under the large community of Syrian Christians among whom is a big segment of Catholics. The experience of Thomas invites us to be liberated from doubts and reservations about our faith, first by verbalizing our doubts and trying to get answers from those who know, and second by surrendering our lives to the Risen Lord of mercy and hope.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Easter Sunday

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

Dear Friends,

Happy Easter!

This year’s Easter is very special for the whole of the Christendom. This year (2025), we have a remarkable coincidence: Both the Eastern and Western Christians are holding Easter on the same day today, April 20, a joint celebration that doesn’t happen often. Last year (2024), you may remember that Catholics and much of the rest of the world celebrated Easter on March 31, while the Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on May 5. The difference is due to the fact that most Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C. and the Catholic Church and pretty much the rest of the world follow the Gregorian calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII’s 1582. This will avoid the confusion that happens every time when we hear about the Orthodox churches celebrating Easter much later than our date of Easter.

This convergence has reopened discussions that all the Christian denominations must agree on a common date for Easter and Christmas. Earlier this year, Pope Francis used this year’s coincidence to bring the topic up in remarks at an ecumenical prayer service marking the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “I renew my appeal that this coincidence may serve as an appeal to all Christians to take a decisive step forward towards unity around a common date for Easter. The Catholic Church is open to accepting the date that everyone wants: a date of unity.” This hope and wish have been expressed also by the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who is the archbishop of Constantinople and 270th successor of St. Andrew the Apostle. But will it happen, since it is beset with so many procedural hurdles? Time will tell.

But let us rejoice and celebrate this Easter as one people of God: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!” (Psalm 118:24). Today we celebrate the completion of the sacred Triduum in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These “Great Three Days” form the centerpiece of God’s salvific work in Christ. While it still remains a mystery, the grief and agony of the cross from Good Friday and Holy Saturday is now tempered and balanced with the joy of Easter Sunday.

Haven’t you wondered why the Church insists that Easter is the most important feast of the year while the secular world gives so much importance to Christmas? The Resurrection of Christ is the basis of our Christian faith and foundation of church. St. Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your faith is in vain.” (I Corinthians 15: 14). We are in the Holy Year 2025 with its theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Easter is the guarantee of our hope for our own resurrection. Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies” (John 11: 25-26).

We have every reason to be an “Easter People” and to sing Halleluiah loud and clear.

Easter Blessings!

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

Pastor