The stream of Kerala Christianity, pioneered by Apostle Thomas, magnified in strength and modified in diversity down the ages, found its way into a quiet hamlet of Mallappally... where in course of time there arose a worshipping community in the Anglican strain. Nurtured by the culture of Mallappally, and always contributing to the history of Mallappally, it moves on in the grace of God - faithful in its commitment, honest in its convictions, lofty in its concerns, and above all, blessed in its calling. Here's for you, more of our 'Immanuel Story'...


St. Thomas Christians The Geographical area that is now Kerala was never an isolate. Ev....

February 2010

Lent: A Season for Self Reflection
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18: 18)

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Praises be to the Lord, who has assured us of His return!

We are now in the Lenten season. This should be a time of evaluating ourselves in the light of the Scriptures. Let us all take a step to realize our failures, and turn back to God with repentance.

Do we live with a feeling of satisfaction that our lives are ok? A true realization of what we are can come only if we see ourselves in the light of the Bible. The Bible is a powerful mirror, that shows us the true self within. Look into it deeply, and see what we really are.

A certain ruler came to Jesus and asked Him: "Lord, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Read of it in Luke 18: 18- 30). He had been following all commandments right from childhood. But Jesus pointed out the flaw within him. He was a person who loved what all he had; and hence, he was unable to love anyone beyond himself, or do them any good. All his possessions were for his own benefit. That attitude was the biggest drawback in his life. This negative aspect, which was hidden from his own eyes, was revealed to him by Jesus. But. he was not willing to rectify this error. He valued his prized possessions than his God. He failed to accept the fact that money and wealth are gifts from God, and that he was supposed to use them as God wanted him to do. And so, he went away from Jesus, with a sore heart.

What attitude do we have towards money and possessions? Have we been able to acknowledge God's desires about us? Let's decide to turn to God with a fervent prayer: "God, help me to surrender myself totally to Your will!"

There was this scholar - an expert of the Law - who came to Jesus, wanting to justify his own ways (Luke 10: 25 - 37). But he realized that his own attitudes were wrong. Jesus really grounded him and his ideas for self justification. How difficult must have been for him to accept the fact that the Samaritan was his neighbor!

The ideas that we have been considering to be right till now may have to be changed. When God brings new lessons to our lives, are we willing to accept them?

A true repentance - let us come before God with such a spirit. Can we use this Lenten season to pray that God will clearly reveal to us all that is wrong within us?
May the Lord bless us!

In Christ,
Rev. K Mathews Elanjickal