Bro.S. John Meckanrow
Beadle
The door of faith is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into His Church - Pope Benedict XVI
Indeed, I am glad to pen down a few words on the occasion of the year of faith which was solemnly declared and beckoned by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the globalised and communalized scenario. Accordingly, the year of faith is a golden opportunity to renew and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ amidst the world torn apart by materialism, consumerism and relativism.
Today, we live in a world which is laden with evil, violence, poverty, injustice, selfishness, intolerance and hatred. It presents before us so many barriers and challenges not to practice one’s religious faith. The Satan, the prince of the world manipulates and tempts us to cope up with the fancies of this world with its external name, fame, prestige, pleasure and power. So, in this dismal state, the ever vibrant year of faith becomes more relevant, to be a joyful witness of Christ and loving service, help to build a civilization of love, recognizing the dignity of each human person and above all, it is worth taking risks for Christ and his gospel. For this, we are called and this is what the year of faith demands from each one of us.
Accordingly, keeping in mind the desire and aim of the year of faith, we, the Josem family have discussed and planned the program of the whole year of faith, that is: devotionally participating in the Holy Eucharist, reading the Word of God regularly and attentively, sharing the faith experience with one another, conducting seminar and organizing symposium and faithfully attending to our daily tasks. Above all to make it more meaningful each one of us is called to personalize the year of faith in one’s very life.
I do accept in this contemporary context the year of faith comes as a challenge. It calls for a long uphill struggle , one that demands faith in the very power of what we believe in. So, let us open our minds and hearts and allow this year of faith instill deep into us so that we too may like St. Paul confidently proclaim that “We Live By Faith, Not By Sight.” (2 Cor 5:7)
Bro. John Meckanrow
Beadle