Holy Gospel lesson for the week
by
H.G.Dr.Yakob Mar Irenaios
Koodosh-Eetho
Sanctification of the church
As the Church Year opens, the question of Jesus stands out:
Who do you say I am?
May be we are called to answer that question many times in our lives!
This Sunday we are led to reflect in the sanctity and grandeur of the Church, which is the bride of Christ. This divine institution has been thoroughly misunderstood and misinterpreted by many Christians! It is not and can never be like any secular or religious institution known to human civilization. It is founded, sustained & sanctified by God. When diverse interpretation give rise to newer and newer churches and confessions, one is at a loss to understand the real meaning and significance of Church, faith and life in faith. It proves fatal when church is (mis)handled like a secular institution.
We are also told that each believer is called to be a stone or rock in faith. Such faithfuls constitute the body of church. They are ready to sacrifice, suffer and thus replenish the Church of Christ. Our knowledge of Church itself is not man made, but revealed by the Father in Heaven. Then how come that newer churches are breeding like mushrooms?
Besides, the sanctification of Church is caused by the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord of the Church. Even disciples are surprised and dumbfounded when Jesus reveals this to them!