Vicar: Rev. Shaji Kochummen

REACHING FORWARD (PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16)

“Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep this law.” Proverbs 29:18


Happy New Year! When we come across a New Year, we go through an irresistible exercise which is both looking back and looking forward. Looking backward makes us only regret because of the unaccomplished tasks, unfulfilled dreams, failures, shortcomings, etc.; whereas looking forward into the future brightens us up with the possibilities of new hope, new strength, and new avenues that are ahead of us to be ventured into with the help of God.


In the hymn ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness O God my Father’ the author Thomas Obediah Chisholm mentions in one of the verses that strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow is what we need.


In his letter to the Philippians, Apostle Paul says that we need to forget the past and look forward to the things that are ahead: “…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13).

We with our minimal wisdom can’t see what lies ahead, or what await us in this New Year; but God is faithful, He will lead us through as He led us in the past. As we begin this New Year, let’s set new goals and new visions as individuals, families, and the Church. Let’s ask God for His wisdom, strength, and guidance so that our lives will be a blessing to many who come across our lives.


We with our minimal wisdom can’t see what lies ahead, or what await us in this New Year; but God is faithful, He will lead us through as He led us in the past. As we begin this New Year, let’s set new goals and new visions as individuals, families, and the Church. Let’s ask God for His wisdom, strength, and guidance so that our lives will be a blessing to many who come across our lives.


“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13


As we solemnly observe Good Friday, contemplating the sacrificial love that led to redemption, let Easter dawn with the joyous revelation of resurrection. May these Holy Days bring profound reflection, renewed faith, and the radiant light of divine grace into your life.


With love and prayers,

Shaji Achen