HOME COMING ...

Finally, we are back home… after three weeks of homelessness we are back to our church! As the American presbyterian minister and theologian, Frederick Buechner reflects: “For some people going to Church is going home. In a very profound sense, I would say the same thing. Home is where Christ is”. Many of you have sighed with great joy, hearing last Sunday’s announcement, “On Palm Sunday, we should be going back to church” Yes, for most Catholics, Church may be the most frequent place after our residence. The church, however, is more than just a location of religious ceremonies. It is a place of refuge, a place where God provides shelter and protection. The Israelites had that conviction about God’s temple, and it is explicit in Psalms: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?... One thing I ask of the Lord, only that do I seek. To live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, all the days of my life”. (Psalm 27: 1, 4) It is in this house of the Lord, we bring all our cares and burdens of our lives. Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, waits for us in our churches, inviting us: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Mat 11:28

This experience of God’s presence and his protection inspires us to be together around the Eucharistic table. Even with all inconveniences you filled the cafeteria of St. Francis Xavier School. Your enthusiasm in all the moving, setting up, cleaning etc. was amazing. One simple invitation was good enough to gather a hundred people to volunteer! Your faith and commitment always amaze me, and I am humbled by your witness and willingness. May the Lord bless you. As you are aware, our Sanctuary renovation is still in the process of being completed. We are grateful for the hard work of our contractors for the Sanctuary restructuring and tiling work. The Volunteer team of Carpenters under the leadership of Marco Antonio is working tirelessly to add the rest of the facilities as it completes. Our St. FrancisXavier Guild members and other volunteers are always ready to help with timely moving cleaning. We request you to continue with your ongoing prayers as we complete the Sanctuary renovation work.

In Christ,

Fr. James Cherickal