Pentecost 22

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay sermon

The Greatest Commandment and the Greatest Lord

(Matthew 22:34-46)

There was once a youngman who wanted to become a pilot. He studies every manual, memorized every switch in the cockpit, and could answer almost any question about flying. One day, an experienced pilot asked him, “if everything went wrong at once, the instruments, the radio, the engine warnings lights, what is the on thing you must never forget?”

The young man offered a long, complicated answer. The pilot smiled and said, “Keep the plane flying; everything else can be dealt with later.” Life can feel much the same. With so many responsibilities, opinions, pressures, and questions, we may struggle to know which task or decision matters most. In today’s Gospel, an expert in the law asks Jesus a similar question: “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus gives a simple answer the truth that keeps life on course: love God and love your neighbor.

The question behind the question: The pharisees came to test Jesus. One of them, a lawyer, asked which commandment was the greatest. It was not necessarily a sincere question; it was a test. Yet Jesus turned their test into a teaching moment.

He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Then he added, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He said that on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Jesus was not reducing faith to two easy rules. He was showing us the heart of everything God desires. Love is not one commandment among many; it is the foundation that holds all the others together, if we love God truly, we will honor Him. If we love our neighbor truly, we will seek their good, speak truthfully, forgive and act with compassion.

1.      Love God with your whole life.

Jesus says we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. That means God does not want only part of us. He does not want only our Sunday worship[, our religious words, or our public prayers. He wants our whole life, our thoughts, our decisions, our work, our family life, our money, our time, and our future. This is encouraging because it means our faith is not limited to a building or a particular hour. God meets us at home, at work, in the care, in the classroom, in the hospital, and int the quiet moments when nobody else sees us. Every part of our life can become an act of worship.

Loving God with the whole heart also means trusting Him when life is difficult. We may not understand every situation, but we can still bring our fears, disappointments, and questions to Him. Love is not pretending that everything is fine. Love is choosing to stay close to God even when we do not have answers. Ask yourself today: Is there any part of my life I hav eneen keeping away from God? Perhaps a worry, a habit a relationship,  or a decision. Jesus invites us to hand it over. He is not asking for perfection; He is asking for our hearts.

2.      Love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus joins second commandment to the first: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two loves cannot be separated. If we claim to love God but treat people with cruelty, pride, gossip, or indifference, something is missing. Our neighbor is not only the person who is easy to love. Our neighbor may be the family member who has hurt us, the church member who thinks differently, the colleague who irritates us, or the stranger who needs help. Loving our neighbor means seeing them as God sees them: valuable, loved, and worth our patience.

This commandment also includes loving ourselves in a healthy way. Some people speak to themselves with harshness and shame. But if God loves us, we should not live as though we are worthless. We can receive God’s grace, forgive ourselves as He forgive us, and treat our bodies, minds and souls with care. Love is practical. It may be a phone call to someone who is lonely. It may be an apology. It may be helping a neighbor encouraging a young person, or praying for someone who has wronged us. Love does not always require grand gestures. Often, it simply requires a willing heart.

3.      Recognize Jesus as Lord

After answering the lawyer, Jesus asks the pharisees a question: “what do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” they answer, “the sone of David.” Jesus then quotes psalm 110 and asks how David can call the Messiah “Lord” if the Messiah is David’s son. No one could answer him. Jesus is revealing something deeper: the Messiah is not merely a human king descended from David. He is also David’s Lord. He is the promised Savior, greater than any earthly ruler, and worthy of our full trust and worship. This is good news for us. The one who commands us to love is not distant or cold. Jesus is the Lord who loves is first. He knows our weakness, carries our burdens, and gives us the grace to love when loving is hard. We do not obey Him to earn His love; we obey Hom because His love has already found us.

When we recognize Jesus as Lord, our priorities change. We stop living only for ourselves. We begin to ask, “Lord, how can I honor You today? How can I love the person in front of me? How can I reflect your grace in this situation?”

Three things to take Home:

·         Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Do not let busyness fear, or distraction push God to the edge of your life.

·         Let love become visible. Love your neighbor as yourself. Choose one act of kindness, reconciliation, or encouragement this week.

·         Make Jesus Lord, not only teacher. Jesus is greater than David, greater than our problems, and greater than every power that opposes us. Trust Him your whole life.

Conclusion:

Dear church in Christ, life is not a race to collect religious achievements. It is a daily walk of love, loving God, loving people, and following Jesus as lord.

May God give us hearts that love Him fully, hands that serve other willingly, and lives that honor Jesus Christ as Lord. Amen.

Pentecost 21

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

The Good Samaritan: Go and Do Likewise (Luke 10:25–37)

Dear friends in Christ, one of the most beautiful questions in the Gospel is this: “Who is my neighbour?” A teacher of the Law asked Jesus this question, hoping perhaps to limit his responsibility. But Jesus answered with the story of the Good Samaritan a story that still challenges, comforts, and inspires us today.

A man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him. They took his clothes, beat him, and left him half dead. A priest saw him and crossed to the other side of the road. A Levite also saw him and passed by. But a Samaritan a person the injured man may not have expected to help him saw him, was moved with compassion, and stopped.

He bandaged his wounds, placed him on his own animal, took him to an inn, cared for him, and paid for his continued recovery. Jesus then asked, “Which of these three was a neighbour?” The answer was clear: “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

From this powerful parable, I want to share three simple points to take home.

1. See the Need Around You

The priest and the Levite both saw the wounded man, but seeing was not enough. They walked past him. Perhaps they were busy, afraid, or too concerned with their religious duties. Whatever their reasons, they allowed a person in need to remain alone.

Sometimes we do the same. We see someone hurting, lonely, sick, struggling financially, or carrying a heavy burden, but we say, “Someone else will help,” or “I am too busy today.” Yet compassion begins with open eyes. The Good Samaritan did not simply glance at the man; he truly saw him.

Let us ask God to give us caring eyes. When we notice a neighbour in need, may we not look away. A phone call, a visit, a meal, a word of encouragement, or a prayer can become the hand of God in someone’s life.

2. Let Compassion Move You to Action

The Samaritan “took pity” on the wounded man. His compassion was not merely a feeling; it became action. He went to him, treated his wounds, carried him, and made sure he was safe.

Christian love is practical. It does not only say, “I will pray for you,” though prayer is powerful. It also asks, “What can I do today?” Compassion crosses barriers of culture, background, and convenience. The Samaritan did not ask whether the injured man deserved help. He simply responded to human need.

Perhaps someone near you needs forgiveness, patience, encouragement, or practical support. Do not wait for the perfect moment. Small acts of kindness, done with a sincere heart, can restore hope and heal wounds.

3. Be a Neighbour Through Mercy

Jesus did not ask, “Who deserved to be helped?” He asked, “Who was a neighbour?” The answer was the one who showed mercy.

Being a neighbour is not about living close to someone; it is about loving someone. It means treating every person with dignity, especially those who are vulnerable, forgotten, or different from us. The Good Samaritan reminds us that mercy has no boundaries.

When we show mercy, we reflect the heart of Christ. Jesus came close to us when we were wounded by sin, fear, and suffering. He did not pass us by. He lifted us, healed us, and gave us hope. Therefore, as people who have received God’s mercy, we are called to share that mercy with others.

Encouragement for Today

Dear friends in Christ, you may feel that your help is small, but never underestimate what God can do through a willing heart. You may not be able to solve every problem, but you can stop for one person. You may not have much to give, but you can give time, kindness, prayer, and love.

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was dangerous, but the greatest danger was not the robbers it was indifference. Let us not allow busyness, fear, or prejudice to make us pass by those who need us.

Today, Jesus speaks the same words to each of us: “Go and do likewise.” Go and see the need. Go and act with compassion. Go and be a neighbour through mercy.

May God give us generous hearts, courageous hands, and loving eyes, so that through us many people may experience the kindness of Christ.

May our Good Lord Bless us all. Amen.

Pentecost 20

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Matthew 22:1-14 (The Wedding Banquet: Grace, Response, and Readiness)

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 to reveal the astonishing generosity of God’s invitation, the sober reality of human response, and the transforming readiness He provides for all who come. This story is not merely about a feast; it is about the kingdom of heaven, the Father’s love for His son, and our place at the table.

1.    The Generosity of the Invitation

The parable opens with a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son. In the culture of Jesus’ audience, a royal wedding was the celebration of the age lavish, joyous, and honor-filled. The king sends servants to summon those who were already invited, saying, “I have prepared my dinner… come to the wedding banquet.”

Theologically, the king is God the Father; the Son is Jesus Christ; the banquet is the kingdom of heaven, the fullness of life and fellowship with God. The first invited guest represents those close to God’s promises, Israel’s religious leaders and people of the covenant. Yet many refuse: “They paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.”

This is not a story of a stingy god but of extravagant grace. The feast is ready. The cost is paid. The invitation is wide. God does not coerce; He invites. The problem is not the adequacy of the provision but the preoccupation of the people. For us, this is both comfort and challenge; the kingdom is not earned by our busyness or blocked by our past; it is offered freely because the King has prepared everything in His Son.

2.    The Reality of the Response

The Parable then takes a sharp turn. Some of the invited guests not only refuse but mistreat and kill the king’s servants. In response, the king sends his army, destroys those murderers, and burns their city. This shocking language points to the historical judgement that would fall on Jerusalem in AD 70 and, more broadly, to the serous consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and His son.

But the story does not end with judgement. The King commands his servants, “Go out to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” The servants gather “both good and bad,” and the wedding hall is filled with guest. Here Jesus reveals a central truth of the gospel: when the privileged refuse the invitation, God opens the doors to the outsiders the marginalized, the unlikely, the “good and bad” alike.

This is deeply encouraging for a congregation that may feel unworthy or late. The gospel goes to the highways and hedges to people like us. Yet it is also sobering: the invitation is universal, but the response matters. To ignore, delay, or treat God’s call lightly is to choose exclusion from the joy of the kingdom. The parable calls us to examine our own response: have we treated God’s invitation as optional, or as the most important event of our lives?

3.    The Readiness of the Guest

The final scene is perhaps the most challenging. The king enters the banquet hall and sees a man not wearing a wedding garment. When questioned, the man is speechless. The king orders him bound and cast into outer darkness. Jesus concludes, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

What is wedding garment? In the context of Matthew’s gospel and the wider New Testament, it symbolizes the righteousness that God provides in Christ. To come without the garment is to come in one’s own self-righteousness, religious activity, or moral effort, while refusing the grace and transformation Jesus offers. It is possible to be in the banquet hall among the people of God and yet not to be clothed with Christ.

Theologically, this points to union with Christ: we are not only invited; we are to be conformed to the son for whom the feast is given. Practically, it calls for repentance and faith turning from trust in us and receiving the righteousness Jesus gives. This is not a demand for perfection before we come; the garment is provided by the king. But is a call to come to His terms, not ours.

For the congregation, this is both warning and hope. The warning: do not presume grace; do not treat discipleship as optional. The hope: the King supplies what we lack. In Christ we are clothed, welcomed, and made ready for the feast.

In Conclusion:

This parable ends with a stark image, but its overall message is profoundly good news. The kingdom of heaven is like a wedding banquet because God’s ultimate purpose is joyous fellowship with his people. Heaven is not a quiet resting place but a celebration. It is a place where:

You are invited: No matter your background, failures, or how “late” you feel, the king’s servants are still going out to the streets. The gospel is for you.

Your response matters: do not let busyness, pride, or distraction keep you from the one necessary thing: coming to Christ. Today is the day to say yes to His invitation.

You can be ready: you do not have to clean yourself up before you come: you come to be clothed by Christ. Trust Him, follow Him, and let His righteousness become your identity.

As a community, this parable calls us to live as people who know they are invited, who respond with urgency and joy, and who walk in the readiness which Jesus provides. It challenges us to extend the invitation to others, the “good and bad” in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families trusting that the king still fills His hall.

May God Bless us all. Amen.

Pentecost 19

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Fr Vijay’s sermon (I am)

Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:17-27)

Dear Church in Christ, today, we reflect on one of the great “I am” statements of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus spoke these words in a painful situation. Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, had died. The house was filled with grief, questions, and disappointment. Martha came to Jesus and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would have not died.” Many of us understand Martha’s words. We also carry situations that cause us to ask, “Lord. Where were you? Why did you not intervene? Why did this happen?”

Jesus did not ignore Martha’s pain. He entered her sorrow and gave her deeper hope. He did not merely say, “I will perform a resurrection one day.” He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus taught that resurrection is not only an event in the future. Resurrection is found in a living relationship with Him. Today, let us consider three important truths:

1.     Jesus Brings Hope into Places of Death

When Jesus arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Humanly speaking, the situation appeared hopeless. The stone had been placed over the entrance, and everyone believed the story was finished. But Jesus was not intimidated by the tomb. He asked for the stone to be removed and called, “Lazarus, come out!” The man who had been dead came out alive.

This miracle points beyond Lazarus. It reveals that Jesus has authority over death. He is not simply a teacher who talks about life; He is the source of life and the One who has power over the grave. There may be “tombs” in our lives today. A dream may have died. A relationship may be broken. Faith may feel weak. A person may feel trapped by guilt, disappointment, addiction, or fear. But the message of Jesus is this: No situation is beyond His power.

We may not always receive the exact answer we want or at the time we expect. Jesus did not come immediately when Lazarus was sick. Yet His delay was not neglect, and the silence of God was not the absence of God. Sometimes, Jesus works in ways we cannot yet understand. When we cannot see the answer, we can still trust the One, who is the resurrection and the life. Do not give up because the situation looks dead. Bring it to Jesus. The One who called Lazarus from the tomb can bring hope, strength, and new beginnings into our lives.

2.     Jesus offers life, not merely survival.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Notice that He did not say only, “I give life.” He said, “I am the life.” Life is found in Him. There is a difference between merely existing and truly living. A person may have food, work, money, and possessions, yet still feels empty inside. We can be busy outside but tired and discouraged in our hearts.

Jesus offers more than physical existence; he offers more than physical existence. He offers forgiveness, peace, purpose, courage, and fellowship with God. He brings spiritual life to those who feel dead within. When we believe in Jesus, He begins to renew us. He gives us strength to face tomorrow. He teaches us to forgive. He gives us courage to begin again. He reminds us that our value does not come from our success, our possessions, or the opinions of others. Our identity is found in Him. This is why the Christian faith is not simply a collection of religious ideas. It is a relationship with the living Christ.

Martha believed that her brother would rise “on the last day.” That belief was true, but Jesus invited her to understand something deeper: resurrection is not only a future promise; it is present reality in Him. Therefore, if you feel spiritually tired today, come to Jesus. If your heart is burdened, come to Jesus. If you have lost your joy, come to Jesus. He does not merely improve our circumstance; he renews our lives.

3.     Jesus Gives Victory Beyond Death.

Jesus continued, “the one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” Jesus was not saying that believers will never experience physical death. Lazarus eventually died again. Rather, Jesus was declaring that physical death is not the final word for those who trust in Him.

Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, death cannot destroy the believer’s hope. For the Christian, death is not the end of the story. There is the promise of resurrection and eternal life with God. This truth gives us courage when we mourn. We still grieve because love is real. We still feel the pain of separation. But we do not grieve without hope.

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Jesus died on the cross, but the grave could not hold Him. He rose again, and because He lives, those who trust in Him have the assurance of life beyond death. This hope changes the way we live today. We do not need to be controlled by fear. We can serve faithfully, love generously, forgive freely, and face difficulties with courage. Our future is secure in Christ. At the end of His statement, Jesus asked Martha a personal question: “do you believe this?” Jesus asks us the same question today. Not merely, “do you understand this teaching not merely, “have you heard this Bible story?” but “do you believe in Me?”

Conclusion

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When life seems dead, He brings hope. When our hearts are empty, He gives true life. When we face death, He gives the promise of victory and eternal life. So let us not live as people without hope. Let us place our disappointments, fears, families, futures, and souls into the hands of Jesus. Today Jesus is calling someone to come out of tomb of sin, fear, bitterness, or despair. His voice still brings life. His grace still restores. His power is still greater than death. Let us respond as Martha did: “Yes, lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the son of God.” May we trust Him in sorrow, follow Him in daily life, and hope in Him for eternity.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, thank you because You are the resurrection and the life. Bring hope where there is despair, healing where there is brokenness, and a new life, where we feel spiritually dead. Strengthen our faith and help us trust you, even when we do not understand. Teach us to live courageously because you have conquered death. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pentecost 18

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Matthew 21:23-32

A young man applied for a job at a large company. During the interview, he confidently promised, “I am dependable. I will arrive on time and do whatever is needed.” The manager smiled. “Great. Can you start tomorrow?” “Absolutely!” he replied. But the next morning, he did not show up. A week later, another applicant arrived. Quiet and a little rough around the edges, he admitted, “Honestly, I am not sure I am ready. I have made mistakes, but if you give me a chance, I will try.” He came the next day and every day after. Which man truly kept his word?

Jesus tells a similar story in Matthew 21:23-32. Religious leaders question His authority. In response, He shares a short parable about tow sons and a vineyard. One says “no” but later goes. The other says “yes” but never moves. Then Jesus delivers a startling line: “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you” (v.31). why? Because they believed, repented, and acted.

This passage is not meant to shame us. It is meant to wake us up. God is not looking for perfect words, he is looking for willing hearts that turn, trust, and move,

1.    God honors honest repentance more than perfect promises.

The first son says, “I will not,” but later he changes his mind and goes (v.29). the Greek word behind “changed his mind” is the same root as “repent.” It means a turn inside and out.

Maybe you have said “no” to God before. You walked from church, ignored conviction, or chose your won way. Hear this: your past “no” does not disqualify your present “yes.” God specializes in second starts. The tax collectors and prostitutes, the people everyone wrote off, were moving ahead of the religious insiders because they believed John’s message and acted.

If you have wondered, you are too far, if you have wasted time, you have not wasted your future. The Father is still calling: “son, daughter, go work in the vineyard today.” Your “later” can become “now.”

2.    Real obedience is shown in action, not just words.

The second son says, “I go, sir, but he does not go (v.30). It sounds respectful. It feels spiritual. But it ends in emptiness. Jesus exposes a hard truth: lip service does not open the kingdom; lived faith does. We can say all the right things in prayer, sing all the right songs, and quote all the right verses and still not do the next right thing. Obedience is not a slogan; it is a step. It is showing up. It is forgiving when you would rather hold a grudge. It is serving when you would rather be served. It is telling the truth when a lie would be Easier.

You do not need a grand gesture. You need one faithful step. Today, ask: what is one thing God is asking me to do?” then do it. Small obedience, repeated, becomes a life that honors the father.

3.    It is never too late to enter the vineyard and begin again.

Jesus’ point is not to rank people but to reveal a pathway: belief, repentance, action. The religious leaders had every advantage, knowledge, tradition, position, yet they resisted. The outcasts had every disadvantage shame, failure, stigma, yet they responded. And so, they entered.

This is hope for anyone who feels behind. Maybe you think, “others are so far ahead spiritually.” Maybe you compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty, but the kingdom is not a race of perfection; it is a response of trust. The question is not, “how good have I been?” the question is, “will I believe and go?”

If you have delayed, delay no longer. If you have doubted, bring your doubt to God and take one step anyway. The vineyard is open. The Father is waiting. And in Christ, your “today” can be the day everything changes.

Three points to take home.

God honors honest repentance more than perfect promises. Your past “no” does not cancel your present “yes.”

Real obedience is shown in action, not just words. One faithful step today matters more than many spiritual speeches.

It is never too late to enter the vineyard and begin again. Belief, repentance, and action open the way forward.

May God bless us all. Amen.

Pentecost 17

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Pentecost 16

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Sermon on Matthew 18:21-35

Illustration: In 1990, a young man named Michael was driving home late at night, when he ran a red light. His car smashed into another vehicle, killing the driver, a father of three named David. Michael was sentenced to prison, consumed by guilt and shame. David’s widow, Sarah, was consumed by rage. She visited Michale in prison, not to comfort him, but to scream at him, to make him feel the pain she felt every day.

But something unexpected happened. Over time, those visits changed. Sarah began to see Michael’s genuine repentance. Michael began to see Sarah’s unbearable grief. One day, after years of anger, Sarah said to him, “I forgive you.” It wasn’t easy. It didn’t erase the pain. But it set them both free. Michael eventually left prison and started a ministry to at-risk youth. Sarah found peace she never thought was possible.

That’s the kind of radical; life changing forgiveness Jesus talks about in today’s gospel in Matthew 18:21-35.

Peter comes to Jesus with what he thinks is a generous question: “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” in that culture, forgiving three times was considered plenty. Seven was over the top. But Jesus blows the roof off: “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Then He tells a story that would have shocked His listeners.

Here’s what happens:

·       A king decides to settle accounts with his servants.

·       One servant owes him ten thousand talents, an amount so huge it’s like owing billions of dollars today. There’s no way he could ever pay it back.

·       The servant begs for mercy, and the king, moved with compassion, cancels the entire debt. Free. Gone.

·       That same servant walks out and finds a fellow servant who owes him a hundred denarii, maybe a few week’s wages. He grabs him by the throat and says, “Pay me now!”

·       The fellow servant begs for patience, but the first servant refuses and has him thrown into prison.

·       When the king hears about this, he’s furious. “You wicked servant!” he says. “I forgave you everything. Shouldn’t you have shown mercy to your fellow servant, just as I showed mercy to you?”

·       The king reverses his decision and hands the unforgiving servant over to be tortured until he pays back everything.

·       Jesus ends with a sobering warning: “this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Three points to take home:

1.    God’s Forgiveness to Take Home

The debt in Jesus’ story is so large it’s almost ridiculous. Ten thousand talents were more than most kings made in a year. Jesus is saying: the sim and brokenness we bring to God is beyond our ability to fix. But God’s mercy is bigger still. He doesn’t just reduce the debt; He cancels it completely.

2.    Unforgiveness is a prison we build for ourselves

The unforgiving servant had been set free, but he chose to live like a prisoner again, this time, a prisoner of his own bitterness. When we refuse to forgive, we think we’re punishing the other person. But the truth is, we’re locking ourselves in a cell of anger, resentment, and pain. Forgiveness does not say what happened was okay. It says: I’m not going to let this control me anymore.

3.    Forgiven People become forgiving people.

Jesus’ point is simple but stunning: if you’ve truly received God’s forgiveness, it will change how you treat others. You can’t hold onto God’s mercy with one hand and strangle someone else with the other. Forgiveness isn’t optional for those who follow Jesus, it’s evidence that we’ve received what He offers.

Closing Challenge

This week, think of one person you’ve been holding a grudge against. Maybe it’s someone who hurt you deeply, betrayed your trust, or let you down when you needed them most. Ask yourself: what would it look like to forgive them “from the heart,” as Jesus says?

It might mean: Releasing your right to get even. Praying for God to bless them, even when it feels impossible. Choosing, again, to let go of the debt. Because here’s the truth: forgiveness isn’t just something we do. It’s something we become people, who reflect the mercy we’ve received. And that kind of life doesn’t just change us. It changes the world around us.

May God bless us all. Amen.

Father's day/Pentecost 15

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Pentecost 14

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Follow Me (Matthew 16:21-28)

A man was climbing a steep mountain path with his guide. As the path became narrow and dangerous, the man became afraid. He said, “can you show me the whole way before I take another step?” The guide replied, “you do not need to see the whole road. You only need to follow where I place my feet.”

Many times, this is how we feel in life. We want God to show us everything: how our problems will end what will happen to our family, whether our plans will succeed, and why we are suffering. But Jesus does not always show us the whole road. He says, “Follow me.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise again. Peter does not like this message. He wants Jesus to avoid suffering. But Jesus teaches us that the way of discipleship is to follow him, even when the road is difficult. Today’s readings give us three messages.

1.    God sees us and calls us

In the first reading Moses sees a burning bush. The bush is on fire, but it is not destroyed. When Moses comes near God calls him by name: “Moses, Moses.” This is important: God knows Moses personally. Moses is not just another person in desert. God sees him, knows his name, and has a purpose for him.

God then tells Moses, “I have seen the misery of my people. I have heard their cry. I know their suffering.” Our God is not far away from our pain. He sees the tears that other people do not see. He knows the worries in our hearts. He knows the struggles in our families, our health, our work, and our faith. Then God says to Moses, “I will send you.” Moses feels unworthy. He asks, “who am I that I should go?” many of us ask the same question. Who am I to help another person? Who am I to speak about Jesus? Who am I to forgive? Who am I to serve in the Church? Who am I to face this difficult situation?

God does not say to Moses, “You are strong enough.” God says, “I will be with you.” That is enough. God’s call does not depend first on our strength. It depends on God’s presence. When we feel weak, afraid or uncertain, we should remember God’s name: “I AM WHO I AM.” God is One who is always present. He was with Moses, he was with Israel, and he is with us today.

2.    Jesus teaches us the way of cross

In the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he will suffer, die, and rise again. Peter immediately says, “This must never happen to you.” Peter loves Jesus, but he does not understand God’s plan. Peter wants a Messiah who is powerful, successful and victorious. He wants glory without suffering. But Jesus teaches that the cross is part of his mission. Jesus did not come only to perform miracle’s and receive praise. He came to give his life in love for the salvation of the world. Then Jesus says something important: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

To take up our cross does not mean that we should look for suffering. It does not mean that God wants us to remain in injustice, abuse, or harm. Jesus came to bring healing freedom, and life, taking up the cross means choosing the way of Jesus, even when it is not easy.

It means: To forgive when we want revenge, to speak truth when it would be easier to stay silent. To remain honest when dishonesty may bring profit. To serve when we would rather be served. To pray when we feel tired or distracted. To remain faithful when life is painful or uncertain.

The world tells us, “Think only of yourself.” Jesus says, “follow me.” The world tells us, “Keep anger in your heart.” Jesus says, “forgive.” The world tells us, “Save your life for yourself.” Jesus says, “whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”  Jesus is not asking us to lose our lives in a meaningless way. He is showing us the way to find real life: life with God, life filled with love, life that lasts forever.

3.    We follow Jesus by loving others

St. Paul explains clearly what the life of a disciple looks like. In Romans, he says, “Let love be genuine.” Our faith must not remain only in words. It must be seen in the way we treat people. Paul gives us simple instructions: Love one another. Serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in suffering. Persevere in prayer. Help those in need. Welcome strangers. Bless those who persecute you. Do not repay evil for evil. Overcome evil with good.

This is the Christian life. This is what it means to carry the cross every day. Sometimes we think carrying the cross must mean doing something very big. But often it happens in small and ordinary ways: speaking kindly to someone who is difficult. Calling a lonely person. Helping a neighbor. Listening patiently to a family member. Giving food, time, or support to someone in need. Refusing to gossip. Praying for someone who has hurt us.

This is not weakness. This is the power of Christ working in us. Psalm 105 tells us to “give thanks to the Lord” and to remember the wonderful works he has done.” When life becomes difficult, we should remember God’s faithfulness. God was faithful to Josep in prison. God was faithful to Moses in the wilderness. God was faithful to Israel in slavery. God was faithful to Jesus on the cross. And God will be faithful to us.

Conclusion

Today, Jesus says to each one of us, “Follow me.” We may not see the whole road ahead. We may carry worries, struggles, and questions. But we do not walk alone. Remember these three truths: God sees you and calls you. Jesus shows us the way of the cross. We follow Jesus by living others. Let us trust the God who says, “I will be with you.” Let us take up our cross with faith. And let us overcome evil with good, knowing that the cross is not the end of the story. Jesus died, but he rose again. Therefore, in Christ, hope is always stronger than fear, love is stronger than hatred, and life is stronger than death. Amen.

Pentecost 13

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Matthew 16:13-20

 A traveler once came upon a small village church high in the hills. The building was old, the paint was peeling, and the congregation was small. Yet every Sunday, people walked long distances to gather there. The traveler asked an elderly woman, “why do you keep coming? This church is so small, and the world has changed so much.” She smiled and replied, “Because here we remember who Jesus is and when we remember that we remember who we are.”

That is the heart of today’s Gospel. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus brings his disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asks a question that still confronts every generation: “who do you say that I am?”

The Question That Matters

Jesus first asks, “who do people say that the Son of man is?” the disciples give several answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. The crowd has opinions. They saw something remarkable in Jesus. They knew he spoke with authority, healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and proclaimed the kingdom. But they had not yet grasped the full truth.

Then Jesus makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” this is not a question we can answer only with what our family believes, what our church teaches, or what society says. It is a question that reaches the center of our lives. Who is Jesus to you when life is peaceful? Who is he when your plans fail? Who is he when you are grieving, uncertain, tired or afraid? Who is he when you are called to forgive someone, serve someone, or take a faithful step that costs you something?

Christian faith is not merely admiration for Jesus. It is trust in him. It is the courage to say with Peter, “you are the Messiah, the son of the living God.”

Peter’s Confession

Peter’s answer is beautiful: “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God.” He recognizes that Jesus is not simply another teacher, prophet, or religious leader. Jesus is the Christ the one sent by God to save, restore, and reign. He is the Son of the living God: not a distant idea, not a memory from the past, but the living Lord who is present with His people today. Jesus tells Peter, “Blessed are you,” because this truth has been revealed by the Father.

That should encourage us. Faith is not a prize for the cleverest person in the room. It is a gift of God. We do not come to Jesus because we have worked everything out. We come because God opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and invites us to trust his grace. Perhaps you have known seasons when prayer felt difficult or God seemed silent. Do not be discouraged. The same God who revealed Christ to Peter continues to draw people to himself. Ask him to renew your vision of Jesus.

Built on Christ

Jesus then says, “You are peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” The church does not stand because its members are perfect. Peter himself was not perfect. Soon after this passage, he misunderstands Jesus’ mission. Later, he denies even knowing him. Yet Jesus does not abandon Peter. He restores him, strengthens him, and uses him. This is good news for us. God builds his church through ordinary, imperfect people who are willing to confess Christ and follow him. The church is not built on popularity, wealth, political power, or human achievement. It is built on the truth Peter confessed: Jessi is the Messiah, the son of the living God. Churches may face challenges, congregations may feel small. Resources may be limited. The future may sometimes seem uncertain. But Jesus says, I will build my church.”

Notice whose church it is: “My church.” It belongs to Christ. He loves it He died for it. He is present in it. He is still at work through it. And he promises that “the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” The power of death, evil, despair, and darkness will not have the final word. The risen Jesus is stronger than sin, stronger than fear, and stronger even than death.

Give the keys

Jesus gives Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Keys open doors. They give access. In the life of the church, we are entrusted with the message that opens the way to God’s kingdom: the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hold keys whenever we proclaim that forgiveness is possible. We sue them whenever we welcome the forgotten pray for the hurting feed the hungry, teach the faith, baptize new believers, and invite people into the life of Christ.

The world often builds walls: walls of suspicion, prejudice, resentment, shame, and hopelessness. But the Gospel opens doors. We are not called to guard the church as though it were a private club, we are called to be faithful witnesses to Jesus, so that others may discover his mercy and love. Every act of Christian kindness can become a key. Every honest testimony can become a key. Every invitation to worship, every word of hope, every prayer offered in Christ’s name can open a door for someone who thought they were far from God.

A Personal Confession

The question remains: “who do you say that I am?” we answer it not only with words, but with the shape of our lives. When we choose faith over fear, forgiveness over bitterness, generosity over selfishness, and service over comfort, we are declaring that Jesus is Lord.

Peter’s confession became the foundation for a life of discipleship. Our confession must do the same. Today, let us remember that we have a purpose: to open doors to the kingdom through the love and truth of Jesus.

If you feel uncertain, remember the promise: Jesus is building his church. If you feel discouraged by the world around you, remember: the gates of Hades will not prevail.

May we stand with Peter and say, with faith and joy” “Jesus, you are the Messiah, the son of the living God.” And may our lives help others come to know him too. Amen.

Pentecost 12/Stewardship

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

The Gift That God Sees (Mark 12:41-44)

Today is the final day of our stewardship Campaign, and it is also our thanksgiving service. These two occasions come together beautifully. Stewardship asks, “What can we offer to God?” Thanksgiving asks, “How can we respond to all the God has given us?

In our gospel reading, Jesus sits opposite to the temple treasury and watches people bringing their offerings. Many rich people give large amounts. Then a poor widow comes and puts in two small copper coins. They were almost worthless in human eyes. But Jesus says, “this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.” Why did Jesus say that? What can we learn from this woman on this final day of our stewardship campaign?

1.     God sees the heart behind the gift

The people around the treasury could see how much money was being given. They could notice the large gifts of the rich. But only Jesus could see the heart. The rich gave large amounts, but they gave from their abundance. Their gifts did not cost them very much. The widow gave only two small coins, but those coins represented everything she had. People may see the size of our offering, but God sees the love, faith and sacrifice behind it. We often compare ourselves with others: “my gift is not as large as theirs.” But Jesus does not measure our generosity merely by the amount. He looks at the heart.

A child once wanted to give something to help repair the church. He had only a small amount of money in his pocket. Someone told him, “That is not much.” The child replied, “it may not be much to you, but it is all I have brought for Jesus.” That is the spirit of the widow. She did not ask, “is my gift big enough to impress people” she simply offered what she had. On this Thanksgiving Day, let us remember that every gift offered with love is precious to God. A large gift, a small gift, time given in service, prayer offered faithfully, visiting the sick, encouraging someone who is lonely all these are seen by the Lord.

2.     True thanksgiving gives itself to God

The widow did not give merely from her purse, she gave herself. Mark tells us that she gave “all she had to live on.” Her offering was an act of trust. She was saying, “God, my life is in your hands.” Thanksgiving is more than saying. Thank you, Lord, with our lips. True thanksgiving is offering our whole life to God, our money, time gifts, home, work, family and future.

Sometimes we thank God for what we have while holding to everything in our hands. But Christian thanksgiving invites us to open our hands, we recognize that all we have ultimately comes from God. Our health, family, employment, homes, opportunities and daily bread are gifts from the Lord. We are not owners in the absolute sense; we are stewards. (A steward is someone who receives something from another person and uses it faithfully.) The question today is not simply, “How much will I give? The deeper question is, “Lord, how do you want me to use what you have entrusted to me?” The widow teaches us that giving is an expression of worship. She placed her coins in the treasury, but, in reality, she placed her trust in God. As we complete our stewardship campaign, our giving may not be motivated by pressure, competition or recognition. May it be a grateful response to God’s grace.

3.     God can use small offerings for great purposes

The widow may have thought her two coins were insignificant. She could not imagine that centuries later, people would still be speaking about her faith. she gave a small offering, but Jesus used it to teach generations of disciples. Her gift was small in human calculation, but great in God’s hands. We sometimes feel that what we have to offer is too little. “I am only one person.” “I do not have much time.” “My abilities are limited.” “My contribution will not make a difference.” But the Bible repeatedly shows us that God uses small things:

·        A shepherd’s staff in the hand of moses.

·        Five loaves and two fish in the hands of Jesus.

·        A young boy’s willingness to serve.

·        A small mustard seed growing into something large.

·        Two coins offered by a poor widow.

The value of a gift is not determined only by its size. It is determined by the God to whom it is offered. Our church’s mission continues through many offerings joined together. One person gives financially. Another gives time. One prepares worship. Another visits elderly. Other welcomes newcomers. Another prays quietly and faithfully. Together, these gifts become a ministry of love. No act of service is too small when it is offered to Christ.

The challenge of the final day:

Today is the last day of our stewardship Campaign. Let us not see it, as merely the closing of a program or the completion of a financial target. Let us see it, as an opportunity to renew our relationship with God. The widow did not give because she had plenty. She gave because God was worthy. Her offering was not a payment for blessings; it was an act of faith. We must also remember an important truth. This passage should never be used to pressure poor or vulnerable people to give beyond their ability. The church is called to care for those in need, not exploit them. Jesus’ teachings direct our attention to whole hearted faith and also challenges every community to practice justice and compassion. Therefore, let our stewardship be responsible, prayerful and generous. Let us give according to our circumstances, with joy and without fear. Let our church use every resource faithfully for worship, mission, pastoral care and service to the community.

Conclusion

That is what God desires not gifts that impress people, but hearts that trust him. The widow gave two small coins, but Jesus saw a great faith. today, God sees every gift, every prayer and every act of service offered in love. As we give thanks, let us offer ourselves afresh to God:

Let us pray: Lord, all that we have comes from you. Receive what we bring, use it for your glory. Teach us to give with gratitude, serve you with joy and trust you with our lives. May our stewardship be an act of worship. May our thanksgiving become a life of generosity. And may God use even our small offerings to bring hope, healing and blessings to many. Amen

Pentecost 11/Stewardship

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

The Parable of Talents

(Mat. 25:14-30; Ex. 36:2-7; Phil. 4:10-20)

Friends, in today’s readings God reminds us that everything we have is a gift. In Exodus, the people gave so generously for the building of God’s house that Moses had to tell them, “Enough!” People gave so freely that there was more than enough for God’s house. In Philippians, Paul thanks the church for their partnership in the gospel, reminding us that giving is not loss, but fruit that grows to God’s glory. And in the Gospel, Jesus tells us not to bury what has been entrusted to us, but to use faithfully for the kingdom of God, and hear the words of Jesus, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

I remember a parishioner who once said to me, with tears in her eyes, “father, I don’t have much, but I still want to help.” Her circumstances were hard, and yet she placed her gift in the offering quietly, almost trembling. A few weeks later she told me that giving had lifted her spirit, because it reminded her that even in difficult season, she still belonged to God’s people, and her life still mattered in the mission of the church.

That is the beauty of stewardship. We do not give because we have everything or we have in abundance. We give because God has first given to us. So let us open our hands today, not with fear, but with faith, support the work of Christ among us with grateful hearts.

Dear church family, I invite you all, in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving, to support the life and ministry of this parish. This is the house of God for us, the place where we gather to worship, to be nourished by word and sacrament, and to care for one another in Chrisitan love. Your generosity helps ensure that this Holy place remains a living witness to Christ among us, now and for future generations. We ask for your help humbly and gratefully, trusting that as we give, God will continue to bless the work of his church.

May God Bless Us All. Amen.

Pentecost 10

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

“Giving from the Heart: The Joy of Stewardship”

(Luke 12:13-21; 1 Chronicles 29:10-18 & Corinthians 9:6-8)

Dear Church in Christ, today’s readings invite us into a deeply spiritual practice, not just giving, but giving with joy. Stewardship is not about obligation; it is about worship, gratitude, and trust.

In 1 Chronicles 29, we see King David leading the people in offering gifts for the building of the temple. After giving generously, David prays, “All things from you, and of your own have we given you.” This is the foundation of stewardship: everything we have is already God’s.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” And in Luke 12, Jesus warns us against storing up treasure for ourselves but not being “rich toward God.” From these readings, let me offer three simple truths about cheerful stewardship.

1.     Stewardship begins with Gratitude.

David’s prayer is filled with thanksgiving. He recognizes that wealth, power, and resources all come from God. When we truly understand this, giving is no longer a loss, it becomes a response of gratitude.

Often, we think, “this is my money, my effort, my success.” But scripture gently corrects us: all we have is entrusted to us by God. Stewardship is simply returning a portion with thankful hearts. Gratitude transforms giving from duty into delight.

2.     Stewardship requires Trust.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who stored up wealth but forgot God. His security was in his possessions, not in his Creator.

Cheerful giving requires trust, trust that we provide, trust that we will not lack, trust that God’s economy is different from ours. Paul assures us, “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.” This does not mean we will be wealthy by the world’s standards, but it does mean we will have enough to share. When we give, we declare: “My security is not in what I Keep, but in the God I trust.”

3.     Stewardship is an act of Worship.

Giving is not just financial, it is spiritual. It is an offering of our hearts. David and the people rejoiced as they gave. Their giving was worship. In the same way, every time we give whether money, time, or talent we are participating in God’s work.

There was widow in a small parish who lived on very limited income, each week, she placed a small envelope on the offering plate. One day, someone asked her, “why do you keep giving when you have so little?”

She smiled and said, “because God has never stopped giving to me.” Her gift was not large in amount, but it was rich in faith, she gave not out of surplus, but out of love, and with joy.

That is the kind of giving God desires. Not the size of the gift, but the spirit behind it. Dear church, stewardship is not about how much we give, but how we give. With gratitude, With trust. With joy. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: are we holding tightly to what we have or are we offering it freely to God? Are we giving out of obligation, or out of love?

May we become a people who are rich toward God who give cheerfully, live faithfully, and trust deeply. And may our lives, like David’s prayer proclaim:

“All things come from you, O Lord, and of your won have we given you.” Amen.

St James day

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Fr Vijay’s sermon on St. James Life

“Can you drink the cup that I drink?” (Mark 10:38)

Today we give thanks for St. James, one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He was a fisherman, a man with ordinary work, ordinary ambitions, and ordinary weakness. Yet Jesus called him, and James followed. His life reminds us that God does not call the already perfect; He calls the willing, and then He shapes them by grace.

St James was known as one of the “sons of thunder.” That name suggests energy, zeal, and perhaps a quick temper. But the same zeal that once correction was later transformed into courage and faithful witness. In James we see that God can take a strong personality and turn it into a strong servant.

Today I want to offer three lessons from the life of St. James.

1.     Christ calls us as we are:

James was not a polished saint when Jesus first called him. He was a working man, busy with his nets, his plans, and his future. But when Jesus said, “Follow me,” he left what was familiar and stepped into a new life.

That is how discipleship begins for all of us. Christ does not wait for us to become impressive before He calls us. He calls us in our weakness, in our uncertainty, and in our incompleteness. The good news is that Jesus does not merely invite us to admire Him from a distance; He invites us to walk with Him.

This is encouraging for every believer. You may feel unworthy, unfinished, or uncertain, but Christ still calls you. He calls us not because we are strong, but because He is gracious. St. James reminds us that the first step in faith is simply to say yes to Jesus. So, the question for us is: are we willing to leave behind whatever keeps us from following Christ fully?

2.     Following Jesus means learning humility

James once sought greatness in a very human way. Like many of us, he wanted honor and position. But Jesus corrected that ambition and taught His disciples that greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by power, status, or recognition. It is measured by service.

Jesus said that the son of Man came not to be served but to serve. That was the lesson James needed, and it is still the lesson we need. In a world that prizes self-promotion, Jesus calls us to humility. In a world that celebrates being first, Jesus calls us to be faithful. In a world that asks, “how can I rise above others?” Jesus asks, “how can I serve others?”

This is not a small lesson. It is one of the deepest truths of Christian life. Many of our struggles come from pride, comparison, and the desire to be noticed. But St. James teaches us that the path of Christ is the path of humility. True greatness is found not in being above others, but in loving and serving them.

For parish life, family life, and daily life, this is powerful. A humble Christina becomes a blessing wherever they go. A humble church becomes a living witness to the Gospel.

3.     Faithfulness may cost us, but it is never wasted

St. James is remembered as the first apostle to die a martyr’s death. His life ended in sacrifice, but not in defeat. He gave His life to the world. James shows us that discipleship is not only about beginnings; it is about endurance.

Not every Christian will face martyrdom, but every Christian is called to faithfulness. That may mean patience in suffering, courage in truth, generosity in giving, or perseverance in prayer. Sometimes the cost of following Jesus is misunderstanding. Sometimes it is the quiet daily sacrifice of obedience when no one is watching.

James encourages us not to fear that cost. A life given to Christ is never wasted. What we surrender to Him becomes fruitful in His hands. What seems costly in the moment becomes glorious in eternity.

So when faith feels hard, when service feels tiring, when obedience feels costly, remember of St. James. He did not just hear the call of Christ; He kept following until the end.

Conclusion

On this St. James day, let us learn from his life three things: Christ calls us as we are, Christ teaches us humility, and Christ asks us to remain faithful even at a cost. If we live by these lessons, then like St. James, we too will become witness of the Gospel.

May God give us the courage to follow, the humility to serve and the grace to endure. Amen.  

Pentecost 8

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

Grace, Gift and Our Response: A Theology of Stewardship

“Every Generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the father of lights.” (James 1:17)

Dear Church in Christ,

When we hear the word “stewardship,” many of us instinctively think about money, budgets, or church programs. But today, I invite you to step back and see stewardship in its deeper, richer, and more beautiful meaning. Stewardship is not about what we give; it is about how we respond to what God has already given. Stewardship is our response to what God has blessed us.

At the heart of the Christian life is grace. Before we act, before we give, before we serve, God has already acted. God has already given. Creation itself is a gift. Life is a gift. Salvation in Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all. As Paul reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). St Paul is Correcting pride in the Corinthian Church. The verse reminds believers that every, gift, ability, and blessing comes from God, so there is no place for boasting as if we earned it ourselves.

1.      Stewardship begins with this recognition: everything we are and everything we have is received.

In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see that humanity is created in God’s image and placed within creation with a purpose. Adam is placed in the garden “to till it and keep” (Genesis 2:15). This is the first picture of stewardship, not ownership, but care; not control, but responsibility. The world is God’s, yet we are entrusted with it.

This truth runs throughout scripture. The psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Ps. 24:1). We are not owners; we are caretakers. Our lives, our time, our abilities, our relationships, and yes, even our material resources, these are entrusted to us by God.

When my casket is being carried to the grave. Leave my hands hanging outside. For empty handed, I came into this world and empty handed, I shall go! My whole life has been a hallow waste, a futile exercise, for no one at Death can take anything with them.

2.      Stewardship is not meant to be a burden. It is a response to grace.

Think of generosity of God. God gives freely, abundantly, and joyfully. Creation overflows with beauty and provision. In Christ, God gives not just something, but God’s very self. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16). This is grace beyond measure.

In Romans 12:1, Paul writes, “I appeal to you... by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Notice the order; first, the mercies of God; then, our response. Stewardship flows from gratitude.

We do not give in order to earn God’s favor. We give, because we have already received it. This transforms how we see everything.

Our time becomes not something to spend only on ourselves, but something to offer for God’s purposes.

Our gifts and talents are not accidents but calling to be used for the building up of others.

Our relationships become opportunities for love, forgiveness, and service.

Even our possessions are no longer just “ours,” but tools through which God’s generosity can be reflected into the world.

Jesus speaks often about this in his parables. In the parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the servants are entrusted with resources. The question is not whether they own them, but how they use them. Faithfulness is measured by trust and response, not by comparison or status.

Likewise, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), stewardship is seen in compassion. The Samaritan uses his time, his resources, and his care for the sake of another. He becomes a steward of mercy.

3.      Stewardship is not confined to finances; it is a way of life shaped by grace.

It asks us: How are we responding to what God has entrusted to us?

Are we living with open hearts or closed fists?

Are we attentive to the needs around us?

Are we using our lives in ways that reflect God’s generosity?

This is especially important in a world that often teaches us the opposite. We are told to accumulate, to secure, to hold tightly. But the gospel invites us into a different posture, a posture of trust. Because we know the Giver, we are free to give. Because God is faithful, we do not need to live in fear.

4.      Stewardship is deeply spiritual.

It is about trust in God’s provision. It is about aligning our lives with God’s purposes. It is about becoming people whose lives reflect the grace we have received.

And this is not something we do alone. We are part of the Body of Christ. Together, as a community, we steward God’s gifts, supporting one another, serving the world, and bearing witness to God’s love.

In the end, stewardship is not about what we lose, but about what we become.

We become more like Christ, who gave himself fully. We become more attentive to God’s presence. We become more open, more generous, more active.

So today, let us not think of stewardship as a duty imposed from outside, but as a calling that arises from within, a response to grace, a participation in God’s generosity, a way of living that says, with our whole lives: “all that I am, and all that I have, come from you, O Lord.”

And to God, the giver of every good gift, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Pentecost 7

Pew bulletin

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

“I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

In John’s Gospel, Jesus not simply give teachings He reveals His identity. When He say, “I am the Good Shepherd,” He is drawing from a rich biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, God Himself is described as the shepherd of Israel: “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23). The prophets also spoke against false shepherds’ leaders who neglected and scattered God’s people (Ezekiel 34).

Into this context, Jesus speaks with authority: He is not just a guide; He is the true Shepherd sent by God. The word “good” here means more than moral goodness. It carries the sense of “true,” noble,” and beautiful.” Jesus is the Shepherd who perfectly reflects God’s heart one who knows, loves, protects and sacrifices.

Let us reflect on what this means for us today.

1.      First the Good Shepherd knows us personally.

Jesus says, “I Know my own and my own knows me” (John 10:14). This is not distant knowledge. It is intimate, relational, and personal, just as the Father knows the Son. In a world where people are often unseen or reduced to numbers, this is deeply comforting. Christ sees your struggles, your fears, your hopes, and even the silent prayers you cannot express.

There is a difference between being known and being truly understood. Jesus does not only see us; He understands us with compassion. This invites us into a relationship, not just religion. We are not followers of a system; we are known by a shepherd.

2.      Second, the Good Shepherd lays down his life.

Unlike a hired hand who runs away when danger comes, Jesus stays. He does not abandon His flock. Instead, He gives His life willingly. This points directly to the cross. The shepherd becomes the sacrifice.

Theologically, this reveals the depth of God’s love. Salvation is not earned; it is given. Christ’s death is not accidental, it is intentional, redemptive, and for us. As Isaiah prophesied, “we all, like sheep, have gone astray… and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

This challenges us to rethink love. True love is not convenience, it is sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this shepherd-like love in our families, our church, and our community.

 3.      Third, the Good Shepherd calls us to listen and follow.

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The Christian life is not just about believing fact about Jesus it is about responding to His voice.

But here is the challenge: many voices compete for our attention, culture, fear, ambition, distraction. Not every voice leads to life. The voice of the Good Shepherd leads to truth, peace and purpose.

To follow Him requires attentiveness. It means spending time in scripture, prayer, and worship. It means trusting His direction even when the path is unclear. Sheep follow because they trust the shepherd’s voice. Do we trust Him in the same way?

Let me offer a simple illustration. A traveler once observed several flocks of sheep gathered near a well. They were all mixed together. But when each shepherd began to call, something remarkable happened each group of sheep separated and followed their own shepherd’s voice. They did not follow strangers.

In the same way, when we grow in relationship with Christ, we begin to recognize His voice more clearly. Discernment grows through closeness.

Dear friends, the image of the Good Shepherd is not only comforting, but it is also calling us into deeper faith.

·        Are we allowing ourselves to be known by Christ?

·        Are we receiving the love shown on the cross?

·        Are we listening to His voice and following where He leads?

As a church community, we are also invited to reflect on the Good shepherd. We are called to care for the vulnerable, to seek the lost, and to walk with those who are struggling. The church becomes a living expression of Christ’s shepherding love. Let us not remain distant observers of this Gospel. Let’s step into it. Let us trust the Shepherd who knows us and gave his life for us.

As we go into this week, carry these points in your heart.

1.      You are personally known and deeply loved by Good Shepherd.

2.      Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of your hope and salvation.

3.      Listening to His voice and following Him brings true life and peace.

May we hear His voice clearly, follow Him faithfully, and reflect His love generously. Amen.

Pentecost 6/Sea Sunday

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

From Burden to Rest: Hearing the Gentle Call of Christ

(Matt.11:15-19 & 25-30; Ps. 45:10-17; Rom.7:14-25)

Dear Church in Christ, Today’s Gospel invites us into a place of deep reflection and gentle hope. Jesus speaks to a confused and restless generation, and His words still echo powerfully in our own lives. Alongside this, we hear the honest struggle of Paul in Romans, and beautiful promise of identity and joy in Psalm 45.

Let us reflect on this message in three simple and life-giving points.

1.      Recognizing Our Restlessness and Struggle

Jesus begins with a striking observation: people could not be satisfied. “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” No matter what was offered, joy or sorrow, the people remained unmoved and critical.

This speaks to a deep restlessness within the human heart. We often find ourselves dissatisfied, unsure, or even resistant to what God is doing. We want God to act according to our expectations, but when He does not, we question, doubt, or withdraw.

St. Paul, in Romans 7, gives voice to this inner conflict: “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” This is the struggle we all recognize the tension between who we want to be and what we do.

There are moments when we feel spiritually tired, morally conflicted, and emotionally burdened. We try to improve, to be better, to do more, but still fall short. This can lead to frustration or even quiet despair. But the Bible does not hide this reality. Instead, it brings it into the light. And that is the first step toward grace, recognizing our need for God.

2.      Receiving God with Humble and open Hearts.

In the Gospel, Jesus turns to prayer and says, “I thank you, Father… because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants.”

This is not about rejecting wisdom; it is about the posture of the heart. Those who rely only on their own understanding often miss God’s work, while those who come with humility and openness begin to see clearly.

God is not distant or complicated; He is revealed to those who are willing to trust Him. Psalm 45 gives us a beautiful image of this openness. The bridge is invited to “forget your people and your father’s house,” to step into a new identity and relationship with the king. It is a call to leave behind what defines us and to embrace something greater.

In the same way, we are invited to let go of pride, fear, and self-reliance, and to receive the life God offers. This requires trust. It requires a willingness to say, “Lord, I do not have all the answers, but I am open to you.” And when we do that, something changes. We begin to see God not as distant, but as near to us. Not as demanding, but as inviting.

3.      Finding Rest in Christ

Then comes one of the most comforting invitations in all scriptures: “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give your rest.”

This is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus does not ask us to fix ourselves before coming to Him. He invites us as we are tired, burdened, and struggling.

And He promises rest, not merely physical rest, but rest for the soul. He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Though a yoke may seem like a burden, it is a way of sharing the load. Jesus is saying, “Walk with me. Let me carry it with you.”

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light not because life becomes effortless, but because we are no longer carrying it alone. This is where Paul’s cry in Romans finds its answer is clear: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Christ does not just teach us, He saves us, walks with us, and sustains us. And Psalm 45 reminds us of the joy that awaits us in this relationship. It speaks of beauty, dignity, and celebration. When we come to Christ, we are not only relieved of our burdens, we are also given a new identity, a new identity, and a new hop.

Beloved, this is the invitation today:

·         To acknowledge our struggles without fear,

·         To open our hearts with humility,

·         And to come to Jesus and receive His rest.

Whatever you are carrying today, whether it is worry, guilt, exhaustion, or uncertainty, bring it to Him. Because He is gentle, He is humble, and He is ready to receive you, and in Him, you will find rest for your soul.

May God Bless us all. Amen.

Pentecost 5

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Pentecost 4

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Pentecost 3

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Fr Vijay’s sermon

I am the light of the world

A few years ago, during a sudden storm, a neighborhood in Brisbane lost power late at night. Streetlights went out, homes went dark, and everything familiar suddenly felt uncertain. People reach for candles, torches, and phone lights not because light solves every problem, but because even a small light changes how we experience the darkness. It gives direction, removes fear, and helps us move forward.

In john 8:12, Jesus makes a powerful and deeply personal declaration: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This is not just poetic language. It is claim about who He is, why He came, and what He offers to each of us.

Today, let us reflect on what Jesus means when He says, “I am the light of the world,” and why this matters for our lives. I want to share this with three simple points.

1. First, Jesus is the light who reveals God to us.

In the Bible, light is often a symbol of God’s presence and truth. In the Old testament, God led His people through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night. Light means guidance, safety, and assurance that God was with them. When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” He is saying, “if you want to know what God is like, look at me.” He reveals God’s character, His love, mercy, holiness, and compassion. In a world full of confusion about who God is, Jesus makes God known in a way we can understand.

Think about it, many people today struggle with questions about God. Is He distant? Is He angry? Does He Care? Jesus answers theses questions not ust with words, but with His life. He touches the untouchable, forgives sinners, welcome the broken, and speaks truth with grace.

Without light, we stumble in uncertainty. Without Jesus, we often form our won ideas about God, shaped by fear or misunderstanding. But with Jesus, the light shines clearly. We see God not as distant, but as loving and near.

So when Jesus says, “I am the light of the world,” He is inviting us out of confusion into clarity, out of guessing into knowing.

2. Second, Jesus is the light who exposes and removes darkness.

Light does something else, it exposes what is hidden. When a room is dark, we cannot see what is there. But when light enters, everything is revealed.

In the same way, Jesus shines into the darkness of our hearts. This can feels uncomfortable at times. His light exposes our sins, our selfishness, our guilt, and our pain. But darkness does not heal; it only conceals. Jesus, the light brings truth so that transformation can begin.

In john’s Gospel, light is always connected with life. When Jesus exposes darkness, he also offer forgiveness. When he reveals sin, He also brings grace. The light of Christ is not harsh it is restoring.

Think of a doctor who must first diagnose a problem before treating it. In the same way, Jesus shines His light into our lives so that He can bring healing.

And this is good news. It means we do not have to pretend. We do not have to hide. We can come into His light just as we are, trusting that His light will not destroy us, but renew us.

Third, Jesus is the light who guides our daily living.

Jesus says, “whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Notice the word “follows” this is not just about believing something it about walking with someone.

Light is not only about seeing, it is about direction. When we walk in the dark, we are unsure of where to step. But with light , we can move forward with confidence.

Jesus offering guidance for our everyday lives, our decisions, our relationships, our struggles, and our future. In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and pressures, His light gives us a clear path.

This does not mean life becomes easy. It does not mean there are no challenges. But it does not mean there are no challenges. But it does mean we are not walking blindly. We are walking with Him.

For us a church community, this is especially important. We are called not only to receive the light but also to reflect on it. Jesus later says, “you are the light of the world.” His light in us becomes a witness to others.

In our homes, workplaces, and communities, people are often searching sometimes without even realizing it. They are looking for hope, meaning, and direction. When we live in the light of Christ, through love, integrity, and faith we become signposts pointing others to Him.

So, the question for us today is simple: are we walking in His light?

It is possible to hear these words and remain in darkness. Jesus’ invitation is personal. “Whoever follows me…” that means each one of us is invited to respond.

Perhaps for some, this means coming to Jesus for the first time, stepping out of confusion and into clarity. For others, it may mean allowing His light to shine into areas we have kept hidden. And for many of us, it is a reminder to keep following Him daily, trusting His guidance step by step.

Let us not settle for dim light when the true light is available. Let us not remain in darkness when Chrsit offters life.

As we close, remember that the light of Christ is not distant. It is present, personal, and powerful. In every season whether joyful or difficult, His light shines.

And even the smallest light makes a difference. So may we walk in His light, live by His truth, and reflect His love, until others too come to see that Jesus is indeed the light of the world.

Amen.