Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Sacrament of Holy Qurbana
Exodus 12:1-14
"This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.” (Exodus 12:14)
             The book of Exodus tells us about the salvation history of Israel: from captivity to liberation, capturing their journey in the real world, along with their spiritual journey with God Almighty. The festival of Passover is central to the faith and history of the Jewish community. The Passover was a reminder of how God was with the Israelites through all their experiences, enabling them to be redeemed from captivity in Egypt. The portion discusses the institution of the First Passover, and how the faith community was asked to repeatedly observe this to remember the saving work of God, throughout generations.
            Through the sacrament of Holy Qurbana, we remember the life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We remember God’s intervention in history by sending His only begotten Son, for our redemption. We confess our sins, so that we can be forgiven, and reconcile our relationship with the Lord, which leads to transformation. This is a continuous process as we await the second coming of the Lord.
            After participating in the Holy Qurbana, we are empowered to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, to the world. Just as the people of Israel consistently remembered how they were saved from Egypt, through the festival of Passover, we as a Christian community need to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through Holy Qurbana (Syriac word for offering), we are not offering an ‘animal sacrifice,’ rather; we are offering our lives to the Lord in the same way He offered Himself to us. That offering on our part is fulfilled through our commitment to him, followed by an active response through our very own existence.
 As a faith community, let us faithfully participate in the Holy Qurbana in a manner which will allow for personal transformation, and a strengthening of our spiritual life and Christian witness in this world.
 PRAYER
Lord God, help us to live a sacramental life and to actively respond to your call. Through our life, help us to bear fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes." Are we doing so?


Rev. Dennis Abraham, Youth Chaplain, South East Region

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