Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Empowered for Mission 

Scripture: John 20:19 -23

Mission is a complex term used regularly in military, secular, and religious contexts. Two principal affirmations of Mission in a religious context are: Mission belongs to God and invites us to participate in the Mission. Two, Our presence, actions, and words are powerful tools for this Mission. Even though the term Mission often makes us think of only sending, the Church understands the essence of Mission as being and doing. 

This passage is heavily loaded with the presence, actions, and announcements of Risen Christ. They were enough to break free from the confines of closed doors and embrace the boundless horizons of their Mission. Let us skim through three messages from this portion.
"Peace be with you."
"Shalom" is a sacred greeting in Jewish tradition. However, it evolved into a powerful message that the disciples were entrusted to share with the world—the relevance of this message of peace increases when fear and turmoil increase. During our worship, the celebrant greets the congregation and shares this message, echoing this incident. The Mission involves assuring peace in our midst- to heal wounds and reconcile divisions. 
2." He showed his hands and his side."
The risen Christ is manifested to the disciples in his wounds. Wounds of the risen Christ signify a great message. It shows the victory of a righteous person who was attacked by the authorities. And wounds are the assurance that we are not alone, there is a person who walked ahead of these trials that we face now. The message of Mission is same. Even though we do not know the solution to solve all problems, we can assure the presence of this person who is already went through these problems. 
3. He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.
During the Mar Thoma Church's ordination service, the celebrant bishop will breathe on the candidates while reading this gospel portion to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is acknowledged as the empowering and encouraging element for fulfilling the Mission. 

Prayer

 Dear God, empower us to be part of your Mission. 
Thought for the Day
How did you realize God’s Mission through your life?
Rev. Abraham Sudeep Oommen.
Vicar of Charlotte Congregation and Chattanooga Congregation.

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