Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Qurbana: A Foretaste of the Kingdom of God

Bible Reading: John 6:52-58
Key verse: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:54

DEVOTION


As we are repeating the ‘Prayer of Confession’ after the celebrant or the ordained minister, we are confirming our commitment to the faith and resetting our minds after asking forgiveness for our sins, in thoughts, words, and deeds. In other words, we are receiving the Holy Elements with a renewed heart and reaffirmed faith which leads to renewed and fruitful life. But with modern living and life situations, we tend to repeat the prayer of confession without real commitment, or even concentration, as it’s a group event. Remember, in the olden days, Christians used to prepare themselves, starting with previous evening or night and took the Holy Communion with fasting, dedication, and prayers. The number of such individuals has dwindled much, and we attend the Holy Eucharist as a routine part of Church worship. We need to change our attitudes and approach towards the Holy Communion and realize the Heavenly elements that can bring forth peaceful and everlasting life, through which we always feel the presence of Christ with us, during good and bad times.
Many people are perplexed with the concept of ‘eating body and drinking blood.’ However, meditating on this concept reveals that this statement made by Jesus is truly revealing His Godly implications. John 6:52-58 affirms the Christian belief in Holy Eucharist and the presence of God. In John 6:53-56 we read how Jesus in His parabolic terms is assuring His presence by abiding with those who receive the elements by faith, which is the corner stone of traditional Christian life. John 6, Jesus compares his body with the Manna, a heavenly provision at a time of need. Jesus mentions about the everlasting life for those who partake in the Holy Qurbana with faith and commitment.  

PRAYER
Lord, we commit ourselves and realize thy presence through receiving thy Body and Blood, after a confession that is heartfelt and truthful. 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Renew our heart and faith during Holy Communion, embracing its true meaning with dedication, focus, and sincere repentance."

Dr. Eapen Daniel,
Christos MTC, Philadelphia

Christian Education Forum
Diocese of North America of the Mar Thoma Church

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