Sermon in English:
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I think 95% of our Achens in US are able to give a sermon in English. But the point is, less than 20% of the congregation would not be able to catch the message. Then what can the achens do? If every one in the congregation is English speaking people, we will also be comfortable to speak in English. This is not the case with our congregations. Even when, we propose English Qurbana, it is the people resist the move. Then what can the achen do?.
Spiritually moving sermons:
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With the 25 years of my experience in priesthood, I believe that Word of God is Jesus Christ. Many miss the essence that while in liturgy, reading of bible or hearing a sermon, it is Jesus you are receiving. Jesus is Holy and we are unholy. Many attend these with out any preparation. Such people will never get the message. It is true. Come with a humble heart and with much preparation and prayer, I have no doubt, you will receive the message. Only to the needy, the word of God is send. I am talking about a speech you hear somewhere.
In Philadelphia we 3 parishes started Bible class for the faithful. These classes are well prepared. We give handouts also for easy learning. Out of 250 faithful, 25 are attending it. Then we learnt that there is no meaning in giving the class in English. These 25 people are from 8 families. They all know Malayalam well. Then we achens decided to shift the language to Malayalam...Where are the youngsters or the parents of this area...These 8
families come with their children. If the parents were interested the children also would have been there.
All the Achens, if seminary trained, are taught and trained to deliver a sermon. This is not from the book we learned it, but through practice. Every week one class is separated for practice preaching where we preach in front of the whole faculty and thirumenis. That means we practiced preaching, by addressing the theologians of our church. At that time we were taught that if the congregation is prepared to receive a message, God will use the preacher to send a message. Our church teaches that to attend a Qurbana, all the faithful must say the
evening prayer, meditate upon the word of God and to complete the mid night prayer. How many of the faithful are attending Holy Qurbana in such a way? Think about it. Every one take it as easy as going a super market. I say to you, such people will not get anything from the church. People are misguided by the televangelists about spirituality.
Eve also did the same thing. Her blame was on the serpent, when God asked her "did u do this?
Turn to ourselves, correct ourselves and come to church, I guarantee all, you will not miss the message. On seeing our change the children will also follow us indeed. God bless us.
