Message from Rev. Fr. Dr. Johnson C. John
Rev. Fr. Dr. Johnson C. John
Dearly Beloved in Lord Jesus Christ,
I am so glad to serve as the Vicar in the Jubilee year 2014-2015 year among the people of God at Greater Washington St Thomas Orthodox Church. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to serve. Electronic Communication in the post modern era becomes fastest beyond the geographical distances, which is one of the major strategies to inculcate and conscientize the Word of God.
Communication is the activity of conveying information through the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, writing, or behavior. When it comes to maintaining peace, whether between nations or in our personal relationships, effective communication is absolutely necessary. When it comes to feeling “at peace” in our understanding, the more information we are given, the more at peace we tend to feel. When we experience difficult circumstances, it is often the comforting words of others that help deliver peace within hardship. If we are distressed in our thinking, it is often a long talk with a trusted friend that calms our spirits.
On the flip side, a lack of effective communication will frequently lead to serious conflict. Also, when we don’t feel like we have enough information, we often lack peace when trying to make a decision. In difficult circumstances, our fears heighten as we go without an encouraging word from others. Finally, when we experience distress and lack an understanding ear to which we may speak, we often deeply feel the absence of peace in our hearts as we experience feelings of loneliness. As we explore God’s suppliers of peace in our lives, Our God has so graciously made communication with us a top priority in His relationship with us, and He desires us to experience peace as a result.
As we seek to embrace peace in the middle of a fallen world, we are able to rest in the perfect & eternal Word of God. I am tempted to quote “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” (Psalm 119:89-93)
Communication that brings peace is true, trustworthy, and unchanging. In the scripture above, we are reminded that God’s word is established firmly and it endures as truth. We hear it is eternal, He is faithful, and His law endures. The author of Psalm 119 clearly states that the word of God has preserved him. As believers, we can seek peace & preservation in God’s word as well. In John 16:33 we read, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus spoke these words after explaining to his disciples of the things that were ahead. Throughout God’s word, believers are given explanations of what to expect, God’s promises, and warnings. God has breathed truth into his word that communicates the information He desires us to have and He intends for it to bring us peace.
The ability to understand or comprehend the world around us is a key component to our peace of mind. Our most effective and reliable source of information is found in God’s clear and written word. He has spoken, and his word is everlasting and trustworthy. As we seek to grow in peace, studying and knowing God’s word will supply deeper peace in our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 might be one you’ve memorized: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
May God bless you richly and abundantly, showering His choicest blessings in your life.
In Christian love,
Fr. Dr. Johnson C. John Chirathalckal B.Sc., G. S. T., B.D., MSW, M. Phil., Ph. D.