This assurance, dear brothers and sisters, has accompanied the Church for two thousand years... From it we must gain new impetus in Christian living, making it the force which inspires our journey of faith. Conscious of the Risen Lord's presence among us, we ask ourselves today the same question put to Peter in Jerusalem immediately after his Pentecost speech: "What must we do?" (Acts 2,37).

We put the question with trusting optimism, but without underestimating the problems we face. We are certainly not seduced by the naive expectation that, faced with the great challenges of our time, we shall find some magic formula. No, we shall not be saved by a formula but by a Person, and the assurance which he gives us: "I am with you!"

It is not therefore a matter of inventing a new program. The program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition; it is the same as ever. Ultimately, it has its center in Christ himself, who is to be known, loved and imitated, so that in him we may live the life of the Trinity, and with him transform history until its fulfillment in the heavenly Jerusalem... It must be translated into pastoral initiatives adapted to the circumstances of each community... It is in the local churches that the specific features of a detailed pastoral plan can be identified... which will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities, and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture... What awaits us therefore is an exciting work of pastoral revitalization - a work involving all of us.

Passion Week Supplement in Malankara World

Sermons for Passion Week