Team L’ALPHA

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining,
I believe in love, even when it is not shown,
And I believe in God, even when He is silent!”
This is an inscription on the wall of a cellar in the city of Cologne attributed to a Jew who was dying at the hands of the Nazis during holocausts. On the third of July, when we celebrate the feast of St. Thomas – Our Father in Faith – these enchanting words of faith and courage resonate on the walls of my mind. The declaration of Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” in fact, is an embodiment of true faith which is shadowed in the inscription. I would reiterate that “My Lord and My God!” is the faith declaration of every st. Thomas Christian at all times. Faith never fails!

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining,
I believe in love, even when it is not shown,
And I believe in God, even when He is silent!”

Fueled by an unfailing love and emboldened by an unwavering faith, St. Thomas went to the ends of the earth and preached the Good News.
As the children of St. Thomas the apostle, and as comrades in his faith journey, let us, also, carry on the tradition and faith given to us by our father in faith.

The Bible presents Thomas as a brave disciple, especially in the gospel of John (Jn.11:16). Thomas challenges the other disciples; he challenges us, too. He reminds us of the great commission,
(“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mathew 28:16-20), and enkindles the flames of a greater love within us which, in turn, enables us to witness to the Lord even unto death!

Thomas becomes the reason for the response by Jesus, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). When we observe the life of Thomas closely, we can see that there was a gradual growth of faith in him which is expressed and unfolded in three phases: the doubting Thomas through an experience seeking Thomas to a proclaiming Thomas. The experience of the Risen Lord mesmerized his life; and he proclaimed from the depths of his innermost being: Mar Valah! St. Peter says: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”

The feast of Dukrana challenges us to grow in our faith daily, and live that faith wherever we are. Dukrana is more than a memorial; it is a call to stand for truth! Dukrana is more than a ritualistic extravaganza; it is a reminder of our commission to show the Risen Lord to those who we meet! Dukrana is more than a recital of a bunch of special prayers; it’s a challenge to sacrifice one’s life for others! It is, indeed, a call to emancipation of oneself from the self love, to the love of all!
Happy Dukhrana.. Happy Independence Day..

Happy Dukhrana.. Happy Independence Day..

Chief Editors.