Sunday, 3rd March, was observed as Women’s Sunday with members of the Women’s Fellowship taking lead roles in different parts of the service.
The sermon* was delivered by Mrs. Moly Jacob, (Women's Fellowship President) meditating on the theme ,"Women, the spokespersons of sacrificial love”. Molykochamma mentioned that the theme encourages us to contemplate on how we can share sacrifical love through our words and deeds.
(1) This is a divine initiative. As we read in Luke 1:28 onwards, the angel of God greeted Mary and chose her to be partner in sharing the sacrificial love of God in sending His only begotten son Jesus Christ to this world. Similarly we are chosen by God to be ambassadors of sacrificial love in places where we function. Creation is God's perfect will. God created mankind in his own image,as male and female (Gen 1:27). The Bible says that God's character dwells in male and female alike, regardless of their distinct phsyical characteristics. As it says in Galatians 3:28 "male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." As women, we should be conscious of our status as children of God and have a surrendering attitude like Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
(2) It is a different lifestyle. Proverbs 31:15-31 portrays a woman with a different perspective. It is neither charm nor beauty which makes a woman noble, but the fear of the Lord. How does a woman become different? Firstly, by enriching relationships with care and compassion. This is achieved by words of compassion and refraining from words of hurt, which makes or breaks relationships. (Proverbs 25:11) Secondly, a different lifestyle requires considering challenges as God given opportunities. This requires utilising time wisely to accomplish tasks set before us. Kochamma quoted a newspaper article titled "Those who rang the first bell in Baker High School", where it tells the 18th century story of the wives of the missionaries who helped train local women in stitching as well as giving them education. They were not appointed specifically for this task, but they used the opportunity given by God to bring light to several underprivileged lives.
(3) It is a decision, to follow the footsteps of Jesus. 1 Peter 4:14-19 teaches us how to share God's sacrificial love in the midst of adversities. Lent reminds us that cross is the greatest symbol of sacrificial love, setting us an example. This requires committing ourselves to our faithful creator. Jesus did not retaliate or make threats when he suffered, and insults were hurled at him; Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). God is in control of our lives and the whole universe. When we become conscious of this supremacy of God, we become strengthened to demonstrate sacrificial love in the midst of difficulties. Another aspect is to continue to do good in adversities, which is not always easy. However, the enabling grace of God helps us to achieve this. God's grace is infinite and beyond explanation, but we can experience this regardless of sex or age. We need to take a decision to follow the footsteps of Jesus in testing times. Dr. Mary Varghese, despite her physical limitations was instrumental in establishing the largest rehabilitation centre in Asia. The words of Dr. Mary, "I asked for feet, but I have been given wings" tesifies how an unshakeable faith in God, transforms our lives according to His will. The popular song's lyric, "He raised me up to more than I can be", reminds us of the endless possibilities when we trust in God.
Kochamma concluded that, this year's Women's Sunday should be a day to remember our call to be partners in sharing the sacrificial love, following the example of Jesus.
The sermon* audio file is available here : https://www.csidubai.com/sermons
Another major highlight of the service was the melodious song sung by the Women's fellowship members (കനിവേറും സ്നേഹപിതാവേ) which can be listened here : http://www.csidubai.com/women-fellowship
Rev. Raju Jacob led the Holy Communion Service.