Professing Christianity is not just about attending church on Sunday morning—albeit it’s a very important first step. It is about everything that embodies the qualities associated with Christ’s teachings. It is about parishioners coming together and uniting in fellowship continually, not just on Sunday—the one day of the week.
Here at St. John the Evangelist, Topsail, fellowship is not confined to Sunday morning worship. Canon Jotie has offered a Bible study programme that is open to the whole congregation. Sessions are held every Thursday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting for 1 to 1卦 hours. They include group discussions.
As I write this, Lent is stealthily creeping upon us. As in other parishes, Ash Wednesday is the starting point of worship during this holy season. It was marked by the ceremony of anointing with ashes.
We are now entering the second Wednesday of Lent. Parishioners will have an opportunity to join in fellowship as a prerequisite for the many commitments we endeavour to uphold during the forty days leading up to the celebration of Easter. As St. Paul said, “Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties.” (1 Timothy 4:15)
It is also a time to remember that charity is not just about giving to the food bank or providing physical help to the poor. Charity is about kindness, benevolence, generosity, empathy, and, above all, tolerance in judging others. As we embark on this holy journey, let us be ever mindful of Christ’s sacrificial death and illustrious rising from the dead.
“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
– Philippians 3:10
