The Diocese
Posted: 03/02/2018
RECLAIMING OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
Humility: The Hidden Treasure
Esteemed participants of Reclaim 2018,
No doubt that we are extremely delighted that Reclaim, initiated by the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, and supported by many, continues to be a tradition in the Western Diocese.
The whole idea of reclaim speaks to us about recalling, regaining and reinstating our Christian Faith. Based on the Word of God, this year, I want to share with you all a reflection by Archbishop Desmond Tutu dedicated to humility, for I certainly believe that the human life can be glorified and all-important missions on the life of the Church can be successful when humility dominates our lives.
“Humility is the recognition that your gifts are from God, and this lets you sit relatively loosely to those gifts. Humility allows us to celebrate the gifts of others, but it does not mean you have to deny your own gifts or shrink from using them. God uses each of us in our own way, and even if you are not the best one, you may be the one who is needed or the one who is there.” (Abp. Tutu)
The South African leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu shares his insight of humility.
The ultimate source of humility is in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God who knelt and washed the feet of His Apostles. Christ reassured us that humility is the source of consolation and solace. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29). In his Epistle to the Galatians, St. Paul writes that Christ lives in us. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). As Christians, we believe the ultimate source of joy is derived from our quest to walk with and emulate the life of Christ, our Lord. The Psalmist says “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”(Psalm 37:4).
Let us pause for a moment and question the desires of our hearts. “Is it wealth? Is it power? It is status?” What is the purpose of your presence here at the Reclaim Conference?
Your presence attests of your commitment to drawing one step closer to the Almighty. A Christian’s desire of the heart is to emulate the life of Christ. It is to reclaim the humility of the heart. It is to give glory to the Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon us. It is to rejoice in the Resurrected Lord.
Let Reclaim 2018 be the journey into the depth of your souls. A delightful route to get to reach this destination is via prayers in solitude. Thus, I encourage everyone here today to embark on a self-discovery journey. Pray in solitude and pray often. Â It is then that you will discover that God is ever-present within us.
The reason I have chosen a message dedicated to humility is one of the most important ingredients which has to be lived by each of us as well as society at large.
One of the Christian virtues, which secures the peace of the world but above all the prosperity of community life. RECLAIM is an important mission, which is now realized in the life of the Western Diocese with the sole noble intention to cultivate our Christian life. Throughout this weekend every step that we take, every message that we extend has to be deeply rooted in the divine Word of God. This weekend offers us the time for solitude and enables us to grow spiritually and make the commitment and the promise to live a life similar to Christ our Lord, and to be empowered with the spirituality of the Church Fathers who have paved the true way of life as the most valuable gift and legacy for us.
Reclaim is the weekend to stay firm in our Christian Faith and to be most careful not to alter a dot in our Christian beliefs, which make the core foundation of our Church life. The Gospel of Christ our Lord cannot be altered under any circumstances. The Gospel of Christ is an everlasting truth. The Gospel of Christ our Lord cannot be accommodated to our new movements. Rapid advancements in technology, social media, science, etc., should work in unison to attest to the Truth that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Democracy has to serve God and the Church. The Church and the Christian cannot be bargained with the weight of human votes. Christ, our Lord fought the multitudes. He sacrificed His life for the Divine Truth. In Him and with Him we ought to set the journey of our life.
We are gathered with the sole purpose to secure a stronger Church with stronger commitment and never distancing ourselves from the traditions which we hold in reverence. Therefore, all discussions, fellowships and prayer hours should aim for the defense of our faith and the holy traditions. The new world is threatening to destroy the core beliefs of our Christian way of life. We must adamant to become true apostles of Christ and be the living gospels in our community.
What we see today around the world and in our communities brings much pain and suffering to individuals and groups. It is the direct result of the lack of the living Christian Faith and the complete misunderstanding of freedom. Freedom lies in Christianity. Let us not challenge and destroy our Faith under the pressure of the “New Rules” and lifestyles.
Dear faithful,
I wish you all a blessed weekend. My special appreciation to Fr. Vazken Movsesian who has been the mastermind of the Reclaim Conference, a venue which enlightens our minds and souls so that we may be able to embrace Christ, our Lord and be His true followers.
Abp. Hovnan Derderian
March 2, 2018
