Greetings you all in the marvelous name of our Lord Jesus!
As we journey through the sacred season of Lent this March, the Church invites us to pause, reflect, and return to the Lord with open hearts. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a gentle call to renew our relationship with God and with one another. In the quiet moments of sacrifice and reflection, we discover Christ walking beside us, guiding us toward hope and renewal. May this season help us grow in humility, compassion, and faith as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Let us delve into the lectionary of our church to see how each Sunday of this month gives us a beautiful message.
March 8th- Call to Be Inclusive (Mathew 15:21–28)
Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman in this passage reveals a powerful call to inclusion. Though she was a foreigner, the woman approached Jesus with deep faith and persistence. At first, barriers of culture and tradition seemed to stand in the way, yet her trust moved Jesus to respond with compassion and healing. This moment shows that God’s mercy is not limited by nationality, status, or background. In Christ, all are welcomed, valued, and embraced in God’s love.
March 15th – Call to Liberate others (Luke 13:10–17)
In this passage, Jesus heals a woman who had been bent over for many years, freeing her from her suffering. His action reveals that God desires freedom, dignity, and wholeness for every person. We, Christians, are called to liberate the people around us—standing against anything that oppresses or diminishes human dignity. Let us work to uplift others, bringing healing, hope, and freedom wherever there is pain or injustice.
March 22nd – Cross: Manifestation of Grace (Mark 10:46–52)
The healing of Bartimaeus reveals the gracious heart of Jesus. Though blind and marginalized, Bartimaeus calls out with faith, and Jesus stops to listen. Through this encounter, we see that the grace flowing from Christ’s mission—ultimately fulfilled on the Cross—reaches those who trust in Him. The Cross becomes the greatest manifestation of God’s grace, where suffering is transformed into hope and salvation. Like Bartimaeus, we are invited to approach Jesus with faith, confident that His grace restores our sight, renews our lives, and leads us to follow Him more closely.
March 29th- Hosanna Sunday (Mark 11:1–11)
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is greeted with joyful cries of “Hosanna!” as people welcome Him as the promised King. Riding on a humble donkey, Jesus reveals that His kingship is not about power or dominance, but about peace, humility, and salvation. The crowd spreads their cloaks and branches along the road, honoring Him with hope and expectation. Hosanna Sunday invites us to welcome Christ into our hearts and lives with the same joy and faith.
May we recognize this King Jesus as our Savior and follow Him faithfully on the path that leads to the Cross and the promise of new life.
Rev. Biju Yohannan
The Assistant Vicar of Chicago Mar Thoma Church
March 2026