All Christians are entrusted to protect and support Holy Mother the Church, for she takes upon herself our sins, our sorrow, pain and conflict.

Most followers are often repelled by the truth of suffering and death. Yet, they fail to recognize that the mystery of the Eucharist, the Body of Christ in the Church is the center of the Real Presence. St. Thomas’ Summa is a good reference to introduce the laity and scholars to the role of suffering and death in the faith.

The Christian church in India is growing. At this moment in time it needs our sympathetic pity and concern to comfort the weak and those suffering in misfortune.

With regard to the growth of the Christian church in our nation, we humbly bear negative challenges, not failing to plow through whatever comes and raise mutual support for growth, helping to reach an encounter with the ‘Prince of Peace’.

Christ, by his agony in the garden taught us to pray that the Chalice may pass. Humanity’s redemption means the   liberation of the body’s death and from sin. This is a fact that men are still suffering and dying, as it is said:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.” (Jn. 12:24).

From priests, religious and evangelists comes the power of giving grace through the sacraments for those who will encounter Christ in their future ministry. I have seen and discovered a rich growth of faith in the midst of difficulties we face. Believers and followers have risen to illuminate the visible works of divine Providence. All the truth of hope, salvation and redemption is to be found in the teachings of St. Thomas, between the lines in his book ‘Confessions’.

Indeed, the church is growing in our country. Facts and figures alone speak for themselves. Christianity is taking shape in villages across Punjab, the land of five rivers. Churches on rooftops in Amritsar, and Gurdaspur speak for themselves. The Penticostal church has a strong mission in the midst of other Christian churches.

Christianity is the third largest religion after Hinduism and Islam. There are almost 27.8 million followers making a total of 2.3 per cent of the population as per the 2011 census of India.

Speaking of statistics, there are 10,701 parishes in an area covering 124 dioceses. In a more recent count of Christians in India (2022) we stand at 3.20 crores.  Converts grow each year by 8 lakhs approximately (TOI 10/1/2016).

The true witnessing of our faith is profound and Christians peacefully strive to enrich the silent growth of the church. There is a scholastic dictum, which states:

“The Sacrament of Penance transforms attrition into contrition” This could be a transformation of the mind, heart and spirit of the immovable Church.

The suffering and compassionate church grows stronger by our personal physical, mental and spiritual pain. We are the two arms and feet of the cross, bearing our misfortunes in Him and through Him, our Savior.

The renewing works of the Holy Spirit removes the evil forces at play, for the fruit of the Spirit is Peace, Love and Kindness (Gal.5:22); He destroys all fear. Our compassion is a bond of everlasting love to ride the waves and drown sin, greed and hate.

This brief homily is all credit to the words of the Holy Spirit to inspire you and to encourage an encounter with God.

The aura of the growing church in India is a celebration of God’s glory.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever “ (Ps. 117).