Noklak, November 1 (MExN): The newly built St. Paul Church, Noklak was blessed by the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Ottukalathil, the Parish Priest and Principal at Christ King Church, Anganba on October 30.
Bishop, in his introduction congratulated Rev. Fr. Joseph Lukka, the Centre in charge and the small community for the tremendous work done to complete the church construction. He urged them to be exemplary in their faith and life. The Church, he said, is a sign of Christian presence and closeness of God, according to a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu. Stating that the physical church is only the manifestation of the real and true Church, i.e. every Christian, the Bishop said every Christian is Christ bearer and should manifest Christ to others. “St. Paul tells that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. With our baptism the Holy Spirit dwells in us. The real Church, therefore, is we and we should be living temple of God to manifest and witness to God’s closeness and presence to his people,” he added.
Rev. Fr. Jaison Thomas, Director, Pastoral Centre, Dimapur in his reflection based on the story of Zacchaus, said that with the presence of Jesus in his life, Zacchaus became a new creation. “The darkness in his life was driven away by Jesus and he felt accepted by God, which brought about total transformation in his life. Zacchaeus not only was converted but was also committed to justice and then salvation came into his house.” When Jesus enters into one’s life, then one sees life differently and it will bring about transformation and change and thus one becomes the temple of God, Rev. Fr. Jaison stated.
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