Dear friends,

Last evening, when Susan and me returned home after our Maundy Thursday service, one of our close Malayalee neighbours invited us to their home saying “Pastor, would you join us for an ‘appam murickkal’ ceremony. I did not know what to expect as I have been completely new to such a routine among malayalee Christians. As we arrived we were asked by them to join in their Roman Catholic prayers for Maundy Thursday, lead by the mother and the daughter-in- law of the house. At the end of the prayers the man of the house unwrapped the ‘ada’ (appam) and removed a cross, (which I found out later) that was made out of the palm leaf which they had from the previous Palm Sunday worship, and cut the appam into various portions for distribution. Then everyone received from his hands a piece of it along with (a sort of our) Kiss of Peace greeting. This was all done with the utmost reverence the moment deserved. For us it was not only a moment of discovery about various religio-cultural practices that we have among us, but also a time of true remembrance of what God has accomplished in an through Jesus Christ. His breaking of the bread with his disciples was a parting reminder about the deep meaning of the Cross on which he will offer his life for humanity. However, disciples will come to realize the full meaning of it only later as they became a believing community.

The meaning of the breaking of the bread continues to unravel itself in our own lives in various ways. That happens if only we are open to God’s continued workings and guidance in our own daily experiences and interactions.

May God give a meaningful time to everyone of you during this Easter celebrations and continue to transform us into an Easter people.

With Warm Regards and Prayers,

George Oommenachen
Good Friday, 2010