March 20, 2024
Sisters and brothers, the Great Family of the Church of the Nativity, robust, and sick, and shut ins,
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I feel honoured to address you on this day. I know the joy and the pain of each you, and I share them with you, praying our good God to strengthen those who rejoice and relieve the pain of those who suffer in their bodies and/or in their spirits.
To prepare the celebration of Easter, the triumph of life over death, the church has been invited to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.
Some of you have responded to this invitation, committing themselves to prayer, Bible study, deep reflection, and other spiritual activities, individually or/and in groups, in quest of a betterment and a solution for themselves and for their loved ones in their problems. But others were unable to respond duly to the invitation because of their ongoing illness and pain. Others have been enduring the impact of the difficulties of the era, the evildoing in our societies, and the bad news around the world that troubled the serenity and the faith of many.
As it is written in the Psalm 130,5: “My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning”, we have not ceased to count on God and wait for His help. Keep your faith unwavering, my beloved! As Jesus said, “let not your hearts be troubled”. Your deliverance is here!
As for the Ladies who were walking desperately toward the tomb of Jesus, the message of consolation has come to you my brother/sister: “Be not alarmed!” Whatever the situation you are undergoing: anxiety, sufferings, deceptions, etc. Jesus has vanquished all by his mighty resurrection. A new life has been won for you and for me.
Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving. (Psalm 95,1-2).
Alleluia Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Happy Easter!
I look forward to rejoicing with you in the Celebration of the New Ministry on April 14th.
Your servant,
The Rev. Amirold Lazard
