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Kohima, Jan. 2 (EMN): Bishop of Kohima diocese, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, reminded the faithful to thank God for His providential care, eveb as he expressed sadness that over 1.81 million had died due to the Covid-19 alone last year.
He stated this in his homily during New Year celebration on Friday at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima.
“Now, as we begin this New Year 2021, we entrust ourselves once again to God who holds our future,” he said and reminded the faithful to continue seeking “God’s pardon for our failure to trust Him in good time and bad times, in sickness and health”.
Keeping in mind the New Year’s day, which also commemorated as the “Feast of Mother of God,” he said the beginning a year created a feeling of motherly protection, hope, inspiration and guidance with the assured accompaniment of the Mother Mary.
He recalled the tragic events last year leading to economic recession, job losses, mental depression caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, aircraft crashes, communal tension, locust attacks, fires, riots, farmers agitation, detaining and arrests of intellectuals and thinkers, gas leak in Visakhapatnam, racial discrimination and tension in the borders etc.
In the face of all these shocking events, the bishop referred to the words of St. Paul who said, “Our role is only as a steward of God’s mysteries". He also reminded the gathering not to be dismayed when one is confronted with such tribulation, stating that it would open a “pathway to become better humans and for experiencing deeper spirituality and connection to God”.
“In order to see God at work through us humans even in the midst of the pandemic, we must look at the pandemic in a different perspective,” he told the faithful.
While shutdown worked well to control the spread of the virus in many countries, similar shutdown is a must for “controlling the virus that is within us," he said.
“We must give a shutdown to our noisy life to listen to God,” Thoppil reminded and called to do away with the “danger of invisible viruses of hatred, self-centeredness, jealousy, division and violence are deep inside of us".
He also suggested to hold on to positivity by focusing on positive stories of people, coming together to help the victims particularly the frontline warriors who have volunteered to share their time, resources and knowledge for the well-being of others.
Just as telecommunication system, which connects people and maintain social bonding, he advised the gathering to remain connected with God by having proper communication with Him during this pandemic.
Thoppil also asked the governments and leaders to change their priorities and options, maintaining that the huge multi-specialty hospitals and large investments would not help us during this pandemic. “What we need is public healthcare and social welfare measures,” he said.
In the similar fashion, he mentioned that one needs to focus on right things in life and sets eyes beyond the mundane world saying: “God is the master and we must give Him importance."
He also advised the people to emulate the examples of those individuals who rose to the occasion and helped elders take care of their daily needs, allowed house-help to stay home without fear of their wages being affected while alumni, civil, religious and social organisations came forward to provide meals, medicines and shelter for the needy, doctors and health workers acted like angels to the needy.
He also shared that the uncertainty and unpredictability during the pandemic has made people to love one another at their best. “Innumerable examples of forgiveness and love are reported from across the world. These are hopes for humanity,” he added.
“The pandemic has taught us that we are all the same regardless of our religion, culture, customs, language and regions, whether we are poor or rich, man or woman. The invisible virus reminded us that we are all inter-connected and inter-dependent. Hope these lessons will help us to change the world for better in 2021. Let us together make the difference in 2021.
Perhaps 2020 is an invitation to change, turn to the basics. Our hope is to have a peaceful world, a harmonious life, a loving experience, a prosperous New Year for all, and not for a few privileged ones may be a reality in the New Year,” he stated
Dimapur, Jan. 2 (EMN): Along with the rest of the world, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill Kohima (CBCMHK) celebrated New Year 2021 at the church premises on the theme “Come let us worship the king”.
According to a press statement issued by the CBCMHK media and publicity committee, the church pastor Rev. Dr. Wepre Mero, urged the congregation to live a purposeful life with vision of hope, love and care transcending the humanity by aiming at higher values of Christian life.
“The pandemic has barred all beautiful living conditions of humanity where one should take the challenges in positive perspective and live closer to God with greater visions and aimed for salvation,” stated Mero, adding that one should maintain all health precautions and stay safe and fit.
As part of offering the first day labour to God, CBCMHK also organised a social work on January 2 at the main church complex of CBCMHK, Lerie Sector Church, Hindi-Nagamese Fellowship and The Light House Prayer and Worship Centre, Tekhuba, respectively by cleaning the compounds and dismantling decorations materials etc.
Meanwhile, the church expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed in cash and kinds and took part in the day-long social work.
The 173 battalion CRPF based in Dimapur airfield organised a day-long programme as part of New Year celebration at its battalion headquarters on January 1.
An update from the battalion stated that the celebration began with an address by the commanding officer Vishnu Gautam, wherein he stressed on the need to maintain discipline and probity in all walks of life.
In the afternoon, a colourful cultural programme showcasing the unity and diversity of the country with modern touch was organised. It stated that attractive prizes were awarded to outstanding performers. The celebration concluded with a “Barakhana” wherein all personnel along with their families also attended.