MOTHER’S DAY: A BIBLICAL REFLECTION
Luke 1:26–38
Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the immeasurable love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers. For Christians, this day can also be a meaningful occasion to reflect on the biblical model of motherhood, especially through the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary holds a unique and powerful place in Scripture, not only as the earthly mother of Christ but also as a symbol of faith, endurance, resistance, resilience, obedience, and grace that continues to inspire the Christian world today. The Gregorian Calendar May is a month, the Catholic Church across the world is celebrating what is called Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan.
In the Philippines, where majority of Christians belong to Catholic Church, May is marked by the vibrant and festive “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May), a month-long celebration honoring the Virgin Mary. During Flores de Mayo, flowers are offered daily at churches, a symbol of devotion and purity. The tradition not only reflects the Filipinos’ deep Marian devotion but also celebrates the end of the dry season, intertwining religious observance with seasonal change.
The culmination of Flores de Mayo is the “Santacruzan,” a religious-historical procession held on the last day of the month. This event reenacts the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine. During the procession, which is a major event in many communities, young women and men participate in a parade dressed as biblical characters and saints, with the most anticipated being the representation of Reyna Elena. The Santacruzan serves as both a catechetical tool and a cultural spectacle, showcasing elaborate dresses and creative floats.
Mary’s Role in the Life of Jesus:
Mary’s journey as a mother begins with one of the most profound moments in the Bible: the Annunciation. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she would bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26–38), her humble response, “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled”, marked her as a woman of deep faith and submission to God’s will. This moment sets the tone for Mary’s entire life as a mother: trusting, obedient, and committed.
As Jesus grew, Mary was not a distant or symbolic figure, she was fully involved in Jesus’ upbringing. In Luke 2:19, after the shepherds visited baby Jesus, Scripture says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This shows a mother deeply reflective and spiritually attuned to the divine nature of her son.
Mary was present in key moments of Jesus’ life and ministry. At the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11), it was Mary who brought the problem of the lack of wine to Jesus, leading to His first public miracle. She was also there during the most painful time in His life, on the way to Cross, and at the cross till his death (John 19:25–27). Her presence in that moment of suffering highlights her unwavering devotion and love as a mother, even in the face of unimaginable pain.
Mary’s Enduring Role in the Christian Faith
Mary’s significance extends beyond her role as a mother in the earthly life of Jesus. In Christian tradition, she has come to symbolize the ideal of faithful discipleship. Her life was marked by surrender to God’s plan, humility, and deep spiritual insight. In many Christian denominations, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, she is honored as the Mother of the Church, interceding for believers and providing a model of grace and virtue.
Even in Acts 1:14, after Jesus’ ascension, we see Mary gathered with the disciples in prayer, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. This shows her as a foundational presence in the early Christian community, a woman of prayer and faith, united with the Church in its mission.
Mary, the Role Model for Parents
Mary’s life offers timeless lessons for all parents and believers:
- Faith in Uncertainty: Mary accepted God’s will even when she didn’t fully understand it, teaching us to trust God in every season of life.
- Strength in Sacrifice: Her journey was filled with hardship, from giving birth in a stable to witnessing her Son’s crucifixion, yet she remained faithful.
- Presence and Love: Mary’s consistent presence in Jesus’ life reminds us of the irreplaceable role of a loving, supportive mother for every parent and caregiver to every child.
The Goal Achieved Through Mary: A Divine Symphony of Salvation: In the fullness of time, God chose Mary, not merely as a vessel, but as a consecrated temple, through whom the Eternal Word would take flesh. In her humble fiat, the infinite stooped into the finite; the Creator entered creation, not in splendor, but in silence, through the womb of a virgin. Through Mary, the long-awaited plan of salvation was set ablaze: Christ, the Son of the Living God, clothed Himself in our humanity to redeem the fallen and restore what was lost in Eden.
This mystery is not confined to a distant past. It echoes through the ages and calls to us even now. Just as Mary opened herself wholly to God’s will, so too are we invited to surrender to become living tabernacles, instruments of His mercy in a broken world. Though Christ will not be born again in the flesh, He longs to be born anew in our hearts, to take shape in our words, our actions, our lives. In a world groaning under the weight of injustice and sin, we are called to make room for the Incarnation again, not in Bethlehem, but within ourselves. Through our surrender, the captive may yet find freedom, the wounded may yet find healing, and the darkness may still give way to light. As Mary bore the Light of the World in her womb, so we are called to bear Him in our lives, that through us, redemption may continue to touch the earth. AMEN!
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
CHURCH RELATIONS AND SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT – STORIES OF AUXILIARIES
KERALA AUXILIARY
Audio Bible Distribution Program
Mr. Caleb Martin Hilton, Associate Director of the Media, Communication, and IT Department of the Bible Society of India, visited the Kerala Auxiliary on April 25th and 26th, 2025, in connection with the free distribution of Audio Bibles to those in need. The Auxiliary Secretary, accompanied by Marketing Officers, visited several institutions across the region, including:
- Mundakapadam Mandiram, Manganam
- Asraya Old Age Home, Mallapally
- Dharmagiri Mandiram, Kumbanad
- Bethanya Ladies Home, Thiruvalla
- Swasraya Rehabilitation Centre, Mulanthuruthy
- Karunalayam Old Age Home, Piravom
- St. Paul’s Mission of India – Odakkaly Old Age Home
- Blind School, Aluva
The two-day outreach was truly a blessing as we were able to bring the Word of God to individuals facing challenges in reading printed text. We interacted with the wheelchair-bound, the bedridden, and many elderly residents, offering them the comfort and hope of Scripture in an accessible format. The warm reception and deep gratitude expressed by the residents were truly heartening. We were especially honoured by the presence of the Honourable Member of Parliament, Mr. Benny Behanan, who attended the Annual Meeting at the Blind School, Aluva. His gracious participation added immense value to the event and brought encouragement to all present. We express our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Benny Behanan and the leaders of the centre for their exceptional coordination and hospitality. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Bible Society of India Media Department and the World Christian Outreach International (WCOI) for their generous support, which made this initiative a resounding success.
Branch Annual Thanksgiving Meeting
The 28th Annual Meeting of the BSI Karunagapally Branch, along with a farewell to outgoing pastors, was held with grace and reverence at Kollaka Mar Thoma Church on April 28th, 2025. The meeting was presided over by the Branch President, Rev. K. Varghese Mathew.Auxiliary Secretary Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of Bible ministry and commending the dedication of pastors and leaders. Marketing Officer Mr. George Philip K. also shared greetings.
The event was attended by clergy, pastors, Regional Coordinator Mr. D. K. Yesudasan, and other distinguished leaders. Outgoing pastors were honoured with mementoes as tokens of appreciation for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the ministry.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated leadership of Rev. K. Varghese Mathew (President), Mr. Varghese John (Secretary), Mr. Thomas P. G. (Treasurer), and other branch leaders for their tireless efforts. Special thanks to all branch members and churches for their remarkable collective support, raising a commendable contribution of ₹1,25,000/- towards the Bible Cause in the financial year 2024–2025. May God continue to bless and guide all those involved in this noble mission.
Bible Sunday & Bible Convention
Fellowship at St. Andrews CSI Church, Perumbadavom
It was a privilege and joy for the Auxiliary Secretary to attend the worship service at St. Andrews CSI Church, Perumbadavom, on April 27th, 2025. A special meeting was held to honour elderly and visually impaired members of the congregation, during which Audio Bibles were distributed to those in need. This initiative ensured that all could experience the Word of God, regardless of physical limitations. We are deeply thankful for the warm fellowship and the opportunity to serve alongside Rev. John Philip Mullakkal, Reader Shbumon P. M., and the entire congregation. May God continue to bless and strengthen them in all their ministries.
Fellowship at St. John the Baptist CSI Church, Aluva
On May 4th, 2025, the Auxiliary Secretary had the blessed opportunity to attend worship at St. John the Baptist CSI Church, Aluva. We express our sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr. Shinoj Bovas, Mr. Jacob Mathew (Regional Coordinator & Aluva Branch Secretary), and Mrs. Mary Jacob (Former National Committee Member) for their warm welcome and enduring partnership in ministry. We greatly appreciate the steadfast support of the congregation for the mission and ministry of the Bible Society of India. May the Lord continue to bless and prosper their work.
BSI Kuttanadu Branch One-Day Convention at Salem Mar Thoma Church, Karikuzhy
The BSI Kuttanadu Branch held its one-day convention on May 7th, 2025, at Salem Mar Thoma Church, Karikuzhy. The event was presided over by Rev. Dr. Viji Varghese Eapen, and the inaugural address was delivered by Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, former CSI Moderator. The Auxiliary Secretary shared the Word of God, and several clergy members offered greetings. A special memento was presented to Rev. Dr. Viji Varghese Eapen in recognition of his outstanding leadership as Branch President, as he prepares to take charge at a new parish. We sincerely thank the dedicated officials of the Kuttanadu Branch—especially Rev. Dr. Viji Varghese (President), Pastor Babu Thalavady (Vice-President), Mr. Thomaskutty (Secretary), and others—for their commitment and excellent organisation of this blessed event. We pray for God’s continued blessings upon every individual and the entire Kuttanadu Branch as they move forward in their mission.
NORTH WEST INDIA
LOGOS Bible Quiz Inspires Young Minds at Mount Carmel School, New Delhi
Over 300 Attend Annual Scripture-Based Competition Celebrating Faith and Knowledge
New Delhi, May 8, 2025: It was on a bright Thursday morning, as they stepped onto the vibrant campus of Mount Carmel School, Anand Niketan, New Delhi, the air was filled with energy and expectation as students from across Delhi gathered for an event that had, over the years, become a spiritual landmark: the LOGOS Bible Quiz. Rev. Gershombhai Khristi, Auxiliary Secretary, expressed that it was a great honor to be invited as the Chief Guest for the grand occasion, a first for the Bible Society of India, North West India Auxiliary. They were welcomed by the joyful sounds of children preparing for the stage round, teachers making final adjustments to the arrangements, and banners displaying the timeless words of Scripture. It had been evident that this was more than an academic event; it was a celebration of the living Word of God.
‘LOGOS’, organized annually by the school’s Value Education Department, brought together young minds from Christian schools across Delhi to engage in thoughtful and meaningful study of the Bible. This year, the quiz had focused on the books of Ruth, Micah, and 1 and 2 Timothy. He had remarked that the methodology and standard of the competition were of exceptional quality. As the quiz began, the auxiliary Secretary found himself completely overwhelmed by the participants — children who answered complex questions with clarity and confidence, quoting Scripture not merely as a memorized exercise but as a truth they genuinely believed. It had been clear to them that the Word had taken root in these young hearts.
Over 300 people — students, teachers, parents, and guests had witnessed this joyful expression of faith. The Auxiliary Secretary had the opportunity to share a few words, encouraging the students to continue walking in the light of the Word and reminding them that the Bible was not just a book to be studied, but a guide to be lived. After the event, Rev. Gershombhai sat down with the Principal and Vice Principal of the school. Their conversation turned toward the future, as they explored the possibility of building a partnership between Mount Carmel School and the Bible Society of India. They discussed ways of journeying together to make the Bible more accessible and engaging for students. There had been mutual excitement about the possibilities — Bible storytelling sessions, Scripture-based seminars, and youth engagement projects that could be carried out jointly in the coming months.
The Secretary, felt that the visit had meant more than just attending as a guest; it was like a divine appointment. Witnessing young hearts embrace God’s Word, seeing a school community rooted in Scripture, and representing the Bible Society of India in that sacred space had been a deeply humbling experience. As they walked out the school gates, their hearts were full. The seeds of Scripture had not only been sown but they were growing, blooming, and bearing fruit. They felt reassured once more that the ministry they served was not in vain, for God’s Word was indeed alive, and the children were living proof of that truth.
To God be all the glory.
Electronic Board for Scripture Engagement in a Public Square:
The Electronic Board is used to display Bible verses in public spaces, sharing Scripture through specialized software or apps. This helps make God’s Word accessible and visible in our daily lives. This is one of the most important instruments in fulfilling our BSI mandate of Scripture Engagement in a Public Square.
Spiritual Impact: By displaying Scripture, the board offers spiritual encouragement and guidance to the public. It reflects the Christian mission of providing both spiritual and practical support, helping individuals deepen their personal walk with God. In a fast-changing world, technology can serve as a powerful tool to spread the unchanging truth of the Bible.
Vision and Provision: Rev. Gershombhai Khristi, Auxiliary Secretary of BSI, NWIA, envisioned installing an Electronic Board on the NWIA campus. He shared this desire with donors, and Mrs. E. Daniel, a member of the Mary Jones Women Fellowship, generously responded through her cousin, Mr. A. L. S. Daniels in Australia. Through his sponsorship, the board was installed and is now actively sharing Bible verses with the public to read whoever passes by our Bible House in 10 Parliament Street in New Delhi. We thank God for His perfect timing in providing this means of ministering to those in need.