Cathedral Chimes

Cathedral Chimes Feb 2026

Letter from the Pastor’s Desk

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I greet you all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank God for granting us a gracious beginning to this year, for His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness endures forever. May this assurance strengthen us as we journey together in faith.
The month of January has been marked by significant events in the life of our church and nation. On January 6th, Epiphany Sunday, we commemorate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, a moment that signifies the manifestation of our Lord to all nations. It is a reminder that the light of the Gospel shines universally, calling every people and every land into the joy of His salvation. On January 8th, St. George’s Cathedral Consecration Day, we gave thanks to God for the sacred heritage of our Cathedral, consecrated for worship and witness, and prayed that it may continue to be a sanctuary of prayer and a beacon of Gospel truth. On January 26th, 77th Republic Day of India, we joined our nation in thanksgiving for the gift of freedom and democracy, and prayed for justice, peace, and harmony to prevail in our land.
We also rejoice in the annual meetings of the Men’s Fellowship and the Women’s Fellowship held this month. These gatherings were moments of renewal, fellowship, and commitment to service. We thank God for the leadership and participation of our members, and pray that these fellowships may continue to nurture spiritual growth, strengthen bonds of unity, and inspire acts of service within our congregation and community.
As we look ahead, we prepare our hearts for the holy season of Lent, which begins on February 18th, 2026. Lent has often been described as the SPIRITUAL SPRINGTIME of the Church, a season of renewal, repentance, and restoration, when the faithful are invited to return to the Lord with all their hearts.
The word Lent comes from the Old English lencten, meaning “spring.” It refers to the lengthening of days as winter gives way to spring. In the life of the Church, Lent signifies a spiritual springtime, a time when the coldness of sin is melted by the warmth of God’s mercy, and the barrenness of our hearts is renewed by His grace. It is a season of preparation, leading us to the joy of Easter, the celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that fasting is not merely an outward ritual of abstaining from food, but a deeper spiritual discipline that transforms our hearts and actions. In Isaiah 58, the Lord rebukes empty fasting that is self-serving and disconnected from justice and mercy. Instead, He calls His people to a fast that loosens the bonds of wickedness, sets the oppressed free, shares bread with the hungry, shelters the homeless, and clothes the naked.
During Lent, this passage challenges us to examine the motives behind our fasting. It is not enough to deny ourselves certain foods or pleasures if our hearts remain hardened toward the needs of others. True fasting is inseparable from compassion, generosity, and reconciliation. It is a call to:

  • Break chains of injustice - by standing against oppression, prejudice, and exploitation in our society. v6
  • Practice mercy - by reaching out to the poor, the lonely, and the marginalized with acts of kindness. v7
  • Remove oppression and speak life - by examining not only our actions but also our words and attitudes. v9b-10
  • Honor the Sabbath - by honouring the Sabbath as the Lord’s holy day. v13-14
    • Isaiah also promises that when we embrace this kind of fasting, blessings will follow. True fasting is not about outward deprivation but inward renewal. When it is lived out in compassion and justice, it ushers in light, healing, guidance, provision, restoration, joy, and covenant inheritance, a complete transformation of life under God’s blessing.
  • God’s presence will shine upon us, bringing clarity, hope, and joy even in times of darkness. v8, 10
  • Brokenness will be restored, and wholeness will flow into our lives and communities. v8
  • The Lord Himself will lead us continually, showing us the way in every circumstance. v11
  • Even in dry and difficult places, God will satisfy our needs and strengthen us. v11
  • We will be rebuilders of ruins, repairers of broken walls, and restorers of community life. v12
  • We will delight in the Lord, experiencing His peace and gladness as our strength. v14
  • We will inherit the blessings promised to Jacob, enjoying the fullness of God’s covenant love. v14
As we prepare for Lent, let us remember that the true fast is not about outward deprivation but inward renewal. It is about aligning our lives with God’s heart for justice and compassion. When we fast in this way, Lent becomes a spiritual springtime: the coldness of sin gives way to the warmth of mercy, and the barrenness of selfishness blossoms into the fruit of love.
Beloved in Christ, may this Lent be for us a season of genuine fasting - fasting that transforms our hearts, renews our community, and glorifies God.
I earnestly call upon all members of our congregation to prayerfully participate in the Lenten weekly services and the various programmes arranged during this holy season. These gatherings are not merely events, but sacred opportunities to draw closer to the Lord, to strengthen our fellowship, and to grow together in faith and devotion.
May the Lord grant us grace to walk faithfully through this Lenten journey, and may His blessings rest upon our Cathedral, our families, and our community.

May God bless you abundantly!
Yours in Christ
Rev. Dr. A. Ruben Jayakumar
Presbyter & Chairman
St. George’s Cathedral

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