A boy found a caterpillar on a bush. He had learned in school that the caterpillar becomes a butterfly once it breaks out of its cocoon. He wanted to help the caterpillar on its journey. He gently broke the shell of the cocoon and released the caterpillar. The broken shell simply ended the caterpillar’s hope of ever becoming a butterfly.
The very struggle to break free from the cocoon is nature’s way of strengthening the caterpillar. So when the time is right, in natures on way, the new butterfly can fly away to a whole new life.
Haste makes waste. Although painful, patience is messianic. There is time for everything. It is working through a process that any worthwhile growth takes place. Be patient! Impatience cannot solve the problems of tomorrow but it destroys the happiness of today.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Dies to Rise! (Fifth Sunday of Lent)
My first supper in the seminary is very fresh in my memory. I was only fifteen years old then. After the inaugural talk by the Rector, we all proceeded to the dining hall for the dinner. Everything looked beautiful to my eyes except the dinner that was served. I was a vegetarian all my life and the food served was non-vegetarian. I informed my situation to the person in charge of the meals. I never thought it was going to be a big issue. The Rector came to me and said, “Sebastian, if you want to stay here you have to eat what we serve. There is no special treatment in the seminary”. He was not funny at all.
It may sound funny but it was a heart breaking moment in my life. I was asked to give up something which was part of my life style. My desire to become a priest was stronger than any other personal interest. I did not want to shatter my desire to be a priest for a choice of food. I ate the food even though I ended up in the hospital. I learned a lesson though. We cannot achieve anything worthwhile without paying a price. The price can be big or small, silly or serious.
Jesus Sacrificed
Jesus beautifully explained this truth when he said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24). Jesus became Christ not through any short cut. He grew into the fullness of his vocation by going through a series of sacrifices. Through obedience he was made perfect (Hebrews 5: 8-9). He had to give up his personal desires. He had to say no to his friends (Peter). He has to give up his Jewish identity and finally he had to sacrifice his earthly life. His sacrifice did not end up in vain. God exalted him and bestowed upon him the name that is above all other names.
Growth/ progress demands sacrifice. This is a natural Law. A child who is unwilling to give up his toys will not reach adulthood. Parents who are unwilling to grow old gracefully will prevent their children from becoming adult. To grow new leaves, the branches have to shed the old ones. In order to achieve anything worthwhile, one needs to pay a price. Unfortunately many people are happy with the Status Quo. A lot of them are unwilling to explore the possibility of something higher and more noble. Naturally they miss the opportunities to become great. It could be either due to ignorance or fear.
Sacrifice <> Suffering
Many people views sacrifice as suffering. This is the problem with many of us. Any sacrifice which is not related to a higher cause can be seen as suffering. Jesus was able to take up the cross because he could relate his death with the resurrection. Jesus considered his cross as a gateway to a higher good. Events make sense not in isolation but in its connectedness. A smile of a new born baby melts down the birth pain of a mother. A gold medal in the Olympic Game makes years of hard work look pleasant.
We all make sacrifices on a daily basis. The Hindu Scripture talks about three kinds of sacrifices.
1. Sacrifice without knowing the value of the object one sacrifices.
2. Sacrifice because one is forced to renounce it.
3. Sacrifice even when one knows the value of the object one renounces.
This third one is the Christian act of sacrifice. This is voluntary and redemptive. Jesus willingly took up the cross. His suffering became redemptive. No act of sacrifice goes in vain, if we approach it in this way.
What Choice Will You Make?
For people who are willing to sacrifice, the possibilities are as high as the sky. The world is continuously evolving. The best is yet to come.
Similarly, our life is an unfinished project. It is fashioned after the image of Jesus. Until we reach the fullness of Christ we remain incomplete. Naturally there are only two possibilities: progress or regress (growth or decline). No progress means decline.
The choice is yours.
It may sound funny but it was a heart breaking moment in my life. I was asked to give up something which was part of my life style. My desire to become a priest was stronger than any other personal interest. I did not want to shatter my desire to be a priest for a choice of food. I ate the food even though I ended up in the hospital. I learned a lesson though. We cannot achieve anything worthwhile without paying a price. The price can be big or small, silly or serious.
Jesus Sacrificed
Jesus beautifully explained this truth when he said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24). Jesus became Christ not through any short cut. He grew into the fullness of his vocation by going through a series of sacrifices. Through obedience he was made perfect (Hebrews 5: 8-9). He had to give up his personal desires. He had to say no to his friends (Peter). He has to give up his Jewish identity and finally he had to sacrifice his earthly life. His sacrifice did not end up in vain. God exalted him and bestowed upon him the name that is above all other names.
Growth/ progress demands sacrifice. This is a natural Law. A child who is unwilling to give up his toys will not reach adulthood. Parents who are unwilling to grow old gracefully will prevent their children from becoming adult. To grow new leaves, the branches have to shed the old ones. In order to achieve anything worthwhile, one needs to pay a price. Unfortunately many people are happy with the Status Quo. A lot of them are unwilling to explore the possibility of something higher and more noble. Naturally they miss the opportunities to become great. It could be either due to ignorance or fear.
Sacrifice <> Suffering
Many people views sacrifice as suffering. This is the problem with many of us. Any sacrifice which is not related to a higher cause can be seen as suffering. Jesus was able to take up the cross because he could relate his death with the resurrection. Jesus considered his cross as a gateway to a higher good. Events make sense not in isolation but in its connectedness. A smile of a new born baby melts down the birth pain of a mother. A gold medal in the Olympic Game makes years of hard work look pleasant.
We all make sacrifices on a daily basis. The Hindu Scripture talks about three kinds of sacrifices.
1. Sacrifice without knowing the value of the object one sacrifices.
2. Sacrifice because one is forced to renounce it.
3. Sacrifice even when one knows the value of the object one renounces.
This third one is the Christian act of sacrifice. This is voluntary and redemptive. Jesus willingly took up the cross. His suffering became redemptive. No act of sacrifice goes in vain, if we approach it in this way.
What Choice Will You Make?
For people who are willing to sacrifice, the possibilities are as high as the sky. The world is continuously evolving. The best is yet to come.
Similarly, our life is an unfinished project. It is fashioned after the image of Jesus. Until we reach the fullness of Christ we remain incomplete. Naturally there are only two possibilities: progress or regress (growth or decline). No progress means decline.
The choice is yours.
Monday, March 23, 2009
I AM JESUS CHRIST
“I am Jesus Christ…I am Jesus Christ,” he shouted. Nobody in the mental hospital could save him from his illusion. When a psychiatrist from America visited the hospital, this patient was taken to him. He kindly consented to help the patient. He asked the man to put his arms out to the side. The therapist measured the man’s arms from fingertip to fingertip. He also measured the man from head to foot. The therapist then left the room and came back with a hammer, two pieces of wood and some nails.
Seeing all these, the patient got upset and anxious. “What are you doing?” he asked the Psychiatrist.
“You are Jesus Christ, aren’t you?” the therapist asked.
“Yes,” the Patient replied.
“Well,” he said. Then he put two pieces of wood in the form of a cross and started to nail them together. “Do you understand what I am doing?” the therapist asked the patient.
“No“, the patient replied.
“I am going to crucify you. If you are Jesus, then you have to die on the cross”, the Psychiatrist said.
“Are you crazy? I am not Jesus Christ”, the man replied and ran away.
People like to follow the ‘glorified Christ’. They like to see Jesus without the cross. This is not anything new. When Jesus spoke about his passion and death, Peter, intervened and said, “God, forbid it, Lord. That must never happen to you.” Jesus became Christ by obedience unto death. He became the Messiah by suffering and dying on the cross.
Any commitment to Jesus without understanding this messianic secret is peripheral as it does not help him or her to defend Jesus and his values in the hour of trial and tribulations. Like the mental patient, he will deny his Christian identity. A disciple is one who follows of the suffering Messiah. Readiness to suffer for values is the mark of Christian identity.
Seeing all these, the patient got upset and anxious. “What are you doing?” he asked the Psychiatrist.
“You are Jesus Christ, aren’t you?” the therapist asked.
“Yes,” the Patient replied.
“Well,” he said. Then he put two pieces of wood in the form of a cross and started to nail them together. “Do you understand what I am doing?” the therapist asked the patient.
“No“, the patient replied.
“I am going to crucify you. If you are Jesus, then you have to die on the cross”, the Psychiatrist said.
“Are you crazy? I am not Jesus Christ”, the man replied and ran away.
People like to follow the ‘glorified Christ’. They like to see Jesus without the cross. This is not anything new. When Jesus spoke about his passion and death, Peter, intervened and said, “God, forbid it, Lord. That must never happen to you.” Jesus became Christ by obedience unto death. He became the Messiah by suffering and dying on the cross.
Any commitment to Jesus without understanding this messianic secret is peripheral as it does not help him or her to defend Jesus and his values in the hour of trial and tribulations. Like the mental patient, he will deny his Christian identity. A disciple is one who follows of the suffering Messiah. Readiness to suffer for values is the mark of Christian identity.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
How does God interview?
A couple of years ago I visited a Theological Institute in India. While I was there, a young priest came to me and with a beautiful smile he said,” Father Sebastian, do you remember me? I am Paul. Years ago I came to you for an interview. For whatever reasons, you did not select me to join the priesthood. Even though I was disappointed, I did not give up my desire. I went to a different seminary and I was lucky; they selected me and here I am!” It was a moment of embarrassment and joy. I was embarrassed because of my shallow discernment about his future. I was delighted because even though I failed in my judgment, God did not deny his desire to be a priest. This was, however a learning moment in my life. I will never forget the lesson: God sees the heart, while we look at the outer appearance.
We, often, evaluate people on the basis of external appearances. The initial impression may not necessarily reveal the depth and wealth of a personality. The first reading for the fourth Sunday of Lent (RCIA) underscores this point (1Samuel 16: 1ff). Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons to be the successor of Saul. Samuel was impressed by Eliab and went ahead to select him. God said no. When Jesse was asked to present all his other children, he hid David thinking that he was good for nothing. Jesse was also mistaken. God had a different plan. David was his choice. The story of David and Goliath is another example of human miscalculation. When David offered to fight against Goliath, Saul rejected his proposal as a joke. Saul was proven wrong. David killed the mighty Goliath.
The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not judge from appearance. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the Heart”. It is not the appearance or the possessions one has but the inner beauty that determines ones real worth. Look at the group of disciples Jesus selected. Out of the twelve, only one had a last name. One was a tax collector, a few of them were poor and illiterate fishermen, another was a member of a militant group, some were power mongers and one was a doubter. None of them was merited to be his disciple from a worldly stand point. Paul was no exception, as he was the persecutor of the church. The Old Testament does not have a different story. The genealogy of Jesus does not present a proud family story either.
Every person is a potential saint because every one is the image of God. Every person is a potential evangelizer because every one shares the breath of God. Give each one the proper environment and they will surprise the world with miracles. The story St. John Viany is the living witness of this truth. Many times we make wrong calculations and judgments on people. Our wrong impressions can ruin a person’s chance to grow and minister to the community.
When God calls someone, He does not look at his/her abilities to perform, but his/her willingness to cooperate. God does not lack anything. He does not depend on our power. It is not our power, but God’s power on display in ministry. God supplies what we lack. God said to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jer 1:5). Jesus said to Ananias about Paul: “This man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before gentiles, kings and Israelites…” (Acts 9:15). God’s approach to an interview is different. He is not looking for our smartness but willingness and faithfulness.
Two things are important. First of all, do not prevent anyone from ministry under worldly considerations. Every person is a worthy instrument in the hands of God because ‘it is not we but Christ who lives in us’. Secondly, do not shy away from ministry thinking that you have nothing to offer, because ‘if God is with us nobody can stand against us”.
It is difficult to come to this awareness because we live under the influence of secular thinking and acting. We need the light of Christ to see things differently. Like the blind man of the Gospel story (Jn 9:1ff), let us approach Jesus and pray for the grace to see the way God sees, hear the way God hears and evaluate the way God evaluates.
We, often, evaluate people on the basis of external appearances. The initial impression may not necessarily reveal the depth and wealth of a personality. The first reading for the fourth Sunday of Lent (RCIA) underscores this point (1Samuel 16: 1ff). Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons to be the successor of Saul. Samuel was impressed by Eliab and went ahead to select him. God said no. When Jesse was asked to present all his other children, he hid David thinking that he was good for nothing. Jesse was also mistaken. God had a different plan. David was his choice. The story of David and Goliath is another example of human miscalculation. When David offered to fight against Goliath, Saul rejected his proposal as a joke. Saul was proven wrong. David killed the mighty Goliath.
The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not judge from appearance. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the Heart”. It is not the appearance or the possessions one has but the inner beauty that determines ones real worth. Look at the group of disciples Jesus selected. Out of the twelve, only one had a last name. One was a tax collector, a few of them were poor and illiterate fishermen, another was a member of a militant group, some were power mongers and one was a doubter. None of them was merited to be his disciple from a worldly stand point. Paul was no exception, as he was the persecutor of the church. The Old Testament does not have a different story. The genealogy of Jesus does not present a proud family story either.
Every person is a potential saint because every one is the image of God. Every person is a potential evangelizer because every one shares the breath of God. Give each one the proper environment and they will surprise the world with miracles. The story St. John Viany is the living witness of this truth. Many times we make wrong calculations and judgments on people. Our wrong impressions can ruin a person’s chance to grow and minister to the community.
When God calls someone, He does not look at his/her abilities to perform, but his/her willingness to cooperate. God does not lack anything. He does not depend on our power. It is not our power, but God’s power on display in ministry. God supplies what we lack. God said to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jer 1:5). Jesus said to Ananias about Paul: “This man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before gentiles, kings and Israelites…” (Acts 9:15). God’s approach to an interview is different. He is not looking for our smartness but willingness and faithfulness.
Two things are important. First of all, do not prevent anyone from ministry under worldly considerations. Every person is a worthy instrument in the hands of God because ‘it is not we but Christ who lives in us’. Secondly, do not shy away from ministry thinking that you have nothing to offer, because ‘if God is with us nobody can stand against us”.
It is difficult to come to this awareness because we live under the influence of secular thinking and acting. We need the light of Christ to see things differently. Like the blind man of the Gospel story (Jn 9:1ff), let us approach Jesus and pray for the grace to see the way God sees, hear the way God hears and evaluate the way God evaluates.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I WANT IT YESTERDAY!
It was 6 o’clock in the evening. Little Johnny started crying, saying, “I want a bell”.
His poor mother! She went to the store and bought a bell for Johnny. Ringing the bell, he started crying even louder.
His mother replied, “The stores are closed now, but I will buy you one tomorrow”. He was adamant in his demand. Until bedtime, he kept crying for the ball. Early the next day, he got up and started crying again.
His poor mother! She went to the store and bought a bell for Johnny. Ringing the bell, he started crying even louder.
“What is the problem now?”, the helpless mother asked.
“I wanted to ring it yesterday”, Johnny replied.
Can he ring it yesterday? Very often this is our problem. All of us are somehow or another caught up by some things of yesterday; something over which we have no control. We are not ready to bury the past. Consequently we fail to live out our present and enjoy its happiness.
Yesterday is gone! We cannot re-live our yesterdays. Yesterday is a history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is the reality. Act now…act in the living present.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Temple Cleansing!
Cleansing of the Temple was a major event in the life of Jesus. All the Evangelists recorded it even though they differed on the timing of this particular event. The Synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke) placed the Cleansing of the Temple towards the end of his public ministry as its climax. For Mathew, Mark and Luke, this incident was the immediate reason for the provocation of the religious leaders that in turn resulted in His Crucifixion. However, John placed the cleansing event at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry right after the wedding in Cana (Jn 2:13-21).
Who is right? Is there any contradiction? Very often people raise this question. Scholars differ in their views. Some argue that the Cleansing of the Temple happened two times in his ministry, one in the beginning and the other towards the end. The evangelists reported this incident as it suited to their theological purposes. However most of the scholars are of the opinion that this had taken place only once and that was at the climax of his ministry.
John the Evangelist was primarily a theologian. His intention was not to present a historical account of Jesus’ life but a theological backing to his teaching and ministry. Naturally John did not follow the chronological order of the events but its theological significance.
John placed the Cleansing Event immediately after narrating the wedding feast at Cana. To have a better understanding of the Temple Event, we must read this event as a continuation of the first story. The messages of these two stories are intrinsically related.
The miracle of Cana revealed an important truth about the purpose and nature of Jesus’ mission. Jesus came to replace the Old (covenant) with the New (covenant). Wine symbolizes divine grace. The shortage of wine at Cana indicates the imperfection of the Old Testament in bringing the fullness of life. The Old must be replaced by the New. This theological motif was symbolically accomplished through the miracle of the changing of the water. Jesus ordered to the servants to ‘fill the water jars’. These jars were used to preserve the water for ceremonial washings, the old way of purification. The water in the Jar, the Old Testament, must be replaced by the water and blood flowed from the heart of Jesus. Now changing the water into wine, Jesus was prophetically announcing the new purification (salvation) that would take place through his blood. This became a reality at the last supper where Jesus established the New Covenant with his blood. At the last supper, Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup is the New Covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you” (Lk 22:20).
The miracle of changing water into wine drew the attention of people and many, including his Disciples, believed in him. Jesus, however, did not want to leave the impression that he was going to bring salvation through ‘magic and prove his divinity by the display of power’. The salvation would result from a great sacrifice, even at the cost of breaking his body and shedding his blood. To bring this message home John placed the Temple Event at the very outset of his ministry. The synoptic gospels also shared the same view. For example, when Peter declared the Divinity of Jesus, He warned Peter not to tell anyone about this until he rises from the dead (Mk 8:29-30).
Two things are important here. First of all, Jesus was glorified not through a display of power but by his supreme obedience. Paul says, “…He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this God greatly exalted him” (Phil 2:9). The Centurion recognized the divinity of Jesus while Jesus was dying on the cross. He said, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mk 15:39). Jesus brought salvation through his supreme obedience which he proved on the cross.
Secondly, there is no shortcut to glory. There is no free lunch. If we take our salvation seriously, then we need to get into the temple of our life and make a thorough examination. We need to cleanse our body, which is the temple of God, by removing everything that pushes God to the periphery. In this process our guidelines are the Ten Commandments, Teachings of the Church and the Traditions of the Church.
Who is right? Is there any contradiction? Very often people raise this question. Scholars differ in their views. Some argue that the Cleansing of the Temple happened two times in his ministry, one in the beginning and the other towards the end. The evangelists reported this incident as it suited to their theological purposes. However most of the scholars are of the opinion that this had taken place only once and that was at the climax of his ministry.
John the Evangelist was primarily a theologian. His intention was not to present a historical account of Jesus’ life but a theological backing to his teaching and ministry. Naturally John did not follow the chronological order of the events but its theological significance.
John placed the Cleansing Event immediately after narrating the wedding feast at Cana. To have a better understanding of the Temple Event, we must read this event as a continuation of the first story. The messages of these two stories are intrinsically related.
The miracle of Cana revealed an important truth about the purpose and nature of Jesus’ mission. Jesus came to replace the Old (covenant) with the New (covenant). Wine symbolizes divine grace. The shortage of wine at Cana indicates the imperfection of the Old Testament in bringing the fullness of life. The Old must be replaced by the New. This theological motif was symbolically accomplished through the miracle of the changing of the water. Jesus ordered to the servants to ‘fill the water jars’. These jars were used to preserve the water for ceremonial washings, the old way of purification. The water in the Jar, the Old Testament, must be replaced by the water and blood flowed from the heart of Jesus. Now changing the water into wine, Jesus was prophetically announcing the new purification (salvation) that would take place through his blood. This became a reality at the last supper where Jesus established the New Covenant with his blood. At the last supper, Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup is the New Covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you” (Lk 22:20).
The miracle of changing water into wine drew the attention of people and many, including his Disciples, believed in him. Jesus, however, did not want to leave the impression that he was going to bring salvation through ‘magic and prove his divinity by the display of power’. The salvation would result from a great sacrifice, even at the cost of breaking his body and shedding his blood. To bring this message home John placed the Temple Event at the very outset of his ministry. The synoptic gospels also shared the same view. For example, when Peter declared the Divinity of Jesus, He warned Peter not to tell anyone about this until he rises from the dead (Mk 8:29-30).
Two things are important here. First of all, Jesus was glorified not through a display of power but by his supreme obedience. Paul says, “…He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this God greatly exalted him” (Phil 2:9). The Centurion recognized the divinity of Jesus while Jesus was dying on the cross. He said, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mk 15:39). Jesus brought salvation through his supreme obedience which he proved on the cross.
Secondly, there is no shortcut to glory. There is no free lunch. If we take our salvation seriously, then we need to get into the temple of our life and make a thorough examination. We need to cleanse our body, which is the temple of God, by removing everything that pushes God to the periphery. In this process our guidelines are the Ten Commandments, Teachings of the Church and the Traditions of the Church.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Worship with reverence!
The Good shepherd is the most familiar image of Jesus that most of us have in our mind. The kind, loving and compassionate Jesus carrying wounded sheep on his shoulder has become synonym with hope. It is unimaginable to conceive such a person acting with anger. However, at least a couple places in the Gospels we find Jesus with a different face, the angry Jesus. Jesus was angry with people who exploited the poor. He was in constant confrontation with Pharisees who made the life of the weak difficult with outdated laws. Jesus became indignant at the sight of people misusing the Temple. Since the gospel reading for the third Sunday of Lent is the scene of ‘Jesus cleansing the Temple’, (Jn 2:13-22) it is fitting to reflect on this incident and draws lessons for our spiritual journey.
Why was Jesus angry? Three things that provoked Jesus:
1. Worship without focus! Recently a High school student came to me for counseling. He was in tears. He said: “I cannot graduate this year. I messed it all up. I am going to lose one year in my life”. What was his problem? He got involved in too many programs. In the process he lost the focus. The High School Student failed to understand the primary reason for his going to school. His misplaced interest cost him dearly. This can happen to any one not only in education but in any area of one’s life. This was the problem in the Jerusalem Temple too. The focus was shifted from worship to wealth. Temple and worship became a business.
Primarily, the Temple is a place of worship/sacrifice. People go to the Temple to celebrate their faith and experience conversion. Jesus found this aspect missing in the Temple. God was pushed to the corner and material interests took the driving seat. The money lenders and the sellers of sacrificial offerings reversed the priorities of the Temple. They exploited the poor by manipulating the temple tax and sacrificial offerings.
Every Jew over nineteen years of age was required to pay the temple tax. The tax was almost equal to two day’s wage. This must be paid in Jewish coins as the Jews considered coins from other cultures and countries were unclean. The temple authorities and their official money changers charged a huge price for their service. For example to change money worth one shekel (equal to a four day’s wage), they charged half a shekel. This made the worship costly and difficult, especially for the poor. The Temple Inspectors also contributed their own share to worsen the situation. Animal sacrifice was part and parcel of the temple worship. The law required that the animals brought to the temple must be perfect and unblemished. The temple inspectors often rejected the animals brought by the pilgrims from their homes unless they were given bribe. This forced the pilgrims to buy animals from the temple authorities with a high price. In short, the purpose of worship was ignored and the selfish interest was promoted. The House of prayer became ‘a den of thieves” (Mk 11:17).
2. Worship without conversion! Rituals are important. Rituals are part of life. They make experience tangible, experiential and communitarian. For example, we offer flowers to our loved ones to express our love. We use flowers as a symbol of love, but a flower is not love. We don’t worship a sign board because it points to a pilgrim center. Rituals have values as long as they point to a greater reality. They are means to an end, not an end in itself. We use rituals in worship. According to the Second Vatican Council “Liturgy is the ritual accomplishment of the redemptive act of Christ” (Sacro Sanctum Concilium). The problem arises when we fail to transcend the rituals. The problem with Temple worship was that they absolutised rituals for monetary reasons. Sabbath is for man and man is not for Sabbath (Mk 2:27). Jesus criticized the ritualistic approaches of Pharisees and corrected their understanding of worship saying, “True worship is in Truth and Spirit” (Jn 4:24). Any form of worship that does not lead us to conversion needs reconsideration.
3. Worship without communion! Religion means relationship. Relationship is the medium through which God operates. Hence Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:23-24). The practice prevailed at the Jerusalem Temple was divisive. They promoted class system and exclusivism. ‘The Temple was, for example, consisted of a series of courts leading into the Temple proper and to the Holy Place. There was first the court of the gentiles, the court of the women, then the court of the Jews and then the court of the Priests’. They did not come together as a community but as exclusive groups. The common purpose did not bind them together. This discriminatory attitude shocked Jesus. Jesus came to gather the people into a family where all could pray together the prayer ‘Our Father…” Jesus came to break the man made barriers that divide humanity into classes and casts. So Jesus said,” My house shall be called house prayer for all the nations” (Mk 11:17). This attitude of Jesus is very well reflected in his selection of disciples. Nobody was untouchable to him (Mt 5: 9-13).
Jesus was angry when he saw worship without focus, reverence, conversion and communion. Hence these are the questions we need to ask today: How is our liturgy today? What comes first in our Liturgical planning? What is the focus? How do I participate in the worship? Do I worship with reverence? How do I prepare myself for the Liturgical celebration? How does my worship bring me closer to God and one another? How inclusive am I in my approach? What do I do to make the celebration meaningful and spiritually enriching? Finally, it is also important to consider the way we respect and treat our Body. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, “I urge you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship” (Rom12:1).
Why was Jesus angry? Three things that provoked Jesus:
1. Worship without focus! Recently a High school student came to me for counseling. He was in tears. He said: “I cannot graduate this year. I messed it all up. I am going to lose one year in my life”. What was his problem? He got involved in too many programs. In the process he lost the focus. The High School Student failed to understand the primary reason for his going to school. His misplaced interest cost him dearly. This can happen to any one not only in education but in any area of one’s life. This was the problem in the Jerusalem Temple too. The focus was shifted from worship to wealth. Temple and worship became a business.
Primarily, the Temple is a place of worship/sacrifice. People go to the Temple to celebrate their faith and experience conversion. Jesus found this aspect missing in the Temple. God was pushed to the corner and material interests took the driving seat. The money lenders and the sellers of sacrificial offerings reversed the priorities of the Temple. They exploited the poor by manipulating the temple tax and sacrificial offerings.
Every Jew over nineteen years of age was required to pay the temple tax. The tax was almost equal to two day’s wage. This must be paid in Jewish coins as the Jews considered coins from other cultures and countries were unclean. The temple authorities and their official money changers charged a huge price for their service. For example to change money worth one shekel (equal to a four day’s wage), they charged half a shekel. This made the worship costly and difficult, especially for the poor. The Temple Inspectors also contributed their own share to worsen the situation. Animal sacrifice was part and parcel of the temple worship. The law required that the animals brought to the temple must be perfect and unblemished. The temple inspectors often rejected the animals brought by the pilgrims from their homes unless they were given bribe. This forced the pilgrims to buy animals from the temple authorities with a high price. In short, the purpose of worship was ignored and the selfish interest was promoted. The House of prayer became ‘a den of thieves” (Mk 11:17).
2. Worship without conversion! Rituals are important. Rituals are part of life. They make experience tangible, experiential and communitarian. For example, we offer flowers to our loved ones to express our love. We use flowers as a symbol of love, but a flower is not love. We don’t worship a sign board because it points to a pilgrim center. Rituals have values as long as they point to a greater reality. They are means to an end, not an end in itself. We use rituals in worship. According to the Second Vatican Council “Liturgy is the ritual accomplishment of the redemptive act of Christ” (Sacro Sanctum Concilium). The problem arises when we fail to transcend the rituals. The problem with Temple worship was that they absolutised rituals for monetary reasons. Sabbath is for man and man is not for Sabbath (Mk 2:27). Jesus criticized the ritualistic approaches of Pharisees and corrected their understanding of worship saying, “True worship is in Truth and Spirit” (Jn 4:24). Any form of worship that does not lead us to conversion needs reconsideration.
3. Worship without communion! Religion means relationship. Relationship is the medium through which God operates. Hence Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:23-24). The practice prevailed at the Jerusalem Temple was divisive. They promoted class system and exclusivism. ‘The Temple was, for example, consisted of a series of courts leading into the Temple proper and to the Holy Place. There was first the court of the gentiles, the court of the women, then the court of the Jews and then the court of the Priests’. They did not come together as a community but as exclusive groups. The common purpose did not bind them together. This discriminatory attitude shocked Jesus. Jesus came to gather the people into a family where all could pray together the prayer ‘Our Father…” Jesus came to break the man made barriers that divide humanity into classes and casts. So Jesus said,” My house shall be called house prayer for all the nations” (Mk 11:17). This attitude of Jesus is very well reflected in his selection of disciples. Nobody was untouchable to him (Mt 5: 9-13).
Jesus was angry when he saw worship without focus, reverence, conversion and communion. Hence these are the questions we need to ask today: How is our liturgy today? What comes first in our Liturgical planning? What is the focus? How do I participate in the worship? Do I worship with reverence? How do I prepare myself for the Liturgical celebration? How does my worship bring me closer to God and one another? How inclusive am I in my approach? What do I do to make the celebration meaningful and spiritually enriching? Finally, it is also important to consider the way we respect and treat our Body. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, “I urge you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship” (Rom12:1).
Friday, March 6, 2009
Your Plan…the Best Plan!
Last evening, a lady came to me and said, “Father, please pray for me. I am going on a retreat. I want to renew my life”. The desire for renewal is at the heart of every person. Lent is the perfect time for renewal as it is always associated with Baptism. For the Catechumens the immediate preparation for the reception of Baptism begins with Lent, and for the Baptized it is a time to renew their baptismal promises. There are countless ways for renewal. However, the Scripture readings this weekend (Second Sunday of lent: Genesis 22:1-2,9,10-13,15-18, Roman 8:31-34, Mark 9: 2-10) offer the key to renewal; they are listening and surrendering. Let us reflectively go through these readings a little bit.
Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them to a high mountain. And Jesus was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white. Then Moses and Elijah appeared. This heavenly vision literally mesmerized the disciples, especially Peter. Fully alive and with full of excitement Peter came out with a creative proposal. He said, “It is good to be here! Let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”. However, Peter’s plan was not accepted or appreciated. Instead God said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” In other words, God said: Forget about your plan and listen and follow what Jesus says! This is the same sort of advice Mary gave to the servants when they informed her about the shortage of wine at the wedding feast of Cana (Jn 2:5). It is not about making a plan for God but accepting God’s plan is the core of Christian spirituality. This idea echoes through out the Bible. King David, for example, after settling down from war, said to Nathan: “Look, I am living in a palace whereas God is dwelling in a Tent. This is not right. I will build a temple for Him”. God disapproved his idea and said: “Who are you to make a plan for me? I will make plan for you” (2 Samuel 7: 1ff).
Abandoning our plan for God and finding his plan for me is the heart of spiritual life. For, as Thomas Merton said, “Even though I think I am following God’s will, it does not mean actually I am doing so”. Very often behind our plan hides our desire for self promotion.
The Bible presents a number of personalities who literally listened to and surrendered to the plan of God. Abraham comes first in this long list. God promised Abraham, land and progeny. This promise had to be fulfilled through Isaac, his only Son. Now God ask him to sacrifice Isaac. Imagine the struggle, confusion and anxieties of Abraham. Abraham, however, believed that the plan of God is better than his, even if it might appear difficult. “God will provide”, with unwavering faith Abraham said to Isaac when he was asked, “Where is the Lamb for sacrifice”. Abraham believed in the goodness of God. Without a bit of doubt he raised the knife to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
When Peter said: I have a plan for you, Abraham said: Give me your plan.
When David said: I have a plan for you, Mary Said: Give me your plan.
Seeking plan for oneself independent of God is the beginning of disaster. Adam and Eve set aside God’s plan and listened to Satan (Gen 3:6). The people of Babel set aside God’s plan and set out to make a name for them. They all ended up in disaster (Gen 11: 1-10). Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Paradise. The people of Babel had to give up their project on half way. The Psalmist is absolutely right when he said: “If God does not watch over the city, in vain watchmen keep the vigil”.
Renewal starts working in our life, the moment we begin to listen to Him and surrender to His plan. The obedience of Abraham, Mary and Paul did not go in vain. God blessed them abundantly. Abraham became the Father of faith when he gave up his plan and accepted God’s plan. Mary became the Mother of God, when she gave up her plan and accepted God’s plan. Paul became the great evangelizer when he gave up his plan and accepted God’s plan…! Listen to God, discern his plan and live it faithfully. As we read in the book of Romans (Roman 8:31), “If God is with us who can stand against us?” It is not personal achievements but faithfulness that counts in the end.
Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them to a high mountain. And Jesus was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white. Then Moses and Elijah appeared. This heavenly vision literally mesmerized the disciples, especially Peter. Fully alive and with full of excitement Peter came out with a creative proposal. He said, “It is good to be here! Let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”. However, Peter’s plan was not accepted or appreciated. Instead God said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” In other words, God said: Forget about your plan and listen and follow what Jesus says! This is the same sort of advice Mary gave to the servants when they informed her about the shortage of wine at the wedding feast of Cana (Jn 2:5). It is not about making a plan for God but accepting God’s plan is the core of Christian spirituality. This idea echoes through out the Bible. King David, for example, after settling down from war, said to Nathan: “Look, I am living in a palace whereas God is dwelling in a Tent. This is not right. I will build a temple for Him”. God disapproved his idea and said: “Who are you to make a plan for me? I will make plan for you” (2 Samuel 7: 1ff).
Abandoning our plan for God and finding his plan for me is the heart of spiritual life. For, as Thomas Merton said, “Even though I think I am following God’s will, it does not mean actually I am doing so”. Very often behind our plan hides our desire for self promotion.
The Bible presents a number of personalities who literally listened to and surrendered to the plan of God. Abraham comes first in this long list. God promised Abraham, land and progeny. This promise had to be fulfilled through Isaac, his only Son. Now God ask him to sacrifice Isaac. Imagine the struggle, confusion and anxieties of Abraham. Abraham, however, believed that the plan of God is better than his, even if it might appear difficult. “God will provide”, with unwavering faith Abraham said to Isaac when he was asked, “Where is the Lamb for sacrifice”. Abraham believed in the goodness of God. Without a bit of doubt he raised the knife to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
When Peter said: I have a plan for you, Abraham said: Give me your plan.
When David said: I have a plan for you, Mary Said: Give me your plan.
Seeking plan for oneself independent of God is the beginning of disaster. Adam and Eve set aside God’s plan and listened to Satan (Gen 3:6). The people of Babel set aside God’s plan and set out to make a name for them. They all ended up in disaster (Gen 11: 1-10). Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Paradise. The people of Babel had to give up their project on half way. The Psalmist is absolutely right when he said: “If God does not watch over the city, in vain watchmen keep the vigil”.
Renewal starts working in our life, the moment we begin to listen to Him and surrender to His plan. The obedience of Abraham, Mary and Paul did not go in vain. God blessed them abundantly. Abraham became the Father of faith when he gave up his plan and accepted God’s plan. Mary became the Mother of God, when she gave up her plan and accepted God’s plan. Paul became the great evangelizer when he gave up his plan and accepted God’s plan…! Listen to God, discern his plan and live it faithfully. As we read in the book of Romans (Roman 8:31), “If God is with us who can stand against us?” It is not personal achievements but faithfulness that counts in the end.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fasting to reach God faster…!
Fasting is an important spiritual discipline we practice during the season of Lent. Fasting is not a unique Christian Sadhana (practice). This is an integral part of the spiritual heritage of all religions. The vigorous fasting of Muslims during the month of Ramadan is famous. Followers of Hinduism observe fasting on the eve of the significant events of their lives. Fasting is one the three spiritual pillars of Judaism. The word fasting appears at least 92 times in the Bible. All the major Biblical figures such as Moses, Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, David, Daniel, Paul and Jesus fasted at crucial points of their lives. They fasted for a variety of reasons. Some of them to show humility, others as a sign of repentance, still others to express their dependence on God and some others as part of grief and mourning.
The Mosaic Law established only one day of Fasting, the great day of Atonement (Lv 16: 29-34). After the Exile four special days of fasting were added ( Za 8:19). Jesus condemned the pharisaical aspects of fasting and restores the true meaning of fasting by his own fasting in the desert. The word fasting literally means to bow down one’s soul. The true meaning and purpose of fasting is evident from the response that Jesus gave to the disciples of John. John’s disciples approached Jesus and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”( Mt 9: 14-15).
Fasting is required when the bridegroom (Jesus/God) is taken away or separated from us. Hence, the purpose of Fasting is to bring back the bridegroom or to reunite with the bridegroom. This idea is clear if we look at the Indian word for fasting. The equivalent word for fasting in Sanskrit is UPAVAS. This is a combination of two words, namely, UPA and VAS. The word UPA means near and the word VAS means to stay. So UPAVAS means to stay near…Stay near God or stay with God. Ultimately the purpose of Fasting (upavas) is to stay with God. “Stay with us Lord”, this was the prayer of the disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24:28).
Four conditions to stay with God
1. Remove the obstacles that stand in between the bridegroom (God) and me. There are number of things that distract and deviates us from God. This varies from person to person. This can be a particular addiction or an attitude or a habit or some attractions or temperaments, and the list goes on indefinitely.
2. The path way to Jesus is through the street of the poor. As long as our brothers and sisters are deprived of the basic necessities of life such as bread, housing and clothing, the distance of the road to God remain longer and longer. The cry of the poor will distract God from hearing the voice of our prayer (The story of the Rich man and Lazarus). People may carefully distance themselves from responding to the needs of the helpless and less privileged. They may easily find reason to blame on them for their predicament. The question is not who is right or wrong but what I can do to change the situation. There are only few things of which I have no choices: to choose my parents and to choose my birth place. If they were born in a different situation their destiny could have been different. As Mother Theresa said, “Very often we take things for granted without knowing the ground reality”.
The poor is the sacrament of the rich. This is indisputably spelled out in the last judgment scene. Jesus said, for example, “ I was hungry and you gave me food, I was naked and you clothed me, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mat 25: 35-40). We see the same spirit in the book of Isaiah: “Thus says the Lord, see the fast that pleases me: Fast by sharing your bread with the hungry, bring to your house homeless, clothe the man you see naked” (Is 58: 7). Fasting is effective when we become ‘poor’ to make others rich (Lk 6: 20ff). Whatever we give up in charity become our capital in heaven.
3. Fasting to participate in the redemptive suffering of Jesus. A young lady after delivering her first child said, “Now I know the suffering and sacrifice my mother went through for me”. Only when we feel the pain of sacrifice do we appreciate the value of others sacrifice. Until then we take things for granted. Fasting necessarily brings inconveniences, discomforts and pain. This experience is our human way of appreciating the great love of Jesus towards us and responding to his invitation to take part in his suffering. Jesus said, for instance, “Can you drink the cup that I drink…” (Mk 10:38). “My soul is sorrowful even to death, remain here and keep watch….Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” ( Mk 14: 34,37). Abstain from something valuable and feel the discomfort and offer them to God as a sign of your love.
4. Fasting to reassert the vanity of the worldly things. Days before his passing, Alexander the Great told his minister: “When you put my body in the Casket, keep both my arms open. Let the world know that their king is not carrying anything with him”. Detachment/ fasting from material things speak our belief in the transient nature of the material world and our trust in the permanency of God. Remember the great saying of Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal” (Mt: 6: 19-20).
Let the opportunity for fasting be a moment of grace and occasion to deepen our relationship with God. Like the disciples of Emmaus let us pray: “Stay with us Lord, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over” (Lk 24:28).
The Mosaic Law established only one day of Fasting, the great day of Atonement (Lv 16: 29-34). After the Exile four special days of fasting were added ( Za 8:19). Jesus condemned the pharisaical aspects of fasting and restores the true meaning of fasting by his own fasting in the desert. The word fasting literally means to bow down one’s soul. The true meaning and purpose of fasting is evident from the response that Jesus gave to the disciples of John. John’s disciples approached Jesus and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”( Mt 9: 14-15).
Fasting is required when the bridegroom (Jesus/God) is taken away or separated from us. Hence, the purpose of Fasting is to bring back the bridegroom or to reunite with the bridegroom. This idea is clear if we look at the Indian word for fasting. The equivalent word for fasting in Sanskrit is UPAVAS. This is a combination of two words, namely, UPA and VAS. The word UPA means near and the word VAS means to stay. So UPAVAS means to stay near…Stay near God or stay with God. Ultimately the purpose of Fasting (upavas) is to stay with God. “Stay with us Lord”, this was the prayer of the disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24:28).
Four conditions to stay with God
1. Remove the obstacles that stand in between the bridegroom (God) and me. There are number of things that distract and deviates us from God. This varies from person to person. This can be a particular addiction or an attitude or a habit or some attractions or temperaments, and the list goes on indefinitely.
2. The path way to Jesus is through the street of the poor. As long as our brothers and sisters are deprived of the basic necessities of life such as bread, housing and clothing, the distance of the road to God remain longer and longer. The cry of the poor will distract God from hearing the voice of our prayer (The story of the Rich man and Lazarus). People may carefully distance themselves from responding to the needs of the helpless and less privileged. They may easily find reason to blame on them for their predicament. The question is not who is right or wrong but what I can do to change the situation. There are only few things of which I have no choices: to choose my parents and to choose my birth place. If they were born in a different situation their destiny could have been different. As Mother Theresa said, “Very often we take things for granted without knowing the ground reality”.
The poor is the sacrament of the rich. This is indisputably spelled out in the last judgment scene. Jesus said, for example, “ I was hungry and you gave me food, I was naked and you clothed me, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mat 25: 35-40). We see the same spirit in the book of Isaiah: “Thus says the Lord, see the fast that pleases me: Fast by sharing your bread with the hungry, bring to your house homeless, clothe the man you see naked” (Is 58: 7). Fasting is effective when we become ‘poor’ to make others rich (Lk 6: 20ff). Whatever we give up in charity become our capital in heaven.
3. Fasting to participate in the redemptive suffering of Jesus. A young lady after delivering her first child said, “Now I know the suffering and sacrifice my mother went through for me”. Only when we feel the pain of sacrifice do we appreciate the value of others sacrifice. Until then we take things for granted. Fasting necessarily brings inconveniences, discomforts and pain. This experience is our human way of appreciating the great love of Jesus towards us and responding to his invitation to take part in his suffering. Jesus said, for instance, “Can you drink the cup that I drink…” (Mk 10:38). “My soul is sorrowful even to death, remain here and keep watch….Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” ( Mk 14: 34,37). Abstain from something valuable and feel the discomfort and offer them to God as a sign of your love.
4. Fasting to reassert the vanity of the worldly things. Days before his passing, Alexander the Great told his minister: “When you put my body in the Casket, keep both my arms open. Let the world know that their king is not carrying anything with him”. Detachment/ fasting from material things speak our belief in the transient nature of the material world and our trust in the permanency of God. Remember the great saying of Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal” (Mt: 6: 19-20).
Let the opportunity for fasting be a moment of grace and occasion to deepen our relationship with God. Like the disciples of Emmaus let us pray: “Stay with us Lord, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over” (Lk 24:28).
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