The Great Conversion Debate- FR CONRAD SALDANHA

As the great conversion debate rages on, the confusion among Catholics continue to remain. We, as Catholics are either not able to handle the debate or are rather defensive about the whole attack as if the business of conversion is a big crime which needs to be shunned and the debate avoided at any cost.

One of the statements which convey the confused state of the Catholic community at large is that assertion voiced by way of statistics: Christian population shows a decline in India they say. It has dwindled from a peak of 2.6 per cent in 1971 to 2.33 per cent in 2001. This they say is because we have not been converting in spite of our wide network of social and religious outreaches. “The statistics show it all”, is an unfortunate argument.

This brings in another element of Christian belief which many of our Catholics are compromising on. The issue of Salvation (saving grace); Many Catholic theologians and laity influenced by such teachings are beginning to believe that Salvation is possible through an honest and sincere practice of religious belief of other religions. So I strive to make a Hindu a better Hindu and a Muslim a better Muslim, etc., because they will be saved. To them all religions are a means of Salvation. It is not goodness that count, for such goodness we see in others and ourselves is still a subjective judgment. Here do not put yourselves in God’s place. He has spoken, he has already passed a judgment (Jn.3: 16-18).

In the same line of thinking you have the proponents of values: We need to proclaim Gospel values to them. Here they miss the point; no Gospel values remain Gospel values if it is separated from the person of Christ himself: The Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn. 14:6). The person of Christ cannot be separated from His values. Thus Christ Himself is the source and summit, the beginning and end, the first and last of all values. Apart from me you can do nothing (Jn. 15:5).

There are those who are the so called ‘perspectivalist’, who believe that truth is relative and subject to change on the basis of our perception.  First of all, they hold on to this fallacy objectively and not in perspective. This in itself is the contradiction they hold on to. Though perspectivalism has its element of truth in the way we see as human beings yet it is not the whole truth. The greatest truth that human beings should at least be clear about is this that they cannot have a clear vision of all realities, especially the metaphysical reality.  Just because I do not know about certain things does not mean certain things doesn’t exist. If in ordinary life we could yet go about in faith in seeking the knowledge of things which do not exist, only on the basis of trust in someone, how much more the need to seek the Divine reality. Christ Jesus the divine reality made visible and simple for easy access. Know Him, trust him and proclaim Him i.e., teach others to trust him too.

Is Christianity a better religion than other religions? We are not holding this in perspective. Christianity is above all and the only religion. It is no human wisdom and founded by no human being. In keeping with human frailties, in order to grasp the absolute truth, only those who have encountered Christ Jesus the divine-human has the power and authority to make such a claim. Those who claim to be Christians and may even know about Christ through much learning cannot assert this truth. Their faculties have not been raised to the level of objectivity in this area because they do not know him but only know about him. They have through their lack/absence of trust have not allowed Jesus the Divine reality to raise them up to the level of objectivity. Jesus revealed to us the way to the Father in total union with Him.  Life too is full of choices, one better than the other, some better according to ones perspective and others better universally.  Jesus is not just a better choice but the only and ultimate choice for men and their salvation (Acts 4:12).

For some, this may seem like fundamentalism and jump to an immediate connect with fundamentalism of other religions and the evil thereof. Jesus did not spread His religion by the sword. Truth is never vociferous to the extent of destroying the other. It always seeks the good of the other. Even though innocently condemned Jesus did not retaliate; Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.  This statement especially from a man who is suffering wrong and injustice is a bulwark of truth. Self sacrifice and forgiveness are the prominent elements of truth.

This is truth too: Conversion is intrinsic to life and not an option. No life can exist or sustain without conversion. Even a minute cell has to get converted. Conversion is either towards integration or disintegration. Likewise in human beings conversion is an ongoing process either towards integration or disintegration. Truly there was an immediate conversion in the Supreme Court judges and they decided that they should not go with their earlier unconstitutional statement. It seems that the conversion of the judges was on account of force applied by way of protest by the Christians; unconstitutional and induced!

Any conversion apart from Christ is towards disintegration and any conversion in Christ is total integration, for Jesus offers us life (Jn. 10:10).

In a multi-religion society like India, the debate on religion seems to touch a raw wound and makes many insecure. The community is considered to be of higher value than truth. In order to preserve one’s community one would go to the extent of even annihilating the other.Unfortunately this attitude has even infiltrated our local churches. A growing emphasis on building communities at the cost of truth!?! One would prefer to relate with people of other beliefs but yet not discuss the beliefs or challenge them. The raw wound situation is in itself an unhealthy situation which needs healing and correction.

The worst confusion is when some would even go to the extent of saying that we are not the ones who are converting people but the Protestants who are to be blamed.  Shameful! How can we be defensive about truth? Here the truth is this: To proclaim the truth of the Gospel is a basic human right. If we could allow advertisement of products and services knowing full well that many a times what is dished out is a lie then why should we be restricted to proclaim what we believe to be the truth and nothing but the truth. It is truth not because I am saying it; it is truth because God in Christ Jesus has revealed Himself and Him whom I believe I believe Him to be the absolute truth. I believe in every word that He speaks to me. Humans may lie but He will not lie. I am not talking of an abstract entity but of a living God who meets us where we are, if we allow ourselves to meet him!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth and life. Reveal to me yourself more and more each day that I may never walk away from the truth. Guide all people everywhere to seek you and find that salvation which comes from you alone.  Reach out O Lord to those members of my dear and near ones who have rejected you from their lives and also those who spread error by claiming to be your disciples.

True Obedience! Whose voice are you listening to- FR CONRAD SALDANHA

We are often fascinated by the voice of a singer or a speaker; it’s the quality of the voice that seems to matter. The popularity of many actors is due to their voice rather than their talent. However when people are in love, then it is the other way around. It is not so much the quality of the other’s voice, but the voice itself, (of the beloved), that matters; no matter how it sounds. In a telephone conversation, people in love, want to hold on to the voice of their beloved. Many a time they want to hold on to that voice at the other end of the phone, and not let go (stuck fast like glue), even after the line has been disconnected. Later they will replay the voice in the mind, and enjoy some more moments of bliss.. 

This was confirmed after speaking to this young girl married to a man working abroad. I asked her what she did when she gets a letter from her husband; Did she read it by following his thoughts, as we normally do, when reading a newspaper or novel, or did she hear his voice in every word that was written? She thought for some time. Though she, like most of us may never have thought of this aspect, yet now aware, her eyes twinkled. She had this to say: “Well, of course, I hear his voice in every word that I read in his letter.”

Oh! This is what love can do to us. The miracle of love, that makes us listen to the voice of our Beloved, rather than our own thought patterns; or our own voice, that may seek to intrude into our minds.

Did not God create us in love, and were we not created as beings meant for love?  Were we not to seek and listen to the voice of our Beloved God and Savior Jesus Christ? “My sheep listen to my voice!”

There are various ways God has spoken to us, as the Scriptures remind us in; Heb 1:2 ‘but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son,’ (RSV)

Through His Son, (yes only through His Son) He still speaks to us in the daily situations of life. He speaks to us in nature, through His Son, and as in the Gospel He speaks to us through others, yet again through His Son. Like at a Sunday sermon He still speaks to us through His Word, but still through His Son.

            

In all these, do we listen to the voice of our Beloved, Lord and master? If we listen to these directly as God speaking to us, then we are bound to go astray, but if we listen to them and attune ourselves to God our Beloved, who is with us in all situations as Emmanuel: God with us, then we shall definitely hear His voice. Just as when someone gets us news of our beloved, we would, in that, seek and listen and try to find the voice of our beloved or loved ones even in a messenger.

In other words, there are three ways one could be listening: 1) Listening to the reading by hearing the voice of the speaker. 2) Listening to your own inner voice as the word is spoken and proclaimed. 3)  Or listen to the voice of the Beloved as we hear the word of God read and proclaimed.

In all our education we are trained to listen either to ourselves or listen to others. Even our spiritual education is many a time oriented in the same direction. Hence what is required is a discipline with discernment. For among the supernatural voices we could be hearing the voice of an unwanted entity - Satan. This could be compared to the interfering voice of that jealous woman who is envious of the mutual love of a legitimate couple.

The Discipline and Discernment (DD) retreats, which were conducted from 2004-08 by us, trained one towards this aspect of listening to the Beloved’s voice.  Many of the retreatants still testify to this grace, which they have strongly received at this retreat even as they daily practice the disciplines thereof.

In comparison to so called eastern Prayer techniques such as Yoga, Vippassana, Zen and other syncretistic methods under the garb of Christian Yoga and Christian mediation we at DD strongly denounce these techniques and methodology. This never helps in listening, or in having a dialogue with the living God. This is fully in keeping with the mind of the Catholic Church. 

“Christian prayer is always determined by the structure of the Christian faith, in which the very truth of God and creature shines forth. For this reason, it is defined, properly speaking, as a personal, intimate and profound dialogue between man and God”. (OF; SCDF: 15th Oct. 1989; Art. 3)
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19891015_meditazione-cristiana_en.html  ( COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK IN WEB BROWSER)

“In a cultural environment, marked by religious relativism, it is necessary to signal a warning against the attempt to place New Age religiosity on the same level as Christian faith,” (6 Feb 2003, Chp.4:1.. PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE. JESUS CHRIST THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE. A Christian reflection on the “New Age” ) 
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html (COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK IN WEB BROWSER)

Hence Christians need to get into the discipline of prayer and listening diligently to the voice of the Beloved. The question to ask is this - Are we following our own thought patterns, or are we listening to the voice of our Beloved as the Word is read and proclaimed? Listening to the voice of the speaker is a fruitless and empty exercise. We listen either as zombies, or because the voice attracts or fascinates us. 2) listening to yourself means that you are analyzing and are involved in the act of fault finding or appreciation at human level. 3) Listening to the voice of the Beloved, the voice of God means trusting not to our own understanding to lead us, nor our emotions and fleshly pulls to overtake us, but trusting the Lord in total surrender and allowing Him to guide us.

Seek the Lord while yet He may be found, grow in love of Him, trust and surrender and you will not falter as you seek to listen to the voice of your Beloved.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to realize the importance of listening and the need to train myself to be your true disciple. Let me commit myself right now in your presence, to have a fixed time and a place for prayer, so as to listen to your voice.

ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT - FR CONRAD SALDANHA

ST. ANTHONY THE ABBOT  - The Patron Saint of the DD ministries

Saint Anthony the Abbot (c 251–356), was also known as St. Anthony the Great and Father of All Monks.

Anthony was born to a wealthy family in 251 AD at Coma, a village in Middle Egypt. One day Anthony was convicted by Mat 19, 21…"Go, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor." He went home and gifted his land and sold his belongings and gave the money to the needy, saving only what he thought necessary to maintain his sister who also joined a Christian nunnery.

Anthony, at 21 became a hermit and retired to a solitary place and occupied himself with manual labor, prayer, and religious reading. His only food was bread and a little salt, and he drank nothing but water. His bed was a rush mat. He soon became a model of humility, piety, and self-discipline.

The devil assailed him by various temptations like the joys of family life, the good works Anthony might have done in the world with his money, and the futility of the hermit's existence. When repulsed by the young novice, the devil changed his mode of attack, and harassed him night and day with gross and obscene thoughts. Anthony resisted by a strict watchfulness over his senses and imagination, controlling them by austere fasts, acts of humility, and prayer. At last Satan himself appeared in visible form, first as a seductive woman, then as a black and terrifying man. Anthony remained unmoved, and the fiend confessed himself vanquished.

In quest now of greater solitude, he hid himself in an old tomb in the desert, where a friend brought him a little bread from time to time. Here Satan again attacked him and deafened him with loud noises. Once, Athanasius says, he was so grievously beaten that when his friend arrived he lay almost dead. As Anthony came to himself, he called out to the devils, "See, here I am! Do your worst! Nothing shall separate me from Christ my Lord." At this, the demons reappeared and again filled the tomb with a terrible clamor and specters of ravening beasts in hideous shapes until a ray of heavenly light, breaking through, chased them away. "Where wast Thou," Anthony cried, "my Lord and my Master? Why wast Thou not here from the beginning of my conflict to give me succor?" "Anthony," replied a voice, "I was here the whole time; I stood by thee, and watched thy conflict. And because thou hast manfully withstood thy enemies, I will forever protect thee, and will make thy name famous throughout the earth." At this the saint rose up to pray and give thanks.

In his fifty-fifth year he came down from his mountain retreat and founded his first monastery. 

We are told of a temptation to despair, which he overcame by prayer and hard manual labor. Notwithstanding his stringent self-discipline, he always maintained that perfection consisted not in mortification of the flesh but in love of God. He taught his monks to have eternity always present to their minds and to perform every act with all the fervor of their souls, as if it were to be their last.

In his extreme old age he made another trip to Alexandria, expressly to refute the Arians, and went about preaching that Christ the Son was not a creature, but of the same eternal substance as the Father. The people flocked to hear him, and even pagans, struck by the dignity of his bearing, gathered around him, saying, "We want to see the man of God." He made many converts and worked several miracles. The governor of Egypt invited him to stay longer in the city, but he declined, saying, "Fish die if they are taken from the water; so does a monk wither away if he forsakes his solitude."

This first great "Desert Father" lived to the remarkable age of 105, without sickness, his sight unimpaired, his teeth still sound. Many miracles wrought by Anthony's intercession were reported.

Anthony is appealed to against infectious diseases, in particular herpes zoster, hence shingles are known as "Anthony's fire" in Italy and Malta. eczema; epilepsy; epileptics; ergotism; erysipelas; relief from pestilence; skin diseases; skin rashes.

The DDoor Ministries feel honoured to have him as their Patron Saint and entrust every retreatant into his protection.

Celebrated in many churches on his Feast Day, January 17 in the Western church.

Prayer:
Father, you called Saint Anthony to renounce the world and serve you in the solitude of the desert. By his prayers and example, may we learn to deny ourselves with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts. Help us to love you above all things, especially as we seek to endure the trials and troubles of life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St Anthony, the Abbot, Patron of DDoor Ministries, Pray for us.

The Epiphany: The Manifestation of God - Fr Conrad Saldanha

EPIPHANY; ‎denotes the manifestation of Christ to the unbelieving world, with special reference to His appearance to the wise men of the East, who came to adore Him and bring Him presents (Matt 2:1-12)     

“The all powerful limitless God”, they say, “cannot be contained in narrow boundaries or human forms, figures, or images”; --such a God indeed appeals to the human senses! But what use is this God who is unlimited and all powerful and yet shows Himself as powerless in limiting himself in entering into the frailty of human existence, and in reaching out to His creation?

We have a God in Christ Jesus who by taking upon Himself a human existence has proved Himself as all powerful; By virtue of the very choice He has made, this unlimited God has now shown His power and glorious might, by limiting Himself. This limiting of Himself does not project Him as powerless, but makes His power shine forth all the more (cfr. Phil. 2:5-11, Jn.19:10, 10:18).  

Whereas, with human beings it is different: A child aspires to be big and strong, but rarely will a grown up desire to return to his childhood state. Even if one wanted to, the only reason would be, to‘re-experience’ the freedom and pampering of yesteryears; yet he would not want to lose the power that he now holds. “Am I a child that you treat me like this or Am I a child that you thought you could cheat me or I am no child” are the common phrases we hear from grown –ups. Even in old age when a person enters ‘a second childhood’ he would rarely admit it, and only after much resistance, frustration and complaining would resign himself to this state.    

 “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father." John 10:17-18

We have a Saviour; the Crucified Christ, whose limitation in human form is not a sign of weakness. This may be our way of looking at things. His power to limit himself in human form is equally a manifestation of His great power and glory which never changes. His birth and subsequently, His death and resurrection are all a manifestation of this very power, in equal measure, all throughout his life here on earth.  We as human beings with our limited vision may begin by first seeing it in the resurrection!

The rain comes down and brings forth life in creation and it returns back as vapour and cloud to water the earth again. They lose their identity in order to empower and bring forth life on earth.

As Catholics we see this same manifestation of the power of God Almighty in the Sacraments, when Christ makes Himself manifests to us all, beginning with the Eucharistic bread and wine. ‘Take this…. This is my Body, This is my Blood’.  The unlimited can become limited (to our perception) but never loses His power and might! This same power is at work in us who accept and believe (Eph.1:19).

The Unlimited has deliberately limited himself to become one like us so as to take us to His realm of unlimited glory and power. The eternal Word dwelling for all eternity in the bosom of the Father is become flesh so that all flesh may be freed from its bondage to decay (Rom. 8:21). This can happen to us if we accept this in faith and then allow this unlimited power made manifest in Jesus to take charge of our lives and guide us. He is that light that dispels every influence of the dark reality that confines us.

Now we too, because of the power that is at work in us, can experience this power and live in sure hope. We can assuredly count on the promises of Christ: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn. 12:24-25). We can now limit or curtail ourselves to the point of no existence, that is death and be confident of life unlimited/immortal. We can deny (limit) ourselves and take up the cross and walk in the unlimited freedom of God’s chosen children (cfr. Mt. 16:24 & Mk. 8:24). We can endure all pain for the love of him who sets us free.

Prayer: Come Lord Jesus, come and take charge of my life and reign in me, so as to lead me into Your glory. Help me to make a daily surrender and even die to myself so as to allow You to speak to my heart and mind. May I be obedient to Your voice and never flee from Your Holy presence.