What Care For Creation- FR CONRAD SALDANHA

               I keep hearing about the great need for caring for creation and I wonder if we are really going about this whole exercise, with sound theological teachings. Is it another case of the failure of our theological community to bring in the Christ element in our teachings on care for creation?

                       Creation is what God has created. The Old Testament teaches us that it was ordered for man who is the crowning glory of God’s creation.  The second account of the book of Genesis reveals that all things were created keeping man in mind.  In his fall from grace, man also lost most of his authority over creation and over himself too.  The law of Sin begins to reign in him (Rm. 7:17, 23). He is subjected to death and decay like all of God’s creation (Rom. 8: 1) 

                    Yet it is not the whole truth. New Testament Scripture teaches us that all things were created “Through Him” (Jn.1: 3 & Col.1:16). Though Man is the centre of God’s creation, creation came into existence by the WORD of God, the living person in the Godhead: Jesus Christ. Since by our sinfulness we lost it, God had an alternative plan in Christ Jesus to redeem creation; the work that began in the incarnation and will be brought to completion on the cross and reach its complete fulfillment in the resurrection of the chosen ones.  No more we shall be subjected to death and decay but have the power of the resurrection at work in us believers. Even leading us constantly to rise, in every moment of death, to a new and everlasting life!

 The dangers of the new effort which is steeped in the great fear of destruction brought about by man’s greed need not be the fears of the followers of Christ. Neither is there need to carry a sense of guilt for the overuse of the resources of the earth.  We see in these worldly ideologies, a form of hostility that hits out at procreation which is God’s command for man. The growing population makes a rare demand on the resources of the earth-this proposition seems so true by human logic and rarely finds effective argument that could challenge such views. On the other hand the selfishness of a so called ‘selfless activity’ is rarely visible to the human eye and hence never seen as an obstacle to God’s plan and His wisdom.

                   Then there is the danger of reducing human suffering due to health problems, to the increased consumption and resultant pollution. Though this argument could well be attested by medical tests and logic yet for a Christian it should be untenable as the whole truth, it is only a peripheral way of looking at things. We may overlook the whole element of sin and selfishness at a deep spiritual level as the overriding cause of most of our ailments and sicknesses. Though there are arguments in medical sciences which attributes diseases to psych-somatic reasons yet in the absence of a strong palliative solution in this area the theory remains weak on its head.  At this juncture the evil of New Age apparently seems to come to the rescue. Today even Christian ministers and religious may offer solutions in New Age spirituality rather than in Jesus’ offer of healing and freedom.  This shows their lack faith and wisdom to avail of it. The growing trend of New Age spirituality in the church is proof of such deviation.  The New Age further accommodates such thinking by talking about holistic healings and detoxification of the body. Where is the role for the Sacramental ministry? Where is the confidence in divine intervention?

                   Then there is always the danger of a blame game approach, as in Marxist and socialist environment.  Blame the rich nation or the rich society and the greedy and the wealth owners. While we ourselves may be defaulters, owning cars with drivers yet we could be in the forefront of activism.  Many a time it is like the case of one blind leading the other. Can the church approach the problem like an NGO without direction or proper reason?

                    Is the human race in danger of extinction on account of the excess use of the resources of the earth? Maybe! To answer this is not a Christian priority. For there is a greater danger we could be walking into and that danger is that of not seeking to save ourselves but instead seeking to save creation.   Or is it seeking to save God the embarrassment of a chaotic creation as if He is the incapable one! Global warming maybe a reality which is born out of man’s greed and selfish ambition, but still not the whole truth. Presuming it to be the truth what solution can we offer to the human race? Are good advice and sound education and preaching values, the solution? They help but they too have their limitation. Even the Gospel of truth does not offer us a perfect solution for this inherent problem in us, in this life, except the salvific action of Christ and the witness of the few as an example to emulate.

                 On the other hand, the followers of the one true living God have every right to the resources of the earth and use it without guilt or remorse.  Yet they the children, will not deliberately abuse the created things of God; not because it is sacred, as some believe it to be, but rather because one’s life is not made out of the abundance of one’s possession. (Lk.12:15). This thought can only remain a mere teaching, if it is apart from Christ. For though one’s life cannot be made of the abundance of one’s possession yet it cannot be lived in isolation. This is so because of the very anthropological nature of man which seeks to have. It is in abiding in Him and only in union with Him that he has life and even life in abundance. (Jn.10:10) The closer one is to the king, the greater is that person’s right to have access to the riches of the king. Yet in reality, we see, in history, in the life of the saints, just the opposite; the simplicity and detachment to all things that spells ostentation. How can they? For in the proximity to the king doesn’t give us confidence in times of need and trouble then only in treachery we will find solution. This very reason that Psalmist could proclaim: “one thing I ask of the Lord, that shall I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. (Ps. 27:5=4)

                      God the supreme king is still at work in creation, creating still and sustaining it. He came to save us and thus, through His action of saving us, He will save creation, according to His plan. The present creation is not meant to be an eternal abode for the human race. We have forgotten our Christian priority and got involved in a worldly priority, of saving creation rather than souls for Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel.  For the world that lives in doomed hope, working to save creation is a pursuit of great meaning and significance. But to them who hope in God they know that the price that Jesus paid and the miracle that Jesus performed can also make a miracle of creation.  No activity is valid or can be called legitimate if it does not recognize God’s living action in sustaining creation. We are mere co-workers when we seek to live according to the will of God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe in your great possibilities and your mighty power that still sustains us. Help me to live the simplicity of life as your child and witness to the living Gospel. May I never forget your priority for us and make this priority my own.

Valentine's Day: Lets Seek His Grace ! - FR CONRAD SALDANHA

             The season Of Love is here! At least that‘s how it is perceived!  Usually when one thinks of love, then one mostly thinks of the erotica or the romantic kind of love. The emphasis is clearly on this human level activity; hearts and symbols of the cupid’s arrow visibly unrestrained. For the commercial world it is a whole lot of profitable activity, filled with cards and gifts specifically designed (otherwise who would buy them!) with prominent symbols that depict the erotica of love.

               Almost everyone wants to make this a memorable occasion; Meeting at special places, doing special things, and wearing special clothes and saying special things. Shall I say; Love has overflowed into things material and we could very well be holding on to this special memorabilia and find satisfaction in things, as they keeps filling our memories. Music and movies add a special tinge to the whole experience as they touch those sensual emotions of life. Memories need not be burdened to recapitulate even what is lost for what is lost is largely unknowingly and rarely knowingly gained with the accessibility through modern gadgets. 

            What is this love steeped in substantially, if not in the mere sense of oneself? - The desire to possess, even to the extent of destroying the other.  In the Greek terminology we have four terms for Love while in the Hindu concept we have three terms and one interestingly means destruction (TAMSIK).  I miss you and therefore I can’t do without you. The ‘I’ is no dormant entity but a prominent one which seeks the other for one’s own self. It doesn’t easily want to share what is not his, and will even not easily accept the consequence of one’s action.  This ‘I” could reach such abnormal proportion that it will even seek the destruction of the other.

Therefore we have abundance of cases where people in order to woo the other, in the name of love, will go to any extent of seduction, spiritual activism, seeking help in esoteric and occult practices and luring through display of one’s talent and wealth.  The milder seductive activity could be writing poems and chatting, increased communication, special attention, even indulging in attention seeking behaviour, grooming of oneself, additionally with make–up, new dresses, special perfumes and pheromones, plastic surgery, etc.  A whole change of lifestyle and outlook has begun to occur.

The above reflection on the nature of erotica,love does not reject the beauty and the magnificence of it thereof. God had a plan when He created life forms. Imagine life without the erotica! Creation would have given up the idea of procreation in order to achieve a greater fulfillment steeped in one’s wickedness. Without an element of that commitment and sacrifice that is associated with erotica there would have been more room for the growth of a hedonistic self-centered activity where ultimately the creature seeks the destruction of the other for survival.

The erotica is a reality which we cannot escape. It exists and has a place in society. If ordered well it can be a blessing to society and its vigorous functions. The erotica if it leads to responsible commitment best imitates the divine love. It may seem similar in many respects but yet they are two distinct. Bliss and happiness are the fruit thereof which leads to procreation and new life. Yet these are short term gains. Those who see this and have been able to be of a controlled mind have sought to rise above this emotional tangle to achieve something which they have decided is a priority of life. 

We as humans find our fulfillment in the love and service of the other. To serve and reach out to others in love, caring and sharing, is the noblest of human activity. The Erotica could not only bring about this reality but also makes known to human beings a deeper reality which is many a time beyond his comprehension; the reality of loving a particular being and sharing your all with the one in your life and through him or her to others.

Erotica as love by itself is mere passion or an emotion which if ordered well can be a great blessing. The individual’s character adds beauty and grace to erotica; Commitment, responsibility and the fruit of the Holy Spirit such as peace, Joy, patience, kindness, goodness, etc.,(Gal.5:22-23) only adds to its substance. One normally rejects spirituality as opposing to erotica and will seek to further one’s action towards hedonistic self seeking pleasures. Whereas the opposite is true the spiritual man enjoys this gift of God and completely and wholly benefits from the fruit thereof.

                On the one hand we have the evil that is erotica (not because erotica is evil but the manner of its expression is what makes it good or bad), and on the other hand we have the beauty which erotica is all about. The evil of erotica is due to a factor extrinsic to it while the beauty of erotica is an intrinsic quality fortified by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When the external is taken care of through the realization of our human faults and fallings then erotica becomes that first step in the pilgrimage of authentic growth. The primary step is always Jesus our saviour in that long journey of life.  “Apart from me you can do nothing. “(Jn. 15:5)  He gives us His grace to overcome these evils that so strongly assails us. (Rom. 7:14ff)

                Where should the action of erotica lead us to? What is that ultimate growth and destiny of erotica if not the eternity of the human race. The limitation of erotica is the limitedness of the two. How can two mortals lead each other into immortality? But two mortals can lead each other into immortality in Him who offers us the gift of immortality and makes of us the sacrament of immortality to the other and even to the whole human race.

For apart from Him, the search for the great human need to love and more so to be loved with selfish intent could lead us to that pitfall of erotica, which is affection bordered on pampering and self gratification, leading to stagnation and ruin. But with Him we triumph in spite of our fall. The fall only reveals our frailty and could make us humble to submit to the all powerful entity; God Himself.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, creator of all things that is good,  help me even as I appreciate the beauty of love you have placed in our hearts when you created us and take away from me every lustful contamination. In the midst of my sinfulness help me to recognize and submit to your great possibilities which are in spite of my weaknesses. Give me the help of your Holy Spirit and guide me by your voice. I ask this in the name of Jesus my Lord and Master.

Thy Kingdom Come- FR CONRAD SALDANHA

The great upheaval in the Arab world calling for a change of government often intrigues me at the demands of the masses. They surely want the man at the top to be out.

What could be the possible reason for such a demand? Maybe they have seen it all for many years, the same regime, the same face, perhaps an iron hand of autocratic rule and now they are fed-up wanting a change at any cost.

Added to it could be the joblessness and low wages caused by an economic slump and they can’t take it anymore.  They cannot easily afford the technology even though their modern education gives them access to such things. Or could it be the envy of a neighbour’s wellbeing or a hope that is rooted in religious ideals?

Yet in the midst of such turmoil there seems to be a sure hope towards a life of comfort, a prosperous nation catering to their needs and which will ultimately work for the ideals of its people. A nation that will have at the heart a deep concern for its peoples and strive to provide for their welfare.  Enough! We will no more take it. Patriotism is visible and to add to their immediate hope they have seen the fruit of a successful uprising in their neigbourhood.

What intrigues me the most is the hope of the human heart. The human heart can often hope to the extent of a dream based on idealism.  The kingdom of justice, peace and prosperity, the kingdom of brotherhood where every person walks hand in hand with each other with respect and dignity.  Where there will be no hunger or disease or infighting. All ages have seen this and in the midst of the tyranny and suffering there is a new hope born in the human heart. Yet we never stop hoping!

In the Scriptures we have the example of the people of Israel who aware of their moment of insecurity caused by the constant fight against their warring neighbor approach Samuel for a King over Israel.      “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint for us a king to govern us like all the nations."” 1 Sam 8:4-5

Their demands too are based on hope which is born of an envy of their neighbours and the insecurities of their hearts. Scripture tells us about the sure hope of truth; the hope that does not disappoint. This implies a possibility of an another kind of hope that could disappoint; a hope that is based on false thinking.

Though this act of the people displeases Samuel and God, yet God does not reject their demands.  “Now then, hearken to their voice; only, you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them." 1 Sam 8:9

And not without a warning; there is consequence for basing one’s decision on false hope. However logical one’s argument may be but to hope based on the human reasoning and dream is dangerous and detrimental for one’s future and the generation to follow. God warns the Israelites as follows: “And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the Lord will not answer you in that day." 1 Sam 8:18

We have a Godly perspective of things and so very true. The peoples reasoning’s were apparently true and God’s reasoning was absolutely true.  In other words there is a flaw in every perspective and yet one could definitely be better than the other as we see in the above passage from 1 Samuel. God many a time respects our perspective of things yet it does not mean it’s the right decision. The right decision is always based on discerning God’s will which may at time seem foolish even to the majority. For example; a whole nation may opt for the pill of abortion yet it can never be God’s will even if human reasoning has a contrary and logical view.

A Christian may in keeping with the situation struggle side by side along with other peoples yet his struggle with them cannot include an idealistic perspective of achieving or seeking to accomplish a kingdom of idealism; where justice, peace, brotherhood will exist in perfect harmony. To believe in such a doctrine goes against the very essence of sound Anthropology. For even Christ does not assure us such a perfect kingdom for his believers here on earth; “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division”. Luke 12:51

But we shall have that perfect kingdom for which He will come again to take us to; the heavenly Jerusalem. In this life we struggle in the imperfections of ordinary life in order to make it better even as Christ seeks to make us perfect:  “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit”. 2 Cor 3:18

Prayer: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. Lord each time I pray this prayer may I strive to seek your good, pleasant and perfect will and thus be an instrument to usher in your kingdom.