THE PROMISED GIFT OF GOD

                                         --fr. Conrad Saldanha

Years ago, when I was ordained to the priesthood, my sister presented me with a cell phone set, minus the SIM card. She missed an opportunity to keep in touch because I never really used the instrument! Two years later when I started the retreat ministry in the Archdiocese of Bombay, the team members, frequently complained about my inaccessibility, especially in matters that needed instant decisions.

The Mobile became a source of contact and easy accessibility. They could, in a way, now keep in touch anytime and anywhere.

Similarly, God has given us his Holy Spirit in baptism, which is God’s presence in us; a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:22). Through him we are able to be with God and more so, God is with us, Emmanuel. We can now approach his holy throne through the indwelling Holy Spirit and receive from this throne the many blessings and graces he has given us (Eph. 3:12; Heb.4:16), including the fellowship of the saints in glory (Eph. 1: 18). We are able to communicate with the right person; God himself in the spirit (Rm. 8:15; Gal.4:6), while God communicates his wisdom and love to us (Rm.5:5).

As I look into the Scriptures, one of the statements of Jesus, that impresses me, and moves me immensely, is  the one from the Gospel of John;  "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." Jn. 4:10

   

The greatest thirst of humanity is to find that meaning in life which would satisfy him or her totally.

The beauty of the passage is the intense passion in his pleading. It seems to show a sense of concern for the other’s need. The statement reveals the weakness of human nature that seems to know everything and yet is foolish enough, to ignore the essential and necessary aspects of life and survival. It is as if Jesus speaking to the woman is addressing the whole human race; “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you…..”  Truly, if only we knew this great gift of God. Yet, our response is always like the woman; she completely misses the point. Here, we see another aspect of human frailty which is a fall out of our sinfulness; what is communicated and what is understood is quite different. God is patient with our sinfulness and slowness and hence Jesus switches mode and gets to an extraordinary level of communication whereby she recognizes him as prophet. Jesus is indeed that someone extraordinary who is to be trusted even though not fully understood.

Jesus switches mode; from logical arguments to extraordinary sign and appeal. This is deliberately done because Jesus knew that logic doesn’t always work especially when it comes to communicating the things of God to sinful humanity, even though it was the most logical and extraordinary knowledge. She seeing him as a prophet, as that someone extraordinary, is half the problem solved. Now it moves to a level of trust irrespective if I understand Jesus or not. This is exactly what the Apostle Peter does when he is confused and bewildered: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn. 6:68). You are much safer than science, logic, human wisdom or god men or baba’s. You are worthy to be trusted and believed in.    

(Compare with Gen. Chapter 3: In the first temptation in the garden of Eden, the serpents argument is based on pure logic and the woman is impressed, gets converted and reaches out in service to her beloved husband and wins him and through  him the human race.  But this futile service ultimately led to the ruin of human race.)

On the other hand, let’s have a look at the various thirsts that an individual could have besides the basic necessity of food, water, clothing and shelter; it could be wealth, power, acceptance, self-glory, pride, sinful habits and bondages. Rarely is one satisfied with what one has, and always seeks for more. It’s like a person who is given water to quench his thirst and if given a glass of soft drink or beer will gulp that too. Even though the initial thirst has been quenched by water but the underlying thirst for the pleasures of life never dies. Besides these, there is also the thirst to do good, to reach out to the less fortunate, to love and show affection but apart from God, they can be self motivated exercises aiming towards a goal that is normally steeped in self-glory.

To have a thirst is not the problem, but how it is quenched and the whole purpose and goal of such a thirst is where the problem lies. To thirst is the natural desire and is the right thing to have. Where and how it is directed makes it good or evil. What are we quenching our thirst with?

Where will humanity direct its thirst, when they themselves are so confused, and do not know their true destiny, and where to find the ultimate meaning of life. That which is peripheral is mistaken to be the core truth.

Jesus teaches us the ultimate meaning of life and gives our life a direction. Jesus’ revelation of eternity in his resurrection and the importance of the individual in the sight of God are the ultimate thirst every human being craves for in some measure or the other. Where is life’s ultimate destiny and who am I in this journey of life, why do I exist are the very question Jesus has answered for us in this passage of scripture.

1) “the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn. 4:14) – this water will quench the thirst for the search for eternity and help us overcome the negative pulls of sin and death.

2)  “the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him” (Jn. 4:23) – This water will help us relate with God in a personal and real way. If God is with us, what else do we require; to quench our many thirsts? In God alone is our real and ultimate fulfillment.

The Holy Spirit is God’s free gift to quench the ultimate and greatest thirst of man; the thirst for the ultimate, the thirst for the absolute truth which will help him find meaning and happiness in life. It is only Jesus who gives him to us. Scripture teaches us that the life of God, which is the Holy Spirit, was poured out for humanity, in all its abundance, on the altar of the cross; “…you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." (Jn. 4:10) Without asking, no spirit!

Jesus is the one who gives us instruction on the Holy Spirit, the promised one. If he was not to be known then Jesus would not have revealed him to us. We need to first know him and the power that he is able to exert in our lives and desire to receive him and allow his working in us. Then only can we have the ‘gift of God’; the Holy Spirit by welcoming him^.

Know him and you will be known by him; Jesus would not have revealed to us the Holy Spirit if he was not to be known and received (Jn.14:17).

What are we missing by not knowing the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the life giver. God only is eternal life and the source of it. We need this life of God for happiness, peace and joy. We need this life to overcome the bondages of life and to live in the freedom of God’s children. We need this life to overcome all those forces that are against life; Satan, sin and death. In other words, our abundance of life is not in being experts or achieving the extraordinary in the world, but in having the Holy Spirit of God, given to us through faith in his Son Jesus to all who ask of him. This Holy Spirit is also received in a faith community where Jesus is the centre.

The Holy Spirit fulfills the above mission through the following way:

1) Ongoing instruction and formation(Jn.16:12-13): Our growth is in growing in the image and likeness of God, as revealed in Christ Jesus; that’s the measure and criteria of growth (Jn.14:26; Lk.12:12);  Instructions for growth and instruction for defense, instructions that will convict us of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn. 16:8) .

2) Relationship with God: The Holy Spirit helps us in establishing a relationship with God. This relationship helps us withstand the forces of darkness and hostility that seek to draw us away from God and his wisdom (cfr.Jn.14:16-17).  He is the seal and guarantee and it is he alone who can save us unto eternity (2Cor.1:22).

3) Comforter (2Cor.1:4, 7:6): He is our comforter as we journey on this treacherous and difficult path, which cost God’s beloved Son the great pain of being sacrificed on the Cross of humiliation and shame, accompanied with both physical and mental torture.  Similarly, we too will find ourselves victims of the same torture by senseless men in position of power and authority. The Holy Spirit will be our guide and comforter at such moments, even giving us the wisdom to speak the right thing when faced with such trials (Lk.12:12) .

5) Empowering with the gifts: the Holy Spirit is given to usHoly Sp to accomplish Jesus’ mission of enlightening the human race about the importance of one’s soul and the ultimate destiny of each one (Jn.15:26). He paid the price in order to actualize it for us. The Holy Spirit makes us God’s Children and God’s presence in this human world; notch above the rest!  He empowers the church with his gifts to accomplish his mission of building the Church which he has redeemed by his blood (Eph.4:11-13).

6) Character formation and strength: The worship of God in Spirit and truth is the simplest and easy way to form ourselves in his character. If bad company spoils good morals (1Cor. 15:33) likewise the good company of God’s presence in true worship enhances our personalities. The quenching of the thirst makes us secure so as not to seek after worldliness. We are made instruments in service to God and neighbor, for he helps us how to pray (Rm.8:24).

7) Fellowship and love: One of the great fruit of the Holy Spirit is the spirit of unity and fellowship he brings about. (Acts 2:44-45). He does it!

These are the elements that make the church alive to face and even convert the world, rejecting these actions of the Holy Spirit is much more serious than any abuse in the church. It’s the same as sinning against the Holy Spirit; a grievous sin (Mt. 12:32; Mk. 3:29; Lk. 12:10).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, May I always value your precious gifts, especially the gift of your Holy Spirit, fill me with this power. Make me your instrument and may I always be attentive to the promptings of your Holy Spirit in all that I do.

RESTORE MEANING TO ASCENSION

                                                                            >--> fr. conrad saldanha  

As the great season of Easter wanes away, we anticipate the celebration of Ascension, which in a way marks the completion of Christ Salvific mission here on earth.  The feast is celebrated in a single day, in a casual way, and is forgotten. Its importance and relevance to the whole of our Christian living is hardly referred to.

To add to the problem, in many Dioceses the feast is celebrated on a Sunday. Though, historically, Ascension was celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter, which is on a Thursday.

The tragedy; the relevance of this day and what Christ has accomplished for us stand underestimated. We have become losers of an opportunity to catechize anyone in the essential significance of this feast.  And more so, we have failed in an opportunity to witness to the world the ascended Lord.

Ascension is that event which took place when Christ our Lord, after having risen from the dead, appeared to his disciples at various times and in various places for forty days and then ascended into heaven from their midst.  (Mk. 16:19, Lk. 24:51, Acts 1:2)

For the Apostles it was a culmination of the post resurrection experience, when Christ Jesus after having convinced the disciples of his rising, and then having nudged them back into the saddle (see Article of 13^th May, 2011 on this blog site) is now desiring, that they wait for his new presence; the promised Holy Spirit.

In order to understand the magnificence of what Christ has done we need to understand the beauty of life’s processes.  Life and learning is a beautiful process. 

After having formed his Apostles for a period of three years, and having told them all that the Son of man would have to undergo, Jesus still knew that, no matter, how effective a speaker or communicator he may have been, it would still be difficult to get his message across to them at one go; though they had heard what he had to tell them, they had not comprehended it, in its totality.

In the post resurrection period, we have Jesus treating the sinful disease of the disciples; the lost focus, the unfaithfulness and their misplaced priorities had to be corrected. (See Article of 13^th May, 2011 on this blog site) He gives them a new orientation. Their days of formation are almost over and now they have to launch out into the deep. And so one last instruction; “…he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father.  (Acts 1:4) Wait for Pentecost!

The significance of the last instruction: It is always important, for one would communicate only that which is relevant and imperative at the time of departure. Jesus’ last instructions are effective because of his special relationship with the disciples, which makes a difference; a high recall value and hence practice of it is not difficult.  Added to this is the new support structure by way of a management change; for Peter is a changed man with a new and renewed vision and Mary who continues humbly and mildly with her unassuming presence. The process in accomplishing Christ’s mission is not over, for it is not even begun. It is still at stage one, even though on the last leg of stage one, yet they have to wait. His ascension message is clear; they have to wait in Jerusalem till they are clothed with power. 

Some have begun already, but the others join the group late, in the upper room; waiting, praising and thanking God. 

Waiting, if stretched too far, leads to grumbling. The pain of waiting at a mere half hour Eucharist is enough to cause many tongues to become petulant. Hence we feel the need for smiling priests and fast track celebrants to keep us going. But the truth never changes, without waiting one cannot receive the empowerment from Jesus.  

So also, no praise can be based on empty rituals. When one praises God or thanks him, especially in our waiting then we are allowing God to work in our lives. Since we praise God for something, the Apostles now have a reason to praise God; to recollect the significant element of Christ’s teaching and the clear goal or vision which the ascension communicates, to praise God.   

In other words, the Ascension of Jesus is the visible, effective and fulfilled mission of Christ, yet incomplete without our cooperation. He has made himself humbly weak to his chosen ones, so as not to do anything without us.

Every disciple of Christ is invited to look and behold this ascended Christ, and be sure of him being present in our midst, in the light of the eternity it communicates. The challenges of this present reality become difficult when we are faced with those forces of life which drags us away from Christ.  The Apostles did it beautifully, in all patience, by spending much time in his presence, waiting on him. They were recollecting and waiting, praising and thanking in order to be clothed with power from above. A ten day retreat programme!

The five day retreat programme which we used to conduct was in itself so difficult.

How then did the Disciples manage the 10 day wait? Of course, it is always more difficult for those watching from outside then the practitioners.  But in the process of Jesus’ priority it had to be thus. We cannot be God’s instrument unless we learn to wait on him, be clothed with power and then equipped, to go in his name.

Humans, by nature, always live in hope. It could be a hope of a new day or a better tomorrow. Apart from hope, he would become suicidal, and find life a meaningless exercise to live for. The unfortunate part of their life is the deception in the hope they hold on to. They hopefully live and plan for a tomorrow which they have neither seen nor lived in: Who has seen tomorrow? Yet they would not want to believe in the tomorrow of Jesus!

Christian life is a definite and sure hope. It may initially begin with a feeling that is rooted in deception but Christ always gives his disciples a glimpse and an experience of the sure hope which only he can give us. That experience is the foundation of the immovable faith of the Disciples of Christ. 

Here in brief are the many insights into the meaning of ascension:

v  Ascension made them recollect that they no longer belong here, for Christ has appeared to take us with him. Our ultimate roots are in Christ and with him we shall be for all eternity.

v  Assurance of his constant presence and intercession, whereby they will go fearlessly in his name. He is at a vantage point; he is now much closer to us then we are to ourselves.

v  He has also brought us closer to each other in his ascension. Like a satellite that brings the human race closer to each other, likewise he draws all men to himself and to each other in the bond of Catholic love. If Christ is not the centre than humanism can bring true and everlasting unity.

v  He is the seat of all power and authority both in heaven and on earth.  Hence nothing can happen to his beloved ones, unless he has permitted it and nothing evil can befall them that he can’t make it work for the good of those who look with joyful hope for the coming of their Lord and Savior. (Rm. 8:28)

v  He will keep empowering those who follow him faithfully with the promised Holy Spirit.

v  That life is one complete process ending with us living for all eternity in the place in which Christ has gone ahead and prepared for us.

v The Ascension of Jesus helps us lead a fuller, richer and meaningful life in this world because Christ our Lord in his ascension has given us a sure hope.

If such is the significance of this feast then the Church needs to order itself to a restoration of this great and significant historical event in the life of Christ.

Bring back the Ascension Thursday. In a discussion on an appropriate day for the celebration of the feast of Ascension, the majority, i.e. over 90 percent of the participants wanted a return to the 40 days rather than a convenient Sunday. Since it is such a significant feast, what could be done is to have a continuum of celebration beginning with the Thursday; making it obligatory to be part of the liturgy on all or one of these days, with the Thursday as the beginning, and as an important day of celebration. Each day could have its own theme.  If need be the mass timing could be changed to suit the working crowds.

This could set in process a trend to welcome another great feast of Pentecost with greater fervor and devotion. The faithful can then look forward to the great empowering which Christ bestows on his beloved ones.

Like the disciples, family members could come together to praise and thank God for the Ascension of Christ. On account of which, Christ’s salvific action is effectively implemented in our lives and we encounter his presence and empowerment. A Para-liturgical service could be prepared for the home to help the families accordingly. 

Those in the liturgical ministries and formation could think of having special songs prepared which communicates the message of Ascension and Christian hope.

                               Song of Ascension: In my Father’s house

In my Father’s house are many mansions, each one of you will have one for yourself.

Not a hut, not a room, not a house, but a huge big mansion for each one of you.

Do you believe in this offer, the promise of a trustworthy man named Jesus?

If you do so, and raise your hearts in praise and thanksgiving to God in all things,

Then eternity is surely at your doorstep and life will take a new turn for you.

If you have a doubt, then look to his ascension at the right hand of power and majesty.

See the poster on the wall, Christ’s offer is surer than that.

Listen to your mother’s voice, When the Lord speaks he is more trustworthy than her

Hear the man in office, who is he, without God sustaining him?

I will doubt the thousand voices speak one language, if they do not speak the tongue of Christ ascended.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, speak to my heart your eternal message of hope and assurance and then by your grace transform me to be your instrument of God’s power and love. Amen.

Conflict: Moving towards a solution

                                                                                                >----->Fr. Conrad Saldanha

In the last article, I focused much on the clergy–laity conflict that’s affecting many parishes and Dioceses. There is a leadership crisis; the frustrations are often felt by the laity, because their voices are not heeded by those who rule. In my previous article I have also pointed to some of the evils and the growing trend, in this area of sound doctrine.  The teaching authority of the Church is in crisis and hence the Clergy can no more exercise their leadership in a true Christian spirit.

It is true that one way to move towards a solution is to restore faithfulness to Scripture and tradition. Yet this restoration is not enough if tradition is restricted only to the intellectual sphere. Human confidence is his mind, which is normally set on the flesh and scripture refers to it as carnal and in opposition to God (Rm.8:7).

Today’s trend is, towards a world of knowledge and great emphasis is put on intellectual development.  Self- glory, pride and great accomplishment all attributed to self achievement is the order of the day.  Our education system and formation are oriented in the same direction.

We have begun to believe and that too strongly, that education is the solution to every problem. There are constant self-awareness exercises and programmes conducted by Government, Non-governmental organizations and the Church too has joined the bandwagon. 

Even our seminary formation for priesthood tends strongly in this same direction. The initial emphasis on philosophy and then a comprehensive formula, of including the human sciences, are steps in this direction. Those learning them do not know the significance of it and what role it is supposed to play in their overall formation.  Some even make the seminarians believe that these human sciences are either equal or greater than theology.

Is education a panacea for resolving every human problem?  As we grew up we may have often heard such statements: “You an educated person and behaving like this” or “I gave him a good piece of advice and now he will not behave badly.” Yet, the change in behavior pattern does not take place as intended with this ‘good’ piece of advice.

 In the same vein our world finds it more difficult to accept criminality in educated individuals.  The white collar criminals are treated more humanely than others.

This is written not to undermine the beauty and the great contribution of education, but rather that we may realize the limitations of education, and so do not put an obstacle to other avenues available to us, in the formation of sound character. However this article is written not to offer a perfect solution for character formation, but it definitely aims at an option, which is necessary and primary.  Yet, one must remember, that quite often, character formation in education, is largely accomplished in fear, or hope of rewards, rather than in voluntary acceptance.  I sometimes marvel at the fears that the educated lot manifest and how they sheepishly submit to the carnal desire of self satisfaction.

A correct diagnosis often leads to the right remedy.  Unfortunately, those who are expecting of me a right and perfect solution will stand disappointed. The Christian world view does not offer a perfect solution, in this our lifetime, to a complicated problem called humans.  There are many factors involved, both at the level of the individual and the larger society in they exist.  By offering a perfect solution one could be entering into an ideological arena. There are many in the world and in the church too who are working on this line; because they have failed to understand this reality and to live by the wisdom of the Gospel.  In ideological fashion they are building a kingdom of God; a kingdom of justice, peace and brotherhood. Ultimately ending up as humanistic terrorists, intolerant of the others who oppose their myopic vision of life!

Jesus never offered us a perfect kingdom here on earth nor did he ask his disciples to work for this sort of a kingdom where justice, peace and brotherhood will reign.  “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division…………….”(Lk. 12: 51-53). If what I write is shocking to you then I am not shocked at this your state. For one often hears it in many sermons and discourses about the need to build a kingdom of justice, peace and brotherhood in ideological zeal.  Does this mean that we work for division? No, rather the truth of the Gospel gains precedence over every human agenda and value. The effect of the transforming power of the Gospel over the individual is such that it creates a situation of divisiveness in society. There are some who will accept it and some who will reject it. Among the some who accept it they will be again some who will accept it whole heartedly and some who will accept it with shallowness of heart. (Sower and the seed: Mt. 13:3ff; Mk.4:3 ff; Lk.8:5ff). Based on this wrong world view some are building kingdoms for God; communities of love by destroying existing communities or suppressing God’s action.  

The greater and eternal good of humanity is in the Gospel. In the immediate vision it may even look bad or evil. We often reject it because our mortal abilities make us see only the immediate good. Our morality and action are based on the immediate good. The principle we live by is this: “the good is the useful”.

What is good is not always good. This requires foresight, and history has shown us that we as humans almost always seek the good that is immediate, even immediate gratification. The immediate good has a long term consequence. For example; the Marxist society was built on a good called equality; a corrupted understanding of the term. But the consequence was this: some became more equal than the others.

Community and unity is not the highest value for Jesus. He is the highest value.  There are some who have made community building and work for unity a priority and in the process have with persecuting zeal, distorted every sound doctrine that concerns Christ and his redeeming action: the reason for Christian unity. Every act of love does not necessarily leads to unity but could be to division. 

The early Christian Community came together on the principle of sharing what they had, with their brothers and sisters in Christ. It was not an imposed action but a voluntary act which was in response to the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ; whereby they became believers first by encounter. Audience which were not, are now made captive through the proclamation of the Gospel and by the action of the Holy Spirit. 

Now this proclamation was not just an intellectual exercise by the Apostles whereby people came together in communities to share. It was an exercise that was soaked in the word and prayer (Acts 6:2-4): an exercise in the power of the Holy Spirit, with signs and wonders.

My experience of learning theology as a layman with theologians, former Rectors and now bishops has only given me a false idea of proclamation.  For them proclamation meant thrusting the message forcibly down some one’s throat. No wonder they have produced some good feminist who are working towards a programme which immediately seems pro-women but is ultimately anti-women.  What community can one be building if their concept of proclamation is not right? What flock will they guide as shepherds?  Pseudo-intellectualism, that is not based on sound theological doctrine but a false concept based on loose sociological principles.  Hence it was a growing trend to send seminarians and even priests for Sociological studies on a priority basis.   Some schooled in it even fooled the masses that the service to which they were called to was social work and this proclamation has always been considered virtuous by the superiors and made them eligible to hold key positions of power by right or through patronage.  If the church has to be guided by these than its future is for all to behold!

The need of the hour is also to understand the difference between teaching (Greek: Didache) and preaching (Proclamation:  Kerygma). The impetus to teaching has always been there, it is the Proclamation element which has been dormant or suppressed and not given its rightful place in the church.  Some have even been fooling the congregation by talking about new and innovative pedagogical methods as having substituted the office of preaching or proclamation.  If the proclamation is understood in its true nature, and due precedence given to it, than it will purify the Church and those who are teachers in the Assembly of God’s holy people.  “for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”  Matt 7:29. How do our modern day scribes teach?

Remember, what is proclaimed is the good news of Christ and not a dead message. This message is proclaimed in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, hence with signs and wonders.  The Church as a whole just can’t hide behind sound doctrine and reject the other element of soundness, i.e. the power of God’s Holy Spirit with us to the end of times. (Mt. 28: 20).  Jesus, when he sends his Apostles, he sends them out to proclaim with power and signs. These signs are signs of the kingdom. It is not just sound character, but is deeds manifest in the power of the Holy Spirit; signs and wonders.

PRAYER: Lord, save your church and bless all those in authority that they may open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel of Christ and proclaim him in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.  May they be servants of the Word, dispensing your word in all its wisdom and power. 

The Clergy-Laity Conflict

                                                                                          >>fr. Conrad Saldanha

The church can never be looked upon as separate from the laity and yet there is almost always a dialectical conflict between the laity and the priests. What constitutes the church is the clergy, religious and laity together.

The possible reasons for such a conflict are:-

The laity seems to have come of age. Thus, we have a laity which is knowledgeable; the feeling being of empowered through learning, some have done some theological courses and also are well equipped with handling the worldly affairs too.

The laity also reasons that the clergy seem to have abused their position and theological learning to subjugate and suppress the lay aspirations.

There are certain laws in the church which in keeping with the circumstance seems to be discriminatory towards the laity. In matters pastoral, the laity have a consultative and not a decision making voice in church affairs.

The priests, as leader of the community are entrusted with the responsibility of animating the community of Christ’s faithful. 

A priest is supposed to be the leader of the community through his ministry as a pastor. He offers the sacrifice of the mass and administers the sacraments, preaches the word and guides the flock. Thus he also makes Christ present to the people. The lay faithful since they belong to the common priesthood can collaborate with the priest but in no way can replace the ordained priest in the functions he undertakes.

To arrive at the possible solution to this conflict we need to understand the nature of the church (ecclesiology). 

The foundational fact: It is true that somebody has to take up leadership in the church of God. From among the first apostles the Lord appointed Peter to lead the community of the inner circle.  The inner circle of apostles is considered as the foundation, the initial stone on which the Church is built. This leads us to the understanding that the Bishops with the Pope as the bishop of Rome are successors of the Apostles. They are the foundation around which the clergy and the entire laity gather as a sign of unity.

Being successors of the apostles they are instruments of service. The higher the office the greater is the responsibility and call to service. The Pope considers himself as the servant of the servants of Christ.  This fact and aspect of service and servant hood is often misunderstood at local levels and thus not put into practice.

The Church primarily serves humanity by the proclamation of that truth that is able to save them. This is the ultimate goal and vision for which the church exists and strives for. It is not an ideology or a mere worldly wisdom which could be based on any human sciences and philosophies but a radical belief in the teaching of Christ: Christ Jesus is the message and there is no other message, not even his values and words have meaning if proclaimed apart from Christ.  The teaching of Christ and his word is still relevant in our time and in our age and is able to lead one into the peace of God’s kingdom. This truth has to be first accepted and believed in order to be effective. It has to be nourished in the crucible of the Christian milieu watered by prayer; a relationship with Christ.  "The priest's relation to the Church is inscribed in the relation which the priest has to Christ, such that the "sacramental representation' to Christ serves as the basis and inspiration for the relation of the priest to the Church" (Apostolic Exhortation, Pastores dabo vobis, 23 Nov. 2001, n. 16)

Some reductionists reduce this message and relegate it to human behavior and witness. ‘Witness by deeds’ is what they proclaim; though this is essential, what we fail to realize is that human beings who see things in limited perspectives need to be enlightened by the light of Christ’s words which is best received through proclamation.  Yet it is never an overnight guarantee that we would become perfect judgers even of the so called good behavior and sound characters of people. History has been witness to peoples and nations who have walked in deception by following leaders who were perceived sometimes even by the majority, to be of sound integrity, yet proved to be quite the contrary. If we have to learn the truth then Jesus teaches us best; “so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice”.  (Matt 23:3) One truth that was evident with the scribes and the Pharisees is this; no matter how badly they behaved they were at least faithful to the law of God in their discourse and Jesus seems to acknowledge that. You compare that with our modern day teachers. They talk about the witness of deeds as primary but they, neither in deed or in word are faithful to the Word of Christ.  In a way Jesus was revealing himself as that perfect leader whom we can and should be following without any hesitation or confusion.     

The situation of the world and solution: A primary service that the Church renders to the world, that is confused and steeped in darkness, is faithful proclamation.  This is manifested through its faithfulness and relationship to the living Word.  It is only Christ the light that dispels the darkness of even the darkest night (cfr. LK. 1:79; Jn. 1:4).  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."(John 8:12) The apostles of Christ were convinced about it and strove to proclaim Christ as the only light and Savior of the human race. Whereas we would rather meet with people of other religions in the name of dialogue, deceive and lead them further astray by telling them it is only the Protestants who are in the business of proclamation. Shame!

The importance of the Word and one of the reasons for the conviction of the Disciples concerning the necessity of Christ is seen in the Gospel of John. The truth is best brought out in the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday when Christ washed the feet of his disciples and mandated to them the same: “You also should wash one another’s feet”. This was the symbolic depiction of the cleansing power of the Word of God and the humble cleansing service accomplished by Jesus in his disciples.  “You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you”. (John 15:3) Hence, the fraternal correction and the addressing of one another in psalms and hymns and sacred songs are all noble services in the same direction (Eph. 5:19; Col.3:16).  Similarly, the blood of Christ we receive in holy Eucharist is Christ made present to us through the power of his Word proclaimed: Take this….. this is my Body”.  Take this all of you and drink……this is the cup of my blood.  

Are we convinced of the Power of the Word and its relevance in our time? How can we say that, when we hear their (the clergy) worldly wisdom steeped in humanism and modern behavioral and Social Sciences? There was one who even went to the extent to tell me that his Psychology is much more time tested science then Scriptures.  Thanks to his patrons he still continues with his heresies at the seminary.

To explain the relevance of this service, let me relate an incident that took place when I was a regent serving in the Missions. There was a young college going tribal boy whom I had asked to meet me in my office. He did not come to meet me but was expecting me to meet him at the hostel where he was in residence. When I finally did catch up with him at the hostel I immediately asked him why he did not come to see me in my office. He protested by saying; “It is your job to serve us and hence it is you who should be coming to meet me, because you have opted for service”. That sounded wise from a young man influenced in a Marxist milieu. The Marxist and the socialist always sound human and wise but impractical and myopic! After all, by joining the seminary I had made my option to serve.  But the rebelliousness of the young man and his attitude needed correction, lest he carries this flaw through life and so I told him: “You are right in one thing young man, my job is to serve but what you have not realized is this; to teach you what is right and be respectful is part of this service. I suppose this sum up well the whole idea of service; the teaching office of the Church is the primary and the greatest service to mankind. To theologize in a legitimate way and bring forth the truth of the gospel is creative reaching out in the same direction.  So to those in authority I must advice, “don’t make busy bodies of priest’s at the cost of this primary ministry nor train them to be experts at behavioral social sciences at the cost of the Gospel of Christ!”

Today, the church is at the threshold of confusion and disintegration. The gates of hell are at it.  While the truth is suppressed even surreptitiously, many priests, theologians, bishops and cardinals are preaching worldly wisdom and ideologies or encourage the same with benefaction. This is exactly what Mary in her apparition at Fatima had warned.  Pope Paul VI one year before his death had this to say: ‘"There is a great uneasiness, at this time, in the world and in the Church, and that which is in question is the faith. It so happens now that I repeat to myself the obscure phrase of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Luke: 'When the Son of Man returns will He still find faith on earth?'" It so happens that there are books coming out in which the faith is in retreat on some important points, that the episcopates are remaining silent and these books are not looked upon as strange. I sometimes read the Gospel passage of the end times and I attest that, at this time, some signs of the end are emerging. (Pope Paul VI spoke in 1977, one year before his death, and which are recorded in the book, 'The Secret Paul VI' by Jean Guitton."This quote is from page xi of "To the Priests, Our Lady's beloved sons", The Marian Movement of Priests, Fr Stefano Gobbi, 7th Indian edition [Imprimatur by + Donald W. Montrose, Bishop of Stockton]). 

Can you imagine a book full of heresies used as a text book for seminary formation and with a forward by a Bishop? Or so called heretical Bibles with imprimatur's and Nihil Obstat’s by bishops and released by them with great fanfare.  For more than 27 years the heresy of the Small Christian Community has been enforced on the common laity and there is no room for honest feedback or change.  New Age thinking has replaced Christian spirituality, and any objection raised is suppressed. The Centre for community organization (CCO), works with a vision that goes against the very basis of sound ecclesiology, yet it is recommended to be the hub of the Parish decision making body. There are cells and organizations formed and working in our parishes which deviate from sound doctrine. 

From the above one can deduce the reason for the wide and growing conflict in the Catholic Church, since at local levels the Word of Christ has been rejected. The leaders of the community of believers, i.e. the clergy, have no vision because they have rejected the vision of Jesus. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Prov. 29: 18) The very ones who have preached a gospel of rebellion, a social or sugar coated gospel now expect submission from the flock.  How can a person in authority who does not submit to the Word or the Magisterium and teaches other to do the same, now demand submission to them? Though this assertion seems legitimate in keeping with the Word of Christ, which calls for obedience, yet it can never happen because of the seed of rebellion sown in the hearts and mind of the laity, which primarily and much more seriously reigns in the hearts of those who rule.  Allow the truth of the Gospel to animate your life, submit to the magisterium, revive the tradition of sound spirituality and then you will be light of the World and a salt of the earth.  (Mt. 5:13-14). If not then this corruption will be carried forward to other fields of activity too, as is already happening.

The Church belongs neither to the laity nor the clergy but to Christ and each one according to one’s call are stewards of God’s grace. Our positions and power can come from one’s in authority but the real dispenser of the power is Christ himself whom every family on earth must submit.

So who is to be blamed? Can the clergy who once submitted themselves to be formed in the faith be now blamed? Unfortunately, though their training does not make them effective, yet to seek and learn is an option always available to them and more so conscience enjoins upon them to do so. As leaders of the people the responsibility to live by their relationship with Christ and to teach others to do the same belongs primarily to the clergy. If he has not been helped by his formation then they have Christ present with us by the power of his Holy Spirit to guide and teach. This is also enjoined on them through the Church law.  Since the law prevents the Laity and gives the special privilege to preach and teach, though at times the lay man maybe more capable, hence the greater responsibility and burden on the clergy; a responsibility they can’t ignore or take lightly.

Finally, a leader is supposed to be a visionary. Christ mission was to make us leaders with his vision. The Word of God and the countless witness of saints are instruments in that direction. If the priest is trained in theology and has easy access to things spiritual, carries his own vision into ministry, then there is bound to be confusion and anarchy.  The Parish vision mission statements proudly displayed in many of our parishes and officially mandated by those in authority are evidences in these areas; a betrayal of Jesus and his mission. The modern day Judases have sold the church for self aggrandizement and this can only be retrieved when the reign of the Small Christian Community is brought to an end, in its present avatar, as it inches towards the 30 years reign.

Prayer: Lord bless the church and all those in authority that they may act with your wisdom and that we may be truly nourished at your table.  May we grow in that wisdom and grace which leads us to eternity. May we never forget you our Lord and grow in a relationship with you and your saving word. 

THE PRIVILIGE OF BEING A DISCIPLE

   fr. Conrad Saldanha

Easter is also an occasion to rejoice with the newly baptized in Christ. The church rejoices and prays for these newly baptized throughout Easter, especially in the Octave (first eight days). 

Should a non-Christian be encouraged to be baptized in the faith? It is a pertinent reflection because of two reasons.  On the one hand you have non-Christians who have encountered Christ and are living out their faith in Christ Jesus wonderfully without being baptized. They go to church regularly and visit the blessed sacraments, attend prayer and retreat sessions and even keep the holy feasts.  Should this be enough?

On the other hand we have instances of individuals who question the whole doctrine of baptism. Recently, I was told of a situation in one of our populous parishes, where a person approached the Parish Priest in order to receive baptism and of how he was discouraged by the parish priest. These are not new or isolated cases. There are times when one has looked more at the motives rather than using the opportunity to see if they can work on these wrong motives and bring it to conformity; that’s what evangelization is all about.  There has been a case where a particular priest has betrayed his office by baptizing children out of turn, in order that they may be given admission to Catholic schools.  There have been theologians who boast of promoting Gospel values and even making people better in their own religious sphere.

The Archdiocesan Policy on education in the Archdiocese of Bombay has chosen a pseudo-evangelization policy in spite of protest by the then Cardinal Ivan Dias. They opted for a so called proclamation of ‘Gospel Values’ without Christ.  Eyewash! Can Christ be separated from his values? (Read article on this blog site: The great Conversion Debate; 28^th January. 2011, esp. para. 4). There are some who talk of proclamation but only when one listens to them with discerning ears that the deception becomes clear, that the proclamation they talk about is the mere proclamation of gospel values rather than Jesus Christ as the one and only savior.

Though there have been some sections in the church that have been doing a commendable job yet there have been cases where there is a certain compromise while communicating the objective element of the faith. Those who oppose it are often bracketed as fundamentalist.

Recently, I heard that some section of the laity have been demanding that the church should not preach to them the need to evangelize.  They have been talking about maintaining good relationship with their neighbours.  Their demands based on worldly priorities, which they now want to impose on the spiritual minded Christians.  Christian’s yes, but without his mandate!

Is Christ a privilege of the Christians and therefore only their savior?

All can receive from Jesus irrespective of caste, creed, and religion or color, if they are well disposed, but we as Christians, we who are baptized in his name have the advantage of the constant presence of Jesus with us. This presence means encouragement when in pain and despair, and consolation when in sadness and grief.

This is the Easter message, Christ Jesus rose from the dead and now his presence is with us. What is so special about this presence?

It’s a presence, which is the privilege of a disciple. Which means even if the disciple is not praying, nor is faithful to Christ or gone astray, strayed from the straight path and not been true to his calling, yet Christ will be there reaching out to motivate, to strengthen, to encourage, to remind, to convict, to prod like a good shepherd in search of a lost sheep in order to bring them back. (Jn. 10: 1-18)  Whether he succeeds or not is another matter but he will not force us against our will.

In other words, while others may receive by asking or calling upon him, the disciples have his presence in a special way, irrespective. They need not be seeking his presence yet they have it. It’s like having a father by virtue of one being part of the family or better still; it’s like having a teacher by virtue of being part of a school. Otherwise you study on your own.  What a privilege to have God with us, guiding and consoling us in a confusing and painful world.

On our part, what is required of us is a course correction. It’s like a ship on course and realizes a certain danger or lost to its original destination and now realizing its folly seeks that correction which will lead it to its ultimate destination. In the Gospel of John, the post resurrection scene in chapter 21 communicates this truth beautifully. The Apostles who want to go back to their old ways (vs. 3) encounter the risen presence of Jesus in spite of a betrayed action on their part (vs.4-14). They are set on a course correction, especially Peter (15-22). His betraying action is this; he not only betrays the Lord but now he even leads the others astray by his action of going fishing and thus encouraging them too.

In this presence we are not called to pride but rather humbly to seek his purpose and will for us in every presence. I could pride myself for knowing the principal of the school and abuse this privilege or use this privilege to learn the good things from him in personal way. Similarly with Christ’s presence and action in our lives we could pride ourselves and never seek self renewal and transformation. There was a gentleman who once received healing at a retreat centre and from that healing the only message he carried was a message of false justification. He went about telling everyone that it was on account of his righteousness that God had mercy and healed him. You could have Christ’s presence and healing even as a sinful being but this presence and healing is a call for further faith and commitment. A call for a greater responsibility.

All the post resurrection appearances of Jesus reveal this benevolent nature of his love and commitment to his disciples, who are now disoriented, disillusioned, confused, in pain and agony, lost and have even forgotten their original call and some wish to return to their old trade and ways, forgetting Christ and his message totally.  Jesus appearing to them, gently reveals himself, enlightens them, prods them and gives them renewed vision and hopes and encourages them to wait to be empowered by a new presence. He is willing to make use of these sinful instruments provided they are willing to orient themselves to his promptings.

As long as they are his disciples they will benefit much, first by humbly recognizing him and then by recall and repentance, and renewed zeal and strength.

Primarily, all these things could happen to them because they were His disciples. What would happen if Christ makes an appearance or prompts a person who is not his disciple? They would not recognize him at all. They would perhaps not respond the way the disciple would. A true disciple does not even require Christ’s physical presence in order to recognize Him. As he listens, the Word of Jesus burns in his heart, the Eucharist keeps his eyes open and this is enough to send him on a similar mission to make disciples of others.  But to those who are not his disciple these things are meaningless and irrelevant and in extreme circumstances it may be like casting pearls to swine. And there are those pseudo-disciples, baptized as children but never make a renewed response to this constant call. Christ still prods them yet they are as it blinded by the god of this world (2Cor.4:4). For them, these things are only drudgery and a burden. These would find the Word of God, a heavy load on their hearts, and the Eucharist a meaningless ritual and obligation that has to be fulfilled soon, to create feelings of ‘fulfilled obligation.’  There are some in authority who exploit this situation by putting a burning guilt in their heart by accusing them of only praying but not serving.

Yet the warning remains: do not take this privilege for granted. A king’s son can take his privilege for granted and abuse his position only to be dethroned by his father or find his privileges withdrawn by popular demand. He never knows when it could happen but it will. Christ’s faithfulness towards us is constant but yet there are certain actions whereby we break our relationship with Christ; by explicit breaking of God’s first commandment and holding on to unforgiveness and an unbridled life of gratification and debauchery. 

The baptized in Christ are now the privileged members of Christ’s household, and thus his disciples. The more they attune themselves to and respond to each prompting of Christ’s presence, the more they will grow in the grace and privileges of a disciple. Those left out, because of their own foolishness, will only be led to envy and jealousy, and be instruments that seek to persecute the others, all this encouraged by the enemy.

Though the un-baptized could always have Christ’s presence and promptings apart from ritual baptism but the seal of Christ imprinted through baptism on the soul sets one aside from among the people of the world into the household of God (2 Cor 1:22).  A household established and redeemed by the blood of Christ (Eph.1:7). Christ Jesus is the Lord of this household and he holds them as his beloved and seeks them even when lost and brings them back to himself.  On their part they are weak and poor and they know that only Jesus can be their strength at all times. They are always filled with gratitude to God for giving them Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. They rejoice at the Word of Christ with burning hearts, which may even come to them as testimonies of the one’s who have experienced Christ or the glorious fellowship of believers.  Every Eucharistic celebration is a moment for nourishment as they are fed through opened eyes.

Prayer: God our Father, I thank you for sending Jesus your beloved Son to die for us and be with us till the end. May I always seek to know him and his constant presence with me and respond to his many promptings? May Christians all over recognize this presence and respond to it and thus be true disciples of Jesus.