WHO IS JESUS FOR YOU

JESUS IS MY TEACHER: -


Teacher as I understand is one, who teaches me the ways of life, enlightens my mind for a better future, and I find in Jesus my best teacher. As a young boy, I came to know about the stories of Jesus and His teaching through my Parents, Catechism Teachers, Nuns and Priests. Whatever I knew through them about Jesus always surprised me, and even today as student of theology, I am dumb spelled at the magnanimity and depth of his teachings because they seem applicable for my daily life and world today.

Jesus was a very good down to earth teacher; who based his teaching on characters of day today life, in simple unthought-of natural concepts. However, they contain enormous implications for human life and conduct. Their practice will surely ensure a world free of division of hatred, color, creed, exploitation and ecological crisis, because Jesus’ teaching has such an in depth and relevant message for us today for a peaceful world and global family. He taught ways to live a better life for oneself and for others not only by words but also by his very actions and life examples, and the greatest proof was his death on the cross. Reading the gospel I realize its message has something new every time I read it, they have layers of meaning. It is 2000 years that thing about him is written yet people discover more to write about him. His teachings are very humane, well based on values that they stand tall in the age of destruction. They have answer/solution for every problem/crisis of today- forgiveness for the division among nation, peace for at war-situations between nations, people and groups, unity for the discords, love for hatred and revenge, charity for poverty and unemployment, Care, acceptance and compassion for the lost, sick and suffering, faith and confidence in God’s providence etc,.

JESUS MY MODEL

He is not like one of the glittering silver screen persons, but in his humility, I find him to imitate. He lived a life of a perfect man, humble setting of example to be imitated, humble like children, obedient to his earthly parents in submission and to heavenly father, care and notice of poor, forgiveness for sinners.



JESUS THE REVOLUTIONARY

He broke the age-old traditions to break open chains of slavery, oppression and injustice, and promoted life in freedom, truth and abundance filled with honor and dignity.



JESUS MY GUIDE AND SHEPHERD

He moves and takes care of my life, he knows the way that suits me and guides and makes me walk in those roads. I walk as he has a destiny for me because I cannot but move and am moving in those roads and paths that I never thought or sought. He shows me the way, as the light bearer and dispeller of darkness.

CONCLUSION

What I learn from Jesus is simplicity, service mindedness, humility, equality, forgiveness, compassion, social justice, solidarity obedience, faith and trust, love of enemy concern for the poor. He also warns me to be away from discrimination, hatred, hypocrisy, hostility, violence, lust, greed, fear, exploitation etc.

THE EVENT OF FOOT-WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES

OFFERING (ACOLYTE)

MANDU WAY

INTRODUCTION: Jesus’ life on earth was full of life-giving teachings, value-adding examples and trend setting symbolic actions. Among many of Jesus’ actions which convey us powerful message, we have the event of foot-washing of the disciples. Through this prophetic action Jesus transmits the message to disciples by word and example to be a perfect servant to render their humble service of love to humanity.

SETTING/CONTEXT: As the stillness of the night progresses Jesus speaks to his own chosen circle of disciples gathered around him for the last time, at the planned Passover meal, because Jesus is about to pass over from this world to the Father as the new Passover lamb, whose blood is about to be shed that we may pass over with him to share his life of intimate love-communion with his Father.

HELPERS (MY FRND IN YELLOW)

According to John this event takes place before the festival of the Passover i.e. 14 Nissan -presuming post last supper, prayer at the Kidron Valley and arrest thereafter, next morning presentation before Pilate and crucifixion the same evening before the Passover commences. John therefore rightly places last supper with foot washing and the last long discourse to his chosen ones before leaving them, though it may mean that Jesus did not have Passover meal or rather he had early Passover meal.



INTERPRETATION:

1. THE ONLY WAY OF LOVE: The central point of the supper is love and we know that whole life of Jesus has been motivated by love ‘to the end’, i.e. till his final breath the mission of love lasted. In Jesus’ own words, “no greater love a man can have, than to lay down his life for one’s friend.” In the place of the institution of the Eucharist St. John relates the washing of the feet, the gestures of a typical ‘slave’. This solemn gesture reveals his supreme love for his own as St. John puts it ‘having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end’.

The taking off of his garments point symbolically to his self-emptying of his divine might and majesty and by girding towel around his waist he takes on the form of a slave. Thus, the son of God kneels at the feet of sinful human beings to hold, to wash and to wipe their dirty feet. The Almighty God who holds the whole universe in his hands takes those dirty feet in those hands and finally stretches out those same hands to be nailed to the cross in order to cleanse the sin of the world. By becoming a servant, he is asking us to imitate him saying, ‘do as I have done to you.’

MANDU TOUR

2. FORE-KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS:

a. Jesus knew that the hour of his humiliation as well as his glorification was near. Therefore he was filled with pride of the fulfillment of his mission on earth, yet he washes the feet of his disciples, at the supreme moment of pride, he showed the supreme humility as that of a slave; this is the way of love which wins the hearts.

b. Jesus knew that his return is very near and he dies displaying the best way of love. His death becomes his victory to return to his Father.

c. Jesus also knew about his betrayal, yet it did not cause bitterness or hatred rather he served his betrayer at the table. The supreme disloyalty is dealt with greatest love and supreme humility. Only Jesus could do this.

3. THE ROYALTY OF SERVICE: In comparison with Luke’s account we find a hint of a ‘dispute about who was the greatest among them’. It means that disciples had an inner conflict for inheritance of prestige, power and position in Jesus’ kingdom. Thus, in such a situation Jesus’ act puts them in dismay. The roads of Palestine being so rough, unclean and dusty, the journey seems rather tough with ordinary sandals. For this reason, there were always big water pots at the door of houses and also a servant with a jug and towel to wash the dirty mud filled feet of the arriving guests. Since Jesus and his disciples had no servant, this duty must be shared among themselves. But they being competitive and proud, none opens to each other. Thus, Jesus does the needful to mend their omission, teaching them a great lesson in a dramatic way. ‘You see what I have done…” is the reminder of Jesus when he finished washing. Have things changed to this day? No, the craving for greatness, power, prestige, rights and dignity hinders in following the way Jesus showed us. The tragedy of today is that no one understands that greatness lies in one’s humility.

4. THE ESSENTIAL WASHING: The Peter’s episode of refusal of foot washing and his acceptance later when Jesus pointed its salvific purpose refers to a necessary washing of Christian Baptism. It means unless we have baptism we have no part in the Church and its benefits. This washing therefore has a Baptismal significance and its rejection like Peter’s meant exclusion from the benefits of eternal life. According to the Palestinian custom the arriving-guests needed only foot washing. Today when infant baptism is practiced it refers to the washing through sacraments of penance.

MANDU LOOKS

APPLICATION

By foot washing Jesus showed his humility and the symbolic connection between washing feet to cleansing the soul from the pollution of sin. But today we are spiritually washed by Christ through Sacraments and have new life in him. He cleanses us from sin and warns us to be on a watch against anything that defiles our way of life. Christ taught us a duty of mutual help i.e. we must accept help from others and give help to others. Today we only have to try and live as humbly as he did. Our social position at times demands no choice but to be at the service of others. Service is a sign of the power that one person has to meet the needs of others. The person serving maintains always a position of superiority. Jesus exemplified to us true service of making a gift of ourselves to another. It's not a debt or exploitation of others.

This is the night we are given a God who bends before us and washes our feet, knowing that each one of us betrays him, lacks love for him, thinks first of ourselves even as we claim to belong to him. Service mindedness is a requisite for discipleship. As Jesus gave himself up for our service, our bodily energies needs to given out for others, especially to the needy, the rejected, the suffering, the sick, the unprivileged, the defenseless, the outcasts and the least of our brothers and sisters. This is the inspiration of our social work apostolate in the Church. As Christ’s body broken and blood shed for benefit of all, we need to give our full energies, talents, time and resources for the service and benefits of all. This gesture of Jesus calls us to stoop down to heal, care, serve, reconcile, forgive and comfort those who are in need.



BIBLIOGRAPHY

Barcley, William, The Gospel of John, Vol. 2, Bangalore: TPI, 1981

Brown, Raymond E., The Gospel According to John-XII-XXI, New York: Doubleday & Company, 1970.

Fallon, Michael, The Gospel According to John, Bangalore: ATC, 1998.

BENEFACTOR'S LETTER

Dear Benefactor,

PARENTS WITH SISTER

SCHOOL DAYS

Greetings of the season! I am Lawrence Nolasco Ekka, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I hail from one of the islands called Baratang, about 100 K.M from the union capital Port Blair. My parents were agriculturist. I lost my father in April 2006 and my youngest sister in November 2005. At present I have my mother to look after our home, with my younger sister. I am the first born of my parents in 20th October 1980. We still work on our land for our livelihood.

The desire to become a Priest of God grew in me long back in 1992; as I was fascinated by the celebration of Holy Eucharist and other activities of Priests in my parish. At home my mother was a prayerful person, who taught and helped us pray every day; and when I expressed my desire to her, she took me to the Parish Priest and Nuns working in our parish. They encouraged me to go ahead. My mother remains my sources of inspiration and support in these days of formation.



THREESOME MY SISTERS



MY AUNT
MY INSPIRATION



I joined the Apostolic School in Port Blair as student of VII standard in 1992, and after completing my school education (1992-98), I joined for the English and Spirituality courses in ST JOHN VIANNEY MINOR SEMINARY, BARASAT, in WEST BENGAL for two year (1999-2001). Later I got admission in ST ALBERT’S COLLEGE, RANCHI (JHARKHAND) for my Philosophy and Bachelor Degree studies (2001-2004). I had two years of Regency experience in three parishes as Prefect for school-going hostel boys, helping Parish activities and the Tsunami relief work among the affected islanders (2004-06). By this time I lost my father and youngest sister; thus, I had a year of break to help my family members, meanwhile I worked as the Community Organizer to help micro-finance schemes run by ACANI- a Social Work initiative of Port Blair Diocese. After much reflection and prayer I joined for my further Theology Studies in 2007, as required for Priesthood, in KHRIST PREMALAYA REGIONAL THEOLOGATE, ASHTA, MP (2007-2011). At present I am a Fourth Year Theology Student, about to finish my studies and other academic requirements by October 2010; whereupon I will receive the order of Deaconate on 29th Oct ‘10. My deaconate ministry will be in my diocese and the Priestly Ordination as of now is tentatively seems viable in May 2011.



MY PARENTS AND SISTERS

WITH CARDINAL
ME, 2 SISTERS, MOM, AUNTY

 For these many years of formation I have received the spiritual and material support to do my studies and required formation by generous donors and benefactors like you. I gratefully acknowledge your contributions towards my formation. Thanks a Millions Dear Benefactor for all your love, support and concern shown by your valuable Benefactorship. I pray for you in my daily routines for God’s blessings in your life. May God shower His bountiful graces upon you.

Yours Affectionate Son in Christ,

Lawrence Nolasco Ekka.

SOME BIBLICAL AND CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL THEMES

1. The Good Friday Liturgy

INSIDE UJJAIN CHAPEL

Every year we have a reminder in the beautiful ceremony of the exaltation of the cross in the good Friday liturgy, as the minister unveils the cross; all of us sing ‘Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the saviour of the world,’ we answer- come let us worship. But the truth is that we never ponder on the cross the wood, rather on the figure of Christ, which was nailed to it. Thus, we discard the natural world from our Christological presentation or understanding. Don’t we mess up with divinity of Jesus Christ, forgetting the humanity of Jesus within the larger earth-community and cosmic context. If the theory of evolution is accepted; how can we reconcile that all bacteria, flowers or mammals or human being, including Jesus ever walk on the earth.

2. The Lacuna in Christian Theology



It is a major lacuna of our Christian theology and spirituality that we overlook or forget the creation-centered doctrines of our catholic faith; thus fail to have a belief in god’s action in creation, the doctrine of the incarnation which proclaims that God becomes part of creation, and our belief that we encounter god in a special way in the sacraments which involve created realities like bread, wine, water and oil. Why are we so blind to what is happening to the natural world? Why do we reject the role of natural world in our faith, spirituality and understanding of mission? We have every aspect of theology to touch the creation theology from its own perspective but a clear ‘creation theology’ as such needs yet to be ascertained in seminary formation?


3 An Oldest Celtic Thought on Ecology


THE DOOR UJJAIN SEMINARY

 A view of beautiful thought comes from an early Celtic theologian called Pelagius, who was later, condemned for plagiarism. In one of his letters of Pelagius, written to a friend has this account to say.

Look at the animals roaming the forest: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the birds flying across the sky: god’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the tiny insects crawling in the grass. God’s spirit dwells within them. There is no creature on earth in whom god is absent, when God pronounced that his creation was good, it was not only that his had had fashioned every creature: it was that his breath had brought every creature to life… the presence of God’s spirit in all living things is what makes them beautiful: and if we look with God’s eyes, nothing on the earth is ugly.



Thus the pervasive presence of God in all creation, is interpreted by Pelagius crossing the boundary of the great commandment to love of God and our neighbors to extend beyond the human community to include all of creation.

FRONT OF PHILOSOPHY
CHAPPEL

4. A Poem on the Ecology

The words of Louis Armstrong in a song: whose sentiments are very much closer to the gratitude for creation of Ps 139, 13-14 “I thank you for the wonder of myself, for the wonder of your works.’

I see trees of green, red roses too,

I see them bloom for me and you,

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white,

The brightness of the day and the darkness of night,

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

5. The First Papal Document on Ecology

The first papal document devoted exclusively to environment and development issues, entitles peace with God the creator, peace with all creation, and was published on 1 January 1990. In it Pope John Paul II draws attention to the moral and religious dimensions of the environmental crisis. He declares that ‘Christians in particular realize that their duty towards nature and creator are essential part of their faith’ no.15. This teaching is arguably is the best kept secret in the Catholic Church.

It is also important to acknowledge that his document is heavily dependent on the justice, peace and integrity of the creation (JPIC) programme, which the world council of churches launched at its assembly in Vancover in 1983. To its credit, the world council of churches is one of the few Christian institutions that has consistently focused its attention on ecology, development, justice and poverty during the past 25 years.

Biblical Themes Which Speak of Eco-Justice and New Ecological Setting of the Earth

6. Mt 25: the exhortation of Christ for the kingdom of God can be ascertained from Mt … “where were you when I was hungry, imprison, naked.,.. can also be said about the environment.



7. The vision that is told in Isaiah 11:6-9 is about the tranquility envisaged by the prophet in the end times. In his vision the prophet sees something contrary to the known or normal way of life.

The wolf shall………..



This is the vision of god’s family living together in perfect harmony and unity. This vision becomes a reality “when the earth is filled with the knowledge of God.” This is the new community of God. In building a new community of god our mission is engaging ourselves in dialogue with people of other faiths, dialogue with indigenous religious and cultures and also ‘dialoguing’ with the nature

CWG 2010: INDIA'S MEDAL HUNT GOES ON...........

HEY FRIENDS,

AS EXPECTED THE MEDAL HUNT OF INDIA IS ON AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE THE INDIAN ATHELETES ARE PROVING.

AS EXPECTED IS TRULY SEEMS THAT WE WILL FOLLOW CLOSE OF BEING SECOND HIGHEST MEDAL TALLY BEHIND AUSTRALIA.

ALL THE VERY AGAIN TO ALL ATHELETES FOR REMAINING DAYS OF GAMES..

MAY INDIA SPORTS THRIVE AND IMPROVE...

GOOD NEWS FROM CRICKET THAT SACHIN AND VIRENDRA SEHWAG COOSEN AT ICC ANNUAL AWARDS

GREAT !!!!!! INDIA GREAT!!

19TH COMMONWEALTH GAMES DELHI 2010

Hey!

THE COMMON WEALTH GAMES BEGAN WITH A BANG. I ENJOYED THE OPENING CEREMONY ON DD. THUMPS UP AFTER LOTS OF BAD NEWS SOME GREAT CHEERS AND STANDS. INDIA PROVED IT HAS COME OF AGE.....

I WISH ALL THE BEST TO ALL ORGNAIZIERS AND PARTICIPANTS....

LET'S ENJOY GAMES

WISH INDIAN PLAYER HAVE GREAT TIME WINNIG AND IMPROVING THEIR GAMES AND SETTING THEMSELVES AT WORLD LEVEL..