National Monthly for Christian Leadership JANUARY 2017 Vol. 8 No.01 `15

SMART COMPANION

Misericodia et misera

Editorial us, accompanies usandremainswithus, despiteoursin.” precedes lovealways “His added: he forgivenessconditional.”And make the his embrace forgiveness.of For this reason, us none has of the right to God’sbefore places sinner excludedrepentant be from a can mercy what God’sforgiveness:of stresses and “Nothing he mercy time endless same is a abortion grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life.” But at the andone that’sbeen born still inthe womb. crime isthe same! The convinced the lady that there is no difference in killing a child that’s already He point. his made had he that realizing smiled, doctor child!”a The kill to you chose theoneinyour arms.” your bodyif them, it doesn’t matter which one it one is.of kill would There be no risk for to going we’re If born. is one other the before some rest could you way, This arms. your in one the let’skill time, same the at babies two of for youdangerous too.” less It’s problem. your for solution better a have I think you toendmy pregnancy, andI’mcountingonyour helpwiththis.” year old and I’m pregnant again. I don’t want kids so close together. I want serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even one become alessersinorminorcrime? raised questions and debates at various levels. With this act, does abortion procured anabortion. having to confess who those to absolution gave grant to he permission priests all And so.” do to them for easier it making and reconciliation sacrament of the in participate to poor Catholics the encouraging particularly, to and, assistance kindness, of acts individual with continue mercy must God’s on focus Church’s Catholic “The wrote, Francis Pope 21 Mercyunderthetheme‘MercyinMotion.’ of YearJubilee the dutring took (USCCB) Bishops Catholic of Conference States United the that auto-reflection the was This - God’smercy reflect W God’s mercycontinues forever. Soshouldours. that can I as firmly as restate to wish “I same, the holds Popetoo The crimeIt’sterrible! doctor!Howa “No said: andhorrified waslady The care takehave to to not you “Youfor continued: order he in see,Then herrequest. toaccept She smiled,thinkingthatthedoctorwas going “I lady: the to said silence some and thought little a after doctor The “Doctor,havesaid: I and a womangynecologist worried her wentA to has abortion of sin the absolve to faculty the of grant universal This In ieioda t Misera et Misericordia grudges against our friends. Our actions need to authentically to need actions Our poor.friends. our hold weagainst the but grudges us, ignore on mercy wehas and us but loves God compassionate, that say We is God that say e Mercy in Motion Mercy te psoi lte rlae o November on released letter apostolic the , Jaymon Mulappancherril National Fortnightly for Christian Leadership SMART COMPANIONINDIA Vol.8 No. 01 JANUARY 2017

Patrons Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Advisory Board Rev. Bp. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Henry D’Souza (Bellary) Catholicos Baselios Mar Cleemis, Rev. Bp. Steven Rotluanga Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry, (Aizawl) Fr. Dominic Mundattu MCBS Rev. Bp. Felix Toppo (Jamshedpur) Co-founder Sr. Santan Nago FS Dr. Jacob Srampickal, SJ (1950-2012) (Superior General, Fatima Sisters, Pune) Jose Kavi (Matters India, Delhi) Managing Director Dr. Lincoln Kadooparayil Chief Editor Jaymon Mulappancherril A.J Philip (Senior Journalist, Delhi) Consulting Editor Dr. John Dayal Sub Editor Virginia BS Design Abdu Nellimattathil Photo Nias Marikar Illustrations Sathish Krishna Contributing Editors Circulation Tony Kattampally Cedric Prakash SJ (Human Rights Activist, Gujarat) Rony Kalapurackal Chris Valentino SDB (Independent Journalist, Mumbai), Francis Gonsalves SJ (Contextual Theologies, Delhi), Jacob Parappally MSFS (Dogmatic Theology, Bengaluru), Jose Muricken O Prem Regional Correspondents (Communications, Delhi), K. C. Philip SJ (Editor- Adolf Washington (Karnataka), Publisher, Bihar), Shaji Kochuthara CMI (Moral Anand Mathew (Varanasi), Feroz Fernandez (Goa), Theology, Bengaluru), Fr. Subhash Anand Mariola Sequeira MSA (Rajasthan), Santosh Digal (Indian Philosophy and Religions, Udaipur), (Orissa), Shane Alliew (W. Bengal), Vijay Macwan Fr. Santhosh Sebastian (Missions, Gorakhpur), (Baroda), Paul Maippan SDB (Kohima), Virginia Saldanha (Women’s Issues, Mumbai), Dr.A. Magimai Pragasam (Chennai) Varghese Paul SJ (Editor-Publisher, Ahmedabad).

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08 CONTENTS

leader moulds faith matters 08 l Relicti sunt duo, misera et misericordia 12 l Abortion A Brief commentary on Misericodia et A Historical perspective on Catholic misera, Apostolic Letter at the Close of the Church´s Position on abortion Extraodinary Jubilee of Mercy 16 l I made a huge mistake 18 l Demonetization A conversion story of a radical activist A critical evaluation on the impact of demonetization on the Indian Society 28 l Yoga for Relaxation On Sisuasana, Makarasana and Mat- 24 l Nonviolence is right syakridasana On Pope Francis‘ message for the Fiftieth World Day of Peace 32 l Consolation of Child Jesus On the importance of finding consolation 27 l Foot Prints in God Dr. Felix Podimattom regulars 03 l Editorial 32 34 l Film: Face of Mercy 35 l Website 36 l Logos 42 l Final Cut: Education 2030 news & views 23 l Top Five 30 l Top Ten

6 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017

shepherd’s voice

Relicti sunt duo, misera et misericordia: The Two were Left Alone, the Wretched Woman and Mercy

At the closure of the Jublee year rawing inspiration from a poignant Dand provocative biblical image found of mercy, Pope Francis issued an in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of John, which apostolic letter, Misericordia et narrates the encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, and from the misera. Once mercy has been truly beautiful description of St. Augustine,in his experienced, it is impossible to Commentary on the Gospel of John (8:1-11)inthe words: “relictisunt duo, misera etmisericordia: turn back. It grows constantly and the two were left alone, the wretched woman, and changes our lives. mercy,” Pope Francis published his Apostolic

8 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 Commentary on theGospel of John into two words, “miser, miserable,” (8:1-11), Lecture 33, 5) “miseria” which means misery, According to the Roman and “cor” or “cordia” which means Pontiff, the God of mercy, St. heart. Thus, the word mercy Augustine referred to, is the God denotes the human response of the Bible, whose abundance “when someone else’s misery or of mercy prophet Isaiah said sorrow touches and pierces your Dr. John Peter Lazaar SAC Dean of Studies he wanted to always remember heart” or feeling the misery of Professor of Systematic Theology, (miserationum Domini recordabor another person in your own heart Prabodhana (PallottineTheologate), Mysore, Karnataka, India (Isaiah 63:7). It is the God who (St. Augustine, Sermon 358A). in Jesus Christ shows once more In other words, as seen above, his tendency to be moved, to go misera and mercy are already Letter Misericordia et misera (Mercy beyond his own transcendence, united at etymological level, since and Misery) on 21 Monday, as Adonai (Exodus 3:8), to enter the first one, misery, is totally November 2016 at the close the state of the humiliated, and incorporated in the second, of the jubilee year of mercy. of the most miserable man in mercy. Their etymology Through his Apostolic Letter, (Philippians 2:6-11). Hence, the (misericordia/soreness of heart) Pope Francis offers a concrete Apostolic Letter highlights the ratifies and expresses a more illustration of what human “the mystery of God’s love when it radical involvement, which results beings have become because of touches the sinner” (Mm1). It is a in an existential attitude, namely: sin: they crave one another, and beautiful text which explores “someone else’s misery touches they use one another to their own Divine mercy as revealed and and pierces your heart” (St. advantage, almost as if they were extended in every time and Augustine, Sermon 358A). objects. Concomitantly, the Holy Father reiterates the fact that, to recognize and bring out the sin in others means also recognizing The community of believers must always be vigilant oneself as sinner and in need of God's boundless mercy. In and ready to identify new works of mercy and to other words, one never needs to condemn and one always needs practice them with generosity and enthusiasm. to forgive, without putting limits on mercy based either on a time- frame or on people’s intentions. Keeping these factors in focus, place by Jesus Christ, and Simultaneously, among the the Pope alludes to the words of which manifests itself first and synonyms of misericordia used St. Augustine who writes: “the foremost in forgiveness. In this by St. Augustine in the text, Lord, in his response, neither respect, mercy is far more than figures the term “commiseratio,” failed to respect the law nor an emotional predisposition or expressing the idea of feeling departed from his meekness.” attitude. Rather, it is a theological soreness of heart for the However, Jesus obliged the feature that is Christian in nature, miserable, or being miserable accusers to look into themselves, which urges each one of us to be with the miserable, becoming to examine themselves to see merciful. miserable with other miserable whether they too were sinners. The Pope invites the Christian ones, who suffer a state of Thus, being“pierced through believers to be merciful as the extreme poverty (the true as if by a dart as big as a beam, Lord is merciful. The origin, or meaning of “misery”), “the looking into themselves and etymology, of the word, mercy lack of what is fundamentally finding themselves guilty, one is the Latin word, “misericordia” necessary to live, resulting, after another all withdrew.” or “soreness of heart” which therefore, in spiritual When they had all left, Jesus means “feeling a soreness of despondency, unhappiness remained alone with the woman. heart caught from others” and to and sense of desolation” (St. How evocative of mercy, pity feel for the sorrow of someone Augustine, The City of God). and compassion the Johannine who is miserable (St. Augustine, Sometimes another translation episode is! (St. Augustine, Sermon 358A).This can be broken for the word mercy, namely,

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 9 “loving kindness” is used: “The loving kindness of the Lord fills the whole earth,” (Psalm 33:5) or in Latin “misericordia Domini plena est terra.” This helps to reinforce the sense that a merciful act is a compassionate or kind one, done with love for another. Against the backdrop of the tendency of modernity to create new forms of spiritual and material poverty that assault human dignity, the Holy Father states explicitly that “mercy cannot become a mere parenthesis in the life of the Church; it constitutes her very existence, through which the profound truths of the Gospel are made manifest and tangible. Everything is revealed in mercy; everything is resolved in the merciful love of the Father” (Mm1). The community of believers must always be vigilant and ready to identify new works of mercy and to practice them with generosity and enthusiasm by realizing that: “now is the time to unleash the creativity Letter, the first cardinal pillar God’s forgiveness, I hence forth, of mercy, to bring about new is that: mercy must be a celebration grant all priests, in virtue of their undertakings, the fruit of grace” in the lives of every individual ministry, the faculty to absolve (Mm18). The Apostolic Letter believing Christian. The first those who have committed challenges each one to rethink innovation in this regard is that the sin of procured abortion” the traditional spiritual and the Missionaries of Mercy are (Mm12). As it is known, this sin corporal works of mercy against confirmed in their service, so was reserved to bishops who, the backdrop of the prevalent that their mission may “continue depending on the circumstances, “new forms of poverties” until further notice as a concrete sometimes granted to the priests (Mm19)and invites every believer sign that the grace of the Jubilee of their respective Dioceses the to give priority to the creativity of remains alive and effective the faculty to absolve it. Now, “in mercy by promoting “aculture of world over” (Mm9). In effect, virtue of their ministry,” that mercy based on the rediscovery the action of the Missionaries is, by the very fact that they of encounter with others, a was fruitful insofar as they are ministers of reconciliation, culture in which no one looks at heard confessions for entire the sin of abortion may be another with indifference or turns days, and they travelled all forgiven by every priest, without away from the suffering of our over their respective countries a particular delegation. With the brothers and sisters” (Mm 20). to make tangible that mercy same spirit of going out to meet The entire Apostolic Letter knows no boundaries. Along the needs of the faithful, the rests as it were on two cardinal the same lines, Pope Francis Holy Father “trusting in the good pillars, namely: mercy must be writes: “given this need, lest will of their priests to strive with both celebrated and lived (Mm1 and any obstacle arise between the God’s help for the recovery of 5) According to the Apostolic request for reconciliation and full communion in the Catholic

10 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 “participation” and “sharing” in his mercy (Mm20). Only divine forgiveness and divine love received with an open and sincere heart give us the strength to resist evil and “to sin no more,” to let ourselves be struck by God's love so that it becomes our strength. Jesus' attitude becomes a model to follow for every Christian, who is called to place love and forgiveness at the center of his/her life. The desire of a Christian for closeness to Christ requires of him to draw near to his brothers and sisters, for nothing is more pleasing to the Father than being a true Only divine forgiveness and sign of mercy in the midst of divine love received with an his community of brothers and sisters. By its very nature, mercy open and sincere heart give becomes visible and tangible us the strength to resist evil in specific acts. Once mercy has been truly experienced, it and “to sin no more.” is impossible to turn back. It grows constantly and it changes our lives. The Apostolic Letter recalls to our minds that before the imitation of God by human beings, there was first the imitation of man by Church” (Mm12), establishes “can be overcome to the extent God. This justifies the fact that that those who frequent the that our daily life becomes one “in remembrance of his mercy” Churches administered by the of participation and sharing” (Luke 1:50-55), the Mercy of God priests of the Fraternity of Saint (Mm20). In this light, he becomes flesh at Christmas. In Pius X can validly and licitly proposes a World Day of the Poor this divine condescension or in receive sacramental absolution as a denominator to eradicate becoming incarnate, God has (Mm12). Another moment of poverty insofar as when any reversed the path up that pyramid: the celebration of mercy proposed “Lazarus lies at the door of He is at its base now. He has come by the Apostolic Letter is that our homes (See Luke16:19-21), down to meet every miserable it invites all the believers “to there can be no justice or social one, fills him with mercy, picks appreciate the inexhaustible peace” (Mm21). him up and carries him/her on riches contained in that constant In and through the Gospel His shoulders. We can reach dialogue between the Lord and story of the wretched One and him now because he first comes his people” (Mm7) by giving Mercy (John 8:1-11) or the day to us. Therefore, along with St. greater attention to the Word of when Misery met Mercy, the misery Augustine who reveals that how God. of sin became clothed with the difficult it was for him to reach The second cardinal pillar of mercy of love. Its source is in the reversal achieved by the the Apostolic Letter rests on the love with which God comes Incarnation: “I was not humble the living of mercy and its “social to meet each one of us, breaking enough to cleave to him who is character” (Mm1 and19). The through the walls of “inertia” humble” (St. Augustine, Confessions, Holy Father indicates that the and “indifference” (Mm20). God Book VII, 18), let us pray for the “temptation to theorize ‘about’ comes to gather us through grace of being merciful in our mercy” is always present, which his grace-filled responsible Christian lives. COMP

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 11 current issue

The History of Catholic Church´s Position on Abortion

12 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 The recent apostolic letter, Misericordia et misera, grants all priests the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. Does this universal permission degrade the sin of abortion to a venial sin?

stating that “a future human traception and abortion were being is a human being too.” grave sins and condemnable. Later Jerome (c.347-420 AD), Since the time of Augustine, John Chrysostom (347–407) and the Aristotlean belief, that the Augustine (354-430) condemned foetus received the spiritual soul J. Charles Davis all sorts of hindrance to the sometimes (about 40thday) after Asst. Professor of Philosophy, procreative act, and Caesarius conception was prevalent among Theology and Bioethics, JDVPune. of Arles (470-542) condemned theologians. Thomas Aquinas abortion and called it a crime. (1225-1323 AD) held a position During the patristic time, there similar to the Aristotlean idea was no unanimity concerning of ensoulment, i.e. for the male the moment of ensoulment, foetus after the 40th day and the he Catholic Church though Tertullian believed that female foetus after the 90th day. Tconsidered abortion as a the soul entered the new being This was very much in practice grave sin and condemned it right at conception (Tertullian, De from Augustine through the from the beginning. The Teach- anima, pp. 242-346). Though nineteenth century till 1869 (in ing of the Apostles (94 AD) they were clear that human life official Church teaching), that condemned abortion: “...thou begins at conception, there the unformed embryo lacked a shalt not use magic: thou shalt prevailed an understanding of human soul and its destruction not use drugs; thou shalt not successive animation. Thus, they amounted to a sinful contracep- procure abortion, nor commit spoke of unformed and formed tion rather than to a homicidal infanticide” (Didache II, 2).One embryo. However, anything act. of the earliest Fathers of the against conception and any However, Albertus Magnus Church Tertullian (c.160 – c.220 harm to the unformed (unen- (1200-1280 BC), the teacher of AD) opposed abortion and in- souled) fruit of the womb was Thomas Aquinas, believed in fanticide in clear terms, “murder a punishable crime of contra- simultaneous animation. In 1620, is once for all forbidden; so it is ception; and an injury to the the Belgian physician Thomas not lawful for us to destroy even formed (ensouled) embryo led Feynes assumed an animation on the child in the womb,” while to a punishable homicide. Con- the third day, Jerome Florentius

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 13 in 1658 counted on an animation immediately after conception, so also in 1660 Paolo Zacchia, who was person-in-charge of the health system in the Church council, stated of the infusion of the human spiritual soul at the moment of conception, and so the simultaneous animation permeated increasingly at this time especially in medical science, however, theologians repre- sented for a long time widely the traditional theory of a delayed animation. The change with an animation theory of probability at concep- tion began to take place since the time of Francisco Emmanuele Cangiamila (1701-1763), Al- phonsus Liguori (1696-1787) and Eusebius Amort (1692-1709). Though Alphonsus was non- decisive within his moral theol- ogy, he advocated the baptism of fetuses of miscarriages in his teaching of sacramental theology. Cangiamila conceded a vegeta- tive soul to be sufficient scientific ground to grant the certainty able crimes.” The Pastoral Con- is probable (one can never prove of a simultaneous ensoulment stitution “Gaudium et Spes” has the contrary) suffices not to theoretically and Eusebius held a consciously left the question of take away the human life that position of simultaneous ani- ensoulment and simply accepted has already come to existence. mation to a greater probability. the biological factor that human Further, the Church´s stand- Pierre J. C. Debreyne (1786-1867) life begins at conception. The points in biomedical matters seems to be the first one to have texts of the other Vatican docu- dealing with human embryos spoken of simultaneous anima- ment Declaration on Procured are well expressed in Vatican tion with absolute certainty in his Abortion (1974) in paragraphs 12 documents of the Instruction Essai sur la théologie morale considerée and 13 explain clearly: From the (1987) “Donum vitae” by the Con- dans ses rapports avec la physiologie time that the ovum is fertilized, gregation for the Doctrine of et la médecine (1845). Finally, Pius a life is begun which is neither the Faith and of the Encyclical IX abolished the differentiation that of the father nor of the (1995) “Evangelium vitae” by Pope between ensouled and non-yet mother, it is rather the life of the John Paul II. The Instruction ensouled embryos in his Papal new human being (= novi viventis “Donum vitae” no. 79. says: “Thus Bull Apostolicae Sedis (1869). humani) with his own growth. It the fruit of human generation, The Magisterium, the official would never be made human if it from the first moment of its teaching authority of the Catho- were not human already… Even existence, that is to say, from the lic Church, says in many docu- if a doubt existed concerning moment the zygote has formed, ments that human life begins at whether the fruit of conception demands the unconditional conception. The second Vatican is already a human person, it is respect that is morally due to the Council (1965) says: “From the objectively a grave sin to dare to human being in his bodily and moment of its conception, life must be risk murder. “The one who will spiritual totality. The human be- guarded with the greatest care while be a man is already one.” ing is to be respected and treated abortion and infanticide are unspeak- That the presence of the soul as a person from the moment of 14 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 conception is a complete human being; (iii) this human being is sacred and created in image “[F]rom the time that and likeness of God. (iv) this the ovum is fertilized, human being which is called embryo in the early stages is a a life is begun which human person; (v) being human is neither that of the persons, embryos have the same father nor the mother; rights and dignity like any adult human being; (vi) thus it is mor- it is rather that life of a ally wrong to take away the life new human being with of the embryo even for noble causes of humanity and abor- his [or her] own growth” tion is a grave sin and a heinous crime. - John Paul II, Encyclical The Catholic Church is how- ever not rigid and unforgiving Evangelium Vitae, no. 60 towards sinners of abortion. Thus, I end this article with compassion quoting from the Apostolic Letter Misericordia et misera of the Holy Father Francis who permits all priests to absolve the reserved sin of abortion dur- ing and beyond the Jubilee year of Mercy until further provisions are made: “I wish to restate as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to conception; and, therefore, from while raising challenging ques- an innocent life. In the same way, that same moment his rights as tions such as these: “Could [it] however, I can and must state a person must be recognized, be proved sufficiently that the that there is no sin that God’s among which in the first place embryo is not at all human life[?] mercy cannot reach and wipe is the inviolable right of every Is a totally deformed fetus that is away when it finds a repentant innocent being to life.” The even lacking the biological sub- heart seeking to be reconciled Congregation makes a philo- strate for any expression of truly with the Father. May every priest, sophical conclusion in its In- human life, still to be considered therefore, be a guide, support struction (2008) Dignitas personae, a person?” The answers are self- and comfort to penitents on this no.1. with its opening statement: evident. Cardinal Lehmann says it journey of special reconcilia- “The dignity of a person must succinctly: The embryo is human tion.” be recognized in every hu- from the beginning. That human The Catholic position on abor- man being from conception to life commences at conception tion remains a grave sinful act, natural death.” In fact, even a and killing an innocent human while the attitude towards the mere probability that a human life at any stage is never accept- sinners of procured abortion person is involved would suffice able – has been expressed and has changed. While Pope Francis to justify an absolute prohibition reasserted – by various bishop wants more opportunities of of any intervention that might conferences and individual theo- reconciliation for sinners, he has kill the embryo. logians. not diluted the gravity of sin of A renowned Catholic moral Thus, the central convictions abortion. The special provision theologian Bernard Häring of the Catholic Church on the of Pope Francis is a token of asserted that “the child in the beginning of human life can be God´s love and mercy for those mother´s womb is alive and has summarized as follows: (i) A who underwent abortion un/ almost the same qualities before human life begins at conception. willingly and a stern warning to being born as it has after birth,” (ii) A human life that begins at those who procured it. COMP Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 15 gospel in action I made a huge mistake Story of a feminist who changed her mind on abortion

razilian Sara Winter “from all those people, whether Bused to work to legalize religious or not, that I offended abortion. She was one of the during a protest last year involv- founders of a radical group that ing a same-sex kiss in front of a carries out topless protests at church in Rio de Janeiro.” churches. Last month she denounced Now, she says people should international funding to pro- learn from religious women who mote abortion in Brazil. She put their faith into action - and asked forgiveness for having reject the powerful forces pro- been “part of that scheme to get moting abortion in her country. abortion legalized.” What changed her mind? The “But I never knew that all birth of her child. that talk about legalizing abor- “I understand I made a huge tion in Brazil had been the work mistake, and I ask forgiveness of organizations controlled by from the bottom of my heart. tycoons, rich men interested in The way to achieve public policy reducing my country’s popula- changes for women has nothing tion.” to do with mocking people’s re- Sara confessed that she had ligions,” she said in a Facebook always thought that an abortion post late last year. was “something every woman “What I was missing was love should be able to get.” (which changed when I became “I’m not waving that flag any a mother), love that came to me more. I don’t agree with women after having reflected a lot on being jailed for having an abor- today’s militant feminism,” she tion, I think they should always said. be treated with compassion, but Sara Winter is the pseudonym I’m against the promotion of of Sara Fernanda Giromin. abortion being carried out by Three years ago she was one of the feminist NGOs.” the founders of the Brazilian The young woman also branch of Femen, a radical femi- encouraged feminists “to learn nist organization of sometimes from women who are religious.” violent, often offensive activists While some people are “putting who protest topless in favor of on ridiculous protests (I myself abortion and LGBT rights. used to be one of them) which Winter asked for forgiveness are embarrassing to women,

16 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 there are women of faith with homes protecting rape victims, and other women giving life by providing housing, taking in women in dangerous situations, I’m just as and providing all kinds of as- sistance.” guilty. “There are a lot of NGOs and institutions that need a helping I used to hand and volunteers to care for the victims of violence, so let’s be like get going, help them, do your that too, but part. Take care of, assist and love other women,” she encour- thanks be to aged her readers. Sara first began to speak about God I’ve been this complete turnabout in her life in October 2015. healed. “I regret having an abortion and today I’m asking for forgive- ness,” she wrote on Facebook at that point, almost one month after the birth of her second child. Since her baby was born, she said, “my life has taken on new meaning.” “I don’t want you to go through the same thing I did,” tion with hormones and surgery book about “seven times I was she told her readers. can change anybody’s sex.” betrayed by the feminist move- Years before, she underwent By mid-November, Sara was ment.” The book is a compila- an abortion using a drug pro- urging Brazilian feminists to “re- tion of the bizarre experiences vided by someone she refers to spect women who are religious she says she had as part of the as a feminist. believers.” Although she has Brazilian feminist movement, “I almost bled to death and no religious affiliation, she said involving orgies, alcohol, drugs had very serious complications,” that “one of the things I regret and misuse of funds. she recalled, adding that the in my life is pulling away from For every book sold, she has person who came to her aid in God and devoting all my time to offered to donate a Brazilian those circumstances was a man militant feminism.” Real (about 25 cents) to “initia- who had “no connection to “Having faith is not a ret- tives helping women in violent radical feminism.” On abortion, rogression and other people’s situations and against abortion.” she urged, “feminism should be religion needs to be respected,” She said the main reason Bra- focusing more on taking care of she urged. zilian people do not like the femi- women instead of putting their Sara said that she has faced a nists is because many of them act lives at risk.” She said her prior hostile reaction from the femi- hysterically and use social media abortion had caused difficulties nist faction she has abandoned. “to mock and humiliate religious early into her second pregnancy. “You have no idea of the people, preach hatred against Sara has also become a critic reprisals I’ve been a victim of men, besides being extrem- of transgender ideology. She ex- coming from the feminists,” she ists and disrespectful of other plained that she has no animus wrote. “I’m afraid of even step- people’s religious heritage.” against people who say they are ping out on to the street with “I’m just as guilty. I used to transgender, but she added, “I my baby, but I have faith that all be like that too, but thanks be don’t think that changing your this is going to go away.” to God I’ve been healed,” she clothes, getting silicone breast In early December last year, said. implants and making the transi- Sara published a short digital - Courtesy: Cruxnow COMP Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 17 FOCUS NATIONAL

Sr. Joeyanna D’Souza FSP Vidyajyothi, Delhi

India has done this before. But this time hundreds of millions of people were left without the means to engage economically, to buy the things they wanted and needed...

18 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 Demonetization

he ill-fated 9/11 Indian People have two options, one society, provided the corruption Tstyle, saw people were on is to deposit the money in bank in these sectors too is curbed. the street, fretting and fuming accounts and pay taxes on such However, it is clear that only about the delay in exchanging amount and second option is those who are the educated and their old notes with new ones to let the value of that cash influential are gaining. One can and over malfunctioning of be reduced to zero. Another see that this will help E-Wallet or non-availability of cash in advantage is that, it will curb companies are minting money ATMs. Even after three days, terrorism funding which is and increasing their registrations several ATMs were closed or related to production of fake by the minute. Some of their non-functional, while others currency which is used. In real mobile apps have more than had not seen the cash delivery estate, everyone knows that no 50 million downloads, and van since the demonetisation one pays the money legally. There e-wallet apps which were not demon was unleashed. The cash is always some portion, rather the known are advertising with full crunch led to sporadic violence, major portion to be paid illegally. page newspaper advertisements and ration shops in some places This is done only in cash. And to promote themselves. The were looted. While there were that is why builders and their preference for plastic money, some cases of dire distress, there aides usually have stacked cash in credit card and debit card were others of philanthropic different places. payments is gaining momentum. humanitarianism, where Enterntainment involving hard Use of these means will shopkeepers extended credit cash like gambling, prostitution, definitely lead India towards a facility to their customers. and related activities will get a more techno-savvy population, setback, as these happen mostly but only those who already have Who is this so-called in cash transactions. Due to some education, and have a good Demon? demonetization, all such activities phone and internet network. It Demonetization implies the will get reduced. It helps in is not that these means work on stoppage of use of current legal putting an end to this circle of fresh air and well water, which is currency tenders and replacing people doing illegal activities to the only common commodity in them with new currency units. earn black money and using that rural India. Government sources promote black money to do more illegal Besides, these payments will the demonetization act of Modi, activities. auto generate commissions for which happened on November Another benefit is that due the government, through every 8, this year by promulgating to people submitting their cash transaction. It is clear, then, why some advantages. According to and thus disclosing their income the government would prefer a them, the biggest advantage of by depositing money in their wired cashless payment, rather demonetization is the tracking bank accounts, government than one done through the of illegal currency notes which gets a good amount of tax common paper legal tender. have been horded by some in revenue which can be used by the government towards the Agricultural scene: different parts of the country. In various parts of the country This unaccounted for cash on betterment of the society by providing good infrastructure, where agriculture is the main which no tax is paid, becomes source of income, cash is the of no value unless submitted to hospitals, educational institutions, roads and many facilities for primary mode of transaction banks or submitted to sources in the sector, which provides appointed by the Government. the poor and needy sections of

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 19 employment and sustenance to churches since the higher Conduct of Business in the most of the workforce. Some denomination notes were no Council of States (Rajya Sabha). news channels reported the more valid, people were saving all Modi's address at the public difficulties farmers are facing their other notes for survival. rally in Agra on November 19, while buying fertilizer and seeds However in some churches, where he commented on the from the market. The time being boxes were kept to put in the old demonetisation decision, violated of the kharif harvest and rabi notes and take back the change in the rules of parliamentary sowing, it is indeed a busy season legal smaller denomination notes. business. Reliable sources say for the farmers, and the Prime When it comes to Indian that the Prime Minister did not Minister who promised them shrines, Sabarimala, situated more think it necessary to come and support, doesn’t seem to resonate than 900 meters above sea-level, attend the Rajya Sabha and with their way of life and work. in the Western Ghats in Kerala, intervene in the debate, thereby Cooperative banks which were did the clever job of introducing committing another breach of not exchanging notes in the rural areas, made it even more difficult during the demonetization drive. What adds to their woes is that there are no banking facilities in over most of the panchayats in many of the states. NABARD (Government hand fro the Agriculutral sector) is yet to provide the crores of rupees promised to the Cooperative banks for rabi operations. The delay will definitely affect the production of crops as seeds will not be planted in time, thus laying waste the land for the coming season. This would definitely affect the production of grains and pulses for the next year, as adequate soil moisture required for good crop, varies from season to season. Most farmers depend on private outlets for their seeds as according to them, the government-run centres are few and stock poor quality seeds, and so, even though farmers have been allowed to purchase seeds with the demonetised notes from outlets belonging to the central card-swiping machines. privilege of the House. It shows or state governments they don’t. his dictatorial attitude and non- Politically: egalitarian kind of demeanor. Church and activity: Some of the Rajya Sabha The ex-Prime Minister, The cash crunch caused by members disapproved of Modi’s Manmohan Singh, criticized the demonetization adversely private announcement to the this move as it has brought on affected the donations and media, without any consultation extreme hardship, especially weekly contributions of the with the Parliament, even to those in small businesses people to the collection boxes. though both the Houses were and farming. More than 70 Some churches showed a dip in session. The notice has been people have also lost their lives of up to 40 percent in Sunday filed under Rule 187 and 188 either while literally standing Collections. In the urban of Rules of Procedure and in the queue, or from shock or 20 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 committing suicide. money is stashed away in foreign not accounted for in an official His proposition of a two banks. manner, it has put the middle and percent decline in GDP annually But the poor have no choice. poorer classes into a economic because of this event, is definitely They live a hand-to-mouth dilemma. Modi's surprise move something worth pondering existence, believing in the must be seen as an attempt to about. It will not be taken calmly promises of wealthy but selfish fulfill his election promise to by the people of the country. politicians, who promise them crack down on tax evasion and They will have to deal with this ‘good days’ if they come into recover illegal funds stashed "monumental" mismanagement power, and often lace their palms overseas. But people have been in implementation by struggling with some cash , in order to ‘give saving cash for years to fund economically for the rest of their them a taste of what is to come’. important occasions in their lives, with a weakened confidence family like weddings, education in the currency and banking Modi’s defense: etc. Suddenly they have been According to the Prime slapped with this disastrous Minister, the people are suffering, decision of the government who since they are fighting a war has made their money useless. against corruption and black Would it not be courteous to money, and he thinks that there give at least a day or two of ought to be some inconvenience, information to faithful taxpayers? just like soldiers go through Modi’s strategy seems to fall when fighting the enemy. He has in line with the anecdote of the managed to convince the people, crocodile and small fish in the

The decision was variously described as ‘Tuglaqi farman’, an anti-poor measure and an undeclared financial emergency.

that the constitutions were being same pond. While the water is misused by the forgone leaders dried up to catch the crocodile, for their own benefits, and that they survive anyway but the small only after his government came fish all die. system and then ultimately the into power, has the following Many agree that this government. of the constitutions become implementation was poorly The weaker sections of the more serious. According to him, planned, though Modi’s idea society seem to be the most terrorists are funding their works was to shock those black money affected and victimized by this with the use of fake notes and holders. Time is proving helpful, bitter pill. It seems like they were pumping them into the country. in showing that the ‘crocodile’ the owners of the illegal money, Gullible people who are looking are in the least affected as they when everyone knows that it is for easy cash often get trapped in were well informed of this event only their savings of the past years. these snares set by the terrorists and have got rid of their 500 They know that those who really and their aides. and 1000 notes long before the horde black and illegal tender, are Though the aim is to curb date of announcement. It neither in the least affected, since their illegal money, i.e. money which is addresses major sources of illegal Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 21 funds coming from abroad nor ought to laud him for the but highlights the attitude of those invested in property or gold. attempt towards curbing the selfishness in the face of tight growth of black money in India competition. Christian concerns: and fighting the infiltration of However, one cannot end Reading the above, a human counterfeit currency into the on a depressing note, as for being true to his salt, would nation, which according to him Christians the virtue of hope immediately become sensitive to and his cabinet is mostly through is one which increases our the treatment of the common the terrorist activities. If at heart faith and helps us live in love. Indian citizen by the personnel his intention and motivation These three theological virtues, in the government. In the way are clear , transparent and the invite us to look with hope at the citizens specially those who welfare of the people of India, the attempt being made by the are economically not very well whom he has pledged to serve government towards a better to do, are not shown the respect and who have voted him to style of life for the Indian they deserve as dignified human power, then we can be sure that citizens. Faith in the fact that we beings, citizens of a secular and the consequences of this act will are children of a loving God, socialist democratic republic. bear similar fruits and it will be who cares for us and who will The sudden change of policy clear to the citizens of India. deliver us from the hands of our in something which affects Otherwise, sooner or later, the enemies and from tribulation, the livelihood of the person, cat will be out of the bag, and we trust that God will do for is unnerving in cases where his treachery and selfishness will us what he did for the Israelites people are totally dependent be clear to the people of India, through the leadership of Moses on cash for their transactions jeopardizing his place at the and Joshua. If God sent his only concerning food and medicine. Prime Minister’s post and head Son Jesus to deliver us from the The unorganized way of going of the ruling Party. clutches of the Evil one, and about, caused the death of more If Modi had to emulate true redeem us, surely he will see us than 70 citizens, some due to compassion for the people through this. shock, others due to no proper of his country, the virtues of arrangements in banks for the Definitely, this is the time Jesus Christ would have been queue system and still others of disciplining our lives, and visible in his demeanour and who were emotionally disturbed giving up unnecessary luxuries attitude, specially sharing in and committed suicide. The and falling in line in a simple the suffering of the people, priority of the government for and economically viable way of being with them during the a transparent system is a good life. It is an extended Lenten time of the ordeal, helping one, but the means to attain it season, one would say, which is them heal. But Modi, was does not seem to respect the preparing us for the coming of travelling abroad the day after persons for whom it is doing the true life in God. Through he made the announcement, it. One, therefore, begins to this disciplining of our lives, and looking at the queues in wonder, if at all this scheme God will save us. the country through the media, is for the people or there are Curbing of black money in leaving his people alone to some ulterior motives. A don’t India, would definitely do good suffer the consequences of an care attitude is rampant in for all of us, and tax evasion will unprepared-for leashing out of the management and also the stop. People will be able to live the demonetization demon. trouble that the lower economic simpler and honest lives so that all level are facing, implies the The decision was variously can have at least a meal a day, and preferential option by the described as ‘Tuglaqi farman’, the rich don’t get richer, while the government for the rich. an anti-poor measure and an poor starve to death. Facilitates As Christians what is a fitting undeclared financial emergency. will become available to all, and attitude to this entire scheme? It was alleged that having made people will be able to have a better As human beings with a healthy arrangement for itself, the account and utility of their money reasoning mind, might each ruling party had attempted to as it will be saved in banks and not one look at it critically? Yes, stymie the Opposition in the just available to use unnecessarily. definitely. coming elections. This very As a whole Indians might begin much goes against the Christian Giving Prime Minister Modi, to live a more secure and mature values of caring and sharing, the benefit of the doubt, one economic life. COMP

22 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 Pope Francis visits India Kerala Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, is likely to visit India next year. Archbishop- designate Joseph Kalathiparambil is reported to be said the following: “What I understood is that the Pope wishes to visit India next year. An indication in this regard was given to me when I visited him at his residence at Santa Marta in Vatican.” Kalathip- arambil said he requested the Pope to visit Kerala and Verapoly Archdiocese, and his response was 2 positive. Prior to his appointment as the archbishop, Kalathiparambil was serving as the Secretary of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People after being called for 2 new bishops in Mumbai the assignment by Pope Benedict XVI in February Mumbai 2011. The 64-year-old bishop replaces Archbishop The Vatican on December 20 announced the ap- Francis Kallarakal, who has retired. Pope John Paul pointment of two new auxiliary bishops, Fr. Allwyn II is the only Pope to have visited Kerala. D'Silva and Fr. Barthol Barretto, for the archdiocese of Bombay. The Archdiocese of Bombay will now A potential saint in Goa have four Auxiliary Bishops, the previous appoint- Goa ments being of Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes Venerable Father Agnelo D’Souza, Society of the and Bishop John Rodrigues who were appointed in Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, is inching toward May 15th 2013. The episcopal ordination ceremony beatification now as the Vatican has started to look for will most likely be held in January 2017. Fr. Allwyn a potential miracle cure attributed to his intercession. D'Silva, born 20th April, is presently serving as Par- Beatification is one of the steps on the path to saint- ish Priest, St. John the Baptist Church, Thane (West). hood. According to Father Hillary Fernandes, Vener- Ordained to priesthood on April 19, 1975, he serves able Agnelo, who died in 1927, helped a 35-year-old as Episcopal Vicar of the Navi Mumbai and Thane woman with a "near-impossible" birth. The woman, Deaneries. Fr. Barthol Barretto, who was born on who had miscarriages three times, delivered a prema- September 16, 1961 and ordained on April 8, 1989 ture baby during the sixth month of her pregnancy. is currently serving as Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Both mother and child are safe. The family attributed Immaculate Conception (IC) Church, Borivli (West). the health of the mother and child to the intercession of Venerable Agnelo. Now his followers hope that this Carollers beaten up will be the mandatory miracle needed for Venerable Agnelo to be beatified. Rajasthan A group of Catholics holding Carol services in Church mourns the death private homes have been savagely beaten up by a mob of 30in the village of Tikariya, near the city Chennai of Banswara, in Rajasthan. The attacked belong to The Catholic bishops’ office in India has mourned the Church of St. Peter and Paul in the diocese of the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayala- Udaipur. The parish priest, Fr. Stephen Rawat, was lithaa. She was hospitalized since September, and also among them. "I have no enemies, I was beaten her health condition kept secret until her death was up because of my Christian faith," said Fr. Rawat. announced following a cardiac arrest on December He added that there is a hostel of the RSS near the 5, 2016 at the age of 68. "It is imperative the people scene of the attack "where the ideology [Hindutva] of the state remain calm and avoid violence dur- is imparted to young people. It is not improbable ing this troubled time," said Archbishop Anthony that they were behind this attack against Christians." Pappusamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Like every year the Tikariya parish had organized Council. During her administration in 2001-2016, the Christmas carol service in Catholic homes. This she made attempts for a rapprochement with Chris- year the group consisted of 20 worshipers, which tians, and celebrated Christmas publicly with church included three nuns, women and children. leaders. COMP Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 23 HUMAN RIGHTS

Cedric Prakash SJ Advocacy & Communications Officer Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) MENA Region

ur world seems to be Obecoming more and more violent. Violence, expressed in many different ways, is regarded as the prerogative of the strong! In recent weeks, violence continued to throttle several parts of the world: bombings in Istanbul, Turkey and in the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt; the escalation of violence in Aleppo Syria- are just some of the violent acts which have resulted in several deaths and many more injuries. In India, some kill another because of what they eat or because they dare stand up for justice and truth. Violence, for many, thus becomes a way of life and highly institutionalised; little children grow up on stories of war, of how the ‘enemy’ needs to be dealt with. For several across the globe there seems to be nothing to hope for: one act of violence spawns another, for retaliation and revenge. Most are oblivious of the truth that ‘eye for an eye’ makes the whole world blind. Pope Francis has done it again! In a Nonviolence is right! Nonviolence is a common right. Pope Francis in his message on the world day of peace insisted that building a new politics of nonviolence starts in the human heart and the home.

24 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 style which is characteristic disarmament, the eradication conflict, let us respect this, our deepest of his papacy, he has once of nuclear weapons and an end dignity and make active nonviolence again sent out a powerful to domestic violence and abuse our way of life”. Though Catholic message to the world. It is a against women and children. in expression, the message message for the Fiftieth World His message is addressed clearly transcends the narrow Day of Peace which will be to the world’s peoples and confines of any religion as he celebrated on January 1st nations, to heads of state and proposes an agenda “to banish 2017; entitled ‘Nonviolence: government, and to religious, violence from our hearts, words and A Style of Politics for Peace’, civic and community leaders; in deeds, and to becoming nonviolent he emphatically states in this wishing all peace, Pope Francis people and to build nonviolent message that, “violence is not the says, “I pray that the image and communities that care for our common cure for our broken world.” He likeness of God in each person will home.” The emphasis is clearly calls for a new style of politics enable us to acknowledge one another on the fact that only the truly built on peace and nonviolence, as sacred gifts endowed with immense brave are non-violent. and at the same time for dignity. Especially in situations of Pope Francis insists that build-

Nonviolence is right!

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 25 in them their God-given dignity; she made her voice heard before the powers of this world, so that they might rec- ognize their guilt for the crimes – the crimes! – of poverty they created” Pope Francis has been consistent in his references to those who are responsible for the wars and conflicts in the world today- and specially the military-industrial establishment, “because vast amounts of resources are diverted to military ends and away from the everyday needs of young people, families experiencing hardship, the elderly, the infirm and the great majority of people in our world”. He goes on further to say, “I plead for disarmament and for the prohibition and abolition of nuclear weapons: nuclear deterrence and the May we dedicate ourselves prayerfully and actively threat of mutual assured destruction are incapable of grounding such an to banishing violence from our hearts, words and ethics.” deeds, and to becoming nonviolent people The Beatitudes of Jesus is a ‘manual’ for peace and non- violence; “applying the Beatitudes, which outlines how to be blessed, good and authentic, is also a program and a challenge for political and religious leaders, the heads of international ing a new politics of nonvio- ther King Jr. Mahatma Gandhi is institutions, and business and media lence starts in the human heart regarded as the ‘Apostle of Non- executives.” and the home. “The family”, he Violence’ today; his birth an- In the concluding paragraph says, “is the indispensable crucible in niversary on October 2nd is ob- of his message Pope Francis ex- which spouses, parents and children, served as the ‘International Day horts, “All of us want peace. Many brothers and sisters, learn to commu- of Non-Violence’. The World people build it day by day through nicate and to show generous concern Day of Peace, is celebrated by small gestures and acts; many of them for one another, and in which frictions the Church in India on January are suffering, yet patiently persevere and even conflicts have to be resolved 30th, the anniversary of Gan- in their efforts to be peacemakers. not by force but by dialogue, respect, dhi’s assassination. Pope Francis In 2017, may we dedicate ourselves concern for the good of the other, also says, “women in particular are prayerfully and actively to banishing mercy and forgiveness.” Certainly often leaders of nonviolence, as for violence from our hearts, words and a moot point for reflection as example, was Leymah Gbowee and deeds, and to becoming nonviolent Christmas approaches; do we the thousands of Liberian women, people and to building nonviolent reflect that the most sought who organized pray-ins and nonvio- communities that care for our common after and given Christmas gifts lent protest that resulted in high-level home. Nothing is impossible if we to little children, are the ‘violent’ peace talks to end the second civil war turn to God in prayer. Everyone can ones: ranging from toy guns to Liberia”. be an artisan of peace” play-stations? In our broken world, for Pope Nonviolence is indeed a The message refers to icons Francis, “Mother Teresa is a symbol, right for all; something which of nonviolence and peace like an icon of our times… She bowed we should begin putting into Mahatma Gandhi, Khan Abdul down before those who were spent, left practice both individually and Ghaffar Khan and Martin Lu- to die on the side of the road, seeing collectively from today! COMP

26 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 Foot prints

Dr. Felix Podimattom (1934 - 2016)

r. Felix Podimattom was Born in 1934 from the University of Mysore, a Licentiate Dat Muttom, near Thodupuzha in the degree in Theology from Pontifical Gregorian Diocese of Palai, Kerala. He joined the Order University, Rome and a Doctoral degree in Moral of Friars Minor Capuchins and was ordained a Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, Rome. priest at the age of 26, and was a member of St. His doctoral thesis ‘The Relativity of Natural Joseph Province. Law’ is acclaimed as exceptionally excellent. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science The thesis was guided by the eminent Moral from the University of Mysore, a Licentiate Theologian, Bernard Haering, who influenced degree in Theology from Pontifical Gregorian the renewal of Moral teachings of the Church University, Rome and a Doctoral degree in during and after the Vatican II. Dr. Podimattam Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, was resident professor at St. Francis Theological Rome. College, Kottayam and has been the founding Podimattam created history when Limca Book member and first president of the Indian Moral of Records accepted him in 2013 as the person Theologians Association. Most of his books are who has authored most number of books on published by Media House, Delhi. moral theology in the world. Podimattam has Bishop Raphael Thattil, the Apostolic written 135 books in his four-decade long teaching Visitator to the Syro -Malabar Church, and and theologizing career on varying moral subjects Auxiliary Bishop of Trissur once described him such as celibacy to sex and artificial insemination a towering scholar and the last word in Moral to euthanasia. Theology in India. His works are unparalleled, He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and each of his books unique and scientific.

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 27 FAITH FOCUS Yoga for Relaxation

Stephen Chundamthadam S J Director, JDV Centre for Religion and Spirituality, Pune

elaxation is one of the the problem. In course of time relaxation yogic posture. Chil- Rfive basic principles for stress and negative energy will dren prefer this posture for sleep. happy and peaceful living. The weaken any one or more of the Child posture can be practised other four are proper breathing, vital organs leading to seri- at any time except soon after a proper food, positive thinking ous health problems. Regular meal. Stand on your knees and and meditation. People, because relaxation will help a person to palms on a mat on the floor. of stressful life, accumulate ten- reduce the stress and negative Keep the big toe close to each sion and negative energy in the energy in the body and mind. other so that heels will be apart. mind which will pass on to the Shavasana, sisuasana,makarasana Slowly sit on the inverted part of body. So both body and mind and matsyakridasana are some the feet. Body weight should not will become stressful. When the of the important relaxation yogic be on the heels so that the ankle body is tensed the nerves system postures. Shavasana was already will not get strain. Breathe out will get blocked and energy sup- discussed in the December issue slowly and bend forward. Place ply to the vital organs and to the of Companion. the forehead on the mat, hands different parts of the body will are stretched out palms on the be badly affected. Toxic materi- Sisuasana floor down ward and chest rests als accumulated in the body and “Sisuasana” also known as on the thigh. In another varia- nerves system will aggravate child posture is a very good tion hands are placed backward

28 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 closer to the feet, palms are open. of the posture, keep the head relaxing posture for the entire Breathe normally; gradually the and chest up, chin supported by body. The vertebrae and the breathing will slow down. Body the palms, elbow is placed on the internal organs will get a twist and mind will relax. After a floor. Choose one of these as and fresh blood supply. As the minute, the beginners come back a comfortable posture in which breathing slows down the mind to sitting posture and then repeat one can remain for a longer time. becomes serene. the ‘asana.’ Breathe slow and deep in the A variation of this posture: Pregnant women, people with beginning and later normal. Lie down on the back, fold the diarrhoea, weak cornea, lower left knee, twist the pelvic joint back pain, pelvic problem, knee Matsyakridasana to the right and bring down the problem, neck problem, heart This posture looks like a flap- left knee on the right side of the problem, and high and low blood ping fish in the water.Lie down body, gently press the knee down pressure should not practice this on the back, breath slowly pre- with the right palm. Right leg is posture without proper guidance pare the mind to do the posture. kept straight. Left upper torso, by a yoga teacher. Turn to the right side, right hand shoulder and left hand are twisted In the final position the head stretched on the floor, bend the to the left, turn the head towards is placed slightly lower than the left knee and bring it closer to the left. This posture has to be re- heart. This will ensure slow flow the chest, bend the left and right peated with the other side. In this of fresh blood to the brain cells and the organs on the head and face. Kidneys and the other vital organs will get rest; discs in the back bone will be relieved of Regular relaxation will help a person pressure. Neck, Chest muscles, lower back muscles and the to reduce the stress and negative muscles on both sides of the energy in the body and mind. back bone will get stretching and fresh blood supply. After a few days of practice, one can remain in this posture for a longer time. Regular practice of “sisuasana” will bring in peace of mind and relaxation to body. Makarasana “Makara” means crocodile. One who is in this posture resembles a crocodile resting on its belly on the floor. Lie down on the floor on a palms down ward one above the posture chest and shouldersare mat on the stomach. Hands are other and make a pillow. Keep expanded. Neck, shoulder joint, starched out in front of the head; the right cheek above the palms. pelvic joint, stomach, vertebrae keep the palms downward and the Left knee touches the left elbow, in the back bone and the back forehead or the chin on the floor. left foot is kept above the right muscles are twisted. These parts Another variation is, to keep the knee and the right leg is straight. of the body and the peripheral palms one above the other down Left shoulder is on the floor, nerves system will become more ward and keep the cheeks or the close the eyes and breathe in a flexible and will get fresh energy forehead on the palm. Legs are relaxed way. After a few minutes, and blood supply. Cautions given kept apart and the toe pointing repeat the posture on the left in “sisuasana” are applicable in to each other. A third variation side. This is a comfortable and this posture also. COMP

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 29 bomb explosion near the Catho- speaking out, the European lic Church in the southern city of Parliament called for an inves- Esperanza, injuring two of the tigation into the "persistent, church goers, on the first Sunday credible reports on systematic of Advent. Cardinal Orlando state-sanctioned organ harvesting Quevedo, OMI, Archbishop of from non-consenting prisoners Cotabato, condemned Sunday's of conscience," but the China church bombing, telling Minda government kept secret its ac- News that it was "pure terror- tions and statitics till now, making ism, made worse because of its horrendous actions difficult the sacredness of the place, the to prove and continues to deny sacredness of the day, and the any allegations to it. Even though Stephen Hawking sacredness of the event that had “organ pillaging” is a crime in 1 Rome just taken place." China, it continues doing organ Stephen Hawking, the brilliant transplant industry for many Christians Attacked astrophysicist and self-proclaimed years. 3 Egypt atheist visited Vatican on Dec 2, Coptic Christians were at- Fr. Stanley Rother 2016 for the Pontifical Academy 5 USA annual meeting. The Academy was tacked on 25, November 2016 founded back in 1603 by Prince injuring four believers, damag- The Servant of God Fr. Federico Cesi with Pope Clement ing four Christian owned shops, Stanley Rother has been ap- VII’s blessing, and its first leader destroying Christian guesthouse proved for beatification. Father was Galileo Galilei. The Pontifical and 9 Christian homes. A Stanley Rother, a priest of the Academy is conceived as a place Christian charity and watchdog Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, where science and faith can meet group reported that Coptic was a missionary in Guatemala. and can have an open discussion Christians have become the lat- He is the first US born martyr and examine future scientific est victims of radical Islamists and priest to receive this official developments. This year’s confer- in Egypt. According to Interna- recognition from the Vatican. Fr. ence was focused on “Science and tional Christian Concern (ICC), Rother joined the Seminary at Sustainability.” Hawking himself the village of Manshiet El- his young age. A few years later gave a talk on “The Origin of Naghamish was attacked by Is- after his ordination, Fr. Stanley the Universe,” the topic that has lamists who were enraged at the accepted the invitation to join earned him world renown. Car- news of a new Christian church the mission team and spent 13 dinal Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, being built The nearest Christian years of his life in Guatemala. prefect of the Congregation of church is three miles away from He was known among the vil- the Doctrine of the Faith con- El-Naghamish and Christians lagers padre Francisco, after cluded the event which held at the have asked permission to build Academy of Belgium in Italy. a church in the village but the Egyptian government has yet to 5 Tightened security approve. The village is a home 2 Philippines to majority of Muslims while Philippines bishop conference only 2,000 residents are Coptic announced that the liturgical Christians. activities may be suspended due to terrorist attack. Fr. Jerome 4 Forced Organ said that safety of the people China is important. "The church, for The forced organ harvesting practical purposes, will be more performed on religious minori- than willing to suspend any litur- ties, who are in Chinese prisons, gical activity if there are threats majority of them are Chris- to the safety of churchgoers," tians. There have been 60,000 said Father Jerome Secillano of to 100,000 organ transplants in the bishop conference's public China per year. Following years affairs committee. There was a of several human rights groups

30 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 his baptismal name of Francis. Church’s work Visas Refused Oklahoma City’s Archbishop 7 Sri Lanka 9 UK Paul Coakley states ‘We need the Sri Lankan President Maithri- UK refused visas to Arch- witness of holy men and women pala Sirisena invited Federation 10 who remind us that we are all bishops from Mosul, Northern of Asian Bishop’s Conference Iraq and Syria to attend the called to holiness – and that holy (FABC) to hold their meeting men and women c” Consecration of the first Syriac on family in his country. FABC Orhodox Cathedral in London. Fatima anniversary delegates appreciated the warm These archdioceses were taken 6 Portugal welcome and the hospitality by Islamic State (IS), and Mo- Pope Francis declared as they received from the country, sul converted to mosque now. Jubilee Year from November and they enjoyed the beauty and The Christians were executed, 27, 2016 to November 27, 2017 the tranquility of the nation. enslaved to accept 'dhimmitude' and granted a plenary indulgence Srilanka is a multicultural and and pay fines. Hundreds of pub- opportunity in occasion of the multireligious country. The lic buildings were illuminated in 100th anniversary of the appari- president appreciated the Catho- red light in London as an act of tions of Our Lady of Fatima in lic Church for its work among solidarity with those who are suf- Portugal. There are three ways the poor in the island nation: “I fering persecution for their Chris- of obtaining the indulgences very much appreciate the work tian faith around the world. Aid said the Rector of the Fatima accomplished by the Catholic to the Church in Need released Shrine in addition to the ordinary Church on behalf of the poor in report on Religious Freedom in conditions: 1) Make pilgrimage Sri Lanka. It was the first time in the World and was presented to to the Fatima Shrine in Portugal the FABC history that the head HRH Prince Charles, who went and participate in a celebration of a nation hosting its plenary on to attend the consecration of or prayer dedicated to the Virgin members. the new St. Thomas Cathedral 2) Pray before any statue of Our Syriac Orthodox Church in west Lady of Fatima in any Church or Footballer priest London. oratory on 13th of each month 8 UK from May to October. 3) The Global business elderly and infirm: they can pray Phil Mulryne, a Manchester Rome in front of a statue of Our Lady United footballer who's shared Pope Francis addressed par- of Fatima and spiritually unite the field with David Beckham ticipants of the Fortune-Time themselves to the jubilee celebra- and brought fame to Ireland with Global Forum, who were discuss- tions on the days of the appari- 27 caps is setting aside his jersey ing on technology and jobs, global tions, the 13th of each month, to pursue the vocation of a Cath- health, food and water, commit- between May and October 2017. olic Dominican priest. Mulryne, ment to communities, energy and a 38-year old Irishman, began his the environment, and financial career in football as a kid in 1994 inclusion--each representing criti- when he attended the Manchester cal elements related to poverty al- United youth academy, and even- leviation. Pope Francis challenged tually joined the Norwich league the business leaders to work for in 1999. After a series of major justice by promoting local and injuries at the end of his career in personal sense of responsibility 2008, Mulryne was faced with the so that everyone would be part future. Bishop Noel Treanor of of the society. The Holy Father Down and Connor said to be an thanked the leaders for their work influential figure during Mulryne’s in promoting the dignity of the conversion, eventually inviting human person within their institu- him to enter the seminary. In tions and economic models and 2009, the Irish native entered the in alleviating poverty. The Holy Irish Pontifical College in Rome, Father said - "The renewal, purifi- where he has been pursuing the cation and strengthening of solid priesthood through studies in economic models depends on philosophy and theology and is our own personal conversion and set for priestly ordination in 2017. generosity to those in need." COMP Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 31 spirit and life

Consolation of Child Jesus n October 24, 2016, Pope He acknowledged that some- us from evil, brings peace and OFrancis addressed 220 times he asks forgiveness for the increases our joy.” members of the General Con- times he’s been an obstacle to the But, he suggested that we must gregation of the Society of Jesus, Spirit’s bidding. leave the “doors of consolation” encouraging them to ‘to ask Earlier on October 1, 2016 in open to Jesus, through daily read- insistently for consolation.’ In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, ing of the Gospel, silent prayers the question and answer session Pope Francis offered words in adoration, confession and re- that followed he said that the of consolation to the nation’s ceiving the Eucharist. When the best anti-depressant he has found small Catholic community and door of our heart is closed, he is this consolation that comes invited the faithful to be like said, we “get accustomed to pes- from God. little children who are so lovingly simism” and “end up absorbed He shared with them that when embraced by God. in our own sadness, in the depths he does his daily examination of God, he said, is always ready of anguish, isolated.” conscience at night, Pope Francis to offer us consolation in times God best consoles us, he says he feels consolation in seeing of need, “amid the turmoil we noted, “When we are united, in how God has been leading him. experience in life.” It “liberates communion” and the Church is

32 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 >> Consolation is a support both an emotional and practical which very one needs in life. It is important that where we find it. Do we find consolation in Christ in

Kuruvila Pandikatt SJ times of need? >> Professor of Science, Religion and Philosophy Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune

consolation cannot take away our lives” or “autonomous and self- problems, he said, it “gives us the sufficient adults,” but children power to love, to peacefully bear “who need love and forgive- pain.” ness.” In the same way, Christian Sharing consolationas communities who live the Gospel Church’s urgent mission with this simplicity may be “poor Receiving and bringing God’s in means” but “are rich in God.” consolation, especially to those And blessed are those “Shep- who suffer intensely, he stressed, herds,” the Pope said, “who do is the Church’s “urgent” mission. not ride the logic of worldly And in order to do this, he said, success, but follow the law of we must become, as Jesus tells love: welcoming, listening, serv- us, like a little child. “For God is ing.” Blessed too, he observed, not known through grand ideas is the Church “who does not and extensive study,” he noted, entrust herself to the criteria of “but rather through the littleness functionalism and organizational of a humble and trusting heart.” efficiency, nor worries about her Likewise, prestige and earthly image.” Consolation of success mean little to God who Quoting St. Theresa of Child wishes us to empty ourselves of Jesus, Pope Francis concluded his such things. Homily by inviting the faithful to “bear with the faults of others” Children as Consolation and delight in the “smallest acts Child Jesus “A child has nothing to give of virtue we see them practice.” and everything to receive,” the Charity, he said, “cannot remain “the house of consolation” to Pope added: “the one who be- hidden in the depths of our which we should turn. Further, in comes like a little child is poor in hearts.” a spirit of mutual sharing, Pope self but rich in God.” Connecting consolation to the Francis urged the faithful to offer Children reminds us that we life of the children, urges us to to others the same consolation are not the masters of our lives. reflect on the coming Christmas, that they receive. “Even when They invite us live in simplic- when the Child Jesus has united enduring affliction and rejection,” ity, spontaneity and freedom. the world with God. May the he said, “a Christian is always Children have much to teach us, joy of his birth bring us genuine called to bring hope to the hearts he observed: they show us that consolation, which we can share of those who have given up, to God “accomplishes great things with the rest of the Church and encourage the downhearted, to in those who put up no resis- the world, especially through bring the light of Jesus…and his tance to him, who are simple and the little experiences of life and forgiveness” (Vatican Radio) sincere, without duplicity.” encounters of love. That is the “Countless people suffer trials The Pope reminded the faith- way we can live the Gospel of and injustice and live in anxiety,” ful that we are all children of Joy, share of Love of God and he continued. And though God’s the Father: “not masters of our bring hope to ourselves. COMP

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 33 Media SCan

Chris Valentino sdb Mumbai

cide survivor, a NYPD officer, a young widow who forgave the killer of her husband, a baseball player who became a Norbertine monk, an addicted high-school dropout who became a Marist priest, and a former Cleveland Browns linebacker who became a The Face of Mercy Carmelite and then a missionary of Divine Mercy, this film takes us on a introspective trip into our Producer: Knights of Colombus own innermost recesses. Narrator: Jim Caviezel Jim Caviezel (who essayed Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Distributor: Interfaith Broadcasting Commission (IBC) Christ) narrates the story of The Face of Mercy, commencing from he just concluded Year of us that ‘mercy’ is much more than the powerful visions of the Di- TMercy has been a year of just a devotional or theological vine Mercy to that unpretentious renewal, reconciliation and re- concept. It showcases the impor- Polish Nun – St, FaustinaKowal- turn. Catholics all over the world tance of mercy in our lives, in ska, proceeding with St. John Paul have contemplated the ‘Merciful difficult and excruciating circum- the Great who ensured that this Father’, trying to imitate the Face stances in a myriad ways. Mercy message reached the corners of of Mercy in their workplaces, is indeed a transformational force the world and culminating with families, churches and neighbour- for good, that is alive and present the just-concluded ‘year of mercy’ hoods. Each of us were invited in our daily life circumstances. granted the Church by Pope to ‘be moved with pity’, risking The film produced by the Francis. our lives, our resources and feel- Knights of Colombus “highlights This film available at amazon. ing one with the other in his/ the sort of transformations that com and the Ignatius Press web- her pain and suffering, taking are possible in individual lives site, is a continuation of the year our cue from MisericordiaeVultus, that embrace the way of mercy, of jubilee, for personal and com- 9in which the Holy Father Pope forgiveness and reconciliation,” munitarian renewal, inviting all Francis writes “Mercy is a force that according to Knights CEO Carl of us to a metanoia – a transfor- overcomes everything, filling our hearts Anderson. Exploring the rel- mation of mind and heart, with with love and bringing consolation evance and history of Divine the same love and compassion through pardon.” Mercy, The Face of Mercy through that God in His mercy chooses The Face of Mercy is a film that exquisite juxtapositioning of to embrace us! The Face of Mercy reiterates mercy as an antidote to visual effects and human tapestry is an invitation to, in all difficult the evil of our times, in a stun- creates a vibrant and delightful moments neither despair nor ningly seamless weave of testimo- canvas of ‘mercy’ working in become despondent, but with ny, theology and history. A docu- our troubled and violent times. great confidence submit ourselves film with a running time of sixty Focussing on evocative personal to His holy will, which is love and minutes, this is a film that reminds testimonies of a Rwandan geno- mercy itself! COMP

34 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 Media SCan www.protectionofminors.va

he Vatican has launched a new website detailing its efforts to protect children from sexual abuse. TThis is launched by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, created by Pope Francis and led by Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston. It's the first time the Vatican is publishing the documents and resources in one place, including an email and phone number to contact its commission for the protection of minors. The site includes a template for anti-abuse guidelines each local church was asked to produce back in 2011, under emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. The site, conceived as a way to share the knowledge and resources the commission has on safeguarding children and caring for survivors, is currently only available in English, but with other major languages following soon.

Pauline Publications, Mumbai; Tel: 022 26424081; Email: [email protected]

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 35 LOGOS Promised Sign Dr. Mathew Olickal MCBS Bible Scholar, Jerusalem

Luke Jan 01, 2017- Mary 2:16-21 Mother of God refers to the mystery of the divine motherhood of Mary, the Theotokos, in his Letter to the Galatians. Context and Theme ‘When the time had fully come’, he writes, ‘God With eager haste the shepherds hurry to sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph, and the baby in law’ (4:4). We find the mystery of the Incarnation the manger. Having seen the promised sign, they of the Divine Word and the Divine Motherhood make known to all in the house what had been of Mary summed up in a few words: the Virgin’s made known to them by the angelic revelation. great privilege is precisely to be Mother of the Son Mary is also part of the “they” who were amazed. who is God… Let us today contemplate Mary, She seeks to understand fully what was being made ever-virgin Mother of the Only-Begotten Son of known in these acts of revelation. She treasured the Father; let us learn from her to welcome the all this, and retained it in her heart. The episode Child who was born for us in Bethlehem. If we is concluded with the departure of the shepherds, recognize in the Child born of her the Eternal Son full of praise for God. of God and accept him as our one Saviour, we can The feast of the Holy Mother of God is one be called and we really are children of God: sons of the most important and oldest of the major in the Son.” feasts of Mary. The church commemorates and 4. Mary becomes the measure of who we are celebrates today the unique privilege of Mary and and who we are to be. In Luke, Mary represents her singular relationship with God. Message 1. To be called the Mother of God is a great honour for Mary. Her “fiat” to God’s invitation to be the mother of his Son was an act of faith and an act of obedience to the will of God. While saying yes to God’s will she did not expect any special honours and privileges to come her way. People usually think that by holding top posts and receiving honours from others they become privileged. But it was not Mary’s concern when she responded to God’s call. 2. Mary is usually depicted as carrying Jesus in her hands. Jesus is Mary’s gift to the world. She invites us to accept Jesus as our Lord and master as Mary accepted him. St. Alphonse de Ligori said: “Whoever desires the fruit must go to the tree; whoever desires Jesus must go to Mary; and whoever finds Mary will most certainly find Jesus”. 3. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 1st January 2008, while giving the homily on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God said: “The Apostle Paul

36 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 the ideal believer, for she hears the good news true people of God. Adoration of the Magi con- and ponders it in her heart, and fully responds to solidates the event of incarnation of Jesus as Son it. Her heart becomes the place of discovering of God. Jesus. Our hearts must become that place of Jesus’ Message dwelling. 1. Three wise men bent their knees in front of 5. One of the most amazing qualities of Mary a silly babe born in a manger! They see baby Jesus is her capacity to ponder over what is happening and fall on their knees to worship Him. They of- to her. She ponders them and stores them in the fer him homage and give him presents of gold, silence of her heart. If we want to imitate her, we frankincense and myrrh; gold because Jesus is need to ponder in our hearts what Jesus says to king, frankincense since Jesus is divine and myrrh us and what he does in us. In other words, it is to prefiguring his Passion. We need to recognize the keep Jesus as the centre of our life, as the Lord of Lord who comes to us everyday into our life and our life. we have to search Him with a sincere and humble 6. “Pondering” calls for response. Mary’s heart as the three wise men did. response to the call of God was not simply a 2. The three wise men were led by the star and choice between right and wrong, good or bad, were ready to obey the directives of the Lord. some sort of ethical or moral decision. It was the When they followed their own reasoning, they choice to obey and follow God. were led astray. Only the Lord can lead us to hap- piness and bliss. In the darkness of this world we have all been given help on our journey to God: Mat. Jan 08, 2017 - Epiphany the beauty of nature, the Word of God, Spirit- 2:1-12 of the Lord filled witnessing and preaching, the faith of others and our own faith. 3. Herod was certainly interested in the Child Context and Theme of which the Magi spoke; not in order to worship The narration is not about Jesus’ birth but about him, as he wished to make them believe by lying, the Magi who recognize and worship the child as but rather to kill him. Herod saw others solely as the Son of God. Herod rejects the newborn king rivals to combat. “God also seemed a rival to him, and plots to destroy him. Matthew clearly sees this a particularly dangerous rival who would like to as an acceptable Gentile response to the birth of deprive men of their vital space, their autonomy, the Messiah. Their visit and worship foreshadow their power; a rival who points out the way to take the future welcome of Gentile believers into the in life and thus prevents one from doing what one likes” (Benedict XVI). 4. After their visit to Beth- lehem the wise men set out not via Jerusalem since they are asked to avoid Herod. There are many “Herods” that we have to avoid on our journey to heaven. “Herods” are persons that lead you away from the Lord or the way of living that will bring disaster to you and your family. Are you ready to avoid them? “Might we too sometimes see God as a sort of rival? Might we too be blind to his signs and deaf to his words because we think he is setting limits on our life and does not allow us to dispose of our existence as we please?” (Benedict XVI). 5. After their departure from Baby Jesus, they did not have gold, frankincense and myrrh. They returned empty-handed! But their hearts were brimming with joy. They became witnesses to the Epiphany. We need epiphanies! We need epipha- nies so that peace, love and hope abound in this new year. Let us open our eyes and ears, and all the more our hearts, to witness and become part of that epiphany.

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 37 6. Sometimes we see only darkness around us. was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus divin- But Jesus is there–He is the star and the light. We ity.” It was the Holy Spirit who revealed to John Je- need to believe that eternal life awaits us even if sus’ true nature and he bore witness that this is the sometimes in this world there is no star for us. He, Son of God. We can only know who Jesus truly is in our moments of darkness without a star, will through the Holy Spirit who reveals him to us. help us not to give up but to keep searching, hop- 5. It is important for us to remember that people ing and praying because that would be the best way come to Christ through us. Witnessing sometimes forward. seems so difficult. Yet we must learn to start at home and direct people to Jesus. Like John the Baptist, we must say to our modern world, “Look, John Jan 15, 2017- 2nd Sunday the Lamb of God!” 1:29-34 6. This passage provides us with the following of ordinary time theological confessions concerning Jesus, which forms a striking summary of Johannine Christol- Context and Theme ogy: (1) he is the true Passover Lamb who takes While John 1:19-28 speaks about the Baptist’s away the sin of the world; (2) he is able to accom- witness to the Jewish Leaders, the next session plish this divine task because he is the Son of God; (John 1:29-34) details his witness to the People. and (3) he brings salvation by his baptizing with The evangelist chooses to give a designation to the Holy Spirit. Jesus that is not used in any of the other Gospels, namely, the Lamb of God. The testimony of John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, Mat. Jan 22, 2017 - 3rd Sunday of whose task is to bring about the judgment of the 4:12-23 wicked and the salvation of the righteous. Jesus, ordinary time the Lamb of God, brings deliverance through Context and Theme submission to death as the Passover Lamb and his Matthew 4:12-17 serves as a transition and rising to life with the Father in heaven. The theme introduction to the narrative of the Galilean of Passover functions as the theological founda- ministry of Jesus. A brief notice about the tion stone for the entire Gospel of John. arrest of John concludes the account of the Message time of preparation and Jesus’ own work, which 1. Jesus is the heart and core of the gospel. now begins, is prefaced by an OT quotation Christianity is not a simply way of life; the focus (vv. 15- 16). Verses 4:18-22 narrates the call of of Christianity is a person who is the core of first disciples. Simon, James and John formed a everything Christians believe. John calls Jesus the core of the disciple group. Their call and ready Lamb of God and Jesus’ mission is to redeem us response may be taken as typical of the group as from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb a whole. Preaching and healing sum up Matthew’s (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites in Egypt from distinctive epitome of the ministry of Jesus and death. The blood of Jesus, the true Passover Lamb his disciples (v. 23). The focus on Christology and (1 Cor 5:7), delivers us from everlasting death and discipleship indicates a substantial portion of what destruction. In Jesus he saw the true and only sac- appears in Mt 4:16-16:20. rifice which can deliver us from sin. Message 2. The Lamb is one that “takes away the sin of 1. “Light” versus “darkness”: “Light” refers the world”. The theme of taking away sin involves to the knowledge of God and the obedience to “wiping away” or “getting rid of sin” which is ac- Him while “darkness” stands for the ignorance tualized through God’s “pardoning” of humanity. of or disobedience to his revelation. Jesus brings 3. The purpose of the baptism of Jesus (vv. liberation from oppression (Isa 9:4). In John 8:12 32-34) was to demonstrate his consecration to the he calls himself “the light of the world.” Matthew heavenly Father and approval by him. The Father’s has shown Jesus as the royal Messiah who fulfilled voice declares him to be not simply a man of the Scripture. Spirit, but the Baptizer with the Spirit. 2. 4:17 - Jesus’ words echo John’s message 4. The witness of John to Jesus comes to its recorded in 3:2. The core of their message was climax in the confession: “This man is the Son of identical. The essential content of their kerygma God.” When John says he did not know Jesus he is “repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has come

38 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 near”. The drawing near of the kingdom is the people of faith, bringing God’s love into the lives reason of the call to repentance and the arrival of those in need. of the kingdom is more important than the call to repentance. This is a period of grace where all are called to repent and enter into the kingdom Mat. Jan 29 2017 - 4th Sun- of God. The Day of Judgment, that the Messiah 5:1-12a day of ordinary time brings, is still coming. But by God’s grace, they did not come at the same time. Now is the time to repent. Context and Theme Chapters 5-7 of Matthew’s gospel is known 3. The disciples’ immediate response is as the Sermon on the Mount, which is the first significant because it is the true pattern of and lengthiest of the five Matthean discourses. genuine discipleship. Genuine discipleship These chapters present the ethical teaching of involves two things: (a) the leaving behind of Jesus. The righteousness of the kingdom of past preoccupations and (b) the unhesitating God (6:33) is the main theme of the Sermon of and unconditional response of following. The the Mount. The content of the sermon would call to discipleship is a sovereign act of God; have had special relevance for the Jewish- the response of those who are called is to Christian readers of the Gospel. The “sermon” be immediate and unconditional, involving a is clearly a compilation of the sayings of Jesus complete break with old loyalties. by the evangelist, rather than something spoken 4. As the first disciples were called and by Jesus on a single occasion. The contents of responded, so are we called to respond. Such the sermon are fundamentally Jewish, while at response is of primary importance if we are to some points they go beyond what is typically participate in the new reality of the kingdom Jewish teaching and reflect the originality of of God. We also share the task of bringing Jesus (see 5:39-42, 44; 7:12). Those original others into the kingdom—a task for which teachings of Jesus put in positive form what Jesus prepares those whom he calls (cf. 28:18- Judaism expressed negatively. 20). 5. Disciples are agents of change: To be a Message disciple means to go all with message of Jesus. 1. The Beatitudes (5:3-12) are a common They are to be agents of change; they are to be a biblical form in both Testaments (e.g., Ps 1:1;

Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017 39 Prov 3:13; Dan 12:12; Matt 11:6; Acts 20:35; Rev circumstances. Instead, God’s happiness or joy is 1:3) and the word “blessed” refers to those who dependent on the assurance of God’s blessing, not are or will be happy or fortunate, because of God’s on present situations. response to their behaviour. Matthew records eight 5. The beatitudes are a sign of contradiction to blessings followed by a generalizing summary, the world’s understanding of happiness and joy. whereas Luke presents four blessings and four How can one find happiness in poverty, hunger, parallel woes. mourning, and persecution? Poverty of spirit finds 2. The sermon described the kind of joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure righteousness Jesus expected of his followers. possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment This righteousness surpasses’ the legalistic and strength in God’s word and Spirit. God mentality of the Pharisees and must be lived reveals to the humble of heart the true source of by every follower of Jesus. Mt 5:3-5 and 5:13- abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his 20 deal with our personal life; Mt 5:6 and cha. disciples that the joys of heaven will compensate 6 deal with our genuine relationship with the for the troubles and hardships they can expect in Lord; and, Mt 5:7-12 and cha. 7 deal with our this world. relationships with others. 6. The beatitudes confront us with decisive 3. The core of Jesus’ teaching is that a radical choices concerning the life we pursue here on change of heart is a necessary for being his earth; they also teach us how should we make disciple. Matthew is telling his readers that Israel use of the goods God puts at our disposal. (and all mankind) needs to change its heart The blessing or happiness belongs to such a and attitude toward self, others and God. The person, who participates in God’s kingdom by righteousness of the disciple must surpass mere acknowledging his need for a source of salvation “religiosity”. outside himself.The kingdom is declared as a 4. The beatitudes respond to the natural desire reality apart from any human achievement. Thus for happiness that God has placed in every the beatitudes are predicated upon the experience heart. Our idea of “happiness” is dependent on of the grace of God. God alone can satisfy us.

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also their mother tongue, and if small select breed of citizens to John Dayal possible a third language includ- be the managers of the future. Human Rights Activist, Member ing Sanskrit, Urdu and perhaps The rest were destined to be of National Integration Council Delhi French or some European sloughed off at various stages tongue. into professional work in sup- t did not surprise anyone This made for a wholesome, port services, the contemporary Ithat the government notices well rounded young adult after equivalents of potter, tanner, to the managements of educa- eleven or twelve years of school- carpenter, tinsmith. tional institutions in the wake of ing. The batches that passed out The cultural vehicle was to the controversial demonetization of school and college fifteen to be Sanskrit, and it would have of high denomination currency twenty years after independence a field free of competition with notes generated more excitement were the ones who worked on any trace of connections to the and fear than the proposals of the rockets and satellites, com- Muslim and Christian initiatives a new education policy that the puter codes and bioengineering in education over 500 years, Ministry of Human Resource de- which had made India the best airbrushed out of the country’s velopment posted on its website of the developing societies. In history. earlier this year. later years, the National Council Inevitably, with no sign of With quality education, so of Educational Research and increased government spending, much in demand not just by the Training, the University Grants this new communalized educa- aspirational middle classes of Commission, the Science Talent tion would be owned by make- upper castes, but even by parents Search and the CABE ensured in-India corporations, working from lower income strata and continuing emphasis on excel- under the benign patronage of marginalized caste and ethnic lence despite still limited resourc- the Central government, with groups, and the central, state or es and political interference. The little if any place for state gov- municipal agencies not able to DS Kothari and other reports ernments, municipal bodies and guarantee either quality or num- promised improvements that other self-government agencies. bers, there is always a rush for would bring education up to the Crony education in a twenty-first presumably better, English-medi- best the west could offer, even if century Varna system. um schools in the private sector. it took time. There is need to formulate The skewed demand-and-supply All this came under challenge an alternate to this policy. This chain introduces its own element in the new education policy. The new policy must find its roots of corruption. The corruption Unique Selling Point, or USP, in the nurturing soil of the era chain reaching all the way up to of the new policy was religious that brought about the Indian the political leadership ensured nationalism, a harking back to renaissance, that ended things that school managements had some mythical past where India like Suttee and untouchability, their way. had spaceships, and had in- and the finest of whose sons and But corruption aside, the vented plastic surgery and genetic daughters led the struggle for In- institutions did to a large measure engineering. Investigations by dependence. This does not mean meet the expectations of parents, concerned groups, of which this a total abnegation of India’s giving a wholesome education writer was a part, revealed the rich culture, its diversity and its with trained or semi trained staff, hot house in which this policy history. Similar old cultures such in buildings equipped with rea- was spawned. It is not that the as China and Japan show that a sonable teaching aids, including policy was anti science, but it as twenty-first century cutting edge the most important blackboards, in Vedic times sought to reserve education is not in conflict with chairs, tables, toilets, and some- “real” education, science and the essence of culture and tradi- times even good playgrounds. engineering and biology, to only tion of a nation and a people. Re- The Nehruvian model ensured a select few – a sort of eugenics gression will betray the promise that children learnt English, as that would breed and train only a of free India. COMP

42 Smart Companion Indiajanuary 2017

Date of Publication:01.01.2017 / Smart Companion India RNI No KERENG/2010/37583 ` 15

Printed, Published and Edited by Jacob Chacko, owned by Jacob Chacko. Published from Kalpaka Bungalow, Perumanoor P O, Kochi 682 015. Eranakulam Dt. and Printed at Viani Printings. Kochi-18, Editor: Jacob Chacko