Real Vs Fake

Some weeks ago, I received a strange message on my Whatsapp from one of my close friends. It read, “I am in trouble away from home town, I lost my wallet, kindly send some money. I shall return it as soon I reach back,” while the person who was apparently away was with me in fact. A week ago, someone reported to me that my Instagram and Facebook are faked. Such messages of faking have become very normal today.

Fake or Hack?

Hacking is the use of technological tools to remotely access a protected electronic gadget or system. The person may access your gadget either by implanting software or accessing the login information. Thus, will make use of the information stored in it. Though hacking is unethical and cybercrime in itself since it accesses your privacy or an unauthorized entry into your personal space, there is also something called ‘ethical hacking’ done for the ‘greater good’ if the government thinks it so.

Faking is a fraud and an illegal activity. Faking is also called Phishing. This is unethical and a criminal act. It can come under cybercrime. It involves deceit or misrepresentation for financial gain. It fraudulently creates one’s ‘look-alike’ profile and tries to acquire money or other valuable assets through dishonest means.


In phishing or hacking, a fraudster collects the information voluntarily, that is by convincing someone to believe that it is the real person. Conversely, the hacker is gaining information forcefully and in an unauthorized way.

According to a report in 2017 by Taylor Soper, Facebook has billions of active daily users – in 2016: 1.86 billion, 2015: 1.6 billion, 2014: 1.4 billion, 2013: 1.2 billion,. 2012: 1.1 billion, 2011:845 million. In the world index, the Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of active users on Facebook or other social networking sites.

The report is from five years ago. Since then, the technology has grown exponentially. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword in a technological world. Covid lockdown has forced the soft media a necessary gadget for ordinary life. The sale of Android and computers have shot drastically. In countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran and Turkey, it has over 85 per cent market share. Android was launched in the year 2008. In 2016, the world saw 1.7 billion users, and in 2022 it crossed 3.1 billion users. Today, there will not be any household which has not used it.

If the users are growing in number, so too are the people who either fake or hack the system. In 2012, Facebook stated that it reported 8.7% of its users had either fake or duplicates. And today, over 426 million accounts are actioned as “Fake Accounts.” It is estimated, that fake accounts represented approximately 4-5% of the worldwide monthly active users (MAU) on Facebook during Q1 2022.

How of the Fake?

One of the effects of AI is creating a human-like robotic function operative in soft media. It creates a bot (say web robot) and functions exactly as a normal human being functions. It will send you a message (e.g.: hi, how are you, where are you? I need help, do you have google pay, I need 25,000 rupees, send me this mobile number…). At times, this may not be a bot, it could be either person or a group of people operating for financial gain. The moment you ask for a video call or direct person-to-person talk, the faker will either disappear or log out of the system.



How to deal with such illegal acts?

“BE CAREFUL” is the key while dealing with any internet-related things. Without making a double check either directly or through people do not accept invitations. Do not blindly believe in any promises offered such as, “You have won a lottery worth a billion, you are a winner, I need money, I need help, or any such lucrative things.” All that you see white is not milk.


DO NOT SHARE YOUR PASSWORD, login id, or any personal information with a stranger, even for that matter, to your close friend.

BLOCK the fake messenger and report it to the authorities. You may follow this Facebook Help option or similar steps in other social media networks.

If you have a Facebook account and want to report someone that's pretending to be you or someone you know:

1. Go to the profile of the impersonating account. If you can't find it, try searching for the name used on the profile or asking your friends if they can send you a link to it.

2. Click on the cover photo and select Report.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions for impersonation to file a report.

If you don't have a Facebook account and want to report someone who's pretending to be you or someone you know, please fill in this form.
If you think your account has been hacked, learn how to secure your account.

Hope this write-up is some help to understand what is real and fake.

Raju Felix Crasta

SYMBOLIC CHRISTMAS

When we travel from one place to an unknown place, we look for maps or signs such as distance guides or direction map to make sure that our destination is correct. However, we do not stop where the signal or sign board is, because we know that they are just symbols to lead us to our destiny. The word symbol, thus, is ‘a mark or character that represents or stands for something else, a material object or a function or process.’

The word symbol came to English language from a Greek word Symbolon from the root Syn- meaning “Together” and Bole meaning “a throw”. This implies, “to throw together” or “coincidence.” We can also say the symbols anticipate a reality which is in the yonder. Thus, symbols point ‘to something’ beyond what is expressed. For example, if one sees a tricolour flag with a wheel at the centre, is understood as the National Flag of India. This flag represents the whole of India. At the same time, reminds enormous sacrifice the people of India went through in order to get the free Nation. It also depicts the rich religio-cultural heritage in the form of tri-colour and wheel.

Feast days are the special days, where we communicate ‘something’ through signs and symbols. What we communicate could be our love, the divine love, care and concern, prayers, etc. Let me try to enumerate a few symbolic aspects we use during the Christmas season.

1. Stars

Weeks before the actual celebration of Christmas (December 25) one can see stars hanging on the top of the houses, shops, offices and even on the roads. Without ‘a star’ Christmas decoration is incomplete. Star is ‘the Heavenly sign of promise’ made to humans by God himself through prophets. God promised a Saviour who would break away the shackles of bondage and liberate the captives. And that star is Jesus born of the Virgin Mary. Thus, the star is a fulfilment of that promised hope.

Jesus Himself is the greatest Star who gives light to us like the Sun who gives light to the Earth. This is the reason Christians are celebrating the Birth of Christ on the day of 25th December. Historically, 25^th December is the Roman Feast of Sun god. Christ being the light, gives more meaning on this day as the light of the Universe. Thus, Christ is ‘the Star’ par excellence.

2. Candles

On the day of Christmas, one of the items for decoration is varieties of beautiful candles. Candles burn and give light to others. It is a sign of self-sacrifice so as to give light to others. Candle represents the Christ himself, the ‘Light of the World’ who came to ‘dispel the darkness.’ Taking Him as an example, we too need to make our life like the candle to be the ‘saviours’ for others.

3. Angels

This is another sign we use to decorate the altar, crib, walls and streets. It is the angel who proclaimed the Good News to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of the Saviour. It is the angel who gave the Good News to the Shepherds at night that the Saviour is born. It is the angle who appeared to Magi and instructed them to change their direction way back to their homes. Thus, the angels symbolize the heralds of Good News. When we proclaim Good News to others, we too become ‘angels’ for others.

4. Bells and Trumpets

In the ancient times, to proclaim the message of a King, there used to be a ‘drummer’ who would beat the drum and proclaim the message. Thus, the drum or bell becomes a sign or invitation to hear the ‘message.’ The Church Bell proclaims a ‘message’. This message can be of someone’s death, arrival of some dignitaries, proclamation of a danger, or an invitation to pray or invitation to ‘return.’ To return is to return from where we have gone away from the Lord. Thus, the bells and trumpets tell us the good news of the arrival of Jesus. When we live that good news be become ‘bells and trumpets’ for others.

5. Santa Clause

“An Old Man with a long white beard, and with a huge bag with full of gifts and toys” is how we describe Santa Clause. He is an attractive figure for all children, young and old. Historically, he is known to be St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (present Turkey) lived in 4^th Century who had a great love for the poor and destitute. He used to visit people at night and leave at the door some presents for the children that they could celebrate Christmas meaningfully. There is also a mythical story among Greek and Byzantine people that the first day of January has been celebrated as exchanging gifts. Whatever may be the story, the purpose is clear, “Santa represents Generosity and Good Will of People” towards the weaker section of society.

6. Wreaths

Advent wreath was not common till 19^th Century. It is a Lutheran initiative. It is a horizontal design prepared with evergreen green leaves and flowers with four candles around and one in the centre. The four candles represent four weeks of advent, and the colour of the candle being purple and rose. The Purple colour represent the historical colour of Advent, the Rose, the Royalty (Prince of peace). The Third Sunday of the Advent is also known as the ‘Gaudete Sunday’ meaning Rejoicing Sunday. The Fifth Candle which is at the center is understood as the Christ and is lit on the day of Christmas. Thus, the Advent Wreaths tell us that the coming of Saviour is near.

7. Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree has a traditional history. It began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16^th Century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time. Today any coniferous tree which is evergreen could be taken as the Christmas Tree. It is decorated with various pictures, lights and wrappers.

Some people also say that this tree represents the ‘paradise tree’ and therefore, apples (round objects like balls representing first sin) and wafers (host representing Christ’s redemption) are hanged on it. Along with this, a bright star at the top, decorated with lights and candles shows it as the sign of Christ. Further, its everlasting green colour represents the everlasting hope of the mankind, and the triangular shape, tip being pointed toward sky shows man’s thoughts and mind pointing towards heaven.

8. Crib

St. Francis of Assisi, the friend of nature is credited with creating the first Nativity Scene in 1223 in Italy. He began this in a cave with living beings, humans and animals depicting the biblical roles. Pope Honorius III gave official permission and blessings for this novel thought. Later, the living beings were replaced by statues. The purpose of this physical representation in the form of a crib is to bring to mind the actual reason why Christmas is celebrated. This also has the effect of evangelization. The entire Jesus story can be narrated in a pictorial form without any explanation.

9. Gifts

Christmas is the time children, young and old exchange gifts. Mothers at home prepare delicious eateries. On the day or on the eve of Christmas, these sweets are shared among the neighbouring people. This is an expression of love and affection. This should remind us that the greatest gift that humanity ever received is ‘Jesus Himself.’ When Jesus was born, wise kings from East came with Gold, frankincense and myrrh as precious gifts to the Saviour. Following this rich tradition, many people and organization distribute necessary things for the poor. What we have, we share it with people who do not have. Thus, the Christmas Gifts remind us of love, charity and generosity.

10. Carroll Singing

The Angels sang “Glory to God in the Highest and peace to people of all kind,” at the time of Jesus’ birth to announce the good news and to glorify God. With this meaning today Christmas Carrols are sung everywhere. The meaning of a carol in the present day is much different to the original one. Formerly, a carol was a secular dance which was performed at any time of the year. People danced around in a circle holding hands and singing songs. The dance reminded onlookers of a coronet so they called it a 'carol'. The word Carol derives from French language carole which means a circle dance accompanied by singers. The name was transferred later on from the dance to the song itself. Carols by the 16^th Century were sung only at Christmas time. The subject also related to Christmas. At one stage the Christmas carols were only sung by the bishop and clergy in the churches. But became popular amongst the public and were soon sung in the streets and other public places. Carol singers tell the story of the birth of Christ in song during the days leading up to Christmas.

Baby Jesus

The greatest and the “Meta-symbol” is Jesus Christ Himself in the form of Baby Jesus in the Crib. He is the reason that we have all these pomp and glory. If all other things are there and there is no Jesus, there is no Christmas. Christmas happens everyday if we follow all the above symbols and then Jesus ever remains in us. 

Our heart is a Crib. The size of our heart determines the size of our world. Our hearts can contain the entire world. Isaiah speaks of ‘enlarging the tent’ (Is. 54:2-3). By our unbecoming attitudes we continuously reduce the size of our hearts. Our accommodating nature, care and concern for the people living in the peripheries, our willingness to help others, etc. stretch our heart so as to accommodate several people within it. Christmas is the time we enlarge our hearts. Instead of accommodating, we consciously push Jesus away from our hearts and thus make our hearts small. Every day we hear a silent whisper, “Is there a place in your Inn/Heart to let in?” What is our reply? If yes, how do we accommodate? How well we celebrate Christmas depends on how well we open the door of our hearts. 

Conclusion

We may or may not use all the above said things during this Christmas or may use things other than these. As we are using these things, let us be conscious and aware what these signify. At the same time, we need to reflect what these symbols signify and what they tell us? Let these signs and symbols give more meaning to our Christmas celebration.

Wish you all a Happy Christmas.

God Bless you all.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

FR. LEO D’SOUZA, AN OBITUARY

Fr. Leo John D’Souza was born on 12 April,1960 in a devout Family of late Mr. David V. D’Souza and Mrs. Juliana D’Souza in Kolalagiri Parish of Udupi District, Karnataka State. Among his siblings of three brothers and four sisters, he was third in number. He had his initial studies in the parochial school. After joining the diocese of Jamshedpur, he was in the candidate house in Mangalore for a year. From there he came to the north and joined St. Albert’s Seminary for three years for intermediate studies and then in two years completed his philosophical studies. 

He was sent to Chaibasa Parish for the regency. However, there was a greater need for a regent in Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur. Thus, after six months of stay in Chaibasa, he was sent to Chakradharpur for the next two and half years of regency.

 

As a young seminarian, he was full of life, very dynamic and enthusiastic to take a new initiative to help out the parish youth and hostel students. He was a strict disciplinarian himself and left no stone unturned to bring discipline among the hostel boys and the students in the class and school. 

 

He went back to St. Albert’s College, Ranchi to complete his studies in theology. In Ranchi, he was actively involved in tolas in organizing catechetical ministry. People loved him and his organizing skills. He was ordained on the 4^th of May 1988 by Most Rev. J. R. Rodericks, SJ at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Golmuri, Jamshedpur. 

 

After his ordination, he was assigned to different parishes and institutions for pastoral ministry. He worked as assistant Parish Priest, Principal, Headmaster, formator, Diocesan youth co-ordinator and Parish Priest in places such as Chakrdharpur, Sini, Gomoh, Anandpur, Dhanbad Purulia, Pratiksha, Golmuri, Youth Director, Kumardhubi and Telco. His last assignment was as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Adra in Purulia District. In all these places he proved as a hard-working person and wanted to excel in everything he did. As a diocesan youth in charge, he could easily attract the youth. He, being a good musician and preacher, the youth organization thrived under his leadership. He was a man very much interested in liturgical music and the correctness of celebrating the eucharist and the sacraments. In every parish he went, he did initiate liturgical renewal. However, in this area, he could not get sufficient co-operation from all the sections of the parishioners. Health has been a problem for Fr. Leo right from the time he became a priest. He thought that the North Indian climate did not suit him. So, he wanted to go to Andamans and work there. He went for a year and worked there. Seeing no improvement in his health, he came back to Jamshedpur. 

 

His good will, his struggles to excel, his desire to do the best and be recognized as the best, his competitive spirit and his contribution to the mission in the diocese cannot be forgotten. Seeing his health deteriorating, Bishop Telesphore Bilung, brought him to the Bishop’s House for better treatment on the 4^th of July 2022. The best doctors of the city were consulted. But fate has its own way. On the eve of 27^th July, Fr. Leo breathed his last. May the Lord of Mercy and compassion forgive his shortcomings and welcome him into his kingdom.

 

Place And Years of Ministry: Fr. Leo John D’ Souza

 

Birth: 12.04.1960        Ordination: 07.12.1988           Death: 27.07.2022
1. Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur, Asst. P.P. - 1988-1990
2. Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi, Asst. P.P. - 1990-1993
3. Nativity Church, Sini, Parish Priest - 1994-1995
4. De Britto Church, Gomoh, Hostel In-charge - 1995-1996
5. Andamans- In Search of green pastures - 1996-1997
6. Anandpur – Asst. P.P, Headmaster: ad tempus - 1997-2000
7. Purulia, Headmaster - 2000-2002
8. Bishop’s House – Treatment - 2002-2003
9. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri Asst. P.P. - 2003-2005
10. St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad Asst. P.P. - 2005-2007
11. Pratiksha, Minister & Treasurer - 2007-2010
12. Diocesan Youth In-Charge - 2010-2012
13. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Telco, Parish Priest - 2012-2016
14. Holy Family Church, Parish Priest, Kumardhubi - 2016-2018
15. Prem Niwas, Bhilaipahari, Treatment & rest - 2018-2019
16. Sacred Heart Church, Adra, Parish Priest - 2019-2022
17. Bishop’s House, for treatment - 4^th July 2022 

The Last Journey

Dear Fr. Leo, I firmly believe that you are in heaven in the presence of the Almighty. Intercede for us. I have no words to express my pain. You were a good friend and well-wisher not only to me but also to hundreds of people. Hundreds of people who came to bid you farewell are themselves a testimony to this.  May your soul rest in peace. 

Your friend,

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Illiterate  Literate Vs  Literate  Illiterate 

When India became independent in 1947, the literacy rate was just under 12% of the total population and today, it has grown up to 75.06% of the total population, a six-fold growth. Among the states, Kerala, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and some other states boast of the literacy rate they have achieved over the years. Congratulations and well done! This is a lesson to be learnt from the success stories of these states by the states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh etc. who are still pulling on.

This is one phase of literacy. On the other hand, are these literate people really literate? What decides literacy? Is it the ability to read and write? Is it the reasoning out and answering the things and issues of the common man? Is it the ‘common sense’ knowledge of the ‘common man’ that makes the person literate? The fact that one is literate, should he/she not able to take up or own responsibility in society? The society here I mean the whole totality of our existence which includes religion, civil society, social aspects, political field, cultural dimensions etc.

Illiterate Literates

Let us take our political system itself. Who is our political leader? He is the person chosen by us, elected by us and therefore, he is supposed to know us, work for our good, and the good of the Nation. Most of them know to read and write. Some are good orators, writers and social workers. But when the issues like FDI, Minority protection Bill, Farmer's Bill, Education Bill (NEP) came, why were the mixed reactions? I find such ‘dum’ people illiterate.

Let us examine at the grass-root level. Who elects them? If one analyze the polling percentage in the cities, rural areas and villages, the percentage usually higher in villages and in the rural areas. Most of the literate people in cities and towns abstain from casting their votes. For some, it is the clash of their ideology, for some, the candidate is from the ‘other side’ and for many, it is a waste of time.  They are the  ‘Illiterate Literates.’

Literate Illiterates

In my younger days, on the day of the election, I have seen the elderly people who cannot even walk, leave aside their literacy, are eager to cast their votes. Most of the aged people not even have seen the classrooms. When the pension comes, or when they have to sign some documents, they show their thumb. But their knowledge of democracy is unmatched with the present-day learned generation. They were convinced of what and why they vote. Are not these illiterate people more literate than we literate people? Of course, they are!

One may take any other value system. They may not have attended any seminars or leadership training programmes, but most of them are born leaders, thinkers and guides. Most of our freedom fighters, even those who are not recognized are the true saints in this regard. They have not lifted any trophies or carried any medals around their necks, but have taught us more than the present day ‘Social Organizers’ and ‘Masters of Ceremonies.’ They are indeed ‘Literate Illiterates.’

Literating the literate

There is a pressing need for us today to evangelize the literate. One may say, what we need is ‘motivation.’ It is true that motivation is necessary. But, the educated who are already having the torch in their hand and know to use where and when do not want to use it. They have already put a full stop in their learning. To motivate them is to make them to rewrite what they have already written or to begin a new one altogether. Therefore, such people need to ‘re-learn’ what they have learnt.   This re-learning is a liberation from the ideological clutches and values systems they are adhered to.

Blinding the Blind
Crowd mentality is a common thing of the present. When something is said by the leader, the people who follow them blindly believe it to be 'gospel truth'. They believe without examination. Someone has rightly said, "the unexamined life is not worth living." When the leader himself/herself is blind, he/she will not be able to show the path of light. Today's Tuglakh rule is another example. RBI heads know very well that India is not yet ready for a cashless economy. Yet, the leaders want it. Unreflected demonetization demonizes the poor! The hard-earned white money of the ordinary people is termed as 'Black'. What a paradox! 

Delanding the Land
Land is ours, we are the owners, we pay the tax, we are the land owners. But government has the right to alienate from us! Century old CNT and SPT Acts of Jharkhand-Bihar speak volumes about the political acts. For them, change is necessary, like Heraclitean dictum, 'change is real'. what is hidden behind the agenda is , 'to sell the state to the multinational companies' in the name of development, for it says, 'for the development of the country land can be alienated.' If the government really want the development why can't it sow the seeds of education, health and social development programmes? Why does it want the MNCs to open schools, hospitals and build roads? Why does it hinder the activities of NGOs and minority programmes? We are being alienated from our own culture and rights. Should I call such behaviour as mature and literate ones? I cannot pose a positive answer.  

As India is celebrating Her Republic Day, it will be apt for us to think, whether we are really literates or carrying the certificates of our diplomas, degrees and still remain illiterate? Today the country needs literate people who can think ahead of time, who can see beyond what is being seen, who can act beyond what is being acted upon. Only then as an educated person, one can sing, “Asato maa sadgamaya, tamaso maa jyothirgamaya, mrutyor maa amrutamgamaya. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” Lead us from falsehood to truth, from the unreal to the Real, from darkness to Light, from death to Immortality. Om peace, peace, peace.

HAPPY   REPUBLIC   DAY

Literacy leads to rationality which in turn leads to intellectual growth. This is the beginning of economic, social and political development. Spiritual illiteracy leads to doom of anyone who doesn't recognize Divine knowledge. One may be religious for years, or maybe the most successful person in an institution, but if he/she doesn't recognize God in life, is an illiterate literate. In the kingdom of God, an ordinary person who is not trained in theology or philosophy can be the most spiritually literate person. Who am I, "literate illiterate or illiterate literate?"

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Christ, the Servant King

Pilate questioned Jesus, “Are you a King then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a King” (John 18:37a). The Christians all over the world, on the fifth Sunday before Christmas celebrate as ‘the Christ the King Festival.’ On this day, Jesus is worshipped and venerated as the King of the Universe both in private and in public. This feast falls on the last Sunday of the Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year and with this begins the preparation–which is called the Advent Time–for the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ on the 25^th December.

Though Jesus was not ‘King’ in the political sense of the time, He is known, understood, worshipped and venerated as ‘the King of Kings’ or ‘the Lord of Lords’. The King and the Kingdom He speaks in the Bible should be understood from a transcendental sense and not from the socio-political sense, which the authorities of the time misunderstood. “And they [Pharisees, Scribes, political leaders] began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a king”’ (Luke 23:2). Therefore, the question for us to reflect is this, “What kind of King is Jesus Christ and what kind of Kingdom He wants to establish?”

The etymological meaning of the word ‘Jesus’ is ‘the saviour,’ the one who saves, and ‘Christ’ is ‘the anointed’, the anointed one to save His people. Christ is anointed to govern the hearts of people and to lead them to the kingdom of truth, justice, peace, equality, service, life, compassion, forgiveness and above all love. These are also the characteristics of Jesus’s Kingship and Kingdom. Therefore, Jesus says, “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth” (John 18:37b). Jesus accomplished this task in his life with accuracy both in reality and symbolically, and commissioned to perform the same to all who follow the above task in his great mission command, “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). The authority to command is inherent for Jesus as it comes from Heaven, that is, from God the Father (John 3:27). What is given to Him or inherited is further offered or actualized in service.

Jesus envisions to us a servant leadership of a good shepherd. A good shepherd risking oneself not only rescues the lost sheep and the flock from any danger, but also leads the wayward ones to a right path. Thus, the leader should be an inspiring one to every generation with one’s words and actions, an enabling one by giving authority to be a good Samaritan or enable someone to excel in life, an ennobling one by lending a greater dignity to a person who and what he/she is and representing, a leading one with conviction of justice, peace and equality, and above all a servant of all. As a servant, the leader ought to serve the people entrusted to one’s care, as if all are related in consanguinity. The welfare of each child should be the welfare of the leader, the good of every member should be the good of the leader and the suffering of any one of the individuals must be the suffering of the leader. Thus, the leadership envisioned here is not of ladder-hierarchy type, but of a circular one, where everyone is in equal distance from the centre. Every margin is equally blended in the centre. Every individual is equally respected and loved. The kingdom established thus will remain forever unlike the kingdoms of the past which treated with tyranny found their end in tyranny. The kingdoms built on power and wealth have been destroyed and no one likes to imitate them any longer. The community built with love and unblemished service remains and the leader who becomes the epitome of it lives ever in the heart and minds of people.

The socio-religio-political leadership of the time was tainted with hierarchy, power, position and wealth. The leaders of the society instead of serving the people were trying to be served. They were multiplying rules and burdening the people with taxes and alms. Religious worship and practices had become consumerist. Religious leaders were looking for recognition and fame in the society. Rich were becoming richer and poor were trampled down upon. The certain sections of the society owing to their poverty and sickness were branded as ‘untouchables.’ Indirectly so to say, only the elites who could contribute to the ‘wellbeing’ of such leaders were part of the society and others were treated as outsiders. Anyone who revolted or raised voice against this tyranny was branded a ‘zealot’, the militant (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews”). It is in this dark clouds and danger of discriminations and sufferings, Jesus proclaimed the welfare of the poor and downtrodden through the path of love, forgiveness and service. Therefore, the leadership He advocates is of ‘the Servant King,’ and Jesus is the King of the Hearts, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

What kind of leaders our society needs today? Obviously, not the dictatorial or totalitarian kind of leaders like Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin we look for. We do not want leaders who polarize the society, who divide and rule and distort the truth, and who work for the self-glory. We do not want leaders who cannot protect the conscience of the ordinary individuals and who cannot distinguish between reason and faith. We need leaders who can understand the plight of the people, who can feel the hunger and thirst of the ones living in the fringe of the society, who can protect the nudity of the victims of injustice in various spheres of life, who can console and apply the balm of compassion on to the sick, who can feel the agony of the prisoners imprisoned in various situations in the society, who can stand by the person threatened of his/her existence, who can be one with those who have become strangers in their own ancestral land, and above all who can selflessly empty themselves for the cosmotheandric welfare of the world. If you want to be great, be humble; if you want to be a leader, be a servant. This is what Jesus did in His earthly life. Therefore Jesus is the King and Leader par excellence.

Present day reality is not far from what Jesus experienced in his life time. Still many people are experiencing alienation in one’s own society. Consumerism, power and wealth have captured the centre of our religions, politics and organizations. People are lost, strayed, naked, imprisoned, crippled, hungry, thirsty, homeless and strangers in many ways. Solidarity, compassion and service of these ‘lost’ people is nothing but hailing Jesus as the King, because, Jesus is the “Way, Truth and Life” (John 14:6). Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkota taught us in our own time that ‘the service of humanity is the service to Christ.’ And today she is acclaimed as a great reformer and leader of the society, and the world calls her by a magnanimous title, ‘Mother.’

We need prophetic leaders of the vision of Christ who can address the agonies of the least, the lost and the last at the ground level–be it sociologically, religiously, politically or economically. Christ and his vision must reign in our wills and hearts. The journey to be an anointed king begins with the actualization of loving service inherently reigning in each one of us. This journey is lifelong. May the Kingdom of God, the mission and task of each one of us be a reality in and amidst us.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

St. Albert's College, Ranchi

TWO EQUALS, YET UNEQUALS BUT ONE

 

Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and therefore, they are the crown of creation. In the Bible we read, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth”’ (Genesis 1:27-28). It is not only the Bible speaks about the creation as God’ image, but all the Semitic religions and even the Hinduism. The Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad explains the creation in the following way:

“In the beginning there was only the self and in the form of a person (Puruṣa, the Supreme Being). He looked around and saw nobody besides himself. “I alone am,” this is what he said in the beginning… He was afraid, because when nobody is alone he tends to be afraid. But then he thought to himself: “Since I am alone, from what do I fear.” Fear, then, left him, for there was no reason for him to be afraid. Fear can arise only when there is a second. He had no delight, because when somebody is alone he has no delight. Hence he desired a second. He was such as to appear like a couple locked in a deep embrace. He caused himself to fall (dvedhāpātayat) and be split into two parts. These two parts are husband (pati) and wife (patni). Being only one half, man experiences emptiness within himself. This vacuum is filled by a woman...” (BU 1.4.1-3). A similar creation account is also available to us in the hymn of Puruṣasūkta of the ṛgveda (ṛv 10.90) where the Supreme Puruṣa offers sacrifice (yajña) and the whole creation comes to be.

Pati and patni, the Face of God

Face is what gives identity to the person. Ordinarily, we recognize people with face. When God created human beings, he created them in His own image and likeness. Male and female are in fact the faces of God. Therefore we are the imago dei, the images of God. When we see in the mirror, what reflects is not just our own face but the face of God. Therefore, we are holy.

Pati and patni, the incomplete Face of God

Individually, every man and woman is incomplete, but they become a complete reality in the marriage. The fuller revelation of the image of God takes place in the sacramental act of marriage. Therefore, the marriage sacrament or ceremony is sacred and holy. Two equals but incomplete images of God getting united in the sacramental act is fulfillment of the will of God. Two incomplete equals should always match and therefore it is often said, “marriages take place in heaven” to mean the very purpose and willed life-long companionship.

Pati, patni and their fruit, a Holy Family of God

God’s desire to be happy is expressed in the very fact of His becoming many. Pati and patni finding their life-partners and getting united in the sacramental act is nothing but assisting God to continue His creation by establishing the family of God. Just as God embraced Himself (BU 1.4.3) to be delighted, so too the mutual giving and sharing of each other in the bodily sacramental act of pati and patni, is nothing but becoming One Complete Puruṣa. The Bible says, “They are no longer two but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6). Therefore, the prime motive of every marriage is the good of the spouses (Gaudium et Spes, 48). The fruit of their creative act is begetting children. Thus, husband, wife and their children become one family, a fuller revelation of God’s image and likeness. It is with the begetting of children a ‘holy family’ is fully established. The Gaudium et Spes (GS), the document of the Second Vatican Council expresses the purpose of marriage in the following words.

“The intimate partnership of married life and love has been established by the Creator and qualified by His laws, and is rooted in the conjugal covenant of irrevocable personal consent. Hence by that human act whereby spouses mutually bestow and accept each other a relationship arises which by divine will and in the eyes of society too is a lasting one. For the good of the spouses and their off-springs as well as of society, the existence of the sacred bond no longer depends on human decisions alone. For, God Himself is the author of matrimony, endowed as it is with various benefits and purposes” (GS, no. 48).

Tendency of debunking the Equality and Sacredness

In today’s globalized and technocratic world, people are so busy among themselves that they do not have enough time to relate with each other. Family relations have become secondary. Though the parents and the children live under the same roof, eat the food cooked in the same vessel, eat at the same dining table, yet far away from each other. In other words, ‘friends’ living far away are more ‘closer’ than people living ‘nearby.’ Members of the family get out and return and get glued to the internet, chatting, watching TV programmes or stuck the ears with ear-phones, or texting messages in the mobiles. In such environment, where is the scope for a happy holy family?

In most of the time, the reason for the cleavage of the bond is a misunderstanding. One fails to understand the other. Husband thinks he is superior to his wife and vice-versa. Children, as they grow older think that the parents have no right over them. Recently, I came across a few reflections of a house-wife who thinks that husbands should understand their wives better. Let me share these thoughts:

“Love her… when she sips on your coffee or tea. She only wants to make sure it tastes just right for you.

Love her… when she “pushes” you to pray. She wants to be with you in paradise.

Love her… when she asks you to play with the kids. She did not “make” them on her own.

Love her... when she is jealous. Out of all the men she can have, she chose you

Love her… when she has annoying little habits that drives you nuts. You have them too.

Love her… when her cooking is bad. She tries.

Love her… when she looks disheveled in the morning. She always grooms herself up again.

Love her… when she asks to help with the kids homework. She only wants you to be part of the home.

Love her... when she asks if she looks fat. Your opinion counts, so tell her she's beautiful.

Love her… when she looks beautiful. She's yours, so appreciate her.

Love her...  when she spends hours to get ready. She only wants to look her best for you.

Love her… when she buys you gifts you don't like. Smile and tell her it's what you've always wanted.

Love her… when she has developed a bad habit. You have many more and with wisdom and politeness you have all the time to help her change.

Love her… when she cries for absolutely nothing. Don't ask, tell her it’s going to be okay

Love her… when she suffers from PMS. Buy chocolate, rub her feet and back and just chat to her.

Love her… when whatever you do is not pleasing. It happens and will pass

Love her… when she stains your clothes. You needed a new kurta / suite anyway

Love her…when she tells you how to drive. She only wants you to be safe.

Love her… when she argues. She only wants to make things right for both

Love her… she is yours. You don't need any other special reason !!!! (Author unknown)

This does not apply for husbands only, but also to wives and children. However, one cannot find a perfect family without any tensions. Everyone falls and it is the law of nature. But an ideal spouse is the one who with all the limitations of the partner, rises the other from the fallenness, and forgives, loves and treats as one’s own flesh and body. It is in this coming-in-union (communion) effected by love, forgiveness and acceptance one finds an ideal spouse to live by.  Therefore, when the husband falls, it is the divine duty of the wife to humble herself and lift up the partner, and vice-versa. Someone has rightly said, “The road to happiness isn’t a straight one. There are many turns and twists called mistakes; there are traffic lights called friends, warning lights called family, and everything can be achieved if you have: an extra tyre called the decision, a powerful engine called love, good insurance called faith, in abundance; lots of fuel called patience, and, above all, an experienced driver called god.”

The whole family as a composite unit is the identity of God. God is not a distant utopian dream, but a concrete experiential reality. When the parents teach their children to share, care and love, they, in fact, teach them the divine attributes of God. Such families only instill goodness in others and treat the other families as inter-related (bandhutva). But it is not easy to keep the other as a bandhu always. That’s the reason we treat the creation as a yajña, divine sacrifice, (cf. the hymn of Puruṣasūkta). Spouses too perform a similar sacrifice. Every moment, the relatives (pati or patni or the child) should burn out the ego (aham) and the ariṣadvargas (kāma (lust), krodha (anger), lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada (pride), and matsara (jealousy) and offer oneself for the well-being of the other. Only then, a divine family can remain intact. Let this New Year bring new divine spirit into our families and make it holy and sacred.

 

Dr. Fr. Raju Felix Crasta