What Message this Christmas has Brought to You?

25th December is Christmas Day, the day God incarnated and was born as Jesus Christ on the earth. It’s a historical time, a time from when the world separates history from Before Christ and In the Year of the Lord (Anno Domini), BC and AD. The Birth of Jesus brought revolutionary changes in society – religions, society, politics, and culture. Every section of society – theist, agnostic, atheist, rich, poor, persecutor, or persecuted – received a life message, and this message even continues today. What message does the birth of Jesus bring for us today?

When we read the birth account of Jesus in the Bible (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1), we come across several kinds of people reacting differently at the very event itself. Some rejoice, some are sad, some are angry, some are hopeful, and some are curious. This kind of reaction is because of the kind of life they are living.

Jews

They were eagerly waiting for the Messiah promised by the prophets of the Old Testament. Those Jews who believed in the words of the Scripture rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. Their waiting has borne a joyful result. Simeon, a devout upright man in Jerusalem who was living in expectation of the “salvation of Israel,” thus rejoices, “At last, Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised! For with my own eyes, I have seen your salvation which you have made ready for every people—a light to show the truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29). But for those who did not believe in Jesus, it was the message of despair.

Mary and Joseph

They were God-fearing Jews, and the birth of Jesus was a joyous experience for them. Mary became the tabernacle for Jesus. But at the same time, amidst joy, for Mary, it was also a message of forthcoming sufferings in her life, “A sword will pierce your heart” (Luke 2:35). Thus, strong faith and endurance in faith were requested from her part. And this is the message she lived throughout her life and therefore, she is the model of faith for us today. For Joseph, it was a leap into uncertainty, and yet he remained faithful like Mary in fulfilling his paternal duty.

Shepherds

Though their world was free from worldly tensions and busy life, they too were looking for someone who could protect them and their livestock from enemies, who would guarantee them their future. The reward for their simple life is paid by the announcement of the angel, “For you, a Saviour is born” (Luke 2:11). They were the first ones to receive the message. How blessed they are! As a sign of joy and gratitude, they offer not artificial things but what they had at their best, the livestock, and above all, themselves. Thus, it was a fulfillment of the long-awaiting.

Herod, the King

For Herod, the news of Jesus’ birth was a shock. He thought the child would be ‘tomorrow’s King,’ and hence will snatch away his throne. This frightened him. The fearful person can go to any extent to destroy the enemy. Therefore, he orders to murder all the babies born in his kingdom (Matthew 2:16), before it is too late.

Magi, the Kings of the East

They believed in the scripture and its fulfillment. This is seen in their tiresome journey they undertook to an unknown place to meet the Messiah. God guided them through a star to reach the place. Upon reaching they offered the costliest royal gifts they could offer. They were not proud like Herod nor did they feel jealous, rather believed in the Child and worshipped Him. Therefore, God revealed to them what Herod was trying to do, “Do not go back to your kingdom through the land of Herod, for he is planning to kill the child.” Thus, the birth of Jesus was a message of accomplishment of their life’s longing.

Pharisees and Sadducees

These are the religious leaders who knew the scriptures thoroughly and were supposed to explain their meaning to the people. But, instead of doing it, they always burdened people by interpreting and reinterpreting them according to their convenience, let alone practicing it. When the law itself is born in the form of Jesus, the custodians of the law cannot recognize it. Later, Jesus’ every action and preaching become a challenge and threat to their survival. Thus, the birth of Jesus brought hard times for these ‘sophisticated’ religious leaders.

Christmas Today

In today’s context, the promised people are the believers who live a life worthy of their call. They are the morally upright people. For such people, the Nativity of Jesus brings the message of joy, hope, and peace. But for those people who ‘claim to be morally upright,’ the message may not be of peace, joy, and hope.

The ‘Marys’ and ‘Josephs’ are those who do the “will of God.” They are strong in their faith and do not get disturbed when the ‘sword pierces’ their heart. They don’t get disappointed when everything is taken away from them or when severely persecuted for the faith they practice. They are the living saints amidst us. When I live according to the call I have received or live according to my conscience, I will be blessed by God Himself as Simeon and Anna were blessed, ‘with visions, and long life, and live until I see the glory of God,’ or like Magi who saw the star as guiding light, and a revelation of future calamity.

The ‘Pharisees,’ ‘Sadducees,’ and ‘Herods’ are those who mislead people and think that they are above society, culture, traditions, and law. They make laws, rules, and regulations and burden the weaker section of society. In the pretext of construction, they destroy the essential bond. These are the people who persecute the ‘people of God.’ Can Christmas be the message of peace for them? Obviously ‘no’. They will be living in the turbulence of their heart, ever disturbed and without peace.

Who am I? Am I a Pharisee, a Sadducee, or a Herod trying to bring division in my family, my neighbourhood, and my society? Or am I the ‘Marys’ and ‘Josephs,’ and the ‘shepherds’ and ‘Magis’ who live an upright life, who have no guile in the heart? When families are broken due to silly misunderstandings, when couples divorce just for the sake of selfish motives, when innocent people are put in jail when the people are thrashed for the creed and culture they follow; when a helpless girl is molested, raped, and mercilessly killed; when the child to be born is aborted because of its gender; when the poor are burdened with heavy taxes and loans that they cannot repay, can I say the birth of Jesus has brought happy news for such people?

Christmas can also bring a blend of joys and sorrows: it is a joy for those who have more, but it is a sorrow for those who have not; it is a joy for shopkeepers, but sorrow for parents who don’t have extra money to buy gifts for their children, family, and friends; it is a joy for a drunkard to make merry, but it is a sorrow for his family. It is a joy to come together as one family, but it is a sorrow for those who miss their loved ones due to unavoidable reasons. Amidst these confusions, conflicts, contrasts, and confrontations; the question arises, ‘What is the message this Christmas has brought to you?’ For some people, the true meaning of Christmas is the warmth and love of our families; a celebration of the home/homely atmosphere. For some others, the real meaning of Christmas is love for others or goodwill towards men and women. For some, it is singing carols; for others, it is making a fabulous, attractive, and charming crib. But the real meaning of Christmas lies in the message of the ‘incarnation’ or “the Word becoming flesh” or transcendent God becoming one among us (Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23). ‘The Word becoming flesh’ does not mean that we have to learn to be flesh. It means that we may become more like God in our words and deeds, in loving, sharing, caring, and forgiving. In other words, Jesus has not come to appreciate the status of life in which we live; rather he has come to give us a life that cannot be achieved by our flesh.

Stop for a while in front of the Crib at the Church and look at the Babe Jesus in the bosom of Mary. Reflect for a while, that in such a helpless situation, in the manger, a happy family is rejoicing and singing the glory of God, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those who are of good will.” God has sent His only begotten son, Jesus to this world not to destroy you and me, but to save you and me from every kind of evil. He came to this earth to make this world a paradise where you and I can reunite with our God. Thus, Christmas is a celebration of reconciliation, a homecoming, a joyful, sharing, and a peaceful event. It is a celebration of justice and equality where we all become the children of One God.

Rev. Dr. Raju Felix Crasta

Professor of Philosophy and Religion 

St. Albert’s Institute of Philosophy, Ranchi

IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS IN SCHOOLS

 MESSAGE FOR THE 6^th Annual Sports Meet, Cluny Convent School

Deepatoli, Kokar (Held at Khelgaon, Ranchi, Jharkhand): 30 November 2023

Respected principal, the management, teachers, parents, well-wishers and our incredibly talented dear students of the school,

I am grateful for your invitation to be part of your Annual Sports Meet. I feel privileged and humbled. I stand before you with immense pride and excitement as we gather to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and the incredible achievements of our students at this year's Sports Day. It is truly an honour to witness the dedication, passion, and companionship that our students bring to the field.

Sports Day is not just a day of competition; it is a day of unity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. It is a day when our students showcase not only their physical competence but also their flexibility or resilience, discipline, and ability to rise above challenges. Today, we witness the embodiment of the values we hold dear in our school—determination, respect, and the relentless pursuit of success.

As we look around at the sea of colours representing different houses, let us remember that each colour is a testament to the diversity and richness of our school community. Whether they stand on the podium or not, our athletes have demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and have set an example for all of us.

To the parents, thank you for supporting and encouraging your children to participate wholeheartedly in sports. Your role in nurturing their talents and instilling fair play and perseverance values is invaluable. Our students are not just athletes but ambassadors of the values we hold dear in our school.

To our dedicated teachers and coaches, your efforts in honing the skills and character of our students have not gone unnoticed. You are the guiding light, shaping the future of these young minds, and teaching them that success is not just about winning on the field but about the journey, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged.

So, let us enjoy the spirit of Sports Day, celebrate the achievements, and applaud the efforts of every participant. May this day inspire all of us to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, face challenges head-on, and always strive for excellence in everything we do.

Thank you, and let the sports begin!

Importance of Sports in Schools

Sports play a crucial role in schools, contributing to students' overall development and well-being. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of sports in schools:

Physical Health: Sports promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity helps prevent obesity, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall well-being.

Mental Health: Engaging in sports is not just about physical health; it also has positive effects on mental health. Physical activity is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting better mental well-being among students.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Team sports teach students the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and communication. These skills are valuable in sports and various aspects of life, including academics and future careers.

Discipline and Time Management: Participation in sports requires commitment, discipline, and time management. Students learn to balance their academic responsibilities with sports training, helping them develop essential life skills.

Character Building: Sports help instill important character traits such as leadership, perseverance, resilience, and sportsmanship. Facing both victory and defeat on the field teaches students how to handle success and failure with grace and dignity.

Social Skills: Through sports, students have the opportunity to interact with peers, coaches, and opponents. This interaction enhances their social skills, including communication, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.

Healthy Competition: Healthy competition is a fundamental aspect of sports. It teaches students to set goals, strive for excellence, and compete with a positive attitude. Learning to compete with integrity and respect for opponents is an important life lesson.

Academic Performance: Studies have shown a positive correlation between participation in sports and academic achievement. Regular physical activity is associated with improved concentration, cognitive function, and overall academic performance.

Lifelong Habits: Involvement in sports at a young age can foster a love for physical activity that lasts a lifetime. Students who develop a habit of staying active are more likely to lead healthier lives as adults.

Community Building: Sports events bring communities together. School sports contribute to a sense of school spirit and pride, fostering a positive and supportive school culture.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Creating a Vibrant Synodal Community in the Seminary

A synod is an assembly of Bishops under the leadership of a Pope convened for the purpose of the pastoral care of the People of God.[1] The first such assembly was held in Jerusalem (Acts 15) where certain issues pertaining to the life of believers in the changing scenario were discussed. The practice of hierarchy deciding the life and mission of the Church continued until Pope Francis issued a clarion call for “Synod for Synodality” to listen, reflect and discern as one family, known as “People of God.” The People of God is an “assembly of various people” with “different ranks” exercising sacred and secular duties by virtue of her condition and manner of life (LG 13). Due to its sacred, secular and plural nature, the Church needs to update its theological and social way of life in a changing space and time in order to maintain its catholicity. Though the weltanschauung of one society differs from the other, a fundamental Catholic tradition can be thought of if one sits and discusses as a family of believers under one umbrella redefining ‘traditional hierarchism’ which Pope Francis is trying to achieve through the synod. To that matter, Pope Francis considers the Church to be a “Polyhedron,”[2] a multifaceted sphere where vox populi is heard and understood as one family. He expresses it, “The polyhedron has a form similar to the sphere, but it is multifaceted. I like to imagine humanity as a polyhedron, in which the multiple forms, in expressing themselves, constitute the elements that compose the one human family in a plurality. And this is true globalization. The other globalization—that of the sphere—is an [sic] homologation.”[3]

The basic assumption for achieving this renewal is noteworthy: the part and the whole relationship between the universal and the particular Church. By strengthening the particular Church, one can strengthen the universal Church as the Vatican Council II expresses, “the whole and each of the parts are strengthened by the common sharing of all things and by the common effort to attain to fullness in unity” (LG 13). Ever since the synodal process was initiated in the local Churches, significant changes in the life and mission of the church have been noticed when taken seriously. The community which has been lethargic otherwise, has become enthusiastic. The working document that came up after the first round of synodal hearing from the respective dioceses and episcopal conferences is itself self-sufficient to prove this fact. This implies, with positive hope, that the community of believers have become more vibrant than it was otherwise. I believe that with the fresh transfusion of synodal spirit in the veins of the Being, the Church will surely realize a Pentecostal experience.

Keeping the spirit of synodality, St. Albert’s College framed the theme for the academic year 2023-24 as the “Synodal Way for the Vibrant Community.” I began to reflect on how to make the seminary, per se any formation house into a vibrant synodal community. Basically, to create a vibrant and synodal community, the seminary needs to foster a sense of collaboration, open communication and shared responsibility among the staff and students. Given below are 12 tips to build a vibrant community.

1. Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue

Dialogue is the life of any community. If healthy communication is missing, a community can become a place of chaos and confusion like that of the Tower of Babel. Therefore, one needs to Encourage open and respectful communication among the staff and seminarians. Creating spaces for dialogue where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions is the task of the formators. They must understand that fostering an environment where questioning and discussion are nothing but opportunities for growth rather than challenges to authority.

2. Implementing Regular Community Meetings

At times a number of meetings seem a nuisance, but they are essential for the success of an organization or any event. In the seminary, one should schedule regular community meetings to discuss important matters, share updates, and allow seminarians to voice their concerns or ideas. For this purpose, every major seminary has a platform known as ‘students’ council’ or ‘staff-student dialogue’ sessions. Formators need to ensure that these meetings are inclusive and participatory, involving input from all members of the seminary community.

3. Establishing Small Faith-Sharing Groups

Most of the major seminaries have smaller units under the guidance of a formator known differently by different seminaries: living groups, animation groups, sharing groups, etc. These groups can provide a more intimate setting for seminarians to discuss their spiritual journeys, challenges, and successes.

4. Promoting Team Building Activities

Events like sports, competitions, skill-developing activities, retreats, certain seminars, cultural programmes, etc., help the seminarians in team-building and strengthen bonds among them. Besides these things, they instil a sense of self-confidence and motivation in them.

5. Encouraging Diversity and Inclusivity

Diversity is the spice of life. The beauty of a peacock is in its colour-filled feathers. So too cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity adds flavour to the seminary. The more diverse the staff and students in a seminary, the better the formation. It is not sufficient to have these kinds, but it is essential to celebrate these diverse cultures and traditions. One must ensure that different voices, perspectives and experiences are heard, and felt regardless of their background.

6. Developing Leadership Skills

Formation house is a laboratory where skills, talents and qualities like leadership, empathy, collaboration, etc., are identified and nourished. Therefore, it is the duty of the formators to provide sufficient opportunities for the formees to excel in them. This can include assigning roles for organizing events, leading discussions, or managing specific aspects of seminary life.

7. Creating Collaborative Projects

For any mission to be successful, the partakers need to collaborate effectively. The seeds of such collaboration are formed in the formation houses. The collaboration makes the community vibrant. Therefore, sufficient projects and initiatives must be provided to exercise this virtue to build a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment.

8. Promoting Accountability

Accountability is an assurance that a seminarian or a formator is evaluated on one’s performance or behaviour related to something for which one is responsible. The term is related to responsibility but is regarded more from the perspective of oversight. This includes holding each other accountable for commitments and actions and fostering a culture of trust; and accountability with regard to one’s pocket money or expenses incurred while in the seminary, etc.

9. Seeking Feedback and Input

Often, seminarians are afraid of the ‘final report’ or evaluation prepared by the formator due to which they fail to grow naturally. Timely corrections and feedback become burdensome if the superiors don’t understand their real psychological state. Instead of making them fearful, regular correction, feedback, group dynamics, programs related to personality growth, human formation, and psycho-sexual integration seminars do help.

10. Providing Mentorship Opportunities

Facilitate mentorship programs where more experienced seminarians or faculty members can support the development of others. This helps create a sense of continuity and guidance within the community.

11. Providing Healthy Food and Living Conditions

This is a common adage, “If food is taken care of, everything is taken care of.” The majority of issues that pop up in the formation of houses can be averted if healthy food and living conditions are provided. Complaints about food is a common problem in seminaries. While healthy food and living conditions heal many sicknesses and psychological pressures, they also ease the holistic growth of individuals. Add to this, a neat and clean environment is also a factor for a healthy life.

12. Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

The community needs to recognize and celebrate individual and collective achievements within the seminary. This can contribute to a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The celebrations also could be days of special significance like minor orders, major orders, jubilees, and even birthdays and feast days, if possible.

Conclusion

Creating a vibrant and synodal community is an ongoing process that requires commitment from both leadership and seminarians. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your initiatives and be willing to adapt and evolve based on the needs and dynamics of the community.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

19 November 2023

Endnotes

[1] Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Vatican Council II, ed. Austin Flannery (Bombay: St. Paul’s Publication, 2007): 320-390. Henceforth LG.

[2] Querida Amazonia, no. 29. “The Amazon region is host to many peoples and nationalities, and over 110 indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation. Their situation is very tenuous and many feel that they are the last bearers of a treasure doomed to disappear, allowed to survive only if they make no trouble, while the postmodern colonization advances. They should not be viewed as “uncivilized” savages. They are simply heirs to different cultures and other forms of civilization that in earlier times were quite developed.” Available, https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazioneap_202 00202_querida-amazonia.html.

[3] Pope Francis, “Video Message of Pope Francis for the Third Festival of the Social Doctrine of the Church” held in Verna, 21-23 November 2013, accessed http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages /pontmessages/2013/documents/papa-francesco_20131121_videomessaggiofestival-dottrina-sociale.html.

Deepavali, the Festival of Light

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the festival of light. Etymologically, Deepa is a lamp. But in the religious sense, it is an earthen lamp (diya) in which oil is poured and a cotton wick is placed in it to light up. Āvali means ‘to line up’ or placed in a row. Thus, deepavali means diyas lighted in a line or row. The festival Deepavali connotes a symbolic of triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and prosperity over dereliction. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikh, Jains, Buddhists, tribals and even by Christians. For Sikhs, Deepavali marks the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in 1619. To celebrate, they light up their homes and gurdwaras with diyas and candles, and hold processions known as Nagar Kirtan. Jains celebrate this occasion as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. They offer prayers and decorate their homes with lights and rangolis. Buddhists also have a special significance for this festival as it marks the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. They celebrate by lighting candles in their homes and temples, offering prayers, and meditating on the teachings of Buddha. The festival brings people together, promoting harmony, peace, and understanding among different communities.

Though the festival is celebrated across the country, “it is not a single festival in honour of a single god or goddess,” but “contains several independent items” (P.V. Kane, History of Dharmaśāstra vol.5, 194). The feast, lasting from two to five days depending on the culture and place, is celebrated mainly for three days from 13^th to 15^th of Aśvina month and beginning of Kārtika.

Scriptural Reference

The scriptural account of this great festival (mahā-utsava) can be traced back to three Purāṇic episodes: Bhaviśya Purāṇa (BhvP), Padma Purāṇa (PP) and Skanda Purāṇa (SkP). And all three accounts narrate the account in similar way. The protagonist of the story is Bali. According to the Bhaviśya Purāṇa, it is Vishnu instituted the feast to commemorate the great generosity of the King Bali (BhvP 140.59-64; PP 124.59-46; SkP 10.51-52).

Bali was an Asura king (daitya or dānava) who was known for his generosity and peaceful rein. In a battle, Indra kills him; but his teacher rejuvenates him and makes invincible who in turn attacks Indra and defeats him. Indra’s mother pleads Vishnu for help who comes to Bali as a dwarf brahmin for alms. Bali without realizing who the person is, promises him the gift that he wants. Bali asks three steps of land. With the first step he covers the entire earth, with second the heaven and places his third foot on Bali’s head and pushes him to pātāla, the nether-world (BhP 8.15-23).

The SkP specially mentions that Kaumudi (commonly understood as lotus) to be used during celebration of festival, while PP highlights on Yama-dvitiya (124.71-98). Thus, the feast of Deepavali is also the Kaumudi festival. However, Ku means earth and mud refers to joy (mudita), implying the feast to be the joy on the earth. On this day all over the earth people give joy to one another; on this day lotus-flowers (kumudā) are offered to Bali. As a mark of joy people place rows of lighted lamps and illumine the houses and paths.

Three-Day Celebration

The first day begins with Yamatrayodaśī, the 13^th of Yama. This is the day of austerity and devotion: ritual bath, the pledge of three nights of austerity to be observed in the form of eating food without salt and sleeping on the floor and spending day in devotion to Lord Krishna. In the evening diyā is lighted and placed outside the door with the prayer, “May the sūryaja (the son of Sun) be pleased with me.” The belief is, Yama, the Lord of the dead when comes to call, one is ready to face death. Thus, the day is also seeking “protection from untimely death” (Subhash Anand, 194). This day is also known as dhana-trayodaśī and popularly known as dhana-teres, the day of wealth. Some also believe that it is the birthday of Dhavantari, the divine physician who emerged with elixir (amrita) when devas and asurs churned the ocean.

The second day is marked by Naraka-caturdaśī, the 14^th of Naraka. On this day people take oil-bath, give libation of water to Yama, offer a lamp to Naraka and light lamps around. The belief is, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, who reside in the oil and the water used for the bath in the morning. Thus, the day is known to be the day of prosperity and wealth.

On the 15th, that is on the new moon day, there is a ritual bath, worship of gods and ancestors and a memorial for the departed are celebrated.

There is another interesting celebration on this day: the Govardhana Pūja (PP 124.30-33). The puja refers to the act of Krishna who saved the people of Gukula and their cows under the hill from the fury of Indra’s torrential rains. On this day, cows are decorated, bathed, oiled and allowed to move freely. This day the people neither milk the cows, nor make them work. In some places, people make a small hillock in govar (gobar or cow dung) as the symbolic of wealth (dhana). It may be possible, the word ‘govardhana puja’ is the reflection of this thought.

The second day of Kartika is known as Yama-dvitiya or Bhrātr-dvitiya or popularly known as Bhaiya-duj or Bhai-bij (BhP 14.18-27; PP 124.88-98; SkP 11.3.-73). According to Purāṇa, Yama goes to his sister Yamunā’s house for meal. It is advised that on this day sister prepares a good meal for her brother and brother intern gives her good gifts. With this Deepavali comes to an end.

The feast as a symbolic of a yonder reality

The story of Bali and Vāmana is a common myth found in the south Indian tradition of Onam festival can also be connected here. Vāman’s taking away of the prosperous Kingdom of Bali and his goodness, and subsequent prayer for a ‘peaceful kingdom’ and to allowing his return for a day or two for a review, points either to the suppression of one cult or absorbing into the other or a combination of both. Therefore, the feast may be a metamorphosis of a historical reality or event. G. Woodcock in his book, Kerala: A Portrait of the Malabar Coast opines about the Onam feast, “in all probability a south Indian emperor of cherished memory whom the Indo-Aryans conquered” is a metaphoraization of a culture overpowering the other.

In the North Indian Culture, the feast Deepavali is also associated with Rāmāyaṇa, where it is the feast of glorious return of Rama from the forest dwelling and killing of Ravana, the asura king of Lanka. It is a homecoming of Rama and thus the return of the Kingdom of Rama.

Deepavali is celebrated after the automnal equinox when the sun crosses the equator in its movement towards the south. With this winter sets in the northern hemisphere, the sun shows himself for a shorter duration. Thus, the feast represent the changing season. In the words of Subhash Anand, it is a “rite of passage.” during this time, days become shorter and longer nights. It is a time to remind us that we need more artificial light to lighten our path, take away the darkness and look with hope for a brighter tomorrow (uttara-āyana). The lights directed towards east symbolizing this even (pūrva-diś) since the sun rises in the east. The closure of rains and coming of winter also suggests that there is plenty of harvest in the barn and thus prosperity and looking forward yet another prosperous season of plentiful. The turn of season also marks the beginning of a ‘New Year’, a fresh time to begin the life, being healed of all darkness and look for a prosperous time ahead. Symbolic bath, other libation, ancestral worship, etc., are some pointers to this fact. 

Thus, Deepavali is commemoration of the good rule of Bali. Along with commemoration of the past glories, the feast looks for a hopeful future of good and prosperous time. It is also a festival of hope how one should look at life after loosing everything (Mahabharata 12.216-17).  King Bali represents the Sun who brightens all the creation. “The myth itself is a symbol of transcendence; nature as the sacrament of the divine, nature as the best initiator into the mystery of life.” Being Sun himself, Bali is a symbol of cosmic harmony and ethics. By its regular rising and setting teaches us that life here on earth is momentary. The joys and sorrows will have their end and therefore one should look for eternal joy and peace which comes only through the divine union.

Deepavali is also a festival of wisdom. Wisdom enlightens the ignorance. Padma Purana gives a reason for this. When the Shankh asura stole Vedas, the books of wisdom and took it away to the pātāla, Vishnu took up the Mathsya avatara (fish-incarnation) and rescued them for the humanity. Therefore, Deepavali reminds us that we should be vigilant. The devil of ignorance is all around and even within us who can take away our knowledge.

Protection of the weak and vulnerable, respect love for our fellow brothers and sisters, practice of virtues, alms giving, etc., culminates the feast of Deepavali. Being the feast of Bhaiya-dūj one is expected to treat one’s sister, brother or neighbours as one’s own family. Hospitality is a virtue to be practiced here. The Goverdhana pūja reminds us of our indebtedness to the weak and vulnerable that include animals, plants, creation and earth. Mahatma Gandhi reminds us, “Cow protection means protection of the weak, the helpless, the dumb, and the deaf. Man becomes then not the lord and master of all creation but he is its servant” (M.K. Gandhi, In Search of the Supreme, Vol.3, page 202).

Let the Kingdom of God come and let us have prosperity and love reining once again.

 

References

G. Wookcock, Kerala: A Portrait of the Malabar Coast (London: Faber and Faber, 1969).

M. K. Gandhi, In Search of the Supreme, 3 vols. Ed. V.B. Kher (Ahmedabad: Navjivan Publishing House, 1961).

Pandurang Vaman Kane, History of Dharmaśāstras, 5 vols. (Poona: Bhandarkar Oriental Institute, rev. Ed. 1968-75).

Subhash Anand, Major Hindu Celebrations: A Christian Appreciation (Indore: Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra, 2008).

NB: This article is an excerpt of the chapter on Deepavali festival by Subhash Anand. 

Also, see my previous blog on Deepavali -  Message for Deepavali ; for the blog on Onam -  Onam Festival or copy the links given below and paste. 

https://rfcrasta.blogspot.com/2017/10/let-there-be-light-message-on-deepavali.html

https://rfcrasta.blogspot.com/2011/09/onam-celebrations-t-he-feast-of-onam-is.html

Raju Felix Crasta

Blogger

Independence Day and the Feast of Assumption of Mary

Saha Navavatu, saha nau Bhunaktu | 

Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai | 

Tejasvi Naavadhiitamastu 

Maa Vidvissaavahai | 

The purport of this mantra is, let there be no animosity amongst us. Conversely, let us live together, eat together, work together and together let us prosper. How incredible are these words that speak of communion and unity!?

The ancient Vedic mantra, "Saha Navavatu, saha nau Bhunaktu...", calls for harmony and cooperation among us. These timeless words resonate with the spirit of our nation. However, the reality we face today is a stark contrast to this ideal.

Today, as we celebrate the 78th anniversary of our independence, let us also reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom. Our freedom is not merely a political concept; it is a spiritual journey towards unity, justice, and peace.

Our nation is grappling with numerous challenges. Political instability, economic disparities, social unrest, and rising crime rates have cast a long shadow over our aspirations. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, and the dreams of our youth remain unfulfilled. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of values and the prevalence of violence and injustice.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Our nation has a rich history of overcoming adversity. We have produced brilliant minds who have made significant contributions to science, technology, and other fields. Our diversity is our strength, and our resilience is our hallmark.

Like the woman in labor described in today’s first reading, our nation is in a state of transformation. We are called to give birth to a new India, an India where justice, equality, and peace prevail. It is a challenging task, but it is not impossible.

Let us draw inspiration from the life of Mary, who gave birth to the Savior of the world. She faced immense challenges, yet she remained steadfast in her faith. Like Mary, we must be courageous in our pursuit of a better future. We must stand up against injustice, promote harmony, and work towards the welfare of all.

Let us strive to create a society where everyone feels safe and secure, where opportunities are available to all, and where the dignity of every individual is upheld. Let us build a nation where love conquers hate, where compassion replaces indifference, and where hope prevails over despair.

Jai Hind!

Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church is celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of BVM. Pope Pius XII defined it in 1950 in his apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus as follows:
“We proclaim and define it to be a dogma revealed by God that the immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven.”
It is a dogma built on the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which declared (1854) that Mary was conceived free from original sin, and both have their foundation in the concept of Mary as the Mother of God. It leaves open the question of whether Mary died or whether she was raised to eternal life without bodily death.

A question we need to reflect on here is, “Why was Mary Assumed into Heaven?”

1. She was chosen by God. Therefore, she is a privileged one.

2. She shares the fullness of redemption of God. Christ is the first fruit of redemption and Mary is the fulfilment of the promise of redemption.

3. Testimony of the Lord that Mary is the Chosen one of God.

a. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth greeted Mary, “Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” God’s testimony through the angel Gabriel.

b. The Mother of my Lord comes to me

4. God chose this mother to be the mother of Jesus. Angel, “Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you.” The class-teacher reads the letter of the principal addressing the students through a letter. It is the principal’s voice.

5. Mary was continuously present in Son’s mission. She was accompanying God in unravelling the divine plan.

6. Mary also shares/partakes in the work of redemption/liberation. In as much as Jesus is holy, Mary is also holy, just as an iron piece placed near a magnet, becomes a magnet. Mary carried Jesus, the Son of God in her womb and so she became like Christ also. After Jesus’ life on the earth, he was taken up into heaven and so too Mary.

7. Glorification of her total personality and anticipated the state of the promised rest of humankind.

The Message for us

1. She is a Mother, mother of Jesus and mother of Humanity: A mother in any situation will never forsake her child. She understands the situation. How far do we understand the situation around us and act according to our needs?

2. We share in the fullness of redemption: Mary became Christ-like in her continual accompaniment in her son’s mission work and thus brings liberation. How far do we accompany our own fellow brothers and sisters in the mission of integral welfare? E.g helping someone in need. In what sense do we perform?

3. Love your mother: Mother understands her children. Do we understand our Mother? Mary is our mother. The nation is our mother. The earth is our mother. If you love, you will take care. Just see your own rooms. How clean and orderly they are! How clean is our campus or surroundings?

Like Mary, we are called to give birth to values of justice, equality, peace and harmony. But these values are surrounded by forces of evil. But we should not be afraid of fostering values even if it costs our life. Our courageously performed virtuous work towards social welfare will turn hatred into love, powerful into powerless, hungry with a stomach full, etc. Therefore, let’s work for a fear-free, loving and prosperous country.

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः 

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । 

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु 

मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् । 

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

As we move forward, let us remember the words of the ancient prayer: "May All be Happy, May All be Free from Illness, May All See what is Auspicious, may no one Suffer, let there be peace." Let us work tirelessly to create a world where these aspirations become a reality.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Multitasking for an Effective Workspace

Performing ‘one task at a time’ is natural to human beings. It is because the human brain is not designed to handle multiple tasks at a time. However, performing more than one task simultaneously is very much demanded in a given situation, place and time. For example, a working woman who is also a mother of a toddler needs to perform her household chores, babysitting and at the same time do her office duties every day. In a given situation, an employee needs to balance oneself amongst employers, colleagues, customers, and one’s personal needs. Therefore, though it is against the very nature of the human brain, one has to do multitasking. Multitasking is the concept that one can split one’s attention on more than a task or activity simultaneously, that is, one can prioritize and organize one’s work to balance multiple tasks at the same time. If the person possesses multitasking skills, can achieve better results within the given deadline. Today, multinational companies prefer their employees to have multiple skills and talents.

One of the main complaints in every institution – private or public – is that their employees do not perform or contribute effectively. Oftentimes, the problem is not with the employees, but with the employers. The employers lack clear goals and tasks to be accomplished. This applies to individuals or families also.

1. Plan for yourself into long-term and short-term goals. Along with this, also plan how much is to be accomplished within the given month/s or week and even, on a day. If anyone asks a student who has topped the university or the board examination, the obvious answer will be, “I planned my studies.” There are different subjects the student needs to prepare within a short duration. This is possible only if the student prepares to multitask.

2. Monitoring is another essential aspect. Reporting periodically is part of monitoring. A mere reporting from the employees’ side is not sufficient, instead, the employer must personally oversee the given work. In many places, the employer looks only for the result and not the actual process of the work and the intricacies involved. This is inefficient monitoring. This goes along with building an effective relationship to enhance the work. Further, a periodic bonus or encouragement enhances productivity. In a family too, parents must monitor, guide and direct their children for their well-being. 

3. Creating an atmosphere conducive to work is another task. Merely entrusting the duty without providing the needed atmosphere and tools disrupts productivity. 

4. Prioritizing tasks is as important as performing them. This applies to both the employer and the employee. The employer has entrusted a block of work to be accomplished in a given time. But the employee has to prioritize them into smaller swallowable chunks. Make a list of works to be performed or make a to-do list. And tick the work to be done when, how, where, whom, etc. Try to combine specific possible works. When a clear plan is put on paper, then can see the works that can be performed in an easier way or can club them together. 

5. Regular breaks and relaxations optimize performance. The advent of the industrial revolution equalled human beings to a machine. But humans are much more than that. They require not just physical rest but also mental, intellectual, emotional and affective well-being. Therefore, it is the first and foremost duty of the employer to create a familial atmosphere at the workplace, however, the professional company that be. The place that becomes a ‘second home,’ the productivity increases. Add to this, the person needs to relax and rejuvenate periodically to refresh one’s mind and body. In Japan, there is something called “inemuri,” which is nothing but “a culturally accepted power nap that you can take in the middle of the workday.” This is not to say that we need to introduce a ‘siesta break’ in our system, but a sip of coffee, or a short walk, would be sufficient during a stipulated work. Healthy and timely food is another vital component. If one observes just outside the call centres and multinational companies, there will be several people sipping tea along with smoking cigarettes. The reasons cited are, ‘relaxing, freeing tension, etc.’ How healthy they are!? The people working in most of companies suffer from various ailments due to unhygienic and untimely food and rest. Add to the list, is a long relaxation in a year, say, going out for a ‘family picnic’ or a boat ride helps a lot. Along with it, spiritual renewal in a year relaxes one’s mind and body.

Conclusion

Philosophically speaking, we are in fact multi-switching the moment we think about multi-tasking. The mind is a fantastic component which can divert its attention from one thing to another. The fast-changing technological world demands multitasking, and we, human beings move along with it. We cannot remain idle in the present era. The only thing in our capacity is to learn the art of multitasking to cope with the world effectively. It is better to be organized than to be distracted.

 

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

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