Where are you PC? A Call to be Responsive to Presences - In Memory of DR. P.C.SEBASTIAN

Dr. P.C. Sebastian – served SH College from 1992-2015 in the department of Zoology.

Dr PC Sebastian – Padinjareyil, left us and this world at the young age of 60. 

To my mind Dr PC was a combination of polarities. 

On the one hand, he was the embodiment of what Tennyson has written:

To follow knowledge like a sinking star

Beyond the utmost bound of human thought

He stepped out of his rural boundaries as a young man, sought knowledge beyond the narrow boundaries of Keralam, attained a Ph. D, got passionate about research, enthusiastic about bio-technology, went for a post-doc.

With great enthusiasm, he joined SH in 1992. 

With his exposure, he stood out  among his colleagues - in his appearance - slim, trim and dapper, in his thinking, in his outlook. 

Even after his retirement, and in spite of his persisting ailments, his quest for knowledge led him to go beyond the national boundaries and reach US to pursue knowledge.  It was there that he was found in an acute stage of illness. He had to rush back without accomplishing his dream project.  

When his dreams of further research or initiating new programmes in Bio-technology did not materialise, he felt disappointed. 

However, he always nurtured and inspired students to take up research.  And indeed there are a few scholars around the globe, who owe it to him to have been inspired to take up research seriously, and perhaps, make a career out of it. 

He also had a genuine concern for his students, for their progress and overall development.  It was perhaps, such a concern that led to him to be entangled in a world altogether alien to academics, and landed him and many who trusted him in trouble. 

On the other hand, perhaps, not getting his dreams realised, his energies got diverted and dissipated, and he landed in dire trouble, for which he and many others had to endure a lot of agony. 

He was very self-conscious and careful about his appearance.   Last time I had called him was about 6 months ago - he responded saying that he wanted to come, see all of us and settle all his issues, which he would certainly do.  However, he could not come then, as he was having a protruded belly, with which he didn't want to appear in the College. 

He struggled for almost a month before he was released from the limitations of this world!  

Generally, I found him to be an able teacher, enthusiastic about research, friendly to the student, unassuming, free from the typical cliques, in spite of being a teacher a man of few words, hardly ever heard speaking ill of others, careful not to step over anyone's toes.  In the words of Prof. Jose Abraham, he was a robust optimist.

It was thanks to him that I heard about STAR college, and he inspired me to have that status added to the accomplishments of the college.

He also cared for his family members - especially, those who pursued knowledge.  They were his pride and concern. 

When I reflect on the passing away of PC, I too share the sentiments Dr. Samson expressed: presences pass by – pass away.  As the poem by Chullikkad goes: Where is John? Am I his kaavalaal? We miss them and when we decide to be of good to them, they have already gone.  This should not happen.  Every moment to be ready to be a kaavalal is a tremendous call. When I heard the news of PC being in Lakeshore, I did contemplate a visit, but it was not a priority.  Zoology team, planned to visit him at his home, and had reserved flight tickets to Kannur.  But just 2 days before that, he departed, and we had to be satisfied with a Eulogy at his bier!

Let us commit Dr. PC Sebastian to the realm of peace and ultimate knowledge, where he will rest forever.  Eternal rest grant to him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him!

Sr Melanie - the Bright Nun of Hindi, Music and Laughter

Sr. Melanie SD is no more. She must be around 85.  First profession in 1954.  Final profession in 1960. Almost 35 years as Hindi teacher at St. Thomas School. Has taught almost all of my five sisters. Her range was from V to X standards.  I remember my elder sister and one of her classmates - Ambujakshi - conversing in Hindi, with the tidbits they had from her classes which used to begin thus:  उठो! और मौन वाचन करो!

Wearing always a rather serious mien, she always bore a motherly mind ('അമ്മ മനസ്സ്). Till today, we had no clue as to Udayanapuram - Vaikom was her native place.  Because, she and her genre of nuns - Sr. Lucy, Sr. Florine, Sr. Ann, Sr. Josephat, Sr. Rozario, Sr. Rosalind, Sr. Floria, Sr. Hyacinth, Sr. Philamin, Sr Evlalia... None of us ever bothered of their place of origin. It didn't matter - they belonged there - Perumanoor - very much there.  They had made our parish their family, their home. 

I remember Sr. Melanie as part of the choir together with Sr. Ann.  But she was something like all pervasive without making it obvious. Was he part of Mathrusangham? part of Sodality - CLC? guiding altar boys? Perhaps, she was - perhaps she wasn't.  However, I have a feeling that she was part of it all. I recall her visiting our home - perhaps, it is just a feeling, perhaps, she didn't.  However, we all felt thus about most of those sisters - who were more of mothers to us, than sisters! I recall Sr. Melanie coming specially for my ordination, and giving a gift to me.  Our family recalls her presence during the commemoration of my father.  This is not just speaking about - me, my family and Sr Melanie - but rather to show that that would be the sentiment by most of the Catholic families of Perumanoor of those times, for Sr. Melanie or for the sisters of the destitute of Perumanoor. 

With her long stint of being at Perumanoor for almost four decades she has further sanctified the small locale of Perumanoor already blessed by the birth of the venerable founder of SDs Rev. Varghes Payyappilly. 

I recall with regret that when she approached for an admission for one of her relatives for a UG or PG seat - I forget - almost to the point of insisting, and finding it not so easy to oblige, I felt uncomfortable.  I am not sure whether finally the candidate was admitted or not.  Anyhow, we did have a conversation over phone over that. 

It is quite fitting that the sister act of the nuns' choir is all rich with rhythm and interludes (though jarring they sound to me).  This is very unlike the typical funeral mass of our rite.  But with Sr. Melanie as a committed minister of the word through music ministry in the Church bidding good bye, the effort is right and fitting! May she be taken to that haven of soothing music and God's rhythm. 

The last couple of months, for Sr. Melanie, had been perhaps like those days of confusion for the disciples when they found their Master dead.  The pious women who followed Jesus were almost lost.  They took Jesus for a ghost or for a gardener.  But Jesus finally opened their eyes and confirmed that it was He! And they responded, Rabboni, addressing him endearingly as the Master! Today, she has found that revelation and she is definitely singing with the heavenly choirs 'Hallelujah! 

Coincidentally, but befittingly, today's readings are all about this! The wise virgins, who had ensured there was enough oil for them to last through the wait for the bridegroom to arrive. (We make fun saying that the five foolish virgins went and established a convent!) Sister Melanie, the wise virgin has kept the lamp burning ever replenishing it with the oil of God's love made real through service on the planet. Melanie is from Greek, and means 'dark' - though Sister has the name after the Latin Saint Melania.  Unlike the name, she was a very white or bright soul of goodness, after the heart of Jesus her master, who went about doing good.  The long years of over 60 years of that wait of this wise virgin, who kept her lamp shining through good deeds,  is becoming complete today, and we bid her farewell. 

The Gospel, speaks about the great hope into which Sr. Melanie is entering, but it concludes with the exhortation for us mortals, Be alert, be awake! ജാഗരൂകരായിരിക്കുവിൻ (Mtt 25:12).  We are invited 'to be with Christ always' (I Thes. 4:17). 

Beloved sister, 'till here, till now, we accompanied you, henceforth, the angels in heaven will accompany you.'

Aparna – As she has stepped in on the next leg of her travel…

Aparna – As she has stepped in on the next leg of her travel…

Aparna in ancient Indian tradition is Parvati, and the name was on account of her severe tapas to attain her goal – fasting to the extent of even avoiding leaf (parna ) for her food. Aparna B Anilkumar I B Com Taxation and Finance division, was endearingly called as Parukutty (Parvati) by her family.  She was admitted to Sacred Heart College, on her merit as a sports person.  She excelled in throw ball, soft ball and base ball.  Represented the state in soft ball at national level. She was poised to be a great promise, apparently all determined and confident. People who knew her found her bold and daring.

However, what humans propose is not always accomplished. Last week she was with us, today she is not around. This is human life, this is human mystery – which humans have been trying to grapple with from time immemorial.  Sri Buddha defined it as suffering, the reality of life – dukha satya.

Now dukha  is a satyam for her beloved family – her mother Binu, her father Anilkumar (employed in the middle-east), her two sisters – Anjali, the elder, and Arunima, the younger.  We witnessed the terrible anguish the family is suffering from. May God of all consolation being them solace is my prayer today.  Let that be the prayer of all of us. Let us do our best to console the family and hold them close to our hearts in solidarity of prayer.

It is also a time for us to reflect on how we deal with the reality of dukha or suffering in our life. Suffering in silence is one mode, but a healthier mode is to be willing to share our sufferings with someone. Sometimes, we find ourselves at a loss to have someone with whom we can share our pain.  Dear students and staff, let us make it a point that we will determinedly do that. That we will train ourselves to share our pain.  And each of us will be willing to listen to the sufferings of our fellow learner

And I would like the students to take this to your heart that even when you find the members of the staff or the Principal, dealing with you strictly, being severe in our treatment regarding assignments, attendance, campus discipline etc. please, please feel free to approach the staff, HoD, your principal, or the Counsellor when you feel troubled.  We are there for you, in spite of our severe demeanour.

In Hindi we say, Khuda ko pyara ho gaya! It is a believer’s statement regarding fellow human’s departure – become beloved to God!  Let us rest assured in that hope that she has become dearly beloved to God.

Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;

And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Let us all remember this and hold her close to our heart and pray that she rests in peace.

And as the poem by Fr. Sajan goes:

ഒരു മഴയും തോരാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു കാറ്റും അടങ്ങാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു രാവും പുലരാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

ഒരു കോളും കുറയാതിരുന്നിട്ടില്ല 

... അമരത്ത് എന്നരികെ അവനുള്ളതാം 

I hope in the Lord that Aparna’s family will find the end of the rain of this suffering, and see the light of dawn, and so too will Aparna find rest beside the source of eternal rest!

Fr. Prasant CMI

​ചിന്തിക്കുന്ന മസ്തിഷ്കങ്ങൾ ഭക്ഷിക്കപ്പെടുമ്പോൾ  - When the thinking brains are being eaten!
What kind of a title for a discussion! I feel challenged by the title. I am glad that my students are able to think things like that.   
Dr. V.S Sebastian, Dean of our Student Services, interpreted it as the situation where brains are flavoured with condiments - masala mix - which is uniform, and made to 'eat or swallow' the same tastes of 'modern-urban-global-unipolar' world. I thought it was about thinking brains being 'eaten' away by the ideological monologues, that there is hardly any brain left for thinking. 

However, the series of killing from Dhabolkar, Govind Pansare, Kalburgi, now reaching Gauri Lankesh - a woman, a senior citizen, a renowned media person, in front of her house - this has been the background.  It is threatening! It can be me or you - anyone.  If you dare to question!

The panel was young, vibrant - 
Lazar Shine - a young entrant in the film world.  He spoke about the manifestations of fascism in and around us.  He indicated that the very imposing installation of Edappally Church is that and it is an act of violence against Earth.  He said that he would rather hear others speak than go on speaking. 
Shahina, the vibrant activist media person was eloquent as she spoke with a background of personal knowledge bordering friendship with Gauri Lankesh.   She narrated her connection with Gauri, and pointed out how daring she was to confront people and situations, ready to risk her life and comfort for matters she believed in.  She concluded that fight against fascist tendencies would start in our life which shows 'concern and care' for others. 

Adv. Muhammed Abdusamad, a former student of SH recalled his vibrant and active days at SH, saying that the system and institutions do not give sufficient time for the free expressions of individuals  They are stymied by the dominant ideologies starting from homes, nurtured by religions etc. He indicated the dominant perceptions by which oppression and domination moving in the direction of fascism and intolerance of all that is not what the dominant ideology is. He recalled those days of strikes (agreeing that they were few in number) but presenting a heroic picture of himself and an incident when one of the students fainted hearing the call 'inquilab zindabad'! But often this very slogan itself become manifestation of the very fascism they are critical of. Also tolerating 'no other way of inquilab' than what the proponents of this particular 'inquilab' put forth. 

The floor was open and there were quite a few takers, who spoke in more or less similar direction, and in spite of Muhammed's insinuation that they should speak fearlessly imagining that father was there! 

There were hardly any women speaking, and Shine intervened that women should speak.  That prompted couple of girls to come up and share something which was a good sign.  As a moderator, Principal introduced the topic and concluded the discussion.

We are confronted with culture of silence on the one hand - where we are forced to keep silence against situations not right.  On the other hand there is a culture of silence which happens because we are comfortable and not bothered in our lives. On the other hand there is culture of violence.  The very suppression of voices of dissent by the state, religion and other institutions is part of this violence.  It may be institutional. There is also physical violence by which voices are quelled. This may happen in an institution like a college, where concern for 'discipline' may lead to such tendencies, it may have a range - from institutional suppression of voices so that the primary purpose as accepted by the dominant ideology or state or university is ensured. 

However, while discouraging both these extremes, extremes of right and left, what we ought to develop is a culture of dialogue which implies a readiness to 'listen' as well. Listen to what people say, listen to what people don't say, listen to what is not said while something is being said. 

What is feared? Is it domination or oppression? We have no choice but to have some 'domination' or authority unless we accept the idea or ideal of enlightened anarchy, which is utopia.  Of the lot, democracy is the best choice. 
Again, it has to be a continuous education in democracy where we question and re-frame our perceptions.  Like what is top and bottom, what is South and North, what is left and right...

In this we also encounter the reality of religion as an institution.  We critique religion, especially the left does that.  However, that very ideology sometimes replaces religion in a much crueller fashion is an irony.  And they go about in a  more rigid hierarchy just substituting religious texts with political texts and Gods with the present or past day leaders of the ideology. So any corner of power has to be vigilant about metamorphosing into fascism!

It also calls for constant self-examination of individuals and collectives - that we don't cross into that border, but remain open to ideas, peoples, differences and diversity.  Here comes the relevance of 'kannadi pratishtha' which was incidentally referred to by Abdusamad.   Mirror calls for introspection - self-reflection. It is also religious in the sense, it speaks about God being in you! aham brahmasmi! That immediately has a sequel - tatvam asi!  So a true religion will take you to accepting yourself and accepting others, finding God everywhere.

But alongside religion, we also recognize the market as a force to be reckoned with - which today 

A theme that was repeatedly emerging in the discussions was that we need to be united in this endeavour to confront such forces - 
മൂർച്ചയുള്ളൊരായുധങ്ങൾ അല്ല പോരിനാശ്രയം/  
ചേർച്ചയുള്ള മാനസങ്ങൾ തന്നെയാണതോർക്കണം  

But can this happen? Or as Madhusoodhanan Nair puts it: 

ഒക്കെ ഒരു വെറും ഭ്രാന്തൻറെ  സ്വപ്നം 

നേര് നേരുന്ന താന്തൻറെ  സ്വപ്നം

Shahina put its practicality by saying that each of us develop a culture and sense of 'caring' - caring for others, caring for those who are affected, afflicted. It could be the Rohingyas, it could also be those who are affected by the forced displacement of Narmada Dam, which is again, wherein states become ideologically blind to the aspirations of peoples who are deprived of their livelihood and culture, saying the 'expected benefit of the many' is better the experienced deprivations of the few.

Easter - brings to our mind thoughts of New Life!
On Easter eve, I have sets of news items - good and bad - relating to life.  There is the news of Sr. Merin Paul CHF, a nun retiring from the post of headmistress, donating a kidney to one Mr. Shaju, belonging to some Hindu community. Re-affirming the claim of Christians as resurrection people. Shaju is getting new life, thanks to the bold decision of Sr. Merin Paul.

One practical step of being a resurrection people is to be a conscious and willing donor.  A parish where everyone has pledged one's organs to promote life.  Not necessarily now, but at least after our death, which has to happen some time or other.

On the other hand, we have before us various communities facing threat of life - Syria, various pockets of middle-east, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Egypt... there is Fr. Tom who is still under the custody of terrorists.

We repeatedly pray during the holy week about Jesus redeeming the world through his suffering and cross - വിശുദ്ധ കുരിശാലെ വീണ്ടു കൊണ്ടു . Are we willing to be co-redeemers with Christ in offering our very many sufferings, some of which cannot be wished away? Some of which still remain in spite of our prayers and efforts and pray with our Lord, 'not my will, but thy will be done'?  Can we take a cue from the lives of Sts. Teresa of Lisuex and Alphonsa of Bharanaganam, who rose to sainthood by means of their suffering which they dedicated to the redemption and conversion of many?

It is a feast of Joy.  Hence with St. Paul in Phil 4:4, we echo, Rejoice in the Lord.  I say again, rejoice. Jesus speaks of a joy that no body will take away.  Jesus says in Jn 16:27 When I meet you again, you will rejoice.
When you meet Jesus again - we meet Jesus typically in the Holy Qurbana, in our community sacramental celebration.  But are we able to meet him again? Especially when we step out? In the sacrament of our fellow beings, in the sacrament of other beings of the planet. If and when we are able to 'see him again', 'meet him again' in such presences, as did John, at the sea shore, saying that 'It is the Lord!', then we will rejoice, and our happiness cannot be taken away.  For that we require such a vision.
Our community celebration, our christian fellowship, our communion should help us to see Christ in the most unexpected contexts.

Thirdly, Easter brings us 'peace' as the risen Lord's gift.  In the letter to Philippians, it is said, 'offer your needs through supplications, prayers and praise' and then the Lord's peace which transcends all y our imaginations shall be yours.
In the holy mass, this experience is given to us in 3 stages - as the abiding presence in the word of God; just after we have offered ourselves together with the Lord in the symbols of bread and wine and finally after the rites of reconciliation - with God, humans and planet - we are made ready to call God our Father.

Fourthly, this Easter experience is a challenge and a call for each of us to 'rise up' and to 'rise above'. Rising up, everyday and everytime, from our falls and failures; rising above our petty thinking, petty minds to the realm where the Lord reigns, and the Lord lives.   Hence the call during the mass, 'Let your minds be on high' or 'Lift up your hearts'.  This going beyond is symbolised in the mass, by the initial 'removal of the veil' and the singing of resurrection hymn which reminds us of Jesus' victory on the cross, where at his death, the veil preventing our entry to the Lord's place, was torn, and Jesus went beyond the earthly boundaries to the realms of the Hades and is said to have liberated the souls imprisoned there.

Lastly, Easter reminds us again of 'life and life in abundance' (Jn 10:10).  It is Christian call to maintain life, the gift of God, and all that supports and sustains life.  While we laud people who donate blood and organs, and perhaps, start feeling bad that we are going about with two kidneys, we ignore the more basic duty of ours to maintain life and prevent those situations that lead to the destruction of life - that is a call to preserve, protect air, water and soil, greenery.

When we learn that 9% of Kerala population is under stress and is likely to be victims of depression, we have to rethink about the life-styles we live and ensure that we are there to change our lives for the better; we are there for others and for life.  We are there to listen to one another and support them

May Easter be truly a feast celebrating life, promoting its abundance by being ready to spare or at our end, donate one's organs, by raising our minds and hearts to God's own realm, by rising above our narrow limits daily, by rejoicing in the Lord, and meeting Lord again and again, everywhere and in everything and by finding and realising God, our peace!
Happy Easter!

April 25, 2017 Tuesday St. Mark

I was invited to offer Novena Mass in preparation for the feast of St. Joseph, the worker at Kadavanthra.  The liturgy was dedicated for environment workers (activists?).  Do I belong there? 

In the gospel, Mark chapter 16, it was about proclaiming the good news. Are our salutations genuine, and bear the good news that I am there for you? 

Is our coming, our being a good news for others? 

Is our human/christian presence a good news for the planet and life, in general, and for other humans in particular? 

Our commitment to environment appears like our 'good morning' greetings! It is just the training.  It is merely good manners and means, in fact, nothing - though theoretically I wish you a  good morning when summarised as 'good morning',  is a pledge and commitment to do whatever possible to make his/her morning really good.  

That is why, while we are discussing environment, and dedicating the prayers for environmentalists, we are merrily using flex banners and those plastic decorations which will all add to unmanageable waste for the planet. It is something like being George Bush when he says  'American way of life cannot be compromised'.  We speak many things, but our way of life cannot be compromised. 

In today's reading, St. Paul's exclamation  'that I have run my race well' (1 Tim 6) appears timely.  We are all in a race, but a race to GROW MORE!! grow more money - greater GDP? Is this possible? Then, there is a counter poser: Is it possible for the generations to come to be? ഇനി വരുന്നൊരു തലമുറയ്ക്ക് ഇവിടെ വാസം സാധ്യമോ?

Now there are more people running - within one's  house, in far away open areas - they drive till there by car, and then 'work out' to keep fit. It's more like 'run for your life'.  But is our quality of life improving? Yes the QoL indices indicate that - but they are replete with contradictions - hospital beds available per thousand population is one indicator, we seem to be improving upon that; but is that an indicator of 'good life', or a life style that is more prone to illness, requiring more support of medicines and all the paraphernalia that accompanies modern medicine? 9% of Kerala population is said to be prone to depression? There is greater morbidity among Keralites, life style diseases are becoming increasingly common among them. 

In this connection, we remember St. Joseph the worker and we are reminded of the biblical dictum, 'with the sweat of your brow, you shall earn your bread'.  Is this a curse, or just a way of understanding the inevitable human predicament? We are in a culture where the human effort is to avoid toil to the extend possible.  The effort is to avoid the 'sweat' at any cost - by means of technology, by introducing amenities that will avoid toil and sweat.

Coming back to an earlier theme, we are in an economy termed 'money economy', where money is expected to grow - grow on a continuous basis, endlessly.  However, as the ancient Cree Indian saying goes:  “When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.” 
It is very interesting to note some of the malayalam sayings in this regard: 
കൈ നനയാതെ മീൻ പിടിക്കുക 

പത്താഴം പെറും  ചക്കി കുത്തും 
അമ്മ വയ്ക്കും ഞാൻ ഉണ്ണും  This indeed is a statement of the present generation of Malayalees.  

In this context, I am inspired to share a two fold action plan to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph the worker.
1. That a Christian family will devote the amount of time it collectively spends to consume food, shall be spent also to produce food. It is proved that even with a minimum of two cents of land, such a life style can ensure green vegetables for the family all through the year.  Our experiments with organic kerala have proven that.

2. That all parish celebrations will ensure that there would be NO DAMAGE to the planet, that there would be no activity that would pollute the earth, water or air.  That it would be free of disposable plastics etc

Then the dedication of the day, for environment workers, would be meaningful.

Lastly, a special dedication - the true environment worker (actor) today is the food producer - the farmer who produces food. They are the most neglected and the most afflicted section of our money economy.  With my experiments in food production, paddy cultivation in 3.5 acres of land, I can vouch for that.  As we were reminded by the Indian saying, we need to remember that 'money cannot be eaten', and we cannot take for granted the co-creator work of the food producing farmer.  They are our sustainers, they need to be sustained, they need our prayers.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - FEAST OF BREAD

Maundy Thursday celebrations bring me to Bread Vicharam.  (It's now the era of vicharam. चिंतन बैठक, വിചാര വേദി, hence some bread vicharam).

In Jesus' life, it appears that 'bread' had a very central role - not like anybody else - invariably in whose life, bread, read food, has a central role.  Here it is more in the realm of thought, and action besides eating!

Coincidentally, he was born in Bethlehem, which meant 'house of bread'.
One of the first instances narrated about his adult life is regarding his intense days of preparation in the wilderness, where he felt hungry, and he was enticed by the tempter to convert stones into bread! Use spiritual powers for satisfying one's physical needs.   Jesus' response is very interesting : It is not by bread alone that humans live, but also by the Word of God.  That does imply that humans have the need for 'bread' - food, though a full human life requires more than food.  We have Maslow's hierarchy of needs in modern psychology.

So the questions 'who will give bread' or 'how will one get bread' are very fundamental in nature.  The Malayalam saying in this regard is worth reflecting: പത്തായം പെറും, ചക്കി കുത്തും, 'അമ്മ വയ്ക്കും ഞാൻ ഉണ്ണും.  It shows a culture and experience where things are taken for granted and one thrives on the many givens and lives an unconcerned life, as things are there - available.  A related saying could be അപ്പം തിന്നാൽ പോരേ കുഴി എണ്ണുന്നത് എന്തിനാ? That is usually a reprieve - who are you to look into hows and whys of things; or just plainly, 'that's none of your business'! It can also be looked at the other way, happy to get things done without having to bother about the hows-and-whys.

While he thwarted the tempter with a very word-of-god based answer, he never undermined the significance of bread.  That's why the prayer he taught prioritises the human need of bread.  Of the list of things one asks regarding one's apparent direct well being the first one is that of 'the daily bread'.  He was a realist to the core to recognise the disposition Gandhi would later refer to thus: It is futile to preach religion before a hungry stomach.  Elsewhere he has commented: God appears before the poor as food.  Yes, Jesus is also articulate in that he refers to a 'need based economy' - it is not for storage, not for a tomorrow yet to arrive, it is for the need of the day.

There are two miracles narrated in the gospels - where bread is being multiplied feeding 6000 plus and 4000 plus.  He had sympathy for those who were hungry and didn't have the security of food, even though it was of a temporary nature.   He insisted that food be given to them.  And the food multiplied?? Was it multiplication or sharing of resources which everyone had, leading to abundance? To me, it is happier to believe that the miracle happened in the minds of people, leading to a conversion - from self-centred use to generous sharing of limited resources.  Private possessions turning common property resources! lending the experience of abundance.

Jesus is a conscientious consumer - the present SDGs lists among the 17 goals 'responsible consumption and production' as the 12th goal. He ensures that abundance does not lead to wastefulness. Every crumb is picked and collected and stored for next use. In this era, a basic Christian challenge is to create a counter culture for the extremely casual and wasteful culture,  The latter is also one of the  causes of visible environment degradation and at times, ecological disasters.

Jesus' experience of natural hunger has provoked him to respond in a manner that may be shocking.  He apparently pronounced a judgement against the fig tree, which showed appearances of productivity, but was not really so.  It is sometimes interpreted as insightfulness of Jesus who could see through the contradiction of the tree, which was indicative of its imminent decay? Only Jesus knows. However, when we pray the Lord's prayer for God's will to be done, and God's reign to come, it definitely implies 'responsible production'.  His parable of the sower is also a parable regarding productivity as natural, as God's will.

This is a consumer's world.  But as I come back this week after the annual Vishu round of our Organic Fair (12th in a row - this year termed 'Jaiva Karshikotsavam'), I am thrilled by the relatively newer insight we are trying to propagate in terms of 'food security' and 'food safety' (safe food);  That if each consumer is willing to spend the time s/he usually spends in eating, for food production, at least one's requirements of vegetables and tubers can be taken care of.  More so, if it is done in the family mode - insight from UN International Year of Family Farming celebrated in the year 2014.

He had a very bready thinking when he compared the Kingdom of God to the leaven in the flour which permeates the entire lump and makes it bread-ready.  The father of our nation, was very close to his thinking, perhaps more articulate in this regard.  He spoke about 'bread labour' and labour to produce bread as an essential human duty, and to be made part of basic education.

In his bread-dialogues, Jesus shows how God the father is the provider of 'true bread' (Jn 6:32) and those who eat that will not hunger.  That was really fascinating that the disciples asked without hesitation 'give us this bread always' (Jn 6:34), then Jesus makes a revelation as himself being that bread and those who come to him shall not hunger, and those who believe in him shall not thirst (Jn 6: 35).  The latter part is a water-thought, and that calls for another discussion.

But here Jesus goes on to make some very drastic statements : that he is bread of life (6:48), the real food (6:55)  those who eat this bread from heaven will not die (6: 50) and that in order to have life, human being ought to eat his body/flesh (and drink his blood) and those who do so, shall have eternal life and will be brought back to life on the last day (6:54) and those who eat his body and drink his blood shall live in Jesus and Jesus in them (6: 56) and as Jesus has life from the father, those who thus 'eat' shall live because of him (6:57).

This inspiration and teaching is further reinforced during the last supper in Mathew's narration.  Where he took bread, blessed and broke it and said, 'this is my body given up for you. Do this in memory of me'. (Mtt 26;26; Lk 22:19).

That we have to consume Jesus in order that we assimilate him and assume him (his nature) is a fundamental call.  When we consume Jesus we are in Jesus and Jesus in us.  Is consumption basically limited to the sacramental bread, or is it symbolic of consuming Jesus' person - life - teaching, that we turn to Christ?  Is Jesus ever in our day to to day consumer list or is he merely a ritual appendage?  I consume Jesus and in turn, get consumed by Jesus - fire - en-theos - enthusiastic?

After his death and disappearance, Jesus reappears with bread in the foreground or background- when the bread is broken, the disciples en route Emmaus recognised him (Lk 24:30); when the disciples recognises him at the sea-shore, he had prepared for them bread and fish (Jn 21: 9-13).

The triple challenge the pass over celebration offers us are:
1. To recognise the presence of God, of Jesus beyond the sacramental bread to the bread presence of human beings, all having the potential to be blessed, broken and shared.  That is a greater sacrament of God, created in God's image and likeness as insisted by the venerable martyr bishop Helder Camera.
2. To produce food and be part of God's reign where everyone is to have one's daily bread.  This is equally a call to be responsible in consumption and avoid all wastefulness.
3. A call to consume Jesus beyond the bread presence - his person, his teachings, his values - that we in turn are consumed by him.


In addition, not to forget the significance of table fellowship beyond the divine table - that has to invariably happen at home; and even in the friendship, neighbourhood, parish communities - where we gather to celebrate our oneness our shared Christness through meals, with Jesus as the permanent invitee and invisible head.  Hence the Hebrew instruction: 'You shouldn't feel lethargic in coming together' (10/25).

P.S. I stop with two bready experiences.
1. After 123 days of anxiety, involvement, organising, coordinating, facing resistance and lack of cooperation, fear of lack and abundance of rain/water, pestilence etc. we could reap our crop of paddy, sabari, from Thottara Puncha, near Arayankavu.  Our joint venture (Rajagiri and SH college, practically managed by SH college) in about a hectare has yielded about 2 tonnes of paddy and about a full truck of hay.  At a very optimistic calculation the loss would be around Rs. 50000.00. But perhaps if we convert intangibles like education of students, inspiration for organic farming, maintaining soil fertility etc. then in might be of profit.  It is hoped that some rice and some rice flour will be made available for sale.
2. On Good Friday, I was struck by a small cardboard box in front of the Principal's office - could it be some bomb? Maybe, may not be! I didn't open it or remove it.  When the office staff came and found it they took the risk of opening it and found to our relish and surprise ripened mangoes and an egg, with Easter & Vishu greetings written using a green sketch pen.
No clue as to whose gift.  That's again, food!