Ayodhya - Jerusalem of Hindutwa

RAM LALLA (BALAK RAM) VIRAJMAN – Prime Minister Modi, as the Yajmaan of the religious rite of the consecration and installation of the now famed 51 inches tall blackstone murti (idol) of the infant Ram (by the Karnataka native Arun Yogiraj), declared that with this the creation of Ramrajya – Samarth, Saksham, Bhavya, Divya Bharat is begun! Dev se Desh Ram se Rashtra; Ram koivivad nahin, samaadhan hai (Ram is not a problem, but a solution); May that be true for all Bhartiya.

January 22, 2024. The mercury indicated it was the coldest day of the region in the past one month with it dipping to 5 degree.  However, the sun showed favour on the great celebration of the Sooryavanshi – it shone today after many days of hiding. Sitapur is just about 200 kms

from the cynosure of the country today – Ayodhya. (Ayodhya, to Shri Mohan Bhagwat is a + yodhya, where there is no war! He appeals for that! A detente or entente? Almost sounds to my ears like Jerusalem - the city of salem - peace, but is always the centre of conflicts.  Hope it is not so with Ayodhya).  After almost two weeks (perhaps, more specifically 9 days) of bhajan and jaagran all around, the morning was rather quiet.  We took a ride to see the effects of pratishthan on people.  As we reached the town area, just about 3 kilometers away, the main street (Mahatma Gandhi Road) was seen with bhagwa (saffron) flags with the picture of Ram Lalla depicted on them on every light post which are there on the median.  Two flags crossed.  The posts are illuminated with tricolour lights.

Many buildings bore the bhagwa flags, and some of the 3 wheelers and motorbikes also carried small flags. While the more established firms appeared closed, generally the market was open – business as usual, but every corner having a booth or platform from where devotional songs and bhajans highlighting the benevolence and virtues of Ram ji were played. There were several stations where prasaad was being distributed – tea and biscuits, sweets in some places. I joined a group and had their chaay, and in turn, tried to gather the littering of the tea cups all around.

A street and surrounding are in front of the UP Roadways station was found cleaned, and 10 to 12 ft tall Tabebuia Rosea (Pink Poui) plants, about 100 in number were being planted. I wondered why they chose Tabebuia, when diverse and attractive Indian species  could have been introduced.  When the nation is celebrating its sabhyata through Ram, some thought on this aspect would have made is much more beneficial to the town.  Hope the trees will grow and bear bright pink flowers making people ‘happy’ (ramyante). 

A small procession passed by on one side of the median – senior and young men and women, and children were merrily singing along with the bhajan being played and stepping to the tune.  It is a festival mood – but no frenzy.

Since last night internet appears totally lost or available only at infrequent intervals.  I suspected if it were a security precaution – though didn’t fully understand the logic. But later, realised that it was a problem with the wiring.

The speeches by the RSS Sarsanchalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stressed matters to be avoided – ahankar (pride) and to be cultivated hosh (reason), vinay (humility), karuna (compassion); but also a queer mix of religion and politics, likely to be the new meaning of Indian secularism.

I recalled the lessons of Christian history when Constantine made Christianity the religion of his empire and a unifying force, and felt an Indian modern-day parallell is being drawn. It transformed Christianity from the spritual movement it was meant to be to the institutionalised religion and a major centre of religio-political power, with all its trappings.  While Shri Modi indeed rightly stressed that Ram is not to be a fire (aag), but energy (oorja), the new trend India would take on appears to be this new version of Raam rajya – would it really take the BJP slogan sabke saath, sabka vikaas, sabka vishwas? If that is indeed meant and beyond the triumphalism and grandiosity, if the party truly adheres to the principles by taking along the minorities, India (Bharat) would emerge definitely as a glorious (bhasur) Bharat! 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0H73JTDAVkdUeHCYeFv1MJgstxcHBWD4ubjuZCCdtF9EzWvf3hAJcFCBZvA9gtXuFl&id=1251360683&mibextid=Nif5oz

Word of God Sunday - Lamp for my feet, Light for my path

Jan 21, 2024 Word of God Sunday

Oh My God!! In spite of having been an anointed (read, professional in secular terms) minister of the Church for 29 years, I find myself very uninitiated, often illiterate or ignorant of the latest church matters, practices or teaching. It appears that over the years,  I have become a minister sans people, a non-church-going pastor,  with my sacramental celebrations often assuming the nature of a private devotion (though theologically we argue that we celebrate in communion with the whole of the faithful and even in communion with the heavens and the earth). I got to learn about the rescheduling of the days for the popular devotion of the rosary, the additions in litany etc. only recently, as these had long ceased to be part of my community prayers.  I did pray these almost regularly in my own private times. 

I was kind of surprised to learn that there is a Word of God Sunday - and it had been in practice for the past 3 years.  Felt a little ashamed and embarrassed.  But on further enquiry, I realised it was a Latin rite tradition, and the Syro Malabar (presently, zero-Jesus) Church has never promoted the idea. 

The Catholic church in my experience and understanding has laid greater emphasis on the ritualistic (sacramental) aspect of Christian living, rather than a word-centred living.  It is to be acknowledged that learning the word of God, and a constant return to that for inspiration was not a very strong tradition in the Catholic church, and perhaps, the focus on the word of God in Christian life emerged beginning with the apparently conscientious questioning by Martin Luther, who was labelled a rebel and a renegade, and led to the split in the Church giving birth to Protestantism and the whole bunch of protestant churches.  While this did immense harm to the power of the Church as a monolithic entity, I feel, it has done the Church the good of forcing it to initiate scriptural scholarship, while still managing its flock to maintain the addiction and adherence to the watered-down sacramental life - more so based on popular devotions, with Eucharistic devotion as its summit.  

It took almost 4 centuries thence for the Catholic church to really assert the significance of the Word of God in Christian life. It was Vatican Council II through the council decree Dei Verbum that the primariness of the Word of God was asserted by the Church.  Even then, till today, it does have only a secondary status in the church life - individual's life, events etc., we are still very much 'devotion' based.  No doubt, the charismatic movement has given a fillip to a more-word-centred life among the Catholics. 

I recall that even before the Charismatic movement gained a foothold, in my family daily reading of the Bible was introduced.  But it turned out to be just a reading, without great attention or reflection, as part of the daily routine devotional prayers, with the rosary as the centre. But from a pastoral point of view, there was hardly any inspiration, guidance or support in this regard. 

Now with this observance of the day today, I feel more inspired to lead a life based on the word - word-centric. 

The celebration involved a detailed introduction to the rationale and content of the celebration, well prepared and read out in Hindi by one of the younger nuns. I felt that amply covered the necessary aspects - what I should try to provide should be inspiration. 

I read that when the Pope made the declaration on September 30th (feast), it was coincidentally the 1600th year of the death of the great Bible authority of the ancient  Church, St. Jerome, who had translated the Bible into Latin, known by the name 'Vulgata' (from Versio vulgata - meaning common version/translation). He had declared: 'The ignorance of the Scriptures is the ignorance of Christ'.  

The Psalmist's experience of the word of God, I feel, should be our inspiration: 'Your word (law) is lamp to my feet, and light to my path' (Ps 119:105), it is more or less repeated in the Proverbs: For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life... (Proverbs 6:23). 

The motu proprio (of his own initiative - a Papal teaching of his own initiative) is named "Apperuit illis' (He opened their...) the beginning words of Luke 24:32, how Jesus opened the minds of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how their hearts were set aflame by his words and interpretation of the scriptures.  This should happen through the reading and reflection on the Word of God.  How I desire if I could be a minister of the word able to do this with the listeners - to set their hearts aflame! 

Now, in reading the Christian Scriptures, it is likely that the reader comes across passages that are scandalous, not matching the ethics and norms of the Christian religion or modern day, and can get confused.  Herein comes the importance of guidance and interpretation.  However, to start with, the thumb rule for any understanding of the scriptures should be, their matching with the person, life and teaching of Jesus Christ as he is presented in the gospel.  I feel that should put things right and at rest. Anything that contradicts this foundational norm should be seen as part of the evolution of the word of God, and the stages of evolution in its understanding by the people of God and their response to it. 

The second would be to bear in mind, that the general Christian understanding of the scriptural revelation is that of God-inspired message, rather than literal dictation by God.  So the Christian approach would be as to what message for the 'good life' is intended out of the scripture, rather than look for the exact logic of the words, or historical or scientific content. 

The third step is to match it with the growing teaching of the Church - which gains a deeper understanding of the scriptures, age after age.  

Fourthly, to make it a habit to have recourse to the word of God on a daily basis - devoting some time for it; trying to learn, if possible by heart, some inspirational segment of the word.  I would say, a Christian should devote at least 5 minutes minimum daily to even an hour or more for this 'svadhyaya' of  source of one's inspiration. 

Fifthly, the Christians have to find the resonance and inspiration of the word in their popular devotion, and sacramental celebrations. The elements of the Word of God, and what they say to us through these practices is also to be understood, and used for our inspiration.  The liturgy of the hours can be a very enriching prayer from this point of view, going beyond the ritualistic adherence to the hours of prayers.  If the Catholic faith is to be authentic, the typical catholic religiosity (fulfilling of Sunday obligations, feel-good factor from recourse to devotions - rosary, devotions to saints, eucharistic devotion etc.) should lead us closer to the word of God, and deeper in the word of God.

The challenge is to be the word made flesh - a Jesus was indeed God's word in the flesh - as he lived with his parents, as he went about the villages of Palestine, as he ate and drank with people, as he taught and corrected them, as he prayed alone in the open, as he suffered and died - so too the followers of Christ ought to be 'word made flesh'. 

The positioning of this day, on the third week in ordinary times, is usually during or just about the unity octave observed between 18th and 25th of January.  This adds to the significance of the celebration.  Ecumenically, all the Christians can be united on the fact of following Christ based on the inspiration from the scripture.  So scripture can be the rallying point for all the Christians to be united. 

Let the Lord's words that 'if you remain in my word, you will be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free' (Jn 8:31) guide the Christian disciples in following Christ of the Gospels, to be united for God (read, good) and to experience the freedom of the children of God, which Christ did. 

As this celebration implies also ecumenism, in its wider sense, it should also embrace, the 'elements of truth' the other scriptures of the world provide.  Though 'Dei Verbum' (lit. Word of God; the council document on the revelation) is categorical on the unique and full revelation in Jesus, it has kept the road for dialogue open. It calls for the Christians to also learn about the scriptures of other religions as well - not for argumentation, but for understanding and furtherance of fellowship and unity. 

In this modern world, I feel grateful that the word of God is available on my mobile phone as an app.  So easy to carry and read, make notes, and listen to if required.  It is available in the language of your choice. It is also being passed on by WhatsApp messages for making it easy for you. Online proclamation of the word and interpretations by scholars are all available. What a blessed world in that way! I feel there is greater enthusiasm for the word, and greater learning and deeper efforts to follow the word.

It is my humble view that dogmatism and claims of the final authority of truth appear to be unwarranted, and not befitting the human nature and human cum divine nature of the Church as well.  Church also has to acknowledge in all humility that at any point of time, if God is God, the full understanding of that infinite is not within the humans, and our claims regarding the final matters should be less of pronouncement through dogmas, and more of proclamation by praxis of the model the Word made Flesh has set before us. 

May the hammering power of the Word (Jer 23:29) shatter my petty ego and crush it within the heart of the Word made flesh; may the double-edged sword (Heb 4:12) that the Word is, may penetrate my heart and prepare me for a greater good.

2024 - David, Goliath, Palestine and Peace

Read 'From Kashmir to Palestine, Goliath is now David' by Parvati Sharma appearing in The Indian Express on January 2, 2024. It made an interesting read. 
In I Samuel 17:32-51, we read the legendary 'David - Goliath' fight. 

David appeals to me for more than one reason - his bravery as a pastoral youth tending his father's sheep is proven by his feats of overpowering (killing) a lion and a bear to protect them (I Sam 17:34-36).  There is a pertinent question of whether those regions had lions.  It is said to have had them, but habitat loss has led to their disappearance from those regions. His songlike youthfulness brings cheer to people, even to the moody King, Saul. He is daring to seek ways beyond the typical - He is indeed an out-of-the-box-thinker, not happy with the TINA (There Is No Alternative)attitude, but wears the TATA (There Are a Thousand Alternatives)attitude, and finds the very unconventional way of tackling a skilled warrior with a sling! He is a popular King who dances with the people. He is a devout leader, who dances in joy before God's presence.  He is a alive and active man who easily falls for the attraction of the flesh, and who commits grave sin to satisfy his carnal inclinations - but he is a repentant sinner, sincerely sorry for his failure, accepting his wrongs, ready to make amends. He is accommodative and tolerant, and magnanimous with his enemies. He is King, he is almost like a priest, he is a poet, he is a prophet. 

Interestingly the region is finding continued struggles between two groups over many centuries - each time the roles of David and Goliath being reversed.  In the early part of the Common Era, we find the Goliath in the Roman Empire, but no David to resist on the part of the Jews. They were scattered for good. 

Then we have the Islamic expansion from 7th century, with the new found religious empire occupying the region. Here again, the David figure is missing.  Perhaps, the Islamic followers might find David figure in their leaders.  This lasts till around the 11th century, whence Christian crusaders put on the mantle of David against the Goliath of the Islamic empire. Of course, in this case too, the David Goliath roles may depend upon the perspectives of the people.  For each of them, the rival could be Goliath and themselves the valiant David. 

The series culminates in the Islamic victory in the late 12th century with Ayyubid and later, Mamluk dynasties holding the power in the region.  By the 16th century, the rule of the Turkish Ottoman Empire is established in the region which is challenged only in the 20th century with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.  The power over the region was transferred to the British Empire where the sun did not set through the intervention of the League of Nations. 

This period is marked by another David legend - a sculptural masterpiece on the biblical hero David, by the all-time great artist Michael Angelo, between 1501 and 1504.  The sculpture of very unique features, about 17 ft in height, sculpted from a single marble stone is a world art heritage available in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. The depiction of the emotional features of youthful David in concentration, ready to fight Goliath, and the accuracy of the anatomical features are said to be unparalleled. Apparently, no artwork seems to have been made on Goliath. 

The Zionist movement gains momentum under the British regime with newer strategies to regain the land by the scattered Jewish population across the world. In 1948, the UN-mediated establishment of the Israeli nation takes place, and the proposed Palestinian nation does not emerge.  While Israel - depending on the varying perspectives donning the role of David or Goliath - has been successful in establishing itself as a modern tech-driven, democracy, the Palestinians are still struggling to find a physical space for them as a nation, leading to continuous conflict in the region - again, who is David and who is Goliath in the series becoming debatable. 

With the present scenario of the Hamas terror attack of October 7th in Israel, and Israel's all-out effort to efface Hamas from the region, Israel might be feeling it is back to David, but with Goliath-like strengths as well (skills and arms).  It is doubtful whether the Palestinians would feel happy putting themselves or the Hamas unit in David's role - though, the Islamic religion holds King David (Dawood) as a Prophet.  Their story is narrated in the Holy Quran as well. 

The ancient race of Philistines (in Arabic Filisti) may have nothing or very little to do with the present-day Palestinians in spite of the fact they call themselves Filastini, which sounds akin to the Arabic term for the Philistines.  And Palestinians, though an Islam-majority nation, do have other religious followers among them as well, who all alike feel oppressed and aggrieved that they are unjustly oppressed. 

I hope and pray that the land of the City/Foundation of Peace - Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) - indeed becomes a region of peace for people of all faiths, starting the Abrahamic religions - with the Jews who greet each other with 'Shalom', spreading to the Muslims who also greet with the salutation of peace 'Salam' and make claims that Islam is a religion of peace as well (besides being a religion of surrender) and to the Christians whose primary greeting is also 'peace be with you' and for who count on Christ's promise 'Peace, I give you...not as the world gives' and to the Hindus, whose dominant tradition has all their invocations ending in triple peace (Om Shanti Shanti Shanti) and to all people of goodwill.

And I join with the UN secretary-general (https://youtu.be/cxFvUbhVz50) in asserting that peace requires collective will, collective effort and a green shade to ensure that it lasts - it requires peace with the planet as well.

Picture: <https://www.modernhealthcare.com/clinical/michelangelos-david-really-perfection-personified> Jan. 17, 2024

Observant Religiosity vs Fulfilling the Will of God: A Sryo Malabar Reflection

January 15, 2024

In the Latin rite, the first reading from the first Book of Samuel  (15:16-23) presents the bold prophet Samuel stops the anointed King Saul, and points out to him that his act of sparing the Amalekites was against the explicit will of God. This is a terrible statement on the part of God - God being a God of one party, and calling for the extermination of a race! Unimaginable for today's theology, though even today, within various religions, it is still possible to see such hardliners who would really look at such act of racial cleansing may be an act appealing to God. 

However, it seems that Saul was moved by humanitarian concern on the one hand, and on the other hand motivated by the booty available - goods and animals, perhaps even people, who could be put to better use for the country.  (Though, in no way is such calculations justifiable today, for those days when might was the rule, it was also possible to have learnt from past experience that such intermingling with other races eventually led to their downfall.  Perhaps, it was such foresight gained from experience with other races that prompts the God men of those times like Samuel, to present it in the idiom of those times as God's command. Even today, when people stamped as terrorists are caught alive, and in some cases, those found to be hard-core in criminal history, the forces combating them, are found to finish them off, giving this same logic - that they are likely to contaminate and cause a constant threat to the life and security of the common people.)

Interestingly, Saul seemed to have utilised the booty, the animals and the wealth thus gained, for offering to God.  But the justification is not found satisfactory and there comes the classic statement of Samuel: 'obedience is better than sacrifice'.  Perhaps, that is the sacrifice.  And when it comes to Jesus, he shows this to be still valid, and shows submission to the will of God, though it could never be found to be justifiable.  Such a culture keeps Church a strong community.  However, in this also corruption can emerge in two ways. 

1) using obedience as a tool of an ungodly manner of exploitation and subjugation by the unscrupulous authorities 2) feeling complacent by adhering to the ritualistic observances prescribed by the religion, but hardly ever seeking Christ's will, and perhaps, blissfully unaware of one's status as devoid of the spirit of Christ. 

In either case, the joy of being the friends of the bridegroom (Mk 2:18-22), who would care less for the rigorous religious observances like fasting (not that they are unnecessary), would not be there, other than a pharisaical satisfaction of being a holy (holier-than-thou) person. 

I am afraid in the entire acrimonious controversy regarding the Syro Malabar Liturgy, both these forces appear to be in operation. On the one hand, there is a group wielding the weapon of 'obedience' to enforce the ritualism of bygone days, on the other hand, there is another group, which feels oppressed and exploited, and instead of accepting Christ's model of self-suffering for the cause, presents a model of very unchristlike revolt. I am seriously doubtful whether either of the parties is enjoying the bridegroom's company - May the Lord who was obedient, who asked us to go beyond the prescribed 'mountains', who asked us to perpetuate the memory of his humbling and self-effacing sacrifice in our lives, rather than the tantra and mantra of the liturgy, guide the paths of the followers of Christ. 

In all these, are we totally missing prophets like Samuel who are able to directly present God's will today, and enforce the same? If not with Saul, finding a viable alternative like David?

May we be friends of the bridegroom, and the joy of his company be ours! And if warranted, prophets like Samuel,  able to address, and confront the ungodliness of our power centres. Amen! 

Anushthan, Karmakand and Anand - Rites-Rituals, Ritualism and Bliss

Indian Currents: <https://www.indiancurrents.org/article-anushthaan-karmakaand-and-aanand--ritesrituals-ritualism-and-bliss-j-prashant-palakkappillil-cmi-1974.php>  January 22-28, 2024

Anushthaan, Karmakaand and Aanand - Rites-Rituals, Ritualism and Bliss

Though the terms 'karmakaand' and 'anushthaan' have a more or less related meaning, they appear to signify different things, or degrees of performing religion-related observances. Both imply 'ritualism' in religion, and the terms are generally employed against the Hindu Sanaatan dharma tradition of India. With the Ram Temple of Ayodhya now having become the cynosure of all sorts of activities in UP and perhaps, across Northern India, the terms have gained greater significance. The terms have been referred to in connection with the rituals to be enacted in Ayodhya in connection with the praanpratishtha (ceremonial installation) of the idol of Sri Raam. 

In the Indian tradition of philosophy which explores the sheaths of human consciousness the ultimate core of consciousness is described as 'aanandmaya' (bliss).  In other words, the ultimate aim of existence could also be understood as unadulterated bliss - which could be termed God, or Paramaatma, or the Ultimate. In Psychological terms, it could be seen as the realm of self-actualisation as described by Maslow¹. 

The kind of enthusiasm shown by the BJP government of UP and perhaps, the central government, appears so contagious that it is seen spreading to almost all domains of public life.  Secular systems like universities have also been seen caught up in the tide, and Lucknow University recently issued an office circular to all affiliated institutions to ensure that they don't fall behind in the preparation for this great event  instructing them to decorate and  illuminate their premises, and ensure swacchtaa of the surroundings.  While these directives have the bearings of a typical theocratic nation, the fourth estate appears smugly oblivious of this, and appears to be going all out to project the news around such activities as if that were the new normal.  This trend is very evident in the local language print and visual media, whereas it is toned down in the English media. 

That a political party has come to power on the basis of a religious manifesto, and is making an all-out effort to fulfil that, and regain or emphasize the heritage and cultural tradition of the dominant majority is to be accepted as a reality in the democratic process mediated through majority rule, but the government and its functionaries to confuse and mix their official roles and personal preferences does not really augur well for a democracy, still established as secular according to the constitution. 

The elected governments while going all out to fulfil the mandate of the Ram temple, especially with the sanctions of the highest body to spell out the rightness of actions in the light of the 'scripture of the nation' (the constitution), are accomplishing some good beyond religiosity: 1) the effort to infuse technology of the latest order in reorganising the city of Ram - demonstrating that tradition (paramparaa) needn't be opposed to progress (pragati) 2) to build up infrastructure along with the structure of an architecturally magnificent temple - roads, hotels, airport 3) purposefully naming the new and state-of-the-art international airport after Maharshi Valmiki - killing two birds in one shot (i) reemphasizing Ram and Ramayana and (ii) boosting the morale of the suppressed groups in the broader Hindu fold - the Dalits, as Valmiki is said to be representing a backward caste in many parts of North India. and 4) promoting swacchataa (cleanliness) as a spiritual attribute to welcome the deity Lord Ram, clearly tapping the opportunity for a much-required field of action, and leading the drive through personal involvement of the leaders.  However, one is surprised to learn that the President of the nation, especially with the rare epithets of belonging to a tribal community and being a woman, is not included in the guest list for the installation of the idol of Sri Ram, who had the sagacity to accept from the tribal ascetic Shabari the 'jhuthan ber' (the Jujube berries she had tasted to check for their edibility)!  

I felt that this occasion could have been tapped by the political leadership for building up the nation further on the path of communal harmony, fellowship and everyone's growth (sab kaa vikaas, sab kaa saath, sab kaa vishwaas and sab kaa prayaas) by being a little more broad-minded after the much-touted axiom of 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam'. 

(i) By appreciating the Muslim community for amicably accepting the Supreme court judgement and by rendering all support to them to ensure that a suitable structure for substituting the demolished masjid is erected along with the Mandir.  I feel that would have been more Maryaadapurushottam Ram-like. 

(ii) By inviting all the religious heads of the various religious groups of the nation for the ceremony, appealing for harmony, and shedding the religious jingoism observed in the preparations happening around. 

(iii) By having shown some respect to the religion and government separation as enshrined in the constitution, and avoiding constitutional authorities utilising their positions to explicitly favour and promote their own religion. 

But such devotion to Ram would require Ram devotees like Sant Kabir or Mahatma Gandhi to lead the mob, rather than those who are currently leading them, whose thrill at this accomplishment often borders religious frenzy. 

While the average citizen with a Hindu tag (even those who were deprived and systematically subjugated by the typical caste practices, now happily wearing the tag, in spite of the continued oppression under those systems in several parts of the nation) appears to be jubilant about the whole thing, the question of being truly 'religious' - being in the right relationship with the Ultimate, with fellow beings, with one's self, and with the planet remains alive.  Do all these 'actions' around solemn rituals rebuild the rhythm of the right relationships (rta, as said to be 'heard' in Rgveda)? Do they help them in progressing towards the ultimate religious goal of aanandamaya atman? Do they help in being self-actualised persons? The ancient description: 'ramayte iti raam', implies Ram is the one who unifies (could also be read as reconciles) the individual self  (aatma) with the ultimate self (paramaatmaa), if accepted, then the efforts would have much more to go - go beyond the ceremonies to action for reconciliation, so that starting from the Ram of Ayodhya, the deity who was Maryaadapurushottam among men, who respected the opinion of people, who took care of and respected the tribals, women and the elders, who was willing to sacrifice one's personal gains for that of the society,  who helped other nationalities to thrive along with his own (Kishkindha, Lanka) promoting good governance there, the followers of Ram are able to establish the Ram beyond the Kingdom of Ayodhya, as the indweller who is able to fulfil the deepest of human longings, aananda, the state of harmony among the individual selves and with the Ultimate self. 

My prayer is that in this modern 'bhakti kaal', the Rambhakt Kabirdas' prophetic saying be found not true: 

Raam raam kar sabai bakhaana Raam naam ka maram na jaana!!

(Everyone praises saying 'Ram Ram', but they have not grasped the core of the name of Raam).

J. Prashant Palakkappillil CMI Ph D

¹Maslow, Abraham. 1943. “A Theory of Human Motivation” in Psychological Review

Ram : <https://letslearnslang.com/origin-of-the-name-ram/> Jan. 15, 2024

Ram: <https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/ramayte-iti-ram-mystery-behind-the-mantra-revealedramnavami-specialby-sri-sri-dadaji-maharaj/ram-naam-for-sadhak> Jan. 15, 2024

Valmiki Caste: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valmiki_caste> Jan. 15, 2024

Ministering to the People of God in the United States of America

I came to the United States for the first time in 2001, with an R1 VISA stamped for 5 years. The stay lasted till December end. It had a combination of pastoral ministry in two dioceses (St Stanislaus Kostka Church, Maspeth, Brooklyn and Holy Name of Mary Church, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre), and a semester as visiting faculty at the School of Social Work, Maryland University, Baltimore, on the basis of  MoU between Rajagiri and SSWUMB, drafting of which had a major contribution from my side. The facilitation by Fr Joseph Palackal and Dr Raju Varghese was crucial. 

Since then, on and off, I had some short stints of pastoral and academic exposure in the US, and since I took over as the Principal of Sacred Heart College, it always had a thrust on alumni networking. I could build up some momentum thanks to these trips, and create a kind of linkage.  I could build up some minor academic collaborations as well. In spite of setting up an international office, and giving it a kind of free hand, it appears that such efforts did not sustain. 

The first outing was the most solemn and glorious time, with duty days, and free days free for outing and exploring.  Regarding the ministry as such, you had to prepare for your mass, deliver the homily, and if there was a sick or communion call on your duty days, you had to attend.  I hardly ever presided over a funeral function or baptism. On duty days, you were to be available on call, and remain at the rectory.  The other days, you could go wherever you wanted. Perhaps, the one on call also ensured that the dishwasher was run to get the dishes cleaned. 

Though only dinner was served at the rectory, that was glorious enough, with Rev. Michael Walsh having the practice of a dinner at 5 pm, with candles, grace, wine, salad, main course and desert, all ceremoniously served by our (visiting) greek chef Ms Sophie. (I learn that she is no more! So too Rev. Walsch, who was trained as a theologian.  May their souls rest with the Lord!).  Thanks to Sophie, I began to relish the American style of food, which had very minimum condiments, yet which suited me well. Maspeth also was a well-connected place with easy access to public transport. 

With Fr. Joseph having been there for quite some time, the parishioners were friendly and welcoming.  In my second stint there in 2005, when one of them came to know that I loved riding a bicycle, he brought a bicycle that was remaining unused at his home.  I had to purchase a helmet to go around on the bicycle. But the bicycle, though a very old one, was the best one I had used ever.  I ventured to go up to Central Park and to various other nearby spots on that. 

At Holy Name of Mary, Valley Stream, Long Island, we were almost a monastery. There was the pastor Fr Thomas Harold, who was happy to be called Tom. Then there were two associates Rev Stephen of the diocese, a very pious person, and Rev Saji Mukkudan of Malankara rite.  Besides, there was a resident priest Rev James (Jim), and a summer priest like me, Fr Robert Pinto from Pakistan (I never imagined that we had priests in Pakistan)! And we could adjust our duties among us, and thus go out to visit someone far off, if required.  I think we had dinner together daily, but wine was served only on Sundays.  There was a Hispanic woman who arrived in the afternoons to prepare the dinner. 

In 2005, I spent one month at Western Michigan University as a visiting faculty with the School of Social Work with Dr. Washington leading the team. I scouted and discovered a campus parish, and found people waiting of the priest to come, who didn't turn up.  I volunteered to offer mass, saying that I was a visiting priest, and the people gathered for the mass readily accepted the offer. The next day, I reached again for attending the mass, but the priest-in-charge/chaplain, gently reminded me that I ought to produce some authentication regarding my being a priest in good standing with the church. I mailed Fr Augustine, the Provincial, and he sent the authorisation without any delay.  That put the priest at ease, and I had several other occasions during the month to lead the community in celebration.  One of the parishioners was quick to point out that I would require a bicycle to ride from the university residence to the church, and she arranged the one which lying idle at her place. That was so kind of her.  I am so sorry to have even forgotten the name of the good soul. 

My next stint was with a parish in the New York Diocese - Immaculate Conception Church, Irvington, New York.  The parish priest was venerable Msgr Berne, who was 80 plus, and had been there for over 20 years, who was almost burning out from 'smoke'.   But he had a popular appeal. We also had a Nigerian priest for some time, perhaps just for a couple of days, and so too did my confrere Benny Mukalel.  I was there just for a month or so.  Here too, the ministry was confined mainly to offering daily mass.  I have nearly forgotten how our dinner was managed there. Kathleen Bencivenga, the office manager (secretary) was fully in control of the parish management, and she had been a good friend to most of us CMIs who had a short or long-term ministry there.   Kathy has since maintained that friendship, and had visited India, I asked her to share her experience from the angle of women empowerment. There has been an array of us there - Chathamparampil, Thekkedath, Vettiyankal, CC Jose, Abraham Kannampala, Benny Mukalel, Soju Thekkinieth, Gilson John... and me too, as if someone prematurely born (St Paul - 1Cor 15:8).  

I had a beautiful time with Rev. Fr Anthony Sansone, at the parish of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.  This was in Brooklyn, very close to Maspeth. It was a Polish parish. Fr Antony felt that the priests residing there needed better care, and in addition to the evening dinner, he decided to have a 'simple soup' and 'salad', for which he got someone to help.  A lady would arrive in the morning for the same. After one day I realised that this simple soup was equivalent to an oversized lunch for a person like me, with several solid ingredients, preceded by a super-bowl of salads, and followed by some dessert and a tea or coffee. 

While being here,  I had the experience of the devastating tornado Rita, and that of snow! It snowed the whole day, and I was supposed to be dropped at the airport by Fr Sansone, who sensed that it would be risky for both of us, and managed to reach me to a subway station, from where I could reach the airport.  And due to the heavy snowfall, the aircraft could leave only after 7 hours of the scheduled time. 

In 2017, I received an unexpected invitation from Fr. Kariamadam, a senior confrere to substitute him for a month.  I felt that his offer would not suffice to cover the travel expenses, however, I agreed to go. (I always kept the agenda of meeting with alumni and trying to strengthen our network, and hence I thought the outing might be of help in that direction, and it was indeed so). This was St John the Evangelist Parish, in Lewisburg, Tennessee under the Nashville diocese.  It was a small parish, with hardly any activity after the mass.  Fr Jose announced in the church that Fr Prashant would be covering for him, and since he didn't drive a car in the US, it would be good to get him a bicycle.  And lo, when I reached the parish, a brand new bicycle was waiting for me. The frugally furnished rectory was about a mile away, and the bicycle was handy, though I did make use of the car on some rare occasions. Here, I had a greater opportunity to interact with the Hispanic community and I celebrated mass for them, and a few baptisms as well.  I was also made a member of the Knights of Columbus by the active and vibrant group there. My ministry ended there with me and Fr Jose making a trip to our Ecuador mission.

Here there was no cook. But Fr Jose had prepared some food and I managed to meet my food needs for almost 15 days with whatever was left there. Then my friend  Anil came with his wife Rita and two kids, and stayed over for two days, and they did some cooking which lasted me for the next two weeks.  I look back with amazement, that I had stayed all alone in that lonely rectory, and was put in charge of a parish with hardly anyone else around. Of course, there was the office and the secretary to take care of that. 

Though I had all plans to come to the US once again to visit our alumni and strengthen the network before I quit the office, due to the pandemic the plan didn't work out. Then when I finally got the VISA renewed, there was great difficulty in getting someone to offer me an opportunity to serve as the US environment regarding the priestly ministry and guests in the rectory etc. had drastically changed with sex and child abuse scandals being there all around.  My own brothers of the province were not found to be of great help, nor were any of my good friends.  Finally, it was Biju Naranath, a younger confrere who suggested my name to Sebastian Illickakkunnel, who knew me, and whom I also did know, though initially I could not recall our association. With some correspondence back and forth, I got it cleared and with some amount of persuasion, Fr Provincial also okayed the same, just before his term ended, but that was well in advance, and Sebastian wanted it to be thus.  Then came a request from Biju himself whether I could cover for him for a month preceding that of Sebastian's.  I was only too happy as that would definitely take care of my travel expenses with whatever is paid from the two parishes. 

However, this time, it was an altogether different experience. 

First of all, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, there was mass every day,  two each on the weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, there were four masses. There was no sacristan, and there were no regular altar servers or lectors.  There was confession on all days, except Sundays. The routine would go thus: Arrive at the church about 45 minutes ahead.  Preparations for the eucharistic celebration - lights on, lamps lit, wine and bread kept ready, microphone kept ready, missal and lectionary set, water for purification and sanitiser for use before the mass to be kept ready.  Be in the confessional half an hour ahead of the mass with the name board displayed. When a penitent enters the confessional the priest has to switch on a lamp indicating occupancy. When the time is up, you ought to get out, and put your name board back in the sacristy, apparently to make it clear to the faithful (clients) who their confessor would be. Once confession time is up,  come back to the sacristy, vest, ring the bell and enter the sanctuary solemnly by reciting the entrance antiphon. Homily was to be there, but no prayer of the faithful. Once the mass is over, all these have to be back in their slot.  Even if there was to be another mass after 1 hour, this ritual had to be observed.  But on Sundays, instead of the two usual candles there used to be six of them burning, and once lit in the morning, they continued to burn till the fourth mass was over.  

On Sundays, the priests had to go to the Church to receive the collection and bring it back to the pastor.  The priests had to assist with the communion service as well. There was a novena to the Blessed Mother of the miraculous medal on Mondays, to St Anthony on Tuesdays and to St. Joseph on Wednesdays, after the 1210 mass. At 1200 the priest would lead the Angelus. 

On Saturdays and Sundays, the priest on duty has to open the church in the morning and close it in the evening. One has to get familiarised with the simple, but peculiar locking system of the doors - four of them! 

There were several deaths and hence there were many occasions of the ministry of officiating the funeral rites, which are very different from the ways in which they are held in Keralam. Funeral homes take charge of the entire affair, once the death of a person is confirmed.  They preserve the body, keep it intact and make it presentable, and as per the desire of the family or the closest relative(s), make arrangements for the funeral - burial, or cremation, or burial of the cremains, arrangements for viewing, including announcements, the church (or other religious institution as per the need of the family or as desired by the dead person), burial site (cemetery, columbarium). Once the funeral is arranged between the church (not necessarily parish church), cemetery (it can be a church cemetery or any other) and the family, the family is free to find a priest of their choice, in case they have anyone of that sort. Or else the parish takes care of arranging a priest. And he would go to the wake service (usually held on the previous evening), lead the office for the dead, meet with the relatives, and gather some facts regarding the departed person which could be used in the gospel message cum memorial sermon at the funeral mass.  They could also make a choice from among the list of songs the choir is able to sing, and from the list of readings available. The most solemn function in the church appears to be the funeral, and it is said to be quite expensive as well - perhaps, many would not think of dying, as it may be quite unaffordable to die! The sermons are expected to be a mix of wit and wisdom - some risible aspects of the departed person's life being mentioned, are received well, if appropriately presented. The people like to laugh and cry remembering the departed person.  Many parishes permit eulogies to be said at the end of the mass, some do not permit it in the church, but if someone wanted to, they could do that after the funeral service in the cemetery. 

Here too, there was no common meal or cooking except for Sunday lunch which was offered by one of the parishioners from her own restaurant, and we were free to choose anything from their menu. It was delivered at the rectory and the priests present usually ate that meal together.  Fr Biju, before his departure for vacation, gave me a clear idea as to how I could stay comfortably getting my provisions from any of the nearby stores or food corners, and put me totally at ease. 

My final stint was with Christ the King Church, Yonkers. The parish priest Fr Robert Robbins just celebrated his 75th birthday.  Usually, priests retire at the age of 75.  Fr Robbins says to me that now New York is extending the age to 80, as they have an acute shortage of people. I don't know whether he is feeling happy about it or displeased. Seeing my luggage he made a comment: have you come to stay for a year? I felt a little embarrassed that in spite of my policy of minimal accumulation and baggage, I had so many things - perhaps, the warm clothes, the extra pair of shoes, the unwarranted shawl, an irrelevant cassock, and bicycle gear made it look too large.  Besides, I had brought an alb, a kettle and a water filter from Biju's place, which would all go back to him after a month. 

Yonkers parish appeared a place where one could have all the time one wanted - a relaxed (read, lazy) day -  wake up, get prepared aaraam se, and offer the mass at 9 am. Then you are left to do your work, with hardly any other engagement.  The parish has very minimum of other activities. And funerals, are very few, and not a task for the guest priest. Fr Robbins, the parish priest, having celebrated his 75th birthday, is still a very active presence, not giving any outward sign of weariness of having walked the planet over 75 years.  And his homilies showed great sensitivity towards the issues of Palestine and the Holy Land, an aspect which generally, the pastors of the US dare not touch.  The good things about the parish was that most of the people were local, had lived there for generations, having had schooling around, perhaps, in the parish school itself, and having a kind of fellowship of the locality among them. 

Fortunately for me, there were two good things around here - 1) The River Hudson was just about 10 minutes walk, the walk itself would serve as a fitness program for the day 2) My professional acquaintance turned friend, Sajan, who is now a very senior official in the health ministry (Directing one section of a state hospital, where he leads a team of doctors and other health professionals), brought a very chic bicycle for me to use while I stayed at Yonkers. I hoped to regain some vigour and health.  But with adverse weather, I could venture out only about 10 times. The terrain was very hilly and you did have to struggle in either direction - in the inclines with very cautious application of the brakes, and on the climbs, with real struggle to ride the bike up getting the support of the lowest gear! 

There was just one mass a day, and 3 days in a week the pastor would lead the celebration and the other 3 days, the associate (substitute)! Fr Robbins gave me the freedom to go around when I didn't have the mass saying it was not necessary for me to be there, when there was no mass! That freedom helped me to make a quick visit to Houston and to Boston and Maryland.  

There were 3 or 4 Malayalee families and some of them were very friendly with me, finding great spiritual support in the newly found Malayalee priest, and requesting favours of offering the conventional 'Gregorian Mass'! Though I still am not sure of its status, since the province has a policy of accepting such requests I readily obliged. 

From my experience with the Malayalee families in both these parishes, I found that they were bearing the cross of the cultural transition that invariably happens in such migrant families - balancing between work and home, career and children, Malayalee Christian culture and the modern US culture! May they be helped through the power of the word and the realistic acceptance of the cultural realities. 

I try to americanize my otherwise Indian-mallu English by stressing and rolling the 'rs' and trasforming aas to aes (laaf becomes laef, last becomes laest, graant becomes graent) - apparently, the effort is rewarded with appreciation: 'Father, we can follow your sermons'.... etc. Generally, people appear to be happy with the visitor priest, and they say nice things, perhaps not intending them: 'Oh father, you should stay!'.  Some appear genuine, otherwise, it appears all part of the genuinely phoney American culture - phoniness is not a put-on, it is part of the culture.  Yes, in your social exchanges, you have to sugarcoat everything (thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, after you, please - including 'please go to hell') - whereas when it comes to business and finance, it could be mean - either politely, or very meanly mean! It could be hire and fire! 

But I have time in plenty - so I pray for the people, the parishioners, my relatives, my congregation, for the ministries entrusted to me, for peace in the Holy Land and Ukraine and the world over! 

Glory to God in the highest!
And peace to people of goodwill! 

I have had the peace of Christ in the last two months (not that I am not having it otherwise), and the goodwill of my good young friends Frs Biju Naranath and Sebastian Illickakunnel and Frs. Provincial and General! For the first time, I found some of my confreres being very generous with me, offering me some gifts in dollars or by way of flight tickets to their place! Fr Biju was very solicitous and generous, so too my good friend Abraham Kannampala. That was hitherto an unknown experience for me, but for once when I visited our Toronto brothers a long time back in 2001. 

May they all be well! May all be well! 

As the celebrant prays concluding the Syro Malabar Qurbana - 'I do not know whether I shall come again!'