In the book, Jesus of Nazareth ,Part Two by the Pope Benedict XVI, we find very fresh insights into some of the important actions of our Lord.
The Holy Father gives a fresh interpretation of the Washing of the Feet in the following words:
"The Washing of the Feet is not an individual sacrament, but it signifies the whole of Jesus's saving ministry: the sacramentum of his love into which he immerses us in faith, his love , which is our true bath of purification."
"The complete bath that was taken for granted can only mean Baptism, by which man is immersed into Christ once and for all.This fundamental event, by which we become Christians not through our own doing but through the action of the Lord in his Church, cannot be repeted.Yet in the life of Christians-- for table fellowship with the Lord-- it constantly requires completion: "washing of feet."
The Holy Father now equates the washing of the feet with the Confession of sins:
"The point is this:guilt must not be allowed to fester in the sielnce of the soul, poisoning it from within.It needs to be confessed.Through confession, we brng it into the light, we place it within Christ's purifying love.In confession, the Lord washes our soiled feet over and over again and prepares us for table fellowship with him."
He adds: " In this humble gesture, the Lord stands before us as the servant of God....St.John's whole passion narrative is built on this connection between humble service and glory.It is in his downward path that his glory is seen."
"The hour of the Cross is the hour of the Father's true glory, the hour of Jesus' true glory."
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Tradition according to Pope Benedict XVI
The Holy Father has explained very beautifully the meaning of Tradition in a new book titled" I Believe in One God" , a collection of his essays and homilies dealing with the different parts of the Creed.He also deals with Unity and Universality in this book.
With regard to Unity of the Catholic faith, he mentions that "Unity is the business card of the Church."Concerning Universality, he notes that "the Universal Church precedes the particular churches."
Universality has two dimensions: synchronic--with all the faithful while diachronic deals with all down through the centuries.
The Holy Father goes on to explain the meaning of Tradition in the following words: " Tradition is the communion of the faithful around their legitimate Pastors down through the centuries.It is the practical continuity of the Church.It is the permanent actualization of the active presence of the Lord Jesus in is people, brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Faith in the Creator involves responsibility towards creation .One has to publicly assert this responsibility.We have to defend earth,water and also man from self-destruction. We have to defend human ecology.
Faith in the Creator involves listening to the language of creation.Rain forests are to be protected.So also is man."
The above mentioned ideas of the Holy Father on faith,tradition , unity , universality and ecology are worth mentioning.
With regard to Unity of the Catholic faith, he mentions that "Unity is the business card of the Church."Concerning Universality, he notes that "the Universal Church precedes the particular churches."
Universality has two dimensions: synchronic--with all the faithful while diachronic deals with all down through the centuries.
The Holy Father goes on to explain the meaning of Tradition in the following words: " Tradition is the communion of the faithful around their legitimate Pastors down through the centuries.It is the practical continuity of the Church.It is the permanent actualization of the active presence of the Lord Jesus in is people, brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Faith in the Creator involves responsibility towards creation .One has to publicly assert this responsibility.We have to defend earth,water and also man from self-destruction. We have to defend human ecology.
Faith in the Creator involves listening to the language of creation.Rain forests are to be protected.So also is man."
The above mentioned ideas of the Holy Father on faith,tradition , unity , universality and ecology are worth mentioning.
Classmates' Gathering,Nov.13,12
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Classmates' gathering at Mount St.Thomas,Nov.13,12
The gathering of the Classmates took place n Nov.13th at Mount St.Thomas. The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry greeted all the priests very warmly. His presence lent a great charm to the gathering.
More than 40 of our classmates who were ordained on Dec.18,1967 came for the gathering. This was the 45th anniversary of our ordination.All were given a copy of Santimon's book,Garshominte Suvishem.All the priests gave a short overview of their life and experiences at this gathering.
In the morning, we had a concelebrated mass. I was the Main the Celebrant and Frs.JoseP. Kottaram and Mupparathara were the con-celebrants.I mentioned the words of Cardinal Kaspar on priesthood in the homily and one of the sisters came at the conclusion of the mass to thank me for highlighting the need of priests to reflect the mercy and love of Jesus.
The Cardinal in his greeting made the priests understand with great awareness the differences in perspectives between the older and the younger clergy.He requested the priests to show more understanding and sensititvenesss to the younger generation of priests.All were happy for the great welcome they got at Mount St.Thomas and they appreciated very much the the service rendered to them by the fathers and sisters of the house.
The Major Archbishop along with Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur was present also for breakfast .
After dinner, a group picture was taken with the Archbishop.The picture appeared in the Deepika the next day.
More than 40 of our classmates who were ordained on Dec.18,1967 came for the gathering. This was the 45th anniversary of our ordination.All were given a copy of Santimon's book,Garshominte Suvishem.All the priests gave a short overview of their life and experiences at this gathering.
In the morning, we had a concelebrated mass. I was the Main the Celebrant and Frs.JoseP. Kottaram and Mupparathara were the con-celebrants.I mentioned the words of Cardinal Kaspar on priesthood in the homily and one of the sisters came at the conclusion of the mass to thank me for highlighting the need of priests to reflect the mercy and love of Jesus.
The Cardinal in his greeting made the priests understand with great awareness the differences in perspectives between the older and the younger clergy.He requested the priests to show more understanding and sensititvenesss to the younger generation of priests.All were happy for the great welcome they got at Mount St.Thomas and they appreciated very much the the service rendered to them by the fathers and sisters of the house.
The Major Archbishop along with Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur was present also for breakfast .
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Celebration,Aug.29,2012
Yesterday was the celebration of Onam. Was at the Ekm house and had lunch with the members of the family.Jogy and Davis with the children were there.It was raining for most of the day and hence the celebration all over the city was on a subdued scale.
Wanted to invite all the members of the family but since each family had their children from abroad, left it to them celebrate it according to their inner family traditions.
The Synod is continuing and all the Bishops are here.I have had my presentation day before yesterday on Higher Education.It was decided to form a committee for Higher Ed.
At lunch today, I was asked by some bishops to organize a formation meeting for the newly appointed teachers of our colleges. Bp.R.Thattil mentioned that St.Thomas College alone appointed more than 40 teachers.
Was asked to invite all the newly appointed teachers for a weekend for Catholic leadership formation.
Wanted to invite all the members of the family but since each family had their children from abroad, left it to them celebrate it according to their inner family traditions.
The Synod is continuing and all the Bishops are here.I have had my presentation day before yesterday on Higher Education.It was decided to form a committee for Higher Ed.
At lunch today, I was asked by some bishops to organize a formation meeting for the newly appointed teachers of our colleges. Bp.R.Thattil mentioned that St.Thomas College alone appointed more than 40 teachers.
Was asked to invite all the newly appointed teachers for a weekend for Catholic leadership formation.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The beginning of the Synod,Aug.20,12
This morning, the Synod has begun at 10a.m.
Things will be very busy at the Curia at this time.
Things will be very busy at the Curia at this time.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Anniversary Mass at Thathampally
Went to Thathampally for Achayan's anniversary mass on Saturday Aug.4th.After the mass, went to Joychan's house for lunch.There were not many this time for the mass as some had previous engagements.
The house was renovated and painted again and it looks beautiful now .
Thank you,Jesus , for giving us another opportunity to remember our parents and others from the family.
The house was renovated and painted again and it looks beautiful now .
Thank you,Jesus , for giving us another opportunity to remember our parents and others from the family.
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