Zacchaeus: A Symbol of Repentance and Hospitality

 Zacchaeus: A Symbol of Repentance and Hospitality

Zacchaeus(Pure, Innocent in Hebrew) stands as a lasting beacon of hope, symbolizing repentance and hospitality. His name is often invoked in our prayers for home blessings, as Jesus chose to stay with him, transforming his house into a place of grace. Jesus recognized Zacchaeus’s genuine desire to encounter Him—manifested by his climb up a sycamore tree despite his small stature. Through this act, Zacchaeus displayed his repentance, humility, and willingness to serve Jesus's mission. He wasn’t content with merely a partial glimpse of Jesus but sought a full, direct encounter. Jesus’s response was immediate: He called Zacchaeus down from the tree and announced His intention to stay at his home. Overjoyed, Zacchaeus offered to repay everything he had taken and to give fourfold of what he had extorted. This transformation occurred simply because of Jesus's presence, free of criticism or condemnation. Jesus accepted Zacchaeus as he was, with all his faults and burdens.

Zacchaeus reminds us of the transformation that must take place when we welcome Jesus into our lives. We cannot remain trapped in pride and arrogance but must step down from our pedestals, making ourselves available to others. This transformation involves reparation, humility, and the removal of grudges and resentment from our hearts.

Reflecting on this transformation, Cardinal Dolan, in his book Priests of the Third Millennium, offers guidance to priests. Drawing from his experiences as the Rector of the North American College in Rome, he writes, “Grace builds on nature. We supply raw materials for God’s amazing grace. Priests are to be bridge-builders. Our manner, our style, and our personality are to attract people—not to shock, scare, hurt, or alienate them. What good will the prayer and learning be for the priest whose personality repels people?”

What is often missing in our actions is simple courtesy and humility. Our spiritual calling should not elevate us to arrogance or a sense of superiority. Jesus’s example at the Last Supper reminds us that our ministry is rooted in service, in washing the feet of our neighbors. Like Zacchaeus, we can only achieve generosity and a broad-minded spirit through true repentance and humility.

Nicodemus, a model for openness and re-awakening

 Nicodemus(Etymology: the people's victory in Gk and Nahum in Hebrew) appears three times in the Gospel of St. John. As St. John describes, he was a scholar among the Jews of that time, yet deeply perplexed by Jesus’ teachings on rebirth. Wanting to understand more, Nicodemus sought Jesus out, though he came under the cover of night, fearing to appear in public. During their conversation, Jesus clarified that the rebirth He spoke of was not a second physical birth, as Nicodemus initially thought, but rather a spiritual rebirth—one whose effects would be visible in a transformed life. This explanation resonated with Nicodemus, and it began his journey of spiritual transformation.

Later, Nicodemus interceded with the Pharisees, arguing that Jesus should not be condemned without being heard. Eventually, he displayed no fear in identifying as a follower of Christ. When Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus publicly honored Him by bringing spices for His burial, an act of reverence and devotion.

What stands out is the spiritual transformation that took place in Nicodemus through his openness to learning and his willingness to break free from rigid traditions. His enlightenment came from Jesus Himself, the source of ultimate truth. Nicodemus symbolizes the openness and unprejudiced pursuit of knowledge that education and spiritual growth bring. He was fortunate to receive his formation from Christ, and his life reminds us that we should not remain confined within the limits of what we’ve already learned. Instead, we should be constantly expanding our understanding, seeking deeper insights into our faith.

Like Nicodemus, we are called to articulate what we believe clearly and logically to those who seek to understand our faith. In this way, Nicodemus is a model for intellectual curiosity and spiritual openness.

Similarly, Cardinal Newman exemplifies the ideal of a seeker. Unsatisfied with what he had absorbed, he sought deeper knowledge about his faith, its roots, and its authenticity. His prayer to the Light to guide his way came from his heart, and through further study and inquiry, he grew in his understanding of the faith. Newman was willing to give up positions and privileges to pursue the truth he found. His words capture this sense of purpose:

"God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission; I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I have a part in a great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling."

In our own journey, we too should use our time and resources to deepen our knowledge of the faith and understanding of our attachment to Jesus. This requires constant study and an open mind. As Tennyson’s Ulysses declares, our aim should be “to strive, to seek, to find.” Nicodemus, in this sense, becomes a mentor and guiding star for us as we pursue greater understanding and spiritual growth.

Pastoral Leadership

 Pastoral Leadership

In his book Leadership in the Church, Cardinal Walter Kasper reflects on the essence of priestly life. He emphasizes that the significance of a priest lies not in his contributions to the institutional structure of the Church, but in how he reflects the love and compassion of Jesus through his life. Kasper states, “There is nothing for us to make... all we can do is to offer ourselves for the purpose of representation. Priestly existence is existence as a witness and as a sign, not only with our lips, but with the whole of our existence.” According to him, it is not material accomplishments that matter, but how a priest embodies Christ in his daily life.

This idea finds resonance even in secular fields. Harvard Professor Clayton M. Christensen, in discussing leadership and fulfillment, echoes a similar sentiment: “What provides happiness in our careers is not money; it is the opportunity to learn, grow in responsibilities that contribute to others, and be recognized for achievements... the metric by which God will assess my life is not dollars but the individual people whose lives I have touched.” For Christensen, the desire to care for people is the hallmark of a good and effective leader. It’s not about amassing wealth but about how one has impacted and cared for others.

One exemplary figure of this principle is the late industrial leader Ratan Tata, who demonstrated profound care for the well-being of others. During the aftermath of the tragic Taj Hotel attack in Mumbai, Tata extended financial support to the family of one of his managers who lost his life. He provided educational assistance to the children, offered a job to the widow, and continued to send the family the same salary the husband had earned. This is a reflection of true leadership—concern for people over profit.

This is precisely what Jesus asks of his followers: to serve others. He teaches us to wash the feet of others, as He did for His disciples. Jesus clearly stated that He came to serve, not to be served. This has inspired a management style known as Servant Leadership, rooted in His teachings. Through the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus illustrated what it means to lead a community: a leader must be protective, compassionate, and committed to the holistic development of those in their care, always seeking out the lost.

As leaders in the Church, parents, teachers, and religious figures, we are called to live by Jesus's teachings. Our preaching is not limited to words but also conveys the silent testimony of lives lived according to Gospel values. The words of St. John Chrysostom, spoken centuries ago, remain relevant today: “If you don’t see the beggar at the Church door, you cannot find Christ in the Chalice.”

Instead of engaging in quarrels, whether among different denominations or within our Church, we should focus on living out the teachings of Christ. These disputes do little to advance our Christian witness. Our attention should be on the urgent task of building our lives according to Christ’s example, for the time given to us is brief.

 

Reflections on my Priestly Life

 As I reach the twilight of my life, I find myself reflecting on my 56 years as a priest. Throughout this journey, I have never doubted my calling. My love for Jesus deeply influenced my decision to pursue the priesthood, as it allowed me to be close to Him and feel His presence in my life.

When it came time to choose between joining the Jesuit order—whose priests had been my teachers in high school—and the diocesan priesthood, I was drawn to the flexibility and freedom that the latter provided. The influence of Archbishop Mar Mathew Kavukattu has been profound in my life. I still remember receiving the first Catechism prize from him during middle school.

One of my most vivid memories is my first meeting with him after my SSLC results were announced. I brought him my certificate, proudly placed in the first class, one of only four in Alleppey schools then. He expressed amazement at my marks in English. Although I didn’t meet him often, I sensed his genuine support for me. After my B.Sc. results, I had the opportunity to visit him at the Bishop’s house, where he invited me to lunch and spoke highly of my academic achievements.

Later, during my first year in Theology, he inquired whether I would be interested in pursuing higher studies in Rome, though the conversation ended with my concerns about family expenses. After my ordination, he didn’t assign me to a parish immediately but instead encouraged me to pursue an MA in English at S.B. College, assuring me that a position would be available by the time I completed my studies. His thoughtfulness and compassion have left a lasting impact on me, and I have never regretted the path he charted for me.

Unfortunately, shortly into my postgraduate studies, he passed away, leaving a significant void in the Church’s leadership. The days of great leaders like Mar Mathew Kavukattu seem to have faded, and it’s disheartening to witness others of lesser intellectual and spiritual caliber occupying those positions.

At the outset of my priesthood, I promised to preach only the love of Jesus. For me, the sermon during Mass is a sacred moment to represent Jesus and interpret His words for the congregation, allowing them to feel His love. I am grateful that people have recognized this central theme in my sermons, whether in the U.S. or Kerala, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to speak for Him.

I am aware of my shortcomings and rely on the kindness and mercy of the Lord. In recent years, the turmoil surrounding the Synodal decision to implement a uniform mode of Eucharistic celebration has distracted the focus of the Syro-Malabar Church. Some priests’ actions have brought derision and contempt upon the clergy. What could have been resolved through dialogue and education instead became a source of division. It was misguided for leadership to rush into a situation they knew would provoke strong reactions. Older priests are more aware of the conflicting views regarding the new Eucharistic celebration, as two opposing liturgical teachings have been perpetuated in major seminaries. If unanimity were the goal, these divergent teachings should have been addressed long ago.

We often speak of dialogue, discussions, and synodality in our preaching, yet these ideals seem to vanish in practice. There is no real dispute regarding doctrine or the essence of the Catholic faith; rather, the current issues stem from a troubling mix of low-mindedness and hubris, masquerading as spiritual obedience.

As a result, the Church finds itself in a precarious position, with vital matters being overlooked. The Church should lead in providing aid to the sick and disadvantaged while countering negative portrayals in social and entertainment media. Unfortunately, we are failing to inspire our youth, who are drifting away from the Church. Our leaders often lack inspiration, relying on uninspired rhetoric instead of profound insight. We find ourselves guided by average individuals who depend on superficial statements rather than eloquent discourse.

The Syro-Malabar Church and its initiatives have significantly transformed society. Through dedication and sacrifice, we have built a culture that uplifts individuals, irrespective of caste or religion. Our educational institutions, orphanages, and homes for the disabled have empowered thousands to realize their potential. Yet, these critical aspects of the Church are now overlooked in favor of an illusory sense of unity. Even the Holy Father has been drawn into this troubling situation and made a target of ridicule.

I am left wondering why there is no strong leadership within the Church to put an end to this disarray.

 

Prof.Sivasankaran Nair

 Prof. Sivasnkaran Nair passed away a couple of days ago and his body was cremated in his courtyard.I wrote a short note on him in the teacher's whats up but it disappeared. I have to recollect what I wrote on him.It was early in the morning on Monday that I saw the news of his demise.Immediately after that I jotted down a few of my recollections of his life and work.

He was the epitome of gentlemanliness and scholarship. Never a word out of place or disrespectful would come from him.Always pleasant and gentle, he greeted everyone with a smile.I was  a student of his in B.Sc physics and his classes for us were on the various theories  regarding heat and light.The Department of Physics at SB was a formidable faculty with great techers like Prof.S.L.Thomas, Prof.K.V.John,Prof.Rao and Prof.K.K.John.They were all eloquent and scholarly and could explain the intricate theories and problems in Physics with great ease and flexibility. Prof.Sivasankaran Nair later became the Head of the Dept after the retirement of Prof.S.L.Thomas.He was elegant and scholarly and students were very much appreciative of his guidance and scholarship.May God grant him eternal rest.

I always wanted to visit him during his retirement years but did not get the chance although he was living at Perunna , not very far from the college.

Fr.Ettoli

 I felt despondent when I received the news of the passing away of Fr. Ettolil. I felt really shocked because it was a few months ago that I met him at Ponkunnam church where he was staying as a resident. I had no idea that he would be there but seeing him there made me very happy. We spent some time regaling ourselves with the stories of our past seminary life. We were together in the Minor Seminary at Parel when we were doing our studies at SB. He was a year senior to me and his degree was in economics. After his ordination and after a few stints at some of the parishes in Changanacherry, he was selected for studies at Louvain University. After spending a couple of years there he moved to NY. When I arrived in NY on Dec.29,1976, he was there at JFK to receive me along with Fr. Jose Alencherry and Fr. Mathew Muthuplakal. Then, I went to his place in Nyack, NY, and spent the New Year with him, taking part in the dance party of the parish. I saw his parishioners' love for him as many were calling him, Tom, Tom, and found joy in speaking to him. Then, he took me to the airport on my continued flight to Indianapolis. In fact, I spent my first days in the US with him. We maintained contact with each other during the time I was in Indiana. Once when he was going on vacation in Canada, he called me and asked whether he should try for my admission to a Ph.D. program at a Canadian university. He was always smiling and cordial. His pleasant manners drew a lot of people to him. Even though I didn't have any contact with him after my return from the US, there was always a warm-hearted feeling for him.

God bless him and give him eternal rest. He is in heaven enjoying the unbounded happiness that Our Lord is giving him. He was a faithful servant and he gets all the benefits of his good service for the Lord in heaven.

Fr.Thuruthel

 The funeral of Fr .Thuruthel is taking place today, Feb.12,24.Many bishops who were his students are celebrating the mass in the presence of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.I went there yesterday to say the office for the dead when his body was brought to the auditorium.Fr.Siju Azhakathil guided me when I reached the Deepti House.Frs. Joby and Joseph Pulively too joined us in  the prayers. We left the place after coffee and snacks. They were very courteous and full of warm and cordial feelings. 

I felt honored and respected by their cordial and warm hospitality. Fr.Siju was with me all the time I was there and I felt very happy because of the way he received me and introduced me to the priests there.

Fr. Thurthel was one of our teachers at the seminary. He taught us English at Carmelgiri. The classes were superfluous for us who came as graduates. We were sitting in a class where the majority of the students did not have the chance to receive a college education. After having had so many years of instruction under Prof.Sheppard and Prof. A.E. Augustine with lots of classes in  English poetry and drama, we didn't need to sit through the classes in English at the Seminary. But Fr. Thuruthel was very gentlemanly and courteous.  His sense of humor, acts of courtesy, etc were unforgettable. May God bless him and give him eternal peace. He led a long life of retirement and had enough time to spend with God. His life should be a  model for every priest. I too should spend my time with the Lord. I don't have to worry about acquiring more knowledge. What is needed is the purification of my life, fasting, and almsgiving.