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FOCUS, October, 2021, Vol. 9, Part 4

Cover Photo by SparkAdobe: ‘Reconciliation and Unity’, Cover Design by Lal

Varghese, Esq., Dallas
Contents
1. Editorial: Weaving Communities of Reconciliation and Unity, Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph,
Kottayam……….. Page 3
2. Dr. Cherian Samuel: Reconciliation and Unity………… Page 6
3. Book Review-1: Fragrance and Abundance……… Page 10
4. Fr. Thomas Punnapadam, SDB: Long COVID, A Portal of Reconciliation and Unity…..
Page 12
5. Book Review-2: Thoughts for the Trying Times…….. Page 13
6. Revd Dr. Alexander M. Isaac: Reconciliation and Co-existence in the Context
of Israel Palestine Conflict ……… Page 15
7. Prof. P. V. Cherian: Reconciliation and Unity, the Goal of Christian
Ministry……. Page 17
8. Revd K. V. Simon: Reconciliation and Unity, God’s Agenda…. Page 19
9. Dr. Rajiv Patel: Poem, Rewind……. Page 20
10. Revd Dr. John T. Mathew: A Hail Mary Plea for Reconciliation & Unity Page 21
11. Dr. Zac Varghese: Every Cloud has a Silver Lining, Reconciliation and
Unity……. Page 24
12. Dr. Cherian Samuel: Archival Digitization of Kerala Christian Heritage: A Call
to Action………. Page 27
13. Book Review-3: ‘Seeking God, Seeking Moksha: The teaching of Shri
Krishan & Jesus Christ, by Paul Sudhakar Menon,
By Dr. Zac Varghese, London…… Page 30
14. Theme, FOCUS, Jan, 2022: Sustainability of Nature and the Mission of the
Church………. Page 31
15. Obituary: Revd Dr. M. V. Abraham……… Page 32
16. Obituary: Revd K. C. Mathew………….. Page 33
17. Obituary: Prof. Isaac George…………… Page 35

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EDITORIAL
WEAVING COMMUNITIES OF RECONCILIATION AND UNITY

Greek prepositions used in the New Testament speak of

the Divine plan of salvation (Oikonomia). In a nut shell,
they are en, dia and eis (in, through and to respectively).
The plan of salvation is well stated sotereologically in 2
Cor 5:18-19: “All this is from God, who through Christ (dia
Christou) reconciled us to himself and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation and that is, God was in Christ
reconciling the world to himself, not counting the
trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the ministry
of reconciliation.” The goal of God’s initiative in Christ is
for the fulfillment of the divine purpose for unity, as we
read in Eph1:10: “. . . as a plan for the fullness of time, to
unite (anakephalaiosasthai) all things in him, things in
heaven and things on earth.”

Liberation and Reconciliation

Liberation and Reconciliation are the two paradigms for

Christian mission in the contemporary world. In 2 Cor
5:17-20, as stated above, one finds five connected
issues: i) Reconciliation is the work of God. ii) God’s
reconciling work begins with the victim. iii) God makes
both the victim and the wrongdoer a new creation. iv) The
The main topic chosen for the October issue of the Christian places the suffering inside the story of the
FOCUS journal is based on the theme of the 11th passion of Christ (Phil 3:10). v) Resurrection of Jesus and
assembly of the World Council of Churches to be held at its message is the protest of God against evil towards, a
Karisruhe in Germany from 31Aug to 8 Sept 2022. The unitive vision of new humanity.
theme chosen for the assembly is ‘Christ’s love moves
the world to Reconciliation and Unity’. (The WCC has In the process of reconciliation two things are imperative:
350 member Churches in 110 countries having 500Million
Christians world-wide). The COVID -19 Pandemic has 1) Truth telling
raised umpteen questions before us to search for the
local and the national relevance of the subject. This Symptoms of violence are seen everywhere. Lack of
amity among the nations of the world has contributed
Christo- centric theme has several theological overtones.
economic imbalance, fear of death, violation of
Weaving communities of reconciliation and unity is the
environmental rights, social disharmony created by the
mission agenda of the Church, particularly in the 21st
Century. The challenges of wider ecumenism led us to digital divide, market terrorism, rape of the Mother earth,
religious intolerance, and denial of the freedom of dissent
this focal point in mission concerns today. For the 10th
etc. In this context, a search for the thread that unites the
assembly of the WCC (Bussan), the theme chosen was
one of Theo-centric (“God of life-lead us to justice and terrestrial and the celestial is quite legitimate. Truth telling
is an essential ingredient for the reconstruction of the
peace”). In fact, the present theme speaks more of
community. There is need for the cleaning of wells, which
“Wider Ecumenism” which is deeply concerned with the
have been polluted by the age-old deposit of prejudice,
healing of human brokenness in a borderless world.
discrimination, inequality and violence. For example, In
“Think locally and act globally” is the challenge posed
the case of the Post-Apartheid South Africa, ‘Truth,
before us. There is a close link between the Theo-centric
Reconciliation and Justice’ played a significant role in the
and the Christo-centric missional concerns of the Church.
process of restoration. The same should be the case in
The Christological affirmation of mission is indeed an
the relationship between the nations and also between
enlargement of the Theo-centric missional concerns in
the factions in churches. The issue of peace in pluralistic
God’s one world. So, we read in I Tim 2:5: “For there is
societies particularly in Asia calls forth the evolution of
one God, and there is one mediator between God and
just social structures for which the spirituality of religion
men the MAN JESUS.” This MAN JESUS is the saviour
rather than its religiosity is required. Forgiveness and
of the world and the mediator of the New Covenant
reconciliation are to be made visible in areas of “sinned
between God and people of all races and nations. He is
also the agent of creation and reconciliation. The three
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against sectors”. The power to forgive is man’s amazing there were more than ten thousand monks living there
mission towards a common future for humankind. with him. Wanting to know the exact number of the
monks, the King asked: How many disciples do you
2) Pursuit of justice have? Lin Chi replied: “Four or five at the very most.” This
is the real situation in the Church and in the society today.
The pursuit of truth and justice is the precondition for A few only are carrying coals of burning fire in their hearts
reconciliation and a way for the healing of the past. There for unity and reconciliation. They speak aloud and even
are three forms of justice: punitive, restorative and utter the words of Jesus in the Giri Gita: “Blessed are the
structural. All these efforts shall lead to the healing of peace makers for they shall be called the sons and
memories, which means that they are not toxic. daughters of God.” Remember, it is not the peace
Forgiveness is not forgetting, but remembering it in a lovers, but the peace makers that are called sons of
different way. To forgive is divine. In forgiving one God. A peace maker is vulnerable to death as it
establishes a different relationship to the perpetrator who happened to Jesus on the cross. But death was not the
is also a deeply wounded person. He also needs a last word for Jesus. We need to remember that “a
healing touch. Archbishop Desmond Tutu has rightly said, heroe’s tomb is the cradle of the people” (A Mexican
“there is no future (for anyone) without forgiveness.” proverb). “The insight that any generation discovers will
Forgiveness is an empowered form of giving. God does be far more powerful than the idea it inherits” (R. L.
not die the day we cease to forgive others, but we Shinn). If the Christian message is to speak to
become dust on the day we cease to be illumined by the contemporary man, it must learn to address him at the
radiance of divine forgiveness. “One loving spirit sets point of his strength and bleeding points. Healing of
another on fire” (St. Augustine). Reconciliation is possible divisions in the body of Christ and of human brokenness
only when justice has been achieved and those in the world are not optional topics in the mission agenda.
responsible for acts and structures of injustice have been A message of Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Unity is
brought to repentance. One should remember that wound addressed to all people across all religious divide. The
should never be justified and justice should never be Passion Week recitals speak more of its need.
wounded. C. S. Lewis said, “It’s not the load that breaks
you down. It’s the way you carry it.”
All that is good belongs to God:
We are called to speak the truth in love by breaking the
conspiracy of silence. “In an age of universal deceit In the midst of affluence there are points of vacuum in
telling the truth is a revolutionary act” (George Orwell). human hearts as well as in our inherited structures. The
How many of us who hold a placard in our hands are words of D. M. Kennedy are worth recalling: “We are
prepared to forgive and forget the vestiges of the past called to pin our hopes on God’s purpose to reconcile all
and to show to the world that the power of love is meant things in Christ.” In the vision of the New Heaven and the
to forgive? Any step to forgive is a beginning to live a New Earth, the eternal purpose of God is unequivocally
better life. This is in tune with the words of Bertrand presented in Revelation chapter 21, 26-27: “People will
Russel who said, “to be without some of the things you bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations. But
want is an indispensable part of happiness.” In any fight nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices
between religions on holy sites or rites or doctrines, the abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written
causality is not human beings but God, God alone. A in the Lamb’s book of life.” What right have the Christians
misplaced enthusiasm to defend God and his boundary to bar anyone to enter into the Kingdom of God’s grace
of activity will only add fuel to the fire of discrimination, and mercy? The Universal Religion of Love as preached
and marginalization. What the world needs today is men by the prophets and religious leaders of old has no walls.
and women who have a passion for doing something God is on the side of all those unities, integrates, heals
beautiful for God on this planet. Jesus said, “Not all who and makes people whole. As Dr. S. J. Samartha, a
sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to celebrated Asian theologian and a guru of mine, has
me as ‘Lord’, ‘Lord’, but still won’t get to heaven. For the rightly put it: “in the past energies were spent in
decisive question is whether they obey my Father in strengthening the fence and guarding the gates rather
heaven” (Matt 7:21). There is no reconciliation between than deepening the wells. The syncretic wolf could be
justice and injustice, good and evil, God and the devil kept at bay outside the gate, but the Christian sheep
(Konrad Raiser). within could be safely undernourished.” All that is good
belongs to God. All who work for the liberation and
Blessed are the makers of peace, reconciliation and reconciliation are co-workers with God (Samuel Rayan).
harmony: Church is only a hymn of praise to God. The prophet
Isaiah had the courage to call Cyrus as God’s instrument.
I am reminded of the story of a King, as told by Fr. He is even called God’s anointed one to subdue nations
Anthony De Mello. A King visited the monasteries of the before him and to strip kings of their robes . . . (Is 45:1 ff.).
great Zen Master Lin Chi. He was astonished to learn that The mission of the Church is meant to praise God when

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the so-called demoniacs are found sitting and speaking with the three pillars of spirituality: faith, hope and love.
with a sane mind. They have to thank God when “Sauls” This is the call of the Spirit in each age for the sake of the
become “Pauls”. The reversal motifs in Mary’s Song of gospel. It is the mission agenda of the Church. In our
Praise (Lk.1:46-55) speak to the human conscience again search for reconciliation and unity, we need to ask
and again. “The Lord works vindication and justice for all ourselves the questions for self-discovery and metanoia
who are oppressed” (Ps.103:6). The vision of Isaiah is to (repentance) in a borderless world for the glory of God
be realized towards a unitive vision: “In that day Egypt revealed in Christ. As the theme for the 9th assembly of
and Iraq (Assyria) will be connected by a highway, and the WCC (“God in your Grace, Transform the World”), the
the Egyptians and the Iraqis will move freely back and work of transforming the world is the task of not only of
forth between their lands, and they shall worship the Christians, but also of all groups of people on earth. But
same God. And Israel will be their ally; the three will be the Church being the people of God as the salt and the
together, and Israel will be a blessing to them . . . The light, has a special relation to the peoples of God
Lord will say, ‘Blessed be Egypt, my people; blessed be imparting the transformative power of discipleship.
Iraq, the land I have made; blessed be Israel, my
inheritance’” (Is 19:23-25). Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam,
A member of the editorial board of the FOCUS
Are we makers or breakers of Peace?
An Additional Editorial Note:
“God weeps over the world” (Bishop Desmond Tutu).
The UN-International Day of Tolerance on November 16 is Having the knowledge of our history allows us to learn
really a gesture for peace making and peace building in a from our mistakes and avoid repeating them. It gives us a
world torn apart with negative feelings. The time has chance to understand where we came from and so, we
come before us to ask whether we are breakers or can create a better God-centred tomorrow. Therefore, an
breakers of peace. Do we make the world, hospitable to understanding of the successes and failures of the past is
peace and justice?” Peace on earth-understood in terms important if we are to grow and make progress going
of forgiveness and reconciliation or vice versa is a divine forward. If we do not learn from our past mistakes, we are
agenda. It is not addressed to any religion as such. It is a bound to repeat them. The Pulitzer and Noble Prize-
gospel for the survival of all that breathe (Ps.150:6)! We winning author Paul S. Buck wrote: “If you want to
need men and women who pray and work for peace in understand today, you have to search yesterday.” History
the world. “Prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds and he also should teach the vital importance of reconciliation
will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord; he will not and unity to overcome the difficulties that we are facing
desist until the Most-High visit him and does justice for today. Therefore, we bring the article on ‘Digital
the righteous and executes judgment” (Sir.35:17). The Archiving of Kerala Christian Heritage’ by Dr. Cherian
kingdom of God on earth manifested in eternal values – Samuel to your special attention and action.
such as satyam(truth), sivam(order) and sundaram(beauty)
– urges all of us to hold the banner of truth which heralds: For the Editorial Board
Satyam meva jayathe. The words of wisdom uttered by
the Mystic of the 13th century, Jalalu Din Rumi, are worth http://www.issuu.com/diasporafocus
recalling when we are asked to look beyond the margins: http://www.scribd.com/diasporafocus
“The lamps are different but light is the same. If you keep Web Site: www.facebook.com/groups/mtfocus
looking at the lamp only, you are lost. Then arises the E-Mail: [email protected]
number and plurality. Fix your gaze upon the light.” How
many precious hours have been wasted in looking at the Published by Lal Varghese, Esq., Dallas for and on
lamp stand rather than the light? The message of love as behalf of Diaspora FOCUS
forgiveness, peace building and harmony in nature is
quite visible around us. The lamentation of a tree in our Disclaimer: Diaspora FOCUS is a non-profit organization
courtyard is quite revealing “You could not have cut me, if registered in United States, originally formed in late
I had not given you the handle!” “Have I not given you Nineties in London for the Diaspora Marthomites. Now it
shade even when you were cutting me down?” “When is an independent lay-movement of the Diaspora laity of
you throw stones at me, I give you my fruits, not stones!” the Syrian Christians; and as such FOCUS is not an
What a great gesture of forgiveness and reconciliation in official publication of any denominations. It is an
God’s order of creation! ecumenical journal to focus attention more sharply on
issues to help churches and other faith communities to
The gospel of forgiveness and reconciliation is an unseen examine their own commitment to loving their neighbors
leaf in all the religious books of the world. They are and God, justice, and peace. Opinions expressed in any
hidden and kept in the clouds. We need to beseech the article or statements are of the individuals and are not to
winds as a faith community to bring it down to the four be deemed as an endorsement of the view expressed
corners of the earth. It should get rooted in human hearts therein by Diaspora FOCUS. Thanks.
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Reconciliation and Unity
Dr. Cherian Samuel, Virginia

times in the New Testament by Apostle Paul: Romans

5:11, Romans 11:15, 2 Corinthians 5:18, 2 Corinthians
5:19.

Unity. At its heart, Unity signifies the state of being united

or joined as a whole. In the NT Greek text, Henotes is the
equivalent of unity, signifying a state of oneness or of
being in harmony and accord. Henotes is a compound
word, derived from “heís” (one) and “henós” (of one),
meaning unanimity. In the Greek literature, Henotes was
commonly used—as union/unity—in the mathematical
works of Aristotle and Pythagoras and the philosophical
writings of Epicurus. Henotes does not describe an
external, ecclesiastical union, but internal, spiritual unity.
Henotes is used only two times in the New Testament by
Apostle Paul: Ephesians 4:3, Ephesians 4:13.
Introduction. Reconciliation and Unity are two central
themes of Christianity. This essay explores different
Reconciliation: God and Humanity. The Reconciliation
aspects of Reconciliation and Unity, mostly from a biblical
between Holy God and Sinful Humanity through Jesus
perspective. The essay also makes limited references to
Christ is the “Gospel1” message, the central tenet of
the related issues of: (i) Truth and Reconciliation; and (ii)
Christianity. As Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian
Fragility, Conflict, and Violence.
believers, God has reconciled us (World/Humanity) to
Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 18, 19).
Reconciliation. At its heart, Reconciliation signifies the
Theologians2 refer to Christ’s death on the cross as a
restoration of broken relationships. In the original New
penal substitution—wherein one person bears the penalty
Testament (NT) Greek text, Katallage is the equivalent of
deserved by someone else—as atonement for sin. Jesus
reconciliation, signifying restored favor, goodwill and
bore the guilt and punishment for the sin of Humanity on
friendly relations between two parties formerly opposed
the cross, thereby imputing righteousness to believers.
to each other. Katallage is a compound word, derived
Apostle Paul espouses the relevance and importance of
from “kata” (an intensifier) and “allásso” (change),
Christ’s death in several passages: Christ died for the
meaning an exchange and a profit from the exchange. In
ungodly (Romans 5:6); Christ died for us, while we were
classical Greek, allásso was used to express changing
still sinners (Romans 5:8); Christ was delivered up for our
shape, or color, or appearance. The term was commonly
trespasses and raised for our justification (Romans 4:25);
used in financial transactions, signifying an exchange.
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (1
Every purchase involves an exchange; in return for the
Corinthians 15:3); Christ gave Himself for our sins
money given to a merchant, a customer receives goods
(Galatians 1:4); We have redemption through the blood of
or services plus change, to equal the value of the
Christ, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7).
purchase. With the completion of the transaction, the two
parties are said to be reconciled. The English word is
As elaborated in the Gospels, Reconciliation was the very
used in a similar fashion, when referred to as
purpose of Jesus—God in human flesh—coming to earth:
“reconciling” accounts, when a checkbook register is
to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); to save people
balanced.
from sins (Matthew 1:21). Prophet Isaiah prophesied the
Over time, Katallage came to signify the change of enmity
into friendship, as used in NT texts. In his translation of 1 FOCUS, April 2020 (“Be the Gospel of Christ”, Vol. 9(2)),
the Greek NT text in 1525, William Tyndale searched for
presents an exhaustive discussion on Gospel theme by
an English word to express the true meaning of the Greek
various authors.
Katallage. Unable to find the right word, Tyndale coined a https://www.scribd.com/document/499881336/Focus-
new one, “atonement”, which he used for Romans 5:11. April-2021
The King James Version committee followed Tyndale and 2 A good example is MacArthur (2017). In particular,
used atonement for Katallage. However, more recent Chapter 5 (“The Great Exchange”) provides an extensive
biblical versions and translations have returned to discussion on the penal substitution principle. John
“reconciliation,” since “atonement” has been associated MacArthur (2017), “The Gospel According to Paul”, Nelson
with various theories of atonement. Katallage is used four Books, Nashville, Tennessee.
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fact of the Messiah being wounded for our that God is not finished with Israel—who has only
transgressions, bruised for our inequities, and the temporarily lost the privilege as God’s people—and that
chastisement for our peace being upon Him—700 years all Israel will be saved to fulfill God’s covenant with Israel
before Jesus was born—and died on the cross for our (Romans 11:25–28).
sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Therefore, it is God who reaches The creation of a new humanity as Christians, based on
out, initiates, and saves fallen humanity, who had become reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles through Jesus
the enemies of God (Romans 5:10). Without God’s Christ, has been a turning point in human history.
sovereign intervention, no sinner could ever be saved However, as we know well from the Book of Acts and
(John 6:65). Our own faith itself is a gift from God Apostle Paul’s letters—particularly Galatians—this was
(Philippians 1:29). not an easy process for the Early Church5. A key dilemma
for the Early Church was the standards to be applied to
Reconciliation: Jews and Gentiles. A related and Gentile Christians, given the sudden influx of non-Jewish
practical aspect of God’s Act of Reconciliation for the believers into the Church, especially following the
Early Church was the reconciliation between Jews and conversion of Paul. Gentile believers brought along their
Gentiles through Christ, elucidated in Paul’s epistle to customs, habits and values, many of which were
Ephesians (Ephesians 2: 11-22). Paul begins by referring offensive to Jewish Christians. In response, false
to two opposing groups of people: (i) Gentiles by birth, teachers—called “Judaizers6”—emerged, proposing that
the “uncircumcised”, excluded from Israeli citizenship, Gentile Christians were not really saved unless they
foreigners to the covenants between God and His chosen observed all Jewish laws such as: being circumcised7,
people, the Jews; (ii) Jews by birth, the “circumcised”, eating special foods, and celebrating special Jewish feast
heirs to the covenants with God. However, through His days. Essentially, the Judaizers’ doctrine was a mixture of
blood, Christ Jesus created a new humanity from Gentiles grace (through Christ) and works (through the keeping of
and Jews, reconciling them to God through the cross, the Law). The debate was ultimately settled through the
with ready access to Father God. Consequently, both the Jerusalem Council, where the Antioch church—
Gentiles and Jews became fellow citizens, as God’s represented by Paul, Barnabas and other believers8—
people and members of the same household, with Jesus discussed the matter with apostles and elders (Acts 15:2),
Christ as the cornerstone. for building harmony between Gentile and Jewish
Christians.
In his letter to Romans, Paul—proclaiming himself as the
apostle to the Gentiles3—provides a more nuanced Jerusalem Council Discussions. During the Jerusalem
theological discussion on the reconciliation between Council discussions9, some believers—who were
Jews and Gentiles through Christ, noting it to be pivotal in Pharisees—stated that Gentiles could not be saved
God’s redemptive plan for humanity (Romans 11:11-24). unless they were first circumcised and obeyed the Law of
Paul presents a beautiful analogy from nature, comparing Moses (Acts 15:5). Following extensive discussions
Jewish believers to the natural branches of a cultivated among the apostles and elders, Peter argued—drawing
olive tree and the Gentile believers to the branches of a
wild olive tree. Paul states that the natural branches 5 Stanley (2012) presents a useful account of the struggles of
(Jews) were broken off—because of their unbelief—and the Early Church in reaching Jews and Gentiles. In particular,
the wild branches (Gentiles) grafted in, making them see the discussion in Section 2 (p.86-93). Andy Stanley
partakers of the promises and blessings of God’s (2012),“Deep and Wide”, Zondervan, Grand Rapids,
salvation. The tree signifies the community of God’s Michigan.
people, with the grafted-in wild branches as Gentile 6 The word “Judaizer” comes from a Greek verb meaning “to
believers, and the cut-off natural branches as unbelieving live according to Jewish customs.” The word appears in
Jews. The Jewish believers who remain in the tree are Galatians 2:14, where Paul describes how he confronted
joined with the Gentiles into a new body, the Christian Peter for forcing Gentile Christians to Judaize.
Church4. Paul cautions the Gentiles not to be arrogant 7 In Acts 15:1, Judaizers—while teaching believers in
about their faith in Christ, reminding that the branches are Antioch—claimed that one cannot be saved, unless
dependent on the roots and not vice versa, and warning circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses.
that if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not 8 In his letter to Galatians, Apostle Paul mentions Titus as a

spare the grafted-in branches either. Paul states clearly member of the Antioch delegation to the Jerusalem Council
(Galatians 2:1).
9 In his letter to Galatians, Apostle Paul provides some
3 In his letter to Galatians, Apostle Paul talks about interesting details of the Jerusalem Council discussions. Paul
preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, contrasting states that: Jerusalem visit was in response to a revelation;
himself to Peter as the Apostle to the circumcised (Galatians he met privately with the leaders—James, Peter, and John—
2: 7-8). to present the gospel Paul preached to Gentiles; he wanted
4 This is similar to the reconciliation between Gentiles and to be sure that he was running and had not been running his
Jews through Christ (Ephesians 2:11–22), discussed earlier. race in vain (Galatians 2:2, 9).
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on his vision from the Lord10 and personal experience11— following items: food sacrificed to idols, sexual
that God did not discriminate between Jews and immorality, meat of strangled animals, and blood. The
Gentiles—as shown by His outpouring of the Holy Spirit decisions of the Jerusalem Council were transmitted to
on the Gentiles (Acts 11:44)—concluding that we are the Antioch Church through a letter15, along with Judas
saved only through the grace of our Lord Jesus12, urging and Silas—two leaders from the church—to confirm the
them not to burden the Gentiles with rules and contents of the letter. The Jerusalem Council Letter refers
regulations that they or their ancestors were unable to to Judaizers as those who “went out from us without
keep13. Thereafter, the assembly became silent as authorization”, disturbing the believers, and troubling their
Barnabas and Paul shared with them the signs and minds by what they said (Acts 15:24). The Letter refers to
wonders God had done among the Gentiles through Barnabas and Paul as “dear friends”, who have risked
them. their lives for the name or Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:25-
26). The Letter repeats the prohibitions suggested by
Perhaps the most surprising, albeit significant, aspect of Apostle James—to abstain from: food sacrificed to idols,
the Jerusalem Council discussions concerns the role of sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals, and
Apostle James—brother of Jesus—who did not believe in blood—and concludes, “You will do well to avoid these
Jesus during His earthly ministry, but became a leader of things (Acts 15:29)”. It may be noted that the historic
the Jerusalem church afterwards. Following Peter, Jerusalem Council discussion—which outlined the
Barnabas and Paul, Apostle James spoke up, “. . . we principle of limiting liberty for the sake of love—was
should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are fundamental to the growth and progress of Christianity,
turning to God” (Acts 15:19)14. Instead, Apostle James taking place nearly twenty years after the death, burial,
suggested that Gentile Christians abstain from the and resurrection of Jesus Christ16.

10 Acts 10:9-26 describes Apostle Peter’s vision, where Peter

Ministry of Reconciliation. An important outcome of
God’s act of Reconciliation with sinners is the Ministry of
was asked to kill and eat all kinds of four-footed animals,
Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) mandated to all
reptiles and birds. When Peter responded negatively saying
believers as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20),
that he has never eaten anything impure on unclean, the
imploring humanity, “Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians
Lord answered, “Do not call anything impure that God has
5:21)”. Jesus himself gave the Great Commission to His
made clean”. Apostle Peter saw the vision three times.
disciples and all believers to make disciples of all nations,
Separately, in his letter to Galatians (2: 11-21), Apostle Paul
preaching the gospel, baptizing, and teaching (Mathew
refers to an encounter between Paul and Peter—when Peter
28: 18-20; Mark 16: 15-16). In a similar vein, the “Lighted
came to Antioch—on the issue of eating with Gentiles, a
practice that Peter stopped, being afraid of Jews. to Lighten” logo17 of the Mar Thoma Malankara Syrian
11 Acts 9:23-48 describes Apostle Peter’s personal Church presents the motto of the Church to spread the
experience with Cornelius—a Roman centurion in good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with every
Caesarea—making Peter the very first Apostle to take the member and believer of the Church given the light to
Gospel to the Gentiles. Following his heavenly vision (fn#7), enlighten others.
Peter visited Cornelius at his home and preached the Gospel
message, stating that everyone who believes in Jesus Unity in Godhead: The High Priestly Prayer. In His High
receives forgiveness of sins through His name (Acts 10:43). Priestly prayer, recorded in John 17—Jesus’s longest
As Peter concluded preaching, the Holy Spirit came on all prayer in the Gospels—Jesus prays for Himself, His
who heard the message, with the circumcised believers disciples, and all believers. Jesus begins the prayer by
astonished at the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out on revealing His purpose in coming to earth, to glorify the
the Gentiles, as evidenced by their speaking in tongues and Father by giving eternal life to those who believe in Him.
praising God (Acts 10: 46).
12 Apostle Paul has emphasized the same message in various

epistles: we are saved by grace alone, by faith alone, not 15 Acts 15: 23-29 presents the Jerusalem Council letter,

through the Law. Two examples are: (i) Galatians 2:16, which was addressed to a broader group of Gentile believers
which states that we may be justified by faith in Christ and in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.
not by observing the law; (ii) Galatians 2:21, which states 16 The timeline for the Jerusalem Council is based on the

that if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ timeline provided by Apostle Paul in the letter to Galatians.
died for nothing. Paul records two visits to Jerusalem: (i) three years after
13 Apostle Peter made a similar case to the circumcised conversion, to meet Peter, staying for fifteen days (Galatians
believers in Jerusalem, as detailed in Acts 11: 1-18. 1:18); (ii) fourteen years after the first visit, with Barnabas
14 Stanley (2012) suggests that Apostle James’ statement and Titus, for the Jerusalem Council discussion (Galatians
should be the benchmark for making all decisions in the 2:1). Therefore, if Paul was converted 1-2 years after the
local church. Churches shouldn’t do anything that makes it Resurrection, it would be a total of 20 years after
unnecessary difficult for people who are turning to God. See Resurrection.
fn#4 for details. 17 https://marthoma.in/the-church/story-behind-the-logo/

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Jesus’ desire is for all His followers to be in complete modeled and manifested in the life of Early Christians.
unity, just as He and the Father are in perfect unity18 The foundation for both the Reconciliation and Unity
(John 17:21). Jesus taught that when believers are united themes could be drawn from Jesus’s command to His
and abide in God, the world will know that God loves disciples during the upper room discourse (John 13-17) to
them and that He sent Jesus for them (John 17:23). Jesus love each other, just as Jesus loved them (John 15:12).
promised that He has given believers His glory that they
may be one as He is one with the Father (John 17:22). Reconciliation and Unity: World Council of Churches
2022 Assembly Theme. In 2022, the World Council of
Unity: A “One-Another” Command19. Jesus' High Churches (WCC) will gather in Karlsruhe, Germany, for
Priestly prayer for unity became a reality in the life of the the 11th assembly, with the theme “Christ’s love moves
Early Church. The Early Christians were gathered together the world to reconciliation and unity”20. The assembly
in one place; they shared their possessions and were of theme is set to provide a framework for member churches
one heart and soul (Acts 2:1, Acts 2:43, Acts 4:32). to renew their common call to: (i) seek the communion
However, sin threatened the God-ordained unity of the (koinonia) that is God’s gift and promise; (ii) shape their
Early Church, as evidenced by the examples of the service (diakonia) to the people of the world and to
prejudice of those who neglected Greek-speaking creation; (iii) commit themselves to God’s mission of love
widows (Acts 6:1) and the rigidity of those who to the world (missio Dei); and (iv) give words to their
demanded that Gentiles become Jews before becoming common prayer for each other and for the whole world
disciples (Acts 15:1). However, in all situations, the Holy (leiturgia). The 2022 Karlsruhe Assembly is set in the
Spirit enabled believers to find creative solutions that context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with countries
maintained the unity of the Church (Acts 6: 2-7; Acts 15: reeling from the adverse impacts on people: personally,
6-35). economically, and spiritually. The virus has exposed and
highlighted both the vulnerability of humanity and its
In his epistles, Apostle Paul referred to believers as “one persistent inequalities and divisions. In the shadow of the
body in Christ”, transcending varieties of giftedness COVID-19 experience, the WCC gathering is expected to
(Romans 12:5-8, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 Corinthians hold a light of hope and celebrate the love of God, a love
12:27-30), and people groups (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians that moves people to reconciliation and unity. The key
2:14-15, Ephesians 3:6). Apostle Paul expounded that the questions for the Karlsruhe assembly are: (i) “How does a
Unity of the Church reflects the Unity of the Godhead: church – in whom the love of Christ is pleased to dwell–
one God (1 Corinthians 12:6), one Lord (Romans 10:12, 1 organize, speak, and act in this season?”; (ii) “How, in this
Corinthians 12:5, Ephesians 4:5), and one Spirit (1 moment, shall we share together in God’s mission of love
Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:11, Acts 11:17). to the world?”
Apostle Paul has documented well the various shared
experiences of Christian Unity: Christ as Lord (Ephesians Truth and Reconciliation. The Reconciliation and Unity
4:5, Ephesians 4:13); sense of mission (Philippians 2:2); theme is closely related to the Truth and Reconciliation21
concern for one another (1 Corinthians 12: 25, Philippians initiatives in post-conflict societies for truth-seeking and
2:2, 1 Peter 3:8); suffering for Jesus' sake (2 Corinthians conflict-resolution that have proven to be important for
1:6, Philippians 1: 29-30, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 Peter
5:9). 20 The 2022 WCC theme is based on 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For

Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one

Reconciliation and Unity. Based on the considerations died for all, and therefore all died”. WCC assemblies are
outlined above, the Reconciliation and Unity themes are ecumenical gatherings where the member churches,
closely related from a Christian perspective. responding to Christ’s High Priestly prayer “that they may
Reconciliation is a necessary and sufficient condition for become completely one” (John 17:23), call one another to
Unity and vice versa. God’s redemptive plan of salvation visible unity before a watching world.
through Jesus Christ has provided the basis for 21 Truth and reconciliation commissions, also known as
Reconciliation between God and Humanity. Likewise, the truth or truth and justice commissions, are official bodies for
Unity in the Godhead between God the Father and God discovering and revealing past wrongdoing by a government
the Son presents a pattern for Unity of the Church, or non-state actors for resolving conflicts. The United States
Institute of Peace provides an exhaustive list of Truth
Commissions for the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia,
18 While teaching in the temple in Jerusalem earlier, Jesus Chad, Chile, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany,
had surprised people with His statement, “The Father and I Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Peru,
are one” (John 10:30), which nearly got him stoned! (John Philippines, Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Federal
10: 31). Republic of Yugoslavia), Sierra Leone, South Africa, South
19 The New Testament has over 50 “One-Another” passages Korea, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.
that address behaviors and attitudes. Many of the “One- https://web.Archive.org/web/20051212235138/http://
Another” commands refer to Church Unity. www.usip.org/library/truth.html).
9 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

understanding conflict drivers and mitigating future
occurrences. Truth Commissions have promoted Book Review – ‘Fragrance
Reconciliation and Unity in societies, particularly for
countering the adverse effects of poor governance, and Abundance’
discrimination and exclusion, and fostering social trust
and cohesion. Truth and Reconciliation initiatives are ‘Fragrance and Abundance’ by Kanayathu C. Koshy and
therefore important for promoting Reconciliation and Elizabeth Koshy, CSS Thiruvalla, 2021, Pp 361, ISBN 978-
Unity in post-conflict situations. 81- 7821- 678-8. Rs 700/$20

Fragility, Conflict and Violence. Since Reconciliation

and Unity have been recognized as beneficial outcomes,
increasing attention is also being paid to issues related to
Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV) that have become a
key global development priority22. Fragility, Conflict and
Violence23 are often interrelated and mutually reinforcing,
signifying the breakdown of social contracts between
societies and governments, usually characterized by: civil
or international conflict; lack of government legitimacy;
lack of government authority to ensure security and the
rule of law; deficiencies in governance structures and
institutions; lack of state capacity to deliver basic
infrastructure and social services; and a poor business
environment and lack of private sector activity that inhibit
income-earning opportunities. These considerations
suggest that addressing issues related to Fragility,
Conflict and Violence are critical for Development as well as
for Reconciliation and Unity.

Conclusions. Reconciliation and Unity are closely related.

Reconciliation is a necessary and sufficient condition for Unity
and vice versa. God’s redemptive salvation plan through Jesus
Christ has been the cornerstone for the Reconciliation between
God and Humanity. In the life of the Early Church, reconciliation
between Jewish and Gentile Christians, established through the
Jerusalem Council, has been a turning point for the Christian
faith. Unity in the Godhead between the Father and the Son
portrays the benchmark for Unity of the Church, anchored in
Jesus’s Love One Another command.
This book is the fruit of a husband-and-wife team who
worked in the fields of education and environmental
22 As noted by World Bank Group (WBG), FCV threatens issues in various parts of the world for over forty years.
efforts to end extreme poverty in the world. By 2030, up to They wrote this book because of their deep concern and
two-third of the world's extreme poor may live in FCV commitment to environmental, ecological and spiritual
situations, with conflicts driving 80% of all humanitarian issues confronting humanity.
needs
(https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fragilityconflictviol The authors’ following words on the cover page best
ence/overview). In 2020, WBG adopted a new FCV strategy explain the setting and purpose for which the book is
for 2020-2025, which has significantly scaled up the volume written. “Were you thinking of how useful it would be to
and types of financial support provided for FCV have an easy read and an expert guide to steer readers
(http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/84459158 the modern maze of ‘Sustainable Development’ and
2815510521/pdf/World-Bank-Group-Strategy-for-Fragility- ‘Faith perspective? Your search is over––‘Fragrance and
Conflict-and-Violence-2020-2025.pdf). Abundance’ is the answer. The ‘Sustainability-Spirituality’
23 The 2020 WBG FCV strategy articulates a new pair is not an oxymoron, its parts are complimentary.
methodology to identify and classify FCS (Fragile and
Conflict Situations, replacing the previous Harmonized List Our premise in the book is that abundant fragrance
of Fragile Situations. The new classification uses the emanates from those who care for creation and live a
following two categories: (i) Countries with high levels of sustainable life-style. The knowledge and the skills
institutional and social fragility; and (ii) Countries affected needed for this come from modern education. However,
by violent conflict. that is not all, our ethics, value systems and attitudes
10 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

matter too. This is where ‘Education for Sustainable section they say: “Earth and Faith combined is a new
Development (ESD]’ and ‘Spirituality’ matter most. People mission field where the harvest is ready and the workers
with right trends of the traits are ‘environmentally friendly, are few”. Sustainable Development is not an oxymoron,
economically viable and socially relevant. Here lies the as there are things to be sustained and others to be
beauty that adorns this book and the sustainability developed. It appears that we are sleep walking into the
paradigm that we craft.” perils of business-as-usual life, despite all the warnings
on the signposts in front of us.
Metropolitan, Rt. Revd Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma, in his
foreword quoted from the storyline of the book (a very Section B has 32 Bible-based chapters that provide the
special and helpful feature of the book): “the premise is fragrance of faith, and the abundant measure, which we
that, abundant fragrance emanates from those who live a receive from God. This section reveals how through even
sustainable life-style” and Thirumeni further wrote, “I wilderness experiences where we are led by God during
capture the biblical connection here. Our faith must be day and night, we learn to walk in the permanent light of
deeper and life-style more accommodating in a broader the one who is “the Light of the World (John 8:12). This
sense that we begin to send out fragrance in abundance. Lord had to suffer all the way to the cross to redeem us.
The question is, do we have that kind of faith and regard In this love lies the attraction of the cross that invited
for His creation? Paul had; as he wrote to the Corinthians, Paul, consolidated the disciples and all the believers up
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ in abundance to us. It is this love that makes the church an agent of
among those who are being saved and among those who change for many with all our frailties. The women of the
are perishing’’(2 Corinthians 2: 15-16); he meant if we Bible, Daniel, the prophets, the modern-day champions of
choose to live a life loving others, look after the ecumenism and interfaith are examples, though like Elijah
environment and manage matters in accordance with the they are also stressed but blessed, as long as we are just,
principles of good governance, then we give out kind and humble (Micah 6:8).
fragrance in abundance, while those who perish choose
short term pleasures devoid of any aroma.” In section C, the authors revisit Sustainability, having
known how our knowledge and skills are used in this
The book is conveniently divided into four sections, an pursuit, and equally important is how their faith
initial section and then into sections A, B and C. The perspectives, value systems and attitude influence us,
authors summarise the contents of this the following way, they go in for action – the (Response, of SPR). Action
which is very helpful for the readers to dip in. “The order usually is in the form of projects – small and big. Project
is, thus: Initial section (author profile, The Mar Thoma management begins to feature prominently at this stage.
Metropolitan’s Message, storyline, preface, content, In this section the authors, give real examples of projects
acknowledgement etc.); Section A. Introduction, that worked in real life, and by referring to UNEP’s (United
understanding Sustainability, (8 chapters) focusing mainly Nations Environmental Programme) publication on Green
on the current situation (State) and the challenges it Growth. Then in conclusion the Authors imagine to be
creates (Pressure). Section B. This contains 32 Bible dreaming with 11 “What if’’ situations where humanity
based chapters that provide the fragrance of faith, and discovered viable solutions for existing SD problems,
the abundant measure in which we receive it from God. then we will not merely be dreaming of being smart, we’ll
Here we meet patriarchs, judges, kings, prophets, indeed be living smarter.
disciples, Jesus Christ and ordinary people. Section C. In
this section (10 chapters), we revisit Sustainability, having It is important to realize that the major religions own
known how our knowledge and skills are used in this around seven percent of the habitable surface of this
pursuit. Equally important is how our faith perspectives, good God-given earth. Therefore, faith communities have
value systems and attitude influence us, as we go in for a major responsibility as stewards of ‘the whole inhabited
action – the (Response). Action usually is in the form of earth’, oikoumene. Various environmental activists have
projects – small and big. Project management begins to been telling us over the last few years that our living
feature prominently at this stage involving individual planet is slowly being diminished, polluted, over
(people, family), institutional (groups, parish churches), populated and built over or at the edge of total
and systemic (strategy, work plans, finance, resources, destruction. It is increasingly clear that human activity has
buildings, gadgets etc.); all these are promoted by the assisted in global warming and other ecological issues.
wider Church (Sabha), or others as appropriate. There is The authors of this book guide us, opening up ideas and
also Bibliography and relevant Appendices. This book is possibilities with a Christian perspective.
aimed at all who are interested in the fundamentals of
Sustainability within the context of Christian Life.” It is with great pleasure I recommend this book to you
and pray that you benefit from its detailed content that
The section A is designed to help readers familiarize the will make a difference in your life and to the environment.
concept of Sustainability as a new paradigm of growth,
and Sustainable Development (SD) as its pathway. In this Dr. Zac Varghese, London

11 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

 JMJ

COVID PANDEMIC - A PORTAL TO RECONCILIATON AND UNITY

Fr. Thomas Punnapadam, SDB

reconciliation needs to be understood primarily as a

lifelong project rather than an occasional act of regret
about misdeeds or weaknesses.

Long COVID is a reality of life. As Zen wisdom reminds

us, the secret of a happy life is flipping. Physically
flipping is very simple action and yet it can reveal to us
realities totally unexpected and hidden. Flipping one’s
perspectives on life situations is indeed the ultimate
secret of a happy, contented life. So, whether long
COVID, like the epidemic itself, is an opportunity or threat
depends entirely on perspectives. Gradually recovering
(as I am) from being subjected to rather severe COVID
symptoms, this is indeed a moment of grace to be
enlightened that the illness as well as the after effects is
The unprecedented COVID pandemic continues to baffle more an opportunity to be reconciled and united with one
the scientific community, with its unpredictable mutations
another.
and untraceable spread. While people are continuing to
lose their dear ones and often unable to give them a The spread of Corona is indeed baffling the medical
respectable burial, the medical fraternity continues to be fraternity. No one, not even the most even the most
overwhelmed and unable cope with the emergency. economically prosperous with the best health care
Thankfully the proportionate death rate is not very high systems in place, was protected from the attack of the
though the actual numbers are mindboggling indeed. epidemic. Like death, the pandemic is a great leveler.
This awakens us to the fact that our bodies are more
As people continue to be healed, everyone seems more
similar to one another than different. Skin color, physical
focused on the recovery and the after effects of being
stature, intellectual acumen, socio-economic status are
affected by COVID. The complete recovery is incredibly
superficial, transient, negligible realities. Deep down we
slow for some. Already for some time now the medical
are one. We need to set aside differences; irrational
experts have been referring ‘long COVID’, namely the
prejudices are separating us and causing us more harm
long term, even life long, after effects of a COVID attack.
than good. All of us need to focus more on what makes
Long COVID is reality humanity will learn to live with
us one than on what separates us.
gradually. However, each one is subject to it from one’s
own experience or from that of dear ones. Being a human The search for, production of and distribution of vaccines
reality Long COVID has many dimensions. A personal is another area where reflective people are discovering
experience can lead to what possibly are spiritual insights the need to be focused on reconciliation and unity. It was
of Long COVID as related particularly to with the theme not long ago that there was an international call for the
four reflection, reconciliation and Unity of humankind. waiver of all patent rights on the production of vaccines.
A clear reminder to humanity that economic
To start with Reconciliation and Unity are inseparable
considerations should not have the pride of place is life’s
realities. They have many common characteristics. When
priorities.
reconciliation is experienced, unity naturally follows.
Greater unity is inconceivable without reconciliation in While lockdowns and social distancing regulations have
some form or another. They are almost synonyms. To taken a heavy toll on the lives of many people, it cannot
some extent, reconciliation is often narrowly understood be denied that flipping will enlighten us to deeper
as a back ward-looking, regret inducing reality leading to oneness in essential needs for contented human life. As
mending broken relationships. It cannot be denied that many have acknowledged, they have realised that they
genuine reconciliation implies also a deepening of and can be happy with being wise enough to discern essential
mutual understanding. As Christians we know needs and superficial wants. The Pandemic has definitely
reconciliation is the fundamental lifelong response to the taught us to appreciate the little things of life. Even on the
offer of the fullness of Salvation, it is filled with hope. emotional level, family bonds have been deepened as a
Jesus invited us to repent not because we have sinned result of the lockdowns. As one gentleman confided to
but because the Kingdom is near (Mk 1/15). Hence me, his marriage was near breakdown. Providentially the
12 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

breakdown compelled the couple to spend more time
together, sort our differences and rediscover the bright Book Review
side of their married lives.
‘Thought for Trying Times’
The superhuman sacrifices made by the so-called front- By Valson Thampu, GLS Publishing, 2021, 261 pp.
line doctors and nurses and members of other public Rs.250
services, can ever be sufficiently acknowledged and
recompensed. However there are numerous silent Revd Dr. Valson Thampu’s many and varied contributions
unsung heroes of the pandemic who have transcended all over the last forty years or so – as an educationalist,
socio economic, religious and cultural barriers to provide theologian, political activist, theoretician, sociologist,
essential services to the sick and their dear ones. We intellectual, orator, writer, thinker and philosopher – are well
known and appreciated. All his life-long experiences and his
have all come to know about thousands of people who
constantly evolving vision in his journey with Christ are
have provided free meals, open shelters and various
expressed in the 21 chapters of this book. He seeks to
forms of financial assistance to those who needed it as a
establish that if man has to respond to God’s unconditional
result of the onslaught of the pandemic. The love faithfully, then this can be done only when his humanity,
overwhelming situation impelled people to forget their his level of awareness, consciousness and thinking of what it
superficial differences and past prejudices, to come means to be human corresponds to what man understands
forward in selfless compassion to be united in the fight about God’s self-disclosure in the Scriptures.
against the corona onslaught.

As the Director General of WHO has not tired of repeating,

No one is safe, unless everyone is safe. This is
probably the best summary of the universal, eternal
truth that we humans are one and need to learn to set
aside differences and focus on what makes us one rather
than what makes us different.

Mystics tell us that God experience is often by hindsight.

as the popular saying goes, ‘Life is understood
backwards, but must be lived forwards.’ While one is
suffering physical pain and weakness, mental stress and
anxiety, in a hospital COVID ICU, the thought of God may
not be predominant. Probably we have heard of not a few
people asking us pastors and religious leaders “Where is
God?”, in the COVID wave. However, after experiencing
all the love and care and attention one has received
during the pandemic or being inspired by the most heroic
acts of selfless service, one is convinced that deep in in
the heart of every human being, there is far greater Exile and return to God’ is a recurrent theme in the biblical
harmony and concord than most people are aware of. A narratives and man’s relationship with God. This is
unity that has its source in the all-powerful all loving systematically expressed through the organic flow of the
creator of us all. As St. Paul reminds us: “I beg you to titles of the chapters of this book and the essence, beginning
lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been with Babel syndrome (Ch. 2), Bethlehem principle (Ch. 3) . . .
called . . . There is one body and one spirit, just as you and ending with the Emmaus Road encounter with the risen
Christ (Ch. 21). If Babel highlighted man’s arrogance and
were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one
presumption, Bethlehem illuminated God’s need to
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us
overcome various problems confronting humanity (page 13).
all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Eph 1/1-5). Luke wrote about the Emmaus Road journey and explained
The prayer of Jesus for us at the Last Supper was how Jesus explained the Scripture to the two run-away
precisely for unity. He prayed that they may all be one; disciples: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,
even as thou father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also he [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the
may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast Scriptures concerning himself” (Lk 24:27). It is unfortunate
sent me ( Jn 17/21). that we do not have the written record of Jesus’
explanations, which would have prevented all the often
“When the mind is weak situation is a problem. misguided, supposedly scholarly and confusing
When the mind is balanced every situation is a challenge. interpretations of the Scriptures. We are invited for a
When the mind is strong every situation becomes an redeeming spiritual journey with this book and I invite you to
opportunity.
join that journey by intensely and deeply studying this book.
When enlightened by God’s spirit, every situation is gratuitous
grace.”

13 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

A very good place to begin this book after the usual foreword, surprises as he or she progresses from chapter to chapter. Old
preface and Introduction is chapter 10, where you will find the and familiar texts reveal never-before suspected spiritual
answer to the question, ‘should we seek?’ “It is fullness or resonances. True to the teachings of Jesus, the author does not
wholeness that we need to seek. A disciple of Jesus Christ is put new wine in old wineskins. The intrepidity of his thought is
the one who seeks fullness of everything in his stewardship” matched by distinctiveness of style. Here is a work that is not to
(page 120). The author identifies two models of seeking in this be read and rushed through, but to be chewed and inwardly
chapter: a conformity model of seeking and a transformative digested; reminiscent of the Psalmist’s words, ‘deep calls to
model. It is the transformative mode of seeking that helps us to deep’.”
know who we are and what we need to be. The essence of
seeking is the love of God. “Jesus seeks, because he is the In the final chapter, the author talks about the reality of
incarnation of God’s love for the world” (page 126). This seeking religion: “Reality is about relationships; God, the self and the
leads us to fullness and perfection in Christ. “The hall mark of unknown are three corners of this triangular reality. It was in
spiritual perfection is that ‘we seek first the kingdom of God and the recognition of the importance of the unknown that Jesus
his justice’” (page127). exhorted his disciples to seek and find. Allergy or negativity
to the unknown and the unfamiliar, is a serious spiritual issue
We are living through an era of unprecedented socio-economic . . . In a closed system of thought or reality, seeking seems
and cultural changes due to issues related to globalization,
subversive.” This seeking the unfamiliar and the unknown is
poverty, violence related to religious conflicts, COVID-19
a significant part of our spiritual journey for attaining fullness.
pandemic and an undefined ‘new normal’. People and
institutions committed to the well-being of our society are often,
Such people are often labelled as rebels, revolutionaries or
together with the Church, confused by these problems. The heretics. Revd Valson states his struggles in his searching
leadership of the Church has difficulty in knowing quite how to for the reality in the footnote: “This dilemma becomes more
cope in an age of conflicts and random changes. As Dr. Sunil acute in the case of a Christian author. He has to walk the
Chandy pointed out in his foreword: “The central intent in this tightrope between being compassionate to his readers and
book is an invitation to ‘think’, and it does exactly that . . . Revd being fair to them. If he goes deeper, he could lose his
Valson takes us on a journey of discovery of the fragile-touch readers. If he stays shallow, he could fail to cater to their
points on many biblical experiences, by gently flogging the growth and enrichment. From an outlook of misplaced
jaded cells of our faith and intellect.” He went on to say: concern for the readers, a culture of shallowness, mistaken
“‘Thoughts for Trying Times’ – shakes us out of the slumber we simplicity, has come into being. This constitutes a serious
have enjoyed hitherto, into thought and action. Chapter by hindrance to Christian maturity at the present time” (Foot
chapter several layers of truth unfold.” Revd Valson strikes all note 643, page 261).
the right notes in harmonizing important pulsating points in
resolving problems facing humanity and this book has a quiet This book makes us realize that though we are sighted, we
but an unmistakable authority. It is often people who struggle do not see; though we are not deaf, we do not hear; though
with difficulties who have the authority to highlight the issues we superficially approach problems facing the humanity, we
confronting humanity today. COVID-19 pandemic has given us do not feel for others. Let us thank God for the author for
an important realization and a profound message that ‘we are all taking the difficult path of going deeper and deeper for
in this together’ and therefore, we need to create corporate
clarity and commitment. The excellence of this book is
understanding to solve our problems.
reflected in the 651 foot notes, which is also a mark and
Surely, what we are to seek is a corporate perfection, since we depth of the author’s scholarship.
are inseparably related to one another, as the virus is reminding
us; and at any moment on our journey the individual self has to It is quite significant that this book is dedicated to the
accommodate ‘others as a gift from God’ as best as it can – memory of the late Swami Agnivesh, with whom the author
“that they will be all one” – as Jesus had to, during his ministry had very many years of spiritual association, distinguished
as Immanuel. Since the author is clearly aware of the overriding by inter-faith initiatives and ecumenical interventions.
importance of thinking – the whole book shows its importance Swamiji’s interactions with the kitchen staff of the Maramon
in interpreting spiritual themes in everyday terms. He says: retreat centre is a beautiful example of expressing God’s
“Basic to our spiritual calling is the duty to think or to see love in everyday living; it is an example of sacrament of
situations not as they are, but as they ought to be, from a Godly sharing and loving (page 15).
perspective.”
This book deserved to be widely read and will be particularly
In this book, Revd Valson highlights the need for the study of useful in the context of in-depth critical study for students of
the Scriptures and not just superficial reading. It is important to theology, preachers and discussion groups. It will help
read the label on the bottle before tacking the medicine. readers to reflect on Christian faith from various angles and
Therefore, the back cover page discloses the thought process explore questions relating to theology that help them in their
which prompted him to write this very important book, it is spiritual journey.
stated: “It is the depth of the Word, he believes, that we are
required to seek. Depth is the seat of spiritual treasures. The I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this much-
depth-orientation that the author advocates, and demonstrates needed resource, and I thank the author for his ministry of
through each of the twenty-one studies included in this communication, writing and publishing.
collection, is particularly significant, given the growing
shallowness and superficiality of life and religiosity at the Dr. Zac Varghese, London
present time. The reader could be in for a series of pleasant

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Reconciliation and Co-existence in the Context of Israel-Palestine Conflict
Revd Dr. Alexander M. Isaac

The origins of Israel-Palestine conflict can be traced back to We should be happy." This incident is a clear indication of
ii

antiquity. But the attempts towards a genuine resolution of how the people of the land visualize a peaceful future.
the crisis started off over a century ago, yet with great
casualties inflicted on both sides. The disputed issues Resolution of the age-old conflicts is both a theological and
largely remained the same over the long span of the conflict. ethical question. Reconciliation is the key to resolve the
The time has come to resolve the crisis through long-standing crises. Robert J. Schreiter deals with
reconciliation to unlock the vast human and economic reconciliation and healing as a paradigm for mission.
potential of the region, which has also been home for three Reconciliation is an act of God and oriented towards healing
Abrahamic religions. The future of Israel-Palestine of the victim-rather than the guilt of the perpetrator. It is the
coexistence thus has huge prospects and potential for victim who first experiences the reconciling grace of God
humankind. What are the moral obligations facing the and then, in turn, is enabled to forgive and "become the
stakeholders and international community in the wake of agent of reconciliation" in relation to the oppressor. Schreiter
unresolved conflicts? The questions raised are that of the is of the view that reconciliation is "largely discovered rather
right for habitat of a people who are forcefully uprooted from than achieved." The process of reconciliation brings
the land of their origins. transformation to both victim and oppressor in the sphere of
conflict. iii

The Quest for a Habitat: The Plight and Fate of Refugees

and Settlers Reconciliation is Shalom-living: Learning to Live
Together in Tough Times
The quest of a habitat is the greatest human quest. In the
novel Wandering Star, Nobel Laureate J. M. G. Le Clézio
i
With the historic handshake between Yasser Arafat and
tells the tale of two young girls uprooted by the Holocaust Yitzhak Rabin in 1993, a bold act of reconciliation, a
and its aftermath. The Palestinian refugee Nejma and the promising chapter got opened in Palestine-Israel relations.
Jewish settler Esther turn out to be unlikely 'sisters.' Their The past 27 years saw intermittent periods of military conflict
names both mean 'star' in Hebrew and Arabic, their plights and terrorist violence that claimed thousands of Israeli and
are mirrored at each other and interdependent. Esther Palestinian lives. The period also observed the consolidation
arrives in the Promised Land just when Nejma is being of Hezbollah and Hamas, and Israeli expansion of Jewish
evicted from her homeland forever. There is a pivotal settlements in the West Bank, and severe restrictions
moment in the narrative when Nejma, displaced by the clamped on the ability of Palestinian residents of the West
partition of her homeland, on the way to re-settlement in Bank and Gaza. Today the conflict continues, with bloody
Iraq, meets Esther by chance. Nejma is a refugee, losing her flare-up of terrorism and violence, rocket fire and tit for tat
native land, facing a bleak future. Esther, escaping the aggressions. Yet, the extremists and hardliners on both
memories of the Holocaust, is moving in the opposite sides remained the villains sabotaging the peace
direction, to an Israeli safe zone as a new immigrant, to agreements. Still optimism is in the air with continuing peace
begin a new life. Both are victims. Nejma reaches out to initiatives.
Esther with a notebook that narrates her story, which the
latter refuses to take. Nejma is now forced to begin her African American leader Jesse Jackson once met PLO
journey, which duplicates Esther’s hitherto wandering leader Yasser Arafat and embraced him. It created a furor
journey. Towards the end of the story, Esther longs to meet among the Jewish community. But what Jesse told Arafat
her 'lost sister.' This story about the plight and fate of both then was: "Your objective should be a mutual recognition
refugees and settlers is repeated in history. History is replete policy [with Israel], because you must learn to live together." iv

with such chance encounters. The novelist shares his While the world is hopefully monitoring how an outstretched
optimism that future generations will not carry the hatreds of hand for peace is extended, sporadic conflicts and
past generations. There are contemporary stories as well bloodshed continue to tarnish such initiatives. Palestine has
that provide a ray of hope that enhance peace and Hamas and Fatah yet to reconcile their conflict of interests
reconciliation. and Israel still is struggling to form a stable coalition
government. What the urgent need today is to continue the
Reconciliation: A New ray of Hope negotiations between the conflicting nations on the one
hand, as well as reconciliation amongst the confliction
Randa Aweis an Arab Christian woman in Jerusalem partners in each nation on the other front. Otherwise,
received a kidney transplant from an unexpected donor: apprehensions are likely to prevail that any genuine drive for
Yigal Yehoshua, a Jewish Israeli man who died in the wave resolution of the perennial conflict will only turn out to be a
of recent riots between Jews and Arabs in the Israeli town of faux reconciliation.
Lod. Yehushua believed in "coexistence." The recipient of
the organ Aweis has a message for the Jews and Arabs of Popular understandings of reconciliation imply that all sides
the region: "We should live together. We should have peace. must admit guilt, when in reality those powerful,
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economically and politically, often exhort hegemony over the is often said to repeat itself. If one forgets history and its
weak and oppressed. We must reclaim the essential painful lessons, there is a likelihood of repeating historic
components of reconciliation. There has never been blunders. One must learn from history and steer a corrective
‘conciliation,' a relationship of unity and harmony between path forward. The processes of reconciliation and
Palestinians and Jews, except for the fact that they share the reconstruction involve both unlearning and relearning.
Abrahamic tradition along with Christians. Reconciliation
then requires a harmonious reuniting of centuries-long Conclusion
alienation of the different communities. Each of them bears
the burden of guilt of creating and perpetuating the ever- Reconciliation contains strong moral elements like human
widening rift. Each of them must admit their guilt, forgive the rights, justice, mutual respect, and equality. Reconciliation is
other, and move forward to a harmonious future. The resolve the means to change relationships from bad ones to
to forgive one another arises from the basic premise as sustainable ones, from those, which maintain distrust,
narrated in Romans 3: 10, "there is no one who is righteous, suspicion, and accusation to those that uphold justice,
not even one." The basic understanding that all share the peace and integrity. Reconciliation entails a durable
same human nature provides the foundation for commitment towards reformation and reconstruction of
reconciliation. There is an inevitable unity in diversity that has Shalom communities. It facilitates a movement from a
potential to enrich human communities rather than divide divided past to a shared future.
them.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has taught us similar lessons. It
Proposals for Peaceful Settlement calls for a global reconciliation and solidarity in tough times
such as this. It has taught us to forget our past hostilities and
A single joint state solution is troublesome for many reasons. embrace a new future with a sharing of global common
Israel will consider that as detrimental to their existence. The human resources, which include the sharing of medical
alternative two-state resolution will be problematic too which technology and essentials like vaccines for the global health
requires movement across the borders of Jewish settlers of humanity. It is an irony that the recent escalation of
and Palestinians having a right to return to the native land. tensions between Israel and Palestine emerged when the
Another hurdle is with equitable distribution of common world is still struggling with the subsequent waves of the
resources like sharing of water. Both these options are not Pandemic. Let us not forget the fact that reconciliation and a
practical with hard-core Zionists on one side and militant global cohabitation has become the ‘new normal.’ The story
Palestinians on the other. There is yet another dubious move of reconciliation will have rich overtones with the
for a three-state pact emerging as the ‘deal of the century,’ establishment of an eschatological ‘New Jerusalem.’ While
with a hidden agenda to separate Gaza from West Bank as a the vision is still ambitious, it is achievable.
Palestinian entity. Among the various options, a peaceful co-
existence of stakeholders becomes the best option for a Palestinians and Jews are two people sharing one land. It is
lasting and permanent solution of the conflict. This calls for a a land of three faiths rooted in Abrahamic tradition. From the
peaceful co-habitation of the people of the land, both Israel same roots emerged three prophetic traditions with belief in
and Palestine. The South African experiment of a peaceful one God. All of humanity has one beginning, one destiny. We
reconciliation amidst racial divisions and a joint governance share one planet, one sky, one ocean, and one space. Let
of the land is a modern paradigm that could well be our prayers be for an action plan for reconciliation today and
emulated elsewhere. The world today needs a stronger a cosmic vision for tomorrow with a shared future of all
United Nations to help mediate and bring reconciliation of humanity with nature our common habitat.
people involved in international conflicts and enforce
continental agreements and peace initiatives. The holy city of *Revd Dr. Alexander M. Isaac is an associate Professor
Jerusalem is the seat of all three Abrahamic religions, and in the Department of Theology and Ethics at the United
therefore, it could well be the rallying point for the return of Theological College, Bangalore and an ordained minister
the people of the land for a peaceful co-existence. of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar.

Reconciliation: Learning Lessons from History Reference:

There is no one road to reconciliation. There is no one right 1
J-M.G. Le Clézio, Wandering Star, translated by C. Dickson.
answer or one model for reconciliation. In any process of (Willimantic, CT: Curbstone Press, 2004).
1
reconciliation, there will be numerous initiatives, and several Hadas Gold and Michael Schwartz, "Kidney from Jew killed in mob
steps toward success or failures. As a prolonged process, violence goes to Arab woman," May 22,2021,
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/22/middleeast/jewish-man-organ-
reconciliation finally evolves through small steps forwards donation-arab-woman-intl-cmd/index.html
success with both individual and collective initiatives. If left (Accessed on June 7, 2021).
unresolved, any conflict will inflict more pain, frustration, 1
See Robert J. Schreiter, Reconciliation Mission and Ministry in a
anger, apathy, keeping the cycle of violence roll beyond any Changing Social Order, Boston Theological Institute Series (Maryknoll,
course for reconstruction. Therefore, it is imperative that the NY: Orbis Books, 1992); Robert J. Schreiter, "Reconciliation and Healing
as a Paradigm for Mission." International Review of Mission, 94
push towards reconstruction must go hand-in-hand with any
(January, 2005) 74-75.
initiative towards reconciliation of conflicts. The crucial 1
Jonathan Kaufman, Broken Alliance: The Turbulent Times between
actors in any dispute are the victims and oppressors. History Blacks and Jews in America, (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995), 254

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Reconciliation and Unity: The Goal of Christian Ministry
Plammoottil V. Cherian, M. Div., Ph. D., Chicago

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things
on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in
your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and
above reproach in His sight. (Colossians 1:19-22)

Reconciliation [rekənˌsilēˈāSH(ə)n] is defined as the covenant family in the kingdom of God, and the blessings
restoration of friendly relations. In the Bible, reconciliation promised to Abraham, “all the families of the earth shall be
involves a change in the relationship between God and man blessed through you,” became fulfilled through the ultimate
and man and man. (man here means humanity not the male Son promised to Abraham, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the
gender) It is the broken relationship that has created world. For those who put faith in Jesus, he becomes the
disharmony, enmity and alienation from God and fellow Mediator between God and man, the Redeemer and Savior.
brethren, but now through a change of heart enters into Thus we become partakers of the Abrahamic covenant.
harmony, unity and fellowship with God and one’s brothers
and sisters. The word reconciliation comes from the Greek Because God is gracious, loving and merciful, all people on
word καταλλάσσω [(Strong’s 2644, kat-al-las'-so], meaning a earth are not automatically reconciled to Him and declared
proper decisive change from the previous nature of enmity to right, but it is granted to all who accept the ultimate sacrifice
friendship, honesty and harmony. In a Biblical sense it is the and the atonement God made for us through the death,
redemptive process of a sinner reconciling to God through burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Thus Abraham was elected
the mediation of Lord Jesus Christ. to be the channel of blessing to all families on earth, which
Jesus completed. All redeemed people collectively form the
Reconciliation is a powerful word, which becomes part of life Bride (the Church) of the Bridegroom, Lord Jesus Christ,
of many individuals, in families, between ethnic groups, who purchased us by his precious blood on Calvary. That is
political parties and nations in a general sense. Though it the essence of reconciliation, the substance of the Gospel of
happens daily, it is not an easy process to reconcile unless God (Rom. 1:1) and the eternal Gospel (Rev. 14:6).
the heart and souls of both parties that are being reconciled
involve. Honesty, sincerity, and a will power to forgive and Paul teaches us that before reconciliation with God we were
forget are the true ingredients needed for reconciliation and powerless, wild, ungodly, sinners and enemies of God, and
these elements are the gifts of the Holy Spirit in true were under the wrath of God (Rom. 5:6-11). Reconciliation
reconciliation. At the end, the process of reconciliation must with God will change these conditions through the mediation
bring out the awfulness, the wrongs, the abuses, the pain it of Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
caused and the hurt. Unless the Holy Spirit is involved, it is a creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things
risky business. I have watched politicians after bickering have become new. Now all things are of God, who has
over party issues, even during national calamities, but may reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has
come together and make a show of reconciliation and unity, given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was
have a prayer and handshaking but then go back to their in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their
chambers, to carry on with politics as usual placing party trespasses to them, and has committed to us the ministry of
ideology over the people, country and God. An honest reconciliation” (2 Cor. 2:5:17-19). What the verses convey is
confrontation with reality can only bring lasting peace and Christians are brand new people once they accept Christ, in
healing. Reconciliation without the mediation of the Holy their mind, heart and intellect—a transformed heart and
Spirit can bring only superficial (face saving) healing and the mind, and transformed way of thinking and acting. Paul
wound will grow. instructs that we are made new, joined with the heavenly
Father when we are reconciled to God. This we achieve by
The Process of Reconciliation the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. By the works of
Unless we are first reconciled to God, we cannot reconcile the Holy Spirit, we become new creatures with new features.
with fellow humans. In today’s culture we often hear phrases Reconciliation with God does not mean we are reformed,
like “I am sorry,” “I take full responsibility,” by politicians, rehabilitated, or re-educated, but we are recreated to
churchgoers, and non-churched people which do not mean become new creature and live-in vital union with Christ (Col.
much, except the mere expression of the words. Without 2:6:7), as Jesus himself taught, “Abide in Me, and I in you.
reconciliation with God, the process is powerless, vain and As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in
meaningless and we do not achieve true harmony and the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John
fellowship with others. One who has not reconciled with God 15:4). By reconciliation with God, we are beginning a new life
is still in enmity with God, and we are under God’s wrath. In under a new Master.
Romans Paul vehemently explains how God paved a way for
Christians Ambassadors of Christ for Reconciliation
the reconciliation with a fallen and disfigured world. He
elected and ordained Abraham to be the father of all as a

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By reconciliation God brings us back to himself by blotting (Isa. 45:18) whom he created in his own image (Gen.
out our sins and making us righteous, and we are no more 1:26,27). God is an unchanging God (Mal. 3:6). Nor was the
alienated from God, no strangers or foreigner to Him, when world changed, for it continued in sinful rebellion against
we place our complete trust in Christ, who becomes Lord God. But by the death of Christ, the relationship between
and King in our life. Those who are fully reconciled to God, God and the world was changed, because of God’s mercy
have another mandate—we have the privilege of the barrier of separation was removed and sin was atoned
encouraging others to do the same, and thus we have the judicially enabling God to show mercy where judgment was
ministry of reconciliation. Thus, we are not only reconciled to deserved. This reconciliation is the work of God alone and
God, but also called to be ambassadors of Christ, sent out man had no part. (2) There is a provision for reconciliation by
into the world in the ministry of reconciliation, which is a the sinner wrought by God whereby he becomes changed
serious responsibility, and we dare not take it lightly. The from his rebellious attitude towards God, so that we are
question you and I have to ask is, how well I am, fulfilling this persuaded to receive the reconciliation already
commission as Christ’s ambassador? accomplished through Christ on the Cross (Rom. 5:11).
Those who take this opportunity for reconciliation, become a
Reconciliation is an objective work of God through Christ to new Christian having a part, being ambassadors for Christ
restore us back to God from a fallen world, as God promised bearing the “word of reconciliation” committed to them (2
Adam and Eve in the Garden through the promise of the Cor. 5:19) and pleading with men, “Be reconciled to God” (2
Seed of Woman (Gen. 3:15). But it is also subjective on the Cor. 5:20).
part of human being, as all may not accept the call, “Be
reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). Today the whole world is The message of redemption, salvation, reconciliation,
operating, keeping God on the sideline by the erroneous justification and holiness has come to us from God though
notion of “Separation of Church and State.” Nowhere in the Christ who has passed it on to us. Thus, God gave us a
foundational documents of Western civilized nations such as ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation
United States and United Kingdom it says, nations cannot involves the proclamation of the Gospel and its assurance
rely on God for righteous governing. The problem of the that redemption and forgiveness are available in Christ. Five
whole world today, in my view is “politics without God” and times in the passages (2 Cor. 5:18-21), Paul mentions the
Churches failing to be true ambassadors of Christ. Christ word reconciliation in different forms, reminding the church
sent messages to the seven churches through John, the that the heart and soul of Christian ministry is a ministry of
Apostle, reminding them of the urgency of reconciliation, or reconciliation. Thus it is the duty of preachers, priests and
face consequences (Rev. 2:1—3:22). Individuals and bishops to tell all people, irrespective of their position or
churches and society collectively cannot and must not forget power to reconcile to God and fellow humans. That is the
that we are reconciled to God through Christ, and our calling essence of the Gospel. The ultimate aim is that we are not
is to help others reconcile to God. only reconciled and justified but that we might become the
righteousness of God through Christ, and will bring others
In several instances, the New Testament teaches that we are the righteousness of God. Amen!
reconciled to God: (1) through the death of Christ (Rom.5:10;
Col. 1:22); and (2) through His blood on the cross (Ephesians References:
2:16; Colossians 1:20). Both in Romans and Corinthians,
Paul uses reconciliation and justification as synonymous 1. Holy Bible, The New Scofield Study Bible (1989),
terms. Those who are reconciled have peace with God and Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee,
access to Him as His children (Eph. 216—18). Also, those USA.
who are reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ are 2. D. M. Baillie (1956) God was in Christ second
justified. The whole message of the Gospel is one of revised edition Faber & Faber. pp.231. ISBN
reconciliation and justification. Reconciliation brings 10:0571070244
justification, and justification leads to holiness or 3. James Denney, (2017) The Christian Doctrine of
sanctification. Without sanctification no one can see God, Reconciliation. 354 pp. Andesite Press. ISBN
and thus the warning, “Make every effort to live in peace with 10:1375927620
everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the 4. Vincent Tylor (1958). The atonement in the New
Lord” Heb. 12:14). This is the essence of Christian doctrine,
Testament Teaching (third edition). Epworth
to be in the presence of God while living on earth and in
Publisher 224 pp. ASIN: B0007J8L2S.
eternity—for which holiness is essential. Be holy, as I am
holy (Lev. 11:4; 1 Pet. 1:13-16). Editor’s Note: Dr. P. V. Cherian is a retired professor of
medical Sciences and a scientist, who served the Diocese of
Conclusion
North America and Europe as its Associate secretary from
1984-1990. He is a dedicated scientist and theologian
In summary, a detailed study of the verses quoted at the
connecting the truth of sciences with the Biblical theology
beginning indicates the work of God in two distinct
that has records of every discovery made in the universe
reconciliations: (1) The reconciliation accomplished at
during the last five hundred years. He is the author of six
Calvary—God in Christ reconciled the world to himself (2
books on these and other social and moral issues that plague
Cor. 5:19). Here God did not change because God always
loved the world as he created it for habitation of humanity the world in the preset culture.

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RECONCILIATION AND CHURCH UNITY—GOD’S AGENDA
Revd Dr. K. V. Simon, Kottayam

Reconciliation is God’s mission in Christ. God was in we will be at peace with God through faith. The initiative
Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. It is the primary for this is taken by God by sending His only Son to die on
vision and plan of Christ. the cross for our sake.

There is a five-fold mission purpose: UNITY OF THE CHURCH:

1. To share the Word of God with the world. Unity of the Church is Christ’s prayer and God’s agenda.
2. To help the believer, both the minister and When we consider the unity of the Church there are ten
layman alike in his understanding, preaching and truths about unity.
teaching the Word of God. 1. Unity is a gift from God (Eph. 2: 19-20).
3. To do everything possible we can to lead men, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and
women, boys and girls to give their heart and
aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and
lives to Jesus Christ.
members of God’s household, built on the
4. To do all we can to minister to the needy of the
foundation of apostles and prophets with Christ
world.
Himself as the chief cornerstone.
5. To give Jesus Christ His proper place—the place,
which the Word gives.
2. Unity is maintained, not created by man (Eph.
4:3). Make every effort to keep the unity of the
What is reconciliation?
Spirit through the bond of peace. Unity is God’s
The meaning of reconciliation is at peace with. There is a plan not man’s creation. Our duty is to maintain
broken relationship between God and man due to sin. the unity designed by God.
There is a breach of the covenant, the fellowship with
God is broken. Hence, there is need for reconciliation. 3. Unity grows day by day (Eph. 4:13). We are the
Reconciliation is an unquestionable privilege for the body of Christ, which may be built up until we
believers. The heart of the sinner is filled with enmity to reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son
God; God is offended with the sinner. Jesus Christ is the of God and become mature attaining the whole
only mediator between God and man. He has measure and fullness of Christ. So, unity must
successfully accomplished the ministry of reconciliation grow daily in our attitude, in our dealings, in our
by His death on the cross. In Jesus Christ a new actions and reactions.
covenant is opened. The blood of the New Covenant is
established in the Upper Room. It is the covenant of 4. Unity is opposed by pride and self interest
grace and forgiveness. So, we have peace with God (Phil. 2:3). Do nothing out of ambition or vain
Through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). He has committed to us conceit, but in humility consider others better
the message of reconciliation. We are Christ’s than yourselves. Each of you should look not only
ambassadors as though God were making His appeal on your interests, but also the interests of others.
through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf be Your attitude should be the same as that of
reconciled to God (II Cor 5: 19-20). Reconciliation is our Christ. If you have pride and self-interest, you
indispensable duty, because the design of the gospel is cannot achieve unity. Pride is the super enemy of
reconciliation. The highest title you can hold is unity.
“ambassador”. You belong to the one who sent you
(Jesus Christ). You are commissioned for the purpose of 5. Unity is uniquely a Christian adornment (Eph.
reconciliation. You possess all power and authority of the 4: 23-24). Put off your old self which is corrupt by
one who sent you (Jesus Christ). Therefore, the message its deceitful desires to be made new in the
is so critical and very urgent. Beseech means beg, attitude of your minds and to put on the new self
entreat, cry, plead not for your sake, but for Christ’s sake. created in the image of God in true righteousness
We are ambassadors by calling; we are reconciling agent and holiness. God said, be holy as I am holy.
by mission. It is God’s mission, not our mission. Righteousness and holiness are divine. God’s
Reconciliation is possible only by conviction—about our chosen people are holy in nature, in dealings with
sinful state. Repentance is a turning away from the sinful others.
ways. Forgiveness is the forgiveness from God,
restoration is to reinstate to our original status, and then
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 6. Unity is centred in the gospel (John 17:20-21). and enjoyed the favour of the people (Acts 2:42-
Jesus prayed, Holy Father, protect them by the 44).
power of your holy name so that they may be one
as we are one. Pray that all of them may be one Above all our Church Unity is affirmed in the Nicene
as you are in me and I am in you so that the world Creed where we declare and affirm our faith. We believe
may believe that you have sent me. Christian in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Church
unity is like the Trinitarian unity. Father, Son, and unity is based on the Trinitarian unity of Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit are one in essence but different in Holy Spirit. When we sings God in three Persons, blessed
function. Christian unity is a functional unity as Trinity, we affirm our faith.
the members of the body. They all work together
for the growth of the body.
Rewind
7. Unity is not uniformity (Gal 3:27-28). All of you
who are baptized into Christ have clothed Dr. Rajiv G. Patel, Flower Mound, Texas
yourself with Christ. There is neither Jew, nor
Greek, slave nor free, male or female. You all are Started with a bang, 20/21 the years of clear hindsight.
one in Christ Jesus. This is unity in diversity. In Who knew what was in store, events to come in our
Christ’s Church there are different people from blindsight?
different walks of life. The Ethiopian official,
Cornelius of Caesarea, woman of Samaria all Spring break extended into the summer break;
belongs to the people of God. Before the throne Remote learning was the only option to take.
of the Lamb of God gathered a big crowd from
every nation, tribe, language, and culture (Rev. The year of the presidential election, installation of the
7:9) new President;
A pandemic of natural selection
8. 8. Unity depends on grace and gifts (I Cor
12:27-28). You are the body of Christ each one of An invisible threat, presenting an arduous task.
you part of it. God has appointed apostles, Let's continue doing our part, keep wearing that mask.
prophets, teachers and miracle workers, those
having gift of healing. This is for the growth and Virtual graduations, happy hours and meetings galore,
edification of the Church and equipping of the Socially distanced, yet connected we were more.
believers for the mission of the Church. Gift is not
personal glorification, but for the mission of the Strangers coming together for equal rights,
Church. Each member in a body has Inspiring millions, justice is for what they fight.
distinguished functions. In the same way
members of the Church also have special Joining hands, standing shoulder to shoulder,
functions for the growth of the Church. Fighting for a cause, breaking barriers boulder by
boulder.
9. 9.Unity grows when it is stretched (Eph. 4:16).
In all things we grow up into the whole body When videos were not the only things going viral;
joined together by every supporting ligament Loved ones lost quickly by numbers in a spiral.
grows and builds itself up in love as each part
does its work. All the members of the bodywork Losing kin, grieving their missing existence,
together for the full growth and development of Saying our goodbyes all from a distance.
the body and to the full stature of Christ.
A salute to first responders, whose courage we admire,
10. Unity glorifies God and attracts unbelievers Their selfless spirits, never to tire.
(John 15:8). This is to my Father’s glory that you
The climate is changing, time to save the planet;
remain in my love. The twelve apostles stood on Our generation hasn't done enough yet.
one accord in the leadership of Peter on the day
of Pentecost to preach Christ crucified and raised The vaccine is here, please have it
from the dead, the gathered crowd believed in to save your life and the lives of people around you;
Christ and Three thousand people were baptized
and joined the Church to the glory of God. All Don't give up, hope is near and we will overcome this
pandemic also.
those believed were together, they praised God,

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A Hail Mary Plea for Reconciliation and Unity
Revd. Dr. John T. Mathew, Ontario, Canada

The theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Reformed denominations - always excludes most of the
Churches is all about how “Jesus’ love moves the world ancient Christian traditions. It was for some the
to reconciliation and unity”. beginning of the ecumenical movement now known as
Predictably themes designed for such global events are the World Council of Churches. Walls also predicted that
ornate, even overblown words – here the source of the “the young, the poor and the women” will lead the church
theme is Jesus’ love. Jesus’ love has power to generate in the next five decades. In 1910 well over 80 per cent of
energy, hope, compassion and generosity in this world those who professed Christianity lived in Europe and
where we must deal with frightful devastations of the North America and now 80 per cent of those who practice
pandemic, violence, war and its survival. The premise Christianity live in the southern continents of Africa, Asia,
must elucidate and identify such issues so that we may Latin America and the Pacific. The center of gravity of the
flesh out a framework of functional unity. We are global church has shifted from the north and west to the
passionately social individuals who are called to live south and the east. Unmindful of this new reality, Wilfred
together with integrated rapport and resolve. Cantwell Smith once made a shocking comment, “When I
left Christendom (meaning Canada!) in 1943 to teach in
The groundwork of the Karlsruhe gathering of the 350 India….”. I questioned him, “You left Christendom? You
member-denominations of the World Council of Churches don’t leave Christendom. You perhaps left the
ideally extends not only to the member denominations of Constantinian Christendom and arrived in an older
the Reformed and Orthodox Churches but also to the Christendom, or better, reign of the Messiah founded by
whole world. Remember this world is shared by Apostle Thomas!”.
adherents of the Roman Catholic and several other
tenaciously faithful denominations with different First, a solid majority of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth
theological emphases besides hundreds of thousands of who live, move and have their being breathe not for all
followers of Jesus who choose not to feel fenced in an intents and purposes within the mainline Reformed-
ecclesial paddock. A world that is the household of Orthodox paddock manoeuvred the World Council of
millions of our fellow travellers who belong to a variety of Churches and the titanic Roman Catholic denomination
ancient and modern faith traditions. Therefore, we must as well as the colossal masses of umpteen
acknowledge that the World Council of Churches, largely denominations from Pentecostal to evangelical and
prearranged by medieval Reformed theology, managed charismatic groups all across the globe.
by Orthodox agenda and reassured by Anglican and
Lutheran nurturing in the arena with the rest from smaller On the Asian ecumenical landscape of 20 th century
denominations perched on the bleachers, does not speak ecumenism in its early days we had trailblazers such
and stand for the global church. as M.M. Thomas, D.T. Niles, Juhanon Mar Thoma,
Paulos Mar Gregorios and Ninan Koshy. Since its
However, the vocation of all followers of Jesus is to initiation soon after depression of the Dirty Thirties,
credibly proclaim, clarify and live out Jesus’ love that violence and war in the following decade, this broken
ignites the world to reconciliation and unity. For better or splinter of the global church reflected on human proclivity
for worse, my peregrination of theological training has towards turmoil, hope, light, renewal, freedom, life,
been experimenting with the holy and the devil at seven creation, joy, transformation, justice and peace. Never
world class divinity schools ranging from the dogmatic ever the virtue of love! This time theme is ‘Jesus’ love’ or
evangelical to the freethinking progressives including Christ’s love with an add-on Hellenistic shimmer. The
Roman Catholic theological variants on both sides of church is like Noah’s Ark: ‘if it weren’t for the storm
the Atlantic. In 1969, within one hundred days of my outside no one could stand the stink inside’! So much
long haul, I was scared stiff when Andrew Walls hatred, nativism, suspicion, xenophobia, insensitivity,
confirmed the collapse of European Christendom at a racism, for the bigoted right everything is ‘woke’ or be
Graduate Fellowship gathering held in Birmingham. He mindful of injustice in the society; that’s why the 11th
referred to the 1910 World Missionary Conference, or Assembly dared to invite the world to investigate and
better known as the Edinburgh Missionary Conference evaluate the love of Jesus that might jubilantly propel us
which really was not a "world" gathering - it was de to re-examine and seek forgiveness for our inhumanity
facto a refresher gathering of European and American and achieve that oneness or unity between Jesus and the
missionaries on furlough with absolutely no one from One who sent him to heal our divisions. Well, this
Africa, South America and one or two from Asia. World movement formally never ever attempted to enlarge on
Christianity that emerged on the Day of Pentecost - ‘love’ and finally it took more than the proverbial ‘three
which is far more than Euro-centric Roman Catholic and
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score and ten’ years to recapture and reflect on Jesus’ pastors, patriarchs, popes and church bureaucrats.
love! Finally, a meekly inquisitive but cheekily honest Thomas.
Such muddled up leaders have always been in and
In the mid-1970s, the postgraduate class of Mission around the church. Many generations of disciples carved
Studies or Missiology at Saint Paul University, one of our nations, empires, communities, and even families up over
avant-garde assignments was to help design an offering the past two millennia. The great East-West schism of
called Ecumenism. At this Roman Catholic seminary, for 1054 CE did not allow Constantinople or Rome to be the
both our faculty and my classmates, imposingly the command post of the European Church. The older
theological postulation called ecumenism was already churches in Alexandria, Jerusalem, Istanbul (former
taken care by Lumen gentium, Latin for “Light of the Constantinople) and Malabar flouted the 16th century
Nations”, the dogmatic constitution on the church reformation as a family feud between the northerners and
circulated by Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964. As an southerners - that spawned scores of rival communities.
ordained clergy in The United Church of Canada among Such feral rivalry in Europe metastasised the ministry of
Roman Catholics, I became too conspicuous in the the global church.
Roman Catholic paddock. I tried to explain the extent of
ecumenism, derived from οἰκουμένη (Greek) as an exigent Shankara’s Advaita creed of unity of the supreme being
interdenominational concern, vision and vocation of the and the human soul corroborated in the Gita is helpful to
“whole inhabited earth” for all followers of Jesus figure out what unity is all about. Advaita or non-dualism
established recorded in the Gospel according to St. is the negation of dvaita or dualism. Therefore, all humans
Matthew (24:14) which is reiterated in Ephesians 4:3. are connected. It is weird and wonderful that the 21st
When they realised that I wasn’t elated being pigeonholed century humans needed a lethal virus to bring us all
as ‘Non-Roman Catholic’, I was elevated as a ‘Reformed together - summoned all people, great and small, rich and
minister’. Finally, they were befuddled that I was far more poor, free and slave (Revelation 13:16) – instead of
than ‘reformed’ with my first-century Apostle Thomas fighting like cats and dogs, work in partnership in order to
pedigree. In order not to rock the boat, I was offered a pool our resources towards healing of all 7.8 billion plus
generous scholarship gingerly as a reconciling remedy! living, breathing brothers and sisters on this fragile planet.

Having had an opportunity to serve on the Interchurch- Centuries later, a few historic examples might help us
Interfaith Committee of The United Church of Canada for deduce that many church schisms did not happen over
almost two decades and represent the denomination at ecclesial or theological issues. Would such knowledge
local, national and global gatherings of ecumenism and help us to work towards unity?
dialogue with other faith traditions, I do not have a huge
glorification for ecumenical efforts. At the 2013 Busan How did Catherine of Aragon or her sister-in-law play a
assembly, it was hilarious to watch jet-lagged delegates more shrewdly vital role in the formation of Church of
and visitors of all ages and colours strolling along – most England than Henry VIII? The king was engrossed to have
of them did not get an opportunity to say a thing except a male heir to carry on his throne. Catherine couldn’t
to move from one gathering to the next. I was invited to help; he wanted Pope Clement to grant him a divorce
preach at a large congregation where thousands of local from Catherine in order to marry Anne Boleyn, widow of
people and the delegates gathered to worship. Therefore, his late brother Arthur. Pope Clement would not annul his
church unity realistically is an illusion where people meet marriage with Catherine; therefore, the esteemed Fidei
to renew their friendships and exchange business cards. Defensor “Defender of the Faith” of the Roman Catholic
church, who snubbed the arguments of Martin Luther,
When Pope Francis became the head of the Roman ceremoniously terminated his relationship with it and
Catholic Church, he reminded his bishops: Espouse your established the Church of England to become the
community, be profoundly bonded to it! I beg you, please, Supreme Head of the Church of England! The king closed
to stay among your people. Avoid the scandal of being the monasteries and claimed their substantial property.
‘airport bishops”. In spite of the work of ‘airport
ecumenists’ doing their endless jaunts over the past Now a royal household issue led to a schism with Rome
seven decades, the divisiveness between different and we are asked to pray for the unity between the
denominations remains the same. Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. Therefore, the
deduction is that there was no theological issue in this
Jesus had a coterie of disciples who hardly agreed on schism except the governance.
anything while they followed his footsteps for three years.
The Gospel narratives offer us several occasions when Then there is the interesting epic love story where a
Jesus castigated them overtly and covertly. For example, disenchanted monk fell in love with Katharina von Bora, a
the impetuous Peter and his shenanigans. Then the refugee nun exasperated with her life in the cloister who
sandbagging brothers: John and James. Judas – that escaped with the help of a fish merchant from the
unique prodigy who represents mercenary televangelists, convent. Certainly, their revolt against Roman tutelage

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was not all that prominent before they met and married. ecumenism and Interfaith-Interchurch participation at
Subsequently Luther construed that "his marriage would local, national and global levels in India, Scotland,
please his father, rile the pope, cause the angels to laugh, Canada and New Zealand. Thank God, we have survived.
and the devils to weep." However, the relay race of ecumenism continues. Relay
race consists of a set number of stages, usually four,
Would it be ever possible to have a hold-no-punches each leg run by a different member of a team – each
version theological perspectives on quintessential issues runner finishing one leg must pass on a baton to the next
of our heaps of denominations so that we could have a runner while both running in a marked exchange zone.
candid discussion on unity? Therefore, Church History Not all denominations follow the rules, which make it
101 makes us wonder whether Reformation, the 16th difficult to run the race. Pope Benedict - the first pope in
century religious movement, was just an ecclesial hiccup 600 years to step down - admitted that he didn’t have the
in Europe, which was ignored by most ancient Churches. vigour to effectuate a roaming rigidity of the chore and
retired in 2013.
The embers of division, dispute, distrust, conflict,
cynicism and hostility boiled with rage and sizzled within Every follower of Jesus ought to be driven by a down-to-
the hearts and minds of those who intently walked behind earth faith in the essential unity of disciples of the One who
Jesus in the Galilean deserts. Jesus had revealed who he keeps calling us; the potential and promise of the universal
was to his committed listeners and was before long to go community of faith called the church; the inescapability of
to the cross, to conclude the liberating vocation that God finding the middle ground and looking for commonalities;
had resolved for him to perform. Jesus prayed they may and most of all, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to
be (ὦσιν) one (ἓν) as (καθὼς) we [are one] (ἡμεῖς). The heal our brokenness and conflict and bring about genuine
postulation is: Jesus’ disciples need to become one, the experience of oneness in Jesus. Reconciliation has been
way God and Jesus was. Therefore, Jesus does not the famed term used to combat racism and dismantle
propose or compel a somatic sameness or homogeneity. Apartheid. The system of Apartheid has been removed;
however, it still is alive and active. Racism is more virulent
Christian unity, for which many of us annually pray for one than ever especially with the blessings of poor Europeans
week, is almost a mirage. Not long ago, on a bright sunny in all Europe as well as in former colonies. Indeed, it is a
day I was out for my walk by the Mississauga Valley Trail hope-filled process; not an end but a means to an end.
when I noticed a couple in front of me. At first, I thought Ideally, it ought to be “reconciliation towards unity”,
they were walking towards me and I should mask up. As I which suggests that there existed an uneasy unity before;
kept walking, they appeared to be moving ahead of me. I however, it is broken down and now we need to salvage
have been watching the ecumenical spectacle unfolding it. For some, by and large, reconciliation is a sacrament of
for most of my life. Over the years, I met and listened to restoration where the faithfully ashamed offender enjoys
world-class ecumenists, helped design an academic communion with the community of faith and the Holy
offering in ecumenism and I myself attended national and One.
international ecumenical gatherings.
Each follower of Jesus would benefit from wholeness and
In spite of our tendency to construe many types of unity unity; each community of faith and each generation must
such as an admonition (nouthetic), theological (scriptural), identify and comply with a desire for unity with others and
ecclesial (presence of God in and through Jesus) and reconciliation that is meaningful. There is no one absolute
academic (wind-swept discipline of study), we may template or example of theological and spiritual
decide on our preference. The earliest communities of consummation on reconciliation and unity.
faith in Jerusalem, Alexandria, Cyprus, Caesarea,
Carthage, Corinth, Ephesus, Smyrna, Sardis, Laodicea
etc. never self-effacingly figured out - believed, confessed
and celebrated a commitment of the oneness alluded to The Rev. Dr. John T. Mathew is an
in Gospel narrative nor by the 21st Century denominations ordained minister in The United Church
whether ancient or modern. Therefore, ecumenism of Canada who served several urban and
woefully has relegated to an academic exercise rural congregations in the province of
Ontario, Canada since 1974 and taught
petrifyingly debated in the theological schools or an in the Department of Religious Studies,
annual gathering to enjoy sips and scones by the local Huntington/Laurentian University,
church communities. Therefore, how on earth could we Sudbury, Ontario. Mathew was awarded
take the ecumenical pitches conceived in Geneva, Merrill Fellowship at Harvard University
Kottayam, New York or Edinburgh positively? Following and served as Pastor-Theologian at the
the French Revolution, one politician was asked what Princeton Center of Theological Inquiry. He was Ecumenical Minister
(2010) at St. Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen (Church of Scotland) and
kept him busy during the Revolution. His answer: ‘I
Interim Minister at St. Andrew's Parish, Gore, Southern Presbytery of
survived’. Retrospectively, that is what I think of my 45 the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (2015-2017).
year-long ordained ministry and my engagement with

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‘Every Cloud has a Silver Lining’: Reconciliation and Unity
Dr. Zac Varghese, London

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to none and harmony for all.” Reconciliation and unity
dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1-NKJV) under the love and grace of God is fundamental to
establishing the values of the kingdom of God.

The Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto showed that water

from clear springs when exposed to a word such as love
or kindness shows beautiful symmetrical snowflake
patterns of harmony and unity. On the other hand, water
exposed to negative or impure thoughts forms incomplete
asymmetrical chaotic patterns of division. According to
Emoto water is a symbol of unity and integration. Only
in the power of love and gratitude we can create true
ecumenism. Let us continue to pray for ecumenical
understanding, and doing God’s will for the benefit of
everyone and for the common good of society.

Oxford theologian, Alister McGrath24, defined

reconciliation as: “The bringing of two estranged
parties back into relationship. It is one of the central
images of what was achieved in the death of Jesus,
bringing God and humanity into harmony and taking
away the barrier due to Sin. Once reconciled to God,
Christians are equipped to bring reconciliation across
the divisions in the world.” The estrangement between
humanity and God happened at the beginning of the
creation story as we read in the Genesis. Reconciliation
has been central to Christian experience at every level:
within self, with God and with others. We learn that in
Jesus that heaven and earth have come together once for
all and ‘Jesus built the bridge from there to here.’ Building
a bridge was a very costly self-giving act of reconciliation.
In a short meditation in 2015, I wrote25: “We cannot get
away from the reality that God came in search for us and
He built the bridge from ‘There to here.’ Jesus further said
emphatically: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one
Millions and millions of people across the world pray 24 comes to the Father except through me” (John 14: 6).
hours a day the prayer that Jesus taught: “Thy kingdom The initiative for this relationship, bridge building, is from
come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” our creator God: “Here I am! I stand at the door and
This prayer will only become a reality when we continue knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I
the work that Jesus has entrusted to us to establish the will come in and eat with him and he with me” (Rev 4: 20).
kingdom of God on earth. It is a kingdom of unconditional It is not our search and effort, it is God’s; we only have to
love of God, relationship, justice, truth, spirituality and be there to listen to that ‘still small voice’ to align
beauty. We are not only to pray for it daily, year in and ourselves to be in that bridge of reconciliation and unity in
year out, but to work diligently for making it a reality on God. It is in this network of relationships we enjoy and
earth, as it is in heaven. This kingdom is ‘now-and-not- realise haven on earth and the answer to the prayer: ‘Thy
yet’ reality. On 20th January, 2021, Amanda Goldman had kingdom come’.
the following lines in her poetic recital at the presidential
inauguration of President Joe Biden: “And so, we lift our St. Paul was very much concerned with various kinds of
gazes not to what stands between us, but what conflicts and tensions that emerged in the churches that
stands before us. We close the divide, because we
know to put our future first, we must first put our 1 Alister McGrath, The New Lion Hand Book Christian Belief,

differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can Lion Hudson, 2006, page399.
2 Zac Varghese, ‘A Bridge is built from There to here’ ECHO’,
reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to
Oct, 2015.
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he established in Christ. A major theme of his letters was Romans: “He was delivered for our offences and was
for establishing reconciliation, unity and explaining the raised for our justification” (Rom 4:25). Paul’s dense
finer points of theology of salvation in Christ. There are theological expressions such as justification by faith,
three stages of reconciliation: reconciliation with self, atonement, propitiation and such are for explaining the
reconciliation with God and finally, reconciliation with reality of reconciliation (Rom 5:1-10). Atonement signified
others. These are not standalone separate experiences; the condition of being ’at-one’ with God after God and
they organically flow from one to the other. man had been estranged from one another.
Reconciliation with God only becomes meaningful when
Reconciliation with self: there is a sense of brokenness, of things being out of
joint, of estrangement from the ideal self, from well-being
Some people have a divided self or multiple personalities; and of separation from God, His unconditional love and
people often wear masks to cover up the unacceptable grace. Paul explains his ministry of reconciliation to
images they have of themselves. This drives people to Corinthians in his second letter (chapters 2 to 7), this is
inner tension and psychological illness such as neurosis. set in the context of the defence of his apostolic ministry.
This conflict may be between the outer and the inner or “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself
spiritual man. It is what Faust means when he says: “Two through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation”
souls, alas, dwell in my breast apart.” According to Carl (2 Cor 5:18).
Jung, neurosis is a dissociation of personality, a divided
self. At this point, we need healing and for taking the right Reconciliation with others:
path for finding wholeness in Christ. Reconciliation with
self is essential for finding wholeness, order, rest, security We are asked to live in peace, harmony and unity with
and peace. In Christ, we can experience healing, peace everyone (Rom12:14-18; reconciliation is essential to
and wholeness “Do not be anxious about anything, but in follow the two fundamental commandments of God (Mt
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 22:39). The early churches that Paul established during
present your request to God. And the peace of God, his missionary journeys in the Mediterranean basin and
which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart had many theological, ethnic and sociological problems
and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). to overcome. Therefore, Paul emphasized the need for
reconciliation and unity in Christ and the unconditional
Although internal and external conflicts destroy our love of God. Most of the letters were written to resolve
pilgrimage to God and peace, God has provided a way to problems through the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s
overcome these roadblocks: “If we confess our sins, he is abundant love. It was because of the reconciliation
faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us between Jacob and Esau, Jacob was blessed and was
from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). We are regularly able to say to Esau, “For to see your face is like seeing
reminded to do this in the liturgy of the Eucharist. We do the face of God, now that you have received me
the ‘kiss of peace’ after the confession and absolution. It favourably” (Gen 33:10). Unity of mankind was so
is possible that we exchange peace during the Eucharist important to Jesus that it was the subject of His high
without thinking of our deep obligation to forgiveness and priestly prayer in John’s Gospel (Jn 17:20-26). The theme
reconciliation. It is just possible that we forget the need of the seventh Assembly of the World council Churches at
for penitence because we are repeating the confession Canberra (Australia) in 1991 was expressed in a prayer:
after the priest like parrots. Jesus reminded us this in the “Come, Holy Spirit — renew the whole creation’. . .
‘Sermon on the Mount: “Therefore, if you are offering reconcile your people! Holy Spirit, transform and
your gifts at the altar and there remember that your sanctify us!” Reconciliation is a much-needed process for
brother has something against you, leave your gift solving major issues concerning ‘the whole inhabited
there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to world (Oikoumene)’ (Eph 4:3; Rom 15:7). God wants
your brother; and then come and offer your gift” (Mt reconciliation and unity in this world; not conflict, wars,
5:23-24). Reconciliation with self is part and parcel of separation and division. Everlasting peace is the result of
knowing oneself with absolute clarity, humility and having reconciliation and unity. Although we see the theme of
compassion for oneself to have compassion for others. It reconciliation in all of Paul’s letters, it is in his epistle to
is in knowing ourselves we will be able to love our Philemon we see its most effective application in
neighbour as ourselves as directed by Jesus Christ (Mt resolving a conflict between Philemon and Onesimus.
22: 39; Mk 12:31).
A model of Reconciliation and Unity
Reconciliation with God:
Every aspect of reconciliation and unity in Christ is
Sinful thoughts and actions separate us from God and we practically demonstrated by Paul in his letter to Philemon.
cannot have peace until we have reconciled with God. The letter to Philemon is St. Paul’s shortest of his thirteen
Jesus Christ removed the barriers by suffering the letters in the New Testament. It is a letter addressed to a
punishment on the cross on our behalf. Paul wrote to ‘friend in Christ’ for a specific need. The strength of this

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letter is entirely centred on the phrase ‘in Christ’ and its each and every one of them. This is the quality of his
deep experiential meaning. relationship in Christ, and love is the binding force that is
connecting all the people in this story.
The letter was written to Philemon, a wealthy Christian
who lived in Colossae, and who became a Christian The purpose of the letter is a plea on behalf of his spiritual
because of Paul’s ministry. One of Philemon’s slaves, son, Onesimus, who wronged Philemon before his
Onesimus, for some unspecified reason, became a repentance and conversion to Christianity under the
runaway slave and came to the attention of Paul, and influence of Paul. Paul says in verses 8 and 9, “. . .
became a Christian and lived under his patronage as his although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do
beloved spiritual son. Onesimus was very helpful to Paul what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of
in the hour of his need under the conditions of his house love.” Therefore, the driving force is the unconditional
arrest and the restrictions placed on him. However, Paul love of God, which Paul, Philemon and Onesimus share in
was mindful of the background of Onesimus and the Christ. Paul is not writing this letter under his authority as
circumstances of his escape from Philemon’s household an apostle with power to command, but as a brother in
and estate, and wanted to bring reconciliation between Christ. This is indeed a good example for everyone in
his two friends: one a wealthy man and the other a leadership roles in the church.
runaway salve. Such an escape from slavery was
punishable under the law, even death. This is the bare In this letter, Paul is demonstrating the transformational
background of writing this letter. power of living in Christ. Onesimus is a now a completely
changed man and no more a slave in the eyes of Paul, he
Therefore, Paul was caught in the middle of needing to do is his son. Paul speaks of him in this letter as: (1) ‘my son
the right thing for both of them. This is often a very Onesimus’ (verse 10); (2) ‘useless, but now useful’ (verse
common situation that people get caught in the middle in 11); (3) ‘a dear brother’ (verse 16). Notice the power of
disputes between friends, members within the family and Paul’s ministry in Christ to transform sinners into saints
people in parishes and so on. Therefore, this letter is a (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
model for conflict resolution. The letter teaches us so
many things about how to write a letter for helping This letter shows Paul’s sincerity, tact, skills and appeal,
someone and how to get the best possible result and but he was able to write such an effective letter because
conflict resolution. The letter is a simple request to of his life ‘in Christ’. The genius of this letter lies in the
Philemon on behalf of Onesimus to forgive his offences fact that Paul makes the request before telling Philemon
and take him back. what the request is for; it is a superb way of asking a
favour without telling what the favour is about. But Paul
The letter is not anonymous, and hence the author states was very careful in not taking advantage of his
who he is and his credentials and his relationships to considerable power and influence. Although we do not
Philemon and Onesimus – under the matrix of Paul’s know the end result of this letter, how could Philemon fail
relationship with the risen Lord; hence, the phrase ‘in to respond to such a letter? Paul expects Philemon to
Christ’ is the driving force for writing this letter. The accept Onesimus, not as a slave, but at an elevated
confidence in writing this letter comes from his own status of a brother and much more! Tom Wright26 thinks
personal story of experiencing Jesus Christ on the that Onesimus later became a bishop of Ephesus, he
Damascus Road. His story, in summary, is that Jesus–– wrote: “Fifty years later the bishop of Ephesus is a man
God’s only begotten son, anointed and sanctified––was called Onesimus. The young slave, now an elderly
crucified, dead, and buried, but whom God then raised Christian leader? Or a name already respected within the
from the dead, exalted to sit at the right hand of His early community?” Yes, indeed, ‘every cloud has a silver
Father in heaven to judge all His people and the creation lining’.
in the fullness of time.
Therefore, everything is possible ‘in Christ’ and for Christ.
The author of this letter, Paul, is identified himself in the This is an ideal model for conflict resolution. The mediator
letter simply as a prisoner of Christ Jesus and the friend should have the right relationships with everyone
of a fellow worker of Timothy (verse1), an old man (verse concerned and the right relationship is only possible ‘in
9), and a friend of Philemon. Paul identifies his Christ’. Unity among the believers is the core theme of
relationship with the recipient of this letter, Philemon, as a Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17. The members of
dear friend and also mentions others in this friendship churches are expected to glorify God by their life of unity
circle such as Apphia, Archippus and Timothy; these and ecumenical relationship. Dis-unity among the
people are described as fellow-workers and soldiers; Paul members of churches is against the Gospel of Christ and
also remembers the members of the wider house-church it hinders God’s mission (Missio Dei).
that meets in Philemon’s house. Although Paul is away in
prison, he has very close fellowship with this community 26 Tom Wright, ‘Paul a Biography, SPCK London, 2018, page
in Colossae through his silent prayer commitment for
284.
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Digital Archiving of Kerala Christian Heritage: A Call to
Action
Dr. Cherian Samuel, Virginia

the Mar Thoma Church, following the plea by Justice

K.T. Thomas for archiving the Judgment during the June
2021 Mar Thoma Apologetics webinar on the topicix. As
elaborated below, Shiju Alexx and associates had
completed the Digital Archiving of the Royal Court
Judgment in August 2015—albeit unknown to many,
including the Mar Thoma Apologetics webinar
participants—as part of a broader efforts to digitize and
archive public domain documents (print book,
manuscripts, palm leaves, pictures, audio, etc.) in all
languages and scripts related to Kerala and Malayalam.

Kerala Christian History. Based on tradition, the

beginnings of Indian Christianity can be traced to
Apostle Thomas’s arrival in Cranganore (Muziris)—a
major seaport on the Malabar Coast—in AD 52. Apostle
Thomas preached the Gospel and established the
following seven Christian communities, before being
martyred in St. Thomas Mount (Madras) in AD 72: (i)
Cranganore; (ii) Chavakad; (iii) Parur; (iv)
Gokamangalam; (v) Niranam; (vi) Nilakkal; and (vii)
Quilon. However, presenting a coherent history of the
Kerala Christian Church until the sixteenth century has
been challenging, given the lack of relevant materialxi, as
noted by Firth (1961). In particular, the burning of the
books and documents of the Kerala Christian Church by
the Roman Catholic Church—under the aegis of
Portuguese colonialists who arrived in Calicut (Kerala) in
May 1498—following the enactment of the June 1599
Diamper Synod decreesxii, has been the main reason for
the paucity of written historical evidence of the Kerala
Introduction. The history and traditions of Kerala Christian Church before the sixteenth century.
Christiansv has been a topic of extensive research and
discussion for longvi. Unlike other early Christian Rationale for Digital Archiving. The Kerala Christian
communitiesvii of the Near East, Kerala Christians have history loss resulting from the Diamper Synod decisions
progressed well over time, since the arrival of Apostle provides a unique motivation for Digital Archiving. More
Thomas in Malabar in AD 52, to fulfill Jesus’s Great generally, digitization provides a broad range of
Commission to His disciples to share the good news benefitsxiii: (i) Information and content can be delivered
(“Gospel”) of salvation for All through Christ (Matthew directly to end-users, and retrieved remotely; (ii) Ability
28:18-20, Mark 16:15). This article is a call to action for to provide access to a large number of users; (iii) Online
the Digital Archiving—digitization and archiving for resources can serve local, national and international
public access—of Kerala Christian historical records needs; (iv) Creating digital surrogates reduces handling
and documents and making them publicly accessible. of old or fragile material, potentially extending the life of
Since Kerala’s climate conditions may shorten the the original. However, the costs if digitization should be
lifespan of public domain documents, Digital Archiving considered as well: (i) Required staff expertise and
should be treated as a priority for preserving the Kerala additional resources; (ii) Users are completely reliant on
Christian heritage. computers and stable Internet connections to view and
retrieve the digital information. Depending on users’
This article has been inspired by the providential hardware and software capabilities, access may be
internet discovery of the Digital Archiving of the 1889 frustrating because of the large variety of computer
Royal Court Judgmentviii, which led to the formation of models, platforms, software, and hardware globally; (iii)

27 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

Ease of access to digital collections can lead to high Given the shared heritage of Kerala Christians, the
expectations of end-users, that everything is available Digital Archiving project has the potential to be
online and free. ecumenical in approach, with separate portals for
different denominations.
Ongoing Digitization Initiatives. Since 2009, Shiju Alex
has led an extraordinary voluntary effort for the Digital Conclusions. The case for the Digital Archiving of
Archiving of Kerala and Malayalam related documents. Kerala Christian heritage is strong and sound. In
Key documents digitized and archived so far includexiv: particular, the loss of history experienced by the
(i) Herman Gundertxv Collection (262 documents); (ii) community in the past provides a unique opportunity.
Malankara Edavaka Pathrika collection (163 issues); (iii) Thanks to the extraordinary voluntary efforts of
Malankara Orthodox church collection (862 documents); digitization pioneers during the last decade, significant
(iv) The Church Weekly collection (238 issues); (v) Kerala progress has been made regarding the Digital Archiving
Text Book collection (277 documents); (vi) Kerala of public domain documents related to Kerala and
Periodicals collection (232 documents); (vii) Kerala Malayalam. Creating more awareness about and
Sasthra Sahithya Parishad collection (KSSP, 289 ownership of Digital Archiving among All Kerala
documents). Overall, more than 3000 documents have Christians is critical. Given the shared Kerala Christian
been digitized and placed in the public domain—with heritage, Digital Archiving can be an ecumenical
over 200,000 pages—during the past decade. initiative as well among the Churches.
Conclusion: The Living Gospel is the good news that
From an Indian Christian history perspective, a highlight we can be saved from our sins by trusting in Jesus as
of the Digital Archiving efforts so far has been the our Lord and Savior. We commune with the Lord
documents related to the Church Missionary Society Almighty through Prayer and the Word of God, which
(CMS) and the London Missionary Society (LMS) xvi, who has the power to renew our minds and transform our
were the global evangelical mission leaders in the lives. For His glory. And our mercy.
British empire. In addition, the Digital Archiving
community made a breakthrough discovery in May 2019 * Dr. Cherian Samuel is
regarding the tomb of Benjamin Bailey (1791-1871) in an economist, who after
Sheinton, UKxvii. Benjamin Bailey served as a CMS having had a
missionary in Kottayam (Kerala) for 34 yearsxviii, distinguished career with
translating the Bible into Malayalamxix. In March 1850, the World Bank Group
Benjamin Bailey departed to England, and served as the retired in February 2021.
Rector of the St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church in He is a member of
Sheinton (1856-1871). Until the research investigation Immanuel Mar Thoma
undertaken by the Digital Archiving team (Shiju Alex, Church, Virginia (USA).
C.J. Cibu, Babu Cherian) in May 2019, little was known
about the post-Kottayam years of Benjamin Bailey in
Kerala and CMS records. Given the outstanding i
contributions Benjamin Bailey made to Malayalam J-M.G. Le Clézio, Wandering Star, translated by C. Dickson.
printing, publishing and literature for over 30 years, the (Willimantic, CT: Curbstone Press, 2004).
ii
Hadas Gold and Michael Schwartz, "Kidney from Jew killed
absence of any records and information during his post-
in mob violence goes to Arab woman," May 22,2021,
Kottayam years remains a mystery!
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/22/middleeast/jewish-man
organ-donation-arab-woman-intl-cmd/index.html (Accessed
Way Forwardxx. Creating awareness regarding the need on June 7, 2021).
for Digital Archiving of Kerala Christian documents and iii
See Robert J. Schreiter, Reconciliation Mission and Ministry
records among Church leadership, clergy and laity is an in a Changing Social Order, Boston Theological Institute
important first step, the purpose of this article. Another Series (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1992); Robert J.
step will be to create a community of practice, which Schreiter, "Reconciliation and Healing as a Paradigm for
could learn from Shiju Alex and associates and share Mission." International Review of Mission, 94 (January, 2005)
the responsibility for Digital Archiving, a public good. 74-75.
Given the limited capacity for digitization currently, iv
Jonathan Kaufman, Broken Alliance: The Turbulent Times
documents will have to selected and sequenced, based between Blacks and Jews in America, (New York: Simon &
on relative importance. Last, but not least, financial Schuster, 1995), 254.
v
resources have to be set aside for meeting digitization Kerala Christians are called Syrian Christians/Saint Thomas
costs. To begin with, the digitized documents can be Christians/Marthoma Nasrani/Malabar Nasrani, Malankara
archived in the Internet Archive (www.archive.org), Nasrani/Nasrani Mappila, currently using the East Syriac and
similar to the current practice. In the future, different West Syriac liturgical rites of Syriac Christianity. Historically,
archiving options could be explored, funds permitting. Syrian Christians were part of the hierarchy of the Church of
the East, but are currently divided into several different
28 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

Eastern Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Protestant, and (https://archive.org/search.php?query=subject%3A%22Martho
Independent churches with their own liturgies and traditions. ma+Church+Documents%22).
xv
Nasrani or Nazarene is a Syriac term for Christians, who were A more detailed discussion of the Gundert Legacy Project
among the first converts to Christianity in the Near East (2013-2018) can be found at https://shijualex.in/my-
(https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas_Christians). experience-with-the-gundert-legacy-project/. Gundert, the
vi
Notable contributions include: A. E. Medlycott, “India and German scholar of Indian languages, took his collection of
the Apostle Thomas”, David Nutt, 1905; E. M. Philip, “The manuscripts and rare books with him when he returned to
Indian Church of St. Thomas, L.M. Press, 1950; L. W. Brown, Germany from Kerala in 1870, which is now archived in the
“The Indian Christians of St Thomas: An Account of the Tuebingen University library in Germany. The digital version
Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar”, The University Press, of the Gundert archive, thanks to the resolute and diligent
1956; C. B. Firth, “An Introduction to Indian Church History”, leadership of Shiju, and the financial support from the
ISPCK, 1961; Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, University, can be accessed through the Hermann Gundert
“Christianity in India and a brief history of the Mar Thoma Portal, https://gundert-portal.de.
xvi
Syrian Church”, (Pub.) KM Cherian, 1952. https://shijualex.in/missionary-documents-with-references-
vii
Early Christian communities in Egypt (Coptic Orthodox to-kerala/.
xvii
Church), Syria (Syriac Orthodox Church), and Iraq (Assyrian More details on the Benjamin Bailey tomb discovery can
Church) have shrunk in size and importance over the years. be found at the following links: (i) Story on C.J. Cibu visiting
viii
https://shijualex.in/travancore_royal_court_judgement_1889/ the tomb
ix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZu7rFunec&t=4108s (https://docs.google.com/document/d/13adDDG3igkAnRVn9
x
Shiju Alex is from Palakkad (Kerala), living and working in W4HU3loq-XPc03gYxz-qEnZEFK8/ edit); (ii) Malayala
Bangalore (Karnataka), Shiju writes a regular blog on ongoing Manorama report
digitizations (https://shijualex.in/about/), and can be reached at (https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/sunday/2020/02/15/
“[email protected]”. All digitized documents are archived
sunday-discovery-of-Benjamin-Bailey-and-tomb.html); (iii)
on the Internet Archive (www.archive.org), a digital library with the
mission of "universal access to all knowledge", founded by Brewster Assessment by Dr. Babu Cherian from the Benjamin Bailey
Kahle in May 1996. Foundation
xi
Juhanon Mar Thoma (1952) notes that the history of the Christian (https://babucherian.in/images/pdf/Bailey's%20TombPMD%2
Church in the first century does not depend entirely on historical 0Final.pdf). The Epitaph on the Benjamin Bailey tomb reads,
documents, but tradition matters, often more true and more “In memory of The Rev. BENJAMIN BAILEY. Thirty four
compelling. In this sense, St. Peter’s founding of the Roman church years a Missionary of the Church Missionary Society in
and St. Thomas’s founding of the Malabar church, may be regarded Travancore South India and fourteen years Rector of this
similar. Both are supported by traditions, which are sufficiently early Parish He fell asleep in Jesus. April 3rd -1871. 80 years.”
and strong. xviii
xii The three CMS missionaries—Benjamin Bailey, Joseph
The purpose of the Diamper Synod—convened by Alexis de
Menezes, Archbishop of Goa—was to bring the Syrian church under Fenn, and Henry Baker (Sr)—known as the "Kottayam Trio",
the Roman ecclesiastical supremacy. As a result, the Syrian Church made outstanding contributions for creating and maintaining
was coerced to accept Roman Catholic doctrines and practices for educational institutions in Kerala.
xix
over five decades, until the “Crooked Cross Oath” of 1653, which Benjamin Bailey also became the founder of both
also split the Syrian Christians (Malankara Church) into two groups, Malayalam printing and book publishing, producing the first
the Syrian Church and the Roman Church. See, “Mar Thoma Church: English-Malayalam dictionary in 1846 and he first
A Historical Sketch” by Rev. Dr. T.P. Abraham, for more details Malayalam-English dictionary in 1849.
(https://www.horebmtc.org/about-us/mar-thoma-church-history/). xx
A June 2015 blog summarizes the findings of an assessment
xiii
See Sally McKay (2003) for a more detailed discussion of by Shiju Alex and VS Sunil regarding the status and
the benefits and costs of digitization possibilities for the digitization of public domain Malayalam
(https://southernlibrarianship.icaap.org/content/v04n01/ documents (https://shijualex.in/malayalam_public_
Mckay_s01.htm). domain_documents_digitization/). As noted in the blog, their
xiv
Relevant links are: Herman Gundert research is focused on the evolution of the Malayalam script
(https://archive.org/search.php?query=subject%3A%22Herma dating back to the 18th century, the history of Malayalam
nn +Gundert printing and early Malayalam books.
%22&and%5b%5d=languageSorter%3A%22Malayalam%22),
Edavaka Pathrika (https://archive.org/details/ malankara-
edavaka-pathrika), Malankara Orthodox Church
(https://archive.org/details/malankara-orthodox-syrian-
church), Church Weekly (https://archive.org/details/the-
church-weekly), Kerala Text Books (https://archive.org/
details/kerala-text-books), Kerala Periodicals
(https://archive.org/details/kerala-periodicals), KSSP
(https://archive. org/details /kssp-archives). However, only
about twenty Mar Thoma Church documents have been
digitized and archived

29 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

 Paul Sudhakar Menon (1922-2000) was born into an
Book Review aristocratic upper caste Hindu family in the Palakkad District
of Kerala, India. Having lost his father at the age of eight, at
‘Seeking God, Seeking Moksha: The teaching of Shri the age of nine he started reading Hindu Scriptures such as
Krishan & Jesus Christ, by Paul Sudhakar Menon, Bhagavad Geeta, Vedas and the Upanishads under the
influence of his grandmother. These Scriptures were shaping
Pippa Rann Books & Media, an Imprint of Salt Desert
his life from that early age. Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his
Media Group Ltd., 2020. Pp173, ISBN978-1-913738- constant dependence on the teachings of Bhagavad
15-0. Rs.299. Geeta/Gita attracted the young Sudhakar. Dr.
Radhakrishnan’s Philosophy also attracted Sudhakar and
when he sought Spiritual guidance from Dr. Radhakrishnan, he
said: “Sudhakar, I do not have all the qualities of a real Guru.
Jesus Christ was the greatest Guru who ever walked on this
earth. If you want a Guru, it should be him and not me.” This
comment led him to study the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps no one has hitherto attempted to place on facing

pages of a book the teachings of Jesus, as recoded in the
Gospels (45-100CE), and Lord Krishna’s teaching in the Gita
(3102BCE). This book places the teachings of Jesus on the
left-hand pages, and the teachings of Shri Krishna on the
right-hand pages. This is very helpful to study these teachings
in parallel with each other. The author is not trying interpret
the teaching of these two incarnations of God in human form,
but allowing both of them to talk to us directly through the
actual texts as recorded in these sacred books. He sees a
common thread, love, binding the teachings of Jesus Christ
and the Lord Krishna of the Bhagavat Geetha. These
discourses are from two different situations with a time span
of 3,000 years separating them––one from Galilee, Decapolis
and Judea and other from the battle fields of Kurukshetra.
However, the similarities and subtle differences are uncanny.

The author seems to believe that in Krishna and Jesus there is

the fullest manifestation of the ‘Logos’, which is the ‘Word’
that is with God and is God. Although the incarnation of Jesus
is ‘once for all’, in Lord Krishna’s case it could happen again
and again (birth-death-rebirth) as and when the cosmos needs
it. The author is not emphatic about the qualitative differences
between the two great teachers. Although he is hesitant to
equate Krishna and Jesus who lived apart on the earth over
thousands of years, he recognizes their many similarities.

The book has four chapters. The first chapter explains how the
qualities attributed to God are set out by both Krishna and
Jesus. It also explains the ideas of incarnation and moksha
(salvation) in the two traditions of faith. Here we also read
about life, death and the immortality of the soul. Jesus taught
The author, Paul Sudhakar Menon (1922-2000), was involved his disciples to pray: “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on
in enlightening audiences with his talks on spirituality, earth as it is in heaven.” Krishna’s does not teach that the
Bhagavat Geeta and the teachings of Jesus Christ across world is evil, and he does not ask anyone to withdraw from the
India and in many countries around the world. This world to attain moksha (Salvation). Both teachers ask their
posthumous book is based on those talks, which offers great followers to do everything in union with God (yoga). This
insights on the teaching of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavat mutual abiding experience is explained in St. John’s Gospel.
Geeta and the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. Jesus tells Philip: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the
Father” (John 14: 9). The first chapter ends with the following
The aim of the book is stated as building ‘a bridge of message: “. . . God’s eternal message of peace is not heard in
understanding between devotees of Shri Krishna and the places of comfortable solitude, but in the midst, yes, in the
followers of Jesus Christ.’ This book will be helpful for the centre, of conflict and confrontation. Here the Cross of Christ,
students of comparative religions, wider-ecumenism, inter- which is the basis of the Gospel is seen, in the Geeta, not in a
faith dialogue and inter-faith living. literal sense, but as a figure. Similarly, the Songs of God or the
Geeta of Bhagwan, is the message of the Cross. And
Kurukshetra is, similarly, Dharam Kshetra, the field of
30 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

righteousness, which in the Bible is depicted as a Calling to
righteousness.” Theme for the FOCUS,
In the second chapter we see the author presenting Jesus and
Krishna as perfect teachers who shared their teachings by real
January, 2022, Vol 10 (1)
examples from varied life situations of conflicts and
confusions. Both of them taught with authority, clarity, Sustainability of Nature and the
certainty and assurance. Various qualities of these two
teachers are explained and compared in this chapter. Ultimate Mission of the Church
Knowledge is the everlasting oneness in both traditions, which
brings release from bondage from everything that separates
us from God.

In chapter three, love and devotion to God is explained for the

benefit of followers of Jesus Christ and Lord Krishna. God is
love and this is realized in the ‘bhakti maarga’ traditions of
Hinduism as well. Yoga, the union of man with God, is a
central theme of this which is analysed further through the
statement of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”
(John 14: 6) and the exhortation of Krishna to “Come to him,
abide in him, obey him, and worship him.” Both Jesus and
Krishna claim to be Manifestation of God (divinity) and both
expect man’s obedience and worship. The concept of God in
human form and their identities are further highlighted through
the ‘I am statements’ of both Jesus Christ and Lord Krishna
(pages124, 125).
As human beings we are part of the whole of God’s
In the fourth chapter, the cardinal teaching of Jesus based on creation and have a responsibility to love and care for
the unmerited love of God (grace) and the nishkaama karma in what God has entrusted to us as its stewards.
union with God (yoga) is explained. Both teachers emphasise Recognizing the interdependence of human beings with
that human actions should be done in union with God.
the rest of creation demands ethical basis for our living
“According to the Geeta, actions are to be done for the
purpose of maintenance of universal welfare.” Jesus’
on the earth, which requires respect rather than
‘kingdom messages’ are also for the welfare of the whole dominion. This respect is reflected in addressing the
inhabited earth (oikoumene). earth as the ‘Mother Earth’ in the Indian tradition. For
maintaining environmental justice, we need responsible
Finally, there are three paths, which lead directly to and sustainable stewardship. Our primary task as
establishing yoga. According to Geeta these three paths are Christians is understanding our involvement and
the yoga of perfect action, yoga of perfect devotion and yoga responsibility as partners in God’s mission in
of perfect knowledge. For the followers of Jesus, it is diakonia establishing God’ kingdom values on this earth. This
(service), koinonia (fellowship) and kerygma (knowledge and
certainly means we have a God-given responsibility as
teaching).
stewards of creation to live sustainably for the welfare of
So, we see that there is much more that unites than divides the present and future generations. Sustainable living
followers of Shri Krishna with followers of Jesus the Lord. Anil should be part of our social and environmental justice.
Yesudas in his afterword writes: “Sages from all religions Exploitation of earth’s resources, uncontrolled
agree that our true identities realized only in the presence of consumerism, global dependence on fossil fuels and
God and in union with God.” economic expansions based on a ‘throw away culture’
undermine the basis for sustainability. We cannot
Rahil Patel ended his foreword to this book with a mantra for
ignore the human contribution to the increasing of the
its readers. I also recommend the same mantra to the readers
of this important book: “Those who come to God thinking their carbon foot print, which is contributing to the global
hands are full, find themselves leaving empty handed; those warming. Our worship, thanksgiving and prayer should
who come to God realizing that they are empty, can return lead us to total commitment for addressing the
filled with a darshan [revelation] of the Divine.” environmental crisis through the missional activities of
the church. The focus of a missional church must be
Though the vision this book offers is philosophical and centred on healing this fractured world and then the
theological, its potential for interfaith study and interfaith living church will become an earth-centred ecological church
and wider-ecumenism is far reaching. I have no hesitation in
to make our Lord’s prayer – ‘Thy kingdom come on
recommending this book to all seekers of truth.
earth as it is in heaven.’ – a reality in our daily living.
Dr. Zac Varghese,
London, UK. 05-09-21

31 | P a g e F O C U S , O c t o b e r , 2 0 2 1 , V o l . 9 , P a r t 4

 91), and Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam,
OBITUARY (1991-96), where he was also the principal. He also
taught at the postgraduate level and guided doctoral
In the Blessed Memory of Revd Dr. research scholars through the FFRRC for another two
decades. During these years he could write many
M. V. Abraham books, which are now very useful for theological
students. Two books that are very widely read are
Revd Dr. Abraham Philip, Kottayam Treasure in an Earthen Vessel, a book of meditations
jointly authored by Achen and Kochamma, and The
Master’s Voice (a collection of Achen’s sermons).

M. V. Abraham Achen had a reputation as a good parish

priest, reflective of his calling. A Christian minister
always will have to look to his Master, the Lord Jesus
Christ, who is the exemplar of ministry. He was a co-
worker with Christ. During his pedagogical years, he has
been known to be well prepared for his lectures, well
read and organized. The same applied to his sermons,
and he is known to have exhorted his students to be
well prepared when preaching in the churches they
serve. Though he was born with a stammer and had
impaired verbal skills, by the grace of God he recovered
from it in early childhood, through much prayer by his
mother. From then, he has gone on to be a silver-
tongued orator and prolific writer. A combination of
humour and insight always made for better oratory and
consequently, better reception by the audience.

Achen’s wife, (Late) Mary Abraham (Molly Kochamma)

was a constant source of inspiration, encouragement
and support to him through their 39 years of marriage.
The Revd Dr. M. V. Abraham (1931-2021) departed from Achen is survived by his two children Georgie and
us, all of a sudden on 23rd August 2021. He completed Roshini. Now both are in the US. His son Dr. George
ninety years during last May. Having reached the age of Abraham, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, is Chief,
ninety years is a rare milestone in one’s life. During his Department of Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital; and
professional and pedagogical career spanning over 64 Professor of Medicine, University of Massachusetts
years duration, he has influenced a number of his fellow Medical School. At present he is the President of
clergy, bishops, professional colleagues, students, American College of Physicians (ACP). His wife Dr. Viji
parishioners and family. Susan is also a medical doctor at Boston. They have
two daughters Diya and Sreya. Achen’s daughter, Dr.
M. V. Abraham achen hailed from Ashtamudy, Kollam. Roshini Sarah Abraham PhD, D (ABMLI), FAAAAI, was
Under divine providence he chose a career in the Professor and consultant in Clinical Immunology at the
service of the Master and was ordained in 1957. After Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota for more than two
serving in a few parishes, in 1964 the Church sent him decades. Recently she has moved to another
to Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey, for prestigious institution at Ohio: Nationwide Children’s.
higher studies. On his return he could serve in parishes She is also a recipient of several important awards.
in Bangalore and New Delhi and in 1971 he began his MVA Achen has a great heritage, which he has passed
teaching career at Bishop’s College, Calcutta. In 1973 on to the posterity. Just like his parents, his children
he could proceed to the Ecumenical Institute, Tantur in also have inherited a great concern for the mission of
Israel for advanced studies in New Testament, and he the church.
could spend time at Tubingen University, Germany; and
Oxford, England. From June 1976 Achen began I started knowing Achen from my student days at
teaching until his retirement from active service in 1996. Jabalpur during the seventies of the last century when I
He taught at Leonard Theological College Jabalpur was a student at Leonard Theological College. Besides,
(1976-86), Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Columbus, Ohio he was my mentor for my doctoral research and
(1980), United Theological College, Bangalore (1986- dissertation during the turn of the century. With regard
to Achen’s classes, I quote the Church of South India
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Bishop Dr. B. S. Devamoni of the Diocese of Dornakal, a
former student of Achen, “His teaching was Obituary Tribute
exceptionally good . . . he was an exemplary Professor .
. . It was a tremendous joy to be with him in his classes, The man sent by God: Revd K. C.
or joining in Volley Ball court for playing together. He
made his teaching very interesting, allowing students to Mathew (1929-2021)
participate in a free and friendly atmosphere. His
[The following is a translation of an obituary written by Prof.
pastoral care of the students and commitment to the Kozhuvalloor M. K. Cheriyan (Former Principal, Bishop Moore
church impressed me most” (pp 50-51 of the festschrift College, Mavelikara) and it was first published in the journal
in honour of Achen entitled In the Master’s Service . . .). ‘New Vision for a Changing world’. It is translated by Prof. Elias
Abraham, Baltimore, USA and Dr. Cherian Samuel, Virgnia,
As a person Achen was adaptable and self-disciplined. USA. The editorial board of the FOCUS is grateful to them.]
He was very sincere and transparent. One does not find
a tint of hypocrisy in him in his personal dealings and
relationships. Lucidity and straightforward utterance
marked his style. He cared for the well-being and
betterment of all who came across him especially his
students and others who were in some way associated
with him. The story of his last days could be narrated as
follows: It was early morning on 10th August that Achen
had a fall from his bed quite unconsciously. After three
days in the evening as Achen was about to return to his
room after dinner, he had another fall. It was very
difficult for Achen to walk and there was severe pain. X-
rays found that there was a minor fracture in his hip,
and rest was prescribed and his movements were
restricted to a wheel chair. There were no other health
problems. On the 23rd August around 9.45 p m, his
death occurred all of a sudden, quite unexpectedly.

MVA Achen’s son Dr. George Abraham arrived from

Boston in the US on the 26th morning Already the Mar
Thoma Sabha Secretary Revd K G Joseph (a student of
MVA achen) under the direction of His Grace the “There came a man who was sent from God; his name
Metropolitan Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan was John (John 1:6)”. If we replace “John” with “K. C.
had announced the details of the funeral and everything Mathew”, in the verse, the secret of Achen's success in
took place as scheduled in the most benefitting manner various facets of life will be revealed. He had an
on Friday the 27th August. Along with our Metropolitan, amazing personality, fully and continually tuned to
the Suffragan Metropolitan Joseph Mar Barnabas, and God's voice in numerous mission fields, which made the
the Episcopas namely Thomas Mar Timotheos, Dr. efforts greatly successful.
Abraham Mar Paulos, Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos
gave leadership to the services. The Vicar Generals of In 1964, Bishop M. M. John Thirumeni, Manager of CMS
our church and a large number of Achens participated College, Kottayam, asked K. C. Mathew Achen, who
following the COVID protocol. Several people from was well known through the CSI Youth Movement, and
various spheres including Bishop Thomas K. Oommen working diligently at the College as a Physics lecturer
of the CSI Church paid homage and spoke words of and the College chaplain, to take charge as the principal
condolences. Towards the close of the service Dr. of the new Junior College at Mavelikara, affiliated to
George Abraham spoke his eulogy and placed words of Kerala University. Before responding to M. M. John
appreciation to one and all for their services on behalf of Thirumeni, Achen came to see the place for the
Achen’s family. The DSMC could conduct the live proposed college for himself at Kallumala, located on
streaming very well. All these resulted in the smooth the East side of Mavelikara.
conduct of the entire funeral service giving glory to our
Standing in the shade of a big old leafy jackfruit tree,
Lord and Master, the Almighty God. May the name of
not far from the CSI Church and the LP School, Achen
the Lord be glorified.
prayed. God was entrusting Achen with a great and
Revd Dr. Abraham Philip, Kottayam glorious mission, just like He had mandated Moses from
the burning bush on Mount Horeb. “I will be with you”.

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God had told Moses. Achen received the same echo of the waves of the celebration reverberated all
message from God, standing prayerfully under the over Kerala, though Bishop Moore College was only five
jackfruit tree. K. C. Mathew Achen surrendered to the years old! Among the Junior Colleges that started in
will of God and decided to accept the great leadership 1964, Bishop Moore College remains unique with an
responsibility. exceptional stature. K. C. Mathew Achen's exemplary
leadership will be remembered forever.
There is a remarkable coincidence that should be noted
here. The land for the proposed college, full of stone After 25 years of meritorious service, K. C. Mathew
pits and cultivated with tapioca, was bought by Revd Achen, while bidding farewell to the College, might have
Joseph Peet, the famous Anglican Missionary. In 1938, heard the soft whispers, “. . . Good and faithful servant!
Rev. Joseph Peet started living in Mavelikara for mission I will put you in charge of many things.” As Achen used
work and built Christ Church, using the cut stones and to say: “The reward of work is more work. “God heard
soil from Kallumala. Now, after nearly one hundred and the prayers and supplications of many destitute people,
twenty years later, an educational institution was who were longing for K. C. Mathew Achen’s leadership.
emerging from the same soil filled with sone pits! This The result was Achen taking charge as the Secretary of the
was never a coincidence, but undoubtedly God's Manganam Agathi Mandiram. His first action was to
choice. change its name. The board now read, 'Mandiram,'
instead of 'Agathi Mandiram.' The inmates felt that they
The Manager was responsible for paying the salaries to now had a master to take care of them. The change was
the teachers and the non-teaching staff, and therefore not only about the board, but also in everything else- in
the principal had to find the money. Without ever food, clothes, care and love, etc. Words and deeds were
seeking donations for the admission of students or the being harmonized. The poetic verse, 'We are one family',
appointments of staff, the employees received their became true for those impoverished people. They used to
get food only two times a day. Now they got plenty of
salaries every month. On several occasions, money had
food, good rooms to live, better clothes, and in addition,
to be borrowed from generous friends. Achen always
and the atmosphere was replete with prayers and songs.
stood strongly against seeking donations and other illicit
payments throughout his tenure. Achen made it a point to understand the issues faced by
the inmates and was very keen to find solutions without
The Principal Achen was also a science teacher, but delays. New rooms with sufficient air circulation, a clean
took keen interest in humanities and literature. As a dining hall, and a well- equipped kitchen were constructed.
result, Bishop Moore College was able to celebrate the Achen also showed great interest in the activities of the
150th Birth Anniversary of Rev. George Mathan as an all- Manganam Mandiram Hospital. 'Balika Mandiram', which
Kerala event in 1969. Revd George Mathan is the was started in 2001 under the leadership and supervision
author of 'Malayazhmayude Vyakaranam', the very first of K. C. Mathew Achen, aims to protect orphaned girls,
Malayalam grammar book in Malayalam. He was and give them proper training to equip them for a stable
proficient in various languages such as English, Greek, life. Today, the Balika Mandiram serves as a shelter of
Hebrew, Syriac, Sanskrit, Latin, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. comfort, offering a new life to many girls who are lonely
As a priest, he ministered in Church Missionary Society and left out. Achen was a 'grandpa' to Balika Mandiram
(CMS) parishes like Mavelikara, Mallappally, Thiruvalla inmates. Achen served as the Secretary of the Mandiram
and Thalavadi. His tomb is located in the courtyard of until 2014.
the Kunthirikkal, Thalavadi, CSI Church.
K. C. Mathew Achen also served as the Manager of the
Mavelikara witnessed the grand sesquicentennial birth Aluva UC College from 1993 to 2001, providing valuable
celebrations of Revd George Mathan, with a large leadership. Achen was instrumental in formulating the
College’s various developmental programs during the
number of delegates from different parts of Kerala, with
period. The College Auditorium built in connection with the
hospitality provided for all. The distinguished leaders
Platinum Jubilee is a notable achievement. Achen's
for the celebrations were Cardinal Joseph Parekkattil,
earnest initiatives marked the beginning of the College’s
Bishop M. M. John, Mathews Mar Coorilos platinum jubilee celebrations.
Metropolitan, Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Dr.
P. K. Narayana Pillai, Prof. Sukumar Azhikode, God blessed Achen with good health, enabling him to
Sooranad Kunjan Pillai, E. M. Kovoor, P. S. George, Fr. execute his responsibilities with utmost honesty. When he
Mathew Moozhiyil, D. C. Kizhakkemuri, Puthencavu fell ill, he was able to transform his sick bed a source of
Mathen Tharakan, Dr. K. M. George and Prof. K. M. serendipity and hope where he would eventually meet his
Tharakan. I served as the convener of the committee. Lord and Savior in His eternal abode. We pause to
celebrate the blessed memory of our dear K. C. Mathew
The platform built for the meeting in front of the college Achen. May that radiant memory never die!
still remains as a monument of the great event. The

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 indebted to him as he wrote a brief Festschrift
OBITUARY article about me under the title, “Dr. M. J. Joseph-
the priest and the person” in a Vol. published by
Prof. Isaac George: An avid ECC in 2006. I have seen in him as a professor
with amazing reading skills and great appreciation
reader of literary books for others. He not only liked the reading material,
Revd Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam but also the writer whom he had not meet in
person. He is such a rare person for us to thank
A scroll of remembrance: God.

I would like to make it known that he was an

enlightened layman of the Mar Thoma Church who
was always ready to give a helping hand to
anyone in need. Truly he has left a few foot prints
on the sands of time. As a professor of Electrical
Engineering at Bangalore University, he was well
known as a teacher with pedagogical skills. His
speeches and sermons on various occasions
bear witness to his vast fund of knowledge and
wide range of experience. His leadership in the
Senior Citizens’ Fellowship of the Mar Thoma
Church, Bangalore was indeed remarkable. As one
who believed that knowledge is power, he had
been hunting for good speakers in Bangalore and
elsewhere. What matter in life is not being
applauded when you arrive, but being missed
when you leave forever “Life levels all men; death
reveals the eminent” (Bernad Shaw). His faith in the
God of all grace is indeed worthy of praise.

Needless to say, Prof. Isaac George and his dear

wife Prof. Mariam George played a significant role
in the establishment of the Rajaji Nagar Mar Thoma
Church. I have had the first-hand information about
their leadership role there. He and his beloved
I am indeed sorry to hear about the demise of Prof.
wife were good hosts to all the visitors there
Isaac George (84) on April 19, 2021 in Bangalore. There
including the bishops of the Church. The Church
will be a vacuum in me since I am not able to attend his
funeral service. I am indeed happy that I could offer a and the public will certainly remember him with
word of prayer for him while he was in the hospital a few gratitude to God. Let us live to die and die to
days ago. He also expressed his thanks to me for the live. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
book, Rainbow of Remembrances, which I sent to him “Blessed indeed, says the Spirit . . . that they may
for reading in his sick bed. I have had a close rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them”
relationship with him as a friend and a member of the (Rev.14:13).
Rajaji Nagar Mar Thoma Church, Bangalore, for the
last 25 years. I am also happy that I could draft an Prof. Isaac George is survived by his wife and two
order of service, as requested by him for a thanksgiving daughters. Let me conclude this brief obituary
service when he turned 8o years of age. During the tribute, quoting a few lines from the book of
period of my service as Principal-ISET and later as Ecclesiastics chapter 44: “. . . and their name lives
Director at the Ecumenical Christian Center, Whitefield
to all generations. Peoples will declare their
(1995-2006) our friendship began to grow. He used to
wisdom and the congregation proclaims their
visit ECC with his family members and attend all the
important functions there. As an ecumenist, he was a praise” (vs.14-15).
supporter of Ecumenical concerns till the end. I am also
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