Living Inwardly !

This meditation on ‘Living inwardly’ is the fourth we shall consider in the weekly Friday Forum focussing on Life, Living and Learning. 

Jesus of Nazareth spoke a parable about two men who went to pray, (Luk.18: 9-14), which suggests of the possibility of ‘Living Outwardly’! A Pharisee began his  prayer, ‘I am not like other people; swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week, I pay tithes of all that I get’ (v 11,12). The Pharisee lived outwardly strictly following the rituals, ceremonies and traditions expected of him, but was full of himself and self-righteous. His prayer was like parading his good deeds to get justification before God. 

But the tax-gatherer, ‘standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, the sinner’(v.13). The tax-gatherer lived inwardly aware of his short comings and limitations and confessing his need for forgiveness and mercy from God. His prayer arose form his brokenness and confession. He had an orientation to live inwardly.

Let us explore this dimension of Living Inwardly. Jesus in John 8:31-32, made a significant revelation about this inwardness: ‘If you abide in my word, then you are truly my disciples and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free’. Let me explore the three key words in this passage :

Abide

Know

Free

 Abide

There is one type of Orchid I notice in the teak trees in our garden. This species of Orchid, flowers as long as it is thriving on a teak tree. This orchid has no existence except by being attached to a tree trunk. Abiding is a way of living in contact or communion with God by the habit of Lectio Divina. Jesus made this even more clear in John 15:4, ‘Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me’. This is co-presence, God being present to us and ourselves present to Him. 

In a fairly well known hymn of Henry Francis Lyte (1847), this human hunger to abide in God was explored well:

‘Abide with me, fast falls the eventide

The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the Helpless, O! abide with me

Swift to its close, ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away

Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou changest not, abide with me.

 

I need thy presence every hour

What but thy grace can foil the tempters’ power,

Who like thyself may guide and stay can be

Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.

There is a similar longing expressed in Psalm 22:9-10. ‘Thou art He who did bring me forth form womb; Thou didst make me trust upon my mother’s breast; upon thee, I was cast from birth. Thou hast been my God from my mother’s womb’. It is when one abides in God, there can be an experience of communication from God. 

This happened to Samuel (I Sam.3:1-21). Samuel was young and lived and served in the temple under the priest, Eli. One evening, when Samuel was asleep, he heard his name called to which he answered, ‘Here am I’. Samuel went to Eli to enquire if he had called. Eli had not called him. This happened two more times and each time Samuel went to Eli to enquire if Eli had called him. Eli having sensed that it was God who was calling Samuel told him to respond by saying, ‘Speak lord, for Thy Servant is listening’. Samuel heard the call the fourth time and a revelation came to Samuel from God about all that were to happen to Eli and concerning his sons (v 11-14). Samuel lived with an inward awareness of God in his life, which made him sense the voice that came to him in his sleep. 

This co-presence, God being present to us and ourselves staying present to him is what gives the inward living reality. Apostle Paul, reminds us, ‘Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?’ (ICor.3:16). 

George Verwer in his book, Hunger for reality, made a strong pela for the followers of Christ to flee from a life of dichotomy by splitting our lives in two neat compartments, religious and secular (page5). Is our life a reflection of the true state of our inner selves! Is our outward life a ‘show’ for the benefit of others, whereas, we are far different inwardly from what we project to the outside world!  

This has immense implication for our daily life. Jesus in the sermon on the Mount said;’ If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering’ (Mat5:23,24). We ‘live, move and have our being in God’, whom the Psalmist describes as the One who knows, ‘even before there is a word on my tongue’ (Psam.139:4). Our inward life can be a sanctuary for God to dwell in, which is what makes our life sacred. An ongoing renewal would take place in our lives as we grow in this awareness of a God who ‘encloses us behind and before’. 

2 Know

‘If you abide in my word, you are truly disciples of mine-you shall know the truth’ (John 8:31). 

Pilate, who was trying Jesus publicly asked a question, ‘What is truth’? (John 18:38). 

 

Having heard all the false accusations the Jewish leaders raised against Jesus, Pilate took time to examine the accusations and pronounced that ‘I find no guilt in Him’ (v 39). That was the truth that Pilate discovered about Jesus. But Pilate sought an attestation of truth from people around. As it was a custom to release a prisoner during the feast of the Passover, Pilate turned to the Jews who gathered in his chamber, ‘Do you wish then that, I release for you the king of the Jews’! People cried out, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas, who was a robber’. 

Even Pilate had come to know the innocence of Jesus, him being the Messiah, the redeemer and the son of God. He had just heard Jesus say to him, ‘For this reason I have been born and for this I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Everyone, who is of the truth hears my Voice’ (v.37). It is because Pilate could not act on the truth even after discerning the truth, Jesus was crucified. Only some are able to discern the truth, as truth is often in ambush, concealed or scattered. Those who have the insights to know the truth are to be the advocates of the truth, making it easy for people to follow the truth. But having known the truth, Pilate fell short of pursing the truth to exercise it. 

Truth has the risk of being usurped by untruth and displaced by public opinion. We have been through such an experience in connection with the presidential election in the United States of America. The president Mr Donald Trump had repeatedly asserted that the recently concluded election was a fraud and he was denied of his legitimate second term. Although with no evidence to justify his claim, he was able to influence a large number of his followers to believe his claim. A sad illustration of how truth is trampled upon and distorted, and untruth is made out to be the truth.  In one sense truth is a mystery. How are we to know the truth!

In the story of two harlots coming to King Solomon to settle a dispute as to whose son was the living son, we get a perspective about the discerning process to find the truth (I Kings 3: 16-28). Both these woman had a son, the second woman having her son after three days of the birth of the son to the other woman. The first woman said to the Solomon, that the other woman who lost her son at night, placed her dead son beside her and took her son who was alive to herself. The second woman insisted that the living child was hers. Seeing that this quarrel could not be resolved, Solomon asked for a sword and ordered that the living child be divided in to two and give one half to one woman and the other half to the other woman. The woman who was the mother of the living child told the king, ‘Oh My Lord, give the other woman the living child and by no means kill him’ (v 26). But the second woman said; ‘He shall be neither mine nor yours divide him’ to which King Solomon said; ‘Give the first woman the living child, by no means kill him, she is his mother’. 

It is by abiding in God’s word, we shall have the inner ambience to discern the truth from the untruth. The habit of Lectio Divina, is the habit of reading, recollecting and reflecting on the Scripture. Many learn passages of the Bible by heart and keep reciting them in order to refresh the mind and give the right orientation to thoughts, feelings and observations. The Scripture passages become the filter to screen and interpret the events in one’s life and in the world around. The silent prayer in the heart creates an ever-present God-consciousness. The passage in Psalm 119:11 helps us to reflect on this inner habit of living with a God orientation: ‘How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee’. 

Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) well known for his theory for moral development proposed pre-conventional, conventional and post conventional levels of conscience formation, each divided in to two stages. It is in late adolescent or early adulthood we develop an awareness of the universal principles of moral reasoning based on personal values. The strands that come together to create conscience driven approach to life, work, values, people and situations are drawn from early experiences in life. Most people choose to do the right thing in a given situation, because they believe that to be the right thing to do. 

Our inward life has a light within us, which is what helps us to choose wisely and circumspectly. 

A senior doctor once told me of his childhood experience at school. He was writing a competitive examination to compete for a merit scholarship. He was one among the few chosen to appear from his school. The school was expected to recommend one student who topped the examination to be considered for the scholarship. While writing the examination this senior friend saw another student drawing many diagrams in the answer sheet. Seeing this, he too drew diagrams which he was not planning to do earlier. When the result was announced he got the highest marks. My friend realized that he drew the diagrams because he saw another boy drawing them. It was almost equivalent to copying, according to him and requested the headmaster that another person be chosen from the school instead of him. The headmaster noticed that the next highest marks was earned by the boy whose diagrams reminded my friend to draw diagrams in the answer sheet. The headmaster recommended that boy and my friend from the school be given the scholarship. The headmaster wanted to acknowledge the honesty of a boy who confessed his ‘wrong-doing’ and desired to forfeit his first position. 

When I heard the above story, I realized how truth is black and white and is not grey as portrayed often for convenience. However, this perception of truth is dependent on the sensitivity of the conscience and the moral threshold one keeps for oneself. It is not the external checks and balances which lead us in the path of truth, but an inner desire to live truthfully in all circumstances, because we are the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, who said, ‘I am the way, and the truth  and life..’ (John 14:6). How blessed are those who make secret of their heart  the truth! It is the way of life of those who can receive the words of Jesus, ‘Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God and believe also in Me’(john.14:1).

3. Free

The truth shall make you free (John 8:11). There is freedom in letting go and letting in. 

I have watched young children play a game in the department ever since we had a jar of marbles, from which children could pick up one by one with their hand to play. The condition was not to empty the jar on to the floor, but only pick them. If they were to take a handful of marbles, the fisted hand would not come out of the mouth of the jar. I watched many children hesitant to let go of the fistful of marbles and struggle to take out their hand through the mouth of the jar. Those who would let go and pick up one or two marble each time would have the pleasure of playing with all the marbles. It looks like that the human instinct is to possess and not to let go. 

To live free inwardly we need freedom form our Past, self-pursuit and Icarus syndrome. 

 Freedom from our past

Thomas Moore in his book, Life at work, wrote: ‘The past feels like a burden only when it is thick, solid and unsorted. You repeat the same stories; blame the same people and feel the same frustrations. If you can look more closely and tell the stories with a new detail and insight, the past loosens up. You see it in slightly fresh ways, and it is no longer a bothersome lump of emotion. It can become lighter to carry and even offer support for a new career, where before it was an obstacle’ (p57). Our past of disappointments, griefs, losses, embarrassment, anger, deceptions, etc are like a baggage which we carry, which becomes a weight upon our heart and a preoccupation from which we cannot free ourselves. 

Let us revisit Joseph of the Old Testament to take a lesson in dealing with our past (Gen37:1-36). Joseph was the younger to all his brothers and was the favourite of his father and Jacob made him a varicoloured tunic, which infuriated his brothers(v3,4). Joseph had two dreams both of which he shared with his brothers and father, because of which his brothers hated him even more (v.5). So Joseph when he came to enquire of the wellbeing of his brothers when they were away looking after the sheep, his brothers pushed him into a pit and sold him to the Ishmalites. Joseph reached the palace of Potiphar finally and after a period of service, he was sent to the prison on account of a false accusation by Potiphar’s wife. 

While in prison the cupbearer and baker, who too were in the prison, had a dream which Joseph interpreted. The cup bearer was restored to the palace and when Potiphar had two dreams, the cup bearer suggested to Potiphar that Joseph be invited to interpret the dreams which he did. 

Following this, was the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. Joseph was in charge of all that needed to be done to gather grain and keep a storehouse of it, to distribute during the season of famine. That was how all his brothers came to gather grain during the famine. Joseph recognised them and treated them kindly. Finally when the famine was over when his brothers on the advice of Jacob came to apologise for all that happened, Joseph had this to say:’ And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive’ (Gen.50:20). 

What a state of mind of openness, forgiveness and reconciliation! We can let go of our past from haunting us or allowing to reside within us to perpetuate the same milieu of turmoil, if only we can see our past as a formative experience in our lives, meant for our growth and enlargement. 

Freedom from self-pursuit

The story of the prodigal son illustrates this vividly and poignantly (Luk. 15: 11-32). The younger son came to his father, ‘give me the share of the estate that falls to me’ (v12). The son having gathered everything he had (v 13) went on a journey to a faraway place. He lived there till a famine had hit the place and he was left with nothing to live on. He found the job of taking care of swine and filled his hunger with the pods the swine were eating. 

When he came to his senses, he said to himself: ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here of hunger’(v17). That was when he went back to his father, saying, ‘I am no longer worthy to be called your son, make me as one of your hired men’(v 19). But his father having seen him coming home from a distance felt compassion for him, ran and embraced him. 

This is a parable of revealing the danger of pursing after ambitions, personal plans, living indulgently, and living to devour all one can get in life. We need freedom from this too as this instinct resides in most of us in some form or other. To be so obsessed with oneself is also pathological.  

Freedom from Icarus syndrome

The fable of Icarus has lot of truth for us to consider. He as a young man was fond of getting off the ground and flying high in the air. One day it got into his head to fly as high as the Sun. He turned to his uncle, Daedalus to make him a pair of wings. Daedalus made him beautifully crafted wings with wax and cautioned his nephew from flying too close to the Sun lest the wings would melt in the warmth of the Sun. Icarus full of spirit and ambition gave no thought to the limits his uncle warned him about and soared and reached for the sky and came too close to the warm rays of sun. The wings melted and down came Icarus crashing to the ground. 

The Icarus syndrome is characterised by excessive self-regard, extreme self- consciousness and bloated self-image. Such a spirit shall push a person pursue for pose, image and fame. This then becomes a rat race. The football legend, Maradona, who passed away a few days ago, at the age of 60 years was a victim of Icarus syndrome. He had everything at his disposal but lived dangerously and irresponsibly, flooding himself with all the indulgences of life. 

I am afraid, we see this form of self-propagation even among health care professionals. The way to be free from such a snare is to grow in  a state of contentment because God is our sufficiency and He shall provide all that we need if we can stay faithful to our calling. To live freely inwardly, we need this trustful dependence in God.

Let me conclude. To live inwardly is a calling! It shall involve living restfully, thoughtfully and discerningly. 

I am reminded of an incident in the life of a monk, who lived his contemplative life beside a stream. He was hospitable and invited people to have conversations with him. One day he was preparing his supper and cooking chapathi on the fire. A dog unnoticed by him took a chapathi and ran away. The monk with a spoonful of butter in his hand went after the dog. The onlookers thought that he was trying to rescue the chapathi and dissuaded him from going after the dog. But he replied to them, ‘The hot chapathi tastes better with butter on it. I was wanting to spread the butter on it for the dog to enjoy his meal’! 

Life is for living with an inner consciousness of rest, peace and trust. Let our life be so anchored in God that we grow up to be generous and hospitable. That is the way of living inwardly!

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A misty Morning!

This is the view of the valley from our garden in the morning before the sun rise! The day and night temperatures have shown a gradual decline in the last three weeks. 

I look forward to the winter months as we normally witness new bird life in our garden!

It is during the winter months we would also experience low humidity, which is good for human body!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

A Morning Chore!

 

The Wood peckers interests me a lot. The more I watch them the more I become curious to look for more of their skills in living. 

Almost every morning I notice a wood pecker on this dry tree. I decided to keep a watch on its behaviour while perched on the top of this tree. With my 400 mm telephoto lens, I had a closer look at it for about half an hour, till it flew away. 

I noticed three distinct designs it had during this time in search of insects under the bark of this tree. First it would get a hold of  bark between its bills and try to break it  in fragments. It then waits to spot the moving white ants. Then it proceeds in all directions to separate the bark form the trunk on all sides. The third activity which was of utmost interest to me was how it broke the dry twigs by holding the tip of it between its bills and drop it (last photo).

I was made to think about the instinct and plan with which birds behave. They seek and find what hey need. They grow up practicing this art of living!

I have been in touch with some who work in mission hospitals. Each mission hospital has a different story of finding its way forward in this difficult pandemic situation. What was common between all of them is the steadfast desire to overcome this distressing situation which has offset plans and routines in the hospitals. 

One consultant in his message suggested that, but for the mission  hospitals the people in some rural areas would have been hit badly, when some with COVID 19 needed intensive care. I found out that the recovery rate from COVD19 was phenomenal in the mission hospitals. Although part of it might be attributable to the resilience of the rural population, the role of the staff in the mission hospitals stand out from the stories I hear about the innovations they adopted.  

The wood pecker excelled in problem solving while fending for its morning meal. Most of the teams in mission hospitals too were creative to surprise us beyond our wildest dreams. They were original in their endeavours to create a new level of esteem for human life. They worked by a plan and resolve. I feel moved as I listen and read the stories coming from the mission hospitals.  

I felt inspired by this and offered on-line consultation for children and families for the last three months. When I listen to about five families each day, I feel even more inspired by the spirit of hope hey share, although children have been home bound for at least six months now. This is the longest time children were out of schools in the last fifty years. 

We have substituted the regular class rooms by on-line classes and feel that we have innovated. But the stories of loneliness, restlessness, in attention, disinclination to be on line to watch the teaching programme, etc would worry anyone who feel the loss of normal social life children need for their formation and developmental progress in communication and interactive skills. Children learn form an array of experiences. Such opportunities have been reduced for nine months now. Some state have allowed movie halls, restaurants, worship places to function. How unfortunate that schools received least of attention till now! Why is that the do not even have a phased out plan for schools!

The wood pecker was a problem solver! We have greater skills than a wood pecker! I wish we would collaborate  to find a way forward to restore childhood for children!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

The tender leaves!

I look forward to this sight every year in our garden. 

The tender leaves appearing by this time of the year in the Mango trees would hopefully be the prelude to the mango tree flowering. I have noticed some mango trees already with flowers on the road sides. Some vegetable shops sell mango, which people buy to make pickle.

The tender leaves would be normally followed by flowers. But it need not be so in some trees. I explored this with an experienced farmer. According to him, most of the varieties of mango saplings we get in the farms are meant for more dry climate. The mango trees which flower every year are those who are native saplings. 

The climatic environment and soil conditions influence the mango trees. 

I was listening to a visitor yesterday. He mentioned to me about what happens in his office. There are a few groups in his office fo about forty people who have allegiance to their group leaders and not to the vision of the office which looks after the farming operations in this region. To me it sounded as a divided office. 

I too feel that it is one reason why the collective outcome is less than the cumulative efforts of those working together. What is it which causes divisions among us at work place! I have pondered over it a lot recently! When there are tensions, it is necessary to view as them normal and continue caring for each other to the extent possible. To live in peace as much as possible with each other without being critical or provocative cam be a balm of comfort.  

The human instinct is to be sociable. I feel it tis necessary to build on that whenever possible and be appreciative of every effort to make connections with each other. Yesterday a colleague brought a knitting she did, which gave an opportunity to share in the joy of her art work. A small act of being in touch, but significant enough to revive the spirit of togetherness!

I feel grateful for so many acts of kindness I witness in my work place. 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Living purposefully !

Let me share my 3^rd reflection on the theme Life, Living and Learning. We explored, ‘Becoming ourselves’ and ‘Being ourselves’ on the theme of Life. We shall now move on to the theme of Living. Let me focus on, ‘Living Purposefully’ to invite our attention to have a closer look at our calling for Living. 

One greeting we often use, when we meet someone we know is, ‘How are you’! Historically , I understand that in some cultures, this used to be, ‘How are you living’! It got abbreviated to ‘How are you’ by repeated use and is more of a formal greeting than a genuine attempt to enquire of the wellness of the other person or  to hear anything more than a superficial response, ‘Fine’. I heard a friend recollect that when she responded by saying, ‘I do not feel great’, to ‘How are you’, it did not evoke a response of surprise or enquiry. We practice a social habit and often do not expect anything more than a conventional  response. We might not be even ready if we receive a response calling for attention.  

The president elect of the USA Mr Joe Biden was asked by a press reporter, while referring to the president Mr Donal Trump not conceding defeat, ‘How are you’ ! He responded, ‘I am optimistic’. That was a pointer to his attitude to living and a statement of inner orientation in a difficult situation. Those of us who believe that God created us and ordained us to live might often ask a question, ‘what is this life for’! Dr Paul Brand, Professor of Orthopaedic and hand Surgery at the Christian medical college, Vellore in the seventies,  was once asked by a student, ‘Sir, why are you a surgeon’! His response was: ‘To know pain, feel pain and alleviate pain of those who come to meet me’. What an answer beyond a personal ambition for himself while being a surgeon! 

I want to build on this theme of living by drawing some lessons from a parable Jesus of Nazareth spoke which is narrated in the Gospel of Matthew 25: 1-13. It is a parable of ten virgins setting out to meet the bridegroom, each of them with a lamp, five with extra oil and five without extra oil. The arrival of the bridegroom got delayed and all ten of them became drowsy and slept. At midnight the bridegroom came and the five women who had extra oil was able to light their lamps to welcome the bridegroom. The five others requested for oil from those who had a store of oil. They suggested to the five to go to the dealer to buy oil, lest all of them would not have enough. This parable brings us a message: Living Purposefully. Let me explore this message under three dimensions:

Mindfulness

Readiness

Prudence.

1 Mindfulness

This parable was spoken by Jesus in the context of His ongoing teachings about the Kingdom of God. The ten virgins were getting ready for the wedding. It was a custom for young women to wait on the bride and bridegroom at the occasion of marriage. It was a goodwill gift from the community. Often the preparation to welcome a bridegroom lasted several days and the bridegroom delayed coming to increase the level of expectancy and celebration. It was a collective activity in Palestinian village then and continues to be so even now. Such a community association with a wedding provided a good start for the bridal couple. The ten virgins in this parable represent the character of the Kingdom of God, where there is an attitude of mindfulness towards others. In fact, it is pointed out in the Mathew Henry’s commentary on the Bible that, ‘The professors of Christianity shall then be likened to these ten virgins.. who were portrayed by Jesus as those ‘waiting on others’. Just as the virgins were to go out with lamps burning, at the approach of the Bridegroom to the bride’s house to lead him into the house with ceremony and formality, the followers of Jesus too are in a mission to lead people to a place of relationship with God. For the women it was a source of happiness and a duty. 

Rev. Dr Eugene Peterson in his book, Where your treasure is, Psalms That Summon You from Self to Community, mentioned that it is for an hour ‘unself assertion’ God is calling us. In Psalm 62 vv 1 and 5 the Psalmist mentioned, ‘for God alone my soul waits in silence’. This ‘unself assertion’ is in consonance with the two commandments, ‘Love your God… and love your neighbour as yourself’. It is by turning towards God, we receive grace to move away from ourselves and offer space for others in our lives. But that alone is not enough, as we can be religiously engaged in the rituals and traditions of our ways of living that w e exclude others form the orbit.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luk10: 30-37) is an outstanding example of such a preoccupation with self-directed aspirations, pursuits and compulsions. A look certain man while on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho fell into the hands of robbers and they left him ‘half dead’ (v 31). The priest who came that way, seeing him, ‘passed by on the other side’(v31). A Levite who came that way also passed by on the other side (v.32). Both these men who were in a religious responsibility avoided the man who was wounded and needed help. Even our religious experience cannot release us from our self-assertion and passionate pursuit of what concerns us alone. 

It is in this context that we meet the Good Samaritan in the parable, who on seeing the wounded man lie on the roadside ‘felt compassion’ for him. A feeling that drew him away from a strict adherence to his plan, travel, destination and personal business.  ‘He came to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said: Take care of him and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you’ (v34,35). This  is ‘unself assertion’ in personal life. There is an orbit beyond ourselves, which if not brought into our sphere , we are seeking our interests alone which to me is the hight light of this story. All those who are seekers of God would sense and experience the nature of God, which is love. The expression of love springs from compassion. 

There is a loss when we explore the pathway of unself assertion.  There might even be a personal inconvenience transiently similar to what occurred to the Good Samaritan. He arrived at his destination late and might have missed an engagement. However, think of all that was affirmed as human worth and value. The Good Samaritan asserted the value and sanctity of life. He gave a full expression of doing what was needed to help a person who was helpless. He willingly shared his personal possessions, oil, wine and money to make it comfortable for the man who as wounded. He invited the inn keeper into this culture of caring and trusted him to take care of a strange man. The Good Samaritan offered to return to take more responsibility for the wounded person.  A new paradigm of human relationship was established between a Jew and Samaritan, who normally were not allies. It is only those who are humble of heart and who foresees the prospects of a similar personal vulnerability at any time in the future, who would want to reach out to others kindly and mindfully. This is empathy to say the least, a human virtue upon which we shall build societal values.  

Eugene Peterson wrote;’ There are vast tracts of underdeveloped life in most of us. We have capacities for creativity, for love, and for accomplishment….. Then from time to time, a person stands up among us and announces how marvellous it is to be simply be human’ (P.85).  

 It is a calling to live mindfully.

I recall how Drs Mabel and Raj Arole on returning from the John Hopkin’s University in 1969 decided to go to a least developed rural area in Maharashtra in Ahemmednagar district. They located themselves at Jamkhed, a rural setting where they started a small base hospital and recruited women to train them as Village Health Workers. These women included even those who could not read or write. But their motivation to make a difference in the health indices in their community was the criterion for selecting them. Following their six months formal training and continuing education on a weekly basis after that, created surprising changes in the vital statistics of Infant mortality, Maternal mortality, reducing the occurrence of water born infectious diseases in the community, promoting antenatal care, under five nutrition and immunization, etc. In another three years the World Health Organization recognised and advocated this model as the ideal for Primary Health Care service in rural setting in developing countries. It was act of mindfulness towards the least in the community, which redesigned the Primary Health Care globally!

Others matter as much or more in our outlook to life! 

2. Readiness   

All the ten virgins had lamps while setting out to meet the bridegroom. Five carried extra oil and the other five did not carry, although it would have been known to them that the bridegroom could delay in coming. ‘For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps’(v3, 4). It is the oil which makes a lamp to be a light. To me it is a metaphor of considerable significance. Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world’ (Mat5:14). These ten virgins were light bearers for the bridegroom to arrive at the bridal home. It was a significant role and for the light to shine, oil was needed. William Barclay a Biblical commentator referred to oil as the grace of God in our lives. It is the grace of God and His presence in our lives, which provides the readiness to be mindful of others and to do good even in difficult circumstance. 

The story of Woman of Zarephath comes to mind through whom, prophet Elijah was sustained during a famine about which we read in the Old Testament, I kings 17: 8-16). Elijah was fed by the ravines who brought him bread in the morning and evening. He drank form the brook at Cherith. The ravines stopped bringing food and the water at the brook got dried. Elijah was guided by God to the woman at Zarephath at that time. On arrival, Elijah met a woman who was gathering sticks to prepare a meal, to whom he asked for a jar of water and bread for himself (v 10,11). The woman replied: ‘I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl, and a little oil in the jar. I am gathering a few sticks that I may go and prepare a meal for me and my son, that we may eat and die’(v 12). Elijah on hearing this requested bread for himself first: ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth’(v14). The woman did as Elijah requested and the bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil became empty’(v16). The woman’s act was readiness to be mindful of the needs of another person superseding her own need.

It is in letting others come into the inner space of our lives, we are given enough for ourselves and for others. William Barret in his book, The illusion of technique, wrote that, ‘Perhaps the will at its deepest, does not connote self-assertion or dominance, but love and acquiescence, not the will to power, but to pray’ (p232). What is on the surface of the sea is waves and tides, whereas at ten feet depth, it is stillness and calm. It is so for humans, that we live with all the cares and worries which make us exclude others from our consciousness as our energy is consumed by ‘what we shall eat, where we shall live and what we shall put on’. If we descend to the deeper level of consciousness in our lives, where God is present, there is a state of tranquil which opens our eyes to others and to their needs. What worth is in living unless we have an awareness of the spoken and unspoken needs of our neighbours with whom we share the journey of life!

Dr Frank Garlick, a professor surgery in the nineteen sixties at the Christian Medical College, Vellore was known for his missionary heart and caring nature towards people in need. He knew of many students whom he trained, who were working in mission hospitals. Some of them needed professional and personal help to work in rural areas. On one occasion, some students who used to visit him at home made a comment: ‘We are told to go to mission hospitals to work. But who would, when we go through difficulties come to help us’! This searching question worked within Dr Garlick, which led him to resign from his job and to become an itinerant surgeon visiting mission hospitals to help young doctors to advance in their surgical skills. He did that for five years, which brought a new enthusiasm for young doctors to go to rural mission hospitals. That was readiness of mindfulness even to take a risk for the sake of others. 

All the ten virgins had a lamp with them, but only five had oil to turn their lamps to be lights and complete their mission. It is the grace and presence of God in our lives which shall make us ready to be mindful of others. It is a calling to ponder upon!

3. Prudence 

The ten virgins having waited for the bridegroom to come became drowsy and went to sleep. It was at midnight the bridegroom came (v6). The five prudent virgins trimmed their lamps and were ready to welcome the bridegroom(v7). But the five others who had no oil, turned to the other five who had oil in a flask to borrow some for their lamps(v8). The prudent virgins refused to share the oil lest they too would not have enough (v9). While the five women went to fetch oil from the dealers, the bridegroom came (v 10). The five wise virgins entered the wedding feast with the bridegroom and the door was shut(v11). When the other five virgins returned with oil, the door was not opened for them to enter the wedding feast(v12).

It was the sense of carefulness, thoughtfulness and preparation with foresight that enabled the five prudent virgins to welcome the bridegroom for the wedding festival, It is an ability to discern, see beyond the obvious, act intuitively, and see the larger picture beyond personal interests, which make all of us prudent. In the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-12), there is a turning point which reminds us of the prudence of a five years old boy. At the request of Jesus, His disciples were looking for food to feed the five thousand who had gathered to listen to Jesus. Andrew, a disciple of Jesus found a boy who had five barley loaves and two fish. Andrew came to Jesus with a question, ‘what are these for so many people’?(v9) Jesu received this ‘and having given thanks He distributed to those who were seated..’(v11) the food that was offered by the boy, which was sufficient for all the people with 12 baskets of food left over after all were fed. This is an example of prudence which speaks of the farsightedness of a boy. He foresaw the greater use of his food packet, when Jesus needed it to feed many. He received his portion and made it possible for others to receive their portions. It is another example of 'unself' behaviour!

I came across another vivid illustration of prudence during this COVID 19 pandemic at Jalna Mission Hospital. When Dr Christopher Moses realised in March 2020, that the hospital would need to be ready to welcome COVID patients along with regular patients, he planned to prepare a separate building to welcome COVID patients to dispel fear among the non-COVID patients. With the dual facilities with separate teams looking after the COVID and non-COVID patients in the designated places with all cautions to avoid mixing up the two services, the hospital was able to continue almost normally. Although there was a dip in the non-COVID patients initially, because of which the salary of the staff had to be partially differed for a month, the situation normalised thereafter. The local community seeing the initiative of the hospital to look after the COVID patients from Jalna town, donated a large sum to cover the expenses. The hospital helped the local government administration to plan and design the COVID care facility in the local government hospital. There is an immense appreciation for what the Mission hospital was able to do. It is an example of prudence by diligent and responsible action at a difficult time. The hospital administrative team kept the needs of others in focus and acted promptly. 

I remember listening to Dr K.C.Mammen when he shared his personal story of leaving his academic position from the department of Child Health at Christian Medical College, Vellore in early seventies. There was an initiative to start a mission hospital at Kolenchery, near Ernakulum. Dr Mammen on being approached to become the founding Medical director of the hospital felt initially that he had a lot to lose academically, if he left his position at CMC Vellore. Soon when he realised that few of his colleagues from other specialties were also ready to join him to start the hospital, he felt comfortable to take a plunge. The hospital, which became a Medical College later, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary during this year. In that connection, when I telephoned to greet Dr Mammen, he recalled his decision to come to the MOSC Medical Mission. He said, ‘When I thought of many people living in rural areas, who had no access to a hospital, I felt called to let go of my academic ambitions’!  Dr Mammen spent seventeen years in building the hospital to be what it is today. He was mindful of the needs of others, which guided his decision.

Let me conclude. Living purposefully involves Mindfulness, Readiness and Prudence.

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

A symbolic Photo !

I noticed this pair of Redvented Bulbul in the same branch of a tree, on a few occasions during the last three months. I looked around for its nest but could not spot that. 

Their composure, elegance and alertness fascinated me. 

I spotted a younger pair recently in our courtyard. 

I have longed to see our garden becoming a garden of avian families. During this year, I noticed forty two species of birds in our garden out of which at least 20 are regular visitors or residents. 

What is special about birds who frequently visit the garden! It is a sign of comfort zone for them. 

I have recently thought about the challenge of making the department where I work a comfort zone for my colleagues. I have recognised that it is not so for some. Especially after only half of the staff is present at one time due to the restrictions imposed by the management, it is even more difficult to make the atmosphere even for every one. 

A work place when not a comfort zone, the work ambience gets monotonous and less relational. I have experienced this in the recent months. 

What is that which makes the work place a comfort zone-trust, mutuality, consideration fo reach other and space for creativity...!

I feel that, as one gets older, there is more natural alienation from others. The young people find less conversational topics with older people and the older ones choose their  areas of interest to pursue. 

I feel the pain of uneven work ambience for the team. I knew it was gradually turning to be less comfortable to be at home for some at least.. The Christmas cheer preparation which provide an enthusiastic level of collective engagement was an equaliser each year. This year that too is suspended due to the pandemic of COVID 19.

I keep pondering over the issue: What has changed in my attitude and responses! I know if change can start with me, it might be helpful. Keeping a team together was at one time, I thought, was my strength, but it is otherwise now! 

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

 

A lesson from Bird behaviour!

 

I have often noticed a pair of wood peckers fly in and out after their morning chore of climbing two adjacent coconut palm trees. It is a routine for this pair! They turn to each other and seem to stay in visual contact. 

I noticed a child who was in a crawling stage waiting with his family in an out patent area yesterday. This child would crawl a while and turn to where his parents were seated to have frequent visual contacts. To my surprise the parents allowed the child to crawl without restraing him. He returned to them after his wandering on the floor for a while.

A child returns to his parents and while being away from them keeps waiting for them.  

A young adult told me yesterday that he was waiting for his parent’s approval for him to invest on mutual funds. I wondered why he would want their approval! He did not have to involve them at all as his parents do not interfere with him or his decisions. He voluntarily involved them in this decision to feel safe and objective in his decision. 

There is a difference between a voluntary consultation with parents and living with obligation or expectation  towards parents or remain under their control.

It is a major issue I come across in some homes. The grand parents are the final points of reference with regard to what grandchildren ought to eat, how much of screen time they can have or how they have to spend their time while at home. As a result of this 'interference' children feel confused and the attachment process with parents gets disrupted due to mixed messages they receive. 

A couple who visits us with their son who has hemiparesis, told me the other day that while they visit the child's grand parents, they feel comfortable as all decisions are left to the parents and the grand children spend time enjoying the presence of the child at home. 

I wish that grand parents do not substitute the role of parents and parents do not abdicate their roles to grand parents. This is a struggle that I have watched in some families with considerable stress. 

I wish we have more dialogue on grand parenting and clarify for parents and grandparents in their dual roles in the life of children. A grand father told me that he does not encourage the grand child to sleep with the grandparents though the child wanted it sometimes and they too would like it. According to him, the three activities in which parents ought to be rightfully involved with children are: feeding them, bathing them and managing their bed time.  I was more than glad to hear this from a grand father. He spoke wisdom. 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo) 

Becoming familiar !

                                          

Both these birds took time to get familiar with each other in our garden!

The black headed Oriole was a new arrival in our garden. The strangers, but they have their way of  communicating!

What surprised me most was that the territorial claims most birds demonstrate aggressively, was not present between them.  There was no fear of each other. 

The logo of MOSC Medical college, where Anna and I work is, 'Fear not, only believe'! Yesterday I heard a senior colleague talk about fear that resides in our consciousness. I too carry that fear!

Friendship ought to dispel fear. It is trust that affirms belonging. When I know that I will be kindly dealt with when I make an error of judgement, I am less overcome by fear. Is not acceptance one way of reducing the dominance of fear!

A domestic worker told me that he works faithfully and receives all comments good or bad equally.  He does it because, he feels that fear increases the stress level. His way of being kind to himself is by praying for those who are not kind or courteous. He looks out for people who suffer on account of stress at work place and listen to them attentively. He is a companion to others to help them live beyond the plane of fear! He spends most of the day thinking of others who suffer! What an attitude worth celebrating!

The daily living when is in the plane of hope and trust, there is peace and openness. I ask myself: what is in my temperament which is far inducing!

M.C. Mathew (text and photo)