Give until it hurts

Someone knocked at our house door in the dusk. As I opened the door a faint voice prevailed around me. The voice was certainly communicated to me that the boy was in need of some help. I thought he was sales man for he had several small goodies to sell which of course are not of any use to me. The boy narrated his ambition to a footballer in the Luton club, but money seems to be an hindrance in achieving this goal. He had a small proof of identity. My immediate reaction to his plea was sympathetic which fetched him some quids. After this I was trying to ponder on this usual incident. It is hard to recognise whether a person really in need of help which might buy him some food or warm clothes in this frozen weather; or a young lad looking for money to buy his daily dope of drug. I am sure we all have such experiences in our lives. Most often we tend to rebuke the beggars which is natural. Being a beggar in London can be very hard especially in this cold weather. 

London has no beggars is the usual understanding of the world but it is quite the opposite. There are several types of beggars like someone entertains a group of travellers and gather money, some would play music and sing at the subway and gather money etc. I am not too concerned with talented beggars who bewitch the audience and get money, but what about the beggars who don't have these gifts to perform and get money? It is really a hard area to venture. Do we really see the beggars as someone less fortunate than us and try to help or just put some allegations of drugs, stealing and rebuke point blank? 

I think we need to more prudent when we are dealing with beggars. Ambrose says, 'It is the hungry man's bread that you withhold, the naked man's cloak you store away, the money that you bury in the earth is the price of the poor man's ransom and freedom.' I used to think the rich became rich because of their sheer hard work and therefore why should they be blamed for not  helping the poor. I think God created us equal and gave us enough to maintain the world. Gandhi said, 'we have enough for the need not to our greed'. When we amass wealth we are disturbing the natural harmony of the universe. 

We often hear about the monotonous statements like, equality, we are equal, no discrimination etc which resonate in this unequal, discriminatory world. It is hard to give up our own which we have earned by our hard work. Mother Teresa said, 'Give until it hurts'. It is true it hurts when we give something away but imagine how happy the person who received will be. There is not bound for his joy and happiness. Therefore it is eachone's duty to help each other to make this world a better place without disturbing the natural order of equality and indiscrimination. 

UK Konkan Christmas Celebration

UK Konkan association held a remarkable Christmas celebration despite the whether being very bad. It was an astounding performance indeed. It was a mixture of several pieces of performance like dances for Bollyhood and Konkani numbers. The celebration began with an apprehensive note of inconvenience caused by the bad weather. Many people could not travel on roads as it was still snowing and slippery. However there were many of them participated in the event very well.
Cultural presentation was compeered by Jerry Dias who set a perfect start with his witty jokes and shahiris. Dance by a little girl Tia D'souza was mind blowing indeed. She seems like a budding artist who has bright future indeed. Dance of Irene Lobo made the audience dumb-founded. She with her dancing expertise entertained the audience to the brim. Little witty skits by Melwin, Stella and the group made the audience laugh at their full energy. They were like professional artists performed on stage. Songs by Eric, Beena, Mihir and Jerry rocked the room with their astounding and beautiful voices.
Traditional Mangalorean style lunch was the hallmark of the event. Many hands have gone into making this lunch sumptuous indeed. I am sure most people had a wonderful smile on their faces after the lunch which is a feather in UK Konkans cap. I think it was a tedious task preparing this lunch indeed. I cherish the moments at the lunch time.
On the whole it was a meaningful celebration of Christmas with families from different parts of the UK. I wish to thank all the organisers who made this event possible. Some of you might have burnt your mid night oil to make this event successful. I wish this continues and make our Mangalorean community strong here in the UK and in doing this we remember our roots and traditions. This surely will be transferred to our children in the future.

Wikileaks and Democracy

Sometimes I wonder why do diplomats like to discuss behind door and keep secret from the public. In an democratic country it might deviate the purpose of democracy. It is true not everything can be said to the general public but can they at least let us know what has been the discussion if not the outcome. I was both thrilled and shocked to read the Wikileaks which made the world sharpen its ears. Nearly quarter of a million US diplomatic cables were leaked as you know very well. These cables did throw some light on as to how diplomats discuss the matters secretly. It is appalling to know the facts and figures from Wikileaks. I almost thought there is going to be a third world war because of the secret cables which affected the diplomatic relationship between countries. It is now swept under the carpet because the website has been blocked.

Last week the Westminster crown court granted him bail. As the hearing was taking place in the court, Julian Assange had hundreds of supports including Jemima Khan. Jemima Khan was the key celebrity who helped him financially to get the bail. It was a dramatic scenario at London, when Swedish government wanted to appeal the   the government to extradite him for alleged sexual assault. But after long formalities of the Justice system, he was released on bail. He expressed his gratitude to all his supporters and the police for he said, 'it is remarkable to know about the British justice system, if not justice at least it is not dead.' He looked calm and serene when he was escorted by the police to the house he was going to live. He is banned from leaving the country and he has some formalities of the justice system. 

I am sure Julian Assagne is an excellent computer genius. His expertise in downloading these secret diplomatic cables is absolutely commendable. I am not saying whether it was good or not. But  I think we have a mixed feeling and a sense of confusion. Wikileaks made me aware that there are many secret things being discussed behind closed door. It is sad I cannot access the website now. I am sure its been blocked since there were more and more cables being released. 

Why does the Swedish government want Julian Assange? Is it really for the alleged sexual assault or in support of the US to silence him further? I think US government want him for leaking the cables. But why does America stand on its toes when their dirty linen is being washed in public? I think for many Julian Assange is Hero who dared to put the cables online. I think there should not be any secrets between the diplomats and public for diplomats are the representatives of the public. If they hide matters of concern from the general public, then democratic system fails to some extent. 

Honesty in the midst of Dishonesty

If we found a wallet lying in the subway, how many of us will be honest enough to had it over to the police to find its right place? I am sure most us would do what pleases one. I was buying a cheap leather wrist band from a petty vendor. After finishing my transaction I walked away but I  heard a loud call from someone behind. I saw the same vendor following me with loud shouts, I was taken aback thinking I might have not paid him enough. To my surprise he handed me the $100 bill and said Sir, 'it costs only $5 but you have given $100'. It was my fault for not clarifying the bills of different denominations. I stood dumbfounded for I had not seen such an honest person in my life. I told him spur of the moment, you are the best business man I have ever seen. And he told me, 'Sir, I know most tourist have money but there might some who come to Barbados with limited money, it is my duty and more importantly to respect other human person to be honest'. 

One of friends told me that he found £20 bills along the foot path he was treading. He was not sure as to what he should do this money for there wasn't any sign of anyone looking for it. He went straight to the police station to hand over the money. As he was handing it over, some said with faint voice, thanks a lot. The faint voice was of a poor milk man who would deliver milk door to door and collect the money on behalf of the milk firm. 

How many of us will be honest enough to give away things which don't belong to us? It is very hard question to answer. We might answer it positively or negatively depending on the circumstances. I am sure most of us have had several experiences of honesty by someone or ourselves. It is absolutely necessary to be honest because we might deprive our fellow humans of some significant need. St. Ambrose says, 'It is the hungry man's bread that you withhold, the naked man's cloak that you store away, the money that you bury in the earth is the price of the poor man's ransom and freedom'. It is quite natural for a human being to have a tendency to amass things even if one does not need it. It is necessary first of all to have our needs met, then the needs of the society can be catered to. Human beings are complex social and rational animals. Their reason might vary according to the situation in other words we might fit our reason to circumstances. We might not adhere to the universal reason of that particular circumstance we are in. In the same way the social aspect might vary according to the whims and fancies of an individual. Therefore honesty in human beings might vary in accordance with reason. It can be detrimental to replace humanity with reason. Thus resulting in individualistic ideologies which might govern oneself and the world. 

We are aware of the scams that are prevalent in the world today. Scams of different natures, cyber scam, money laundering, corruption etc. These scams emanate from lack of honesty and transparency. We as humans fail to see others as our brothers and sisters thus creating a void between honest and dishonest people. Dishonesty will be triumph but not for very long time. It is very evident when dishonesty is ruling the roost we see some people suffer because as St. Ambrose said, we actually grab from the lowly. 

I think honesty is innate and integral part of human nature but it is practised in so many ways. Honesty is a lovely virtue that all human should acquire.  

Animal in Children

Jeremy Bentham wrote; a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant of a day, or a week, or even a month, old. But suppose they were otherwise, what would it avail? The question is not, Can they reason? nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer? Bentham is quite right in saying that animals can be more rational than a toddler. When I was walking down the busy streets of London, I realised that a child was absolutely irrational in saying to the mother lets walk on the road since its more clear. I am not sure whether child was being naughty but I think that is the hight of irrationality. 

A weird question swiped my mind which made me to ponder on the concept of animality in children. Can children be compared to animals? If rationality makes us distinct from animals, what about the irrational children? Are they animals? Children don't reason, walk, communicate or express (we might miss judge their expression, since their communication is limited). sometimes animals are much better of than children. For instance, swimming can be innate for animals whereas human have to develop the skill to swim. I think same with old people who are virtually inactive. Can we call them animals? In other words do they qualify to be animals since they don't have required qualities of a human person. 

I am not trying to think with Peter Singer's equality for animals but I would rather say that animals are just like humans; neither superior nor inferior. If we had an opportunity to go to the animal kingdom and make an enquiry, probably I think animals might consider humans as animals or even inferior to them. But unfortunately we cannot do that. But we can explore the possibilities. 

One of my friends told me, children cannot be named as animals rather can we coin a word to express that animality in children. I cannot think of any word but I am sure we need to make sure that children are distinct from human beings. It is not the only body that makes human person but the whole being makes a human person. Therefore, it is obvious that children are lovely little animals who in fact develop various skills as they grow. 

Diamond or Sand: a way to discrimination

Scientists have found some kind of carbon made particles on the planets which are thousand light years away from the earth. They reckon that there might be even diamond in abundance like sand on earth. Hearing this some might like to get some diamond from the planets if we can possibly travel these thousands of light years. I like the idea but I won't really like to go the planet to get some mere stones. I consider these diamonds or any other precious stones as mere stones. You might like to debate with me as to why I say this. Let me clarify the concept of precious and non-precious; if human get something in abundance, they consider it as non-precious taking for granted that this is available in plenty, example, Stones, sand, mud etc. But if human don't get something in plenty then it is precious, like diamond, gold, silver, platinum etc. 

I have a further clarification on the subject; who decides something precious or valuable then something else? It is we human come to a conclusion that something is not available so easily therefore it is valuable. Gold and Iron are two different kinds of metals but basically they are metals which are made from some elementary raw metals from the earth. But we are well aware that gold is not an ordinary metal since it can fetch loads of money and it is valuable metal whereas iron is cheap metal which is absolutely necessary for our human existence unlike gold only used for ornaments and decorations. Therefore we are the masters of ourselves. One fine day we all vote and decide that iron is more valuable than gold, gold is going to be cheaper than iron. 

Let me come to an important issue after discussing above metallic topic; do we humans have a right to decide which human is valuable or non-valuable in other words why there is discrimination in terms of caste, colour, creed, language, ethnicity, religion and so on? In yesteryears some powerful people decided the trade of the world and its system and others like sheep adhered to it. Do we have to continue doing that? We cannot simply say Yes. If we say yes what about the government, it is some government officials decide and we follow. Therefore, discrimination has been integral part of this world and human system. Just like the preciousness of the stones has been determined by some people, human system has been fashioned according to the wimps and fancies of some powerful brats. Do we have a way out of it? Well, we do since we are the master of ourselves, but this can have its impact sometime if not immediately. Thus we can bring change if we want. Drop make ocean therefore our hopes and aspiration should be aroused to enable us to march towards a world which will be free of discrimination of any sort. 

Religion Vs Humanity

One of my friends wants to involve in some kind of inter-religious dialogue without any strings attached to any religion in particular. He is not sure as to how he should begin this noble task of making this world into one religion and that is human religion. My immediate response to him was very idealistic. I think we need to begin somewhere and this 'somewhere' should really begin somewhere because it has become a monotonous jargon which has created more issued than solving them really. My idealistic response in which I emphasised the role of the Church in mending the fences between religions must be in some way or the other rectified according to the situation and signs of the time and signs of the future too. Later in our discussion I realised that I am stepping into an ocean without proper compass to direct me. 

One of the drastic measures he proposed was Indianizing his so called 'western name'. I have issues here at all times, because when I meet someone in the west they ask me two questions, a. What is your Indian name? b. Where you a Christian by birth? I am embarrassed not because I am branded as someone different from them but I am embarrassed of their ignorance of India and its religions. I am not denying the fact that Christianity originated from the West but what our stand on Christianity. Jesus came to save humanity not Christianity. I suppose Jesus loved everyone equally irrespective of their culture, tradition, religion and colour. It is later in the Church the division of Jewish Christian and Pagan Christians took place. Do you adhere to it in this 21st Century or Do you break the barriers of religion and go beyond to seek for the truth and the real knowledge. 

One does become Christian, Hindu or Muslim by the name they bear. Names give us personal identity as to who we are, but not the religious identity. If one thinks the latter gives one identity then he is probably he is trying to promote ghetto type religiosity which will cripple not only himself but the whole humanity. 

One of the inmates at the prison where I work on voluntary basis said to, what is the intention of your experiments as catholic chaplains with people or with us? He used the word experiment, I am not sure as to why he chose to use that word. I guess he is been brain washed or indoctrinated by several Christian denominations which has affected him directly or he is been indoctrinated by media. How are we going to face these kinds of challenges which are inevitable and rampant in our society today? 

In an Indian perceptive the meaning of prayer is sharing, sharing of thoughts, ideas, food, and so on. Several years ago a Hindu confronted me with some challenging questions, like, why do Catholics don't share the 'prasadam' (communion) with non-Catholics, added to that you announce that non-Catholics are not distributed the communion? I was dumb stuck because I did not have an answer for this. When I go to a Hindu or Muslim prayer they always share their holy meal. Are we Catholics building bridges or breaking? I think it would make a non-Catholics impossible to attend a Christian service for they feel its only and exclusively for Christians. They feel threatened by our way of life. 

My friend continued by his noble thought about an Indian being called as 'Hindu' and still feel comfortable because Hindu has nothing to do with religion. Hindu is place formally called Sindhu. I would feel comfortable if someone called me Hindu from India because I know what it means to be called a Hindu. But do all 1.5 billion feel like me? It is better said then done. Can I make a difference in this turbulent world? But how? Drops make ocean, so we might do a tiny bit but everyone does his or her tiny bit, I think this world will be a better place to live in and indeed a heaven on earth. 

Portuguese or Indians??

Goa Hindu Group Targets Portuguese Rule

Some 400 people rallied in the Goan capital of Panaji to condemn the Portuguese conquest. A Hindu-based “patriotic citizens” group in Goa has sought local archbishop’s support to condemn Portuguese, who ruled the western Indian state for 451 years. It was the 500th anniversary of Portuguese conquest of Goa. They carried placards and shouted slogans condemning imperialism. A memorandum from the group urged Archbishop Felip Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman to condemn Portuguese rule.

“Your support even by way of a simple pressnote or by your august presence at the rally will lend much needed boost to our campaign,” the memorandum told the prelate. The memorandum says Nov. 25 reminded Goans about the beginning of “one of the most brutal and barbaric” periods in their history. It was an “era of dictatorship, forced religious conversions, slavery, destruction of temples, and exploitation.”

It denounced those who associate with the Portuguese and some institutions that try to celebrate the day. The marchers burned an effigy of Afonso de Albuquerque, who led the conquest of Goa, and resolved to rename all Portuguese road names. The group will also campaign for the closure of the Portuguese consulate in the state and halt attempts to glorify Portuguese rule through cultural and business ties with the small European nation.

Father Francis Caldeira, archdiocesan spokesperson, said although he shared “the painful sentiments” about the colonial era, the Church does not want to be drawn into the controversy. “While Catholics too suffered under the colonial rule, we must reiterate that we do enjoy the fruits of freedom and we are proud of being Indians,” he said.

It amuses me when people make history from history by brooding over issues of the past like an old lady. I am sure history is written to take what is good, leave behind what is unpleasant and if possible try to learn from the past mistakes. It is called progression. Are we progressing or regressing? I am sure most of us agree that we have learnt a lot from Portuguese, I am not denying that it was done on some self motivated agenda. Goa has a multicultural history and they should be proud of it not try to find some fault and destroy the unity that Goa enjoyed for centuries. 

Joseph Dias, General Secretary, The CSF

Catholic-Christian Secular Forum www.thecsf.org

^Evangelical  ^Ecumenical  ^Interdenominational 

Snow...Snow everywhere.

When I was watching Fanaa (an Indian film), I was bewitched by the wonderful snow being portrayed as something romantic. I always wished for the snow if not the romance in snow. I never understood as to why English like to start the conversation with snow. It baffled me when someone asked me how is the whether. India being predominantly a tropical country snow is a distant dream. I was thrilled to see the snow last year for the first time in my life. When it was snowing for the first time, I jumped with joy and played in it like a baby. I enjoyed it to the brim. I never felt cold in snow since I was thrilled to see it first time. 

Yesterday it happened again, it was in the early morning when I pushed my curtain I saw a think layer of snow in our garden and snowing heavily. I was not too keen in going to play since I was cold. Later during the day I took a stroll along the road and I felt so wonderful. I had a great feeling within me. I felt one with the nature so much I sat on the snow and even put in my mouth. A sense of satisfaction hovered in my whole being as the gently touch of the white and cold snow touched my tender skin on my face. I saw a couple of children playing in snow. I could see their joy of playing in snow. Nature can be so wonderful and can give us sense of joy and happiness only if we see positively. 

Snow can be very nasty if it is too much. Our movements become slim and we hardly can move freely and safely. The snow of one day has disrupted so much, some of the airports, schools, public transport, roads had to be closed. It can cripple the city to a large extent. Though I enjoyed the snow one day but it is not really going to help me if I have travel. Even walking on the pavement can be detrimental. When the snow becomes ice, it is hard to walk on it. Therefore too much is too bad. The incessant snow can cause in economic downfall. Gritting of the road can cost millions and closure of public transport and other enterprises can cause a huge loss in the economic well-being of a city. 

Therefore I think snow can be wonderful when it is limited but it can create problem to the country in several ways. Nature has its own way to act irrespective of human presence. We cannot really control the nature and its acts. We can only bear with it and carry on until nature acts in favour of us.

All is One and One is All

Today world is marked by two eras, era before 9/11 and era after 9/11. The attack on America shocked the world and left Americans speechless. This attacks were claimed by some Muslim fundamentalist groups as revenge for whatever reason. Attacks on Christians in Orissa, India was appallingly alarming. Insecure Hindus are threatened that Christians and Muslims will dominate them. Muslim militants attacked a church in Baghdad recently and killed at least 40 worshippers. There are many more instances where ignorance of the people has been showcased in the name of religion. I think there is a deviation of attitudes among people of good will. Religion is the platform to create a disorder and chaos in the universe. A true religion does not promote violence in order to spread its religious values and virtues. Every religion I have known does promotes peace and harmony broadly. No one has a right to nick the freedom of a person, and if it is done than the person is dehumanized and considered to be below human dignity.  

Enlightenment attempted to keep religion confined to the private sphere but 9/11 proved to be the end of privatization of religions. I have problem here in both aspects, a religion cannot be private because it concerns universal matters, on the other hand religion cannot produce fundamentals who think that their religion is the true religion. How do we analyse this problem? Is it anything to do with religion at all or just politically motivated ideals? Is it the fear of insecurity that drives the thirst for blood from other religion? 

I was brought up in a lovely neighbourhood consisting mostly of Hindus and Muslims. Do we not live as one family despite our differences? Do we really make differences based on religion? I was born in a village which has no hospital, and in fact a Hindu woman helped my mother at her labour, that is how I was born. I owe this Hindu woman a lot. She is no more now. I think we transcend our little ghettos of religion when we consider other human as our fellow human. During my high school days, I used work in an estate owned by a Muslim, and he paid me for my work which helped me pay my fees. Time again this Muslim estate owner checked my progress in school. This shows his concern for me regardless of my religion. I am indebted to this Muslim. Whenever I go home I have a warm welcome from my Hindu and Muslim neighbours apart from my family. Isn't lovely? It raises my hope for humanity and its prosperity. It shows me how God works in different people and religion. 

Do we really need religion if it divides humanity into several painful fragments through the means of violence? I do wonder at times,why some people slaughter other people in order to promote their religion? Do you thin God will appreciate this?  I don't think God will appreciate the destruction of his own creation by his own creature. God created us in his image and likeness because He wants us to be like him, if possible strive to perfection. 

Those who try to destroy the peace and harmony of the universe are clearly evil doers within religious spheres. They work subtly by indoctrinating or brainwashing of the innocent tender youngsters. They sow seeds of enmity between brothers and sisters and these seeds do yield fruits to a large extent because evil is alluring and seems like winning. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between good seed and bad seed of evil, thus both prosper. As Jesus said, let the weeds grow along with the good crop, day will come when all the weed will be gathered and burnt in the fire. This should be our hope when good will triumph over evil. Evil cannot conquer good but it can overpower the good to some extent. Let us hope against hope that one day this world becomes one religion, A religion of Love and peace. 

God's Utmost Love for the humanity

Have you ever wondered at the diversity of humankind? Why don't we look alike? Can humans do this? I thin NO. I think there is someone out there who has plans for each one of us. Every human creature on earth is unique both in external features as well as interior features. Who can design nearly 6 billion creatures that would look unique and different from each other. Besides, the animal kingdom,  flora and fauna which are uniquely designed by a designer. This designer must be absolutely original in creativity. I wonder whether we know this designer or sometimes we just take for granted and forget our own designer. Is it fair for us to forget our Mothers? In the same way how can we forget or neglect our creative designer? I would like call this invisible designer as God. God had a plan for the universe and us. He thought about me much before I was born and planned to place me in his creation or grand design. I consider this as my utmost privilege. 'For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb '(Psalm 139). This is true indeed. There was God in the abyss of my mother's womb to arrange the members of my body. Thus creating a beautiful creature. Don't you thin God loves this work of creation of humankind? I think he does love us so much that he keeps his creation growing despite destruction of his creation by some evil forces. This is the utmost gesture of God's love to the humankind. I reckon that this is one of the strong proofs for God's existence. 

I was travelling in London underground train, I noticed a mother cuddling and fondling her child with utmost happiness and love. She expressed her love for the baby child through her actions and even few whispering words which I am sure the child understood. I was so taken aback by this gesture of love exchanged between mother and child. Child in return smiled and felt so comfortable in her mothers bosom. I am sure all of us under the sun have felt the same at one point or other in our early life. One of my close friend did not have children for nearly 4 years, that was worrying her a bit, does this mean that God did not have plan to design a child through her? No, God probably waited for sometime for whatever reason. She is now blessed with a wonderful baby boy recently. I am sure God works in mysterious ways and different times. Why do we love our own children? Why our heart feels for our children? Don't you think there is something between the parents and children? I think God creates humankind out of his utmost love for the humanity through the help of parents who bring forth God's creation to the world and it is God who transfers His 'utmost' love to His creation through parents. Thus parents show that utmost love to the child of their own. Therefore God is present in the world through our parents who are instrumental in bringing God's love to the humanity. Therefore God does exist and does marvellous works in the world. 

Most often we tend to either forget or take for granted the gift God's utmost love for us. It is hard to when we forget our own designer. But I have a theory; when we drift away from God, we can go back in time and remember our days as little babies in the bosom of our mothers, and thus remember God loves us with his utmost Love for the humanity. 

Night Voices in Tegel

Stretched out on my cot

I stare at the grey wall,

Outside, a summer evening 

That does not know me

Goes singing into the countryside.

Slowly and softly 

The tides of the day ebb

On the eternal shore...

We the poor, the rich,

Alike in misfortune,

The good, the bad,

Whatever we have been 

We men of many scars,

We the witnesses of those who died,

We the defiant, we the despondent,

The innocent, and the much accused,

Deeply tormented by long isolation,

Brother, we are searching, we are calling you!

Brother, do you hear me?

C.F: Written from a prison cell in Germany by pastor, theologian, and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Church of the Poor

Poverty can be a human state determined by both material and physical wellbeing of an individual. Therefore how do we access poverty critically keeping abreast of our own fellow persons who are in dire need of basic necessities of life namely; food, shelter and clothing.  I shall elicit some of the views by Catholic Church, Islam and Hinduism and also philosophical views not to ignore the philosopher in the room. Excuse me if this becomes an exegesis.

 

John Paul II says the Catholic Church should be a "Church of the poor" that practises a preferential but not exclusive option for the neediest. Therefore, such a Church is "a community of faith that embraces and practises the evangelical spirit of poverty, which combines detachment from possessions with a profound trust in the Lord as the sole source of salvation."

Catholic catechism brings forth the issue of poverty and thus says; God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay." It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones. When "the poor have the good news preached to them," it is the sign of Christ's presence.

"The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition." This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor. Love for the poor is even one of the motives for the duty of working so as to "be able to give to those in need." It extends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.

St. John Chrysostom vigorously exclaims: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." "The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity."

The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbour in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.  Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.

He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise. But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you. If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?

When her mother reproached her for caring for the poor and the sick at home, St. Rose of Lima said to her: "When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbours, because in them we serve Jesus

Islam: All human beings, according to Islam, have been created by one and the same God, and for this reason they belong to one great brotherhood. All being descendants of the same progenitor, Adam and Eve, they should naturally be each other’s well-wishers. They must willingly come to one another’s assistance, like members of the same large family. Islam has, therefore, laid the greatest of emphasis on the support of destitute and disabled members of society. It is a sacred duty of the wealthy to give part of their possessions to fulfil the needs of the deprived sections of the community.

According to Abdullah ibn Umar, the great religious scholar of the first phase of Islam, “If the zakat levy is insufficient to meet the needs of the poor, then it is the duty of the rich of every town to put the poor on their feet.”

Abu Zar Ghifari, a companion of the Prophet, reported that the Prophet, while sitting in the shade of the Kabah wall, said, “They are the losers.” Abu Zar enquired, “Who are they, O Messenger of God?” The Prophet replied: “Those who pile up heaps of wealth and (pointing in all directions with his hands) do not spend like this and this.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

“Every good act is charity. Your smiling to your brother is charity;  an exhortation of your fellowman to virtuous deeds is equal to alms-giving; your putting a wanderer on the right road is charity;  your assisting the blind is charity; your removing stones, and thorns, and other obstructions from the road is charity; your giving water to the thirsty is charity. A man’s true wealth, as regards the Hereafter, is the good he does in this world to his fellow men. When he dies, people will say “what property has he left behind him?” But the angels will ask, “what good deeds has he sent before him?”

Hinduism: Hindu society recognises and values interdependence. According to Vedic theology, society can meet everyone's legitimate needs if the various individuals perform their respective duties. These duties embody the ideal of extending God's shelter to others. For this purpose, the system ofvarnashrama-dharma allocated specific duties to each varna and ashram. For example, the vaishyas were considered responsible for the animals; women were especially entrusted with nurturing children; kshatriyas were obliged to ensure the physical safety of citizens; and sannyasis were required to remind everyone – especially householders – of their spiritual duties.

The less fortunate were cared for within the extended family. Religious obligations also included various forms of charity. For example, scripture obliges the householder to step outside the front door before each meal and to announce three times "Is anyone hungry? Please come to take your meal!" Only then would the family eat, with or without guests. Today, Hindu families are still renowned for their hospitality. Other acts of generosity include giving alms and clothing, and ritually feeding the poor, holy people and animals. A righteous life, whereby God is perceived in nature, naturally protects the environment. Planting trees and digging wells have long been considered to bestow considerable spiritual merit.

Social change and industrialisation have now meant that Hindus have established charitable organisations to adopt functions previously fulfilled more locally, within the community. These charities are often connected to religious institutions.

Philosophers: You walk past a drowning kid.  You can save the child, but you will have to wade into a shallow pond and muddy your trousers and ruin your shoes.  Is it immoral to keep walking and leave the kid to die?

From this hypothetical and variations thereon, Peter Singer distils a principle: "'If it is in your power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything nearly as important, it is wrong not to do so.'"  Building on this principle, Singer develops the general rule that "those who are financially comfortable" should donate 5% of their annual earnings (or more, if they are rich) to aid organizations that alleviate poverty.  

While some agree with Singer that individuals have a moral responsibility for others less well off than them, and further that we should all be developing means of discharging that responsibility, we therefore think the hypotheticals have led Singer astray.  As economists have learned, abstract models that work in theory tend not to operate so cleanly in the real world.  All of those "externalities" that economists - and moral philosophers - have ignored for the sake of elegant conceptualizing have a way of refusing to be ignored once the conceptual gets concrete.

Immanuel Kant’s practical philosophy provides sufficient resources to develop and make plausible the claim that there are basic positive duties of justice, some of which may have a global scope.

Thus in conclusion I would like to remark that every religion does promote the basic concept of charity; charity to needy. In the contemporary economic world where economic crisis inevitable, government tries to keep the economy going by imposing unpleasant measures which ultimately might help the poor if that is the intention of the government. We do indeed wish to live in an equal world but unfortunately it is not the system of world today. We can pray that this world be a kingdom of heaven one day. 

Courtesy: www.christusrex.org
                    www.alrisala.org
                    www.hinduism.iskcon.com

A Royal Wedding and Monarchy

A couple days ago I tuned into BBC news on the television to get a glimpse of the world as I always do to watch at least the headlines before I grab a film to entertain myself. To my pleasant surprise I learnt that Prince William was engaged to Kate Middleton, and the pleasant surprise turned into unpleasant surprise when BBC carried the news on Royal engagement for nearly half an hour without even giving a break. I was so annoyed I turned off the television and hit the sack as soon as possible. As I lay in my  bed I got some weird feelings in my mind and heart about the Monarchy and its dominance for centuries. I allowed the thoughts to linger in my mind which consoled me to some extent. As I was growing curious about this whole  business about Monarchy in England, I was enthused to look up and read about it. I learnt some facts and figures which refreshed my memories from my high school when we had to study History of Europe and particularly Britain. No wonder why British like their Monarch. They love their queen who is mere a figure head who has some nominal powers but they are merely ceremonial but still they hold monarchy as an integral part of the British system. 

During the past many centuries after the Roman left Britain, different tribes in England formed their own little ghettos and time again struck the other tribe. Until at last they decided to have one ruler who is an able person.  Actually if we consider the history of Britain I think Britain is living on the glory of the past. Able kings and queen strained their every nerve to build this country as a powerful economic giant which ultimately ruled the world in some sense. I have  now a great regard for the monarchy of England. India was jewel in the crown for the queen of England. Queen Victoria claimed herself as the Empress of India even though she never visited India. She was proud to the empress because India was unique for both its wealth and culture. 

Back in 1981 the big royal wedding took place between Price Charles and Princess Diana, sadly this wedding ended when popular princess Diana died in a car crash. Since then there weren't any royal weddings. Wedding of Prince William and Kate will a much awaited celebration to the country and to all of us. I am so glad that William has decided to marry a simple girl from the village Kate. I think royal family is changing according to the time and space. Their long love life came to light when the revealed their secret engagement. Prince William decorated the lovely ring finger of Kate Middleton with his mothers (Princess Diana) ring of sapphire and diamond. I am looking forward to the big wedding which will showcase the grandeur of England to the world next year. Plans are already in place. 

The economists predict that this wedding will bring a significant benefit to the country. Asda has already made souvenir in the form of cups and plates for the couple. There will be many more things which will obviously attract the tourists from every walk of life. Prince William is not too keen in spending too much of public money for his wedding since country is in economic crisis. This is commendable. I think if government gives a good and timely publicity I think this wedding can be the popular wedding of the century which can bring in lot of economic benefits and the benefits can boost the economy ultimately to cut the deficit. God protect our queen, as Britons say its an important task for us all to pray for the royal family. 

Doors of destruction and rivers of blood

For the past seven years, the Iraqi Christians have been targeted by waves of attacks on their churches, monasteries, homes, businesses and in person. A Bishop and Several Priests were killed and even slaughtered in cold blood. Since the events of 2003 more than half the Iraqi Christians fled the country, thousands have been killed, and more than 60 churches, monasteries were bombed. In less than a week after terrorists’ attacked Iraqi Christians during a Sunday mass in the heart of Baghdad, al-Qaeda has threatened to stage more similar attacks on Christians.

In a reported warning, an al-Qaeda affiliated group, Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), claimed that their attacks were legitimate and that the time had come for Iraqi Christians to face the doors of destruction. "All
Christian centers, organizations and institutions, leaders and followers, are legitimate targets for the muhajideen wherever they can reach them,” the statement said.“We will open upon them the doors of destruction and rivers of blood,” it added. 

Father (Père) Wassim Sabih (Waseem Sabeeh Al-kas Butros), 27 years old and Father (Père) Thaer (Thaer Saad-alla Abdal), 32 years old were killed during the attack on Our Lady of Salvation Syrian Catholic Church by terrorists during Mass Sunday evening, in Bagdad, October 31, 2010. Father Rafael Alkotaily critically injured is now undergoing a number of surgeries t Ibn Al-Nafis hospital in Baghdad. More than 63 were killed in the bloodbath. Another 120 were wounded. Hundreds of dependents are now helpless. (http://www.thecsf.org/).

We will open them the doors of destruction and rivers of blood, is a mere statement of ignorance. I am sure some people in the world like to see blood being shed and this drives them to do anything to taste the blood of the innocent. I am astounded at the disposition of some people who claim that destroying other fellow human is legitimate. Iraq is the constant target for the terrorists. Iraqis are poor lamp to slain, where are we going? Is it really religious fight or some destructive ideologies in force in the name of religion? If it is religiously oriented than how can any religion claim that one religion is superior to others? Does God really consider some people or religion as superior to others? I am sure no God will be pleased to see his own creation fighting over superiority of Himself. I think we have gone too far and failed to realize that religion is sacred which is the abode of humanity and whole creation. 

I reckon that this world is lacking a direction. World is at its cross roads which is used and abused by some people with crap ideologies driven by the selfish motives. Today Baghdad tomorrow Assam and one day the world itself will be shedding blood if we don't start to change our hearts and embrace the ideology of harmony. Let us wait and see what more to come, this attitude will not really help the on going destruction of the human race.  

Easier said than done

If I were to ask you who is the most happiest person in the world, what would you say? A person who has load of money, contented in life, go loads of degrees, experienced peace in life etc.. I think the most happiest people in the world are Children in the games field during their busy school time. When I attend the lectures in my college, I prefer to sit at the window so that I can do away with my boredom. Every time I looked outside I see a bunch lovely little toddlers screaming and jumping with joy in the play ground adjacent to our college. I always envy them for the are the most happy people, not that I am not happy. My happiness is of different level than those screaming toddlers. Let me say a bit about adult happiness. Adult happiness is generally determined by an external force (not always) which drive us constantly to the path of happiness. This is not so spontaneous and most often it can demand certain amount of discipline and way of life. I am not saying it is bad but I am only saying it is different kind of happiness. 

Children make me happy all the time. Their joy echoes God's creation. 'God's glory man fully alive' says Ireneas, I  think that is absolutely true. When I see a child smiling I feel God is still around me. 'Let the children come to me', unless you become like children.....' says Jesus, and this is very true in today's world. I am convinced that children are the assets of humanity. Their happiness is spontaneous and makes us smile. 

'Smile and the world will smile with you....' my favourite quotation has proved wrong to some extent in London. I am afraid before I leave London I would be like a log of wood when someone smiles at me. Ipod and reading papers and magazines is the rampant feature in London. I like to jog every now and then to keep myself fit, and on the way I come across people who prefer not even look at me but rather they would prefer to see a dog, and even to the extent of talking to the dog. Are we regressing in our concern for our fellow human beings? If you look at a man to extend your human fellowship, they would think I am anti-man, if you see a woman to extend your care for her, than she will stare at you as if you were going to mug her. I am not sure as to what I should do at this juncture? Therefore I grab a free news paper in the train station and read it until I reach home. That is going with the current, am I doing the right thing? Or I should start smiling on the streets, which will be a bad idea? London is the home of writers, poets, warriors, business men/women, etc. and most importantly 'centre of the world', but do all this help the world to build or to destroy?

Can we be like those children in the play ground, who go beyond their own and mingle with all sorts of little children? It is easier said than done, because children's mind and hearts are not influenced by external corrupt and selfish drives. We can be like children, only we have undo certain prejudices that have corroded our whole being ultimately affecting our affection to our fellow humans. Can we just look at the human person and smile before we smile at the dog? I think this is much easier. Can we just read new papers at home and put away our ipods in order that we try to see the other person front of us. I think we can and I wish one day this world becomes a haven of joy and happiness like those children in the play ground. 'We shall overcome someday, oh deep in heart, I do believe, we shall overcome some day', Charles Tindley's word resonate in our hearts as we hope against hope. 

India is rich but Indians are poor

'For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance' (Mat 13:12). India is one of the developing and emerging global economic power. Everyone eyes at India as it rightly projects to West as one of the economy generating power. Most companies tend or at least aspire to base their business outsourcing in India. There are loads of call centres and BPO's all over India. As I walk in the streets of London I feel proud to be an Indian because everyone thinks Indians have money. New papers report about the latest economic figures as improving at faster level. Is this true? Are we so rich as Indian or only some of us are rich in India? Does the world know that at least 38% of the population lives below the poverty line? Does the media and business world show the slums in Mumbai or just the multimillion house of Mr. Mukesh Ambani? It is all irony for me when I tune into news channels. I am sure there are so many issues that India as a nation should be responsible for showing the world that we are emerging economy. Look at our neighbour China, Do we really know the economic power of China? Every tiny or large material I touch in the Market is Chinese made.

Let us do some in depth enquiry into the economic well-being of India. I am proud to be a part of emerging global economic power, but my question is do we really showcase it when we  have some many issues being swept under the carpet? Our GDP is pretty consistent and there is significant growth, as for 2009 it is $1,235 trillion (nominal), and GDP per capita income is $1,032. Our GDP growth rate as for 2010 is 8.8%. GDP per capita income is so important to measure the wealth of the people in a country. Now this is measure as you know by averaging the GDP of the country. I am apprehensive about the whole business of averaging. How can someone average the wealth and say that is the wealth or income of the People? Does it give us the real figures since there is huge gap between the poor chaiwala and Ambani's. Now the misery of the low income earners is doubled since there is a significant growth in the inflation rate. As for September 2010, inflation rate is 8.62%. Does this inflation help the poor? Price of rice (staple food for most Indians) go up by even 5% will result in forgoing a heavy meal among the poor. I am sure people around the world can figure out these figures, I am no mathematician.

A month ago Guarding had a whole page dedicated to showcase Mr. Mukesh Ambani's expensive house. It was rated the most expensive house in the world. I thrilled to read that India has the 4th richest man in the planet but I am also aware that India has the most poor person in the world. I used to work in the slums in Ramwadi, in Pune who struggled to meet their both ends. They lived in absolute miserable condition along the sewage canal. The stink and mosquitoes brought deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, cholera and so on. Their children were sickly because of the malnutritions. On the other hand, there were huge multimillion buildings like Gold adlabs, Mc Donalds, ect. right next to the slum. I don't have to blabber on this after giving an extensive glance at the reality of India.

Thus, are Indians really rich? I would emphatically say that Indians are rich but most of them are poor and many of them live below the poverty line. Mr. Obama made trade deals with India, everyone was fascinated with the idea. How does this new trade deal help the people in the slum and remote villages, for instance the deal of Obama includes jet aircraft, Do we think an ordinary person can afford flying in India? Let me leave at that allowing Indians to think further and think before you leap.  

A BLEEDING FAIRYTALE

I have heard a symphony in the echoes of breaking hearts,
A beautiful harmony of pleasure and pain,
Blinding visions of shearing spells
Touching an emotion which does not exist
Like a tempting mirage of a world after death.

I look at myself in the vanishing throes of doubts and despair,
Desperately clutching the last remains of painful sanity,
Swimming in the floating pools of ecstasy,
Forgiveness does not come easy baby,
Its flows bitterly like a dream stuck in the channels of your brain.

Dont look into my eyes , darling,
Coz you will find nothing there,
Its a waste of time trying to break into my barriers,
Coz those borders are not even there.
Swollen rivers of thirsting gallows
Looking at the end of a hope which blossomed
Illusions are pricey sweetheart, too fragile to be held
Like a mist of whispering minims.

by Karishma Gomes (My Friend)

People's Choice

I am thrilled to read guardian front page reporting the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. I am sure her 15 years have been most ridiculous years of her life, however she seems to have gotten more energy to be an able leader to move forward her fight for democracy in Burma. Guardian reports her life in jail (house arrested). She suffered to the maximum. She lost her British husband who was not allowed into the country. Her children were also refused visa to Burma. She was completely cut off from the world. Limited visitors were allowed to see her with high security checks. She was not allowed internet access. She could access some mail but with highly monitored mails by the authorities. She remained behind four walls for nearly 15 years.

I think some of us would lose hope within 15 years but Suu Kyi kept on hoping against hope that one day she will lead the party which is based on democracy. She is an incredible woman of hope. I think hope personified in her. As I see Burmese situation, I think Suu Kyi will triumph after her long waiting. I am sure most people in the world will be happy at her release even though some of the Burmese fundamentalists will try to oppose it. Why is this century which claimed of human justice and equality is still in the darkness of injustice where some ethos of the powerful prevail? Do you have an answer? I don't have. But I can say one thing; this world is evolving everyday, minute, and every second. Humans have become so adamant that they consider other humans as their subjects. 

God created this world and gave all powers to the humans not to dominate but to take care of his creation so that human can be free and responisble. God's creative creation is used and abused. I am sure we all have hearts and minds that are filled with good things and we decide on good instinct  but sometimes a speck of evil in us tries to take control of us, this is the disaster of ourselves and our neighbour.

I watched the film, Darfur directed by Uwe Boll; based on the real brutal events of this innocent village Darfur. The leader of the Darfur village optimistically says that Janjaweed (Arabians) are not our enemies but they are our brothers. It is nothing to do with religion because Darfur villagers are also Muslims. It is all to do with race, black and Arabs as the leader of the village mutters as his tears roll down his cheeks. Next moment they are all killed brutally by the Arabs. The whole village is wiped out completely. Isn't a genocide? It is a genocide. I don't know why human consider others as lower to them (Race). Hitlar did the same inhuman thing in the history. 

I think we need to find God in ourselves to begin with then in others. I think unless we are convinced that God created us equal our struggle for power will prevail. 

Enlightenment is a way to interior peace

Journey into oneself is quite a challenging process but it can be very rewarding too. Buddhism is a religion which makes a human being journey into oneself. To attain the ultimate one should withdraw from this world of thoughts, ideas, noise, temptations and one's own freedom. We can find the supreme being or at least we can access the supreme being at one point of our life and this is called Enlightenment.

Human beings are complex and limited. Humanity has survived for several thousand years with all his complexity and limitedness. How is it possible? Why are human beings not extinct like dinosaurs or dodo? Why are other species on earth go extinct? I think we have answers to these questions based only on our limited perception of the reality. There is something we cannot grasp because we are limited. Humans can arrive at some consensus because our experience can be through our five (some say 6) senses which are equally deceptive or don't agree with others sensual perception. Each one can perceive his own way. Therefore there is a problem in our understanding of the reality. How do we solve this perpetual and inevitable problem (issue)? Philosophers have tried to distinguish the reality which we perceive and the reality which is beyond our perception.

As I was walking down in healthcare in Wandsworth Prison, I visited an inmate who was bedridden. He was an Anglican and admired Christianity as a whole. He had suffered a lot in his life but he did not find any meaning in life until at last when he was behind the bars in some country where the condition of the prison was not very appealing. He realized that he had find meaning of his life in his own self not outside. One needs to go to the depth of one's being layer after layer like onion which peeled layer after layer you find the real crust. That is how Mr. X in found his real meaning in life and now most happy person in life.

Most often we tend to think the real life is outside us, or others and other things give me joy and fulfilment in life, true to some extent. What if I have all the pomps of life and still I find emptiness within me like Mr. John Pridmore, about who I have posted earlier. I think we are the master of ourselves. No one can steer us but oneself. I have had several people saying that one can be master of oneself but it is challenging as we live in the families and society which will demand certain amount of involvement which will surely curtail our inner freedom. Let us try to transcend these so called external blocks and find inner meaning and peace and if you like enlightenment.

Braga City full of Life

(This is an old post reposted)

Now its more than three weeks I am in Braga in Portugal. Braga is not a big city to use a map or satellite navigator as in London but more friendlier city. My encounter began with city began with few of the people who spoke no English, this is only to say that English is not only the language we can communicate with. They spoke no English and I spoke no Portuguese but we understood most of the conversation except for few words we had guess. First few days I used to ask the people for directions, not only to know the directions but I wanted to converse and know the people and their culture and their way of life. I think I succeeded in doing that for a large extent. Braga is not a diverse city but more localised city with more of Portuguese culture, music, food, dressing etc. When I was conversing with People, I realized that many of the words are similar and same as in my mother tongue, like culear, meza, butao etc. It made me more feel at home apart from the facet hat we were colonised or converted by the Portuguese several years ago. I do think that Goa in India has the similar kind of culture as it is here. Now I know why Goans like to talk about Portuguese, they are lot of things in common.This is an old post, reposted.