Every snowflake is gorgeous, and significant in the eternal plan. 'Faithful Citizenship' passes by another milestone.
This morning as I watch the gentle fall of beautiful snowflakes, I am reminded of the verse
"The rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater" (Is 55:10)
'Faithful Citizenship,' this forum of professional youth actively responding to the socio-political realities of India, is reaching yet another milestone.
In the past one year, in spite of the restrictions of Covid 19, or may be due to it this group of Jesus Youth professionals from different avenues of life and locations have been regularly coming together to interact, reflect and act in the context of India's volatile socio-political scenario.
Has it been fruitful? Surely yes! 1. There had been a steady watching, and reflection and a final analysis of the last local body elections of Kerala. 2. Stan Swamy incidents shook most of the group and there was a comprehensive study on that. 3. John Paul II's "Christifideles Laici" - the group found it challenging and three trainings were organized based on this document. 4. People gathered regularly for an online Sunday discussion and Saturday intercession.
Why this forum and where is it headed?
1. Is darkness rising?
This forum gathers together in an extremely troubling time. I came across a thought-provoking social media post: "👉 വീടുകളുടെ ഒരു ശവപ്പറമ്പാകുമോ കേരളം വൈകാതെ ???🙆 💐 നാടു വിടുന്ന നമ്മുടെ യുവതലമുറ 💐
As we look around:
- Corruption is increasing > political leadership is joining hands with all kinds of social leadership with a personal selfish agenda. Power today is for making money
- Society is communally divided > in the name of 'hijab', 'saffron' or 'cross'
- No transparent systems, destroying the existing ones
- Human rights are totally neglected > weak are oppressed, deserving people are sidelined, even some highly educated youths do not get paid as much as some unskilled laborers.
- Youth have lost hope. Many smart ones try to ensure a successful future and try to escape from their homeland and the depressing realities. Many others turn to frivolousness engagements, running away from a steadily darkling scene.
2. These realize that running away is not the solution
As Albert Einstein once said, 'The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything'. And our consolation and hope are that here there are some who not only take these problems seriously but seek ways to remedy it in focused ways.
- Do small things with great love - Mother Theresa
3. Act, because even a small step is momentous in the Eternal plan.
It is a great life principle: No effort is in vain, because 'the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step' (Lao Tzu)
Ezekiel's vision is so meaningful and beautiful (Ez 47:1ff): the water trickling from the threshold of the temple gets deepened and stage by stage becomes a mighty river. We have seen it working every time when someone enthused by the Great Spirit comes forward to challenge darkness.
This spirit is flowing, and this enthusiasm is flowing from the heart. Surely this will make a big difference.
4. Where are we headed?
These are opportune times, or as the Greek word indicates, 'Kairos', a best time to sow the seed and gently watch it sprout. Surely, this river of active search and steps of social involvement will definitely bring forth abundant harvest.
(Is 55:10) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and return not thither but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
(11) so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
What are they doing? What should they be doing? The direction of involvement highlights four directions, I think.
Today international networking is the order of the day. This group also functions as an international network, but with a focus on India's socio-political scenario. And do we go about?
i. Look around, take stock, analyze, and reflect
ii. Connect to one another, exchange notes, envision together, energize
iii. Equip, get skilled and network
iv. Use opportunities, take leadership, get involved.
The need of the hour is to be energized by the Spirit and move on with hope and joy.
It is best to summarize this growing hope in a famous Jewish song:
https://youtu.be/OH0XbpNY2g8
12 “For you shall go out in joy,
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Is 55)
And we know that "We shall overcome" the darkness that we see growing around us. And deep in our hearts we believe that "Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle". And we look forward to that 'new heaven and new earth'.
Best wishes!
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