Christian Perspectives

The season of advent

The season of advent is the four -week period of waiting and preparation to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, the Way, the Truth and Life..

We are now in the second week of the Season of Advent. The word “Advent” formally was used to denote the annual visit of the Royalty to the town, city and to villages. The Church used that same Word to remind the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in His Glory to judge the Living and the Dead at the End of time....Escatalogical coming. We are reminded that by establishing the Sacrament of Holy Communion Jesus comes to us in the form of a Host as our food every day when we participate at the banquet, the Holy Mass.

The Season of Advent spurs us to an awakening in our Catholic and Christian life and makes us ‘vigilant’ to receive Him. We entered the season of Advent intoning the hymn “O Come Messiah” and we continue to sing the hymn of hope in the coming weeks. A period of joyful waiting preparation with prayer and observance of rites and rituals like in the Season of Lent.

At the end Comes Christmas Feasting! Jesus first coming to this world taking human form.,a baby born in Bethlehem. This we celebrate and we call it Christmas.

The Season of Advent is a time of waiting. It is a time of joy because the coming of Jesus Christ is not only a gift of grace and salvation but it is also a time of commitment because it motivates us to live the present as a time of responsibility and vigilance. This vigilance means the necessity, the urgency of an industrious, living wait. To make all this happens we need to wake up as we are warned by St Paul in his writings to Roman: “Besides you know what time it is.... It is time for you to wake up from your sleep.... for Salvation is nearer to us now, than when we first believed...” (Roman 13:11)

The Season of Advent is divided into two main parts. The first two weeks beginning from December 02rd to 16...reminds us of his Second Coming...from December 17 to 24, the Second Part of the Season of Advent we meditatively think of His Humble Birth...the mystery of Incarnation. It is a sign, a manifestation of God's immense Love to humanity.

Advent is a time of Hope with Joy. Late His Eminence Fulton J. Shin SJ in one of sermons said that the Birth of Christ is the only birth announced long before making people be prepared to receive Him.” Reading the Old Testament the reader will note that for centuries people were yearning for a Savior and the hearing of the Good Tidings of His arrival was a fulfillment of that long expectations. The Sacred Writer however writes “The World He was With His People. But they did not Recognize Him. This is true even to day and His Eminence further said that the world was made aware of His birth, the place of His birth and what clan or the rank and file so to say He would be born. All that went with his Birth was foretold and it was about Him and of any other. Church repeats this saying to send the message: Emmanuel......’ God is with us....”

E Weerapperuma

Weekly Devotions:

Lessons to be learnt from the Freewill of Cain - Genesis 4

The fall of Adam and Eve clearly enables us to understand that we can choose between following God's will for our lives or go our own way. We can also see from the lives of Adam and Eve that Satan plays a big part in instigating following pathways in opposition to what God had intended for them by tempting them to take off their eyes from seeing God's direction and commands and attracting Adam and Eve to satisfy their own ego or selfish nature.

The devil uses worldliness, which includes ambition to be like God where power and authority are concerned, desiring things that go against God's commandments, wanting things in excess of our needs, to be the ‘best’ even at the expense of destroying others comfort and lives, wanting people to serve us and many such things that are against Godliness, which is a life of love, service, compassion to others brought about by placing God at the centre of our lives.

When we read the scriptures carefully, we can conclude that there was repentance where Adam and Eve were concerned. They were chosen by God to propagate the ‘seed’ that was to continue Godliness in a fallen world, through their son Seth, in whose line the Messiah was to come to save the whole world.

In contrast we see that Cain on the other hand, after murdering his brother Abel, unrepentant.

Jealousy overcame him when God accepted his brothers offering and rejected his offering of first fruits. This was brought about by willful disobedience on Cain's part in not coming into God's presence with a sacrifice of a lamb which God had instructed.

We read in the Scriptures that the first sacrifice was made to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness, an awareness which was brought about by the fall when God Himself had to clothe them with a skin of a lamb which meant a blood sacrifice of the animal had to be made. (Genesis 3.21)

As God rejects Cain's offering we read that his countenance changed. At this stage God speaks to him direct and explains to him why He rejected his offering, and unless his heart is put right and repentance is forthcoming, God warns him that Satan is waiting to devour him into a life of sin. Genesis 4: 6,7.

Cain does not listen to God but allows ‘sin’ to take over, and the first murder takes place where he kills his innocent brother, who is a Godly person. We know this because Abel's offering was accepted by God as he did everything according to God's instructions.

God questions Cain again in Gen. Vs 9-12. God clearly tells him that his sinful action will meet with God's punishment

Cain quickly realizes that his life is going to be difficult and asks God to make the punishment bearable, and God in His mercy places a mark on him. (Gen 4:15)

We must carefully understand the importance of this whole episode. Cain knew God's ways; he was in communion with God. We find that he willfully makes a decision to turn away from God and go his own way. We see a classic example of ‘freewill’ as opposed to obedience to God taking place here.

Cain's attitude and action started off a whole generation of people who turn away from God and choose to go their own way. Cain becomes the father of ungodly, worldly people. He is the origin of the rebellious type of people who willfully decide to turn away from God. Genesis 4:1 God's will for Cain, being the eldest son of Adam and Eve would have been that of the chosen seed to bring into the world the Messiah, the Saviour of the World.

We read that Eve thanks God when Cain was born and her words were ‘I have gotten a man from the Lord.’ She was thankful that God had forgiven her and blessed her and surely hoped that the relationship with God will be put right through this blessing. As God told Adam and Eve that her seed will crush Satan's head and will destroy him for the awful deed he had done in bringing about the fall.

Cain shatters everything by going his own way Gen. 4.16

Cain leaves the presence of God - Cain did not get right with God. Cain did not repent and ask for forgiveness, but rather made the choice of going his own way.

He really decides to step outside of God's leading and making himself his own master. He wanted to build his own life in his own way. The next unique thing he does is to build a city for his son Enoch and name the city after his son. A city in ancient times was four walls surrounding an area.

God's curse on Cain for the murder he committed was that he will be a fugitive (a wandering man). His action shows that he was trying to protect his son, again in his own way by building a city - a wall of protection with his own hands without the help of God.

He was the first man to build a city.

I want you to learn three main lessons from Cain's actions:

1. He turned away from yielding his life to God

2. He turns away from the loving protection of God and does his own thing by building a wall.

3. He blatantly wants his freewill to do things his own way.

He becomes the pioneer of human civilization estranged from God. There are many today who think like Cain did, and live a life of self-redemption apart from God.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that the worldly system is based on the revolt of Cain. Let us be careful when using our freewill to choose, let us be sensible enough not to allow it to bring about destruction to our soul as Cain did, let us remember Christ's words to the rich fool.

Luke 12:19, 20: And I will say to my soul. Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry. But God said unto him.’ Thou fool , this night thy soul shall be required of the, Then whose shall these things be, which thou has provided'?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, touch our hearts today to turn around from seeking things concerning the world and its glamour. Help us to understand that these are passing away from our grip, we can never hold on to them. Give us your grace in choosing a right - making the right choices to have a life that is surrounded in your love and presence. Thank you for your saving power, and we commit our lives to you, take it and use it for the extension of your Kingdom. I bring this prayer to you, in Jesus name, Amen.

Sunitha Sahayam

73rd Birthday of Professor Rev Fr N M Saveri

Professor Rev Fr N M Saveri, Director of Thirumarai Kala Mandram (Centre for Performing Arts) reached another milestone on his life's pilgrimage as he celebrated his 73 birthday on December 3.

“As is a tale, so is life, not how long it is, but how good it is” wrote SENECA. One may grow old by the years that he has lived, but one keeps young by the events and achievements of enduring value that are packed into one's life. By that standard Professor Rev Fr Saveri can never be said to have grown old.He was born at Illavalai in Jaffna on December 3, 1939 and had his secondary education at St Henry's College Illavalai and at St Patrick's College, Jaffna. He joined the National Seminary at Ampitiya at the age of 16 and completed his philosophical studies successfully. Thereafter he proceeded to the Propaganda Fide College in Rome to pursue his Theological studies and was ordained as a priest in 1962 for the diocese of Jaffna.

While working at Urumpirai Parish he established the “Thirumarai Kala Mandram” in 1965. Further, he staged a “passion” play in Urumpirai in 1967 with 250 actors selected from different parts of Jaffna.

Apart from cultural activities, he obtained his “Master's” and “Doctorate” Degrees from the University of London and “Vidvan Pulavar” title from the University of Madras. In fact, the “Centre for Performing Arts” remains one of the few cultural organizations that embrace all Sri Lankan ethnicities and languages, bringing people together to learn, play and develop a deep understanding and appreciation of each other's traditions and values.

Though this Mandram has opened 20 centres in the North and South of Sri Lanka, the Colombo office has become the coordinating centre. In addition to all these, there are centres in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia as well.

Professor Saveri in 1978 submitted a study in the relations between “Roman Catholics” and Hindus in Jaffna for his Doctorate Research at the Schol of Oriental and African Studies in the University of London.

Equipped with a fervent patriotism, a dauntless heart which refuses to be turned back from its objectives by difficulty or danger, a deep faith in providence, Professor Saveri took all possible steps to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony in Sri Lanka through cultural activities particularly dramas based on peace and several other stage performances and cultural seminars in many parts of Sri Lanka.

According to him “Peace and War” are external reflections of internal states of the mind. If we were to be a Messenger of Peace, we need to change the hearts and minds of those who inspire and instigate violence that breeds bitterness in the survivor and brutality in the destroyers.

The “Thirumarai Kala Mandram” held a “Passion” play recently in Jaffna with more than 300 artistes for four days in which more than 10,000 spectators participated from all parts of Jaffna. This passion play was of high standard which was appreciated by men of eminence and eruditions.

Further, the “Thirumarai Kala Mandram” celebrated the 50th Anniversary at St Patrick's Cathedral in Jaffna of the priestly ordination of its Director Professor Rev Fr Saveri in which several people from all communities and denominations participated.

Undoubtedly Professor Rev Fr Saveri's academic brilliance, his persuasive eloquence, his missionary spirit, his bubbling enthusiasm for the promotion of peace among all communities are remarkable.

As such, on his 73rd Birthday let us invoke the blessings of the almighty to grant him abundantly good health, strength, peace of mind to continue with his remarkable religious and cultural activities.

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

Season for love, hope, forgiveness and giving

Ken de Joodt

Come December - and it ushers in the beginning of a “Special Season” - with a “Splendid Reason”. Most Christians the world over, feel a ‘spring’ in the air and celebrations begin, bringing out a rare quality of festive jollity. While many are conscious of the season, some are oblivious of the reason and get their priorities mixed-up. It is an established fact that the Reason for the season – is the celebration of the precious Birth of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ - as a Gift of Salvation to the world.

In this season, people look to give off their best in various ways and also look better changes in many good ways. Musicians, Vocalists and Choirs begin to fine-tune their instruments, improve on the clarity of their vocal chords, work in unison with joy to harmonize - to bring out the best blend of traditional Christmas Carols, as well as the more jazzed-up types of modernized music, to celebrate the first coming of the “Prince of Peace” Christ Jesus.

Joy to the World and Go tell it on the Mountain are two sweet samples of the numerous popular Christmas Carols that bring out the happy spirit of celebrating CHRISTmas with Christ in it. It is an emphasis on the Birth of Jesus Christ and what it should really mean to all Christians - Christ in Christmas, with Love, Hope, Forgiveness and Giving.

Before God sent His Son to earth, He illuminated the skies, planting the brightest of stars in the East, which led to the little town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born. As it is stated in the Gospel of Luke 2 (verses 13 & 14), suddenly there appeared angelic messengers praising God and saying “Glory to God in the Highest (Heaven) and on Earth Peace among men, with whom He is well-pleased”.

This was the spectacular display of God's Love and glory for all mankind, revealed through the Coming of Lord Jesus. Nothing of the marvelous shows of today can compare with the resounding announcement God made then, to draw the attention of a watching world to the Coming of His Son!

There is Hope for us all, when Christmas comes around each year, a special time when children draw close to their parents, the smaller, younger ones ‘hope’ for the latest toys or favourite games, while the bigger matured teenagers would ‘hope’ for more love and attention, fashionable clothes and shoes...but the working lot will hope for holidays to ‘get together’, relax and enjoy precious moments with their families and loved ones! It being a season of giving, our thoughts and sentiments go out to our loved ones far and near, to express our love and reconciliation of lost relationships with family and friends. Praise God...for the Hope we have in Jesus at Christmas!

Christmas is the unforgettable message of Love, Hope and Forgiveness, which God has sent to us, to bring joy and peace and goodwill to all in a family, a city or a nation. We are of course, reminded that to build others you must first build yourself - and it begins right inside of you - in your compassionate, kind heart! Your focus on Christ Jesus and your obedience to His never-failing word, found in the Scriptures, will draw you closer to God, bringing greater changes in your life - to your benefit and joy.

To be continued

Advent News

Christmas Service

The United Advent Christmas Service jointly organized by the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and the Catholic National Commission for Ecumenism and Inter Religious Dialogue will be held on Thursday, December 13 at 6pm at the Holy Emmanuel Church, Moratuwa.

Come Lord Jesus, is the Theme of the joint Christmas Service. His Lordship the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell de Silva will preach the homily.

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CBS launch a new website

The New Website of the Ceylon Bible Society (CBS) was launched today (December 10) at 9.30 am at the Bible House Auditorium to mark the 200th anniversary of the CBS. The CBS was inaugurated on August, 1812.

The newly revised 3rd edition of the Holy Bible in Sinhala (year 2006) will be housed in the new website enabling to read the Bible via internet. The event coincides with the Year of Faith and Ceylon Bible Society Translation Committee Chairman Rev. Fr. Henry Silva will introduce the new Sinhala translation of the Bible.

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Bishop Emeritus no more

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Leo Rajaendram Anthony (85) Bishop Emeritus of Trincomalee is no more. He was called to Eternal Rest with the Lord on December 3 and His mortal remains were laid to rest on December 6 at St Mary's Cathedral Trincomalee.

The Late Bishop was born on April 10, 1927 and was ordained a Priest of God on December 7, 1954. He celebrated Golden Jubilee of His priesthood on December 7, 2004 as Bishop of Trincomalee. He was made the Auxiliary Bishop of Jaffna in 1968 and in 1973 he took over the Trincomalee diocese as His Lordship V. Diogupillai took over the Jaffna Diocese with the demise of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmilianuspillai OMI. Then the Lordship went on retirement in 1983 having served the diocese for ten years, following the directives of Vatican that Bishops should go on retirement when they reach 80th year in age or on health grounds.