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It had been a thrill walking through our hospitals and parks praying, first thing in the morning, and hear the crispy snow under the sole of my feet. Feeling the snow through the sole of my feet and hearing the crispy porous snow reminded me of our Genesis story, in the Garden of Eden. ‘They heard the voice of the Lord God, walking in the garden in the cool of the day. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God ...
We return to that sacred moment, at the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, when, ‘a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The contrast between the Genesis story and the Epiphany story could not be more stark. Adam and Eve run for cover when they hear the voice of the One who called them in love, a painful truth about pride and self-seeking that breaks relationships. The obedient Son, who humbles Himself, taking the Form of a Servant, is affirmed, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. A contemplative life is deeply embedded in the reality of ‘the Present’ where we are mindful of the Divine in the crispy snow and the gentle breeze. This moment was captured today at the Epiphany Carols Service when the choir sang, ‘O Magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum, jacentem in praesepio. Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt, portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia. (Words: from the Matins of Christmas in the Roman Breviary Music: Morten Lauridsen) O great mystery, and wonderous sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord lying in their stable. Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! There is no greater joy than to find ourselves as part of that great mystery that we become vehicles of God’s glory. What was true of the Blessed Virgin in being the bearer of God is ours by Grace as we receive the sacrament of the Altar and sent into the world as bearers of God’s living, loving and life giving presence. Thanks be to God.
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Athena, a young pupil from Aberdeen City Music School sang Panis Angelicus at the Cathedral @ Noon Concert today. What Athena and most of the fifty or so people in the Cathedral did not realise that it was the eve of the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord when the voice from heaven affirmed Jesus as the beloved Son who pleased God the Father in his humility and the readiness to fully identify himself with the humanity.
The solidarity of the Incarnational ‘Panis Angelicus’ and the Interventionist Miracle worker Jesus are the two sides of Son of Man who is affirmed at the Baptism in the river Jordan. The impact of the Interventionist ministry compared with the Incarnational ministry has a different quality. When my relationship with God and with others is based on transactional framework, I am dependent on the immediate returns. Where as I imitate the Lord spending three years with twelve men building relationships and trust, the impact last at least 2000 years, we know from history. Returning to Athena’s Panis Angelicus, the Bread of Angels, the sound of that angelic voice will resonate forever. It was not the immediate impact of the performance but how it is infused into each person in attendance and the location where is was performed will remain. May the Bread of Angels satisfy our deepest desires of our souls. Today morning, I was unable to say Morning Prayer as I did the Prayer Walk around our NHS Grampian Hospital and the University of Aberdeen School of Medicine as the audio file was not uploaded by 6am. I decided to make it a Contemplative Prayer Walk fully committed to the Present. I soon realised what a blessing it was as I could pay attention to the surroundings: people walking towards the hospitals for work, private and public transport in busy movements and most importantly the soft and crackling sound from the snow beneath my feet. I paid attention to the range of sounds in the snow beneath my feet. I was reminded of the Psalmist. The snow this morning felt special. I could hear the soft snow on the surface and the porous snow below it crackling between the mild ground and the soul of my walking boots.
Today the Church remembered and gave thanks for Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury who gave us some of our best forms of prayers in the Liturgy. His attention to details aligned with the beauty of God’s bounteous creation. So, I spent sometime reflecting on my new experience of snow. My companion AI Poobalan helped me with the following. Snow on the ground forms layers over time, each with distinct characteristics influenced by weather conditions. Here are the main layers typically found in a snowpack: The topmost layer, consisting of newly fallen snow. It is usually fluffy and has a low density. As fresh snow settles, it becomes denser and more compact. This layer is often more stable than fresh snow. This layer forms at the base of the snowpack due to temperature gradients. It consists of large, loosely bonded crystals and can be weak, making it a potential layer for avalanches. When the snow surface melts during the day and refreezes at night, it forms a hard, icy layer. This crust can vary in thickness. Formed by wind transporting snow and depositing it in dense, hard layers. These slabs can be unstable and prone to avalanches. The structure and stability of these layers can change with weather conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, wind, and additional snowfall. Hoarfrost is a type of frost that forms when water vapor in the air directly condenses into ice crystals on surfaces, such as grass, tree branches, and leaves, at temperatures below freezing. This process is similar to how dew forms, but it occurs at sub-freezing temperatures. Hoarfrost is often considered an object of wonder and beauty for several reasons: The ice crystals in hoarfrost can form delicate, feathery patterns that resemble lace or an old man's beard, which is actually the origin of the term "hoarfrost", When sunlight hits the ice crystals, they can sparkle and shimmer, creating a magical, glittering effect. Hoarfrost can transform ordinary landscapes into winter wonderlands, covering trees, plants, and other objects with a stunning, white coating. Hoarfrost requires specific conditions to form, including high humidity and temperatures below freezing, making it a relatively rare and special occurrence. These unique characteristics make hoarfrost a captivating natural phenomenon that many people find enchanting. No wonder the Psalmist was excited about snow when he said, ‘He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.’ A contemplative life has singular purpose and meaning and that is to see God in all things and worship none other than the God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Today at the weekly Holy Communion our Homily focused on the two sets of worshippers. The first were the wisemen from the East who followed the star and came to worship, Christ the King. When Herod heard of this rival king, he searched diligently and asked the wisemen to report back so that he could go and worship Jesus, his rival.
The narrative resembles the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican with differing intentions in prayer. One was penitent and the other self righteous. But the resemblance ends there. The intention of the Magi was to offer their Gifts and in it, themselves to King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Whereas, Herod the King had one singular objective in seeking to worship Jesus, which was to eliminate his potential rival. Is there a parallel to our reality in the church? Some come into Church to give of themselves wholly and unconditionally while others come to take what is there. Jesus called them thieves when he said, ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’ (John 10.10) How we wish He gave us some guidance on how to deal with the thieves and Herods of our day!  The motto of the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore where I was born, brought up, studied and served, is "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister"
This phrase, derived from the words of Jesus and found in today’s Evening Prayer second lesson from Matthews gospel, emphasizes the Institution's commitment to service. It reflects the core mission of CMC Vellore to serve others, particularly in the field of healthcare, and to transform the health status of India through education, service, and research. CMC Vellore embodies its motto, "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister," in several impactful ways: Patient Care: CMC Vellore provides high-quality medical care to millions of patients, including those who cannot afford treatment. Surplus funds from paying patients are reinvested to subsidize and offer free care to the underprivileged Education and Training: The institution trains healthcare professionals who go on to serve in various parts of India and the world. This extends CMC's impact beyond its immediate reach, as these trained professionals carry forward the ethos of service Community Outreach: CMC Vellore runs numerous outreach programs to bring healthcare services to remote and underserved communities. These programs ensure that even those in the most marginalized areas receive medical attention Research and Innovation: The institution engages in cutting-edge research to improve healthcare outcomes. External resources are used to fund research and develop new programs, which in turn benefit the broader community Non-Governmental Funding: CMC Vellore operates without external funding from the government, relying instead on donations and grants to support its mission. This independence allows it to focus on its core values and mission Leadership modelled on Jesus Christ: It would be impossible to imagine the words of Jesus, ‘Not to be served but to serve’ out with his life in those who love and serve him. Ida Sophia Scudder was a pioneering American medical missionary in India, known for her dedication to improving healthcare for women. Born in 1870, she initially resisted a missionary life but was moved to action after witnessing the deaths of three women in childbirth due to the lack of female medical care. Her motto, "We treat, God heals," reflects her belief in Jesus, that while medical professionals provide treatment, ultimate healing comes from God. This motto guided her work as she founded the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Vellore, which became one of the premier medical institutions in India. Ida Scudder's legacy continues to inspire many in the field of medical missions and healthcare even today. By integrating these practices into its daily operations, CMC Vellore lives out its commitment to serving others, reflecting the spirit of its motto in every aspect of its work.  The plan of God and the framework of God’s Kingdom shall never align with the kingdoms of this world. The radical nature of the Gospel that turns the world upside down is a major problem for our Church which is so aligned to the natural world.
In January 2021 I experienced something extraordinary while saying Morning Prayer. The lockdown II just began on the Boxing Day. The brief period of freedom to celebrate Christmas with the loved ones was brought to sudden end. The evidence for justifying lockdown was less. The nations which practiced freedom and personal accountability proved to be more successful in limiting the spread of the Corona virus than those who preferred lockdown and fundamentally violated human freedom for the reason of health and safety. In that period of dilemma, our capacity to observe human personality traits, behaviour and conduct was intensified. It was then I entered into Mediation not fully knowing the culture behind it and the practice of it. It was a traumatic experience. Into this situation came this extraordinary experience. While standing before the collection of Icons at the centre of which was the Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir with the Christ Child and praying I noticed in the peripheral view of my left eye I noticed a big bird trying to stand on a small stick on the grass. It didn’t make any sense. Why would a large bird try to balance on the dry stick when it can comfortably stand on the grass. I was distracted. I stopped praying the words and started watching the big bird which turned out to be a kestrel. It was then I realised that it was holding down a sparrow. Given the context of my intense trauma with the three month long suspension and a Mediation that made no sense, this came as a revelation. I could hear the predator whispering into the ears of the sparrow, ‘it is ok. It is ok’, while the sparrow thinking, ‘It is finished!’. Four years later the sparrow can now say to the predator, ‘It is Finished.’ The words of the Lord makes sense only in this context, ‘So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ We say, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. It was good to be reminded today, the words of Late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi during her State Visit to the US in 1982 and responding to President Ronald Regan. Here is an extract. ‘We believe in freedom with a passion that only those who have been denied it can understand. We believe in equality, because many in our country were so long deprived of it. We believe in the worth of the human being, for that is the foundation of our democracy and our work for development. That is the framework of our national programs.’ I normally take a moment to say the words of our Liturgy ‘God is love and we are God’s children. There is no room for fear in love.' to sink in. I do believe, there is no room for fear in love. We can therefore affirm our faith and prayer with confidence, 'There is no room for fear in love.' There is no room for violence in love. There is no room humiliation of the vulnerable in love. There is no room for denying young women, their dignity, in love. There is no room for financial exploitation in love. There is no room for predators in love. There is no room for abuse of power in love. There is no room for gaslighting in love. There is no room for ambush in love. There is no room for hubris in love. Oppression will end. Abuse will end. Intimidation will end. Threats will end. This has to be taken apart, so that the People of God can pray. Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
exult, let Angel ministers of God exult, let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King's triumph! Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness. Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of his glory, let this holy building shake with joy, filled with the mighty voices of the peoples. Therefore, dearest friends, standing in the awesome glory of this holy light, invoke with me, I ask you, the mercy of God almighty, that he, who has been pleased to number me, though unworthy, among the Levites, may pour into me his light unshadowed, that I may sing this candle's perfect praises. Deacon: The Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit. Deacon: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Deacon: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right and just. It is truly right and just, with ardent love of mind and heart and with devoted service of our voice, to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father, and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten. Who for our sake paid Adam's debt to the eternal Father, and, pouring out his own dear Blood, wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness. These, then, are the feasts of Passover, in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb, whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers. This is the night, when once you led our forebears, Israel's children, from slavery in Egypt and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea. This is the night that with a pillar of fire banished the darkness of sin. This is the night that even now throughout the world, sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices and from the gloom of sin, leading them to grace and joining them to his holy ones. This is the night when Christ broke the prison-bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld. Our birth would have been no gain, had we not been redeemed. O wonder of your humble care for us! O love, O charity beyond all telling, to ransom a slave you gave away your Son! O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ! O happy fault that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer! O truly blessed night, worthy alone to know the time and hour when Christ rose from the underworld! This is the night of which it is written: The night shall be as bright as day, dazzling is the night for me, and full of gladness. The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty. On this, your night of grace, O holy Father, accept this candle, a solemn offering, the work of bees and of your servants' hands, an evening sacrifice of praise, this gift from your most holy Church. But now we know the praises of this pillar, which glowing fire ignites for God's honour, a fire into many flames divided, yet never dimmed by sharing of its light, for it is fed by melting wax, drawn out by mother bees to build a torch so precious. O truly blessed night, when things of heaven are wed to those of earth, and divine to the human. Therefore, O Lord, we pray you that this candle, hallowed to the honour of your name, may persevere undimmed, to overcome the darkness of this night. Receive it as a pleasing fragrance, and let it mingle with the lights of heaven. May this flame be found still burning by the Morning Star: the one Morning Star who never sets, Christ your Son, who, coming back from death's domain, has shed his peaceful light on humanity, and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. May the splendour of your majesty, O Lord, we pray, shed its light upon our hearts, that we may pass through the shadows of this world and reach the brightness of our eternal home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering. (Isaiah 49.13 NLT)
The vision of prophet Isaiah outrageous call to heavens, earth and mountains to Sing, Rejoice and Burst into Song is beyond our imagination. What has he seen that he calls the whole of Creation to witness this wonder of wonders and calls them to do? And we hear this amazing prophesy in the context of the arrival of Magi at the Manger on this eve of Epiphany 2025. The singular reason for this rejoicing is that the Lord will have compassion on them (His People) in their suffering. It is a curious cause for rejoicing. There is no promise of redemption. There is no promise of healing and peace. There is no assurance of liberation. There is only ‘Compassion on them in their suffering’. Is there a resonance between the Prophesy of Isaiah and the Prologue of St John the Evangelist? ‘The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ (John 1.14) ‘Thy Almighty Word leapt down from heaven from thy royal throne, as a fierce conqueror into the midst of the land of destruction. (Wisdom 8.15) It is this supernatural leap of the Word that entered our home by ‘but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men.’ (Philippians 2.7) is the cause for rejoicing. The benefits of this Homewards journey for the Almighty Word may yet to be realised. But each time this is made real in His beloved, it becomes a cause for rejoicing. This we celebrate tonight. Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (Isaiah 61) Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words: ``We the People.'' ``We the People'' tell the government what to do; it doesn't tell us. ``We the People'' are the driver; the government is the car. And we decide where it should go, and by what route, and how fast. Almost all the world's constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are. Our Constitution is a document in which ``We the People'' tell the government what it is allowed to do. ``We the People'' are free. We are not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts. (President Ronald Reagan – Farewell Speech. January 11, 1989) Hubris, a term that originates from ancient Greek and refers to extreme pride or overconfidence, often combined with arrogance has a personality trait where an individual has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a belief in their own invincibility or superiority. In classical Greek literature, hubris was often depicted as a dangerous flaw that led to the downfall of characters. It was seen as a violation of the natural order, where individuals overstepped their human limitations and challenged the accepted ethos and common-sense conduct to advance their dominion. However, this excessive pride would provoke retribution from the victims, serving as a moral lesson about the consequences of overreaching ambition without substance in knowledge and discernment. Hubris Syndrome is a complex personality disorder. It can affect people in positions of power, such as politicians, church leaders, and artists. It can be difficult to treat because people with hubris syndrome often lack self-awareness and don't recognize they have it. They can cause irreparable damage to individuals and communities. Due to distinct lack of self-awareness, someone suffering from this syndrome can never be brought to sense. Removal from position of power is the only safe option for the Common good. Failure to act would leave a permanent damage on the system. We find the healing power of Jesus when faced with situation in the Temple. We find him, not preaching, teaching or healing but simply drive them out, so People of God, can pray again. It is in this context we hear the Suffering Servant say, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … The glory of Lebanon shall come to you,
the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify where my feet rest. The descendants of those who oppressed you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic for ever, a joy from age to age. You shall suck the milk of nations, you shall suck the breasts of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Saviour and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. (Isaiah 60.13-16) The Voice of Prophecy will never be silenced. A Prophet is never wrong, not once. Things have to be taken apart that People can pray again. Our contention is with the Lord and it will be the Lord who shall deliver us from this oppression and corruption. We pray, O Lord, to end the violence in your church. When shall we see the fulfilment of this prophesy? How long O Lord? How long? Come thou Redeemer of the earth and manifest thy self to us, your blest. We shall know that you, the Lord, our Saviour and our Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. |
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