“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” This is how the well-known prayer of King David starts in Psalm 51. He is confessing and repenting of his sins in this prayer.
Three Players
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” There are three players here.
One, is me. Someone who is a sinner. Someone who is in need of God’s mercy.
Second, there is God. He alone can show mercy.
Three, there is “hesed,” the Hebrew word which is translated variously as unfailing love, steadfast love and lovingkindness. This word cannot be fully translated as it talks about the richness of God’s love which talks about God’s loyalty towards his people even when they have failed. He keeps his side of his promise to love his people and you as an individual. And he is faithful.
2 Unchanging and 1 Changing
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” Again, in this prayer there are 2 that doesn’t change and 1 that changes always. You and I change. But God and his unfailing love (hesed) does not change.
There is no need to guess. You and I know how quickly we keep changing. And we keep falling. Therefore mercy is needed.
There is no need to look at our goodness. It won’t ever measure up to God’s standards of holiness. So we are in need of God’s mercy.
Come to God
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” Yes, come to God with the burden of your sins; the shame of them and feelings of guilt. He is willing to forgive and cleanse you from all your sins. The blood of Jesus on the cross will do that for you. What a joy it is to be forgiven.
If this is your prayer from.a broken heart, God will listen and answer.
Mercy is something none of us deserve or can claim. And only God can show mercy. We cannot earn it in any way.
Only a realization of our sinfulness in God’s sight will move us to pray like this.
If our hearts are hardened like clay in the sun we will turn a deaf ear to the Spirit of God showing us our sins.
But if our hearts are sensitive, it can melt like wax and yield to the Spirit of God’s penetrative light revealing our hidden motives and actions based on pride.
Pray
So let us pray: “Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.”
Like David, let us hold to God’s steadfast love, unfailing love or lovingkindness. It won’t let go of you even when you have sinned and rebelled against God. It won’t let you go even when you have failed.
God’s hesed or unfailing love will give you yet another chance to repent, turn away from evil, be forgiven, and have a brand new beginning in life once again.
David is pinning his hope for forgiveness entirely and fully and completely on God’s hesed towards him. It is God’s mercy alone not our goodness. So let us put our hope entirely on God’s unfailing love. He will show you mercy today and now.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനം (2010 February 14) പ്രാർത്ഥനാപൂർവ്വം കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങളോടൊത്ത് ആചരിക്കാൻ ആലോചിച്ച സമയം. അന്ന് എനിക്ക് ഒരു ആഗ്രഹം തോന്നി. തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെയും ശുശ്രൂഷയിലെയും മികച്ച നിമിഷങ്ങൾ ഫോട്ടോകൾ ചേർത്തുവച്ച ഒരു കോഫി ടേബിൾ ബുക്ക് പുസ്തകമായി (Coffee Table Book) പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിക്കണം. അത് ഇനിയുള്ള തലമുറകൾക്ക് ഒരു പ്രചോദനമാകും എന്ന് വിചാരിച്ചു. പല ദിവസങ്ങളും തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭവനത്തിൽ ചെന്ന്, തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ജീവിതത്തിലെ നിർണായക നിമിഷങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് ചോദിച്ച് മനസ്സിലാക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചു.
അങ്ങനെ ഒരു സംഭാഷണത്തിനിടയിലാണ്, LMS (London Missionary Society | Later name changed to Council for World Mission) ദ്വിശതാബ്ദി “സ്വപ്നം കാണാൻ തുനിയുക” (Dare to Dream) എന്ന ആശയത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി ലണ്ടനിൽ 1995-ൽ ആഘോഷിച്ച അവസരത്തിൽ, ഒരു പ്രത്യേക യോഗത്തിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ മൂന്ന് പേർക്ക് മാത്രമേ അവസരം ലഭിച്ചുള്ളൂ എന്ന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞത്. അതിൽ ഒരാൾ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലെ എലിസബത്ത് രാജ്ഞി. മറ്റൊരാൾ ആഫ്രിക്കൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ് ഡെസ്മണ്ട് ടുട്ടു. പിന്നെ, ഏഷ്യൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
വളരെ ആവേശത്തോടെ ഞാൻ തിരുമേനിയോട് ചോദിച്ചു: “അതിന്റെ ഫോട്ടോ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടോ?” അതിന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞ മറുപടി എന്നെ വല്ലാതെ നിരാശപ്പെടുത്തിക്കളഞ്ഞു: “എടാ, ഫോട്ടോ എടുക്കണം എന്ന് ചിന്തിച്ചുകൊണ്ടല്ലലോ നമ്മൾ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ അങ്ങോട്ട് പോകുന്നത്.”
ഒരു ഫോട്ടോ പോലും തന്റെ മഹിമ കാണിക്കുന്നതിന് വേണ്ടി സൂക്ഷിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിക്കാത്ത ഒരു മനുഷ്യൻ. അതാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എന്നാണ് യേശുവിൽ മറഞ്ഞ മോസ്റ്റ് റവ. ഡോ. ഐ. യേശുദാസൻ ബിഷപ്പിനെ ഏവരും സ്നേഹത്തോടെ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്. അഖിലലോക സഭാ കൗൺസിലിന്റെ (WCC) കേന്ദ്ര കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗമായും (1983–1991), ആദ്യം ഡെപ്യൂട്ടി മോഡറേറ്റർ (1980-’81), പിന്നീട് തുടർച്ചയായി മൂന്ന് കാലയളവുകൾക്ക് (1982-’88) ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ (ചർച്ച് ഓഫ് സൗത്ത് ഇന്ത്യയുടെ) (Church of South India) മോഡറേറ്ററായും, 17 വർഷം ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയുടെ മൂന്നാമത്തെ ബിഷപ്പായും സേവനം അനിഷ്ഠിച്ചു (1973 to 1990). ആ കാലഘട്ടം മഹായിടവകയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ സുവർണ കാലഘട്ടമായി അറിയപ്പെടുന്നു. ആത്മീകവും ഭൗതീകവും സാമൂഹികവുമായ സമഗ്ര വളർച്ചയുടെ കാലഘട്ടമായിരുന്നു അത്. തന്റെ ശുശ്രൂഷയിൽ ഉജ്ജ്വലവും ഉത്‌കൃഷ്ടമായ നേതൃത്വം കാഴ്ചവെച്ച വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
നൂറാം ജന്മദിനം | 14 February 2025
Bejoy Peter delivering sermon on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan at St. Luke CSI Church
ബിഷപ്പ് അങ്കിൾ എന്നു ഞാൻ സ്നേഹപൂർവം വിളിച്ചിരുന്ന യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാനിരതമായ ജീവിതത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നൂറാം ജൻമദിനവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട ആരാധനയിൽ (ഫെബ്രുവരി 16 ഞാറായഴ്ച 2025) CSI St. Luke സഭയിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ എനിക്കു അവസരം ലഭിച്ചതു ദൈവകൃപയുടെ ധാരാളമായ അനുഗ്രഹമായി ഞാൻ കരുതുന്നു. തിരുവനന്തപുരം ജില്ലയിൽ അമരവിള എന്ന ഗ്രാമത്തിൽ കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബം സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന പ്രദേശത്തു തന്റെ പൈതൃകമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് St. Luke സഭയായി മാറ്റപെടുന്നതിനു അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ അവസാനത്തെ ആഗ്രഹം എന്ന നിലക്ക് മഹായിടവകക്ക് കൈമാറുകയായിരുന്നു.
ദാസ്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Servant Leadership
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ തന്റെ പേര് അന്വർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന വിധത്തിൽ സ്വയം യേശുവിന്റെ ദാസനായി കരുതിയിരുന്നു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിനായി ഞങ്ങൾ മൂഢന്മാരാകുന്നു” (“We are fools for Christ” | 1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 4:10) എന്ന വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകളിൽ നിന്നാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ധൈര്യം കണ്ടെത്തിയത്. തനിക്കായി ഒന്നും നേടുവാനോ കീർത്തി സമ്പാദിക്കുവാനോ അദ്ദേഹം ഒട്ടും താത്പര്യം കാണിച്ചിരുന്നില്ല. ബഹുമാനവും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരിക്കലും അന്വേഷിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. എന്നാൽ ഈ സാധാരണ മനുഷ്യനെ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിനയശീലനായ ദാസനെ, ദൈവം അതിശയകരമായ രീതിയിൽ ഉയർത്തി. സ്ഥാനമാനങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തേടിയെത്തുകയായിരുന്നു.
സഭാ നേതൃത്വത്തിലും, എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ പ്രസ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ അമരത്തും, പൊതുസമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മദ്ധ്യേയും അദ്ദേഹം കൈവരിച്ച അത്യപൂർവ്വ നേട്ടങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് നമ്മൾ എത്ര മഹത്വമായി കരുതുന്നു എങ്കിലും, തന്റെ കല്ലറക്കൽ ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ സുവിശേഷത്തിൽ നിന്നുള്ള ഒരു വാക്യം (Luke 17:10) എഴുതണമെന്നായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ആഗ്രഹം. അതോടൊപ്പം “കർത്താവിന്റെ അയോഗ്യ ദാസൻ, നിന്റെ സ്നേഹമുള്ള കൈകളിൽ വീഴുന്നു,” എന്ന വരിയും.
Bishop Jesudasan’s tombstone in M. M. Church Cemetry, LMS Compoiund, Thiruvananthapuram.
ജനാധിപത്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Democratic Leadership
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ബിഷപ്പായിരുന്ന കാലത്ത്, ചർച്ചയിലുള്ള വിഷയം സംബന്ധിച്ച് അഭിപ്രായമറിയിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ച എല്ലാവർക്കും അതിനു അവസരം നൽകിയിരുന്നു. അജണ്ടയിലുള്ള വിഷയങ്ങൾ നന്നായി പഠിച്ചു, നല്ല തയ്യാറെടുപ്പോടെ മാത്രമേ അദ്ദേഹം മീറ്റിംഗുകളിൽ പങ്കെടുക്കുമായിരുന്നുള്ളു. വ്യത്യസ്തമായ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടുകൾ പങ്കുവെച്ചവരെ ശ്രദ്ധാപൂർവം കേൾക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.
എല്ലാവരും അവരുടെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങൾ പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ച ശേഷം മാത്രമേ തിരുമേനി സംസാരിക്കാറുള്ളു. ആ സമയത്ത് ആരെങ്കിലും ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചാൽ, അദ്ദേഹം ഉറച്ച നിലപാടോടെ, നിർണായകമായ അധികാരത്തോടെ, “ഇപ്പോൾ ബിഷപ്പ് സംസാരിക്കുന്നു” എന്ന് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുമായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചവർ “Now the Bishop is speaking,” എന്ന വാക്കു കേൾക്കുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ യഥാർത്ഥ നേതൃത്വത്തെ തിരിച്ചറിയുകയും ശാന്തരാകുകയും ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.
കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത് | അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ
അദ്ദേഹം CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ ആയിരുന്ന അവസരത്തിൽ സിനോഡിൽ (Synod) ബിഷപ്പുമാർക്ക് വിരമിക്കേണ്ടതില്ല എന്ന വാദം ചിലർ അതിശക്തതമായി ഉന്നയിച്ചു. മറ്റു സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങൾക്കു ഉള്ളതു പോലെ നമുക്കും ബിഷപ്പ്മാർ മരണം വരെ അധികാരത്തിൽ തുടരണം. അതു ബിഷപ്പ് എന്ന പദവിക്കു സ്ഥായിയായ (permanent) സ്വഭാവം കൊണ്ടുവരും എന്ന് ശബ്‍ദയാനമായ സംവാദം നടന്നു. ഈ ചർച്ചക്ക് അവസാനം കുറിച്ചത് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി നൽകിയ ചരിത്രപരമായ മറുപടിയാണ്.
ദൃഢതയോടും ഉൾകാഴ്ച്ചയോടുമുള്ള യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത് എന്നു പറയാൻ സാധിക്കുന്ന അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക:
“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”
ഈ വാക്കുകളാണ് ബിഷപ്പുമാർ 65 ആം വയസ്സിൽ വിരമിക്കണം എന്ന ചരിത്ര തീരുമാനം എടുക്കുന്നതിൽ നിർണായകമായത്. പുതിയ തലമുറക്ക് നമ്മൾ മാറി കൊടുക്കണം എന്നും അവർക്കു മാത്രമേ കാലം ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്ന വേഗത്തിൽ തീരുമാനങ്ങൾ എടുത്തു മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുവാൻ കഴിയു എന്നാണ് തിരുമേനി ഇതേ പറ്റി പിന്നീട് ഒരു സ്വകാര്യ സംഭാഷണത്തിൽ പറഞ്ഞത്.
പ്രൊഫഷണൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Professional Leadership
തിരുമേനി അദ്ധ്യക്ഷനായ യോഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രൊഫഷണലിസത്തിന്റെ ചിന്തയും ലക്ഷ്യബോധവും അദ്ദേഹം കൊണ്ടുവന്നിരുന്നു. ഒരിക്കലും സമയം കളയാതെയും, എല്ലായ്പ്പോഴും കൃത്യസമയത്തെത്തിയും, യോഗങ്ങളെ ബിസിനസ് രീതിയിൽ നടപ്പാക്കിക്കൊണ്ട് അതിൽ അച്ചടക്കവും ക്രമവും കൊണ്ടുവരികയും ചെയ്തു. തിരുമേനിയുടെ മരണ ശേഷം, അന്നത്തെ CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഓരോ യോഗത്തിലും കൊണ്ടുവന്ന ദൈവസാന്നിദ്ധ്യത്തെ” കുറിച്ച് പരാമർശിച്ചിരുന്നു.
തിരുമേനി ഓരോ ദിവസവും പുലർച്ചെയുളള സമയം ദൈവവചനം വായിക്കുന്നതിനും ധ്യാനിക്കുന്നതിനും ചിലവഴിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഈ സമയത്തു പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലൂടെ ദൈവസാനിധ്യം ആഴത്തിൽ അനുഭവിച്ചിരുന്നതാണ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ഈ വിധത്തിലുള്ള ദൈവഭക്തിയുള്ള നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്ക് നയിച്ചത്. തിരുമേനിയുടെ സ്വകാര്യ ദൈവാനുഭവം, പൊതുജീവിതത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനു പ്രൊഫഷണൽ ആയ മുന്നേറ്റം നൽകി.
സമൂഹ നേത്യത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Community Leadership
ദൈവം തന്നെ ഇടയപരിപാലനത്തിനു ഏല്പിച്ച ജനങ്ങൾ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും ദരിദ്രരും തളർന്നവരും പാർശ്വവത്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടവരുമാണെന്നു ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനു അറിയാമായിരുന്നു . അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം എപ്പോഴും അവരുടെ കൂടെയായിരുന്നു. കേരളത്തിലെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതാക്കളും, അവരുടെ വ്യത്യസ്ത പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രങ്ങൾക്കപ്പുറമായി , തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഹൃദയം ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കാനാണ് തുടിക്കുന്നതെന്ന് അറിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു കുഞ്ഞാടുപോലെ സൌമ്യനും താൻ സേവിക്കുന്ന ജനങ്ങളിൽ ഏറ്റവും എളിയവന്ന് എപ്പോഴും സമീപിക്കാവുന്ന വ്യക്തിയുമായിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കുന്നതിനു ശബ്ദം ഉയർത്തുന്നതിലും സഭയിലെ എല്ലാ അഴിമതികളേയും വിമർശിക്കുന്നതിലും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു സിംഹം പോലെ നിലകൊണ്ടു.
എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership
യേശു തന്റെ ശിഷ്യന്മാർ സ്നേഹത്തിൽ ഒന്നാകണമെന്ന്, “അവർ എല്ലാവരും ഒന്നാകേണ്ടതിന്നു” പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചു, (യോഹന്നാൻ 17:21). ഇത് ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ മുദ്രാവാക്യവുമാണ് (Motto). ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ ഈ പ്രാർത്ഥന യാഥാർത്ഥ്യമാക്കാനും പ്രകടമായതാക്കാനും വിവിധ സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളെ ഒന്നിച്ചുകൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിലൂടെ എപ്പോഴും ശ്രമിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരുന്നു. ദൈവജനത്തിനിടയിൽ ഈ ഐക്യം സാധ്യമാക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം എപ്പോഴും ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവിൽ ആശ്രയിച്ചിരുന്നു. “ദൈവരാജ്യം ഭക്ഷണവും പാനീയവുമല്ല, നീതിയും സമാധാനവും പരിശുദ്ധാത്മാവിൽ സന്തോഷവും അത്രേ (റോമർ 14:17) ” എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം ശക്തമായി സമർത്ഥിച്ചു.
ഈ ഐക്യം വിശ്വാസികളുടെ തലത്തിൽ സാക്ഷാത്കരിക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിച്ചു. ഇന്നും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ ദർശനവും ദീർഘവീക്ഷണവും വളരെ ആദരവോടെ കരുതപ്പെടുന്നു. മറ്റ് സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ തലവന്മാരുമായി അദ്ദേഹം ഉഷ്മളവും ഹൃദ്യവുമായ ബന്ധം പാലിച്ചു. മറ്റ് മതസ്ഥരും സംഘടിപ്പിച്ച യോഗങ്ങളിലേക്കും അദ്ദേഹം ക്ഷണിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു.
ആത്മീയ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Spiritual Leadership
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ കരുണയുള്ള ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു. ഹൃദയം തകർന്നവരോടൊപ്പം കരയുവാൻ മടി കാണിക്കാത്ത ഒരു വ്യക്തി. വേദനയുടെയും കഷ്ടതയുടെയും സമയങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ദൈവദൂതനെ പോലെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഭവനങ്ങളിൽ സന്ദർശിച്ചതായി അനേകർ പറഞ്ഞു ഞാൻ കേട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തോടുള്ള ഒരു ആത്മീയ ബന്ധത്തിന്റെയും പരിചയത്തിന്റെയും സ്വരത്തിലായിരുന്ന. ലളിതവും ശിശുസദൃശവുമായ വാക്കുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ദൈവത്തെ ഭയഭക്തിബഹുമാനത്തോടെ “നീ” എന്നു പറഞു സംബോധന ചെയ്തിരുന്നു .
വ്യക്തതികൾക്കും വ്യക്തിഗത ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും കുടുംബങ്ങൾ, സഭകൾ എന്നിവയുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും വേണ്ടി ദൈവത്തോട് പക്ഷവാദം ചെയ്യുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ വിശ്വസ്തമായ ശീലമായിരുന്നു. വെള്ളിയാഴ്ചകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉപവാസം ആചരിച്ചിരുന്നു. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളുടെയും കണ്ണീരുകളുടെയും ഫലമായി പലരും അനുഗൃഹീതരായി.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്തുതികളെ പ്രതിധ്വനിപ്പിച്ചു. പ്രതിസന്ധികളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം അക്ഷോഭ്യനായി നിലകൊണ്ട്, “യേശുവിന് സ്തോത്രം” എന്നും “പറഞ്ഞുതീരാത്ത ദാനം (യേശു) നിമിത്തം ദൈവത്തിന് സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 9:15) എന്നും പറയുമായിരുന്നു. “ദൈവം കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിൽ യേശുവിലൂടെ പ്രകാശിപ്പിച്ച സ്നേഹം…” എന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളിൽ പല അവസരങ്ങളിലും മുഴങ്ങി കേട്ടിരുന്ന വാക്കുകളായിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പുസ്തകങ്ങളും ലേഖനങ്ങളും രചിച്ചു, അതിലൂടെ തിരുവെഴുത്തുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനുള്ള ആഴമുള്ള ജ്ഞാനം മറ്റുള്ളവർക്ക് പകർന്നു കൊടുക്കുവാൻ സാധിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ജനം ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശ്യങ്ങളുമായി യോജിച്ചുനിൽക്കുമ്പോൾ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവ് വ്യക്തികളെയും കുടുംബങ്ങളെയും മാത്രമല്ല, മുഴുവൻ സമൂഹങ്ങളെയും പരിവർത്തനം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.
ഒരു അനുഭവകഥ
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള എന്റെ കുട്ടികാലത്തെ ദീപ്‌തമായ ഒരു ഓർമ പങ്കിടട്ടെ. ഒരു ദിവസം മുതിർന്നവർ സ്ത്രീകൾ കുട്ടികൾ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഏതാണ്ട് 20 പേർ ഒരു വാഹനത്തിൽ തിരുമേനിയെ കാണുവാൻ LMS കോമ്പൗണ്ടിൽ സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന Bishop’s Houseലേക്ക് വന്നു. ഏതോ പാവപ്പെട്ട ഗ്രാമീണ മേഖലയിലുള്ള സഭയിൽ നിന്നുള്ളവരാണെന്നു കാഴ്ച്ചയിൽ എനിക്കു തോന്നി. അവരുടെ ആഗമനോദ്ദേശ്യം തിരുമേനിയോട് സംസാരിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞ നേരത്ത്, തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഉള്ളിലെ ഒരു ചെറിയ മുറിയിലേക്കു ക്ഷണിച്ചു.
ഞാനും അവരുടെ കൂടെ ചെന്നു. അപ്പോൾ ഒരു കർട്ടൻ മാറ്റി തിരുമേനി ആ മുറിയുടെ ഉൾവശം കാണിച്ചു അവരോടു പറഞ്ഞതു: “ഇതു എന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാ മുറി” എന്നാണ്. അവിടെ ഞാൻ നോക്കുമ്പോൾ ഒരു മേശ ഒരു കസേര ഒരു ബൈബിൾ ഒരു പായ് എന്നിവ മാത്രമേ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നുള്ളു.
എന്തു കൊണ്ടന്നെന്ന് എനിക്കറിയില്ല ഈ ഒരു നിമിഷം നാൽപതു വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു ശേഷവും ഇന്നും മനസ്സിൽ മായാതെ നിൽക്കുന്നു. തന്റെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ഉന്നതികളെ കുറിച്ചൊന്നും വാചാലനാവാതെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി പ്രാർത്ഥനയെ ഉയർത്തിക്കാട്ടിയത് എത്ര മഹത്തരമാണെന്ന് ആ നിമിഷത്തിലേക്കു തിരിഞ്ഞു നോക്കുമ്പോൾ എനിക്കു മനസ്സിലാവുന്നു.
ക്രൂശു-കേന്ദ്രീകൃത ദൈവശാസ്ത്ര നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership
യേശുവിന്റെ രക്തത്താൽ ദൈവം ഒരു പുതിയതും ജീവനുള്ളതുമായ വഴി നമുക്കായി തുറന്നിരിക്കുന്നു, അതിലൂടെ നമുക്ക് ദൈവത്തെ സമീപിക്കാനും (എബ്രായർ 10:19, 20) പാപമോചനം പ്രാപിക്കാനും ദൈവത്തിനും മനുഷ്യർക്കും ഇടയിൽ നിരപ്പ് പ്രാപിക്കാനും കഴിയും എന്ന് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഉറച്ചിരുന്നു. യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിലൂടെയും അവിടെ പ്രകടമാകുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്നേഹത്തിലൂടെയും എല്ലാ തിന്മയെയും ജയിക്കാനാകുമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വചനമായ യേശു ജഡം ധരിച്ചു മനുഷ്യനായി നമ്മിലൊരുവനായി; അവനിലൂടെ ദൈവം നമ്മോട് അടുത്തുവന്ന വിധത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും അദ്ദേഹം ഉത്സാഹത്തോടെ സംസാരിച്ചിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദൈവശാസ്ത്രം ക്രൂശിനെ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചതും ജനങ്ങളെ മുൻനിറുത്തിയുള്ളതുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരുവശത്ത് ദൈവത്തിൽ മഹത്തായ വിശ്വാസം കാണിക്കാനും മറുവശത്ത് സഹാനുഭൂതിയും സ്നേഹവും നിറഞ്ഞ ഹൃദയത്തോടെ തന്നെ ഭരമേല്പിച്ച ജനത്തോട് അടുക്കാനും ഈ ദർശനം ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനെ സഹായിച്ചു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിൽ ഞങ്ങളെ എപ്പോഴും ജയോത്സവമായി നടത്തുകയും എല്ലാടത്തും ഞങ്ങളെക്കൊണ്ടു തന്റെ പരിജ്ഞാനത്തിന്റെ വാസന വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്നു സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 2:14) എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.
നേതൃത്വത്തിന്റെ സ്വരത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in The Voice of Leadership
ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കൃപ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ മുഖത്തെ പ്രകാശിതമാക്കിയിരുന്നു. ഒരു പ്രഭാഷകൻ എന്ന നിലയിൽ, ആ പദത്തിന് സാധാരണയായി അർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന രീതിയിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് കരിസ്മ (charisma) ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല. എന്നിട്ടും, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ അവയുടെ ആഴം, ചിന്തയുടെ വ്യക്തത, ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കിയുള്ളത് എന്നിവയ്ക്ക് ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. 1983-ൽ കാനഡയിലെ വാങ്കൂവറിൽ നടത്തിയ “ദി ഫീസ്റ്റ് ഓഫ് ലൈഫ്” (The Feast of Life) എന്ന പ്രസിദ്ധമായ പ്രസംഗത്തിന്റെ വിശകലനം കാണുക.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് സ്വാർത്ഥ താല്പര്യങ്ങളൊന്നും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല, സ്വന്തമായി ഒന്നും സമ്പാദിച്ചു കൂട്ടിയതുമില്ല. താൻ നേതൃത്വം നൽകിയ ജനങ്ങളുടെ പൊതുനന്മ മാത്രമായിരുന്നു ലക്ഷ്യം. അതിനാൽ സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതൃത്വം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങളെ ബഹുമാനത്തോടെ കേട്ടിരുന്നു.
ടീം ബിൽഡിങ്ങിലെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Team Building
ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന രീതിയായിരുന്നില്ല ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ അനുവർത്തിച്ചിരുന്നത്. സഭാനേതൃത്വം നല്ല സംസ്കാരം ജീവിച്ചുകാണിക്കുമ്പോൾ മാത്രമേ അത് പഠിപ്പിക്കാൻ കഴിയൂ എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം മനസ്സിലാക്കി.
അതുകൊണ്ട്, സത്യസന്ധതയുള്ളവരെയും അവരുടെ സ്വന്തം മേഖലകളിൽ മികവ് പുലർത്തിയവരെയും അദ്ദേഹം തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത്, സഭാ ഭരണത്തിലും പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിലും പ്രധാന പങ്കുവഹിക്കാൻ അവരെ കൊണ്ടുവന്നു. ഈ ടീം വർക്ക് ആയിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജനനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ വിജയത്തിന് നിർണായകമായത്. എല്ലാവരുടെയും സംഭാവനകളെക്കുറിച്ച് അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ബോധവാനായിരുന്നു. വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധങ്ങൾ പാലിക്കുന്നതിനും മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ നേട്ടങ്ങളിൽ സന്തോഷിക്കുന്നതിനും അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ശ്രദ്ധാലുവായിരുന്നു. പുഞ്ചിരിയും പ്രശംസാ വാക്കുകളുമായി അദ്ദേഹം എല്ലാവരെയും പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ചു.
നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പടിയിറങ്ങുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ വിടവാങ്ങൽ പ്രസംഗത്തിനായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത ദൈവവചനം , ടീം വർക്കിനെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തത്വചിന്തയെ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുന്നു: “ഞാൻ നട്ടു, അപ്പൊല്ലോസ് നനെച്ചു, ദൈവമത്രേ വളരുമാറാക്കിയതു.” (1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 3:7 വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകൾ).
ആത്മപരിശോധന മാതൃകയാക്കുന്ന നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസന്റെ പെരുമാറ്റ ശൈലി ഉന്നതമായതും മാന്യവുമായിരുന്നു. താൻ എത്തിച്ചേർന്ന ശ്രേഷ്ഠമായ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ ഔന്നത്യവും മഹത്ത്വവും യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ എല്ലാവരുടെയും മുന്നിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉയർത്തിപ്പിടിച്ചു.. സി.എസ്.ഐ. മോഡറേറ്ററുടെ പദവിയെ അദ്ദേഹം സത്യസന്ധതയോടും പരാമർത്ഥഹൃദയത്തോടും ദൈവിക നേതൃത്വവും ഉള്ള ഒരു ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥാനമാക്കി മാറ്റിയതിൽ ഇത് വ്യക്തമായി കാണാമായിരുന്നു. ദൈവം ഉയർത്തുന്നതനുസരിച്ചു ദൈവത്തിന്റെ മുമ്പിൽ അദ്ദേഹം താഴ്മയോടെ നിന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഒരു മറക്കാനാവാത്ത ശീലം എന്നത്, എല്ലാ വർഷവും ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 5-ന്, അദ്ദേഹം ബിഷപ്പായി അഭിഷിക്തനായ ദിവസം, എല്ലാ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും വിശ്രമിച്ച് പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലും ആത്മപരിശോധനയിലും ദിവസം മുഴുവൻ ചെലവഴിക്കുക എന്നതായിരുന്നു. ആ ദിവസം തന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായി നിൽക്കുന്നുണ്ടോ എന്ന് പരിശോധിക്കുകയും ആലോചിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.
ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനക്കു അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശാണ് മാനദണ്ഡമാക്കിയത്. “സമൂഹത്തിൽ ഏറ്റവും നല്ലവരെന്ന് ആദരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നവരും തങ്ങൾ എന്തുമാത്രം പാപികളാന്നെന്ന് മനസ്സിലാക്കണമെങ്കിൽ യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് സ്വയം പരിശോധിക്കണം.” [യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശുമരണവും തിരുസഭയും ഒരു വിഹഗ വീക്ഷണം” എന്ന തലകെട്ടിൽ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എഴുതിയ പ്രബന്ധത്തിൽ നിന്നു എടുത്തത്. ക്രൈസ്തവ ദീപിക ജൂലൈ 2010].
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ശ്രേഷ്ഠത എന്നത്, മറ്റുള്ളവരോട് പ്രസംഗിക്കുന്നതിന് മുമ്പ്, യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് ആത്മപരിശോധന നടത്താൻ അദ്ദേഹം തയ്യാറായി എന്നതാണ്.
യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ
എന്ന പാട്ടുപുസ്തകത്തിലെ തനിക്കു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട 282-ആം ഗാനം തന്റെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനത്തിൽ ഗായകസംഘം പാടണം എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം നിർബന്ധമായി ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടതു ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനയുടെ തുടർച്ചയാണെന്നു നമുക്ക് മനസ്സിലാക്കാം.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വ പൈതൃകത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in His Leadership Legacy
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ ഇന്നും ജനങ്ങൾ വലിയ ആദരവോടെ ഓർക്കുന്നു. താൻ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഇരുന്ന കാലത്തിലെ മഹാന്മാരോടൊപ്പം അദ്ദേഹം ധീഷണാശാലിയായി നടന്നിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ഒടുവിലത്തെ വർഷങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ചെറിയ വീട്ടിൽ (Bishop’s Cottage ) വസിച്ച് താഴ്മ പുലർത്തിയ ഒരു ജീവിതമായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റേത്. ഇന്നും നമുക്ക് ഒരു മാതൃകയായി കാണാനും പിന്തുടരാനും കഴിയുന്ന ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്.
അദ്ദേഹം ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ അവസാനം വരെ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായിരുന്നു, ഓഫീസിൽ നിന്ന് വിരമിച്ച ശേഷവും കർമനിരതനായി ജനസേവനം തുടർന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ ജീവിതം മുഴുവൻ യേശുവിന്റെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് നോക്കി, ആ നോട്ടം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ മാറ്റി മറിച്ചു—അന്ധകാരത്തിലും ദാരിദ്ര്യത്തിലും മറഞ്ഞിരുന്ന ഒരു കൽക്കരികട്ടിയിൽ നിന്നും ശാശ്വതമായ തിളക്കവും പ്രകാശവും ഉള്ള ഒരു വജ്രമായി അദ്ദേഹത്തെ മാറ്റിയത് യേശുവിലേക്കുള്ള നിരന്തരമായ നോട്ടമായിരുന്നു. അനേകരുടെ വാക്കുകളിൽ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഒരു വിശുദ്ധനായിരുന്നു, കൂടാതെ തന്റെ ഭൗമിക ജീവിതത്തിൽ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിനെ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിച്ചു.”
Bishop’s Cottage where Bishop Jesudasan lived after his retirement.
അനുബന്ധം
P. Christudas
1800 കളിൽ എപ്പോഴോ മിഷനറിമാരുടെ പ്രവർത്തന ഫലമായി യേശുവിനെ അറിഞ്ഞ നല്ല കായികാഭ്യാസിയായിരുന്ന സുബ്രമണ്യം. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ മൂത്ത മകൻ ജോഷ്വ. ദൈവത്തിൽ തീക്ഷണമായ വിശ്വാസം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന, നല്ല പ്രാർത്ഥന ശീലമുണ്ടായിരുന്ന ജോഷ്വ എന്ന കരുത്തനായ മനുഷ്യന്റെ 9 ആൺ മക്കളിൽ മൂത്ത മകനായ Rev. J. Isaiah യുടെ മകനായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി. എന്റെ പിതാവ് പി. ക്രിസ്തുദാസ് രണ്ടാമത്തെ മകനായ പത്രോസിന്റെ മകനാണ്. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയും കൊച്ചു ദാസ് എന്ന് കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബാഗങ്ങളുടെ ഇടയിലും അമരവിള സഭയിലും അറിയപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന എന്റെ പിതാവും തമ്മിൽ ഗാഢമായ സഹോദര ബന്ധം നിലനിന്നിരുന്നു. പലയിടത്തായി ജീവിതമാർഗങ്ങൾ തേടി പോയ കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ തമ്മിൽ സ്നേഹ ബന്ധം നിലനിറുത്തുന്ന കണ്ണിയായിരുന്നു എന്റെ ഡാഡി.
1962 ൽ അമരവിള സഭയിൽ മഹായിടവകക്കു ആകെ മാതൃകയായി ആദ്യമായി Poor Fund (സാധു സംരക്ഷണ നിധി) നടപ്പാകുന്നതിൽ ഒരു സുപ്രധന പങ്ക് വഹിക്കാൻ എന്റെ പിതാവിനു ദൈവം കൃപ ചെയ്തു. മഹായിടവകയുടെ നന്മയും വികസനവും മുൻനിറുത്തി പലരേയും നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്കു കൊണ്ടു വരുവാൻ നിർണായകമായ റോൾ വഹിക്കുകയും അതിനായുള്ള ചർച്ചകളുടെ നാഡീകേന്ദ്രമായി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത എന്റെ പിതാവിനെ Kingmaker എന്നാണ് മഹായിടവകയുടെ ആദ്യ സെക്രെട്ടറിയും പ്രഗത്ഭ പട്ടക്കാരിൽ ഒരാളായിരുന്ന Very Rev. Philip David അച്ചൻ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്.
ഞങ്ങളുടെ പൂർവപിതാക്കന്മാർ കായികാഭ്യാസികളും മർമ്മചികിത്സാവിദഗ്ധരും സിദ്ധവൈദ്യത്തിൽ നൈപുണ്യം ഉള്ളവരുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരു കാലത്തു അവരുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തോടൊപ്പമുള്ള ചികിത്സാശുശ്രൂഷയുടെ ഓർമ നിലനിറുത്തി കൊണ്ടാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി തനിക്കു പരമ്പരാഗതമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് യേശു ശിഷ്യനും വൈദ്യനുമായിരുന്ന ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ നാമധേയത്തിൽ ഒരു ദൈവാലയമായി മാറ്റണം എന്ന് തീരുമാനിച്ചത്‌.
It was the time we had planned to prayerfully celebrate the 85th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan (February 14, 2010) with family members. I then had a desire to publish a Coffee Table Book that would compile photographs capturing the most significant and finest moments of the Bishop’s life and ministry. I thought it would serve as an inspiration for future generations.
For several days, I visited him at his home, trying to understand and document the defining moments of his official life.
During one such conversation, Bishop Jesudasan mentioned that during the LMS (London Missionary Society | Later renamed the Council for World Mission) bicentenary celebration in London in 1995, around the theme “Dare to Dream,” only three people were given the opportunity to speak at a special gathering. during the event. One of them was Queen Elizabeth of England. Another was Bishop Desmond Tutu, representing the African continent. And the third was Bishop Jesudasan, representing the Asian continent.
With great enthusiasm I asked my Uncle, “Do you have a photograph of that moment?”
His response deeply disappointed me: “Hey, we don’t go there to speak while thinking about taking photos!”
A man who never sought to preserve even a single photograph to showcase his own greatness—that was Bishop Jesudasan!
Bishop Jesudasan
Bishop Jesudasan. That was how people lovingly called the late Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesudasan, who exhibited excellence in leadership in his ministry during his tenure as member of the Central Committee of World Council of Churches (WCC) (1983-1991), as Deputy Moderator (1980-’81) and then Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) for three consecutive terms (1982 to 1988), and as the 3rd Bishop of South Kerala Diocese for 17 years regarded as the golden period in its history (1973 to 1990).
It was a period of holistic growth—spiritual, material, and social—for the diocese. Bishop Jesudasan, who exhibited brilliant and exceptional leadership in his ministry, led this growth from the front.”
Bejoy Peter delivering sermon on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan
The sermon I had the joy, honour, and privilege of delivering on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan, my Uncle, at the St. Luke’s CSI Church, Kariyilthottam, Amaravila, a village in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 16th February 2025, focused on the prayer life of Bishop Jesudasan. This church stands where his ancestral home had been and as his last wish it was deeded to the diocese to. build a church.
Excellence in Servant Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan considered himself a servant of Jesus. That is what is name means in his native tongue Malayalam. He found courage in the words of St. Paul, “We are fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). He showed no interest whatsoever in gaining anything for himself or acquiring fame. He never sought honour for himself. But God exalted this ordinary man, a humble servant of God, in extraordinary ways. Positions and honours sought him out.
Yet in spite of all that we consider his phenomenal achievements in church leadership, ecumenical and social standing; he asked that his tombstone bear the words from the Gospel of Luke (17:10). And also inscribe the words “An unworthy servant of the Lord, falls into they loving hands” along with it.
Bishop Jesudasan’s tombstone in M. M. Church Cemetry, LMS Compoiund, Thiruvananthapuram.
Excellence in Democratic Leadership
During his tenure as Bishop, he always gave space to everyone who had something to say, allowing them to share their opinions on the topic under discussion. He came to meetings well-prepared on the agenda items and listened attentively to those who held opposing views.
After everyone had their say, he would finally rise to speak. If someone attempted to interrupt him at that moment, he remained firm and, with decisive authority, declared, “Now the Bishop is speaking.” Those who tried to heckle him would then recognize his true leadership and settle down.
The Writing on the Wall of Time | Fiery Words
When he was the Moderator of the CSI (Church of South India), during a Synod (the highest decision-making body) meeting, some strongly argued that bishops should not retire. They reasoned that, like in other church denominations, CSI bishops should remain in office until death, as this would bring a sense of permanence to the role of a bishop. A heated, intense vocal debate ensued. What brought this debate to a decisive conclusion was the historic response given by Bishop Jesudasan.
Bishop Jesudasan. with his firmness and insight, spoke words that can be called the “writing on the wall of time”—fiery words worth noting:
“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”
Later, in a private conversation, Bishop Jesudasan reflected on this decision, saying, “We must step aside for the new generation. Only they can move forward at the pace that the times demand.”
Excellence in Professional Leadership
He brought a sense of professionalism and a sense of purpose to the meetings he chaired. He never wasted time, was always punctual, and brought discipline to the meetings by conducting them in a business like fashion. After his demise, the then Moderator of the CSI remarked about “the presence of God he brought into every meeting.”
It was his daily habit of early morning quiet times with God in reading the Bible and prayer that helped him bring this kind of a godly leadership to all meetings. His private time with God gave him the professional edge in public life.
Excellence in Community Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan knew that a vast majority of the people God had called him to shepherd were poor, downtrodden and marginalized. His heart was always with them. Even the political leadership of the Indian State of Kerala irrespective of ideologies knew that his heart beat with the thoughts of helping the poor and brining them social justice.
He was gentle like a lamb and always approachable to the least among the people whom he served. But he was like a lion when he championed their cause for justice and spoke against all kinds of corruption within the church.
Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership
Jesus had prayed that his disciples be united in love, “That they all may be one (John 17:21 which is the motto of the Church of South India as well).” Bishop Jesudasan was always looking forward to making this prayer real and tangible by brining denominations together. He always relied on the Spirit of God to bring about this unity among God’s people. He truly championed that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ref. Romans 14:17).
There were several initiatives he took to make this unity happen at the grassroots level. Even today his ecumenical vision and farsightedness is held in high esteem. He maintained a warm and cordial relationship with the heads of other denominations and he was invited to many meetings organized by people of other faiths too.
Excellence in Spiritual Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan was a man of compassion and someone who would weep with the broken hearted. I have heard people describe him as an angel of God who visited them in their time of pain and suffering. His prayers had a tone of familiarity with God addressing him “You,” with reverence and adoration in simple childlike words.
He had a faithful habit of interceding with God for the personal needs of individuals, families, and churches. He observed a fast every Friday. Many were blessed through the fruit of his heartfelt prayers and tears on their behalf.”
His prayers echoed the praises of God. In crises, he stood firm and unshaken. and was often heard saying: “Praise be to Jesus,” and “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (Jesus)! His often repeated prayer was: “May the love of God that shone through Jesus on the cross . . .”
He authored many books and wrote many essays that showed his deep understanding of Scripture. He believed that when God’s people aligned themselves with God’s purposes the Spirt of God would move and transform not just individuals and families but entire communities.
An Anecdote
Let me share a radiant childhood memory of Bishop Jesudasan. One day, a group of about 20 people comprising of elders, women, and children arrived in a vehicle to meet him at the Bishop’s House located in the LMS compound. From their appearance, I felt they were from a poor church in a rural background.
After they had spoken with him about the purpose of their visit, the Bishop invited them into a small room inside. I, too, followed them in. Then, drawing aside a curtain, the Bishop revealed the interior of the room and said to them, “This is my prayer room.”
As I looked inside, I saw that the room contained only a table, a chair, a Bible, and a mat. I don’t know why, but that moment has remained vividly in my mind even after forty years.
Looking back at that moment now, I realize how profoundly the Bishop upheld the power of prayer without making any effort to highlight any of his achievements in life.
Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan championed the truth that God had opened a new and living way through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross through which we could approach God (Hebrews 10:19, 20), find forgiveness of sins, and also reconciliation between God and men. He also believed that the victory over all evil is possible through the cross of Jesus and the love of God on exhibit there. He spoke passionately about how God came near to us in Jesus, the Word of God become flesh, human just like us.
His theology was cross-centred and people focused. This vision helped Bishop Jesudasan show great trust in God on one hand and be near to the people he shepherded with an empathetic and loving heart. He believed that God “leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
ഒരാളായിരുന്ന
Excellence in The Voice of Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan had the grace of God lighting up his face. As a speaker he did not possess charisma in the way that word is popularly understood. Yet his sermons are remembered for their depth, clarity of thought, and grounding in God’s Word. Kindly see the analysis of his famous sermon, The Feast of Life, delivered at Vancouver Canada in 1983. As he had no vested interests—only the common good of the people he led—the political leadership of the State listened to his opinions with respect.
Excellence in Leadership in Team Building
Bishop Jesudasan was not a one-man show. He understood that culture can only be taught as it was lived out by the top church leadership.
Therefore, he found people of integrity and having a track record of excellence in their own respective fields and brought them to key roles in the church administration and activities. This teamwork was crucial to his success in leading the people. And he was very conscious of the contribution of every one of them. He was very particular about keeping personal relationships and rejoiced in the achievements of others. He encouraged everyone with his smiling face and words of appreciation.
The words he chose for his farewell speech as he stepped down from leadership truly reflect his philosophy of team work: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (Words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:7).
Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection
Bishop Jesudasan had a manner of conduct that was dignified exhibiting a true knowledge of the Chair he occupied and elevating its stature in the eyes of all. This was more than evident in the way he made the CSI Moderator’s post an honoured one with his reputation of integrity and godly leadership. The more God exalted him in leadership roles, the more he humbled himself before God.
One of his unforgettable habits was to take a day off from all activities on 5th of August, the day he was consecrated as Bishop and spend the day in prayer reviewing and reflecting on whether he is staying true to the call of God in his life.
The cross was his touchstone. In one of his articles he wrote:
“Those who are respected as the best in society must examine themselves before the cross of Jesus Christ to realize how great sinners they are.”
(Christava Deepika: July 2010 Article titled: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and God’s Church—A Bird’s Eye View). His excellence in leadership was that he was willing to do this self-introspection standing in front of the cross of Jesus before he preached to others.
“Jesus, how beautiful is Your form to my eyes!
Make me, Your disciple, wholly like You.”
യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ.
The 282nd song from the Malayalam Hymn Book, which he particularly loved, was one he insisted the choir sing on his 85th birthday. This can be understood as a continuation of his practice of self-introspection:
Excellence in His Leadership Legacy
The legacy he left behind is that even today his name is spoken with great admiration as he had exhibited a life of humility (living in his small cottage in later years) even while he walked with dignity along with the great men of his times. Even today he is spoken of as a role model whom we can look up to and emulate.
He was a man faithful to God’s call on his life till the very last. He prayerfully continued to serve the people even after retirement from office.
He looked to the face of Jesus all his life and that look transformed his life from a lump of coal in obscurity and poverty to that of the enduring shine and brilliance of a diamond. In the words of many, “he was a saint and during his earthly life he truly reflected Jesus.”
Bishop’s Cottage where Bishop Jesudasan lived after his retirement.Bishop Jesudasan–Positions Held, Books Authored. പ്രവാചകദൗത്യം was published in 2013 while he was on his deathbed.Click the logo to see all editions of Sunday Sermonettes on LinkedIn
Stephen R. Covey wrote about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And he added an 8th one which says “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.” Here is the 9th habit which can undo you. It is the habit of making and giving excuses. They are the hallmark of highly ineffective people.
We learn to make and give excuses at home to avoid punishment, practice it at school to fool teachers, and bring it to perfection at the workplace to cover up our inefficiency. It is a blessing for the lazy and a mask for the perfectionist who never gets started. But it is a habit the 9th one that will undo you.
The Parable
Jesus talked about people making excuses. He told a story or a parable to illustrate it. He spoke about a man who was preparing a banquet and had sent out invitations for the feast. When the time for the feast came he sent out his servants to bring in the invited guests. And surprisingly all those who had earlier accepted the invitation began to make excuses.
The first one said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” The second one said: “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” And still a third one said: “I just got married. So I can’t come.”
At first look, you can’t find fault with any of them. They gave legitimate excuses. But if you think why Jesus told this story; then you will understand what these people missed.
The man who hosted the feast is God himself. The invitation is to enjoy God and be part of his kingdom. In that sense, the invitation was to be seen as a huge privilege; much greater than a personal invitation by The President of the United States of America.
The Excuses
Now let us look at the excuses: There is the tragedy of the present and now; toppling the eternal. There is the disaster of earthly things crowding out spiritual things. There is the sorrow of priorities being misplaced.
Business and work or career and personal relationships are important. But they should never crowd out your love for God and seeking him.
What Happens When You Reject God’s Invitation?
God will simply bypass you to extend the invitation to those whom you think are not worthy to be part of God’s kingdom. In this story the man sends invitation to people in the streets and alleys of the town to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.
Yes, when you make excuses to God, he will be extending the invitation to people you will never normally accept to be part of your group.
And even after all these things had been done there was still room. So he sends invitation far and wide for people to come even from far away. He also added this warning: Not one of those who were originally invited will get a taste of my banquet.
As you look at the life of Jesus we find the religious people of his day rejecting him. But he was welcomed by the sinners, the common folk, and the social outcastes. People who were looked down upon by the society found a great welcome in Jesus’ invitation to be part of God’s forgiving love.
Know that Jesus accepts you just as you are with all your sins, mistakes, faults, and failures.
Practical Application
First of all, are you in the habit of making and giving excuses? Are you even aware that you have this 9th habit which is destroying you and is undoing you?
Secondly, when God gives you a chance, when he is inviting you; show urgency to accept the invitation and be part of his love. Lesser things will take care of themselves; be it career, family, friends, or earthly possessions. God first. Let that be your watchword.
If you have read this much; think of your excuse of not having a closer walk with God. What is the excuse of not coming to accept the love of God shown on the cross where Jesus bled and died for you?
Thirdly, making and giving excuses is a tactic we employ to avoid responsibility. When Prophet Nathan confronted King David telling him that he did great wrong in committing adultery and murder; he humbly accepted responsibility saying: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) He did not make excuses for his sinful acts.
Call to Action
#1. Become aware of your habit of making excuses; for making and giving excuses is that 9th habit of highly ineffective people.
#2. Show urgency to act when God is giving you a chance to put him first in your life without making excuses.
#3. Accept responsibility for your decisions without blaming others or circumstances for your behaviour.
The above post is based on The Parable of the Banquet or Great Feast found in Luke 14:15-24. Featured image courtesy: Photo by Kenneth Surillo on Pexels | Microsoft Designer
Sin, failures, mistakes, and troubles caused by people who are close to you can cause your head to bow down. You might feel defeated. Sometimes you are burdened by sorrow. Or you can think of any number of reasons that pull you down. It is at such times that you need to think of God, who is the lifter of your head.
Life might bring unexpected reversals of fortunes. Sometimes friends and family can act against you. Those who stood by you in your good days and were loyal to you might change sides quickly. You might be forced to lick your wounds. When everyone and everything seems to turn against you, and your head is bowed down in despair, it is then you need to remember that God is the lifter of your head.
Even when others think that you are finished and there is no fight left in you; know that God is not finished with you yet.
First, he will be a shield around you. You know what that means. It means that God himself will take the hits against you so that you will be protected. It means that he has a stake in your life that no force on earth or hell can disrupt. He has invested in you by the blood of his Son Jesus shed on the cross. He will therefore surround you with help.
Next he will be your glory. You know what that means.
In spite of all the trouble you are going through right now; your value, worth, and significance come from God.
No matter what negatives others are telling about you, no matter how much they shout you are a failure, no matter how firmly they believe that God will not help you anymore, the weight of evidence is on your side. God will come to your help and will be the lifter of your head.
What you should always recall in your mind is that the author of Psalm 3 (where we find the words, “But you … O LORD … lift up my head” ) was going through a great crisis in his life when he wrote these words. His own son was trying to kill him and take over the throne. He had to flee for his life, covering his head, walking barefoot, and being pelted by stones while being cursed by his enemies. Moreover people were saying God will not help King David because he had committed grievous sins.
It was true that he had sinned—adultery and murder. It was true that he had no right to expect help from God. But because he admitted to God saying, “I have sinned against the Lord,” and had sincerely repented of his sins; he found mercy and forgiveness with God. At the same time the troubles he was now going through were the consequences of his sin.
Yet, in spite of his present misery, David had the courage to hope in God. You too can hope in God even when defeated and down. Seek God’s mercy and expect his help. There is no defeat in your life that God cannot bring good out of it.
So David cries out to God for help. He is assured that God will answer him. Therefore even when enemies are closing in on him, he is able to lie down and sleep at night. For his found strength to sustain in his trust in God. And he expressed confidence in God even when tens of thousands are drawn against him in battle on every side.
You too can find consolation in the fact that your deliverance and your salvation does not depend on your goodness but God’s mercy alone. Even when you find yourself in a defeated situation today, lift up your eyes and look to God who is the lifter of your head. He will not leave your head bowed down in shame. He will lift you up. For God delights in showing mercy to those who trust in him.
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.” — Micah 7:8, 9 Bible.
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Inzmam Khan on Pexels
It is time once again for the flowers to bloom and the song of the birds to make music in our ears. Our hearts are again in spring time and we look forward to yet another year of friendship and laughter and healthy fun. As leader of the school, I wish to present before you a few thoughts on how to build healthy relationships.
At a time when relationships are crumbling everywhere; when relationships are characterized by what one can get and grab; when relationships are based more on money power and social status than on values like honesty, integrity and faithfulness; there is much to be said about building healthy relationships especially in our schools where boys and girls study together.
First and foremost, all healthy relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. Trust does not happen overnight. It is a sacred responsibility that is an outflow of good character. Trust once lost; it almost impossible to regain it. Therefore, guard it carefully. Respect each other and give each other the private space needed; not only physically but also emotionally too. Trust never crosses boundaries and does not trespass on the other’s personal space.
Secondly, all healthy relationships are built on encouragement and mutual support. When you encourage your friend to be his or her best; when you give a listening ear when your friend would like to share life’s burdens with you; when you rejoice at the academic and co-curricular achievements of your friend; and when you correct with honest intent so that your friend does not end up a loser by taking the wrong path; you are building a healthy relationship.
Finally, all healthy relationships have to be maintained. At a time when mobile phones and social media are relied upon to maintain relationships; do not mistake them for the reality of keeping in touch in flesh and blood. Lending a helping hand when needed; encouraging to hold on and not give in to life’s troubles; connecting and networking with others and speaking a good and timely word for your friend; all will go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships.
We do not live in isolation. And none of us can afford to be lonely. We have families; but we also need healthy relationships with our friends; with both boys and girls. When greed and selfishness and cut-throat competition have become the dominant and aggressive mindset of the 21st century; let us strive to be unselfish and pray for the best for our friends. In that way we can truly be the salt of the earth by building relationships that abound with life and joy.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ധന്യമായ ജീവിതത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി “ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്‌തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ” എന്ന തലക്കെട്ടിൽ ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗിക പ്രസിദ്ധികരണമായ ക്രൈസ്തവ ദീപികയിൽ ജൂലൈ 2013ൽ പ്രസിദ്ധികരിച്ച ലേഖനം തുടർന്ന് വായിക്കുക.
സാധാരണക്കാരനായ ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്റെ ജീവിതം ദൈവവിളിക്കു വിധേയപ്പെടുമ്പോൾ ഉണ്ടാകുന്ന അതിശയകരമായ ഉയർച്ചയുടേയും ദൈവ നടത്തിപ്പിന്റെയും നേർ സാക്ഷ്യമാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതം.
ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അടിസ്ഥാനപ്പെടുത്തി പ്രാർത്ഥനയിൽ ശക്തി പ്രാപിച് ആരാധനയിൽ ആനന്ദം കണ്ടെത്തി പാവപ്പെട്ടവരുടെ കണ്ണീരൊപ്പുവാൻ വേണ്ടി ഉഴിഞ്ഞു വച്ചതായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതം.
പ്രവർത്തിച്ച മേഖലകളിലെല്ലാം ദൈവ കൃപയിൽ ആശ്രയിച്ച് വിജയം നേടാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞത് ഒരു വ്യക്തിയുടെ മാത്രം ചരിത്രമല്ല മറിച് അദ്ദേഹത്തോടൊപ്പം വളർന്ന് സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മുഖ്യധാരയിലേക്കു പ്രവേശിക്കുവാൻ ധൈര്യം ലഭിച്ച ഒരു ജനവിഭാഗത്തിന്റെ ചരിത്രം കൂടിയാണ്.
ലഭിച്ച ഉന്നതമായ സ്ഥാനമാനങ്ങളെല്ലാം തന്നെ പാവപ്പെട്ട ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ ഉന്നമനത്തിനു വേണ്ടി അദ്ദേഹം പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുത്തി. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എന്ന നാമധേയം സാധാരണക്കാരായ മനുഷ്യർ ഹൃദയത്തോടു ചേർത്തു പിടിച്ചതിൻറെ രഹസ്യം ഇതു തന്നെയായിരുന്നു.
സുവിശേഷം ചെല്ലുന്ന സ്ഥലങ്ങളിലൊക്കെയും ദൈവാത്മാവിന്റെ പ്രവർത്തനമുണ്ടാകുന്നുവെന്നും അതു സമൂഹത്തിലെ അനീതികൾക്കും അനാചാരങ്ങൾക്കുമെതിരായ പോരാട്ടമായി മാറുന്നുവെന്നും തിരുമേനി ഉറച്ചിരുന്നു. സഭ ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ശരീരമാന്നെന്നും അതിലെ ഒരു അംഗത്തിനു വരുന്ന പ്രയാസം എല്ലാവരുടെയും വേദനയാന്നെന്നുമുള്ള വിശാലമായ ദർശനം അദ്ദേഹത്തിനുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.
ഇതര സഭാവിഭാങ്ങളുമായി സഹകരിച്ചു പ്രവർത്തിക്കാവുന്ന മേഖലകൾ കണ്ടെത്താനും കൂട്ടായ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുവാനും അതിനു നേതൃത്ത്വം കൊടുക്കുവാനും യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു സാധിച്ചു. കേരള ഐക്യ വൈദിക സെമിനാരി പ്രിൻസിപ്പൽ, [നീണ്ട 17 വർഷം] ദക്ഷിണ കേരളം മഹായിടവക ബിഷപ്പ്, ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ മോഡറേറ്റർ, സി. എസ്. ഐ.- സി. എൻ. ഐ. – മാർത്തോമ്മ ജോയിൻറ് കൗൺസിൽ ചെയർമാൻ, അഖില ലോക സഭാ കൗൺസിൽ സെൻട്രൽ കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗം എന്നി നിലകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രവർത്തനം സമാനതകളില്ലാത്തതായിരുന്നു.
മറ്റു മതസ്ഥരെ ബഹുമാനിച്ചിരുന്ന തിരുമേനിയെ അവരുടെ യോഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ക്ഷണിക്കുക പതിവായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ മത സാമൂഹിക ബന്ധങ്ങളിൽ തിരുമേനി തന്റേതായ വ്യക്തിമുദ്ര പതിപ്പിക്കുകയും വ്യത്യസ്ത ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുമായുള്ള സൗഹൃദം ഊട്ടി ഉറപ്പിക്കുന്നതിൽ തനതായ സംഭാവന നൽകുകയും ചെയ്തു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു വ്യക്തമായ രാഷ്ട്രീയ ബോധം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. പാവപ്പെട്ട ജനങ്ങളുടെ ഉന്നമനത്തിന് വേണ്ടി പോരാടുകയും പാർശ്വവൽക്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ട ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ നീതിക്കു വേണ്ടി ഉറച്ചു നിൽക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുക എന്നതായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിൻ്റെ രാഷ്ട്രീയം. രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതാക്കളുമായി വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധം കാത്തു സൂക്ഷിക്കുകയും ജനങ്ങളുടെ നന്മക്കു വേണ്ടി അവരുടെ മുമ്പിൽ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ നിലപാടുകൾ ഏറെ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കപ്പെട്ടവയായിരുന്നു.
കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബത്തിലെ അംഗങ്ങൾക്ക് അദ്ദേഹം വലിയോരു തണൽമരമായി നിലകൊണ്ടു. നിർണായക തീരുമാനങ്ങളെടുക്കേണ്ടുന്ന സാഹചര്യങ്ങളിൽ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ആലോചനക്കും പ്രാർഥനക്കും വേണ്ടി കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ കതോർക്കുകയും കാംഷിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.
വേദനയുടെയും വേർപാടിന്റെയും അവസരങ്ങളിൽ ആശ്വസിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരു ദൈവദൂതനെ പോലെ കടന്നുവരികയും ഹൃദയ സ്പർശിയായ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളിലൂടെ ഏവർക്കും ധൈര്യം പകരുകയും ചെയ്ത സന്ദർഭങ്ങൾ അവിസ്മരണീയമാണ്. ഈ ശുശ്രൂഷ അനുഭവിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ ആരും അതു മറക്കുകയില്ല. തൻറെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ പ്രത്യേകമായി പ്രിയ പത്നി (ജസ്സി ബിയാട്രിസ് ) യുടെ വേർപാടിന്റെ അവസരത്തിലും തുടർന്നിങ്ങോട്ടും അനുഭവിക്കുവാൻ ഇടയായ ദൈവകൃപയുടെ ധാരാളമായ അനുഭവത്തെ കുറിച്ച് തിരുമേനി പറയുമായിരുന്നു.
സാധാരണക്കാരായ ജനങ്ങൾ തനിക്കുവേണ്ടി പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നത് തിരുമേനി വളരെയധികം സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു. പ്രഭാതത്തിനു മുൻപ് എഴുന്നേറ്റ് വേദപുസ്തക പാരായണം പ്രാർത്ഥന എന്നിവയിൽ സമയം ചിലവിടുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ചിട്ടയുടെ ഭാഗമായിരുന്നു. ആഴ്ചയിൽ ഒരു ദിവസം [വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച്ച ദിവസം] ഉപവാസം ആചരിക്കുന്നതു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ശീലമായിരുന്നു.
ഈ നിഷ്ഠകൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ശുശ്രൂഷയിൽ ശക്തമായ പ്രചോദനമായി മാറി. അതുകൊണ്ട് ദൈവം അദ്ദേഹത്തെ അത്ഭുതകരമായ രീതിയിൽ ഉയർത്തുകയും വിജയകരമായി നടത്തുകയും ചെയ്തു. ലഭിച്ച സ്ഥാനമാണങ്ങളൊന്നിൻറെയും പിന്നാലെ പോയതല്ല, മറിച്ചു അവ തിരുമേനിയെ തേടി വരുകയാണുണ്ടായത്.
ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അധിഷ്ഠിതമായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ. ഇതിലൂടെ ജനങ്ങൾക്കാവശ്യമായ ആത്മീയ ശക്തി പകർന്നു നൽകുവാൻ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് കഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു. ദൈവവചന ധ്യാനത്തിലൂടെ ലഭിച്ച ചിന്തകൾ പരിശുദ്ധാത്മ ശക്തിയിലും പ്രാർത്ഥനയുടെ കരുത്തിലും വ്യക്തതയോടെ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുവാൻ തിരുമേനിക്കു കഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
ലണ്ടൻ മിഷനറി സൊസൈറ്റിയുടെ (LMS) ഇരുന്നൂറാം (200th) വാർഷികം ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ വലിയോരു സമ്മേളനമായി നടത്തപ്പെട്ടപ്പോൾ മൂന്ന് പേർക്ക് മാത്രമേ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ അവസരം ലഭിച്ചുള്ളൂ. അതിലൊന്ന് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയായിരുന്നു. മറ്റ് രണ്ടു പേർ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലെ എലിസബത്ത് രാജ്ഞിയും മറ്റൊന്ന് ആഫ്രിക്കൻ ബിഷപ്പ് ഡെസ്മണ്ട് റ്റൂറ്റൂ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു. മുഴുവൻ ഏഷ്യക്കാരെയും പ്രതിനിധീകരിക്കുവാൻ ദൈവം യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ ഉയർത്തിയ ഈ അവസരവും മാർക്കാനാവാത്തതുതന്നെ.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി പല അവസരങ്ങളിലായി അനേകം ലേഖനങ്ങൾ എഴുതിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. അവയെല്ലാം തന്നെ ആഴമേറിയ ചിന്തകൾ കൊണ്ട് സമ്പുഷ്ടമാണ്.
“ഹിന്ദുമത പ്രവേശിക (1970),”
“മിഷനറി വീരനായ പൗലോസ് (1985),”
ക്രിസ്തു ജയന്തി (1990),”
“ക്രൂശിലെ മേലെഴുത്ത് (1992),”
“ഇത്ര വലിയ രക്ഷ (1998),”
“നീ വായിക്കുന്നത് ഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നുവോ (2000),
“പാതയ്ക്കു പ്രകാശം (2004),”
“രക്തം നിലവിളിക്കുന്നു (2006),
“മതപരിവർത്തനം—ഒരു ക്രൈസ്തവ സമീപനം (2008),” എന്നിവയാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രധാന കൃതികൾ. ഈ ഗ്രന്ഥങ്ങളിലെല്ലാം തന്നെ ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വിഷയങ്ങൾ സമഗ്രമായി അപഗ്രഥിച്ചു അടുക്കും ചിട്ടയോടും കൂടി അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
അദ്ദേഹം അവസാനം രചനയിലേർപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന പുസ്തകം പൂർത്തിയാക്കണമെന്നത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ വലിയ ആഗ്രഹമായിരുന്നു. മേയ് 2013 – ൽ “പ്രവാചക ദൗത്യം ” എന്ന പുസ്തകം പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചു കാണുവാൻ ദൈവം അദ്ദേഹത്തിനു കൃപ നൽകി.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭരണനൈപുണ്യം ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയും ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയും രുചിച്ചറിഞ്ഞിട്ടുള്ളതാണ്. ദൈവഭയമുള്ള വ്യക്തികളെ കണ്ടെത്തി അവരുടെ കഴിവുകൾ പൂർണമായി സഭയ്‌ക്കു പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുന്ന താക്കോൽ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളിൽ പ്രതിഷ്ഠിച്ച് ഒരു നല്ല ടീം ആയി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന രീതി തിരുമേനിക്കുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയിൽ വളരെയേറെ വികസന പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കും അടിസ്ഥാനമിട്ടത് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭരണ നേതൃത്യത്തിലായിരുന്നു.
യഥാർത്ഥമായ ജനാധിപത്യ മൂല്യങ്ങളെ ഉയർത്തി പിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് എല്ലാവരുടെയും ആശയങ്ങൾ ചർച്ചചെയ്യുവാൻ അവസരം കൊടുക്കുവാൻ തിരുമേനി ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചിരുന്നു. മിഷനറി പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കും പുതിയൊരു ദിശാബോധം നൽകി ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയെ അതിലേക്കുള്ള സംരംഭങ്ങളിൽ, ആദ്യം ആന്ധ്ര പ്രദേശിലും പിന്നെ ഒറീസ്സയിലും മുന്നോട്ടു നയിച്ചത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രത്യേക താത്പര്യമായിരുന്നു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ദൈവം തന്നെ വിളിച്ച ദൗത്യം വിശ്വസ്തതയോടെ അന്ത്യം വരെയും നിറവേറ്റി. പൂർണമായ സമർപ്പണവും അചഞ്ചലമായ ദൈവാശ്രയവും ദൈവനടത്തിപ്പിലുള്ള വിശ്വാസവും അദ്ദേഹത്തെ വിജയകരമായി ഓട്ടം പൂർത്തിയാക്കുന്നതിന് സഹായിച്ചു.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ കുറിച്ച് ഓർക്കുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം പ്രിയം വച്ച യേശുവിനെ കൂടെ നാം ഓർത്തു പോകുന്നു. ക്രൂശിന്റെ മറവിൽ താഴ്മയോടെ പ്രവർത്തിച്ച ഈ ദൈവദാസൻ നിത്യ ജീവന്റെ സന്തോഷത്തിലേയ്ക്ക് വിളിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതം ഇനിയും അനേകകാലം നമ്മുടെ മദ്ധ്യേ ദീപ്തസ്മരണായി വെളിച്ചം പകർന്നുകൊണ്ടേയിരിക്കും.
Watch on YouTube: Malayalam Sermon on the Blood of Jesus by Bejoy Peter
Bishop Jesudasan: The Humble Servant Who Remained Faithful to God’s Call
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി: ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്‌തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ എന്ന തലക്കെട്ടിനു പ്രേരകമായത് തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ ഒരു പ്രത്യേക ചിട്ടയാണ് എന്ന് പറയുവാൻ എനിക്കു ആഗ്രഹമുണ്ട്. തിരുമേനി ബിഷപ്പായി അഭിഷിക്തനായത് 1973 ഓഗസ്റ് 5 ആം തിയതിയാണ്. പിന്നീടങ്ങോട്ടുള്ള എല്ലാ വർഷവും ഓഗസ്റ് 5 ആം ദിവസം തൻറെ ഔദ്യോഗിക തിരക്കുകളിൽ നിന്നു അവധിയെടുത്തു ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു സ്വസ്ഥമായ റിട്രീറ്റ് സെന്റെറിൽ ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് പ്രാർത്ഥനാനിരതനായി ചിലവിടുമായിരുന്നു.
അന്നു തിരുമേനി ദൈവമുൻപാകെ സ്വയം ചോദിച്ചു ഉത്തരം കണ്ടെത്തുവാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചിരുന്ന ചോദ്യമിതാണ്: “ഞാൻ ദൈവം എന്നെ ഏല്പിച്ച വിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്തനായിരിക്കുന്നുവോ?”
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ അവലോകനം ചെയ്യുമ്പോൾ ഈ ഒരു ആത്മപരിശോധന അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദർശനത്തിലും സേവനത്തിലും നേതൃത്വത്തിലും എത്രമാത്രം സ്വാധീനം ചെലുത്തി എന്ന് മനസ്സിലാക്കുവാൻ കഴിയും.
In this post, you will find these in four sections:
I. A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
II. Bishop Jesudasan’s Sermon: The Feast of Life (transcript).
III. Sermon Analysis
IV. Related Content: Links to condolence messages and media reports.
A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermons are remembered for their clarity of thought, their grounding on God’s Word, their depth of understanding of cultural contexts, his unique way of combining eastern and western elements, their relevance to the occasion, and for their force of delivery and impact.
He always approached the pulpit with utmost sacredness only to preach God’s Word and never for any other purpose; a lesson his father had taught him.
Bishop Jesudasan came from a very humble background and was exalted by God to positions of leadership: He was a presbyter in the South Kerala Diocese, became Lecturer and subsequently Principal of Kerala United Theological Seminary. He was elected Vice-Chairman of South Kerala Diocese and then its Bishop for a span of seventeen years which is described as the golden age of the diocese. During this time he was elected Deputy Moderator of the Church of South India and later its Moderator for three consecutive terms.
He was Co-Chairman of the CSI-CNI-Marthoma Joint Council, a member of the Anglican Consultative Council, Council for World Mission (formerly London Missionary Society or LMS), and the World Council of Churches; being an elected member of its central committee for ten years. He has authored several books that are Christ-centred and expound the Word of God with great depth of theological understanding and insight.
Bishop Jesuadasan was a man who was faithful to God’s call. He truly made memorable his name Jesudasan, which in his mother tongue Malayalam means, servant of Jesus. He had a true shepherd’s heart and did his utmost to keep the people of God united, He had the attitude of a servant leader, lived a simple life, had absolute trust in God, walked in his integrity before God and men, was compassionate to the poor, cried out for social justice, commanded the respect of secular and religious leadership alike, was a man of prayer spending early morning hours in reading and meditating on God’s Word, and wherever he went spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ and brought a sense of God’s presence to all worship services and meetings he conducted.
Most Rev. I. Jesudasan, the then Moderator of the Church of South India, delivered this blessed sermon at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, on 31st July 1983.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).”
The sacrament of Eucharist is indeed a festival of great joy: the feast of life. Because, here we celebrate the wonderful and unique act of God by which He shared His life with our humanity. This is the cardinal mystery that we proclaim in and through this sacrament. God in His boundless love had shared His life with us by sending His son Jesus Christ to take upon Himself the fallen human nature and to give us eternal life. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.” And the Son of God shared His life with humanity by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down His life for all. This unique sacrifice is the source of abundant life to all people. The Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world.
But how do we participate in this feast of life?
The Lord of life calls us to humble ourselves; to leave our pride and, like Peter, to be washed by our Lord, who emptied Himself to take the form of a slave. When we come to our senses we would also confess before God’s embracing Love, just as the Prodigal son did: “I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” We feel the compulsion to cry out, beating our breast like the Publican, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” It is only the poor in spirit who are deemed worthy to enter into the joy of the kingdom. If we approach the Lord’s table with contrite hearts and empty hands, there awaits for us the bread of life. The Lord is ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Here in Vancouver, we, the representatives of different church bodies who acknowledge and proclaim, “Jesus Christ—the Life of the World,” are privileged to celebrate this Eucharist, offering thanks to God our Heavenly Father. God’s people from all nations, tongues, and cultures have come together to make this occasion unique. We are thrilled at this grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing the new song of praise as we read in the Book of Revelation.
Against this glorious and luminous backdrop we are alarmed to see the acts of betrayal still being enacted in our day. Principalities and powers around us cause fear and anxiety as in the days of Christ. During these days we have been made aware of these frightful depressing modern betrayal scenes.
The darkness that surrounded Jesus Christ was basically a spiritual one, caused by unbelief. According to the New Testament witness, eternal life is to know the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, and the work that is pleasing to God, is to accept Jesus Christ whom the Father had sent for our salvation. For the witness is that in Him we have life. And it is this life that we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.
Many in our world do not care to have vital spiritual relationship with the living God through His son Jesus Christ. So atheism, agnosticism and different types of secular materialism are on the increase. We cannot deal with them either by ignoring them or by replacing them with other concerns. It is in this context that we bear witness to the living Christ who says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. St. Paul says that, “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” At the Eucharist we are made to see the terrible loss that happens to life—whether individual or collective, which is not related to God through Christ. We are called upon to feed the world with the bread of life and lead the nations to the living waters.
Christ sent the disciples to the upper room to make arrangements for the last supper. They went and set one table for it. Painfully we still sit at separate tables in the ecumenical upper room, excluding each other in the name of Him who invited all to His table, propping up our differences with theological arguments. It is, however, a happy thought that the liturgy that we celebrate today is a sign of the advances we have made on our common understandings on Baptism, Eucharist and the Ministry. It is at this table that we become aware that truth is not a theological affirmation, but the sharing of the life our Lord. This feast is, and always will be, one that calls and compels us to be inclusive.
Poet Markham says,
He drew a circle that shut me out . . .
But love and I had the wit to win;
We drew a circle that took him in.
What is the context of this feast?
We know it only too well that millions suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation. The crafty designs of unjust socio-economic structures crush the voiceless poor, they cry for justice. In the name of freedom, values of the kingdom of God are brushed aside and for selfish gains and pleasures of life; people choose to walk on the road that leads to death. Our societies are producing more and more druggists, delinquents, unclaimed children, broken homes, etc. Are these not symptoms of disintegration of our modern civilization? People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help.
Consequent on the massive accumulation of nuclear weapons we live under the dreadful fear of total annihilation of the human race.
The abundant world resources are being wasted on destructive purposes while poverty continues to assume alarming proportions. Indeed the creation itself mourns over the irresponsible and sinful acts toward nature and its resources. The frightened people all over the world yearn for peace while political structures defiantly ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The church too is often tempted to pass by.
The great Indian sage and Poet Tagore says:
“Thou are the Brother amongst my brothers,
But I heed them not,
I divide not my earnings with them,
Thus sharing my all with Thee.
In pleasure and in pain I stand not by the side of men.
And thus stand by Thee.
I shrink to give up my life,
And thus do not plunge into the great waters of life.”
We are very much conscious of the darkness that surrounds us. God has opened our hearts to be concerned about these situations, of which we have just heard. It was in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death, that our Lord instituted the sacrament of Eucharist as the feast of life and then down his life to win victory over the powers of death. In Christ we find the new life which God shares with the world and learn the secret of the life in God. Jesus said, “whoever loves his own life will lose it, whoever hates his own life in this world, will keep it for life eternal.” Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives. “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls,” says Paul to the Church in Corinth.
On September, 1224, the Holy Cross Day, St. Francis of Assissi prayed thus in a prayer vigil:
“Who are thou, my God most sweet?
And what am I, that unprofitable servant and vilest of worms?
O, my Lord Jesus Christ,
Two graces do I pray thee to grant unto me before I die.
The first that while I live I may feel in my body
And in my soul that sorrow, sweet Lord, that thou didst
Suffer in the hours of thy most bitter passion.
The second that I may feel in my heart that exceeding love
Wherewith, Oh, Son of God, thou was enkindled to endure
Willingly for us sinners agony so great.”
May this be our prayer as we take part in this Holy Eucharist.
Sermon Analysis and Appreciation
The Setting
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermon The Feast of Life is based on God’s Word, focuses on the meaning of the Holy Eucharist instituted by our Lord, is set against the backdrop of situations of current relevance and has a global and heavenly perspective.
Two Questions
The whole sermon hinges on two questions he asks about the sacrament of Holy Communion:
Question #1: “But how do we participate in this feast?”
If anyone is not related to God through Christ, we find there a terrible loss that happens to life. In order that we might not suffer loss, we need to humble ourselves like Peter and the Publican and the Prodigal son and seek God’s mercy. It is when we acknowledge that we are sinners, it is when we leave aside our pride, and it is only when are empty and poor in spirit, that we can approach the Lord’s table with “contrite hearts and empty hands.” Then we will find there the Bread of Life awaiting us with his embracing love and ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Question #2: “What is the context of this feast?”
The Bishop points out for us the fact that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper “in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death.” But he also points out that Jesus triumphed over them by laying down his life “to win victory over the powers of death.”
The Feast of Life Is About Sharing
He speaks about the sacrament of the Eucharist as a festival of great joy because it is the feast of life. And it became the feast of life because it centred on one thing: sharing. First of all, God shared his life with our humanity. He did this so by sending his son Jesus to this world. And then the Son of God shared his life with humanity “by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down his life for all.” Therefore “Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives.”
The Feast of Life Means Becoming Inclusive
We are called by our Lord, as we participate in the Lord’s supper, to become inclusive and sit at one table and not be divided by “propping up our differences with theological arguments.” We are called by our Lord, to see and listen to the cries of millions of people who “suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation.” “People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help,” he says.
The Feast of Life Is About the Grand Spectacle of the Foretaste of Heaven
When Bishop Jesudasan looks at the gathering, he sees representatives of different church bodies from all over the world coming together to celebrate the Eucharist. All of them together proclaim Jesus Christ—the Life of the World. It is a great moment to offer thanks to our Heavenly Father. The redeemed people from all nations, tongues and cultures coming together like this, according to the Bishop, is a “grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing a new song of praise.”
The Feast of Life Is About Witnessing to Jesus in an Unbelieving World
The Bishop is alarmed to see “acts of betrayal” that still happen against this “glorious and luminous backdrop.” He highlights the fact that humanity in plunged into spiritual darkness because of unbelief—the refusal to believe in the One whom God sent to this world. The New Testament witness is that in the Son of God we have life. And when we celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist, we have to be reminded that “it is this life we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.” Thus the Bishop reminds us that we the church as a people are not only called to be a believing and worshipping community but also a witnessing community to the life that is in Jesus, the Son of God and the Saviour of men and women.
The Acts of the Holy Spirit
The Bishop also reminds us how the Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a “transforming and life-giving power in the world.” He reminds us that the kingdom of God does not happen in the pursuit of atheism, agnosticism, and secular materialism. But it happens when people seek God’s righteousness first and foremost. He reminds us of the words of St. Paul who wrote: “the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
The Historic Value of the Sermon: The Feast Is About Sitting at One Table
At Vancouver, Canada, at the World Council of Churches, when the Bishop spoke, he was not only testifying to his personal walk with the Lord and Saviour Jesus whom he loved, but he was also speaking as a representative of a community of peoples God redeemed from under oppression and slavery; who by the mighty transforming act of the Holy Spirit and by the relentless and untiring efforts of missionaries in the fields of education, medical care and social reform became united under the umbrella of the Church of South India on 27 September 1947.
Having seen and experienced first-hand the transforming and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit in the life of communities; and having seen the formation of the CSI where four different traditions; viz—Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican came together to become one under the administration and guiding hand of the Holy Spirit; it is no wonder that the Bishop was calling up to give up theological arguments and sit together at one table thanking God for the feast of life he has provided us with.
The Shifting of Scenes
The Bishop lifts up our eyes to looked beyond the grand spectacle of the people gathered together to celebrate the Lord’s supper at WCC Assembly to the great multitude in the heavenly scene as portrayed in the Book of Revelation.
But then from there he invites us to the earthly scene of injustice and oppression where we are called to act to help. In the context of unjust socio-economic structures which crush the voiceless poor who cry out for justice, in the context of values of the kingdom of God being brushed aside for selfish gains and pleasures; a choice that makes people walk on the road that leads to death, in the context of world resources being wasted for destructive purposes where even creation mourns because of sinful acts against nature and its resources; political structures ask that question that was heard at the dawn of human history: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” At the same time the church is tempted to “pass by” like the priest and the Levite in the story of Good Samaritan.
The Triumph of Christ’s Life
The whole sermon is a reminder that Christ emptied himself to give up his life to feed us with the bread of life. He triumphed over the forces of darkness and death by giving up his life. It was loss of his life that rewards us with eternal life. We are called to share this life with the world by a sharing of our lives.
Eastern and Western Elements
The Bishop quotes the American Poet Edwin Markham to highlight that we have to be inclusive. He quotes the Indian Poet Rabindranath Tagore from his classic and Nobel prize winning work Gitanjali to remind us that devotion to God which makes us insensitive to the needs of our neighbours is not what the Feast of Life is meant to be.
Devotion to Christ
In closing, the Bishop quotes the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. To those who have known the Bishop personally, this prayer comes from his lips not as a matter of oration or rhetoric; but as a sincere prayer. It was his life’s walk. He was truly devoted to Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour.
A Classic Sermon
This sermon is a classic because it does not come to us as a usual three-points sermon or even a sermon that is built on stories. Instead, it weaves in and through the pages of the Bible; reminds us of Cain’s question to God in Genesis and takes us to the heavenly scene as shown in Revelation.
In between, he makes us see in our mind’s eye Peter leaving aside his pride to be feet-washed by his Lord, the returning Prodigal son making his speech of repentance and meeting the “Embracing Love” of his father, and the Publican beating his breast. These pictures remind us of all that we learned in Sunday School but with deeper and more enduring lessons attached.
This sermon is a classic because of its huge relevance as it was delivered in the context of the celebration of the Eucharist by believers coming together from all over the world from different languages, nations, and cultures.
This sermon is a classic because we find the Holy Trinity and the Bishop’s adoration of the Trinity holding the sermon together. At the introduction he reminds us of God sending his Son to this world and the Holy Spirit making Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world. Again in the middle of the sermon the Bishop talks about the New Testament Witness of what life is: it is to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Then he goes on to say along with St. Paul that the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
This sermon is a classic because of implied contrasts throughout the sermon. The Bread of Life is being offered to those who will take it. But there is terrible loss and betrayal and death when the Bread of Life is rejected. Life on one side and death on the other. Sitting at one table together; at the same time propping up differences. The stretching out of hands for help while those cries are ignored on the other. Glorious and luminous backdrop on one side; on the other darkness and unbelief.
One Final Thought—The Feast of Life
The sermon leaves us thinking on the true meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is a reminder of the Lord’s death. It reminds us that in the death of our Saviour we have life. It reminds us there is one table and we have to leave our differences behind and sit united at one table. It reminds us that “acts of betrayal” are still going on and many people choose the road that lead to death. But when political structures deny that they are their brother’s keeper and when the church itself is tempted to pass by we are called to share our lives for the people of this world. It is then that the Lord’s table truly becomes the Feast of Life.
“What is it, Peter?” I said, “Nothing Sir.” But Prof. James M. Stewart persisted with the question. He had earlier asked our class, “Where have you heard of Venus before?” I had then whispered to my friends, “Circus.” And it had not escaped to catch his attention.
And as Prof. J. M. Stewart quizzed my friends, they blurted out, “Circus! Venus Circus!” (referring to the famous touring circus company). And then, breaking eye contact with me, and turning to the whole class, he made this classic remark: “See, how different people have different tastes according to their profession!” His ability to improvise on all occasions with his silver tongue was profoundly amazing.
Later when I started my public speaking training program in the year 1996–a year after I passed out from Mar Ivanios College–I vividly remember that I took the first copy of my program’s brochure to our beloved teacher, Prof. James M. Stewart, so lovingly known as “Stewart Sir.” With the kind of respect he has in my heart, I couldn’t think of anyone else to share about my venture first. I write this with a great sense of loss at his passing away yesterday on 21st May 2021. He had exhibited great affection, love and care towards me as he had a close-knit brotherly bonding with my late Daddy.
When I first told Stewart Sir of my interest to pursue English Literature, he encouraged me a lot to do so. And my life was scripted through a road that was less travelled by in later years, through the study of English Literature and various leadership and performance opportunities I got at Mar Ivanios College to excel in public speaking. Stewart Sir was always there to encourage me in my efforts in this direction.
JMS was how his name was written in short form. Those three letters together struck a note of respect always. There are so many varied aspects of his character that made his personality stand out. I would like to highlight just three of them.
First of all, he was a gifted orator. He spoke with great command in both English and Malayalam. His speeches are remembered by all who heard them. There was no thundering rhetoric but logic working its way through with gentle persuasion. There are two moments I recall. One, after one of his sermons at our church (we both attended the same church), I went and asked him, “Sir, when will I be able to deliver a speech like the one you just did?” I was fascinated by his ability to hold a twenty-minute sermon on one single point, having all of the listeners engaged in his oration.
On another occasion, after I had given a sermon on Jesus the Good Shepherd, I just walked up to him to listen to his invaluable feedback. He put an arm around my shoulder and said, “My son, you could have left out the second and third points.” I learned the value of ruthless editing from him. When he mercilessly struck off many of my creative writing efforts with his turquoise blue ink, I realised how his thoughtful editing made my writing powerful. Further, no one can forget the kind of stage presence he had; how he could grace an occasion with dignity; and the felicity of words with which he could make even an ordinary occasion look grand.
Secondly, he was a gifted teacher par excellence. He took his time to get through a passage, be it poem, prose, or drama. He brought to life each word, scene, and character with his ability to dramatize without making us conscious of him doing so. Perhaps his greatest ability as a teacher was how he could connect the text being taught with real life examples, to people, and to life’s varied situations. He once quoted, “Experience is the comb you get when your head becomes bald.” and it took a lot of time for us to value its wisdom.
Life had taught him many lessons, he used to say, and he took them in his stride even when they took him through grief and loss. One of the things he took pride in was that he was teaching Literature. He used to say, “In Science, you learn about life; in Literature you learn life.” I have heard a professor (who is now no more; also, a former student of Stewart Sir) who stood with us in front of a class room and said, “Stewart Sir is yet to complete a few lessons for us.” He said that with a touch of humour; but it also says how much his students loved his sessions. Perhaps it is true, “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.”
Thirdly, he commanded awesome love, respect, and admiration from all his students. He was strict and there was no doubt about it. And even his firm look was sufficient enough to make students who were simply wasting their time scurry away from in front of the Department of English. His voice carried the command of a War General.
At the same time, he could understand students like no one else usually did. Even with the most violent guys in the college, he had a way to soothe them by putting his hand around their shoulders and asking gently, “What’s troubling you?” He alone would walk into the midst of a brawl and simply with his words would push two warring factions of students away from each other. I’ve witnessed this myself with great disbelief at times. Students would walk up to him and pour out their hearts to him, vent their troubles in family or life. And in him they found someone who genuinely cared. We have heard many life lessons that he had to share from such conversations.
Some time ago, I was able to visit him at his home and spent some time with him conversing. Even when he had difficulty remembering everything; still he was able to recall many moments and asked questions about them. Unable to see when I met him last, he said he was spending much time listening.
Maybe I cannot close without mentioning one fact: in the early days of my blogging, he used to send me encouraging comments after reading some of the posts. A man of his stature finding time to read and comment on one of his students’ writing tells volumes of the mettle of his character; doesn’t it?
Department of English, Mar Ivanios College. Photo courtesy: englishmic.com/about
And now leaving aside all else I could say of him, like the relationship he maintained with Bishops and clergy across Christian denominations, politicians, administrators, and former students; his tremendous gift of organizing mega events, his skill with the written word, his contributions as an Editor and many things more; I would like to close by saying that as a teacher he inspired, motivated, and set standards of excellence that is difficult to emulate. But the light he was able to ignite in the hearts of many, the love he had for all of us students, the great aspirations he had for us; will always be cherished.
Today I thought to challenge you with the Greek word “hamartia.” It means missing the mark.
Imagine someone trying to throw a dart into a bull’s eye. It falls short and misses target. That is an example of missing the mark. Or else think of a basket ball player shooting the ball into the basket. Instead of falling through the net, it hits the board and rebounds. That is yet another example of missing the mark.
In family, we can miss the mark if we do not value our loved ones and spend time with them when there are chances to do so.
In friendships, we can miss the mark if we fail to be a friend in need and do not give an empathetic listening to one who is sharing his or her pain with us.
In the perspective of eternity, we can miss the mark if we don’t prepare for it by making wise decsions and honouring God in our hearts on earth.
Yes friends, missing the mark is something each one of us should fear. This fear should make us have sharp focus, avoid distractions and unhealthy habits. This fear should make us strive with all our heart and mind and soul and strength not to miss the mark.
Many demand respect but sadly it cannot be commanded. On the other hand, respect is hard-earned. In this short speech let me highlight four ways you can earn respect from others.
First of all, you can earn respect with your behaviour. Let it be courteous. Treat others with the same kindness you expect them to show to you. Carry yourself with dignity and never be frivolous in good company. Remain humble and do not try to blow your own trumpet even when you have many ahcievements to your credit. Then people will respect you.
Secondly you can earn respect with your expertize. Be extremely good at something. It can be your academics, work, or hobby or something else you are passionate about. When people see your skill and the ease with which you get things done, they’ll naturally respect you.
Thirdly you can earn respect through your communication skills especially through the way you speak. Speech reveals the stuff and character you are made of. A gentle tongue can break a bone1 says the Bible. You might need to be persuasive and you might have to command at times, but when tempered with gentleness it cannot fail to earn respect from others.
Another important way you can earn respect is by your attitude.Being cool under pressure is something that marks out great captains in cricket. Being able to inspire others even when you are tested and under pressure is excellent attitude. St. Paul had this to say of this kind of attitude:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”2
Imagine that night. In a few hours from the time he spoke, he would be betrayed with a kiss and arrested. All of his best friends would be scattered. One of his best men would deny knowing him. Suddenly the lives of his closest friends were going to be disrupted.
Then would come his hour of bleeding to death on the cross. His flock of sheep would lose their shepherd.
But there was this promise—the gift from the Father in heaven. The Comforter: A guide to show you the way forward, a counsellor to give you wisdom, a helper to give your inaudible sighs and groans a voice that will surely be heard by God, and when you fail and falter and fall down an advocate to plead your case with God. He truly is Someone called to come alongside to help when you are in need of him.
Awesome friend to be with you always is he! He makes Jesus real to you and makes the words of the Bible come alive and speak to you.
You’ll never be left alone. God will never be far away; but in you. You can always know his presence because this Comforter—the Holy Spirit—is with you.
Gentle like a dove, mighty like a wind, and burning to death from your life all that is not pleasing to God; he always points you to Jesus. And he says, “Look to him!”
What a joy it is when he is within you. He is the one who helps you experience the great love of God for you, and he is the one who gifts you the peace that Jesus promised.
Yet again his is that gentle warning when you are about to do wrong; he sorrows and grieves when a child of God strays from what is right and sins!
Yet when you turn back to God he holds you close like a hen gathering her chick under her wings or like a mother comforting her child. He is in the business of blazing truth in your hearts. When he walks with you, you cannot keep company with darkness but you can only walk in the light!
The Comforter—God within us! Gently wooing you to fall in love with God. Aren’t you feeling that nudge in your heart?
Oh, what a joy it is when the comforter has come; when the comforter has come!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Some of you will be called to lead by choice or chance. It is a privilege but a great responsibility too. Let us look at some key thoughts regarding leadership.
Know where you are going. You should have a clear idea about where you are leading your followers to. You can call this a leader’s vision.
Tell your followers how you are planning to move forward. Without this vital information how will people put their trust in you and follow you? This is what you call leadership communication.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have good looks. In a world which focuses on external appearances, what really matters in leadership is your character. That is what is on the inside of you. That is what makes people trust you and be loyal to you.
Now think about names of leaders you can recall quickly. You will see that these people are remembered because of the way they served in their domains of service—be it political leadership, corporate leadership, leadership in sports or in Charitable Organisations. But note that their influence has been felt around the globe. Therefore, remember leadership is how much influence and impact you make on others. It cannot be fully measured.
Again, a quality you need as leader is courage. Especially this is important when it comes to facing a crisis. If you can face it with calmness, that itself will make your followers place their confidence in you.
Another area on leadership you should be good at is decisiveness in decision-making. A leader is looked upon to make decisions—be it in your school classroom, in the family, in your Resident’s Association, or in whatever place you are called to lead. Know that a right decision which is delayed can do harm, can be ineffective, or can make people doubt your competence.
Finally, a good leader is focused on developing leadership in his or her followers. See, good leadership doesn’t happen by chance. You should consciously make plans to see that you identitify potential candidates, make them part of your team, encourage them, give them opportunities to act independently in situations demanding leadership, and paint before their mind’s eye a time when they will lead. In doing so, you multiply your effectiveness and ensure that the good work you’ve begun will continue.
But leadership models we often see are quite the opposite. We find leaders busy trying to secure their position by putting down any potential candidate showing promise of future leadership. In this context, listen to the words of Jesus who said:
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”1
To conclude, let me tell you that you might not learn everything about leadership in one shot. But know that it is worth studying about. For there is great need today for good leadership in all walks of life.
If you can become a leader who can lead with humility, exercise power vested in you with care and compassion, and are willing to stand by the side of those you lead in their hour of need; you will leave a legacy that will shine out far and wide even beyond your tenure of leadership!
Talk for Yuvavani,
All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram.
First Broadcast on 29 July 2006.
There are constants and variables in leadership communication. Variables are much sought after while the value of constants are not fully recognized. Variables constitute style in communication while constants are the life-blood and substance of communication. Wherever constants are recognized and valued there is a sure chance of leadership communication to succeed.
The best kind of success in leadership communication occurs when there is a joining together of constants and variables. The synergy of such an alliance hits you like a tidal wave. Such communication has got depth and mobility. Constants give it depth while variables give it mobile power. The presence of the components of depth and mobility in leadership communication throws upon the leader a mantle of responsibility. A leader therefore has to communicate responsibly for his communication can easily shape or mar the destinies of many others.
It follows that a good leader makes constants his priority. But then the question is, “What are these constants?” In one word, all constants can be summed up as “trustworthiness.” It is a sum of constants and is not achieved in a day’s time. For a leader to be perceived as trustworthy; he has to be approachable, has to have integrity, should be a man with vision and purpose, and should be one with an ability to motivate others to get things done. When these constants are in place the variables would follow. The variables can include, among other things, the men, the method and the medium a leader uses to communicate.
For example, a message in the hand of a worthy messenger carries double the impact. World over, when men and women of reputation speaks for a cause, people listen! This is because the world recognizes the value of a worthy messenger.
Again, the method of communication is of utmost importance. Some leaders prefer to use gentle persuasion while others try dominant aggression. It is to be remembered that gentle persuasion is like water seeping into the pores of a sponge while dominant aggression is like the aftermath of an earthquake. Gentle persuasion creates an ambience for further positive communication. It encourages feedback too.
On the other hand dominant aggression leaves scars and eats into the deposit of trust built over the years. One thoughtless moment of dominant aggression can drive a wedge between relationships which may take a Herculean effort to bridge. It can cut off possibilities of dialogue too.
Finally, the medium the leader chooses also determines the outcome of the communication. This is because the medium used can change perceptions. For example, having a motto displayed prominently at the entrance of an institution is vastly different from having it printed on a coffee mug and placed on every single table.
The first one can send the message of what the leader chose to believe in; while the second one is an invitation to the followers to share in the leader’s vision or mission. Thus it is clearly seen that the medium used can change perceptions. McLuhan’s statement “ The medium is the message” provokes thought in the study of such contexts.
As you further think about leadership communication, the important thing to note is that variables like men, method, and medium cannot compensate for lack of constants. Constants are like strong pillars supporting a bridge. They give them strength. When the presence of these pillars are perceived by the target group they are willing to accept the communication that comes across the bridge as reliable.
These pillars are built of solid trust. It rests on integrity and relationships built over the years. A leader who keeps his word and delivers what he promises at the appointed times and seasons goes a long way in developing trust. His integrity fosters an intimate but elevated kind of lasting associations. This web is spun with so strong strands that adverse times do not break them; instead they only reveal its strength. Therefore seek to strengthen the constants in leadership communication.
Leadership communication succeeds when values are enshrined in a man or woman. When he or she leads with a spirit of serving; then the world stops to listen. A leader of this class is one who is other-minded always. The fellow man’s good becomes his topmost priority and concern. Then he becomes the salt of the earth. And the taste of its influence causes others to listen to him. In other words, the constants in him make people listen. They become willing to obey.
But then what is the secret of such charismatic leadership? Definitely excellent communication skills rank among the best of possible options. When leaders talk well, with clarity and power, with commitment and conviction; their success story is written indelibly in the hearts of men. Examples of such leadership are easily visible in the political arena of the world.
But then they distill down to leadership roles in other levels of society too . The father in a family, a teacher in a school, a team leader of a project or the captain of a cricket team are all leaders from whom others expect quality communication. If those in such leadership roles communicate well; then there is great scope for influence of charismatic leadership.
The impact of such leadership is that unswerving loyalty becomes the only response possible in followers. It is said that when a surgeon was trying to pull out a bullet that had lodged near the heart of one of Napolean’s soldiers; he said: “Go a little deeper, you’ll find my Emperor there!” Such examples prove that leadership communication is not just about talk alone. It is more. It is a communication with one’s entire being. It is constants in action yet again.
But then something more should be said about leadership communication in a global context. World history is the story of a string of individuals who controlled the world with their mind or muscle or money or a combination of these. Plus it was their ability to talk that adhered people to them. But then some of them used this ability for unethical persuasion. This is a great danger still.
Though the world has never lacked leaders; what it now needs are leaders who can use their communication skills for the good of humanity. Leaders should also give ear to what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “What you are shouts so loudly in my ears that I cannot hear what you say.” In other words, the constants should be in place if communication has to succeed.
That means that communication should rise above noise level in the communication jungle of the world, if it has to succeed. The sheer amount of mediocre communication that is happening around you and me is stunning. Amidst the playful noises of the day and the screaming terrors of the night, in between the pouring down of verbal marathons from the visual media and the silent defilement of the scoops of the print media; successful leadership communication finds itself a dying art. Such is the amount of noise in communication today.
Solomon, the wise king asked, “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” And in today’s context, the question points to the need of purposefulness in leadership communication. It calls for a style of restraint and economy of words. Otherwise the world would die because of another flood; this time not of water but of words. Who knows, someday soon, silence will become a paid commodity!
But for the moment let us focus on purposefulness in leadership communication. It is a direct result of the leader’s vision. This is inseparably intertwined with his constants. And purposefulness is reflected in clarity of thought. The leader has to be clear about his desired outcomes. He, then, should be able to communicate this vision in clear, precise, concrete, and specific terms to those whom he leads.
If there is uncertainty here, the communication that proceeds from the leader will be like a muddied spring from which even cattle refuse to drink. The clarity of the message is therefore of supreme importance in leadership communication. St. Paul, himself a great leader of men, asked: “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” The results of leadership communication depends largely on the answer to this question.
Finally, it is to be noted that great leadership communication always motivates and inspires. For this to happen a leader is to be inspired himself. As Tagore rightly pointed out: “A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn its own flame.” But it also needs to be understood that motivation cannot happen in vacuum. Instead motivation can only take place in a meaningful communication context.
For example, the world would never have respected Sir. Winston Churchill to such an extent if his speeches came in another context other than the second world war. The common man hiding in bomb shelters tuned the radio to listen to this man’s voice of courage and hope even as Nazi bombers; flying low and speeding past, were raiding the cities and towns. That context brought out the best in Churchill and allowed him to showcase the trophies of his art.
But again, he had character. So when constants combine with context; it leads to meaningful communication. Again, he was able to sustain his conviction throughout the days of the war. It motivated. It inspired. And won for the world a noted victory for democracy and peace.
Therefore motivation is always a key aspect of leadership communication. As Peter Drucker noted: “Communication … always makes demands. It always demands that the recipient become somebody, do something, believe something. It always appeals to motivation.” A great leadership communicator therefore inspires and leads by example as he lives out his values in the market place and dares to step down from high pedestals to walk the dusty roads where the masses move and have their being. There, his lamp will light other lamps even as it continues to burn its own flame!
There is no human heart that does not resonate with the hope that was so gloriously splashed out on the broad canvas as in Rev. Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream!”
# I Have a Dream
Those were words that were not in the original script; but towards the end of the speech, King realizing that the moment was now just let go the pent up emotions in that phrase “I have a dream” which has since then found a firm footing in the hearts and minds of millions who thirst for freedom worldwide.
The spontaneity with which King improvised setting aside the pre-written speech was inspired by the occasion where 2, 50, 000 people had gathered at Lincoln Memorial, Washington on 28th August 1963.
# Prophetic Voices as the Basis of the Dream
Towards the climatic end of the speech, Rev. Martin Luther King, a Minister (Pastor) of a Baptist church, took on a prophet’s role as he with great faith and belief quoted from Prophets Amos and Isaiah in the Bible saying that they will not be satisfied till justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream1:
“And I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”2
# The Hope of the Dream It was a dream that would not yield to the difficulties and frustrations of the present moment but look forward with hope to a better tomorrow.
It was a dream that trusted in the genuineness of the conduct of one’s character and refused to be side-lined because of the colour of one’s skin.
It was a dream of transformation when he hoped that a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers will arise.
It was dream of a symphony of togetherness; a faith that people will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that they will be free one day.
It was a dream that one day true freedom will ring out from all corners and every mountainside from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city; a day when all of God’s children will be able to join hands and sing with a new meaning in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
# The Legacy of the Dream
The dream of Martin Luther King lives on. Though the rise of evil threatens the peaceful co-existence of mankind; love, faith, truth and hope shall conquer one day.
It inspires us to be true to our convictions and to think and dream big. When we do so its impact will be for generations to come and blessings shall flow in ever-widening streams whose influence will touch more than we have ever dreamed of.
Comment: In the Penguin edtion of 20th century speeches,
the editor wrote about Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech
thus:
“Now, standing before the marchers, King rose to the drama of the occasion, and delivered one of the most memorable speeches of the century. No public figure of his generation could match the skill with which he made a mastery of the spoken word the servant of his cause.”
Negotiations begin early in life. Children negotiate with each other to gain possession of their favourite toys. Customers negotiate to get the best buy in sales showrooms and shopping malls. Often marriages are arranged after a series of negotiations. Life, it seems, involves more of negotiation than we have dreamed of. If that is true, then let us look at a few things that make a good negotiator:
A good negotiator plans and prepares for negotiations. He should process all available information. He should also learn to anticipate new elements and power plays that might come into play at a later stage in the negotiation process.
A good negotiator always keeps long-range goals in mind. He operates on the basis of mutual trust and respect. He recognizes genuine needs of the other party. So he tries his best to satisfy them even as he gets his point across.
A good negotiator is never afraid to ask. He is not deterred by “No” answers and closed doors. He knocks again, surfaces objections and clarifies doubts. He seeks to reopen bridges of communication. To re-establish dialogue is his highest priority when negotiations are deadlocked.
A good negotiator learns to have an intuitive sense for knowing the best deal. He has an ability to recognize when the other party is holding back or when he has offered the best deal possible. He knows when to concede and how to close without squeezing the other party too tight.
A good negotiator knows that negotiation is not an end in itself but a process. He is aware that both parties are answerable and accountable. Therefore he tries to make negotiations a winning process. It succeeds when both parties are able to carry back satisfactory answers without erosion of mutual trust and respect.
A good negotiator has to be flexible. He should be sure of what he can negotiate about and what he cannot (non-negotiables). When both parties want to have a positive outcome (especially true with relationships), things quickly fall in place. When long-range goals are kept in mind negotiations produce better results than predicted.
A good negotiator is never in a hurry to close a deal. He is a master of the waiting game. But like a cat playing with a mouse (Tom and Jerry), he knows when to go in for the kill. It is all a matter of knowing the right moment. By no means are these thoughts exhaustive. But still it is always good to remember fundamentals.
Above all, remember it is people you are dealing with. They too have dreams, ambitions, aspirations, fear of rejection and failure, and the fear of making mistakes and appearing stupid at the end of the day.
If you can be compassionate even when appearing to be unyielding and tough; you can be a good negotiator. And as a leader, you can not only strike deals, influence people and rally up a team with united purpose behind you but also keep relationships growing. Isn’t that awesome?
Leadership is an intentional exercise. If you leave it to chance, the chances are that you will experience power leakage in leadership. Here are 7 areas you need to be conscious about.
#1. Getting over-familiar with people.
There is nothing wrong in building relationships and friendships with people who are under your leadership. But never forget the principle of distance. Leadership that allows people to get too close to you personally can disable you to function well when you need to correct, discipline and persuade them to take action.
#2. Being a caring person.
Caring for others is a good quality. But there is a conflict here with power in leadership. The more you seem to care for people, the more they tend to steal your valuable time. A need that can be met in five minutes might go into a prolonged discussion of personal needs and difficulties if you don’t exercise proper leadership. Be matter of fact in your listening, give to-the-point advice, delegate wherever possible, and instil hope. Do that in quick time and get back to your work of leading. Don’t be pulled into the trap of seeing only the need of one person when you are leading an entire team or organization.
#3. Late intervention.
Leadership is best when there is anticipation of emerging situations. That calls for timely intervention. If as a leader you become a spectator watching others lead the show in a discussion, then there is power leakage. You have to show boldness to step in, take the lead, and control discussions. There will always be people who love to have the limelight, to show off how knowledgeable they are, and those who deliberately try to usurp leadership. Therefore you need to be alert to the fact that leadership is always open to competition and the seat you occupy is envied by many.
#4. Being surprised by information. One of the mistakes leaders make is when they do not take care to get information from the grassroots. Do not depend on your immediate chain of command alone for critical information. Bypass them and have a secure reporting system in place. The worst thing that can happen in a discussion is when you have to ask, “What is the discussion all about?” It makes you look weak and uninformed. Having vital information with you is an absolute must for any leader.
#5. Not leading with questions.
A leader who exercises power and influence is one who knows to ask the right questions. This helps to question wrong assumptions people have about situations and problems confronting them. Asking the right questions can shake people out of complacency and make people commit themselves to deadlines and plan of action proposed. Questions can help to elicit critical information that might become vital in solving problems or taking negotiations forward. A leader is one who should have persuasive ability and that cannot be true without the ability to ask questions. A simple question like, “What would you have done in this situation?” can get the listener become creative with his or her response.
#6. The Nero effect.
Nero was busy playing his fiddle when Rome was burning. Leaders who close their eyes to immediate needs and substitute them with other lesser pursuits, hobbies, or distractions fall into this category. Problems do not disappear on their own. They have to be tackled with diligence. St. Paul makes that point very clear when he wrote that if a person’s gift is leadership he should exercise it diligently1 which means that he should do it with careful and persistent work or effort. Yes, leadership should be approached as work to be done with a long-term vision and keeping long range goals in mind.
#7. Forgetting the killer instinct.
Leaders who forget the killer instinct are like athletes who relax when they see the finishing tape allowing others to edge them out. A leader should always be doing critical follow-up to ensure that nothing takes him or her by surprise. Whatever can be foreseen should be anticipated; and necessary measures taken to avoid surprises. A leader cannot take promises made at face value but should keep reminding people of their commitments often. It might seem annoying but that is part of the killer instinct. Get things done without fail. Don’t leave it to chance. That is the power of leadership in action. Read 7 Essential Stops to Leadership Power Leakage on LinkedIn
I stand here today to speak to you because of what happened this morning. One of our classmates had to leave the class in tears. She is our friend; yet our words and actions caused her to leave in shame and distress.
Who is responsible? We all are.
And what is the problem? Somehow we enjoy jokes at other’s expense. Everybody laughs. Maybe even the person about whom the fun was all about also joins in the laughter.
But that doesn’t mean that the fun was cool. Knowingly or without thought we have wrongly succeeded in destroying the sense of worth of another person.
Now why do we crack silly and frivolous comments about someone’s personal appearance or dress or mannerisms? It is an attempt from our part to appear smart by diminishing someone else.
The temptation to do so is great, but with a little patience and effort you can overcome the urge to make fun of others. Instead, if you yield to it; someday it will boomerang on you.
I appeal to all who were involved in making fun of our dear friend to understand the deep hurt you have caused her. For you, it was moment’s joke; for her it is a lifetime of pain and shame.
What did you gain by making fun of her? Let me ask you, do you become smarter when you make fun of others? Or does your beauty increase when you demean others by your thoughtless remarks?
My dear friends, I ask you to try your best to redeem the situation. Reach out to her and say with genuine hearts that you’re sorry. There is still a ray of hope that things can be straightened out. Act before it is too late.
Let me conclude by appealing to the whole student community to put to an end to the insensitive act of making fun of others.
It is time to say goodbye. I have said it many times before. Yet it has never grown easy.
I now stand alone on the deck of my ship awaiting a new set of passengers.
I will wake up tomorrow with a heavy heart. I will miss you all.
Do not think that the sessions have come to an end. This is not an end but a beginning. What the caterpillar calls an end, the butterfly calls a beginning!
As a Trainer I cannot walk with you all the way. Like Rev. Martin Luther King said the night before he was assasinated, I may not cross with you over to the Promised Land. There is a place where I have to stop and you have to go on.
All of you have shown immense talent. At some point along our journey each one of you discovered who you truly are. You realized your true potential for the first time in your life.
Now it is time to use every opportunity that comes your way. You will certainly make mistakes. You will face criticism.
But remember three things.
One, aim for excellence.
Two, keep on doing what you are good at. Perseverance is the word for it but for ease of remembering let me say endurance.
Three, enjoy speaking.
These are the Three E’s I would like to leave you with:
Excellence!
Endurance!
Enjoyment!
I would like to thank each one of you for being part of this Batch. Each one of you contributed to the success of this class in your own unique way.
Thank you for the love, fun and friendship. I hope it will last for a long time to come. And thank you for the thoughtful gifts you gifted me with. It makes this parting even more difficult.
It is now time to say goodbye. I don’t promise that everyday I will be thinking of all of you. That is not possible. But at the back of my mind somewhere you will be there.
Let me end by asking why we go and watch sunsets even though they bring in darkness? It is because we are sure that the sun will rise again.
Some of you have already seen sunsets in life. This is my heartfelt prayer and wish for you: that each one of you will have a brilliant Sunrise in your life with better hopes, better dreams and better tomorrows. Thank you
Excellence is a result of several attitudes. When these attitudes are combined together they become that one habit of excellence that shall springboard you to greatness.
The impact of excellence cannot be truly measured because it will outlive your life, create urges in ordinary lives to soar high, and set standards against which all future achievements will be compared to.
You might not master all the seven in one go; but you can make an honest attempt with one or two at a time until all of them become an intrinsic part of your life. So here are the seven:
#1. If you aim for excellence you should have an eye for detail.
Little things should not be ignored. When a space shuttle is launched think about all the minute pre-flight checks that are done and how things are put on hold at the minutest variation. History has proven the disastrous consequences of neglect of the same.
Therefore make it a habit to look, see and observe keenly what others fail to note.
#2.If you aim for excellence you need to keep polishing your craft daily.
Here, the only competition is against yourself. The only question that is asked is, “Am I doing justice to the potential God has gifted me with?” Again, the only audience you have will be you alone. So make sure you do something each day that will fine tune whatever ability, skill, or talent you have.
Therefore make it a habit to prioritize quality time each day for that one thing you are good at.
#3.If you aim for excellence a spirit of dissatisfaction should dominate you.
You should always be dissatisfied with your best. You need to learn to think about your best victories and performances as failures. The world will say great things about your victories. But as for you turn your back to the crowd like a music conductor does and look intensely to make your perfect, better.
Therefore make it a habit to forget your past successes and press on to do something new beyond belief.
#4. If you aim for excellence you need to race against time.
There is always a sense of calm urgency taking hold of a man dominated by a higher purpose in life. Such a man like a soldier in war has no time for the frivolities of life. He is sharply focused on making the best utilisation of time. That requires cutting off all distractions–bad, good, better–everything that does not contribute to helping you achieve your goal.
Therefore make it a habit to be a cut-throat in tearing down all time-wasting activities in life.
In other words the habit of saying excuses is not in your genes. If you get stuck somewhere you will think of how to find the best way out instead of feeling helpless and entertaining self-pity while you lick your wounds. Another important aspect of being prepared is to have processes in place to manage all that you do. Double-check even when you are certain you are fully prepared. Follow-up if others are involved. Make absolutely sure that all in human power has been done and taken care of.
Therefore make it a habit to do all in your power, wisdom, intuition, and foresight to be prepared.
#6. If you aim for excellence you will do your best each time you do something.
You will not rationalize and think, “Oh, this is only the trials. I can relax. But tomorrow for the real performance I will do my best.” Never will someone with excellence in his blood think like that. For him every single opportunity, big or small, is a chance to give his very best. Only such an attitude will take you places. Only such an attitude will help you do things in all earnestness even when no one is watching. Even when others counsel you, “Oh, this much is enough,” you will not listen. As the American legendary basketball Coach of UCLA fame John Wooden said, “Make each day your masterpiece.” I might add, “Finish each task you do as if you have no second chance.”
Therefore make it a habit to make each rehearsal, each activity, each routine thing you do stamped with “nothing short of the best.”
#7. If you aim for excellence develop an impeccable character.
Above and beyond discipline, hard work, doing something more than you are asked to do–the greatest work you do is working hard on developing character. It is important that you perform but far more important is who you are. It is far more important to finish well in life than to taste success and then lose it all in one thoughtless action. Again, Success is never sweet when those close to you experience you as bitter. So put a greater premium on being true to yourself, someone true to your word, someone who does not need to be ashamed if powerful spotlights are switched on even while you sleep in the dark.
Therefore make it a habit to have integrity in your life that will stand up to any close scrutiny.
To conclude, as you consciously practice these attitudes not as techniques; but as a true, sincere, and earnest approach to life; it will ingrain in your life as habits inseparable from who you really are.
Influence is one key measure of leadership. It is often achieved through how a leader communicates.
A leader who is always busy and doesn’t have time for the individual is already out of the competition. So make it point to welcome interruptions as an opportunity to listen to others.
A leader who listens and is unable to help the other person have clarity on his confused thoughts has just wasted a lot of time. The other person expects a word of wisdom, a sense of direction, or at least a ray of hope. Be sure you provide that in your conversations.
A leader who forgets to say a genuine word of appreciation is never liked. He may be feared but will not earn any points on loyalty from members of his team. What fear and criticism fails to achieve is made possible through one kind and thoughtful word. “Anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up (Proverbs 12:25 Bible).”
A leader who dictates will not last long. But gentle words of persuasion can break a bone is what Biblical wisdom* says. Speak gently, let logic and reason drive things home. Don’t yell at people and advertise to the world how small you really are.
A leader who is an influencer will make an attempt to see the hidden potential of a person. Even when a person is far from having achieved what he is capable of the leader’s role is constantly paint in words a picture of what the future is going to be for that person. Someday he will be grateful that you believed in him when others did not.
A leader who forgets to keep promises made is busy digging his grave. But those who do not break their word is building up a huge deposit account. At a time of crisis he will be able to encash some of this reserve.
Finally, a leader’s influence is in direct proportion to the example he sets. One act of being there for someone in a moment of need can enhance the way your team or followers see you. If you are privileged to skip the queue and even then you choose to stand with others anyway is an act of identification with others in your team.
Well, leadership is one fine art of creating influence wherever you go.
You cannot make it big if you fool around with time. I agree that coming for your training sessions does not excite you the way the real game does. But that is no excuse for you to come late.
When you come late you are showing disrespect to others. You are showing that you don’t care for leadership and authority.
When you come late you are disrupting carefully laid out plans. Now what does that mean?
Think about it: Whether plans just happen or plans have to be well thought out? And that takes time, invaluable time.
When you come late, you are telling us you are somehow bigger than the team. You are showing us that you can afford to keep all of us waiting.
Taken together how many hours of all of us you wasted when you came 20 minutes late?
That is why I am asking you to give your best each time you are out here for the practice sessions.
But that alone is not the purpose. There is a higher one that should motivate you. You are here to be a good player who learns to be disciplined.
Without strict discipline none of you will make it big in real life. You might win championships and lose in life. Will that not be disastrous? Think about it.
So today I demand that you come on time. It is a commitment that you should make. If you think you are above all this; the team will do better without you.
You should learn to be proud about the jersey you wear, the cap you don, and the team you represent. You say, “I don’t care about any of these things,” when you come late for our training sessions.
Today I am cancelling all practice sessions for the next one week! You know what that means?
It means that the majority of players suffer because a few of you came late. “Isn’t that unjust Coach,” you might ask?
Yes, it is unjust. But that is the only way I see to make you understand the value of time and discipline. That is the only way I see to drill some character into you!
And next Monday sharp 5:00pm we meet for training. If anyone is late by one minute, you don’t play with this team again. Is that clear?
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
“You’ve got to have great athletes to win, I don’t care who the coach is. You can’t win without good athletes but you can lose with them. This is where coaching makes the difference.”
The art of leadership is as old as human history. At the same time mastering leadership is a life long pursuit for those who wish to lead effectively.
Countless books have been written on leadership. Thousands of seminars and workshops are conducted across the globe every year. We witness leadership summits and conferences. Yet there is no end to the variety of ways in which leadership is studied, presented and understood.
In this short speech let me put across to you 7 Essential C’s of Leadership.
First of all, leadership is about effecting change. For change to happen it should begin with the leader himself. The change most needed, I believe, is in the ability to be flexible. Old habits, thinking patterns that do not match the demands of today have to be discarded. It simply means that the leader should not try to impose change on others without modeling it himself.
Secondly, leadership is about exhibiting courage. Primarily, it is about courage in taking decisions. The man who delays decisions so as not to offend anyone cannot lead. So also the man who wavers at the first sign of opposition. But one who is bold in decision and action will find others align with him sooner or later.
Thirdly, Leadership is about character Sadly so many are just concerned with cosmetics. That is how to appear charismatic, winsome and have an appealing personality. All this can do you good for a season. But it is like building a super structure on sand. On the other hand a rock-strong foundation characterized by integrity is a must to lead effectively.
Coming fourth in the list, leadership is about conviction. Now conviction comes when truth is firmly established in one’s heart. It can be an understanding of truth about people, situations or even what motivates opposition. Conviction comes also from a clear understanding of what you can or cannot do. Without conviction, a leader fails to inspire.
In the fifth place leadership is about contexts. In other words each leadership situation is set in the backdrop of a historical context. Sir Winston Churchill whose voice broadcast over radio instilled courage in the hearts of the people of Britain during World War II is a classic example. He was the man for the hour. You too can rise to the occasion and lead if you have a keen insight and awareness of the context in which you are in.
The penultimate thought is that leadership is about confidence. Let me put it this way: Who will follow someone who is a bundle of nervousness; whose words exhibit anxiety and whose body language is like that of a little boy who broke his favorite toy? A leader, therefore believes in the best even when the ship reels to and fro in troubled waters. Everything about his poise and posture exudes calm.
Finally, leadership is about communication. A leader’s words should inspire, make others think, take needed action and impact people beyond the immediate audience. Just look at a list of world famous speeches. Most of them came from leaders who were able to articulate and communicate their vision to the masses. Leadership communication is therefore critical to the success of any endeavour. A man or woman who is able to communicate with clarity and a sense of purpose leads brilliantly.
Let me conclude.
Warren Bennis in his Introduction to On Becoming a Leader wrote, “To an extent, leadership is like beauty: it’s hard to define, but you know when you see it.” Even though it is hard to define, you can learn and master some of the components that go into the creation of effective leadership.
I believe that, though there are so many other components, Change, Courage, Character, Conviction, Contexts, Confidence, and Communication are 7 Essential C’s of Effective Leadership. Mastering these leadership principles take time. An effective leader is someone who experiences growth in these areas as time passes by.
The moment has finally come when you are called to act. It is not to do something great the call is; but just to exercise your rightful duty.
First, let me do a little bit of straight talk. You are given this time and opportunity to cast your vote. But before you decide it doesn’t matter; let me ask you, “What if all think likewise and stay at home instead of coming to cast your votes tomorrow?”
I know that your excuses are genuine. It is the rainy season and travelling in the cold moist weather is not pleasant. Maybe your thought is that it is Friday tomorrow; and if you choose to stay home you get an extended weekend. I agree to both those arguments.
But give me a minute before you make a final decision.
See friends, it is not a matter of winning or losing. It is about understanding that each one of you is significant. You will not come to know the power of your right to vote until your best candidate loses the election by just one vote!
Again, the right to vote, especially that of women, came about after a lot of struggle. Every single time you fail to vote you are counting the sacrifices made for obtaining this right as nothing.
Now that you know you cannot and should not miss your privilege to vote, let me ask again, “What is a college magazine all about?”
Is it just a report about activities in a year? Is it just about certain articles contributed? Or interviews with celebrities? Is it just about photographs? No. No. No. Not at all.
My friends, a college magazine is about memories. It is about nostalgia. It is the treasured collection of the most colourful, vibrant, and never-to-return time of your life. It will carry the whisper of the breeze as you sat chatting under the cool of the trees, it will have the dynamics of debates that sparked fire, it will hold the thrilling sensation of arts, cultural events and sports.
Above all this, the college magazine that I have in mind will be a brilliant display of the finest kind of student-teacher cooperation, team play, and coordinated effort for which our Campus is uniquely known for.
This is what I promise you. Some 20 years from now as you flip through the pages you will walk through the beloved corridors here, and of Time as well. Well, for those of you who love the digital version; it will be more of like an emotionally charged live revisit to your most loved alma mater.
So cast your precious votes in my favour. My worthy opponent has made tall claims to be elected. He deserves a chance. But did he deliver last year? He was elected the arts club secretary; wasn’t he? We expected much, but it all came to nothing. Except a delayed and ill-timed inauguration there was just nothing. Do you want to vote him back to power again?
My dear friends tomorrow is your opportunity to vote for change. Let history record a massive turnout. Your confidence in me will be amply rewarded.
So friends, do not forget my name. I am no stranger to you. In all your moments of ecstasy, and in times of struggle I have been with you. You know that I have not run away from challenges; nor from standing up for your rights in your moments of disagreement with the management.
Do vote for change. With each vote in my favour, you will have the immense satisfaction of having made possible the most fantabulous magazine of our college ever. Thank you.
Have you ever wondered why even though there are plenty of leaders only a few create impact?
All these leaders have a vision, they have strategies and plans, they have organisational backing, and they have followers too in plenty. But then why is it that only few create impact; while the rest are leaders only because they occupy a position?
One way to look at the answer to these questions is to listen to someone who has watched leadership at close quarters. James C. Humes, who wrote speeches for five American Presidents, said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” When he says so, we are compelled to listen because he has seen these leaders communicate with power, authority, charisma, and also declare their international policies with inspiring thoughts and words.
Purpose
So the answer to the question why only few leaders create impact has to do more with communication than with any other characteristic of leadership. If at all a leader can move followers and make them rally behind him in a worthy cause; it is because primarily he is purposeful and decisive in speech and action. Leaders who impact are undoubtedly those who speak with a sense of purpose and direction.
Clarity
Beyond purpose, the next spear-head of leadership impact comes through clarity in communication. It comes from clarity of thinking. When it is coupled with an intense desire to make oneself understood by the audience the impact is tremendous. Achieving clarity, however, is no easy task. It comes from thinking through a situation in all its dimensions.
Confidence
If purpose and clarity has to create impact it has to ride on the confidence of a speaker. Some people bank heavily on knowledge of the subject to ensure confidence. But that is not the only thing that determines confidence. The primary thing is the conviction that he or she as a leader is conscious of the authority vested with him or her. Courage, firmness, resolve, and the will to get things done; all combine together when a leader speaks with confidence.
Simplicity
Above all these, it is of supreme importance that leaders communicate with simplicity. Now that does not mean that a leader adopts the language level of a child to make oneself understood. That is not the point at all.
The point is that in our world of communication overkill, there are too many messages competing for attention at the same time in the minds of audiences. It is in the midst of all these you need to find space and a listening ear. To do so, you need to use vivid, concrete, specific, image-building words and phrases and create symphony which is memorable, striking, and lasting. It is an art in itself.
So let me stress four pillars of the art of communication that translates itself into the language of leadership. They are purpose,clarity,confidence, and simplicity.
Well, One characteristic of the art of leadership communication cannot be left unmentioned. It is brevity. Often brevity is achieved by asking questions that penetrate into defences, tear open hidden agendas, elicit information that was missing, provoke thought, and silence critics. If you are a leader, can you lead with questions? If not, your language of leadership is missing a fine art.
Too many words of explanation often dilute leadership messages. On the other hand economy of words strongly wedded to calmness indicate your authority and command. It also reflects your absolute confidence to inspire unswerving loyalty and instant obedience.
If you look at the sports field, especially in team games like football and cricket; the body language of captains often exudes power when they are in absolute command of their men and situation. During those times, a slight movement in his face itself can align his team to his wishes. The art of communication in leadership finally boils down to this bold exercise of authority.
Leadership has more to do with what happens on the inside of you. Focusing on external appearances and creating an aura of power, dominance, and aggressiveness doesn’t last.
There are three handles or keys to effective leadership.
One, being true to yourself.
Two, being true to your work.
And three, being true to the people you lead.
First of all, being true to oneself is all about leading by example. The world is fed up with people who speak one thing and act differently. If oneness can be achieved between your words and action, then people get a unified message from you. That is what influences and impacts people. All other externals like power dressing, though it has merits, falls short.
Let me state once again that integration between speech and action is the first key to effective leadership.
Secondly, being true to your work is about being called to lead. Now what do I mean by that? It is about understanding the responsibility vested on you. And periodically evaluating whether you are doing justice to your calling as a leader. This kind of self-examination leads to understanding shortcomings, blind spots and weak areas. An honest attempt can then be made to be back on track.
Let me remind you that when you fail to put yourself under the magnifying glass; you lose the chance to measure and control. So the second key to effective leadership is accountability.
Thirdly, being true to the people you lead is about having sensitivity to the needs, hopes, dreams, and aspirations of your team or followers. See, leadership is all about people. They look up to you. They expect much. Often the masses, especially in democratic set-ups lament the mismatch between what leaders promise and what is delivered. A leader who has a heart for people will labour with sweat and tears; and with all his heart and mind to make better the lives of those he leads.
Let me emphasize once again that hopes and dreams are the stuff human life is made of. So guarding the dreams and hopes of people from being smashed is the third key to effective leadership.
Now there might be dynamics of effective leadership that I cannot cover in this short speech. But holding on to these three vital points, namely, integration, accountability, and being the guardian of the hopes and dreams of people can make a positive difference in the way you lead.
Leadership is no easy game. But when you get a chance to lead; do it with a sense of purpose and dignity. The world will be a better place then because of the light you were able to shine!
Leadership is no easy task. It is not for cowards. And that excludes a lot of people. In this speech, let me try to spell out the vital elements of leadership that impacts.
Leadership that impacts is about having a vision. It is about seeing far ahead; it is about anticipating the changes that can come in one’s field of work; and it is about getting others equipped and ready to meet the future.
Leadership that impacts is about decisive decision-making.A leader is fully aware that all decisions have consequences. But he or she is prepared to gather relevant information, getting inputs from all around—360 degree–, weigh the possible ramifications of the decision, and go ahead with firmness, resolve, and unwavering determination with his or her decision.
Leadership that impacts is about earning respect, commitment, and loyalty from the team, group, or followers. This does not happen by chance. It is the character of a leader that inspires all these. Great leaders who are trustworthy have people around them who will go to any length to do something for their leader.
Leadership that impacts is about managing power and visibility. Both power and visibility can easily corrupt a leader. Often a leader is heading for trouble as he surrounds himself with personal favourites who advice him on all matters. The more he relies on these people (who might have their own personal agendas), the more he alienates himself from the rank and file. This can prove dangerous as he soon loses touch with ground realities. The possible solution is to find creative ways to stay in touch with the grassroots.
Leadership that impacts is about listening. A leader is one who can listen sympathetically and empathetically to people around him. He is one who can listen to what is not being said as well.
Leadership that impacts is about calmness. A leader is not characterised by turbulence; but by the quiet stillness found in the eye of a tornado. He should be able to inspire hope in followers by his fortitude during challenging times.
It is not too uncommon to find leaders exult in their new found authority and power; who exercise those in brutal and undemocratic ways. But man is mortal. And someday, each word and action will be accounted for. It is best if leaders can lead with a spirit of humility.
Bishop Jesudasan during prayer. 10th September 2008.
The afterglow of glorious sunsets colour the horizon with flaming hues. One such life remembered today is that of Late Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesusdasan, former Moderator of the Church of South India. He was someone called by God to leadership from very humble beginnings in life. His life was characterized by simple living, absolute trust in God, and integrity in speech and action. His life was deeply rooted in God’s Word, saturated by prayer, and spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി: ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്‌തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ
His heart was always with the poor and the downtrodden, the marginalized and the suffering. He was gentle like a lamb when he dealt with the common man, rose in stature and towered mightily when he interacted with leaders, and thundered like a lion for the cause of social justice. Able to rise above partisan politics and interests; the unity of God’s people was always his utmost priority. He made deep impact in the theological world with his speeches and writings; the result of his years of meditating on God’s Word.
Bishop Jesudasan giving the benediction.
One of the crowning moments of his illustrious career came when the London Missionary Society celebrated the 200th year of its founding. Among the three speakers of the day he was the one representing Asia; the other two being Queen Elizabeth, and Bishop Desmond Tutu; representing Africa.
He enjoyed a personal relationship with many political leaders and never used those connections for personal gain but always for the common good. Always encouraging; he left an indelible mark in the minds of all those he interacted with.
He spoke to God in simple words with the certainty that he was heard. His theology was centred around the cross of Christ and he spoke of the sacrifice of Jesus as the light of God’s love that God caused to shine through his Son Jesus on the cross.
What you remember most about this great leader of men is his gentle smile, his being approachable by all, his prayers for those in suffering and pain, and the presence of God he brought along with him. Bishop Jesudasan was in all respect a servant leader with a shepherd’s heart for the poorest of the poor–a man who had passed through personal sorrow and became a channel of strength, godly counsel, and comfort to others.
Truly missed; but not forgotten, he many years after his home call still is looked upon with utmost respect, love and admiration. Like a bright star in the black night sky, his life lived with purpose and faithfulness to his calling will continue to shine its light for many more years to come.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
——- Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesudasan was Bishop of South Kerala Diocese, Church of South India from 1973 to 1990. a period of 17 years which is considered as the golden period in its history (Consecrated as Bishop on 5th August 1973). He served as Deputy Moderator of the CSI from 1980 and was Moderator for three consecutive terms from 1982 to 1988. He was also a Member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
Fatherly love; Priestly blessing.
A short biographical booklet authored by Bejoy Peter was published on the life of Bishop Jesudasan (14 February 1925–16 June 2013) on his 85th Birthday.
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers and my dear friends,
A warm good morning to one and all.
Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is with this vision I aspire to be your leader. If selected, I would love to lead by example not just in academic pursuits but in all co-curricular activities as well.
The focus of my talk this morning is about three R’s. They are Reach, Respect, and Relationship.
First of all let me talk about Reach.
Most of us have potential. And many of us have not discovered what it is all about. One of my first priorities will be to create opportunities for everyone to display their skills and talent. We cannot do it on our own. We need the guidance and support and encouragement of our teachers.
I am sure they will extend all possible help in this regard. In fact we are blessed to have the opportunity to study in this School which has always set standards of excellence not only in academic results but more importantly in student-teacher relationship.
The second thought I want to share with you is about Respect.
Why is this important? This is important because we live in a world where mind, muscle and money power rules. Human rights are constantly being violated. Intolerance between communities is growing. It is in this context that respect for others should be taught and understood and appreciated in our classrooms.
It is good to begin while we are young. I would like to create an atmosphere of respect in classrooms. We should learn to respect our parents, our teachers and elders. We should learn to respect the law of the land and be law-abiding citizens.
The third thought is about Relationship.
What is the point in studying in the same school and sitting on the same bench and not knowing what your friend’s difficulties in life are? We have become too selfish that we do not care for those who are hurting. So as your leader one of my priorities will be to create healthy relationships in classrooms thus paving the foundation of friendships that will last a lifetime.
This is very important because today children are spending more and more time with gadgets; chatting, gaming, and living in a virtual world. I wish that our students would spend more time in face to face interaction and joyful communication thus cementing good relationships.
So these are my main thoughts:
One, Let us strive to reach our full potential.
Two, Let us create an atmosphere of respect.
And three, Let us also try to build lasting relationships.
So I seek your cooperation. For nothing can be done by a leader alone. A leader is one who has a vision and has the ability to share it.
This I have done with all my heart! Now it is your turn to respond to this vision.
Success to me is not one person achieving. Instead, it is about helping others achieve. It is about enabling others to realize their dreams. So let us begin to realize our full potential. Let us do this in an atmosphere of respect and sportsman spirit. In this process let us build lasting relationships.
Let me assure you my friends we are not going to be defeated, we will certainly win. And the beauty of the victory will be that we all shall win together and make our teachers and parents proud. So my dear friends, when you cast your votes remember me and my vision I have shared with you. Do cast your precious votes in my favour.
Reach, Respect, Relationship. This is my vision, my dream and my goal. I cannot do it in my own strength but in the strength God shall provide. I cannot do it alone; we shall do it together. Thank you.
When was the last time you asked an intelligent question? Why is that the frequency of your questions decreased as you grew from a child to an adult? What prevents you from asking questions now? Is it stage fright? These are important questions.
But more importantly, you need to relearn the art of asking questions. Why is this important? This is important because asking questions enable you to think with clarity. It helps you to communicate to the other person that you are serious about the matter under discussion. Questions help us to gather vital information, show genuine interest, clarify doubts, etc.
“It has been said that the whole art of gaining and of communicating knowledge consists in asking the right questions. It could be said that the way to certainty is to have the right kind of doubt.”1
A child is able to ask many questions because the child has a sense of wonder. Most questions begin with “Why?” in childhood. So to ask good questions, you need to be curious.
In a business setting, a few questions can really get you a lot of information. Having the right kind of information is an absolute must in decision-making; isn’t it?
Basically, there are two types of questions? One is the closed question. The other is the open-ended question. Closed question requires only a short response. Did you watch the movie yesterday? This just requires a Yes or No response.
On the other hand an open-ended question encourages the listener to talk more. Questions like, “Why do you think there are less women CEO’s in the industry? Is it because they hit the glass ceiling?” can make people talk and air their opinions.
If you ask questions aggressively, it can make people nervous and put them on the defensive. Many people are afraid to face questions because they have terror-filled experiences about it from School. So you need to be gentle when you ask questions. And show proper respect wherever and to whosoever it is due.
At the same time, asking wrong questions can show your lack of intelligence. It can reveal your ignorance and also make people question your credibility as well. Therefore do a lot of homework before you ask questions.
Finally, if you know how to ask questions, you can trap those who wanted to trap you. Here is a classic example:
Some people wanted to trap Jesus Christ. They came to him saying, “We know you are a man of integrity . . . Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesear or not?” But Jesus knew their evil intent and asked them why they were trying to trap him. He asked them, “Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” When they brought the coin (a denarius) to him, Jesus asked, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Casear’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”2
This type of asking questions to turn the tables is an art. You too can be good at it if you try. Remember, sometimes the difference between failure and success in life is simply your ability to ask the right questions!
ഞങ്ങളുടെ പൂർവപിതാക്കന്മാർ കായികാഭ്യാസികളും മർമ്മചികിത്സാവിദഗ്ധരും സിദ്ധവൈദ്യത്തിൽ നൈപുണ്യം ഉള്ളവരുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരു കാലത്തു അവരുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തോടൊപ്പമുള്ള ചികിത്സാശുശ്രൂഷയുടെ ഓർമ നിലനിറുത്തി കൊണ്ടാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി തനിക്കു പരമ്പരാഗതമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് യേശു ശിഷ്യനും വൈദ്യനുമായിരുന്ന ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ നാമധേയത്തിൽ ഒരു ദൈവാലയമായി മാറ്റണം എന്ന് തീരുമാനിച്ചത്‌.
