“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
Respected Teachers and my dear friends,
Today as I speak on the pleasures of reading, the first thought that comes to my mind is from Francis Bacon. As he said, reading is like tasting and enjoying your favourite food. It gives immense pleasure. As food nourishes your body; reading refreshes and strengthens your mind.
The second pleasure of reading is that of knowledge. Reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It is through reading that we connect with people across the world and participate in their lives drama; through their sorrows and joys; their despair and dreams.
The third pleasure of reading is that of inspiration. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood days. So also, as we read, our minds are ignited with hope and courage, with cheer and determination to make our lives count and leave footprints on the sands of time.
The fourth and last point I would like to communicate regarding the pleasure of reading is that of entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that it engages our mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy exercise for the mind.
Let me conclude now by saying that books continue to be written and published because people continue to read and be entertained and inspired. Reading is one of the healthiest entertainments a man or woman can have. I am sure the pleasure of reading will continue to ignite hope in countless lives even like a thousand points of light twinkling in the night sky.
A child will always dream about the future and I am no exception. I wish to make myself a success in future. My dream today is to become a doctor. I would like to be a child specialist. This is because I love children. To be able to care of children will give me great joy because it not only helps the children but also helps the parents as well.
To become a Paediatrician I will study hard. I will focus sharply on my goal and will not allow distractions like movies and video games to sidetrack me from my goal.
The next step that I will take is to find out about the best medical colleges in India as well as outside the country where I can study. Learning about such colleges will inspire me and keep me motivated to achieve my goal.
But the best motivation to me comes from the joy of seeing the smiles on children’s faces whom I will treat. A child helped means that I have touched the destiny of that child. If there are healthy children that means there is a healthy tomorrow. It means that there will be people to lead the future.
Then my goal becomes more meaningful. So let me conclude by saying that I wish to become a Paediatrician in the future and bring health, healing and lovely smiles to all young children. This is my dream and my future.
A warm good morning to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The topic for today is obedience. Isn’t it lovely that the New Testament begins with the story of one man’s obedience. The Bible says: “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” The lesson for us is that one man’s obedience can impact history. So it is important for us to obey. This is especially true for us children as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Now let me point out a few thoughts about obedience.
First of all, obedience can take us through difficulties.
Our supreme example of obedience is that of Jesus Christ who obeyed God to the point of bleeding to death on a cross. The writer of Hebrews says, Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered. It tells us that the path of obedience is not always smooth. It might lead us through difficulties and suffering. But these pressures of life will transform us from an ordinary lump of dark charcoal to a priceless diamond that shines brilliantly.
Secondly, obedience is not about obeying rules but it is about a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ.
In John 14 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Therefore obedience is an outflow of our love relationship with God. We can obey God with joy when we believe that God is good all the time. We can obey God when we believe that God has our highest good in mind when he commands us to do something. Therefore let us obey God because we love him.
Thirdly, obedience is about faith.
Let us look at Abraham, the father of faith. In Hebrews Chapter 11, that great roll call of faith, it is said “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” He went because he trusted in God.
Let me conclude by saying that God always warns us when we try to disobey him. If we do not listen we will sink like the great ship Titanic which ignored warnings about icebergs ahead. Let us not be like Prophet Jonah who ran away from God in disobedience; or like King Saul who lost his kingdom due to disobedience; but let us be like Joseph who obeyed God and left his footprints on the sands of time. Amen.
A warm good morning to you all. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The topic obedience is of great relevance in today’s world where artificial intelligence enables robots to obey commands. They are programmed to obey. In contrast, God gave human beings the ability to choose. We have been given free will. We can choose to obey.
Listen to God’s Word
But unfortunately, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. How did that tragic fall happen? It was simply because they chose to listen to the serpent which made them doubt God’s word. The question the serpent asked Eve was, “Did God really say?” She doubted God’s word and therefore disobeyed.
So my first point is that obedience can happen only when we listen to God’s word. That is why Jesus at the end of the Sermon on the Mount told us that the man who listens to his words and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock.
Secondly, obedience is love in action.
For Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Now a lot of people believe that Christianity is a set of rules dominated by the Ten commandments. But Jesus summarized those commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbour. And this love, if it is true, is always accompanied by obedience.
Jesus himself showed the extent of his love for all of us through his obedience. In Philippians Chapter 2 we read that Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. The practical lesson for us is that there are many things that are not pleasant to do. But we do them because we love God and show that love through obedience.
Thirdly, we need to learn from examples in the Bible.
For example, we have a tremendous example of obedience in the life of Abraham. God gave him the promised child, Isaac. But after a few years God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeyed and went. He asked no questions. We all know how God blessed Abraham for that act of unquestioning obedience.
In contrast we have the example of Prophet Jonah. He was commanded by God to preach to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he ran away in the opposite direction and boarded a ship bound for Tarshish. He had to spend three days and three nights inside the belly of a huge fish before he came back to the path of obedience.
My final thought is that Paul writing to the Ephesians says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” In a generation where obedience is not regarded as popular, this command is a clear direction to children. I am sure that children who obey their parents will receive God’s blessings in their lives. Let me conclude with the chorus of a meaningful song:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Airports show us a slice of life. Arrivals are marked with joy and elation. Departures, on the other hand, are often accompanied by tears and sadness. It is a constant scene of activity 24 x 7. Now fasten your seatbelt as we take off and land again.
The constant buzz of life; of people coming and going, baggage and cargo, waiting taxis, relatives, and friends; all make airports an interesting hub of activity. It is not just people travelling; it is more about hopes and dreams; finding better jobs, visiting close relatives, going on vacations to tourist spots, making business happen, negotiations, and even participating in sporting events.
Perhaps compared to other forms of traffic like cars and buses, trains and ships, bikes and scooters; the percentage of accidents is very low as far as air traffic is concerned. Can you imagine a traffic jam in the skies? What if all airports in the world were closed down?
Those questions help us understand the importance of take off and landings. And also listening to the control towers and obeying instructions. Relying on technology like the autopilot, making use of PAPI lights while landing at night, are all part of the process. A good beginning is not enough; it is far more important to finish strong and finish well in whatever we attempt to do.
Another thought that airplanes bring to mind is the importance of time. There are people who have missed flights because they were delayed on the road by traffic blocks. Always the emphasis is on reaching airports early to avoid the final hour rush. Punctuality and discipline; if it is part of one’s lifestyle, will help you avoid tension and anxiety during plane travels.
One last thought about delays, long waits for connecting flights, last minute cancellations, and so on. It is not surprising at all. Life is like that. Journeys and travels will end one day. Blessed are you if you have thought about and prepared for life’s final journey. It will come even when life goes on as usual at airports you are familiar with.
Cars have revolutionized the way people live. It once was a luxury; but now it is a common vehicle. Cars offer style, comfort, ease of travel, and togetherness of family. It also reflects life in many ways.
Cars are chosen with respect to their looks, brand, fuel efficiency, leg space, boot space, interiors, power, and even the ability to park easily in busy city spaces. Owning a car, especially a car of one’s choice, is a dream come true for many. In the Indian context, often the gift of a car is common as a wedding present.
Cars are maintained well by many. It is a reflection of the owner’s personality. At the same time certain cars do make a style statement. It can easily reflect the financial or social status of those who drive expensive cars.
Cars reflect life in many ways. A brand new car signifies beginnings. And like in life, cars do get dents in busy traffic while vehicles brush against each other. A neglected car or poorly taken of car is easy to spot. So maintaining a car well takes effort. Likewise maintaining a healthy life demands good habits.
Cars also remind us of the journey of life. However good a car is; it wears down in the long run. Finally it ends up in the scrap heap. So cars remind us of a final destination. And how you should be prepared for a journey for a life beyond the end point.
So next time, you see a car; have a closer look. You might not just find your reflection but also it will set you thinking. Yes, cars do reflect life.
A young woman in England was troubled in her mind. She felt herself unworthy to come to Jesus. A Swiss evangelist, Cesar Malan who was visiting the town told her, “Come just as you are.” But she was not willing then to come to Jesus. It was only 12 years later that those five simple words would impact her.
She became invalid and was confined to her room. And then one night in 1834 the burden of the lost condition of her heart and soul became unbearable and she, Charlotte Elliott, thinking on those five words, “Come just as you are” came to Jesus.
She simply came with her sense of unworthiness and uselessness. That night she wrote the words of the hymn Just as I am. She said in that hymn that she was coming to Jesus not because of any claim she had to make. Instead, she was trusting the blood of Jesus the Lamb of God which was shed for her and his invitation to come to him. She said that she was not trying to clean herself but instead she was coming to the blood of Jesus which can cleanse all dark spots.
Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bid’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
My dear friend, would you like to come to Jesus today? Bring your sins, your guilt, your shame, your sense of unworthiness; bring it all to him. He has not only invited you to come, but he is also eagerly waiting to see you return to him. Will you come? Will you return to his love today?
See, God’s love is not about emotions. But it is practical and sacrificial. He showed his love for you on the cross where Jesus bled and died for you. This is the central truth in all human history.
You have to look to the cross and the blood of Jesus to come to God. There is no other way. It is a narrow way. Many people reject this way because they want a way to God which is easy and popular and based on their own goodness.
But there is no other way to God. For the Bible says, in Hebrews 9 and verse 22 “and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (NIV) And again, the night before he was crucified, Jesus said, in Matthew 26 and verse 28, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Yes, the blood of Jesus has tremendous power to cleanse and to forgive. Because it is sinless blood;
because it is innocent blood;
because it is the blood of the Son of God fully and willingly surrendered to his Father’s will;
because it was poured out as sacrifice to the very last drop;
and because it speaks words of forgiveness even today,
it has in it the power to cleanse and forgive all your sins.
There is not one sin in your life, however great and evil it is, that the blood of Jesus cannot wash clean.
Your every secret sin, every act of disobedience, every act of rebellion against God; all their bright red scarlet stain can be washed as white as snow in the blood of Jesus. Just come to him with a sincere and broken heart; ready to turn away from evil and darkness to the light of God.
In 1 John Chapter 1 verse 7, the Bible says, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (NKJV). “And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” My dear friend, there is cleansing power in the blood of Jesus.
The one thing you need to do is to walk in the light. Do not run away from God when the Spirit of God convicts you of sin in your life. Like King David, agree with what the Spirit of God is showing you and say, humbly say, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
When you thus confess your sins before God, the Bible says in 1 John Chapter 1 verse 9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let me read that again: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So, you can find forgiveness with God and cleansing from all your sins by the blood of Jesus.
You can come again and again to the blood of Jesus every single time you become conscious of a wrong thought, a bad word, or a sinful action from your side. For the blood of Jesus is a cleansing fountain as said in Zechariah Chapter 13 and verse 1. You cannot exhaust its cleansing flow and power.
Therefore, do not hesitate to wash yourself in the blood of the Lamb of God. Yes, do not hesitate to wash yourself in the blood of the Lamb of God. That is the only way you can enter the holy presence of God. In fact the Bible says in Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 19 that we can have confidence to enter the presence of God in the most holy place in heaven by the blood of Jesus. With boldness and freedom, we can definitely enter the presence of God by the blood of Jesus.
It further invites us to draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. That means you need not doubt. God will welcome you for sure when you come to his presence through the blood of Jesus. This is the significance of the curtain of the temple being torn in two; from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross.
For the blood of Jesus removes all barriers and opens the way for you to come to the presence of God. The door in heaven is open for you. The curtain, the body of Jesus, was broken for you. So come boldly; come with boldness and with confidence that Jesus your high priest in heaven is bringing you near to God by his precious blood shed on the cross of Calvary.
Yes, the blood of Jesus has permanently opened a new and living way for you to approach God. Do not hesitate when you become conscious of sin. The moment you realize you have sinned; come to God confessing your sin and be cleansed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus makes it possible for you to have access to God at all times.
Do you find it unbelievable? Then think on what Pastor Stuart Silvester had to say about this. He once had a conversation with a friend of his who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport. He asked the pilot if he ever faced problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets. His friend responded, “My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to that airport as anyone else—even the jumbo jets!” “the same access to that airport as anyone else
Yes my dear friend; don’t think yourself small or insignificant when you to come to God through the blood of Jesus. You have equal access to the throne of grace just like any giant of faith you might know. You are always welcome to go to God crying out Abba Father, crying out My Dearest Daddy, through the Spirit of God dwelling in your heart.
So draw near to God now. For the blood of Jesus has the power to make you stand before God having your past wiped clean. Come to God with a heart that is truthfully and sincerely hurt by all your sinful attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions. Ask God to help you turn away from all that is wrong in your life. The Bible calls that repentance, and it is godly sorrow that leads you to repentance.
Isn’t it sad that you still trust in your self-righteousness? Now what does that mean? You think by going to church regularly, by prayer and Bible reading, by giving tithes, by your church traditions, by your good deeds, by going on a pilgrimage, doing penance, and so on you can earn access to God. Impossible. It is your pride that makes you think so. The cross of Jesus is where man’s pride ends. No one can come to God except through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.
So humble yourself before God. The Bible says in Ephesians Chapter 1 verse 7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” The Bible says again in 1 Peter Chapter 1 verses 18 and 19 that we were redeemed not with perishable things such as silver and gold “but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” “but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.”
The sacrifice of Jesus was costly. As I mentioned earlier, Hebrews Chapter 9 verse 22 says, “And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The blood of Jesus has purchased your pardon and freedom. There is absolutely nothing in you or your possessions with which you can clear the debt that you owe God to clear you from all your sins. Only the blood of Jesus redeems. So come to this cleansing fountain now itself.
When you do so, God justifies you. For the Bible says in Romans Chapter 5 verse 9: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him.” “Since we have now been justified by his blood.” Now what does it mean? It means that God will not count your sins against you. In simple terms, it means you have a clean new beginning in your life; a brand new beginning in your life. It means that as God looks at you through the lens of the blood of Jesus, it is as if you never ever sinned.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe talks about Dr. Roy Gustafson who has the finest illustration of justification he has ever heard. It seems that there was a man in England who put his Rolls-Royce on a boat and went across to the continent to go on a holiday. While he was driving around Europe, something happened to the motor of his car. He cabled the Rolls-Royce people back in England and asked, “I’m having trouble with my car; what do you suggest I do?” Well, the Rolls-Royce people flew a mechanic over! The mechanic repaired the car and flew back to England and left the man to continue his holiday.
As you can imagine, the fellow was wondering, “How much is this going to cost me?” So when he got back to England, he wrote the people a letter and asked how much he owed them. He received a letter from the office that read: “Dear Sir: There is no record anywhere in our files that anything ever went wrong with a Rolls-Royce.” “Dear Sir: There is no record anywhere in our files that anything ever went wrong with a Rolls-Royce.” That is justification!
It results in you having peace with God. In Romans Chapter 5 and verse 1 we read, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is “through faith in his blood” as is made clear in Romans 3 and 25. So if you trust in the blood of Jesus, God’s anger against you is turned away from you because of Jesus’ blood. Romans 3:25 is a very important verse which specifically mentions the object of faith which saves. That is faith in the blood of Jesus is what saves. Many non-believers accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, a divine healer, a worker of miracles, and a powerful prophet. That is all true. But that kind of faith is not enough to save. What saves you from eternal hell is your faith in his blood! So come to this cleansing fountain of blood and find peace with God.
And he will heal your wounds which were caused by sin. The Bible says in Isaiah Chapter 53, “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” He will also restore you to friendship with God. For, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. All the sin of the world was placed on Jesus the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. Why? To reconcile us to God. It simply means that through the blood of Jesus, God is telling you and me, “I will be friends with you.” Will you believe that? Come to the cleansing fountain of the blood of Jesus.
When you trust his blood for your salvation, sin that separated you and God is removed. The shame and guilt of sin is also taken away. That brings you into close connect and fellowship with God. Instead of enmity with God, there will be peace with God.
God has also brought you out from Satan’s dominion and darkness and evil and given you the power to lead a life that becomes increasingly holy. See, Jesus took the punishment for sins that should have come upon you and me on his body broken on the cross, to set us free! Does that mean we will never sin again. Not at all. But the blood of Jesus puts in our heart a new attitude which hates sin and evil.
In spite of that, a sinless life might not be possible, for we all sin against God from time to time knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore we need repeated cleansing by the blood of Jesus from day to day and moment by moment. So when you allow the blood of Jesus to operate in your life and submit to the powerful influence of this cleansing fountain, there will be a gradual dying to all the wrong desires as God gives you a stronger desire to be holy like him. In Hebrews 13 verse 12 we read: “So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood.” The Bible calls this sanctification. It is the process by which we consistently turn away from all that is evil and become increasingly holy in our lives.
Sanctification refers to the moment by moment cleansing we all need through the blood of Jesus. Imagine you taking a walk on the road. When you come back home even though you didn’t deliberately touch any dirt, lot of dust and other matter will have accumulated in your body mixed with your sweat; isn’t it? Likewise as we live in the world things we happen to see and hear defile our mind and spirit.
Often this defilement discourages us. Then we need to consciously seek the cleansing through the blood of Jesus. We also need to separate ourselves from all known sin in our lives. And then there are matters that make our consciences unclean. We may not be aware of all that. Yet if we consciously seek the cleansing by the blood of Jesus he will do it for you.
After mentioning about the outward cleansing achieved through the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those ceremonially unclean in Old Testament times, the writer points out the inward sanctification as well: “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” Hebrews Chapter 9 verse 14. Let me read that again for you. “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.”
How does sanctification happen in your life? Let us listen to what Jesus said in John Chapter 6 verses 53 to 57, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” Even the disciples of Jesus who listened to him say this found this a hard teaching and they were offended. So what does this mean?
Drinking his blood simply means that we allow the blood of Jesus to have an unrestrained and unrestricted influence in our lives. When we allow that to happen, it leads us to the deepest and intimate union and closer walk we can have with God. Therefore there is a great sense of nearness to God’s presence when you go to him in prayer through the blood of Jesus. From now on, practise the presence of God through the blood of Jesus even while you work or study or play or drive your car. Thus you can always experience God near and have his joy in your life. But like that disciples even today many are offended by the mention of the blood of Jesus. It certainly is not popular.
And when you allow the blood of Jesus to have an unrestrained and unrestricted influence in your life, you also have victory through the blood of Jesus. As the Book of Revelation Chapter 12 verse 11 says, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.” That means there is victory over sin and Satan, and protection and deliverance from all forces of evil and darkness in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, your Lord and Saviour. In today’s world filled with all kinds of evil, temptations, distractions, worries and anxieties, depression and discouragement; your means of victory over all of it comes through the blood of Jesus. So look to Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. That is the banner of your victory. Wave it high.
Let me end with the story Billy Graham told of a boy who lost his way. a police officer was on night duty in a city in northern England. As he walked the streets, he heard the sound of a quivering sob. Shining his flashlight into the darkness, he saw a little boy in the shadows sitting on a doorstep with tears running down his cheeks. The child said, “I’m lost. Please take me home.” “I’ll be glad to take you home. Where do you live?” the officer replied. But the little boy was so tired and so scared that he couldn’t remember his address. The policeman began naming street after street, trying to help the boy remember where he lived. He named the shops and the hotels in the area but the little boy could give him no clue. Then he remembered that at the centre of the town stood a church with a large white cross that towered high above the rest of the city. The policeman pointed to the cross and said, “Do you live anywhere near that place?” The little boy’s face immediately brightened up. He said, “Yes, sir. Take me to the cross and I can find my way home.”
This day let me point you to the cross and the blood Jesus shed there for you. That is the only way home to God and to heaven and to life eternal.
The blood of Jesus shed on the cross has the power to cleanse you from all your sins.
The blood of Jesus sanctifies you by giving you power to live a holy life.
The blood of Jesus redeems you by delivering you from the power of Satan and darkness and evil.
The blood of Jesus justifies you giving you a clean brand new beginning in life
The blood of Jesus heals you especially from the brokenness of your heart caused by sin.
The blood of Jesus gives you access 24 x 7 to the throne of grace in God’s presence.
The blood of Jesus gives you victory in your fight with the world, with your sinful nature and with the devil.
The blood of Jesus gives you protection from the evil one.
And the blood of Jesus reconciles you with God and let you be friends with him.
So come to the Lamb of God. Wash your robes white in the blood of the Lamb and as recorded in Revelation Chapter 5 sing the praises of heaven saying:
“Because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.”
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power for ever and ever.” Amen!
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, Dear Parents, and my fellow students,
Introduction
I stand here at this school assembly looking at the faces of young students who are the future of our country, India. There is much potential, talent, and energy in all of you. With discipline and creativity, imagination and enthusiasm, dream and drive; there is no limit to what each one of you can achieve. But sadly, today, there is a cloud that seems to darken this brightness; it is the menace of drug addiction. So let me start off this campaign by having all of you say no to drugs.
The other part of that slogan should be, “Say Yes to Life.” When saying yes to life, let me share a word of wisdom to all the stakeholders here.:To teachers, parents, as well as students.
Teachers
First of all, let me talk to our teachers. You constantly shine a light on our paths. You encourage us. We are grateful to you for that. But beyond this let me ask one more thing from you. Do not compare us with others. Do not compare our marks or our appearance.
What we expect from you is a word of appreciation. A good word of encouragement can go a long way in building our self-esteem. Give us a word of hope that in spite of our failures and mistakes we are going to make it. Perhaps the confidence you can give us, the trust you show us can in the long run help us say no to drugs than anything else.
Parents
Now let me to talk to our parents. You have made life possible for us. You have given us love and care and affection. You have given us great learning opportunities. We are here today only because of you. But there is one mistake that many parents make. You give the best toys and gadgets for your kids. You give money for their needs.
But how much of your time do you give them? Do you know the best gift you can give them is your unhurried time; your willingness to listen to them; and maybe play with them when you get a chance. Young children grow fast. And when you realize that time has flown; they will be already adults like you. Then it will be too late.
Many children turn to drugs because they seek love and acceptance they did not get at home. So they find it difficult to avoid the peer pressure and fail to say no to drugs.
Students
Now at last, let me to talk to you my friends. There is only one life. When you are young it is the springtime of life when everything is in bloom. But there are predators everywhere. They are those who seek to drain away the nectar of your life by luring you with the temptation of entertainment, pleasure, easy money and the like.
Always know that drugs come into your life to steal, kill, and destroy. It will hook you, addict you to a path of misery, and make a wreck of your mind, body, and soul.
Those who peddle drugs will make it look attractive and even innocent. But hidden behind could be the arm of mafias and terrorist outfits who have no respect for life. Know that their only aim is money by making you compromise your bright future by trading it off for illegal enjoyment the present moment.
Therefore think long-term. Think of the people who love you. Do not bring them to tears. Say no to drugs.
Conclusion
Let me end now. Even when you’ve made a mistake by chance or choice or by being forced, there is always a U-turn possible. Keep up hope. It takes courage to return and you can. It is like the prodigal son returning home to his father’s love after having wasted all his possessions in wild living.
Therefore, let me urge you once again, if there is anyone who has taken the wrong step already; it is not too late. Say no to drugs and return to life and there will certainly be a future for you.
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.
Is entertainment the religion of the 21st century Masses? Oh, yes! Everywhere people line up to be entertained. Be it sports, films, music bands, reality shows, politics, gaming, or even religious meetings, people love to be entertained.
No wonder people are fans of those who not only perform but also entertain. Without realising it, there is a kind of worship of heroes and heroines in all genres of popular entertainment. Therefore entertainment is a religion in itself.
These icons or celebrities of entertainment help sell tickets, build brands, promote causes, and influence popular opinion. They are active on social media too.
In fact, life for the masses revolve around their admiration for heroes and heroines. What is reflected here is a search for meaning, for belonging, and for role models. Not to mention social acceptance and a sense of identity. The religion of entertainment promises all those and delivers too.
But does it fall short of expectations? What might be missing in this pursuit of happiness is life on a higher plane. Entertainment can never satisfy beyond its immediate gratification. What then follows is a vacuum, an emptiness, a sense of craving and addiction for more entertainment.
Therefore entertainment cannot be an end in itself. Rightly viewed, it is a kind of substitution of deep longings to find meaning in life. For riches, fame, power, and success have not given men or women lasting satisfaction, ever! Neither has entertainment of any sort even if it be the best the world can offer!
So, what can possibly quench the thirst for entertainment. Perhaps one should ask, can God? If your thirst is real, then he can meet it with rivers of living water that will ultimately satisfy! But will the lights and music and cheer groups and the glitz and the glamour of entertainment—the religion of the 21st century masses—stop you from seeking further?
Thank you School Leader Elect for proposing the toast and wishing all of us outgoing students the very best. Those words really touched our hearts and as you said, we will keep it our motto to excel in our pursuits and make the name of our school even more glorious. And I am indeed honoured to be given the chance to reply to the toast.
On behalf of all the outgoing students I wish to place on record the extraordinary influence the teachers and the ambience of this school has been in our lives the past ten years. The growing up phase was challenging but looking back it was eventful, and now it is part of our nostalgia.
I never thought I will ever get a chance to reply to the toast in this last year of mine at school. I was always a backbencher, a loser, a failure and the naughtiest kid in school.
I was always having homework to be finished, wrote impositions more times than all of you ever did, and received from teachers punishment in various forms. I leave the school with the thought that in this one thing at least I was first.
Let me now open my heart to you. I find that in today’s mad rush for success and becoming first, all that people think are of themselves. I is first and I is all that matters to most. We, unfortunately, live in a self-first and self-last and self-is-all world.
But there are people like me who long for love and acceptance. My rebellion, my naughtiness, my practical pranks were all my failed attempts to connect with you all.
I am not slow to study; I do believe I have a gifted mind. But i decided early on that I simply want to fail. You ask me, “Why?’
My dear friends, do know that all homes are not the same. There are broken homes where it is unrest always. Happiness is unreal to children like us who come from there.
There is no one to ask why you behave like this. All demand performance. There is no space for compassion, understanding or love in this scheme of things.
As I look back, it was a procession of negative labelling on all fronts: from relatives, schoolmates, and sadly some teachers too. It was like mud and slimy dirt thrown to stick on my white shirt: “You’re good for nothing,” “Bad boy,” “A shame to parents,” “Introvert,” “Loser,” and “A born failure,” were some of them. They still hurt. And I don’t know whether ever there will come a time when its shame will be washed away or its sting removed.
But I learned some time ago that holding a grudge will make all those labels come true. Therefore with great struggle I try to brush self-defeating thoughts aside each day.
I stand here today to say thank you for the opportunity given to one who did not rise up to your expectations. I stand here to thank my physical education teacher who one day after having made me run eight times around the ground asked, “My boy, tell me, what do you fear most?”
It was the first time someone was seeing me as a person—an individual with hopes and dreams, with fears and doubts like anyone else.
He, with that one question, broke my defense. I had a tough look and an unfriendly behaviour. Yet my teacher showed the guts to peel off that mask. But I am grateful he did it one on one and not in front of the crowd.
I broke down and cried that day. My fear of my parents separating, and losing one of them perhaps to death, finally came out.
My kindergarten class is where I meet my friends. I often feel that my class teacher is my best friend.
She smiles a lot and gives me sweets too. I love her way of asking, “Dear Emma sweetie, how are you?” That makes it a beautiful beginning to a new day.
Our classroom is all dreamy stuff: The cartoons on the walls, the small chairs painted yellow and purple on which we sit and chat, the teddy bears and dolls we hug a lot, and of course all the toys that are scattered around and we play with. Those make life with friends in our classroom so colourful.
Oh, how we chat. It is like the chirping of birds. There is no end to our talk. Some of us talk about the animation movies we watched; others talk about relatives they visited; yet many talk about tours they had gone for; and most of us talk about the games we played. But talk goes on and on, and round and round like a merry-go-round.
Ah, we do fight often. It’s for silly things: pencils, erasers, stickers, and things like that. But we love it. And just between us, we sometimes scribble on others’ notebooks too. You might tell it’s wrong. I know it is; but that’s sometimes our idea of fun. We don’t mean to harm, you know!
Some of us go back home in the school bus. But not all. Most of our parents come to pick us and take us home. It is such a lovely end to a day, waving goodbyes and promising to meet again the next day. Those who cried in the morning while coming to school are all smiles when they go back. What a change that is; isn’t it?
I do hope that all of us friends will be together the rest of our lives. But my Dad says, “There are lots more people you’ll meet; but there will be a few who will be your friends for life.” My mother nods in agreement. I don’t understand; but maybe I’ll grow up one day to know who my true friends really are.
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers, and my Dear Students,
This is our very special day. On Children’s day, I as the school leader, take this opportunity to remind you that we are like roses in a garden—we bloom with a variety of colours and spread fragrance and joy all around.
Today, we remember Chacha Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on his birthday. He truly loved children and believed in the promise that we hold for tomorrow and a better future.
On Children’s Day today, we come together from a variety of backgrounds. We come together without any barrier of our differences coming in between us. We celebrate our friendship and dream of our future together.
We have hope that in spite of all that is gone wrong in this world today, we will be able to build a better future together—a future that will be safe for the children of tomorrow. To this end, we pledge ourselves to work together hand in hand and standing shoulder to shoulder.
On Children’s Day today, we look forward with marvel at the tremendous change that the world of technology brings to us. Nearly everything unfolds at the tip of our fingers on our mobiles. Even classroom experience has changed with online classes. But let us remember that the virtual world too needs to be approached with caution even as we leverage the benefits of the same.
On Children’s Day today, let us look around us. Let us listen not with our ears but with our hearts as well. There is a world of children out there who do not enjoy the privileges that we do. Education is a dream to many. Many children, while we study, roam the streets to find some work that will bring them something to eat. Some less fortunate children have to labour hard each day at their homes or places of work even though child labour is prohibited by law.
While we celebrate Children’s day, let us make an effort to reach out to such children. Let us dream of making a future for them too. I know it is not within our power to do much. But that shall not prevent us from appealing to our parents and well wishers to lend a helping hand. We cannot and should not forget those children who also so rightly deserve a good education, a bright future and dignified living.
I cannot conclude without saying a word of thanks to all our beloved parents and teachers. Without you being part of our lives there is no meaning to our Children’s Day celebrations. We love you and respect you with all our hearts. Seeking your best wishes and blessings to each one of us. And dear children of our school, may this Children’s Day Celebrations inspire you to be the best you can be.
Today is different from yesterday because each one of us is growing up. I am fascinated by the change that is happening. And as you might have guessed by now I am going to talk to you about growing up.
First of all, growing up is an essential part of life. Not one of us can choose to remain a baby or a toddler. Our parents found joy in each stage of our growing up. When we turned over the first time, the first baby steps, the first words, our first day at school and so on.
But our joy came in a different sense. It came as new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. It is this sense of awareness that makes growing up a joy.
Secondly, growing up is about freedom and responsibility. When we were young, we had to depend on our parents for everything. Slowly but surely as we started growing up, each one of us became independent in varying degrees. There is a tendency in our teens to rebel and look down on others as we exult in our new-found freedom.
But that is being short-sighted because there is a long journey ahead of each one of us and in a short time we will learn that we have to depend a lot on others to succeed in life.
So freedom is to be used with restraint and caution and also with a sense of responsibility. Let us remind us ourselves of Nehru’s words in his Tryst with Destiny speech that rang out in that midnight hour of freedom where he said: “Freedom and power bring responsibility.”
Thirdly, growing up is about leaving things behind. No one else said it more poetically than St. Paul who said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”1
Yes, there is a lot of emotional and childish habits, reactions, and behaviour that we need to leave behind. That is a sure sign of growing up and becoming a man or woman in a true sense of what that means.
Fourthly, growing up is about coping with and adapting to changes. There are changes that affect our physical appearance, emotional make up and thinking patterns. These are needed to make us ready for our life ahead. Some of us might find these changes delightful, others may find it a bit uncomfortable especially when it comes to becoming self conscious in front of others.
Some of us shy away from the limelight; others are daring in their adventures. Yet the fun of it is learning to cope with change.
Finally, growing up is about looking ahead with hope. The future is uncertain. In spite of careful planning, things can go wrong. But even when darkness falls; you can trust God with your future. I cannot stress that thought enough: the antidote to fear of the future in an ever changing world is trust in an unchanging God.
Let me conclude. Growing up is an exciting part of life. Along with new discoveries can come new interests, hobbies, peer pressure, and new temptations. There can be the pressure of expectations of parents, teachers, and friends. There can be the challenge of making mistakes and facing criticism for our failures too. But none of these things need to discourage us.
For as the poet Robert Browning in his poem Rabbi Ben Ezra says,
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
Therefore this is my call to you today my friends. Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!
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.
Ceremonies are part of our culture. Today we were privileged to be part of a great tradition of our College of Nursing that began with the impressive procession. We witnessed a coming in and a going out. In a sense it is this continuity that marked today’s events.
We welcomed the newcomers with the lighting of lamps signifying the privileged role of nurses as bringers of hope into a dark world searching for comfort and strength. At the same time we are expressing our confidence that those students who are passing out and graduating with flying colours will do this Institution, teachers, and parents proud in the days to come.
Now as Principal of this Institution I stand here to express our deep sense of appreciation and immense gratitude to all those who made today’s graduation and lamp lighting ceremony a memorable and cherished experience.
First of all our thanks are due to Rev. Fr. ………… the Director of our Educational Institutions who presided over this function. We are grateful to have had such an eminent administrator and a man with a vision and mission as our Director. His leadership is reflected in all developmental activities of our educational institutions. Thank you so much for presiding over this function.
Our chief guest of the day Prof. Dr….. the Controller of Examinations of our University is a person with an illustrious career in the medical field. We have been really privileged to have him here with us today. His inaugural address set the tone for the events of the day. It was appropriate that his gracious presence for the distribution of awards and certificates for academic excellence was a great encouragement to students in particular. Thank you very much Sir.
As I said at the beginning we are witnessing a coming in and going out. Both are momentous occasions in the life of newcomers as well as those who are graduating. To address both batches is a challenging task and in Prof. Dr. ….. Academic Dean, College of Nursing, we found a worthy person equal to the task. Her words of wisdom, practical tips, and encouragement were so much interwoven into the tapestry of today’s ceremonies. We are grateful to you Madam for delivering the keynote address and also passing the light to freshers.
Bishop ……….. has blessed us with his gracious presence and words of wisdom. The thoughts he shared will remain in the hearts of all for a long time to come. We, especially the student community here, are much indebted to you for your priestly blessings. Thank you very much for bringing to this occasion a sense of the heavenly and for delivering the benedictory address.
The Oath taking ceremony is part of tradition and it is a significant moment in the life of a nursing graduate. I wish to thank Ms….., Nursing Superintendent, College of Nursing for administering the same.
Now I wish to thank ……. our Joint director who welcomed the gathering. His innovative ideas in the conduct of programmes and meetings deserve special mention as well. My thanks are due to Dr. ………….. Associate Medical Director and ………. our PTA president for their well-crafted words of felicitation.
A word of thanks is due to Ms. ………. of the previous Batch of Nursing of our College for presenting before us your reminiscences of life here at our college of nursing in such a lovely way.
I take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues who have laboured hard to make this occasion such a memorable one. To all parents and students, thank you for being part of our College of Nursing. We hope that that our association will continue in meaningful ways in future too.
A word of thanks to all in ways big and small contributed to the success and smooth conduct of this august function, thank you so much.
Finally I thank God Almighty for showering his blessing upon today’s function and once again I thank each one of you gathered here today. Thank you one and all.
Respected dignitaries on the dais, beloved colleagues, and graduating students,
Have you wondered how it feels when you’re aboard a ship going on a long voyage for the first time? What is the feel when the ship moves away from shore? You slowly lose sight of your loved ones and all familiar landmarks. Then it is all water everywhere.
But then what sustains you there? Hope! Hope of fulfilling your dreams, hope of a better tomorrow, and hope of a great journey ahead. My dear graduates and post graduates College of Nursing, you are soon going to be part of this situation I have just described. Life, my dear friends, is forward. There comes moments when we have to step out into the unknown and unmapped territories.
Let me briefly spell out three magic words that can light up your path ahead:
The first magic word I would like to shout out loud to you is the word LIFE.
We live in a world which is increasingly becoming hostile to life. The dignity of life is challenged everywhere. People are being reduced to labels, numbers, and even objects. It is in this context that we Nurses are called to nurture life, value life, cherish life, and bring health and healing to the world.
Have you understood the real impact of this? There was once a man, a common labourer in Europe who said, “I am building here a cathedral with the great Architect Sir Christopher Wren.” See, that person had the insight that though his role was to bring together the bricks and build the wall; he was engaged in a larger task of helping people worship God in a beautiful cathedral. He also had the sense of pride and dignity that he was working along with a great builder of cathedrals.
My dear Nursing graduates, you too are working along side our Creator God. He is in the business of giving life; and you along side with him are also engaged in helping people maintain healthy lives. Be thankful that God has entrusted you with this awesome privilige.
In this context let me remind you those beautiful lines from Michael Jackson,
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make it a better place
For you and for me.
The second magic word I would like to leave with you is PURPOSE.
In that classic movie Chariots of Fire which shows the Olympic Gold winning effort of Eric Liddel, there is a moment where he speaks his heart out to his sister Jennie. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.”
Likewise you all are called to be nurses with a purpose—the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people. This is a high calling in life. To fulifil that call, you may have to make personal sacrifices.
Lini Puthussery is one among us in Kerala who with great courage and dignity made a great sacrifice to take care of people infected with the Nipah Virus. She could have played it safe. But she chose to pursue the call of duty. Florence Nightingale could have played it safe duringthe Crimean war but she was ready to be used as an instrument of healing in God’s hands. Or take the example of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who was executed by the Germans for saving the lives of many soldiers during World War I. She was quoted as saying, “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.”
So my dear graduating students, you are on a mission with a purpose–the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people while nursing them back to good health.
The third magic word I would like to bring to your attention is COMPASSION.
We live in the age of ever-happening technology. What is the impact of this? Many husbands know their mobile phones better than their wives and vice versa. With artificial intelligence making great progress; today life is becoming more and more mechanical and robotic. Lost is the time of family prayer and dinner together. We have also let go of simple conversations at home. Everybody is busy chatting with everyone else in the world but not with members of family.
As Mother Theresa noted, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
So know that most people who come into your care are poor. They may have houses, cars, jobs, and plenty of gold but they are emotionally and spiritually poor. What they need is compassion. One of the characteristics of Jesus during his earthly ministry was that he stopped to listen to the cry of individuals because he was moved with compassion.
Can you be a channel of God’s compassion? If yes, a healing beyond that of physical sicknesses can take place. That is a greater miracle.
Let me conclude. I would like to thank all of you for inviting me to deliver this graduation address. I am deeply thankful for the kind words of introduction too.
My dear graduating students you are now going to be angels of encouragement and hope. You are going to be carrying the light of hope in jars of clay. In yourselves you may feel weak and inadequate for the great task ahead. But let me wish and pray that God Almighty hold you by your right hand and lead you on your journey ahead.
Who has not been inspired by a teacher? Somewhere at the back of our minds stands at least one or two who showed us light and pointed out to us the path we need to travel. It is deeply appreciated from all of us. You deserve and have our utmost respect dear teachers.
On this occasion of Teacher’s Day, let me spell out who a teacher really is. A teacher is one who has a heart of love, a passion for knowledge, and a skill for communicating the same.
A huge gallery of famous personalities owe it to their teachers for having first identified their talent and are thankful to them for having nurtured it. The story of Helen Keller and how her teacher Anne Sullivan had influenced her is a timeless inspiration to all; isn’t it?
A teacher believes in a child even when others label him or her negatively and will not neglect a student because others have given up on that student saying that the student is not good in studies.
Many students have found the courage to hope and the dare to dream just because of one teacher who said, “Yes, you can!”
A teacher is one who is not satisfied with the knowledge of the past; but is always updated on what is new in his or her subject. He or she makes an extra effort to bring something new that is interesting, informative, inspiring, and even inter-disciplinary to class each day.
This extra effort is a thing of joy for the teacher and extremely satisfying as the class responds enthusiastically and attentively.
A teacher is one who listens carefully and attentively to what students tell him or her. In other words, when students find in a teacher a caring heart, they trust the teacher with even personal and intimate matters of the heart that they cannot share with even their best friend.
Above all these things, a teacher inspires. One timely word of appreciation from a teacher can ignite a spark and a fire in the lives of students.
Thus a teacher shining a small burning light even in a remote village might be igniting a fire in the life of a brilliant student who will carry that to the ends of the earth one day!
—
“I sing the praise of the Unknown Teacher,” wrote Henry Van Dyke, himself a teacher. “Great Generals win campaigns, but it is the unknown soldier who wins the war. Famous educators plan new systems of pedagogy, but it is the unknown teacher who delivers and guides the young. He lives in obscurity and contends with hardship. For him no trumpets blare, no chariots wait, no golden decorations are decreed.
“He keeps the watch along the borders of darkness and makes the attack on the trenches of ignorance and folly. Patient in his daily duty, he strives to conquer the evil powers which are the enemies of youth. He awakens sleeping spirits. He quickens and communicates his own joy in learning and shares with boys and girls the best treasures of his mind. He lights many candles which, in later years, will shine back to cheer him. This is his reward.” Source: https://repository.mainlib.upd.edu.ph/omekas/files/original/9e107c3a86ea8311c4812b044874b9d140684fcb.pdf
Good parenting does not happen by chance. Children need love but they also need some things more. I am presenting those things as 4 vital P’s of good parenting:
Pray for your child. There is no greater way to bless your child than commit his or her life to God’s hands.
Praise your child. Children need genuine appreciation. Instead of finding fault all the time and criticizing your children, try to make an effort to praise him or her for the good things he or she does.
Push your child. Every child grows up and finds a comfort zone. Push your child to move beyond that and excel in life. They might be hesitant to grab an opportunity. You can then push them to do so.
Play with your child. A child values nothing greater than the presence of his or her parents with them at play. It creates a bonding that time will not be able to erode.
To conclude, pray for your child, praise your child, push your child, and play with your child are the simple but 4 vital P’s of good parenting.
The Google search engine holds millions in its magical and mesmerizing web. Its power is so huge that a first page result is a dream come true.
Imagine walking into a library geographically the size of India or China or Russia or The United States of America? How ever are you going to walk through and find the book you want! It is almost impossible. But Google search engine makes it quick and easy in the virtual world.
Now imagine a virtual library spread across the world. How ever are you going to find a needed piece of information from who knows where it is actually located and stored in? But one of the most popular ways people reach there is through the Google search engine.
The way Google search engine gives you relevant results is fascinating and frightening at the same time. Think about algorithms that match your search strings to information or content that is available in time much less than a second. Yes Google search engine fascinates us with its speed almost like the speed of lightning.
Again Google search engine sometimes frighten us with the accuracy with which it suggests what we are actually looking for? “Does Google read minds?” you might wonder. How much optimization might be going on behind the screens to track your digital footprints to give suggestions like that! Amazing, isn’t it?
Let me conclude by saying that typing out a few words on Google or speaking it out on Google Assistant has become second nature to many. Searches are going to continue and Google is happily going to dig deep to bring you answers you are looking for in quick time.
Search Engine Optimization or SEO are a set of good and proven practices followed to edge your way to the topmost results on Search Engine Results Page (SERP). But many who try to make it to the first page focus on techniques while what they should be ideally focusing is on writing good quality content. There is no subsitute for this.
Let me end this talk on Mesmerizing Google Search with that very popluar saying, “The Best Place to Hide a Dead Body is Page Two of Google.” Though I cannot say for sure who said this first there is no better way to say how popular Google Search is!
First of all let me thank all of your for placing your confidence in me and electing me as the Social Service Leader of our school.
I consider this a privilege as well as a great responsibility. At the very outset let me seek your cooperation in dreaming big as well as achieving something noble for the good of the less privileged of the society. I cannot do anything alone, but together we can.
All that we need is a real honest desire to help others. Together with God’s blessings and the help and encouragement of our school management and teachers we can certainly plan and implement a few projects that will help the needy in society.
If I have a message for you this day, it is this that every single rupee counts. The help we give is far more than charity. Know that our efforts are going to help the the downtrodden, the marginalized, the orphans and the poor widows to live with dignity.
Each one of your efforts counts significantly towards the achieving of this goal. A kind attitude, a helping hand, a giving heart, and a we-can-do-it team spirit will go miles to get things done. Let me repeat again, alone I cannot; but together we can. Thank you one and all.
Bad habits give you pleasure. But as with everything there is a price tag. Nothing comes free of cost. Think about how the bad habit will take its toll on your life.
Bad habits have triggers. Certain people or situations compel you to indulge in bad habits. The best thing you can do is to identify the triggers and avoid them.
Bad habits can take hold of you when you are alone and feel lonely. Therefore try to build good friendships or engage in creative hobbies or sports.
Bad habits mostly take hold of you because you have no purpose in life. Do not be idle. Do something positive. Work towards a meaningful goal.
Bad habits can make you feel like a failure. But there is good news for you. If you can rise up one more time and fight one more round, you are no failure.
Respected Dignitaries, Distinguished Guests, Youthful audience, and a wide spectrum of viewers watching on Television,
It is indeed a moment of great joy this evening. I stand here with an immense sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This musical reality show that stole the hearts of millions of people worldwide is coming to its grand finale tonight.
The entire last year; viewers especially Malayali communities across the globe had tuned in every night to not only watch this vibrant program but also support and encourage the child prodigies who had delighted us with their wonderful singing and dancing and interactions with judges and audiences.
Let me first of all welcome all the dignitaries from the TV Channel management, and the Senior Executives from the Companies who have generously sponsored the cash award and prizes. As the Chief Organizer of this event, let me welcome each one of you and request you to kindly occupy the seats allocated for you in the front row.
We have here with us a well-known and eminent panel of judges. They are names that are synonymous with the music world and the film industry. Their rich experience and their connect with audiences is without parallel. Welcome you all to this grand finale.
Of course, here on my right stand the ten finalists. They are all familiar faces to all of you. What a thrilling musical journey they had had. The tremendous improvement they have shown over the last one year is phenomenal. They have mesmerized us on many nights with their unbelievable singing.
To my left are seated the orchestra team. What a wonderful team they have been. Without their enthusiastic support and extraordinary skill with their respective instruments, this musical show could not have come this far. Welcome you all to this finale.
And finally the privileged members of the audience watching this show live and millions of viewers watching on television, welcome.
Look ahead to a memorable night that shall long remain in your minds for its fantabulous display of musical talent, the fierceness of the competition, the agony and tears of elimination, the joy and ecstasy of success. Yes, ladies and gentlemen tonight you are about to witness a musical drama that will set your hearts racing. Welcome you all once again.
It is amazing how Pandemic Covid-19 and lockdowns following it has made YouTube a place of sleeplessness. Most people have started publishing videos on YouTube and are doing live streaming. Most of the learning happens on YouTube now. People have started to search YouTube for answers. DIY tutorials are flooding YouTube. Yes, Youtube Makes the World Go Round!
So what does all this mean?
YouTube Makes the World Go Round means that YouTube has changed the way people seek knowledge. Parents and teachers do not hold the traditional reverence they had. Children at a very young age have started to look to YouTube for answers. And professionals at the other extreme are relying on YouTube and online classes to learn from the experts.
YouTube Makes the World Go Round means that YouTube has changed the way people are entertained. Everywhere you look; be it bus stands, travelling in trains or simply waiting outside the doctors for an appointment, people just use their time to view something on YouTube. Yes, YouTube has the world hooked. Be it travel or culinary art or musical instruments or craft work or painting; it is all happening on YouTube.
YouTube Makes the World Go Round means that YouTube has democratised publishing video content. A reasonably good smartphone and a little bit of creativity is enough to make someone publish good quality content and have people subscribe to their channel. It has made people to become visible almost overnight. Powered by the artificially intelligent search algorithms that bring what you need to your fingertips; it can make unknowns, celebrities in quick time.
YouTube Makes the World Go Round means that it has become a buzz word in the world of advertisement. The immense revenue generated through advertisements is huge. Along with it, people are finding publishing on YouTube a money-generating opportunity. Many are those who make a living out of it while many others jump into the bandwagon hopeful of hitting the jackpot.
Finally, let me conclude saying that YouTube has created a world of its own. The huge amount of talent and creativity and ideas and practical tips that is being discovered each day is immense. No man or woman will live long enough to consume even an infinitesimal fraction of all that is on YouTube. It is a reminder that life is short and life on YouTube should not make you miss all that should be truly valued and cherished in life, love, friendship and more importantly in your relationship with God himself.
Pandemic Covid-19 has changed the global landscape completely. It has made us realize how unpredictable life is. I would like to focus today on the social and humanitarian changes brought about by the pandemic.
The first change that has been effected by the pandemic is social distancing. There is an increased awareness of keeping oneself safe while going about one’s daily routines and businesses. Wearing of masks has become the norm while fashion statements are made through them too. Normal social greeting like handshake has disappeared while smiles are hidden by the masks we wear.
The next change brought about by the pandemic is the isolation and confinement it has brought on the elderly as well as little children below ten years. Many elderly people are now unable to meet their kith and kin due to travel restrictions and the need to stay at home. Children who are used to grow up playing with friends, going to school and having an outing in the park or beach find themselves totally imprisoned within the four walls of their homes. This can seriously affect their socializing and making friendships beyond their immediate neighbourhood.
Again we find classes going digital. It has brought with it possibilities as well as challenges. There are small segments of the student community who do not have access to internet and unable to buy proper gadgets required to continue studies. At the same time geographical boundaries now do not prevent you from taking a course on the area of your interest from esteemed massive open online course provider aimed at professional adults and students like Udemy for example.
Another change we cannot forget is how the definition of work has changed. With the aid of technology Work from home (WFH) has been effectively implemented. It has been prominent in the IT sector. Work from home has created much stress as people are made to work more and be available on duty for more than normal working hours. Reduction of local as well as international travel related to work is also part of the change.
We also need to remember how wedding ceremonies and the way funerals are conducted have changed as a result of the pandemic. We need to see the fact that many top brands have faced a decline in sales as people started to rethink on the futility of displaying the pride of life through brand statements they made.
On the humanitarian side we have a new awareness of how sacrificially medical and paramedical staff including doctors, nurses, volunteers, ambulance drivers etc. has stood along with us to fight the pandemic. We cannot forget the role of the law enforcing agencies which mainly consists of the police and their constant alert and vigilance which has helped us prevent rapid community spread of the Corona virus in many areas. We cannot forget the media which has played a critical role in raising awareness about the need of personal hygiene and the importance of simple hand washing using soap or sanitizers.
But the greatest challenge in the humanitarian front seems to be the plight of daily labourers. This includes, for example, auto drivers. Many people have lost their daily means of sustenance due to less business activities. Many businesses have closed. Any move to normalcy should take into consideration lending a helping hand to those put out of business by enabling them to have access to long-term loans and other infrastructure support.
We also need to seriously consider the attitude of people towards those once affected by Covid and then tested negative. These people should not be discriminated against and awareness should be created so as to how they can come to back to resume their normal life at home as well as in their careers.
Let me end by saying that Pandemic Covid has disrupted life globally. It has a many-sided socio-economic and humanitarian impact. We cannot expect Governments alone to handle the crisis. NGO’s and other organisations have a key role to play in rebuilding normalcy as far as it is possible. We all have a role to play.
Let us approach this situation with trust in God, with optimism and hope. Let us lend a helping hand to all who need it. And let us believe in the words of the old negro spiritual that we shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome some day, oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall overcome some day! Thank you.
It is with great happiness that I stand here to welcome all of you.
As the Chairman of this Film festival I can say that it was a great run-up to this exciting moment.
I know that you are looking ahead with eager faces to see the movie scheduled as the curtain raiser to the current edition of this International Film Festival.
This time for a change we have kept the name of the movie a surprise.
You might wonder why it is so. It is because the movie itself explores the element of curiosity and how it shapes human expectations, handles disappointments and finds success in the pursuit of discovery.
Without keeping you all waiting much more, I welcome the guests of honour, dignitaries, delegates and the media to this function.
We have eminent Directors, reputed and legendary names in the world of Cinema whose very lives revolve around the silver screen here with us tonight. There presence here with us in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of God’s own country, Kerala, is in itself a grand showcase of the way this International Film Festival has grown and made a mark in the festive maps of the celluloid world. I welcome you with great pleasure to this inaugural function.
We are greatly honoured to have with us the doyen of Indian cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachan, the the Big B of Bollywood as our celebrity guest this evening. He, once was the angry young man of Indian cinema. But today he is an iconic figure having inspired millions of viewers with the legacy of larger than life characters he has left behind. His signature voice is recognized everywhere. With loving hearts we welcome you to this film festival.
A special word of welcome to all our friends and passionate movie lovers who have come from different parts of the globe. It has made this gathering here this evening a mix of cultures, perspectives, and blend of voices from the Indian sub-continent, South-east Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa and Europe.
Yes friends, movies make us reflect and think and ponder. It makes us face questions of ultimate importance in life. The lens through which the story is told is not just about dialogues but about search for truth and meaning; it is not just about songs but soul-stirring music and the power of stillness; it is not just about dashed hopes and cruel injustice but also about stirrings of hope and fight back and survival in the midst of despair.
As we unite together to watch and view and air our own opinions; make judgements and become part of the story-telling traditions passed down to us through generations now enhanced and embellished with the aid of ever-captivating and improving technology; I wish all of you a wonderful fortnight of great cinema viewing on the larger than life screens.
Once again, I welcome all of you to this grand celebration of world-class films that will keep you yearning for more. Thank you.
God’s love is for the whole world. It includes you, as well as me. Therefore, you can be assured you are loved.
God’s love is sacrificial. God gave his Son Jesus to shed his blood and die on the cross because of his love for you.
God’s love is a gift. The best way to respond to it is to say “thank you Lord” and accept it.
Do not tell God you are not good enough; for he knows all about you and still loves you.
God’s love brings joy and peace to your life–peace because God forgives your sins, and joy because he accepts you as his child even when you are far from perfect.
Therefore tasting God’s love should make us grow more in humility even as his love drives out fear from our hearts.
God’s love is not just about emotions. He loves you so much that he disciplines you to make you better. He doesn’t leave you to be comfortable with your sins. His love shines a penetrating light in your darkness so that you see who you really are and what God wants you to be.
Finally, there is no place on earth where you are outside the love of God. His love is long, wide, and deep, it is higher than you can reach.
Today, you can open up your heart to God’s love for he has said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love!”
His light guided people to a change of heart and inspired them to move away from sinful living. He came to set people free from what held them in slavery and bondage.
His light made people aware of who God really is like. Not as One against them but as their Father in heaven who desired to forgive them and rebuild their lives!
In spite of shining God’s love in the lives of people, he was despised, hated and rejected. And while he who created light lay bleeding on the cross the sun stopped shining and darkness came over the whole land.2
But then his light burst forth with great joy when he rose up again alive from the dead. And he lives forever. And he upholds you each day in prayer before God and his throne of grace.
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap about like calves released from the stall (Malachi 4:2 Bible NIV 1984).”
Once there was a young boy who walked along with his mother one evening. He skipped around excited and talked about what he saw all around. Soon it was dark. They came back home and sat down on the lawn. As the boy was tired he laid his head on his mother’s lap and looked up at the clear night sky. The twinkling stars were shining like diamonds in black velvet.
He soon stopped talking and became totally silent. His mother sensed something was troubling him and asked, “Son, what are you thinking about?” He replied, “Nothing Mummy.” But she asked once again. “Tell me what is it?” Then the boy said, “Mummy, if the underside of heaven is so beautiful I wonder what the real side would be!”
Yes, there was a time when young children used to look up at the night sky and wonder. But today they grow up with heads bowed down and glued to artificially lit screens of gadgets. The world view of today’s youth is more and more limited to a virtual world dominated by social media like Whatsapp and Facebook. It is very difficult for those addicted to it to live without connecting to these pages every day.
What is the impact of this? Let us look at relationships, education and spirituality.
As far as relationships are concerned, there was a time when members of the family would sit and dine together and communicate openly with each other. Today, because of busy schedules and wrong priorities people do not find time for those within the family. And the saddest moment comes when youngsters find themselves strangers in their own home.
As we look at education, we find that it often fails to equip youngsters to face real life issues. It often fails to teach youngsters the most important lesson of saying NO to compromising situations in life.
In the religious sphere leaders are becoming more earthly minded than heavenly minded. Therefore youngsters are in a real dilemma when they seek out role models to follow.
Where does all these lead to? Youngsters sooner or later become like a boat cut off from its moorings and drifting on the waters without a sense of direction, without an aim or specific goal in life. Of course, they learn their lessons, get good marks, enter into cut throat competition, earn enviable salaries and move ahead in life. But the question is what happens when they lose their jobs suddenly? Or what happens when someone who seemed to show special interest and liking cuts off that relationship without warning and prefer to be with someone else?
It is during such times one’s character and mettle is tested.
It is during such times when youngsters start wondering about the meaning and purpose of life.
It is during such times that youngsters often give up and count themselves failures.
So many choose the wrong roads cutting themselves off from family and friends and waste their precious lives in addictions. Soon they lose their sense of worth and start thinking that nobody cares anymore. When such a negative and demonic thought finds breeding ground in one’s mind a youngster loses all sense of reality and goes on to a downward spiral that often has tragic consequences.
But then is it true that no one cares? Often life can bring situations which make us think it is hopeless to hang in there and live to see another day. Dear friends, when you think that you wasted your life and there is no hope of a positive change do not act hastily. Just hold on and tell yourself that this night will pass and the day will break with new hope and a better tomorrow.
It is this message of hope that is the highlight of the story Jesus told about the prodigal son. Instead of the traditional concept of God standing as a tough school master ready with a cane to punish every single offence, through this story Jesus showed us the Father-heart of God filled with compassion and care for his erring children. The story tells us in compelling terms that God is ready to run to us with the offer of forgiveness and acceptance and friendship if we truly say “Yes, I want to come back to you.”
In today’s world many youngsters need just this assurance of being loved and accepted. Often we demand that they become perfect and righteous before we start loving them. But God is different. He accepts people just the way they are. He specializes in broken lives and works to restore joy and peace in such lives.
So there is hope for tomorrow even if things have gone wrong in your life so far. God can still paint a beautiful picture around that ugly stain that mars your life. Your past mistakes will not prevent you from achieving greatness in life. God can turn even your worst failures into masterpieces of dazzling beauty and craftsmanship.
Beyond all this there is the hope of a greater tomorrow. For God is not just interested in the present. He is thinking of an eternal home where we shall live with him for time without end. He is always thinking about wiping away all the tears from your eyes.
It was to convey to us this hope of a better tomorrow that Jesus declared: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He said he came to this world to seek and save what was lost. He came to redeem and give his life to save people from their lost condition. He came to give them hope for tomorrow and even beyond.
