History bears witness to many such incidents in which people who have excelled in various fields have accepted Jesus as their Savior and become shining examples for others to follow. Look at St. Augustine who excelled in philosophy and rhetoric and accepted Jesus the savior at the age of 33 and got changed completely. After his conversion he maintained the same intellectual superiority and reached the heights of theology and spirituality and became a great teacher and an inspiring example of deep commitment to the person of Jesus. Like him there are many men and women in the church who accepted Jesus as Savior and bore courageous witness to him in the face of stiff opposition and persecution

People at various times and places have raised many serious questions about Jesus. Who is Jesus? What is special about him? What is the kind of salvation he offers? How does he become our Savior? Finding answers to these questions will help us grow in our life of faith and commitment.

The first questions we raise is "Who is Jesus?" This question concerns the very identity of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God. But how do we know it. When Jesus asked this vital question to his disciples at Caesarea Philippi as to who they thought he was, it was Simon Peter who declared "You are the Messiah the son of the living God: (Mathew 16:16) honoring Peter’s declaration of faith Jesus said, " Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. "(Mt.16:17). By ratifying Peter’s assertion, Jesus was revealing his divine sonship.

There are other instances in the gospel which reveal to us that Jesus is the son of God, Take for instance, the voice that was heard from heaven at the time of Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan, at the hands of John the Baptist. "This is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt.3:17). This was the Father’s own testimony of Jesus divine sonship.

On different occasions, Jesus himself affirmed that he was the Son of God. Often he referred to God as "My Father". "The works that I do in my father’s name testify to me:" (John 10:25)

Again we read in the Gospel of John, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21)

We also have reference to Jesus divine sonship in the synoptic gospels. We read in the gospel of Mathew, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in heaven" (Mt: 7:21). Again, in the Gospel of Luke we can see reference to the same. While breathing his last on the cross Jesus prayed, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). Jesus’ identity as the Son of God comes out clearly in these Gospel verses. There existed a Father-Son relationship between Jesus and God the Father which was very close and constant.

God sent his only Son, Jesus into this world to save us from sin. The incarnation of the son of God was for freeing us from the slavery of sin and making us sharers in the divine life. Salvation is a divine gift. It is not something gained on our merit. St. Paul in Ephesians says, "by grace you have been saved through faith; it is the gift of God and not the result of works….." (Eph-2:8).

By salvation we mean liberation. The salvation that Jesus offers is a total liberation. However, it is primarily a spiritual liberation. Basically, it is liberation from the bondage to sin.

God’s special intervention was necessary to save man who was under the dominion of the evil one. Salvation can be realized and experienced only through the forgiveness of sin. This is the kind of salvation Jesus offers. In the prophecy of Zachariah at the naming ceremony of John the Baptist we read "….for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." (Luke 1: 76-77)

Remember John the Baptist points out to Jesus as "The lamp of God who takes away the sin of the world".(John 1:29).

To those who believe in him Jesus offers both a liberation from sin and a share in the divine life.

Many good men have tried to renew the world through their teachings and examples. But none could ever offer liberation from sin. Only Jesus can free man from the power of the evil one and sin. The salvation Jesus offer is specifically one that is gained through the forgiveness of sin. Remember the prophecy of Zachariah where Jesus is projected as the one who affairs forgiveness of sin (Luke 1:77)

While healing the paralytic man Jesus asserts that he has power to forgive sins. We read this in the gospel of Luke: "But so that you may know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins….I say to you stand up and take your bed and go to your home." (Luke 5:24). So Jesus through his death on the cross paid fully the debt of humanity’s sin and freed us and made us all heirs of the kingdom of heaven.

The salvation Jesus offers is not one that is limited to a nation, people, race or time. It is universal and meant for the whole humankind. Therefore Jesus is rightly called the Savior of the world. Remember, the good news that the angles gave to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus was about the Savior of the world.

"Do not be afraid; I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you in born this day in the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11). Again the devout Simeon who was "looking forward to the consolation of Lord" came to the temple and took baby Jesus in his arms and praised God saying, "Master now you are dismissing your servant in peace according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all the peoples….." (Luke 2:29-31). Consider what the Samaritans thought of him. In fact Samaritans were a people despised by the Jews and regarded as outcasts. The Samaritans said, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe for we have heard for ourselves and we know that this is truly the savior of the world" ( John 4:42). Thus Jesus is truly the savior of the world. He belongs to the entire humanity as Savior, redeemer.

Jesus is the only savior of the world. There are so many religions, religious founders and religious leaders in the world. In the face of such a diversity of religious faiths and religious founders, what in the significance of saying Jesus is the only savior.

For an as answer to this question we should search the scriptures. In the gospel of John we read the words of Jesus. "I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6). So Jesus is the only way to the Father. In other words we can say Jesus is the only Savior. Next, read this catagorical statement in the Acts of the Apostles: "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). St.Paul in Timothy asserts that there is only one mediator between God and man-Jesus Christ. "There is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all" (Timothy 2:5).

Again in Colossians Paul says,"….For in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible…..and though him God was pleased to reconcile to himself, whether on earth on in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross (Col.1:16, 20). That Jesus is the only savior is emphasized in our times in the constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and in the teachings of the church on ‘The Savior of humankind,’ ‘Jesus the Lord’ and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Thus Jesus is only mediator for our salvation. May God’s grace help us understand this basic truth?

This discussion on Jesus, the only savior will be inconclusive unless we also consider the place of other religions in the world. The hope of a redeemer leading to salvation underlie all religions. We should say, the rays of truth that emanate from other religions gave rise to such a hope. Therefore we can say that these religions served as various paths for the seekers of true God. But in the fullness of time God revealed himself through Jesus Christ. In Hebrews we read, "Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in there last days he has spoken to us by a son..." (Heb-1:1-2) So in Jesus we have the fullness of God’s revelation.

Those who know, believe in and follow Jesus the only Savior have a direct experience of salvation. Those who do not know Jesus are saved by God according to the good deeds they perform. Whatever be the case, anyone who is saved is saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus shed his flood for all humanity. In this way the followers of other religions also partake of the salvation brought about by Jesus.

One day at Caesarea Philippi Jesus put this questions to his disciples; "Who do people say that the son of Man is?" The disciples answered him; "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets". Jesus was quick in confronting his disciples with the question: "But who do you say that I am?." It was Simon Peter who spoke up. He said, "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God." (Mt.16:13-16). Like wise, today Jesus asks everyone of us, "who do you say that I am?" It is a personal question addressed to us. What would be your answer to Jesus’ Question? We should be able to confess convincingly that Jesus Christ is our Savior. Only then the salvation he offers becomes ours.

When Peter said that Jesus was the son of the living God, Jesus told him in turn firmly, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven" (Mt.16:17). It is the spirit of the heavenly Father who reveals Jesus as savior to us and who helps us accept him as such. Let us pray for the grace that we may accept Jesus as our savior and know him and proclaim him to others.

An intellectual understanding of Jesus as savior in not enough; we should experience him at the level of our hearts. He must become a savior for each of us personally. This can happen when we believe in him, keep his words and acknowledge him. Remember, Jesus calls us to the experience of salvation. Now respond to this call whole heartedly and be saved.

1. Discuss in your group the life and example of one or two people who accepted Jesus lives of as their savior and led lives of deep faith and commitments.

2. How can you lead a man who though baptized does not acknowledge Jesus as savior and Lord, to the experience of Jesus as our savior? Discuss.

1. What lesson do you learn from the example of the scientist William Ampier who accepted Jesus as his Savior.

2. Quote three gospel references to show that Jesus is the son of God.

3. What is the meaning of saying the Jesus in the savior of the world?

4. How can those who do not have any opportunity to know Jesus be saved?

5. How does Jesus becomes ‘my savior’? Explain.

To Do:

Describe the life of any one from the gospel who had a deep experience of Jesus as savior?

Acts of the Apostles 16:25-34.

Many great men have found their place in history. There are others who have made history through their skill and achievement. But there is no one who has influenced history as much as Jesus of Nazareth. The birth of Jesus the son of God was an epoch-making event that divided history into two; before Christ and after Christ. Jesus holds such a unique position in history that any historian writing history has to mention the name ‘Christ’ at least indirectly if not directly.

Every Christian should know the historical base of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. This is important for two reasons. (1) our faith can be strengthened by knowing Jesus Christ of history. (2) It will enable a Christian to dialogue with others, to clear doubts about the person of Jesus and to give correct and convincing answers to questions put to him by others.

A number of reasons can be given to substantiate the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth. Let us study some of them.

God created man making him a partner in his divine life. But man lost that divine life as he submitted himself to the tempter the devil. He became a slave of sin unable to raise himself from his deplorable state. But God in his great love for man made a plan to save him. This plan of God is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

After the fall of Adam and Eve, God did not abandon them but gave them hope of a redeemer (Gen 3:15). Clear indications of Jesus, the Savior can be seen in the prophecies made starting with Moses, the unique leader of Israel down through the lives of many prophets after him. Concerning the Savior who was to come Moses said to the people of Israel; "The Lord your God will raise for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. (Dut. 18:15). The words of Moses enkindled this hope of a Savior in the hearts of the Israelites. Again in prophet Isaiah we read: "Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him, Immanuel". (Is 20:7:14),. This prophecy of Isaiah reinforced the hope of a future Mesaiah. The gospel verses such as Mathew 1:23 and Luke 1:31 fulfill the prophecies about Jesus.

The people of Israel waited patiently for the Savior promised by God and foretold by the prophets. The world heard of him ages before he made his appearance in flesh in this world. As the letter to the Hebrews testifies "Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets but in these last days he has spoke to us by a son.." (Heb: 1:1-2). Thus came Jesus, the eagerly awaited Savior of Israel.

Jesus of history hails from Nazareth and he is known as Jesus of Nazareth. At the crucifixion of Jesus Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross which read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews" (Jn.19:19). Jesus takes his place in history as Jesus of Nazareth. Let us examine some historical evidence on Jesus.

Jesus of Nazareth was born a Jew and he was rooted in the Jewish history and tradition. We can see certain traces of Jesus in the Jewish tradition. Talmud is an authoritative text of the Jewish tradition. It consists of laws handed down orally through the centuries right from the time of Moses. Midrashim are ancient Rabbinical expositions of the Talmud. They are not literal interpretation of the Talmud but they illustrate and explain Talmud for the common people. In Midrashin we find the following reference to Jesus: "Jesus, known as Nostri (Nazarene) was born of a woman called Mariam. He was accused of perverting people and was tried and condemned to death".

Flavius Josephus was a noted Jewish historian who began writing in A.D.67. As he was born just after a few years Jesus had died, he would have been well aware of the reputation of Jesus among the Jews and Greeks. In "Antiquities of Jesus" (A.D. 93) Josephus wrote: "At that time lived Jesus, a holy man, if man he may be called, for he performed wonderful works and taught men and joyfully received the truth. And he was followed by many Jews and many Greeks. He was the Messiah."

Josephus wrote in the some text, with great respect on John the Baptist and his death, He also wrote on the tragic death James, the apostle. He refers to James us, "James, the brother of Jesus who is called Christ."

Many Roman writers have made references to Jesus in their works. For example, Plumy the younger who was governor of Asia Minor who wrote to Emperor Trojan in A.D.112. In his letter he wrote that there were many Christians in Bethemia,a part of his domain, and that they gathered together before dawn and sang hymns to Christ and worshipped him as if he was their God. (Epistola, X 96)

Cornelius Tacitus was another Roman historian of antiquity. He was born around 25 years after the death of Jesus and had seen the spread of Christianity. He wrote: "People who were called Christians were conducting worship in the name of Christ who was killed during the reign of Emperor Tiberius and Pontius being the governor (Annales, XV 44)

Apocryphal writings are not officially accepted as part of the Bible. They are written on Jesus and his life and activities but they are not recognized by the church as inspired texts. Some of these texts contain historical references to Jesus and his contemporaries. For example ‘The Acts of Thomas’, ‘The Gospel of the Hebrews’, The Gospel of the Nazarene’ ‘The Gospel of Peter’ and Jacob’s Proto Evangelium’

All the four gospels speak of Jesus and they present before us a lively and realistic image of Jesus. The Gospels contain accounts of Jesus by persons who saw Jesus, heard him speak and lived with him as his disciples. For this reason the witnessing by these persons and places recorded in the gospel add to the historicity of Jesus. For example at the time of the birth of Jesus a senses was taken in the Roman empire by Emperor Augustine Caesar (Luke 2:1-7). St. Luke records again that it was during the reign of the Roman Governor Pilate that Jesus was condemned and put to death by crucifixion (Luke 23:13-56). Moreover, the places associated with Jesus’ birth, life and death are preserved as holy land and pilgrims flow to these places throughout the year.

The disciples who were witnesses of Jesus’ death and resurrection become deeply committed to the person and they preached him boldly despite stiff opposition from others.

Jesus’ teachings and message spread very fast the world over. As the gospels were not written after a few years following Jesus death, they carried on preaching the word of Jesus by word of mouth. Late each of the four gospels was written in subsequent years. As they were written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they are holy books and the gospels complement one another.

Consider how Luke began his gospel : "Since many ……." (Luke 1:1-4). These words of dedication of his work to Theophilus which Luke has placed at the very start of his gospel give his work a touch of history.

The words of St. John in his gospel: "Now Jesus did many others signs in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may came to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name" (John 20: 30-31). The disciple has not written anything that did not come to pass. He has not recorded everything about Jesus. He recorded thing about Jesus which he considered important as any historian would do.

We can still quote: "This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them…"(John 21:24). St. John takes responsibly for the things he has recorded in his book. He is like a responsible witness placing historical evidence.

The content of the gospels is based on historical realities. No true, responsible seeker can ever deny the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. He was born at a definite place and in time and lived among us making his impact in human history.

The life of the early church community bears powerful witness to the historicity of Jesus .Centered on the life of Jesus, whom the Jews crucified but God raised from the dead, a new community of faith was born. They were called Christians in the very first century itself. They were called Christians for the first times in Antioch (Acts 11: 25).

The courageous witness borne by St. Peter, the first of the apostles and Stephen the martyr became a source of inspiration and heritage of the early Christian community. Remarkable was the conversion of Saul, who persecuted the Church in the beginning, but later became Paul, a staunch defender of faith and apostle of the gentiles. We notice that the assembly of the believers grew larger and larger.

The witness by the early Christian community is a strong evidence for the historicity of Jesus. A starting with the early church and by the handing down of faith from generation to generation and by this apostolic mission of zealous believers the church is spread all over the world today. This universality of the church adds to the historicity of Jesus.

No one open to truth can deny the historicity of Jesus. The life of Jesus, the son of the living God, is an ever inspiring one for any human. He was born of a woman of Nazareth by name Mary and brought up by both Mary and Joseph. He was baptized at the hands of John the Baptist when he was 30 years old. He went about in Judea and neighboring places preaching the kingdom of God and worked wonders to announce the reign of God. He was handed over to the Roman governor Pilot by the Jews who condemned him to death on a cross. They laid his body in a tomb on the third day he rose from the dead. The life of Jesus inspires everyone who listens to his message and raises human life to a higher level of love and service.

Many tried to obliterate Jesus. But they all disappeared having no place in history. But Jesus still lives even beyond history as a trans-historical person inspiring all and raising all to a level of sons and daughters of God. May the life of Jesus of Nazareth, born a Jew, appeared in human flesh and blood, inspires and raise us up from sin to holiness, and eternal life.

1. What are the evidences that you can show to affirm that Jesus is historical.

2. "Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecies", elaborate.

1. The historical knowledge of Jesus helps us in what way?

2. What did Socrates, the philosopher, who lived before Christ say about the Redeemer who was come?

3. What is the name that indicates Jesus historicity?

5. The proclamation of faith by the early Christian community is a convincing evidence of Jesus’ historicity; elucidate.

Share among follow students in the class things told about Jesus by historians and great men.

Acts 5:21-39

Abraham Marslaw and Milton Mayer are two well known psychologists. They were confronted with a question: Of all the great men the world has seen, who has the best personality, After years of pains taking researches and investigation they came to the conclusion that Jesus who was born in Bethlehem of Judea and grew up in a village called Nazareth, and lived only 33 years and died on a cross had the best personality. It is remarkable that modern psychologists find Jesus who lived over two thousand years ago as the best personality who inhabited this earth. Without the least shadow of doubt it can be affirmed that no single individual on earth ever influenced the world as much as Jesus did.

As Christians we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and therefore should know more about the personality of Jesus. Knowing the magnetic personality of Jesus that attracts crores of people on earth to him can make our faith bright and more effective and help us model our personalities after him. Seeing him in the gospel is the best way to know Jesus.

The Gospels concentrate mainly on the personality, teaching and mission of Jesus. All the four gospels reveal the personality of Jesus through his words and actions. When we make a combined study of the four gospels we get a complete picture of Jesus. As we go through them we can see the important characteristics of the person of Jesus. We can get an insight into the person of Jesus who is the Savior of the world, the teacher, complete man and complete God.

Jesus’ divine sonship is the basis of all his personality. Everyone was deeply influenced by the powerful personality of the Son of God. Jesus’ consciousness of his own divine sonship influenced the whole life and activities of Jesus. God the Fathers revealed that Jesus was his son at the time of his baptism in the river Jordan and while he was transfigured. Through prayer Jesus was in constant communion with his Father and to fulfill his Father’s will was the very purpose of his life. He was ever conscious of the fact that he came from the Father and his aim was to complete the work entrusted to him by his father. Read the following references from the gospel of John in this regard (John 4:34; 5:24; 5:36-37). We are called to be God’s children through Jesus, the son of God, and we should develop this consciousness day after day and conduct ourselves as God’s children.

The total liberation of humankind was the very purpose of Jesus’ incarnation. At the very start of his public ministry he proclaimed the message of liberation. Look at Jesus reading the Book of Isaiah, as recorded by the evangelist Luke, in the synagogue of Nazareth where he grew up as a boy. "The spirit of the Lord is upon me………" (Luke 4:18-19).

We can understand human life at three levels-body, mind and soul and all the three are inter-connected. What affects human mind affects his body and soul and what happens to his soul has its consequences in his mind and body. When man commits sin it adversely affects is soul, mind and body. Jesus came to liberate man from all bitter realities and oppressive forces. Jesus gives an integral liberation that is essentially a liberation or salvation through forgiveness of sin.

While introducing total liberation of humans, Jesus was trekking a lone path never trekked by others and it was difficult for his contemporaries to understand. Jesus walked the way of the cross. To the world that seeks to solve its problem through violent and destructive means Jesus’ choosing the way of the cross appeared foolish Jesus liberated humankind through his sacrificial death on the cross. This salvation offered by Jesus is still applicable to every sinner today. Today everyone stands redeemed, but to make it happen individually one should go to Jesus and accept him as Savior.

Jesus of Nazareth was born into the Jewish community which regarded itself as God’s own chosen people, and in the dynasty of King David. The orthodox Jews of Jesus’ time looked at the tax collections and sinners with aversion and they never associated themselves with them. But Jesus was different. Jesus was sympathetic to them and he loved these people whom his community treated as outcasts Jesus was critical of those who practiced this kind of discrimination in the name of tradition and orthodoxy.

Some of the most shining pictures of Jesus in the gospel came out when he is presented as the friend of the sinners. He shares table with tax collector and sinners (Mark 2:16, Luke, 15:1-3)

He teaches us the wonderful love of God the Father in the story of the prodigal son (Luke15:11-24). He knew that the woman weeping at his feet and washing his feet with tears was a sinner. He forgave her sin in the presence of all (Luke.7: 36-50). He accepted as his friend and disciple, the tax collector Levi (Luke 5:27-32).

Once Jesus said openly, "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance" (LK 5:32). The characteristic of Jesus’ personality comes out in his approach to sinners; he hates sin but loves and accepts sinners. He is motivated by love which underlies all his actions.

Jesus came into the world to bear witness to truth and to reveal to the world God, who is truth itself. In the gospel of John we read, "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth". (John 18:37). In his person Jesus reveals God who is himself truth. In St. John we read, "I am the way, and the truth and the life" (Jn. 14:6). Jesus was himself this truth, he bore witness to the truth and he died for the truth.

During the trial of Jesus Pilot asked Jesus "What is truth". Jesus told him that God was the ultimate truth. He had come to bear witness to that truth but Pilot would not understand. Therefore Jesus refused to give him a direct answer. Man becomes really free when he recognizes and accepts God as the ultimate truth. Jesus said, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free". (John 8:31-32).

Jesus valued sincerity but hated hypocrisy. He said, "Let your word be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ (Mt.5:37) Jesus inspires us to live lives of total sincerity and respect for truth.

Jesus always took a firm stand against sin. He fought against sin and in his own life he courageously withstood the onslaught of the tempter by the power of God. He taught us that only those who subdue the power of the evil one can fight against sin.

In Jesus own time social evils like violence, injustice, fraud and extortion were prevalent. The Temple of Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religion and seat of Jewish power was no exception to this. We read in the gospel of Luke, Jesus driving out those who were selling things in the temple (Luke 19:45-48). They turned the temple a house of prayer into a market place. "You have made it a den of robbers".

Jesus was very critical of those authorities who interpreted the law, which was made to ensure common good, wrongly and made the life of the common man miserable. (ref. Mt. 23:1-36; Luke 11:39-47; Mark 12:38-40). Jesus stood against evil when he criticized the scribes and pharisees of his time saying though they appeared honorable and expected salutation from others and best seats in synagogues and banquet-halls, they were far from being acceptable to God. He openly showed before the people the hypocrisy of the scribes (Luke 19:45-47). The contemporaries of Jesus did not give due expect to women in the Jewish community and such discrimination amounted to social evil. Jesus did not follow such a social trend but in his dealings with women upheld their dignity.

Jesus fought against sin and evil but never rejected the sinner. He teaches his follower to love even the enemies and to do good to those who hate you and to pray for those who persecute you. (Luke 6:27-36, Mt 5:38-42)

Jesus remained poor all through his life, from the time he was born to the time of his death on the Cross. He felt that foxes had holes and birds of the air nests, but the son of man had nowhere to lay his head. In a world divided between the poor and the rich Jesus chose the part of the poor. He complimented those who were poor in spirit. He also warned the rich who had no place for God in their lives. He made it clear how hard it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (MK 10: 17-25: Mt. 19:16-30). One’s attitude to wealth was the focal point of Jesus’ teaching on wealth. He praised the poor widow who dropped a copper coin into the temple treasury which was all she had to live on. (LK. 21:1-4).

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls" (Mt 11:29). The above words of Jesus indicate two characteristics of Jesus’ personality. He wants us to be gentle and humble like him. Jesus is presented as a gentle lamb by prophets. Isaiah speaks of the messiah as lamb that is led to the slaughter and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent (Is 53:7). Jesus who remained gentle during the trial, journey to Calvary carrying his cross and crucifixion, is our model.

He showed himself humble by washing the feet of his disciples and be wanted his disciples to learn the lesson of humanity. "So if I, your Lord and teacher have washed your feet you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). He again taught: "He also said that who ever wanted to be first must be the last of all and servant of all (MK.9:35). One day Jesus observed how the quests at a banquet were eager to chase places of honor and he said, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (LK 14: 7-11). So Jesus should be our model in humility and gentleness.

The quality of forgiveness stands out clearly in the life of Jesus. Jesus himself forgave those who wronged him and urged his followers to forgive others. On the cross at the point of death he prayed to his heavenly Father to forgive those who made him suffer so much even to the extent of death. When Peter asked Jesus whether it was enough to forgave the offender seven times Jesus replied, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. (Mt 18:22)

Jesus also taught his followers to forgive if anyone has anything against anyone. "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (MK 11: 25). Forgive, as the Lord has forgiven you, reminds St. Paul in Colossians (Col 3:14). So let the life and example of Jesus inspire us so that we may readily forgive others.

Jesus was deeply sympathetic and merciful. In the gospels we see Jesus as particularly sympathetic and merciful to sinners, the sick, the poor and all who are marginalized in the society. His words and actions were loudly proclaiming his tenderness and sympathy. His presence brought food to the hungry, liberation to the sinner healing to the sick and consolation to the desolate.

Jesus is that Good Samaritan who bound up the wounds of the man who became a victim at the hands of robbers and took care of him. His attitude of tenderness and deep sympathy to the woman who was caught in adultery and whom they wanted to stone to death is remarkable. It is really a moving experience to see Jesus weeping with Martha and Mary whose brother Lazar had died. Jesus’ sympathy and deep sensitivity to those who suffered attracted many people him. We are invited to be like Jesus, sympathetic and merciful. We read in the gospel, "Be merciful, just as your fathers is merciful (LK 6:36).

We have been discussing in the chapter the personality of Jesus and the characteristics associated with him. It is indeed a moving experience to see Jesus endowed with so many striking qualities. Jesus changes and inspires us to be like him. Make him your model and be like him more and more everyday.

2. Which of the qualities of Jesus attracted you the most and why?

1. What are the characteristics of Jesus’ personality as we know them from the four gospels?

2. What do you understand when we say Jesus is a total liberator?

3. Jesus is the one who fought against sin; explain?

4. How can we be like Jesus who is gentle and humble in heart?

5. Every one was attracted to Jesus for he was sympathetic. Explain?

Prepare a chart showing the various characteristic, of Jesus and display in the class.

Philippians 2:1-11.

In a world-wide survey, once Mother Teresa was selected as the most celebrated human. How could she achieve this rare distinction being only a woman caring for the poor and the abandoned on the streets of Kolkata? Obviously, it was not in consideration of her external beauty, but inner quality that made her so much unique and distinct. So we can say that there is a deep relationship between one’s inner qualities and personality.

People speak of personality in various ways. Some say the one who dresses smartly and behaves gentlemanly has an attractive personality. Again a dedicated social worker with deep commitments to valves has a magnetic personality. These two instances above indicate the external and internal aspects of personality. Civilized behavior, good look, polite expressions, physical and cultural abilities and achievements are all the external characteristics, of good personality. Love, sense of justice, truthfulness, patience, sense of responsibility, sincerity, and holiness constitute the internal aspects of personality.

The well-known psychologist Gordon Alport defines personality as "the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thoughts". The personality is the sum and substance of one’s thoughts and feelings, believes and behavior. It is personality that makes one attractive and influenced with others.

Personality is something that is growing and something that should be made to grow though personal efforts. One achieves personality growth through various stages in life and through constant efforts. One should know that he/she has certain duties and functions associated with a particular stage in life and one should deli gently fulfill such functions to achieve personality development. All great men and women have trodden this path before they achieved the crown of glory.

There are three main aspects of personality. They are physical aspects, talents (skills) and spiritual aspects. The physical aspect in the first one; it pertains to one’s bodily features, skin color, height etc. There are all in inherited from parents and ultimately they are God-given.

Secondly we can speak of skills or talents associated with a person. Every individual has certain talents he or she is born with. This includes one’s intellectual and physical abilities on talents. These are abilities a person has acquired by birth and they have to be identified and developed through personal efforts. Personality development of this level depends entirely on the efforts a person makes to develop these abilities to their full extent.

The third aspect of personality concerns values. We call it the spiritual aspects of personality. Values like love, justice, sympathy, responsibility, sincerely, truthfulness etc. are essential for the well being of an individual and the society at large. In addition to these we can also speak of certain personal values and religious values which are related to personality. Punctuality, simplicity and cleanliness are personal values. Loving the enemy, patience, sacrifice and holiness are religious values.

Goal setting and firm will are essential to move forward on the path of personality development. This should be a clear goal in life and a will to achieve it despite obstacles and setbacks. Nothing can substitute hard work and deep commitment to set goals.

Christian identity lies in the spiritual realm. By Christian identity we mean to make one’s own the attitude and life style of Jesus Christ. Jesus has such a magnetic personality because he is the incarnation of love. His love flows to all and embraces all. Following the example of Jesus we can see a number of holy men and women in the church who are dedicated to a life of love. Even non-Christians were moved by the love of him. Once Swami Vivekananda said "If Jesus of Nazareth was alive today I would have washed his feet, not with my tear but with the blood of my heart".

The Christian identify is centered on Christ. It is formed in an individual when he makes the words and attitudes of Jesus his own. The man with such an authentic Christian identify can be said to be "Like wise a man who built his house on rock" (Mt.7:24-25) (LK 6:48-49). Look at St. Paul who got himself transformed after the manner of Jesus and who says, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom.13:14). Christian identity is complete when one can say with St. Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20).

Christian identity is something to be achieved by every believer. To realize this goal we need to make persistent effort. Then are a few things we can do to help ourselves grow up in Christ identify.

Self awareness is the key to personality development. It consists in knowing oneself, knowing one’s goal in life and knowing the means to achieve the goal. Christian self awareness can be said to be the awareness that develops in a person in the light of the teachings of Jesus Christ. A Christian gains this awareness mainly through the word of God and the teachings of the church. Just as no one can make life successful without self awareness, no one can grow up as a mature Christian without knowing what it means to be a Christian, and what is the goal of Christian Life and what are the ways to achieve this goal.

Jesus is the perfect reflection of God. Jesus’ personality grew up into full maturity in wisdom, age and holiness. One day Jesus told Philip, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Jesus was like anyone of us in all things except sin. So he can be our model. Being like Jesus means to be like him in love, mercy, forgiveness, courage, sympathy, meekness and humility. To live like Jesus ‘We all need God’s assistance and strength. We get that strength through prayer and sacramental life.

Faith in Jesus is coupled with a special mission. We should make constant effort to develop to the full extent the abilities and graces God has given us in close association with Jesus. When we live every day of our lives to achieve this goal, we will become like Jesus and that is our Christian Identity. In our Christian community we come across so many dedicated people who have this authentic Christian identity.

In the history of the church there are innumerable shining examples of saints who have risen to the likeness of Christ step by step and reached the top. For example, we have the apostles, the Father’s of the church and the teachers who have been enriching the church and ennobling Christian life down the centuries. All this holy man And woman have followed the command of Jesus and made him their model in life. Through them we have come to know that it is possible for all of us to grow up into the likenesses of Christ and to develop authentic Christian identity.

It is not possible for us to know all the holy souls who enable and enrich the church. However we should have an overall understanding of the saints in the church knowing they are the people who lived out their lives after the model of Jesus. We should know at least some of them more closely as it can inspire us in our endeavor to develop Christian self-awareness and identity.

Saints present before as a world of diversity and unity. Diversity because they have come from different background in life and different path they followed in developing Christian identity. We have an amazing array of holy men and women in our church of whom we can be proud of. We speak of unity because all the saints were Christ centered and all of them made themselves into the likeness of Christ. To give a bird’s eye-view of this wonderful diversity and unity among the saints, consider the following saints. Look at St. Joseph, the patron of laborers and St. John Chrisostom, the patron of preaches. Again consider St. John Berchumans, the patron of alter boys, Dominic Savio, the patron of youth and St. Don Bosco the patron of the youth. Again we have St. Thomas More the patron of politicians, St. Francis Assisi the patron of environmentalists and Charles Boromeo, the patron of catechism teachers. In the next list we get St. Esodore, the patron of farmers St. Cecily, the patroness of singers and St. John Maria Viany, the patron of priests. Consider also St. Francis Xavier and St. Teresa of Jesus, the patrons of missionaries, St. Christopher the patron of travelers and St. Vincent De Paul, the patron of charitable works. The list of saints is still not exhausted and we are struck by the diversity of their back ground, mission and life style. But they all had a single goal in life- Be like Jesus. This should be our aim too.

We can say that a genuine Christian is another Christ. The presence of good people has always enriched and promoted social good at all times and in all places. One who has developed Christian identity is always an asset to the society. He enriches social life promotes common good and becomes a model for follow citizens. We should be able to say with St. Paul. ‘It is no longer I who live but it is Christ who lives in me.

As Christians we have great responsibility in building up a new society in which the dichotomy between words and action is reduced to the minimum Let Jesus who was sincere in his words and actions become a lamp to our feet, light to our path and inspiration and model for our lives. Let us make Jesus’ mission, mind and life style our own and grow up step by step everyday in becoming like Jesus.

1. Christian identity is a life that is centered on Christ.

2. Young people and the promotion of Christian identity.

1. In general, what do we understand by personality?

2. One grows in Christian identity by making Christian vision of life, Christian mind set and life style one’s own; exemplify.

4. What are the ways in which the examples of saints help us to grow in Christian identity?

5. What do we mean when we say that a Christian in another Christ?

Write an essay on ‘How to grow in Christian identity’.

&#Colossians 3: 12-17

In the history of the church, St. Paul was the most zealous of missionaries. There was none like him in zeal and deep commitment to Christ. We come across a young man by name Soul, in the Acts of the Apostles, who was going to Damascus with orders from the Jewish authorities to find and take to Jerusalem anyone who proclaimed faith in Jesus (Acts.9). Soul was himself a man who followed the Jewish law strictly to the letters and practiced all Jewish regulations with perfection. Before he reached Damascus, Saul was called by Jesus. That experience of Jesus transformed Soul totally and he became a staunch believer in Jesus and a deeply committed disciple. He started proclaiming Jesus. There was none like him in the whole church who proclaimed Jesus with so much zeal and commitment. He got transformed himself like unto Jesus. So he could say "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20)

In the last lesson we discussed ways and means of growing up in Christian identity or individuality. It is necessary that we should know what is special about Christian individuality in order to live it out in our personal lives. We can distinguish these characteristics as basic to developing Christian individuality. They are; 1) Christian vision of life. 2) Christian attitude. 3) Christian life style. Vision of life is something that controls the entire view points of a person. Attitude shows a persons priority of values. Life style shows behavior patterns of an individual in changing circumstances.

What makes Christian life authentic and glorious is the vision of life underlying. It can be regarded as the Christian View point of the various levels of life. Jesus taught us that God is our father and all humans are brothers and sisters. Accordingly Jesus led a life which was God-centred and human oriented. Christians are people who live out this Jesus vision of life. It is from this basic position that the other aspects of Christian life take shape and develop. We can speak of five aspects of the Christian vision of life. They are:

(1) Vision of God (2) spiritual vision (3) Vision of man

(4) Vision of the world (5) Vision of heaven

What is fundamental to the Christian vision of life is the awareness that God is our Father. Just as a Christ grows in the awareness gradually he/she can establish a man’s personal and close relations with God. Jesus taught us to pray addressing of God ‘Our Father in heaven’. He wants us to grow in the awareness that we are God’s children Jesus said, "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt. 5:48). We truly become God’s children when we fulfill God’s will in our daily lives.

Another aspect of Christ’s vision of life is the awareness that though human we are all God’s children. Man as created by God is potentially God’s children by birth. However we actually become God’s children by confessing faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God. St. John writes "But to all who received him, who believed in his name he gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12). Again we read in John’s letter, "See what love" the father has given us that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. (1 John 3:1)

The awareness that God is our Father leads us to the knowledge that all men are our brother’s and sister’s. This is a global vision of man which is deeply enriching and ennobling. It teaches us how as christians we should relate ourselves with others. As we grow up in this global vision of man we rise above the discrimination based on casts, creed and color and become mature and broad minded to accept and love all humans. The same message is powerfully brought home in the saying, "Love you neighbors as yourself". The Good Samaritan in the gospel, who rose above the narrow constrains of religion and caste and helped the wounded man is a wonderful illustration of this message (Luke 10: 25-31).

Our vision of the world is deeply influenced by the awareness that God is our Father and that we are all brothers and sisters. That the world is our earthly home is the basic Christian vision of the world. The content of this basic tenet is that God created this world and all there is for all humans and the whole world is a temporary home for all human beings. This world vision teaches us that we are called to live as brothers and sisters in this earthly home. Moreover it urges us to love nature and the universe and to rise to a level where we treat others with fraternity and live in cooperation with all.

The Christian vision of life is not one that is restricted to life here on earth, but it gives a clear awareness of eternal life. It teaches us that death is not the end of human life. Life is to continue eternally in heaven. For a Christian the ultimate end of life is to attain God who is the source of all goodness. It is the vision of heaven that gives meaning to a Christian’s life. St. Paul says, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from god, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling". (2 Cor. 5:1-2). Many are led to disappointment and to a life of inactivity and indifference because they lack the awareness of heaven. A Christian who places God as the ultimate goal of his life can confidently and courageously face the problems of life and go forward finding meaning and fulfillment in life.

The vision of life that develops at the level of the intellect has to be converted to attitudes. Attitudes are formed in mind in the light of an individual’s vision of life. The most important attitudes that are formed in a person’s life are the attitude toward God, toward man and toward the world. For a Christian the vision that God is our Father, that humans are brothers and sisters, that the world is the place God gave man to dwell in and that heaven is our ultimate goal of life should underlie and determine our attitudes.

A Christian is one who thinks that he/she is a child of God because God is his/her Father. This awareness creates in him certain attitudes. One of the predominant such attitudes is the attitude of dependence on God. Remember what Jesus said. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1) Christians are people who are called to live according to the word of God and with an attitude of dependence on God. When we live with total dependence on God there is no place for depression and disappointment in their lives.

"Even if a mother forgets her own child God will not forget you" is the kind of conviction in which a Christian should grow up." See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands" (Is. 49:16). These words of the prophet Isaiah remind us that God constantly surrounds us through his loving care and divine providence; we are always present before him. We are enabled to put all our trust in God knowing that all things are possible with God. We are not emphasizing here on a philosophical understanding that God in my all, but what we want is that this should sink deep in to us and become a moving experience. Look at Francis Assisi who said, "God you are my all".

Another important Christian attitude is the attitude of fraternity. This attitude prompts us to see every other human being as a brother or sister. Remember what Jesus said, "Jus as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me" (Mt 25:40) St. Paul tell us, " Love one another with mutual affection; out one another in showing honor" (John 12:10)

The attitude of goodness prompts us to see goodness in all things and acknowledge it and honor it. Only when we recognize and acknowledge it can it increase and multiply. Disciples of Jesus should be people who do good deed themselves and encourage and protect it in others. St. Paul admonishes Christians to be performers of good deeds. They should overcome evil with good, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty give them something to drink." (Rom.12:20-21). God is goodness itself whatever goodness we find any where are rays of this total goodness present in God. Only those people who have this element of divine goodness in themselves can do good deeds, see goodness in others and promote it.

The harm that negative thinking can do and the benefits that positive thinking can bring about are subjects of lively discussion and deep study in the knowledgeable circles in the world today. Psychology to day affirms as never before in the past, that positive thinking can lead people to success. The Christian echo of this recognition can be seen in the words of St. Paul that all things work together for good for those who love God" (Rom 8:28). No one can defeat us it we are with God in our thought, words and actions. "If God us for us, who is against us?" (Rom 8:31)

We have discussed the Christian vision of life and Christian attitude. When we acquire a life style that is born of these attitudes, we can say we have developed a Chrisitian individuality. The above attitude should be reflected in the details our daily lives. To lead good lives based on these attitude should become natural and easy for us This is what will happen to us when our personality is transformed into a Christ-centered personality. Note the following developments in such Christ centered individuals.

Love of God is the foundation of Christian life. Without the love of God no one can develop in Christian life. The core of all commandments is love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself. Of these the first is, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (MK 12:30). Remember always that Christian life is one constantly prompted by the love of God. Worship of God, the proclamation of the word of God, prayer and charitable deeds are all but expressions of the love of God. Love of God should reign supreme in our lives.

Christian individuality is known by love of the others. Remember the words of Jesus, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another" (Jn. 13:35).The early Christian community accepted these words of Jesus as a challenge and lived it in their daily lives. Think of the great Tertullian, who lived in the second century and who recorded the following statement about this early Christian by non Christians "Look, when we hate one another so much they love one another so much; when we kill one another, they die-for one another". The life of the early Christian community should inspire us to lead lives founded on love of God and love of neighbor.

When we can love even our enemies Christian love is in its zenith. There may be some people who regard love of enemies as cowardice. However, for Christians love of enemies is the highest and surest expression of love of Christian individuality. Jesus tells us, "But I say to you love your enemies and pray for those who persuade you. So that you may be children of yours Father in heaven (Mt.5:44-45). We can live out this teaching of Jesus when we adopt the genuine Christian life style. Love of enemies was a unique teaching of Jesus as it had no place in the teachings of Judaism, a religion in which Jesus was born and brought up. Through prayer and patient waiting a Christian should be able to win over even his enemies.

To recognize and serve the sinners, the sick, the poor and the orphans is naturally the characteristic expression of Christian individuality. What makes Christian so service -minded is the saying of Jesus a just as you did it to one of the least of these-‘you did it to me "(Mt 25:40). We, as Christians are called to love, recognize and respect all unconditionally at a time when people are prone to discriminate against others on the basis of religion, nationality, language, casts and culture. As people grow up in Christian individuality we should be able to deal with others broad mindedly and be generous in self-giving and sharing with others what we have.

We grow in Christian individuality by practicing Jesus ‘Vision of Life’, his attitudes and life style. Thus we make Jesus who is a historic person and savior of the world present on ourselves and in the world today.

1. The foundation of Christian individuality is Christian vision of life.

2. How are Christian vision of life, Christian attitudes and Christian life style related in the formation of Christian individuality?

1. What made St. Paul say "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20)

2. Which are the basic characteristics of Christian individuality

3. What do you understand by Christian vision of life?

4. What do you mean by Christian attitude?

Prepare a chart showing the requirements for forming a Christian individuality.

Romans 12:9-21.

&#We read the teachings of the church on Christian conscience in the second Vatican Council in the chapter on the church in the Modern World.

In Prophet Isaiah we read, "And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying. "This is the way; walk in it". (Is 30:21). This is the voice of the conscience. This is the voice of God who is constantly guiding us.

The Second Vatican Council highlights the importance of conscience in human life. The decisions of the conscience are final and to be followed. However, the decisions arrived at by a conscience that is not properly formed can be wrong and misleading. The decisions of the conscience can be wrong due to the influence of selfishness, lack of knowledge about what is right and wrong, the pressure of emotions and the undue influence of external forces. Formation of right conscience is of utmost importance for an individual. An individual has a moral obligation to follow the dictate of a right conscience. If it is against the dictates of a right conscience an individual has the right and duty even to refuse to obey a particular law or carry out a particular order of a superior.

Conscience can be classified as follows based on its character.

A sinful conscience is one that prompts a person to do a sinful deed knowing fully will that it is sinful.

It is a conscience that is uncertain about what is right and wrong and keep on changing-

The one who sees sin where there is no sin and thinks small or insignificant offences as grave ones is a man of scrupulous conscience.

A man of lax conscience sees serious faults as light ones and light faults as no faults.

A right conscience is different from al these mentioned above: A right conscience helps us to take a realistic look at things and take decisions in the light of this knowledge and carry them out in totality. Our aim should be to form right consciences.

Even while wanting to do good man is drown to do evil. St. Paul expresses this idea when he says in Romans, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do" (Rom 7:19). Only firm decisions of conscience can keep the human nature that is weakened by sins, steady and deep-rooted in good. So we can see how important it is to form a right conscience. Conscience is inborn to man but a right conscience is one that is formed by human effort. The formation of a right conscience is done through a process. Many factors play active roles in the formation of a right conscience such as the circumstance of life, social systems, education, religion and rules and regulations.

To train the mind always to stand for what is good and right is important in the formation of a right conscience. This is possible if only the mind is strengthened to reject the promptings of selfish motives. Every individual should acquire the necessary mental growth and maturity to stand up to the moral challenges and to take decisions in favor of truth justice and love. Along with this one should nurture the desire and longing to do good oneself.

We should move forward on the path of forming a right conscience by taking right decisions according to the prompting of the conscience and by carrying them out in action. If one constantly rejects the dictates of one’s conscience and continue to do what is wrong and sinful, his conscience will gradually be weakened and deformed. With such an individual the promptings of his conscience will be decisions of selfishness. It would be far from being right.

The following are certain matters of concern for the formation of conscience.

The first requirement for the formation of conscience is the knowledge of good and bad. Values give clear knowledge about good and bad. The right conscience is to be formed as founded on values. One needs the knowledge and practice of values for this. It is value perception that enables one to decide as to what should be done or what should not be done on a particular occasion. The values are decided by the faith and morals of each religion. For Christians all the values should be based on love of God and love of neighbor.

It is not enough to have the mere knowledge of good and bad, but one should make definite decision to do what is good. If one has doubts regarding what is good, one should first overcome his/her doubts before taking a decision. The doubts can be overcome either by reading authoritative books or by seeking the advice of others. If there is no opportunity or time to do that, evaluate the subject thoroughly and do what is thought to be the best.

Freedom is a requisite for conscience. The decisions of the conscience are taken by a person for himself/herself. Such decisions should be taken with full freedom. An individual’s freedom should not be diminished by the undue influence of emotion, pressures of the law, promptings of the authority or influence of wealth. Only then can a right conscience work.

One should seek the help of the Holy Spirit while taking conscious decisions. We get the strength from the Holy Spirit to put into action the decisions we make in our conscience. It is through prayer that we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and gain strength.

For those who believe in Christ their faith in Jesus constitutes the foundation of their conscience. A Christian should live out his moral life according to the Christian principles. The following are the factors that help a Christian form a Christian conscience.

A Christian should form his conscience in accordance with the word of God. Word of God is the message of God which is healing and life-giving. The word of god is our guide on the path of life. The Bible plays a very significant role in forming Christian conscience. Remember what the psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path" (Ps. 119:105)

The commandments of God, the teachings of Jesus in the gospels, the instructions of the apostles in their epistles and their interpretation by the church show a Christian how he/she should live out his/her life. These should help them form their Christian conscience.

The Church interprets and explains the divine laws for the people of God. The church is ever prepared and willing to reflect upon God’s plan for humanity in every sphere of human life and teach and guide the people of God. The church has responded positively and creatively to every problem that has cropped up from time to time. For example the church has expressed herself on abortion, mercy-killing, war, discrimination based on caste, creed and race, misuse of media, cloning and other social evils. The church has given clear instructions as to how a Christian should conduct himself/herself while confronting these problems and evils.

&#The teachings of the church that should guide the people of God are contained in the commandments of the church, the teachings of the second Vatican Council, the catechism of the church, the encyclicals of the pope on various subject that have appeared from time to time and the apostolic instructions. Behind these teachings lie deep study and discussion and fervent prayers and these should help people form their Christian conscience.

Holy Spirit is a decisive power in keeping the conscience rooted in what is good. The special help and protection of the Holy Spirit is available to those Christian’s who have received baptism and the anointing of the Holy spirit. We should seek the help of the Holy Spirit through prayer before taking any serious decision. Like wise we should carefully distinguish the inspiration of the Holy Spirit from our individual, self centered thoughts.

The voice of a conscience that is properly formed is the voice of God. Therefore we can say that we are doing the will of God when we follow the dictate of a right conscience. When a person constantly refuses to follow the promptings of the conscience to do good he/ she will be silencing the conscience making it insensitive. Refusal to speak against evil or wrong actions and inaction or indifference when one is called upon to promote or do what is right and just are signs of such an insensitive conscience. Therefore it is necessary that a Christian should learn and practice to respond to the promptings of a well-formed conscience.

The ultimate end of man is to reach the presence of God who is the source of all goodness. The conscience helps us and guides us in our day-today lives that we may reach our heavenly home, in the presence of God our Father. In the sophisticated world of today good is presented as evil end evil is presented as good before the people. People are often left in a state of confusion. In such situations formation of a Christian conscience helps us steer clear of what is sinful and wrong and hold on to what is right and just.

Conscience is in born: right conscience is the result of human endeavor. After doing what is wrong a person may justify saying that he has acted according to his conscience. Can we justify him?

1. What is a conscience?

2. When we act according to our conscience we are acting according to God’s voice. Why?

4. What do you mean by a right conscience? What are the factors needed for the formation of a right conscience?

5. What are the factors guiding the formation of a Christian conscience?

Collect the sayings of great men on conscience and present them in the class.

Romans 7:13-25

Life is a wonderful mystery in this universe. The presence of life makes the world in which we all live beautiful. Every human being has a duty to preserve and promote life. If only we understand the value and greatness of life, we can be promoters and protectors of the same.

Life is a wonderful gift of God. There are different theories on the origin of life. Science claims that life originated in water and through a long process of evolution humans came to be. According to the theory of evolution life appeared on the earth through a process of evolution that continued for millions of years.

Bible tells us that God created life. God is the creator and source of life. We need not regard the teaching of the Bible and the views of science as contradictory. Bible answers the question as to who created life. But science explains to us how the life developed. Therefore the studies being carried out by the Bible Scholars and scientists on life will help us understand the greatness of life all the more.

We are living at a time when humans are becoming increasingly aware of the need of conserving nature and every form of life. We should not forget the fact that a culture that does not suspect life can threaten the very survival of this world and all there in. Every form of life created by God has a right to survive, grow and develop.

Man is the crown of creation. Bible tells us that man was created in the image and likeness of God. He is different from other creatures of the world as he has body and soul. The basic reason of man’s greatness is that he is enabled to participate in the divine life.

The greatness of man is made known through the incarnation of the son of God, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we know that we are called to live as children of God. When man’s image and likeness of God was deformed through sin, Jesus through his sacrificial death on the cross redeemed man and restored his dignity as a child of God. His resurrection from the death brought greater glory and dignity to man.

By gifting life to man God has laid a great responsibility on him. This responsibility is to be life givers and life preserves. In this way we are bound to nurture and conserve life. The fifth commandment of God, "You shall not kill" expresses God’s will that human life should be preserved under all circumstances. Even from the very beginning of the creation God forbids all activities that destroy life. God asked Cain who had killed Abel, " Where is your brother"? This shows we have responsibility for conserving life and enhancing it.

We must remember any action, however small it is against the conservation of life is a violation of God’s commandment. Under all circumstances we are called to be protectors of life. We should always uphold the dignity of life which is God’s gift.

Respect for life should be regarded as respect for the creator himself. God wants that life should be respected irrespective of caste, color, nationality and religion. The aged, the sick, the maimed and the orphans are all humans with equal human dignity and rights. Physical deformities do not in anyway make life less valuable. It is a sin to disregard and devalue the life of the aged or physically unfit in other ways.

We get a number of opportunities in our daily lives to be the keepers of our brothers and sisters. When we serve others without expecting any reward for the services rendered we become promoters and protectors of life. St. Maxmillen Colbey.

Blessed Mother Teresa, Fr. Damien and St. Janna Molla Beratha were all people dedicated for the service of the poor and the abandoned and thereby promotion and protection of life. Jesus taught us, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends". (John 15:13).

There are many challenges against life today. On one side we find man being crazy about comforts and pleasures, and science and technology becoming tools in the hands of such people. And on the other side we find man becoming increasingly prone to violence and terrorists activities especially by exploiting the religious sentiments of people. The number of precious human lives that is lost in this mad race for power and pleasure is countless. As Christian and promoters of life we should know some of the challenges against life today.

Abortion is the deliberate destruction of human life in the mother’s womb through human intervention. There are some people who argue that abortion is a justifiable means of family planning. But abortion is real murder and it is a grave sin. Life begins in the womb of a mother at the moment of conception. Read Psalm 139: "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Ps . 139 : 13-14).

Terminating the life of an infant who is defenceless and totally helpless is a grave sin. Therefore abortion cannot be permitted. To quote Blessed Mother Teresa : "No country that permits to kill the innocent can ever become first in the world". The great nation is the one that protects the life of the helpless and the abandoned. There are some countries in the world where abortion is permitted by law. There are individuals and institutions that help in performing abortion. They all work against the plan of God. An infant in the mother’s womb is also a human person and its life is precious and it has a right to live. The second Vatican Council teachers us; "Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception; abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes".

We are living at a time when deliberate murder is on the increase. Deliberate killing another person with anger in mind for certain selfish motives is murder. The number of murders committed today is on the increase; murders are motivated by money or power or by lust or anger. Murder is a serious sin as it is the violation of God’s commandment. It is the duty of a Christian to conscientice people against murder.

God is the Giver as well as the sovereign of life. Our duty is to be thankful to God for such a precious gift and to preserve and protect it we are just keepers of life; God alone is the author of life. So we have no right to destroy it on our own. Suicide is a serious sin. Committing suicide is working against love of self and others. It is also an antisocial act.

It is not enough to say that suicide is a serious sin and stop with that. We should look into the reasons that lead a person to commit suicide and try to solve the problems. The prompt or force or help others to commit suicide is a sin like murder. Whatever be the adverse circumstances, we should be promoters of life and never destroyers of it.

Mercy killing or Euthanasia is the practice of killing without pain a person who is suffering from a disease that cannot be cured. Euthanasia is done with or without the permission of the person who is subjected to it. In most of the countries an illegal practice. Ending a life cannot be regarded as an act of mercy. It is against the dignity of a human person and value of life. We cannot regard pain and suffering as totally evil in all circumstances. Jesus, through his suffering and death, has brought about a salvific value to be attached to suffering and pain. The saintly souls who accepted suffering voluntarily to save others are models before us. Our Christian witnessing lies in bringing relief and peace of mind to those who suffer acute pain.

The use of alcohol is on the increase today. Consumption of alcohol is a deed that works against life. As alcohol adversely affect human, life it leads to gradual destruction of life. It may be said that alcoholics commits a kind of suicide that is indirect and slow Alcoholism is an obstacle on the way of fulfilling one’s duty to God, family and society. Being an alcoholic or drug–addict is an antisocial act and above all it is a violation of God’s commandment. Our duty as Christian is to desist from the use of alcohol and drugs ourselves and help others free themselves from alcoholism.

Speaking on the modern age Pope John Paul the second used the expression, ‘Death culture’. Consumerisation of life results in a death culture. Humankind is being led to the reign of a death culture through sins against life and violation of ecosystem. To overcome this crisis, we need to develop a life-culture. We should at all times try to support and safeguard life which is a gift of God. Therefore Christians as we are we should nurture and bring up a culture that values human life and protects it. Let us take care of the following points.

To promote a life culture, first and foremost we should be aware of the value and greatness of life ourselves. What leads to death culture is lack of this awareness. We should acquire knowledge about the value of life through study classes and other media of instruction.

It is not enough that we become aware of the greatness of the value of life. But we should proclaim it to others and make others aware of the same.

To nurture life means to respect and protect it. This should take place at the individual and social levels. We should participate in programs and actions that promote life culture.

Married couples should give at most priority to raising children appreciating and respecting life as God’s precious gift. They should be prepared to accept all the children God graciously gives them limited only by economic constraints and health consideration of the couples.

Pro-life workers are the proclaimers of life culture. Let us encourage and promote life culture by participating in the pro-life activities and by taking membership in such associations.

These are some of the ways in which we can get ourselves and the world out of the strangle hold of the death culture. Let us, as disciples of Jesus, who as god is the author of life, be promoters and proclaimers of life.

1. The Biblical and scientific views on the origin of life are not contradictory.

2. It is a Christian obligation to promote life- culture.

1. Life : It is a gift of God. Explain?

2. Show the greatness and uniqueness of human life as distinct from the rest of creation?

3. Respect for life: What is expected of us in this regard?

4. Which are the main challenges against life?

5. What are we expected to do to promote life-culture?

Prepare a collage on "To promote a life – culture".

Psalm 139 : 13 – 24.

"To love is the greatest happiness in life", Said William Tumble. The whole universe and all that is in it and humans in particular are the manifestations of God’s infinite love. The only mission given to man by God, while creating him, is to love. Every human being is created with the ability and urge to love and the longing to be loved in return. Love is a wonderful gift that showers grace and power on every aspect of life. We are called to share this love with others.

God is love. Out of love, God created humans and everything else. He also made humans sharers in the homes to love and to give life. It is not love alone that is gifted to man but equally important is the power to generate life through love. Remember what God said to the first man in the Book of Genesis: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth". (Gen 1: 28).

To generate a new life is an urge and power God has invested in every living being. In human sex is not just a biological activity, it is a participation in God’s creative power and a sharing of love with one’s married partner. Sex is the sum total of the ability, urge and power God has given to human so that a man and woman can love and give rise to new life.

Sex is a wonderful gift of God to humans. Therefore it is beautiful and holy in itself. Though sex love is shared, life is handed down and society is built. We can say that the gift of sex grows through infancy, childhood, puberty, and youth and attains its fullness. We notice a tremendous changes – physical and psychological – as people pass from childhood to puberty. It is the time when sexual emotions arise in young people. They are natural manifestations of the process of growth through which sexual maturity is attained. We should be extremely thanked to God for the gift of sexuality. We should also try for the attainment of sexual maturity.

Sexuality is a great creative power given to humans by God. Sexuality provides us energy for physical and emotional activities. It is sexuality that help us love with a sense of dedication. Only the one who values and respects his/her own sexuality can value and respect others sexuality. This respectful and value based approach to sexuality can make life much more meaningful and creative.

To grow up and develop is natural to all living beings. Sexual maturity is part of human growth and development. As we grow up we should try to acquire the necessary wisdom to control the sexual urges that are aroused during the puberty. Our personality is meant to glorify God and to achieve overall success in life and wrong sexual pursuit should not be allowed to destroy our life. We can make sexuality which is very much a part of human personality, a creative power in us by developing a mature vision of life, proper understanding of sex and a sense of dependence on God.

At least some are led astray and end up in ruin on account of sex. Those who use sex for the glory of God are blessed with happiness but others who misuse it are ruined. In our society there are occasions to misuse the power of sex. Bad companies, books and films intended to arouse and misuse sexuality and wrong use of media are all occasions for sexual disorientation. We should take care not to divert from the plan of God by indulging in masturbation, homo – sexuality and adultery. It is a serious sin to use sexuality against God’s laws and moral laws. It is wrong to misuse sex ourselves and permit others to misuse it. We should be on our guard to avoid occasions and possibilities where sex would be used disregarding God’s commandments.

"God created humankind in his image; male and female he created them". (Gen 1: 27) . Man and woman are different in character and views. But man and woman are equal as persons. Both are free and endowed with ability to take decisions and own up responsibilities. Physically, they are different and as such they are different in the mental make up and emotional expressions. This diversity between man and woman is not contradictory but complementary. Being different man and woman are called by the creator to grow into perfection by mutual understanding and respect for each other.

Bring born male or female is God’s will; it is not a matter of human choice. God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Gen 1 : 5). It was God who formed our body, mind and soul. Whether a man or woman, we should be proud of what we are and thank God for the same. Both man and woman should try to fulfill God’s plan for him/her. Each should try to uphold the dignity of man and woman in thoughts, words and actions.

God calls married couples to participate in his love and creative work. By accepting this call the married people are to satisfy themselves. In Christianity, marriage is not just a contract between a man and a woman to live together, but above all it is a sacrament. Through this sacrament a man and woman enter a deep relationship and union which is inseparable and lasting. Just as Christ gave himself willingly to the church and as the church is subordinate to Christ, the married couples are to dedicate themselves to each other (Eph 5 : 22 -25).

The union between man and woman formed in marriage is established by God. Therefore a Christian marriage is indivisible Jesus says, "What God has joined let no man put asunder" (Mt. 19 : 6). The marriage relationship is to last as long as the couples live. St. Paul compares relationship in marriage to that of Christ and the Church.

Marriage is a contract made between a man and a woman before God. Marriage is based on the decision of the partner with full knowledge and freedom. Naturally it can be contracted between a grown up and mature man and woman. The church in the modern world teaches us. "The intimate partnership of life and the love which constitute the married state has been established by the creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws; it is rooted in the contract of its partners, that is, in their irrevocable personal consent" (Church in the Modern World No 48).

In marriage the couples dedicate themselves to each other. This self–dedication also involves the children to be born of their union. The sexual union in marriage is the clearest and strangest. Manifestation of this dedication in marriage is the plan of God for man and woman to express their love for each other and for procreation. The sexual union in marriage is also an occasion for the partners to share their love and strengthen themselves mutually in the act of giving and receiving. As it is a deviation from the purpose of sex, pre – marital sexual indulgence and sexual intercourse with a person other than one’s partner in marriage is a grave sin. So everyone should accept marriage as a salvific call and enter married life with due preparation. Everyone should see that with regards to his/her marital relationship he / she is totally faithful and remains clean in mind and body. Only this can ensure mutual support and strength.

Just as married life is a salvific call, celibate life is a salvific call well. The celibates dedicate their body and mind completely to God for the sake of the kingdom of God. Through a free decision the celibates offer their bodies, including sexuality, to a life of selfless love and service to others. It is a gift of God to be able to lead celibate life for the kingdom of God. Only those who are called to it can accept this way of life ( Mt. 19 : 11). Celibates are people who have dedicated their lives to serve the Lord with an undivided heart (1 Cor 7 : 34 – 35). The celibates have accepted a challenge to live in the world but not of the world.

Priest, religious and other consecrated people have accepted this call to celibacy. They are God’s very own as they have dedicated themselves to serve God with undivided hearts. Through their dedication God protects strengthens and blesses his people. The celibates follow Jesus more closely and radically as Jesus himself was a celibate

Sexuality is God’s gift. It is a creative power in humans that serves the purpose of love and transmission of life.

Understanding the greatness of this gift each one is called to be holy in the exercise of sexuality as dictated by his/her vocation, whether it is married life or celibate life. The awareness that sexuality is a gift of God’s will enable us to maintain the nobility of married life and purity of celibate life. Let us be thankful to God for this great gift which makes us participate in both God’s love and creative work. Let us bring glory to God’s name by being holy in the exercise of sexuality.

1. Sexuality is a creative power that influences every action of humans.

1. Sexuality is a gift of God. Explain?

2. What is meant by sexuality?

3. Sexuality is a creative power that controls the various activities of humans. Explain?

4. What is meant by saying, "Marriage is a salvific call".

5. Celibate life is sexuality lived in its loftiness; show

Collect reports and articles depicting the greatness of family life and present them in the class.

Mathew 19 : 3 – 12.

He started very early at sunrise. He ran all the way without even stopping to eat or drink, wanting to posses large areas of land. It was too late when he thought of returning and reaching the presence of the king before the sunset. He was already exhausted, out gathering all his energy he run back and managed to reach the palace of the king. He collapsed and died there. The king ordered his servants to give him the land that was required for him. The servants measured hid body; it was only six feet. So they allotted him six feet land to bury his body. The story tells us that greed for wealth can even take away your life. It is important that we know the real place of wealth in our earthly life. It is not a question of giving up wealth nor is it putting all one’s trust in it. What is important is using the wealth with a sense of justice.

Every one wants to make financial gains which are in keeping with the human way of life. God wants the betterment of human life. Wealth is the gift of God. The Psalmist says that there would be nothing lacking to the one who trusts in God. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want". (Ps. 23 : 1). In the Bible there are many instances showing us how God blesses the one who puts his trust in him. It is clear that to live in this world we need wealth and God provides us with the necessary wealth. In fact we should be thankful to God for the wealth he has given to us and our family. A wise man knows that wealth is a gift of God given to him, so that he may enjoy it along with others. To be haughty because one has a lot of wealth will lead to ruin.

Strictly speaking, we are not owners but stewards of the wealth entrusted to us by God. The real owner is God. Therefore, we should use wealth in accordance with the wishes of God.

Every human has a right to possess wealth. But this right to possess should not become an infringement or devisal of other’s right. The church encourages private ownership as it prompts individual freedom and self development. But acquisition of wealth should not go against the norms of social justice.

As money is one of the essentials for success in life, we have a right to acquire wealth, maintain it and use it. How ever in our endeavor to possess wealth, we should not lose right of God the provider of all Goods. We are able to earn money only because God has given us the health and all other means to achieve it. Remember what God said to Israel, "Do not say to yourself, the power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth. But remember the Lord your God; for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth. So that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today" (Dent 8 : 17 – 18).

It is true that wealth is a gift of God, but it cannot be called so if it is acquired by employing unjust means. The word of God comes to us through prophet Jeremiah, "For scoundrels are found among my people; they take over the goods of others. Like fowlers they set a trap: they catch human beings. Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of treachery. Therefore they have become great and rich; they have grown fat and sleek. They know no limits in deeds of wickedness; they do not judge with justice, the cause of the orphan, to make it prosper and they do not defend the rights of the needy".(Jer. 5 : 26 – 28). The word of God teaches us that it is wrong to acquire and use wealth against the mind of God.

It is wrong to seek ways of making money without doing any job. It is in just to appropriate the fruits of others labor. Acquiring wealth in an in just manner thwarts us from the path of salvation. Look at Zachariah in the gospel who in the presence of Jesus, felt that had acquired wealth in an in just manner and was ready to mend his ways and make compensation for the loss suffered by others. Remember only the wealth acquired through just means will benefit you and your children.

The world contains enough resources to meet the needs of all peoples. All have the right to the use of material things needed for a worthy human existence. These fundamental principles should be kept in mind as everyone engages in the acquisition of material resources to make life happy and comfortable. Remember what the Psalmist says , "Put no confidence in extortion; and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them (Ps. 62 : 10).

No one who understands that the wealth that one has acquired is a blessing of God can misuse it. It is not a Christian attitude to say that. I spend the money I have made in whatever way I choose. Money has to be spent for the benefit of one’s family and also for meeting certain social needs. The social nature of earthly resources should not be last right of while using wealth. As wealth is a gift of God we should be prepared to share part of it with the less fortunate among us which would be the proper Christian attitude. What St. Basil says on the use of wealth is inspiring in this context, "The bread that you have kept in the almirah is not yours, but it belongs to the hungry; The cloth that you have kept in the safe is not yours but it belongs to the naked".

Prudence should go into the use of wealth; avoid both wasteful expenditure and being miserly. Both these take a person way from the Christian perspective. The proper use of wealth can make our finance stable and enduring while it safeguards the interests of the family and meets the social obligations. Pope Pius XI says, "Do not waste wealth by misuse and non use". St. Thomas Aquinas highlights the social nature of wealth. He says, "A man should not consider his wealth as solely his own, he should consider it as something to be shared with others."

Developing a Christian attitude towards spending will result in fulfilling God’s plan in the use of material resources.

Jesus is categorical in saying. "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God". Jesus invites us to take a clear stand in the use of wealth. A Christian has obligation towards God and state and he should fulfill both. For example sharing his wealth with the state by conscientiously paying the taxes that are due is the proper Christian response. It is also indicative of one’s submission do a lawful authority. St. Paul tells us in Romans, "Pay to all what is due them – taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" (Rom. 13: 7).

The taxes that we pay contribute towards the welfare of the society making it stable and secure and one in which citizens can develop themselves. A Christian should be upright in these matters. Corrupt practices and misappropriation of accounts are unlawful before God and state.

We have an obligation to set apart part of our wealth for the service of God. Remember, paying the tithe was a common practice in the Old Testament times. Through prophet Malachi God tells us paying the tithe brings divine blessings in abundance and diverts any harm coming on year way. "Bring the full tithe into the store house, so that these may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test," says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the locusts for you. So that it will not destroy the produce of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not be barren", says, the Lord of hosts. (Mal 3: 10 -11).

(1) Contribute towards the worship of God and to the maintenance of these who are serving the Lord.

(2) Contribute towards helping the poor St. Chrisostom says. "A rich man is a thief and murders if he refuses to share his riches with the poor".

(3) Contribute towards the proclamation of the gospel and activities related to witnessing to the gospel. In this way we can respond to Jesus call to proclaim the gospel to every creature.

These are the ways to use our wealth for God and his service. God on his part promises blessings of happiness and increased wealth as we read in prophet Malachi.

The Church has been exercising her teaching function, particularly during the modern times, on the acquisition of wealth, the use of wealth and social justice. As Christians we should study the teachings of the church and know the mind of the church on these matters of great concern.

The above encyclicals show church as a mother and teacher and her concern for social justice. Knowing the teachings of the church enables Christians to come out with Christian response to questions of social justice and sharing of wealth. Wealth is God’s gift that sustains human life and helps its growth on earth. Human are to be regarded as rather stewards of wealth than owners. The ownership of all wealth is be attributed to God ultimately Wealth is entrusted to us by God for the good of ourselves and others. This wealth is to be utilized in accordance with God’s plan. We should not squander the wealth which is a gift of God irresponsibility nor should we earn it through unjust means. When we maintain such ethical standards in the acquisition and utilization of wealth, we can claim to be stewards rather than owners of wealth.

2. Can you justify tax evasion by people engaged in business?

1. Wealth is a gift of God. What do you mean by this statement?

2. What do you understand when we say "We are not owners of wealth but stewards"

3. What are the things to be kept in mind while we engage ourselves in the acquisition of wealth?

4. What are we to keep in mind while using the wealth?

5. Name five important social teachings of the Church.

Organize among yourself ways of rendering financial assistance to a family in your Parish that is struggling under unbearable financial burden.

Luke 12 : 13 – 21.

We can call labor any work done by humans through the engagement of intellectual, mental and physical abilities to make this universe and its powers more beautiful and useful. It is only through work that every one of man’s skills can grow and develop.

Work is the natural and universally accepted way for the human to earn his livelihood. It is said that the one who lines refusing to work is a thief. The worker lives out his / her life honorably. The well known scientist Thomas Alva Edison says, "Nothing that is precious has come to me in idleness; all my inventions are the fruits of hard work ….. Listen, you who consume alcohol as a remedy for pains and difficulties; hard work is the best remedy against all ills".

No society can stand without work and a society maker progress when people are engaged in various works to meets it varying needs. We regard all works that respecting the norms of morality as noble. The work of a sweeper and a white collar worker are both noble and dignified. It is the idle person who refuses to work who invites disrespect in a society.

God is constantly at work in creation and preservation. As God is love, his love flows to the humans and the whole universe through his creation. God wants to continue his creation and manifestation of his love through humans and human labor. Through work the world develops and grows towards completion. The touch of human hands raises a thing to a new height; it transforms a stone to a palace and a bare land to a fruitful one.

All who are engaged in work are participating in the process of creation that is tending towards its completion. The people who are working in the field, in a factory, in an office, in the sea and air are all participants in the on going work of creation started by the creator in the beginning.

Work brings money and money is used to meet the basic needs like food, clothing and shelter as well as all other needs of everyday life. In other words work is a means of loving and maintaining oneself and others in peace happiness and security. However the value of work does not end here. It is a means of glorifying the creator and in this sense work is a prayer. Thus we can speak of work as a form of worship of God.

History presents many holy souls who realized work as worship in their lives. All those who work with sincere by and dedication, those who pray for the people who work and earn, those who see work as service to humanity and God are all people who make work a worship.

Working sincerely with a sense of dedication is a proclamation of Christian faith. A worker who fulfills his / her duties conscientiously and bears the difficulties and pains attached to the work with a sense of submission to God’s will reflects the life of Jesus and shares in his slvific mission. The workers make Jesus present in their work places through their conducts and life style and become missionaries of Christ. When the work is carried out with sincere by, punctuality and sense of discipline, they proclaim Christ who taught us the nobility of work. Thus every Christian is called to realize the nobility of work and make work a form of worship and bring glory to God’s name.

Work is to be regarded as a person’s duty. He owes it to himself / herself and the family . The Bible teaches us the same. " Six days you shall labor and do all your Work" (Duet 5:13). "Wealth and wages make life sweet" (Sirach 40:18).

Once Jesus told the people, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burden, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11 : 28). The great St. Paul spoke of work as a duty on the past of humans. "To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands" (1 Cor 4 : 11 – 12).

In Thesolonians Paul says. "We did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you". ( 2 Thel 3 : 8)

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this command. Anyone unwilling to work should not eat." (2 Thel 3 : 10)

Paul gives a very practical advice to the Christians in Ephesus on the obligation to work. He says, "Thieves must give up stealing : rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy" (Eph 4 : 28). Thus we can see the Bible presents work as a duty as an obligation on the part of an individual.

It is worth recalling the words Joseph Conrad, a writer, "Man is a laborer by nature, he is zero if he does not work". Turning to the teachings of the church, the church in the modern world teaches on the nobility and obligation to work.

We are to eat our bread out of the sweat of our brow. In this sense to work is our duty. Through work we can earn our livelihood, develop our God given talents, gain knowledge about ourselves and the universe and achieve social growth and meet our social needs. The workers are to seek jobs that suit them, find out wages and means to rise steadily to higher positions in their jobs as they gain more experience and offer to God in prayer, the conditions of work and the employers and their needs. Remember it is God who gives the ability and occasion to work.

By wages we mean a – regular amount of money paid for a work done. Most people depend on ways to make their living. Many are not receiving adequate wages. Payment of just wages is the standard to measure the social justice prevalent in a society going by this standard we have to admit that we have an unjust social order. Maintaining unjust social order is against the will of God. Every worker has a right to receive just wages. It must be also said that trying to exact undue wages for the work is also unjust. Some workers fix their eyes only on wages while refusing to share the burden of the work which leads to financial loss and injustice.

While fixing the wages, individual and social realities should be taken onto consideration. The wages paid should be just and that should be recognized so both by the employee and the employer.

Work involves certain social dimensions. A nation is sustained and economic growth achieved through work. No individual lives and earns for himself / herself only; a person works in association with others and supports others through what he / she earns and finally leaves behind whatever is earned for others. Looked at it from this point of view work is a social power and an expression of human fraternity. We ourselves enjoy the benefits of these works all the time. Thus work is an occasion to serve others and a worker should take care to maintain unity, cooperation and service mindedness.

Unemployment is the biggest problem in many countries and it makes life a terrible struggle for survival especially in poor countries. Therefore all out efforts should be made to create more job opportunities for the people. So that they may be enabled to live in human dignity, Cooperation and mutual understanding should provide between the employers and employees. So that it results in better production of wealth and more job opportunities for all.

1. ‘All works are noble; discuss ways of creating this awareness among people.

2. Not paying due wages to the workers and receiving undue wages – both are wrong and unjustifiable.

1. What do you mean by labor?

2. What do you mean when you say that work is a participation in creation.

3. ‘Work is worship. Explain?

4. To work and live out one’s life is a duty; explain?

5. Work is essential for the development of society. Elucidate?

Make a presentation of great saying, stories and poems on the nobility of work in your class.

2 Thesolonius 3 : 6 – 13

Just as the good will and good deeds of individuals determine the quality of a society; the evil designs and actions of people lead to corruption and evil practices in the society. Such evil effects can work as a decisive power and influence leading people away from the path of righteousness. In this context it is appropriate to consider certain social structures and social power that lead people astray to evil. Just as the teachings of the church awakens our conscience and warms us against individual sins, the church’s stand against social evils of our time, Can create awareness and understanding of such evils and determination to oppose them.

What do we mean by social evils? We call social evils or structural sin social structures and powers that originate from the sins of many and continue to exert its evil effects leading to the ruin of many. They are evil social structures or systems that submit people to exploitation and injustice and urge them to indulge in unlawful or sinful practices. Unlike, personal sins, people do not commit social sins with full knowledge and freedom but become participants in evil social structure. For example consider the discrimination based on caste that was prevalent in our society for centuries in the past and that gave rise to various forms denial of justice. Social sins become powerful in a situation where in moral values are disregarded and violated on a mass basis. It is the duty of everyone especially Christians to stand against such social evils. Our silence and indifference in the face of such in just and evil practices will in turn empower and reinforce these social evils.

Pope John Paul II in his encyclical ‘Solicitudine Nostra’ warns against the sin that begins in the human hearts and grows gradually and corrupts to social structures and influences the whole social life; it further causes other sins and exerts its evil influence of the individual decisions and actions.

All social institutions are meant for human growth and development. Individual sin can work against social good; likewise certain social institutions can also work against individual freedom and development. For example consider the harm done to society through the practices of castism and dowry system. There are circumstances when we knowingly or unknowingly become part of such evil, oppressive structures or support and sustain them systems or social structures that are beneficial to some but are oppressive and dehumanizing to others are certainly evil ad should be changed. Knowing some of the social evils prevalent in our society today will enable us to stand against them knowing will why they are unjust and sinful.

Denying the other what is his / her due constitutes injustice. It is a deed against love of God and neighbor. Injustice is born out of man’s selfishness which incites one to disregard the other person’s rights and requirements. Justice consists in giving to each one his / her due is. When rights are denied to others injustice is done. A financial management in which wealth is massed by a few and they grow richer and richer and the poor are denied the opportunity to earn enough to sustain themselves in human conditions is an evil one. There is gross injustice in such an economy. When leaders and administrates lack sense of justice it causes wide spread injustice, corruption and nepotism are effects injustice. Corruption is eating up the vitals of our country and it is the duty of Christians to work for the establishment of a corruption free society.

The world is a scene of various kinds of violence. We hear of political, religious and racial violence around this world. In India many strikes and labor problems become occasions of violence. The common people suffer loss of life and property when violence is unleased whether for political, social and financial reasons. Extremism and rowdism are again the ugly faces of violence.

Discrimination practiced against the other is a form of violence prevalent all over the world. Such discrimination may be based on religion, caste, sex, color, wealth or political views. To discriminate against another for whatever reason is an evil practice. People who migrate to other countries for study or work are often subjected to discrimination. In India, even today, untouchability and caste feelings reign supreme among some sections of people. The causes of discrimination could be ignorance of human nature prejudice or superstitions. This is a form of violence and we should, as Christian, resist and overcome it.

We are living at a time when violence against women is on the increase. The news media are full of news about torturing, abduction and rape women. Abusing women is a clear indication of the decline of culture of a society. Women do not feel secure in their work place, during their journey and even at home. Dowry is often the cause of quarrel in a family and women are the worst affected. When women are looked upon as a commodity and treated as such it is violence against women.

It is a fact that there are instances of violence against men though it is not so much brought to light by media. There are many men who are made to suffer violence in the hands of women especially wives. The violence against men include physical attacks, mental torture and being marginalised socially . By mutual recognition and respect such evils canbe overcome.

Alcoholism is a terrible disaster that destroys social well being Alcoholism is the worst, health hazard which often leads to heart ailments and cancer. It causes many serious intestinal and lung diseases as well as many social and mental problems. A peaceful family life is never enjoyed by alcoholics or their family members. Often alcoholism leads to acute financial difficulties seriously affecting children’s education, health and other psychological factors needed for their growth and maturity Alcoholism is a terrible social evil that totally upsets a heavenly family atmosphere to one of hellish and most despicable.

Drug addiction is a very serious social evil that destroys especially the younger generation. The drug deal that takes place in hiding even around educational institutions is virtually dealing a mortal blow to the youth of today. Once subject to drug addition it is not easy to come of its strangle hold. Use of panmasala, tobacco etc. can be drug related. Leading a healthy, happy family is impossible for a drug addicted person. The drug addicts gradually turn to be mental patients. Such people are particularly vulnerable to depression. The use of drugs affects the brain and naturally it can lead to physical disabilities and serious health problems.

Consumerism is a great threat in the modern world faces today. Consumerism stems from an atmosphere where people are not able to discern and take appropriate decisions regarding what are essentials, what are needed and what are unnecessary. The add world is adding fuel to fire; commercial establishments are coming out with big attractive offers to enchant the buyer at all costs. The consumer failing to withstand the onslaught of the media and market buy things which are not really needed thoughtlessly . To shine out before others and to make a show they buy things much beyond their means and on heavy loans which ultimately leads to ruin. We must avoid luxury and wasteful expenditure. We must reasonably and with discipline manage our economy, never intending ourselves unreasonably beyond our means.

Media play a powerful role in shaping the philosophy and lifestyle of individuals and society. The main purpose of media is to communicate, to input knowledge and to entertain. The important media today are journals, newspaper, radio, cinema, television, internet and mobile phone. Media is used for promoting cultural growth and for accessing people’s response to various social issues and problems. Media can also be easily misused. Through such misuses wrong views and philosophies, mentalities and patterns of behavior can be created in the minds of individuals and in the society at large. This is clearly the misuse of media.

The misuse of media can lead particularly children and youth to moral degradation. There is a lot of overuse and misuse of television channels, internet and mobile phone. Therefore we should be on our guard against the undue influence of media on our lives.

Child labor is prevalent in many developing countries. By child labor, we mean making children under14 years work hard in factories, mines and hotels etc. Helping parents in the houses is not counted as child labor. Child labor is punishable under Indian law.

It is poverty that leads to child labor. The employers are keen on employing children as they do not fight for their rights and can be satisfied with insignificant remuneration. But it is a cruel injustice to make children work in this manner. Such labor leads children to complete blockade of their mental and physical growth; it also leads to moral degradation.

Christians have a duty to resist the onslaught of social evils and conquer the power of evil. It is hard to destroy social evils that have grown into an institution or structure. It is better, therefore to try to change the mentality of the people, instead of striking at an institutionalized social evil wanting to change it overnight. That means taking care not to associate ourselves with social evil and acquiring the courage and strength to resist them. We should be aware of the bad effects of social evil ourselves and conscientize others about them. Such evil go unchecked on account of certain mentality of the people, that is because all others are doing it, I also do it.

Though prohibition and law can help a lot in preventing social evils they cannot entirely wipes out social evils. While using external force like law, we should also try to change the mentality of the people by creating convictions. It is checking social evils by self control. We can resist social evils in the following way.

It is by creating awareness and changing people’s mentality through seminars, discussions, arts and media.

One man show against social evils cannot often yield the desired fruit; an institutional and systematic approach is needed to change the minds of the people and liberate them from the clutches of the social evils.

Social evils take root and grow in a particular cultural set up. Therefore try to develop a counter culture to resist and conquer this evil. Religious and cultural institutions can do a lot to rid society of social evils.

Our aim is to create a society where goodness, equality and fraternity reign supreme. Let us all try our best to free our society from the power of social evils and create an atmosphere where in our people can grow physically, intellectually and spiritually according to God’s will.

1. As Christian it is not enough that we avoid evil ourselves but we must work against evil powers and tendencies.

2. What are the things that we can do to eradicate social evils.

1. What do we mean by social evils?

2. Alcoholism destroys the well being of our society. Explain?

3. Why do we say that drug addiction destroys our youth?

4. How does misuse of media becomes a social evil?

5. Explain the ways in which we can respond and resist social evils?

Discuss and work out a programme of action against corruption in the society.

Romans 13:11- 14

&#Jesus asks his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven." (Mt. 5: 13 – 16).

By comparing his disciples to salt and light Jesus reveals their place and function. Jesus tells us that our Christian life is not meant to be thrown out like salt that has lost its saltness or hidden like lamp under a bushel, but by our presence we should be giving taste like salt and giving light like a lamp.

The word salt is used both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. In Leviticus we read : "You shall not omit from your grain offerings the salt of the covenant with your God ; with all your offerings you shall offer salt". ( Lev. 2 : 13).

Salt makes food tasty, preserves life and purifies. These three qualities can find applicable in Christian life.

Salt makes food tasty. A Christian is called to function like salt and add taste to it through his / her presence. His words and deeds should bring joy and hope to the world. Jesus says that if salt loses its saltness, it is to be thrown out. He tells his disciples, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13 : 35).

The love and unity that exerted among the first Christians led many into Christianity. It was because their presence in the world was one that brought taste and flavor to it. In the same way, today we should build up a life style based on love that makes life tasty like salt.

Salt preserves food from being contaminated. We know that things can be preserved in salt for months and years. The saltness is powerful enough to destroy germs and effect preservation. This is the function of a disciple of Chris; preserve the values and truths from the powers that destroy them. A Christian is called to be a carrier and a predictor of values before the modern man who attaches little importance to moral values and disciplines. The duty of a Christian today is to stand firmly and with conviction for values and protect the society with the courage and dedication of a disciple of Jesus, from institutions and philosophies that are totally devoid of values.

The third quality of salt is that it can purify things. There is impurity in the sinful human nature and in the created world. The disciples of Jesus are sent to purify the world by replacing sin with virtue and good deeds. We become real salt of the earth when we liberate and lead to holiness, sinful occasions, establishments and individuals; our call is to sanctify not to destroy or ruin.

In this way when we live out our lives by adding taste, preserving and purifying we become the real salt of the earth that does not lose its saltness.

Light is another word that Jesus uses to describe the function of his disciples Light and fire are signs of God’s presence in the old Testament God appeared to Moses is a burning bush (Ex 3 : 2) . During Israel’s journey to the land of Canon God shed light on them during the night in a pillar of fire (Ex 13 : 21). Prophet Ezekiel had a vision of God in a burning fire. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit come down upon the apostles in the form of fire of tongs (Acts 2 : 3). Jesus says, "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying , "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life," (John 8 : 12).

Mathew the evangelist writes about Jesus who was incarnated as the light of the world: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven". (Mathew 4 : 16).

St. John also presents Jesus as light :" This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all."(John 1 : 5).

When Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world, Jesus meant that they were to be filled with the life of God. They become light when they are filled with divine. A light shines out not for itself but for others. The function of the light is to give light to others. The path to the destination is clear when the path is lighted up. A true disciple is the one who, lights up the true path for others so that they walk on the true path that leads to life. Cardinal Newman prayed, "Lead Kindly light". This should be our prayer too. Being filled with Jesus who is the light, we through our life, words and deeds should become light to others. Then the light in us will lead others on the path to their true home, heaven.

Light can dispel darkness. As Christian we are called to dispel the darkness of sins that envelops the world through the light of Christ. The darkness that envelops the world today is in the form of war, extremism, violence, injustice and exploitation. In a world of darkness like this the light of Christ should necessarily come and light up the world. Let us constantly make whole hearted effort to dispel the darkness of evil from our families and society through the light of Christ shining through us.

Light always emerges and empowers. In the same way as light bearers of Christ we Christians should emerge and empower others. A lamp is truly a lamp when it gives light ; salt is salt whet it saltness is present. As we are disciples of Jesus through baptism, our life is not to be like lamp kept under a bushel. We are to be like salt of the earth and light of the world. At home, in our place of work and study through our sincere work and love filled actions. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven".

Therefore let us try to be teaching lives filled with light so that we bring glory to God’s name.

1. What are the various ways in which we can work as salt of the earth?

2. As Christian how can we live out our lives as light of the world.

1. Quote the word of God that brings out the functions of a disciple of Christ through ‘salt’ And ‘light’

2. What do you mean when we say that Christians are salt of the earth?

3. Christians are the light of the world. Explain?

4. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Mt 5 : 16) . What are we expected to do to live according to this word of God?

5. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus in church and in the society. Explain how we can be witnesses of Jesus?

Prepare a speech based on the life of a great soul of Syro Malabar Church who is really the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Cor. 13: 1 – 13.

Contact: Dr. Joseph Kuttianickal

Thrikkakara P.O.,

Padamugal, Kochi - 21.

Ph. 0484 - 2421643