CATECHISM. OF THE MALANKARA Berl) Ron GU sor)INTRODUCTION ‘The Command of Jess Christ, “Go in all th world and pcaim the Good [News tothe whole eration” (Mark 16:15) 5 the foundation for Catehesis or faith formation. This kh formation has been contin inthe Chur fom the days of the early Church in diferent ways. Catechess is based on the theological postions ofeach epoch A serious ewarenesson the turgcal, spiritual, toolgical an disciplinary patrimony ofthe Malankara Catholic ‘Church eto the prolgstion af aunque catechism forthe Malankara Catolle ‘Church Te etre Chrch rejoices at he fulfiment ofthis desire. (Cachism sold never become on inclu. Tue Cae stalled pope ef wnkip snd wen, Cac shost emp {eal ue nl cof th pin tee ath of Chao ih Morse logs Tus eaten il be sl oan and expe ‘Cinna enh Cachan preity oan nd teinconmonton ihe Hel Tay, Joss Chi Conse Shi Nicesleta! eta te Geek ess we bre ecco on 2 tec ened nes Tn ches ed on i tg ‘of the Malankara Catholic Church, eee In clases onc to sven, we sil the mysteries of Gots revelation. The ‘hein in case ight to te s mas esponse to revelation. The base atte ‘of man is adaration of Gad, who i crestor, proctor and redeem. In classes ‘ight. nine and fen, sv lesrm progressively about the worshipping. living (imessing) ant proclaiming sommuniy {es not possibe to separate worship fom the Church. They ae motlly complementary. The frst put ofthe textbook for class ight ented “The ‘worshiping commu" about the worshipping Chur, The second part ‘expose the stcraments, which consi the ete of wowship. The rd pr is {he history of the Church from the fst fourth century. The oath ives pact counsel othe feof olescens and expla the mea, What ine lea from ination becomes spiritual experince though he li “This spirit! knowledge and experience lead fe winesing. ‘asd onthe prineipl hate uf prayer isthe uefa thistextbook sul pur eden 10 understand eter the prayers and songs that we recite cane ice and ts allow them to experence uly ur Litrzy The payers Hoe al practical nugpestons given atte end of each lesson give more ial nourishment 1 the child We are profoundly gael to His eaiude Moran Mor Baseios lems Ccatnolcoe Major Archbishop of Trivandrum and the oer bishops of the saris cate Church for their constant prayers, spor and suggestions My Ahecia tmanks reduc to our tovedAboon Jacob Mar Barats Saree Viste in ETR Ini and Aboon Josep Mar Thoms, the post Feito o Americ and Europe for hee continued suppor and guidance, “Tote many pects, gous and ly fitful who sincerely collaborated inthis endenvour we offer our gaia. Toul ike to thank Re. Fr. Sass rayon fr his eff toatl te Malayan Text ito English cenceladge Rev. Fe Abrahasn Kalabkudi for his valuable remarks and eeAeton Ne woul ke otha the Profesor St May's Malankara Major ‘SSminay, Thivandum, and especialy Re. Dr. Philip Chempahassery, Rev. Pekka Valuparumpil Rew Ds. Chacko Aerath O1.C, Rev. Dr, Thomas Rgjamutat, Rew De. Kuriakose That, Re. Dr. Gevarghse Chediath aa Samuel Vashayl T woul Hike to extend cur sincere tank othe ‘Goceam dcetor of eaechism Rex. Fr. Joseph Poovathumtharayil, Res, D ‘Aotony Chethipuzhe, Rev, Pr, Robinson Kumackad, Rey, Fr, Alexander ‘pact, Rev Varghese Valkodath and Rev Jose Venmalcts. Our thanks ae abo da the Tet book commitee~ Prof Mary Maen, Sh Pip and Si MLV. Thomas, So also to Mr. Mathews Orathel for designing Fane oak and piswres. T moxlt Hke texted ou cere thnks to Rev. ‘oop Ralargurampl fr his sistance. Ou ndebednes to Rev, Dr. Antony serena eho Tethe maser brain behind this work is also sincerely seknow ledges. 1 pay tht trough this eatschism tex each child may be brought 1 and out and confirmed inthe fh ofthe Malankara Catholic Chreh and i pe able wo know and experience Cis lone more profouns + Thomas Mar Kooritos ‘coann, MCS. Commis or CashesSee HOLY BIBLE |THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH ‘The resurrection of Jesus Christ gave hope to the apostles, who were in despair on account of his ‘crucifixion. Jesus appeared te his apostles and encou raged them, On the 40" day ofthe resurection the apostles gathered together ‘on Mount of Olives as per instruction of Jesus. Jesus said to them: “Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from fon high” (Luke 24: 49). ‘Then Jesus ascended into heaven ‘The Coming of the Holy Spirit Pentecost was on the 50° day after the Passover. A Jot of Jews used to come to Jerusalem forthe feast of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, ‘when the community ofthe apostles was praying inthe Cenace, there came ‘sound from heaven lke the rush of a violent wind. "The apostles experienced tongue lke blazing fire resting upon them. They began to speak in different languages in accordance withthe gift of tongues, the Holy Spirit gave (Acts ‘of the Apostles 2: 1-4). The people, who were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost gathered together when they heard the sound. They were amazed when they heard the apostles speaking in their own languages, Some of them ridiculed them saying: “they ae filled with new wine” a ‘The Preaching of Peter Peter, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, standing along withthe other leven apostles addressed the crewed of people: “These are not drunk, 2s Sou suppose. Its de to the operation of the Holy Spirit that they speak thus, God has raised esus, whom you crucified and killed, Weare witnesses to that He who is seated atthe right hand of God and who received the promise ofthe Holy Spirit from the Father has sent this Spit, Thats what {ou are seeing and hearing (Acts ofthe Apostles : 14-34). “The address of Peter shed new ight on the people, gathered thee. Their minds turned to repentance, They asked Peter and the other apostes "Brothers what should we do?” Peter told them: “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you inthe name of Jesus Crist sothat you will receive the gift ‘ofthe Holy Spirit" (Acts of the Apostles 2: 38). ‘Three thousand people, who heard the preaching of Peter, believed in Jesus Chiist that day and were baptized. Thus the Church was established ‘with the coming ofthe Holy Sprit. “The coming ofthe Holy Spirit masked anew era, The apostles, who were filed with the Holy Spirit, began courageously to bear witness to Christ “Thus the early Church took form in Jerusalem and spread in other place. ‘The risen Chaist had worked through the Holy Spirit. They had the ‘experience ofthe presence of the Holy Spirit through the Holy Qurbono. ‘The foundation of the Churc, its life, growth, nature, direction leadership, charisma, unity, strength and accomplishment of duties were related tothe Holy Spirit ‘The Early Church, “The lifestyle of the early Christian Community, which was formed in Jerusalem, is well described in the Acts of the Apostles: “They devoted themselves othe apostles’ teaching and fellowship, tothe breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts of the Apostles 2:42). ‘The Teaching of the Apostles ‘The early Christian Community always listened tothe apostles in order 10 know and learn more about Jesus Christ. There was no literature about "Jesus inthe early period ofthe Church. Under these circumstances the aching ofthe apostles was very important. he ealy Christian community seo partake enthusiastically ia the teachings ofthe apostles, The apts gave 10 the early Church the Lord Jesus, whom they saw, heard nd «experienced. Through the Holy pint the carly Church leat about Jesus from the apostles. ‘The Communion of Love The fith inthe rise Jesus andthe presence ofthe Holy Spirit sustained te early Church as a communion. The lve of Christ obtained through the apostles was the unifying factor. Thus they grew up as a community confessing ther faith in Jesus. The conviction tha they were the people of God accoring tothe new dispensation became very strong among then The conviction that they ought o preach Jesus doughoul the world also united them, ‘We understand about the communion ofthe erly Church thus “All who believed were together and had al things in commons they would sll hei possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to alls any had need. Day by day, as they spent much tie together in the Temple, they broke ‘ead at home and ate their food with glad and generous hears, praising Gand having the god wil of ll be peols)(Aes of the Apo 2: 47). Love was the characteristic feature ofthe early Christians. They understood thativision was agains the works ofthe Holy Spirit. They understood this communion asthe gift ofthe Holy Spirit. This communion urged them to consider that all were members ofthe same body, 0 serve each other and to cany burdens One Mind and one Heart “he carly Christians had ut one mind and one heat. There was n0 sitference among them between big and small, rich and poor. Nobo ied forhimself but lived for al. All loved and honoured each other. They sold everything and shared with thers. There was noone needy among them. ‘The Holy Spirit had strengthened them to consider each other, to console and to arry burdens) We understand about the early Church thus: "Now 2 the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and noone claimed private ownership of any possessions but everything they owned was held in common” (Acts ofthe Apostles 4:32) The Breaking of the Bread and Prayer ring the carlytimes, the Christians went othe synagogues and Temple ‘of Jerusalem and attended the holy services. Atthe same time, they assembled in any convenient house and held the service of dhe breaking of the bread ‘When the Christian community grew, the Jews ousted the Christians from ‘heir synagogues and Temple of Jerusalem. Hence they held together the prayers and the breaking ofthe bred in the house8) Acts of the Apostles 2: 46-47). Since the day of resurrection of the Lord is Sunday, the Christians assembled on Sinday instead of Saturday the Sabbath day ofthe Jews and held the service ofthe breaking of the bread, It was under the leadership of the apostes that the house assembly and the service were held Incourse of time when the number of Christan increased, the space in the house was not enough and Christian churches eame into existence for worship. In the same way, te service of the breaking ofthe bred, couse of ime, changed int the solemn celebration ofthe Holy Qurbono. he service of the breaking of the bread or Holy Qurbono was the oundation of the spiritual strength of the early Christians. The early Church sed the Greek word “Eucharist, which means ‘thanksgiving to signify tne Holy Qurbono. They offered thanksgiving to God for the immense ace they received from him through the service of the breaking of the bread. As one body they experienced the communion of love through the service of the breaking ofthe brea as members of the same fail ‘The Presence of God in the Holy Eucharist The early Chistian Church understood thatthe risen Christ dwelt among them through the service of the preaching ofthe word and the breaking of the bread. They hd the experience that Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and was resurrected, lived daily in their midst under the species of bread snd wine, sacramental spirituality related tothe servie of the breaking of 13.the bread became very strong among them. The presence of Jesus in the oly Eucharist gave them strength inal thie difficulties and sorrows of Bie Its from this presence of the Lord that they obtained the courage to beat witness to Jesus Chris and embrace martyrdom. In shor, it was the Holy Eucharist that was the foundation ofthe spirituality and of the real strength of the carly Christians. Each of our parish communities should live inthe fullness of the Holy Spirit. Ech parish is obliged to ive inthe vigour ofthe early Church. Each parish community should be able to become the communion of love and t0 ‘experience the living less through the Holy Eucharistin daily ie Worship Te Chrcheammerortes ding the Holy Quito onthe esto Pentecs, hecaing ‘ofthe Holy Spirit opoe te apostes On that frye dps anna rosed srt ect inthe ube world preach the Gospel of Jesse ‘Yaamananvarumannerath.) Life Witness “Tree Cheistian communi ved ia conemindin than prayer Tey Hedin haan remy. Toki filed with trace trated many to ests. Our mia love and fratemity should anrat oes towards Jesus. Let ste forth. “Dnt day of Peiecost, ponte apes ‘The Mostly Spirit eame down atddwet ssneng thers ie AAndthyrcuve segthas xi Memories Sahat could reac es ‘Day bss they sponta ine ‘And thst gather humankind people of legen thtenpe they rake Chest ‘eat athomcand ater food vith rouse Sorte heyownsd Got shinedoman fe ? estat eral Haleisho ales” Questions 1. este the evet hat ok place onthe dy f Petes 2 Whar werethe speci ite uylesofthe community of he erly Christians? Deseibe, 3, The foundation andthe rel srengih ofthe pitty ote early Css was tbe Holy Enchant Subst tbe steer | | | | THE CHURCH GROWS Before his ascension, Jesus the Lord told his Spostles: "Go into all the ‘world and proclaim the good neve tothe whole eteation” (Mark 16: 15). The apostles put into practice this ‘missionary mandate of Jesus The apostles began this apostolic mission entrusted tothemby Jesus with thebelp ofthe Holy Spricon the feast, fof Pentecost. Just as Jesus had told them the apostles had w be witnesses to him “in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts of the ‘Apostles [:8). This apostolic mission, which the Lord gave was executed through the leadership of St. Peter the head of the apostles and St Paul the posite ofthe gentile. ‘The Apostolic Mission of St. Peter Ikis Jesus Christ who appointed Peteras the hea of the apostles (Matthew 16; 18; John 21; 15-19). Afier the ascension of Jesus, Peter the apostle started his apostolie mission with the coming of the Holy Spirit. All the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit onthe day of Pentecost, The three thousand people, who listened to the preaching of Pete, filled with the Holy Spirit and inspired by his anointing, were converted and became members of the Church, Thus the early Christian community grew fast‘under the leadership of Peter the apostle. Through the anointing ofthe Holy Spirit, Peter became the chief spokesman ofthe Christian message, ‘The Miracles of Peter ‘One day, the apostles Peter and John were going as usual tothe Temple to pray. Some people had laid a late man atthe entrance of the Temple in ‘order to beg alms from those who came to the Temple, Peter said to the Jame man, who begged alms: “inthe name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk”. He was immediately cured (Acts of the Apostles 3: 1-10). They used to ly th sick people on the way Peter walked so that his shadow might fall on them. Thus, those on whom the shadow of Peter {ell got cured oftheir diseases.) Petsr went sverl places forthe spread ofthe Gospel/Many Jews ‘were atracted by the preaching of Peter and turned to the Lord, There was ‘rich lady, by name Tabitha in a place called Joppa. When she died, Peter visited the dead lady atthe request of the other Christians. After expelling everyone from the house, Peter knelt and prayed. Then, Peter the apostle sai: “Tabitha, get up". As he said this, she came hack to life)(Acts ofthe ‘Apostles 9: 36-42). Several other signs and miracestook place in the Chueh through Peter. Peter,in Samaria ‘The starting of the apostolic work of Peter was in Jerusalem. As per the instruction of Jesus Christ, Peter preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria tnd Antioch. He invited the faithful to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Peter and the other apostles prayed forthe people of Samaria, who received the word of God. Later, through the imposition of hands of the apostles, they received the Holy Spirit, Thus the Church spread in many places. The salutary works ofthe life of Jesus, especially his passion, death ‘on the eros and resurrection were the theme ofthe preaching of the disiples of Christ, Peter,in Prison ‘The chief priests and the Jewish leaders opposed the apostles, seeing thatthe people were attracted by their preaching. They were imprisoned 16 several times because ofthe spread ofthe Christian faith. Once(Peter and theother apostles, who were imprisoned, were released afte being questioned and lashed. Even though they had to undergo persecution, Peter did not reftain from preaching about the Messiah. Peter was again imprisoned for spreading the Christian message. On this occasion the messenger of the Lord opened the doors ofthe prison and set ftee Peter and the brothers ‘who were with him. Peter and the other apostles, who were released, taught about Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. On another occasion, in onder to ‘please the Jews, King Herod imprisoned Peter. The messenger of the Lont “appeared to Peter, who was chained in prison, and released hth) Thus apostle Peter having overcome persecutions and suferings, showed grest enthusiasm fo spread the message of Christ (Acs ofthe Apostles 4 1-16; 5:17-20; 12:6-11) Preaching of Gospel to the Gentiles It was Peter who, after a divine apparition, preached the gospel frst te gentles. Peter preached the gospel as pr instraction of God to Comelis, ‘who was centtion in the division ofthe Roman army and to his relatives. ‘When they were listening tothe preaching of Peter, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spicit descended on the gentles, Peter instructed o baptize them. Petr said about those gentile, who received the Holy Spit: “Can anyone withhold the water for batisng these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Thus it became clear that the Church of Christ is forall generations of people (Acts of the Apostles 10: 1-48), “The early apostolic work of Peter was centred on Jerusalem. Afterwards he extended it outside Jerusalem, Peter spent his last days in Rome. There axe two Epistles after his name inthe New Testament. History testifies that Peter embraced martyrdom, being crucified head down, in 67 A.D. during tho reign of Emperor Nero. ‘The Apostolic Mission of St. Paul St. Paul was the greatest missionary of the early Church. Since Paul preached the gospel to the gentiles, he is known as the “Apostle of the ”Gentiles”. We ean consider hhim as one, who had the greatest share in the growth fof the Church in the first century. Paul, who had a Jewish background, was {known as Saul. Saul had wide knowledge of the Jewish laws, practices, Holy Scripture and adition. Asan cemthusiastic Pharisee, young Saul was in the forefront to persecute the Christians ‘The Conversion of Saul An event that occurred in the life of Saul bitter sival of Chiist, ransformed his ‘whole life Once Saul et out from Jerusalem to Damascus with credentials to persecute the Christians. When he approached Damascus, he had a vision ofthe Lord. A lightning from heaven reflected on Saul; he fell down ‘The Lord asked: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul did not understand, who was speaking. Then the Lord spoke to Saul thus “Jam Jesus whom you persecute”. Thereafter Saul di as the Lord instructed. In continuation ofthe apparition, Saul was blind for three days. The Lord ‘gave back eyesight to Saul through a disciple called Ananias. From then Saul set out for the preaching of the Gospel. He was thereafter known 28 ul(Acts ofthe Apostles 9: 1-10) ‘The Preaching of the Gospel 4 Baul came to Jerusalem from Damascus, He set out to preach Christianity after he had leamnt sufficiently about Christ and his teachings. Even though the Christians suspected him first, a the end they accepted his conversion. Se ‘fier conversion Paul dedicated his life to Jesus. Paul began his apostolic ‘mission from Antioch. The preaching of Paul was founded on the fact that Jesus was the promised Messi, Asa resultof his apostolic works, Christian communities were established in many centes, Paul made chiefly three journeys related to the preaching of the Gospel. Te following are some of the cities where Paul preached the Gospel: Corinth, Galathia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus and Cyprus “The fourteen Epistles inthe New Testament after the name of Paul are the sreatest proof of the apostolic vigour of Pau. The share ofthese epistles is immense in laying the foundation of Christian Theology. ) 4- Persecution and Death Paul, who carried out apostolie mission for Christ had to undergo persecution several times forthe sake of the Gospel. Paul the apostle says bout his persecution thus: “suffered far more imprisonments; countless foggings: dangers of death, Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked” (2 Corinthians 11: 23-28). Pau, the apostle came to Rome at the end of the third apostoli journey. He was imprisoned during the persecution of emperor Nero and was beheaded in 67 A.D, Council of Jerusalem “The apostles preached the Gospel first to the Jews, then tothe gentile Paul made the gentiles, who received the Gospel, Christians. But the Jewish Christians put the condition thatthe gentile Christians should observe the Jewish customs;especilly, thatthe gentile Cristins shouldbe circumcised ‘The gentiles,on their pat, did not look with favour on the ewish customs ‘These problems caused crises and disputes inthe Church, asa result of which, the apostles and the chiefS gathered in Jerusalem to discuss this subject. This gathering is knovn as the Couneil of Jerusalem, This isthe fitst Regional Council ofthe Church. The apostles Peter and Paul tok the chief part in the Council. The Council decided thatthe Gentiles need not ‘observe the Jewish customsin ord tobecome Christians. Thus, Christianity |was freed from Judaism (Acts ofthe Apostles 15: 1-20) toj According to the instruction of Lord Christ, the other apostles and | “disciples too preached the Gospel in different pans of the world. For the | sake of spreading the Gospel they had to suffer many persecutions. Stl, overcoming these severe erises, the Church of Christ spread in varions parts of the world in the early centuries. The Church flourished under the leadership of Peter, the apostle and in the theological vision of Paul, the apostle. To honour these two great Apostles the Church observes thirteen days of fst and atthe end of which celebrates thei feasts on 29th June, Worship Life Witness St Peterand St Pal bore couggsous Tete, weariness the Gospel ‘of ess hough the example oar ve “The Churn cammemoeteson he second Spy afer Easter during he celeron of tne Holy Qubon0 the clingof Simon Peter ty leur aed Ptr’ allowing Jess leaving ‘id is profession of fishing nd pesching {he GanptinReeandemacing yon [Lok Margekoemn “Jescntrcton Simon the fisherman Memorise Ande sskedimto forsake his job of it (Cat yournetinaer catchall people ‘Agathe them so that he eter the won “ut evenifweceanangel om Ieavonshould proclaim ous eospeteontazyiowhat ve oie, woclipto yo, tat ‘Simon hascasthisretia Rome onebe accuse!” Sone ofl give uperowm gos Galan 1:8). Andisy nm frase ine dine Lent Questions. 1. Desert the miles wows’ Fee, 2. Whatwerethe experiences ofS Peterin prison? 2. Desrbejheconvenion ofS 4. Prepare soc nurs on Sc Paul's preaching of te Gospel. 2 THE DIVINE NATURE OF THE CHURCH ‘The risen Jesus Christ, having seat the Holy Spirit, instituted the Church in ‘order 10 continue his mission. Those who confessed faith in Jesus received baptism, obtained the Holy Spict and became ‘members of the Church. They believed that the CCharch is the continuation and the body of Jesus Just as Jesus Christ has the human and divine atures, the Church, which he instituted t00, has the human and” divine characteristics, We mean by the visible and external human structure, the community constituted of individuals, the institutions and associations. The divine characteristic of the Church is invisible and spiritual. This divine characteristic i the living presence of Christ, which sanctties the Church. Jus as human and divine atures ae united in ests, the extemal and internal structures ofthe Church also, are mutually united, ‘The Church and the Kingdom of God “The public life of Jesus Crist begins withthe announcement of the Gospel of the kingdom of God. “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has ‘come near: repent and believe in the good news" (Mark I: 15). Thus, a person, having repented and confessed Jesus Christ through conversionand by receiving baptism, becomes a member ofthe Church and through it | citizen ofthe kingdom of God. A person becomes suitable the kingdom ‘of God by fully accepting Jesus Christand the reign of God, and by being docile tothe will of God, ‘Through baptism, one becomes a member of the kingdom of God. However the perfect experience of the kingsom of God asa reality, is yet to come. That is fully realized theough the second coming of Jesus or atthe consummation of time, The Churchis the people of God, which leads a new life having received the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Greek word “Ecclesia” is used to signify the word "Church" This means “the commuity ofthe called” ‘Through baptism, one becomes 2 member of the kingdom of God as Wel as ofthe Church, Jesus brings us up tothe experience ofthe kingdom ‘of God through the sacraments ofthe Church, especialy, the Holy Eucharist. Is the foretast ofthe banquet of the heavenly Kingdom that takes place through the reception ofthe Holy Eucharist. The visible Church isthe way (o the kingdom of God and i its symbol. The perfection ofthe experience, \which is the kingdom of God, isa reality to come. Through the Church, we g0 forward to the kingdom of God. Hence, thee isthe experience of the kingdom of God inthe Church. The Holy Church isthe realization on earth ‘of the kingdom of God, which Jesus preached. Hence, the Church and th kingdom of God are intrinsically related /The Church is obliged to procla {o humankind the message of the kingdom of God. ‘The Church,a Mystery Even though the Church, like other communities, has the stctural nature and its specialties, it has also a mysterious nature. The Second Vatican Council stresses this aspect when it deals with the nature of the Church (Lumen Gentium 10). Weseechiflydhe mystery of the Church the presence ‘ofthe Holy Spirit, who incessantly operates inthe Church, Behind the visible framework ofthe Church, there is the invisible work of God's han. God leads the Church through his loving care. We reach God through the Chur God works among his peopl. This work s beyond hurman comprehension, ‘This isthe central point ofthe mystery ofthe Church From the Greek word “Mysterion”, the word ‘mystery’ is derived in English, which means ‘seeret”)Inthe Syriac language, the word “Roz0" is used To signify this, Hote, ‘secret’ signifiesathing having a holy nature (A. divine plan, beyond the undersanding ofthe human intellects what is meant By “secret. To be precise, this secret is Christ himself. Since the sulutary mission of Christi continued through the Church, the Church too is called ‘mystery, Jesus told the apostles: “To you has been given to know the seeret ofthe kingdom of God” (Mark 4 11). On account ofthis reason, the Church, is considered to be a mystery. ‘The Church, the Fundamental Sacrament ‘Sacrament is the visible sig that signifies and produces invisible grace ‘We have already soen tha there are seven sacraments inthe Church, Inthe sume meaning, the whole Church could be called sacrament, because the (Chureh isthe visible sign, which imparts to us the invisible divine life of Salvation. Justas individuals get divine graces throggh the sacraments, through the Church, the sacrament, divine gifts profusely flow to the whole humankind. Hence, the Charch she fundamental sacramento the principal sacrament,)Since the Church is fundamentally a sacrament, different Sacraments are conducted in the Church. ‘The Chureh, the Sacrament of Christ ‘The contemporaries of Jesus could see, hear and fee! him and could iret participate inthe salvation Jesus gives, In order see, hear and fee Jesus after his death and resurrection and to participate in the salvation he aives, he instituted the Church as a sign and sacrament. Its through the Church that Jesus today talks to us, associates with us and sancifies us, Thus, the Chureh isthe visible sign, which makes visible the sisen Jesus in the world and imparts tous the invisible divine grace. Henee, the Church is called the sacrament of Christ. ‘We understand that Jesus is the sign and sacrament, who makes visible the invisible Father. Thus, in Christ himself, we can see the fundamental nature of sacrament. Hence, Jesus Chriss the greatest sacrament. He himself isthe sign and symbol ofthe Father Just as Jesus isthe sacrament of the Father, so also the Chureh isthe sacrament of JesusWorship Life Witness ‘The Chuchremenbers caine Sundays ‘Qos Eetha” and “Hoodos eth that Moses establish holy place and hat vas th pe Tiguration ofthe Che, wih ‘We re called to sant shrug the ‘Chur. Locus to become the children tinekingdam of God eughtives tae ‘onthe wer Ganda he falls Jesisesablabed ‘ol bey Spirit (Lok Meri.) "When Mons established temporary sds Within whic allpsope fred own as The ich sedtopitintcirgoldandsiner eet iis ‘Anh est pu cto lana widow: her ssi “Lamhe rine, youuethe branes. “They were the shadow ofthe Charch “Those whoabideinmcand Both omearthsnidineven above Tinihembeae hh because Glog tothe Lod, who founded patio me youcan do hing” Atehely Che ate {Order ofthe Holy Que) e Questions, 1 How are tbe Church lhe kingdom of Go ated? 2. TheChurchsconsidedamystry.Whatishe eon? 3. TheChurchiscalled he sacrament of Chit. Why? 44 Findoutthe meaning othe wont given belay: ©) Rowe a)Ecclesia) Msstenon a THE SYMBOLS OF THE CHURCH Therisen Jesus continues his mission through the Church We have stlied the internal structure of the (Church ants vine nature in the previous lesson, We describe in this lesson certain symbols and examples, which help us to Understand more the relationship between The Church and Jesus. ‘The Chureh, the Body of Christ The Chureh isthe continuation of Chest. A lively symbol which St Pal chose to introduce this idea is: “Chutch, the Body of Christ. St Paul says, ‘Chur, which s Chris's bods, the fules of him ‘who fills al in all’ (Ephesians 1:23), “He i the head ofthe body, the ‘Church Colossians 118). Paul was ealed Sau, when he persecuted the Church of Christ. The Lords thir in an apparion, "Tam Jesus, whom 4yoU are pesecuting” (Acts ofthe Apostles 9:5) Saul had the conviction that when the Char is persecute, iis Cvs, whois persecuted. Thus the Church and Christ ar inseparably elated. Simla, those who recive the body nd blood of Chis, become the members ofthe hay of Chis “Because there is one bread, we who ate many are one oy or weal Partake of the one bread” (Corinthians 10: 17). ‘When ve say that Christ isthe head andthe Church is od ts evident that Christ andthe Church have inseparable relationship. Cat hes 90 =physical body afer his resurrection; bat only the glorified body. Since the {Church is Christ's body is though the Chueh, his boy, that he speaks and works. As members ofthe body of Cis, each member ofthe Church isreated toall others. "For just the body sone and has many members, tnd all the members ofthe body though many, ae one body, so itis with Grist For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and se were all made to drink of one Spirit (1 Coristhians 12: 12-13), We areal united with Chest through bapism, Since all members ofthe Church are the organs ofthe body of ess, all a obliged to live united fo each oter, ust as when one organ suffers the whole body suffers, the sufeing of one of the members of the Church becomes the suffering of ll the members f te Church, This symbol signifies thatthe members ofthe Chreh among themselves and between the Church and Jesu are related Church, the Temple ‘We understand the(Church asthe temple and house of God. tis because of te special presence of God we respect the temple of God. The Jews considered that there isthe special presence of God inthe Temple af Jerusalem, Once Jesus sad: “Destroy this Temple andin three days I will raise itup” Gob 2:19. The Jews misindrsood that what Jesus said wes thout the destraction of the Temple of Jerusalem. But what Jesus meant ‘vas that if is bod, the temple, was destayed, he would resurect onthe third day. What Jesus said was that the Church the new temple, Would take form aftr his resurrection, The comerstone ofthis new temple is Chit It is built on the Foundation, the apostles, The fitful are the valuable stones, with which the temple is to be bul) The Church whete the apostles and Jess gather gether i compared to temple (Ephesians 2 20-22; 1 Peter 2:45), St Paul eahes tha each believer the temple of Go Caithians 616,19) Thssignifis tha since the empl of Gods holy, cach Chistian should lve in lines. ‘The Church, the Bride of Christ ‘The most loved symbol of the (alankara Church to connote the tcatonship between Jesus Christ andthe Church is “Church, the Brie of Christ The propels compared he relationship between Yahweh and sae * in the Old Testament t0 the relationship of the bridegroom and bride or tetween husband und wife (Hosea 2: 19-21; Isaiah 54; 5: Jeremiah 31:32), Basing on this toh, St Paul intoduces Crist asthe bridegroom and sine Church as his bride. tis tothe ardent lve ofthe husband and wife that Si Paul compares the love elaionship of Crist with dh Chureh (Ephesians 5:23.27). ‘Wecan ce throughout the Malankara tra thatthe Church is presented asthe bide of Christ. Bliss 10 you O Chueh, bride of Jesus For your bridegroom will see no end O Jess, ave merey onus” (Sunday, Morning Prayer, Season ofthe Coss) -Aimostall he prayers and hyans of the service of matrimony introduce avis 25 bridegroom and Church as brie. Jesus held betrotal with the {Church the brie in river Jordan and on the eross on Calvary he gave her fis body and blood as nuptial ring In order to marry the Church, Jesus {Evehis body and blood as dowry and prepred the marriage banguct vith Fisbody and blood In this manner, ests bought the Church with his body tnd blood. We can seein these prayers the thought of St, Paul thats, "You are bought as ransom. The thought that Jesus the brideproow loved the Chueh, the bride offering up his if and making he, his own, evident in cur prayers. ‘hen we say thatthe Church is he bride each member of the Church ‘becdmes the bride of esos, An individual becomes the bride of Fesus dough his persona love relationship with Jesus It isthrough bapsm that we become the bride of Jesus and enter int the love eelationship of the bridegroom. ‘The foundation ofthe dedication and fidelity ofthe Church i o receive Jesus as bridegroom and to worship him alone as God, ) ‘Chureh, the Paradise (sia tan manavatty..) 0! You most holy Church ‘Who isthe bide of Christ ‘You at ike paradise, ‘Which is allo blessings ©@ Within you, there are those Baptism and thronos AS well as martyrs" bones ‘And there are presbyters, ‘AmHalle-luaho Halle-luiah Who cary life-giving drag ‘And supply to needy ones” (Sunday Night, First Vigil. “Paradise” is another symbol that the Malankara Liturgy uses to introviuce the Church. Inthe beginning God created Adam (mankind) and placed im inden garden (Paradise) inthe eastem sid. Paradise was the place of all bliss. The presence of God in the paradise is also inthe Church From the hymn given above, itisclear that hee isin the Church the experience of the presence of God of paradise, through baptism, the bones of martyrs the ‘hronos, the life-giving drug (Holy Eucharist) and priests, who distribute it ‘The Church, Mother and Heavenly Jerusalem ‘The Church is presented as mother and heavenly Jerusalem. As mother, the Church gives bith to children through the baptismal font, brings them up. giving them spiritual food and discipline. Since the Church accomplishes the obligations ofa mother, the Church is called Mother. St Paul describes the heavenly Jerusalem as mother (Galatians 4: 26-28, Twas in Jerusalem thatthe completion of the salutary works of esus and te establishment of the Church took place. The Chureh is honoured as Jerusalem, the holy city of God. On aseount ofthis reason, the Church is called the heavenly Jerusalem, Old Testament Symbols “The ark of Noah is depicted as a symbol of the Church since many people were saved through it. The altar, which Abraham prepared in order to sacrifice Ise, is considered as another symbol of the Church. The stone that Jacob anointed when he had the vision at Bethel indicates the Church. The tent of Moses, whercin Manna and the tablets of Commandments were placed, is described as a symbol ofthe Church, ‘Our prayers are replete with symbols of the Church. King David ealled the Church, the city of God and prophet Zachariah called it the altar of holiness. Prophet Ezekiel sav the Church in the crystal throne. Mount Sinai, the chosen mountain of God, signifies the Church, 2B [New Testament Symbols “There ae various symbols which explain the Church and te relationship between Jesus and the Church, Mustard seed, yeast and arable land are symbols related to the Church. Besides, Shepherd and sheep John 10: 1221, Vine and branches (John 15: 1-10), The eomerstone and other stones ofthe house (Ephesians 2: 20-22), The Chief priest and the group of priests {Hebrews 5: 10}, The head and the members of the ody (1 Corinthians 12 1-31). The second Adam and the new creation (1 Corinthians 15: 2-45), ‘The bridegroom and bride (Ephesians 5: 22-33) are various symbols in the ‘New Testament, through which we se the Church. “Through the different symbols regarding the Church, we will be able to understand more the diverse nature and mission of the Church and t love the Church more, Through respecting, honouring and loving the Chueh, it js Jesus whom we love and respect. n short to love the Church and to love ‘esusare identical. Life Witness The Churhsthe body of est Each one ‘ofusisamembero the Church, his body So lusty tnlveininty andboveandtes vines, Worship One ofthe important symbols of he cours ha oe tage. The Church ‘Sommemorsts inthe sacrament of funny atthe ly Coch ntti Giles Crit andthe Church bleed YF. Fcase she gor Jeas her etdegioor ence harchmene Jesus hes “Chueh O! Holy Churhtam Menerie Tpeblesed pose oe Most High One, Holy Cre sing: “Church, wih hs bythe "iho sey spouse? Tam hese Faison so sain al He es some fndmaned me, Eph 2 ‘hol! worth (Orderofthe Saoment) Questions 1. Why eisai thatthe Charhsthe body of Chit? 2 Desietheinodustion fe Churhasthebvide of Crist intbebackpround the Matra i: 3, "MheChurehis te temple of Gos! Sustain 4. Whicharethe Old and New Testanentaybols seo indict the Church? 2THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH ‘Christ and the twelve Apostles We recite in the Creed of Nivea: “I beieve in the Catholic, Apostolic, (One and Holy Church”. The Chureh recognized these four characteristics of the Church in the early period itself and made itelear inthe Council held at Nicea in 325 A.D. The ereed was formulated in the Councit and the (Church included it as part ofits prayers. The Catholic Church ‘The Church of Chris is known from the early age Catholic Church. The isciples of Christ were called Christians in Antioch (Acts of the Apostles 11:26), Iewas St. Ignatius (+ 110 A.D., who called the Church of Christ, Catholic Church forthe firs time. The Christian Church all over the work was known os Catholic Church uni the Council of Chaleedon in 451 A.D. ‘Those who left the Catholic Church in 451 A.D. were known as Jacobites. ‘The Eastem Greek Churches, which cut away relationship from the Catholic (Church in 1054 A.D., were known as the Orthodox and those who separated themselves from the Catholic Church inthe 16* century were known as the Protestant or Reformers. Thus, those who separated relationship from the Catholie Church accepted new names, ‘The Church is Catholic One of the four characteristics ofthe Church is Catholic. The meaning of| the word Catholics perfect, complete oruniversl, Weuse the word Catholic tomeanuniversa,), St Ignatius of Antioch taught: “where there is bishop, there is Church and the regional Chureh community, which offers Holy Qurbono presided fover by the bishop is the Catholic Church" regional worshipping community under a bishop is complete in itself Oratholic, The catholicty ofthe Chureh is perfect when the regional Church, having eatholcity, has ‘communion with the other regional Churches inthe celebration ofthe Holy Qurbono. Thus, wen the regional Churches, having catholicity and diversity perpetuate unity and communion, the Church is sai to be Catholic in the full sense) Hence, the regional Churches, which stand separately without perpetuating unity and communion, ae not Catholic inthe true sense. Thus, the Church is Catholic since she safeguards unity and communion, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news tothe whole eration” (Mark 16: 15). On the basis ofthis admonition of Jesus, i is understood that the Church is spread all over the world, The Church that is spread all ‘over the world is called Catholic Church. Hence, the Catholie Church can be understood asthe Universal Church, (The Church is called to embrace everyone and to enterinto every cul Its forthe humankind the Church is established. The Church invites all people to salvation. Thus the Church of Christ sable to include al peoples, cultures, and classes together with their variations. Hence, the Church is ‘understood t0 be Catholic(Colossians 1: 18-20; Matthew 28: 16-20). In the early Church, the word Catholic began to be used to distinguish ‘he Church, which teaches the true faith fom these who teach false doctrines, ‘Thus the Fathers taught thatthe Church, which teaches the true faith, i the Catholic Church. n course of time, the Catholie Church began to be known asthe true Church, Today the Churehes, which have canonical relationship with the Pope, are known as the Catholic Church. The Sevond Vatican Counei teaches: "The Church of Christ exists in the Catholic Churet”. The ”Pope, the successor of Pete together with the bishops, who have communion ‘vit him, rules this Church (Lumen Gentium 8). Today: there ae different (Churches in the world. But the universal communion, which Chest desired {is more clearly seen inthe Catholic Church, “Catholic” i a qualification of the Church. The Church that fully has the nature of eatholicity is called the Catholic Chureh. We se the fullness of eatholicty inthe Catholic Church, In short, we mean by the term “Catholic”, the Church that safeguards communion and unity, thas spread all over, hat embraces all cultures and individuals and that owns the fullness of true faith ‘The Church is Apostolic (Slaihikam) “The qualifying word slahkan is derived from the Syriac wor ‘sleeha’ ‘The word ‘aposte” is derived from the Greck word ‘apostalos") The literal tmeaning of the word sleeha or apostle is “One who is offiially sent Hence ‘apostolic’ isthe adjetval form of the noun ‘aposte’ Gesus chose twelve apostles or ‘sleehae' in order tobe with him and to continue the works of salvation, They are the witnesses of al the works of Sess. The foundation of thee Chit experince is what they directly sa, ‘heard and knew through experiene. “Go into lhe word and proclaim he _go0d news tthe whole ereation” (Mark 16: 15). The apostles received this command ofthe sen Jess and went to the diferent parts of the word and reached the Gospel, which is Christ, Thus the Church was established in Gifferent places. The Church that took form related to any apostle and seceived faith, an apostolic Church, Foe. the Church is built onthe apostles 4 its foundation) St. Paul says: “you are. built upon the foundation ofthe apostles and prophets. with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2: 20), Is the fandamental faith ofthe Church thatthe Church {sbuilton the foundation ofthe apostles, The Church continues even today the teachings of the apostles and the mission, Christ had entrusted to the posts. In short, shat we understand by apostolcity isthe authority ofthe ‘apostles’ Christ experience and thei teaching. The bishops, the successors Of the apostles, ae the continuation of the apostolicity and its symbo), Peter the head of the apostles and the oer apostles, remaining one in Jesus, made clear the perfection of apostolicity and its fullness. The apostolicity becomes perfect, when the bishops, the successors of the a apostles are in communion with the Pope, the successor of Peter who i the head ofthe apostles, Since the apostolic communion and wnity emai only inthe Catholic Chorch, the perfection of spostolicit isonly in the Catholic Chured. ‘The Chureh is One “its Jesus Christ, the one person, who is the founder and head of the ‘Church, The Church is the body and continuation of Jesus Christ. Hence, the Church is fundamentally oe St Paul the apostle says: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of” (1 Corinthians 12:27) In fact, itis the unifying Holy Spirit, who through baptism makes each individual a member of the body of the Church. St. Paul the apostle teaches: “For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12: 13) and “There is one body and one Spirit, just as {you were called. the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith ‘nd one baptism’ )(Ephesians 4: 4-5). ‘st Paul the apostle says that all are one in Christ. “There is no longer Jew or Greek, thereis no longer slave or free, there sno longer male and female; forall of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). We see in the prayer ‘of Christ for unity: “That they may all be one. As you, Father, ae in mend am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you. have sent me” John 17:21) Jesus made it clear, during his public life that the characteristic feature of his followers i this unity {When we say tat the Church is one, we do not forget the individuals and the variety ofthe individual Churches therein. The unity in variety is meant when itis said chat the Church is one.'The fact that different individuals ive inthe same faith and saeraments, partake of the same bread and grow under the apostolic leadership of the same bishop, is the visible sign thatthe (Qhureh is on@The bishops ofthe universal Chureh, being in communion with the Pope, the successor of Pete, signifies that the Church is one Hence, the Pope, the successor of Peter, is the visible sign of the centre of, ‘nity an its protector, that ‘the entire Chureh is one’, The 22 “Individual (Chorehes® form but one Church united under the successor of Peter. Tha sois the Catholic Church, Henee, the qualification, thatthe Church is one, is :more visible in the Catholie Church than in other Churches. But there existed as areality divisions and sectarianism throughout the history of the Church. Under this circumstance, the unity has great significane. Each division of tho Church inereases the numbe and depth ofthe wounds of te holy body ofthe Lord, Its inevitable that the Church should regain ts unity understanding that he origin and example of the Church is the Triune God and the founder, head and soul of the Chucch, i one ‘TheChurehis Holy (he foundation felines te Church its reainship wih Jes hist, The Chrch, which she cominuaton of Jesus Crist his ba isto} ven though he member othe Church ae snr the Church holy through the Boy and loo of Jess Cis and ough the Holy Spit. is because of ta St. Pee qualifies the Church as Hoy people4 rete 2: 8))Since we partake in te rank of the Bie of Jen Chr (Ephesians 5, 2627) and holy temples of Gol (1 Corinthians 3: 16) Sir Paul ls the members ofthe Church “Sains (Romane 12:3). Ea! Catan shares ttc olnes fC hough apn, confran a Holy Enchaist “The Second Vatican Council says ‘Crist the Son of God, whom wel este asthe onl oly together with he ater and the Hay pt ove his bride, the Cheb, He offered hse up in der fo sac ee, He sade ier is vn bod (Laren Geni 3) tis foreach member of Chr that e5sffeed himself Though hisheled hem ears sine (on we say tat the Church is holy, we sould mo forge ha the Ch sth ommaniy fins The vine sie of the Chr vy tly, Bathe human side ofthe Church i always weak, Since there i the onion abou te sinfulnes othe members othe Chae the Che has theses that she sob ever sanctified, Ths proces of sncicaton isconinned inthe Chchhrongh he sacraients fs, abtence, prverh fi Tissantfation seamed on nthe Char though he Hel Sp u ayer of Jesus for ‘ChrctitisapentocThe fathuleal ‘We have around us different Christian communities. The four characteristics ofthe Church in their fullness are seenin the Catholie Church Sore than in all other Churches. This is what differentiates the Catholic ‘Church from the other Churches. Tats Why we say thatthe real Church of Christi the Catholic Church Worship ife Witness Ihisoeofthefourchancterisisofthe ‘Theol ofthe Churchiste ness techie ofthe Cure, Lets ive with ‘conviction dt wearecalledo ive alng wth ‘eChurha oly ie to mind the apostoli foundation ofthe (Church tng te hymn sung when fates thehand ros oe Bishop: (alSemaon Keepo.) “thehoty ures ‘Toone who argue thus: Baja My sirctre [bon Simos.the eck Come andse! Ihave Teelvepilas ine andthe Salts, ware, ans upping the alts. Popbashavetaltme ‘poles fm sep nyse Memorse Song obese. Labarnes aes Batibo ade. negosesand prophets mi Chest ‘hots lade | painless” Mybeaniswelset © pate 20, By Jt, the esi (Oxderof the Holy Quon} Questions 1. Deseret vatios phases ofthe saying tt the Churchis Cath 2. Describe apostolic foundation f he Church 3. Deseritehow the Church soe. 4 Howisitiobe understood when wesy thatthe Church shal? 5THE CHURCH, THE PEOPLE OF GOD Its the fundamental awareness of the Church that the Church is the people of God. When the Second Vatican Council teaches about the holy Church, ic puts special stress onthe idea of the people of God. The concept of the Church, the people of God, is being treated in this lesson ‘The People of God Tn the Old Testameny, the community of Israel, whom God established through Abraham, wa called the “Peopel of God”. Itis through the covenant, which God made with Israel thatthe people of God took shape: "You will be my people and I, yout God”. The people of Israel used to renew this, ‘covenant every year through the observation ofthe Commandments, through offering sacrifices and celebrating the feasts. They had the conviction that, they were Yahweh's awn chosen people, Thus the people of Israel were Iznown as the people of God in the Old Testament. Inthe gw Texzent te communiy which Go has called and saad is “the People of Go Thais. the ae the New Tenet sth oy a Church. That is the gathering of the elect. Irae, the people of God ofthe ‘Old Testament isthe beginning and symbol ofthe Church, the people of God of the New Testament Jesus made a covenant with the people of God in the New Testament at the time ofthe Last Supper and through the death on the cross on Calvary. Jesus said tothe diseples atthe Last Supper: “This cup that is poured out for you isthe new covenant in my blood’ (Luke 22:20) He completed this covenant on Calvary, In the OM Testament the covenant was sealed with the blood ofthe saerificial animal. But in the New Testament, Jesus seals the perfect covenant daily with hs own blood, The new covenant, which Jesus nade, is the completion of the old covenant. The ‘new people of God” is the after effect ofthe shedding of the blood of Jesus. The Church is the ew people of God united in Christ through the new covenant, The foundation ‘ofthe people of God of the Old Testament was the Law of Moses..But the Jaw ofthe new people of God, which is formed by the Holy Spin isthe 4 Law of the Holy Spirit) That isthe Law of the love of God. In the Od “Testament the descendants of Abraham only were the people of God. But inthe New Testament, being United through baptism anybody can join the people of God, The new people of God ae called ‘the Church’. There was song awareness among thea Chena ta they were the people of Go. St Pal eal the Church: “The comunity of dose Miho ae called Su. Pte sys about the Church this “But you ae a hoven aca pretend. oly natn, Gots om pope n order ht you may prolate mighty acts of hit who called you Ou of the darks im bs manellos light Once you were nota people, but now you are God's poops Pate: 9-10) ‘We pry in the ‘Sed’ ofthe Hy Qubonr “Lord, do not wthold Jour nee) fom your parish (Chui, which you have bust wih your ‘iood rom ts emotonal peiton any dat be Church ransomed sin Hs blods the spitual Krowledge ofthe Chore made mans. thats ofthe Apostis 20, 28) (The usage “The Church, which the Lo fied with his own bod” nears the public He ofthe Ld and is ssc on the eros The ne “People of Go he Chore enews is we‘new covenant through the Holy Qurbono and grows as the new people in Christ. The Church daily remembers that through the celebration of the Holy Qurbono, she is bought with the blood of Christ ‘The People of God, a Pilgrim Community Since the people of the Old Testament made the pilgrimage from the slavery of Egypt to the Promised Land, they are known as a pilgrim ‘community. Just asthe people of Israel passed through the sufferings ofthe wildemess the new Israel too, has to passthrough the strains and sufferings of this world, The duration until the second coming of the Lord is the Pilgrimage of the Church, This pilgrimage of the Church will reach its destination only with the sceond coming ofthe Lord. This New Testament pilgrim community, which is formed by the Holy Spirit, being daily renewed by the Holy Spirit, has to continue its journey through the path of the eros, ‘on heaven, til the consummation ofthe word, ‘The Church, the People of God with the Apostolic Leadership ‘When the Church is said to be the people of God, itis not a group of separated individuals without mutual relationship, But the Church is an association of those who are united in the Holy Sprit in faith, sacraments and leadership The name, ‘people of God" is not given to a special group. ‘The ‘people of God" includes all those who received baptism. It isthe bishops, the successors ofthe apostles, who lead the community of fsithful, ‘who are the people of God through baptism. When the people of God cept the service ofthe bishop, who has the apostolic authority anid lovingly ‘obey the apostolic leadership, the reality of the Church becomes manifest Hence, without the bishop, sho has the apostolic authority or defying the authority ofthe bishop the people of God alone cannot remain as Church, Hence the people of God, really enters into the experience of the Church ‘through association with the bishop. ) Justas Peter isthe head of the apostolic council the head ofthe assembly of the bishops, is the Pope of Rome, the successor of Peter. When all the bishops and the people of God, whom they serve, are in association with the Pope, the realty ofthe Church becomes more manifest ‘The Church, the Worshipping People of God. Caorship is the fundamental nature of the Church. The people of God ‘reveal themselves as Church though worship. The erly Chistian community ‘gathered together under the leadership of the apostles and enthusiastically participated in the sevice of the breaking ofthe bread through worship. I¢is ‘hough the worship ofthe breaking of the bread thatthe early Christian CChurch experienced the presence ofthe risen Jesus, When they gathered together for worship and took part in the breaking ofthe bread, the awareness of the presence of the risen Jesus with them, became strong. Hence the ‘Church belioves that the salutary presence of Jesus Christis officially present with the Church during the time of worship, especially inthe service ofthe celebration ofthe Holy Qurhono, which is the breaking of the bread, We can sce the Church in fullness when we offer the Holy Qurbone, because the people of God, the bishop having Apostolic authority or his elevate the priest and the salutary presence of Jesus are there. Te three things, namely, the people of God, the apostolic authority and the salutary presence of Jesus, make the Church perfect. Its under this ireumstance, it is stated thatthe real form ofthe Church is present where we celebrate the Holy Qurbono. That is why it is said that worship creates the Church, calightens the Church and continuously reveals the Church. Worship is the breath, heartbeat and life ofthe Church, The Church reveals herself through worship. It could be said that if there is no worship, there is wo Church, Its the salutary presence of Jesus inthe Holy Eucharist that brings the people of God to the real perfection ofthe Church, ) ‘The Missions of the People of God In the Old Testament, the press, prophets and kings were anointed. The Jows believed thatthe expected Saviour would be pees, prophet and king 88 the Messiah or the anointed one. The people considered Jesus as the Messiah. As Messiah, Jesus has the missions ofthe priest, prophet and king. Through baptism, confirmation and Holy Euchatis, the sacraments of initiation, the people of God, who ate in association with Jesus, also have to Fulfil these three missions. Like Jesus each Christian is appointed to offer Pyhimself as acceptable sacrifice to God, to preach his word and to render service tothe world, ‘The Priestly People ‘The entire people of God share inthe priesthood of Chaist. Thats, they ‘are called to continue the life of sacifig, When the people of God accept the difficulties and crosses of life and offer them 10 the Father through Crist, it becomes a sacrifice. When we, whore the sharers inthe priesthood, of Christ, participate in the Holy Qurbono, we are eo-celebrants with the priest. The people of God exercise their priesthood when they offer their sacrificial daly life together withthe priest The people of God are called 10 fulfil their duty of sanctification by sanctfying themselves. ‘The Prophetic People ‘The people of God share in the duty ofthe prophet just as they share in the mission of Jesus" priesthood. They ae abliged to preach the Gospel of Jesus to the whole world as prophets. Each one is obliged to teach the Gospel of Jesus with his witness of life and word. The people of God should be abe to fight against the powers af evil and to aise their voice ‘against injustice, inequality and immorality ofthe society. The voice of the people of God should rise forthe deliverance of all the poor, the oppressed and the derelict. We ae obliged even to setifice ou ives in this service for Justice (Ephesians 6: 10-17). ‘The Royal People Jesus Christ is the eternal king. The royalty of Jesus is not that of the earthly power or authority or dominion, but itis the royalty of love and service. During his public life, Jesus called to him the broken hearted, the derelict and the sick. Jesus dealt asa good shepherd and rendered the service of love to all. Thus Jesus taught that his royalty was not t0 be served, but to serve others and to offer his life as sacrifice for others. Hence, the people of God are obliged to serve those who suffer in the society, the poor and the derelict and forgetting themselves even to ofter their own life to all. Thus, when we serve the society, we will be the ral royal people. 0 Life Witness Tcl, the poop of Gadarethoe, who Gad hs specall called se apart [Aste people of God, tus ryt ve up the callot God Worship The Church remembers i the Night Prayer Sandy ofthe Season of Qo {teseection) atthe presence of ess ‘Chris sf nthe, that speaks to the peopleof Godtheugh the Church and fence nordert istentothe Messiah one Shuldenerhe Church: iat setatan Manav) “The kingafhewenandofearth acestbished his Chr; Having mere init ema thinown boa “Toso ou, wh desire Toconvercto th Lord. Letter enter the Church, For beswels wine amfalechiah oHall-cih Lo wns be Che! ave pity pons Questions 1, Howdidhepeople of Geta shape inthe Old Testa? 2 The Church nthe people of Gado the New Testament, Describe. A. TheChureh, oushtby te lood ofthe La What oes this mean? '§Deseite tte ppl Gadenme othe experience cf he Church treaghaseeiton itn bishop. S._"Wonhip isthe foudation ofthe Church’. Descrite 6. Whatsthetivesfld mission fe Kngom of Ga? Explain,THE PRIMACY OF PETER IN THE CHURCH Jesus Christ specially chose twelve people and trined them in order t ‘continue his mission, They are called the twelve apostes. Among the apostles, Peter has the first place in the Holy Seriptre, in the history of the caly ‘Chureh and in the prayers of the Church, This primacy of Peter is being. Continued today inthe Church through the Pope of Rome. The primacy of PPeteramong the apostles, its witness in the Church, and how this ministry is being carried out in the Church today ae the topics ofthis lesson, Peter, the Head of the Apostles Within he assembly ofthe apostles, Jesus had given Peter a special rank and the first place, Peter was the one, who diretly received the authority fiom Jesus. “First Simon, also known as Peter” (Matthew 10: 2) Pete is introduced thus in the Gospels (Mark 3: 16; Luke 6: 14). Often it is Peter ‘who appears and speaks on behalf ofthe apostles. That among the twelve apostles, Peter always stands firsts noteworthy inthe Gospels (Mark 8:29; 9,5; Matthew 18:24; John 21: 15-19). Jesus invites Peter to all the important ‘events of his public life. We can see this inthe transfiguration on Mount Tubor (Luke 9: 28-36) and in the prayer in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36-46). Inthe Gospel according to St Matthew, itis described that Jesus gave the primacy to Peter in the Church. Jesus said to Petr: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock Iwill build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will, be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed im heaven” (Matthew 16: 18-19) Christ appointed und placed Peter in order to lead the college of apostles, lest after his death on the cross there should be divisions and in order to confirm the other apostles in faith. Jesus sad: “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but Ihave prayed for you that Your own faith may not fail and you, when once you have tumed back, Steengthen your brothers"(Luke 2231-32), After the resurrection, appearing to the apostles, Jesus gave Peter the special authority to guide the Church: “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep”, so saying Jesus raised Peter as the shepherd and leader of the Church John 21: 15-19) Inthe Barly Church, After the resurrection of Jesus, this leadership was manifested in the ‘works of Peter It was Peter, who addressed the people first, on behalf of| the apostles on the feast of Pentecost. Peter gave the leadership to choose “Mathias to the college of apostles in the place of Judas. Peter was the spokesman ofthe apostes before the Jewish leaders (Acts ofthe Apostles 4: 5-12). Ik was again Peter, who worked a miracle forthe frst time inthe ‘name of Fesus, who argued forthe apostles, who were imprisoned and who isreceived Comelius, the gentile, into the Church. It was Peter, who, a representative of the apostles, intervened inthe case of Ananias and Saphira He gave leadership tothe Council of Jerusalem and gave the message, St, Paul visited Pete, stayed with him and acknowledged the primacy of Peter ‘Throughout the New Testament i is clear that Peter had the frst plac among the apostles, Peter exercised this post with co-responsibilty a love. ‘The Primacy of Peter in Tradition “Peter thefts ofthe apostles’, "Peter and the other eleven (1 Corinthian 15: 5; Acts ofthe Apostles 2: 14-37; 5: 29; these idioms are clear proof thatthe early Church understood the primacy of Peter. The Fathers of bot the Eastern and Western Churches have borne witaess to the primacy Peter. St. Chrysostom says: “St, Peter isthe head of the group, tongue of the apostles, head ofthe family ofthe Church, the comerstone ofthe Churc and the ruler of the whole world”. Cyril of Jerusalem says: “Pete, the chit ofthe apostles”. St. Ephrem, St. Augustine, Cyprian, Tertullian and Orige and the other Fathers speak specially about the primacy of Peter sayings such as: “The foundation of the Church”, “Th instructor of the universe”, and “The president of the sheepfold”. In th ‘cadion ofthe early Church, it isclar that ll Churches ha generally cept the primacy of Peter. The Fathers of the Church and traditions of the Chute testify tothe fact, Primacy of Peter in the Malankara Liturey ‘The primacy of Peter is described in the entre Malankara liturgy through the following usages: ‘Chief of the apostles’ ‘head’, “foundation stone" and “ruler ofthe house’. The Church commemorates the Moraing Prayer ‘of Sunday during the Season of the Cross thatthe keys of the Chureh a ‘entrusted in the hands of Peer: (Bhagyam te M’seeha tan manavatty) "In the hands of Simon, cornerstone, your keys ae aid, Bliss! to you Church; O Jesus, have merey on us". “The Church commemorates inthe service of the sacrament of matsimony that Simon is appointed as “the ruler of the house" in the hymn (Pathivrathayam paripavana sabhaye) “Most chaste spouse, O Holy Church”. ‘The Chureh commemorates in “the prayer of incense of the deceased Cleties that Simon is “the head of the apostles” that he is appointed as ‘the steward ofthe house of God’. That ‘Simon is entrusted with the keys of heaven and earth" and that ‘Simon is given the power forthe absolution of (Ath Moriyo haso Kohanayk. Sleehanmar Sirasam Semon.) “The Lord said this most pleasing word concerning priesthood ‘To Simon Peter, who is head of the Apostles, 1 appointed you as steward of my house ‘And entrusted you the keys of heaven and earth; Ifyou bind, [shal also bind If you loose I shall also loose you enteat fr sinners, I shall answer you" ‘There are thus several prayers and hymns in the Malankara liturgy, which portray Peter as the head ofthe apostles, ‘The Successor of Peter and the Pope of Rome St Peter preached the Gospel in Jerusalem, Samaria, Antioch, Corinth anda the end, in Rome, where he was martyred and buried. Peter became & martyr in Rome when he was bishop of Rome and was the head of the Whole Chureh. Hence, from that time onwards, the bishop of Rome is accepted as the successor of Peter and the supreme head of the whole Church, The bishop of Rome, the successor of Peter, is known as Pope. The ‘meaning of the word “Papa' is ‘Father’. The Pope has different powers as successor of Peter: Firstly, the Pope isthe bishop of Rome. Secon, he is sthe Patriarch of the Roman Church (Latin Church). Thirdly, as successor of Peter, he is the head of the eollege of bishops, the supreme head of the universal Church and the symbol of the unity ofthe Chueh ‘We understand that the Pope of Rome is accepted as successor of Peter by the Regional Churches around. The Pope used to intervene in several ‘matters of these regional Churches and rendered necessary help to them. Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandtia were the first five Chureh- centres that grew up the eatly Church, Tradition bears witness ‘hat among the Patriarch, who ruled over these Churches, the Pattagch of Rome had precedence. In short, the primacy of the bishop of Rome was ‘accepted from the period of the eatly Church. Pope and the Assembly of Bishops ‘The Catholic Churchis the communion of 22 Individual Churches having diversity. The bishops of all22 Churches are the successors of the apostle, ‘The bishop and the Church community in association withthe Pope of Rome, is known as the Catholic Church, Thus, the 22 Individual Churches of the world, one in faith sacraments and in the leadership ofthe Pope. is the Catholic Church. I is to the apostolic council under the leadership of Peter, that Christ entrusted to continuc his mission. The assembly of the bishops, under the: leadership ofthe Pope, is the continuation of this apostolic council. tis this council of bishops that is the court ofthe Church. All the powers, which Crist gave to the apostles rest withthe council of bishops. ‘The place, the Pope has inthe council of bishops is the same that Peter had in the apostolic council. Just as Peter was the head of the apostolic council, the Pope isthe head of the council of bishops and the supreme head of the universal Church, As the leader ofthe council of bishops, the Pope is infallible when he teaches the Universal Church about matters of faith and moras. That isthe teaching of the Catholie Church, He has the special protection ofthe Holy Spirit in this matter. This special grace ofthe: Pope is known by the name “infalibility Bishops Itis the bishop who has the fll authority to teach, sanctify and to govern the Church of a locality. The Bishop is the symbol of the apostle in a Iocalty: Thus, the Church community of a place entrusted to a bishop is called a “diocese” or an ‘eparchy’, Each bishop, as shepherd, is obliged to pasture the faithful, Each bishop has not only the responsibilty over his diocese, but has the co-responsbilty in the growth of the universal Church as member ofthe council of bishops ‘The Second Vatican Council eals this co-responsbility of the bishops {ogetheras ‘Collegiality of Bishops Priests ‘The priests are those who help bishops in their service. As representative ‘ofthe bishop, the priest sanctfies, teaches and guides the parish community. ‘he pres isthe shepherd and father ofthe parish community. The priest, slong with the bishop cooperates in the works of the whole diocese. {tis through the Church authorities, constituted ofthe Pope, bishops and priests that Christ fulfils his shepherd's duty. The people of God are obliged ‘accept the authorities ofthe Church s their spiritual fathers and shepherd ‘The Authority to Serve Authority in the Church is to serve. Jesus said: “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever Wishes to become first among you must be slave of ll. For, the Son of Man came not toe served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10: 48-45). Jesus taught the fundamental lessons of service by washing the feet of the disciples. St. Peter advises the bishops: “Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the over-sight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it — not for Sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock” (1 Peter $:2-3),CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF CHURCHES ‘The Second Vatican ‘Council has clearly stated that the Catholic Chureh is ‘communion of Churches. ‘The primacy of Peter is one of the arrangements of the service, which God has given to the Chureh, Peter isthe visible custodian ofthe unity and association envisaged by Jesus Christ. The Regional Churches come to the perfect catholicity and apostolicity only when the primacy of Peter is accepted, Worship Life Witness “The Individual Churches of ‘The Church confer the primasyofSt, _ Theprimiy whichJessgaveto Pec, § ty lacs without loving Petethrough the hyma sungatthe timeofisbsingstlleoninuedthrough the Popes | theit particularity, are in eleomin th Prete Solecustrytoliveodeviagthe Popesra } union with the Pope, the (o'asiom.) thetishopswhoparkipteinhisauboriy p successor of Peter. The andthe pests. Catholic Church is the “Heary weleometo you! Real Shepherd the wine leader, : Like Petr the foundation of Charch % Ayouare like the some St. Pl ‘communion of2 Individual Churches in the unity of faith, sacraments and Church governance. We ee eee peace ee aa ince svar seem ee a secre ae my act tale to ‘Lucky is the Church, your spouse”. utever you bind on Malabar Church and the snide | Whatever you loose om earth willbe tntene © laters ‘Syro-Malankara Chureh. Being Syrian Churches, the term "Syro” is used. ‘Syro means, that which pertains to Syriac. How the unity and diversity and universality ofthe Church are realized in the Catholic Church, is described inthis lesson, Questions ‘The Churches take Form * (yeaa moe eeretesowstetearate Mate mcertom te] ioe paso the wold Each apse preached his Chis experince dhs aration ar ssherorsin eset Pod OF the twelve was diverse Henes each apostle preached Tess 3h Be a ee pce « °‘The culture and language of the place, where the apostles preached, wes diverse. Hence, on account ofthe particularity ofthe apostle, who preach the Gospel and due to the particularity of the place, where the spost preached, the Christian community formed in each place had its own peculiarities, Thus inthe early Church, various Churches took differen forms. Thus various Church communities originated, such as: Church Jerusalem, Church of Antioch, Church of Alexandria, Church of Rome, Church of Persia, Church of India, et. Since the culture, language and; apostolic tradition of these Churches ate different, there aroxe difference ia their mode of worship and rites of sacraments. The Church of each place! re up asa worshipping community inthe early Church. As th wershipping ‘communities, the Regional Churches were called “Rites”, This word is derived from the Latin word “Ritus", which signifies the order of offering of sacrifice. Besides, the Churches were known after languages also, On the basis of Syriac Latin, Greek the Churches began be known ss Syrian, Latin and Greek Churches. ach Chureh took its form with the Christ experience ofthe apostle and With the specialties of culture of each place. In course of time, through ‘one’s own iturgcal rites, through the theological explanations of the Chueh Fathers, through the spiritual traditions and trough the canonical analysis, cach Church acquired an individuality of its own, Thus, the Churches having. ‘heiroun liturgy, theological explanations, spiritual tradition and canonical ‘composition ae called Individual Churches. These four units differentiate ‘one Church from the other Churches, ‘The Various Individual Churches of the Catholie Church Atpresent there are 22 Individual Churches inthe Catholic Church, Among them 21 Churches are called Oriental Churches and one is called the Occidental Church. In the fourth century A.D., the Roman Empire was divided into Eastem and Western parts The Churches that doveloped inthe ‘Western part of the Roman Empire were called the Western Churches and those that developed in the Faster par of the Roman Empire were called the Eastern Churches. When there are 21 Eastern Churches, there is only ‘one Western Church. Because, the five worshipping communities or ” sre ofthe Westen group edu have Became pars ofthe Roman ests etm Churches ngte own oo he Kom ae ree nchuch The 2 Chuchesexising sy Fane Cor ga Fane Toy ae lesan, Ache, AEN Gen. Bante sod Ron. ‘he Unity and Diversity af the Cathole Chureh We hve undestod that the communion fhe 72 nvidia! Chuses ig be Ghote Carch Te ounaton of his unity the ei of he ie The church proceeds oh nt othe ie pons iove TAS far the Son andthe Holy Spit The the persons of Hely So raed oein ve esas a died at re sul bei sae ne te empleo God and aang he Churches. fess pase rey ater ptecthe noua at Yous ren aa er ly ma beens Weare one Gatn 17: The lo hat etc eve Btn tha 2 at hey maybe on 85 We ae ‘eau 1-22) Jos neanthaug thee payers he wnt among the coe sat he iy ang th Cares which te poss were ang ee ec Pala sFor js the Dy one ad bas my oa Corman 12: 12) Ta tough he Caches a man, ae ob bly Pal he ap neat "Yo are apie in sr you be ued to Chis tale oe Jess hrs and ha $e atdtntbe ary opin among you" Galas 3.272% Romans 13 58 1 Connbins 10) ‘he 22 Individual Crees ofthe Cable Church keep op tit perso vin and etait cc te as on aap Church dine te ly Si who safeguards tis yl acelin andres. Hey Spit roms ity and veto weno sheng nth bran ears he love of Go “The Individual Churches of te Calc Chor ar nit oa er in hnge 0) Uni Fath Th atn easChisandin te tay eae aes onal chances, (2) Ung inSaranen: Al Peas acwe wat ere ar seven Scramen and hat the Holy Eyucharisisthe centre of he life of Sacraments. The faith of all the Churches sone inthe fundamental realities ofthe seven Sacraments. 3) Unity ofthe) [Leadership in the Church (Hierarchy) Jesus gave shape in the Chureh fora definite form of leadership. Ii evident inthe Holy Scripture that Jesus ‘as head of the Council of the Apostles. The bishops ofthe idual Churches are the successors ofthe apostles. They are of the Pope, the successor of Peter. The 22 Individual Churches ate wnited in faith, sacrament and inthe leadership of the Church, Buta the same time, they are different in liturgy, spirituality. theology and in the code of canons. This is the unity and diversity in the, Catholic Church, {tholic Church, the Symbol of Unity “The Catholic Church exists as symbol of unity in the Universal Church: But we seein the history ofthe Church that many Regional Churehes remain in conflict, without unity. Thus the Church, the body of Christ continues to remain in conflict today. There are many Christian communities in India ‘tel which remain without any association with the Catholic Church The: Malankara Catholic Church remains as a symbol of unity among these Christian denominations, which are reluctant to come fo unity under the pretext of regionalism oron the basis of separation, which happened inthe history ofthe Church. “The Malankara Church of hi St. Thomas, one ofthe twelve apostles of Christ, arrived inthe Southem part of India and established seven Christian communities or churches here. "These Christan communities that grew up hete, had association and unity with the Persian Chareh and through her tothe Pope of Rome Inthe sixteenth ‘century, when the Portuguese missionaries came to Kerala they compelled the Church here, to accept the Wester customs, which created uneasiness nthe Church, The Chureh here decided to break relationship withthe foreign missionaries with the ‘Koonan Crass Oath’ in 1653 A.D. After the eign of the Portuguese bishop, since the Pope appointed a native bishop, Pararbil ‘Chandy, many faithful accepted him. But the community of futhful, which, ry ‘ia not accept bishop Chand, remained firm under the leadership of Mar seme They entered into communion withthe Jacobite bishop, who Them from Antioch in 1665. These people came t be known as Jacobites eputhen Koottudar. Sine they accepted the Jacobite bishop, these people set their unity and communion with the Pope and the Catholic Church ‘Manse who accepted Bishop Parambil Chandy were known as Pashaye Keoandkar and prescrved unity with the Pope of Rome and the Catholic Church. They were known as Syrian Catholics Reunion and the Malankara Catholic Church (Syro-Malankara) “The Puthen Koouukar or Jacobites made many attempts to be reunited with the Mother Church, Due to several reasons, they were not suceessfl Mar vanios, Metropolitan Archbishop understood that only by uniting with the Catholis Mother Church and with the Pope of Rome, the Church over thre wil obtain the perfection of unity envisaged by Jesus and permanent olution for the problems of the native Church would ensue. Thus, Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, Metropolitan is the prophet of unity, who gave Teadership to the Reanion Movement. The Metropolitans, Mar Ivanios and ‘Mar Theophilos and their companions, blowing the trumpet of unity, were Teunited to the communion of the Catholic Church on September 20,1930. ‘Many, who were thirstng for uty, through reunion, returned tothe Mother ‘Church, Those who were thus reunited are known as Malankara Catholics. "Those who reunited were able to enter into Catholic communion as an Individual Church, preserving the Antiochean liturgy’ used by the Puthen iRoortukar, their spiitualty, theology and code of canons. This Reunion Movement could lead over Five Hundred Thousand of faithful to the communion ofthe Catholie Church during the pat 75 years, The Malankara Catholic Church remains in the Universal Church with self-respect as the largest Reunion Movement of the 20 century. Pope John Paul lof happy hemor bas qualified the Malankara Church as the fastest growing Church in ihe Universal Church. The deerce of the Holy Father on February 10 12005 raising the Malankara Catholic Church as a Major Archiepiscopal ‘Church and its head the Major Archbishop - Catholicos, isa great recognition ‘of the Reunion Movement. s‘Charehes ‘Daughter Churches Places ‘Churches ‘Daughter Churches Places LAlexandsian | 1 Ethiopian Ethiopia 16. Yugoslavian Yugoslavia, America 2. Copic Egypt 17-Ramanian Rumania, America 2.Antiochean | 3. Syrian Syria Lebanon, 18, Russian Russia, Poland, (West Syrian) ‘Turkey, Australia, America ‘America, 19, Ruthenian America, Poland, 4.SyroMalankara | India Hungary. ‘5. Maronite Lebanon, Syria, 20, Slovak Czechoslovakia Egypt, Australia, 21. Ukranian ‘Ukraine America : 6, Roman 22. Roman Europe, S.Ammenian 6.Armenian Armenia, Sy, kay Allover the worl Turkey, Iraq, Egyet, (Following rites Lebanon, Ameria (Seeder 4. Chaldean 7.Chaldean Iraq, Ian, vith Latin Church) (ast Syrian) Sytia Turkey, Lebanon. [P| 3) Ambrosian 8. Syro-Malabar Indi Bic cos Fi nt aoe ‘Abia et a Greek) 10, Belarusian Ukraine, Betas (Wisigoic) 1, Bulgarian Bulgaria pRcitions 12. Greek Greece, Tukey. Rites Cistercian, America. Carthusian, 13.Greck-Meliite | Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Australia, America 14, Hungarian Hungary, America. 15. tao Albanian Kealy, America,Worship Life Witness ‘TheChurhcommsmortesonthefeastof Teun andove aang evs theresinecton eu, thehappinesajoy Churches ofthe Catholic Church isa PART-II tftbechidencftheHolyChurhallovertbe example tous Lets ry ober wites10 Word, When the cilren ofthe Church wit duughlivingiakveandunt. Togetbrenjo, her united enjoyment sthe Fappines of ite eth and comsrusin, ‘Weting ds onde fentofthersunccton mesa) rhych oss. ace eet Sal ee Mitr tcnescrar i dviiayou “a Fae peeing Secunia | apatite a ‘He will give and nourish you with them now 3 eee site peru ‘ie aldo Hales {Orde the Holy Quen) @ peas LITURGY 1 2. Whatdo Eastern Westem Churches mean? 4. Describe the uy anddveity rong vidal Churches oftheCatotic Church, 4. Whyisttatthe MalonkaraCatolic Charchissaidobethesymbotof wit?BAPTISM ‘The first parents lost divine lifeby commiting sin. Seeing the state of humankind deprived of divine life, God fl pity on hhuman beings. God sent his ‘only begotten Son to the ‘world 19 save humankind Goin 3: 16), ‘Through the eventsof the incamation of the Son of God, public life, pussion, death, resurrection, ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, humankind regained the lost divine life. During the lifetime of Jesus, he gave divine life tall those who believed in him. After the ‘death and resurrection of Jesus, he sent the Holy Sprit and established the (Church in order to continue 10 give divine life. The salutary works are continued even today inthe Church through the Holy Sprit, [As per command of Christ, divine lif@ or grace is imparted to ihe Church though the sacraments, The Syriae word "Qades” means “to sanctify”. ‘Today we become partakers of the salutary works of Jesus through the sacraments of the Church. Through the sacraments, Jesus relates himself with human life and showers divine life hunan beings. Thus, for God to intervene with human beings and having sanctified them, the holy means to impart divine life are the sacraments. There ae seven sacraments observed in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing ofthe sick, Priesthood and Marriage. 2 Baptism ‘A Jewish leader, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. Jesus tld him: “Very truly, [el you, noone can enter the kingdom of God without being born of ‘water and Spirit. What is bor of the flesh is flesh an what is born ofthe Spirits Spirit” (John 3: 5-6), Nicodemus did not understand the meaning of the words Jesus spoke. By being bor again, what Jesus meant was baptism ‘or the second birth through baptism, Through baptism, we are born again bby water and Spirit and being purified from every stain of sin, become sharersin the divine lite Jesus received baptism from John in the river Jondan before be started his pubic life. Jesus taught that in order to reesive divine life all should receive baptism. Jesus told the disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples ‘ofall nations, baptizing them inthe name ofthe Father and of the Son and ofthe Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). According to the command of Jesus the apostles preached the Gospel and baptized those who believed (Acts ofthe Apostles 2: 38-41; 8; 12-13), ‘Thus, baptism isa sacrament instituted by Jesus and stated in the Church through the apostes. The meaning of the Syriac word “Aaamudiso” is “washing”. Baptism js the fundamental sacrament of Christan life. The (Church understands baptism as the beginning of te life inthe Spirit and as the door towards the other sacraments, ‘Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are called the sacraments of Christian initiation. We become the children of God, having received the Hoty Sprit, through these sacraments. Its because through these sacraments an individual enters into Christian life, becomes a member of the Church and lly shares the salutary mysteries of Jesus these recalled the sacraments of initiation. tsthe tradition ofthe Malankara Catholic Chureh to administer ‘the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist long with Baptism. Baptism in the Malankara Order of Liturgy Inthe early Church, through the preaching of the apostles many gentiles approached to become members ofthe Church. They were given preparation {or a period of two years. They were known as eatechumens, ‘those who 2learn faith’ "Thus, those who learned faith were administered baptism inthe carly Church, But there existed the eustom inthe Church, from the apostolic times, to give baptism wo the children of the Faithful in their infancy itself. “Today its rare that people belonging to the ther religions learn faith and become Christians. The custom af the early Church to give baptism to Cristian children in their infancy is continued today in the Church. There are two parts forthe service of baptism in the Malankara Church: (1) the preparation fr baptism (2) the baptizing. ‘The Preparation for Baptism After the preparatory prayer, hymns, proemion, sedro, ethro, and the reading ofthe Gospel, the celebrant turns towards the candidate and blowing air across the face says: “Lord God, grant to him / her the divine breath, ‘which your only Son breathed on the holy apostles. As you prepare him / her to receive the Holy Spist remove every remnant of idolatry from him bee Baptism isa sacrament by which an individual receives the Holy Spirit. God gave living breath to Adam by breathing into his nostrils (Genesis 2:7). Thus the first parents had the life of God. But when they sinned they lost divine life or the Holy Spirit. “My Spirit shall not abide in mortals forever, for they are flesh” (Genesis 6: 3). So saying God arieved about man, God, having seen the broken situation of human beings, sent his Son Jesus Christ to the world in order to give back the lost Spirit. Through the works of salvation of Jesus, the Spirit lost by humankind, was returned to them on Pentecost, God corrected the verdict that “my Spirit shall not abide in human being hereafter by giving the Spirit on Pentecost’ (Third service of Pentecost Through the sacrament of baptism, each individual receives the Holy Spirit, whom God promised on Pentecost Just as God breathed the divine ‘breath into the frst human being and as Jesus breathed the divine ife onthe apostles in the cenacle (ohn 20: 22-22), the priest, the representative of ‘esus, breaths the divine breath upon the candidate at the time of baptism, “Throvgh this the child is specially prepared and is enabled for rebirth, Naming ‘The priest making the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate \without the holy oil, names the candidate in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus the child is set apart for God, being sealed with the sign of the cross inthe name of the Ten. Renouncing Satan Alter the priest has recited the payer for renouncing Satan, the candidate's face is turned tothe wester side and the godparent renounce Satan three times. The godparent holds the left hand of the candidate with his/her left han and repeats the prayer fr the candidate. Through the aforesaid prayer, the candidate is released from the clutches of Satan and that individual's intellect and mind are sanctified. Asa result of which the candidate becomes the temple of God and the worthy abode ofthe Holy Spirit Lis symbole totum tothe Wester sido and renounce Satan, West isthe side ofthe seting sun. At sunset, darkness pervades, Darkness is considered as the symbol of Satan and is working sphere. That is why the candidate turns to the West and renounces Satan, All generations ofthe frst parents, who lost the divine life, are born into this world in a state devoid of divine life. The state devoid of divine life is the same as the state without the Holy Spirit. This is what is meant by coviinal sin. IF there is no presence ofthe Holy Spirit its mere body. The body without the Spirit is the abode of Satan. That is why Satan is driven ‘ou from the child, and the child is prepared to receive the Holy Spit. Jesus said: "What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born ofthe Spit is Spisit” Gohn 3:6). Receives Christ, After renouncing Satan the candidate is turned facing the East and the sgodparent confesses faith in Christ thre times. The godpareat holds the hand of the candidate with his her sight hand and confesses Chris. tis meaningful to tum tothe Eastern side and confess Christ. Eas isthe side of the rising sun. The rising sun and light ate the symbols of Christ “<Besides, itis believed that Paradise is situated in the Bast and that. the one who turns to the East and confesses Jesus, the door of Paradise is opened ‘The godparent is obliged to bring up the candidate in faith, Then, the candidate (godparent) makes the profession of fith by reciting the creed together with the fitful, ‘The Anointing with the Holy Oil ‘The celebrant seals the sign of the cross with the holy olive oil on the forehead of the candidate. Through this anointing the candidate gets sanctification and rebirth. Through the anointing, the candidate becomes God's son / daughter. The anointing of the candidate could be compared to the anointing of Jesus in Jordan. Its in onder to graft one to Jess, the rue olive thatone i anointed with olive ol Bathing with Water (Baptism) ‘The celebrant, the candidate and all others go towards the baptismal font. The eelebrant holds warm and cold water in his hands crosswise and pout them into the baptismal font The warm water signifies the flow ofthe baming divine strength. Iis believed that during the time of the baptism of Jesus the water of Jordan became warm through the divine strength, The ‘baptismal fon is covered witha veil (Susopo) and later on itis raised and fluttered above the baptismal fon, Then the Holy Spirit is specially iavoked to abide inthe water, In order to show the presence of the Holy Spit, afew drops af holy Myron is poured into the water In the beginning of eration the Holy Spirit swept over the water. Thus the Church sees the presence of the Holy Spirit the baptismal water. “The haptismal waters qualified asthe spiritual womb and the furnace of in-destruetion. Since new life s gained from the baptismal water its called the spiritual womb, Justa gold is purified through putting tin the fumace, the candidate is sanctified through the baptismal water. That is why it is called the furnace of indestruction, The candidate puts on indestructible ‘ress or the robe of glory. This robe of glory, which Adam lost in Paradise, fs the divine life or the Holy Spirit. The new robe we receive in baptism signifies the divine life Inthe Holy Scripture, waters the sign of death and salvation. Atthe ime ‘of Noth, the evil people perished nd Noah was saved through water (Genesis 6:8). Iti through the waters of the Red sea thatthe destruction of Pharaoh and the saving of Irae took place Joshua andthe Israelite entered into the Promised Land through the waters of Jordan, It was through the baptism of Jesus in Jordan thatthe new Israel was invited to the kingdom of Goa ‘order that Satan's failure and one’s entrance into the kingdom of God take place, one has to passthrough the water of baptism. ‘New Creation in the Spirit [After the blessing of the water the candidate is made to sit inthe water with his /her face turned to the East, The celebrant facing the West and placing his right hand on the head ofthe candidate collects the baptismal ‘water with his left hand and pours on the head of the candidate. While reciting the following formula the celebrant buptizes: “In the hope of life and salvation, inthe name of the Father + dhe Son + and te living Holy Spirit + (name) is baptized for life etemal”, ‘An individual shares in the Paschal mystery of Jesus. St.Paul says that baptism isto die and resurect with Chris, Since we share inthe death and burial of Jesus through baptism, we have share in his resurrection also (Romans 6: 1-11), To dip in the baptismal water, is considered to be the symbol of the death of Christ and to rise from water asthe symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. “Through baptism one strips off the old man and puts on the new man. ‘One is reborn as new creation in the Spirit. Baptism isthe frst sacrament by ‘which one enters into association with Jesus and the Church, his body, ‘through the Holy Spirit,Life Witness ‘While Desing te baptismal water, Ne _Letusbecaeful to grow inthe divine tupsmof Tessin ondanisrememberedand Wile inow day ie ug te ramet sola Jk prepara watertobapze Jesus: ifeand vinous ded ‘Glin Jail) Worship ‘een! Alrcesofea, Hall ot has prepared the water that he shall baptize: Jess, bys pts. as sant he same Ase gotoneshoretheriver Heaven andar both honoared him acy Se exdonimsvenn | ein ls cae Ansara Dengotcn ce ae oe oats 1. Describe the Seip foundation opts 2. Whicharethessramentfintton?? Why arehey calls? |. Why doesone unto the West hile enameing San andthe East wl conesing esi? ‘Wiatismeany exignlsin? Describe the symbole meanings of be kapal wate a fe CONFIRMATION 19) ‘Confirmation s the sacrament of anointing with holy Myron by which all \who become children of God through baptism are specially given the Holy Spirit and are confirmed and made perfect. This sacrament makes one perfect Cristian, firm in faith and a soldier of Christ through the 5 sbidance of the Holy Spirit. ‘The Geek word ‘Myron’ means “sweet-smelling oil". When olive il is mixed with various kinds of aromatic spices and consecrated, te ol becomes Myron. This sacrament is known as ‘Anointing with Myron’ because, the individual is sealed in the name of the Father the Sonar the oly Sprit ands Fully anointed with Myron, Anointing in the Old Testament Inthe Old Testament, those who were made kings, prophets and pris \were anointed with oi. The persons and things anointed, are separted as God's and sanctified. Isralites believed that through anointing kings, prophets and priests specially received the Spirit of God, Samuel anointedimportance and meaning ofthe crown is gratin the Cristian tradition. We ‘can sce thatthe row i the sign of royals and symbol of victory inthe (Old Testament Istich 28: 5; Jeremiah 13: 18; Palm 21:3). In the New ‘Testament the crown is always the symbol of heavenly glory, heavenly splendour and immortal ie. There i the custom of earying the children 10 the sanctuary and making procession around the thronos i continuation of the rowing ceremony. Receiving of Holy Communion Aer having received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, the ‘oriental custom of receiving Holy Communion iin vogue inthe Malankara Chueh also. The custom prevalent isto take a drop of the sacred blood from the chalice and to give ton the tongue of the candidate. The receiving ‘of the Holy Communion ater the reception of baptism and confirmation, helps to strengthen relationship with Jesus This signifies the journey with Christ. “The priest gives the Holy Communion saying: “The frit, which Adam ‘could not taste in Eden is placed on your tongue this day”. Then, the ‘congregation is dismissed after saying the concluding prayer and giving the essing ‘Weare those who have come tothe fll association with Jesus by receiving ‘Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion when we were hilden. Could ‘we strengthen ths relationship with Jesus with our past period of life? How strong isthe presence of God in me? May such kind of thoughts help us to row in the love of God Worship Life Witness IniesevceotConimatn whe Leescontnnisy pry eit de stil Senin, kn cemembored hw Holy Spin which we echo tHOUEN Re ‘Aso wasanoinedwitholandpuiiel ancient ofthe Holy Myton may Bese teChrchcormenorts tat seogteatinas eheaphe ann wih te oy Sp shieisberadtin beseech io fase pt (Coon Davam.) Ansa Aaron, wit soe may become pure Gus 2 ‘eam now with tis hoy he amb ee sich eevee opi. “Bult Gal whoesebisnesus ‘Thisisthe unction, with which chelanb | SilipouinChistandhes ined ‘pads se apa as anointed. __USby iting hisses on usand The Hal Spin withisseretsal signs SMAEUGHESpiin cur hess overitande bless ‘afin insaln” Contin 21-29. Questions, | Whatdesnsining with Myrontnean? Descibethe Olan New Testament backround of cnn with Mc. ‘Whatisthe reason why esas Chests sido ete true amnedone? ‘Confiaton isthe sel he Hay Sp. Describe. ooHOLY QURBONO "Among the Sacraments the most mmportant and the erown of them isthe Holy Qurbono, The Old and New Testament biblical background of this sacrament and how the Malankara Church understands this, are introduced inthis lesson, ‘The Paschal Observance of Jesus “Jesus celebrated his last Pasch together with his apostles. In this Paschal panguet Jess instituted the Holy Qurbono. While observing the Pasch Jesus took bread in his hands, blessed, broke and gave to his apostles and sai “Take, eat, thisis my body”. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks be «gave itto them saying: “Drink fom it all of you; for this is my blood ofthe ‘covenant; which is poured out for many forte forgiveness of sins"(Mathew 26:28) In the background of the Jewish Pasch Jesus celebrated the new Pasch. ‘The slaughter ofthe Paschal amb and the Paschal meal ar the fundamental parts ofthe Jewish Paseh. In the new Pasch, Jesus transformed bread as his tie’ body and wine as his blood and gave them to his apostles as food and rink. Jesus sigitie through breaking and giving the bread his boxy, which he wus going t offer as sueifice and through the symbol of wine, his blood, which was about tobe shed. In the new Pasch, Jesus, by prepating the meal with his body and blood, pointed out in advance that the real Paschal lamb was himself. Its in this semse that John the Baptist called Jesusthe lamb, who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus hinted in advance his death onthe cross on Calvary in the background of the Pasch. Just as the sacrifice and meal with shedding blood has become the Fundamental component of the Pasc, in the new Pasch too the shedding of the blood and the meal are merged into one. On aecount ofthis, the Chugch understands the Holy Qurbono as sacrifice and meal Offering of Sacrifice in the Old Testament Offering of sscritice was most important in the Jewish religion. There is allusion in the Old Testament about the various sacrifices of Abel, Noah and Abraham. Various offerings such as: Burnt offering, Peace offeing and Sin offering came into force in the Jewish religion after the Mossi peti. Frits lambs and oxen were used forthe saerifices. The sacrifice with the shedding of blood ofthe animals was more important. Shedding of blood ‘was an important element of sacrifice, The Jews considered that through shedding blood, the very life is offered. The Jews understood the shedding ‘of blood asthe recognition of personal relationship with God, Shedding of blood was an inevitable part fr emission of sins (Hebrews 8: 22), ‘The Jews considered sacrifice as recognizing God's authority and lotiness and as means for associating with God and asa eligious rite forthe remission of sins. Grain and meat are the food materials of human beings. Human beings work more in order to earn these. They consider that they offer themselves when they offer these food materials 19 God. The Jews considered the altar the place, where there isthe presence of God, They believed that life existed inthe blood ofthe animals and that when they pour blood on the altar of sacrifice, they offered the very life ofthe one who offered the sacrifice to God.“The shedding of blood in the Old Testament was but the symbol ofthe shedding ofthe blood of Jesus inthe sacrifice on Calvary. The blood of the Sacrifice of Jesus gave salvation and remission of sin to humankind forever (Hebrews 9: 11-13). Holy Qurbonoin the Early Church After instituting the Holy Qurbono inthe background of the Jewish Pasch, Jesus said: “Do this in remembrance of me”. Thus, he entrusted the apostles to perpetuate the memorial of the Pasch he performed. According tthe Uesize of Jesus, the sacrifice of the Holy Qurbono was continued in the ‘early Church through the service ofthe breaking of the bread. ‘The service Of the breaking of bread, which was held in houses, was later on transferred to the churches, “The service ofthe breaking of read was known inthe Syrian Church as “Eloly Quibono”. The Syrian word "Quebono” has the Following meanings: ‘Oftering of gift’, “Offering of sacrifice’ and “Git “The eatly Christians experienced the presence of Christ, who i cross and resurrected in their midst through the celebration of the Holy ‘Qurbono. The disciples, who went to Emmaus, recognized Jesus when he broke the bread (Luke 24: 25-35), The early Christians experienced the living presence of Christ through their coming together for Holy Qurbon (Act ofthe Aposties 2:42, 46), The early Christians gathered together 00 ‘Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Jesus and broke the bread. They remembered the Pasch of Jesus, deathon the cross and resurrection through the service ofthe breaking ofthe bread. The conviction tha the risen Christ lives amidst them under the species of bread and wine go strengthened in the early Chureh Ths, the presence ofthe Lord in the Holy Quebono and the Christ experience they got through Holy Communion, were profs that Jesus lived among them, Thus, Holy Qurbono became the intrinsic element ‘of the relationship between God and human beings. There was no other ‘Gccasion in which the early Christians experienced the salutary presence of Jesus more as in the Holy Qurbono. The presence of Jesus in the Holy ‘Qurbono was so lively. Holy Quebono in the Malankara Chureh Diverse liturgical rites grew i different places by the fourth century. There ‘are 22 different Rites today inthe Catholic Chureh, The Malankara Catholic ‘Chureh uses the Antiochean Rite of Liturgy, which was developed and formed in Antioch. The Order ofthe Antiochean Quibono is known after the name of St, Jacob, the brother of our Lord, the apostle and the first chiet Bishop of Jerusalem. Holy Quehono, the Memorial of Salvation History Holy Qurbono is not merely the commemoration of the observance of the Pasch and death of Jesus on the cross. But dhrough the command of Jesus, "Do this in remembrance of me, the Church commemorates in the Holy Quibono the whole history of salvation, fulfilled in Jesus Crist. There sre two parts in the Malankara Qurbono: the secret service and the public service. In the seeret service, the Old Testament events: the creation of the tniverse, cretion of man, the fll of man, the eall of Abrabam and the history of Israel up 10 Jesus Christ, are commemorated. The Church remembers inthe public service: the binh of Jesus Christ, baptism, publi life, observance of the pasch, passion, death on the eross, resurection, ascension, the abidance of the Holy Spirit and the sceond coming of Jesus Christ. In short, dhe Church reveals and commemorates through the Holy Qurbono the history of salvation perfected in Jesus. ‘The Church commemorates these things clearly through a hymn in the Holy Quibono: (elivuniranjoreeso..) “Lora! Your birth, baptism, passion, crucifixion, Death, resurrection, and your most glorious ascension; {As well as our First Parents ‘We recall in this sacrifice” (Order ofthe Holy Qurbono). The Holy Qurbono thus belps the Faithful to be united with the salutary ‘events and to live fully with Jesus The relationship with Jesus becomes perfect with the reception of the Holy Qurbono..‘The Divine Presence in the Holy Qurbono “The Antiochean Liturgy, formed under Jewish background is replete with numerous Old Testament symbols and signs. The Holy Qurbono is filled Wwith services and rites, which expedite God experience. The faithful ‘experience during Holy Qurbono the great divine experience, which makes heaven descend towards the earth, The sanctuary, the various colours, and the different signs and symbols signify the presence of God. The hymns ‘and prayers ofthe Holy Qurbono are musical. Thus, in the background of the Holy Qurbono, a divine experience is aroused on the earth, “There are numerous symbols in the worship. which signify that the ‘omnipotent and most glorious God is an immense mystery and that the Timited man is unable to understand and comprehend God, the Creator. The ‘Church has very strong convietion regarding the presence of God in the Holy Qurbono. We see in the Holy Qurbon0, on one side the glory and power af God extolled, and on the other, the symbols, which connote the abidance of God with Us Inthe early Church when the bread was broken, the faithful experienced the presence of God. Today, the omnipotent God is present amidst us through the Holy Qurbono. The divine presence, which our eyes cannot see ‘comes t0 Us through the species of bread and wine as food and drink ‘uring the Holy Qurbono ‘The Old Testament Symbols in the Holy Qurbono “The Holy Qurbono, which Jesus established on the feast of the Pasch, ‘vas the fulfillment of the Old Testament symbols. Abel, through his own, sectfie, signified the Holy Qurbono, The offering ofthe bread and wine of the chief priest Melchizedech was the symbol of Holy Qurbono. By Sacrificing the ltl lamb, which lay entangled inthe bush Isaac was saved from the sword of Abraham, This sacrifice signifies the Holy Quebono. The presence of God, which Moses found in the thorny bush, signifies the presence of God in the Holy Qurbono. The people of Israel seerificed the paschal lamb in order t9 escape from the messenger-destroyer. It was the foreshadow of the Holy Qurbono. The saying of Joshua that they should [ail the lambs on the fourteenth of the frst month andl eat the Pasch, means, the Holy Qurbono, Prophet Samuel, having killed the young one of alam, signified the mystery ofthe Holy Qurbono. The live coal, which the angel ‘gave to Isiah in the holy of holies with the fiery tongs, was the symbol of the Holy Qurbono. The fruit, hich Adam did not taste in Eden, marks the Holy Qurbono. The Manna, which the people of Israel ate in the desert, signifies the Holy Qurbono. The human figure, which Ezekiel saw in the chariot, isthe symbol of Jesus in the Holy Qurbono, Holy Qurbono, Saerifice and Banquet ‘The suctfice of Jesus on Calvary and the Paschal meal signify that the Holy Qurbono is tthe sume time sacrifice and banquet. Only by ating the ‘meal, the Holy Quibono, the sacrifice is perfected. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (Corinthians 11:26) Hence al those who participate inthe Holy Qurbono should also receive Holy Communion. Inthe carly Church all those who attended the Holy Qurbono received Holy Communion also Ifanyfuithful did not attend worship duc to illness, the deacon used to catry and give Holy Communion to that person. Our Church also desires that al, who participate in the Holy Qurbono should ‘worthy receive Holy Communion also. It is the right of every faithful to receive Holy Communion. It is through the Holy Communion that an individval comes into the full experience of « member of the Church, If there isthe conviction of any mortal sin, one should make confession before ceiving Holy Communion. nother circumstances, one may receive Holy Communion after receiving absolution of sins during the celebration ‘of the Holy Qurbono. Having partaken in the Holy Qurbono, if anyone ‘consciously keeps aloof from receiving Holy Communion without suficent reason, one alienate oneself from Christ. tis like going fora banguet and noteatng any food. Hence o keep aloof trom receiving communion without sifficient reason is dishonour shown towards Jesus and to his body and blood. Henee, lets be careful o receive Holy Communion with preparation “Tis, we will be able to live with Jesus in full associationWorship ui AuteverycatetofthetolyQutonsthe Holy Qurbon i he central CChavhonenbenthesacnfice whichJestsChrsian ie, Letusaetvel uripatcin the Mesh fferedon Ca the aly Qubonoin onder growin Cit (Gelvuninejoress.) cexpsictce sincrerto wash away wore manifold sins (Orch who assured yours sodowe (Orferoursehves a, May hiv ssriiebe receive (Onerofthe Qubon0) eae erry ell yas unless ye thefemol heSonor Manan oak Tis bod souhucenobifein you" ‘Join 6 5) Questions Descitehow fess ntl he Holy Qurbono. “Whats ihe Ol estament concept abouts? Descibe the Hy Que experience ofthe ly Chas ‘Why it sad ha the Malankara Qurbone isthe commernoaton af the istry of salto ‘5. Makedereaiy clear tt onl tpt Hy Communion he celebrite Hoy urtono comple. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION An individual receives divine life through Jesus by receiving the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Qurbono. But human beings preserve this divine Hie in weak and breakable earthen pots. Through the sins of human beings, this divine life may be Weakened or lost. Asa good physician of. the body and soul, Jesus Christ gave absolution of sins for many sianers during his public life. This service ‘of the absolution of sins is still being continued inthe Church through the Holy Spirit. Thus, there are wo sacraments, Confession and the Anointing ofthe Sick, inorder give back to the human being the los divine life and to cure his body and soul. In this lesson we learn about Confession Absolution of Sin in the New Testament Sin is the choosing of the evil way through misusing the freedom God has given to human beings. Sin is part of the weak human nature [is the fundamental thought of every religion thatthe human beings weak and that God absolves sin when the sinner reponts ofthe sn. lis forthe gratification (of God and forthe remission of sin that inthe Hindu culture one bathes in river Ganges and goes to Sabari Hil, observing fast, So isthe observanceof severe fastin the Muslim religion. The Jews, in the Old Testament, offered sactifice Fo the remission of sit Inthe New Testament, St, John the Baptist invited the people to confess thir sins and receive baptism of repentance for the absolution of sins. ‘Thus, many people received baptism in the river Jordan, During the public lie of Jesus, people eame to him with repentance, Jesus gave them absolution ‘When Jesus was dining at the house of Simon, the Phatisee, a sinner woman of the eity approached Jesus, She washed the fet of Jesus with her tears tnd dried them with her hair and anointed them with sweet smelling oi, {esus told her: “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7; 36-50). Once Jesus said to “a paralytic, who was brought t him: "Son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2: 1112). Jesus said tothe woman, eaught in adultery forgiving her sins: ‘Do notin again". Zacehaeus, who received Jesus in his house, being repentant bout bis sins, when he confessed and offered compensation for his sins, $Jesus led him to the path of salvation (Luke 19: 1-10). Jesus, having pitied him, raised the thief, who repented while hanging on the eross, to the cxperience of Paradise Jesus taught the fundamental truths of absolution of Sins through the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Lost Sheep. ‘The Power of Absolution of Sins in the Church ‘We read in the Holy Scripture that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave absolution of sins for several sinners who came to him during his public Tife. Jesus gave the power of absolution of sins othe apostles or the Church Jesus told Beier: "You are Peter, and on this rock I wil build my Church, ‘and the gates of Hades will not prevail aguinstit I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth wil be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth willbe loosed in heaven" (Mathew 16: 18-19). Another time, Jesus said to the apostles: "Whatever you bind on cearth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be Toosed in heaven’ (Matthew 18:18). Thus Jesus gave to the apostles the power to bind and to loose. After the resurection, Jesus breathed on the Epostles and giving them the Holy Spirit, sad: “If you forgive the sins of “ny, they are forgiven thems; i'you retain the sins of any, hey are retained” {ohn 20:23). Thus, the power ofthe absolution of sins, which he gave to the apostles, is continued through the bishops and priests. The Church is the means, which Jesus instituted trough the Holy Spirit in order to continu the salutary mission of Jesus. Hence, the power of the absolution of sins is given to the Church. Through the Church, this authority is given to the bishops and to the priests through them. ‘The priest is atthe same time the representative of the Church and the representative of Jesus. When one confesses sins toa priest, e confesses to Jesus and to the Church Community because the priest represents Jesus and the Chucc respectively. When the priest absolves sins, its Christ who aolves sins, In the same way the community ofthe Church forgives the sinner and admits him tothe Church community. Io this manner, confession takes place and sins are absolved in relation withthe body of the Church, ‘Sinis the fault to the Body of the Church, “The Church isthe body of Jesus. Just asthe body has diferent limbs, there are different individuals in the body ofthe Church. If any of the limbs ‘of the body receives injury that will affect the whole bod. We give treatment to the whole body. If the wound becomes a sore, the whole body will suffer. Ifthe wound is cured, the whole body will feel relief. Hence, the sin of an individual, belonging to the body of the Church, harms not only the individual but also the whole body of the Church. The fone, who falls in sin, not only brings harm to the individual, but also tthe whole body of the Church and gives pain. Hence, the individual ‘who sinned should confess sin and through repentance get reconciled ‘with the community of the Church, The whole Church and the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, Sinis Disease According to the tradition of the Jews, sin was considered as disease God deals with humankind, which has fallen into sin as with one, who has disease. Even if one has become a sick person through one’s own fault that ‘one is not punished but given treatment. What is of chi importance is not the fault and punishment bu treatment and cure. The Church desires to see the sin of her children asthe beginning of disease and to reat them. That is *rot to destroy the sick person but o cure and to save, ‘Tat is the reason ‘shy Jesus came as a good physician. More than the judge, who Conviets the world, Christ is the great physician, who eures human beings from the bodily and spiritual diseases and leads to life eternal ‘The Church fulfils through the sacrament of Confession this service of rendering cure. Confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation When the person confesses hiser sins, heishe receives reconciliation and absolution of sins ftom God. There is only one central commandment inthe Chistian faith. That i the commandment of love. Henee all sins are ‘against love. Sin creates in an individual a triple alienation. Sin aienates ws from God, brethten and ourselves. Reconciliation i said to be to come in harmony with God, brethren and with oneself through confessing sins. Ths, through the sacrament of Confession triple reconciliation takes place. When ‘ons receives reconciliation thongh Confession, uneasiness s removed from the individual and the person obtains divine peace and joy. Hess says about confessing sins and attaining reconciliation thus: “So when you ae offering Sour ait atthe altar, you remember that your broher or ister has something ‘against you, leave your gift there before the altar and zo; first be reconciled ‘your brother or sister and then eome and offer the gift” (Matthew 5 25-24), Since one reconciles, confessing sins, the Confession is said to be the sacrament of reconciliation. ‘Confession, the Sacrament of Absolution of Sins "Absolution of sin is the divine race, which the individual receives ‘one confessing sins through awareness of sin, repentance and conversion. ‘The sinner woman came to the Lord, washed his feet with her tears and confessed her sins. Jesus gave her absolution saying: “Her many sins are forgiven”. Thus, she went back with peace and joy. When an individual confesses sins tothe priest, the representative of the Church, that individual receives absolution and experiences joy and peace. That is why Confession is called the sacrament of the absolution of sis. Confession in the Malankara Church, ‘According to the tradition of the Catholic Church, if an individual ‘committed a serious sin, the person should receive Holy Communion only after having confessed sin before a priest and received absolution. Hence, ‘acl individual has to deeide when to make confession. When there is no serious sin to be confessed, after making the examination of conscience, with the thought of repentance, and having received absolution duting the Holy Qurbono, one may receive Holy Communion. According to the ‘common law of the Catholic Church, the faithful should confess atleast once a year and should recsive Holy Communion. Besides, the Church advises to make confession conveniently during the seasons of al fasts and feasts, and receive Holy Communion. It is the mind of the Church that the faithfil through frequent confession and receiving Holy Communion, should grow in spiritual life Similarly itis a blessing to confess and receive Holy ‘Communion on important days suchas: birth day, feast day, day of mariage, ‘marriage anniversary, etc. ‘The Spiritual Cure that Confession Gives ‘The sinner will always live in the consciousness of sin and in an agitated state of mind, The guilty conscience and agitated state of mind may often lead to a state of physical illness. Bu, through confession, an individual experiences the divine mercy and love an gets the spiritual and mental well= ‘being. Psychological counseling cannot replace confession. Even though the psychological counselling may assist ro gain mental release from problems toa cetai extent, counselling cannot give either spiritual eure or absolution from sin or divine grace. Only through the sacrament of Confession an individual obtains absolution from sin, spiritual eure and posce ot