WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SYRO MALABAR CHURCH?
Catholic community in Kerala has become like a political organisation on one side and a corporate entity on the other side. The priests of Ernakulam - Angamaly archdiocese gathered at Kaloor Renewal Centre reported to have not accepted the decision taken by the recent Synod. The hierarchy of the Church appears to have divided into three segments; the Bishops and above, the priests and of course, then comes the believers or the common man.
How to conduct the Holy Mass is the prime issue. Whether it is to be performed by facing the altar or by facing the people. The Holy Mass is believed to have instituted by Jesus Christ during the last supper on the Holy Thursday. However, Christianity got a legal status as a religion from the Roman Empire was in the fourth century. Prior to that the faithful were assembled in some bigger houses and conducted some forms of worships. They were sharing the meals in memory of the Last Supper. These forms of worships did not have any uniformity. This somewhat shaped into a universal observation was in 1570 when Pope Pius V enforced the use of Tridentine Mass in the Latin Church. Then by Pope Paul VI in 1969 and then revised by Pope John Paul II in 2002 the Holy Mass came into what we are observing now.
In fact, leaving alone the history, the common man of today have several things to ask the clergy. What is the significance of mass in Christianity? Does someone attend the mass every day right through the life is ensured heaven? The answer must be 'no'. What Jesus taught is, anyone who recognise the Supreme Sacrifice of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins shall certainly be granted forgiveness and they will become eligible for the Kingdom of God.
Now what is all happening in the Church in the name of Jesus Christ is unbelievable. People go an prevent the priest from performing the mass. The priest are doing 'Sathyagraha' against the Cardinal. Cases are filed in the court against the Cardinal about money swindling. Enforcement Directorate is moving around the Church headquarters to question the top ones of the Church. Allegations about sexual abuse against the clergy in good numbers including the highly placed ones. Some are already in the jail. Some are reported to be on the way. Caused the suicide of a house wife. Huge amount of unaccounted money confiscated by the government from the custody of a priest from a car. The allegations are endless. Still the fight is going on and on.
Now please allow the so called Holy Mass either by looking this side or that side. Jesus Christ will never look at it.
K V George
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