DO NOT BE AFRAID: FROM GAZING TO GOING – A RESURRECTION CALL FROM FEAR TO MISSION

 

Imagine standing at an empty tomb, heart pounding with a mix of terror and joy. The stone rolled away, angels proclaiming life, and then Jesus Himself appears. "Do not be afraid," He says. "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (Matthew 28:10). These aren't just comforting words to the women at the tomb—Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They're a commissioning, a divine push from fear to faith, from stillness to mission. In our fear-paralyzed world of injustice, confusion, and suffering, this resurrection command rings out: Stop gazing. Start going. The resurrection is not an event meant to be admired from a distance; it is a reality that demands participation. In a world often paralyzed by fear, confusion, injustice, and suffering, this command of Jesus echoes with renewed urgency: Do not be afraid—go and tell.

Therefore, here is an engaging and flowing blog post, a narrative-driven piece that builds progressively—from the scriptural encounter, through exegesis and personal challenge, to modern mission and transformation. It maintains a pastoral, inspirational tone suitable for theological reading, emphasizing hope, justice, and action in everyday contexts like those in India and beyond.

1. Origin and Context of Matthew 28:10

The verse emerges within the resurrection narrative of Matthew’s Gospel. After the crucifixion, the women—Mary Magdalene and the other Mary—go to the tomb. There, they encounter life. The empty tomb, the message, and Jesus’ appearance form a sequence of revelation. Matthew's Gospel sets the scene perfectly. Written for a Jewish-Christian audience, it frames Jesus as the fulfillment of God's ancient promises. The women arrive expecting death after the crucifixion, but they find an empty tomb, an angelic announcement, and the risen Lord. The call to "go to Galilee" isn't random—it's a return to where Jesus began His ministry, now infused with resurrection power. Galilee is where all begun with Jesus. It represents a return to origins—but now with a transformed understanding.The story doesn't end at the tomb; it restarts with depth and purpose. Death loses; life launches.

2. Exegesis: Understanding the Text

Dig deeper into the text, and three imperatives leap out. First, "Do not be afraid." This isn't fluffy reassurance—it's theology in action. This is not merely emotional comfort—it is a declaration. Fear loses its grip in the presence of the risen Christ. Throughout the Gospels, fear often arises when human beings encounter divine power. Yet here, the command suggests a shift: fear must give way to trust. The resurrection redefines reality. Death, oppression, and injustice no longer have the final word. Fear grips us when divine power breaks in, but the risen Christ redefines reality. Oppression, injustice, even death? They don't get the last word.

Second, "go." No lingering in awe; the resurrection demands movement. Faith isn't a spectator sport—it's missionary, challenging all forms of stagnation, moral, spiritual or social. The resurrection is inherently dynamic. The women are not allowed to remain at the tomb, gazing in wonder. The experience of Christ compels movement. Faith is not passive; it is missionary.

Third, "tell my brothers." Jesus calls His fleeing disciples "brothers," despite their failure and abandonment, offering grace amid failure. And the promise? "They will see me"—but only after obedience. This reveals the heart of the resurrection: reconciliation and restoration. The mission is rooted not in perfection but in grace. Vision follows mission.

Fourth, “They will see me”. The promise of encounter lies at the end of obedience. The disciples will see Christ not by staying in fear, but by responding in faith. Today, this hits home.

3. Hermeneutics: Interpreting for Today

Interpreting this passage today requires moving beyond historical analysis to contemporary relevance. The text invites us to examine three attitudes that often dominate Christian life. Too many of us get stuck in three traps: Staring at Christ's wonders without acting, staying in comfort zones of rejection or failure, or gazing inward in self-contained spirituality.

Many believers remain at the level of admiration—reflecting on Christ, appreciating His teachings, but not engaging in transformative action. Like the women at the tomb, we may be tempted to linger in awe without moving forward. Contemplation matters, but the command disrupts it all.

"Go and tell" propels faith outward, into the world's mess. Comfort zones—cultural, social, or personal—can prevent mission. Fear of rejection, persecution, or failure keeps many from stepping out. A spirituality that is inward-looking can become self-contained. While contemplation is valuable, it must lead to action. The resurrection is not meant to be a private experience but a public witness. The command “go and tell” disrupts all three above tendencies. It calls for a faith that moves outward into the world.

4. Fear and Faith: A Discipleship Journey

Fear and faith have always danced in tension. The disciples feared storms, persecution, even the resurrection. Yet Jesus transforms fear, not by denying it, but by reframing reality through His victory -- an opportunity for deeper trust. Fear is not condemned outright—it is made divine— fear of God. The command “Do not be afraid” is not a denial of reality but an invitation to see reality differently. The risen Christ stands above all forces that threaten human dignity and existence.

In India today, fears abound: social rejection, speaking truth amid caste divides, confronting injustice, bonded labor or tribal marginalization, losing privilege i.e. the feared FCRA Ammendment Bill 2026, the SC Minority Rights Bill! The resurrection whispers, "My power trumps them all." It's a discipleship journey from anxiety to audacious trust. The resurrection challenges all these fears. It assures believers that God’s power is greater than any worldly force.

5. From Encounter to Mission

The resurrection is always followed by mission. Those who encounter the risen Christ cannot remain unchanged. Encounters spark mission. Mary Magdalene rushes to proclaim; Peter preaches boldly after denial; Paul flips from persecutor to apostle. The resurrection is always followed by mission. Those who encounter the risen Christ cannot remain unchanged. Their stories scream: Meeting Jesus changes you—you can't stay silent. For us, that means finding Him in prayer, worship, and daily grind, then letting it overflow into words and deeds.

6. Mission in the Modern World: “Go and Tell” Today

Now, "go and tell" in our chaotic world—riddled with violence and wars,  social injustice and inequality, misinformation and confusion, suppression of rights and dignity. It means bearing hope into despair, affirming life and justice prevail; proclaiming Hope in a broken world. To “go and tell” today means to become bearers of hope.

The resurrection message speaks directly into situations of despair, affirming that life, justice, and truth will prevail. Mission isn't just sermons; it's advocacy—against bonded labor, caste discrimination, for tribal Rights and dignity. Today’s call to believers is to experience Christ not only in prayer and worship but also in daily life. Mission is not limited to preaching words; it includes action for justice and marginalized communities. These struggles are not separate from the Gospel—they are expressions of it. The Kingdom of God is a reality where dignity, equality, and justice flourish. This encounter must overflow into action—into words and deeds that reflect the Gospel. These aren't sidelines; they're Gospel expressions. God's Kingdom demands equality and flourishing for all.

This calls for courage in the face of fear. Modern disciples often face subtle pressures: conforming to societal norms, remaining silent in the face of injustice and prioritizing personal safety over truth. The resurrection calls for courage. It reminds believers that faith is not merely private but public.

7. The Challenge of “Fake Narratives” and Truth

Fake narratives muddy everything, just as tomb guards spread lies while women proclaimed truth. Just as the resurrection story had conflicting interpretations—the women proclaiming life and others spreading denial—today’s world is filled with competing and confusing narratives. Today, propaganda and misinformation drown out hope. They often obscure truth. Our call? Speak integrity, resist manipulation, witness authentic liberation. The Gospel isn't one story among many—it's the truth that sets free.

8. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications

Living out this command requires formation and support. Anchor in sound doctrine to build confidence. Study and understanding God’s character build confidence. Faith rooted in truth overcomes fear. Pray to swap anxiety for trust. It aligns believers with God’s will and strengthens courage. Lean on community, where love casts out fear and sparks boldness. Mutual encouragement within the faith community helps overcome fear. Love drives out fear and fosters boldness.

Contrast Pilate, who knew truth but buckled to pressure, with Jesus' unyielding courage. Jesus, remains steadfast. Do we silence ourselves for image? Compromise for acceptance? No—the resurrection demands better.

9. Conclusion: A Call to Courage, Transformation and Peace

Easter isn't a feel-good holiday; it's transformation fuel. Personally, choose forgiveness over grudge, courage over cower, love over hate. Socially, foster peace in conflicts, dialogue over division, inclusive communities. True power? Not domination, but reconciliation.

"Go to Galilee" means ordinary life—your living streets, workplaces, struggles. Return renewed, witnessing through daily actions. Mission starts here, not just far-off fields.

Become resurrection witnesses: Hope in hopelessness, truth in confusion, justice amid oppression. Embody Easter in word and deed.

From gazing to going, Matthew 28:10 turns believers outward. Ditch staring at the past, staying comfy, gazing idly. Embrace trust sans fear, going with courage, proclaiming boldly. In a world craving hope, justice, peace—Jesus commands: Do not be afraid. Go and tell. The resurrection? Not the end. The mission's launch.

 

THE URGENCY OF INCLUSIVE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN INDIA: EMBRACING EVERY CHILD WITH COMPASSION AND COMMITMENT

 

Introduction: The Cry for Inclusion

In India today, the educational landscape is marked by deep inequalities. While technology and policy reforms promise modernization, the harsh reality is that millions of children—especially those from marginalized, poor, minority, and differently abled backgrounds—remain excluded. Christian education, with its long history of service, finds itself called once again to respond with renewed vision. The urgency of inclusive Christian education cannot be overstated: it is about ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey of learning, faith, and dignity.

Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti that society must reject “the throwaway culture” and instead embrace “a culture of encounter.” Education is one of the most powerful ways to embody this vision, opening doors for those who otherwise would remain on the margins. The Church in India, through schools, colleges, and grassroots initiatives, is uniquely positioned to make inclusion more than a slogan—it can become a lived reality.

Here, we try to synthesize an integration of the court verdicts and the Catholic education policy of inclusivity, embracing every child with solidarity and compassion.  We engage, therefore, the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and deliberations with Minority Rights and the Catholic Education Policy (CBCI) and the Pastoral Plan for Education Apostolate (CCBI 2024-33) in India. They weave together the court cases, policy concerns, and the Christian call to inclusive education, especially for the intellectually and physically disabled or academically weak.

Inclusive Education within the Framework of Government Policy and Judicial Deliberations

The Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 enshrined free and compulsory education for every child aged 6–14, making it a fundamental right. The law mandated a 25 percent reservation in private schools for economically disadvantaged children, backed with guarantees of infrastructure, trained teachers, and mid-day meals. However, in 2014, the Supreme Court exempted minority schools, including Christian institutions, from this requirement. The Court argued then that minority rights, guaranteed under Article 30 of the Constitution, would be undermined if state authorities dictated admissions in schools founded to preserve cultural and religious identity.

Yet, this exemption has come under renewed scrutiny. In September 2025, a two-member division bench of the Supreme Court (Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan) questioned whether a “blanket exemption” for minority schools was “neither justified nor constitutionally required.” They suggested that instead of being exempted outright, minority schools could reserve the 25 percent seats for poor children from the same religious or linguistic communities, ensuring inclusivity without diluting minority identity. The judges warned that exemption must not become a “tool for evading necessary and child-centric regulatory standards.”

This judicial questioning must be read in the light of the Church’s own educational ethos. The Second Vatican Council’s declaration Gravissimum Educationis (1965) insists that education should be directed toward “the integral formation of the human person” (GE 1). Similarly, the revised Catholic Education Policy (2024) in India, prepared by the CBCI, emphasizes outreach to “the marginalized, the disabled, and those disadvantaged in their studies,” in line with the Gospel mandate to care for “the least of these” (Mt 25:40). Therefore, while the courts deliberate on legal frameworks, Catholic schools are already morally compelled to open doors wider to vulnerable children, not only to comply with state expectations but to embody Christian compassion in action.

Minority Rights and Catholic Educational Responsibility

While the state stresses inclusivity through quota obligations, the judiciary has also consistently upheld the autonomy of minority institutions. A landmark ruling by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court (Sept. 25, 2024) reaffirmed that Christian institutions enjoy a “double-layered protection” — as both autonomous colleges and as minority institutions. The verdict struck down attempts by Madurai Kamaraj University to impose external norms in staff appointments. Similarly, in July 2025, the Madras High Court, in a case involving Jesuit-run Loyola College, held that minority institutions have the “inherent right to fill sanctioned posts” and warned the state against bureaucratic overreach in appointments. These rulings strengthen the Church’s freedom to administer schools, ensuring that they remain aligned with their founding vision and Christian values.

However, minority rights must not be interpreted merely as legal shields. The Constitution (Articles 29–30) was designed not only to preserve minority culture but also to guarantee access to education for the community’s welfare. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), while expressing concern over the Supreme Court’s new review, has emphasized that Catholic schools already operate in the spirit of service, running over 50,000 institutions — many in rural and marginalized regions.

Catholic teaching too insists that autonomy is not isolation. Evangelii Gaudium reminds us that “no one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life” (EG 183). Similarly, the Catholic Education Policy 2024–25 calls schools to move beyond protectionist concerns toward a “preferential option for the poor and excluded,” ensuring that children with intellectual or physical disabilities, or those struggling academically, are not left behind. Thus, inclusive Christian education in India must strike a delicate balance: defending constitutional rights against state overreach while embracing the Church’s spiritual duty to serve the marginalized. This dual commitment ensures that Catholic schools remain both authentically Christian and genuinely transformative within India’s pluralistic democracy.

Judicial Affirmations of Minority Autonomy: The courts have repeatedly confirmed the autonomy of Christian educational institutions. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court upheld the right of 22 minority-run institutions to appoint their staff independently. The University had refused to recognize 41 appointments, arguing that the schools had not followed the University Grants Commission’s norms. Justice R. N. Manjula, however, ruled that minority institutions retain the right to select staff “compatible with their aspirations and outlook.” Similarly, in July 2025, the Madras High Court, ruling in favor of Jesuit-run Loyola College in Chennai, directed the state government to approve 19 long-pending appointments. The court insisted that minority institutions “possess the inherent right to fill sanctioned posts,” and state authorities could not dictate the intricacies of recruitment or committee composition. This verdict was hailed as a “guiding judgment” for Christian institutions nationwide facing bureaucratic delays. Both cases reaffirm that minority rights are not a matter of administrative convenience but constitutional commitments. They ensure that Catholic schools remain free to pursue their mission in fidelity to their identity.

Minority Rights as a Constitutional Safeguard: The framers of India’s Constitution deliberately included Articles 29 and 30 to safeguard cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 protects the right to conserve language, script, and culture, while Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions. These provisions were not intended to create privileged enclaves but to preserve India’s plural character. As the Supreme Court has often reminded, minority rights are a “protective measure to foster inclusiveness in a diverse nation.” They ensure that the majority’s dominance does not erase minority contributions.

Catholic institutions, therefore, hold a sacred trust: their autonomy exists not merely for internal self-preservation but for contributing to the common good. As Gravissimum Educationis reminds us: “Schools should so cultivate the intellectual faculties while forming the ability for sound judgment and introducing the students to the cultural heritage handed down from past generations” (GE 5). Thus, constitutional protection is not simply about legal autonomy; it is a call to stewardship of a heritage meant to serve both the Church and society.

The Church’s Vision for Education

The Catholic Church has consistently affirmed the right of every child to education. Gravissimum Educationis states that schools are to cultivate not only intellectual abilities but also the spiritual, moral, and social dimensions of students. Education, in this vision, is about forming the whole person. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, underlines the missionary dimension of education. Schools are not just about producing skilled workers for the economy; they are communities of evangelization, spaces where young people experience joy, hope, and fraternity. This holistic vision directly challenges systems that privilege only the elite or treat education as a commodity.

For India, where caste discrimination, economic disparities, and gender bias continue to hinder access to learning, this vision is revolutionary. Inclusive Christian education means opening doors to Dalits, Adivasis, girls, differently abled children, and religious minorities—not as charity cases, but as equal participants in God’s plan for humanity.

Policy Shifts and the Catholic Response

The Indian government’s NEP 2020 and subsequent state-level measures such as school mergers have brought dramatic shifts. The subsequent policies, has consistently emphasized inclusivity. The NEP underlined education as a tool for social justice, insisting on targeted interventions for disadvantaged groups (NEP 6.1). It acknowledged that children from socio-economically weaker sections and those with disabilities require affirmative support. On paper, NEP emphasizes holistic and flexible learning. But in practice, mergers often lead to closures of smaller rural schools, disproportionately affecting poor and minority communities.

The revised Catholic Education Policy, offers a counter-vision rooted in Gospel values, while externally resonating with the NEP vision. It explicitly highlights that Catholic schools must “be inclusive spaces where every child — regardless of intellectual ability, disability, or socio-economic background — finds welcome, dignity, and opportunity.” It calls educators to embrace the preferential option for the poor, echoing Evangelii Gaudium where Pope Francis writes: “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor” (EG 187).

It emphasizes equity, accompaniment, and a preferential option for the marginalized. Rather than accepting exclusion as inevitable, it calls Catholic institutions to actively innovate so that children with disabilities, children of migrants, and children from economically weaker families receive quality education. This means that Catholic schools cannot treat inclusion as a state-imposed obligation. Rather, inclusion is at the very heart of Catholic identity, integral to their credibility as Christian institutions.

This policy resonates with the biblical call to “welcome the little ones” (Mark 9:37). In concrete terms, it challenges Catholic schools to re-examine admission procedures, fee structures, teaching methodologies, and infrastructure so that inclusion becomes systemic, not peripheral.

Courts as Catalysts for Reflection

The September 2025 Supreme Court order, though provisional, should be received not only with concern for minority rights but also as a wake-up call for Catholic educators. It is true that the Court’s earlier 2014 ruling had upheld minority autonomy, shielding Christian schools from the quota. Yet the present judicial climate is shifting towards greater accountability for child-centric outcomes.

The language of the judges is revealing. They argued that the exemption could not be “an unqualified immunity” from laws “framed in the best interest of children.” For Catholic schools, this resonates with the moral principle that rights entail responsibilities. While minority rights protect institutions from undue state interference, they cannot absolve them of their Gospel mission to serve the poor and the vulnerable.

Case Studies of Exclusion and Resistance

The urgency of inclusive Christian education is not abstract—it is lived out daily in classrooms and villages. Consider the case of rural Dalit children in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where merged government schools are often too far for young students to travel. For many families, this means children, especially girls, drop out entirely. Or the differently abled child in Chhattisgarh denied admission because the school lacks facilities for special education. Such instances expose how fragile access to education remains for India’s most vulnerable.

Christian schools have stepped in at times with creative responses. Mobile schools for migrant children, remedial classes for dropouts, and scholarships for poor families are already making a difference. Yet these efforts need to be scaled up and embedded in institutional priorities, not left as isolated projects.

Theological and Social Imperatives

Inclusive education is not only a social need but also a theological mandate. Every child is created in the image of God and deserves to flourish. When the Church excludes or neglects some, it contradicts its own mission. The preferential option for the poor—central to Catholic Social Teaching—means that Christian education cannot cater primarily to the affluent while side-lining the marginalized. As Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed, schools must go to the “peripheries” where children are denied opportunities.

Moreover, inclusivity strengthens society as a whole. Studies consistently show that classrooms where diverse students learn together foster empathy, tolerance, and resilience. In a polarized India where communalism and caste prejudice are on the rise, inclusive Christian education can be a vital instrument of national integration.

Legal and Human Rights Frameworks

India’s Constitution guarantees the right to education and prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, or gender. Landmark judgments, such as the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Right to Education Act, affirm that access to schooling is a fundamental right.

However, implementation remains uneven. Minority-run schools enjoy certain protections under Article 30 of the Constitution, but they also face increasing scrutiny and pressure from state authorities. Here, Christian schools must balance fidelity to their mission with compliance to regulations. By championing inclusivity, Catholic education strengthens its moral legitimacy and demonstrates that minority rights are not about privilege but about service to the common good.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite inspiring policies and theological imperatives, challenges abound:

• Economic pressures force schools to raise fees at will, often pricing out the very poor.
• Specialized Remedial Classes for the intellectually slow learners and those with disability, are rarely envisaged.
• Infrastructure gaps—such as ramps, accessible toilets, or special educators—limit participation of differently abled students.
• Teacher training often does not equip educators to handle diverse classrooms.
• Social prejudice, especially caste-based, continues to influence admissions and peer interactions.

Overcoming these challenges requires not only goodwill but also systemic planning, resource mobilization, and advocacy. Catholic institutions must be willing to collaborate with government schemes, NGOs, and interfaith partners to ensure sustainability.

Signs of Hope

Across India, there are inspiring signs that inclusive Christian education is possible:

• In Tamil Nadu, schools run by religious congregations integrate hearing- and speech-impaired students with mainstream classes, showing the power of community support.
• In Jharkhand, Jesuit-run schools provide hostels for tribal children from remote villages, enabling them to pursue education that would otherwise be impossible.
• In Kerala, parishes and dioceses offer scholarships for fisherfolk children, ensuring they are not left behind.

These stories demonstrate that inclusivity is not beyond reach. With vision, commitment, and sacrifice, Christian education can become a genuine home for all children.

Toward a Culture of Encounter

Ultimately, inclusive Christian education is about building what Pope Francis calls a “culture of encounter.” It is about schools becoming places where every child is known by name, valued, and supported to reach their full potential. It is about moving beyond tokenism to genuine transformation.

The Catholic Education Policy is a timely reminder that inclusion must be intentional. It is not enough to welcome students at the gates; schools must also accompany them in their struggles, adapt curricula, and foster environments where diversity is celebrated. In doing so, Catholic schools will not only remain faithful to the Church’s mission but also contribute meaningfully to India’s democratic and pluralistic fabric.

Conclusion: A Prophetic Call

The urgency of inclusive Christian education in India lies in the faces of children who risk being left behind. Their right to learn, to grow, and to dream is non-negotiable. As Gravissimum Educationis teaches, the goal of education is the integral formation of the human person. As Fratelli Tutti insists, fraternity and social friendship are built when no one is excluded.

For the Church in India, this is a prophetic moment. By embracing every child with compassion and commitment, Christian education can become a powerful witness to the Gospel, a leaven of justice in society, and a sign of hope for the future.

FROM DOUBT TO DEEP FAITH

The Touch that Transformed

Imagine that intimate, unforgettable scene in John’s Gospel (20:24–29):
The Risen Christ stands before His disciples, but Thomas was not there the first time. When the others tell him, he boldly says, “Unless I see… unless I touch… I will not believe.”

A week later, Jesus returns. He does not rebuke Thomas. Instead, with mercy and tenderness, He invites: “Put your finger here… stretch out your hand and touch…” And Thomas, overwhelmed by this grace, utters one of the greatest declarations of faith in all of Scripture: “My Lord and my God!”

This touch transformed his heart. It was not merely the physical contact, but the encounter with the living Christ—wounded, risen, real—that changed doubt into devotion, fear into faith, and a disciple into a missionary.

For us too, this image speaks. This one moment—this touch—is not just the image of one man’s conversion. It is the image of our human journey. Like Thomas, many of us need to see, touch, ask, think, and question. Jesus does not reject that. He gently leads Thomas from questioning to belief, from fear to faith, from doubt to mission. We are not scolded for our questions. Like Thomas, we are invited to seek, to touch, to believe. This scene is our story—a journey from distance to intimacy, from hesitation to conviction.

Faith That Sees Beyond

The life of St. Thomas, as seen in the Gospels, reveals a deeply human apostle—courageous in action, sincere in questioning, and committed to seeking truth. Among the apostles, he stands out for his bold willingness to die with Jesus saying, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him" (Jn 11:16), his honest openness in moments of uncertainty. It was St Thomas who had the simplicity and honesty to ask Jesus, "Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?", and the Lord had responded "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life"(Jn 14:5).

Thomas insisted on personal encounter before belief in the Resurrection, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into His side, I will not believe" (Jn 20:25). Far from being merely a "doubter," Thomas reflects the spiritual journey of many—those who struggle, question, and long for authentic experience. His story consoles those with spiritual anxieties and inspires all to approach God with simplicity and conviction. Once his doubts were dispelled, he became a missionary of great zeal, travelling far to bear witness to Christ, ultimately laying down his life in martyrdom. In him, we find a model of faith that is tested, thoughtful, and transformative—a beacon for all who seek true commitment and certainty in following the Lord.

St. Thomas did not stay where it was comfortable. Thomas’ journey is the journey of India’s faith. He did not remain in comfort or stay back in Jerusalem. He dared to travel to faraway lands with courage, conviction and committment. He left Jerusalem, travelled far, and arrived on the shores of India—possibly in Kerala around AD 52. He brought the light of the Gospel to our soil, to our people. His message was not just about religion. It was about relationship—a faith that integrates truth, love, and life. He preached, healed, taught, baptized, and built up communities of faith—especially among Brahmins and others who were open to dialogue. Tradition tells us he was martyred in Mylapore, Chennai.

His was not a faith of easy slogans—it was a tested and thoughtful faith. His journey to India shows that authentic faith is never passive—it acts, it moves, it crosses borders—geographical, cultural, and spiritual.

Therefore, Thomas’ doubt was not weakness. It was the doorway to a deeper truth. His honest questions led him to the ultimate answer—Jesus Christ. And this shows us something powerful: Faith is not blind. It is a decision to trust what we have seen, what others have shown, and what the Spirit has revealed.

Besides, Faith is not private. It is shared. It builds community. It is like the body of Christ—the Church—a family, a house of unity where each member lives in faith and love, contributing to one another’s growth.

Thomas teaches us that faith has three dimensions:

• Seeing – recognizing Christ in the wounds of our people, in the poor, the broken, the marginalized.
• Judging – reflecting critically, asking questions, engaging with reason and tradition.

• Acting – courageously living out the Gospel in our own time, as witnesses of truth and love.  So did many missionary priests and nuns who followed in his steps 

 In today's India—a land rich in spirituality, pluralism, and paradox—Thomas' apostolate calls us to be Christians who are deeply rooted and widely open. Faith is not an escape from reality, but an engagement with it.

As Pope John Paul II reminded us: “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” Thomas used both: he doubted, he questioned, and then he witnessed—even to the point of death.

His contribution to India is not merely historical but spiritual:

• He planted a Church that survived centuries.
• He modeled a faith that dialogues with culture.
• He exemplified a Church that respects differences and embraces truth.

In a time when religion is sometimes used to divide, Thomas calls us to a faith that unites—across castes, creeds, and communities. His journey mirrors the Indian spirit of seeking truth through openness, just like our sages, saints, and seekers—Gandhi, Nehru, Kesab Chandra Sen, Brahmabandhav Upadhaya, and many others—all who believed in truth through dialogue.

 “My Lord and My God” – A Cry of Wonder and Conviction

Thomas’ confession is not just doctrinal—it is emotional, existential, and intimate. He does not say, “You are the Lord” but “My Lord and My God!” It’s a cry from the heart—a cry of surrender, a cry of wonder. A sigh of awe. He saw, he touched, and then he believed. That is faith—not just accepting ideas, but encountering a Person—Jesus.

It is also a faith born from experience—not second-hand, not imposed. And that makes his profession even more powerful. Thomas needed to touch. And Christ allowed it. Why? Because faith does not mean ignoring our questions. It means being brave enough to bring them to Jesus. We may come with questions. We may come with wounds. But we are invited to touch the living Body of Christ—in the poor, in the broken, in the Church.

In India today, as young people face conflicting ideologies, as minorities face marginalization, as consumerism replaces contemplation, Thomas reminds us to seek authenticity—to say with conviction: “I believe, not because it is easy, but because I have encountered Christ in life.”

St. Thomas’ faith grew stronger through his doubts. So too, our own struggles can lead us to greater trust. This feast reminds us that faith is freedom—freedom to be, to believe, and to belong. Not blind belief, but a faith that is open, searching, and alive—in dialogue with others, like Gandhi or Nehru sought through interfaith understanding.

Let this be our cry too—in the midst of suffering, confusion, or joy:

“My Lord and My God!” A whisper of awe, a shout of faith, a sigh of wonder. Not blind obedience, but a faith that sees, thinks, and acts.

Concrete Applications in Our Indian Context:

 

1. Interfaith Dialogue: Like Thomas who came into a land of multiple beliefs, we are called to respect others while bearing witness to Christ’s love. Let us promote dialogue, not division—listening and learning from one another.
2. Faith and Reason: Encourage our youth to not fear questions. Use platforms like YCS/YSM (“See, Judge, Act”) to build critical, committed Christians—open-minded, but firm in faith.
3. Community Building: In a society fractured by caste and class, let us build the Church as a “spiritual sanctuary”—a home for all. Let each parish, each small Christian community, become a place where Christ is touched through love, service, and solidarity.
4. Faith as Public Witness: Faith is not private. Like Thomas, our witness must reach the streets, schools, and struggles of the people. In political, educational, and social spheres, let Christians be known not for fear, but for fearless love.

Conclusion:

Let us remember the the fearless and courageous young military man who refused to be a bartender because he was meant to serve the country, and stood firm in his convictions. He was misunderstood.  So too, St. Thomas was misunderstood—but Christ honoured his integrity and gave him a mission.

Let us be such Christians: not ashamed to ask, not afraid to act, and not hesitant to believe. Let us be inspired by Thomas, whose journey from fear to faith, from Jerusalem to India, gave birth to a Church that still lives in our hearts and lands today.

Help us echo your words each day—not with lips alone but with lives transformed by grace:

“My Lord and My God!”

  

From Division to Discipleship: The Spirit’s Call in a Troubled World

The World We See and the Hope We Hold

The glorious nearly 100 days of Easter season is over—a sacred time that reminds us of the most transformative truth in human history: Christ has conquered sin and death. Yet, in the present ordinary time, when we look at the world around us, we are struck not by triumph but by turmoil. News headlines speak of division, hatred, and conflict. We see it globally and nationally, but also in our own communities, in our families, and, heartbreakingly, even within the Church.

But there is hope.

This recent Pentecost feast, proclaims a world made new through the Spiritus Sanctus—the holy breath of love between the Father and the Son– the love that exists between the two. This Spirit doesn’t just inspire; it sanctifies, unifies, and sends us out. It is the same Spirit that empowered the apostles in the Upper Room and sent them into the world to proclaim the Good News.

The same Spirit that Sends Us Forth

The Church was never meant to remain cloistered. From the very beginning, it has been propelled outward with a divine urgency. The Holy Spirit is not passive; it moves with “centrifugal energy,” drawing us out of comfort and into mission.

Jesus’ ministry was the meeting of heaven and earth. His life and Resurrection shattered the illusion that darkness has the final word. His wounds remind us of our sin; his peace assures us of our salvation. And through Pentecost, we are filled with the very Spirit that raised him from the dead.

As disciples, we are summoned—not by our own plans but by God’s. True evangelization doesn’t stem from strategy, but from surrender; from Spirit-led inspiration and not from motivated human suggestion. The question is no longer “Will I go?” but rather, “Where is the Spirit sending me?” What does the Spirit prompt me to do next?

Evangelizing a Wounded Culture

We believe that to evangelize a culture, you must first love it. Cardinal George wisely noted, “You can’t evangelize a culture you don’t love.” This mission—to propose the true, the good, and the beautiful in a spirit of unity—is what drives the present-day media outreach, both old and new.

In a world deeply fractured, this love, born of the Spirit, is the only force strong enough to reconcile. And reconciliation, as the Latin root reminds us, is about intimacy—being brought “face to face” with the other. That is the power of Christ: to restore, to heal, and to reconcile humanity with God and one another.

Your Role in the Mission

As we have reflected on the Solemnity of Pentecost and today the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, we are reminded that the Spirit and the Blessed Mother are not relics of history—they are agents of the present. Just as they once brought Christ into the world, they now seek to bring Christ to birth in our hearts, our homes, and our culture.

All are invited to this Spirit-led mission. Our reciprocal support helps the Church (People of God) continue proclaiming Christ across platforms and continents, reaching those who might never step inside a church. We have received the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to share the ‘Spirit force’ generously so that more hearts may be kindled with the fire of divine love.

Go Forth, United in the Spirit

Jesus offers us both a reminder and a mission: “Peace be with you.” This is not a peace the world can manufacture. It is a divine peace—Shalom—that flows from the heart of God. The world may be broken, but the Church is alive. And the Spirit is still moving.

Let us go forth, not with fear but with fire. Let us follow Christ, deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and bring God’s peace to every corner of the earth.

Together, let’s “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and “renew the face of the earth”– our common home.

"DO NOT BE AFRAID. HE IS RISEN”: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

As the dawn of Easter 2025 breaks, we are reminded of the timeless message of hope, renewal, and resurrection which “is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ” (CCCC 126) along with the Cross. The empty tomb is witnessed to by women, Peter, the Twelve, then by “more than five hundred of the brethren at one time" (1 Cor 15:5-6) and to others (CCCC 127). The words, “Do not be afraid. He is risen,” echo through the ages, inviting us to rise above our fears, failures, and uncertainties. Easter is not so much a time to obsess about our past but to recognize the potential of a new future. It is not about what we have done but about what we can become! Easter is not merely a celebration of a historical event; it is a call to be what we are today and tomorrow, to shed the weight of our past, and to embrace the promise of becoming our true BEING. It is an invitation to awaken to a true self, one that reflects the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

In a world marred by natural disasters—floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and scorching heatwaves—and torn apart by armed conflicts in Gaza, Israel, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Ukraine, Russia, Lebanon, Somalia and the scourge of terrorism in Pakistan and elsewhere, the message of Easter resonates with profound urgency. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is not just a spiritual truth but a call to resilience. It urges us to wake up from our “sleep,” to confront life’s challenges with courage, and to seek healing and restoration in the midst of chaos. The Risen Christ reminds us that even in the face of despair, new life is possible.

Easter is not confined to the personal or the spiritual; it encompasses the cosmic. The resurrection is about people, the planet, and the entire universe. It is about the body, soul, and psyche of every living and non-living entity. In the re-created cosmic body of Christ, we find a profound interconnectedness. The Risen Christ’s presence is everywhere—in the rustling leaves, in the laughter of children, in the struggles of the marginalized, and in the resilience of those who rebuild after devastation. Through Him, all creation holds together. He lives and breathes through His people, calling us to live as a community rooted in love and inter-faith harmony.

This Easter, God calls us to cultivate compassion and empathy for the suffering around us. It is a time to love our neighbors, forgive those who have wronged us, and convert our hearts to a renewed way of living. Easter is about bearing “fruit”—not just in material terms but in acts of love, service, and communion. It is about giving of ourselves, spending our time and talents, and offering our lives for the betterment of humanity. As St. Paul writes, “For the love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14)—to serve, to love, and to live fully.

In a world riddled with insecurities, conflicts, and uncertainties, the resurrection challenges us not to be afraid. It calls us to bring healing, freedom, and restoration to our societies. Each of us is invited to reflect: To what occasion is God calling me to rise up? What gifts and aptitudes has He given me to transform the spaces and people around me? Am I on the path toward a resurrected life, fulfilling God’s project for me? These questions are not merely rhetorical; they are a roadmap to a life of purpose and meaning.

The Spirit of the Risen Christ transcends creed and culture. It invites us to touch the souls of humanity, to reconcile with one another, and to empower the weak. Easter is a call to unity beyond religious boundaries, to build bridges of understanding and peace in a fractured world. It is a reminder that the love of Christ knows no borders and that His resurrection is a gift to all of humanity.

As we celebrate Easter 2025, let us embrace the joy of the Risen Christ with fearlessness, love, goodness, justice, and peace. Let us rise to the occasion, using our gifts to transform the world around us. Let us be agents of healing and hope, reflecting the light of Christ in every corner of our lives. May this Easter fill our hearts with joy and our lives with purpose. May the Risen Christ bless and guide us in our journey toward a fuller, more meaningful life. Wish you all a joyful and blessed Easter!