Reflection by Dr. Manoj Kurian ~ Investing in people
Texts: Ezekiel 36.24-28 and John 17.1-11
This service is a one of the most important one in the life of the Ecumenical Centre, because it recognizes and prays for the people who have worked in the organizations in this Centre and have now left; it also names and prays for those who have joined the organizations in the last 4 months.
It reaches out to the target and the instruments of God’s mission on earth. God’s people.
It reminds us to recognize and value the greatest resource that is given to us. We the people.
On this 7th week after Easter in the western calender, we do not have to search for the right biblical verses to suit the occasion. By following the lectionary it is clear what is considered important in God’s sight regarding transforming the world.
In the first reading we read from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. The voice of God revealsthe plain truth to the returning refugees from Babylon after 400 years of exile. God is offering them a new consciousness, a new sensitivity and an enhanced ability to respond to God. All this to enable them to be follow the will of God, recognizing God in their lives.
It assures them that “you shall be my people, and I will be your God”. A possibility for mutual recognition and the working together of God and humanity. The fundamental thrust is not on any structural change, building walls or temples. It is not even targeting the cultural and linguistic change. (Even several hundred years after the return of the exiles- the descendants of the returnees like Jesus- spoke the language of the Babylonians - Aramaic.) God was concerned about the heart of the people, their passions and motivations. God was investing in the transformation of people.
For Lord so loved the world that God gave God’s only child, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Have you ever thought what it would have been like if God so so loved the world and gave the world -
God’s only document;
or God’s favourite strategy;
or perhaps in God’s name a grant of a few billion Francs;
perhaps a new temple or tall cathedrals;
or a vast new diocese;
or a great new organization;
appoint a new political leader;
formulate a new ideology;
maybe even design a smart weapon to tame the world!
No ! For the salvation of humanity, God gave a caring human being. He was vulnerable yet strong; audacious yet obedient; humble yet never shied away from truth.
He was also clear about how his message to the world must be carried to the far corners of the earth through generations to come. He invested in people. At the most intense and painful reflective moment in his life - he reflects on his mission and its validity and demands God to entrust his vision to his followers.
His prayers are still real. "You are the most important investment of God."
It is neither the white-washed walls, the neat documents nor the comfortable chairs.
With this expectation and prayer, there is a great responsibility. The responsibility of those who leave these organizations - to continue their allegiance to God and people. Responsibility for those who join new, to discern the will of God and to work with others in the most effective way.
Responsibility for those who remain, to be truthful and open to challenges and changes, and to continue the sincere path.
Responsibility of the organizations to value and recognize their employees and to treat them with dignity and to hold them accountable to their duties and responsibilities.
If Jesus were a mirror, reflecting the glory of God, we are at best, broken mirrors. This brokenness and flawed existence applies to us as individuals and as organizations. But the fact remains that we look to Jesus as our gold standard and we strive for perfection.
In God’s own grace and time , may we achieve this! But for this, we need to do what God did and Jesus in his life on earth did. Invest in people.
Copyright WCC/Manoj Kurian
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