Luke 7: 1- 17
Mahatma Gandhi is one the great philosopher in India. His approach to the Indian Independence movement was deeply rooted in the idea of Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment) and Ahimsa (Non-violence). His vision was not just about getting political freedom but it was also about social and ethical solidarity among the diverse population in India.
What is Existential Plurality?
Existential Plurality means to recognise and acceptance of the diverse ways in which human beings exist, experience life, and understand the world. We accept and acknowledges that there are multiple perspectives, belief systems, cultures, and identities that coexist within the human experience. This idea emphasizes that no single way of living or understanding life is superior to another; instead, it celebrates the richness that comes from diversity. Existential Plurality is an open-minded approach that respects and values the differences among individuals and groups, recognizing that these differences contribute to the broader tapestry of human existence.
This is the approach of Gandhi ji.
Now when we look into the passage that assigned to us Luke Chapter 7: verses 1-17 we find two distinctive stories one is about cure of a centurion’s servant and the other is about the widow’s son in Nain.
When we see the first story of the passage, we see a Roman centurion, whose servant was gravely ill, heard about Jesus. He sent some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. The elders approached Jesus and pleaded with Him, saying, “This centurion is a good man. He loves our nation and has even built our synagogue.”
This story emphasis the truth/ the reality of living in pluralistic society, the ethical character of centurion accepted and respected the Jewish culture and religion and made him to build a synagogue for them. It is now the time to reflect upon ourselves. Are we able to do such when our neighbours ask our help to build their temple or mosque are we able to help. Or do we accept them first.
The Ethical solidarity of the centurion and Jewish people let the elders of Jewish community to plead Jesus to heal the centurion’s servant’s life. How good is to live in Communal and harmony together. Jesus the Son of God who sustains the truth. Who is truth. Acknowledge the trust of centurion and went to heal his servant. The centurion was a Gentile who worshipped other gods and, according to Jewish law, he was considered immoral. Is the one who helped them to build the synagogue. The existential plurality is not just about faith or trust of the centurion but it’s about accepting the differences in humanity and living together. We all have hope in our understanding, belief, and on our perception. That it is certain. But ultimately nothing is certain in this world until or unless it is proved. Our God of Grace who sees every nation check for anyone who fears him and this fear should not be in the perception of / the idea of Christianity but if he does what is right is acceptable to him.
Gandhi’s idea on uplifting the universe is same as Jesus. Jesus Love towards Gentile is never deniable. He never forced anyone to convert to his sect/ religion but to follow his life in order to live in Ethical Solidarity with their neighbours in the society.
Jesus’s teaching was Law of Moses which given by God to nurture his children in ethical life.
The Reign of God is built in the same law and it is established in the law. Jesus the Rabi practises it in the sight of both Jew and Gentile by appreciating the solidarity towards each other.
Now the centurion does not believe or accepted Jesus as God or messiah but rather he believed he is religious man who can heal his servant. As Jesus neared the centurion’s house, the centurion sent friends to deliver a message: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. I understand authority, as I am a man under authority with soldiers under me.”
Normally the Roman empire had 59 or 60 centurions. It is set under their power to control 100 soldiers in an army. Here we see the belief of centurion on a Religion man who has authority of God in order to heal anyone. Jesus was amazed when he saw centurions’ faith on his authority.
To heal the servant, he never asked the centurion to follow him or accept his religion.
Ethical solidarity is unconditional and does not come with conditions.
Now the second story of our passage is about Nain’s widow son who was raised by Jesus. Nain is a town in Galilee. As Jesus and His disciples, along with a large crowd, approached the town of Nain, they came across a funeral procession. It was for a young man, the only son of a widow. The large crowd from the town highlighted how significant this event was and how deeply the widow was affected.
Jesus’ act of compassion presented a big lesson to the crowed Ethical solidarity means standing by others, especially when they are fighting for justice and fairness. It’s about understanding that we are all connected and should help each other to ensure everyone is treated fairly and responsibly. Solidarity is about ensuring that everyone in society shares both the benefits and responsibilities fairly. It’s often connected to social and political ideas where people and communities join forces to reach common goals and support one another.
Simple act of kindness and compassion teach us today or call us to be ethically solidarity towards our fellow beings in our college. It is lesson that disciple learnt from Jesus. It is a lesson that Jesus thought us.
This is the same lesson Paul emphasis in Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
It is about equality and solidarity with each other in Christ.
Let’s be united in Christ in Existential plurality and Ethical solidarity for Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment) like Gandhi said.
Amen.
