Which Degree Do
I Boast In?
When
they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled,
ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been
with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)
Benjamin Franklin once said, “an investment
in knowledge pays the best interest”. This is the time when parents and
students together are trying to find the best college to pursue their higher
studies. We search the internet and look forward for the list of best ten colleges
and hope to get an admission. Undeniably, education is one of the best investments
a person can make, but a good education is more to than attending the best
college. A higher education exists that
has more value and is a much better investment.
I have been given the responsibility of
Jammu Mission along with looking after the parish in Ludhiana and the
congregation in Jalandhar. Since the dedication of a Mission Centre and Worship Place in Jammu I have been constantly putting pressure on Thirumeni
and Diocesan Secretary Achen to post an Achen exclusively for Jammu Mission so that work
can be carried out effectively at all the places. Seeing that for a new person it would be difficult, I opted to go to Jammu
Mission. Hearing this many from my present church came and told me, “Achen are you mad? Don’t
take such foolish decisions. Think about your baby. Next year she has to go to
school” and so on.
I thank God for blessing us with such
concerned parishioners. But I also praise God for those who opted to continue
in the mission fields even when education of their children was at stake. One
such clergy who has inspired me and motivated me to take up this vocation is
Rev. Alex P.John. He came to our parish as Vicar after serving five years in
the Mundugod Mission. His elder son saw school after coming to Baroda. He was
put in class II. When I asked Achen that he could have opted for a
transfer after 3 years looking at the future of children he said, “Jijo, I will
never ask for a transfer. It is God who has called me and he knows where to put
me. He blessed me with children and he knows what’s best for them.” Today Rev. Alex
P. John serves as the Vicar of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Eraviperoor. His
children have grown up and they are in no way behind from those who had their
education in good schools from Day one.
In the read passage we see two unschooled
fishermen stood before the most esteemed religious leaders of their day. Two
regular guys confronted rabbis who had received extensive education and had
dedicated their lives to the study and observance of their religious law. These
two fishermen, Peter and John, were ignorant in the ways of rabbinic wisdom,
yet they boldly declared to these men the way of salvation.
Ten minutes with Jesus is worth more than
an ocean of theology. The apostles had spent three years with Jesus. They
watched His every move, they hung on His every word, they marveled at His every
miracle, they scrutinized His social conduct, and they shared in His private
life. This is his way of education. No fees, no entrance exams either for the children or parents. The only requirement - time with Jesus.
Let us make an investment in something
that pays eternal dividends, and get a degree from the Master by spending time
with Jesus.
Wonderful :)
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