Jesus life and teachings invite us to be very realistic in our struggle for liberation. It strikingly reveals the depths of sin in human hearts and the resistance of various people to change institutions and structures. It dispels illusions about the possibility of easily building up of a world community in which people do not economically, socially, politically and ideologically, exploit one another. It emphasizes the individual and collective selfishness of man and shows the inevitability of suffering in our efforts for a more fraternal human and just world. It also indicates that, men and social groups being what they are, oppression always tends to reappear in new forms. Even if we success to build up a structurally better society, the task of liberation will always have to be carried on. The followers of Christ should never imagine that they have reached their final goal on earth; they should always remain vigilant and alert.
Like in our context in Nagaland today when all kinds of systems are utterly shattered and confused what do we need to learn from Jesus who is the greatest liberator of the whole universe? In order to bring liberation to mankind; Jesus selected to be a prophet rather than a politician. According to the tradition of Israel, prophets dared to speak God’s message and to denounce evil and injustice in society. By their condemnations as well as by their call to repentance and change, they revealed God’s designs for mankind. This is to a great extent, the role that Jesus decided to assume in Jewish society. Jesus historical choice does not however exclude the possibility of other options for Christians. In fact, the prophetic and the political constitute two complementary and necessary approaches to society. In a way prophets are usually weak and vulnerable. They do not possess economic and political power and do not try either to influence mankind through these means. They rely only on God’s word and on the power of truth. They battle alone against injustices and evil. They boldly speak out even when their message is highly unpopular. They can not be easily silenced. They very often antagonize the powerful of this world, while the poor and humble recognize the truth of their message, but fear to take a firm stand. Consequently, prophets have often to face sufferings and persecutions. Their death becomes their most powerful and sincere witness. For various reasons, Jesus did not choose the path of political organization and power, but that of prophetic denunciation and annunciation. Instead of conceiving the new Israel as a pressure-group, he tended to see it as a community of prophets. In this way, Jesus had practically no use for political pressure, force and violence and even self-defense. As a prophet, Jesus placed himself at the mercy of his opponents and became a witness and martyr. The historical choice of Jesus does not however mean that he excluded other forms of action in the world. The world will always need prophets who will select Jesus contribution to liberation. It will also always require politicians, pressure groups and political parties, which will build upon the foundations of the prophets and give more flesh and stability to their vision.
Jesus proclaimed values of great significance and relevance for society of all ages. His message questioned the basic assumptions of our lives. It invites each one to a radical conversion: the good and pious people from their hypocrisy and self- righteousness, the teachers and preachers from their casuistry and legalism; the rich from their greed and unconcern for the poor; the intellectuals from their dogmatism and fanaticism; the priests from their exaggerated concern for rituals and prayers and their indifference for things that matter; the police, the army and the bureaucracy, from their harsh and contemptuous treatment of the people; the politicians from their corruption and ambition. To all, Jesus also offers forgiveness and the possibility of a new life. In his work Jesus gave much emphasis to the creation of NEW MEN AND WOMEN. Interestingly rather than organizing a movement to defend human rights, Jesus opted for the establishment of a community of people who promised to reflect upon their own attitudes and to live according to their duties. On the other hand Jesus did not condemn or undervalue movements for the defense of human rights. Jesus insistence on certain values remains a permanent necessity. It creates the people needed for a new society. It fosters the type of conversion required so that today’s oppressed will not become tomorrow’s oppressors. That is the reason why Jesus chose the path of non-violence. Though he spoke plainly and placed mankind before clear options, Jesus consistently refused the use of military force and political pressure to establish God’s kingdom. He did not want, through brain-washing and propaganda to impose his ideas on others. His whole approach to teaching was indeed respectful of others and gave full scope for the slow growth of truth in human hearts. Historically Jesus therefore chose the path of non-violence and this decision was fully consonant with his prophetic approach. In short, Jesus preferred bearing suffering to inflicting it on others. With an extraordinary courage, Jesus followed the non-violent ministry of prophetic annunciation and denunciation and, in less than three years was put to death. Faithful and emotional Naga Christian, please let us learn the art of politics from our Master to whom we have devoted our lives and check the foundation of our faith first before we take any further steps. We are chosen to build a new social order in which every citizen can share and enjoy equal treatment.
Dr. Tsuktimeren Ao
