Vol. 46 No. 2 (2023)
Articles

Christian Life Celebrated in the Qudasa of Mar Nestorius

Published 10-12-2024

Keywords

  • life in Christ,
  • perfect love,
  • moral conscience,
  • pure heart,
  • Christian life,
  • Mar Mestorius,
  • peace of creation,
  • lex orandi,
  • lex credendi,
  • lex vivendi
  • ...More
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Abstract

Christian life has a liturgical foundation. As Vatican II teaches, “liturgy is the summit towards which all the activities of the Church are directed; it is also the fount or source from which all her power flows" (SC 10). The article analyses the intrinsic relationship between worship and ethos with special reference to the Qudasa of Mar Nestorius, used in the Syro Malabar Eucharistic liturgy. This ancient Eucharistic prayer is replete with several rich moral theological reflections, which shed light on the different dimensions of Christian life. The Qudasa of Mar Nestorius shows us that the Christian life is a life in constant praise of God. It is a life growing in holiness. The Qudasa states that a pure conscience is required for a life of Communion. The Qudasa also illustrates that the life of the believer has to be a life of righteousness. The fidelity to the creator makes our life, a life in harmony with Creation. The Qudasa views Christian life as a life looking forward to future glory.