St Kuriākōse Chāvara: A Teacher of Family Theology

A Reading in the Light of Ben Sira

Abstract

George Kaniarakath, reading Ben Sira in the light of the literary contributions of St Kuriākōse Chāvara, especially his Chavarul, considers him a teacher of family theology. The author considers his family background and holds that the inspiration for life came from his own family. Later, as a result of the meditations of Chavara on the biblical picture of family, a picture of a modern ideal family unfolds before his eyes. This picture is further enhanced by his personal devotion to the Holy Family. It is from these three different sources that a comprehensive picture of an ideal Christian family is evolved by Chavara as it is enshrined in the Chavarul. The main features of the little document are a theocentric life lived in the family, which has to be a life characterized by the fear of God, relationships maintained only with the God-fearing, keeping only God-fearing servants, timely worship of God, life according to the will of God backed by a healthy reading habit daily and timely prayer and modesty in personal appearance. An ideal Christian life also calls for a philanthropic family life, in which Christians refrain from lawsuits and unchristian talks. They have ideal friends and they respect their privacy, give just wages to the labourers in time. It also calls for the wise management of family property, and not wasting days in an idle manner. Chavara teaches his people the true doctrine of Christian family.