S2-Day 23: God in the Mall

Malls & Window Shopping

During Theological studies, our only entertainment was exploring the malls. Opposite of our college there was a mall we used to go regularly, then Express Avenue and then came a bigger one Phoenix. When we went to Kerala, we spent half a day in Lulu Mall. The ambience of those malls, lightings, escalators, air conditioned space, food court, popcorn, multiplex and so on made us to feel comfortable. As a matter of fact, it looks like a mini heaven. This article is about the people who get themselves dirty to maintain this mini-heaven. 

Malls & Lockdown 

Due to the lockdown all the malls are closed. The sad reality is that, the people who work in those malls are affected a lot compared to the consumers who use those malls. Especially, people from lower and middle class work in malls as lift men, floor cleaners, helpers in parking lots, cashiers, etc. All those people who dirty themselves to keep the malls clean are now in a critical situation. 

Interesting thing about them is that they are “Minimalists”. They live a simplified life by working in a mall which mainly focuses on international brands and using such brands alone gives a sophisticated lifestyle. During this lockdown, God in mall gives hope to them (rice and provisions) through various channels and stand by their side. As they already lead a simplified life, they automatically adapt to it. 

Malls & Minimalist Theology 

Minimalist Theology is a thought which takes its root from Minimalism. Jesus questions the life style of that time and instructs them to live a freer life. Jesus never adapts sophistication at any point and gives a message that “Live a meaningful life”. Likewise, Jesus can be called as a minimalist. Inspired from Jesus lifestyle, it would be meaningful to adapt a lifestyle which Jesus practices and specifically points us towards the simplified Christian life. As a matter of fact, Life after this pandemic would give a new perspective to see this world. Let us ponder over. 

Prayer: 

Loving and living God, We pray for the people who are working in the malls, struggling a lot during this lockdown. Guide them and Guard them. We also pray that we should lead a meaning life as Jesus taught us to live by neglecting unwanted and sophisticated things in our life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

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Author: Cand. H. Isaac

About the Author: Isaac is a commissioned minister of Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church. He completed Bachelor of Science (Maths) in Loyola College, Chennai. He then earned the Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology in Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai. He served as a candidate in TELC Christ Church, Coimbatore and is currently serving as Communication Secretary in UELCI, Chennai.