A different take on John the Baptist

A modern (and perhaps, a little nasty) take on the episode of John the Baptist: John the Baptist, had no need to poke his nose into the private affairs of Herod! Perhaps, even Herodias was having a second chance in life, away from her first husband. Of course, on the other hand, too heavy a penalty for making public a private matter!

All said and done, we wouldn't have been discussing or talking about this episode today, if not for the stance taken by John the Baptist.  If he too were to have remained silent, he too would have been lost in the silent majority since humanity has existed on the face of the earth - and injustice and corruption, too. 

My mobile phone history

 After much thought and delay, I finally decided to get a new phone for myself.  This would be the second phone that I'm purchasing and the fourth one I'd be using, since the time I starting using mobile phones since 2007.  

It was when I started working as the Province Secretary that I got my first mobile in 2007. It was a Nokia handset.  And three years later when I was transferred to Kondadaba, I left the phone with my successor. 

While at Kondadaba, I decided not to get one, because there was no need. Besides, the network was very poor.  However, one of the parishoners gifted Fr KT Jose a phone and him not very comfortable to 're-learn' using a different model of the phone, preferred to get a phone of the same model and type that he was already using.  So, he passed on that Nokia (again) phone to me.  That would have been in 2011 or later. 

I had it with me till 2016. Even though the last one year of its use, the speakers had given way and I could use it only it with the wired earphones.  That was in Ramanthapur. And in 2016 when I left Ramanthapur to fly to the UK, the community gifted me with a Samsung J5 (or something of that number). 

I used that Samsung phone for most of my time in the UK. And while extensively using e-bay, came across a second hand i-phone. I bought that for GBP 42 (approximately Rs 4,000)!!! It was the iphone SE 2016 edition.  I bought it in 2021. That phone was great! Small in size and very smooth in its operations.  No wonder why people are crazy for iphones - besides the brand craze!  However, for more than a year now the battery has been draining very fast.  From recharging it thrice or four times a day, about two years ago, today I need to practically keep it for charging after every call. If not for that one single drawback, I'd be more than happy to continue using the phone. 

Given the fact that I never watch(ed) videos, or listen to music or use maps or the camera or anything fancy on any of my phones, I would say my phone use has been extensively and exclusively AS a phone - calls, documents, whatsapp and my daily alarm!! 

Today I start using my latest phone, Vivo T4x 5G.  Surprisingly I discovered that it was released on my birthday this year!!! 

God as fulcrum

 "Give me a lever and a fulcrum," said a man of science, "and I'll shift the world."  Archimedes wasn't talking to God, so his request wasn't granted; and in any case he was only thinking of the material world.  But the Saints really have enjoyed the privilege he asked for;  the fulcrum God told them to use was himself, nothing less than himself, and the lever was prayer.  Only it must be the kind of prayer that sets the heart of all on fire with love; that's how the Saints shift the world in our own day, and that's how they'll do it to the end of time."

[Therese of Lisieux, Autobiography of a Saint, translated by Ronald Knox (Collins: Fount Paperback, 1985), 246.

Religion and humanity

 From a letter to the editor (The Hindu, 8 August 2000)

I know a Christian gentleman who lived in this little town,' who used to care for the poor people who came to him.  Among the poor people who used to go to him was an old man in his 70s whose eyes were bad.  The Christian gentleman got him a pair of spectacles.  As years went by the old man became practically blind. "One day he came to this gentleman and asked him if he would receive him into the Christian faith.  The gentleman asked him, "Why do you want to change your religion? You could as well remain a Hindu."  The answer the old man gave was a gem.  "You know every day I meet a lot of people as I beg through the streets around.  People of all religions.  People who worship God in their different ways. But I have a feeling that your way must be the best one, because every time I come to your door, I feel I am a human being."

Stand up (Cynthia Erivo)

I heard this lovely song this evening, and I first thought it was a Biblical song.  It felt exactly as if it was Moses of the Old Testament, singing this song about his task of leading the Israelites back to the Promised land.  

However, I then realised it mentions of a 'river' rather than the sea. That's when I looked it up. It turned out to be the title song of the movie 'Harriet'. The movie itself, is no less an Exodus tale: HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

The video of the song narrates the story by itself. The song is co-written and sung by Cynthia Erivo.  She is also the lead actress of the movie!! That's some real passion and heart. 

I'll need to watch this movie... 

I been walkin' With my face turned to the sun Weight on my shoulders A bullet in my gun Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head Just in case I have to run I do what I can when I can while I can for my people While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night That's when I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I can feel it in my bones Early in the mornin' Before the sun begins to shine We're gonna start movin' Towards that separating line I'm wadin' through muddy waters You know I got a made up mind And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die So I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on And I know what's around the bend Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone And I just might fail But Lord knows I tried Sure as stars fill up the sky Stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Do you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river I hear freedom calling Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I can feel it in my bones I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you

Saiyaara: love, music and mental well-being

 I watched the Hindi movie Saiyarra today... 

Am truly impressed! After long feel contented to have watched some great acting and a beautiful story.  

Liked most the acting and direction of the movie.  For first timers playing the lead role in a full length movie, I should say, they've done a fabulous job.  Of course, cinematic liberties aside, they appear spontaneous, and perfectly grooved into the role/character.  

Add to that I liked also very many other aspects which the story writer and the director have wonderfully woven into the love story.  It is true that the movie is primarily a love story - and a beautiful one at that too.  But along with it, I hope the audiences also take note and the media promote this movie as a support for the cause of mental well being.  Alzheimer is one mental illness that is specifically mentioned and spoken of, but I guess, it is a good beginning to help us Indians take the stigma out of such mental illnesses.  The movie also shows and explicitly states - rightly - how some such situations can be sensibly handled: the aspect of family support, regularity, role of emotions, medication, ambience...  

Then there is the family dimension that is upheld by the movie.  Be it in and through alcohol addiction, or facing Alzheimers... the irreplaceable strength and support of a loving and caring family.  The ending scene of the wedding, adds to the Indian cultural aspect of marriage and togetherness. 

The aspect of music serves as the invisible backbone/background of the whole movie.  But in a very clear way proving that music can be a very sensible way of handling mental well being. Well, let's say linking music, emotions and memories.  In this context, music evoking emotions and thereby reliving memories.  Those who have experience or know something about Alzheimer will realise the great link between the non-cognitive aspect (repeated actions, habits, hobbies...) and memories. 

Last but not the least, a typical characteristic of India: cricket!  Though not really necessary, the scenes and involvement of cricket into the storyline does not seem totally out of place.  

Google Doodle summarises India today

 The Google doodle on the occasion of the Indian Independence day of this year is an interesting summary of what India stands or means for the rest of the world... as of today: 

Illustrated by Makarand Narkar and Sonal Vasave

There's the space expeditions, cricket, chess, and pottery art (Jaipur). This is a rather neat summary of what India is all about today!  

Of course, there could a million other things that could have been depicted, but given the limited scope, I think this collage is a rather decent depiction of features that best describe India today. 

Freedom

 On the day we Indians celebrate the Independence day of our nation, I'm gladly reminded of what I learnt while teaching Anthropology at Karunapuram, specifically about human freedom.  The distinction between freedom FROM and freedom FOR.  That these two are like the two sides of the same coin and that one cannot be had without the other, lest freedom loses its essence. 

If we have gained independence from the Britishers, we need to also have the aspect of independence FOR self-governance. Merely remembering the past, without contextualising it today, will only be a dead commemoration and not a living celebration. 

Thus the best expression about freedom: Freedom is not the right to do as one pleases, but it is the liberty to do as one ought to do. 

Feminism redefined!

 One of our priests, Cheru, who is already renown for his mix-ups and confusions, approached another priest and was speaking of someone as a feminist.  The listener, knowing the one in discussion, wondered if there was something about the person in discussion, which he was not aware of. So he continued listening to Cheru.  And Cheru kept using the word 'feminist' and 'feminism' to describe him.  Soon he realised that Cheru had totally misunderstood the meaning of the word 'feminist'. 

What he actually meant was 'womaniser'!! 

Pastoral service!

 Yesterday a youngster wanting to make his confession was directed to my office by one of our staff members (who did not know what exactly he was asking for!).  I was more than neck-deep in some urgent and complicated stuff, juggling more than a couple of them delicately.  Nonetheless, I tried to locate a Priest to hear his confession. That's when he said he wanted to confess in Malayalam.  So the search was narrowed down still further.  Unfortunately no one was immediately available and I asked the young man if he could come a little while later - more than for him, I was making time for myself. To my surprise, he returned exactly at the specified time. 

This time I walked up, with the young man in tow, to the neighbouring community in search of a priest.  I didn't find any - at least none who could speak Malayalam. So I again asked him for some more time.  I got back to my office.  And again, at the agreed time, there appears the young man at my door.  Looking at the fervour of this youngster, this time I was more than eager to assist.  

Ultimately I approached Fr AR Jose. He was in bed, unable to get up, due to his illness and was merely covered in a bedsheet.  Initially he wanted to get into his wheel chair but I thought that would be asking too much of him. So I convinced him to stay in bed, got him a stole and led the young man to his bedside. And returned to my office! 

My greatest joy in this whole episode was to be able to facilitate the reception of the sacrament for a young man so greatly desirous of it.  Greater joy was when the young man, after making his confession, joyfully came looking for me to thank me.  This act of mine may not be counted as a sacramental service, but is certainly pastoral!  And who says, Brothers cannot do pastoral work!! 

Maximilian Kolbe

 Today we commemorate the feast of Maximilian Kolbe, the saint of the holocaust who offered his life in exchange for that of his fellow prisoner.  

What drives home for me on this day, as I recall his heroic act of sacrifice, is what I remember telling my students years ago:  Dying for Christ is rather easy; what isn't is living like Christians!  

Speaking during a lesson in Anthropology, in the section on human emotions and habits, I recall making this point very emphatically to the students (not that I prepared for it; it was very very extemporary). The Church did not make Kolbe a saint purely because he, at that crucial point of time, offered himself as a substitute to the fellow prisoner.  It is because the Church and we recognise that he could act so, because he was used to it.  Making a choice for the good of the others, placing the other before oneself, being selfless were virtues ALREADY practised and lived by this man.  The act in that prison, was not an on the spur reaction, without thought and preparation. Of course, none immediately.  But certainly he had made placing the other before oneself, a habit; not a once in a way act.  

Maximilian Kolbe could die for his companion (and God) because he LIVED for God and his people!  He didn't have to make a big sacrifice at that point of time; because he had consistently and consciously made such decisions and choices, for long, until that time! 

Most people think that he died of starvation and thirst in the prison; he didn't. He, along with three others (out of the 10) isolated and starved, as a deterrent for the other prisoners to try to escape the prison, survived even after two weeks.  And since the Nazi guards wanted to end this 'lesson' quick and for need of space, decided to end the episode by injecting the lethal injection of carbolic acid.  And so it was that after being deprived of food and water for two weeks, he was administered the carbolic acid injection! 

Jordan turned back on its course

 My ignorance of the Bible came to the fore (for myself, once again!) as I read the first reading during the Mass today.  It was the passage where the Israelites pass through the river Jordan on dry ground, with the ark of the covenant parting the waters!  Just the same as the Isrealites were escaping the Egyptians passed through the Red Sea!  

What surprised me was this instance of the people of Israel passing through the Jordan (river) on dry ground.  I never before came across this passage!!!  I was under the impression that the incident of the Red Sea was the only one of its kind. Now I know that the Israelites had made walking through water, without getting wet or drowned, a habit! 

As I read this passage during the Mass, the meaning of the Psalm that we read for our morning (or evening?) prayers, where it says 'Jordan turned back on its course'.  So that Psalm (no. 114) was referring to this incident. I had no clue! 

Whew! 

The title 'Mary Help of Christians'

 The title, Mary Help of Christians, though not coined by Don Bosco was most promulgated by Don Bosco, within the Catholic Church.  Although initially, the title most used in the Oratory of Don Bosco was 'Seat of wisdom, pray for us'.  It is only in the early 1860s that  the invocation 'Mary Help of Christians' came to be in use and by 1867 came to be the mainstay of the Salesian prayer. 

Furthermore, the title, 'Mary, Help of Christians' is not used in the early editions of the Companion of Youth (the magazine/prayer book that Don Bosco wrote for the youth of his times - relevant even today!). 

The other most frequently used invocation in Mary's name was 'the Immaculate'.  Don Bosco particularly was fond of this title because it offered all, especially the young, the model and inspiration, to grow in purity of virtue.  In order to appease the Virgin, the young would be moved to make all necessary efforts (more out of fear and reverence) to avoid sin.  

Kalam Eineh (The words of his eyes)

Finally, found the original of this song... an Egyptian song by Sherine. 

Very many are using it to promote the Palestinian side, but it has nothing to do with the ongoing war.  It is a actually a love song, from the perspective of the lady. 

Kalam Eineh in Arabic means 'The words of his eyes'. The music is composed by Hassan El-Shafei and is quite captivating. I find it quite appealing to the ears and the heart! 

With English translation of the words... 

For more about the Egyptian song and the actual songs in favour of the Palestinian side, read this blog post. 

An old Hindi song

 Chanced upon this very old hindi song... lovely! 

Liked the way the verses are a duet, a response to the preceding verse... not to say anything about the MEANING in the lyrics! Just beautiful. 

Herd theory

 

Jim Lovell: The Apollo 13 astronaut

 I read the sad news of the death of Jim Lovell, the famous astronaut of Apollo 13, who mouthed the iconic words: Houston, we've had a problem. 

As I read about his death, I came across the following news article on BBC: Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 astronaut, dies aged 97 

Very inspiring story of the man Jim Lovell was, right since his childhood.  How he pursued his dream right from the early age of 5.  How he made sensible choices in order to fulfil his dream.  

Jim Lovell, the captain of Apollo 13

It was interesting to note that even though he never managed to land on the moon, he lived contented that he did his best.  He got to live his dream: that of being an astronaut.  

I liked one of the lines in the news article, describing the Apollo 13 space mission: The mission was Nasa's greatest failure and, without question, its finest hour. 

The crew of the ill-fated Apollo 13: Jack Swigert, Jim Lovell and Fred Haise

Goes without saying, the movie Apollo 13, starring Tom Hanks continues to be one of my favourite movies! Of the many good and great aspects of that movie, is that the movie shows the whole rescue attempt of Apollo 13 as a team work. While the three crew members did best what they could, their whole back up team here on earth, spared no effort.  The movie does not miss out that effort of the back up team either.  

Old hobbies, good memories!

 After long, more than 3 years later, felt the thrill of repairing a laptop!  This time, mine.  The last couple of days the laptop fan was giving trouble and I needed to replace it. So today after lunch, I picked up my laptop repair and spares kit, opened up my laptop, removed the fan, checked online if a replacement is available anywhere nearby, found one (in our regular computer peripheral store), bought it, fitted it and viola!!! All within 2 hours.  

The excitement of getting a work done and that too one that you have long since not attempted, more for want of time and space than anything else, is great. I distinctly remember getting hooked on to this hobby of repairing laptops during the pandemic, while in the UK. That's one of the many memorable experiences during my stay on the English soil.  

Today it was the replacement of my Dell 15 series 3501 model CPU fan.  

Can Salesian Brothers be rectors

Can Salesian Brothers be rectors?

The question itself is wrongly posed. Rather than ask whether ‘Can SB be made rectors?, one should ask, ‘Who should be rectors?’ It is not about priests or brothers, but persons with charisma, with the passion of DB, with leadership skills who need to be appointed rectors! And in that list of qualities needed to be a rector, if priesthood is not a non-negotiable, then so be it. 

Let the holy ones among us, pray for us; the intelligent ones, teach us; and the prudent ones, lead us. (Fr Agilan)

What one needs to work on is the attitudinal change; a change about the perception of a leader.  In that sense I appreciate the GC 29 placing this question, under the structural proposals, rather than in the core topics of discussion. The argument of rectorship on the basis of priesthood and brotherhood, and whatever decision we arrive at on the basis of that criterion, is only doing a disservice to the congregation and the society at large. One direct negative outcome of it would be that the apprehensive and pessimistic attitude we live and exhibit towards the Salesian collaborators will continue! 

For example, if I’m genuinely interested in the welfare of the young people of a school, I’ll ensure that one who is best suited for them would be appointed as principal. Even if that person is a lay person, who is imbued with the spirit of DB. Why should we deny the young, the competence and spirit of a capable lay person; that too purely to give the ‘cassock’ or ‘my friend’ or ‘a titled SDB’ a chance? But if I have no objection to someone passionate about DB and academically competent, as the principal of a school, then what has changed is the attitude; not the role, not the position. My ‘position’ as an SDB, far from being ignored or denigrated, has only been enriched because I have acted in the best interest of the children. We need to strive for such an attitudinal change rather than engage ourselves in power games. 

To those who fear that tomorrow a Salesian collaborator will be proposed and appointed a rector, we need to educate him or her to see that only a Salesian is to be the rector of a house. Therefore, it is then to clarify the identity of a Salesian (as consecrated to God and committed to the young). A Salesian collaborator however committed to the young he or she may be, is not a consecrated religious. 

Again, as a Salesian what marks me out is not my priesthood or brotherhood but my CONSECRATION (something most of us Salesians ourselves either do not know, or understand or are unwilling to accept). So even without being a priest I can be a Salesian – this no one can dispute (and if someone does, then the Salesian Brothers are not Salesians at all; so no question of whether he can be a rector or not!). 

Last of all, I joined the congregation because I loved Don Bosco and wanted to live and work like him. I did not join the congregation to become a rector or principal or administrator or (least of all) the role that I'm now carrying out. Moreover, when I made my profession AS A BROTHER, I was very well aware that a brother is not appointed as the superior. So, the ongoing debate – amusing as it sounds – is something I’m the least bothered to break my head about! I only take this opportunity to see how the Brothers identity, and all the more, the Salesian identity, was, is and will be defined...! 

Stories and intelligence

 

Salesian feminism vis-a-vis brothers and clerics

 The idea proposed by most people so far was that the Salesian Brothers should have something more specific and special, suitable to their distinctive vocational choice. I too was thinking, what is it that we can offer, specifically to the brothers. 

 Today’s discussion in the Brothers group, there was a point made by Bosco (INS) which really struck a deep cord in me. He asked, “Why should the brothers be given something special? And if at all we give them something special, it should be given to ALL, clerics included! So those aspects and matters that Brothers would need additional should be offered to everyone, including the clerics.” 

 The analogy that came to my mind is that of instructions and guidelines offered to the girl child in the family. Most often the girls are taught how to sit, how to move, what not to do in public, and a million other things! Why teach only girls this? Because they have to be careful of the boys! So why not teach the same matters to the girls, but not alone; let these instructions and guidelines be offered to her brothers as well! So that tomorrow, he will be conscious of what the girls are going through! Now, that’s a more sensible and right approach to gender equality and response to male chauvinism. 

 So too with the Brothers. If they are to be ‘shielded’ from clericalism, teach them along with the clerics, so that EVERYONE learns what’s right, good and true.

The lost tribe

 In between the frequent tussle – not so much in person, but at least in principle – between the priest and the brother in the Salesian world, now all the more invigorated due to the recent discussions on whether a Salesian brother can be made rector of a Salesian community or not, there is a silent lost tribe! It is the Salesian cleric. Most often the cleric is either taken for granted or totally forgotten. 

 From the perspective of the cleric himself, I gather most of them like it that they are forgotten! They would prefer to be left alone, lying in wait, a period of tolerant mode, waiting for ‘my time’ ie., post-ordination!

Means and ends

 The Gospel of the day was another stark reminder of a similar, if not the same, principle of belonging and opting for Christ. Perhaps somewhere down the line, and this sequence of events is natural, we as a congregation (for that matter any organisation) have shifted our focus from empowering the young to safeguarding our institutions. Now, this is quite natural outcome of the growth of any initiative: the wider and bigger a movement grows, structures, rules, regulations and procedures come into play. And eventually, there comes a time when these start to take an upper hand or even override the charism of the initiative. This tussle is healthy – as long as we are open to discerning the Spirit and the times. 

 Between the young and our institutions, the one criterion we need to always bear in mind is that our institutions and structures are FOR the young. If and when, the institutions become an end in themselves and stop being a means of reaching out to the young, then we’ve strayed far from Don Bosco’s charism. Delving a bit deeper, if and when we as individuals (Salesians) become and behave as the end, when all our plans and thoughts and efforts are all geared towards our own selves (comfort, ease, success, positions, name, fame…) then we have not just strayed from the charism, we have sinned!

In and for Christ

Last night I spent a couple of hours reading the discussion that took place in GC29 about the point of making Brothers superiors of the community. The exercise of collating the various reasons for and against, while jotting down my own personal reflection about the same was enriching. 

And naturally, when I woke up this morning and was in the Chapel for prayers, some of those points were still doing the rounds in my mind. But there was one particular point that I strongly felt last night and I jotted it down separately! And call it coincidence or serendipity, the Scripture reading of the morning prayers today (Wk 2; Friday) reinforced that very idea of mine when it says thus: 

For Christ himself has brought us peace, by making the Jews and Gentiles oen people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. He abolished the Jewish Law, with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people IN UNION WITH HIMSELF, in this way making peace… he united both races into one body and brought them BACK TO GOD. (Eph. 2: 13-16) 

While we can go on debating endlessly about Brothers and Priests, if we miss out the point that if we are not together IN and FOR Christ, then we’ve totally lost the plot!

One more bit of Salesian historical fact

 Another fact that I learnt about the Salesian history today: 

The name of the sacristan, mentioned in the first catechetical lesson that Don Bosco gave and his first encounter with Bartholomew Garelli, was Joseph Comotti.  

In our Salesian circles we know the significance of 8 December 1841. That was the day we believe, Don Bosco, formally began his work for the poor boys and is also considered the foundation day of the congregation.  The day that Don Bosco met and taught young Bartholomew the sign of the cross... beginning with getting him to whistle!! 

We knew the name of Don Bosco, the boy (Garelli) and perhaps also the Church of St Francis of Assisi; but never the name of the sacristan! Joseph Comotti.

Study for?

 I came across the following passage in the Biographical Memoirs of Don Bosco (BM, XVII, 356)... quite direct and true: 

Don Bosco considered teaching catechism so much the core of his mission, that in one of his dreams the best way the devils could think of for destroying the congregation was to make the Salesians study for the sake of learning and attaining fame.  Then they would give up the festive oratories, teaching catechism and educating poor youth.  This would cut the congregation at its roots and destroy it. 

Once again, a radical challenge to stay committed to the poor, the young!  And of course, the warning about the real purpose of our study: For you (young people), I study...! 

Redeeming all alone!

 As soon as the Israelites of the Old Testament start to grumble about the food (manna) that they are surviving on in the desert, on route to the Promised Land, Moses is upset.  He calls up to Yahweh and he moans and groans to the extent of telling Yahweh, to do something about it, or bump him off!! Now, that's a bit of an extreme.  

Nonetheless, I can understand his position.  He is in the same situation as they are. Although brought up in a royal palace, he is now facing the heat and harsh desert.  One could say that the Israelites by this time are used to hardships, but not Moses.  And so, his anguish is palpable.  

Moreover, it is the common attitude about food. Those of us living and working in the south of India know how much food matters in one's life.  So the notion doing the rounds in Moses head could be, 'After all, it is food. Can He not provide them some chicken and mutton? Surely He can, so why isn't he?'  

But I think there is a significant line in the first reading of today, towards the end, which persists throughout today's Gospel - although very very subtly! Moses petitions Yahweh saying, 'I cannot handle it ALONE anymore'.  For Moses to think that it is he who is actually leading the people of Israel out of Egypt, to Israel, is a great hallucination!  But I guess, it is in our human nature.  We always feel that whatever good is happening, is because of me!  So, Moses feels the burden, being ALONE!!  

This attitude of doing all the good ALONE is the inherent feeling of most of us - and perhaps one of most deadliest sin of us, priests and religious.  Leaving out God, is perhaps our biggest reason for failure.  It undermines our basic relevance and meaning as religious. Jesus first tells his apostles to feed the five thousand themselves!  And they give him what they have: five loaves and two fish. Jesus multiplies those.  He does not do magic or create ex nihilo. 

Psalm 16

Psalm 16

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. 

I say to the lord: 'You are my God.

My happiness lies in you alone.'

He has put into my heart a marvellous love

for the faithful ones who dwell in his land. 

Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.

Never will I offer their offerings of blood.

Never will I take their name upon my lips. 

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

it is you yourself who are my prize.

The lot marked out for me is my delight:

welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, 

who even at night directs my heart.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm. 

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety. 

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let your beloved know decay. 

You will show me the path of life, 

the fullness of joy in your presence, 

at your right hand happiness for ever. 

Getting out of poverty

 As part of the Poverty eradication plan of the Region, we had a discussion this morning.  I couldn't be part of it full time but for the first hour that I could be present, it was interesting to note what Palli brought our attention to.  Namely, that eradicating poverty is never a direct approach.  Tackling poverty headlong is going to take us nowhere except into desperation and discouragement. There is no magical formula to drive out poverty.  All we can do, and do so wisely, is to link processes that will eventually drive out poverty. 

Listening to him I was imagining the death pit where riders spiral and the only way they can get out of it is to spiral out, rather than attempt a steep climb.  That's exactly how needs to work out of the death trap of poverty. 

Very many confreres feel, the only sensible way to rid the society of poverty is to distribute money!  And they are convinced of it!  The former method is the only viable, but a long shot. For example, the governments scheme of scholarships to students.  Now that's one way of tackling poverty, indirectly.  By offering incentives to young people to study, they are offering a possibility to the young of gaining education, basing on which they can get a decent job and earn for themselves.  A dignified self-made person, living off his own livelihood, based on his hard work, with a bit of support from the government.  

Death of John the Baptist

 Listening again to the episode of the beheading of John the Baptist, as part of the Gospel reading today, a couple of points that struck me: 

That Herod could find his promise more demanding and compelling than the life of a person is strange.  Is the worth of life lessor than a mere word, that too given to someone for a dance performance?! But it didn't take me long to realise that it was never about honour.  Herod was not honouring his word; he was merely giving in to his fear.  He had already decided to kill John the Baptist; he just didn't have 'sufficient reason' to justify his plan.  The promise was a mere excuse, to actually carry out what he had already made up his mind about! 

On a totally different note, the concluding lines of the Gospel speak about the disciples of John the Baptist, burying him and then informing Jesus about it.  What suddenly hit me was Jesus' response.  Of course, there certainly would have been an emotional response; but the text says nothing. Whereas when Lazarus dies, Jesus weeps.  Here the death was of his own cousin; someone he had known all his life. Surely, this would have been a very sad moment for Jesus. If Lazarus' death could move him to tears, I'm sure John's death would have been no less a tragic moment.  

Or did the Biblical authors perhaps skipped recording that emotional response, lest they show him 'human'.  Or maybe they did not want to show his affinity to family more than his mission?  Too many may be's!! 

Beheading of John the Baptist (by Caravaggio)

Government buildings and work

 The last couple of days I've visited a few government buildings.  Since the work was taking its own time, I had the leisure to walk around and take a close look at the buildings.  

Just one word that best describes the condition of the government buildings: pathetic!!! 

There's one that I've visited thrice already. And it was built in 1910. That it is still standing is one miracle.  The next miracle is that it is still being used.  Of course parts of it are already dilapidated and can very well be turned into a museum or a heritage building.  But the other parts, rooms are being used!!  In some places the files are all wet and in some places even plants growing on them. Some furniture rusted or so corroded.  The cupboards hardly able to support themselves, leave alone the files stored on them.  Trunks with documents left out in the sun and rain.  

Then there are the new buildings. That's another story!  They are either half done, and even if completed, they are all so dirty, with dust, debris, garbage and filth everywhere.  Broken furniture is strewn around. Stairs and corners are full of beetel nut spit.  Then there are the stray dogs - perfectly at home with the hundreds of people moving in and out of the buildings. The floors sinking. Ceiling peeling off.  Perhaps only the higher officials offices are a bit tidy.  The rest of the offices are most often messy with waste bins overflowing.  

Most walls and terraces have plants growing and pipes leaking.  Not one electrical line or cable is concealed or in proper place.  All exposed and precariously hanging. The stationery and office related items are bare minimum.  I'll not speak about the toilets, because I dared not go anywhere close to them - that is, if they did exist! 

All said and done, what struck me most, was the fact that work goes on!!! While we religious and priests feel that unlike every bit is in place and fully furnished, no work can be done, the government staff clearly show us how things move on - not just a few or once in a way, but in gallore and everyday - with nothing, or minimal but pathetic facilities! 

Palukubadi

The last couple of weeks have been rather hectic, but happy ones for me since a long pending work is nearing the end.  For years we have been trying to sort out a portion of land owned by us.  Since the last couple of years we have been doing our best to sell it, because it has been more of a headache than any good!  

I wouldn't be wrong to say that that particular plot of land is jinxed!  Ever since it has come into our possession, there has never been a smooth ride with it. Every time we tried to sort things out, new challenges would pile up on the already badgering issues.  

Nonetheless, I should also admit that because of the same plot of land, we have tangibly experienced the support and graciousness of several individuals who have been a great pillar of strength to us.  If not for these particular individuals, we would have been chewed up and swallowed whole by some land mafia guys!  

In particular since the last couple of weeks, I have seen from close quarters how these particular individuals have moved the lousy state machinery to get things done in our favour.  If not for them, we would have never ever even come close to speaking a word in public to claim that plot of land.  In Telugu, there is one particular word, that really does not have a counterpart in English: palukubadi.  It is the skill of knowing and having the right contacts, in order to get things done, no matter what!  Without this palukubadi, one may not even reach the right office, leave alone initiate the process.  But with palukubadi, the wheels rotate while we just sit and wait! (Of course, money lubricates those wheels; but that is for another discussion.) 

As we accomplish one great task of disposing one half of the land, a big THANKS to God almighty and to those individuals who made it possible, all out of their goodwill and friendship respect for us!  

Time

 Some people have a total disregard for time.  It is as if time is at their service, just like all those around them.  I understand young people are often careless about time. But I'm talking about grown up adults, who shoulder responsibilities.  This characteristic trait is evident among politicians and government officials. 

Nonetheless, I wouldn't put the blame squarely on them. I think once they assume office, they system somehow makes them time-insensitive. 

The one rare exception I've witnessed in recent times to this general tendency among public servants, is a particular lady whom I encountered in the Sub-Registrar's office of Warangal.  On one particular occasion when I was at this office on the 100-feet road, I reached the counter after being in queue for a long time. Just then, she shut the counter stating, 'Lunch time!'  From experience I was mentally prepared for atleast an hour-long wait. But she surprised - and shocked - me and the others around when she returned in 10 minutes, having had her lunch.  That was some record time! 

The art of waiting...

Over the years, I have quite happily mastered to a great extent, the art of waiting... for long! Knowing that a task is delayed is one thing. Not knowing when at all it will ever be completed is another! 

And what better place to practice waiting than at an Indian government office! Of course, hospitals also offer a good practice ground, but nothing beats a government office and officials. 

From another perspective, I think deadlines - or rather an obsession with deadlines - do play a big role in the process of mastering the art of waiting. Once you take out the deadline issue out of the equation, then it is another ball game altogether.  

Like Buddha taking out 'desire' from the world to end all sorrow and suffering!