tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56949216453500706572024-02-08T01:16:15.434+00:00Heartstrings...random thoughts of one who intends to make himself useful to others and meaningful to oneself!Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.comBlogger3966125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-39020627382372641212022-01-28T20:16:00.002+00:002022-01-28T20:16:43.398+00:00 Knowledge and wisdom<p> Knowledge and wisdom</p><p>That tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable is knowledge. </p><p>Not including tomato in a fruit salad is wisdom! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-50759655085911041692022-01-19T15:37:00.003+00:002022-01-19T15:37:26.700+00:00Options and choices<p>Options and choices are not always the same. Options are possibilities, while choices are responsibilities. And the more choices I make (most often bad ones than the good ones) the better I am as an individual. My difficulty has been in accepting choices as my own. The tussle between obedience as a religious and my own personality leaves little room for exercising in a more carefree way ones choices. The present situation I find myself in, is precisely because of my inability to own up a choice. And right now, I am not even so sure of all the reasons for that inability!</p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-28804697894791796562022-01-18T16:31:00.002+00:002022-01-18T16:31:30.032+00:00Up to what?<p>Torn between doing something worthwhile and doing nothing... never thought the fight would be down to this!! </p><p>The past few months have been one of real boredom ... boredom of doing nothing! Yet can't get myself out of it. At times there are sparks of interest and zeal, but never really fan out into anything more than dying sparks! </p><p>Willy said it right: "I've to be either passionate enough to complete the task; or be humble enough to leave it and say this is not my cup of tea!" And right now, have neither the passion nor the humility! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-22130729091983827922021-09-10T16:40:00.006+01:002021-09-10T16:46:26.769+01:00Re-installing el Capitan on an iMac (early 2008)<p>Wrestling with an old iMac (early 2008) which I bought second hand on ebay... </p><p>After spending almost 24 hrs trying to merely re-install the macOS (el Capitan), learnt quite a few lessons... the hard hard way! </p><p>Learnt the hard way that you need an apple ID for everything!! </p><p>But after you are forced to create an ID, you need to validate it. </p><p>Fill in your payment and billing details. </p><p>No matter on which system you created the ID, you then need to open one of the apple services (music, itunes, ...) and login and fill in your details again!! </p><p>After all this you get the message that the application (installation) is temporarily unavailable... that's because if you've not downloaded any OS before using that 'new' account, then you cannot download the required software! It requires the ID of the one who purchased it! </p><p>So you're left with no option other than use a usb to start a clean install... easier said than done!! I thought Windows was a nightmare! Apple was worse! Perhaps it would have been easier if I had another mac system - which I didn't. So had to juggle between my all-time favourite Linux and Windows. </p><p>By this time discovered a similarly distressed soul who had chronicled his struggle: </p><p>https://blog.dhampir.no/content/reinstalling-a-used-imac-20-inch-early-2008</p><p>Using the office Win. 8.1 edition system created a bootable usb. (Downloaded the el Capitan disk image file - not the rar type!!, then loaded that onto the usb using techmac or something). </p><p>Inserted into the first usb port of the backside of the iMac (when viewed from the back). </p><p>Restarted it, used CMD + R to boot from the usb. Learning from the previous site, changed the date to the present time. Got a new error message. Surprise??? </p><p>Then found another apple forum which said, you don't need a usb... just change the date to mid 2017.</p><p>https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250793420</p><p>Tried that!! No success. </p><p>Then did a mix-match ... changed the date to starting of 2017, restarted it to boot from the usb... and lo and behold!!!!!! </p><p>Have el Capitan up and running on the iMac!! HURRAH!!! Thanks pretty much to the two websites and their useful info! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF5FUzJD_S5huCSpHyTDyIdM26tUK_zonppqPjKiQ2kb10PuSIV1fy0deGjwXJAjJyjqC-V4If40VoMK-XFPQZCfoq8oxQUfjDL2DafXz14w1-xzExBxM_sNCR2TqFOtvXWoNc0yMEt0/s2048/20210910_163854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF5FUzJD_S5huCSpHyTDyIdM26tUK_zonppqPjKiQ2kb10PuSIV1fy0deGjwXJAjJyjqC-V4If40VoMK-XFPQZCfoq8oxQUfjDL2DafXz14w1-xzExBxM_sNCR2TqFOtvXWoNc0yMEt0/s320/20210910_163854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>One down, one more to go! Hope apple does not spring any fresh surprises! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-1417505071140000482021-06-05T10:35:00.007+01:002021-06-05T10:35:52.051+01:00The Church: Euro-centric?<p> The Church is often viewed as European or Euro-centric. Even among those who see Christianity as a 'foreign religion' they view it so because it is 'from Europe'. The white man's religion! This is something quite taken for granted. But we forget - very easily and comfortably - that Jesus and the early Christianity were all very much situated in the middle-East. Jesus was born and later carried out his whole ministry in Israel. Though it is true that the apostles did cross national boundaries, it is actually with Constantine embracing Christianity and making it the state religion, that Christianity spread far and wide. That Rome has played a central role in the development of Christianity as a popular universal religion can never be questioned. But it all began in the middle-East - not in Europe!! </p><p>The universality of the Church and of Christianity is not a quality of it being present in most of the world, and predominantly in Europe. Universality is its virtue to be able to embrace the world - not the world embracing Christianity. </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-52899410972237063512021-06-04T10:19:00.001+01:002021-06-05T10:28:05.026+01:00The Ichthys<p> For the early Christians, the cross was not the first choice of representation. The cross was still too traumatic and tragic. It was more a sign of oppression and tool of death, rather than salvation. What was actually and most widely used as a symbol of Christianity was the Ichthys, the fish. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVNe9vBRRSl9PfL6aUtYzLZY9n_tM-hpNmY34bcXbjrTglAa93eRmKzBt0UaiqMgN4fbqJfAhMJKnT0v054a6UY8xLxBuqJsKCcAH5Toxc6yyyF0cA0ldgiTa3rLEoXO0JfJ8QrxXmYQ/s1200/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVNe9vBRRSl9PfL6aUtYzLZY9n_tM-hpNmY34bcXbjrTglAa93eRmKzBt0UaiqMgN4fbqJfAhMJKnT0v054a6UY8xLxBuqJsKCcAH5Toxc6yyyF0cA0ldgiTa3rLEoXO0JfJ8QrxXmYQ/s320/fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The catacombs do not have a cross. Instead what is found in them is the image of the fish. This represented the meal, the gathering for which Christians gathered, especially in hiding in the catacombs and in private homes. It represented the Eucharist! <p></p><p>Perhaps it is with Helena bringing the cross from Jerusalem, along with the soil, and its exaltation as a basilica, that devotion the Cross gained popularity. I suppose by then the Romans had given up using that means as a punishment (but not sure of that). And as time progresses, the cross soon replaces the fish as the symbol of Christian faith. </p><p>Would Christianity have a different outlook or identity if we would have persevered or chosen to stick to the fish rather than the cross?? I believe it would have had significant impact on how we perceive ourselves to be! For one, more Eucharistic, for certain! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-44847761980473989452021-05-13T12:31:00.003+01:002021-05-13T12:31:44.842+01:00SunshineThe English obsession with the sunshine is well-known. Summer is the most looked out for season of the year. Not only because it is the season for holiday but because the sun is out. Most preferred holiday destinations are places where it is warm and sunny. And the best holidays are those that are spent in the sun - even if it is just laying down basking in the sun!! <div><br /></div><div>As an Indian, I find this fascination with the sun - often bordering obsession - quite amusing. At times, I wonder what's so special about the sun. People like me and others from Africa, will do everything possible to get away from the sun!! So seeing others crave for the sun appears a bit weird. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess it is a cultural thing. I'm sure it is the same feeling the Brits have looking at us amazed by the snow. Anyway, each of us has our own peculiarities and eccentricities!! And each one seeks for his or her own bit of sunshine!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0AumzJz_naT2GjCFNELlG_TZa58qFN3bJF10JyIv-tPxNuDh1Li8VM_ickPTu_KJP4T6wQHVtGWeFj09lwP8sAS5jkKqoSYE6AfR2eWhDJ0n9pQHlKL3vKFfm3VShG3UjEg2FDAExbw/s750/sunshine.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0AumzJz_naT2GjCFNELlG_TZa58qFN3bJF10JyIv-tPxNuDh1Li8VM_ickPTu_KJP4T6wQHVtGWeFj09lwP8sAS5jkKqoSYE6AfR2eWhDJ0n9pQHlKL3vKFfm3VShG3UjEg2FDAExbw/s320/sunshine.webp" /></a></div><br /></div>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-17911583694509570382021-05-13T06:30:00.001+01:002021-05-13T06:30:00.305+01:00Selling free<p>For quite a few days now we have been passing by a particular sign near one of the houses we walk past for our evening Rosary which announces that it is up for sale. What caught our attention and intrigued us when we first saw it was the tagline: <b>Sell your home for free!</b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CtGhLCpkFgKJe4zqRZWPvIc9LrHOqg-xASgFLFQnxCEy7AX0Rn_7oBuglbpSZo6D6whybUohG8zFiQXKs1XsNbq_ckJVS0kSDQ3rNZ3wGDMmLdcYeGPIJNmn9ah6jSTcPnHvdXbCC7k/s1600/IMG-20210512-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CtGhLCpkFgKJe4zqRZWPvIc9LrHOqg-xASgFLFQnxCEy7AX0Rn_7oBuglbpSZo6D6whybUohG8zFiQXKs1XsNbq_ckJVS0kSDQ3rNZ3wGDMmLdcYeGPIJNmn9ah6jSTcPnHvdXbCC7k/w300-h400/IMG-20210512-WA0000.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>It really took us some time to get our heads around the meaning of that line. We ultimately deduced that the housing agent will not charge a fee for overseeing the sale of the house. Perhaps the tagline best reads: Sell your house without a fee. Certainly not giving away the house for free!! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-56314955925515607722021-05-12T21:29:00.002+01:002021-05-12T21:29:22.087+01:00Prayer<p> Prayer and the candle light have much in common. Like prayer, the candle light is unselfish. The radiance of the light remains the same; whether placed in a dark room or out in the sun. The light does not diminish itself under the sun or brighten itself in a dark room. It emits the same light. Only when in the dark do we appreciate better the candle and if out in the open we do not seek one. But that does not affect the candle light. Most often we have recourse to prayer only in times of difficulty. At other times when everything is going on well we do not really feel the need to pray. That does not mean the power of prayer reduces. It is our perception of prayer and our need for it that increases or diminishes. </p><p>Another aspect of a candle light is that it is selfless. No amount of lighting other candles from it will diminish the initial brightness of the candle light. The candlelight does not say that since it has been shared or divided it will shine less brightly now. Prayers too when shared do not become less efficacious. </p><p>Another essential feature of the candlelight that we often do not see replicated in prayer is the efficacy of it at all times and for all people. The candlelight is not partial to the good and less bright for the not-so-good. No matter who, when and for what purpose, the candlelight is always at its best. Prayer too is for all. We often remember those close to us and those who are good to us. We barely pray for those whom we do not like. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pevhu9s1pV7SzCeEe2N8ouTy5a08MoHrHOzYTbxnNRwEBBgp2qEear9RUcfWYhAvCGsLNT2Zv5LcyWnTg7TQnKZgxaYlavk-dJTFX80Twgxv05sa2M0bA-_bv1hAoNmYUWw4qBUjju0/s2048/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pevhu9s1pV7SzCeEe2N8ouTy5a08MoHrHOzYTbxnNRwEBBgp2qEear9RUcfWYhAvCGsLNT2Zv5LcyWnTg7TQnKZgxaYlavk-dJTFX80Twgxv05sa2M0bA-_bv1hAoNmYUWw4qBUjju0/s320/candle.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-11691615412992778752021-05-10T06:30:00.021+01:002021-05-10T06:30:00.251+01:00Vocation<p>Everytime we speak of 'vocation' in our religious circles we most often mean 'vocation to priestly and religious life'. It is as if vocation to married life or any other form of life is not a vocation. When this partial outlook is pointed out we cover up saying that even they are vocations, but the former is the crowing of all vocations! </p><p>However, I feel strongly convinced that unless and until we really understanding vocation in its universal and true sense, we will only be 'selling' vocation; doing recruitment rather than discernment. As educators of the young, we are primarily called to help young people discover, discern and follow their vocation. And every person's primary vocation is to love and be loved! The vocational discernment is to help young people ask themselves basic questions about meaning and purpose of his or her life. As long as we sincerely and passionately engage in this noble apostolate we are true to our own calling as Salesians. Otherwise we are only 'pedlars' or vendors of the Salesian career - all in the name of youth ministry and vocation promotion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNHnqa7Ntn9FRw4h9jW2QYBwytCDWFkdG2irxTbfuR5d3IenZxegrqEGM1kWetqqw5MH2L2NPnnxNiWxs2bFRiV-77LzNtBMDBJFeVuONiQjCoWVAb11NJ-mdlRkUX5Hc8_PU4zrAqyo/s277/vocation.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNHnqa7Ntn9FRw4h9jW2QYBwytCDWFkdG2irxTbfuR5d3IenZxegrqEGM1kWetqqw5MH2L2NPnnxNiWxs2bFRiV-77LzNtBMDBJFeVuONiQjCoWVAb11NJ-mdlRkUX5Hc8_PU4zrAqyo/w400-h263/vocation.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The post youth synod apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis, <i>Christus vivit</i> no. 286 describes the great vocational question that every young person has to ask himself or herself as "for whom am I?" This is more deeper and way too personal than merely asking oneself, "what am I to do?" or "who should I become?"<p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-24516261723048604562021-05-09T22:18:00.003+01:002021-05-09T22:18:47.684+01:00The interconnectedness<p>The secret language of trees... </p><p></p><blockquote>There is nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend. Ross Bob</blockquote><p></p><p>Trees have a vast root system that supports not only survival of itself but facilitates a highly complex and intricate communication system between the various trees in the vicinity. It is not just the trees roots that do all the work, but there is a whole invisible army of fungi, algae, microbes, sugars... that is at work. Not all of this network and their mutual functioning and aiding is clear or understood by human science. But the fact remains that there is a whole give-and-take going on underground. Most of it is mutually benefiting, but not necessarily all of it. </p><p>What's most interesting is that there is information too passed on!! This sharing of information helps neighbours get ready to cope with factors (drought, insect attack, diseases...) not yet encountered by itself but by another in its vicinity. </p><p>The bottom line of it all is the interconnectedness of nature!! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V4m9SefyRjg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-67164128097547180382021-05-09T11:07:00.003+01:002021-05-09T11:07:27.887+01:00The partial God and gender equality<p>Christianity has always upheld the notion that God does not have favourites. That he loves and cares for everyone equally. However, the origin and evolution of Christianity proves otherwise. </p><p>Right since the beginning of God's intervention in human history, as per Christian tradition, God has always been on the side of a particular group or nation. The old testament is a fitting proof that Yahweh always preferred Israel over and above all other nations and people. He was on their side, against the Egyptians (when in exile), against the Canaanites (on their return), against the Jebusites (on behalf of David)... Yahweh always chose the Israelites. </p><p>Even in the new testament we see this continued privilege of Israel. Jesus, the son of God is born a Jew. In Israel. For that matter, Jesus himself was partial all his life. He took the side of the poor (against the rich), the religious ignorants (against the religious authorities of his times), the Jews (rather than side with the political rulers of the time, the Romans). None of his chosen twelve was a non-Jew. He barely preached outside Israel or to any non-Jews. Rather his treatment of Syro-pheonecian woman can always be used as an example to prove his preferential option of the Jews, over non-Jews. </p><p>However, there is one thing common among the many preferential choices that God made all along history. He chose to be on the side of the poor, the underdogs, the marginalised, the weak and the oppressed. He stood by those who needed support and guidance. Who by themselves would not have been able to make it. So that makes me wonder, if his choice of men alone for the chosen twelve or for active apostolate, was an indicator of who was the weaker gender. Who it is that needed support and accompaniment? Going by God's preferential choices and the reason for that choice, it certainly looks as if he considered woman as the more stronger and able gender! If there was someone who needed to be guided and supported it was the man!! So much for thinking that man is the superior of the two sexes!! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-49633232748038918572021-05-08T14:56:00.000+01:002021-05-08T14:56:25.964+01:00Young people; not youth<p>Reality is more important than ideas. Unless one acknowledges this truth, we will only be living in a dreamland and never be able to make a meaningful impact on life itself. </p><p>The simple fact, especially for us Salesians, is the notion of youth ministry. However, youth is an abstract notion. In reality there is no youth. There are only young people. And unless and until we interact with those young people, in person, in the concrete situations of our life (and their lives), our youth ministry would be excellent only paper but not in reality. Our starting point has to be the young people immersed in their context. Starting with the abstract notion of youth will only lead us astray. </p><p>Together with this fundamental truth, it is also equally important that we begin with the premise that we are going to encounter God in the young people, not get them back to God. We do not have monopoly over God. He is already present with the young in their situatedness. We only need to be open and available to Him, in and through the young - rather than approach the young as if we are the one's offering God to them! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-34802764275202128032021-05-08T14:43:00.002+01:002021-05-08T14:43:24.315+01:00Reflecting on the the Youth Synod<p>Reflecting together with Fr Romano Sala from the UPS in Rome, about the Youth synod and its ripples in the Church and for our own Salesian youth ministry, as part of the study day in the Province, I was inspired by many insights. The most significant of these insights is perhaps the notion of synodality that Fr Sala was emphasising to be the process being pushed for by Pope Francis. </p><p>The youth synod, not only spoke to the youth but also very concretely involved them in the process of the synod - from the beginning to the end! This method of inviting them on board, this involvement of the youth in discussing matters of faith and vocation in the Church made a huge impact on the mood and mode of the synod itself. I think it made a deep impact most of all on those participating in the synod. Going forward, I think this method of involving all the stake holders in all the processes of decision-making, right since the beginning is the key to resolving quite a few issues that plague (or lack of which, hinder growth in) the Church and the congregation - clericalism, ecumenism, inter-religious dialogue, bureaucracy, transparency and collective responsibility. </p><p>This attitude and concrete method of synodality shifts the predominant mentality of the church and the congregation, from 'doing something' for the young to 'being with' the young. </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-45177889055327046292021-05-02T12:00:00.000+01:002021-05-02T12:00:00.325+01:00Vine and the branches<p>One interesting thing about the branches of a vine is that they can never of their own accord get detached from the stem. Neither is it in their nature to seek independence. They always stay connected to the main stem and draw energy from it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XEaVyqGwWdjqrPnRbkDxgS7LAuhNmFvhB088T7kxUGjGSRC1fHNa6-Ajb1PkKIp5m7TzhVcyTgtwDTya6aHXH84sc3OwHSr4vLr6b7tIITCAMJYUuj9ObZ-pj65V3WyaH2-so96Mjh0/s2048/20180815_190824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XEaVyqGwWdjqrPnRbkDxgS7LAuhNmFvhB088T7kxUGjGSRC1fHNa6-Ajb1PkKIp5m7TzhVcyTgtwDTya6aHXH84sc3OwHSr4vLr6b7tIITCAMJYUuj9ObZ-pj65V3WyaH2-so96Mjh0/s320/20180815_190824.jpg" /></a></div><br />The mistake is to treat the branches and the stem as individuated parts. As if they were different part put together to form the vine. It is we who call the different aspects of the plant as stem, branches, fruits and leaves. For the plant itself it is one life. <p></p><p>So it would be good to ask ourselves this Sunday, as we reflect on the gospel of the vine and the branches if we are looking at our relationship with God as outsiders or as from within that relationship. If the latter then we are one; if we view our relationship as an outsider then we are different beings brought together and assembled into one. And if assembled, then we can as well be un-assembled. </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-91576840431742719432021-05-02T08:30:00.001+01:002021-05-02T08:30:00.229+01:00Jesus and the twelveWhen the time came for Jesus to begin his public ministry, and he chose the twelve apostles, it is quite strange to see that he chose all strangers! There is hardly any evidence that the twelve men knew Jesus before Him calling them out. We only hear some anonymous person exclaiming, "Is he not the son of the carpenter?" Had any of the twelve known Jesus earlier, I think at least one of them would have made that statement!! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8QwuMrG8AYr6cWh-KzAvXDttE39GjcmA3vLKIk3YRvlQFRapJ6iNcb8AAqfIMapzM4pqMrbc533JYY70jfjTVzF60HN3pkFZeftNKI8wQDoXuY8SmdNMlCmX5BW5jQj8-MDYbWP4Vk4/s620/web3-12-apostles-christ-nicholas-poussin-public-domain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="620" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8QwuMrG8AYr6cWh-KzAvXDttE39GjcmA3vLKIk3YRvlQFRapJ6iNcb8AAqfIMapzM4pqMrbc533JYY70jfjTVzF60HN3pkFZeftNKI8wQDoXuY8SmdNMlCmX5BW5jQj8-MDYbWP4Vk4/w400-h200/web3-12-apostles-christ-nicholas-poussin-public-domain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicolas Poussin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>But did Jesus know them before hand?? <div><br /></div><div>Jesus never went far or beyond Israel, or for that matter his hometown. And so, during those 30 years that he spent in the same place, would he not have known most of those men? He was a carpenter and surely he would have met and interacted with a lot of people of varied backgrounds. Everyone would have sought the services of a carpenter at some time of their life, for some work. My guess is that Jesus did have a rough list but not for long, perhaps just about the time he began his ministry. And Luke records that he spent the night in prayer and when morning came, called out the twelve who were to be called his apostles. </div><div><br /></div><div>The reason(s) he chose those twelve and not some others, I guess were privy just to him. We can only guess and theorize. But none of those reasons would be applicable to all the twelve!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Another strange fact that find is that of the chose twelve none was a carpenter. Jesus did not select anyone from among those whom knew him!! </div></div>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-70708383915877225532021-05-01T23:32:00.004+01:002021-05-01T23:38:17.178+01:00St Joseph the worker<p> An excerpt from the Vatican II document on the modern world (no. 34)... </p><p></p><blockquote>Where men and women, in the course of gaining a livelihood for themselves and their families, offer appropriate service to society, they can be confident that their personal efforts promote the work of the Creator, confer benefits on their fellowmen, and help to realize God's plan in history.</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOim5mjPvcQ45Sla6LtLPn_sEHGN_DMHANdIGH6hU5dwf5feUgxyqlMazNmYyJMKVUvoT_lKDhWUf3SeM72me_Fn16Eo5QG0u86X3jjEdf5N0fwejtENOtPjws60ptK0EXfUNhHeHhzA/s725/SOD-0501-SaintJosephtheWorker-790x480.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="725" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOim5mjPvcQ45Sla6LtLPn_sEHGN_DMHANdIGH6hU5dwf5feUgxyqlMazNmYyJMKVUvoT_lKDhWUf3SeM72me_Fn16Eo5QG0u86X3jjEdf5N0fwejtENOtPjws60ptK0EXfUNhHeHhzA/w400-h221/SOD-0501-SaintJosephtheWorker-790x480.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The childhood of Christ by Gerard van Honthorst</td></tr></tbody></table>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-90809688364939321142021-02-24T09:04:00.006+00:002021-02-24T09:04:52.675+00:00The grumpy prophet<p> Among the old testament prophets, Jonah is the one with whom one can relate to most easily. He is a common man, called upon by Yahweh for a particular purpose. Initially reluctant and lazy but then relents. However, the very fact that Yahweh calls him does not 'purify' him of his human inclinations. He carries with him his basic human qualities right to the end. </p><p>After the episode at sea and having spent three days in the belly of the fish, he decides to go to Nineveh and tell the people there God's message, not out of fear or conviction but more out of guilt. Once his job is done he expects to see the fulfilment of God's prophecy. Not seeing God send out his wrath, he feels dishonoured and his work disrespected. He sulks. His self-centredness (not selfishness) prevents him from seeing the larger picture unfold. </p><p>In and through the ups and downs of Jonah it is easy to miss one of the central messages of the narration: God changes! The only difference between God changing his mind and heart and Jonah's change is that the change is brought about for the good of the other. God relents from sending down his wrath on the people of Nineveh because he sees them repent and take responsibility for their lives. Jonah fails to see the struggle of Nineveh because his focus energy is all trained on his own work and struggle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpGcuMRrEQYi-mptgB7DJhyphenhyphenRhuYL_tMQeHvg9YhSsNvNxRwHGigfg1xMS9GtXS5J3Q8d6rhpx3g1T3yL5SHgbZC6__6drKuB3Txf7O6WP4P7ATSPRWQN__tSwq5lIulCelBDGgUpWzaw/s615/jonah-to-the-ninevites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpGcuMRrEQYi-mptgB7DJhyphenhyphenRhuYL_tMQeHvg9YhSsNvNxRwHGigfg1xMS9GtXS5J3Q8d6rhpx3g1T3yL5SHgbZC6__6drKuB3Txf7O6WP4P7ATSPRWQN__tSwq5lIulCelBDGgUpWzaw/s320/jonah-to-the-ninevites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-89497669092688944892021-02-23T22:40:00.003+00:002021-02-23T22:40:51.968+00:00Listening<p> Today's inspiration... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg1FjxzpIfpmoSvDT71PVes9b7dxSOHPq4wXTA97oxFoXdFW8vg9xomS8Uu46GxPQj1YAVgcyxusZyp2TF9ayw2X2i55X3yXlyqqC5YGupXGKSJQHFEwXqMrcBx4DvWDem_Euk4bi_dA/s564/DL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg1FjxzpIfpmoSvDT71PVes9b7dxSOHPq4wXTA97oxFoXdFW8vg9xomS8Uu46GxPQj1YAVgcyxusZyp2TF9ayw2X2i55X3yXlyqqC5YGupXGKSJQHFEwXqMrcBx4DvWDem_Euk4bi_dA/s320/DL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I guess that is what distinguishes a wise person from a teacher or a learned person... the ability to listen. Not just hear, but listen with an open mind and a generous heart. <div><br /></div><div>Of late I've realised my nephew tends to speak longer to me over the phone. Earlier he barely spoke to me. But since the time I appreciated and showed some interest in his activities and learning skills he has begun to compete with my niece for 'his time' with me!! And my niece, not to be outdone, at least for the time spent, goes on and on about stuff I barely can make sense of. The temptation is to cut her off and end the conversation. But I know if I do that she is going to interpret it as my disinterestedness in her 'achievements'. So I listen. And am happy with that time spent with them, because I know that time is not wasted but invested in a relationship. Worthy every bit! </div>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-45743503121035198212021-02-23T22:26:00.004+00:002021-02-23T22:26:49.402+00:00The right question<p> Teaching someone is always a learning experience... that has always been my personal and profound experience. Perhaps that is also the reason I love teaching... I learn! </p><p>Helping someone navigate the ocean of the world web, I found myself repeatedly asking them the question, what is it that you are looking for? Without a clear and definitive answer to the question, I knew no progress would be possible. And everytime I asked the person that question, I found it echoing back to me!!! What is it that I'm looking for?? The more I tried to explain the necessity of being definite and clear about the purpose of one's exploration, the more I felt I'm telling myself! </p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-27539270797836271352021-02-22T22:20:00.001+00:002021-02-23T22:22:20.418+00:00Scented hyacinth<p> Scented hyacinth flowers in full bloom... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxREtpYLwk1tLORcZlK2cvntGaijF32we7VmwpoNovVgKbSIWTwyY7IUMrRK97Spm5U8zNrKsjS5Aglhk1ZGGzw5MG8RjJZgvFCWR0K_RrxpN5dhPnjmlpzg6GJb7Idh2bHxc0dmF6dvI/s2048/20210221_092210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxREtpYLwk1tLORcZlK2cvntGaijF32we7VmwpoNovVgKbSIWTwyY7IUMrRK97Spm5U8zNrKsjS5Aglhk1ZGGzw5MG8RjJZgvFCWR0K_RrxpN5dhPnjmlpzg6GJb7Idh2bHxc0dmF6dvI/w225-h400/20210221_092210.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-23695432048604364212021-02-18T22:00:00.001+00:002021-02-18T22:00:02.463+00:00Virtual walk<p>Two years ago I was happy to have joined the Student Cross Holy week walk from Ely to Walsingham. I didn't have a pair of walking shoes then. But ordinary pair of shoes I had did not fail me. So after Easter that year, I bought myself a pair of walking shoes, of course, with the intent of using them the following year. Unfortunately there was no walk organised last Lent - thanks to Covid! So I had the shoes but no walk!! </p><p>Well this year, during a meeting with the Catholic Society of the University, just before Ash Wednesday, they spoke of a virtual Camino walk as part of the Lenten practices. My mind immediately went to the Student Cross that I'd been happy to join. Well, when a door closes, a window opens!! So why not join this 'virtual' walk?? Will chip in with what I can, whenever I can! But I will! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa8Yb3KyiLfR9Wjee_Q100IyYcknBc36CRmhfeWVyMspvPnazmzjcRa22UONiixGqvm-Sn4I-s7kAoY-13Z7aHvsA1i5MOU0RicUYK81TPYBBlA0VDIzCMpspupeXa8ov-p4a40Ep-6Q/s1920/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1920" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa8Yb3KyiLfR9Wjee_Q100IyYcknBc36CRmhfeWVyMspvPnazmzjcRa22UONiixGqvm-Sn4I-s7kAoY-13Z7aHvsA1i5MOU0RicUYK81TPYBBlA0VDIzCMpspupeXa8ov-p4a40Ep-6Q/w400-h194/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> For more details about the walk and the neighbourly intent behind this Camino walk, click <a href="https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoyalHollowayCatholicSociety" target="_blank">here</a>.<p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-59637344950841018532021-02-18T10:30:00.001+00:002021-02-18T10:30:01.151+00:00Left hand and right handVery often when I hear the verse from St Matthew, that we had as part of the Gospel yesterday... <div><blockquote>When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing... </blockquote></div><div>I'm reminded of Doms, from our Yercaud days! While he could really play the guitar very well, in the playground his hand and leg coordination was more comical than playful! His antics during our football game were hilarious! Even then he was always the livewire - the heart and soul of all activity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7vs1GWNS442SDzemnLNo_KWSohkOfrYI5seDIWGbzJvyOMcFRjS6JhuBY0KubrCoy_syh_5i2ScY7i4WH06cCyG2Kaayh_1hRVUGK3ncDpsTI8X3jkJQFPqcREEY9iFcVT8ZQuozGgk/s1080/retreat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1080" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7vs1GWNS442SDzemnLNo_KWSohkOfrYI5seDIWGbzJvyOMcFRjS6JhuBY0KubrCoy_syh_5i2ScY7i4WH06cCyG2Kaayh_1hRVUGK3ncDpsTI8X3jkJQFPqcREEY9iFcVT8ZQuozGgk/w400-h256/retreat.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Those good old Retreat (Yercaud) days!!</div>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-7898566608426611342021-02-18T09:53:00.006+00:002021-02-18T09:53:37.421+00:00Giving up for giving<p>It is one thing to fast when one has plenty to eat and choose from and totally another when one has nothing to eat in the first place! I think if we are to build up the triadic relationship with God, the other and myself, we need to graduate from merely 'giving up' to 'giving' - with a spiritual intent. In that way, all three are involved: we are doing it for God, benefitting the neighbour or the needy and helping oneself too in this whole process. </p><p>While 'giving up' has its merits, it is lesser than 'giving' because it ends up with me alone! Or at the most God and me! There could be a laissez faire effect wherein the needy benefit but when I decide to share with the other what I've denied myself, then the good reaches the other directly and instantly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIhIR0_TCrNCUaQcf9ZysgrtkkG8-E-YPp4h5bQWFs9_RUBB6csFN5bhtxWZ7MCejM_vlfuRZ0_6vIifCeF-Z0QARdqIsCbEQF2l8To4tKGjlrw2MxoiywUojzCrJw7kct7PuiL5mltA/s500/relationship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIhIR0_TCrNCUaQcf9ZysgrtkkG8-E-YPp4h5bQWFs9_RUBB6csFN5bhtxWZ7MCejM_vlfuRZ0_6vIifCeF-Z0QARdqIsCbEQF2l8To4tKGjlrw2MxoiywUojzCrJw7kct7PuiL5mltA/w400-h266/relationship.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694921645350070657.post-84056250235318127722021-02-17T14:00:00.001+00:002021-02-17T14:00:05.065+00:00Christmas humour<p> Not the most appropriate liturgical season to think about, but humour is timeless... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PVeJryrrNBU4rdnpTSfu9x-d17PvM75dl-i0_GYC4sOW4xkoUEJFYGHx9DwKVU6s2_ryk2vG2A30d8ab0XRwlrDWUn6bjKoSRKZTSNtDPEojvBvk33tc5a1hD24tbpni-Gijg0FmBMw/s2048/20210216_150216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PVeJryrrNBU4rdnpTSfu9x-d17PvM75dl-i0_GYC4sOW4xkoUEJFYGHx9DwKVU6s2_ryk2vG2A30d8ab0XRwlrDWUn6bjKoSRKZTSNtDPEojvBvk33tc5a1hD24tbpni-Gijg0FmBMw/w360-h640/20210216_150216.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcCbn9B7GjgT3N0rmw4xf8FKoKP7c8TGcBZUbL5cnEOLpDdIsS-O7gGej_EL1buXyoPO7VXpw1H0c4fwCwqPVC4ef_b4hc9fwLPkgIQKGL58zCG84JrvmMKQ2UD1bdnO4voleaLK56dE/s2048/20210216_150228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcCbn9B7GjgT3N0rmw4xf8FKoKP7c8TGcBZUbL5cnEOLpDdIsS-O7gGej_EL1buXyoPO7VXpw1H0c4fwCwqPVC4ef_b4hc9fwLPkgIQKGL58zCG84JrvmMKQ2UD1bdnO4voleaLK56dE/w360-h640/20210216_150228.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Vincent Castilinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208476230568664462noreply@blogger.com0