Leading others

 In one of Don Bosco's dreams he sees a shepherdess leading a pack of wolves and wild animals towards the Church and eventually the lot of wild animals turns into meek lambs. This was read by Don Bosco as a sign of what he was to do.  

When I heard of this dream, I asked myself, as a Salesian, all the more in my present role, if I look back and see those following me, whom would I find?  

I once used to tell the Brothers at Kondadaba that when going to the villages for the oratory, they have an opportunity not just to 'do something' but to 'inspire and sow the seed'.  The analogy I had in mind was that of the octopus and our ministry as leaders to not limit ourselves to be one of the tentacles, but the head of the octopus.  Therefore, as I turn back and see as to who is following me now, I really don't expect to see many - or any, for that matter!  Nonetheless, I know for sure of this: that I am being watched; I am being observed.  The thoughts, plans, decisions and most especially my witness will challenge, inspire and perhaps help others, in due time.  Because it is not for them that I be and do what I do, but because that is how God wants me to be and do and I concur with what is His plan. 

Shut up and keep quiet

Hearing today's gospel reading I was reminded of one of Papa's quotes, which we still fondly use at home: Shut up and keep quiet!

Jesus preached to the people with authority.  If so why did he have to give the demon a double command: Be quiet and get out!  He could have either told it to be silent or asked it to get out all together. Either way, the person would have been healed - at least mostly.  But from experience of Papa's use of this statement, I think, unless the demon left and left silently, the harm done would be equally bad, if it were only silent and still plaguing the person from within.