Passion-extreme

 The tamil word for 'terrorist' is 'theevaravadi'. It is a different word than the meaning in other languages.  I think telugu has the same word - could be wrong, though. But the difference between the english and the regional words is the notion of who or what one does.  

The english word stands for one who spreads terror, destruction. The regional words, on the other hand, stand for an 'extremist', or a radical.  The latter can also be interpreted as someone who is a very very passionate about an issue, passionate to the extent of bordering on fanaticism.  

That said, it is also a fact that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter (coined by Gerard Seymour in his 1975 novel Harry's Game)!  In the light of the recent protests and struggles, across the globe, and especially a closer unbiased review of each side on either struggle will reveal that no one is without reasons or valid issues fueling the struggle. No honest struggle can ever be termed wrong or bad.  

Tell me why - Declan Galbraith

 

Laity and the mission of the Church

 This morning's reflection on the laity in the church was an interesting one.   Just when I thought and was getting ready to listen to a long series of thoughts we all know, but are unwilling to practice, I was in for a surprise.  

Fr Albert Johnson, citing Christifideles Laici, reminded us that as priests and religious we DO NOT SHARE the mission of the Church with the laity.  Hell, we do not own it for ourselves in the first place!! The laity (defined as those called to holiness in their own way of life in the secular realities of the world) own the Church, as much as priests and religious.  The latter do not have the monopoly over the Church! 

As priests and religious we have a particular role and responsibility to fulfil - the religious aspect of the mission.  Similarly the laity have their role and responsibility clearly cut out by the Church - the temporal sphere or aspect of the mission.  (I guess, the clarity is in the documents and among some sensible people. Most bishops, priests, religious and even lay people themselves are not aware of neither the definition nor the mission!).  But together our collective mission, that of the whole Church is, evangelisation (the Kingdom of God).  

The clergy and religious carry out the pastoral and sacramental dimension of this mission.  The laity carry it out in the temporal or the secular sphere of the world.  The mode and the place are different, but the mission is one and the same!  

The sin of the prodigal son

 In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son after his departure from the house and squandering the property inheritance, comes to his senses and says, "I've sinned against God and my father...!" 

This morning it struck me: What exactly was his sin?  Why did he feel that he has 'sinned' against God? Against his father, I'm willing to understand that he 'sinned'. Although asking for his share of the property is no sin; immature behaviour or lapse of judgement, at the most.  But no sin.  So, then, what was he repentant about, that too to God? 

After much thought and prayer, it struck me.  Hard and fast. It was when I placed myself in his shoes - that wasn't too difficult to do.  And that's when it occurred to me, the sin of which the younger son was aware of, was him pushing away God and his own father from his life. Shutting out God and his father, from himself.  That's the sin.  Denying oneself of the love and concern, of God and the father, and striking out alone, by oneself - that's the shortcoming.  

The famine, the hunger, the pigs, the poverty... all of that was incidental.  Happened to be.  I'm sure, even without these sufferings and struggles, the young man would have sooner or later realised this sin of denying oneself of God's love, of his own fathers love.  Even in his abundance he would have discovered the deficit!  Maybe difficult or late, but for sure.  I say so with confidence, because I know. I feel.   I'm not facing any hardship or great struggle right now.  Yet I feel myself shrivelling. Just, not feeling comfortable.  Something's not right.  It's like watching the rain, up close, and feeling sorry or bad about not dancing in it.  And who's preventing me? Myself! 

Furthermore, even if his request to his father for taking him in merely as a hired servant, and not as his son, were to have been granted, the youngster would have been mighty thrilled.  Just to be in the company of his father, he would do anything.  He would have gladly accepted looking after the pigs of the father, as long as he knew that he was in his father's presence.  The father, on the other hand, even if he were to have accepted him back into the household only as a servant, would never have ill-treated him or looked down on him or even held a grudge for wasting his hard-earned money.  That's the confidence of the father in his love for his child and his upbringing.  (On a side note, I don't think the father would be harsh or disrespectful towards any of his staff or workers!!). 

This is again the insight that connects me to the interpretation of the sacrament of reconciliation that I heard John Dickson speak about to the boys and girls preparing themselves for the sacrament of confirmation at Addlestone, years ago.  The starting point of the sacrament of reconciliation is not awareness or acceptance of my weakness or sins.  It is actually the love of the Father!!  I cherish the love of the Father and therefore approach the sacrament knowing He is merciful.  It is love and not guilt or shame or fear that should move me to confession.  If love is not the starting point, then even after my confession, I'll still feel guilty and sad.  Because my starting point and the whole focus of my approach to the sacrament is myself; not God.  My sin and not God's love and mercy.  This does not discount my need to be repentant. But merely shifts the whole emphasis on God's love and mercy as the most important aspect.  

Making your way into the necrology

 A young dean of studies at the novitiate house of Idaya Deepam, in Yellagiri, had just distributed the Province directories to the novices in the study hall.  The novices were all keenly flipping pages to their community page to see their names printed in the list of community members. 

That's when the young priest told them, "Never mind looking up for your names in the community page now; what's important is that they appear in the Salesian necrology!"

That was quite amusing ... and a real challenge as well! 

Lean on them

 In the 2011 movie, Touchback (writer-director Don Handfield), there is a particular dialogue by the coach Hand, (played by Kurt Russell) that has stayed with me for years.  In the movie, there is a tough American football match on between a small town college team and a professional team.  All eyes are on Scott Murphy, the hero played by Brian Presley, who almost single-handedly fights the opponents to keep in the smaller team in the game. During break, the coach advises the star player: 

Don't forget, you have 10 other players.  You don't need to do it all by yourself. You didn't carry the team here, you led them.  They may not be the biggest or the best players, but they are farm boys.  Lean on them. They won't break!

This is the same advice I'd love to give to very many of our Salesians, especially those who tend to look down upon the lay people working WITH us in our institutions.  There are those who treat them as if they are servants, our servants!  We tend to forget that, far from being servants, we are working WITH them.  We are in it together.  We are not the bosses or the owners.  Nor are they our slaves.  

I too need to follow this advice.  Learn to delegate.  Trust.  Share responsibility.  

Religious community life is heterogeneous

 Religious life, by nature, strives for heterogeneity. Being multi-cultural, multi-dimensional and multi-EVERYTHING is innate to religious community life. 

However, we tend to make religious life homogeneous.  Like-minded people, individuals with similar interests and likings, similar age-group... But look at the apostles of Jesus. That was not a homogeneous group. It was an assortment of all species!  Fishermen, writers, tax-collectors, what not (except women, perhaps!). The early Catholic communities and monasteries and religious communities were a wide range of people.  All from different walks of life, age groups, varied interests, differently qualified and gifted. 

Yet look at what the apostles achieved.  Just with a 3-year formation. Mere 3 years with Jesus and they were a totally possessed group of men.  They shook the world.  They worked wonders.  They changed the face of religion, eventually across the globe.  Among the divine and spiritual gifts they were bestowed with, which they utilised to the maximum, setting themselves aside, is this attitude they embraced: singular focus on the mission.  Bearing witness to Christ, becoming alter-Christus, was their whole and sole mission.  

It is because of this, they bonded with everyone.  Disparities and differences didn't matter.  Not that those were absent.  They abounded. But what trumped them was their love for Jesus.  That bonding is what aroused curiosity among the people: These men are not related by blood, yet look at their bond. Look at their passion and their team work.  That curiosity led to questions.  And the apostles were happy to answer those questions.  Seeds of vocation! 

They didn't have to plead or beg with people to become Christians or disciples or eventually religious!  They truly, joyfully and openly witnessed to Jesus and his Gospel values.  People naturally followed them.  All sorts of people!  

Truly a religious community or life is heterogeneous in composition; but singular in mission! 

Help me Lord

 For quite sometime now I have been missing Mass and prayers in the morning. There is the travel and all that fatigue. But there are also times when I just don't get up in the morning. Sometimes it is the alarm that doesn't ring - strange, but true.  But mostly it is my lethargy that prevents me from getting my arse out of bed!  

However, does my work suffer?  Not at all!  In fact, I am known work-alcoholic and I am one! So working late into the night is a regular feature.  In that sense, I'm more of an owl than the early morning bird. So the work part of my responsibility is quite taken care of. Then what/why is it that I'm talking about? Why is it that I'm not comfortable about it? 

Because it does matter!  I may be putting in more hours of work, but the quality of my apostolate is questionable.  The point is this: If I'm not keen about making it to the Chapel in the morning; being part of the Holy Mass, then there is someone or something that has taken the place of Jesus.  Not that I do not love Jesus or that I deny his presence, it is just that I love something more than Jesus.  Therefore my time, energy, resources, interests, are invested accordingly.  The logic is simple: where my heart is there will all my efforts be. 

This is one realisation of my retreat.  I love my work, more than the Lord himself! I'm working for work sake, to fulfil a responsibility.  Not for His sake.  But I wish to regain and cherish that love for Jesus.  I wish to attend Mass and be present for morning prayers and meditation, not for fulfilling the attendance, but because I love Jesus and prefer to be with him.  I wish to spend time with him.  That, and that alone, should be my reason.  

So help me, Jesus! 

Animation

 Animation, in religious and ecclesial terms, is something that touches the anima! The soul. Something that enlivens one's whole self.   

It is not a seminar, or a conference or a talk.  Perhaps that is only a means in achieving that intended result of touching the lives of people.  And what if the event (animation) does not achieve that transformation?  

In the Province, and I'm sure across the region, and even in the whole congregation or the church, there are numerous efforts at 'animating' the confreres.  Yet, in spite of all these attempts, we still notice inconsistencies, lack of integrity, vocational fragility, unbridled negativity... in fact, some or all of these are on the rise!  

Why is that so? Perhaps it is because in the mind of the one attending these 'animation sessions', there is a fixed mentality.  A mentality that reinforces I-know-it-all. What's lacking is an openness to see the possibilities and opportunities.  Constant renewal, change, growth.  Perhaps our 'animations' need to focus on changing that mindset.  

Well, easier said than done! 

Silver lining?

 A priest boasting of his silver jubilee of ordination celebrations kept repeating at the function that he has 25 years of experience.  Someone who knew him well, commented: Not 25 years of experience, but one year of experience repeated 25 times!

Motivation and competence

 Fr Albert Johnson spoke about four types of religious - in fact, four type of people in any group or organisation... based on motivation levels and competence. 

Those with high motivation and high competence. Individuals falling under this category are an asset and offer much to the congregation and province.  They are mostly self-propelled and can be trusted, relied upon to bring out change, growth and impact. 

Those with high motivation but low competence. Those in this group need guidance and constant upskilling or training. But since their motivation levels are high the encouraging factor is that they will not do much harm. Moreover if they see the value in something, they will, by themselves, acquire the needed competency to achieve that output. 

Those with low motivation and low competence.  This groups needs to be followed up.  Good to give them clear, definite and time-bound tasks rather than leave them to themselves to figure out what needs to be done. 

Those with low motivation but high competence. Whew! This is a dangerous group!  Persons in this category need to be constantly kept in check.  One also needs to be extremely careful because they are fully capable of hijacking a whole enterprise in a totally different direction, if one is not watchful.  

For young people

 One of the points that struck me from among the reflections shared by Fr Albert Johnson, our retreat preacher, was the crucial point about our Salesian initiatives and enterprises. 

At one point he made the following statement: 

Even if we take up a Parish, we take it up for youth ministry! 

He went on to elaborate that our Salesian vocation is primarily geared towards the young.  And in all that we do or say or undertake, the young people ought to be the focus.  Whatever we do , wherever we are, whatever we take on, it is for the young people.  

And if that essential dimension is not at the back of our head, inbuilt into us, then we might end up being everyone else or anyone else, except whom we claim to be: SDBs! 

He has a valid point there! Somehow this is one criteria that I did not really give it a thought to, in all these years in office, discussing policies and initiatives.  I'm not sure, if it has become so embedded in me that this aspect is by default at play in my decision making. Perhaps it has. Perhaps, not! 

God sees you

 Don Bosco's message of 'God sees you' was plastered all around the oratory during his days. Don Bosco purposely made this phrase visible and clear to all his boys constantly. It was his way of reminding them that God is always watching, and therefore to avoid sin and live as per His divine will.  

Now this phrase can be interpreted as a 'warning', a sort of preventive measure, adopted to ensure that boys don't commit sin.  A sort of fear that God is watching, therefore beware! 

Whether Don Bosco meant it to be more than that, or differently interpreted than a 'warning' is something we can always discuss and debate.  Today, I believe Don Bosco himself would have changed it to read: God is with you! Pedagogically and psychologically viewed, the latter can be interpreted more positively than the former. The assurance that God is with oneself is an assurance that someone I love is accompanying me always.  Rather than God who is a judge, constantly watching me, scrutinizing me.  The type of presence, one feels, is perhaps crucial here. 

Of course, the crux of the matter is how one views and relates to God: as a loving father/friend or a judge, a dispenser of rewards and punishments. 

Mother Mary's courage

 Exalting Mother Mary and praying to her is rather easy. What is the most difficult and challenging part is to imbibe her virtues and be like her. 

I've not dared make this reflection so blunt and direct in person every time I have shared this insight.  To look upon Mary as the perfect model of obedience and humility and what not, is good.  But for once, think of Mary as a woman, a young lady. A simple village woman who must have had some plans for her life too - however, small or petty.  Of such a woman, God ask something he has asked of no one, ever!  And Mary accepts!  She confirms and lives out that Divine request knowing well the risks involved (even death by stoning) and/or the shame and social stigma attached to being an unwed mother. 

To make it more hitting and powerful, I invite the listeners (and readers) to imagine the annunciation scene, the first encounter with Joseph, the initial days after the annunciation and those related aspects, with our own mother or sister, instead of Mary.  What if my own mother or sister or sister-in-law, comes to me and says, "I'm going to be the mother of the saviour! God himself has made this known to me through his messenger!" What would be my response to that sharing by someone I know and love.  

This imaginary replacement of Mary with some woman dear to me, radically transforms our  perspective on Mary.  Reverence towards her hits a different note.  From her we are inspired THROUGH HER OWN LIVING OUT of the virtue of discerning the Divine will amidst the numerous messages we are constantly bombarded with every day; and then the COURAGE to live by that message, joyfully and generously.  

One's own toilet in the room

 One of the numerous things that I am most often grateful for is the luxury of my own toilet in my room.  The tranquillity and comfort of having one neat and calm 'throne' is something I'll most be grateful for. 

I travel quite a bit - practically two to three weeks a month.  That too most often not more than two days in the same place.  Often the travelling is at night.  So sleep is something that I really love to catch up.  Since I have that gift of falling asleep wherever and whenever I want, no matter the circumstances, I have absolutely no issues with sleeping in the different places, every other day.  Mosquitoes, I guess, are the only thing that can disturb my sleep.  Food, too is of no worry at all.  But not all bathrooms and toilets are the same.  But even that I've got used to now.  Nonetheless, returning home and especially to my throne, is always a BIG THANK you to God! 

Financial stability

 Willy and Roshni were sharing a joke they heard one of their colleagues in the horse-riding club were talking about, given the huge expenses involved in this hobby! 

To keep my children away from drugs I enrolled them into the equestrian club; and now to ensure their continuity, I'm selling drugs!! 

Another one: 

Talking of financial stability, my finances are all in the stable! 

A day in the courtroom

 On the 7th of this month, I practically spent the whole day in the Metropolitan Court at Nampally.  I was there to attend a case hearing of my own.  I was already told to be prepared to spend long this day.  So I took my time to pay attention and take note of things, as they happen in the courtroom.  

I was also told that I could sit inside the courtroom, rather than wait outside. This really was worth it - of course, not again!! Sitting in the courtroom, I came to know a bit about the proceedings and how things unfurl in a judicial system in action in the final place of hearing.  

Here are a few things that I could not but notice: 

the seat is for the taking... anyone who is seated can remain seated, no matter who comes in (except the judge).  One can continue occupying the chair and there is no need to give it up for someone senior or even an advocate.  Perhaps this understanding is only in this courtroom; but I think it is the case everywhere. 

Call of appearance is what takes the most amount of time. Merely taking attendance! Gosh! The name or names are called out and the person has to appear before the judge.  Most often, the next date of appearance is already announced! No discussion or argumentation or anything of that sort! Just the announcement of the next date.  Watching this reminded me of the learning shared by another confrere who has been attending the court for years now say, attending the court proceedings, adjournment after adjournment, for ages, without any guarantee or hope of the case coming to its end is itself the punishment... not the final verdict

The judge during the whole day's proceedings would have looked up at the people being called in, perhaps once or twice.  In the 157 cases being called out that day, some of which had more than one person being called in, the judge looked at only 5 persons!!!  The rest of the time, she was busy with the papers and at times looking at the advocates presenting some fact about the 'accused'.  Most often, she never even looked at the advocates!! 

I was amused at the way the paper work was being handled.  The court attender, had all the case files stacked up.  He kept calling out the names of those to appear and once the fresh date was announced, he'd keep the file aside - in some strange arrangement.  Amidst all of those, I wonder how on earth would all papers, all files remain intact and not be lost or misplaced or stolen!  The whole courtroom itself was the godown.  All along the walls were old case files bundled up and stacked from the floor up! Every advocate, except for one, came in with the physical copies of the papers.  Only one young advocate had her laptop, besides a couple of files. 

The judge never took a break!  She started the proceedings right from the time she stepped into the courtroom at 10.30 am.  I was there till 14.30. She never attended or made any phone call. No did she take any snack. She stayed put in her chair all through.  The only time she did something other than reviewing the ongoing case papers, was when a lady came in for her signatures a couple of times. That was something really really commendable. 

Patience!  That was one thing you really learn in a matter of court and legal issue.  There were five advocates who were with me for my case.  From 10.15 am to 02.30 pm they were with me.  And I stood before the judge for less than 3 minutes, only to be given a date in January 2027 (3 months from now!). All this while waiting for my turn among the 157 cases of that day - first for the call of appearance and then for the surety that I need to vouch for.  That's it.  

Growth inside-out

 During my latest visit to the community in Guntur, I spent hours listening to their plans and needs.  After each one had expressed their plans and dreams for their respective departments, one thing stood out clear: each one was limiting himself to his own territory, even physical space!  Yet each one kept referring to the 'Master plan'. 

Finally when I put across my perspective of things, having heard of their plans and having known of them for months now, I stressed on one aspect: growth, that is from within.  For too long and unhealthily the community has been dependent on external resources and finances.  Even this need for 'Master plan' which has been echoing across the province for more than a year, is 'waiting' to be formulated by someone outside!  Not to speak of finances, which have been poured into the place for ages, yet there is absolutely no proportional outcome or output - no where near it. 

Hence my challenge to the community was simple: Prove your capacity and competence in maximum utilisation of what you are already blessed with (plenty, really PLENTY!!), and then anyone and everyone, including the Province will chip in with what is deficient.  I categorically made it clear that there will be no external funding or support, without the community itself making the first and the most amount of effort and contribution.  

Far sight!

 Two days ago KT received a WhatsApp message from a priest saying that he is on his way to Hyderabad to participate in the national meeting and that he is landing at Hyderabad airport two days prior. He requested to be picked up since he is landing at midnight and it is his maiden visit to Hyderabad. He expressed his desire and plan to visit the Brothers from Northeast studying at Karunapuram. 

KT picked him up from the airport at midnight. And on his way to the house the priest told KT that he would leave early morning to Karunapuram. 

Next day morning KT was in the Chapel, early riser that he is. Sometime later when it time for Mass, and since none of us community members managed to make it to the Chapel, he noticed this priest enter the Chapel. 

KT out of courtesy invited him to the sacristy, offered him the alb and requested him to preside over the Eucharist. The guest backed away and declined. KT persuaded him saying that no sermon was expected. He still refused. KT then took off the Mass introduction as well. Still he was not ready to preside. In a final bid KT volunteered to read the gospel as well. Still no willingness. Having backed out at each offer, the guest was now almost out of the sacristy. 

That's when the guest revealed that he was not a priest at all. And that he was an ex-aspirant whom the guest priest had invited to join him to Karunapuram. All this while KT failed to recognise that the young man before him was not the same as the one whom he had picked up from the airport last night!!!! 

Move the chair