iGoogle

Yesterday I took time to create an iGoogle account. It was not that difficult given the fact that I had an email and reader account already in Google. What amused me was the fact that I'd learnt it when I'd been to the Philippines in October last year and only now did I really get to do it! After spending all that amount of money and time getting ready for that trip, I start getting to do the basics NOW!! But the concept is interesting and it is nice to see people making available such technology and know-how for free for others. That is real charity, I believe. In today's era, bridging the gap between the information-rich and the information-poor is a real challenge. Would love to explore other avenues possible in this arena.

Sliding the water up!

Driving this morning from the Novitiate in the rain was a lovely experience. Sitting in front I could see the rain drops fall on the glass in front but instead of rolling down, they were flying up! Due to the speed at which we were travelling, the rain drops which got accumulated on the front glass kept sliding up!! And we always thought that water slides down!! Life also runs that way, I guess. When you are on a mission and are passionate about it, all the rest give way to that one goal you wish to achieve - even if that means, 'sliding the water up'! Like Santiago being told in The Alchemist "When you dream for something the whole world conspires to it."

The rat trap

Last night our driver Venkat brought a rat trap. Nothing unusual until you see the trap yourself. It was nothing different from a new CD pack!!! The logic used is that it has a stick pad which traps the rat. (Of course, killing it remains a task!) But it is a rat trap! What amused me most was the scepticism of Thomas - true to his name! He was sure that no rat would be trapped! This morning Venkat comes to my office beaming: 'Br a rat was caught in the trap!'
We prevent much good from being done because we lack the faith that it can be done. So much so we not only make the least of efforts ourselves but also prevent anyone from taking a step in that direction. The net result, we remain where we are. Well, even if we fail, we've at least tried it in good faith. I'd prefer to try, risk and fail than not try at all.

The us and them...

After long came across this article from the Hindustan Times written by Karan Thaper: "Does the VHP have the right to speak for you or I? Do they reflect our views? Do we endorse their behaviour? They call themselves the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, but who says they represent all of us? This Sunday morning, I want to draw a clear line of distinction between them and everyone else. My hunch is many of you will agree. Let me start with the question of conversion — an issue that greatly exercises the VHP. I imagine there are hundreds of millions of Hindus who are peaceful, tolerant, devoted to their faith, but above all, happy to live alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Jews. If any one of us were to change our faith how does it affect the next man or woman? And even if that happens with inducements, it can only prove that the forsaken faith had a tenuous and shallow hold. So why do the VHP and its unruly storm troopers, the Bajrang Dal, froth at the mouth if you, I or our neighbours convert? What is it to do with them? I therefore believe the time has come for the silent majority of Hindus — both those who ardently practice their faith as well as those who were born into it but may not be overtly religious or devout — to speak out. We cannot accept the desecration of churches, the burning to death of innocent caretakers of orphanages, the storming of Christian and Muslim hamlets even if these acts are allegedly done in defence of our faith. Indeed, they do not defend but shame Hinduism.."
Well, that confirms that silence in times of injustice and oppression is a greater killer than the perpetrators of the injustice. Most of us in religious life are good people... it is only that we consciously prevent ourselves from becoming better people when we remain silent in the face of vices being done in our presence, right under our nose. The justification: 'I'm not doing it." But by not condemning it and helping the other go downhill, we are not doing anything saintly! At times it is essential not just to realise the 'us' vs 'them' debate but also to make it explicitly known, especially to our own people.

Creating a rut...

We evidently begin to grow 'blind' to things we see daily and get used to. I realised this when Fr KM Sebastian prayed for Fr MD Jacob during the Morning prayers. I see him practically everyday but the thought of praying for him never occurred to me - perhaps the loose talk going around about him has got the better of me! But when Fr KM prayed for him, his prayer was sincere and revealing. It may also be true that when I go to some place other than my own, I'd see things differently and in anew than those who are accustomed to see it daily. So much for falling into routine and creating a rut!

Living - and preaching - integrally

Jesus' preaching had an impact so powerful that it still echoes. But then why doesn't so, our Sunday sermons? Perhaps we contradict what we spoke about last Sunday!! Well that's what I realised today! The sermon was certainly speaking the very opposite of what was said last Sunday! Now I don't remember what the Gospel was last Sunday - or even this morning! But the sermons were truly in totally different directions. That set me thinking how difficult it must have been for Jesus to speak for three years to different groups, different contexts - unless he KNEW what he was speaking and was COHERENT in his thought. I speak now because I've got to speak. That's why I believe more and more that we need to see the whole picture of life rather than get stuck to bits and pieces. Knowing life in as broad a sense will help live those bits and pieces practically, meaningfully and happily!!

Meditation (dis)attractions

Sitting for meditation this morning I started planning all the works I have to do today! At a certain moment I realised that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do in the office, here in the meditation. Then I justified it saying that there is so much work and I'm struggling for time. But that was the very 'excuse' I'd never permit to my students at Karunapuram. I realised that what is increasing is not the workload but my 'feeling' that the work is increasing! It was then that I resolved - at least for today - that I will not moan the work at hand, nor complain about it to anyone. I will not sympathize myself! And related to it, not pull on my hair on the head - 'cos that what I do when I'm worked up!!

Remembering Mathew Sir!

Before the Teachers' day passes by I'd like to remember very fondly the best teacher I had in my life - especially during my school days: Mathew Sir. Well, that's how we addressed him. For me he was the best. Besides being very talented and competent in the all fields, he was a real educator. He was not very flexible but he was not rigid either. There are many teachers in my life who never scolded me or beat me. But somehow, Mathew Sir stands out, even though he once shouted at me on the stage practically before the whole crowd! I still remember him red with rage for 'standing there like a log'! But then he did not give upon me, he helped me get back to what was assigned to me - and I did it! He was very intolerant about lethargy and that's what I liked the best in him. He gave his best and demanded the best of us - nothing less, nothing more! Thank you Sir!

Kandhamal and Calvary

Reflecting today while reciting the rosary on the fourth sorrowful mystery, I thought there was not much of a difference between Jesus on the way to Calvary and the poor helpless Christians in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa. Perhaps Jesus was a bit lucky in the sense, he knew for sure that he'd be killed by the time he reaches the end of the road. Those poor people in Orissa may be running helter-skelter without knowing at all if they'd make through it alive!! God be with them!

I cannot do all things...

Given the number of people who call and ask for some help or the other, at times I wonder if St Paul was fooling around when he said, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me!" Well, I certainly pray - and wish to say - "I cannot do all things!!" Looking back I've realised I've grown more sober. I very well remember those days when a little bit of additional - unexpected - work and I'll fire anyone and everyone who comes my way. Now the additional - unexpected - work is a daily, every moment affair! It's after long that I fired the dhobi today! At the rate at which I used to flare up earlier, there'd be hardly anyone left in the campus by now who wouldn't have heard a piece of my mind! So far so good!