Most forgettable experience

This afternoon during and after lunch Fr K.T. just couldn't stop laughing. The reason? While in class with the third years, he asked about their experience of their course picnic which they went for last week. One of them very joyfully and proudly expressed,

It was one of the most FORGETTABLE experience of my life!

This surely is not going to be forgotten by Fr K.T. for long!

The sick cot?

While on my way to Vizag this afternoon, just outside Rajapatrunipalem I saw nearly three wooden cots (the typical Indian charpoy, as shown in the picture) thrown near the dumping area. When I enquired with Satyam why those sturdy and rather good cots are lying in the dumping heap, he replied that they would have been thrown there by some family whose member is either dead or ailing since long. The belief is that the cot has much to do with his illness, therefore, simple logic: get rid of the cot itself! Poor cot!

Which art in heaven...?

During our recent trip to Ongole, I came across this wall poster in the dining hall of the Salesian Sisters. The first line of the 'Our Father' was odd: '...which art in heaven...'? When did the 'Lord' become a thing to be addressed as 'which'? I was told that it is the King James version of the 'Our Father'. I checked it out here and found it to be true. Well strange!

Youth Ministry

Last night I was in one of the neighbouring villages watching a couple of our Brothers animate the children of the place for a cultural programme. It was confusion abounding! The Brothers had no clue what was to happen and how and why. Sharing my experience with Fr K.T. this morning, I realise that the Brothers only admire (and hardly appreciate) our organisational skills. They barely make any strenuous effort at emulating it. The long hours they spend with Fr K.T. in planning and preparing are totally forgotten when it comes to their programme in a village. They are very happy with some noise and claps ... so are people ... but so much more can be done if only they would organise themselves before they organise a programme.

However, I did witness a couple of good things too. There clearly was a silent tug of war amidst the village elders who, on one hand, could not but appreciate the Brothers for their valuable presence and assistance and on the other hand, discredit them (in the light of their strong Hindu background). While a couple of the elders openly thanked and praised the Seminary and the Brothers for their role in value formation and education of their children, others were fuming and fretting and making all possible efforts to get those praising the Seminary, off the stage. Furthermore, youngsters, especially those working, and on the first encounter appear very rough and indifferent, very well (and gratefully) remember the names of the Brothers who frequented their village for ministry when they were younger.

Effecting changes

The readings of the day have leprosy as one of its common elements. I focus here on the Gospel dimension of it. Jesus, having cured the leper, sends him off with the clear instructions of presenting himself before the high priest and making an offering for his cure... thus proving his cure and redeeming himself from being accursed. It may seem odd that Jesus is endorsing what was written in the Mosaic law. Most of the time we see Jesus, either breaking it or re-interpreting it. Now here he is seen endorsing it as it is. Reflecting on this I find, that Jesus' acts of re-interpretation or rejection or even endorsing were based purely on the good of all involved. He wanted all concerned to grow holistically. His passion and action for change was based on this principle, not just a personal whim or a discomfort for tradition.

That's a good lesson for people like me who have the authority or rather, are priviledged with authority, to bring about changes. What is my criterion when I introduce changes, big or small in my community life? Am I driven by zeal for common good and welfare or is it personalistic?

A Priest forever?

We had our Salesian recollection this morning... after long (and as per Fr K.T. 'after 7 years')! Anyway, during the Gospel sharing Fr T.V. Thomas mentioned something nice. He stated that the phrase, "A Priest forever" is better when stated thus: A Priest for everyday or each moment. Now that's something very meaningful and apt for the present context. I'd love my Seminarians to get this idea into their head, that Priesthood is more about living it than possessing it like a degree or certificate (attained, God knows how!).

Provincial Community Day

Yesterday was the Provincial Community day at Ongole and Fr Wilson and I represented the community for the same. It was a nice break and we enjoyed the trip and the stay there. There was the prayer and sharing in the morning, a good lunch, then the fun trip to the beach and later in the evening there was the Holy Mass. We did not stay for the Mass as we had booked our return journey by the only available train that would get us back to Vizag in time for the classes of today.

Very many confreres, beginning with Thathi were surprised to see me there. They were sure that I would never attend such gatherings! Anyway, it went on well. Got to meet confreres and have some fun too. The journey that way too was very adventurous.

Besides the many things that caught my attention, the most glaring one was the way some of our confreres had 'bloated' - literally. There was hardly anyone who had grown lean. On the contrary very many had put on several kilos, especially their bellies!

I will sing...

Here's my latest addition to the youtube collection of video songs. It is song of praise by Don Moen, goes by the title "I will sing..."

Knowing and Doing God's will

When Solomon was asked to name that what he wanted from Yahweh, he asked for wisdom. I was asking myself, what would I ask the Lord, if He were to appear and grant me this added grace. It did not take me long to answer that: A discerning heart and mind to know the will of God for me and the courage to live it.

Mad angles

This whole ad that was created about Bingo a chips fast food was quite attractive. It did sell. I never ever bought one packet of it (or any of its kind). However, when at home for the new year, there were some packets. My Brother and his two-year old seem to love them. It was only then that I discovered that this whole 'mad angle' chip was nothing but a 'no angle' chip! There was absolutely no design. Just pieces. It is as good as any left over broken pieces that get dumped or rejected when preparing and packing food stuff.

I guess that's the power of advertising and media. Make nothing into something so sensational!