Hi! Today is the birthday of a person who is very close to me – Janice. She is my friend and sister. As I could not give her a gift in person, I was moved to write this poem. An interesting thing – I just couldn’t bring myself to stop writing, the words just flowed out. Therefore it may seem a bit incomplete. It was written to express my feelings, as long as it does so, that will be enough.

Enjoy reading!!!

Flutterin around in the web of relationships,

I often find myself questioning:

Will it be safe to form friendships?

In this modern world

Where a wink is loaded with meanings

And a handshake becomes electric,

Where genuine love

Runs the risk of misunderstanding,

And a concern filled gaze

May be taken as a penetrating look.

Oh! Friendship!!!

Why has the world muddled you up,

Removing your very essence,

As fragrance from the flowers?

That special friendship,

So tangible yet mystical

I found in the wonderful person

In my friend and sister.

Who declared

That blood is thicker than water?

Ask a person in distress

And he will tell you otherwise.

For that metaphorical blood

Thickens, not because of chemicals

But because of the basic bond –

The bond of LOVE.

Do you remember the time

When we first met?

In that hustle and bustle

I caught You and You caught me!

Since then, I don’t know how

But you have surely become

A strong influential person

In my life

An open heart

With loads of trust

Shoulders to rely on

And a hand to wipe away all tears.

Though I know

Through my foolish behaviour

I have hurt you dozens of time

And made you feel low

But I’m happy

That I always found you

With arms open wide

And with a smile on your face.

My loving friend and sister

Both combined in one

Now I can proudly say

That “The best part of me is you.”

For you gave me

Your precious time,

An entry into your home

And a place in your life.

May God’s loving gaze be always upon you,

May His Angels always surround you,

May Love always find a place in your heart

And a corner for me too.

The Challenge to be Human (2)

                    The 21^st century can be rightly called a technocratic era. The uncried theme for this century is – Machines replacing men. 

Look at it from any angle; Work – efficiently done by machines, replacing manual labour; Communication – automated! Even love and friendship are brought under its mantle.

Two lovers (of post-romantic stage) or say friends, even when close to each other would prefer to log onto whatsapp and chat than to hold hands and talk. We all have time to glance over a text sent but no time to look into the eyes of a person crying for your presence. We all have time to read someone’s status but no heart to really ask and be with the person in reality.

See who have become our friends! People wearing masks??? Maybe, because we have more time for gadgets than for real people. Communication makes life easy, right? That’s correct! But what is the use communication without the meeting (atleast the intention of meeting) of two hearts?

Think about it!!!

Do something special today – Smile, shake hands, pat your friend's back and give a tight hug with a genuine and a sincere heart. This assurance will surely uplift that person with the hope that YES! No matter what you are there for him/her.

The Challenge to be Human (1)

In this fast paced world, people tend to be busy all their lives. Love and concern for others find place only in blogs and  books. Profit for oneself has become the guiding principle for all our dealings.

A flower that gives fragrance would lose heart if it gives its fragrance with the sole expectation of having a person enjoying it. In the same way, a person would plunge into depression, when he find no one by his/her side when s/he feels low. EXPECTATIONS – the precursor of the ‘DEATH’ of HAPPINESS.

            What do we do? A flower has no option but to give out its fragrance. But we, fellow Human Beings have a choice. We can make ourselves ‘Human’ to the full sense of the term, and open our heart for people to reside. Give a listening ear (not advice) which is very difficult, since it is non-profit oriented. Give our time to the people who need it. And thus we shall make this planet a better place to live in.

            Let us do something special today – Just let a person know that you are there for that person, right now and in the ages to come.

A NONSENSICAL YET A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE

   

For those who don’t know me (and in that case – Thanks! for reading), I am just finishing my first year of MPh (Philosophy) and I am going to submit my proposal for dissertation by the end of next week.

                What topic do I choose? How will I take it forward in my life? Will I get the desired support? Will a ‘Go Ahead’ green signal shine on my face? Will I be able to CONTRIBUTE, be fruitful? These are just some of the questions that I tackle everyday, with not much result. But then ‘Attachment’ dawned on me! Yup! I will start from there, pull out some insights, go beyond it and as a result CONTRIBUTE.

                I’ll come to what happened (am happy to share) and now begins the non-sensical part! Early in the morning (that was on 12 March), I was angry with God and myself (foolish that I am). I almost threatened HIM to show me the way ahead! And you know what??? NOTHING HAPPENED.

                Just before lunch, out of the blue, I discussed it with Fr. Tony D’souza sdb (our confessor, that’s secondary; a very good person - primarily) and that discussion lit the passion within me once again, to move on. In the evening talk (our recollection was going on) Fr. Ian Doulton sdb mentioned a small incident about the devils discussing (which Don Bosco overheard) as to how to bring the Salesian Congregation down. From there, a small message popped up in my head – My study should be for the benefit of the Apostolate! That I may not just preach but translate it into action. 

              After the talk, just during the adoration, I was having some disturbing feeling. And someone urged me (I believe in Angels) to take may Bible along. I sat on the ground with the Bible in hand and with my eyes closed. Somehow, I saw or imagined or hallucinated or rather felt (I don’t know what) that I was in the midst of a war, that I was fighting (against whom, I could not make out). I opened my eyes, I looked at HIM (Jesus) straight and muttered, “NOW is the time, help me!!!”

                With some instinctual feeling, maybe a prodding from HIS part, I opened the Bible. And the first thing that struck me on the page was the page number. It was 143. (I hope you know the significance! No? Let me help you – it is the code to say ‘I LOVE YOU’ and it just fit my situation) The paragraph that was shouting at me was: (I will put the whole thing down. If you don’t have time just read the bold ones)

                A certain Ananias, came to me and said, “Brother Saul, regain your sight!” In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.”

                Then I went for Confession (something that I’ve been pushing for later days). And what an assurance, I got!!! ……….SUPPORT!!! That’s what matters. And in that happy sentiment, mood, disposition (call it what you want!) I entered the chapel and the Parable of the Prodigal Son was being read! (You know it, right? If not, then just ping me! I will be happy to tell you.) That was enough to cap it all! And all these are just what I needed…………..an assurance to go ahead!!!

Welcome to Planet’ R’

Planet ‘R’ – What a lovely place to stay and fulfil all of life’s dreams! This Planet ‘R’ that is appreciated is not somewhere distant from us but is present here and now. This planet that I refer to is our present situation in which we live… a Planet of Relationships.

                One may just look around and see the growth of the virtual world teeming with youngsters. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Hi5, whatsapp, hike are all household names now. With the invasion of the virtual world, advanced the new phenomenon of virtual relationships. Anyone can be your friend without even having an eye to eye contact, or let me put it as physical contact. The aspect of touch which is ignored and the various emotions and positive relationships blooming forth from them is lost to the youth of today. The youth get more interested in the gadgets that enable them to connect with their friends than to their friends themselves. The old adage - Things are to be used and People are to be loved, may be reversed in the face of the this new virtual planet ‘R’ as - Things are to be loved and People are to be used.

                In the progression of this new virtual Planet ‘R’, I wondered as to what would Don Bosco do. I guess Don Bosco would have a facebook profile and may even be on whatsapp. But herein lies the difference, he will not only be ‘online’ but also ‘onlive’. Connecting with people is an intrinsic aspect of the apostolate. His idea of Presence will not allow one just to be on the virtual playground where the courts are bustling with youngsters…doing something, moving around, exploring without having a clear idea of their destination. Thanks to the influence of the media, one’s own sense of right and wrong, the ability to gauge between what is important and what is not, what is to be upheld as a value, all of them are left on unstable grounds.

                His sons, Salesians have a great responsibility, which is gladly accepted - to be present to the youth, with the youth and for the youth. To be present, no doubt, in this Virtual Planet ‘R’ but also to reach out and go beyond to touch people’s lives as a person and not as a profile. Much is gained in telling a person ‘I Love you’,
than to click a like on someone’s status or a pic. A lot is expressed when you really cry in front of a person than to send a crying emoticon. We need to get back to build real good relationships if we intend to live in this planet ‘R’ and not be gulped down by the mammoth virtual world. Let us be persons and not just a display picture.

Mary, Our Loving Mother

I shall begin with a small story:

One day, a very wealthy man was walking on the road. Along the way, he saw a beggar on the sidewalk. The rich man looked kindly on the beggar and spoke with him. The beggar said, "You look like a rich man. Sir, if you'll give me a job, I'll stop begging." The rich man smiled and said, "I want to help you. But I won't give you a job.  I'll do something better. I want you to be my business partner. Let's start a business together.” The beggar blinked hard. He didn't understand what the older man was saying. "What do you mean, Sir?” “I own a rice plantation. You could sell my rice in the market. I'll provide you the sacks of rice. I'll pay the rent for the market stall. All you'll have to do is sell my rice. And at the end of the month, as Business Partners, we'll share in the profits. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. "Oh Sir," he said, "you're a gift from Heaven. You're the answer to my prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

He then paused and said, Sir, how will we divide the profits? Do I keep 10% and you get the 90%? Do I keep 5% and you get the 95%? I'll be happy with any arrangement. The rich man shook his head and chuckled. "No, I want you to give me the 10%. And you keep the 90%. For a moment, the beggar couldn't speak. He couldn't believe his ears. The rich man laughed loudly. He explained, I don't need the money, my friend. I'm already wealthy beyond what you can ever imagine. I want you to give me 10% of your profits so you grow in gratitude.” The beggar knelt down before his benefactor and said, “Yes Sir, I will do as you say. Even now, I'm so grateful for what you've done for me!”

He worked very hard. He woke up early in the morning and slept late at night. And sales were brisk, also because the rice was of good quality. And after 30 days, the profits were astounding. At the end of the month, as the ex-beggar was counting the money, and liking very much the feeling of money in his hands, an idea grew in his mind. He told himself, “Why should I give 10% to my Business Partner? I didn't see him the whole month! I was the one who was working day and night for this business. I did all this work!  I deserve the 100% profits! A few minutes later, the rich man was knocking on the door. The ex-beggar opened the door and said, "You don't deserve the 10%. I worked hard for this. I deserve all of it!" And he slammed the door on his face.

Let us replay the whole story keeping the Lord as the generous rich man and put ourselves in the place of the poor man. (Pause)

We have all gathered here during the Novena of the Immaculate Conception, ie our own Mother Mary. Many lofty titles that are attributed to our Lady crossed my mind. But there is one title, no! not a title, it is something that I have grown to believe, it is something close to my heart, it is THE TRUTH that Mary is my Mother, OUR MOTHER. Somehow I like to look at her as a human being, just like us. It is certain that she lived with the God-Man Jesus. And on occasions she perhaps said: “Hey Jesus! Eat your food on time; It’s raining outside, it’s better not to go outside now; Go wash yourself and come.” She carried Jesus in her arms, kissed his tears away, cleaned his wounds…all that a mother would do for her child.

            Although She was a human being, a woman; She was blest with grace, rather - filled with grace. When God came to ask for just 10%, she readily gave her 100% - placing her complete trust in His hands. In doing so, She becomes a model for us. All of us present here have said “Yes” to His plan for us, that’s the reason we are all here. We are all growing in this response in many ways. (And you know what!) Jesus on the Cross, asked His Mother to be our Mother. She in Her humility and in Her greatness fulfilled His wish. She is with us now, individually and personally, always by our side. She walks with us in this journey, in this pilgrimage, ever lending a guiding hand. It is up to us to take out our hands from our pockets and put them in her hand as a loving child would do.

            I feel very special when I think of Her presence with me. Jesus in the Parable of the Lost Coin, alludes to our place and relationship with God. Each one of us has made mistakes – some great, some small, some knowingly, some unknowingly. This parable touched me when I heard this interpretation. The lost coin was of very little value. Today it would be about 25 paise, what we call charanna. We are also like this, all of us charannas, but note the greatness of our God. He has given away His diamond – His Mother - for all of us charannas. Moreover He rejoices when we return to Him, He wants us to come back to Him, and that is the reason He has sent us help, in the form of our Loving Mother. Such is the merciful and tender heart of God, readily made visible in the gift of His mother.

Yes Our Lady, Mary (whatever title you want to give Her) She is our Mother!!! Don Bosco said, “Every boy who comes to a Salesian House is brought by Our Lady.” He, himself asked Our Lady to be his Mother, to be the Mother of all those in the Oratory. He assures us of Her presence in our life.

As we journey to be signs and bearers of God’s love to the young, let us make the most of our time in formation. It is a time of gestation to nurture Christ and give birth to Him in all our actions, words and most of all in the life which we live. To whom shall we ask for guidance than our loving Mother who Herself bore the Son of God?

Let us spend a moment in silence - praying to God, our Father, thanking Him for the gift of Our Mother and also asking for the grace to realize Her loving presence in our lives.

-Nelson Mudaliar

WAVING HANDS…..WITH HEARTS TO LOVE

Sitting on the terrace of a tall structure

I see plants, trees, birds, nests, buildings, towers, men and women.

A graceful wind blows

Leaves dance, they shimmer

Why? Even the paper on which I write flutters.

The breeze has a cooling effect on me,

Ruffling my hair as it brushes past.

Some leaves fall from their trees,

Birds fly to their nests.

I see humankind, men and women scurrying away in their motors.

BUSY? With what I intend to ask…

No time to enjoy the beauty that’s around

No time to feel the Love that’s always there.

O God what a mess we have here……I complain

But on a second thought, I say

It’s not their fault that this is the situation

And I thank God for bringing me here,

Giving me the opportunity to enjoy and just ‘BE.’

Lost in the enjoyment, with a calming smile on my face

I look, see and feel the caring hands of a Superior Being.

A beautiful little girl maybe of 10 or 11

Spots me high atop the building

With her sweet face, I could make out

That she too wanted to be here

And enjoy this experience.

She waves to me, I reciprocate

and in her innocence

Tugs at her dad’s sleeves and points at me.

Just a second of a glance gifted to me,

He bends down

And with a gentle smile, together with the child

Waves back to me

I thank God for making us

With hearts to love.

They search for me once again

When they are at the turn of the road

And then, are lost into the maze of life.