Last few days have been really beautiful. The 3rd encyclical of our Pope Benedict XVI was released. He indeed has written beautifully. Had the pleasure of reading a lot of learned people writing on this beautiful work inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Wanted to share something which I found very relevant. I qoute from the blog http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/07/07/the-pope-of-caritapolis/
For Catholics, all social energy flows from the inner life of the Trinity. Everything is gift. We signal our gratitude by developing our own talents to the fullness, by becoming free, responsible, initiative-showing, creative agents of a better world, and by aspiring to that full communion of all human beings whose vocation is written into the structure of human history
Today was also highly inspired by a sharing that was shared by Siljo, the National coordinator of Jesus Youth for India. He had shared the experience of a young doctor from Kerala who went to the North East to take part in her vocation as well as mission. I am reproducing below her letter. The Doctor in question is Dr Anna Pulickal. She is a JY and a doctor on mission in the North East.
One day in your courts O Lord, is better than thousands elsewhere…. one day as Your missionary where You send us,O Lord ,is better than thousand days in the comfort of familiar home ground.
I’m not a nun, a theologian nor a counsellor, just a 24 year old , fresh out of medical college… yet young and old wanted to hear what this young lady , a doctor from so far away had to say to them…going to a mission area along with “professionals to mission” has given me the opportunity very few young doctors perhaps savour! the opportunity to touch a lot of hurting poor people.
At the end of 10th std , i had told Jesus that the best chance for me to be a missionary of His was to be a doctor. He made me a doctor. But 7 years is a long time and i had long forgotten that teenage promise… though of course to serve Jesus whereever He might place me was my motive, a radical missionary life seemed too outlandish!
But praise the Lord! He had taken my promise quite seriously… A doctor friend of mine , spoke to me the words Jesus wanted me to hear… inspiring me to dare to give to Jesus the first fruits of my service as a doctor by serving the really poor in the mission lands.
The ostrich hides her head in the sand and thinks no one can see her. Christian Mbbs doctors hide themselves behind their books and think the Lord cant ask any mission work of them. If i became a doctor just to make money or to be a social worker then joining the rat race for a post graduate seat would be appreciable. But since He chose me to be His witness, a doctor for Him, my decision 2 bury my gold coins in the mud with the laudable excuse of preparing for pg just like my friends would be saying no to Him… so I thank Jesus for this opportunity
One month in nagaland taught me many things… one incident flashing like neon lights in my memories of nagaland that will both humble and exalt me throughout my life is what took place in a lil room filled with many daughters and sons of an old couple. The woman bed ridden with excruciating back pain followin a fall. the first visit there i wrote a prescription for iv fortwin phenergan.the son promised to get it even if he had to travel 3 hours.next evening we went there so i could give the injection.however, the army medical assistant had already supplied the medicine and administered it.So after encouraging them to visit a higher centre for treatment of a possible fracture, my 3 friends n i were politely saying gbye when the old lady held my hand and motioned for me to pray over her. i had been always shying away from that, especially since a priest or nun with me would do it. this time we were only lay people and it was a baptist family. But i prayed that night.and then on whenever possible ended every consultation with prayer.
Really , Jesus is our loving elder brother.He uses us to do through us the good that He wishes to do for others .Because He loves to see our souls aglow with joy after each good deed He enables us to do.He is bowled over by even a tiny smile on our lips!He is captivated by us despite our weaknesses!!
Throughout my mission experience. He was there creating venues for me to be of service.
He put a zealous missionary priest in charge of me and the nun with me.Thanks to this happy blessing , we were welcomed in almost every house as Father escorted us around.When Father was out of station for a week, the catechists who love him and share his vision and passion took us to 3 villages,(viz Waphr, Liangkonger and Shamatoor village) arranging health education seminars wherever possible.
My days were filled with chances to proclaim to the people :”your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” and to preach prolife sentiments . medical check ups after the seminar , dispensing the medicines Father had stockpiled for me , and medical check up in the school,patients coming to consult at home, ..
Telling stories to the catechism kids, teaching them action songs and explaining to them the blessings of the rosary , smudged the faint line differentiating the doctor from the missionary 🙂 One day i was given an awesome invitation by the Father to lead the adoration for a few of us.For this blessing i give full credit to Mama Mary with whom i had prayed 3 rosaries that day… which is usually an impossibility for me!
In jakama ,st. Joseph’s college, we explained Jesus Youth to the 150 hostellites… by a one n half hour program.
through it all, we experienced the hospitality of the catholic church in nagaland.there is more to share.. i ‘ll continue tomorrow dear brothers and sisters. Gnight!
your loving sister
in Jesus and Mama Mary
anna
Please do keep Dr Anna in your prayers so that she is able to commit herself daily to Her lord and Saviour and work for His Glory bringing healing and joy through the gift that the Good Lord has given her.
God Bless you
Thoughtings from Ashish 