Rocking Nun!

”Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

This is exactly what 25-year-old Scuccia was conveying, through the singing rivalry “The Voice of Italy”. The judges couldn’t accept their ears when they heard Sister Cristina Scuccia, a member of the Ursuline Sisters of the Holy Family, belting out Alicia Keys’ “No One,” however they were in for a more stupendous stun when they saw what Scuccia looked like. Delivering a jaw-dropping great performance in her black habit and silver cross, she stunned not just the audience but the world itself!

She says, ‘I have a gift. And am here to give it. God does not take anything away from us but will only give us more’. With so much conviction, energy and grace she encourages each of us to proclaim the love of god in diverse fields. It is not necessary for us to be a priest or a nun to share the gospel. Gospel is nothing, but love. Preaching the word of god through a microphone to a set of people is not the only way to share the gospel.    St. Monica (mother of St. Augustine), Father Bosco, Eliswa (Sister Rani Mariam’s mother) are few who shared the gospel in a different manner. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, prayed unceasingly for umpteen years for the transformation of her son Augustine, who drowned in the deepest pits of sin. Father Bosco, a priest from Kerala, invests his time, heart and energy for the prisoners in jail. Eliswa, welcomes to her home the murderer of her daughter (Sister Rani), with a kiss and a smile. That is ‘love’. That is ‘Gospel’.

Each of us could share the gospel through ways by which, the people who see us, may see the god who created us! It could be by spending time with a lonely friend. It could be through the hands of a doctor who saves lives. It could be through a government official who does not take bribes. It could be through your talents. It could be through your charity works. It could be by sponsoring an orphaned child. It could be by looking-after an old – aged man. It could be by being unique in your work place. It could be even through your smile. Sister Cristina, shared the gospel through singing. More than her singing capabilities, the fact that amazed the world is that, she gave glory to God – through her song, through her words, through her energy, through her conviction, through her smile!

May the people who see you, know your god, through your acts – however big or small they are.

Hounding the Hound of Heaven

How far would you go for someone you love?

Mum had my wedding all planned out by the time I made up my own mind about marriage: there were to be pearls. My eyes, too, was on a rare pearl, one that the Bible called ‘the pearl of great price’. Where my mother wanted silk, I grew fond of serge. She had in mind a nice, catholic man. I found the organizer of the Catholic Church more attractive. She’d hoped I’d live in a quaint house, but I secretly fancied an Abbey. She wanted me to be a mum. I longed to be a nun.

And all was spectacularly at odds!

It came to pass that my entry to the Abbey was denied me, my parents refused to let me go. Not lacking inspiration, I grew on the example of the great St Clare of Assisi, and made my grand escapade. And I ran to meet that Great Lover, in His Abbatial House on the shores of England. He had long whispered to me these words, “In the face of great opposition and tribulation you must set off. And find me, here, at this Abbey of Benedictine nuns.”

I flew! like a sparrow to meet Him – all the way.

Two gentle months passed and my Mother Superior broke in my retreat. She quietly insisted that I make a visit home, a short but necessary visit – a brave step from this prayerful Reverend Mother. Startled, I agreed. My now relieved parents were triumphant when I made the visit. The visit unfolded into exile, and my darling parents couldn’t let go off me. There was no way I could return. I was to remain with my family, dispossessed of my Abbey and community.

***

The days that followed were dark and dreary. How I howled and begged Him to let me go back to my Abbey! Surely, He! He who was omnipotent could alone of all people manage that. Yet He continued His painful, loving whisper.

And I yelled to hush Him. My anguish only knew my loss. I wanted for Him to repeat once more His first invitation, as I remembered.

But firmly He repeated “Now stay, my poor one, for love of me”.

Time was His guardsman. And keeping watch of me I grew, I grew to wait in my shabby bower, to receive as I long fancied His strong presence. He was silent no more.

***

At last come on the Bruit.

I met Him.

Not within stone cloisters, nor before a sunlit Sanctuary. Not in the presence of power. But in a look, an uncomfortable look. He spied me in the figure of the street urchin that followed me for food and money. I didn’t have food; I reluctantly handed out some money. And then He said, “Now do you see?”

I said no. For that would be too final for me.

And He laughed!

Go further to get closer

Written for blogging competition being conducted by British Airways

Courtesy: Annette Stephen

Veronica – Unstoppable Love

“Disclaimer: This post is based upon the story of Veronica, in the Holy Bible.”

How strong would she have been? What has she been thinking? Was she mesmerized by the powerful ray from his eyes? With love and concern, when she drew herself unto him, she might have thought only about him. Her heart was overflowing with his chastity. How lucky would she have been to have a close look at his eyes? Beaten up, with storming words, neglected of a king’s respect, beguiled and torn, he walked with the cross on him….he never expected her to console him..

He loved ,cared and respected us. What made him love us like this? He knew that I would  betray him? He knew that I would walk away? He knew it..he knew that I would forget…forget all what he had done for me..forget all what he could do for me. He wasn’t bothered if I loved him back. He did not expect me to care him. Despite of all what I have done, he embraces me with his love ..every day, every hour, every minute,every second.

Veronica,- the name suggests vera icon : The True Image. The true image of how a Christ follower should be. Veronica was firm. The strength in her eyes empowered him. No words traded. No hymns praising. The world was still. The nature held its breath. No leaves flew. No wind blew. She walked..stepped unto him..their eyes met. He was tired. Red was flowing on his body. There were no flesh. He strained to move. What did she mean to say, when she wiped his face with her wail? What did he wanted to answer?

Veronica & Jesus

She knew she would be beaten up by the soldiers? She was sure that the jews would ill-treat her. None of these mattered to her. She might have wanted to help him escape the trial. But somewhere in her heart she knew that this had to happen. She might have wanted to support him walk. She might have wanted to wash the blood off. She might have wanted to help Mary, his mother. Her faith kept her strong. She did not weep. She did not stumble. She firmly believed that the man who is carrying the cross is no ordinary man. She believed this frail man would strengthen all.

If I was veronica, would I be as courageous as her to walk unto him and console him in midst of the lashes?? If I was veronica, would I be this loving? If I was veronica, would my faith be as strong as hers?