Along the way…

As soon as I began my new mission in Bangladesh, I was asked (rather assigned) to conduct three days seminar on faith based on ‘LUMEN FIDEI’ to a group of nun who were preparing for the final vows. I had no other option than to say -‘Yes’ I do it. I must admit that one of boring courses I had during theological studies in Rome was on ‘faith, hope and love.’ I took up the challenge and began to prepare myself for the seminar.

In the evening of the second day of my session, I accompanied sisters to a shrine. As we were walking quietly I thought of the feast of St Ignatius which was round the corner. I remembered all the big and grand celebrations I have had for the last few years. But this year I am in a complete new situation. Though I was born here but things have changed radically over the years. Already a few times I said to myself that I need to become a Bangladeshi. Many good and sweet memories were pouring in my mind.

At one point I saw some people were crying in a house. As it was a Muslim family I did not dare to enter and ask what had happened. As I continued to walk, I heard a voice from the other side of the road was saying, “Father, please pray for my daughter who died this morning.” I went close to him and asked what had happened. He said that she was sick for sometimes and they could not provide her any treatment due to lack of money. Then he said something very precious. He said, “I know you are a Christian priest. But our God is the same. We can pray to him either from the Church or from the Mosque or from the Hindu Temple. God is present everywhere.”

I was stunned. This man has just lost his daughter and could easily blame God for the misfortune. But he placed all his trust in God and accepted everything as God’s will.

Perhaps this is what St Ignatius of Loyola wanted all along his life- to accept everything as God’s will and find Him in everything! Does it give any message to you and me on the feast day of St Ignatius?