My “last” formal formation as a Jesuit!

No 10: My ‘TEN’ Take away from the Tertianship!

On the last day of our Tertianship programme, our director Fr Baylon said, “The initial formation as a Jesuit is over for you. Here begins the ‘ongoing formation’ which lasts till the last breath of your life.” These words resonated for quite sometimes. The marathon journey of my formation that I began in 2000 has finally came to an end in 2021(except six years of active ministries in between). As I leave Kandy Tertianship, I carry with me certain thoughts or sentences which added ‘meaning’ during Tertianship. My ‘Ten Take away’ are:

·       1.  Its Ok- There are times when we cannot execute our plans, when problems seem to be all around us, when our dear ones leave us, when people misunderstand us, when we face with challenges, we fail...just learn to say, “its ok”.

·        2. Gratitude is an attitude- we have received many things before asking. Be grateful for all the blessings...and make gratitude an attitude. 

·        3. Love does not get tired- ‘Love’ can bring about any change in life. Love is the ultimate source of everything. Let our life be the manifestation of love.

·         4.Don’t react to the other’s opinions- when we react to other’s opinion, we are indirectly approving the opinions. Everyone has right to give opinion.

·        5. Our own spirituality- we are all spiritual beings. Spirituality connects us with the Creator, with others and with ourselves.   

·         6.Be a founder- don’t be a follower only. Be a founder in whatever way we can.

·        7. Humility is the outcome of the encounter between Divinity and Humanity.

·         8.Union through loving service, Service out of Union.

·         9.We are forgiven sinner.

·        10. We are special, we are loved.

 

Tips for Happiness

No.10: Being Spiritual

Life story: Let me get back to Sr Manu. I have had many good memories of her as we had studied together in the same university for the four years. Once during exams (thanks God, I don’t to have to burn my midnight oil anymore!), she was going to visit a sick person. Curiously I asked her, “what motivates you to visit a sick person during exams?” She replied with her usual smile, “I have always a soft corner for the sick person. They are most vulnerable people. They need our presence.” “You have a strong spirituality!” I replied promptly, without any prior thinking.

Spirituality is often wrongly interchanged with religiosity. A person is considered spiritual when she or he faithfully performs all religious rituals and practices. This would include regular prayers, visiting Holy places, wearing sacred symbols etc. Some even believe that spirituality is meant only for religious leaders (religious men and women). The modern thinkers confirm that all human beings are spiritual beings too. Even an atheist can be a spiritual being.

Every single acts of one individual reveals his or her spirituality. Spirituality derives out of one’s own involvement with own self, with others and with the Creator. Thus, leading a just and authentic life is part of spirituality. The interactions and dealings with others also reveal one’s spirituality. Spirituality can be expressed with kind words, a gentle touch and even with a smile. Thus, it is important to have our own spirituality to have a happy life.

So, let’s make a decision to have our own spirituality.  It will make a huge difference in life...