A Difficult Idea

When I was young, teachers taught me to learn Mathematics. Not merely did they teach Mathematics. They taught me to use my fingers and count. And mind you, 4 + 3 = 7 is a difficult idea and that too for a child. But I learnt to master my addition by drawing lines or using match-sticks. Now, I wonder why my teachers are only concerned with teaching Economics. If only they can teach me to learn Economics…!

My youngsters, similarly, find spirituality and sanctity as beautiful ideas, but still difficult ideas. I find it so easy to teach spirituality or speak about holiness. But my young ones keep wondering if only I can teach them to learn spirituality and holiness.

They, the young, want to use their fingers and understand what it means to be generous, to be sacrificing, to be prayerful. They don’t want from me an exposition of sanctity. They want to see, touch and feel in me a kind and holy Fr. X, or a spiritually deep Br. Y, or a prayerful and self-sacrificing Sr. Z.

And, wow, this is Lenten time -- a beautiful season for me to start, to start yet again for my Lord!

(Published earlier at http://donboscoindia.com/english/bis/articles_default_ms.php?yr=2010&articleid=125&pno=1&articleidlist=,136,135,134,133,132,131,129,128,127,125,, 19 February 2010.)