As 2016 Ticks Away into History..!
As 2016 ticks away into history: I sit in prayerful silence looking back into another year. And what a year it has been: for the world, for India, for the Middle East, for the Church, for the Society of Jesus and of course for each one of us, also for me! I need to put down some reflections in writing!
As 2016 ticks away into history: It’s been a year of suffering for so many all over. War and violence hogged the headlines almost daily. In most cases, innocent men, women and children were the victims. The refugees and the IDPs reached a staggering over 65 million worldwide; from Syria to Myanmar; from Congo to Colombia- the rot continued unabated! Meeting and talking to some of them, during this past year, from South Sudan and Somalia; from Syria and from Iraq – one cannot help but feel saddened at man’s inhumanity to man!
As 2016 ticks away into history: One wonders what’s happened to reason, to goodness, to justice to inclusiveness? It was a year in which the fringe elements continued to dominate with their fascist, fanatic and fundamentalist agenda; their terror tactics held sway: from ISIS to the Arms and Ammunition Industry. Powerful lobbies and vested interests continued to determine the fate of ordinary citizens. The majority of people never expected Duterte to become the President of the Philippines or for US to give the world a Trump. A tragic year indeed for the world!
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As 2016 ticks away into history: What was predicted earlier has become a painful reality for millions of Indians. We gave ourselves a Prime Minister who was bound to destroy the plural fabric of India and everything that is sacred in our Constitution. His goons continue to decide what an Indian should eat, wear, see or believe in! Human Rights Defenders and NGOs who work for the poor and marginalized are denigrated and put on the back- foot. Besides, the ‘demonetization’ announced with such bravado, has taken the toll of the ordinary Indian: the farmer, the casual labourer, the housewife, those who have to make both ends meet with the little money they have. Meanwhile, the powerful, corrupt and cronies of the ruling political party, continue with immunity and impunity!
As 2016 ticks away into history: one cannot help but remember the many who have died and gone to their eternal reward. The list is endless: faces and memories keep streaming back. Those who were close, in the same community; near and dear ones of close friends: parents, siblings. The death of a loved one will always leave a perennial void. It was also a year when several celebrities world- wide bid their final adieu! The one consolation is that in the life beyond there are no differences, no classifications! Many loved ones were sick during the year– some are bravely fighting various stages of cancer. All have a special place in one’s heart and prayers.
As 2016 ticks away into history: it was also a defining period for the Society of Jesus! The General Congregation 36 was a special moment of grace for the Jesuits! One Superior General, Fr Adolfo Nicolas resigns; Fr Arturo Sosa from Venezuela is elected the new Superior General. And then, Fr Peter Hans Kolvenbach, the former Superior General dies in Beirut on November 26th. The year was a challenge to the Society to row into deeper waters, to go beyond frontiers, to reach out to the margins, to take a stand on behalf of those who need us the most. A challenge which will have to be faced in the coming year!
As 2016 ticks away into history: it was also the ‘Year of Mercy’ in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has exemplified what a Christian should be, in every possible way! He has been direct and has not minced words as he ‘care-fronted’ those responsible for the suffering in this world. His teachings, his speeches provided the global citizen with a roadmap for change: be it with regard to the environment or in welcoming the refugee. The canonization of Mother Teresa in September was surely a positive highlight of a year of anguish and suffering. An everyday reminder that much more needs to be done.
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As 2016 ticks away into history: I will always remember it as a year in which I took a major leap into the unknown! It was a call, a “yes”, after a long period of discernment. It was a difficult decision. But as I look back, with all the pluses and minuses, with all the ups and downs – there has not been a moment of regret. True, I sometimes miss doing the work I was doing in India (friends send me reminders regularly!). However, this past year has also been full of newer challenges. The refugee crisis is certainly one which has gripped the world. The Jesuit Refugee Service is one such organization that accompanies, serves and advocates for the displaced, in several ways. It has been the right choice for me!
As 2016 ticks away into history: it was NOT just another year; true it was horrible in parts, terrible for many, painful for others. These realities did take place and cannot be just wished or washed away. But one needs to be grateful for the many other things that did take place: moments of joy and grace; the love, warmth, acceptance, caring of friends and companions – both old and new. Of events and opportunities manifold that helped in bonding, in reaching out to others; for experiencing the loving presence of God in so many different ways …yes deep and sincere gratitude for all this and much more
As 2016 ticks away into history: one needs to look towards 2017 with a prayer and hope that it will be a better year for all. And in the words of Dag Hammarskjold, a former UN General Secretary, “for all that has been ‘THANK YOU’; for all that is to come ‘YES’!” HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!