Life in a small plant!

Letter-16

 

Dear Friends, 

 

Greetings.

 

Thank you for all those who shared your thoughts in response to the letter last week. I was glad to know of your interest in ‘Mid-life Formation’ and the ABCDE, which I proposed as a process towards it. I am happy to explore this theme, if it interests some of you.

 

The announcements of the National Education Policy and the ground- breaking ceremony for the Ram Mandir have been the headlines in the media last week. Both are historic and mirror each other as they have been the declared agenda of the ruling political party.  The political instability in Rajasthan, wider spread of COVID 19, floods in Assam and Bihar and lingering stress in Indo-China border are other current disturbing events.

 

It is amidst these events we welcome another Sunday to reflect and recollect. Let me share with you some thoughts on the theme of ‘Life in a small plant’, illustrating from the Hibiscus plant in our garden.

 

The first picture is of one flower and two buds and the subsequent picture is of the same plant with two flowers while the earlier flower was seen drooping. The two subsequent pictures are of new shoots sprouting from the site, where there were flowers earlier. They are buds which would become flowers later. 

It is a small plant. Since we planted it in our garden two months ago, it has had a bud or flower all the time.

 

Each mission hospital is similar to a small plant sharing its life with the community around. I have been to about forty-five mission hospitals and have contacts with some of them even now. Every story I hear about a mission hospital reminds me of its life-giving presence in demanding circumstances. The innovations all of you have made during this COVID 19 season by preparing facilities to welcome patients if needed and providing support to your neighbouring community when they struggle without jobs and means of sustenance are telling stories of your life-giving presence.    

 

The resource of the Hibiscus plant to bear flowers is the soil in which it is planted. 

For all of you, the resource is God, ‘in whom we live, move and have our being’! Your story of resilience and steadfastness to live by giving the little you have would have a multiplying effect, because God is your enabler to be generous and mindful. It is from the abundance of what you have received, you give, which makes the giving an act of worship. Just as the plant is springing new shoots to become buds and flowers spontaneously, so it is with all of you- living by giving spontaneously. 

A mother who is separated from her husband, recalled to me last week, about her visit to a mission hospital with her two years old son for treatment for his developmental delay. She felt ‘enveloped’ by love and care, which revived her spirit from a depressive orientation. Even after six months, the chaplain of the hospital keeps in touch with her to accompany, comfort and affirm her.  A small act it might seem, but a redeeming experience for a family! Every act of kindness towards others would renew them! Your presence and service are life-giving to many. With warm regards and good wishes,   

M.C.Mathew, 2.8.2020