A Blessed Easter

                    

God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the Spring,
And to behold Your majesty
in every living thing -

And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The Hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power -

And may this Easter grandeur
that Spring lavishly imparts
Awaken faded flowers of faith
lying dormant in our hearts,

And give us ears to hear, dear God,
the Springtime song of birds
With messages more meaningful
than man's often empty words

Telling harried human beings
who are lost in dark despair -
'Be like us and do not worry
for God has you in His care.

A Blessed Easter to all visitors of this Blog. Christ is Risen, Alleluia !

Stations at the Colosseo

Yesterday at the Colosseo in Rome, the traditional Stations of the Cross were held, this time written by Pope Francis himself. Since he had a busy and tiring schedule this week he was not present but followed everything from his apartment at Casa Santa Marta. These reflections were very spiritual, filled with food for thought and meditation. I share with you today just a section of the 12th station, reflecting on the conversion of St Dismas, the good thief:

Lord Jesus, You turn the cross, the emblem of torture, into the very icon of love. You make the wall of death a bridge to life. You turn darkness into light, division into fellowship, sorrow into dancing. You even turn the tomb, the last outpost of life, into a doorway of hope. All these reversals you bring about in union with us, and never without us. 'Jesus, remember me!' This heartfelt prayer was all it took to work a miracle in the life of that criminal. Such is the amazing power of prayer. At times, I may feel that my prayers go unheard, yet what is most important is to persevere, to persist, to keep saying to you: “Jesus, remember me!” If you remember me, my evil will no longer be an endpoint but a new beginning. Remember me: welcome me once more into your heart, even when I stray, when I lose my way in the tumult of life. Remember me, Jesus, for to be remembered by you — as the Good Thief shows us — is to enter into paradise. Above all, remind me, Jesus, that my prayer can change the course of history.

Let us pray together and say: Jesus, remember me.

When hope fades and disappointment reigns, Jesus, remember me.

When I am powerless to make a decision, Jesus, remember me.

When I lose faith in myself and in others, Jesus, remember me.

When I lose sight of the immensity of your love, Jesus, remember me.

When I think that all my prayers are fruitless, Jesus, remember me.

If you like to read the text of all the stations, find them here:

https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-francis-via-crucis-2024-full-text

Good Friday processions

                 

Over 21 parishes in Malta today hold the traditional Good Friday processions with statues of the passion and various characters from the Old Testament and those related to the story of the last days of Jesus among us. Various symbols are carried by children and other youths, dressed in traditional costumes, including many soldiers dressed as Romans, some of whom ride on horses. These are just 4 photos from one of the processions held in Zebbuġ, Malta. A few parishes hold a procession on Easter with a festive atmosphere, carrying a statue of the Risen Christ.

Foot-washing on Holy Thursday

Today is a special feast of the Eucharist and the Priesthood, the two sacraments Jesus instituted during the Last Supper. On that day he actually instituted another sacrament, that of service, when He washed the apostles’ feet, telling them ‘what I have done to you, you should to others.’ I can personally say that I listened to Him because this is a special ceremony that I look forward to every year. However I missed it for 4 years in a row because of Covid, and this year I am re-starting the tradition. Many thought that Jesus was setting up this sacrament to serve each other, as so many do as nurses, carers, doctors, priests and family members towards children and their elderly parents. 

I even did a special foot-washing ceremony just for children in my US parishes, and even introduced the custom of couples washing each other’s feet at the wedding ceremony, to show equality, respect towards each other, and that no one is superior to the other. Let us also show respect to the Eucharist and an appreciation to the priests who serve us daily in our spiritual needs.

Last Supper displays

These are a few photos from one of the many displays and exhibitions taking place all this week in various parish halls and private homes. This particular exhibit is in an Oratory run by the Dominicans and shows a variety of plates decorated with common edible items, but shaping a fascinating display representing the 12 apostles and other prelates and Grand Masters who ruled Malta in the past. The items used are rice, salt, beans, pasta, semolina, and other items to decorate each plate with a specific theme. All the items are used by orphanages to feed children after the exhibition is disbanded by Easter Sunday. Please enlarge each photo to see the fascinating detail of each presentation.

Naxxar church during Lent

Since I also celebrate Mass in the local parish church of Naxxar, I am overwhelmed with the work that goes on by the sacristan Godwin and his helpers to dress up the entire church for Lent and Holy Week. All the statues that are part of the Good Friday procession are displayed around the church, besides other banners, symbols and Passion paraphernalia that are carried by children, young people and adults dressed in what people used to wear in Jesus’ time. There are around 21 parishes in the Maltese islands that organize these processions with around 10 to 14 statues carried through the streets of each town and village. 

The Naxxar church is impressive as the walls are covered with black tapestry or damask, a pain-staking job done every year, just as they are done in red tapestry during the feast of the Nativity of  Mary in September each year, and also for the Christmas season. In fact from Good Friday to Holy Saturday, in less than 24 hours, all this tapestry is taken down and the sanctuary area is covered with red tapestry to celebrate the Easter season. Also between Friday and Saturday the statues are removed and stored for another year, thanks to the help of many volunteers. (Please click on each photo to enlarge)

Passion Flower

Known also as the passion flowers or passion vines, Passiflora is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants, the namesakes of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly vines, with some being shrubs. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish Christian missionaries adopted the unique physical structures of this plant, particularly the numbers of its various flower parts, as symbols of the last days of Jesus and especially his crucifixion:

The Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora Caerulea) shows most elements of the Christian symbolism:
The pointed tips of the leaves were taken to represent the lance that pierced Jesus’ side.
The tendrils represent the whips used in the flagellation of Christ.
The ten petals and sepals represent the ten faithful apostles (excluding St. Peter and Judas Iscariot)
The flower's radial filaments, which can number more than a hundred and vary from flower to flower, represent the crown of thorns.
The chalice-shaped ovary with its receptacle represents the chalice or the Holy Grail.
The 3 stigmas represent the 3 nails and the 5 anthers below them the 5 wounds (four by the nails and one by the lance).
The blue and white colors of many species' flowers represent Heaven and Purity.
I took the above photo in Malta, where the Passion flowers grow profusely, especially in the spring.

Flash-back from Palm Sunday 2006

Zack and Jenny leading the Palm Sunday procession

This is another flash-back from my journals of 2006 - A beautiful day arrived with a clear sky that heralded a spectacular day for the Palm Sunday procession. I had arranged for the donkeys, owned by Gene Roark, to show up 9:15 AM. By 9 AM, most of the parishioners were gathering on the grassy field behind the Cathedral Church in Baker City, but by 9:14 AM, the donkeys were nowhere to be found, and I started to panic, knowing that this was my idea and a no-show would prove disastrous. But by 9:16 AM, Zack and Jenny arrived, led by Al and Danielle McCauley, who brought them over in their trailer, neatly brushed and in perfect photogenic condition. They were supposed to also bring their pony Tony along. However Tony the pony was not there, and since we did not have time for explanations, we started the ceremony of the blessing of palms. A huge crowd filled the field, and I wondered how these people would ever fit inside the Church. After the reading of the Gospel, the procession was led by the Cross and candles, followed by the two donkeys, then myself and the deacons and the rest of the people. It was a short procession around the block, but enough to give the impression that we were following Jesus, as we sang “Hosanna to our King.” Zack wanted to join in the singing, and at one moment he started braying loudly, which brought laughter from everyone, but they proceeded without any problem, ending in the middle of the road on 1st Street, leading everyone into the Cathedral. We waited by the new Church sign as the congregation packed themselves like sardines inside the Church, after which we went in, while Zack and Jenny went home.

The story that Al and Michelle McCauley told me afterwards was quite hilarious, but serious too. Apparently when they brought the donkeys into their corral on Saturday night, their pony Tony got a liking to Jenny, who has been Zack’s companion for years. So this morning, when they were rounding them up to put them into the trailer, Tony and Zack had a vicious jealously-enraged fight over the girl. They even had to call their neighbors to help them separate them, which was not an easy job for anyone, however experienced a rancher or farmer they could be. Tony the Pony must be terribly disappointed that his dreams were shattered by the disappearance of Jenny, and as his hormones were getting crazy, before you know it, she was gone forever. I’m sure they’ll have another re-union next year, but I doubt if they will let the donkeys again with Tony, the jealous heart-throb who almost stole Jenny away from Zack, but was left disappointed, disheartened, frustrated and utterly dejected. A nice spread in the front page of the Baker City Herald appeared the next day, displaying three pictures of the donkey procession we had on Palm Sunday.  A nice article written by the ever-faithful Lisa Britton used much of the material I shared with her earlier in the day, and it was a perfect page for a Holy Week celebration. In a state that is 9% Catholic, it is very reassuring to see Catholic news displayed so prominently in our newspapers.

Praying for the Royal Family

It’s appropriate to offer prayers today for the Royal Family as the news was revealed that after King Charles was undergoing treatment for cancer, even Princess Kate is now receiving chemotherapy for a cancer diagnosis. We pray for her young family as they adjust their lives, hopefully temporarily, until she regains her full health. We’ve all been affected by cancer, including my mother and sister, besides losing many friends in the USA and here in Malta from this illness. Our prayers continue relentlessly for the entire Royal family as they shuffle duties and important appointments as the King and Princess recover fully over the next  few months.  As she said in her message ‘It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful. Most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both. We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.’

Sorrowful Mother

We honor today the Sorrowful Mother as she stands by the cross waiting for her Son to die, His body to be placed on her lap soon afterwards. This is an image that has been painted, sculpted and drawn by many artists. Many countries honor the Sorrowful Mother (Mater Dolorosa) on this Friday before Holy Week, as seen in this procession held in Malta in the city of Valletta. Thousands of people accompany the procession, also attending Mass and going to confession on a day of atonement and repentance.

With the 7 sorrows Mary experienced throughout her life, including the prophecy of Simeon, the escape into Egypt, Jesus lost in the temple, seeing Jesus crucified, being taken down from the cross, being placed on her lap as a dead body, and being buried in a borrowed tomb, I see 7 other sorrows that are happening today. 1. Seeing so many single mothers raising their children by themselves, as their husbands left them. 2. Seeing so many young people abandoning their faith. 3. Still seeing innocent babies being killed before they are born. 4. Seeing people disregard all efforts to protect the environment and avoid pollution. 5. The rampant use of social media, carelessly and immorally. 6. Seeing people in authority abusing their responsibility, eventually being accused of corruption. 7. Seeing elderly people abandoned by their children who hardly ever visit them in nursing homes.

Thousands of people follow the statue of Mary through the streets of Valletta.

Blessed Mother, who had to see your Son grow into a handsome young man, and then let Him go, we ask your protection on our children and young people. May they feel protected from the world's dangers, and feel safe in your care. As you saw your Son tortured and killed, we pray for those mothers who had to see their children killed in wars, sudden accidents, through suicides and other terrible disasters. May these mothers find compassion in you, O Blessed Mother, and we ask that you give them the comfort they so much desire. This week we stand by you, and suffer with you, as we witness once again the passion, death and eventual resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Organizing the Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass at the Baker City Cathedral in 2012

Another flash-back from the past – this time I go back to April 2006 when I was Rector at the Baker City Cathedral, and one of my duties was to organize the annual Chrism Mass, held of course in the Cathedral, led by the Bishop.

Even though I experienced three Chrism Masses so far, when you have to organize it yourself, you know you have to go at full throttle – full speed ahead with constant work, coordination, acute planning and hope for a nice turnout, both of priests as well as people during the Chrism Mass held on Thursday evening, a week before Holy Thursday, since the priests have to travel hundreds of miles. It is by far the biggest event for the Cathedral and for its Pastor, because besides celebrating a unique Mass, I had to host over 30 priests, two Bishops and 6 Deacons, starting with a Holy Hour at 3 PM, which I led of course and was reverently done and  well-coordinated. Then for a Happy Hour, as drinks were served and snacks were tasted in the Rectory, an annual event hosted by Brian Collard and Troy Stewart who were the barmen. By 5 PM, we all headed to the parish hall for a dinner hosted by the Rosary Altar Society, and which consisted of a Caesar’s Salad, stuffed pork and a cheesecake. Incidentally, someone told me that all the African priests do not eat pork, which could be a cultural custom, like the Jews who never eat pork. My life has been going non-stop since early in the morning, and now I was at the stage to finally slow down, and enjoy the result, because the Bishop now took over and we all got ready for the Chrism Mass.

 

A group photo with all the priests of the Baker Diocese

All the preparations were done to perfection, and all the necessary details were in place. I had encouraged the parishioners to show up for the Mass, and not to leave me disappointed, and sure enough they did not disappoint me as the Church was packed. Just before we started the procession, I told the Bishop: “One of my dreams when I came here was to see the Church packed for this Mass. And you’re gonna be pleasantly surprised.” The Mass went as smoothly and as organized as it ever was, with altar-servers doing their best, the 6 jubilarians seated close to the Bishop, and lectors in Spanish and English. All priests celebrating 10, 20, 25, 40, 50 years or beyond are honored on this day. And Bishop Vasa, who is not one known to complement his priests, approached me at the Sign of Peace, and said to me “Great job Julian, great job!” It was another huge success, especially because I was able to pack the Church as I had dreamed of doing, something none of the previous Pastors were able to do, and even Bishop Connolly, who was celebrating his 35 th Anniversary as a Bishop, told me he’d never seen such a crowd. After the oils were consecrated, the three Deacons processed with them to the basement where a group of well-prepared volunteer parishioners filled the little plastic bottles and distributed them to the respective parishes and the priests who were waiting for them, collected them and left, some of them driving for another 4 to 5 hours, and a few others staying at the Welcome Inn Motel, courtesy of the Langrell family. And while priests and parishioners mingled in the parish hall, they sampled the sandwiches and cookies that I had requested from the Altar Society and the sense of gratitude and appreciation was evident on everyone’s face. Another long but very rewarding day came to a peaceful and satisfying end. I could only sense in advance the satisfaction of all those who would attend the Chrism Mass in the future as they see the renovated sanctuary which I was dreaming of doing to coincide with the centennial of the Cathedral in 2008.

St Joseph's procession

I was able to visit the procession held in honor of St Joseph yesterday in the town of Rabat in Malta, and from the 60 photos I took, I share with you only three that show the statue of St Joseph, besides one of the beautifully decorated church. This church is not even a parish, but run by the Franciscans monks who have a lot of help from neighbors and lovers of St Joseph. Thousands of people descended on this little town, and of course they enjoyed it because it is still winter, unlike summer when most of the village feasts are held, and everyone will be sweating and complaining of the heat. 

The curious thing is that all the decorations, inside and outside the church will have to make room for the Lenten and Holy Week decorations, starting with the celebration of Our Lady of Sorrow, celebrated in Malta on Friday.

A Letter to St Joseph

Dear Saint Joseph,

Today being your feast day, I thought of writing you a few lines mainly to show my gratitude for all you did for Jesus and Mary, and for us all. Very few people are greater than you are! Because being so close to Jesus and Mary, you are also the most blessed and full of grace. Well, if you weren’t so special and blessed, God would not have trusted you with his two most priceless possessions, marrying Mary, in spite of all the gossiping that was going on before your engagement, and then taking the role of a foster father of Jesus, protecting him, educating him and raising him from infancy to adulthood. You are fairly unknown around the world, but at least at Christmas time your image explodes all around the world with the millions of religious Christmas cards exchanged between families and friends.
We read in the Gospels that God always conveyed his messages to you in dreams and during sleep. This doesn’t mean that He wanted you to be passive, as if you didn’t know what was going on. We never see you in dialogue with Mary, or giving your opinion in stressful situations. But you let Mary handle all situations, as she dialogued with the Angel Gabriel, at the wedding at Cana, or when Jesus was lost in the temple - she spoke, and you were silent. You receive the message, and made sure it was worked out and implemented. That was your divine mission and vocation - to be a silent instrument in the hands of God. I bet you enjoyed teaching Jesus the carpenter’s trade and other duties and chores around the house at Nazareth. 

Please Saint Joseph, just as you protected Mary and Jesus, I ask you to protect our church, of which you are its special patron saint. Give us more vocations because we need priests and nuns to continue the work in parishes, schools, orphanages and hospitals. Give us good parents, responsible and loving, ready to sacrifice their lives for their children and families, just as you and Mary did. Please pray for all workers, that they may honestly give their share of labor and be dedicated in their mission, always admiring you as their patron saint, another feast of yours we celebrate on May 1st. Be patient with us, dear St Joseph, because we tend to be hard-headed and spoiled at times. Remind us always to be grateful for all the blessings that you and your Son and wife give us, day by day.

Signed - a friend and an admirer 

From Killer to Kind

A man committed a murder in a small town, and the court ordered that the letter K should be tattooed on his forehead, to show everyone that he was a killer. While he was in the prison he realized the mistake he made and reformed his life completely, to such an extent that he got out earlier for good behavior. When he was released, he decided to go and live in another town, quite far away. He lived an examplary life, being generous, kind and compassionate towards everyone. When some children saw him with the letter K on his forehead, they asked their mother what it means. The mothers, knowing what a pleasant man he was told them...’that means he is a very kind man.’ Yes, even the worst person can turn his life around and become compassionate, loving and kind.

St Patrick

Stained glass from St Stanislaus, Pleasant Valley, NY

St. Patrick was of Romano-British origin, and born about the year 389AD. His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon, and Patrick's own full name was probably Patricius Magonus Sucatus. When he was 16, he was captured in Britain by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland. During six bleak years spent as a herdsman, he turned with fervor to his faith. Hearing at last in a dream that the ship in which he was to escape was ready, he fled his master and found passage to Britain. There he came near to starvation and suffered a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family. Thereafter, he became a priest and eventually a bishop. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and probably responsible in part for the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons. In a dream vision it seemed “all the children of Ireland from their mothers’ wombs were stretching out their hands” to him. He understood the vision to be a call to do mission work in pagan Ireland. Despite opposition from those who felt his education had been defective, he was sent to carry out the task. He went to the west and north, where the faith had never been preached, obtained the protection of local kings and made numerous converts. Because of the island’s pagan background, Patrick was emphatic in encouraging widows to remain chaste and young women to consecrate their virginity to Christ. He ordained many priests, divided the country into dioceses, held Church councils, founded several monasteries and continually urged his people to greater holiness in Christ. He suffered much opposition from pagan druids and was criticized in both England and Ireland for the way he conducted his mission. Patrick died about 461, and was buried in the vicinity of the future Cathedral town of Down.

The Echo

A young boy was walking in the countryside and starting shouting and yelling various phrases, and his echo repeated every word he said. He thought another boy was calling back the words he said. So he started yeling at him ‘Stupid, Ignorant, Annoying,’ and to his surprise the echo responded a few seconds later...’Stupid, Ignorant, Annoying.’ He went to his mother and told her that there was another boy calling him bad names. His mother realized what had happened, and told him, ‘son, go back near this boy and start shouting some nice things to him, and see how he would react. So this boy went back and shouted ‘I love you, you are my friend....’ and sure enough the echo responded back ‘I love you, you are my friend.’ And he was finally delighted and happy. Very often the same happens to us. If we treat other people nicely, they will be nice to us. And if we act obnoxious towards them, they will be obnoxious towards us too. So, let’s be nice to each other, and our kindness will surely have a ripple effect on those around us, especially our family members and close friends.

Passion exhibits

I share with you a few more scenes from the many exhibitions taking place all over the Maltese islands these days leading to Holy Week. These are just a few of the many artistic and religious items displayed in parish halls, churches and private homes. One can see various statues in miniature, altars and decorations relating to the passion of Jesus. Ever since I returned to Malta 8 years ago, the number of these exhibitions have doubled, as now each town and village would have at least a dozen or more of these places showcasing the craftsmanship of young people, still enthusiastic about their faith and their religious culture. More exhibits in the next two weeks.

Click on each of the photos to enlarge - the 4th one shows the entire Passion scene

Passion statuettes

Last year I visited an exhibition which displayed various statues of the passion of Christ from a Spanish perspective. They were shown in a parish hall in the town of Mqabba, collected by various friends over the years. One can see the elaborate clothing and detail in the pedestals, trimming and floral additions to make the whole display quite attractive. There were quite a few statues of the Sorrowful Mother as well as the crucifixion itself, but here I show you just three of the many miniature statuettes which will for sure be displayed again this year. More and more of these exhibitions will open up in the coming two weeks, as more craftsmen and women are showcasing their precious creations. I hope to show you more of them in the next 3 weeks, especially new ones I will see personally.

 

What Jesus saw from the cross

Crucifixion by James Tissot

As we approach Holy Week and the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus, let us meditate for one moment on the hours Jesus spent on the cross. He uttered 7 words while dying, 7 words that have been reflected and meditated upon and preached by various preachers, especially during the Good Friday service. We always look at the cross with two others next to Jesus, the good and bad thief, all of which are usually pictured or painted on a hill, known as Golgotha. Very few artists however have looked at this scene from a different perspective. James Tissot did precisely this when he painted the scene entitled "What Jesus saw from the cross." Besides local folks, soldiers and accusers, one can see the tomb in the background, the sponge and vinegar on the ground, which would be offered to Jesus when he said "I Thirst." More prominently, in the foreground, one sees Mary Magdalene just beneath the cross, while the apostle John, the Blessed Mother and two other women look inconsolably at the dying Christ. The centurion Longinus stands on the left. It is a painting filled with symbolism, worth meditating upon, especially during this Lenten season. (click once to enlarge)

Gems from Leviticus

Today’s Office of Readings gave us this gem to meditate on, from the Book of Leviticus, chapter 19, basically what’s in the 10 Commandments, but expanded to remind us more deeply of our duties towards each other:

Each of you revere your mother and father, and keep my sabbaths.....Do not turn aside to idols, nor make molten gods for yourselves........When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not be so thorough that you reap the field to its very edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest......Likewise, you shall not pick your vineyard bare, nor gather up the grapes that have fallen.......These things you shall leave for the poor and the alien.....You shall not steal........You shall not deceive or speak falsely to one another.....You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God.....You shall not exploit your neighbor......You shall not commit robbery...... You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your laborer.....You shall not insult the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind......You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment......Show neither partiality to the weak nor deference to the mighty, but judge your neighbor justly.....You shall not go about spreading slander among your people...... You shall not hate any of your kindred in your heart.....Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people......You shall love your neighbor as yourself......Keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary......Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the old, and fear your God.....When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one......You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself......Do not act dishonestly in using measures of length or weight or capacity. I am the Lord your God.

The Praises of God

St Francis of Assisi by Willie Apap

This is a prayer addressed to God, written by St Francis of Assisi to Brother Leo, one of his friars:
You are the Holy Lord God who does wonderful things !
You are strong. You are great. You are the most High.
You are the Almighty King. You Holy Father. King of heaven and earth.
You are three and one, the Lord God of Gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God, living and true.
 
You are love, charity. You are wisdom, You are humility.
You are patience. You are beauty, You are meekness.
You are security. You are rest.
You are gladness and joy. You are our hope, You are justice.
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.
You are beauty, You are meekness.
You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender.
You are strength, You are refeshment, You are our hope.
You are our faith, You are our charity.
You are all sweetness, You are our eternal life.
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show his face to you and be merciful to you.
May He turn his countenance to you and give you peace.

The secret of life

A father used to tell his children ‘when you turn 12 years old,  I will tell you the secret of life. So when the first child turned 12, he asked his father ‘Dad, what is the secret of life?’ His dad told him ‘ I will tell you, but you have to keep this secret to yourself – the secret is that the cow does not give us milk!’ The son was surprised by this weird answer. ‘What are you saying dad?’ The father explained further ‘yes, because if you want the cow to give you milk, you have to milk her yourself. You have to get up at 4 AM, put on boots and go to the pasture, slush around in the mud and muck, tie her tail and legs, sit down, get a bucket under her and start milking. That’s the secret of life. If you don’t milk her, she won’t give you any milk, as simple as that. That, my son, is the secret of life.’ Today, the idea has entered everybody’s mind that things are automatic, and free. Just push a button and you’ll get anything you need instantaneously. You hit your cell-phone and you get anything you desire. Life is much different and more complicated than that. You have to work very hard to achieve successfully what you wish.