Category Archives: Uncategorized

CAUTION IN THE WINDS – a safe drive

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This is one drive which you will enjoy. We wake up early to beat the heavy traffic from Pune to Mumbai. Its 5am and we leave eventually at 5.45am

It is quite dark and the street lamps not bright enough for the broad roads. We have just finished a quiet retreat at Pashan Retreat Centre. We had to manually open the gates while leaving the premises, thanks to the missing watchman.

The slow drive to the Highway took about 20 minutes. The mist was not too heavy as we picked up speed once on the highway . Headlights and highbeam on.

The cool breeze was so invigorating . As we sped along we came to the toll booths. Once past the first one we drove at a good pace. However as we neared Lonavala, we were totally immersed in heavy fog. I was thankful for installing fog lights. It helped me to see at least about 10 feet away.

Obviously we slowed down to avoid any collision.

Surprisingly, one car zoomed past without much ado, and I wondered about his safety as well as that of other fellow drivers. He disappeared in the gloom of the fog and we drove forward carefully all eyes to see the next vehicles ahead , following their tail lights.

This was the best part of the drive. As we entered the tunnel , it swallowed us up in a thrice and we were once again out on a steep slope. We were immersed in a wet blanket of fog  over the valley below  and it  was such  a beauty to behold. A pity we could not stop or slow down to enjoy it more.

Breakfast was still an option. However my friend decided that we continue to drive to enjoy a good hearty one at home.

And so we drove as fast as possible, at times touching 120kms per hour, ( not really fast for speed demons) The benefit of skipping the breakfast stop, was that we reached Mumbai very early and beat the rush hour traffic. It was a very smooth drive, and we made it in just a little over 2 hours.

A surprise indeed, because when you travel in the evening peak hour traffic from Mumbai, you will be grateful to touch even the outskirts of Mumbai in one hour.

So always start early, drive safely and arrive home in one piece; as some hoardings displayed in the past mention “ Start early, drive safely to enjoy safe tea with your family”;  and “You have someone waiting for you at home.”

Gene’s Lifeline (One day at a time)

Life, Uncategorized,

This true story is all about grace. It starts with early days of experiencing rejection, then gradually reformation and finally reaching out to others!

Gene was the  youngest of 4 siblings ..who were much older ;  the brother 13yrs older, and  two sisters 8 and 9 years older.

Due to financial constraints, first his father went to the Middle East ( where earnings were good)  and then his mother. All his older siblings  moved out into jobs of their own. As a result Gene was left alone.

He came home from high school and college to an empty home.

Many years later his father finally returned to be with Gene and hoped to make up for the lost years. But within 15 days his father passed away.

Lonliness ate into Gene … though he pretended to be okay during the day, when his neighbours met him. To escape this lonliness he watched movies every night ….sometimes the same movie 10 times

Gradually he  got the taste of alcohol , charas and ganja…

He  stopped going to church for 5 years.

When addiction set in he tried to kick the habit but failed repeatedly ; until he came across  the 12step method followed by  the participants of the Alcoholic Anonymous  programme.

The motto “ One day at a time” had a great impact on his life.

His mother also returned after some years. She encouraged Gene with the simple motto; when there are many closed doors, you will find one which will open. She prayed for Gene fervently.

He started going to church again, and  realised that he gained strength from the Eucharist  to overcome his weaknesses. His prayer to the Lord was “ help me just today to be free of addiction”. This was his prayer daily.

He did this for 6 months and realised that he was getting renewed. Thereafter he spent two to three hours daily, before the Lord and received immense grace.

He did not know how to begin life anew. So he visited Asha Dhaan every day from 6.30am morning to 6.30 pm. He began the day with the nuns at the Eucharist and did odd jobs at the centre. Sweeping, cleaning, helping the destitute by shaving, cutting nails and many other simple jobs.

After 6 months of volunteering at Asha Dhaan with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, he discovered his vocation, to reach out to destitutes specially those addicted to drugs and alcohol

He was greatly encouraged by the Sister in charge. He also remembered Mother Theresa’s words “ to help others, one should help oneself…fill one’s belly first and then one learns to help others.”.

He then started being a Sales man for Encyclopedias.  He also trained to be an athlete inspite of having a handicap of the right hand. Later he started sales of building materials. He volunteered to request Pharmaceutical companies to donate drugs which the destitutes needed in the various homes.

He led a life of “ do not worry about tomorrow” and went on the streets to help many addicts and street urchins. He even shared his meals with them on the pavement.

Soon he volunteered his services to Don Bosco’s Shelter , and met his mate in Shobha. She influenced him to get more organized and start a Trust . This was the beginning of Jeevan Dhara, which means Lifeline.

He continued to visit the chapel and faithfully till this day spends at least 2 to 3 hours before the Lord. This is where he gets all his wisdom, grace and perseverance to continue .

Life is not a bed of roses even now. Gene continues to carry his cross  bravely.

Of course the nature of his trials comes in many other forms. Now there are people who question his integrity. As a result of envy, there are times, when he faces opposition, even while  compassionately serving the poor and destitute. He has already been recognised in the church for yeoman service, with the “Fr. Salvadore Rodrigues Award” by the Catholic Sabha, in 2015 and 6 months later was given an award by the Siddhvinayak Temple Trust during the Diwali Festival.

His main refuge and fortress is the chapel , in the presence of the Lord, who gives him strength for each day.

He encourages people with his  motto “ One day at at time” . I have been greatly influenced by his faith, and perseverance; to give prime time to the Lord, in silent prayer. He is an outstanding example of what the Lord can do to strengthen the weak.

He has started centres in Cheeta Camp ( one of the big slums of Mumbai), Mankhurd, and Lonavala . He extends help to the families of drug addicts, alcoholics and aids affected.  He had also started centres in Colaba, and Dahanu, but had to give it up, after opposition from unexpected quarters. His main focus is to help those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, to go through a program of deaddiction. He also has included an outreach to help the aids affected persons. Most of these afflicted are people with limited finances. In addition , Gene has Study centres( Baalwadis) for children and youth of  the affected families. In keeping with the interest of Football, he has started a coaching programme for the youth in the slums and has a talented Nigerian who serves as coach.

Gene has such a kind nature, that he can walk into any area, even the most dangerous slums or bastis, without being harmed. He has been accepted as one , who has no hidden agenda, but only the good of those he helps.

Funds keep coming in to help him in this work. However , it is never enough. He remembers a quote of his Mentor Fr, Richard Lane Smith, which helps  him  keep his feet on the ground

“ When Funds come in, do not get carried away by them. Be strong in faith”

Thus Gene soldiers on, one day at a time , to serve those in need , with his eyes fixed on Jesus.

No wonder, he was at one time known as the Street Messiah.

As he continues his work with ‘ Jeevan Dhara’ , he is ably assisted by his wife Shobha. He is also blest with a beautiful and talented daughter, Sasha. She is still in primary school, but shines in sports and studies.

In conclusion, I am reminded of the words from Sirach 35:16,17

‘The one who serves God wholeheartedly will be heard;

his petition will reach out to the clouds.

The prayer of the humble person

pierces the clouds,

and he is not consoled until he has been heard.’

Indeed Gene’s lifeline is the Lord Himself!  

Gene D’Silva can be contacted on

Email: write2jeevandhara@yahoo.com

Postal Address:
7,Rear Helal bldg ; Dr. Mascarenhas road,
Mazagon, Mumbai, 4000010
India

God’s Endless Love

Poem, Uncategorized, , ,

From where did I come ,
Where do I go?
You are ,
You were,
You will always
Be present

Your love sustains me,
You envelope me,
Accepting me as I am.
Your promises never fail.

Why did you die for me,
A Sinner?
You still live;
And In You, I live and move,
And have my being.

The Cross will always be,
My emblem,
Of Your endless Love!
The Father’s Love,
For me.

The Mayflower Tree

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There she stands in full bloom. The leaves in lush green and all the grandeur of flowers in a riot of colours. How old  will it be.  I have no idea. All I know is that it has been there since I was a child.

The  tree made its presence felt,  when we saw the roof above our kitchen strewn with the bright orange flowers. However, besides its beauty on the tree, it was not very helpful to my Mum, who had to get the roof cleared off all the fallen flowers. Invariably someone had to climb the roof to do this. We liked the tree as it gave such joy at summer to see it in full bloom. Mum looked at this differently. It was a tiresome task to clear the roof every time.

Years have gone by. Now we have a terrace over the kitchen instead of the roof. There is also a beautiful garden, well kept by my wife. She loves plants of various kind even the ones bearing flowers. So will you expect a different approach to the Mayflower tree.

Not so. This tree  stands even taller . Her branches have spread much wider. Of course the flowers at summer have increased in their profusion. So we come to  a similar story again. Flowers fall consistently. Clearing them is a lot easier. There is no roof, so we need to just sweep them away. Has this been helpful?

There is much to explain. The fallen flowers  are still not welcome. The overhanging branches which provide such beauty and shade …..also cause birds to perch and then …come their droppings.

You and I love nature; how can we accept it with joy.  Birds on the trees, flowers in full bloom….and then the after effect….the debris….to clear.

I wonder how birds and flowers view human beings. Instead of more trees and birds, we have more concrete jungles. With so called development, the forest with all its wildlife gradually begins to disappear. Where will there be nesting places. And by the way, where do leaves and flowers fall in the forest . Who clears it . Yes nature is much better in the process of recycling. This latter term is now used as a something new in man’s history. But it existed since ancient times.

I grew up when mud existed in our compound. We played various games like marbles, tops, sticks and stones, gilli danda (an Indian game), besides the other games like hockey and cricket. I remember seeing the fine funnel like holes in the mud; and we tried our best to catch the tiny creature who had prepared this work of art, without much success.

Times have changed. We now have paved ground in most places in our cities. Todays children have no time to play the outdated games. Today we have ‘gaming’ indoors; you sit in one place and play ‘virtual’ games.

Coming back to the Mayflower tree. How long will we allow it to stand. Will we see the days when man may install artificial trees; since they will not have any old flowers and leaves falling. Will we see  birds frequent our environment?

Give it a thought. An awareness of nature around us, will help us to save the earth….its fields, forests, birds and animals.

But first and foremost, man must live in peace to start this work. The destructive actions of men in so many parts of the world , will only cause the end of his environment. Where will  these killing fields spread next? Can this debris of hatred be overcome by love and understanding ?

We  wait in hope for the new heaven and  new earth…..looking after the vineyard of our lives, until the day we meet the Master of this vineyard!!!

May my Mayflower tree be symbolic of all that’s beautiful in nature….and a time of waiting, and hoping and caring;

Until  we hear the One seated on the throne say “ Behold, I make all things new”. (Revelations 21:5)

 

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The Mayflower tree, overhangs the terrace; eversince the monsoons, most of its flowers have fallen, but the tree is well foliaged

Simple Beauty

Life, Poem, Uncategorized

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I walked down the woods

And passed the geraniums,

Violet in colour, and

Delicately poised

Noticeable and yet

Not so ……

And then the old oak tree

Tall and mighty !

 

 

How do  you explain

The simple petal

So gentle and mild

Can it compete

With the solid oak

In all its grandeur;

Yet they stand

To complement each other.

 

If the petal and the oak

Are here today ,

We too stand together,

Strong and weak,

With strength and beauty

Needing each other

From the rising to the setting

Life in perfect harmony

To Goa-‘Bon Voyage’

Poem, Uncategorized

 

A trip to Goa

On a coastal voyage

Buoyant at sea

From morn to morn

When time seemed still

Until the arrival at sunrise

 

The first glimpse of white beaches,

Beckoned one even more,

As one sailed into the stream,

With pine trees ever watchful,

Oh such joy to see that Goa.

 

It was an arrival to a quiet life

With sleepy afternoons

You may never see a car move

Or even a fly for that matter.

All at their favorite siesta.

 

Village life even quieter

People in touch with each other

And even with nature

Fields flourishing

And man not worrying

 

Has it changed, my beloved Goa

The pace of life,

Awakened to the visitors from afar

Whereas that ship has gone,

Into an ocean of memories.

 

Where is the toddy tapper

And the famous tavern;

People at their balcaos,

Sipping some fav wine

Or local feni, before sundown.

 

One cannot miss the light house

Which still beckons the traveler

Goans from afar

And those at home

Still in love with ‘Amchen Goem’

WHO IS HE ?

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Who is He

Who gives any authority to a ruler. Through the ages, countries have been ruled, by various forms of government.

However is it man who gives this authority. There have been royalties, when kingships were handed over from one generation to another. Many other countries have witnessed dictatorships and others with elections.

The form of rule varied depending on the various countries and their cultures, and way of life. Rulers have come and gone. Some with fame and others infamy. With every passing generation it is always felt that, “ how did we survive a bad ruler” or after a good ruler has left “ why did this happen?”

True if one accepts that ultimately the Creator of this world, is a living person, then He does indeed have knowledge of His own creation. Can a creature know more than his creator?

So we can accept that authority is required. Further respect of authority helps us to live a good life. Since a person in authority has been assigned to this position and in a way, with the full knowledge of God Almighty.

Here comes the crux. What happens when authority is misused. Can humans take the law into their own hands, to suit their convenience. This is what happened when Jesus was crucified. Even though the ruler was aware that Jesus did no wrong, still he backed out fearing the opinion of the people and his own superiors.

He eventually asked Jesus “ Are you a king?” This was a bone of contention. People found reason to blame him for blasphemy. We are still aware of so many instances when this word is misused and innocent people condemned to death.

Jesus replies with quiet confidence that “My kingship does not come from this world. If I were a king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being  handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from here” (John 18: 36)

Here let us reflect on two aspects.

Why was Jesus sent into the world? Who sent Him?

“Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; but that, through him the world might be saved.” (John3:16)

To be saved ……is to be set free…..to live a life free of bondage….and slavery …to sin.

If one meets any average person, and speak about being set free…..be sure that you will get a varied response.

Today we are enslaved in so many ways , ….

Coming back to rulers; we look back and see so many have come and gone. Good and bad.

How many do you remember. Why do you remember them? Do earthly rulers last ? No matter how powerful, there comes a time when death approaches and every human being has to face this ultimate fact.

So which kingdom are we finally interested in. An everlasting one naturally. But it is not to be found here on earth.

So we can now understand the reason why Jesus says “My kingship is not of this world!”

He came only out of love to save every man and woman. He gave His life, that we may live. He rose on the third day and enveloped the whole world with His love and mercy. He poured out His Holy Spirit that we may be born anew.

He laid down his life, to still take it up! He has shown us the way to eternal life.

Have you encountered the Lord? When you do so, your life will change. He changed my life!