LIFE IS A MOVEMENT


LIFE IS A MOVEMENT
(Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Luke 4:1-13)
10-03-2019, K.W.S. PUNE
 Fr Paul Lelen Haokip
            Life is a movement from what is not to something or from something to nothing. “In the past, people were born royal. Nowadays, royalty comes from what you do” (Gianni Versace). As long as you are fulfilling routine, you will not enjoy life. All may end up in tension. However, when you begin to do things you like – it becomes a source of joy for you. You will not mind of being paid or unpaid. You are now doing something from your heart and that is what you just need to do. This is life. You will sooner or later achieve this joy provided you have a passionate goal. A dream without a goal is just a simple wish. You will achieve, not because there were no problems or challenges but because you have a purpose within that is pushing you forward. This enthusiasm in life moves you forward, come what may.
MOVE WITH PASSION (Intention)         
            When you give your all and your everything, then success cannot run away from you. Look at yourself and say, “I have given my all in all.” You are next to success in reaching your dream. Don’t compare yourself with mediocre, but always have someone/something greater than what you are now. This exercise will make you strive for more and give you a sense of focus for excellence.
            In life, you should be doing just one or two things at a time. Do the thing you are most passionate about it. This will give you energy and happiness. All other things are just decorations to that passion. Sometimes you will achieve your passion soon or it may take your lifetime trying to achieve it.
            There has to be passion for everything you do. Let us see the unique meaning of  ‘Passion’. The word ‘passion’ is one of those words where the modern application appears disconnected from the original meaning. The word itself comes from the Latin root word, ‘Patior’, which means to ‘suffer or endure’. It still holds meaning for us today. Being passionate would be readiness to suffer or endure anything to achieve a goal. This is walking the original hard and rugged way to achieve genuine success in life. It is avoiding the attractive, duplicate, shortcut and unethical way to achieve success in life.
            The Israelites moved with a single passion to reach the Promised Land. From being wanderers, they were able to possess the Promised Land (Deut 26:5-9). They took their hardships, slavery, apparent punishments with a reason for reflection.
MOVE WITH A SMILE
            Smile can take you a mile further in your dealings. Smiling persons have more friends than serious faces. One theory about smile states, “It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.” Your facial expression is communicating a package of messages to others about your physical health, state of mind, mood, weather, etc. The more you smile, you will remain young. Smile adds value to your personal appeal. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) suggested that our expressions may actually intensify our feelings. This theory is known as the ‘feedback loop’ or ‘facial feedback hypothesis.’ After wearing your clothes, wear a smile too. Find a reason to smile even when it is hard to smile. One of the best make-ups you can wear is a ‘smile.’ It is a universal language of openness and love. “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” (Phyllis Diller).
MOVE WITHOUT SHOTCUTS
            Too many people are seeking immediate and shortcut courses, degrees, certificates to commercialize anything and everything. They are not willing to pay the price of patience, practice and learning. They just don’t want to suffer. They want immediate gratification and short-cut accomplishments. But remember, short cuts usually cause accidents in life.
            The background for the temptation of Jesus is his baptism where we encounter, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22b). From then, Jesus had the option, either to take shortcut or stick to the original plan of God. It was a struggle between ‘My way or God’s way?” At the end of the temptation, Jesus moved with single-focus to fulfill God’s way. Satan tempted him with Food, Wealth and Ego.
(1)   Devil: “If you are the son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread” (Lk 4:3). Jesus: It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” Jesus resisted the temptation to lust of the flesh – food.
(2)   After showing Him the kingdoms of the world, devil continued his temptation. Devil: “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus: “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Jesus rejected temptation of wealth and authority.
(3)   Devil: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here (pinnacle of the temple), for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you to protect you,’ and ‘on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” (Psalms 91:11-12). Jesus: “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Deut 6:16). Jesus cast away the pride of being the Son of God (Ego).
            Jesus’ life would have been over if he had opted for shortcut to food, wealth and ego.  The passion of Jesus was a force which enabled him to do the Father’s will. This force is often seen as being motivated by strong feelings of love.  
Ask yourself these questions:
-  Am I willing to suffer to achieve my goal of life?
-  Am I willing to witness and defend my faith in Jesus?
-  Am I ready to suffer the pains of physical exercise for better health?
-  Am I willing to practice what I preach, write, propose?
-  What will God say about me (………………...) today?
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” (Maya Angelou)

“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” (Ratan Tata) 

 ØWhole heartedly do one or two things at a time.
Ø  Smile will definitely add value to your personal appeal.
Ø  Shortcuts create accidents in life which could slow down your movements.
Ø  Knowledge of the Scripture is not enough, for even the devil knows it well.
Ø  Quoting the Scripture is not a sign of holiness; living the Scripture is holiness.
Ø  Knowledge with conviction to follow and move ahead in life is a gemstone.
Ø  Lenten Season is a special time for conscious prayer, almsgiving and penance.


(The writer can be reached at:  paulhowkeep@yahoo.co.in/paullelenhaokip@gmail.com/https://paullelenhaokip.blogspot.com/)



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