Everybody loves the beginning of an academic year because it holds the chance for new beginnings. As students, June is a month which always brings deep feelings of nostalgia. The monsoon rain hitting the soil, the scent of mother earth, the smell of new books and uniforms. It is at this time our educational institutions re-open for a new academic year. The new academic year is not only about new uniforms, books, bags, raincoats, teachers and timetables but also a time when students discuss their prospective future plans for the year ahead. The beginning of every academic year offers the chance of a fresh start. Every student starts the beginning of their academic year with wild imaginations, fertile minds and a willingness to take risks with what they think. With every new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Our creator is patient and always ready to present us with an opportunity to start a new chapter in life. When seeking to discern our vocation, there are certain questions we must ask ourselves. We should not start with wondering where we could make more money, or achieve greater recognition and social status. Neither by asking what kind of work would be most agreeable and convenient to us. If we are to follow the right path, we need a different starting point. We need to ask: Do I know myself, quite apart from my illusions and emotions? Do I know what brings joy and sorrow to my heart? What are my strengths and weaknesses? These questions immediately give rise to others: How can I serve people better and be more helpful in our world where millions lie torn and broken. What can I offer to society so as to make this world a better and happier place to live in?
The initial foundation for a person’s meaning in life is built in and around her/his vocation. Many an illustrious person in society never dreamt that they would be responsible to illumine the lives of others until they found and chose their life defining vocation. A Vocation does not come from a voice out there calling me to be something I am not. It comes from an inner voice within me to be the person I was born to be. With the birth of Artificial Intelligence, we are constantly being bombarded with images and options and there is almost no space to find our true self or to let the Master of this Universe to find us. We often don’t know or drown out our own desires, our passions and a sense of our true vocation.
Vocation promotion is the responsibility of every human being. Instead of reducing our belief to a collection of rules and norms to observe, we can help young people ask the right questions, set out on their journey and discover the joy of life and living. We need to be present in the midst of people especially the young and interact with them. As children of the same father, we are meant to bring hope to discouraged hearts. Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which our creator comes to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm. This is the reason for our hope: that our creator never tires of waiting for us. When we turn away, he comes looking for us; when we fall, he lifts us to our feet; when we return to him after losing our way, he waits for us with open arms. His love is not weighed in the balance of our human calculations, but unstintingly gives us the courage to start anew. This teaches us resilience, the courage always to rise after our falls.
The call of the Master of the Universe is not as clear-cut as those things we can hear, see or touch in our daily experience. God comes silently and discreetly, without imposing on our freedom. Unfortunately His voice is drowned out by the many worries, concerns and activities that fill our minds and hearts. We are constantly being bombarded with images and options and there is almost no space to find our true self or to let HIM find us. We often don’t know or drown out our own desires, our passions and a sense of our true vocation. Without the wisdom of the Spirit through introspection we can easily have a sense that we are not in charge of our own destiny, puppets at the mercy of the moment.
Discernment requires contemplative habits woven through the fabric of our daily lives and habits that include prayer, listening and reflection, awareness and surrender. At each stage of life, discernment may include identifying patterns of thought or behaviour that we need to face and change, choosing the best out of multiple good options’, and dealing with unhealthy attachments. Discernment is simply listening to the voice of my Master through the movements of life and of my heart. It helps us in recognizing the signals with which God makes himself known in unexpected, even unpleasant situations, as the broken leg would be for Ignatius. A life changing encounter can arise from them, forever as in the case of Ignatius.
Discernment is a way of being, that leads toward greater cooperation while we allow the creator of this universe to work in our lives. In such a state, we constantly ask ourselves “What is HIS presence inviting me to be or do in this situation?” Discernment is that reflection of the mind, of the heart, that we have to do before making a decision. Discernment is demanding but indispensible for living. It requires that I know myself, that I know what is good for me here and now. Above all, it requires a filial relationship with my creator.
The Pallotinne community do not specialise in any particular ministry. It is their firm belief that the universality of their charism calls them to use the talents of their members to respond to the needs of the world. Inspired by St Vincent Pallotti’s motto, “The love of Christ impels us”, Pallotine priests, brothers and sisters work as partners with the laity throughout the world. Let today be the start of something new in a special way for the students of Pradeepa Pallotti Institute of philosophy and Religion, Casa Pallotti situated in the picturesque village of Assagao who inaugurate and begin a new academic year today. Best wishes for a memorable and successful start to all students who have started their new academic year and those who are about to start a new scholastic year. Embracing the beauty of new beginnings, may this academic year be full of joy, growth, and wonderful experiences.
(The writer is a social scientist and a practicing criminal lawyer)
