Dear Friends (Alumni),
We have reached the end of 2016 and we have many reasons to thank God for His many blessings. I have been praying for each one of you dear friends every day, whether I have known you personally or not. Let me conclude this year’s last message wishing you God’s blessings as we approach the birthday of Jesus Christ on 25th December and a very happy and fruitful new year 2017.
A young lady sat in a public transport. An old grumpy lady came and sat by her side as she bumped into her with her numerous bags. The person sitting on the other side of her got upset, asking the young lady why she did not speak up and say something.
The young lady responded with a smile: “It is not necessary to be rude or argue over something so insignificant. The journey together is so short. I get off at the next stop.”
This response deserves to be written in golden letters in our daily behavior and everywhere:
It is not necessary to argue over something so insignificant. Our journey together is so short.
If each of us could realize that our passage down here has such a short duration; to darken it with quarrels, futile arguments, not forgiving others, ingratitude, and bad attitudes would be a waste of time and energy.
Did someone break your heart? Be calm, the journey is so short…
Did someone betray, bully, cheat or humiliate you? Be calm, forgive; the journey is so short…
Whatever penalty anyone serves us; let us remember that our journey together is so short…
Let us, therefore, be filled with gratitude and sweetness. Sweetness is a virtue never likened to bad character or cowardice, but better likened to greatness.
Our journey together down here is really short and cannot be reversed…No one knows if he will have to alight at the next stop.
Let us therefore cherish and hold on to friends and family! Let us be calm, respectful, kind, thankful, and forgiving to each other. If I’ve hurt you, I ask your forgiveness. But please remember: The journey down here is so short…
Your affectionate Father and Friend,
Fr. Dr. Mathew Pulingathil SDB
Rector, Salesian College Siliguri
