THE FIRE THAT BURNS OUR HOSTILITY

















"The fire you kindle for your enemy
often burns yourself more than them.”
Chinese Proverb

“Wish you all a Blessed Holi dear friends,” I just responded to the Holi greetings in a WhatsApp group consisting of some close friends of mine. Late last night, I had shared in this group a news report about a certain individual, who had tortured some of the group members relentlessly over a long period of time. Now, this individual – the tormentor- was caught up in a huge scam and was facing the real taste of his own medicine. So, after I shared that report, responses started pouring in… “God sees the truth… But, waits!” … Yes, this’s how we all felt and went off to sleep…


When I shared that report, last night, several other friends of mine were sharing on FB and WhatsApp the videos of the auspicious moment of Holi bonfire in their respective housing colonies… And, what a time it was to think about one’s tormentors!... What a time to think about one’s fears, pain and, even, jubilation!


Thus, just a while ago, when one of my friends, in that WhatsApp group, wished “Happy Holi, friends,” I immediately responded: ““Wish you all a Blessed Holi dear friends.” I added, “Normally, I desist from sharing such reports/videos in our group, The only reason why I did share it last night, was to reassure ourselves… that, truth always triumphs… that, those who live in the glass houses shouldn’t throw stones… that, if you intentionally keep torturing others,  God intervenes… and, that’s why some of us have chosen to do this: Let go… and, let God in.”


Then, I concluded: “May our hostility and pain be burned down in the blessed Holi fire… May the vibrant colours of love, faith and peace rein over our hearts.”


To me, the burning fire has always been very, very symbolic. Several years ago, when my wife and I had just got married and attended a week-end Christian retreat, I was profoundly moved by this symbol… It was a post-dinner session, and it was the last night at our retreat… Each one of us was encouraged to isolate ourselves, get in touch with a person or two, who we had difficulty forgiving … get in touch with all those harsh, crippling feelings deep in our guts… write the name of that person/s – the tormentor/s – on a blank piece of paper, fold it up and, one by one, walk up to a little bonfire… cast our chits into it… and watch them go up in flames… feel the peace and silence in our bosoms… It was a blessed night, a very liberating experience!


Fear, pain, sorrow, anxiety, anger and envy … These overwhelming feelings just burn up and go, when we let go and let God in…


We are no one to interfere in His process, His way…


May your fears, pain and worries be burned down in the blessed Holi fire, and may the colours of love, faith and peace rein over your hearts…


GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: www.flickr.com

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