15th Priestly Anniversary

Recently, there was a UEFA Nations League football competition. Did you watch the Final match? Portugal won against Spain, the current Champions. Before the Final match, we could see the banners and Advertisements all over social media; Competition between an old and experienced player and a young and energetic player; Cristiano Ronaldo (legend) 40 vs Yamal 17 (Superstar Player). Many criticized that Ronaldo has become old and he cannot achieve like the earlier times. You know what happened in the final? 

A universal application that considers the biological age of Ronaldo is 28. Of course! His fitness is incomparable. At the age of 40, Maradona, Roonie became fat and old, but Ronaldo is fighting with the young adolescent players. How come? 

It is all because of his mindset, his exceptional discipline, and formation that keep him a legend. He practices rigorous training, a strict diet, unwavering mental focus, and a strong work ethic. 

This June, I am turning 44 and today all the more, with 15 years of Priestly experience. How do I feel? Am I getting old? Am I tired? No. The strong training, disciplined lifestyle and joyful mission keep us young, always to compete with the modern world. Today's Priests, nuns should have a disciplined lifestyle in physical, mental and spiritual health. Here is my message;

1. Parable in Matthew 7 presents two types of men: the wise and foolish. The wise men who build their house on a rock, while those who hear and ignore are like a foolish man who builds on sand. The people who have a solid spiritual life and a peaceful fraternal relationship, and a joyful mission will be meant to have their building on rock that resists every storm in life. Invest more in yourself, for you are a great asset to God. Find out your gifts and limitations also. 
2. Your time is limited. Do not spend more time criticizing others, justifying yourselves, and having unnecessary discussions. In today's first reading, we find that Paul is not flexible, compromising with the communities of Corinth with whom he was preaching the Gospel. He is straightforward. He does not worry about protecting his relationship with them. He speaks in the name of Christ. He is contradicting because they are against the values of the Church. He is simply opening up the pure intentions of how they behave against the Gospel.
3. We need to leave out the regrets of the past. A man once told a priest that he was unable to forgive a friend who had hurt him deeply. “I’ve tried praying, I’ve tried letting go, but I can’t. The wound is too deep,” he said. The priest gently led him into the church and pointed to the crucifix. He explained, “The Forgiveness is not about forgetting the wound—it’s about not passing it on.” Risen Lord still bears His wounds. And by His wounds, we are healed. So let us leave the past, but not be the cause of new wounds in others. We often hear that “to forgive is to forget.” But the truth is: even when we cannot forget, the journey of forgiveness begins. And in that moment, we begin to reflect the very heart of God.

Happy Priestly Anniversary!