Articles 4 and 5

Article 4

Back into a new term at Loughborough, for some only their first second term, others it will be their last but we still all have things in common…yes that’s right…braving the cold, examinations and waiting for that loan to come in

You came back though. For one reason or another you have come back to brave it again, the study, the friends, the struggles and the successes. I wonder why that is?

To graduate, to get further in education or it may be a simple reason that you don’t have anything else to do or think you should or may as well.

However, if you think deep down, perhaps it boils down to you just want to better yourself and ultimately your life. You want to get a better job, get better pay, get more respect, achieve and see what you are capable of, meet people you may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise…

Judaism teaches that God instilled in us the gift of learning; human beings have learned to expand the horizons of science, medicine, art, sport, all to create better, unique and novel ways of living, understanding, treating and inspiring others and ourselves.

I recommend you remember that and aim to be the best you can be, in order to create a better future for you, others around you and finally because you want to, like those who have gone before you.

Article 5

Namaste!

14^th January was a special day in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the festival, Makar Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti is when the sun enters the Makara otherwise known as Capricorn, from this day onwards the duration of day increases. As some of you know light symbolises knowledge and darkness symbolises ignorance. The Sankranti signifies a positive change in our lives bestowing good qualities and removing the negativity from ourselves.

This festival is celebrated by flying kites of many beautiful designs and preparing some delicious til gul (sesame seed and jaggery). Flying kites is done by thousands of people mainly across Gujarat, the kite is a metaphor to reach god. Also on this day, Bhishma, the great uncle of the Kauravs and Pandavas from the great Mahabharat (one of our Hindu epics) departed from this world on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Makar Sankranti is a joyous occasion for many people and as for us students it’s good to know that the days are getting longer, and with any luck warmer. Lets hope that as we finish up exams and enter into a new semester we can look for a fresh positive start.

A Franciscan Benediction

I read this yesterday and thought it might be worth sharing – exams on at the moment, but I will write something more substantial soon I promise…

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Who’s up for a little discomfort, anger, tears and foolishness?

Quick Post-Christmas Thought

Isn’t it interesting that people are usually more excited Christmas eve than they are boxing day?