As the gentle breeze of spring whispers promises of renewal, we unite once again to explore the depths of human experience in our April issue of Magnet. Our theme, “The Tomb is Open – Not Merely Empty,” invites us to journey beyond the surface and embrace the profound encounters that shape our existence. In the heart of Easter lies a truth so unfathomable that it transcends the boundaries of time and space – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, this event is not merely a historical footnote or a theological doctrine; it is a living encounter, an invitation to embrace the fullness of life amidst the shadows of death. The empty tomb, far from being a void, is a portal to transformation, a symbol of hope that beckons us to venture into the unknown with open hearts and minds.
To experience the resurrection is to be open – open to the possibility of miracles unfolding in our midst, open to the whispers of grace amidst the cacophony of chaos. It is an attitude of receptivity, a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the mystery that lies beyond comprehension. In every encounter – whether with joy or sorrow, beauty or pain – lies the potential for resurrection. It is in the brokenness of our lives that the light of redemption shines most brightly. It is in the embrace of a friend, the laughter of a child, the beauty of a sunset that we catch glimpses of eternity.
Our cover stories traverse the diverse dimensions of encounter, each presenting a distinct viewpoint on the path towards resurrection. In the inaugural cover story, Sr. Shalini RGS delves into the essence of resurrection, portraying it as a dynamic engagement with all facets of creation, particularly with those relegated to the margins, thus catalyzing a trans-formative effect on our lives and revitalizing our spirits. Following suit, in the second cover story, Ms. Janina Gomes narrates the experiences of individuals who, amidst suffering and adversity, have unearthed the profound power of encounter, utilizing pain as a conduit for healing and personal evolution. Delving into the third cover story, Fr. Ricopar Royan explores the profound sense of wonder that accompanies each encounter with nature. Amidst the frenetic pace of contemporary existence, we rediscover our connection with the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in its boundless beauty and mystery. Lastly, in the fourth cover story, titled “Everyday Encounters,” Fr. Babu Jose uncovers the extraordinary moments that lie within the mundane routines of daily life, underscoring the notion that resurrection transcends grand gestures, manifesting instead in the simple yet sublime instances of everyday existence. As we journey through these narratives, may we embrace the requisite openness of heart and mind necessary for resurrection to manifest in our lives. May we foster a spirit of receptivity, allowing grace to flow unimpeded and miracles to unfold before our very eyes. In the voices of our column writers, we hear echoes of the resurrection story – stories of compassion, service, and love that illuminate the darkness and bring hope to the hopeless. Through their marvellous writings, we are reminded that the work of committed religious with the ordinary, the poor, and the marginalized is not merely charity but a sacred encounter that makes resurrection possible in the lives of people.
Easter serves as a poignant reminder of the abundance of miracles that each communion in life presents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our readers, particularly those who graciously share affirmative letters with the editor, offering invaluable encouragement. A special acknowledgment is owed to our exceptional writers, whose remarkable pieces consistently captivate our readers, delivered with commendable punctuality. We express deep appreciation to the editorial board for their meticulous efforts and to the dedicated team at CRI, Delhi whose unwavering commitment ensures that every issue of Magnet meets its publication deadline. Without the contributions of these dedicated individuals, this endeavour would not be possible.
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It brings me great joy to introduce a new column on Legal issues, a much-needed addition to our publication. We are honoured to have Sr. Mary Scaria SCJM, a distinguished advocate with the Supreme Court of India, as the esteemed writer for this column. Sr. Mary is renowned for her classes on legal matters, particularly concerning minorities, and we are grateful for her expertise. Thank you, Sr. Mary, for joining us. We warmly welcome you to the Magnet community and are confident that our readers will greatly benefit from your insightful contributions.
May we approach each encounter with reverence and wonder, knowing that in the embrace of the unknown lies the promise of resurrection.
Wishing each of you the intense Peace and Joys of Easter.
Pushpa Joseph
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