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A Severe Mercy (1977) Sheldon Vanauken.

American writer Sheldon Vanauken’s memoir is a moving tale of a reputed intellectual couple’s journey from paganism to Christianity through love and an earnest search for the truth. Vanauken considers it a “spiritual autobiography of a love” rather than just a narrative about the lovers themselves. The memoir reflects on their marriage and spiritual journey following the death of Vanauken’s wife, Davy (Jean Davis). The story begins with the couple’s youthful and idealized love, which they referred to as the “Shining Barrier.”  They believed in sharing every aspect of their lives together, excluding even the possibility of having children. Their shared interests led them to marry shortly after meeting. Vanauken served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and settled in Miami afterward, enjoying sailing, fishing, and various odd jobs. Their encounter with a group of Christians at Oxford challenged their beliefs and sparked a spiritual quest. Vanauken’s correspondence with renowned Christian apologist C.S. Lewis played a significant role in their eventual conversion. Vanauken taught at Lynchburg College in Virginia, where they encountered indifference and a lack of faith. However, they formed friendships with curious youth whom they guided and counseled in matters of faith. Tragedy struck when Davy fell fatally ill with a liver infection. After a year-long struggle, she passed away in her husband’s arms. This immense loss plunged Vanauken into a spiritual struggle as he sought meaning in his existence. He turned to C.S. Lewis for solace and healing, leading to what Vanauken describes as the “Illumination of the Past.” This phase involved revisiting their life together and reflecting on Davy’s writings and artwork. Ten years later, Vanauken published these reflections. Ultimately, Vanauken found solace in Lewis’s remark about Davy’s death being a “severe mercy.” He realized that only Love Himself, with a severe mercy, could breach the Shining Barrier and save their guarded love for eternity.

Vanauken continued to sense the presence of his beloved even after her passing, looking forward to a future reunion in the afterlife. Eventually, he embraced the Catholic faith. In summary, “A Severe Mercy” is a beautiful and introspective memoir that delves into the couple’s profound love, their intellectual journey towards Christianity, and the transformative power of tragedy and faith.

Atomic Habits – James Clear (2018)

“Atomic Habits” (2018) by James Clear is a practical guide to self-improvement through the power of incremental changes in our daily habits. Clear emphasizes that habits are the compound interest of self-improvement, allowing us to become 1% better every day in various aspects of our lives. He shares his own journey of recovering from an accident that nearly ended his baseball career, highlighting the trans-formative potential of changing habits step by step. Clear introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change as the foundation for his method of incremental change:

1. Make it obvious: Clearly project your goal in front of you, setting a cue for action.
2. Make it attractive: Visualize your desired outcome, fueling your motivation and craving for success.
3. Make it easy: Simplify the actions needed to achieve your goal, making them easily executable.
4. Make it satisfying: Ensure that engaging in the desired habit brings a sense of reward and satisfaction, reinforcing its continuity.

The book’s key lessons can be summarized as follows:

1. Small habits make a significant difference: Consistently making small improvements can lead to meaningful and lasting change, even if the progress seems minimal at first.
2. Focus on the system, not just goals: Prioritize developing effective systems and processes that lead to desired outcomes, fostering continuous improvement and refinement.
3. Build identity-based habits: Transforming habits involves aligning your behavior with the person you aspire to be. Small wins and consistent actions help solidify a new identity and reinforce positive habits.

Overall, “Atomic Habits” provides practical insights into harnessing the power of habits to transform our lives and achieve long-term success.

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A frog  in  the well lectured the sun one day

“Let me explain to you  our  universe”,

Asserted  the frog, “ The universe is only water

Frogs and fish, crabs and some moss.”

The sun retorted, “What you know is so little

Of the vast, immense, splendid  universe,

Come out , I will show you lush forests,

Majestic mountains, planets  and galaxies.”

The  frog insisted, “Show me proof of your fantasies,

Maybe at most there are a few stars in the night sky.”

The sun pitied the ignorant frog, “ Your vision is confined

To  the tiny little circle of the well, you must come out.”

Now Humans tell  God, “Give us proof you exist

You are someone’s  invention to keep us in submission;

You are no creator, the universe self-evolved

Give us scientific evidence for your existence.”

The All wise creator  spoke kindly to humans

“You  are frogs in the well and hemmed in

By your  environment and sense experiences;

You are  circumscribed by time and space.

Do you want to know me? Jump out

Of your  well you, hare-brained humans,

Can you cram my billions of  tetra bytes

Data into  your low capacity  pen drive?”

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Matthew Adukanil SDB

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In the depths of life’s trials, we often come across extraordinary individuals who embody grace and freedom despite facing immense disaster. One such person is Kathy, a dear friend who has endured the pain of a tumultuous marriage, battled illness, and the heartbreaking loss of a child. Yet, remarkably, she always carries a smile on her face. When asked about the secret behind her unwavering joy amidst such intense suffering, she responds with a thoughtful statement, “All is grace.”  The essence of this sentiment is beautifully captured in the movie, “Diary of a Country Priest,” directed by Robert Bresson and reviewed in this issue by Prof. Gigy. The film tells the story of a young priest who faces numerous challenges in his life. Despite the difficulties, he undergoes a trans-formative journey that leads him to a simple truth: “What does it matter, All is Grace.” This realization echoes Kathy’s attitude, acknowledging that even in the face of adversity, life can be imbued with grace and deep meaning.

Rita, another individual I encountered in life’s tapestry, has also weathered misfortunes. Nevertheless, she stands out for her exceptional quality of freely extending help whenever anyone asks for it. With a radiant smile and a gracious demeanor, she lives by her watchword, “God gave me immense graces freely. I want to give back freely.” Rita’s actions epitomize the beauty of giving selflessly, spreading the grace she has received from life. As we celebrate the month of August, it becomes a time to reflect on both grace and freedom. We remember our beloved Mother, and all our mothers who lived a life of simplicity and grace, freely giving herself/themselves to others. Her/their example serves as a guiding light in our own journeys towards embracing grace and finding meaning in life’s experiences. Simultaneously, this month marks the celebration of Independence, a freedom that many men and women of our country live and express even in the face of pain and challenges. Despite the misfortune that surrounds us, there are individuals who persistently keep alive the grace of life, allowing it to flow through their actions and deeds.

In this issue of Magnet, we present three compelling cover stories. The first story explores the transformation of Sr. Benny, who found a motherly guide in a fellow sister during her religious journey. Through this relationship, she gained a deeper understanding of Mother Mary’s and God’s motherly love, which profoundly impacted her life. The second cover story delves into the importance of communal harmony, prompting us to question our own contributions to fostering unity and understanding within society. Instead of placing blame on others or the nation, we are encouraged to introspect and take responsibility for our role in creating a harmonious coexistence. The third cover story focuses on responsible freedom, reminding us to reflect on our actions and choices, ensuring they align with the principles of freedom and respect for others.

As always, our columnists and writers have made wonderful contributions, enriching our readers with their insights and perspectives. Their dedication to providing regular and competent service, entirely free of charge, is commendable and greatly appreciated. As we celebrate our country’s Independence once more, let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the writers and contributors who make Magnet a beacon of knowledge and inspiration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each one of them.

We understand that there are still many religious communities who have not subscribed to Magnet, and despite our continuous reminders, some have not renewed their subscriptions. Your collaboration can significantly aid us in serving you better. By subscribing to Magnet, you not only enrich your life with insightful content but also contribute to the collective wisdom and inspiration we aim to spread as religious men and women of our country and church. We kindly urge you to share this invitation with others, encouraging them to subscribe as well. Together, we can foster a community of growth and wisdom that positively impacts the lives of many.

May this month be a celebration of grace, freedom, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Let us embrace the true essence of freedom in our actions, cherishing the grace that flows through each moment, and may the wounded people of Manipur find strength and healing during this trying time. Wishing you all a month filled with abundant grace and the joy of freedom.

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Pushpa Joseph

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One common temptation many of us face in life is that of living either in the past or in the future and failing to live in the present moment. We live in the past when we remain controlled by past events, sins, hurts etc. We live in the future when our mind is constantly obsessed with that which is out of our control. All that we need to focus is the present moment. How can we enjoy this present moment? I had two golden opportunities to train myself to be aware of the present moment, for which I am grateful to God and my Congregation.

Two years ago I did Vipassana at Igatpuri, Mumbai, where I experienced the purification of my entire body, especially my mind and sensations. Vipassana taught me to live in the present and helped me to develop a calm and clear mind. It is the practice of mindfulness which helps us to reduce stress and anxiety and improve the perspective about our current situation. Recently I did the ZEN Meditation at Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, where I learnt to focus my mind to the present moment. This meditation helped me to increase my attention and focus, to gain a new perspective in life. The main goal of both the meditations is to let go of our thoughts and regulate our attention to the present moment. Living in the present is as important as all other virtues for healthy and holistic living.

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Sr Benny D’Cunha UFS

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Mindfulness has become  popular in the field of psychology and well-being in recent decades.  It is related to positive psychology.  Mindfulness practice is presented as a practice and  component within a broad Buddhist path toward liberation from suffering.

In 1979,  mindfulness was adapted by Jon Kabat-Zinn. He was a doctor of molecular biology, who practiced Zen meditation.  He  realized the potential of mindfulness to reduce the suffering of chronic physical and mental problems.   He developed “mindfulness-based stress-reduction” (MBSR) – an 8 week structured intervention in which patients learned to practice mindfulness.  It was taught to patients suffering from chronic pain, hypertension, and gastrointestinal syndromes

The proponents of mindfulness were those who had deep mistrust of traditional authority with a desire for radical psychological and spiritual experimentation. It is faith of sorts.  It is different from Buddhism.  It is a faith, not in religious hierarchies, or creeds or gods.  It is an ‘experience’.

Mindfulness has become a necessity in the twenty-first century with the growing stress levels and workload.  Studies have indicated that individuals have shown reduction in depression and anxiety when they regularly practice mindfulness exercises

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Fr. V. Joseph Xavier, sj

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To be or not to be a parent is an extremely important decision. Everyone should consciously and intentionally consider whether they are capable to raise a child, willing to devote a good amount of time and energy. We must nourish ourselves before we set out on the path to parenthood. Parenting is a journey where one must be present and pay complete attention. It is a commitment to be responsible and willingness is the prerequisite.

A Conscious Choice

The craftsmanship of parenthood blooms with effort and patience and should be enjoyed thoroughly come what may. A child is initiated into this world through the love and care of the parents. The parent should be prepared for the task of raising a child.  Before undergoing the metamorphosis into a parent, one should be sensible enough to give it a thought. Societal pressure or fear of family reprimand should not be the reason to make the choice of having kids. The first step of mindful parenting starts with the distinctive reason behind an individual’s/ couple’s decision to have kids.

“Now we are just here to be memories for our kids…Once you are a parent you are the ghost of your children’s future.” -Interstellar

Be A Happy Parent

As the quote above points out parents are creating memories and the way a child is treated leaves psychological imprints which determines his attitude as an adult. Parenting is a combination of skills like common sense, gut feeling and affinity. Conscious reasoning takes place when a person is mindful of each action around him. To raise a responsible and happy child the parent should be responsible and happy. An unhappy childhood makes a person insecure and diffident.

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Dr Delony Manuvel Ph.D.

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The universe is so exquisitely balanced such that life can exist in this world. For example, it is a wonder that the earth stays in its orbit around the sun. The interesting fact is that the two effects of speeding up and stronger gravitational attraction perfectly balance, so that the earth stays in its orbit. Imbibing the ‘balancing spirit of the universe’, as human beings on earth, we also need to keep balance in different dimensions of life. Striking a careful balance in life is the secret of happiness. Imbalance creates chaos and balance is pivotal to our integral well-being. We need to learn ‘an art of balance’ between digital time or screen time and quality time for mental well-being. Let us keep in mind that when the demands and challenges placed on a person exceed the resources and coping abilities, that person’s mental health is affected. If mental health is affected, can it affect the integral human health? The answer is ‘yes’.

Mental health is important for our overall health. Mental health even helps us to fulfill our human potential. “Good mental health and well-being are essential for all of us to lead fulfilling lives, to realize our full potential, to participate productively in our communities, and to demonstrate resilience in the face of stress and adversity” writes Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the current Director-General of World Health Organization. Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It is a step beyond managing active mental conditions by looking after ongoing wellness and happiness. To fall in love with our mental well-being, our mode of digital connectivity also needs to be analyzed.

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Fr Binny Marydas

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One fateful day, a sorrow-stricken group of villagers, along with a few children, arrived at the convent bearing a heart-wrenching message. Aryan, a student of Class Two, had been electrocuted while flying a kite with his friends on the rooftop of his house. Tragically, he had lost both his hands and one foot when he used an iron rod to release the kite from an electric line. The villagers had rushed Aryan to the hospital, but nobody knew whether he had survived or succumbed to his injuries.

Upon hearing the devastating news, his class teacher, Sr. Sajeeva, accompanied by another sister, immediately made their way to the hospital. Upon witnessing the agonizing scene, they returned to inform us that Aryan’s parents and close relatives were praying for him to pass away rather than continue living without hands and feet. Deeply moved by the situation, the sisters in the community gathered together and knelt in prayer, fervently pleading for Aryan’s recovery, even if it meant he would have to live without his limbs. When the parents learned of our intentions, they became indignant and remarked, “let the sisters pay the medical bill and take care of the child.”

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Sr Mariella CTC

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Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Jewish scholar and mystic, actively participated in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful protest in Selma in 1965. Upon his return from Selma, someone asked him, “Did you manage to find time to pray while you were there?” In response, he said, “I prayed with my feet.” He would say that his peaceful protesting and advocating for Civil Rights was his greatest prayer of all.

Inspired by the letter of the CRI President Sr. Nirmalini AC, religious men and women organised and took part in rallies all across the country. This is something unfamiliar to many of us and yet its significance is becoming increasingly essential given the state of the nation.

Spiritual author Brian McLaren writes: “There is nothing more radically activist than a truly spiritual life, and there is nothing more truly spiritual than a radically activist life.” The current moment calls spiritual people to get active and the activist people to get spiritual. We need our internal revolution to direct the outer revolution.

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Br Sunil Britto CFC

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The CRI Delhi Unit, situated in the heart of the National Capital, has emerged as a prominent voice in the midst of protests and rallies, expressing unwavering solidarity with victims and marginalized communities affected by human rights violations. Over the recent past, this unit has actively engaged in various people’s struggles, standing up for justice and advocating for the rights of those who have been oppressed. From the Delhi Riots of 2020 to the Farmers Protests of 2021, the Dalit Christians plight in 2022, and extending support to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria that same year, the CRI Delhi Unit has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian causes. In 2023, the unit passionately spoke out against the atrocities inflicted upon Christians in Chhattisgarh and Manipur, where violence and discrimination have been distressingly prevalent. Most recently, they lent their support to women wrestlers who were protesting since April 23, 2023.  Despite the registration of FIRs, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, the accused continues to enjoy impunity, evading any concrete action against him.

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