WHEN THE HOUR COMES TO SERVE THE SILENT SUFFERERS, THE LIVING LIGHTS WHOSE OIL IS RUNNING OUT

WHEN THE HOUR COMES TO SERVE THE SILENT SUFFERERS, THE LIVING LIGHTS WHOSE OIL IS RUNNING OUT 

We say, ''O Mother, you suffered so much during your lifetime from poverty.'' Yet, we allow Mother's children to suffer from the same despite having the means to alleviate their misery to a large extent. Are we sincere? If we are, let us lend our helping hands to our suffering brethren, especially, the ailing nuns and monks who hang on to life devoid of medical care, simply depending on God's grace. If not, let us mend our ways and come forward with bold steps by way of a like assistance.

This is not merely a post but are words written in distress on seeing monastics in dire distress themselves who, having left home and hearth in blossoming youth and, so, having forsaken all means of earthly self-support, are facing in a relatively advanced age the rigours of life devoid of material support whatsoever. They also have hearts to feel like us and hearts that suffer from ailments at times. They also have a sweet nature like some of us and suffer from sweet trouble (sugar/diabetes) as the years roll on. They also have bodies like us that serve society and need food and shelter and medical care. In fact, they are just like us, only way ahead in the escalator of life. They are in every way like us and are meant not just to bless us at the drop of a hat but just as they have served us, so do they need our service at times.

Remember, these renunciates have no family of their own and live by the grace of God. We ought to willingly come forward to serve them with the bare necessities of life for we truly are their kith and kin. After all, do we not pride in calling ourselves devotees? This then is the hour of our spiritual test. We must financially support these nuns and monks whose means for medical treatment and bare subsistence are lacking and who embrace the difficulties thereof with a smiling resignation unto the Mother who suffered no less. Indeed, we are Mother's children and it is bounden on us to stand by these renunciates in distress. Come, join hands with me and serve. Jai Ma!

Written by Sugata Bose