Tuesday 19 April 2016

19/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : we have left everything. .. ( Mt 19:27)

19/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : we have left everything. .. ( Mt 19:27)

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
These words of Peter, the chosen leader of your team prods me to look at them as well as to look into myself.
Yes, in a sense, Peter and the rest of the group did leave behind them their families, loved ones, their nets,  their boats, and what not. .
But it wasn't easy to leave behind:
Their ambitions and their anxieties,
Their desires and their dreams,
Their doubts and their disappointments,
Their fears and their frustrations,
Their failures and forebodings.
Their  betrayals and their guilt feelings.
It took years of struggles assisted by your grace for them to survive and thrive over.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
As i look into my own life as a senior priest,
True, some fifty plus years ago I left home
To join a Religious congregation as well as
To become a priest which I did.
Today, as you know, I am a senior priest.
But I wonder how far:
Have I left my unbridled ambition and anxieties?
Have I left my selfish desires and my dreams behind?
Have I left my doubts and my disappointments behind?
Have I left my fears and my frustrations behind?
Have I left my failures and my forebodings behind?
Have I left my betrayals and my guilt behind?

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
You know I have still a long way to go,
before I am able to follow you.
I am still struggling indeed!
My failures numerous and enormous indeed!
I know your Forgiving Love and Unfailing Support
Continue to sustain me!
Thank You, Jesus, My Risen Lord,
A Million Thanks!

Dear Jesus, the Risen Lord,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!

Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Joachenmonologues@gmail.com
Tuesday, 19th April 2016

These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling….
I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!

Monday 18 April 2016

18/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : The Greedy Tenants (Lk 20 : 9-16)

18/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : The Greedy Tenants (Lk 20 : 9-16)

The Parable of the Tenants
9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.
13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”
When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
The vineyard you have entrusted with me is my life and all those who come into my life, especially those significant ones.
Thank You, and the Father and the Spirit for the gift of life you have rented me out.
You have entrusted me with my life:
To tend it,
To cultivate it, and
To take care of it,
So that my life may keep producing good harvest.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
There are times when I did work hard and taken care of those given to me and I have produce good harvest.
There are also times when I have failed and failed miserably.
Very often I have conducted my life as if I own it and am accountable to none.
You know it, Don’t You, Lord?
I have often been greedy as well as arrogant and tended the vineyard of my life in very irresponsible ways.
And as a result:
As a priest:
I have done harm to many entering the vineyard of my life regardless of their dignity and my integrity.
As a priest:
I have used them, misused their love and have abused their trust  for my personal gains and for my selfish satisfactions.

Dear Jesus, the Risen Lord,
You have entrusted the vineyard of my life with for the seventy or so years!
You have been forgiving me and have been patient with me all along.
Thank you, Jesus, My Risen Lord!
A million thanks!
I want to pay extra care and attention to tend the vineyard of life for the remaining years!
I want to keep producing a better harvest bring much joy to you and to myself.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!

Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Joachenmonologues@gmail.com
Monday, 18th April 2016

These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling….
I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!

Sunday 17 April 2016

17/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : Now is tge time of your grief..(Jn 16 :20, 22)

17/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : Now is the time of your grief..(Jn 16 :20, 22)


20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy (v 20)
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.(v 22)

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
It’s incredible the way you cared for your disciples.
Though they weren't the best,
Though they didn’t have all the requisite qualities,
Though they weren't any highly educated,
You dìd handpick them, Didn’t You?

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
Though their progress was minimal,
Though their growth was slow,
Though they fought among themselves,
You had immense patience with them.
You did have high hopes in them.

Dear Jesus,  My Risen Lord,
You spoke to them these parting words as a warning.
You warned them of a dark day of Good Friday ahead.
You cautioned them of dreadful loneliness.
Yóu instilled hope in them wished them joyful days.
You ensured them of a happy Easter ending.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
As I look at my life,
I have had my share of joy and sorrow.
I have had my days of laughter and weeping.
I know I will continue to have them.
I thank you for helping me with my sadness and sorrows
The deaths of my loved and significant ones,
And the illness in my life have caused much sorrow.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
But my own wanton ways and sinful deeds
Have made me regretful, sad, and sorrowful.
It's due to my misdeeds and I do deserve it.
I have also made many to be sad and sorrowful.
My misdeeds, selfishness, and my sinful ways
Have caused many to be sad and sorrowful.
I am deeply sorry for having caused sorrows in them.

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
Bless them and their loved ones and keep them safe.
Bless all those whom I have led astray and caused them
Pain, sorrow and sadness.
Keep blessing them, Lord!


Dear Jesus, the Risen Lord,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!

Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Joachenmonologues@gmail.com
Sunday, 17th April 2016

These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling….
I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!

Saturday 16 April 2016

16/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?(Lk 6:46)

16/4/16 My Monologues & Musings :   Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?(Lk 6:46)


Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation 9t the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”( Lk 6: 46-49)

Dear  Jesus,  My Risen Lord,
You are perfectly right!
I lull myself into the belief :
That,  by being very vocal in my prayers,
That,  by loudly repeating your Name..Jesus..Jesus,
That, by piously and loudly repeating : Lord..Lord,
I make myself believe that God will be pleases with me.
I fool myself in believing that I become closer to You!
And I find favour in your sight!
I don’t care much to live according to your Instructions.
Yes, I know you disapprove of my vocal prayers without any follow up and meaningful actions.
I have been doing it so long!
And l know the time allotted for me is running out!
I better match my vocal prayers with  meaningful actions.
You do expect me to match my vocal prayers with my daily activities, especially being a priest, a senior priest.
But many of my deeds and actions have disappointed you and have drove my fellow humans away from you!
I am sorry! deeply sorry, Lord!

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
I want to mend my erring ways and try to live your Word.
And thus I am able to be in your presence with eternal joy!
Amen

Dear Jesus, the Risen Lord,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!

Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Joachenmonologues@gmail.com
Saturday, 16th April 2016

These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling….
I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!

Friday 15 April 2016

15/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : The Man with a Shriveled Hand (Lk 6:6-11)

15/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : The Man with a Shriveled Hand (Lk 6:6-11)

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. The Musings of the Man with the Shriveled Hand Who got Healed….. “I am so happy that my right hand is healed and is normal! Oh, boy, it has been many years that I have been wanting, wishing, and worshiping for the healing of my withered right hand. I have been very regular in attending the Synagogue Services. But I never ever expected it to happen today! It all happened all on a sudden! There he was in our Synagogue! Jesus of Nazareth, the Young and Zealous Rabbi. I had heard that he was very caring and compassionate. As he entered the Synagogue he caught the sight of me. I was just dumbstruck. His very presence was powerful. And he did radiate a kind of aura. Even his diehard critics were somehow unsettled. As He stood in our midst, The whole Synagogue Congregation was electrified. His opponents were charged with a negative energy, While ordinary folks like me felt awesome vibes in us. I was speechless and forgot all about requesting him to heal me. I was at the back. He zeroed in and just commanded me to get up and stand before the Congregation. I was a nervous bundle! In plain and simple words he ordered me: “Stretch out your hand.” And I did! With ease! As if I would do it everyday. I was healed! After a few moments of deafening Sound of Silence, His opponents were furious and were up in arms. Because he healed my shriveled hand on a Sabbath. Sure they were looking for chance to pin Him down. It seemed that Jesus the Rabbi was deliberately giving the much needed ammunition to accuse him of breaking the Sabbath Laws. I was happy as well as sad! I was happy, and Very happy to have my shriveled right hand got Healed. But I was also very unhappy, As there was no one to share my joy! I also felt sad for Rabbi Jesus, As he was not congratulated and appreciated by them. I even forgot all together to say a Thank You! The more I think of Him, The more I am convinced that Jesus the Rabbi is the Promised Messiah! But what upsets me is the attitude of the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law. How I wish! They a little bit compassion for me. How wish! I had heard a few words of caring and compassion from them. After all I am from the very village. I too am a member of the Synagogue Community. They seemed to be obsessed with the apparent threat from Jesus, the young and energetic Rabbi. They looked for faults in whatever Jesus did or said. How I wish! They had an open mind towards Jesus, the Young Rabbi It seems they had made their mind to get rid this so called Messiah! It makes me sad!” Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord, I do often behave like the Pharisees. I am often obsessed with imaginary threats from those whom I consider as my mortal enemies! I can only see negatives in them and in their activities. Besides, I don't often see the sick, the suffering, and the marginalized with compassion. Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord, You have seen me behaving like the Pharisees, Haven't You? I want to catch myself whenever I act like those Pharisees. I want to keep them under a tight leash and gradually eliminate them altogether. I want to work on it in a very special way during this Year of Mercy. Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord, I bring before you: Everyone of my loved ones. Everyone of my enemies who were and are. Everyone who loves as well as hates me. Everyone whom I love and whom i hate. Everyone who helps me and who don't. Everyone whom i have lead astray. Everyone who is sick and needs healing. Everyone who is in despair and needs hope. Every priest who is in need of prayers. Everyone who has met with me! Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God, I thank You, I thank the Father, I thank the Spirit, For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me! For Your Uncountable blessings for me! For Your Unlimited Patience with me! For Your Untold Forgiveness for me! For Your Unflinching faith in me! For Your Unfailing Hope in me! For Your Unconditional Love of me! Amen JoAchen Joachenmonologues@gmail.com Friday, 15th April 2016 These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling…. I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!

Thursday 14 April 2016

14/4/16 My Monologues & Musings : Calming the Storm (Mk 4:35-41)

14/4/16 My Monologues & Musings :  Calming the Storm (Mk  4:35-41)

Jesus Calms the Storm
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
My mind is often a raging sea with waves of wanton thoughts and destructive emotions.  

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
Many a times I feel suffocated by the fear of yielding to those negative and destructive emotions.
At times, I feel that I have almost got drowned in them.
A number of times I have been over powered by them.
On several occassions i have been tossed around by those strong tempest of temptations.
I am eternally grateful for having been rescued from the squall of sinful emotions just as you rescued your disciples from the raging sea.
Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
Thank you for saving me before I got perished for ever.
Those traumatic memories still keep haunting me.
Those killer waves:
of lusting after anger,
of  lusting after revenge,
of lusting after retaliation,
of lusting after power,
of lusting after money,  
of lustiing after carnal pleasures.
They still haunt me!

Dear Jesus, My Risen Lord,
Like the disciples I have felt and feared of your lack of interst in me.
But you were always there within me and around me.
Due to the over bearing fury of those killer emotions,
I did fail to feel your silent presence in me.
But you were there always.
Though temporarily I got pulled down under the strong currents of sinful emotions and actions,
You, Oh, Lord, did rescue me from getting lost forever.
Thank you,
Oh, Lord, My Saviour and My God!
Millions and Millions of Thanks! Oh, Lord!

Dear Jesus, the Risen Lord,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!

Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Joachenmonologues@gmail.com
Thursday, 14th April 2016

These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling….
I am a near seventy year old Pallottine priest from India. I consider myself to be a "prodigal priest in process," trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of the Heavenly Father guided by His Son and the Holy Spirit, aided by the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and inspired by Thomas the Apostle and by Vincenzo Pallotti, "the apostle of Rome." Despite my academic studies in Indian Philosophy (India), Sacred Scriptures(Rome), Psychology (USA) and Teaching and Parish Ministries at home and abroad, I have yet to do a lot more and work on myself much more for my spiritual growth and personal maturity. As I lag behind, I strongly feel the urge and need to grow spiritually and wholistically. I need to start almost every day anew. I keep on counting the innumerable blessings which the Lord keeps showering on me for the last near seventy years and I keep on recounting my manifold sins and failures with a contrite heart.Trying out a semi-secluded way of life, I find myself perched on a Hilltop Shrine. Dear Reader, I keep holding you in my daily prayers and request you to do the same for me.Thank you!