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PORUTHUR Joseph, Chennai says,

Discipline is equally important as Prayer.
By Stev, Pinto, Bernard and PT

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Chennai, Apr. 3. As a religious, we are usually exemplary in the eyes of the public. But what matters is how disciplined we are. Discipline is very important as it takes us closer to God. Discipline is not in doing big things, but doing simple things well. We would like to share with you the message on DISCIPLINE which is equally important as PRAYER.

Dear Fathers and Brothers,

We would like to share with you the message on DISCIPLINE which is equally important as PRAYER.

Message: DISCIPLINE
As a religious, we are usually exemplary in the eyes of the public. But what matters is how disciplined we are. Discipline is very important as it takes us closer to God. Discipline is not in doing big things, but doing simple things well.

1. Wake from sleep: Do we get up from sleep on time or do we excuse ourselves saying, ``I went to bed late and I am tired; let me sleep a little longer. I shall skip the community moments of prayer for just today...`` Laziness comes from the evil one and briskness from God. Whether we are tired or not, getting up on time daily will show how disciplined we are.

2. Community Prayer: Being punctual for all the community moments of prayer helps us to be disciplined.

3. Food we eat: No Salesian will die of starvation. We get all that we need. But if the food is not to our taste, we go outside our community to eat. We get even addicted to a certain type of food and eat them well. This is a sign of weakness. Self control and moderation in food also brings discipline in our life.

4. Work we do: Each of us has enough work to do. Mostly our concern is to finish the task well and on time. Only if we do our work for God, there will be discipline in our work.

5. Conversations: When we meet and converse with different types of people, sometimes we begin to behave like them. Our priestly and religious character is often suppressed and even tarnished in the way we use our language.

6. Get-togethers: We celebrate and eat as one family. We have parties to enjoy. But our conversations go out of bearing when we begin to speak ill of others, judge people, gossip, chat and joke on girls. At times our conversations go out of control not knowing that our lay workers are listening to our conversations. What opinion will they have on us? We spoil our own image due to lack of discipline.

7. Family and Friends: We as a Salesian are called to be cordial and friendly towards neighbours. But what type of families do we relate with? If our family visits help us to be disciplined then it is proper. If it does not help us and the family, then we need to question ourselves.

8. Gossip: Though we are sons of our heavenly mother Mary and children of God, we gossip about others in the family. We judge others uncharitably. We forget to notice that when we point a finger at others other three point at us. Who is perfect? We are all sinners. We are struggling to be holy every day. Let God be our only judge.

9. Modern Gadgets: Television, Computers, internet, mobile phones... are part of our lives. We need them for our work. Are we using them for good or bad?

10 Church: When we are in the church our thoughts are often not on God. Discipline will helps us to keep ourselves focused on God.

11. Rooms and Offices: Whatever we do we are not alone. God is with us. If we believe that God is with us in our rooms, we will keep them clean and tidy. If we cannot care for our rooms, how can we keep our body, mind and soul clean! We as priest go blessing houses. But do we care to bless our own rooms and houses? Do we desire God to dwell among us?

12. Nuns and Girls: We are called to celebrate the holy Eucharist and to exercise our priestly office in convents. But how often do we find ourselves speaking badly of our own sisters and girls whom we serve. We criticize and even make fun of them. But in their presence we speak well of them. Are we disciplined priests?

God through our Guardian Angel makes us realize when we lack discipline. Are our eyes open or closed? We need to be disciplined in small things. No one can be 100% disciplined. But we have to strive to be disciplined. We need to keep on trying with the grace of God and through the motherly intercession of our Holy Mother Mary. May our father and founder St. John Bosco help us to be disciplined and bring youngsters closer to God.

Affectionately in Don Bosco,
Fr. Stephen Joseph sdb
Fr. Sagaya Francis Pinto sdb
Fr. John Bernard sdb
Fr. P.T. Joseph sdb

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Article written by
PORUTHUR Joseph(Chennai) ptjosephsdb@gmail.com

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