My fellow seekers, dear students, esteemed friends,
As the dust settles on another year and the chimes of 2024 echo in our hearts, a familiar song washes over me – the song of beginnings. New year, a new chapter, a new blank page in the grand manuscript of existence. On this day, hope dances a jig on the tip of every sunrise, and possibility whispers its secrets in the rustling leaves.
As your friend, I see young minds brimming with ambition, ready to etch their dreams onto the world. I urge you, students, to dive headfirst into this year, fueled by the wisdom of Proverbs 23:5: "For wealth hastily gotten dwindles, but whoever gathers slowly by little by little makes it grow." Don't chase fleeting trends; build your castles brick by brick with grit and dedication. Let not the distractions of the digital age dim your inner flame. Immerse yourselves in the nectar of knowledge, for as Thomas Aquinas reminds us, "In the face of doubt, learn." Let curiosity be your compass and understanding your north star.
And speaking as your priest friend, I see faces etched with joy and trepidation, whispering the silent prayer: "What does this year hold?" To you, my friends, I offer the words of Psalm 37:5: "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this." Faith is not a shield against the storms of life but a sturdy ship to navigate them. Embrace the uncertainties, for in the words of the poet Rumi, "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Step out of your comfort zone, embrace challenges, and know that God walks beside you through every doubt and victory.
This year is more than just a new calendar; it's a canvas waiting for your masterpieces. Let your brushes be painted with compassion, your strokes fueled by creativity and your vision guided by a heart that seeks a personal triumph and the betterment of all. Remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
So, in this dawn of 2024, step forward with hearts overflowing with hope, minds ignited with curiosity, and spirits grounded in faith. Let your light shine, not just to illuminate your own path, but to guide others who stumble in the darkness. May this year be a symphony of learning, laughter, and love, a tapestry woven with threads of kindness, courage, and resilience. Happy New Year, my friends. Go forth and paint your masterpiece.
With blessings and anticipation,
Dr. Fr. Johnson Ponthempilly sdb.
