"The Sign of Peace signifies that everybody is equal in the presence of Christ:” It’s a sign that puts aside all grudges and a call to forgiveness (Mt 5:21-24). This profound exercise of humility was replaced in the Middle Ages to the pax (a piece of metal with the imprint of the Crucifixition) which was kissed and passed on. Since this custom seemed pointless, the council of Trent restricted the Sign of Peace to only the celebrant and ministers around the altar. But after 300 years The Sign of Peace (as we know it today) was reinstituted by Vatican II. It’s a good reminder to leave your rank outside.


The founding leader and an inspiring presence for over eleven years of Come Alive, when Vivek Trindade went back to India to live with his mother, many of us felt orphaned. But the spiritual legacy he left the group with lives on. In this column, we feature a question each of an online interview with Vivek from Bombay. We hope our readers find the radical discipleship of Christ he taught and lived, worth emulating.
 

Canvas:

Some of us remember you as one of the most life-giving persons they've ever met. What's your secret?

Vivek:

To be honest, I just can't get myself to answer this!!!! It just doesn't feel right, forgive me! 

However, I will say this (to myself and to whoever is reading this!). To be life-giving is live out as best as one can, with all that one has, the Lordship of Jesus. If Jesus is in my life, He HAS to be in my life as Lord.  Putting Him first, allowing Him to lead me (and not the other way around) every day, is at the heart of it all. Jesus is a real Person and to not allow Him to lead us... it's not happening!!!

There is another thing (and my life is built on this truth)... no matter how badly or how often you blow things, if you give it to Jesus in humility, He will transform it. Everything will lead to growth and purpose if given to Jesus... it's true, really true: all things work for good to those who love the Lord.

Lastly, truth ("No two people must be so close that truth cannot be spoken"), humility (saying I'm wrong and I'm sorry), genuine caring, not taking offence (More pain comes into the world by people taking offence than by people giving offence!!) frequenting the Sacraments and availability are some of the things that are key to life-giving relationships. 

May we allow the Spirit to lead us and form us more and more into life-giving people.

Live Jesus!

Wherever we are, we can't forget that we are Come Alive - even unto the ends of the earth. In this column we showcase some snapshots of CAYGers on the road.

                        
Simona and Leo honeymooning on the Bavarian Alps in Germany!!
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