UNUM EST NECESSARIUM | KAIROS GLOBAL | MAY 2023

Author: Aleena Joy

Intro:: Aleena Joy writes about the convictions that guide her life to the fundamental calling of every Catholic.

A couple of months back, during a one-day youth programme in our parish, the priest taking the session asked us to write what we wanted to be in life or rather what do you want to be known as once you are gone. My friend and I didn’t have to think twice to write down…to be a saint. By the grace of God, both of us had this strong conviction within us. In the letter to Philippians, St Paul writes, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14).  Also Paul writes to the Ephesians, he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love, (Ephesians 1:4). The fundamental calling of every Catholic is to be holy, to become a saint. When you are aware of your calling, that is what drives every moment of your life. And as St Josemaria Escriva puts it, holiness consists, in short, in being alter Christus, ipse Christus (another Christ, Christ himself).'

Each morning, many times a week – despite being tired – what wakes me up is this desire to be one with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist; because otherwise I miss communion which in terms of the Theology of the Body is Love Making with the Lord – to be one with him physically. Given my work timing, the only option of Holy Mass for me is in the morning (I do acknowledge that there are days when I sleep off). Similarly, it is this same desire that puts me to sleep at night almost on time because otherwise I might sleep off and miss receiving Jesus. It is the same desire that helps me to say NO to late night secular gatherings with friends, if it costs me Holy Mass. Bl Carlo Acutis helps us with another shortcut to be Alter Christus; he says, ‘The more Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.’  Sacramental life is one pillar which I strongly practise, by the grace of God.

When you know your end, you have a clear path ahead. There is no middle ground. It’s either a YES or a No to many situations. It moulds the person you are and who you strive to be. Sometimes my friends comment, ‘Aleena, you look sexy (a compliment which many of them look forward to and even dress up for) in this dress’ (I consciously take efforts to be dressed modest because by His grace while I do embrace my femininity, modesty is an ornament to the same), to which I humbly correct them saying, ‘“You look beautiful” is something I would love to hear; I never dressed up to look sexy’. Like St Paul, many a thing which are cultural appropriate, I consider rubbish (Philippians 3:8) because I know what my identity is and what I am called to. 

Knowing the purpose of our life helps us to live each moment meaningfully. In each moment, we will have a filter to choose the best for us. Fr Mike takes the analogy of a body builder in this regard. When he is sure of what he has to achieve w.r.t. his body in the given time, the work outs, diet and all associated becomes very light for him. Even if others tease him for what he does, he will be persistent in his efforts because he knows why he does them, i.e., the purpose. Jesus was very much aware of the purpose of his life, to do the Father’s will. He drew strength from this awareness. It is this focus on his purpose that gave him strength to ward off Satan after 40 days in the desert and through his journey to Calvary.

Looking back in life, it is grace alone that brought me here. From a hard core feminist to the person I am now – a person with the desire to be a Proverbs 31 woman, an Ephesians 5 wife – the Lord lead through. I am always thankful to the convictions I hold on to regarding the call or purpose of my life. Every moment I am able to prioritise the Lord, I am humbled because I know the filth from which his mercy has saved me. That doesn’t mean I am perfect. I do fall, due to pride and reverse pride. But like the prodigal son, I do take courage to return to the Father’s house. I would love to add here that it’s the formation I received through catechism; youth groups like CLC, KCYM and JY; the Magnify 90 spiritual exercise; Unbound; prolife communities; Catholic Faith Desk; the UBC apologetics; and all elders and mentors in my life who were instrumental in restructuring my thoughts and making my identity in Christ and hence my life’s purpose clearer. I am always indebted to the good Lord for the same.

When we are disturbed about many things and are in the ‘Martha way’, the Lord reminds us, Unum est necessarium (One thing is needful), Luke 10, 42.

Aleena is a civil engineer currently located in Pune, India. Her current area of focus is apologetics and prolife.