Coming out from the glitters of materialistic world to the Holy sites, one doesn't ask for more pleasure. The heart desires and seeks a shelter out of darkness. Away from the dark and empty zone of temptations, expectations, and wickedness. Away from something with so brute force that one gravitate towards evil without much resistance. And away from that zone is the 'flame' of hope. Hope for genuine peace of mind and actual happiness.
It was pouring in Chennai that day when I visited this Cathedral. Being one of only three churches in the world with mortal remains of Jesus Christ's disciple, it's a pilgrimage site for Christians across the globe. And so millions come down annually at this shrine and light their candles of hope. The lady in this picture (right arm is polio-affected), who works with the Church tries her best to prevent the flame from extinguishing. She gathers the fallen candles and light them again. She does this daily despite wind and rain. Despite knowing the fact that it'd not have even mattered to the petitioner before God. But she does it with a smile and without any complaint of her physical disability. Perhaps, that's the way she feels nearer to Divine Power, closer to spirituality in everyday routine. This selfless act stands firm even in the oppressive heat of Chennai, its gusty monsoon and cyclonic tragedies. Let the 'flame' of our hope, her hope never extinguish.
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