Java and Sicily: two islands, one soul

 

Andrea and Irwan are two friends who met in Indonesia, specifically in the western part of Java, and both of their names reflect their nobility of spirit and their courage. However, Andrea is a young Italian recent graduate originally from Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean, who decides to venture into other countries far from his homeland, now weary of the excessive worldliness and the moral decadence typical of many “Western countries,” which for decades have begun to distort even Sicilian youth.

Yet Sicily in the past has always been a crossroads of cultures that produced a grand fusion of architectural, linguistic, genetic, and culinary elements.

On the splendid island of Java, he began his work and volunteer activities, rediscovering himself in serving others and in creating deep connections with the local people, especially with the Sundanese ethnic group, to which Irwan belongs. Andrea meets him during an excursion to Cukang Taneuh, a marvellous canyon, characterised by emerald-coloured waters and dense tropical vegetation.

Over time the two come to know each other better, and Irwan, who is in love with Italy, learns through Andrea several things about the beautiful island, which he then decides to visit together with his Sicilian friend.

One late-summer afternoon the two friends find themselves on one of the beaches of southern Sicily and, while waiting for the sunset and the contemplation of the stars, they begin to retrace their adventures on these two splendid islands.

“Andrea, I never imagined that the Mediterranean held such a wonderful jewel! You know, I have always loved traveling, but it is not easy for us… Obtaining a visa is something difficult and very restrictive.”

“Irwan, you are right, and I would add that there should not be differences between nations. There are no first-class or second-class countries, none better than others, because our diversity is what makes us special. Yet it is within this diversity that we must find Unity, the feeling of being like a Great Universal Family, with equal opportunities, dignity, and an inner, spiritual aspect, if we wish to understand it that way. I am sure that a day will come when we will be able to travel without restrictions, not only here on Earth but even toward other worlds… I almost have the impression that we are confined to this planet as some of the worst beings in the Universe… Who would wage war against his own brother or sister for a piece of land, for natural resources, for money or, worse, out of hatred? But that Golden Age will come, and then we will be happy again, living in Love, Peace, and Justice.”

“I would not want to delude myself too much, because this Earth actually has so many wonders that we often fail to realise it. In fact, we are destroying all the beauties of creation and the works of past civilisations. I would never have imagined visiting Sicily, and with you I have been able to discover wonderful places.”

“You are right, we must give value to the precious things we have before it is too late, before we lose them forever because of our destructive madness. Anyway, tell me what you liked the most! I am truly curious!”

“The Greco-Roman culture that has left an indelible mark on this island. The Ancient-Greek temples of Agrigento, the Ancient-Greek theatres of Taormina, Catania, and Syracuse, the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, the Roman baths of Catania…”

“Truly wonderful, and you know how much I love classical Greco-Roman culture! You just reminded me of the splendid temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in magnificent Java! You see, both of our islands are characterised by a blending of elements from various cultures, religions, and civilisations…”

“And not to mention Mount Etna, immense and majestic, rising almost like the king of this island. I cannot imagine how beautiful it must be to see it in winter covered in snow. Then Stromboli, Vulcano and the other Aeolian islets, then the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria… what a marvel!”

“In fact, Java also boasts several volcanoes that I have had the chance to see and from which I could observe breathtaking landscapes: Bromo and Semeru, for example! Even this volcanic aspect, let’s call it that, brings us together hahaha.”

“Hahaha, that’s true! I had not thought of that! In our diversity and in our spatial and temporal distance we can still find elements in common! And then there are our beautiful beaches, like the one we are on now. Rediscovering nature is something many people have lost, immersed in the worries and anxieties of everyday life, emptied of their deepest feelings, often devoted to exhausting work and very little to personal affections and to their own souls…”

“You are right, Irwan, and that is why I wanted to escape from that chaotic environment, even though I missed my beloved homeland. Now I am here, but soon we will leave again and I already know that I will miss it. Every place that I associate with my youth takes me back and makes me relive intense emotions. Not that I do not feel them in wonderful Java, but it is somewhat the destiny of the human being: a wandering traveler who seeks to rediscover himself first of all, almost driven by a sense of dissatisfaction. Even more so in these recent times, so tumultuous and decadent, in which most people here tend to be superficial and lacking in empathy.”

“Andrea, it is true, and even true and virtuous friendships are difficult to find nowadays… I feel so fortunate to have met you, to have a few best friends but loyal ones.”

“Virtuous—you said it well! You reminded me of Cicero and his work dedicated to the theme of friendship. His words echo in my heart, especially when I find sincere and deep friendships. For this great philosopher, true friendship is born from Virtue; it is a natural good, it never asks for unjust actions, and it is based on loyalty and mutual esteem. May ours last forever, even beyond this earthly dimension. As the saying goes, he who finds a friend finds a treasure.”

“True, what a beautiful expression! I hope so too. Thank you for not having prejudices about me.”

“Irwan, I love to look into hearts, into the soul, through actions, the way one behaves, words, and much more! You and your wonderful Indonesian people have an extraordinary depth of spirit: you are respectful, loving, wise, and welcoming. I truly feel at home with you, at ease. I already know that I will miss this experience when I will probably have to go elsewhere in the world.”

“You Sicilians are also very empathetic and friendly! And imagine if we could move around more easily and quickly… it would be wonderful, Andrea!”

“It will happen, I feel it…”

“I hope… Anyway, what a wonderful sunset! I will carry beautiful memories of this journey, besides the kilos I gained here thanks to your delicious Sicilian and Italian cuisine hahaha.”

“Hahaha, you are right. Other friends who visited Sicily told me the same thing. But do not worry, we will try to recreate something once we are back in Java. Besides, your cuisine is also truly delicious. Rice is present in both: between nasi goreng and arancini, hahaha.”

“Hahaha, true, you are right. They are delicious! Actually, speaking of that, we should start thinking about what to prepare for dinner tonight—but in the meantime let us begin to admire the first stars that are appearing.”

The two friends continued spending time on that beach, contemplating the sky and the stars and enjoying their outer and inner peace.

Both journeys and the discoveries of their respective islands were a source of cultural and spiritual enrichment, because what truly characterises all those souls that vibrate on the same wavelength is the creation of connections, of deep unions that transcend space and time, that bring forth Peace, Equality, Love, Justice, and Righteousness. It does not matter how few such cases may seem, because the Universal Order will sooner or later manifest itself on this Earth as well, and then there will be no more inequalities, chaos, hatred, wars, destruction, or vice.

A love between two wars

In the southern part of the Gaza Strip there is a camp for refugees and volunteers, where many orphaned children and other civilians left disabled by the ongoing genocide find, for an uncertain time, a fragile refuge—a semblance of safety. After all, it is well known: in Gaza no place is ever truly safe, and poor Palestinians live constantly aware that they will hardly be able to have a stable home, at least for now. This has been the case for many, many years.

In this camp works a 22-year-old Palestinian girl named Ayah. A name her mother gave her because, after years of hardships and suffering—caused above all by the violence and oppression that mark that land—her birth represented hope, a gift. Ayah carries out her service with zeal and burning love, assisting those in need together with other volunteers, some of whom come from abroad.

It is here that she meets Mohammed, a 25-year-old Sudanese man. Forced to flee Sudan because of the war and the ongoing genocide, he crossed kilometers of desert and inhospitable lands before reaching the southern part of the Strip, even before Ayah’s arrival. Mohammed has lost everything, especially his family. With nothing left to lose, he pushed himself to that place, unaware that he would once again find himself caught up in another war—if one can even call it that. Perhaps, once again, it would be more accurate to call it genocide.

Working side by side, the two form a strong friendship that, over the months, slowly evolves into something deeper: a pure, silent love, made of respect, glances, and simple gestures.

One day Mohammed decides to head toward the beach to admire a sunset that appears magnificent, coloring the sky in shades of pink and purple.

“This Mediterranean beach is truly stunning,” he thinks to himself.
“It reminds me so much of the afternoons spent along the riverbanks, with my closest friends or with my family, contemplating the landscape. If only Allah would allow me to relive, even for just a few minutes, those sweet and light-hearted moments with the people I love…”

Meanwhile, Ayah notices him from afar and approaches, eager to exchange a few words, sensing how absorbed he is in his thoughts.

“Ayah, you’re here?! Please, sit down,” he says, turning toward her.

“Mohammed, I’m sorry to disturb you. I know how important it is for you to carve out moments of silence and reflection.”

“No, really, don’t worry. I’m glad you’re here, you know that,” he replies.

“This sunset is particularly beautiful, with these colors… It’s a pity it’s destined to last only a short time. It’s fleeting, like moments of joy on this Earth, so afflicted by wars, genocides, poverty, and every kind of evil.”

“You’re right, Mohammed,” Ayah replies. “But it is thanks to the resilience that Allah instills in us that we can continue to fight—with the power of love, service, hope, and complete trust in Him. We are here in this camp and, despite past suffering, it is by helping others unconditionally that we find the strength to go on living. Giving ourselves for those who are worse off than us, receiving a smile, a word of comfort… it is these small gestures that elevate our souls.”

“Yes… and you know, I have lost my entire family,” Mohammed says, his voice veiled. “Some were victims of the war, others fled who knows where. May Allah welcome the former and guide and protect the latter.”

“And that is why I feel such deep admiration for you,” Ayah replies.
“Despite everything you have lived through and are still living in this foreign land, your golden heart drives you not to give up and to take care of those children left without parents and of all those wounded in body and soul.”

“Your heart says so much about you as well, Ayah,” Mohammed adds, gently taking her hand.
“I see it in your actions, in your dedication, in your honey-colored eyes… And yet I wonder if one day we will be able to build our lives elsewhere. I would love to continue studying medicine. In Sudan I couldn’t—I had to flee… otherwise I could be even more useful.”

“Don’t say that, Mohammed. What you do has immense value, and Allah knows it. He scrutinizes every one of our actions and knows the good that each person does. Who knows—perhaps one day we will travel to another part of the world… it would be wonderful.”

“That would be truly beautiful. I would love to see snow; I’ve never seen it.”

“We could go to places with snowy landscapes, like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan…”

“I don’t know them, but I’d love to discover them. Those mountains, those green meadows…”

“And then Indonesia,” Ayah adds with a smile. “An enchanting place. For now, we can only travel with our minds, my dear Mohammed. If only dreams could take shape…”

“In part, they can,” he replies.
“We can be the architects of our destiny and of that of others, through our ideas and our choices. Even the smallest actions, if driven by pure intention, are dear to Allah, and it is He who strengthens and multiplies them.”

“You’re so right. A lot!” Ayah says, gazing at the sky. “Like these wonderful stars.”

“Another sublime creation,” Mohammed murmurs.
“I like to imagine that my loved ones who have left this Earth are now up there—shining stars that guide and protect us. It is this thought that helps me rise above and hope to become like them, if Allah wills it.”

Tears begin to fall down Mohammed’s face. He tries to wipe them away quickly, turning aside.

“My dear Mohammed, do not feel ashamed,” Ayah says gently.
“Being a true man does not mean hiding one’s sensitivity or not crying. It is precisely this depth, along with your courage and your pure heart, that has bound me to you.”

“Ayah, my dear, thank you for your sweet words. I haven’t felt such deep love in a long time—since I was deprived of everything. I know I receive much from this camp, but what I feel for you and with you is not the same. It is something special, something pure.”

“It is feeling loved and respected, being on the same wavelength,” she replies.
“And even though I am poor, afflicted in my soul and full of hope, I feel lucky and rich within. We carry treasures inside us that we will take with us even after this earthly experience. Money, power, fame, and all that is external will be left behind here.”

“Wise words,” Mohammed says.
“In any case, Ayah, what will we do if the army reaches this place? I’ve been thinking about this lately as well. You should flee before that happens.”

“I don’t want to leave you, I don’t want to abandon this community,” Ayah replies.
“We are a family, and we have taken this mission to heart, because that very Unconditional Love—which drives us to give without expecting anything in return—connects us, connects our hearts, our souls, our spirits. Allah will enlighten us; He will show us the way. For now, let us enjoy this beautiful starry sky, as long as we have the chance to contemplate the beauty of Allah’s creation.”

Having said this, they both remained silent for a while, admiring those infinite lights. They did not know what their destiny would be, nor whether some delegate of goodwill would bring True Peace to their tormented lands, with Justice and Righteousness. Yet they were certain that every second lived in service, love, hope, and faith placed in Allah are precious gifts—for all eternity.

 (10/01/2026)

The light beyond the mirror

We often look into the mirror and search for beauty in our skin, in the color of our eyes, in the shape of our face, in the shine of our hair. We also look at others and admire their bodies, their elegance, their glow. But how often do we stop and wonder what our and others' souls look like? What our and others' spirits look like? We know how to describe the surface, but can we describe the deep essence?

What if we closed our eyes to the mirror, just for a while, and tried to imagine the light within us? What color is our soul? Is it soft and clear like a quiet morning sky? Or does it feel heavy and clouded by fears, sins, bad habits or hatred? What about our spirit? Does it burn with Courage and Love? Or is its flame weak, almost hidden by the noise and shadows of this darkened world?

We care so much for our body, often obsessively. We feed it, clean it, dress it well, exercise it to stay strong. And that is good, provided it's moderate. After all, the body is not the enemy. The body is a beautiful and fragile vessel that holds something even more precious: our soul and our spirit, like colourful and fragrant flowers. However, while we try so hard to care for our body, we often forget to take care of what lives inside it.

We should ask ourselves: what kind of soul lives in me? Is it gentle, sensitive, brave, and/or honest? Do I try to keep it bright, or have I let it become stained by envy, anger, or selfishness? And my spirit—how does it shine? Is it still shining? Or has it been dimmed by negative vibes, by vice, by the weight of our wrong and harmful choices?

It is not enough to live on the surface. We are not just bodies. We are light, and depth, and marvellous mystery. We are made for more than appearances. We are meant to rise, to heal, to become. So why do we not work as hard to cleanse and elevate our soul and spirit as we do to shape and strengthen our body? Why do we accept to live in a world that blinds us with materialism, dulling and noise, where only what we can touch or see seems real, while the most important part of us remains ignored, forgotten, or misunderstood?

Let us not condemn the body, since it is sacred too. But let us condemn the chains of vice, addiction, pride, and lies that trap us in darkness. Let us not worship appearance while our soul grows tired and our spirit silent. Instead, let us purify the light within. Let us wash our hearts from hatred, cleanse our souls from despair, and lift our spirits toward Love, toward Truth, toward Purpose.

Each of us is special, and more powerful than we know. We are not here only to consume or to impress. We are here to give, to grow, to shine. We have missions, general and individual. We have gifts that can change lives, bring Hope, build Beauty. But first, we must dare to see ourselves not only as bodies, but as eternal heavenly beings. We must believe in the invisible to our human eyes and reach for the Eternal. We must go beyond the earthly mirror.

This world needs more Light. It can start with the Light we choose to awaken within ourselves and others. 

Vessel of Inestimable Treasures

 

Oh my Marvellous God, You have desired that I strip myself of all that is superfluous. I am human, clothed in this form upon this Earth... Little by little, I free myself from those burdens that bring inconsistent joy, to fully embrace Your True Joy—loving You, serving You, doing Your Will, now and always.

Like a vessel completely emptied of all that belongs to this earthly experience—materialism, fleeting pleasures, and even what we cherish, such as study, work, pastimes, etc.—ready to be filled with what is worthy of Heaven, of Your Eternal Dwelling.

My thoughts soar toward You, in the Hope that I may one day bring this vessel filled with what pleases You.

(11/06/25. 22:25–30)

 

The Invisible Power of True Connection

True friendships—those built on the foundations of Love, Peace, Integrity, and Loyalty—create connections that defy explanation. In such relationships, there seems to emerge a bond so profound that words often become unnecessary. It’s as though the energy exchanged between two people begins to transcend the physical, evolving into a subtle yet undeniable form of understanding. Could it be telepathy? Or perhaps the synchronization of two souls resonating at the same frequency? Whatever it is, it hints at the untapped potential of human connection.

Now imagine a scenario where the world is plunged into sudden darkness—no devices, no internet, no means of instant communication. Most of us would feel disoriented, even lost, without the tools that tether us to others. But what if we had cultivated a deeper, more intuitive form of communication with the people closest to us? This ability to “sense” each other’s thoughts, needs, or emotions could be nothing short of miraculous. Such a skill might seem mystical, but some scientific studies suggest that humans are capable of a form of subconscious connection.

Neuroscientists exploring the concept of “empathic resonance” have found that close relationships can lead to the synchronization of brainwaves, allowing for a deeper mutual understanding. Similarly, the phenomenon of “mirror neurons” provides evidence that our brains are hardwired to reflect and even predict the emotions and intentions of others. While these studies don’t fully explain what some might call telepathy, they reveal that human relationships have a profound capacity for connection that often goes unnoticed.

If we were to actively nurture such abilities—listening with our hearts, observing without judgment, and attuning ourselves to the silent language of emotion—we might discover that we are far more connected than technology has ever allowed us to be. In a world where silence reigns, this intuitive bond could bring hope, comfort, and guidance, showing us that we are never truly alone. It would be a testament to the Divine Beauty of human relationships: that when grounded in Truth and Love, they have the power to illuminate even the darkest of times.

Perhaps the greatest lesson is that this potential already exists within us. The question is whether we will take the time to develop it, so that in moments of uncertainty, we can find strength in the invisible threads that unite us.

The Path Toward Divine Wisdom

 

In the quest for divine wisdom, three essential virtues illuminate our journey: humility, purity, and reverence for God. Each of these qualities not only paves the way to greater spiritual insight but also transforms our lives, helping us align with the Creator's will. Rooted deeply in both philosophical and religious traditions, these principles form the cornerstone for attaining authentic wisdom—a knowledge that transcends human understanding and fosters a profound connection with the divine.

 

Humility: "Wisdom Dwells with the Humble" (Pr 11:2)

The journey to divine understanding begins with humility. As the book of Proverbs states, “Wisdom dwells with the humble” (Pr 11:2). In today’s world, pride often leads many to overestimate human intellect, believing they can surpass the infinite knowledge of God. This tendency is especially evident in the realm of innovation, where individuals claim to "discover" or "invent" phenomena that have always existed within the divine order of creation. From scientific progress to technological marvels, such achievements are not solely products of human ingenuity but rather revelations of eternal truths embedded in creation by the Creator.

Acknowledging one’s limitations is fundamental for receiving divine knowledge. The apostle Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” Only by admitting our finite understanding can we prepare ourselves to embrace the infinite wisdom of the divine.

By fostering a spirit of humility, we recognize our role as learners, not masters, and accept that all true knowledge and understanding originate from God.

 

Purity: "Wisdom Does Not Enter an Evil Soul" (Sap 1:4)

The second condition for acquiring divine wisdom is purity. The book of Wisdom cautions, “Wisdom does not enter a soul that plots evil, nor dwell in a body that is in bondage to sin” (Sap 1:4). To fully grasp the essence of divine understanding, it is necessary to cleanse both heart and mind. Such purification involves more than outward actions; it requires mastering inner passions, desires, and harmful inclinations that obscure the soul and hinder clarity of thought.

Philosophical traditions also echo this necessity. In Phaedo, Plato reflects on how the physical world’s distractions—bodily needs, passions, and material concerns—interfere with the soul’s search for truth. He suggests that detachment from these influences brings us closer to genuine knowledge. Similarly, Seneca, in his Letters to Lucillus, asserts that "the place of supreme good is the soul," emphasizing that only a purified soul is capable of receiving divine insight.

Purity entails freeing oneself from worldly distractions, which act as barriers to perceiving the divine light of wisdom. By striving to live free from these encumbrances, we create a space for divine wisdom to illuminate our thoughts and guide our actions. As Proverbs 3:13-15 affirms, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding; she is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

 

The Fear of God: "The Fear of the Lord Leads to Wisdom" (Sir 21:11)

Another prerequisite for attaining divine wisdom is the fear of God. Sirach declares, “The fear of the Lord leads to wisdom” (Sir 21:11). This fear is not characterized by terror but by awe, reverence, and profound respect for God’s holiness and greatness. Such reverence motivates a life aligned with His commandments, as His wisdom influences every action. Those who honor God do so not merely with words but through deeds, consistently seeking to fulfill His will in all aspects of existence.

Psalm 111:10 reinforces the link between reverence and wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” True understanding emerges when we live in accordance with eternal principles, acknowledging that God’s ways far surpass our own and seeking to reflect His glory in our choices.

The fear of the Lord is not a passive sentiment but an active force compelling righteous living. It calls for submission to His will, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of wisdom. By dedicating our actions and decisions to honoring the Creator, we position ourselves to receive His guidance and enlightenment.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, the pursuit of divine wisdom necessitates embracing humility, cultivating purity, and practicing reverence for God. Each virtue prepares the soul to receive the fullness of divine understanding, which is both profound and eternal. Humility helps us recognize our limitations, opening the door to higher guidance. Purity clears the soul of worldly distractions, enabling us to discern truth more clearly. Reverence grounds us in God’s commandments, ensuring that our search for wisdom is in harmony with His eternal will.

By nurturing these qualities, we draw nearer to the ultimate source of wisdom—God Himself. This understanding enriches our relationship with the Creator, providing direction in daily life and drawing us closer to truths that surpass human comprehension. Through humility, purity, and reverence, we open ourselves to the transformative power of divine wisdom, enabling us to live lives illuminated by eternal truth.