Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 89

bumps and shudders we are all destined to face during our journey through
life. The safest precaution would be to travel with the seat belt fastened, yet
the seat belt itself is tied to the frame of the plane, which is flying through
thin air. The plane’s safety is in the hands of the Superior Being. Nevertheless,
within the plane, it is safer to be tied to the seat with a belt. It prevents
accidents.
There are two sources of security here, the pilot and the machine itself. As
said earlier, we place ourselves into the hands of the one flying the plane.
Besides him, it is the Captain of Captains who alone guides our ultimate
destiny.
Then, there are the wheels who carry us, soften the landing, and help us reach
the destination. They are our parents and dear ones, the real friends who stand
by our side in both good and bad times.
There are many people in the world who think that faith in God is something
immature, unnecessary, and unreal. They consider it as a clutch for weak
persons, and a psychological creation. “We do not need God!” they say, “we are
self-sufficient!” So, too, there can be persons who- in their good times- never
bother with their loved ones. They are too busy to waste time for others; hence
they also consider themselves self-sufficient.
Have we not witnessed the horrors of the two World Wars in our recent
memory? How many images appeared on newspapers of fathers and mothers
running with their kids to take cover from the rain of bombs falling upon
them? Entire families being buried under the mountains and carbonated
persons inside cars from forest fires are all common visuals. They have hit the
air pockets totally unexpectedly.
One of my young confreres, who one of the most active men, is now under
treatment for a very serious cancer. However, he is someone who has fastened
the seatbelt very well. He continues to assume great responsibilities in life,
without the slightest fear or hesitation.
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