Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 90

Some years ago, I came to know a Religious Sister who was the Provincial
Superior of her Congregation for many years. She was a lovely person and very
efficient in her administrative works. Soon after finishing her term, she had a
terrible fall and broke her leg. She was left hospitalized and bed-ridden for a
short time. Once, I visited her in the hospital. The Sister- who had since been
a great inspiration for me- was reduced to a physical and psychological wreck.
She was completely depressed with no zeal to live anymore. I wondered, “how
could this happen to a person who was in a leadership role for so many years?
How could she lose her faith in herself and God?” The most probable
explanation is that she was not prepared for the unexpected turbulence. Her
seat-belt wasn’t fastened, and she was severely hurt.
Air pockets can bring out the best and worst in human persons. Each
individual has a tremendous potentiality to do good just as they do evil. When
pushed to the peripheries, these extraordinary powers come into play. That is
why we hear of amazing heroism of people in totally helpless situations.
Likewise, so too are human beings brainwashed from destructive dictators and
political powers. Human history right from the beginning bears witness to
these innate capacities for both the good and bad in each person.
Therefore, it would be highly rewarding if we are always aware of the air
pockets and turbulence which can shake us at any time. Such an awareness is
not intended to make us live under constant fear. Rather, our fragility and
littleness must help us put our trust in somebody who is infinitely more
powerful and caring: the One who guides our ultimate destiny.
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Simultaneously, let us never miss a chance to acknowledge those wheels of the
airplanes, our dear ones and friends, our fellow travelers and pilgrims, who
accompany and sustain us. Heeding the words of St. Paul, "Finally, be strong
in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you
can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
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