Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 81

Self-transcendence requires freedom from within through a continuous process
of discernment, self-discovery, and self-acceptance. In every way, it’s like
flying through the thick clouds until we reach the sweetness of the splendid
blue sky. This is the process of enlightenment. As Christians, this activity is
carried out with the light of the Holy Spirit, until we shine like a lighthouse of
divine splendor.
Individuals, communities, and even nations can be caught up in the Bermuda
Triangle. We have seen and heard about beautiful children getting into the
clutches of drugs, sex, and satanic groups until they are swept in Triangle’s
current, leading to total annihilation. We have seen nations getting caught up
in particular ideologies leading to massive prejudices and hatred, culminating-
at the very worst- into World Wars. Though the power of evil can be
tremendous at times, eventually the truth will always prevail, because our
King is not of this world.
“Love, justice, and peace: this is the Kingdom of which Jesus is king, and
which extends until the end of time. History teaches us that kingdoms founded
on the power of arms and lies are fragile and- sooner or later- collapse; but the
Kingdom of God is founded on love and is rooted in hearts.” (Pope Francis)
Yet unfortunately still, we have all witnessed individuals slipping into the
bottomless pits. Like the eye of a tornado, the little evil preserved into the
depths of one’s heart can grow like a cancerous cell until it begins to destroy
the good cells. Hatred, for example, can eat away at the physical, psychological,
and spiritual well-being of the human person. Ironically, a hidden hatred for
someone may do more harm to oneself than to others. It is better to clear it off
at the earliest- hence, pray for them.
Many times, I have come across confreres who find misery in everything.
Nobody in the community is good anymore, the Society is going to the dogs,
the Church has lost everything, the world is heading towards total self-
destruction! Yes, there may be elements of truth in their lamentation.
However, we can easily perceive the dark, inner self of that person, the
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