By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Panaji, Dec. 19, 2019: Six years ago when I accompanied Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati (now retired) to visit some villages under the archdiocese he warned me, “Expect the unexpected.”
I was surprised and tried to hard understand the wisdom behind his cryptic words.
As the days went by, and on our subsequent mission journeys I began to understand his saying slowly and gently. We all know that the even best-laid plans can change in a moment, yet when the unexpected happens, we can still get rattled by it. We really do not expect the unexpected at all.
In the Gospel story Joseph’s plans were all set. He loved Mary to whom he was betrothed. But then the unexpected happened: She was pregnant before they had come together. What was he to do? Before he could follow his plan the Angel of God told him of God’s plan: Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was carrying God’s own son. The unexpected information! And Joseph though shaken to the core accepted the unexpected because he trusted God.
When we trust God we are enlightened by the unexpected events.
It is not easy to accept the unexpected, however small it must be.
This thought was at the back of my head when I was asked suddenly, “Are you going to the station to receive Sr. so, and so?” I was not prepared. It was a journey of an hour and a half, and in case of traffic jam it could be longer. It was 11 am and I did not have cash or even a bottle of water.
May be the thought “expect the unexpected” helped me. I did not become agitated at the sudden request. I agreed to go. When a decision is made at peace everything falls in line. First, I picked up the Rosary which I received as a gift in the morning. I realized it was an “unexpected gift” and smiled to myself. Then I drank some water. Collected some cash and was off.
And the unexpected happened. While on the way I received the message that train was delayed by an hour and a half.
We had covered some 10 kilometers when I began to notice that migrant laborers at work on the road—working on the fly over. That made me to look for their dwelling places which are usually a little away from their work places.
I found a few huts but I also found some women and children at the market place selling Dresses and caps of “Santa Claus”.
The Lord had indeed provided me with the information I was seeking for –where can the migrants be found working?
And I was delighted. During Christmas week our community wished to reach out to them.
There was another reason.
Four years ago, we had spent a few hours with the migrant families on a few days, playing games with their children and providing the families with meals.
What imprinted in my heart then is the picture of a frail man who after colleting food parcel stood watching us a little distance away. After a while he asked gently, “Are you from Jesus” which in fact awoke me to who I am. The unexpected had happened. This man did not know who we were, but he had heard about Jesus, and that the people of Jesus help others.
“To be with people” is the way to evangelize. It is important first of all “to be”, our presence in a context, a community, a society. Then comes “to do” The silent, rich happy life of every Christian attracts because it communicates Jesus. (Fr Joseph Nguyen Tat Thang OP).
The train was delayed. I was hungry as I reached home by 3.pm. In welcoming the unexpected my heart had found what I was seeking for.
That is God’s way. His ways are inscrutable. I just have to trust him and everything falls in line.