WHY NOW AND ME It is difficult to fathom the mystery or comprehend with our finite minds the truth of life and death. We come to this world and leave this planet unannounced and without our consent or knowledge. We can shed ocean of tears, meditate ad nauseum, look to science, introspect with an attempt to unravel this natural, universal mystery in vain, without fully satisfactory, justifiable reasons, We have many searching questions for which there is no answer and there will never be that will put us at ease and comfort. At times we can take recourse and comfort to some visible signs, causes as illness, accidents, lack of proper care ,precautions and judgment, that only calm momentarily our inquisitive nature. We are inclined to speculate and flagellate with a guilt complex.We may conclude it is a punishment, a curse ,a mid course correction of life as a destiny When an shattering experience ,disaster, misfortune suddenly and unexpectedly engulfs us.our mind is in frantic search for the reason and truth..It is universal truth that all living things must perish one day, or better still to accept that we are born to die. Last resort of consolation is that it's the will of Divine and that it must happen accordingly.The spiritual approach may offer us some solace as a balm for our tortured minds. We wilk soon reliase that we are not exclusively selected for this unbearable mental distress, but there are endless instances where people are engulfed in grief of immense nagnitude It is a proverbial truth that my complaint to buy shoes is much less in comparison to the one who has no legs.It is natural to magnify our woes as unparalled . It is not understandable as to why some are called very early in life, even before birth, others at a very young age and still others after living long, fulfilling dreams. Some even beseach death and pray for it. We come across people who have lost their only bread winner, only child, a n orphaned child just after birth, some parents are lonely, confined to aged homes, or they have resources but none to take care of or worst still no biogical issues.Thete are instances when adopted children are more loving , understanding then biological childten Parents are mudered to posses property and wealth People die in tragic accidents , natural calamities, pandemic ,wars and terrorist strikes for no faults of their own.There are instances of miraculous saves from jaws of death. It is apt to define such truths as the destiny, over which living things including humans have no control. No matter what you do, it will still occur .Research in medicine and science, surgery have at best prolonged life, but have not yet unraveled the formula that troubles our existence and death .It is only the faith and belief in some religions that can console, comfort us that it is the will of God, We are akin to travelers just passing through from our temporary abode to permanent, enduring space., Yet others believe in rebirth, depending upon their deeds while on this earth. Then some are of the opinion that very thing ends with exhaling the last breath just as birth begins with inhaling. Do other forms of life, excluding humans, have meaning to their existence, if not to be solely for the benefit of mankind? Spiritual solace suggests that death is the entry gate to eternal happiness ,where there is no sickness, pain , fear no wants or desires Is the heaven or hell a state of mind to be satiated here itself or beyond life? We are disappointed and despair that we are unable to fulfill our plans for self, family and society and need a little longer to achieve our goals ,hence lament and repent our early departure in unexplained circimstances .Such luxury of extended time beyond expiry date is not our right to demand. Hence it is best to live for today as if it is the last day. We wonder why the farmer will pluck the raw mangoes for pickles, others when due for ripening and yet leave others on the tree untouched. It is his will as the owner and master and no one can challenge his decisions or it will have any impact on him. Similarly a gardener plucks flowers for sale and decoration and leaves others to admire a beauty of riots of colours and soothe his mind. , When we depart we just return without anything, leaving everything behind. ALL our earthly wealth accumulated by fair and foul means,our degrees, our position fame is no valid currency after life. Our good ,generous deeds are our assets that will live much longer .Our charity towards poor ,hungry, naked, thirsty and in extreme physical needs will earn us eternal credits , There is no point in cursing, swearing, blaming for our departure or simply and helplessly resigning to destiny., when we have been bestowed with the gift of freedom and will to exercise our destiny What matters the most is the span of life lived selflessly ,not how long we existed on this planet Accepting our fate and adjusting to life without any rancour under any misfortunes of earthshaking experience , is worthy of praise.Belief in faith can alone fill the mind with peace and hrlp us to face all agonies and torments with hope and courage So the unending quest as to WHY ,ME AND NOW is fruitless exercise in vain.Resign to the will of God and let Him shoulder the burden The weight of our Misfortunes ALL WHO ARE BURDENED COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU ETERNAL REST
Everyone of us will depart one day with one way reserved seat, confirmed ticket, free of cost, the flight,arriving on schedule without a second`s` delay. Our good deeds are our luggage ,humanity, our passport and ,love our visa. Hence be sure to travel Executive class to your final destination. The loss of life whether known or unknown, at any stage, in any circumstances is as valuable and precious to be measured without slightest discrimination of any bias, purposeful laced with motive of punishment or curse Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim These thoughts have been published in Church bulletin and press and are relevant to be repeated