Voice of the Captain

Dear Salesian Family,

Many of us have had an opportunity to take a flight to a favorite destination at one time or another. At the beginning of your journey you have heard the flight attendant begin the usual announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven’t already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you…” By this time, you may have tuned the flight attendant out and closed your eyes, to doze off… We are living in stressful times, in the middle of so much change and uncertainty combined with the fear of the fires all around us, the poor air quality, the inability to worship in Church, the prolonged Social Distancing, and the lack of routine. All these situations create an incredible pressure, both physically and psychologically.… yet, in the midst of all this, God, our Captain, is providing us with directions. We may feel like we have already heard them before. We don’t feel the need to sit up and listen. However, God, in his loving kindness, does not stop. He is continually reaching out and providing little signs and opportunities for us to sit up and take notice of His many blessings: we are blessed to have our children, our family, our health, our home, and our friends…

Close your eyes for a moment and let us get back on our flight. We hear a voice come over the loudspeaker, “Should the cabin experience sudden pressure loss, stay calm and listen for instructions from your Captain. Oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Place the mask over your mouth and nose. Pull the strap to tighten it. If you are traveling with small children, make sure that your own mask is on first before helping your children. If you don’t, you may not be able to help anyone else.”

We have all hit similar turbulence over these past few months. We need to take care of ourselves, our minds and our bodies. If we don’t, we certainly cannot extend ourselves to care for our family that greatly depends on us. God, our Captain, is calling. He is saying, “We are currently cruising at an altitude of … sit back, relax and enjoy your flight!” Let us take time to listen; listen to our Captain and fill our minds and hearts with positive thoughts, remembering and acknowledging the good in our lives, as we share in gratitude for all that God has done for us.

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA