Neelakandan’s Struggles and De Lannoy’s Guidance
Neelakandan was overwhelmed by grief, as sorrows struck his life like piercing spears. His livestock perished in great numbers, his once-lush paddy fields withered, and many beloved relatives passed away. In search of answers, Namboodiris recommended Parikara Poojas to appease the gods, attributing his misfortunes to divine wrath and the influence of Kalan, the God of Death (Yama in Hindu mythology).
Fearing further calamity, Neelakandan and his family devoted themselves to endless prayers and rituals, exhausting their resources, only to be met with confusion and disappointment. In his anguish, Neelakandan sought comfort from De Lannoy, tearfully sharing his trials.
De Lannoy gently consoled him, lifting his head bowed in despair. “My friend,” he said softly, “life brings both joy and sorrow; true strength lies in overcoming them. Rituals and offerings alone cannot resolve our struggles, for life is not solely governed by fate. The Lord seeks not material gifts but pure hearts and minds that cause no harm. Your suffering is not preordained; with faith and wisdom, you can shape your own path. God does not create good or evil; it is human ignorance and self-interest that guide actions. Our thoughts are not scripted by God; our choices and efforts define our beliefs.”
Neelakandan replied, “We didn’t invite these misfortunes! That’s why I see it as destiny’s will.”
De Lannoy responded tenderly, “If destiny controlled all, why strive? We could simply wait for events to unfold. When attacked, one doesn’t accept it as fate but fights back. When the Dutch invaded, they didn’t call it destiny; they acted. King Marthanda Varma didn’t surrender his throne as fate; he resisted. So, what truly is fate?”
“I fear our gods are angry, wreaking havoc on my family,” Neelakandan said.
“That’s a misunderstanding, friend,” De Lannoy reassured. “Our Jesus came not to destroy but to redeem even sinners. He taught forgiveness, not once or twice, but endlessly. If we forgive, will evildoers persist? Jesus urged us to do good to those who wrong us. Would a loving father destroy his creation? The Lord never abandons us. The devil tests us, but like Jesus, we overcome with goodness.”
Embracing Neelakandan warmly, De Lannoy guided him like a lighthouse steering a lost ship. Neelakandan felt like a banana tree shielded from destructive winds just as it began to bear fruit. De Lannoy sought to channel floodwaters for cultivation, envisioning Neelakandan as a seed for a future tree of shade, uplifting Travancore’s downtrodden oppressed by caste discrimination.
“Do you believe your losses are permanent?” De Lannoy asked. “With faith in the Lord, all can be restored. As the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you’ (Luke 17:6).” De Lannoy nurtured Neelakandan’s heart like a plowed field, rekindling his hope. He began sharing a story that filled Neelakandan with renewed courage.
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