Pure Grace, Nothing Less

​When it actually happened, I didn’t fully understand its meaning. But as days pass by, the wonder of what happened in Rome is slowly growing inside me.

​To be honest, everything was uncertain from the beginning. We were not even sure if we should make the trip. The only faint hope was presenting our books to the Pope. A few leaders gently persuaded us, and the Kairos Media Board strongly encouraged it. That was how it all started.

​My wife Daly and I got our visas, but immediately the flight issues began. War broke out in West Asia and reached Saudi Arabia; Houthis attacked the Riyadh airport, and flights were cancelled. Our tickets were on Saudi Airlines. People said Jeddah would be safe since that was our transit route, but soon attacks started near there as well. Strangely, I was not worried at all. Even if the trip was cancelled, I wouldn’t have felt bad. I don’t know if that was just simple common sense or trusting completely in God’s plan.

​Then came the news about the Pope’s illness and chest surgery. How could someone who just had major surgery come out of the hospital so fast? Would any doctor allow him to meet people so soon? Even when our conference started on October 20th, nobody knew if the Pope would give an audience. We heard that another audience two days earlier had already been cancelled. Still, I was not expecting anything and not worried.

​Then we were told that if an audience happened, only the Bishops would get to meet and greet the Pope. That felt fine to me. Our Bishop Alex Vadakkumthala, the Bishop of Kannur and Ecclesiastical Advisor to Jesus Youth, was there. He could present the books. If that happened, wonderful.

​The night before, one of the leaders hinted that there was a small chance of meeting the Pope. By morning, the audience was confirmed. Then a message came saying my name was on the list to greet him! I don’t hold any position in the international, national, or regional teams today; my only role is director of Kairos Media. Yet, they included me.

​That day, some people fell sick with food poisoning. I also had some mild dizziness at night and wondered if I would be able to go to the Paul VI hall. But I was not troubled. If I couldn’t go, that was okay too. Thankfully, by morning I felt completely fine.

​Finally, the Pope came. He spoke so warmly, even mentioning Ajna George, and the personal greetings began. I didn’t feel any nervousness or intense excitement. When I walked up to him, I felt like I was talking to a friendly local priest. I told him I was from India, and asked if he could please read at least one chapter from each of the books.

​Now, days later, the real weight of that moment is hitting me. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime gift. Thousands of Jesus Youth members across the world would have loved this opportunity. I did not deserve it at all. There are so many people in the movement who pray far more and sacrifice far more than me. It was nothing but pure grace.

​After preparing the book Fourteen Lives, One Witness, I had a quiet fear inside me. Those fourteen lives taught me so much about faith and Christian life. God gave me so much through them. The Bible verse kept coming to my mind: “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

​Through those fourteen lives, I was given so much. Now, by meeting the Pope, I have been given even more. How will I ever give back enough? Will I ever be able to do that?

​Dear Jesus, I only ask for more of Your grace to stand and do what You want.