To some, the news of a plane crash is a fleeting headline, another ripple in the endless stream of digital information.
But for those who pause—who allow their hearts to truly listen—such a tragedy becomes a profound whisper from eternity: a sacred reminder of life’s fragile dance, its unpredictable rhythm, and the mysterious hand of God woven through every moment.
As Christians, we don’t shy away from the profound questions that arise from sorrow: “Why, Lord? Why them? Why now?”
Instead, we bring our lament and our confusion to the foot of the Cross, trusting in a God whose love transcends our understanding.
The Air India tragedy, like many others, carried with it stories that echo divine truths—inviting us to reflect on time, purpose, and the boundless grace that surrounds us.
The Unfulfilled Journey: Embracing “Today”
Among the souls on that ill-fated flight was a family who had yearned for years to migrate, their dream of a new life in the United Kingdom finally within reach.
They had navigated endless delays, made countless sacrifices, endured paperwork, and offered fervent prayers.
Life continually interrupted their plans until, at last, they boarded that plane—suitcases filled with cherished memories and future promises. They never reached their destination.
This heartbreaking story serves as a powerful testament to our human tendency to postpone what truly matters.
How often do we say, “One day, I will love more freely. One day, I’ll be truly generous. One day, I’ll fully serve the Church. One day, I’ll finally forgive”?
Yet, “someday” is not a date on any calendar.
And tragically, for many, “someday” never arrives.
The psalmist wisely reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Let us not wait for a future that is not guaranteed to live out our deepest callings, to express our sincerest affections, and to extend the grace we’ve so freely received.
Today is the only “someday” we are promised.
The Denied Boarding: God’s Mercy in Disguise
Another poignant account from the tragedy tells of a woman scheduled for that flight, who—caught in traffic—arrived a mere ten minutes late.
Denied boarding, she pleaded with the airline staff, her anger and humiliation palpable.
She lamented her “bad luck,” unaware that those ten minutes stood as the crucial divide between life and death.
When the news broke, her fury dissolved into profound awe. “This is totally a miracle for me,” she whispered, overwhelmed by the realization of divine intervention.
This woman’s experience is a vivid illustration of how God’s “no” can often be mercy in disguise.
We, in our limited human perspective, pray for open doors, for smooth paths, for our plans to unfold precisely as we envision.
Yet, how often do we overlook that a closed door, a frustrating delay, or an unforeseen obstacle might be the very thing that saves us?
As Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
In our moments of frustration and disappointment, let us remember that God’s perspective is far grander than our own.
His protection often comes in forms we don’t immediately recognize—guiding us through paths we wouldn’t have chosen, but which ultimately lead to our good and His glory.
The Sole Survivor: A Life Redefined by Purpose
In the midst of unimaginable devastation, one man emerged from the wreckage of Seat 11A—a seemingly unremarkable seat, neither the safest nor the riskiest.
He survived—dazed, bloodied, but undeniably alive—while so many around him perished.
This was not a coincidence. This was not mere luck. It was purpose. It was mystery.
This man was spared not because he was better or more deserving, but because his time had not yet come.
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 proclaims, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
His life, now a powerful testimony, carries a profound question: What will you do with the time you’ve been given?
For those touched by such a miracle, life is no longer just a journey; it’s a sacred trust—a stewardship of days given for a divine purpose.
May his survival inspire us all to reflect on how we are investing the precious gift of our own lives.
Those Who Never Came Home: Living with Intentionality
So many who boarded that plane had no inkling it would be their final journey.
They had plans, families waiting, work to do, birthdays to celebrate. They shared a routine goodbye hug that morning, never imagining it would be their last.
This stark reality reminds us that life doesn’t always offer advance notice. We are not promised old age. We are not promised “later.”
As Christians, we understand that life is a pilgrimage, not a permanent possession. Each day is a sacred gift and a divine calling.
Luke 12:40 urges us, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
This readiness isn’t about fear, but about intentionality.
It’s about living each day in alignment with God’s will, with hearts open to love, forgive, and serve—as if each moment were a precious opportunity to draw closer to Him and to one another.
A Call to Live: What Are We Waiting For?
The Air India tragedy, in its profound sorrow, echoes timeless truths: Life, in all its breathtaking beauty and unexpected pain, is utterly unpredictable.
Time can be both a fleeting thief and a divine guardian.
And sometimes, those small, seemingly frustrating moments—missed flights, delayed alarms, inconvenient red lights—might just be saving our lives.
We plan, we dream, we strive—yet we do not know how long we will be here.
While we still have today, while our hands can still reach out, our heart still beats with compassion, and our spirit still hopes—don’t wait.
Hold your loved ones a little closer. Forgive a little faster. Return to God now, in this moment.
Because sometimes, “next time” never comes.
And when life throws its delays and detours your way, remember that hidden within the frustration might be an unseen blessing—a divine redirection.
May the lessons from this tragedy not only stir our emotions but transform our choices.
May we not just grieve the loss of others, but honor their memory by living more intentionally, more lovingly, and more faithfully—embracing each day as a precious gift from God.
Chainarong Monthienvichienchai is the former president of Unda – International Catholic Association for Radio and Television – and Thailand’s first Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.
