The Experiences of Kargil
 
Jobi Kachappalli V C
 

When enquiries were made about the unprecedented attack on May 27th, 1999 in Kargil, one thing was clear to all. Enemies have infiltrated and captured the strategic points on the Indian border!! Since it was winter, Indian soldiers thought there would not be any attack from the enemy and allowed themselves just a little respite. And the result ! The enemy did not let go the opportunity and slowly infiltrated into Indian territory. We could not detect this fact till recently. We forgot the fact that our enemies were constantly waiting to attack us.

If we cast a glance into our spiritual life, we shall find that this event teaches us a great lesson. The powers of evil are always on the alert to attack and capture us. Sin is waiting every moment to creep into our lives. We should, therefore , be watchful always to preserve our souls from demonic attacks, the influence of evil and temptations of sin. "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human traditon, according to the elemental spirit of the universe, and not according to Christ"(Col.2:8). A slight failure in discharging their duty, led the soldiers into a great tragedy. A slight inattention caused a great disaster. Very often the reason for the failure and brokenness of our life is due to lack of attention. We realise that we are slaves of sin only when it is a little too late. We should, therefore, be careful right in the beginning. Prevention is better than cure. Just as germs of diseases enter the body and destroy it, if we are not careful, sinful thoughts, looks and actions will keep eating away our soul. "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise"(Eph.5:15).

St. Paul says, "You are the temples of the Holy Spirit". We are obliged to preserve the divine life given by God. Jesus said , " The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly"(Jn.10:10). If this divine life must flourish in us, we must constantly fight against the power of evil. With God’s power we can outlive the deficiencies, weaknesses and failures of life. Bodily lusts are constantly attacking us. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace"( Rom.8:5-6). "Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour" (1Pet 5:8). Stand firm in the faith, therefore, keep away from the circumstances of sin and fight alongside of God. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). As the word of God says, " ...gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation"(Sir 2:5).

We take care of food stuff and try to preserve it. A little carelessness will cause bacteria to attack it and destroy it. So too, if we are not vigilant when cultivating plants, they become prey to insects. To see them flourish later is difficult. A great price has to be paid for it, moreover. Indian soldiers needed nearly three months to defeat the enemy. As we take precautions to preserve food, storing it in the refrigerators and spray insecticides on plants when necesssary, let us take care of our souls and preserve them from rust and germs by being united with Jesus. The remedy or weapon of prayer must always be with us, because "...we live as human beings but we do not wage war according to human standards" (2 Cor 10:34). Be constantly in touch with God, united with him. If we are united with God we shall not fall, or succumb to temptation, or see evil in others, or fail in life or be broken.

When Peter turned his face away from Jesus, he fell. When the soldeirs turned away their face from Kargil they had to encounter defeat.

Let us fight spiritually to preserve the Holy Spirit dwelling on the altar of our soul. The word of God says: "Finally,be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power"(Eph 6:10 ).

To summarise, there should never be an interval in our spiritual life, nor a going back. Perhaps the climate may be unfavourable; failures may come one after another; the tempest of trouble may blow; temptations to sin pull us down. Stand firm in those moments. Do not surrender to the powers of evil. " Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jer 1:8). "From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body"(Gal 6:17). Then will the God of justice reward us for our efforts because it is the Lord who crowns our endeavours with success.