How do we model true leadership in these ever-changing, divisive times? With the words and actions of many world leaders called into question—and as we approach elections in the United States and abroad—how can the Sisters of the Holy Cross influence the discourse so that the essence of true leadership is exemplified? In this series, we contemplate the ancient wisdom found in fables and sayings from a variety of countries and cultures, illuminated by reflections from our sisters, that can inform our path forward as we strive to live as servant leaders in the model of Jesus.
by Sister Joysline Mary Lyngkhoi, CSC, India
There was a tree that connected Earth and Heaven. People used the tree as a ladder to climb up and down from Earth to Heaven.
Then one day, the evil spirit told two brothers that the tree would grow to cover the whole world and make it dark, so they should cut it down. The brothers did cut down the tree, and as soon as it fell there was total darkness. The whole creation was in darkness. Nobody knew what to do.
All the animals, including humans, called a meeting and discussed what to do to bring back the sun. They decided that someone should go and plead with the sun to come back. They prayed to God and God said that someone would have to sacrifice his or her life to fulfill their wish. Among everyone, the cock volunteered to be the sacrifice. He was humble and offered to go on behalf of all creation.
As the mediator, the cock became the bringer of light. So, it is still believed that when the cock crows the sun will rise.
This story is meaningful in our Khasi culture. This story demonstrates leadership because the cock was humble and willingly volunteered on behalf of the community. He had the courage to go and bring back the sun to give light to all creation.
As a woman of Holy Cross, I understand that a leader should be humble yet willing to give herself for the good of the community. She is an instrument to bring light when there is darkness. A leader should be selfless and courageous to do whatever is needed for the good of others. The leader brings people who are in darkness into the light.
Where I am ministering in Tripura, the people live in darkness when they are in fear. They are in fear because of the ongoing conflict between the tribal people and Bengalis. As a woman of Holy Cross and teacher, I want to teach my students and coworkers how to live with others without fear. They need to learn how to respect other people, no matter who they are.
I feel that people are in darkness when they refuse to care for and respect each other. But when their eyes and minds are open, they are in the light because they can appreciate each person as a special gift of God.
