One of the advantages of being disorganized is that one is always having surprising discoveries. Andre Gide says, “A Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Some beautiful paths and people in life can’t be discovered or appreciated without getting lost. Each morning we set out to explore the worlds and peoples around us but few people invest such or same zeal into exploring the labyrinth of dark passages and secret chambers of their lives, where the door to true self has been locked under key and without intending to find what lies behind the doorways of truth that have been sealed.
When all the details of your life fit in perfectly, something is probably wrong with the story. Consider therefore two moments that matter. One is when you know that your one and only life is absolutely valuable and thriving. The other is when you know your life, as you live presently, is entirely pointless and empty. You need both to keep you going in the right direction. The first moment gives you energy and joy by connecting you with your ultimate Source and Ground.
The second gives you the limits and boundaries, and proper humility, so you keep seeking the Source and Ground and indeed your small true self. The paradox, of course, is that when you are sincere, you often find yourself, but: your Big Self in God and your Little Self in you. Ironically, God loves the two YOU equally. When we set out on a new and true spiritual self-discovery, Saint Teresa of Avila has these consoling words for us, “We find God in ourselves. And we find ourselves in God.”
The usual way of being in the world is anxiety, of being pressed and harried and worried, and that in turn leads to a stance of defensiveness and fear and a determination to keep what we have. Characteristically, Jesus asks a question which doesn’t require an answer because it’s so obvious.
It is a question which just stops all our protests and explanations short. You know it well: “Which of you, by being anxious, has ever added an inch to your lives?” I find that a biting, embarrassing question, because of course, it is true. Defensive and frightened and coveting has never really resulted in any gains. Partly, we do it because we don’t know any better way and partly because it is a habit. In either case, He suggests another way: “Seek the kingdom and his righteousness”.
Get your mind off your problems and worries long enough to care for yourself; be so concerned about the well-being of the people you leave behind when you are stuck in your mind of worries and anxiety, your family, spouse, friends, church, and your values. Rise up this week and make a difference and not vain inferences about nothing or everything. It’s time to lose sight of the old shores to discover new oceans. Let Ash Wednesday be our departure date. See you soon on the repentance journey, and oops remember to discover at each step new ways to pray, fast and give alms.
May your week not be weak but with Him. I send you my prayerful wishes for the week. (By Fr. Ray®acc.GH)
