Somewhere deep within us, we would like to arrive at our destinations earlier and faster. Be it the completion of our studies, the realization of a project, the start of our holidays or even perhaps the longing of union with God. This preference for a quick arrival at our destinations is possibly indicative our some of our fears. Fear of partaking in exams, the hassle of research and the reluctance to live through life’s passions. Shortcuts just look more enticing than a circuitous life.
Yet when we go through Scriptures, especially in the Old Testament, there seems to be particular cycle in the accounts told. This cycle speaks of a journey, a journey of an afflicted people of God to that of being joyfully liberated and thereafter thanksgiving for the liberation.
When we attempt to run away from the pains of our lives, it is not because we cannot bear the pain but simply because shortcuts in the forms of pleasure just look too enticing. We would rather find pleasure than pain and this is humanly understandable. Yet the Lord is inviting us to look beyond the pleasures of this world, and to look for the things that really matter. And what is this that really matters? It is our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Pleasures are short-lived and what is truly lasting for us, as it was for the liberated people of God in the Old Testament is not the pleasure of seeing the downfall of their enemies but the joy of knowing a God loves, cares and provides for them.
Let us then turn not to short-lived pleasures and live our lives in a shortcut manner, let us also not lived out our days in a stoic manner but with hope in our Living God and to entrust ourselves totally to Jesus who is the real joy-giver of our lives.
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Stay tuned for the next post by Br Peter Anthoney on 8th Sep 2010.
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