Our heavenly destination and the reality on the ground

WHEN some Pharisees told Christ to leave the area because Herod wanted to kill him, Christ refused to do so, stating that he must accomplish his purpose. (cfr. Lk 13,31-35)

That should also be the attitude we ought to have. Despite the earthly difficulties, challenges, trials, etc. that may tempt us to take things easy, we should stick to the task and the mission of pursuing our ultimate goal, which is none other than to attain our own sanctification and its accompanying responsibility of doing apostolate with as many people as possible.

We should not lose hope because as long as we stick with Christ, we would know how to persevere in pursuing our ultimate goal despite the heavy drama we may have on the ground.

Yes, the secret is always to be with Christ. As St. Paul said, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4,13) The moment we rely more on ourselves, we would be putting ourselves in great danger of losing our way.

We will always have difficulties in life. They are unavoidable. They come with the limitations of our human nature and aggravated by its condition of woundedness. Usually, they come as small disappointments and frustrations, little failures and setbacks we meet everyday. All of them, more or less, manageable.

But they can also be big ones that can plunge us into deep, long-running crises of fear, anger, anxiety, hatred and despair. Cases of unsolvable predicaments, at least, humanly speaking.

We have to be ready for them and know not only how to deal with them but also how to derive something good from them. In these instances of the hard predicaments, for example, when we seem to be at a loss as to what to do, we should just see at what God does, after we have done all things possible to solve our problems.

Ideally, we should not be weighed down by any worry since God takes care of everything. Some Bible passages reassure us of this truth. “So do not fear,” the Book of Isaiah says, “for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (1,10)

And St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4,6-7)

Still, from the Psalms, we have these reassuring words: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” (27,1)

Of course, we also have to do our part in resolving our predicaments. Yes, we may worry a bit, but it should not be for long. We may have to suffer a bit, but again, it should not be overdone. If referred and united with Christ’s suffering, ours would strike us to be meaningful, purifying, redemptive, etc. We would end up loving suffering.

We should never lose sight of the real goal of our life despite the unfavorable reality on the ground. We should follow what St. Paul once advised: “Since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3,1-2)