Upon the road of Hope Part I

There is a wide road before me, that runs through mountains and across valleys, a street, which stands out clearly from the countryside, and is easy to remain on. We should prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. A huge task. Too huge? Every life is different, but there are disappointments, obstacles of doubt, wrong turns, the stress of everyday life. Especially during the Advent season, with its preparations and business, it often becomes difficult to prepare the way of the Lord and do His will.

Paul shows us a little piece of the big way. He shows how we can walk the narrow way, which is often difficult to find. This may apply especially during the Advents season, when we endeavour to light our path amidst the light of the candles and the Advents lighting.

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)

Spontaneously, we think of Jesus, of His words and deeds. We think of the Beatitudes, we know “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. We have received the command to implement these at our workplace, in the family, in the world and in the community. That means to prepare the way for God. The relief amidst our deeds is found in what Paul says, about us, about God and about God and us: Don't judge yourself for the errors you have made and continue to make. I don't think it is about no longer recognizing your errors. A lot of that which we do wrong, incomplete or half-right has to do with other people. When I care about others, then I can't overlook how I treat others and what I do to them. Errors should lead to change. I can change direction on my path, I can seek new, better ways and pursue them.

To be continued..

Gundi Hornbruch