A ROAD LESS TRAVELED
“I see him -- but not in the present. I perceive him -- but not close at hand.”
In today’s gospel reading, I found myself identifying with the chief priests. When asked about John the Baptist’s origins, we are given insight into why they answer “we don’t know”. If they say John the Baptist is of heavenly origin, they fear they will lose a position of power by admitting they were previously wrong. However, if they say he is of human origin, they fear the reaction from the people who hold John to be a Prophet. So, when faced with two uncomfortable options, the chief priests choose indecision.
Their behavior deeply contrasts that of St. John of the Cross whose memorial we celebrate today. St. John of the Cross held true to his convictions about the Carmelite order to a point of imprisonment and solitary confinement. In spite of the consequences of his decision, he chose truth over fear.
Not all of our daily decisions are as weighty as those of St. John of the Cross or the chief priests. And yet, from time to time, I still find myself frozen in place. Simple decisions such as what to make for dinner, should I call that friend, where should I hang this picture, or should I go for a walk or watch this show, can sometimes feel too much. Not to mention the bigger questions such as should I stay in this job, should I make a change in my life in order to have a family, should I travel to see my loved ones, defying recommended precautions?
During this season of advent, I’d be remiss not to notice the stark contrast in the chief priests’ fearful indecision to Mary’s fearful but hopeful yes. It begs the question - will I allow fear or exhaustion to paralyze me or will I allow hope and encouragement to strengthen me? Will I take the road less traveled?
Honestly, I currently resonate with these words in our first reading – “I see him – but not in the present. I perceive him – but not close at hand.” However, even if I can’t see or perceive God close to me, I am reminded to trust that soon, I will. That I am called to choose hope, even if the immediate consequences scare me, for soon He will be near.
How are you responding to fear in your life this season? What does choosing hope look like for you?
Joan Ervin
Photo: Lori Grimmett