Filled with hope, look to the future
Many people live fearing the future, complaining about the present and glorifying the past. For them, the golden age is in the past. There, we find points of reference and look for guidance. The past is always considered better than the present; and the future is always looked upon with apprehension and even with fear. We make heroes of the people who lived in the past: they were stronger and wiser than we are; they were law abiding, honourable and respectful, while we misbehave and disobey all laws, considering them oppressive and unworthy keeping.
However, our ancestors were not better than we are; in fact, we are of the same kind as they were, and we walk in the same earthly ways that they followed. Surely, we can learn a lot from the past; it helps to recognise us for what we are. Knowing the past helps to understand the present and to prepare the future. But we must look to the future. The golden age – the age o peace, justice and rejoicing – is in the future, and we are moving towards it. That golden age will not be brought about by our cleverness and our enthusiasm; instead, it will be God’s gift, coming out of his mercy, compassion and love for his people.
This is a message that can find throughout the Bible, and the passage from Isaiah that is read on this Sunday’s liturgy proclaims it very clearly:
“No need to recall the past,
no need to think about what was done before.
See, I am doing a new deed,
even now it comes to light; can you not see it?” (Is 43:18-19)
No comments:
Post a Comment