April 4th, 2020: Agony

 The rate at which the virus is spreading is staggering. The worst ...

When we face such a challenging time like this Covid-19 pandemic, we are forced to examine our understanding of perseverance. There is a sense of agony in perseverance. The agony that exists between knowing and not knowing. So how we live in such agony meaningfully?

A) It is the ongoing discovery of our own inner life. When external life is in turmoil, it is not a bad idea to find stability with the events of our inner life. When I allow God to have His presence in my inner life, I become more aware of a new creative life during external chaos and confusion.

B) The act of compassion sometimes helps us to put our suffering in perspective. Therefore, the agony is to love before being asked while suffering. That is the gateway to freedom, freedom from the smallness of our mindful preoccupation.

C) We then need to have a good sense of where we were, where we are going and where is our final destination. For me, that is the meaning of being contemplative. When I do that, I might have a better sense of how God is with me and how He is moving in various aspects of my life and the lives of others.

So friends, embrace the agony so that we can truly enjoy the freedom to love lavishly. Blessings to you and your family on this new day.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139: 23-24)

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