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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
“Blessed are those strength is in you, in whose hearts are the high ways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)
First, let us be truthful to ourselves, then let
the spring of life flow from our hearts.
The highway to happiness here on earth at present is a reality, provided we are
truthful to ourselves. Each one tries to change others without changing
themselves. If a small number of all the preachers and changers are sincere to
themselves, then what they preach and what they want to change will be possible.
The contentious spirit always finds fault in others but not in themselves like
Pharisees in the time of Jesus and, by that, dig their own graves.
“What you notice is the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t
notice the big piece of wood in your own eye” (Mathew 7:3). Unless you’re happy
with yourself, you can’t make others happy.
If God is in you, then the joy in you is also infectious to others. There is no
coercion, persuasion, sound and fury, crowing and howling from the house top to
sell your wares of happiness. If a blind leads a blind, both shall be in the
ditch. So let us find out our blind spot, our own faults and correct it.
Here is a story of a conversation between two Sufi saints:
"I’m getting married tomorrow, isn’t marriage wonderful, the best! Have you ever
considered getting married?”
Friend sighed, “In my youth I thought of nothing else. I wanted a perfect wife
that I travelled the world searching for her. In Damascus, I met a woman who was
beautiful, spiritual, and loving. Alas, she has no worldly knowledge. In
Isphahan, I met a woman who was beautiful, loving, and worldly. But alas, she
was not interested in spiritual life. Next, I met a woman who was truly
spiritual, loving, and worldly; but, alas, she was not beautiful. Finally, I
went to Cairo, I found the perfect wife. She was everything I wanted her to be.
She was perfect.”
The friend who had listened to him asked, “If she was so perfect, why didn't you
marry her?
“Alas,” said the friend, shaking his head, “She was unfortunately, looking for
the perfect husband.”
Often we demand of others but are not willing to be ourselves. It is better
being the right person first, then search perfection in others. "Anyone here who
has never sinned can throw the first stone at her” (John 8:7).
Jesus, let us know our faults and be happy by thy correction. Let the spirit of joy abide within us. Let your joy flow from our hearts to others. Let us be the light of love, peace and joy to others. We pray for those who are living in darkness without knowing the joy around them. All we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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