(written in 2009)
We are facing a serious economic depression these days. People keep saying we are living in hard times. Some people point out the presence of a Pauline congregation, being a nonprofit publishing organization, as a miracle in the heart of an economic and ecological turning point.
Watching and reading the signs of the times, I often ask myself what the will of God is at the present moment. In such hard times, some people emphasize the essence of life.
I feel we are losing two pillars of life that have sustained the human race so far. These two pillars are something like encouraging stepping stones, which go on and on in spite of obstacles and difficulties.
What do you think those two pillars are? I think they are sacrifice and endurance, which are well represented by the cross of Jesus Christ and the daily lives of our mothers.
Mothers are good examples of the two pillars of life. My mother, celebrating her 88th birthday this year, has always emphasized the importance of silence, endurance, and sacrifice in life. In fact, she endured a lot during her life due to not having enough money, the early death of her husband and three sons, sometimes difficult relationships with her daughters-in-law, personal differences, loneliness, etc. Not all, but many mothers would have lived such a life.
``A foolish angel", a children's poem written by Kim Won-seak in his book entitled ``Selfless Angel," expresses the enduring figure of a mother as follows:
As if not knowing
In spite of knowing
As if not listening
In spite of listening
As if not seeing
In spite of seeing
As if not liking
In spite of liking
As if not being tasty
In spite of being tasty
In this way
Mother
Raised
Us.
Reading this poem, I deeply sympathized with the selfless spirit of the mother. So beautiful is the presence of our mothers in the world!
What an unfortunate thing it is to lose those two merits of life! It seems that most contemporary people, including myself, are enjoying the benefits of modern technology and development without an end. We are fond of being so speedy and prefer comfort, removing the spirits of sacrifice and endurance little by little.
Even in the convent, where sacrifice and endurance are recommended and encouraged to live the essential spirit of the religious life, some of us are less patient and sacrifice ourselves. Some of us openly and explicitly express our feelings and opinions. Without much waiting, impatient behavior, anger and judgment follow.
However, everything takes time and energy. Nothing is achieved in a moment. Truly, without two pillars of life, our lives would be liable to pursue only convenience and comfort.
Every building has many pillars to support its entire structure. Without those pillars, the building will not last long and will crumble all of a sudden.
Our life also has many pillars, such as love, peace, forgiveness, joy, sharing, endurance, understanding, and generosity. These spiritual pillars are like the puzzles of life. Why don't we put those pillars in the most appropriate place and time in the most blessed New Year?
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2009/02/137_39960.html
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