PARADOXICAL

As Christians with an eternal calling, we don’t quite belong in this world. Neither are we at home yet with the Lord.

This paradox brought me into a deep depression once, because it made me realize that suffering will never ever leave us. The threat of pain and loneliness will be a constant companion.

My complaint was: I didn't ask to be born -- why should I share in the suffering, as a consequence of Adam's fall from grace, or as punishment for my forebear's sins? I wasn't there when Adam fell; why should I be held party to his crime?

But I had to accept the harsh reality of God's brand of justice; what seems unfair can be actually very fair in terms of divine wisdom. It made me also realize that therein lies the very challenge of Christianity. It is not a religion for the weak-kneed.

For it takes a lot of courage to believe, to have faith, to hope, even against hope. Note how this reflection articulates the attitude expected of a Christian:

But [remember] that God does desire to answer our prayers and console us in our uncertainty. A time of salvation is coming, and the mighty Lord will come to our aid.

Christianity involves a great deal of risk, risking to believe that God will be there, God will find a way. The Christian life is a daily jump into that risk.