May 21, 2007

Looking ahead, you stop and take a short break as you see the path continues its incline. The narrow, rocky trail and the prickly needles of the cactus plants make it quite a challenge—not to mention the desert heat that overpowers any comfort experienced from the small alcoves of shade you can find. As you approach the ledge, you see that someone is already there. He is on his knees looking down below over the precipice, when he turns his head in your direction upon hearing your approach. Though he appears to be looking at you, the distant look in his eyes reveals one who is deep in thought. You wonder what he is so pensive about. His face tenses up for a moment, and then he turns his back to you again and stands. You wonder if this means he’s annoyed at your presence, or perhaps he’s come to a decision about something. Standing there, you wait for the man to turn around. The silence starts to become uncomfortable. A gentle breeze moves through the air. He turns to look at you again and smiles. Looking at him face to face, you see that the tension is gone, replaced by a peaceful countenance—joyful even. Suddenly he turns towards the precipice and jumps off. You run to the edge and look down. In the midst of the desert below you are shocked to see an enormous pool of water directly beneath you, in the shape of a cross. The man is falling directly into it. You rub your eyes to make sure you’re not seeing mirages. Dumbfounded, you begin to pace and realize there is a sign posted to the right. Curious, you approach it, wondering if this is what God—if there is a God—is trying to tell you. The sign reads:

“They are happy who,

putting all their trust in the cross,

have plunged into the water of life.”

The above quote is from a 2 nd Century author. It is one of my favorites because of the imagery it evokes. The story leaves much to be desired, but it was an attempt to appeal to the imagination, and through this to present the reality of faith. The faith-filled life is exciting—it’s an adventure with Jesus! But do I trust God enough to make that jump? If you were at that precipice, would you jump or turn away? Dare we ask God for the gift of faith? Here are a few Scripture passages related to the topic at hand. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us so that we may encounter the living God in His Word:

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)

“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” (John 4:10)

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 2:21)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”

(Proverbs 3:5)

Br. Antonio Maria Diez De Medina, CFR

Convento San Serafin, Comayagua, Honduras

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