Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - July 16, 2024
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
"Heaven's Gate," the term has taken on a bizarre meaning since the movement by the same name resulted in a mass suicide in California. Post mortems on the movement offer all sorts of reflections. One writer says of the leader of the group: "There are more of his type out there. What are we doing about it?" She might be right; there are many gurus and spiritual leaders who are able to attract followers. And some of them are undoubtedly dangerous.
Leaders of any type seem to have that potential. But what about the followers? Why single out exclusively the leaders? Don't followers of any movement from Christianity to the latest end-of-the-world group to some con-artist politician have to exercise some responsibility, some discernment? Gullibility or the too easy surrender of our minds might be as much of a problem as the loose cannons out there.
The writer quoted above seems to echo too easily the notion that we are all victims. For most of us, given a sound mind, the surrender of ourselves to another or to a movement is our choice. At times Christianity comes across as a similar brain-washing when Christians uncritically buy whatever a leader says, when we fail to use our minds and freedom.
To believe that the following of Christ exempts us from suffering, thinking and confusion is unrealistic. The generous promises of Christ are not assurances that we will be taken out of the human condition once we believe in him. Repeatedly Christ calls for a decision on our part and subsequent exercise of our minds, wills, and ingenuity as we try to live as his followers. He came not to take us out of the human condition but to lead us through it.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
