Understanding Our Human Struggles In The Light Of Our Christian Faith
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The word “center” may be used to represent the source, origin, or end. Humanly speaking, the word center represents the heart, engine, or source. To be more precise, it would be appropriate to describe the human heart as the center or engine of our body. In that sense, without the center, we become hollow. Scientifically speaking, the heart sustains all body functions because it pumps the blood to different parts of the body at a given rate. The heart pumps the blood that also carries oxygen with it to the vital parts of the body, and the brain suffers terrible damage if it is deprived of oxygen and blood after six minutes.
The heart is almost centrally located to the vital organs of the human body. Hence, we can logically conclude that the heart is the center of the human body. The heart is not only the center of life but also the center or seat of human emotions. That means that the seat of love and life, as well as the seat of hatred and compassion, is in the human heart. The book of Deuteronomy lends support to the above when it instructs us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself (Deut. 6:4).
From a spiritual angle of vision, to find our center means to return to our God as the source, origin, and center of our being for the simple reason that Jesus is life-giving, just as the human heart is life-giving and life-sustaining. Jesus rightly used the metaphor of the vine and the branches to further explain the meaning of center. The branches derive life from the main tree itself. So much so that if it is severed from the main tree, it withers and dies. Here Jesus represents the center of human life.
In another passage, a certain man came to Jesus and asked him what he should do to inherit eternal life (Lk.
One day, Jesus was in the midst of his disciples, who gathered to listen to him. He set out by teaching them how necessary it was to eat his body and drink his blood. That is to say that we must return and take part in the life of the source of life, or put in another way, the center of life. The crowds were surprised at his teaching and questioned him on how strange it was to eat human flesh and drink human blood, an act that is characteristic of cannibals. And from that time, the crowd walked away from Jesus and did not care to listen to his teachings anymore, apparently because of the “impossible” demands he made. Since Jesus was out to recruit new disciples, should he have moderated his message to accommodate the neophytes, who knew little or nothing about the kingdom?
For Jesus, teaching the truth occupied a central place in his mission. Hence, he did not prevaricate. He did not seek to please them by moderating his message for the simple reason that the way to salvation is a difficult road; hence, he who can take it let him do so. What Jesus did instead was to look around him. He saw Peter still seated beside him and asked him whether he would also go away like the rest. Peter answered, “Lord where shall we go, you have the message of eternal life.” (Jn. 6: 68). Here, Peter once again confirms that the Lord has what it takes for them to survive in life, and that is the message of eternal life.
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About the Book
I must say that I was very delighted to hear many people asking to know when my next book would be published. I understand by that question that they must have read and valued my previous publications. This book is a response to that request, but it also stems from my desire to share the riches of God’s bounteous grace. I believe the word of God speaks to us today with a compelling urgency, just as it did in the time of the apostles. There is a plethora of evidence to indicate that there is a lot of suffering in our world today, and many a time, our suffering not only impacts our physical and emotional well being but it also tends to crush our spiritual life line. In times of suffering, it is not uncommon for people to want to renounce their faith, denounce God’s goodness, or even disengage from Church activities due to our limited understanding and zero tolerance for suffering. No wonder C. S. Lewis, in his book the problem of pain, said, that we are not imperfect human beings seeking for an improvement; we are rebels who need to lay down our arms.
Recall that when Jesus was told about the sickness of Lazarus, he quickly responded that his sickness was not unto death. What else could that mean other than the fact that the sickness of Lazarus would not result in his spiritual death for the simple reason that those who believe in Jesus do not die, nor do they suffer in the next life. Our life here on earth is simply the starting point, for the main life we are called to live still lies ahead. Is it any wonder that
This present life is but a necessary preparation for the life to come, and to ensure that we reach our goal, Jesus has left us with his teachings to guide us on our way. There is no doubt that God could use suffering to draw our attention to himself—especially when we have kept our distance. This is the reason C. S. Lewis branded suffering as God’s megaphone to a deaf world. However, the simple truth is that Jesus embraced suffering, and he has recommended the cross to us as our means of salvation.
This book, therefore, is meant to strengthen us on our journey of faith, even when the task ahead appears to be daunting or when our progress appears to be chequered.
About the Author
This is my fifth religious book, and still I feel the urge to write and write. I believe that writing of this nature is both a vocation and the work of inspiration. Many a time, ideas simply scramble for space while I am driving, playing tennis, or about to retire to bed. Then I take the time to capture it, store it, nurture it, think it through, and put more flesh to the skeletal scaffolding that eventually develops into a full-fledged chapter.
Sometimes readers ask me which of my books will pass for my best effort in writing, and I don’t quite have the answer because all of them are different and have their own unique perspectives. Readers mainly ask such questions because they wish to purchase my books but want to start from the ones I highly recommend. Eventually, by my mentioning the titles one by one, they are able to zero in on a title that best describes their present need.
I consider all of my books as worthy of my effort and as addressing different spiritual issues in our time. I wish to express my appreciation to all who observed a few typographical errors in my previous publications and drew my attention to it. It is an indication of attentiveness.
I envision that my future publications might be a little bit delayed, especially as I juggle between academic work and my passion, writing. I must say that this present publication is the fruit of encouragement from many readers, especially those I never thought would be so encouraging -Fr. Paschal Igwe.