Jesus – our way.

Sometimes one finds oneself at a crossroads, not knowing which way to go next to reach the right destination. So, it is in the spiritual life. One finds oneself at a crossroads and asks: how to proceed? Decision-making is challenging when one realizes how much unnecessary journey and effort one has already made, just because one has not thought, taken advice, wanted to experience something, etc. Perhaps even today, at this very moment, we find ourselves at a crossroads, searching for the right path that would lead us to true happiness, that would resolve our doubts and answer life’s most important questions. It is not easy. Often we are caught off guard, and even when we take the right path, we must not take chances.

Jesus wants to intervene in our lives. He declares interesting words about Himself: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6).

In our life journeys, we often hear but also find ourselves stating that there must be someone who created all this, who controls it all, namely God. Many people believe in God in this peculiar, straightforward way. But we know more about it – thanks to the teachings given to us by Jesus Christ. He has also invited us on this journey to God, the Creator. He who became Savior for us. His actions thus become a signpost for us, a signpost that wants us to arrive at our destination, guaranteed and successfully. We, therefore, understand His teaching as both a guide and an open gate that leads to God the Father. All we have to do is step out and follow in his footsteps.
We realize that our goals are our salvation, eternal happiness, and meeting with the Father. How well we go through life when we have a clear plan! But how difficult life is when one lives in uncertainty. But what if there is “that” which I deny, which I do not want to acknowledge, which I resist and avoid in every possible way?

We often liken ourselves to pilgrims walking towards eternity. When we communion with God, we do not have to be afraid, even if we cannot completely rid ourselves of anxiety. But we accept the words of the Lord Jesus, which become our strength: “Let not your heart be troubled!…. In my Father’s house are many mansions… and I will prepare a place for you…” (Jn 14:1-3).

However, do we ask, in what sense did Christ become our way into this eternal dwelling place? He tells us: “… and also believe in me… I am the way, the truth…” (Jn 14:1-6). Christ is then our way when He gives us the truths to believe and gives us the principles, the commandments, by which we are to live on our life’s journey. Many of these commands seem difficult for us.
We know that living according to the Gospel is demanding and requires much of a person. But behind all of this, we see the difficulties that we must overcome and master and see the reward in eternity. Therefore, he who looks at eternity, at Christ, in this way, will not say that it is difficult because he longs for something precious, which this difficulty guarantees. Many forsake the way for problems, but those who have genuinely believed in Christ make progress. Many are for our edification in good and evil. Many have gone only for the glitter. We see many tragedies, human misfortunes, wrecks… Many don’t even know why they don’t believe. They keep repeating something that doesn’t logically agree, or they want to replace God with something that will silence their questions. Until when? And how?

Human ways are sometimes accessible. There is something strange about how sin can paint a new sin pink. Sin breeds sin. And happiness, joy, and contentment drift away, fade, and fade away. But Jesus says: “Whoever wants to come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me” (Mt. 16:24). And in another place, he adds, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:30).
This, however, a man must be able to accept, decide for it, and not just expect another to do it for him, or that he can only choose the cream and better… We realize that we have many resources to help us walk life’s journey victoriously. However, we need to notice them and implement them in our lives.

Let us often reflect on our journey in life. What is our path? What is it that makes our trip the most difficult? Why are we so oblivious, superficial, and indifferent on our journey? Let us ask Jesus to be our guide to right living.