Whenever I visit the monastery, I notice that the monks are elderly. There are no young monks at all. I worry about the future, and I asked one of the monks: What do you have planned in case you all die without any young monks to succeed you? A monk answered me: “Only God knows. If we close the monastery, its mission is finished. If it continues, God has his own plan through this monastery. We trust God plan and do our mission today.”
The Galilean Jesus was a vagabond in many ways. Jesus lived his adult life as a wandering beggar, without visible means of support. He never held a job or a proper home. Constantly, Jesus crossed lines and transgressed boundaries. He preached to the people. He healed the sick when they came to him. He always had time for anyone he met. The person he met became the most important focus of Jesus. In this way he showed that God is near and God became visible through Jesus. Jesus saw God’s activity and God’s beauty in everything. When people were with Jesus, their eyes opened so that they saw God’s activity and God’s beauty in everything, too. He simply kept wandering and told his disciples, “Do not worry about your life and what to eat and what to wear.”
(Mt.6:25)
In retrospect, I lived in Korea for 29 years. I crossed the Pacific Ocean and have lived in the State for 31 years. Many things happened to me. I have changed in many ways. I am learning from Jesus as the divine wanderer with all his freedom because all my worries can’t prolong my life. Life goes on whether I have burdens or not. Actually, I must wander on with Jesus: “In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day.”
(
Luke 13:33)
I am living with all of you as my precious companions here in Westford. My hope and prayer now is that like Jesus I can enjoy life together with you and somehow, I can give you a positive influence and receive your love and wisdom, too. Thank you for being YOU! Be joyful today!
Reflection:
Am I allowing myself to be ruled by worries or by confidence? What is my basic feeling: fear or trust, worry or assurance, looking after myself or just continuing on? Enjoy your wandering with Jesus. Really look at the beauty of nature and see how your heart feels.
Pastor Seok-Hwan
