THE CHALLENGE

THE CHALLENGE

I have always liked Science Fiction.  I especially like the stories where humans are struggling to live on other planets.  My favorite among those has been the Legacy of Heorot by Niven, Pournelle and Barnes. 

The story is about a group of International space travelers who are determined, even committed, to living out their lives on a planet they call Avalon. They are menaced by a monster.  They set up elaborate security measures hoping to capture and kill it. Their leader, however, urges them not to engage in the traditional human way, that is, to kill whatever it is.  He believes they have to get to know the beast before they take its life. He has his hands full trying to convince them, so he sets out to find and learn about the beast himself.  

I see similarities in the life of Jesus.  He constantly reminded his followers to see things through a new lens. The old ways, he says, using the metaphor of new wine in old skins, are not bad, but must make way for the new. When that passage is used, the last thing Jesus says is rarely heard.  He said, “Those who drink old wine do not want new wine or wine skins because they say, ‘old is good.’  Old is good, but for the world to grow and flourish, people had to adjust to the presence of new ideas. 

Jesus whole life was dedicated to change.  Change in the way people viewed the Father.  Change in the way people viewed one another.  Change in the way people reacted to life’s happenings. He told them and us to come to him and he would help us change. He promised that with him by our side, it would not be an unbearable burden.   

It is true that being good and loving others is not easy. It is serious challenge.  Jesus was a human being.  He knew what he was asking.  He had his detractors and downright enemies and was totally aware of the danger he was in. That did not stop him. We can never outdo Jesus when it comes to challenges.  

Back to Avalon for a minute: the leader, without encouragement from the others, set out to find and learn about the menace.  He risked his life, and nearly lost it, but in the end, he was successful. The colony learned to live in peace with the other being. 

Jesus did everything he could to show us the way.  We have the burden of justifying his sacrifices by embracing his example.  He has promised to be with us no matter what and it is that which makes following him possible.  His yoke is easy and his burden light, certainly lighter than the burden’s of living without him. 

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA