IT goes without saying that we are in truly tough times.
And it’s not simply because terrorism is spreading all over the world.
That is already horrific enough. But the worst terrorism is of the
spiritual kind.
That’s when we lose faith, hope and charity that actually
devastates us more than whatever havoc terrorists can wreak on us.
That’s when we lose God that we can be maimed and pulverized beyond
recognition.
This can be gleaned from what Christ himself said; “Do not
fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Rather
fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt
10,28)
We need to meditate on these words more slowly so we can
rectify our tendency to peg our idea of terrorism on the natural,
human if not physical dimension only. We need to go beyond that level.
We may be able to reduce if not eliminate terrorism and
criminality in our society. But the toughness that is involved in that
aspect would still be less if we are not tough to resist even a small
temptation or venial sin. We would still be rightly described as
spineless.
If we cannot control or regulate our blabbering and
gossiping tongue, or our wayward and wild imagination, emotions and
passions, then we are not really tough.
And to think that we are not simply ranged against small
or ordinary enemies. As St. Paul would put it: “Our struggle is not
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual
forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6,12)
Tough times call for tough actions and for toughness
itself. They test our mettle. They bring out the kind of spirit we
have, for in the end it’s the spirit, more than anything else, that
holds the key.
Like a reagent, tough times detect and show the range and
scope, the breadth and depth of our ultimate anchor beliefs. That’s
the saving grace of these unwelcome times.
We have to understand that toughness is not just a matter
of physical strength or intellectual superiority. Much less is it a
question of wealth, power and fame. These only have very limited
effectiveness.
Toughness has its roots, branches and fruits mainly in the
spirit. And it’s where our spirit takes root, where it’s established
and fixed that determines the quality and authenticity of our
toughness, to see if our toughness can really run the gauntlet.
If it’s just based on things human and natural, like our
best physical strength or our most ideal political will, then we are
in for great trouble. But if it’s founded on faith in God, on our hope
and charity, then even the troubles become a source of strength.
St. Paul says so: “Strength is made perfect in weakness.
Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the strength of
Christ may dwell in me. Wherefore I am satisfied with persecutions,
with distresses. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor
12,8-10)
More, St. Paul says in his Letter to the Philippians: “I
can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (4,13) This after saying
that he knows how to be abased and how to abound, how to face both
plenty and hunger, abundance and want.
We have to understand this reasoning of faith well. This
is what truly corresponds to who and how we are. We are not just any
creature, biological, social and intellectual. We are persons and
children of God. We are mainly a spiritual being with a supernatural
goal.
What is proper of us is to live in the life of God. That’s
what our spiritual faculties—our intellect and will—are for. We just
don’t depend on material nourishment. It’s in our living union with
God, through grace and our will, where we develop our true life and
derive our toughness.
Such toughness combines both hard and soft qualities,
enabling us to be strong without being rigid, energetic without being
violent. It lets us to be patient and hopeful without being inactive.
On the contrary, it allows us to be creative and flexible, resourceful
and enterprising.
Such toughness distances us from the clutches of excessive
worries and self-pity. It empowers us to find joy and peace even in
the midst of suffering. It teaches us how to suffer with a smile, and
how to wait productively. It breeds and keeps our determination.
Our emerging tough times demand such toughness.
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