Inspirations from Harry Potter

A man is but a man.  Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  We all must return to the simple, brown, unassuming dirt from which we came.  Why do we toil?  Why seek glory?  What sufferings or joys come out of this bizarre thing we called "life?" 

Having watched the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States yesterday, I am impressed by the life and ideals of such a young couple, whose lives of public service is enviable, but undoubtedly tiring at the same time.  I could not imagine having the daily demands of the world upon my shoulders, without needing to retreat into my quiet space regularly.  Perhaps, this explains why Jesus retreated to the mountains to meet with the Father constantly, so that he could be released to help the needy people in the world.

Such a spirit of hope has swept across our nation, one unlike any I have seen or experienced before.  While I am enthused by the political changes symbolized in our new president, I am also wary of the fact that he is, after all, simply a man.  We hinge our faith upon a man who promises change, and if all goes according to plan, change will come.  Yet, his term will end in four years.  He, too, will move on.

I wonder if this is the kind of enthusiasm that the disciples/apostles possessed when they realized that Jesus was the Messiah?  Their entire lives had been devoted to waiting and seeking for the One who will bring about change to their dismal condition.  Upon seeing a man who spoke with authority and wisdom, the disciples rallied to his side and proclaimed his greatness.  Had they known that he would die and leave them within three years, would they have followed as closely?  Had they known that Jesus would die a most shameful death, would they have wanted to associate with him?  How their hopes and dreams must have been crushed when they saw their supposed "savior" hanging on the cross like a defeated victim of oppressive political powers! 

And yet.

The mystery of the cross: at the most wretched place, a rose bloomed.  Somehow, the dark magic of the world was reversed when a man sacrificed himself to save the lives of many.  The One who delivered himself into the hands of Death chose this path out of love.

Love conquered in the end. 

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."  Colossians 3:14