By: Alex J. Nagem (c) March 11, 2025
Seven roads split from the single path that lay before the traveler. They resemble a seven-branched Menorah. Each branch invites curiosity and decision. One is lined with trees so thick sunlight could barely find a way through the leaves and branches. A cool breeze invites shade from the heat of the day. The second rises to the heavens. The peak is hidden by the clouds, the excitement of what lies beyond teases the mind. The third is a winding, tree-lined path with briars edging the sides. The songs of nesting birds provide entertainment in this chosen way. A mind would be tranquil following this path. The fourth takes one down a hill toward a stream shaded by trees and spotted with wildflowers. The sound of flowing water and the scent of flowers give birth to serene contemplation. The fifth follows the sunset, an easy road to travel without hills and turns. The distant end is only a black dot to the eye. What awaits one at this road’s end? The sixth is rocky and uneven which veins the mountainside. This road provides a bird’s view of the valley below. The seventh is a path of dirt into the forest of trees. Signs of direction are not clear for few have made this one of choice. What would one find with each path chosen? Is the decision for one of wealth, excitement, or peace of mind? Does a path of beauty or one that feeds imagination help you decide? Would your path be straight or one of uneven and rocky ground? What if the wrong decision is made? Could you turn from the chosen path with consequence or hope for relief at the next turn or crest? Would you ask God for direction before you begin or after discouragement and fear set in? Would you consider the path chosen to be one of God’s plans or your free will? Alas, the decisions for our daily journey.
The more I read about Catholicism and Christianity the more I see the relationship with God and one another. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). We are to be humble, gentle, and patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2). We are to trust in God and not lean on our understanding. We are to acknowledge Him, and He will provide the path to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6). A few chosen verses give birth to thought as we look upon our paths chosen. We may try to be the symbol of a Christian life and then we encounter a rocky path in our life. How do we react? Do we look up to the sky and yell, “Why me Lord?” If you have, you are heading in the right direction calling out to God. Though a tranquil path in life is one we wish to take, we are not guaranteed an easy journey or a good life. I believe in Heaven, and yes, Deacon Doug Breiding, I believe in Purgatory. (That is a story for another day.) I have hope for an eternity with God with the path I walk in life. The Christian life we see each day provides shadows of what will come with a perfect eternity. Pretty optimistic, don’t you think? The path chosen should follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Shepherd. His path was one of teaching, example, and pain before He returned to the Father. Why should our path be any different? If Jesus walked the earth today, do you think he would live in a large home, drive an expensive car, and vacation in resorts two or three times a year? “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1Timothy 6:7-10)
Our path may lead us into the chaos of others. Each day will be one of dealing with the sick, homeless, hungry, and lonely. The path may lead to a life of business and finance, or husband and wife, a father and mother. In all, we look for fairness, righteousness, and comfort of body and mind. Some have encountered adversity that could not be overcome. They become bitter and cold toward others and God. They feel and say God has forgotten them. James 1:12 reminds us that if we remain steadfast in our love for God under trials, we will receive the rewards promised by Christ. With all, we need a strong faith in the words of Christ. Each second of life is a gift, as I was reminded by a dear friend, Sophie, who enjoyed the scent of my cologne. The seconds we have were never promised to be easy. We are told to be humble toward one another as written in 1 Peter 5. We are to cast all anxieties on God because he cares for us. Evil and temptations are alive to lead us away from the teachings of Christ. We are, again, reminded that after we have suffered a while we will be called to the eternal glory in Christ. We will be restored, confirmed strengthened in the Light of Christ. It begins with faith, at least for me. For those who are harsh toward life, for those who have given up, and for those who hold out a hand to provide comfort to all, we pray for the blessings of God to be upon them. As for the path we choose and the adversity we may encounter, what awaits us at the end of our journey is an existence that has been taught by theologians, envisioned by dreamers, and placed in lyrics by poets.
“Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” C.S. Lewis
You are remembered in my prayers each day as I hope Lori and I are remembered in yours.
“Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus, Deus Aderit”
Alex J. Nagem
March 11, 2025