Andromeda’s Vortex

In the Spirit of Angst

By Farah G. Decano

           

 

NO amount of colorful, flickering LED lights amidst a towering Christmas tree  could mask a heart in agony. To those who think that yuletide carols this year may trigger nothing but bitter memories, I raise my glass for you. Be strong. Be prayerful. Sanctify the pain by offering it to God and by identifying with the same purpose for which His son was born- forgiveness of sins and salvation of the world.

I have no wish to debate with Karl Marx when he said that religion was the opiate of the poor.  He believed that religion redirected the people’s attention from the seeing the oppression brought about by class structures. Perhaps, during Marx’s time, the prevalent function of those proselytizing the beliefs of a higher being was the mere acceptance of pain because of its redemptory function.

Marx probably may have spoken too soon. If he heard how Archbishop Socrates Villegas and other bishops bravely spoke and are still speaking about the present tyranny suffered by the sovereign, he would have uttered kindlier remarks about the effects of faith.  Instead, he would have directed his critique on the ritualistic and depthless exercise of religion.  For really, a component of an authentic creed is the recognition a just society. In principle, good religions do not tolerate an unjust order.

So when I was suggesting to the brokenhearted that they identify their hurt with Jesus’ salvific pain, I was not in any way proposing escapism or, as Marx would put it, opium.  In fact, I am proposing that they bravely confront their aches, understand their value, derive lessons therefrom and then offer them in the burning altar of redemption.  Observe through the mind’s eye how the flames engulf all those that cause deep injury to the being and how the fires turn them to smoke until they vanish in air.

Would I recommend that the brokenhearted look up to the skies this Christmas and find that one, true, northern star that would lead us to peace and joy? Even the three wise men relied on the giant celestial body in guiding their path to that manger in Bethlehem, right?

Nope.  Don’t rely on night stars that scintillate only because of borrowed illumination from the moon.  Stars are not steady. They sometimes disappear!  It has been recently found out that stars do not just die through explosion. They sometimes disappear!  For 19 years, astronomers had been observing a massive giant in the Kinman Dwarf Galaxy, in the constellation of Aquarius.  Recently, this star just vanished. Poof! Just like that.  Our scientists all over the world are probably shocked and astounded for experiencing first hand ghosting of cosmic proportions.

Where must we seek guidance from then?

We have been taught often to look outward for directions, like maps, lamp posts or digital apps in order to get to our destination.  However, not all journeys may properly be guided by external assistance.   There are voyages that have to be negotiated personally.  No one else should take that trip but ourselves.  We must build our own internal compass that will help us navigate through the complexities of life, such as a heartbreak, without having to entirely depend on another.  Instead, find that inner star in you.  And when you do, peace is not far.

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