Hidden in Christ

After having my breakfast at Food Junction, I and one of my friends Suhandy Manik walked up stairs to the library. I planned to work there for a couple hours while he was going to do his group project. On the way, we got into some interesting conversation as I commented how his class (that is the Indonesian Middle-Years Mathematics S-1 or IMM1) was very harmonious and cohesive during the Saturday celebration for class gathering (see picture). He responded, "Yes. We find it's joyful when we come together. We are very cohesive team!"

"I see. What about the group photo competition?"

"We did it. Again we join it whole heartedly, not for winning; simply enjoy share our happiness together!"

"That's great!"

This little conversation was very interesting for me, especially the part "not for winning; simply enjoy share our happiness together". Thinking for a while, I was reminded that it is respect of dignity and love which must become priority rather than reputation or achievements. The achievement or reputation is a reward (which may be also dangerous because can lead to vain glory) and not everything which we must pursue day and night, so is the predicate or 'self-esteem'.

How dangerous it is to do something 'good' for the sake of getting reputation, the vain glory and forget to love our brothers and sisters. As Our Lord warned us to do even the little things faithfully and in a pure and non-hypocritical manner, we live sincerely and don't wear mask. Sometimes the way of the enemy is very subtle. He tempts us in such way during critical times so that we might be disturbed by discontentment. And even he does so, that we might be inflamed in vanity by accusing us of being no good, unworthy, wretched and wrong,... so that we may be tempted to rise up and defend ourself : "No... I am good, worthy, holy and right..." Because of this when the devil accusing us of being unworthy, our best strategy to resist this is by simply to agree... Yes, you are right! There's no one Good but God and I place all my self-worth on His hands! Hands that were stretched out and pierced because He really loves the world (Father John Oliver's podcast: Descending in Humility).

Our joy, our peace and our true identity are neither dependent on external matters nor in the praise of others; nor in popularity, nor in money and possessions, nor in positions; nor in temporary pleasures, and achievements. Let Him be our truly Joy! "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" ( St. Mat. 16:26 NKJV). Let's learn from The Suffering Joseph ben Jacob, who endured all things in patience and fear of the Lord and found his true joy in Him. Let's learn from Holy Prophet Daniel who had integrity in heart. Let's learn and hope the intersection from our Beloved Lady Theotokos who was pure in heart and trust in the Lord all Her blessed life. And of course, let's follow the way of our Beloved Lord who is compassionate and full of Love.

Lord, have mercy. Grant us mindfulness; to be attentive to You and selective to what is Needful. When the desire of vain glory comes, let's remember what Holy Apostle Paul teaches us, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:2-3).

And let it be that our life is hidden in Him :)

Glory to You, O God! Glory to You!