The metaphor of the road

The metaphor of the road is a beautiful image of Christianity. For at least several reasons. On the paths of history, the one God reveals himself to man. The exodus of the chosen people out of their slavery in Egypt, the wandering of the Jews to the promised land and the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ are concrete symbols of the discovery of his plans on the path of time. The Son of God summarizes the days of his public activity on the paths of Galilee, to meet sick, crippled and excluded in a unique and unprecedented way. It is the path of suffering, which leads, through the cross and death, to true life. In the Acts of the Apostles, we in turn discover the response of the Apostles of Christ to the Holy Spirit, who leads them, together with the first disciples, on the roads of the world so that all men, without exception, may hear about the Good News, about the story of God's love for man. In this context, the authors of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, describing the mystery of God and his action, emphasize that "The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin". (CCC 234).

The metaphor of the road is an image that illustrates well the life of every experienced human being, because it expresses a life process, the history of an individual, his relationship to himself and his fellow men, the discovery of his vocation of life, etc. The beginning of each person's life course is marked by the day of his birth, and his earthly end by the hour of death. Christians believe, however, that human life, throughout history, becomes a new exodus, which has a beginning, takes different forms, but has no end, because it goes to God, eternal Love. This thesis is important because it conveys a fundamental truth of human existence. The man who travels the path of life is not so much a "finished product" of God's action and grace as a being called to personal growth and holiness - always at a given moment in the history of the world - and at the same time capable of discovering his own mission in a changing world.

I am convinced that man on the path of development and holiness is also aware of his own limitations and mistakes. Sometimes the wisdom and experience gained over the days of our lives gives way to bad decisions and, as a result, we deviate from the right path. This wandering is not foreign to Christ's disciples. That is why the community of the Church, in attacking the limits and sins of men, always gives priority to time, which is more important than an immediate result or a flash in the pan. Conversion, the return to the right path, is a process. This process is illustrated by the time of Advent, which lasts almost a month, days to live a spiritual transformation and return to the path of holiness. Since none of us can save ourselves alone, but only through the support and grace of a loving God, we cry out once again: "Marana tha!" - Come Lord Jesus! Don't delay!

Father Roman Chromy

Spiritual Advisor of the European Coordination of LAI