On the surface of our existence as human beings, there are a lot of differences and disturbances among us. People come in many different sizes, shapes, colors, dispositions and aspirations. Often, what drives people would bring them in conflict with one another. But there are also times when people can come together and accomplish something great and admirable, with each one contributing something unique and different. There is a lot of activity and hustle and bustle, with each one going his own way to do what he believes he needs to do.
But as we go deeper into who we really are, we sooner realize that deep inside each one of us there is unity and peace. Deep, very deep inside us, we are all the same. We are all driven by essentially the same force. We all want to be happy. We all want to be good. We all seek the truth and that which is real. We seek and create that which is beautiful. And the deeper we go, the more there is peace and quiet as we draw away from the noise and disturbances on the surface.
Fr. Abe, of happy and blessed memory, often said that our life – especially out spiritual life – is like the ocean, “full of conflict, full of change”. On the surface, there are a lot of movements, like the waves or the tides or the streams. Sometimes, there may even be storms. But the deeper one goes into the ocean, the more one experiences calmness, quiet peace and unity – no matter what is happening on the surface. The more I go deeper into who I am, the more I discover and learn the truth, the goodness and the beauty of my existence. Indeed, it is when I am most individual that I am most universal. Then, I discover and learn my true and real blessedness.
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. . . .
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Mark 1:21-28