Be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. -Isaiah 65:18
Dear members and friends,
What are we supposed to do with our life here on earth? This never-ending question for all humans does not usually stem from uncertainty about life or a lack of desires and passions, but rather from the innate and internal thirst to know and acknowledge the purpose of one’s life. Until about 100 years ago or so, this question was more or less troubling only to learned people and those who did not need to worry about securing food and shelter. However, these days most people in developed countries are able to contemplate such matters and often care deeply about the quality and meaning of their lives. Consequently, when one seeks such meaning, there arises an essential question: how should I measure the quality of my life?
There could be several ways to weigh this question. Three essential measurements could be: 1. The health of mind and body; 2. Having the means to support one’s lifestyle; 3. Finding satisfaction in what one does. I have heard and read many times that achieving these three essential aspects equates healthy spirituality. However, the Bible and Swedenborg might disagree with that, simply because what is healthy for a materialistic life on earth may not be healthy for one’s spirit. According to the Bible and Swedenborg, the purpose of our life on earth is not to maximize our physical and mental health through materialistic pleasures, but to cultivate ways to rise above the material and embrace the joys of heaven, which is from God. This purpose is supported by the fact and truth that our life – including all of our pleasures on earth – is temporary, and afterwards we will enter a life that will last forever either in heaven or hell. Therefore, it could be concluded that spirituality from Jesus is about cultivating and transforming one’s own mind by oneself to receive joy from God. As emphasized in John, “my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (15:11)
My friends and family in God, let us accept this invitation of Jesus and cultivate ourselves to embrace his joy into our hearts!
Blessings, Rev. Junchol Lee