The winter times in our spiritual journey

During our conference last week, one of the participants spoke, somehow unexpectedly, about the deep pessimism among Europeans about the future. People have little hope, he remarked and the more they talk about it, the more they become pessimistic.

He was worried about it and felt that Christianity promoted rather than opposed this pessimism. And a little later, in the discussion of his paper, he found it so important that he repeated his remarks about this pessimistic outlook.

And to think that this pessimism is so entrenched in Europe! The land of milk and honey where millions of people would die to be no longer provides security. The poor of Africa cross land and sea to enter what is to them paradise. And those who live in paradise are alienated and without hope.

It struck me too. And I kept on returning to his remarks.

Clearly then, there are enough reasons for pessimism. This pessimism has to do with terrorism, with violence, with the lack of security. It has to do with the economic situation. The recession has struck hard and many have lost their jobs. It has to do with our planet: we see our earth being damaged almost beyond repair. It has to do with politics. Our representatives are opportunists, lack leadership, nurture corruption and make empty promises. A satirical election poster here in Germany reads: Nach dem Wahlen kommt Zahlen. You’ll pay after the elections. It has to do with religion: church buildings are empty. The message of the church has become irrelevant. Or preachers proclaim a superficial prosperity gospel which links happiness with material blessings.

There is indeed a deep pessimism in our world.

There are obviously no easy solutions. But if one considers the unhappiness, there is the golden thread that technology, progress, prossessions, education, cathedrals with all their advantages cannot safeguard us against disillusionment. In the dark night of the soul we have no resources left to keep us from becoming desperate.

What will succour us? When our skills, insights, possessions, institutions fail us, what will remain?

It is at this time, that we understand the Biblical message of grace. We are learning the timely lesson that happiness comes from within. It is what comes from inside, the Master said. Happiness remains with us despite our circumstances. It comes to those in Copenhagen and in Cape Town who understand that a simple life of trust in God, a fulfilling relationship with God which brings us peace, relating to the loving God is what matters. If we do not experience it yet, we need to seek it, wait on it, expect it. It comes to us in small ways. It sometimes overwhelms us in its greatness and goodness. It makes no sense to give up on Love. Those who have faith and hope will not be disappointed.


And yet, this is only part of the story. One could also suggest other theological insights that may guide us in our reflection on pessimism. But there is a deeper issue here: Christianity and faith do not by definition imply that we should be optimistic. Surely, there are believers who are "sunny" in their faith. They are what Rahner described as the summery types. They are happy people who smile constantly and genuinely. They are truly happy people. But then, there is the other side of the coin. Faith also roots in the lives of wintry people. They are not necessarily pessimistic or morbid. But they are aware of the coldness of life. They are aware that the spiritual journey often takes place in the harsh, cold times of winter. These are the people who are prepared. They are the five wise ones, who fill their lamps for times of darkness. They are watchful. And they are the ones, when others despair, go out to bring comfort, warmth, consolation. They are conform to Christ. The one who was prepared to be nailed to the cold cross, in complete darkness. Shortly before his resurrection.